Sustainable public debt has gained renewed attention as countries implement fiscal consolidation measures in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Sound public debt policies and debt management practices require robust legal underpinnings. Complex legal issues however arise in the design of the legal framework, and tradeoffs are required in many instances. This paper analyzes key features of modern public debt management legal frameworks, drawing from examples in advanced, emerging, and frontier markets. It aims to provide guidance for countries that seek to review and strengthen their public debt management legal frameworks.


The objective of this paper is to bring to light an important early 16th-century Polish rendition of the Psalter, Żołtarz Dawidów, translated by Walenty Wróbel and prepared for print by Andrzej Glaber. We argue that in spite of its unique position in the line of Psalter translations into Polish, the Żołtarz has not received a comprehensive and exhaustive treatment. While some detailed issues have been diligently addressed by individual scholars, research on the Żołtarz has generally been overshadowed by Brückner's (1902) pioneering study, to the extent that one of its two surviving manuscript copies has not received official recognition in the scholarly literature. In particular, alongside the Kórnik manuscript (from 1528) described by Brückner, there exists another 16th-century exemplar (1536), which has been in the possession of the Jagiellonian Library since 1928. Its rediscovery by the authors of the present paper has two important consequences. First of all, the Jagiellonian Żołtarz should become an object of study in its own right. Secondly, its existence requires a re-assessment of the current state of knowledge on the Żołtarz in the light of the data it contains.


The following summaries represent a small sample of real-world, evidence-based information presented at AMCP Nexus 2017, October 16-19, 2017, in Dallas, TX.


Partial differential equations (PDEs) are used with huge success to model phenomena across all scientific and engineering disciplines. However, across an equally wide swath, there exist situations in which PDEs fail to adequately model observed phenomena, or are not the best available model for that purpose. On the other hand, in many situations, nonlocal models that account for interaction occurring at a distance have been shown to more faithfully and effectively model observed phenomena that involve possible singularities and other anomalies. In this article we consider a generic nonlocal model, beginning with a short review of its definition, the properties of its solution, its mathematical analysis and of specific concrete examples. We then provide extensive discussions about numerical methods, including finite element, finite difference and spectral methods, for determining approximate solutions of the nonlocal models considered. In that discussion, we pay particular attention to a special class of nonlocal models that are the most widely studied in the literature, namely those involving fractional derivatives. The article ends with brief considerations of several modelling and algorithmic extensions, which serve to show the wide applicability of nonlocal modelling.


Objective: Attentional biases (ABs) have been shown to develop in the context of substance use disorders. Relatively less focus has been paid toward the development of ABs in behavioral addictions such as gambling disorder (GD). Furthermore, the psychological predictors and moderators of AB in GD remain unknown. The present study addressed these empirical gaps. Methods: Fifty-two non-GD electronic gaming machine (EGM) players, 25 GD-EGM players, and 61 non-gamblers completed measures of gambling-related behaviors and cognitions (problem gambling severity, cravings, expectancies, motives) and substance use and mental health (alcohol use severity, depression symptoms). The relationships between these constructs and AB for EGM images were then assessed using a free-viewing eye-tracking paradigm. Results: Non-GD EGM players and GD-EGM players attended to EGM images significantly more than neutral images (with the largest AB for the EGM players with GD). For all EGM players, gambling expectancies regarding the negative emotional impact of gambling and alcohol use severity were associated with greater AB. For non-GD EGM players only, AB was moderated by the anticipation aspect of gambling craving and the self-enhancement aspect of gambling expectancies. Conclusion: The results provide further evidence that ABs develop in the context of excessive gambling and are associated with gambling and psychological variables. The findings support the incentive-salience theory of ABs in gambling and provide a rationale for the development of AB modification programs in the treatment of gambling disorder. Given the predominantly white sample, our results may not generalize to individuals of other ethnicities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).


Efficient visible light-driven C3N4/BiOBr composite photocatalysts were prepared via a facile hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra and photoluminescence spectra for the phase composition and optical property. Taking rhodamine B (RhB) as the target pollutant, the photocatalytic activity and stability of photocatalysts were studied under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the mechanism in the process of photocatalytic degradation was discussed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy analysis and the trapping experiment of generated radicals. The results indicated that C3N4/BiOBr composite photocatalysts had excellent crystallization performance. Composited by C3N4, BiOBr exhibited considerably higher photocatalytic activity by reducing the rate of electron-hole recombination. Among prepared composites with various C3N4 contents, 15% C3N4/BiOBr exhibited the best efficiency for the degradation of RhB. After irradiation for 18 minutes, the degradation rate of RhB was 100%, which was 1.5 times higher than that using pure BiOBr. The results also suggested that holes and ·O2- were the main reactive species in the photocatalytic process for the RhB degradation, and holes played the leading role.


How to design useful digital game-based learning is a topic worthy of discussion. Past research focused on specific game genres design, but it is difficult to use when the target game genre differs from the default genres used in the research. This study presents macrodesign concepts that elucidates 11 crucial game-design factors, including game goals, game mechanism, game fantasy, game value, interaction, freedom, narrative, sensation, challenges, sociality, and mystery. We clearly define each factor and analyze the relationships among the 11 factors to construct a game-based learning design model. Two application examples are analyzed to verify the usability of the model and the performance of these factors. It can assist educational game designers in developing interesting games.


In this paper, a new method for mineral boundary detection is proposed using a model prepared in ArcGIS ModelBuilder tool. Required data for this method are gray scale images taken from petrographic thin sections. The images are captured in 19 numbers through 90° polarizers and lambda plate rotation with 5° intervals while the microscope table is fixed. Mineral boundaries are detected using the ArcGIS software by comparison of colour intensity amongst the adjacent minerals in sequential images. The presented method is fast and accurate to detect favorite grain boundaries from thin sections, and is able to create a powerful database containing grain shape characteristics. Petrographic study on four rock samples demonstrates that the results of grain boundary detection by the model without operator intervention, are more than 80 percent correlated with manual boundary detection method.


Using ab initio local density calculations, the author considers microscopic structures of two neutral pair defects of B in Si. The structures are closely related to proposed configurations of the 'B-interstitial-related defect' in Si, with a B atom substituted for a Si atom. The B-split substitutional configuration has two empty, symmetrically equivalent, p orbitals, and may undergo (pseudo-) Jahn-Teller distortions when negatively charged.


In this paper, a space-time coded adaptive MQAM scheme with variable power is developed for MIMO system. Under the target BER and average power constraint, the optimum SNR switching thresholds for the developed scheme are generated by using the Lagrange method, which can make the scheme maximize the spectrum efficiency (SE). Besides, the closed-form expressions for the SE and average BER of the scheme are derived. Simulation results show that our scheme is superior to the corresponding constant-power space-time coded adaptive MQAM scheme. Moreover, the SE and average BER from theory computation accords with those from the simulation results.


We make use of representation theory to study the first smooth almost-cohomology of some higher-rank abelian actions by parabolic operators. First, let $N$ be the upper-triangular group of $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$, $\Gamma$ any lattice and $\pi = L^2(SL(2,\mathbb{C})$ / $\Gamma)$ the usual left-regular representation. We show that the first smooth almost-cohomology group $H_a^1(N, \pi)$ ≃ $H_a^1(SL(2,\mathbb{C}) , \pi)$. In addition, we show that the first smooth almost-cohomology of actions of certain higher-rank abelian groups $A$ acting by left translation on $(SL(2,\mathbb{R}) \times G)$ / $\Gamma$ trivialize, where $G = SL(2,\mathbb{R})$ or $SL(2,\mathbb{C})$ and $\Gamma$ is any irreducible lattice. The abelian groups $A$ are generated by various mixtures of the diagonal and/or unipotent generators on each factor. As a consequence, for these examples we prove that the only smooth time changes for these actions are the trivial ones (up to an automorphism).


Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA

Recent advances in genomics continue to elucidate the genetic lesions that occur in specific cancers and are increasingly being applied prospectively to patient samples in the clinic. These efforts have already identified a large number of mutations that occur at low frequency. Systematic approaches to identify cancer vulnerabilities will provide critical information about the function of these low frequency mutations and will allow the identification of cancer co-dependencies and synthetic lethal interactions. Over the past several years, we have developed genome scale RNAi libraries and open reading frame expression libraries that permit a systematic evaluation of genes involved in cancer initiation and maintenance. Using these libraries, we have now performed screens in a large panel of human cancer cell lines to systematically identify cancer vulnerabilities. By combining these functional approaches with information derived from mapping the structural abnormalities present in cancer genomes, we have identified several new oncogenes that contribute to cancer development as well as co-dependencies that are required for the survival of cancers harboring specific mutations. The ability to systematically manipulate gene expression at genome scale now provides opportunities to investigate the function of genes involved in cancer initiation and maintenance, which will provide a framework for therapeutic strategies.

Citation Format: William C. Hahn. Functional genomics and cancer dependencies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr SY36-01. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-SY36-01


The stray flux that is present in the vicinity of an induction motor is a very interesting information source to detect several types of failures in these machines. The analysis of this quantity can be employed, in some cases, as a supportive tool to complement the diagnosis provided by other quantities. In other cases, when no other motor quantities are available, stray flux analysis can become one of the few alternatives to evaluate the motor condition. Its noninvasive nature, low cost, and easy implementation makes it a very interesting option that requires further investigation. The aim of this work is to evaluate the suitability of the stray flux analysis under the starting transient as a way to detect certain faults in induction motors (broken rotor bars and misalignments), even when these types of faults coexist in the motor. To this end, advanced signal processing tools will be applied. Several positions of the flux sensors are considered in this study. Also, for the first time, a fault indicator based on the stray flux analysis under the starting is introduced and its sensitivity is compared versus other indicators relying on other quantities. It must be emphasized that, since the capture of the transient and steady-state flux signals can be carried out in the same measurement, the application of the approach presented in this work is straightforward and its derived information may become crucial for the diagnosis of some faults.


Using the recently introduced Molecular Dynamics Lattice Gas (MDLG) approach, we test fluctuations of coarse-grained quantities. We show that as soon as the system can no longer be considered an ideal gas fluctuations fail to diminish upon coarse-graining as is usually expected. These results suggest that current approaches to simulating fluctuating hydrodynamics may have to be augmented to achieve quantitative results for systems with a non-ideal equation of state. The MDLG method gives a guidance to the exact nature of the fluctuation in such systems.


Attachment is a biological propensity of primate infants to form close protective relationships with their mothers. In humans it is the special relationship in which the organization of emotions, empathy and knowledge about oneself and others is combined and represented in inner working models. For this, it is innate to human nature to form joint attention structures in which language develops for learning individual and particularly emotional and cultural meanings by narrative interpretations of various experiences. These processes are essential for the development of human beings. Joint attention is initially and primarily formed between infants and attachment persons. Fathers in particular can be additional supportive attachment persons, as well as teachers, grandmothers etc. Sensitivity to infants' attachment needs is the key to understanding the development of secure or insecure attachment strategies. These strategies highly influence the development of psychological security in mature and adaptive, or psychological insecurity in less mature and less flexibly adapted adolescents and adults.


Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; LISREL) was used to (a) validate the Self Description Questionnaire III (SDQ III) subscales measuring general, school, English, and mathematics self-concepts for a sample of 898 (285 low track, 613 high track) grades 11 and 12 students, and (b) test the equivalency of the factor structure across academic track. The results confirmed a 4-factor structure and revealed all factor loadings and covariances to be invariant across groups; 11 of 21 uniquenesses were noninvariant. Although, in a strict statistical sense, the differentially reliable items bore implications of bias in favor of the high track, these discrepancies, on the basis of absolute values, were judged to be of little practical significance. Overall, in light of the stringency of LISREL CFA procedures in general, and those used in this study in particular, the SDQ III demonstrated exceptionally superior psychometric properties.


Wasting water by excessive irrigation of urban residential landscapes is a ubiquitous problem. By reducing irrigation in excess of plant water needs, homeowners and cities save substantial quantities water. Although water utilities can use a variety of approaches to encourage customers to reduce their consumption, some residences may use water more efficiently than others. By understanding patterns of irrigation performance among customers, water utilities can develop more economical approaches for encouraging water conservation. Irrigation performance can be assessed by comparing outdoor water use with a landscape water budget. This requires an accurate estimate of irrigated landscape area, which can be difficult to obtain for citywide datasets. A bivariate approach using tax appraisal information is proposed, which can be applied in any county. Irrigation performance was assessed for 5,565 single-family residences by examining their conformance to monthly water budgets. Nonconformance was defined as outdoor water use exceeding the monthly budget volume. Large lots were found to overwater by significantly greater volumes than smaller lots. However, lots with smaller landscape areas tended to overwater more frequently and apply higher volumes per unit area. These findings suggest new management options for addressing consistently wasteful water use and improving efficiency.


Unwanted hair growth remains a therapeutic challenge and an effective treatment modality without side effects is needed. Today, hair removal is offered with lasers and light sources and patients may expect long-lasting or permanent hair removal. Evidence-based clinical results have been considerably examined for ruby and alexandrite lasers, whereas there is little documentation on Nd:YAG and diode lasers. The results with the diode laser are, however, promising. No controlled clinical studies have been published with intense pulsed light sources. We conclude that there is scientific evidence of a short-term effect after hair removal with ruby, alexandrite, Nd:YAG, and diode lasers (three, six months). Ruby and diode lasers may have a long-lasting effect (one year), but this, however, must be further clarified. No studies have examined whether laser hair removal may be permanent. The occurrence of postoperative side effects is reported to be low for all laser systems. From this review of the literature, we conclude that laser hair removal does not at the moment have a permanent or convincing long-lasting effectiveness.


Many transgender people experience high levels of body dissatisfaction, which is one of numerous factors known to increase vulnerability to eating disorder symptoms in the cisgender (non-trans) population. Cross-sex hormones can alleviate body dissatisfaction so might also alleviate eating disorder symptoms. This study aimed to explore risk factors for eating disorder symptoms in transgender people and the role of cross-sex hormones. Individuals assessed at a national transgender health service were invited (N=563). Transgender people not on cross-sex hormones reported higher levels of eating disorder psychopathology than people who were. High body dissatisfaction, perfectionism, anxiety symptoms and low self-esteem were risk factors for eating psychopathology but, after controlling for these, significant differences in eating psychopathology between people who were and were not on cross-sex hormones disappeared. Cross-sex hormones may alleviate eating disorder psychopathology. Given the high prevalence of transgender identities, clinicians at eating disorder services should assess for gender identity issues.


The dosimetric effects of variable grid size and angular increment were systematically evaluated in the measured dose distributions of dynamic conformal arc therapy (DCAT) for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Dose variations with different grid sizes (2, 3, and 4 mm) and angular increments (2, 4, 6, and 10°) for spherical planning target volumes (PTVs) were verified in a thorax phantom by using EBT2 films. Although the doses for identical PTVs were predicted for the different grid sizes, the dose discrepancy was evaluated using one measured dose distribution with the gamma tool because the beam was delivered in the same set-up for DCAT. The dosimetric effect of the angular increment was verified by comparing the measured dose area histograms of organs at risk (OARs) at each angular increment. When the difference in the OAR doses is higher than the uncertainty of the film dosimetry, the error is regarded as the angular increment effect in discretely calculated doses. In the results, even when a 2-mm grid size was used with an elaborate dose calculation, 4-mm grid size led to a higher gamma pass ratio due to underdosage, a steep-dose descent gradient, and lower estimated PTV doses caused by the smoothing effect in the calculated dose distribution. An undulating dose distribution and a difference in the maximum contralateral lung dose of up to 14% were observed in dose calculation using a 10° angular increment. The DCAT can be effectively applied for an approximately spherical PTV in a relatively uniform geometry, which is less affected by inhomogeneous materials and differences in the beam path length.


This report describes the management of an obese pug that became hypoxaemic during anaesthesia. The cause of the hypoxaemia was diagnosed ultimately as endobronchial intubation, which was corrected before recovery. The hypoxaemia was mistakenly attributed to a combination of obesity and aspiration pneumonia. The reasons for the initial misdiagnosis are presented. Although the pug made a full recovery, the sequelae of endobronchial intubation are potentially serious and the condition should be recognised.


We analyzed near-infrared data of the nearby galaxy IC5063 taken with the Very Large Telescope SINFONI instrument. IC5063 is an elliptical galaxy that has a radio jet nearly aligned with the major axis of a gas disk in its center. The data reveal multiple signatures of molecular and atomic gas that has been kinematically distorted by the passage of the jet plasma or cocoon within an area of ∼1 kpc2. Concrete evidence that the interaction of the jet with the gas causes the gas to accelerate comes from the detection of outflows in four different regions along the jet trail: near the two radio lobes, between the radio emission tip and the optical narrow-line-region cone, and at a region with diffuse 17.8 GHz emission midway between the nucleus and the north radio lobe. The outflow in the latter region is biconical, centered 240 pc away from the nucleus, and oriented perpendicularly to the jet trail. The diffuse emission that is observed as a result of the gas entrainment or scattering unfolds around the trail and away from the nucleus with increasing velocity. It overall extends for ≳700 pc parallel and perpendicular to the trail. Near the outflow starting points, the gas has a velocity excess of 600–1200 km s−1 with respect to ordered motions, as seen in [Fe ii], Pa &agr; ?> , or H 2 ?> lines. High H 2 ?> (1-0) S(3)/S(1) flux ratios indicate non-thermal excitation of gas in the diffuse outflow.


Purpose of review: to examine recent philosophical work which impacts on fitting mental content into a satisfactory picture of nature. Recent findings: both reductionist and non ‐ reductionist forms of naturalism about mental content have sustained criticism. Summary: The connection between having a mind and fitting a rational pattern remains an important insight.


Abstract We describe and illustrate the use of a generalizable model for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of alternative cholesterol-lowering treatments. We combine standard incidence-based techniques for measuring the cost of illness with logistic risk functions from the Framingham Heart Study to project, for persons with known coronary risk characteristics, the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) over a lifetime as well as a number of related outcomes, including the expected loss of years of life due to CHD, the expected lifetime direct and indirect costs of CHD, and the changes in these outcomes that would result from cholesterol-lowering treatment.


In this article, we mainly focus on the finite-time synchronization of delayed multinonidentical coupled complex dynamical networks. By applying the Zero-point theorem, novel differential inequalities, and designing three novel controllers, we obtain three new criteria to assure the finite-time synchronization between the drive system and the response system. The inequalities occurred in this paper are absolutely different from those in other papers. And the controllers provided here are fully novel. We also illustrate the theoretical results through some examples.


In Reply. —We are pleased to have the opportunity to clarify several important issues raised by the letters of Dr Beck and Drs Fromm and Varon. We did use cardiac troponin I as the "gold" standard for our study but only after a series of studies referenced in the article showed that (1) cardiac troponin I is only found in heart muscle during adult life and embryogenesis; (2) cardiac troponin I is not expressed in response to skeletal muscle injury; (3) the antibodies used in the assay for cardiac troponin I do not cross-react with skeletal muscle troponin I; (4) cardiac troponin I is not elevated in patients with acute or chronic muscle disease, after endurance exercise, or in patients with renal failure who have elevated levels of MB creatine kinase fraction unless concomitant cardiac injury is present; (5) elevations of cardiac troponin I correlate closely with evidence of myocardial


Postmenopausal oestrogen deficiency results in bone loss (osteoporosis) in humans and experimental animals. The loss of trabecular bone in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat provides a useful experimental model of post-menopausal osteoporosis. At 5 months after ovariectomy of 3-month-old female rats, the mid and distal femurs and maxillae were dissected and processed for quantitative backscattered electron microscopic examinations. Histomorphometric analysis of femurs in OVX rats showed significant loss in metaphyseal trabecular bone areas compared with sham-operated controls; no significant bone loss was observed in the cortical bone areas of mid-diaphyses in OVX rats. Net bone areas in the maxillae of OVX rats was similar to that of sham-operated controls. Bone structure of maxillae in OVX rats was also similar to that in controls. Our results suggest that, in this animal model of osteoporosis, prominent bone loss occurs mainly in the bone areas formed by endochondral ossification such as distal femurs, but those areas formed by intramembranous ossification such as mid-femurs and maxillae sustained less effects by OVX.


Generalized feedforward filters, a class of adaptive filters that combines attractive properties of finite impulse response (FIR) filters with some of the power of infinite impulse response (IIR) filters, are described. A particular case, the gamma filter, generalizes Widrow's adaptive transversal filter (adaline) to an infinite impulse response filter. Yet, the stability condition for the gamma filter is trivial, and LMS adaptation is of the same computational complexity as the conventional transversal filter structure. Preliminary results indicate that the gamma filter is more efficient than the adaptive transversal filter. The authors extend the Wiener-Kopf equation to the gamma filter and develop some analysis tools. >


Establishing the fundamental limit of nanophotonic light-trapping schemes is of paramount importance and is becoming increasingly urgent for current solar cell research. The standard theory of light trapping demonstrated that absorption enhancement in a medium cannot exceed a factor of 4n2 / sin2 θ, where n is the refractive index of the active layer, and θ is the angle of the emission cone in the medium surrounding the cell. This theory, however, is not applicable in the nanophotonic regime. Here we develop a statistical temporal coupled-mode theory of light trapping based on a rigorous electromagnetic approach. Our theory reveals that the standard limit can be substantially surpassed when optical modes in the active layer are confined to deep-subwavelength scale, opening new avenues for highly efficient next-generation solar cells.


In manufacturing grid (MG) workflow, there are a large number of similar or equivalent resources provided by different third parties. It is not sufficient for a workflow management system to only consider functional characteristics of the workflow. The quality of service (QoS) requirements for execution also needs to be considered by MG workflow management system. In this paper, we have proposed a QoS oriented framework that is capable of conducting the adaptive selection process and simultaneously provides binding and execution of resources for the underlying workflow. To achieve these objectives, as the first step, we have designed a resource model, then, give the definition of QoS requirements of activity and develop an algorithm to select resources according to QoS parameters. An example has confirmed that the proposed framework and the algorithm are very effective in improving the MG Workflow system.


Biliary leakages are more frequent in laparoscopic than in open cholecystectomy. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in the management of bile leakages after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary management was endoscopic sphincterotomy and extraction of remaining gallstones in the common bile duct to provide a decrease of biliary pressure, allowing closure of the fistulas. We report on 20 patients with bile leakage at ERCP, presenting between January 1991 and October 1995 with persistent bile discharge out of drainages, increasing fluid collections subhepatic (termed bilomas) or in the free peritoneal cavity (cholascos), abdominal pain, fever, cholestasis, intraoperatively diagnosed choledocholithiasis, and subhepatic abscess in one case. In 19 cases, after fluoroscopic visualization of the biliary tree and the leak, endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed. The biliary leaks were located at the cystic duct remnant (n = 12), at the gallbladder fossa (n = 5), or at lesions at the hepatic or common bile duct (n = 2). In 7 patients residual common bile duct stones were endoscopically removed. Most patients had localized small subhepatic fluid collections (n = 13) and the others had cholascos (n = 6). The leaks closed with endoscopic sphincterotomy alone in 11 patients, 4 patients had endoscopic sphincterotomy plus percutaneous or laparoscopic drainage of the bile collections, and 4 patients underwent laparotomy. All 6 cases with cholascos but only 2 of the 13 patients with localized collections underwent a second therapeutic procedure (drainage, laparotomy). Five of these procedures were performed within 7 days of ERCP, in most cases due to persistent bile leak. We conclude that biliary leakages after laparoscopic cholecystectomy require laparotomy only exceptionally. Endoscopic sphincterotomy, combined with percutaneous drainage in the case of large collections, represents a safe and successful strategy ensuring closure of the leaks in most cases.


The objective of this work was to determine the antimicrobial properties of an allium-based antimicrobial formulation named VEG'LYS (https://phytoauxilium.com/) on the growth of plant pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi, oomycetes, and bacteria. Two anthracnose-related species of the fungal genus Colletotrichum, C. gloeosporioides, and C. fragariae, the oomycete Phytophthora cactorum and the bacterium Xanthomonas fragariae associated with strawberry plants and two fungi Alternaria dauci and Botrytis cinerea, associated with carrot plants were tested in vitro. In in planta experiments, A. dauci and B. cinerea were used.. VEG'LYS inhibited the growth of all plant pathogens tested. We found that both curative and preventive in planta treatments with VEG'LYS inhibited the growth of A. dauci and B. cinerea in carrot. Furthermore, after spraying VEG'LYS on carrot plants the expression of the Pathogenesis-related (PR) 10 gene correlated with the magnitude of infection both in treated and untreated plants. Additionally, it has been shown, that the field application of VEG'LYS on strawberry plants results in a reduction of bacterial and fungal pathogens of strawberry fruits stored in refrigerator. In summary, VEG'LYS is a potential resistance inducer that seems to be suitable for use in both curative and preventive treatments to reduce the diseases and rotting of fruits and vegetables caused by different plant pathogens.


The aim was to determine the number of referrals of people aged 55 and over to three forensic and psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) services in Scotland, and to describe their demographic, criminological and psychiatric characteristics. Of a total of 1838 referrals, 63 (3.4%) were aged 55 and over. Of these, 35 were referred for court reports or prison assessment and half had been charged with violent or sexual offences. Most were diagnosed as suffering from a psychiatric disorder at the time of assessment, 11 (31.4%) were admitted for further assessment. There were a further 28 admissions to PICU beds. Older adults form a small but important minority of referrals to forensic and PICU services. A single case register would aid further study in this area. Further exploration of the clinical needs of these patients would be useful.


Non-Hodgkin lymphomas encompass a heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies from the clinical as well as from the pathological point of view. Consequently, one condition of optimal communication among pathologists, clinicians and scientific researchers is an adequate classification system. A new classification of lymphomas was proposed in September 1994, the Revised European-American Lymphoma Classification (REAL classification). The REAL classification is aiming at integration of pathological and clinical data, making it possible to distinguish clinical-pathological entities each of which has its characteristic pathological spectrum, clinical evolution and clinical presentation. The REAL classification is based not only on morphological and immunohistochemical but also on molecular and cytogenetic data. Such a system may make it possible to develop specific therapies for specific pathological entities. The REAL classification constitutes an important step forward in haemato-oncology.


Although foraminiferal magnesium/calcium (Mg/Ca) measurements are now widely used for reconstructing sea surface temperature (SST), there is uncertainty about the fidelity of different calibrations of this proxy. Whereas single‐variable calibrations suggest temperature sensitivity of about 9–10% per °C, multivariable calibrations suggest ∼6% per °C, with additional dependence on salinity and pH. Here, we apply five calibrations to six published Mg/Ca records of Globigerinoides ruber, a planktic foraminifer typically used for reconstructing low latitude SST during the Pleistocene. Reconstructed SST by the different calibrations, spanning the past 250,000 years, can be offset by a few degrees, possibly reflecting variable dissolution or hydrographic effects. However, for 4 out of 5 calibrations, the reconstructed temperature anomalies yield estimates that are consistent within the calibrations' uncertainty (<±1 °C), despite the fundamental differences in temperature sensitivity among the equations. We further propose a new seawater Mg/Ca record for the late Neogene and show that the same consistency holds for longer time scales (∼4 My) independently of the choice of the calibration or which seawater Mg/Ca record is used. These comparisons attest to the robustness of the calibrations despite all the confounding nonthermal effects, and offer an empirical basis for researchers and reviewers to judge the records without any prejudice about which calibration is the "best" and evaluate their uncertainties.


The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between stall surface and some animal welfare measurements in upper Midwest US dairy operations using recycled manure solids as bedding material. The study included 34 dairy operations with herd sizes ranging from 130 to 3,700 lactating cows. Forty-five percent of the herds had mattresses and 55% had deep-bedded stalls. Farms were visited once between July and October 2009. At the time of visit, at least 50% of the cows in each lactating pen were scored for locomotion, hygiene, and hock lesions. On-farm herd records were collected for the entire year and used to investigate mortality, culling, milk production, and mastitis incidence. Stall surface was associated with lameness and hock lesion prevalence. Lameness prevalence (locomotion score ≥ 3 on a 1 to 5 scale) was lower in deep-bedded freestalls (14.4%) than freestalls with mattresses (19.8%). Severe lameness prevalence (locomotion score ≥ 4) was also lower for cows housed in deep-bedded freestalls (3.6%) than for cows housed in freestalls with mattresses (5.9%). In addition, the prevalence of hock lesions (hock lesion scores ≥ 2 on a 1 to 3 scale, with 1=no lesion, 2=hair loss or mild lesion, and 3=swelling or severe lesion) and severe hock lesions (hock lesion score=3) was lower in herds with deep-bedded freestalls (49.4%; 6.4%) than in herds with mattresses (67.3%; 13.2%). Herd turnover rates were not associated with stall surface; however, the percentage of removals due to voluntary (low milk production, disposition, and dairy) and involuntary (death, illness, injury, and reproductive) reasons was different between deep-bedded and mattress-based freestalls. Voluntary removals averaged 16% of all herd removals in deep-bedded herds, whereas in mattress herds, these removals were 8%. Other welfare measurements such as cow hygiene, mortality rate, mastitis incidence, and milk production were not associated with stall surface.


DESCRIPTION Designed for all those involved in education within the practice-based setting, this book encourages the reader to become involved in their own personal development as a practice-based educator through reflection on their own practice. The reader is encouraged to generate and organise evidence of their own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through practice-based learning and teaching activities. The text is user-friendly and includes sections on the context of practice-based education, the role of the practice-based educator, facilitating learning in a practice-based setting, and assessing and evaluating practice-based learning. • The authors are all educators of experience who have for many years been involved in practice-based education • Fully updated to cover current trends such as the move to community-based practice and inter-professional practice • Practical features include activities, reflective assignments and literature references


: One of the tools for the architectural advent form is the structure, while architecture and structures, particularly in our sociable Iran, are separated from each other. Most successful buildings have dominating designers who are proficient in structural issues and have a comprehension of the structural system's behavior. The extent of attention to the structure of the building will inevitably lead to beauty. If the structure has aesthetic considerations, a successful link between architecture and structure will occur. This research seeks to provide a solution and strategies to formulate both architecture and structure. The purpose of this paper is to articulate a sound and desired theoretical foundation in relation to the aesthetics of the architectural form and structure so that achieve a successful link between architecture and structure. The research methodology is applied in terms of the purpose of the research. The qualitative and quantitative research methodology is used to analyze the information as well as to provide analytical tables and matrix analysis in order to summarize the contents. The research has come to the conclusion that constructive requirements, along with functional requirements and aesthetic issues, bring together an unmatched effect. The study of successful works in the world suggests that if one of the subcategories of these three criteria works, it can be considered as one of the most successful buildings in the world. Formation of forces flow can be effective in the aesthetic structure of the structure.


This paper aims at finding out the effectiveness of PBL Online on physics students' creativity and critical thinking. A cohort of 61 physics students from the School of Science and Technology (SST) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia comprised the sample. The sample was separated into experimental and control groups, with the experimental group was experiencing PBL online learning activities and the control group more to traditional learning activities. Both groups were supported via an online learning environment, which acted as the main medium for learning. Participants' creativity was evaluated using a previously validated instrument, the Torrance Test of Creativity Thinking (TTCT), whilst their critical thinking was using the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA). Both tests administered before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention. Examination of these data, points to statistically significant differences in both creativity and critical thinking favour to PBL group. Therefore the research findings suggest that PBL online effectively improves both of physics students' creativity and critical thinking.


The present paper deals with the effect on strength characteristics of cement concrete by using Fly ash (FA), Marble dust (MD) & Stone dust (SD). The study consist of II phases.1st phase 5%-35% of fly ash is used as partial replacement of cement, In II phase 5%-15%  natural sand is replaced by MD and SD in different proportion in concrete. In phase II FA, SD & MD are combined from 5%-15% at an interval of 2.5%.Properties of fresh concrete and hardened concrete are investigated. Concrete prepared by partially replacing 20% of cement by Fly ash in 1st phase, Fly ash along with 10%stone dust &10% marble dust in 2nd phase showed good results. The 7day & 28 days compressive strength, shown good result than the control mix concrete.


Using the phase-object approximation it is shown how an annular dark- field (ADF) detector in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) leads to an image which can be described by an incoherent model. The point spread function is found to be simply the illuminating probe intensity. An important consequence of this is that there is no phase problem in the imaging process, which allows various image processing methods to be applied directly to the image intensity data. Using an image of a GaAs , the probe intensity profile is reconstructed, confirming the existence of a 1.3 {Angstrom} probe in a 300kV STEM. It is shown that simply deconvolving this reconstructed probe from the image data does not improve its interpretability because the dominant effects of the imaging process arise simply from the restricted resolution of the microscope. However, use of the reconstructed probe in a maximum entropy reconstruction is demonstrated, which allows information beyond the resolution limit to be restored and does allow improved image interpretation.


We investigated the horizontal transfer of nodulation (nod) genes to a Bradyrhizobium elkanii strain, lacking common nod genes as a recipient, in soils and microcosms using selection systems of antibiotic resistance and legume nodulation. We observed the horizontal transfer of nod genes at 4C in Nakazawa soil where peculiar strains (HRS strains) of B. japonicum harboring high copy numbers of insertion sequences dominated. In microcosms containing HRS strains as donors, we detected a similar horizontal transfer from B. japonicum HRS strain NK5 to the B. elkanii recipient more efficiently at 4C, which was verified by examining hybridization, nodulation and Nod factor production. These traits were, however, gradually lost during successive cultures. Plasmid analysis indicated that this event was not due to the simple transfer of plasmid carrying common nod genes. These results suggest the potential for horizontal transfer of nod genes among bradyrhizobia and other bacterial populations in soil environments.


Since the statistics of the speech signal as well as of the noise are not explicitly available, and the most perceptually meaningful distortion measure is not known, model-based approaches have recently been extensively studied and applied to the three basic problems of speech enhancement: signal estimation from a given sample function of noisy speech, signal coding when only noisy speech is available, and recognition of noisy speech signals in man-machine communication. Research on the model-based approach is integrated and put into perspective with other more traditional approaches for speech enhancement. A unified statistical approach for the three basic problems of speech enhancement is developed, using composite source models for the signal and noise and a fairly large set of distortion measures. >


Street vending is ambivalent in India's imagination of law, space, and self. This essay attempts to excavate street vending in India as an interstice: an enquiry directed towards how street vending is entangled with specific theoretical and ideological positions concerning culture, citizenship, commodification, consumption, globalization, legality, modernity, neoliberalism, poverty, politics, public space, and social movements. The focus of my excavation of interstitial street vending in India is twofold. First, a methodological front-staging of the interconnections between law, space and time in India. Second, an acknowledgment of the importance of revisionist accounts of Indian modernity; accounts that note emergent politics of urban space and the city while avoiding seductive binary reductionisms of public/private, inside/outside, formal/informal, legal/illegal, planned/unplanned, liberal/socialist, colonial/post-colonial, and modern/obsolete. While this essay focuses on an admittedly eclectic range of themes and categories of analysis, the hope is that the reader is nonetheless left with a sense of what is at stake and what must be considered in ongoing discussions on market reforms, public space, urbanism, informality and urban street vending in India.


This chapter describes various techniques that can be employed to assist in the removal of colon polyps that are considered to be large or 'difficult.' Size alone is only one of the features that may cause some hesitation in making the decision to attempt polyp removal. Other factors that are related to the perceived level of difficulty are polyps that are flat and only slightly elevated above the mucosal surface, location on a wall of the colon that is not accessible to the snare, a polyp in a segment of severe diverticular disease or wrapped around a fold in clam-shell fashion. A polyp situated behind a fold can be difficult to approach, and those in the cecum hidden behind the ileocecal valve present a special challenge for resection. These and other problems will be addressed in this chapter as will the localization of lesions or polypectomy sites for future surgery (in the case of malignant polyps) or for reevaluation following total or incomplete polyp removal. The impossible polyp is one which the endoscopist feels cannot be removed. The feeling of futility when faced with such a polyp is directly dependent on the training, experience, and courage of the endoscopist. What may be 'impossible' for one endoscopist may be a relatively 'routine' polypectomy for another. In general, there are three criteria that make a polyp 'impossible', and when the three occur in the same lesion, then the polyp may be 'really impossible'. The three factors which by themselves or in combination with others may place the polyp in an 'impossible' category are size, location of the polyp, and configuration.


The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic three-dimensional (3D) environment consisting largely of a variety of collagenous and non-collagenous fibres, non-fibrous proteins and proteoglycans. Other components often overlooked include various growth factors and other signalling molecules which can diffuse through and bind to various components. The fibrous components of the ECM have a nanoscale architecture to which cells embedded in the ECM, and other biomolecules can attach. Many strategies are being explored to create ECM mimics for tissue engineering applications and as 3D cell-culture environments. These range from fibrous scaffolds composed of synthetic polymers or biopolymers, to fibrous and non-fibrous hydrogel systems. This review will focus on the field of self-assembled nanofibrous hydrogels as ECM mimics and their application to cell and tissue engineering.


Thrombopoietin (TPO, c-mpl ligand) has emerged as a major hematopoietic cytokine stimulating megakaryocyte proliferation, endomitosis, and platelet production. This study shows that a single administration of an adenovirus (Ad) vector encoding TPO (AdCMV.TPO) abrogates thrombocytopenia induced in mice by carboplatin and irradiation. Normal Balb/c mice receiving the vector had increased platelet counts peaking at 7 days and returning to baseline by day 15. Mice rendered pancytopenic with 500 rads and 1.2 mg of carboplatin had a nadir platelet count of five percent of the baseline. Mice receiving AdCMV.TPO 3 days before receiving irradiation and chemotherapy achieved a platelet nadir fourfold higher, and had significant reduction in duration of thrombocytopenia, than mice receiving the control Ad vector. Introduction of AdCMV.TPO the same day of chemotherapy and irradiation was equally effective in acceleration of platelet recovery, but administration of AdCMV.TPO 3 days after chemotherapy-radiation had little effect on platelet recovery. At 30 days after therapy bone marrow and spleen of mice treated with AdCMV.TPO were populated with a large number of polyploid megakaryocytes, but there was no evidence of circulating megakaryocytes in the liver or lungs and no pathologic bone abnormalities such as osteosclerosis or myelofibrosis. These observations suggest that an Ad vector may be an excellent delivery system to provide adequate TPO production to maintain platelet levels in circumstances associated with life-threatening thrombocytopenia.


We investigate persistence and determinants of deaths from conflicts in a sample of 163 countries for the period 2010 to 2015. The empirical evidence is based on Generalised Method of Moments. First, the findings are contingent on income levels, religiousdomination, landlockedness, regional proximity and legal origins. The persistence of deaths in internal conflict is more apparent in coastal, French civil-law and Islam-oriented countries, compared to landlocked, English common law, Christian-oriented countries, respectively. Second, the following factors are generally responsible for driving deaths from internal conflicts: homicides, conflict intensity and conflicts fought. Furthermore, incarcerations have negative effects on internal conflicts. Justifications for the established tendencies and policy implications are discussed. JEL Classification: H56; L64; K42; P50


The hERG potassium channel is critical for repolarisation of the cardiac action potential. Reduced expression of hERG at the plasma membrane, whether caused by hereditary mutations or drugs, results in long QT syndrome and increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Thus, it is of fundamental importance to understand how the density of this channel at the plasma membrane is regulated. We used antibodies to an extracellular native or engineered epitope, in conjunction with immunofluorescence and ELISA, to investigate the mechanism of hERG endocytosis in recombinant cells and validated the findings in rat neonatal cardiac myocytes. The data reveal that this channel undergoes rapid internalisation, which is inhibited by neither dynasore, an inhibitor of dynamin, nor a dominant negative construct of Rab5a, into endosomes that are largely devoid of the transferrin receptor. These results support a clathrin-independent mechanism of endocytosis and exclude involvement of dynamin-dependent caveolin and RhoA mechanisms. In agreement, internalised hERG displayed marked overlap with glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored GFP, a clathrin-independent cargo. Endocytosis was significantly affected by cholesterol extraction with methyl-β-cyclodextrin and inhibition of Arf6 function with dominant negative Arf6-T27N-eGFP. Taken together, we conclude that hERG undergoes clathrin-independent endocytosis via a mechanism involving Arf6.


The quantification of β-glucan in oats is of immense importance for plant breeders and food scientists to develop plant varieties and food products with a high quantity of β-glucan. However, the chemical analysis of β-glucan is time consuming, destructive, and laborious. In this study, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with Chemometrics was employed for rapid and non-destructive prediction of β-glucan content in oats. The interval Partial Least Square (iPLS) along with correlation matrix plots were employed to analyze the NIR spectrum from 700–1300 nm, 1300–1900 nm, and 1900–2500 nm for the selection of important wavelengths for the prediction of β-glucan. The NIR spectral data were pre-treated using Savitzky Golay smoothening and normalization before employing partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis. The PLSR models were established based on the selection of wavelengths from PLS loading plots that present a high correlation with β-glucan content. It was observed that wavelength region 700–1300 nm is sufficient for the satisfactory prediction of β-glucan of hulled and naked oats with R2c of 0.789 and 0.677, respectively, and RMSE < 0.229.


BACKGROUND
Chronic allograft nephropathy is the major cause of progressive renal failure in renal transplant recipients. It has no definitive treatment.

METHODS
One hundred eighteen renal transplant recipients with declining kidney function and biopsy-proven chronic allograft nephropathy had their cyclosporine or tacrolimus dose reduced or discontinued with either the addition or continuation of mycophenolate mofetil and low-dose steroids at a mean of 853.3 days post-transplantation. Their renal function was modeled before and after this intervention by two methods: A least-square regression was used to assess the decay of renal function after the intervention and to compare that with the slope pre-intervention, whereas a hinge regression line method was used to assess the correlation of the intervention with the inflection point and the impact of the intervention on the decay of renal function. Mean follow-up was 651.0 days after the intervention. Serum creatinine at the time of intervention was 2.8 +/- 0.9 mg/dL in the reduced dose cyclosporine (N = 67) and reduced dose tacrolimus (N = 33) groups, and was 2.7 +/- 0.7 mg/dL in the group with discontinued calcineurin inhibitor (N = 18).

RESULTS
Using the least-square method, 91.7% of the no calcineurin inhibitor group, 51.6% of the reduced dose cyclosporine group, and 59.3% of the reduced dose tacrolimus group had improved or lack of deterioration in slope after the intervention. Using the hinge regression line method, there was a statistically significant correlation of the inflection point with the intervention (P = 0.001). Moreover, there was a similar relationship with stabilized or improved graft function observed with the hinge regression line method and the least-square method, as 72.2% of the calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal group, 54.4% of reduced-dose cyclosporine group, and 40% of the reduced-dose tacrolimus group had improved the slope of decay of renal function or lack of deterioration after the inflection point. The difference between the calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal group and the reduced-dose cyclosporine/tacrolimus groups on the decay in renal function was significant (P = 0.038) with the least-square method and nearly significant (P = 0.056) using the hinge regression line method.

CONCLUSION
This intervention was safe, well tolerated, and associated with a minimal risk of acute rejection. We conclude that the reduction and possible withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors may be necessary to slow the rate of loss of renal function in patients with chronic allograft nephropathy and deteriorating renal function.


Dysplasia and proliferation are histological properties that can be used to diagnose and categorize myeloid tumors in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). However, these conditions are not exclusive, and overlap between them leads to another classification, MDS/MPN. As well as phenotype continuity, these three conditions may have genetic relationships that have not yet been identified. This study aimed to obtain their mutational profiles by meta-analysis and explore possible similarities and differences. We reviewed screening studies of gene mutations, published from January 2000 to March 2020, from PubMed and Web of Science. Fifty-three articles were eligible for the meta-analysis, and at most 9,809 cases were involved for any gene. The top mutant genes and their pooled mutation rates were as follows: SF3B1 (20.2% [95% CI 11.6–30.5%]) in MDS, TET2 (39.2% [95% CI 21.7–52.0%]) in MDS/MPN, and JAK2 (67.9% [95% CI 64.1–71.6%]) in MPN. Subgroup analysis revealed that leukemic transformation-related genes were more commonly mutated in high-risk MDS (MDS with multilineage dysplasia and MDS with excess blasts) than that in other MDS entities. Thirteen genes including ASXL1, U2AF1, SRSF2, SF3B1, and ZRSR2 had significantly higher mutation frequencies in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) compared with essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera; this difference distinguished PMF from MPN and likened it to MDS. Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and atypical chronic myeloid leukemia were similar entities but showed several mutational differences. A heat map demonstrated that juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and MDS/MPN with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis were two distinct entities, whereas MDS/MPN-unclassifiable was closest to high-risk MDS. Such genetic closeness or difference reflected features in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and progression of these conditions, and could inspire future genetic studies.


To simulate full multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of peptides and proteins in a reasonable time frame, a strategy for separating the time‐consuming full‐density matrix calculations from the chemical shift prediction and calculation of coupling patterns is presented. The simulation setup uses SIMulation Program for SOlid‐state NMR (SIMPSON) to calculate total correlation spectroscopy transfer amplitudes and average distances as a source for nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy transfer amplitudes. Simulated 1H 1D, 2D total correlation spectroscopy, and 2D nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of peptides with sequence Pro─Ala─Gly─Tyr─Asn and Asn─Phe─Gly─Ala─Ile─Leu and of ubiquitin are presented. In all cases, the simulations lasted from a few seconds to tens of seconds on a normal laptop computer.


Features of a large-scale digital computer with novel logical elements, the parametrons, are described. The machine, which is located at Musashino City, Tokyo, was named the MUSASINO-1, and has been in almost continuous operation since its completion in the spring of 1957. Primarily for scientific uses, it does arithmetic operations in parallel, and has a fast access memory of ferrite cores with nonrectangular hysteresis curve. Maintenance experience has indicated its extreme stability and low incidence of faults.


The small meromictic Lake Zapadle in North-Eastern Poland was the subject of our research in the vegetation period between April and November. Our study were to aim a better recognition of meromixis phenomenon and find connections between hydrochemical and microbiological parameters. Here, the monimolimnion layer was below 10 m depth with the chemocline between 13-14 m. Highly significant Spearman's ranks correlations of P<0.05 were found between conductivity and biochemical oxygen demand (0.91), ammonium nitrogen (0.96), phosphate (0.91), iron (0.77) and manganese (0.82). Favourable conditions for bacterioplankton growth and function here included; the absence of water circulation, the presence of anaerobic conditions and hydrogen sulphide, a constant water temperature and highly significant correlations between total bacterial counts (TBC), bacterial biomass (BB) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The pool of bacteria-forming biomass increased significantly in the lower part of the monimolimnion. A highly significant correlation (P<0.05) existed between bacterial biomass (BB) and their anaerobic metabolic products: ammonium (r=0.75), hydrogen sulphide (r=0.45) and phosphate (r=0.68) anaerobic metabolic products. This correlation indicated the significant proportion of anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria . The impact of physico-chemical parameters on bacterioplankton biomass during the June-November growth season was clearly illustrated in the correspondence canonical analysis (CCA). This recorded its greatest mass at 15 to 17 metres above the lake bed. Although no clear seasonal variations were noted in bacterioplankton composition described by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). The monimolimnion lake layer contained 46 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). Subsequent comparison of the upper and lower minimolimnion layers showed 37 of these OTUs were common, while 5 were unique in the upper monimolimnion strata and 4 in the lower layers.


OBJECTIVE
To identify characteristics associated with high inpatient daily opioid consumption after cesarean delivery.

METHODS
This is a retrospective cohort study of all cesarean deliveries performed under neuraxial anesthesia with neuraxial morphine, at a single institution from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015. Women with preoperative opioid use disorder or chronic opioid use were excluded. Sociodemographic data, medical comorbidities, use of anxiolytics or antidepressants, smoking history, nonopioid substance use, intrapartum and cesarean delivery characteristics, and opioid consumption data (converted to morphine milligram equivalents) were abstracted. We defined high opioid use as a mean daily opioid consumption, standardized to the postoperative length of stay (excluding the first 24 postoperative hours to account for neuraxial morphine), greater than the 75th percentile of all opioid consumption. We used multivariable Poisson regression, stratified by whether or not cesarean delivery was scheduled, to identify characteristics associated with high opioid consumption.

RESULTS
Among 949 women who underwent cesarean delivery, the mean (SD) and median (interquartile range) daily opioid consumption was 48.6 (22.8) and 44.6 (36.6-66.6) morphine milligram equivalents, respectively. Among those women with high opioid consumption, the mean (SD) and median (interquartile range) daily opioid consumption was 78.8 (8.5) and 78.3 (72.9-83.5) morphine milligram equivalents, respectively. Daily opioid consumption among those with high consumption was similar among women with scheduled compared with unscheduled cesarean delivery. Sociodemographic characteristics were similar among women with and without high opioid consumption. No sociodemographic, antepartum, or intrapartum characteristics were associated with high opioid consumption for either women having unscheduled or scheduled cesarean deliveries.

CONCLUSION
For a quarter of women undergoing cesarean delivery, daily consumption of opioids is equivalent to 10 tablets of oxycodone 5 mg daily. No characteristics were associated with high opioid use for women having a scheduled or unscheduled cesarean delivery. Understanding opioid consumption after cesarean delivery is critical to managing women's postoperative pain while decreasing opioid exposure and risks of long-term opioid use disorder.


The experiment was carried out to study structural and morphologic characteristics of five Pennisetum sp. genotypes (CE 08 A.D., Venezuela, HV-241, Elephant B and Hexaploide) under grazing during the dry period in Pernambuco Forest Zone. Genotypes were managed under rotational stocking (44 days of resting and four days of grazing period). The experimental design was randomized blocks in a split plot arrangement, and four replications. The genotypes represented the plots, and grazing cycles, the subplots. There was variation in the structural and morphologic characteristics of the Pennisetum sp. genotypes. The CE 08 A.D. and Elephant B presented high density of green leaf blade, low percentage of dead material and high density of remaining basal tillers and new aerial tillers, with averages of 5.0±0.4 kg DM/ha/cm; 33±0.2%; 22±0.2 and 146±0.4 tillers/m2, respectively. The HV-241 presented high participation of dead material in its aerial biomass (55.6±0.3%) due to high tiller mortality (19±0.3 and 114±0.4 basal and aerial dead tillers/m2, respectively). The genotypes CE 08 A.D. and Elephant B had been distinguished as promising to be used under grazing in the dry period. The genotype HV-241, elephantgrass hybrid with pearl millet, was more affected by water stress during the dry period of the year.


Thermocouples are the most common temperature measuring components in petrochemical, metallurgical, aerospace and other fields. However, due to the influence of working environment and its own structural characteristics, the thermocouple is highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference in the environment during its work, which seriously affects its temperature measurement accuracy. In this paper, three different shapes of Au/SnO2 thermocouples were prepared by screen printing technology, and their microstructure, thermoelectric properties and anti-electromagnetic interference were studied. The results show that the Au/SnO2 thermocouples with different shapes can crystallize well after sintering at 750 °C and above. When temperature difference is from 50 to 300 °C, thermocouples with different shapes can produce stable thermoelectric potential, and the shape has no effect on the output thermoelectric potential. The Au/SnO2 thermocouple after 850 °C sintering has the best thermoelectric performance. Au/SnO2 thermocouples can work normally in electromagnetic fields of 3 V/m or less, while standard PtRh10-Pt thermocouples can not work normally in electromagnetic field of 3 V/m. The Au/SnO2 thermocouple obtained in this study has the advantages of simple preparation method, small size, stable output thermoelectric potential and strong anti-electromagnetic interference ability.


Mobile technology has become ubiquitous in the education and support of individuals with disabilities. While this practice is supported under the Universal Design for Learning framework, research in the area has yet to establish a solid evidence base. The majority of the studies in existence are single-subject design studies with a dearth of replication to support their results, and many do not meet the Council for Exceptional Children's Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education guidelines. The following is a meta-analysis of studies that have been conducted in the area of using mobile technology to support individuals with disabilities. Types of mobile technology, how technology is used, and the effectiveness of its use with this population are explored. The results indicated although there is some evidence of effectiveness to support the use of mobile technology, more research in the area is needed.


The fore area of the ships in extreme conditions is commonly subjected to external impact pressures such as bottom slamming and bow impact. The phenomenon combined with a poor design can lead to local structural damage (cracks, dents, buckling of plate panels) and malfunction to the installations on-board of the ship. In the present article, a comparison study between different steel material grades is performed for a VLCC fore peak structure subjected to external and internal dynamic pressures under the Harmonized Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (H-CSR). Three steel grades generally used in the shipbuilding industry, one normal strength and two higher strength, are subjected for the assessment. The hull structure is built based on the benchmark crude oil carrier KVLCC2 surface developed by KRISO (Korea Research Institute for Ships and Ocean Engineering, and modelled with plate finite elements in FEMAP software. The study targets an optimization process to minimize the steel weight of the structural members by plate elements thickness reduction.


Sustainable rural development involves the attainment of a balanced development of the economic, ecological and social spheres within a community. For this purpose, the state agrarian policy should be aimed at achieving three goals: 1) food security of the state; 2) solving of social and environmental problems in rural areas; and, 3) the transformation of the agrarian sector into a highly effective, competitive domestic and foreign market economy sector of the state. Therefore, the purpose of the article is to study the legal framework for the sustainable rural development of Ukraine by analyzing the state agricultural policy in this area.


In June 1994, a secondary road pavement section 150 m long was instrumented in Bedford County, Virginia. This pavement section was composed of nine individual sections each 15 m long. Sections 1 through 3 had a limestone base course 100 mm thick (VDOT 21-B); Sections 4 through 6 had a base course 150 mm thick; and Sections 7 through 9 had a base course 200 mm thick. Three sections were stabilized with geotextiles, three were stabilized with geogrids at the base course–subgrade interface, and the other three were kept as control sections. One section from each stabilization category was included in each base course thickness group. The outside wheel path of the inner lane was instrumented with strain gauges, pressure cells, piezoelectric sensors, thermocouples, and moisture sensors. A Keithley 500-A data acquisition system was used to collect instrument responses on-site. Some of the data collected by the instruments are discussed. Section performances based on the instrumentation response to controlled and normal vehicular loading indicated that geosynthetic stabilization provided significant improvement, which was found to be in agreement with rut-depth measurements.


BACKGROUND
Plastic scintillators have been used as radiation detectors for the past few years, as they are water-equivalent and independent of the dose, dose rate and angle of incidence. In addition, they are also independent of the presence of a magnetic field and could be used for in vivo dosimetry in an MR-Linac. With the advent of a new commercial scintillation detector, Blue Physics Model 10, its characterization has been performed on an MR-Linac with a view to future applications.

PURPOSE
To perform the dosimetric characterization and study potential applications of a novel commercial plastic scintillation detector in a MR-Linac.

METHODS
Scintillation detector description, calibration procedure, short-term repeatability, dose-response linearity, dose-rate dependence, angular dependence and temperature dependence have been studied. Percent-depth-dose (PDD) and beam profiles were measured for small fields and a standard field, as well as output factors, for comparison with other PTW detectors: a diamond diode and PinPoint and Semiflex 3D ionization chambers. The suitability of the plastic scintillator for in vivo dosimetry in a magnetic field has also been studied measuring the dose to a point in an anthropomorphic phantom while acquiring MR imaging. This measured dose was compared with that calculated with Monaco planning system and with that measured with a PTW Semiflex 3D chamber, the latter without acquiring MR images.

RESULTS
Short-term repeatability presented negligible variations (<0.4%) for 100 and 20 MU. Similar results were obtained for dose-response linearity and dose-rate dependence. A small angular dependence was determined, while the scintillator resulted practically independent of the temperature. PDDs showed excellent agreement except in the build-up region, and calculated penumbras with the profiles given by the scintillator were between the ones obtained with the diamond detector and the PinPoint ionization chamber. Measured OF with the scintillator were the highest between all detectors, 1.26 % higher than the value obtained with the microdiamond for the smallest field measured, 0.5×0.5 cm2 . Finally, the total dose to a point measured with the scintillator was 0.51% higher compared to that calculated by the planning system.

CONCLUSION
The Blue Physics model 10 scintillation system showed excellent dosimetric characteristics. Its response independent of the temperature and the presence of a magnetic field make it suitable for in vivo dosimetry in an MR-Linac while acquiring MR images, which could solve the impossibility of performing a dosimetric QA for each adapted plan. Furthermore, its temporal resolution allows independent radiation pulses to be measured and visualized, which could be used in future applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


Friction stir processing is applied for property improvement of cast alloys for last two decades and many developmental studies were carried out in this topic on various alloys. In the current work, friction stir processing was carried out on rare earth containing magnesium alloy AE42. This alloy was specially developed for automobile application as it has better creep resistance than commercial magnesium alloys. Multi-pass Friction Stir Processing was carried out with varying the distance between passes from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm using 12 mm shoulder diameter tool. Pin was with conical (tapered) and flat configurations with 3 mm height. After processing, the resultant mechanical and metallurgical properties were evaluated. Microstructure was refined to 5 micron and the secondary phases were made in to tiny pieces of 0.5-1 micron and evenly distributed in the matrix. Continuous network of grain boundary which is reason for poor mechanical properties was eliminated. Mechanical properties were improved by 30%. The variation of mechanical properties of processed material with respect to variation of distance between passes was negligible from 1 mm to 1.5 mm for flat pin tool.


We have investigated the O2-binding properties of the four embryonic hemoglobins (Hb P, Hb P', Hb M, and Hb E) under various conditions and compared the results with measurements on early embryonic chicken blood between 3 and 6 days of incubation. The O2-binding curve of embryonic blood is polyphasic. Hill's coefficient changes continuously from less than or equal to 1 at low O2 saturation to a value of approximately equal to 8 in the upper saturation range. The high cooperativity is coupled with a very low O2 affinity in the middle range of the O2-binding curve. Between 3 and 6 days of development the O2 affinity and cooperativity as well as the Bohr effect of embryonic blood change drastically, without corresponding alterations of the hemoglobin pattern or ATP concentration. The functional properties of the embryonic blood cannot be simulated with the isolated embryonic hemoglobins at physiological concentrations of ATP, hemoglobin, and protons. On the other hand, freshly prepared hemolysate shows the same functional pattern as the embryonic blood. The results suggest that embryonic red blood cells may contain other low-molecular-weight substances that reduce the O2 affinity and increase the cooperativity of the major embryonic hemoglobins, Hb P and Hb P', presumably by promoting tetramer-tetramer aggregation.


We show that the critical points of a function can be found by a particular transform procedure, and that this can be used to provide stable quasi-solutions to a system of integral equations arising in remote reconstruction of confined wavefront propagation phenomena. A principal application is to the problem of imaging cardiac activation from the body surface.


The genesis of the Bois Noirs-Limouzat uranium deposit involves a very complex history. The Bois Noirs granite resulted from the anatexis of uranium-rich sediments near granulite facies conditions. The temperature is estimated to have been at least 800 degrees C accompanied by a low H 2 O partial pressure (possibly resulting from the presence of carbon dioxide). This magma was syntectonically emplaced along the east-west structures in a nonmetamorphic environment. Progressive crystallization and differentiation proceeded inward from the margins toward the core of the intrusion. A fluid phase formed after a large part of the magma had crystallized. This fluid migrated toward the core and altered the primary magmatic minerals, quartz, orthoclase, oligoclase, and biotite, to quartz, microcline, albite, and chlorite. The alteration of the primary accessory minerals, sphene, zircon, monazite, and xenotime, resulted in the partial liberation of their uranium content. When all the magma had crystallized, the fluid phase migrated outward to precipitate uraninite, with an associated quartz-muscovite alteration. This critical step produced an easily leachable uranium source in the granite in the form of uraninite.Thermal activity was maintained in the Bois Noirs area from the emplacement of the granite, at 335 m.y., until the intrusion of the quartz porphyry, at 270 m.y. The enrichment of the Bois Noirs granite in K, U, and Th could have provided an essential or additional heat source for the hydrothermal convective circulation. Water of a supposed meteoric origin, mixed with carbon dioxide of a deep origin, produced the remobilization of the uranium contained in uraninite. The east-west foliation of the granite was reopened and tectonic activity produced open zones filled with porous, crushed, granite breccias. The fluid which dissolved the uraninite crystals in the granite was rich in carbon dioxide, and the uranium was transported mainly in the form of uranyl monocarbonate (UO 2 CO 3 ) 0 with a significant amount of H 2 S in solution. The fluid pressure, which was nearly lithostatic in the deep zones of the granite (265 to 775 bars), became progressively hydrostatic (100 to 300 bars) near the breccia zones where pitchblende was deposited. The CO 2 concentration decreased from a maximum of 3 mole percent to less than 1 mole percent. Part of the remaining dissolved CO 2 could have reacted with ions such as Al (super +3) and Ca (super +2) liberated by the alteration of the plagioclase to form a carbonate phase. The uranyl carbonate complex was destabilized and the hexavalent uranium was immediately reduced by the oxidation of the reduced sulfur species in solution.Marcasite and pyrite deposition alternated with pitchblende. Oxidation of the reduced sulfur species in solution during pitchblende deposition stopped the growth of iron sulfides. Pitchblende deposition took place between 77 degrees and 100 degrees C.After this initial stage five other stages of mineral deposition occurred under different conditions of temperature and fluid composition. Pitchblende was transformed to coffinite during the second stage without new uranium being introduced. Important "per descensum" remobilization of the primary uranium ore occurred during the Oligocene uplifting of the Montagne Bourbonnaise horst, with precipitation, mainly with bearings in a range of N 165 degrees to N 135 degrees , of hexavalent uranium minerals and sooty pitchblende.


Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging allows the noninvasive mapping of intrinsic fluorophores of the ocular fundus, particularly the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), now quantifiable with the advent of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy-based quantitative autofluorescence (QAF). QAF has been shown to be generally decreased at the posterior pole in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The relationship between QAF and various AMD lesions (drusen, subretinal drusenoid deposits) is still unclear. This paper describes a workflow to determine lesion-specific QAF in AMD. A multimodal in vivo imaging approach is used, including but not limited to spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) macular volume scanning and QAF. Using customized FIJI plug-ins, the corresponding QAF image is aligned with the near-infrared image from the SD-OCT scan (characteristic landmarks; i.e., vessel bifurcations). The foveola and the edge of the optic nerve head are marked in the OCT images (and transferred to the registered QAF image) for accurate positioning of the analysis grids. AMD-specific lesions can then be marked on individual OCT BScans or the QAF image itself. Normative QAF maps are created to account for the varying mean and standard deviation of QAF values throughout the fundus (QAF images from a representative AMD group were averaged to build normative standard retinal QAF AMD maps). The plug-ins record the X and Y coordinates, z-score (a numerical measurement that describes the QAF value in relation to the mean of AF maps in terms of standard deviation from the mean), mean intensity value, standard deviation, and number of pixels marked. The tools also determine z-scores from the border zone of marked lesions. This workflow and the analysis tools will improve the understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical AF image interpretation in AMD.


Background:Aniridia is a congenital, panocular disease which could affect cornea, anterior chamber angle, iris, lens, retina and optic nerve. PAX6 loss-of-function mutations were the most common cause of aniridia. Mutations throughout the PAX6 gene have been linked to a range of ophthalmic abnormalities. Distinct mutations at a given site in PAX6 lead to distinctive phenotypic findings. This study aimed to characterize genetic mutations associated with congenital aniridia in a Chinese family.Methods:The proband and family underwent ophthalmologic examinations as well as exome sequencing. Results have been confirmed by Next Generation Sequencing.Results:A novel mutation(c.114_119delinsAATTTCC:p.Pro39llefsTer17)in the PAX6 gene was identified in subjectsⅡ-1, III-1 and III-2 in these family who exhibited complete aniridia and cataract. Proband and the proband's brother also exhibited glaucoma, high myopia, and foveal hypoplasia.Conclusions:We identified a novel PAX6 frameshift heterozygous deletion mutation in a Chinese family and infered this mutation a probable cause of various eye abnormalities in carriers. Trial registration:We did not do any health-related interventions on the participants.


Homogenous glycoforms of glycoproteins are one of the primary targets in glycobiology to allow for the determination of glycoprotein function and to create glycoprotein mimetics for use as therapeutic agents. Although N- and O-linked glycosylation is preferred in nature, S-linked glycoproteins are attractive synthetic targets due to their enhanced chemical stability and enzymatic resistance. This thesis reports a novel convergent method for the synthesis of S-linked glycoproteins through the site-specific ligation of 1-glycosyl thiols to olefin containing proteins. This strategy employs unnatural amino acid incorporation for the introduction of L-homoallylglycine (L-Hag) into proteins and free-radical addition hydrothiolation chemistry, under conditions mild enough to preserve protein activity. The unique reactivity profile of L-Hag, which has an olefinic side-chain, compared with the natural amino acids characteristically found in proteins, allows for a chemoselective chemical reaction. At the outset, methodology was optimised using Hag as a model system. The reaction was then successfully applied to proteins with different structures, for precise, site-selective glycoconjugation at single and even multiple sites.
Whilst investigating the above-mentioned photochemical modification of proteins, an unexpected photo-induced site-selective protein cleavage reaction localised to the TIM-barrel proteins from family 1 of glycosylhydrolases was discovered. Although proteins are known to be affected by UV irradiation, examples of clean, site-selective photocleavage without the use of a cleaving agent are rare. Remarkably, the β-glycosidase from Sulfolobus solfataricus (SsβG) was found to form two daughter fragments following UV irradiation (240–308 nm). Alterations at and alaninescanning of a sphere of residues around the cleavage site were used to establish which residues were essential for the reaction to occur and extensive analysis of the fragments allowed a reaction mechanism to be proposed. The propensity of other proteins to undergo photo-induced cleavage was also investigated. In addition, the biotechnological utility of the aforementioned photocleavage reaction has been applied to the development of a cleaved-tag affinity purification method using a GFPSsβG fusion as the model protein.


Migraine shows strong familial aggregation. However, the number of genes involved in the disorder is unknown and not identified. Nitric oxide is involved in the central processing of pain stimuli and plays an important role in the regulation of basal or stimulated vasodilation. Nitric oxide synthase, which controls the synthesis of nitric oxide, could possibly be a cause, or candidate gene, in migraine etiology. In this study, we detected a polymorphism for endothelial nitric oxide synthase by polymerase chain reaction and tested this for association and linkage to migraine. Results from the study did not show an association of the nitric oxide synthase microsatellite when tested in 91 affected and 85 unaffected individuals. Using the FASTLINK program for parametric linkage analysis, the polymorphism did not show significant linkage to migraine when tested in four migraine pedigrees composed of 116 individuals, 52 affected. Total LOD scores excluded linkage up to 8.5 cM between the nitric oxide synthase polymorphism and migraine. Results using the nonparametric affected pedigree member form of analysis also did not support a role for this gene in migraine etiology.


The air-stable phosphine sulfide [(tBu)2P(S)H] serves as a ligand precursor for the efficient nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of a variety of unactivated aryl chlorides with aryl Grignard reagents (Kumada−Tamao−Corriu reaction) at room temperature to yield the corresponding biaryls with isolated product yields ranging from 79 to 97%.


As a part of the Center for Learning in Practice's (CLIP) mandate, a white paper series on topics of relevance to the educational needs of fellows was developed. The first in this series of white papers, was one entitled: Lifelong Learning White Paper - Supporting Physician Lifelong Learning: Strategies, Tools and Recommendations. This white paper focused on a variety of themes including the concept of 'learning on the run', which means that learning takes place wherever you are and occurs on a daily basis over the course of one's work routine. In other words, learning and the learning context is driven by one's practice context as well as by one's own career goals and needs. The center for learning in practice is currently producing a series of thematic monographs/booklets for physicians based on the white papers, the first of which is entitled: Learning on the run- practical strategies for physician learning. The purpose of these monographs are to assist physicians with their learning and practice needs and contain a section on how tools and programs within the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program can enhance and contribute to physician learning strategies. This poster details the content of a draft monograph on 'learning on the run' for physicians to use and comment on. These comments will be used to refine and enhance the monograph in order for CLIP to disseminate it more widely across North America. The monograph can also be accessed under CLIP's section of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada website - http://rcpsc.medical.org/clip/index.php


Multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is an ultra‐rare inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and amino acid metabolism. Individual phenotypes and treatment response can vary markedly. We aimed to identify markers that predict MADD phenotypes. We performed a retrospective nationwide cohort study; then developed an MADD‐disease severity scoring system (MADD‐DS3) based on signs and symptoms with weighed expert opinions; and finally correlated phenotypes and MADD‐DS3 scores to FAO flux (oleate and myristate oxidation rates) and acylcarnitine profiles after palmitate loading in fibroblasts. Eighteen patients, diagnosed between 1989 and 2014, were identified. The MADD‐DS3 entails enumeration of eight domain scores, which are calculated by averaging the relevant symptom scores. Lifetime MADD‐DS3 scores of patients in our cohort ranged from 0 to 29. FAO flux and [U‐13C]C2‐, C5‐, and [U‐13C]C16‐acylcarnitines were identified as key variables that discriminated neonatal from later onset patients (all P < .05) and strongly correlated to MADD‐DS3 scores (oleate: r = −.86; myristate: r = −.91; [U‐13C]C2‐acylcarnitine: r = −.96; C5‐acylcarnitine: r = .97; [U‐13C]C16‐acylcarnitine: r = .98, all P < .01). Functional studies in fibroblasts were found to differentiate between neonatal and later onset MADD‐patients and were correlated to MADD‐DS3 scores. Our data may improve early prediction of disease severity in order to start (preventive) and follow‐up treatment appropriately. This is especially relevant in view of the inclusion of MADD in population newborn screening programs.


Hermeneutical reflection needs to do more than focus on certain issues (like evolution or homosexuality). A step back from these issues is necessary: who are we coram deo when we listen to God's Word? To answer this question, three central moments are important. First, the primacy of God's acts should be emphasized, for God's Word is part of God's saving work and sin has noetic consequences. Second, hermeneutical reflection has to acknowledge that both the interpreted Scripture and the interpreting reader are embedded in history. Third, theological hermeneutics needs to stress not only the importance of justification for understanding, but also of sanctification (the renewal of the mind). The doctrine of sanctification helps furthermore to understand the use of rationality and method in theology.


e-Navigation has been launched by IMO as an overall strategy for increased maritime safety and efficiency, by stimulating and enhancing the innovation of user-friendly services and equipment for maritime customers. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the level of user involvement in e-Navigation testbeds, along with the drivers and barriers, including external environment, to Human Centered Design in the projects. Through qualitative interviews with testbed participants and analysis of web reporting, e-Navigation was found to be user centered but not user driven, and meeting several barriers that constrains the effective utilization of Human Centered Design. The special features of some e-Navigation testbeds are the large funding by, and the active involvement of Authorities, which work as drivers counteracting the classic time-cost-quality dilemma of projects. The role of public institutions is highlighted, however challenges in the communication and cooperation between designers, users and HF/E experts show that there are possibilities for further improvement in gaining maximal outcome of user involvement practices. The results are discussed in light of existing theory on user involvement and practical implications within e-Navigation.


We consider a production-inventory problem in which the production rate can be continuously controlled in order to cope with random fluctuations in the demand. The demand process for a single product is a compound Poisson process. Excess demand is backlogged. Two production rates are available and the inventory level is continuously controlled by a switch-over rule characterized by two critical numbers. In accordance with common practice, we consider service measures such as the average number of stockouts per unit time and the fraction of demand to be met directly from stock on hand. The purpose of the paper is to derive practically useful approximations for the switch-over levels of the control rule such that a pre-specified value of the service level is achieved.


The successful design of the first high resolution 5 Mega pixel monitor for medical application utilizing the mercury-free PLANON Lamp as a Backlight will be described. The key advantages of the presented system arise from the mercury free properties of the flat panel lamp and the approach for the implementation. This first flat-panel lamp based series product ever comes with a unique combination of features like the extraordinary long lifetime, instant start capability and customized color coordinates. A brief description of the design-in process of the new B/L-Unit into the LCD display is presented. The combination of the high resolution panel with the customized, high performance backlight unit and the intelligent driver electronics yields advantages in the areas of lifetime, power savings, stability and calibration.


Heart failure is a clinical syndrome comprised of a number of symptoms and signs associated with congestion and/or hypoperfusion. Specific pharmacologic therapies have been developed to slow disease progression from early to more advanced stages. Once symptoms have developed, aggressive multimodality interventions are instituted to alleviate symptoms and improve clinical status and quality of life; especially in those patients that present symptoms. Recently, an evolving adjunctive therapeutic modality, that involves using implanted electrical devices: cardiac resynchronization with or without implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). has been used for management. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a proven treatment for selected patients with heart failure-induced conduction disturbances and ventricular dyssynchrony. When used in combination with stable, optimal medical therapy, CRT is designed to reduce symptoms and improve cardiac function by restoring the mechanical sequence of ventricular activation and contraction. This review summarizes the rationale, procedure, clinical trials, and clinical indications for CRT.


Since 2010, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has piloted the CDIO model for the manufacturing engineering program. Up to now, various engineering skills have been integrated into the courses. Innovative design problems and projects are planned throughout core courses. Those engineering skills are consolidated by four project-based courses of the program, including: Introduction to engineering project, Machine Design project, Manufacturing engineering project, and Capstone project. In this paper, we present the objectives, contents, innovative design problems, implementation process, the measures and results achieved after three years of CDIO implementation. After completing some core courses, the project courses will help students improve the CDIO skills through the designing and building of a real model. ELearning system has supported a lot for teaching and learning process so that these activities can take place anytime and anywhere. Student"s scores are evaluated by not only lecturers but also classmates. The achievement of intended learning outcomes is verified from student"s surveys, together with the results of assessment activities. The end of this paper is the analysis and assessment of results achieved through the active, experiential learning methods, the integrating skills into subjects as well as addresses lessons learned from the CDIO implementation.


Ambient assisted living (AAL) applications are intended to allow elderly people to stay at home while connected to their family and medical staff. These applications involve several services as health-care services or infotainment, which are executed on different environments such as hospital, proximity doctor, family homes. These environments constitute a distributed, heterogeneous, highly dynamic infrastructure that makes it necessary to build AAL applications as adaptive software including the necessary mechanisms to dynamically modify their behavior. In this paper we propose a multi-level model to build context-aware self-adaptive entities: the basic level defines the mandatory functionalities for adaptive entities, while upper-levels define how to coordinate adaptation of primitive or composite entities. The generic nature of the model is illustrated by its use when building a self-adaptive distributed data management service for an AAL application.


Since most common form of cervical cancer starts with pre-cancerous changes, a flawless detection of these changes becomes an important issue to prevent and treat the cervix cancer. There are 2 ways to stop this disease from developing. One way is to find and treat pre-cancers before they become true cancers, and the other is to prevent the pre-cancers in the first place. The presented approach uses precancerous images which are taken from a digital colposcope, and a set of texture and color features is extracted which includes low and high grade SIL (Squamous Interepithelial Lesion ) .After extracting, features are fed to a classifier, which could be KNN,RBF,MLP and Neuro-Fuzzy network and after training effective features are selected using UTA algorithm for each classifier individually. Finally, results come in a comparison table, show that the landa fourteenth, theta-x and together with Neuro-fuzzy classifier have the best overall performance. This approach has an acceptable and simple early diagnosis of cervix cancer and may have found clinical application.