The heterogeneity of cloud resources implies sub-stantial overhead to deploy and configure adequate security mechanisms. In that context, we propose a software-defined security strategy based on unikernels to support the protection of cloud infrastructures. This approach permits to address management issues by uncoupling security policy from their enforcement through programmable security interfaces. It also takes benefits from unikernel virtualization properties to support this enforcement and provide resources with low attack surface. These resources correspond to highly constrained configurations with the strict minimum for a given period. We describe the management framework supporting this software-defined security strategy, formalizing the generation of unikernel images that are dynamically built to comply with security requirements over time. Through an implementation based on MirageOS, and extensive experiments, we show that the cost induced by our security integration mechanisms is small while the gains in limiting the security exposure are high.


Introduction: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency, which is a turning point in the natural history of the cirrhosis. Predictive factors of recurrence and survival after first episode of SBP in cirrhotic patients remain until now little known. Identifying these factors could improve the management of these patients. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and the risk factors for recurrence after a first episode of SBP in cirrhotic patients and to evaluate its impact on the prognosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including consecutive cirrhotic patients admitted in the Gastroenterology Department of Habib Thameur Hospital for the management of a first episode of SBP between January 2003 and December 2017. Patients, cirrhosis and first episode of SBP characteristics were studied. The occurrence of a recurrence during follow-up was investigated. Predictive factors for SBP recurrence and its impact on the survival were evaluated in patients who were on secondary prophylaxis. Results: Eight hundred and twelve cirrhotic patients were collected. Our study focused on 90 patients who developed a first episode of SBP, meaning a prevalence of 11%. The mean age at diagnosis was 63 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.66. Most of cirrhosis was due to viral hepatitis (54%). Child Pugh score was B in 51% of cases and C in 49% of cases. The average MELD score was 21 [range 9 to 41]. The infection was nosocomial in 18% of cases. The average protein concentration in ascitic fluid was 14.86 g/l. Antibiotic therapy was mainly based on third-generation cephalosporins (94%). Eighteen percent of patients required escalation of antimicrobial treatment. Hospital mortality following the first episode of SBP was 10%. The SBP recurrence rate was 26% among patients who survived their first infectious episode. The average time to the occurrence of the first SBP recurrence compared to the first episode was 162 days. Predictive factors of SBP recurrence in univariate analysis were beta blocker use, refractory ascites, portal hypertensive gastropathy, the presence of hepatic encephalopathy at admission, high CRP level at admission with a cut off 30 mg/l and high MELD score with a cut off 17. In multivariate analysis, only portal hypertensive gastropathy was an independent factor of SBP recurrence (p=0.04). In terms of prognostic impact, SBP recurrence was associated with a decrease in survival, from 12.2 months in the absence of recurrence to 7.2 months in case of recurrence (p=0.6). Conclusion: In these present study, prevalence of SBP recurrence was 2.58%. It was often early and greatly reduced survival. The presence of portal hypertensive gastropathy may be useful in predicting recurrence of SBP.


Background:Oxidative stress contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. Tools for evaluating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative characteristics of an individual's diet as a whole may be valuable for assessing the combined effects of dietary antioxidants on health. This population-based study aimed to investigate the association between dietary antioxidants and cardiac disease.Methods:In this population-based cross-sectional study, 10439 individuals aged 40-70 years were recruited during 2014-2017 in Kherameh cohort study which is a part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN). The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 130 food items was used to assess the dietary intakes. Vitamin A, E, C, selenium, zinc and Manganese intakes were used to compute dietary antioxidant index (DAI) and dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQs).Results:The participants' mean age was 52.1± 8.3 years. Among all, 4356 (41.7%) were overweight and 1892 (18.1%) were obese. According to the results, odds of cardiac diseases decreased by increasing DAI score (OR=0.80, Pvalue <0.001). , Odds of cardiac diseases increased by lower DAQS after adjusting for demographic variables including age, sex, BMI, Marital status and hypertension (OR=0.799, P value=0.002)Conclusion:The role of anti-oxidants in reducing the odds of cardiovascular disease is very important. Our results highlighted that DAQS and DAI had protective effect on the odds of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is suggested that anti-oxidants as zinc, manganese, selenium, and vitamins A, E and C should be taken through food to reduce the risk of the disease.


Throughout history, architecture and urban design have been manipulated in the service of politics. Because government buildings serve as symbols of the state, we can learn much about a political regime by observing closely what it builds. In this book, Lawrence J. Vale explores parliamentary complexes in capital cities on six continents, showing how the buildings housing national government institutions are products of the political and cultural balance of power within pluralist societies. By viewing architecture and urban design in the light of political history and cultural production, Vale expands the scope and cogency of design criticism and demonstrates that the manipulation of environmental meaning is an important force in urban development. Vale begins by tracing the evolution of the modern designed capital--from Washington, D.C., Canberra, New Delhi, and Ankara, to the post-World War II capitals of Chandigarh and Brasilia, to Abuja, Nigeria, and Dodoma, Tanzania, planned in the 197Os and still largely unrealized. He then provides close readings of the architecture, urban design, and political history of four smaller parliamentary complexes completed in the 198Os, in Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and Bangladesh. These essays situate the parliamentary designs in the wider context of postcolonial struggles to build the symbols and institutions of democratic government during periods of rapid political and economic change. In the final chapter of the book, Vale addresses the dilemmas facing designers who undertake to deliver national identity as part of their design commission.


One interesting phenomenon of natural conversation is overlapping speech. Besides causing difficulties in automatic speech processing, such overlaps carry information on the state of the overlapper: competitive overlaps (i.e. "interruptions") can signal disagreement or the feeling of being overlooked, and cooperative overlaps (i.e. supportive interjections) can signal agreement and interest. These hints can be used to improve humanmachine interaction. In this paper we present an approach for automatic classification of competitive and cooperative overlaps using the emotional content of the speakers' utterances before and after the overlap. For these experiments, we use real-world data from human-human interactions in call centres. We also compare our approach to standard acoustic classification on the same data and come to the conclusion, that emotional features are clearly superior to acoustic features for this task, resulting in an unweighted average f-measure of 71.9%. But we also find that acoustic features should not be entirely neglected: using a late fusion procedure, we can further improve the unweighted average f-measure by 2.6%.


A survey was conducted in 2014 to determine the abundance and distribution of Striga hermonthica in selected woredas of Tigray. S. hermonthica was commonly distributed across all study sites, its prevalence varied among sites (Kebelies). The highest levels of Striga infestation was observed at Hadinet (400), Dabano (390), Nebar Hadinet (351), Giera (299), Hadas Lemlem (278), Selam (267), and Zuriya Dansha (261). Whereas, the lowest levels of Striga infestation was registered at Genetie (33), Gergellie (54), Kara Adishabo (59), Rawyan (81), Mentebteb (81), and Adi Keyh (84) shoots of striga shoots per m 2 , respectively. Abundance and distribution map of S. hermonthica was developed for the study area. On the other hand, the highest density of Striga shoots per plant of sorghum was recorded at Kulugizie Lemlem (38), Nebar Hadinet (27), Zuriya Dansha (27), Hadinet (19), Selam (17), Dabano (17), and Giera (16) respectively. Whereas, the lowest density of Striga shoots per plant of sorghum was registered at Genetie (4), Mentebteb (4), Rawyan (5), May Shek (7), Kara Adishabo (7) and Mitsa Werki (7). The highest level of Striga infestation was recorded at sites which had got the highest population density of sorghum, sites with low organic matter and available soil phosphorous content and sandy textured soils. Management practices channeled towards improving these limitations have been suggested for controlling of S. hermonthica in the region.


Intense competition on short product life cycles in fashion retailing present a number of marketing challenges for retail firms. In order to survive in this industry it is vital for participants to develop and leverage marketing capabilities. Marketing capabilities used by many firms to maintain firm performances. The main study of this research is to investigate the marketing capabilities among SME fashion and apparel retailer in Bangi. Firm performance being a dependent variables in this research and measured by four independent variables which is customer service, store image differentiation, promotional capability and ICT adoption. A review of literature was conducted to find out the firm performance on fashion and apparel retailer. The literature review showed the relationship. This research is based on 67 respondents which collected in Bangi. Sampling method used in this study is convenience sampling. The data was analyzed using correlation coefficient and regression by using SPSS software. The findings showed that are positive relationship between these marketing capabilities and firm performance. However, the result showed that customer service, store image differentiation and promotional capability has significant impact on firm performance.


Influenza is an acute viral respiratory disease, which can also cause gastroenteritis like symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Immune dysfunction of adipose tissue is involved in the occurrence and prognosis of influenza viral pneumonia. In this study, we analyzed the intestinal and adipose immune responses in mice contracted with influenza virus and found that the impairment of intestinal and adipose immunity response to influenza infection in mice can be restored by puerarin, which is isolated from Gegen (Chinese name).Here, we report that the lung, small intestines(duodenum, ileum, jejunum) and large intestines(colon and rectum) show obvious inflammatory lesions in mice following virus infection, with significantly increased levels of viral load, inflammatory cytokines[interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17,and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a],Toll 3, 4 and 9, integrin avb3 and a4, decreased sIgA level compared to that of NC group (P<0.05~0.001). Influenza virus could infect mesenteric lymph nodes and adipose tissue of mice, and the adipokines (e.g., leptin, visfatin, chemokine and adiponectin) of lung and mesenteric adipose tissue are disordered. Puerarin improved the impairment of the intestinal and adipose immune responses in mice infected with influenza virus. Our findings suggest that influenza virus infection can infect adipose tissue and lead to intestinal adipose immune dysfunction in normal-weight mice. The impairment of intestinal and adipose immunity response to influenza infection in mice could be restored by puerarin.


The article presents the results of a study to identify new possible historical sources and determine their informational potential for historical reconstruction of the process of preparing and conducting little-known expeditionary researches of mineralogist A.F. Gebel and naturalist, ornithologist H.F. Gebel on the Kola Peninsula in the late 19th – early 20th centuries. Within the framework of humanitarian and system approaches, the research methodology was based on general scientific methods of scientific knowledge, archival, source study, problem-chronological, comparative, historical-genetic (retrospective) methods. The studies of the North-West of the Russian Empire represented a separate area of expeditionary academic research. At that time, private expeditions were organized, related to the development of industry in Russia, which made necessary the study of internal natural resources, mainly in the European part of Russia and the comprehensive studies of the extreme northern and arctic regions. The revealed archival materials of the fund of the Office of the Conference of the Academy of Sciences and the personal fund of the Director of the Mineralogical Museum of the Academy of Sciences A.F. Gebel represent a multidimensional complex thematic body of sources, consisting of creative, personal, organizational, administrative, protocolar, reporting documentation and business correspondence. Sources for studying the biography and expeditionary activity of H.F. Gebel were obituaries and lifetime published reporting expedition materialspaper presents the results of a study to identify new possible historical sources and determine their informational potential for historical reconstruction of the process of preparing and conducting little-known expeditionary researches of mineralogist A.F. Gebel and naturalist, ornithologist H.F. Gebel on the Kola Peninsula in the late 19th – early 20th centuries. Within the framework of humanitarian and system approaches, the research methodology was based on general scientific methods of scientific knowledge, archival, source study, problem-chronological, comparative, historicalgenetic (retrospective) methods


Introduction Recent advances in technology have made it possible to develop robots for preparing injectable anticancer drugs. This study aims to compare characteristics between robots available in the European market in 2022 and to help future pharmacy users in their choices. Methods Three sources of data were used: (1) a review of published articles in the MEDLINE database from November 2017 to end of June 2021 on chemotherapy-compounding robots used in hospital; (2) all manufacturers' documentation, and (3) demonstrations of robot operations in real hospital conditions and discussions with users and manufacturers. Robot characteristics included number of robots installed, general technical characteristics, type of injectable chemotherapy produced and compatible materials, productivity data, preparation control methods, residual manual tasks, chemical and microbiological risk management, cleaning method, software, and implementation time. Results Seven robots commercialized were studied. Several technical characteristics have to be taken into account in selecting the robot whose match the specific needs of a particular hospital, and which often require rethinking the current production workflow as well as the organization of the pharmacy unit. In addition to increasing productivity, the robots improve the quality of production thanks to better traceability, reproducibility, and precision of sampling. They also improve user protection against chemical risk, musculoskeletal disorders, and needle wounds. Nevertheless, when robotization is being planned, there are still numerous residual manual tasks to keep in mind. Conclusion Robotization of the production of injectable anticancer drugs is booming within anticancer chemotherapy preparation pharmacy units. Feedback from this experience needs to be further shared with the pharmacy community regarding this significant investment.


This guide is designed to help graduate level social work students complete assigments regarding communities and the needs of the populations they serve. Sources for scholarly literature in social work.


: Shortest path routing leaves connections at risk of interception and eavesdropping since the path over which data packets travel is fairly predictable and easy to determine. Security has become one of the major issues for data communication over wired and wireless networks. Different from the past work on the designs of network security algorithms and system infrastructures, we will propose a dynamic broadcast routing algorithm that could randomize delivery paths for data transmission. The algorithm is easy to implement and compatible with popular routing protocols, such as the Routing Information Protocol in wired networks and Destination-Sequenced Distance Vector protocol in wireless networks, without introducing extra control messages. The simulation results have been verified from the proposed algorithm and it shows the capability of the proposed algorithm.


Playlists are a natural delivery method for music recommendation and discovery systems. Recommender systems offering playlists must strive to make them relevant and enjoyable. In this paper we survey many current means of generating and evaluating playlists. We present a means of comparing playlists in a reduced dimensional space through the use of aggregated tag clouds and topic models. To evaluate the fitness of this measure, we perform prototypical retrieval tasks on playlists taken from radio station logs gathered from Radio Paradise and Yes.com, using tags from Last.fm with the result showing better than random performance when using the query playlist's station as ground truth, while failing to do so when using time of day as ground truth. We then discuss possible applications for this measurement technique as well as ways it might be improved.


Colonization of roots by Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 (PcO6) involves root surface coverage through surface motility and biofilm formation. Root colonization and the production of antifungal phenazines are important in the ability of the bacterium to protect plants against pathogens. In this in vitro study we report that both biofilm formation and phenazine production are differentially influenced by nutrition and the presence of polyethylene oxide/polypropylene oxide triblock copolymer surfactants (Pluronics). Such surfactants are used for many purposes including agricultural formulations. Four Pluronics differing in molecular weight and in hydrophobic/hydrophilic proportions had distinct effects on biofilm formation and secondary metabolite production, although each increased surface motility, termed swarming, to a similar extent. These findings show that Pluronics had specific metabolic impacts on the bacterium, where both up- and downregulation was achieved depending on the medium and the Pluronic composition. In environmental and agricultural settings, Pluronics may have unanticipated effects on soil microorganisms, while in bioprocessing these effects may be leveraged to regulate metabolite yield.


Background: Family studies in developed countries show an increased prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies in first degree relatives of children with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Such data is scarce from developing country setups. Materials and Methods: Thyroid profiles and autoantibodies were evaluated in 50 first degree relatives of 50 children with AIT. Results: Eleven (22%) subjects had raised thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); 4 fathers (42.5%), 3 mothers (12%), 1 brother (33%) and 3 (23%) sisters. Three (6%) showed thyroid profiles consistent with hypothyroidism. Levels of triiodothyronine (T 3 ) were raised in 7 (28%) mothers and 2 (15.4%) sisters while 2 (8%) mothers and 3 (23.1%) sisters also had increased thyroxine (T 4 ) levels; none had low TSH or clinical evidence of hyperthyroidism. Anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies were positive in 9 (18%) subjects; 4 mothers (4/25, 16%) 3 fathers (3/9, 33%) and 2 sisters (2/13, 15.4%). Mean T 3 levels were lower, mean T4 were similar and mean TSH levels were higher in TPO-positive as compared TPO-negative subjects. Anti-Tg antibody positivity was found in 32 (64%) subjects; 14 (56%) mothers, 7 (77.7%) fathers and 11 (84.6%) sisters. Mean thyroid hormone levels were similar in Anti-Tg positive and negative subjects. Two (8%) mothers, 1 (7.7%) sister and 2 (22.2%) fathers had both antibodies in their serum; their thyroid profiles were similar to subjects with anti-TPO positivity. Conclusions: Thyroid dysfunction is present in first degree relatives of North Indian children with AIT. Anti-TPO antibodies are less common but have strong correlation with thyroid dysfunction. Conversely, anti-thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies are commonly detected but correlate poorly with thyroid dysfunction.


A National Library of Medicine information access grant allowed for a collaborative project to provide computer resources in fourteen clinical practice sites that enabled health care professionals to access medical information via PubMed and the Internet. Health care professionals were taught how to access quality, cost-effective information that was user friendly and would result in improved patient care. Selected sites were located in medically underserved areas and received a computer, a printer, and, during year one, a fax machine. Participants were provided dial-up Internet service or were connected to the affiliated hospital's network. Clinicians were trained in how to search PubMed as a tool for practicing evidence-based medicine and to support clinical decision making. Health care providers were also taught how to find patient-education materials and continuing education programs and how to network with other professionals. Prior to the training, participants completed a questionnaire to assess their computer skills and familiarity with searching the Internet, MEDLINE, and other health-related databases. Responses indicated favorable changes in information-seeking behavior, including an increased frequency in conducting MEDLINE searches and Internet searches for work-related information.


A 66-year-old male was admitted with a two-month history of vomiting and weight loss. Endoscopy showed a pyloric obstruction and the patient underwent subtotal gastrectomy with gastro- jejunostomy. The histopathological study of the specimen revealed primary hypertrophic pyloric stenosis without any evidence of duodenal peptic disease. In the adult, this is a rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction of unknown etiology. It is usually recognized by histopathological examination of the specimen after a gastric resection performed to treat gastric outlet obstruction syndrome. However, some endoscopic and radiological signs, such as the cervix sign, or elongation of the pyloric channel, may give clues about the presence of the disease preoperatively. In symptomatic cases, surgery is the preferred treatment modality.


Abstract Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of histones represent a crucial regulatory mechanism of nucleosome and chromatin dynamics in various of DNA-based cellular processes, such as replication, transcription and DNA damage repair. Lysine succinylation (Ksucc) is a newly identified histone PTM, but its regulation and function in chromatin remain poorly understood. Here, we utilized an expressed protein ligation (EPL) strategy to synthesize histone H4 with site-specific succinylation at K77 residue (H4K77succ), an evolutionarily conserved succinylation site at the nucleosomal DNA-histone interface. We then assembled mononucleosomes with the semisynthetic H4K77succ in vitro. We demonstrated that this succinylation impacts nucleosome dynamics and promotes DNA unwrapping from the histone surface, which allows proteins such as transcription factors to rapidly access buried regions of the nucleosomal DNA. In budding yeast, a lysine-to-glutamic acid mutation, which mimics Ksucc, at the H4K77 site reduced nucleosome stability and led to defects in DNA damage repair and telomere silencing in vivo. Our findings revealed this uncharacterized histone modification has important roles in nucleosome and chromatin dynamics.


Several lines of evidence suggest that metabolic changes in the kynurenic acid (KYNA) pathway are related to the etiology of schizophrenia. The inhibitor of kynurenine 3‐monooxygenase (KMO) is known to increase KYNA levels, and the KMO gene is located in the chromosome region associated with schizophrenia, 1q42‐q44. Single‐marker and haplotype analyses for 6‐tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of KMO were performed (cases = 465, controls = 440). Significant association of rs2275163 with schizophrenia was observed by single‐marker comparisons (P = 0.032) and haplotype analysis including this SNP (P = 0.0049). Significant association of rs2275163 and haplotype was not replicated using a second, independent set of samples (cases = 480, controls = 448) (P = 0.706 and P = 0.689, respectively). These results suggest that the KMO is unlikely to be related to the development of schizophrenia in Japanese.


The ITER neutral beam system will be equipped with large radio frequency (RF) driven negative ion sources, with a cross section of 0.9 m × 1.9 m, which have to deliver extracted D- ion beams of 57 A at 1 MeV for 1 h. On the extraction from a large ion source experiment test facility, a source of half of this size is being operational since 2013. The goal of this experiment is to demonstrate a high operational reliability and to achieve the extracted current densities and beam properties required for ITER. Technical improvements of the source design and the RF system were necessary to provide reliable operation in steady state with an RF power of up to 300 kW. While in short pulses the required D- current density has almost been reached, the performance in long pulses is determined in particular in Deuterium by inhomogeneous and unstable currents of co-extracted electrons. By application of refined caesium evaporation and distribution procedures, and reduction and symmetrization of the electron currents, considerable progress has been made and up to 190 A/m2 D-, corresponding to 66% of the value required for ITER, have been extracted for 45 min.


In terms of increasing quality of reproduction there is sometimes a need to print additional spot inks together with the standard CMYK inks. One of the digital printing techniques that can achieve that is the liquid toner electrophotography. Modern printing machines that work on the principle of liquid toner electrophotography include an additional spot ink printing option. In this paper the impact of additional spot colour printing on a 4-colored reproduction will be analyzed, and by using spectrophotometric test a possible increase in quality will be defined. It is necessary to define how additional spot colours affect the reproduction of full tones, screening surfaces (CIEΔE, gamut reproduction) and how the printing substrate affects the final reproduction.


Background: triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks of treatment approaches rather than other subtypes of breast cancer. However, it characterizes the highest the level of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) than other subtypes, indicating the possibility of immunotherapy. Method: female BALB/c background mice are immunized with a TPX2 derived vaccine 4 consecutive times (once a week) from 6 weeks old, and then 4T1 cells are transplanted to the #4 mammary fatpad. Surface tumor volume and No. of lung metastasis were recorded. TIL and splenocyte was collected for T cell subgroup analysis by methods of flow cytometry and IFN-γ ELISPOT. Result: as a result, TPX2 derived vaccine shows moderate effect, shrinking the tumor volume from 804.4 to 504.5 mm3, and decreasing the number of lung metastasis from 16.6 to 6.0 in control group compared to vaccine group. CD8+ T cell ratio are obviously increased in TIL between vaccine group and control group (5.87% vs 3.37%, P=0.0012). And vaccine could induce strong immune response both in tumor site (87.6 vs 7.0, p=0.0004) and system (28.2 vs 3.8, p<0.0001) through IFN-γ ELISPOT. Conclusion: our result indicated that TPX2 derived vaccine may be an effective approach to inhibit TNBC tumorigenesis and metastasis.


We report four children (three sibs and one sporadic case) with congenital sutural cataract (opacity of the sutures of the crystalline lens), retinitis pigmentosa (leading to diminished visual acuity), microcephaly, and moderate to severe psychomotor retardation. The three sibs (two F and one M) were born to healthy, consanguineous Moroccan parents; the sporadic case is an 11-year-old Dutch girl who presented at the age of nine months with a small head circumference (third percentile) and sutural cataract. Psychomotor development was retarded in all cases, retinitis pigmentosa became evident during middle or late childhood. Congenital cataract has been described in association with a large number of various congenital abnormalities, such as renal, nervous system, skeletal, dermal and ocular (including retinal) defects. A computer-assisted literature search has not revealed similar cases to those presented here. The cases described here appear to have a previously undescribed combination of ophthalmological and cerebral abnormalities. The inheritance of the condition appears to be autosomal recessive as a brother and two sisters (offspring of normal consanguineous parents) are affected. The differential diagnosis is discussed.


The muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis (MG) is mediated by autoantibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction. Production of these pathogenic autoantibodies is believed to be associated with germinal centers (GC) and anti-AChR-secreting plasma cells in the hyperplastic thymus of patients with early onset MG (EOMG). Here, we describe the repertoire of rearranged heavy chain V genes and their clonal origins in GC from a typical EOMG patient. Three hundred fifteen rearranged Ig VH genes were amplified, cloned, and sequenced from sections of four thymic GC containing AChR-specific B cells. We found that thymic GC contain a remarkably heterogeneous population of B cells. Both naive and circulating memory B cells undergo Ag-driven clonal proliferation, somatic hypermutation, and selection. Numerous B cell clones were present, with no individual clone dominating the response. Comparisons of B cell clonal sequences from different GC and known anti-AChR Abs from other patients showed convergent mutations in the complementarity determining regions. These results are consistent with AChR driving an ongoing GC response in the thymus of EOMG patients. This is the first detailed analysis of B cell clones in human GC responding to a defined protein Ag, and the response we observed may reflect the effects of chronic stimulation by autoantigen.


The attempts to clarify (purify) the conceptual foundations of family therapy by means of "epistemology" have bred excitement, boredom, irritation and confusion. In the belief that at least the confusion can be alleviated, the present paper is offered as a study guide and something of a Rosetta Stone for translating the work of Gregory Bateson and Humberto R. Maturana. The paper demonstrates that Maturana's work is highly compatible with that of Bateson. In addition, several major points of contrast are argued: (1) Maturana's concept of structure determinism is an explicit ontological claim which directly implies an epistemology, whereas Bateson delineated an epistemology, but never clearly developed a corresponding ontology; (2) structure determinism is a more general concept than Bateson's concept of "mind" (i.e., cybernetic epistemology); (3) structure determinism deletes the remnants of objectivity from Bateson's theory (i.e., "the difference that makes a difference"); and (4) Maturana's concept of instructive interaction is a more general, nonsystemic version of what Bateson meant when he used the term "epistemological error." Finally, it is claimed that the emphasis on epistemology has distracted proponents and detractors alike from the essential message of Bateson and Maturana: social systems and all human endeavor must be understood in light of our existence as biological entities that are coupled to a medium. The biological ontology implicit in Bateson's writings and explicitly delineated in Maturana's may (at long last) provide a sound foundation for the social and behavioral sciences.


A belt of imbricate thrust faults, here named the "Swansea thrust fault system," is exposed for a distance of about 27 km along the western flank of the southern Inyo Mountains, and it may Continue another 25 to 30 km to the southeast. The faults cut rocks of probable Early Jurassic age. Faults such as these may be formed within a structural ramp over which large thrust sheets may ride. Direction and time of movement on the fault system are similar to those on generally horizontal thrust faults underlying large allochthons to the north and northeast, but the Swansea faults occur entirely within the autochthonous sequence. The Swansea thrust fault system, therefore, is interpreted as representing deformation within a structural ramp that was overridden by thrust sheets related to those now preserved to the northeast.


The Margin Protection Program for Dairy Producers is a voluntary risk-management program for dairy farmers—it offers protection when the national average margin (the difference between the U.S. all-milk price and the estimated average feed cost) falls below a level selected by the dairy farmer. This study examines the potential impact of the program on average margins and risk at different levels of coverage for both the protected margin ($4.00-$8.00 per hundredweight) and the percentage of production history covered (25-90 percent). Margins are constructed for 13 major production regions, and risk-reduction levels are assessed using regional milk and feed prices as though the program had been in place during 2002-13. Results suggest that small operations (those with a 4-million-pound production history) would have seen increases in average margins and reductions in downside margin risk with more milk covered at higher coverage levels. Larger operations (those with a production history of 20 or 40 million pounds) would have generally seen increases in average margins when protected up to the $6.50 level, with margins being maximized at $6.00 coverage.


A mask-free inkjet printing (IJP) process has been developed to fabricate color filters. The coffee ring effect was used to create a ring-edged bank array with fine structures by IJP of poly(methylmethacrylate). After the color filtering inks were deposited in the banks, a color filter panel was made without any transitional photolithography process. The resulting color coordinates of the three primary colors on the chromaticity diagram are (0.70, 0.30), (0.33, 0.60) and (0.14, 0.09), respectively, covering 67.8% of the National Television System Committee standard. This process can be used with flexible substrates to produce low-cost inkjet printed color filters.


OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Despite many biomechanical risk factors being clearly linked to the development of musculoskeletal disorders, little measurement of the prevalence of physical loads in workplaces is being conducted. Through a collaborative partnership with unions, a health and safety organization, and researchers, this project developed and tested a questionnaire to document exposures to physical workloads in workplaces. Surveys were first completed independently by two members of each organization's joint health and safety committee. The same survey was later completed collectively to arrive at a consensus between the two members. Results of the surveys were then compared to findings from a walk-through conducted by an ergonomist. Substantial to excellent agreement was found between the identification and assessment of exposure levels to 26 types of physical loading by the ergonomist and workplace. Such a survey could be an efficient technique to characterize the loads to which workers are exposed. Such data could have value for targeting prevention activities at a workplace or jurisdictional level.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: The presence and level of exposure to mechanical risk factors can be considered leading indicators in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Although there are multiple methods for musculoskeletal disorder risk assessment, most of these methods record data related to an individual person performing a specific task. Rather in this questionnaire, we are collecting the exposure data at the workplace level (i.e., for all people experiencing this type of load). Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop and test a survey to document the presence and levels of multiple types of physical loading in a workplace. Methods: A survey requesting information on exposure to 26 types of loading was developed. It was distributed to management and worker representatives for their individual and then their consensus ratings. The same survey was completed by an ergonomist during a site visit. Results: Complete data sets were obtained from 30 workplaces across a variety of sectors. The most prevalent loads reported were sitting, neck bent or twisted, computer use, and carrying loads. For the presence or absence of specific loads, the consensus and ergonomist's ratings agreed well with over 90% for nine of 26 load types and over 70% agreement for 10 other load types. For a calculated exposure index, only four load types differed significantly across the two types of raters. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that a survey completed by individuals familiar with the workplace could be used to document exposure to physical loading at a workplace level in an efficient manner. Such a survey may be useful in understanding the nature and prevalence of such exposures and targeting prevention activities at a workplace or jurisdictional level.


Purpose
During the COVID-19 outbreak, clinical schools across the UK were forced to switch their learning from face-to-face to online platforms. This paper aims to describe the experiences of psychiatry teachers and medical students at Cambridge University of the online psychiatry case-based tutorials during the COVID-19 outbreak and the lessons learned from this implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted qualitative focus groups with students followed by in-depth individual interviews with students and teachers.

Findings
In a data-led systematic text condensation analysis, this study found seven themes: the COVID-19 context, the structure of the course, teachers' educational ethos, beyond the (teaching) script, possibilities for learning or teaching reflective practice, attitudes to online learning and suggestions for future development. The authors then applied the normalisation process theory (NPT) as the theoretical frame of reference. This model has previously been applied to the implementation of telemedicine in psychiatry, to understand how new technology can become embedded in clinical care.

Originality/value
This study's results show how the NPT model can be modified to support the delivery of medical education online, including reflective learning and practice as an iterative process at every stage of the implementation and delivery of the teaching.


Introduction: Understanding the antenatal mothers' knowledge and attitude towards family planning (FP) helps to enhance their family well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and factors associated with family planning practices (FPP) among antenatal mothers attending a state hospital in Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of 500 antenatal mothers attending clinic services at the Teaching Hospital, Mahamodara, Sri Lanka. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed in data analysis. Results: The majority of antenatal mothers were Sinhalese (92.6%) and Buddhists (91.2%). The majority was in the age group of 20-30 years (57.8%) and lived in rural areas (85.0%). Among the study participants, 41.2% were primiparous. The mean scores obtained for knowledge and attitude on FPP were 19.54 (±5.43) and 26.20 (±4.18), respectively. Among the participants, 41.0% had moderate and 27.4% had high level of knowledge on FPP. Ethnicity, religion, and parity (p<0.001) were associated with the level of knowledge. Sinhalese, Buddhist women with high parity, had a higher level of knowledge (p<0.001). Only 58.4% had a positive attitude on FPP. Ethnicity (p=0.04), religion (p=0.03) and educational status (p=0.02) were associated with attitude on FPP. Antenatal mothers who were, Sinhalese, Buddhist and educated up to G.C.E. (A/L) had positive attitudes on FPP (p<0.05).
Conclusions: A high proportion of antenatal mothers had moderate to high level of knowledge and positive attitude on FPP, which were significantly associated with ethnicity, religion, education and parity.
Keywords: Antenatal mothers, Associated factors, Attitude, Family planning practices, Knowledge


Magnetic critical temperature of composite superconductors has been studied for providing a new standard method for the critical temperature measurement. Various magnetization-temperature curves of Cu/NbTi, Cu/Nb3Sn and Ag/Bi-2223 wires were measured using a SQUID magnetometer and an ac susceptometer. In the case of SQUID magnetometer measurements, we employed a two-field-direction method to obtain higher resolution near the onset temperature. In ac susceptometer measurements, various amplitudes from 2 Oe to 10 Oe with frequencies from 11.3 Hz to 1033 Hz were applied to three specimens to study the suitable ac magnetic field and frequency range. Analytical comparison of the magnetic curves with the resistive curves was also accomplished to investigate the validity of the new method as compared with the existing one.


Reconfigurable antennas can utilize more efficiently radio frequency spectrum, facilitating a better access to wireless services in modern radio transceivers. This paper presents the concept of reconfigurable antennas and details the emerging technologies that make reconfigurable antennas possible. First, a description of the methodologies available for designing reconfigurable antennas is presented. Then a description of the physical switch technologies and how they can be utilized for antenna design. Their electrical characteristics are described and comparison done between the two technologies.


Fluoride possesses both essential and toxic potentials. A cross-sectional study recorded the fluoride concentrations in sera of thoroughbred horses 5y of age from 4 localities in India. A total of 628 serum samples of were analyzed for fluoride content using ion selective potentiometry. The mean serum fluoride was estimated as 0.018 +/- 0.002, 0.096 +/- 0.004, 0.16 +/- 0.008 and 0.32 +/- 0.02 ppm in horses from the eastern, central. western and southern parts of the country respectively. Although there were significant difference in fluoride concentration among horses from different zones, all werewithin the normal range for this species.


We read with interest the case reported by Dawalibi et al. (Anaesthesia 1991; 46: 990-1) in which an oximeter (Ohmeda Biox 3700) continued to provide Spo, and heart rate readings from an organ donor for 15 min following cardiectomy. While we agree with the authors that pulse oximeter readings should not be accepted uncritically, we wish to report our experience of a similar case in which apparently reliable readings were obtained. Saturation was measured using a Nellcor N-200-E pulse oximeter (oximeter software version 2.9, powerbase version 2.7). Data from the oximeter communication port were stored on computer using methodology we have previously described [l], so we are able to reproduce the record here (Fig. I) . Prior to cardiectomy, episodes of desaturation were recorded (0.4-0.6 h) which were associated with pulmonary oedema. Following this, Spo, was well maintained until cardiectomy. During cardiectomy, Spo, rapidly declined to around 85%, after which the oximeter displayed a saturation of zero and its pulse-search warning was illuminated. At this time there was a change in the monitor status of the oximeter from 11 (indicating pulse search status: locked) to 10 (indicating pulse search status: search) which coincided with the recorded time of clamp placement and cessation of ventilation. While no independent estimates of Spo, were obtained, all values provided by the oximeter are plausible in the light of the donor's condition. A possible explanation for the discrepancy between these results and those of Dawalibi et al. is use of a different type of oximeter. Our observation suggests that limitations of oximeters may differ ftom one brand to another. This is 100


This paper sketches three mechanisms for dealing with poetic knowledge in art and architecture. These are identified in the reflection on transdisciplinary action in the context of the ongoing research by design project "Art as Vacancy" which looks at the question: "Can expressive mechanisms from the art practice enrich the architectural practice (and vice versa)?". These mechanisms, tentatively called 'recode chunks', 'name things' and 'displacement and proximity', are discussed as instruments to capture or change the poetic potential of designerly action. This is mainly done by transposing known linguistic mechanisms to the field of non-verbal communication.


Over 50 species of liparoceratid ammonites have previously been recognized from the Ibex and Davoei Zones (Lower Pliensbachian, Lower Jurassic) of England alone. Such a high specific diversity is an artifact caused by their stratigraphical importance and the complex nature of their shells. Simple bivariate analysis indicates that Aegoceras species are arbitrary subdivisions of an allometric growth trend. Principal component multivariate analysis shows that Liparoceras and Androgynoceras (sensu Callomon) are quite distinct from Aegoceras, and they display a more random pattern of variation. The existence of stratigraphically useful size changes in liparoceratids mirrors precisely size increases in benthic molluscan taxa, such as the bivalve 'Astarte' platymorpha and the archaeogastropod Eucyclus subimbricata. The ammonite size changes, at least, probably result from phenotypic variation analogous to that observed in the living cephalopod Sepia officinalis. This evidence taken in conjunction with the fact that kosmoceratid ammonite size changes correspond somewhat with benthic faunal changes suggests that ammonites maybe less useful for stratigraphy than is believed.


A rare case of sudoriferous cyst of the orbit occurring in an adult, who had facial trauma, is reported. Several factors suggest its adult onset. The only other case reported in an adult is of presumed childhood origin. Very few congenital cases have been reported. A 65-year-old lady presented with recent onset of left-sided ptosis and a painless mass below the left supraorbital margin. The patient had traumatic ptosis after a road traffic accident 13 years ago. The ptosis was surgically repaired, which resulted in symmetrical palpebral apertures. Computed tomographic scan revealed a well-defined cystic mass in the anterior orbit. The mass was removed in toto by anterior orbitotomy. Histopathological examination revealed a single cyst lined by double-layered cuboidal epithelium in some areas and transitional epithelium at others. A periodic acid Schiff (PAS) positive, diastase-resistant glycocalyx lined the inner epithelium. Apical snouting suggested an apocrine nature. This confirmed a diagnosis of sudoriferous cyst.


Pharmacological doses of zinc oxide (ZnO) have been widely used in pig industry to control post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) symptoms exacerbated by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 infections. Because of environmental issues and regulatory restrictions, ZnO is no longer sustainable, and novel nutritional alternatives to manage PWD are urgently required. Botanicals represent a wide class of compounds employed in animal nutrition because of their diverse beneficial functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro protective action of a panel of essential oils and natural extracts on intestinal Caco-2 cells against an E. coli F4 infection. Moreover, we explored the potential mechanisms of action of all the botanicals compared to ZnO. Amongst the others, thyme essential oil, grape seed extract, and Capsicum oleoresin were the most effective in maintaining epithelial integrity and reducing bacterial translocation. Their mechanism of action was related to the modulation of cellular inflammatory response, the protection of tight junctions' expression and function, and the control of bacterial virulence, thus resembling the positive functions of ZnO. Moreover, despite their mild effects on the host side, ginger and tea tree essential oils provided promising results in the control of pathogen adhesion when employed during the challenge. These outcomes support the advantages of employing selected botanicals to manage E. coli F4 infections in vitro, therefore offering novel environmentally-friendly alternatives to pharmacological doses of ZnO capable to modulate host-pathogen interaction at different levels during PWD in pigs.


Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens of medical and ecological importance whose genomes have been studied extensively over the last decade. Such studies have focused on the remarkably reduced gene content that characterizes all known species, and some have unraveled the mechanisms that are involved in their extreme genome compaction. In the last year, a large number of new genome sequences from several divergent members of the group have been finally released and analyzed, and these have revealed the presence of many features that were previously unsuspected to exist within the group. This study aims to shortly review the most recent progress in the field of microsporidian genomics, highlighting the importance of the most recently released genome data for our understanding of the biology and evolution of this important group of parasites.


Recently, the capability of a SnO2 based silica optical fiber (SOF) sensors to detect ammonia at room temperature in water environment has been for the first time demonstrated [1-3]. The SOF probes were deposited onto the fiber end by the simple and low cost Electrostatic Spray Pyrolysis technique (ESP), which allows to change the layers features by changing the deposition parameters. Here, it is experimentally demonstrated that modifications of the optical near field behavior occur when the sensitive overlay exhibits peaks with dimensions comparable with the light wavelength (1.55 mum). In addition, the influence of the SnO2 layers morphology on the room temperature sensing performances against ammonia, in water environment, is preliminarily investigated. To the aim, before performing the ammonia adsorption measurements, the topography and the optical near field profile for different SnO2-based sensors have been analyzed by a very complex instrumentation able to perform simultaneous atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) imaging.


Background Addressing child labor involves ensuring good health of existing child laborers in addition to reducing their number. Objective To determine different physical and psychological health problems among child laborers in Nepal. Methods and material This study compares the status of health between Nepalese child laborers and school going children of similar age. Nineteen different kinds of labors were selected and the child laborers in those work sectors were included in the study. Two medical doctors examined the children individually, and a psychologist assessed the level of stress indicators among the child laborers. Thus, clinical and psychological assessment were done, and compared with the same among school going children. Results A total of 313 child laborers and 200 school children were included in the study. Most of the laborers (82, 26.2%) were engaged in overland transportation and vehicle repair works. Child workers had significantly poor health status than the school going children, in term of pallor, absence of BCG vaccination, lack of de-worming, dermatitis, discharge from eyes, and ear – nose – throat problems. Two hundred eighty eight (92.1%) of the child workers had at least one psychological stress symptom. Conclusions The health status of child laborers is not satisfactory. Thus, measures to ensure quality health should receive priority while addressing child labor. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i1.5918 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol. 2 No. 1 (2012) 31-38


We investigate the structure and evolution of blue straggler stars, which were formed from direct stellar collisions between main-sequence stars in globular clusters. In particular, we look at the rotational evolution of the products of off-axis collisions. As found in previous work, such blue stragglers initially have too high an angular momentum to contract down to the main sequence. We consider angular momentum loss through either disc locking or locking to an outflowing wind, and we show that both methods allow the merged object to shed sufficient angular momentum to contract down to the main sequence.


Applications for direct breath analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) are rapidly expanding. One of the more recent mass spectrometry-based approaches is secondary electrospray ionization coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (SESI-HRMS). Despite increasing usage, the SESI methodology still lacks standardization procedures for quality control and absolute quantification. In this study, we designed and evaluated a custom-built standard delivery system tailored for direct breath analysis. The system enables the simultaneous introduction of multiple gas-phase standard compounds into ambient MS setups in the lower parts-per-million (ppm) to parts-per-billion (ppb) range. To best mimic exhaled breath, the gas flow can be heated (37 °C–40 °C) and humidified (up to 98% relative humidity). Inter-laboratory comparison of the system included various SESI-HRMS setups, i.e. an Orbitrap and a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (QTOF), and using both single- as well as multi-component standards. This revealed highly stable and reproducible performances with between-run variation <19% and within-run variation <20%. Independent calibration runs demonstrated high accuracy (96%–111%) and precision (>95%) for the single-compound standard acetone, while compound-specific performances were obtained for the multi-component standard. Similarly, the sensitivity varied for different compounds within the multi-component standard across all SESI-Orbitrap and -QTOF setups, yielding limits of detections from 3.1 ppb (for p-xylene) to 0.05 ppb (for 1,8-cineol). Routinely applying the standard system throughout several weeks, allowed us to monitor instrument stability and to identify technical outliers in exhaled breath measurements. Such routine deployment of standards would significantly improve data quality and comparability, which is especially important in longitudinal and multi-center studies. Furthermore, performance validation of the system demonstrated its suitability for reliable absolute quantification while it illustrated compound-dependent behavior for SESI.


In a previous paper Miss Calderwood and the present author examined the losses in the lead sheath of a single-core cable when carrying an alternating current, and concluded that, provided the outgoing and return cables were laid within a certain limiting distance of one another, no difficulty would arise due to eddy currents in the sheaths at normal frequencies. In the present paper this work is extended to cover the case of single-core cables that are both lead-covered and armoured. A theoretical investigation of the reactances and losses is carried out and is checked against the actual test figures obtained by Harvey and Busby. It is shown :- 1. That the flux in the armour, the reactance due to that flux, and the appropriate hysteresis and eddy losses can all be approximately predetermined. 2. That for low-tension transmission, lead-covered and armoured cables are impracticable with armouring as at present constructed. 3. That the use of such cables for e.h.t. transmission is not precluded by the magnetic conditions introduced by the armour, and consequently such cables are practicable. There would, however, be some difficulties to be overcome due to large capacity currents when the transmission distance is great.


Responses of 33 potential host species towards a non-mimetic, dummy, cuckoo egg placed in their nest were tested (N = 372). For 22 of these species, their behavioural responses towards a dummy cuckoo placed near their nest were also tested (N = 193). The species were grouped in A) most common hosts: species which at the moment are losing out in the coevolutionary arms race with the cuckoo and which today represent favorite hosts; B) frequently-used hosts: species which at the moment are assumed to be true cuckoo hosts, but which are not so commonly used as those in group A; C) rarely-used hosts: species which would appear to be suitable hosts, but which despite of this, are rarely used. These species are assumed to be ahead of the cuckoo in the coevolutionary arms race; D) unsuitable hosts: species with a breeding biology which either prevents, or counteracts, cuckoo parasitism. They are therefore assumed never to have been engaged in a coevolutionary arms race with the cuckoo. In the most common hosts the median acceptance rate of the non-mimetic egg was 86 % , in the frequently-used hosts 33 % , in the rarely-used hosts 10 % and in the unsuitable hosts 100 %. In the most common hosts the median rate of aggression shown towards the cuckoo dummy was 50%, but the most numerous species in this group, the meadow pipit, showed aggressive behaviour in 60% of the cases. The median aggression rate both in the frequently-used hosts and the rare hosts was 100 % and in the unsuitable hosts 0%. The bluethroat was the only species which accepted the non-mimetic dummy egg at a higher rate later on during the incubation period than during earlier stages. A positive correlation was found between the power of egg discrimination and the rate of aggression shown towards the dummy cuckoo. Such aggression was stronger when both parents were present at the nest than when only one parent was present. The results of this study lend support to the hypothesis that the differences in the degree of responses by the host species towards parasitism by the cuckoo reflect different stages in a continuous coevolutionary arms race with cuckoos.


Purpose: This survey was done to describe parenting self-efficacy and beliefs in corporal punishment as they are related to child abuse. Also demographic variables that influence child abuse were investigated. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the second week of April 2002. The 160 participants were parents of students in five elementary schools in the J area of Korea. They replied to a structured questionnaire, and 129 replies were included in the final analysis. The WIN SPSS program was used for the analysis. Result: Parenting self-efficacy, beliefs in corporal punishment and child abuse showed no significant differences according to gender of the children. Child abuse by parents has significantly negative correlation with parenting self-efficacy (r=-.369, p=.000), socioeconomic states of family(r=-.290, p=.001), educational level of mother(r=-.211, p=.027), educational level of father(r=-.342, p=.000), parent's age(r=-.200, p=.028). Stepwise multiple regression showed that parenting self-efficacy and beliefs in corporal punishment significantly influence child abuse in Korean parents. Conclusion: As parenting self-efficacy explained 49.7% of child abuse, it is the most important variable for preventing child abuse. Belief in corporal punishment was the second most important variable in preventing child abuse. These two variables explained 53.3% of variance in child abuse by parents.


Due to the anatomical characteristics of the biliary tract, Ascaris lumbricoides rarely settles in the gallbladder, which makes biliary ascariasis a rare clinical condition. Ultrasonography plays a significant and practical role in the diagnosis and follow-up of suspected cases of biliary ascariasis. The 15-year-old case presented herein had been complaining of abdominal pain and dyspepsia for three months, and the clinical and laboratory findings for the patient indicated acute abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography showed worms consistent with Ascaris inside a normal-sized gallbladder, dilated choledochus and the pancreatic duct. We started antiparasitic treatment in the patient, with cholangitis and pancreatitis diagnoses. Post-treatment follow-up ultrasonography showed a normal gallbladder, choledochus and pancreatic duct.


Determination of the gluon density, strong coupling constant and valence quark densities from QCD analysis of the HERA data are presented.


The effect of the quantization of the fringe intensity on the phase error for the general N-bucket algorithm of phase-shifting measurement is formulated. An expression for the statistical relationship between the measured phase error and the fringe intensity error is presented. The expansion of the intensity quantization error in Fourier series allows one to obtain an analytical expression for the variance of the phase given by a general N-bucket algorithm. A numerical simulation was performed and its result is in good agreement with the analytical one. Several factors influencing the quantization effects are discussed.


This paper deals with the distribution, qualities and particular fea-tures of seven metal artefacts from western Greece (modern southern Epirus and Aetoloacarnania), dating from the late 6th or the early 7th through to the 10th century. This material is discussed in the context of contemporary and later evidence so as to identify traces of industrial features of Byzantine settlement. The scarcity and the rather conventional nature of known archaeological evidence do not speak for a ourishing industry of metalwork in the area dur-ing the 7th-10th centuries. However, textual evidence dating from the same period, as well as later archaeological evidence, seems to support the development of a metalwork tradition in northern and western Greece during the Middle Byzantine period.


Adolescence is associated with the onset of puberty, shifts in social and emotional behavior and an increased vulnerability to social anxiety disorder. These transitions coincide with changes in amygdala response to social and affective stimuli. Utilizing an emotional face-matching task, we examined amygdala response to peer-aged neutral and fearful faces in relation to puberty and social anxiety in a sample of 60 adolescent females between the ages of 8 and 15 years. We observed amygdala activation in response to both neutral and fearful faces compared to the control condition but did not observe differential amygdala activation between fearful and neutral faces. Right amygdala activity in response to neutral faces was negatively correlated with puberty and positively correlated with social anxiety, and these effects were statistically independent. Puberty and social anxiety did not relate to amygdala activation in response to fearful faces. These findings suggest that emotional differentiation between fearful and neutral faces may arise during later pubertal development and may result from decreasing sensitivity to neutral faces rather than increasing sensitivity to threatening faces. Furthermore, these findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences in social anxiety when examining the neural response to social stimuli in adolescents.


A model for soliton dynamics on a hydrogen-bond network in helical proteins is proposed. It employs the formalism of fully integrable Toda lattices in three dimensions which admit phonons as well as solitons along the hydrogen bonds of the helices. A simulation of the three-dimensional Toda lattice system shows that the solitons are spontaneously created and are stable and moving along the helix axis. A perturbation on one of the three H-bond lines forms solitons on the other H bonds as well. The robust solitary wave may explain very long-lived modes in the frequency range of 100?cm?1 which are found in recent x-ray laser experiments. The dynamics parameters of the Toda lattice are in accordance with the usual Lennard-Jones parameters used for realistic H-bond potentials in proteins.


Given the size of digital library collections and the inconsistencies in their genre‐related bibliographic metadata, as digital libraries grow and their contents are opened for computational analysis, finding materials of interest becomes a major challenge. This challenge increases for sub‐genres and other categories of text data that are less distinct from the whole. This project pilots machine learning methods and word feature analysis for identifying Black Fantastic genre texts within the HathiTrust Digital Library. These texts are sometimes referred to as "Afrofuturism" but more commonly today described as "Black Fantastic," in which African Diaspora artists and creators engage with the intersections of race and technology in their works with a primary focus on world‐building. Black Fantastic texts pose a challenge to genre classification, as they incorporate aspects of science fiction and fantasy with typical characteristics of African Diaspora‐produced literature. This paper presents and reports on results from a pilot predictive modeling process to computationally identify Black Fantastic texts using curated word feature sets for each class of data: general English‐language fiction, Black‐authored fiction, and Black Fantastic fiction.


A complete equivalent model and analysis of high-efficiency charge-pump gain-increase (PGI) circuits with resistive loads are proposed. Based on this simple analytical model, the characteristics of PGI circuits can be approximately predicted and several handy equations, which are useful for pencil-and-paper design, can also be found for planning the desired circuit to achieve good enough performance with an acceptable accuracy tolerance in the steady state. In addition, an optimized design method for PGI circuits with resistive loads is developed in terms of the total number of gain stages in the design and the ratio between pump capacitors. For 1.5 V supply voltage operation, reliability and accuracy are demonstrated by comparisons between SPICE simulations of the PGI circuit and the results from the equivalent model. The model also has been validated by means of measurements taken from a test chip and typically shows relative open-loop output voltage errors lower than 8%. Finally, although the derivation of the model was based on a PGI circuit, it is shown that the design strategy can also be applied to other charge pump designs that have no voltage drop between the inner stages and the output stage.


The hypervirial perturbative method based on the use of the hypervirial and Hellmann-Feynman theorems to calculate the energy corrections is applied to the eigenvalue equation of Lennard-Jones (n, 6) potentials. The method is used to calculate high accuracy numerical energy eigenvalues and to derive analytic expressions which provide very good estimates for the eigenenergies. The results are compared with those from other procedures such as the shifted 1/N expansion method, the numerical integration of the eigenvalue equation and semiclassical WKBJ calculations.


INTRODUCTION
Duration of treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria for patients undergoing urologic surgical procedures is undetermined. We compared the efficacy of long- versus short-course antimicrobial treatment in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria undergoing urologic surgical procedures.

METHODOLOGY
Patients were divided into two groups according to duration of antimicrobial treatment. Group A patients received a single dose of an appropriate antibiotic, determined by antimicrobial sensitivity testing, 30 to 60 minutes before the surgical procedure. If a urinary catheter was placed postoperatively, a second dose was given following the recommended dose interval. Group B patients received antimicrobial treatment prior to surgery at least until patient urine became sterile. All patients were monitored for signs and symptoms of septicemia following surgical procedures.

RESULTS
None of the patients enrolled in the study developed infectious complications such as sepsis or upper urinary tract infection. In group A, 31 patients were treated with antimicrobials before 39 urological procedures. In group B, the mean treatment time for 28 patients before 30 urological procedures was 8.03 ± 3.86 days. There were also significant differences in length of stay and the cost of antimicrobial therapy between the groups (P < 0.0001). Isolation of an increased number of resistant microorganisms was associated with long course therapy in group B.

CONCLUSIONS
Short course therapy protocol may be a practical, simple approach for antibiotic use; it decreases hospital stays, eliminates delayed procedure times, lowers the economic cost of antimicrobials and lessens the chance of superinfection with and spread of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms.


In this study, the effects of adding metallic Fe particles to coke in an effort to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with sintering were investigated. The changes to the structure and permeability of the sintering bed were analyzed in a laboratory-scale sintering simulator. The results were then used to compare agglomerates material containing metallic Fe particles with a 100% coke bed. The pressure drop of the packed bed of the mixture of model mini-pellets (ACPs) and coke particles increases until the bed reaches the temperature at which the adhering layer of ACP starts to melt, and then starts to gradually decrease. The pressure drop for metallic Fe particles, however, begins to decrease at an earlier stage, and then increases until its peak value. This difference can be attributed to differences in the products formed from oxidation. The sintering experiments were made by making changes to the CaO composition of the sintering bed: 5% to 15% was substituted with metallic Fe particles. A high CaO content resulted in a lower pressure drop of the bed from the start to 200 s sintering apparently due to the difference in the melting behavior of the materials at the initial stage of sintering.


Supplier selection (SC) continues to be a crucial component in manufacturing procurement. Using the PLCC advantages generates revenue and lowers costs more than might be anticipated. Supplier selection (SC) product life cycle cost (SCPLCC) is an important consideration among corporations, SCPLCC problem has become associated with deciding how one supplier should be selected from possible alternatives. Past literature on this topic is limited. We try to close this gap in knowledge. In this study, we attempt to apply two types of goal programming, multiobjective linear programming and revised multichoice goal programming to develop a PLCC-based concept to solve the SCPLCC problem and construct a decision-making tool for application to a case of supply chain management in a Taiwanese light-emitting diode company in the high-tech industry. Our study main contribution Company managers can easily use the two approaches of the SCPLCC model with different parameters to solve SCPLCC model problems. Finally, we are comparing five models found RMCGP with weighted linear goal programming had an adequate effect for application to the PLCC concept for high-technology Company; this cloud makes company decision–makers focus on low PLCC and select a better supplier in sustainable supply chains development.


Batteries with air electrodes are gaining interest as Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) for Electrical Vehicles (EVs) because of their high specific energy density. The electrochemical performance of these batteries is limited by the metallic electrode, which suffers structural transformations and corrosion during cycling that reduces the cycle life of the battery. In this context, relevant information on the discharge products may be obtained by in-situ neutron diffraction, a suitable technique to study electrodes that contain light elements or near neighbor elements in the periodic table. Case studies of MH-air and Fe-air batteries are highlighted.


Compressed video streams are sensitive to errors and losses when transmitted over wireless error-prone channels. In this paper, we propose an Error Resilient (ER) scheme based on Reversible Data Hiding (RDH) and Redundant Slice (RDH-RS). Reversible data hiding is quite effective in unequal protection and can provide satisfactory protection to vital information, while redundant slice works well in protecting mass important data. Our scheme exploits both advantages. At the encoder side, we apply RS protection to odd frames, and embed vital data, the motion vectors (MV) of even frames, into the redundant slice of odd frames by bidirectional-RDH method, thus providing protection to even frames. If an MV of an odd frame cannot be correctly decoded at the decoder side, the redundant slice of odd frame will be utilized for error concealment. If the lost MV belong to an even frame's macro block (MB), then the MV will be retrieved from the redundant slice of prior odd frame and help restoration. As our data hiding method is reversible, no extra visual quality degradation will happen, and the computational burden is quite low. Experimental results demonstrate that RDH-RS method can provide much better protection to fragile compressed video when compared with the previous arts.


Cyclical breast pain or mastalgia occurs in up to 70% of the female population. After exclusion of breast cancer and proper reassurance, only 15% of patients initially presenting will require drug treatment. Using bromocriptine, danazol and evening primrose oil some 77% of patients treated can obtain useful relief of their symptoms.


The market trend towards plant-based protein has seen a significant increase in the last decade. This trend has been projected to continue in the coming years because of the strong factors of sustainability and less environmental impact associated with the production of plant-based protein compared to animal, aside from other beneficial health claims and changes in consumers' dietary lifestyles. In order to meet market demand, there is a need to have plant-based protein ingredients that rival or have improved quality and functionality compared to the traditional animal protein ingredients they may replace. In this review article, we present a detailed and concise summary of the functionality challenges of some plant protein ingredients with associated physical, chemical, and biological processing techniques (traditional and emerging technologies) that have been attempted to enhance them. We cataloged the differences between several studies that seek to address the functionality challenges of selected plant-based protein ingredients without overtly commenting on a general technique that addresses the functionality of all plant-based protein ingredients. Additionally, we elucidated the chemistry behind some of these processing techniques and how they modify the protein structure for improved functionality. Although, many food industries are shifting away from chemical modification of proteins because of the demand for clean label product and the challenge of toxicity associated with scale-up of this technique, so physical and biological techniques are widely being adopted to produce a functional ingredient such as texturized vegetable proteins, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, clean label protein concentrates, de-flavored protein isolates, protein flour, and grits.


In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the conserved phosphatase Cdc14 is required for the exit from mitosis. It is anchored on nucleolar chromatin by the Cfi1/Net1 protein until early anaphase, at which time it is released into the nucleoplasm. Two poorly understood, redundant pathways promote Cdc14 release, the FEAR (Cdc fourteen early release) network and the MEN (mitotic exit network). Through the analysis of genetic interactions, we report here a novel requirement for the ubiquitination of histone H2B by the Bre1 ubiquitin ligase in the cell cycle–dependent release of Cdc14 from nucleolar chromatin when the MEN is inactivated. This function for H2B ubiquitination is mediated by its activation of histone H3 methylation on lysines 4 and 79 (meH3K4 and meH3K79) but, surprisingly, is not dependent on the histone deacetylase (HDAC) Sir2, which associates with Cdc14 on nucleolar chromatin as part of the RENT complex. We also observed a defect in Cdc14 release in cells lacking H3 lysine 36 methylation (meH3K36) and in cells lacking an HDAC recruited by this modification. These histone modifications represent previously unappreciated factors required for the accessibility to and/or action on nucleolar chromatin of FEAR network components. The nonredundant role for these modifications in this context contrasts with the notion of a highly combinatorial code by which histone marks act to control biological processes.


Abstract : This report describes the highlights and summary of the year 2, quarter four (Y2Q4) progress for the 6.2 project Improved Sensitivity Low-Cost Uncooled IR Detector Focal-Plane Arrays. This work occurred during the January 2010 May 2010 time period. The program goals for Y2Q4 corresponded to the continued expansion of our barium titanium oxide (BaTiO3) nanomaterial synthesis capabilities and deposition methods; laser-induced pyroelectric phase conversion studies and nanoscale characterization of the pyroelectric activation process; and fabrication of infrared (IR) test heterostructures for pyroelectrical analysis, along with the development of a technique for generating the requisite IR absorbing layer.


The objective of this study is to assess the recent GRACE and GOCE release 5 (R5) global geopotential models (GGM) in Canada. For the evaluation of the GGM against GPS-Levelling data and deflections of the vertical, the satellite models need to be combined with terrestrial gravity data to determine highresolution geoid models. This process allows a significant reduction of the omission error in the satellite gravity models. The geoid computation is founded on the remove-compute-restore Stokes-Helmert scheme, in which the Stokes kernel function modification is used to constrain the regional geoid models to the spectral bands of the satellite model to be assessed. The resulting geoid models are directly comparable to the GPS-Levelling data, and these same geoid models can be used to derive deflections of the vertical which are compared to astronomic deflections. The data analysis indicates that the GOCE R5 models provide better precision than the GOCE release 4 (R4) models beyond degree and order 180. The accuracy of the GOCE R5 models is estimated to be better than 4-5 cm up to spherical harmonic degree ~200. The astronomic deflections appear not accurate enough to measure improvements in the GOCE R5 models with respect to the GOCE R4 models. For the validation of GGM against terrestrial gravity data over land, EIGEN-6C4, which includes a GOCE R5 model, is assessed in contrast to EGM2008. Our analysis infers that the GOCE contribution in EIGEN-6C4 is more accurate than the corresponding wavelength components in EGM2008, which includes the Canadian terrestrial gravity data.


Effects of pretreatment with L-propionylcarnitine (50 mg/kg, n = 9) or saline (n = 10) were studied in open-chest anesthetized pigs, in which ischemia was induced by decreasing left anterior descending coronary artery blood flow to 20% of baseline. After 60 min of ischemia, myocardium was reperfused for 2 h. In both groups, flow reduction abolished contractile function of the affected myocardium and caused similar decreases in ATP (by 55%) and energy charge [(ATP + 0.5ADP)/(ATP + ADP + AMP); decrease from 0.91 to 0.60], mean arterial blood pressure (by 10-24%), the maximum rate of rise in left ventricular pressure (by 26-32%), and cardiac output (by 20-30%). During reperfusion, "no-reflow" was attenuated by L-propionylcarnitine, because myocardial blood flow returned to 61 and 82% of baseline in the saline- and L-propionylcarnitine-treated animals, respectively. Cardiac output of the saline-treated animals further decreased (to 52% of baseline), and systemic vascular resistance increased from 46 +/- 3 to 61 +/- 9 mmHg.min.l-1, thereby maintaining arterial blood pressure. In L-propionylcarnitine-treated pigs, cardiac output remained at 75% of baseline, and systemic vascular resistance decreased from 42 +/- 3 to 38 +/- 4 mmHg.min.l-1. In both groups, energy charge but not the ATP level of the ischemic-reperfused myocardium tended to recover, whereas the creatine phosphate level showed significantly more recovery in saline-treated animals. We conclude that L-propionylcarnitine partially preserved vascular patency in ischemic-reperfused porcine myocardium but had no immediate effect on "myocardial stunning." Potential markers for long-term recovery were not affected by L-propionylcarnitine.


Extended Abstract Since Feynman (1960) invited us to the "room at the bottom," nanoscience and technology has not only attracted considerable interest from scientists and engineers but also from the general public. While it has grown as a new, potentially rich field in science, substantial attention has yet to be given on research about its educational perspectives. Recent studies (Stevens, et al. 2006, Wansom et. al. in press) with scientists, engineers and learning scientists have identified the concept, "surface-area-to-volume ratio" (SA/V) as one of the 'big ideas' or key concepts central to the understanding of nanoscale science and technology. Indeed, SA/V is a prerequisite to understanding size-dependent properties and behaviors and change that are at the core of nanoscience. Previous studies have found that students tend to have difficulty truly understanding SA/V beyond its mathematical equation (Cohen et al., 1999), and that teachers often refer to SA/V without access to students' actual understanding of the concept (Gilbert, 1982). This study explores students' understanding of "surfacearea-to-volume ratio" in the nano-science engineering context, focusing specifically on how they understand SA/V in relation to property change. Informed by Variation Theory (Marton & Booth 1997, Marton et al., 2004), this study focused on differences in the ways in which students understand a particular concept or phenomena, with particular attention paid to the aspects of variation that distinguish these different understandings.


Reviews of bubble curtain oil herding studies in 1971 and in 1997 concluded that a bubble oil boom, or pneumatic oil barrier, is ineffective for retaining oil spills except in quiescent water, such as harbors. A bubble oil boom generates a sea-surface outwelling flow that traps or blocks oil. The primary bubble oil boom failure mode arises from oil droplet injection due to turbulence and instabilities at the oil slick front, where the outwelling flow balances the oil spreading. Bubble oil boom leakage occurs where these droplets are entrained into and pass through the bubble barrier. Increasing bubble flow creates stronger outwelling flows but increases turbulence and instabilities, leading to enhanced oil droplet entrainment. Natural seep observations, field trials, and laboratory studies demonstrate that a bubble plume with a wide bubble oil boom area, which is driven by an array of several parallel spargers (a bubble raft), can increase oil retention greatly while addressing key bubble oil boom failure modes compared with a line-source bubble curtain plume. Further improvements are identified by synergistic bubble oil boom application with a retaining skirt, dramatically improving the bubble oil boom performance. Specifically, the bubble oil boom keeps the oil distant from the skirt, minimizing or eliminating several conventional oil boom failure mechanisms. Also, entrained droplets, which easily traverse a single bubble curtain, are blocked effectively by a wide bubble plume curtain.


This paper considers the attitudes of students in Years 11, 12 and 13 towards French and, in particular, how they view the reasons behind their level of achievement. It reports findings from a small-scale pilot study, conducted in four schools and colleges, involving 83 students in Year 11, 26 in Year 12 and 14 in Year 13. The findings indicate that French is perceived by many Year 11 students to be difficult and uninteresting. These students, furthermore, do not consider that French is of much benefit in terms of their future career. The data suggest that there is a tendency among students in all three year groups to attribute their lack of success in French to their own low ability and to the difficulty of tasks set, which, it is argued, may affect their levels of motivation in a negative way. Few students in the study have any insight into the importance of learning strategies in overcoming difficulties experienced in language learning. Students' attitudes are then discussed in relation to learning strategy training. It is argued that if learners are encouraged to explore the possibility that their achievement in French may be related to the efficacy of the learning strategies they use, rather than to factors such as low ability or task difficulty, their self-concept, motivation and language learning achievements can be enhanced. A brief outline is given of a planned research project which proposes to address these issues further.


Introduction: Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a progressive hereditary disease that affects the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is characterized morphologically by aggregates of intermediate filaments in different tissues. Mutations have been reported in the gene that codes for gigaxonin. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanism remains obscure. Methods: Cell lines from 4 GAN patients and 4 controls were analyzed by iTRAQ. Results: Among the dysregulated proteins were ribosomal protein L29, ribosomal protein L37, galectin‐1, glia‐derived nexin, and aminopeptidase N. Also, nuclear proteins linked to formin‐binding proteins were found to be dysregulated. Although the major role of gigaxonin is reported to be degradation of cytoskeleton‐associated proteins, the amount of 76 structural cytoskeletal proteins was unaltered. Conclusions: Several of the dysregulated proteins play a role in cytoskeletal reorganization. Based on these findings, we speculate that disturbed cytoskeletal regulation is responsible for formation of aggregates of intermediate filaments. Muscle Nerve 46: 246–256, 2012


Ovarian neoplasms are a heterogenous group of benign and malignant tumors of epithelial, stromal and germ cell origin. Most of the ovarian tumors cannot be easily distinguished from one another on the basis of their clinical or gross characteristics alone. Therefore , cytologic interpretation of ovarian neoplasms is both interesting and challenging 1 .Fine needle aspiration cytology in the preoperative investigation of ovarian tumors has been discouraged since the puncture of a cystic carcinoma might cause intraperitoneal seeding. But intraoperative imprint cytology will provide a rapid diagnosis ( within 20 minutes ) without the fear of dissemination in case of ovarian cancer. Rapid intraoperative diagnosis of the nature of ovarian tumors in a young woman avoids unnecessary removal of contralateral ovary and helps preserve fertility. It can allow individualization of treatment like complete surgery in a case of malignancy and particularly the postoperative irradiation of anaplastic carcinoma. It can also be used for staging, for post-operative follow-up, and for recurrences. Materials obtained this way can be used for flow cytometry and cytogenetic studies. In spite of the various applicability, its use has not been widely recognized in diagnosis of ovarian tumors and there are only a few reports on diagnosis of ovarian tumors by imprint cytology.We undertook this study to find out the accuracy of imprint cytology in intraoperative ovarian tumor diagnosis by correlating it with histopathology which is taken as the gold standard in diagnosis of ovarian tumors.


Background: In Zambia, Computed Tomography (CT) has been available since 1994 as part of the healthcare delivery pathway. Radiographers undertake CT examinations of the body to diagnose diseases, injuries and to plan for radiotherapy.
 Objective: The aim of this study was to audit CT services in Zambia.
 Methodology: The study used a convergent parallel design in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently using an online questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, whilst qualitative data were analysed by themes.
 Results: Out of the 23 facilities, a total of 22 responded. Results indicated that Western and Central provinces did not have CT scanners. Most CT facilities are in the Lusaka province. 59% (N=13) and 41% (N=9) were from the public and private sectors, respectively. In public hospitals, 46% (N=6) of CT scanners were functional with service contracts and 89% (N=8) were functional in the private hospitals with service contracts. 61.5 % (N=8) of public hospitals had maintenance schedules while 89% (N=8) of private hospitals had maintenance schedules. A total of 7 facilities reported having radiographers with a qualification in CT. 12 out of 22 facilities indicated having a radiologist with average patient waiting times for CT reports being 76 hours and 24 hours in public and private facilities, respectively.
 Conclusion: This audit revealed an unequal distribution of CT scanners characterised by poor maintenance and lack of service contracts, especially in public hospitals. The audit also revealed longer waiting times for CT reports in public than in private hospitals.


Background: Modern psychological theories define introvert-extrovert spectrum as a continuous dimension of personality, rather than simply two personality types. Purpose of this article is to investigate and explain the intro-vert-extrovert spectrum, define and discuss the term ambivert whilst ex-panding the term introvert-extrovert spectrum using the term of ambiversion as an equally important, and finally, discuss the importance of libido in the context of introvert-ambivert-extrovert spectrum. Methods: Using literature review, author's own experience and reflections about this subject, the theory of introvert-ambivert-extrovert spectrum is explained, expanded and dis-cussed in this article. Conclusion: Libido, which can be defined not only as a sexual drive (narrow meaning), but as an overall life energy (wider meaning), can be directed in the individual's expression of energy more inward (that is being more introverted) or more outward (that is being more extroverted). Ambiversion is somewhere near the half-way mark between two extremes, and it is characterized by high degree of adaptiveness and a good balance between inward and outward turning of the libido, which is associated with having more mature defense mechanisms in different life situations in comparison with predominantly introverts or extroverts, who might be more susceptible for the development of neurotic defense mechanism when faced with demanding life situations that require personality traits from the opposite side of the introvert-ambivert-extrovert spectrum. Using psychological advice and mental training it is possible to develop some of the personality traits from the opposite side of the spectrum in order to increase the adaptiveness to different life situations and avoid the development of neurotic defense mechanisms and neurotic surrogate life goals.


Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides a rapid service that may be useful in life-threatening situations, to inform urgent therapeutic decisions, and manage long term conditions. The main haemostasis applications are: Vitamin K antagonist therapy (VKA) (INR), high dose heparin management (ACT), assessing blood product requirements during major surgery (thrombelastography, thromboelastometry), platelet function testing, and D-dimer testing for venous thrombosis exclusion. All POCT devices have automatic verification procedures, but some INR and ACT devices also have an electronic quality control (QC) cartridge that simulates a test. Internal QC systems are sometimes incorporated in the test strip, helping to ensure validity. However QC systems independent of the manufacturer are preferred (e.g., using lyophilized plasma) and external quality assessment (EQA) is essential. For ACT and thrombelastography, QC samples should be tested every working day; EQA schemes have recently been introduced in the UK for some devices. However, lyophilized QC plasmas are not ideal due to the lack of red blood cells and platelets, which have impact on the results. Commercial QC materials are available for D-dimer testing and EQA services are under development. This edition first published 2013 © 2009 © Blackwell Publishing Ltd; 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


With the development of the society and the advancement of technology, the collaboration is being more and more important. A large-scale cooperative work platform is a platform which integrates computational, storage and network resources distributed in various organizations or locations and utilize these resources cooperatively to achieve one goal, such as an e-science or e-business platform. The data-intensive workflow on these platforms has gained much more attentions in recent times. Data-intensive workflow needs to access, process and transfer large datasets that may each be replicated on different data hosts. In this paper, we introduce an algorithm MDTT to select the resource set which the task should be mapped. Our experiments show that our algorithm is able to minimize the total makespan of data-intensive workflow and the time of data transferring.


Multi-scale materials modeling combines existing and emerging methods from diverse scientific disciplines to bridge the wide range of time and length scales that are inherent in a number of essential phenomena and processes in materials science and engineering. In this contribution we demonstrate how novel developments have changed the field in recent years from a descriptive to a predictive approach and have led to the modeling of properties and functions of complex materials under realistic constraints. A proper linkage of electronicstructure theory and statistical methods is necessary to describe the physics and chemistry that govern the properties and processes of materials under realistic temperature and pressure conditions.


This study investigates suitability of weak foundation soils for supporting the 12m high eastern approach earth embankment of Al Halfaya Bridge. The subsurface soils consist of soft silty clays and very loose to medium dense silty sand alluvial soils extending to 15m depth. Analysis of the results of a comprehensive geotechnical investigation carried out showed that the naturally occurring soils possess low bearing capacity and are expected to undergo excessively large settlements under the proposed embankment loads in case such soils have been treated. The soil investigation results also revealed that they have a very high potential for liquefaction in the event of an earthquake occurrence. A theoretical evaluation of the "sand compaction piles, SCP" method for soil treatment is made in this study for improving the geotechnical characteristics to attain foundation soils adequately capable of supporting the proposed embankment safely. This has been resolved through the installation of sand piles with 1.1m diameter spaced at 2.5m interval distances in a square pattern. This design of SCP was found to improve the soil bearing capacity of originally weak foundation soils by 190%, to reduce consolidation settlement is reduced by 35%, to increase the safety factor against embankment slopes failure by 155% and significantly reduce the risk of soil liquefaction during any earthquake event.


Leakage of data from publicly available Machine Learning (ML) models is an area of growing significance since commercial and government applications of ML can draw on multiple sources of data, potentially including users' and clients' sensitive data. We provide a comprehensive survey of contemporary advances on several fronts, covering involuntary data leakage which is natural to ML models, potential malicious leakage which is caused by privacy attacks, and currently available defence mechanisms. We focus on inference-time leakage, as the most likely scenario for publicly available models. We first discuss what leakage is in the context of different data, tasks, and model architectures. We then propose a taxonomy across involuntary and malicious leakage, followed by description of currently available defences, assessment metrics, and applications. We conclude with outstanding challenges and open questions, outlining some promising directions for future research.