Introduction: Ribosome biogenesis and translation control are essential cellular processes in growing cancer cells. Defects in ribosomal components can alter the pattern of gene expression, cell cycle progression and cell growth. Human ribosomes consist of four RNA species and 79 ribosomal proteins with 2090 processed and 16 duplicated pseudogenes. Specifically, 60S Acidic Ribosomal Protein P1 (RPLP1) is expressed in a tissue specific manner with multiple processed pseudogenes. We accidentally identified the expressed pseudogene 4 of RPLP1 (RPLP1P4) and determined genetic and molecular mechanism of RPLP1 and RPLP1P4 expression in breast cancer cells. Methods: Expression levels of RPLP1 and RPLP1P4 were quantified using qRT-PCR with total RNAs isolated from 7 normal tissues and 20 breast tumor tissues of 5 different subtypes. Cell cycle progression was analyzed cytofluorimetrically with the Beckman Coulter Gallios Flow Cytometer. Gene expression profiles were performed using Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array and analyzed using Partek Genomic Suite. Somatic copy number alterations (SCNA) of RPLP1/RPLP1P4 were detected with the custom designed TaqMan assays using ABI 7900HT real time PCR system. CopyCaller™ Software was used for the SCNA analysis with RNase P as a reference. Results: Because breast cancer subtypes have distinct origins and molecular characteristics, we compared expression of RPLP1 and RPLP1P4 in 5 subtypes of breast tumors. Although RPLP1/RPLP1P4 is ubiquitously expressed in normal and cancer tissues, their expression levels are significantly increased in the basal-like subtype of breast cancer compared to other subtypes with a 2.23 ± 1.06 fold increase in basal-like subtype compared to non-basal subtypes. Interfering RPLP1 expression with siRNA dramatically decreased cell proliferation up to the level of complete inhibition of cell proliferation. FACS data revealed reduced S phase cells in RPLP1 silencing-cells compared to control, suggesting that RPLP1-mediated regulation of cell proliferation is partly mediated through regulation of cell cycle progression. Analysis of gene expression profiles displayed down-regulation of genes involved in cellular metabolism and DNA replication. When we assessed 44 formalin fixed paraffin embedded breast tissues for SCNA of RPLP1/RPLP1P4, we observed RPLP1 amplifications in 44% of tumor DNAs with no amplification observed in normal tissues. The clear difference between tumors and normal tissues demonstrates frequent RPLP1 amplification events during tumorigenesis, which possibly drives an increase in RPLP1 expression and cell proliferation in cancer. Conclusion: Our data suggest a subtype-specific increased expression of a ribosomal protein and its pseudogene, potentially driven by copy number alterations in breast tumors. Future studies to understand the contributions of ribosomal protein genes and their pseudogenes to human neoplasia are warranted. Citation Format: Yoo J. Han, Olufunmilayo I. Olopade. Aberrant expression of ribosomal protein p1 and its pseudogene in breast tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3306. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3306


BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Root hydrotropism is a response to water-potential gradients that makes roots bend towards areas of higher water potential. The gene MIZU-KUSSEI1 (MIZ1) that is essential for hydrotropism in Arabidopsis roots has previously been identified. However, the role of root hydrotropism in plant growth and survival under natural conditions has not yet been proven. This study assessed how hydrotropic response contributes to drought avoidance in nature.

METHODS
An experimental system was established for the study of Arabidopsis hydrotropism in soil. Characteristics of hydrotropism were analysed by comparing the responses of the miz1 mutant, transgenic plants overexpressing MIZ1 (MIZ1OE) and wild-type plants.

KEY RESULTS
Wild-type plants developed root systems in regions with higher water potential, whereas the roots of miz1 mutant plants did not show a similar response. This pattern of root distribution induced by hydrotropism was more pronounced in MIZ1OE plants than in wild-type plants. In addition, shoot biomass and the number of plants that survived under drought conditions were much greater in MIZ1OE plants.

CONCLUSIONS
These results show that hydrotropism plays an important role in root system development in soil and contributes to drought avoidance, which results in a greater yield and plant survival under water-limited conditions. The results also show that MIZ1 overexpression can be used for improving plant productivity in arid areas.


Two tympanograms (TG) were routinely recorded on each ear by changing the pressure in the external auditory meatus (EAM), one in the decreasing (forward tracing: TG-F) followed by the other in the increasing direction (backward tracing: TG-B). Both TG were drawn on the same chart and the peak locations were compared. In a normal ear the TG-F peak tended to be formed in the negative pressure area and that of TG-B in the positive area. In a model whose middle ear pressure (MEP) was adjusted to the atmospheric pressure, the TG-F peak always indicated a negative pressure and that of TG-B a positive pressure value. As long as the same model was used, the magnitude of peak shift was identical irrespective of the middle ear pressure. The magnitude of the peak shift was influenced by the speed of EAM pressure change and a linear increase was observed up to the speed of 70mmH2O/sec, both in a normal ear and a model. These findings seem to suggest that the peak location of an umdirectionally drawn TG can not be regarded as indicating the precise MEP. A valid MEP can better be estimated by averaging the peak pressure of TG-F and TG-B of forward-backward tracing tympanogram. In ears with pathology considerable variation was noted in the magnitude of the peak shift, so that relying solely on unidirectionally drawn TG could have lead to misdiagnosis in some cases. This was especially true with ears having small perforations covered with granulation or fluid.


A 42-year-old male presented with a giant thrombosed aneurysm of the left vertebral artery. The aneurysm was resected through a combined subtemporal and suboccipital approach after a saphenous vein bypass graft was placed between the right external carotid artery and the posterior cerebral artery. Intraoperative measurements of the blood flow volume and pressure demonstrated good blood flow in the bypass. Postoperatively, uncontrollable hypertension resulted in huge intracerebral hematoma formation and increased intracranial pressure. Control of systemic hypertension is essential in such patients.


The cross phase (CP) opens up a new horizon for the generation and measurement of vortex beams, and the conversion between Hermite-Gaussian (HG) and Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes can be done with a CP. However, the conversion plane is in the far plane, and the width cannot be adjusted. In this article, we present a more convenient and practical mode converter between HG and LG modes based on CP combined with a lens. The feasibility of the converter for the conversion between two modes is theoretically analyzed. The conversion can be accomplished in the determined plane and the width of converted beam can be controlled by adjusting the parameter of converter. Proof-of-concept experiment is carried out to verify theoretical analysis and the experimental results are agree well with theoretical simulations. The transfer of orbital angular momentum (OAM) between two modes after passing through the converter is also analyzed. From the perspective of OAM conservation, the required parameter conditions for the converter are discussed. In principle, such a converter as proposed here might even be applied to microwave, millimeter wave, and terahertz OAM fields.


This chapter reviews the recent trends concerning the development of organic coatings containing phosphonic acid moieties, able to act as anticorrosion coatings. The performances of coatings made from blend polymers, comprising a methacrylate polymer with phosphonic acid moieties associated with a halogenated polymer, were first analyzed. A second strategy consists in making coatings by UV polymerization of (meth)acrylates containing phosphonic acid moieties. The adhesion of phosphonic acid moieties towards metallic surfaces is here described, thus allowing polymeric coatings with strong anticorrosive properties.


The socio-economic results of the reform in teachers' salary, which had a positive impact on the quality of school education, are considered. However, the economic difficulties that our country encounters, may jeopardize the achieved results. The results of the monitoring study of the Center of the Economics of Lifelong Education of RANEPA «Efficiency of the school education» conducted in 2015 in the Sverdlovsk, Voronezh, Ivanovo regions serve as information base. 2800 school teachers, 2800 households having a school student at family, 200 directors of the educational organizations are interviewed according to the survey method. Surveys are conducted on the representative selection including both urban and rural population. It is shown that the average teacher's salary has reached the level of the average salary in the region in the 2013/2014 that met the requirements of the May Presidential Decree. This ratio was retained next year, and the size of the teachers' salaries fully reflected the differentiation of the socio-economic indicators of the development of the Russian regions under consideration. The main positive effects of teachers' salaries raise are: the rejuvenation of the teaching staff, professional development of teachers, their entering the Russian middle class. The authors study the impact of negative phenomena in the economy on the prospects of reproduction of the achieved socio-economic results of teachers' salaries raise. The reduction of pupils' parents' incomes that can lead to a decrease in a request for paid educational services, which is one of the sources of extra-budgetary funding of school education are considered as such effects. From this perspective, the projective educational strategy of the parents of school students is considered. The analysis of the economic activities of school organizations, on the one hand, and educational strategies for the parents of schoolchildren in the conditions of unfavorable economic situation, on the other hand, have shown that the lowering in school funding from the regional budgets, arising out of their deficient nature, would lead to the decline of the achieved results.


Many physics analyses using the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector at the LHC require accurate, high-resolution electron and photon energy measurements. Following the excellent performance achieved during LHC Run I at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, the CMS electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL) is operating at the LHC with proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV center-of-mass energy. The instantaneous luminosity delivered by the LHC during Run II has achieved unprecedented levels. The average number of concurrent proton-proton collisions per bunch-crossing (pileup) has reached up to 40 interactions in 2016 and may increase further in 2017. These high pileup levels necessitate a retuning of the ECAL readout and trigger thresholds and reconstruction algorithms. In addition, the energy response of the detector must be precisely calibrated and monitored. We present new reconstruction algorithms and calibration strategies that were implemented to maintain the excellent performance of the CMS ECAL throughout Run II. We will show performance results from the 2015-2016 data taking periods and provide an outlook on the expected Run II performance in the years to come. Beyond the LHC, challenging running conditions for CMS are expected after the High-Luminosity upgrade of the LHC (HL-LHC) . We review the design and R&D studies for the CMS ECAL and present first test beam studies. Particular challenges at HL-LHC are the harsh radiation environment, the increasing data rates, and the extreme level of pile-up events, with up to 200 simultaneous proton-proton collisions. We present test beam results of hadron irradiated PbWO crystals up to fluences expected at the HL-LHC . We also report on the R&D for the new readout and trigger electronics, which must be upgraded due to the increased trigger and latency requirements at the HL-LHC.


We report a case of multiple benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) lung nodules showing faint or non-avid uptake of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) (respective 1-hour early and 2-hour delayed maximum standardized uptake values; 1.3 or less and 1.2 or less) in a 50-year-old woman with a history of hysterectomy for uterine leiomyoma at the age of 38 years. When multiple lung nodules show faint or non-avid FDG uptake in a patient with a history of hysterectomy for uterine leiomyoma, BML should be included in the differential diagnosis.


Background: The semispinalis cervicis (SSC) is attached to the spinous process of the C2–C5 vertebra and distally to the transverse process of the T1–T6 vertebra, like a primary power source for extension of the cervical spine. This study was to compare the outcomes following temporary posterior fixation in two cohorts of patients who either underwent our technique of preserving SSC (P-SSC) or traditional technique of detaching the SSC (D-SSC). Methods : The conventional posterior temporary fixation was modified by preserving the SSC inserted into the C2 process. A total of 16 patients with odontoid fracture underwent the temporary posterior fixation preserving the SSC (P-SSC) or detaching the SSC (D-SSC). We measured the frequencies of postoperative axial symptom and cervical range of motion (ROM) in the rotation. The cross-sectional areas of posterior cervical muscles were also measured using axial CT. Results: At the final follow-up, in 16 cases from each group fracture healing was achieved. The total extension ROM of C1-C2 in the P-SSC was 56.8±3.5̊, while it was larger than 52.0±4.6̊ in the D-SSC. The frequency and severity of limitations of ADL accompanying each of three neck movements i.e. extension, flexion and rotation were 2.8±0.5, 1.9±0.6 and 2.0±0.5, respectively in the P-SSC; and 2.9±0.4, 2.3±0.5 and 2.6±0.5, respectively in the D-SSC. Regarding the average atrophy rate, it was 6.0±2.9% at the level C3 and 6.7±4.3% at the level C5 in the P-SSC; and 17.9±7.4% at the level C3 and 7.5±4.7% at the level C5 in the D-SSC. Conclusion: The frequencies of ADL limitations, the incidence of axial symptoms and loss of ROM accompanying neck extension, and atrophy rate of the posterior cervical muscles were lower for the atlantoaxial posterior temporary fixation preserving the SSC.


This paper reviews the mentoring approach and its application at the learning institutions. Basically, mentoring approach is defined as a teaching method which involves a transfer of wisdom, where the mentor or coach provides advice or direction, probably based on their experience and expertise. Practically, often one selected student in the group is assigned to conduct learning relationship for understanding to other students. Currently, many courses taught at the universities are based on the traditional approach of teaching and learning. But, since there are many topics to be delivered for each course, some students might have problems in understanding each topic in depth. In addition to that, the lecturers also might not have enough time to clarify every topic thoroughly in class. Due to this problem, the group propose a mentoring approach as a supplementary approach of learning at the universities. In this study, we examine the perceptions on mentoring approach in learning of Fundamentals of Islamic Banking (CTU351) amongst the students at Universiti Teknologi MARA Kelantan, Machang campus. The objectives of this study have twofold. First, to determine the difference in mean perception on mentoring approach in learning Fundamentals of Islamic Banking across selected students' profiles. Secondly is to identify the factors affecting the perception on learning of Fundamentals of Islamic Banking. The results of the study show that many students do not have Mentor during their studies. Next, the study also found that their perceptions on mentoring approach do not significantly differ across gender, accommodation and mentor. Lastly, the results also prove that there is a positive correlation between Classroom with Outside Classroom and Surroundings in determining the learning of Fundamentals of Islamic Banking.


Improving device efficiency and stability of polymer solar cells (PSCs) is crucial for their practical application. Although graphene oxide (GO) could replace the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as the hole-collection material and improve the photovoltaic stability of PSCs, the power conversion efficiency is moderate because of its insulating nature. In this article, nanocomposites of two-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and GO are used to replace the acidic PEDOT:PSS as the hole-collection material of PSCs. The nanocomposites are formed by dispersing rGO into aqueous solution of GO. GO serves as a surfactant, and it can stabilize rGO. The presence of rGO can quench the photoluminescence of GO in water. The nanocomposite films exhibit higher conductivity than GO films without rGO. They are used as the hole-collection material of PSCs. The optimal PSCs with poly(3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester exhibit such photovoltaic performances: short-circuit current density of 10.37 mA cm(-2), open-circuit voltage of 0.60 V, fill factor of 67.66%, and power conversion efficiency of 4.21%. The photovoltaic efficiency is much higher than that of the control devices with GO only (3.36%) as the hole-collection material. In addition, the presence of rGO in GO gives rise to better stability for the PSCs in air than that of the devices with GO only. The devices with rGO:GO composites as the hole-collection materials exhibit much better stability in power conversion efficiency than the control devices with PEDOT:PSS.


To investigate the hypothesis that disrupting pathogen movement within the plant canopy could slow the development of aschochyta blight, the effect of pea canopy architecture on splash dispersal of Mycosphaerella pinodes-conidia was studied in controlled conditions using a rainfall simulator generating rain events (2 mm) in still air. In intra-plant dispersal experiments, a source constituted by a semi-leafless pea plant with a single infectious lesion (108 pycnidia per cm2 of lesion, 1685 conidia per pycnidium) was placed in the middle of eight healthy target plants. Spore deposition was estimated by the number of lesions that developed on each stipule of the source (auto-deposition) and target (allo-deposition) plants after incubation. Rates of deposition on the source and target plants were 0·53 and 0·47, respectively. On the source plant, most of the spores were splashed downwards, with few spores remaining at the infectious node and very few spores moving upwards. In inter-plant dispersal experiments, potted plants were grouped to constitute 1-m2 canopies. A range of canopy architectures was achieved by using different plant densities and growth stages. A suspension of conidia was placed in the centre of each canopy. Resulting horizontal dispersal gradients were generally described by a negative exponential model. Canopies with a leaf area index (LAI) greater than 0·48 produced gradients with slopes that were not significantly different. A less dense canopy (LAI 0·36) produced a significantly steeper slope. Half-distances were short and ranged between 1·6 and 6·5 cm. The barrier rate, calculated as the ratio of the mean number of lesions assessed on isolated plants to the mean number of lesions assessed on plants in canopies, increased with increasing canopy LAI.


Black phosphorus (BP), an attractive two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor, is widely used in the fields of optoelectronic devices, biomedicine, and chemical sensing. Silver ion (Ag+), a commonly used additive in food industry, can sterilize and keep food fresh. But excessive intake of Ag+ will harm human health. Therefore, high sensitive, fast and simple Ag+ detection method is significant. Here, a high-performance BP field effect transistor (FET) sensor is fabricated for Ag+ detection with high sensitivity, rapid detection speed, and wide detection concentration range. The detection limit for Ag+ is 10−10 mol/L. Testing time for each sample by this method is 60 s. Besides, the mechanism of BP-FET sensor for Ag+ detection is investigated systematically. The simple BP-FET sensor may inspire some relevant research and potential applications, such as providing an effective method for the actual detection of Ag+, especially in witnessed inspections field of food.


Nov. 2, 1905, Dr. G. W. Wende, Buffalo, referred to me a man with the following history, whom he had been treating for syphilis: Patient. —I. A. K., jeweler, single, aged 38, American, with a good family history. Personal History. —The man had had measles several times, typhoid in 1892 and diphtheria in 1896 and 1897. In 1888 he had a chancre, and in 1903 syphilitic rhinitis of mild type. For this he has been under treatment. While under my care, he was seen in consultation by Drs. Conrad Diehl, Chas. G. Stockton, G. W. Wende and Nelson G. Russell. Three weeks before consulting me he had had a severe wetting and had taken cold. A week later began to have night sweats, which continued nearly every night. Sweats occurred early in the night. The night before I saw him, he had had two sweats-one early in the night, the


Radiotherapy is, perhaps, the most important therapeutic agent in the history of dermatology. Its possibilities are at present far beyond human conception, as its influence on heretofore incurable diseases is now beyond experiment and is recognized and applied by some of the most careful investigators in the profession. We are to-day obtaining more perfect results in many rebellious deforming skin affections than have ever been obtained by any other therapeutic appliance. The field which has awakened the most widespread interest, and gained the confidence of the profession, has been its influence on cancer. The purpose of this paper is to assist in outlining its field of usefulness by giving a full report of my first fifty cases of cancer, personally treated by the rays, with clinical observations and management. As there is no standard of technic to guide the operator, such reports, coming at this time from different operators, from


Two related but recognizably different forms belonging to morphotype V of the Blastocaulis-Planctomyces group of budding bacteria were observed during the summer of 1983 in two eutrophic man-made ponds in Tempe, Ariz. Each of these forms can be assigned to previously described species of the genus Planctomyces; because these forms were not included in the 1980 Approved Lists of Bacterial Names (Skerman et al., ed., Int. J. Syst. Bacterid. 30:225–420), they need to be formally revived. One of these forms (morphotype Vb) is assigned to Planctomyces stranskae (ex Wawrik 1952) sp. nov., nom. rev.; the other form (morphotype Va) is assigned to Planctomyces guttaeformis (ex Hortobagyi 1965) sp. nov., nom. rev. Neither species has been cultivated axenically; hence, both are based on type descriptive material.


Advanced process control in lithography and overall patterning is of tremendous importance for advanced semiconductor Fabs to ensure chip performance and yield. The final patterning result and thus yield depend on many process parameters such as lithography processes, exposure tool performance, etch process, CMP etc. To control these effects various knobs, e.g. on the scanner for both wafer inter- and intra-field process control have been introduced recently, including sophisticated in-line metrology. In this holistic lithography concept the metrology is supported by simulation and by inline data. Additionally, offline data such as the mask CDU data can be added as mask wafer interaction is also an important contribution to wafer intra-field performance. The metrology algorithm now looks for such locations where the simulation finds the weakest process features due to strong deviations of focus, dose, stage dynamics or other input parameters.These concepts are optimized to find the sites where the process may break. Our concept of "excursion preventions" is a complimentary approach. It concentrates pro-actively on the task to minimize the distributions of critical input parameters as much as possible, independently upon a certain pre-defined specification for that parameter is met or not. In our presentation, we will describe this concept by improving wafer intra-field CDU using CD Correction (CDC) by Mask Tuning (based on wafer Intra-Filed data). Mask Tuning by the ForTune system uses ultra-short pulse laser technology to locally change the mask transmission and hence improves CDU on wafer (CDC). To ensure a save patterning with a large enough process window without any negative yield or reliability impact, our concept looks for the tail of the final CD distribution instead of traditiona13sigma numbers. By using a calibrated 3-D resist model, we simulate the pattering result under all permutations of input parameter distributions like dose, focus and mask CDU and imaging stochastics. As a result of the simulation, we get thousands of CD-results. The tail of that CD distribution still needs to be larger the minimum CD needed for a safe etch transfer. The simulation will be additionally supported by experimental data. Secondly, we will show in detail how the pro-active optimization of wafer intra-field CDU by Mask Tuning using the ForTune CDC process will give us more patterning margin and process stability over any other process excursion (e.g. focus deviations). Furthermore, we will present the simulated yield improvement based on the weak points (hot spots) improvement.


This paper presents the mapping of land use and land cover in the Medium Lower Araguari River Basin, located between the Hydroeletric Complex Amador Aguiar I and II dams, in Minas Gerais state. It is noted the importance of the development of studies in this area, because, in the last years, the same has been affected by construction of dams. This caused several changes in environmental dynamic and land uses of the basin. In addition, the main objectives emphasize the application of geoprocessing techniques and digital image processing, e. g. ALOS/AVNIR and Landsat 5/TM, with emphasis on the use of MAXVER classifier. Applications that used were ENVI 4.2 and Pack ArcGIS 9.3.1. The methodology considers several procedures for the elaboration of use and land cover map, namely: the registration of the images and / or pre-processing phase, training phase, classification and tracking results phase, post-classification phase, mapping phase and validation of the mapping phase, through the realization of field work. With regard to the results, it is estimated that the set of techniques and methods applied resulted a more reliable mapping, despite the scale adopted (1:100,000), due to the length of the study basin (about 1,180 km ²). However, it should be noted that the work will contribute as a basis for future mappings, both in the study area in question, as to other areas, has applications in various environmental studies, such as temporal evolution of the use and land coverage, vulnerability environment,


Abstract Due to progress in affective computing, various forms of general purpose sentiment/emotion recognition software have become available. However, the application of such tools in usability engineering (UE) for measuring the emotional state of participants is rarely employed. We investigate if the application of sentiment/emotion recognition software is beneficial for gathering objective and intuitive data that can predict usability similar to traditional usability metrics. We present the results of a UE project examining this question for the three modalities text, speech and face. We perform a large scale usability test (N = 125) with a counterbalanced within-subject design with two websites of varying usability. We have identified a weak but significant correlation between text-based sentiment analysis on the text acquired via thinking aloud and SUS scores as well as a weak positive correlation between the proportion of neutrality in users' voice and SUS scores. However, for the majority of the output of emotion recognition software, we could not find any significant results. Emotion metrics could not be used to successfully differentiate between two websites of varying usability. Regression models, either unimodal or multimodal could not predict usability metrics. We discuss reasons for these results and how to continue research with more sophisticated methods.


A chain of four Tm-doped fibers amplified a single-frequency, 2040 nm diode laser to 608 W with M(2)=1.05+/-0.03, limited by available pump power. Stimulated Brillouin scattering limits were investigated by splicing different lengths of passive fiber to the output of the final amplifier stage. Integrated rms phase noise above 1 kHz was less than lambda/30, suggesting the possibility of further scaling via coherent beam combining. To our knowledge, this is the highest power obtained from any single-frequency, single-mode fiber laser.


Condition monitoring and early failure detection are needed to reduce operational costs of wind turbines, particularly for offshore farms where accessibility is restricted. Failure detection technologies should be simple and reliable in order to contribute to the overall aim of cost reduction. Operational data from the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system are a potential source of information for condition
monitoring and have the advantage of being recorded at each turbine without the costs of additional sensors. Detection of drivetrain failures using these ten-minute data has been successfully demonstrated in the last five years. This paper summarises and evaluates different ways of so-called normal behaviour modelling of temperature using SCADA data, i.e. the prediction of a measured temperature under the assumption that the system is behaving normally. After training, the residual of modelled and measured temperature acts as an indicator for possible wear and failures. Multiple approaches
are discussed: linear modelling, artificial neural networks in auto-regressive, feedforward and layer recurrent configurations, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems and state estimation techniques. A case study with real data reveals differences of approaches, sensitivity to training data and settings of algorithms. Early failure detection of a gearbox failure is demonstrated, although challenges in achieving reliable monitoring without many false alarms become apparent.


Assessing biodiversity from field-based data is difficult for a number of practical reasons: (i) establishing the total number of sampling units to be investigated and the sampling design (e.g. systematic, random, stratified) can be difficult; (ii) the choice of the sampling design can affect the results; and (iii) defining the focal population of interest can be challenging. Satellite remote sensing is one of the most cost-effective and comprehensive approaches to identify biodiversity hotspots and predict changes in species composition. This is because, in contrast to field-based methods, it allows for complete spatial coverages of the Earth's surface under study over a short period of time. Furthermore, satellite remote sensing provides repeated measures, thus making it possible to study temporal changes in biodiversity. While taxonomic diversity measures have long been established, problems arising from abundance related measures have not been yet disentangled. Moreover, little has been done to account for functional diversity besides taxonomic diversity measures. The aim of this talk is to propose robust measures of remotely sensed heterogeneity to perform exploratory analysis for the detection of hotspots of taxonomic and functional diversity of plant species.


Ecological differences between coexisting species within plant communities can be assessed by considering functional and phylogenetic dissimilarities either separately or in a complementary way. Here, we studied (a) the potential overlap between functional (FD) and phylogenetic diversities (PD) and (b) their combined and unique roles in explaining community assembly patterns across different temperate vegetation types and across functional traits representing multiple dimensions of plant strategy (plant size, leaf, floral and reproductive, clonal and bud bank traits). We tested the strength of the PD–FD relationship within and across vegetation types and functional traits (Pearson correlations) and tested whether it depended on the strength of the phylogenetic signal (Pagel's lambda and Blomberg's K). We tested deviations from random expectations in FD and 'decoupled FD' (i.e. functional dissimilarity after accounting for the effect of phylogenetic distances between species) to reveal the importance of ecological differences for community assembly. PD–FD correlations were predominantly significant but rarely strong, and largely depended on the studied functional trait and vegetation type. Phylogenetic signals were partially but inconsistently related to the overlap between FD and PD. Community assembly patterns tended to shift from under‐dispersion (FD lower than random expectations) towards over‐dispersion (FD higher than random expectations) when functional distances were decoupled from phylogenetic distances indicating that species within the same clade were dissimilar to each other regarding their traits. However, we found the opposite pattern as well, mainly for floral and below‐ground traits, which indicated functional differentiation across clades. Synthesis. Decoupling functional and phylogenetic differences between species might provide further information on plant community assembly: showing cases where the strongest ecological differentiation between coexisting species occurs between phylogenetically related species rather than between phylogenetically unrelated ones.


The design of wearable systems comes with constraints in computational and power resources. We describe the development of customized hardware for the wearable discrimination of human sleep and wake based on cardio-respiratory signals. The device was designed for efficient and low-power computation of Fast Fourier Transforms and artificial neural networks required for the on-line classification. We discuss methods for reducing computational load and consequently power requirements of the device. The developed wearable SleePic prototype was tested for autonomy and comfort on eight healthy subjects. SleePic showed an energetic autonomy of more than 36 hours. The SleePic device will require further integration for increased comfort and improved user interaction.


Mongolia has a high burden from noncommunicable diseases, with cancer now the second leading cause of mortality. Given the paucity of situation analyses from the country, this study reports cancer data based on new cases 2008–12 from the National Cancer Registry of Mongolia covering the entire population (2.87 million). New cancer cases of 21,564 were diagnosed over the 5‐year period, with a slight predominance of cases (52%) in men. Liver cancer was the leading cancer site in both sexes (ASRs of 114.7 and 74.6 per 100,000 males and females), and responsible for almost two‐fifths of all cancer diagnoses, followed by cancers of stomach, lung and oesophagus in men and cervix, stomach and oesophagus in women. The cumulative risk of incidence for all cancers (27.7% and 20.8% in men and women, respectively) positions Mongolia above China (20.2% and 13.3%), below the United States (34.1% and 28.5%) and similar to Russia (26.1% and 19.1%). These figures shed light on the considerable magnitude of cancer in the country and the large fraction of cancers that can be prevented by lifestyle modifications and vaccine implementation. An expansion of activities of the cancer registry and the continued development of research are necessary steps in support of national cancer control planning in Mongolia.


Abstract As a consequence of its long history of more than 250 years, the Douro Demarcated Region (NE Portugal) boasts a distinct cultural landscape typified by terraces filled with the regional variety of grapevine – it is a region where famous wines are produced, in particular Port wine. Nevertheless, especially after the 1980s, the need to cover labour shortages and increase productivity led to a gradual change in the landscape, and today the traditional terraces are mixed with new types of vineyards, such as the "vinha ao alto" (vertical vines) and "vinha em patamares" (vines on terraces). Against this backdrop, and with a view to preserving the landscape in a sustainable and multifunctional way, UNESCO awarded the region the "Evolving Living Landscape, World Heritage" award. In this article we combine extensive documentary research with productive field work in order to question the relationship between the need to preserve an exceptional, cultural landscape and the need for regional sustainability in this World Heritage site.


[Objective] To observe the therapeutic effect of wind - dispelling, blood - activating and stasis - removing Chinese herbs combined with autoepidermic grafting for vitiligo. [Methods] Forty cases of vitiligo were randomized into two groups: 28 cases in Group A were treated with Chinese herbs combined with autoepidermic grafting (235 grafts in all) and 12 in Group B with autoepidermic grafting (118 grafts in all) alone. [Results] In Group A, 1 case was cured, 13 were markedly effective, 10 effective and 4 ineffective and 0, 3, 3, and 6 in Group B respectively. The therapeutic effect in Group A was superior to that in Group B (P = 0.034). [Conclusion] Chinese herbs combined with autoepidermic grafting has a better effect than autoepidermic grafting alone for vitiligo.


Ambient systems are populated by many heterogeneous devices to provide adequate services to its users. The adaptation of an ambient system to the specific needs of its users is a challenging task. Because human-system interaction has to be as natural as possible, we propose an approach based on Learning from Demonstration (LfD). However, using LfD in ambient systems needs adaptivity of the learning technique. We present ALEX, a multi-agent system able to dynamically learn and reuse contexts from demonstrations performed by a tutor. Results of experiments performed on both a real and a virtual robot show interesting properties of our technology for ambient applications. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of the Conference Program Chairs.


Fourteen healthy male subjects with hemagglutination-inhibition antibody titers of 1:8 or less to homologous influenza A virus were studied. Six subjects received live, attenuated influenza virus by nasal drops and by aerosol. Although infection occurred in these six subjects, with the development of 4-fold or greater increases in hemagglutination-inhibition antibody titers, they remained asymptomatic. Eight subjects received placebo via the same route, and did not develop symptoms and showed no increase in antibody titer. Prior to administration of virus or placebo, histamine diphosphate aerosol increased airway resistance only slightly, and there was no difference between the virus and placebo groups. Two days after inoculation, bronchomotor responses in the placebo group were unchanged (p greater than 0.05), but in the virus-infected group, bronchomotor responses were significantly greater than in the preinfected state (p less than 0.01). Isoproterenol hydrochloride reversed and prevented the increase in airway resistance after histamine, suggesting that the bronchoconstriction was caused by smooth muscle contraction. Our findings indicate that transient, asymptomatic respiratory virus infection augments airway smooth muscle responses.


The authors estimate systemic risk in the Korean economy using the econometric measures of commonality and connectedness applied to stock returns. To assess potential systemic risk concerns arising from the high concentration of the economy in large business groups and a few export-oriented sectors, the authors perform three levels of estimation using individual stocks, business groups, and industry returns. The results show that the measures perform well over the study's sample period by indicating heightened levels of commonality and interconnectedness during crisis periods. In out-of-sample tests, the measures can predict future losses in the stock market during the crises. The authors also provide the recent readings of their measures at the market, chaebol, and industry levels. Although the measures indicate systemic risk is not a major concern in Korea, as they tend to be at the lowest level since 1998, there is an increasing trend in commonality and connectedness since 2017. Samsung and SK exhibit increasing degrees of commonality and connectedness, perhaps because of their heavy dependence on a few major member firms. Commonality in the finance industry has not subsided since the financial crisis, suggesting that systemic risk is still a concern in the banking sector.


Purpose: Acute pain experienced during dental procedures can lead to distress, difficulty with behavior guidance, and dental fear/avoidance. The purpose of this study was to explore dental providers' perceptions of pediatric procedure-related pain and acute pain assessment practices. Methods: Fifteen dental providers (53 percent female; nine dentists, three dental therapists, three dental hygienists) currently/formerly employed by a single rural Alaskan health care organization were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Recorded interviews were transcribed, verified, and coded using inductive qualitative analytic methods. Results: Six providers suggested that pediatric procedure-related pain is rarely encountered. Providers who reported encountering it rely on observation of body language, facial expression, behavior, crying, and verbalization to know whether a child is experiencing procedural pain. Even when available, only four interviewees reported using standardized pain scales. Conclusions: Dental providers have mixed perceptions about whether they encounter pediatric procedure-related pain. There is high variability in how providersassess procedural pain, and approaches often are nonstandardized.


Food export rejection can be a harmful barrier to sustainable international food trade. To understand China's export food rejected by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) of the United States, we analyzed 4047 cases of rejection from February 2011 to July 2017. Although the number of rejected food exported from China to the United States has been declining, and the quality has been improving, there is still space for improvement. Of the 4047 cases of rejection, the Guangdong, Fujian and Shandong provinces were the top three with the largest number of rejected food (1253 (31%), 520 (12.8%), and 508 (12.6%), respectively) (being rejected mainly in New York and Los Angeles). The top four types of rejected food involved fruits and vegetables, fishery and seafood products, bakery products, grain and related processed products. More importantly, the major reasons for rejection can be attributed to problems in maintaining food safety, namely: (1) the food contained filth, decay, decomposition or other substances; (2), the food contained toxic and harmful substances (e.g., suspected melamine, chemical insecticides, or lead); and (3) the food contained agricultural and veterinary drugs. The results are of great implications for the United States to regulate the imported food from China, and for China to improve the quality and safety of export food.


Scalable distributed shared-memory architectures rely on coherence controllers on each processing node to synthesize cache-coherent shared memory across the entire machine. The coherence controllers execute coherence protocol handlers that may be hardwired in custom hardware or programmed in a protocol processor within each coherence controller. Although custom hardware runs faster, a protocol processor allows the coherence protocol to be tailored to specific application needs and may shorten hardware development time. Previous research shows minimal increase in application execution time due to protocol processors over custom hardware. With the advent of SMP nodes and faster processors and networks, the trade-off between custom hardware and protocol processors needs to be reexamined. This paper studies the performance of custom hardware and protocol-processor-based coherence controllers in SMP-node-based CC-NUMA systems on applications from the SPLASH-2 suite. Using realistic parameters and detailed models of state-of-the-art system components, it shows that the occupancy of coherence controllers can limit the performance of applications with high communication requirements, where the execution time using commodity protocol processors can be twice as long as using custom hardware. We also investigate the effect of varying several architectural parameters that influence the communication characteristics of the applications and the underlying system on coherence controller performance. We identify measures of applications' communication requirements and their impact on performance. We also study the potential of improving the performance of coherence controllers by separating or duplicating critical components.


Purpose of reviewFacial scars can develop as a result of trauma, surgery, burns, acne, or other conditions. These scars are often quite distressing to patients. Lasers were first used to treat these scars in the 1990s. Recently, new laser technology has been used to prevent and treat scars. This literature review and the report of the senior author's recent experience summarize the recent advances in laser treatment of scars. Recent findingsWith the development of new laser technology, the treatment options for hypotrophic scars and developing scars have increased. Furthermore, there are expanded options for treatment of established hypertrophic scars. Recent studies have shown that nonablative and fractionated lasers can be effective for treating hypotrophic and developing scars. Scar improvements may be due to direct effects of the laser and/or histochemical effects, including production of heat shock proteins and tumor growth factors. Nonablative and fractionated lasers have a shorter recovery period than CO2 resurfacing lasers. This can vary from a few hours to up to 7 days. SummaryRecent new laser technology has increased the options for treatment of scars. These have been shown to be beneficial for hypotrophic, incipient, and established scars. The benefits of laser therapy may be due to direct and/or histochemical effects.


Advanced list-mode image reconstruction algorithms such as fully 3D list-mode ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM) are needed to exploit the potential performance of high-resolution PET systems with depth-of-interaction capabilities. However, such algorithms are computationally intensive. With the aim to accelerate list-mode 3D-OSEM, we investigated the use of graphics processing units (GPUs). Primarily designed to deliver high-definition graphics for video games in realtime, GPUs are now increasingly being used as cost-effective high-performance coprocessors for scientific computing. Parallelizable algorithms such as list-mode OSEM are drastically accelerated when the 24 programmable units of the GPU are used to carry the heaviest part of the computation: the line forward and backward projections.


Construction plays a major role in both economic and social development. However, one major problem in the construction industry is its high investment and large scale which is in sharp contrast with the low benefit and inferior management. As a result, project managers are seeking ways to improve the organizational management level in order to implement and control the construction projects efficiently. This paper analyses the feasibility and limitation of the organizational project management maturity model (OPM3) applied to large construction projects in China. The study includes an investigation into the maturity level concerning Shanghai Pudong International Airport construction project. The results show that OPM3 evaluates the maturity level and also proposes some key points to improve the management level. Therefore, the conclusion is that OPM3 can be applied to project management in China, but not directly; some prerequisites including OPM3 guidance culture, model training and project management planning are expected to be realized first.


Conjugated mycotoxins, in which the toxin is usually bound to a more polar substance like glucose, are referred to as masked mycotoxins, as these substances escape routine detection methods but can release their toxic precursors after hydrolysis. This is the first report on the natural occurrence of a glucoside of deoxynivalenol (DON) in Fusarium-infected wheat and maize. To obtain appropriate standards, we chemically synthesized deoxynivalenol-3-beta-D-glucopyranoside (DON-3-glucoside) and deoxynivalenol-15-beta-D-glucopyranoside (DON-15-glucoside). The synthesis products were characterized by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The DON-glucosides showed different collision-induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation behaviors and could therefore be distinguished. Wheat plants were either treated with DON (n = 52) or with Fusarium spp. (n = 4) at anthesis, and after harvest, wheat ears were analyzed for DON and DON-glucosides. All 56 treated wheat samples contained DON and a DON-glucoside with the same retention time, molecular mass, and CID fragmentation behavior as the synthetic DON-3-glucoside. Moreover, the DON-glucoside was also found in two out of three analyzed naturally DON-contaminated maize and in five out of five naturally contaminated wheat samples, in a range from 4 to 12% of the DON concentration. To further confirm the identity of the DON-glucoside, the compound was isolated from wheat extracts and characterized as DON-3-glucoside with NMR. The results of this study indicate the importance to consider both DON and DON-3-glucoside with regard to food and feed safety.


This study focuses on the possibility of experimental hybridization among host snail species for Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil, with morphological characterization of the hybrids found. By using albinism as a genetic marker, intraspecific crossbreedings were performed between two strains of each species involved, in addition to interspecific crossbreedings; the only viable crossbreeding was between pigmented Biomphalaria glabrata (Paulista, PE) and albino B. tenagophila (Joinville, SC), with the formation of F1 and F2 generations. All offspring in F1 displayed black eyes and a renal ridge on the mantle, while F2 displayed dissociated morphological traits. With regard to reproduction, F1 was more efficient than F2. The experiment's results suggest post-zygotic reproductive isolation.


CaO-CaF2 system was examined with respect to dephosphorization of steels with high chromium content. The emphasis was on the effect of chromium oxide on slags phosphate capacity. Phosphorus distribution between stainless steel and CaO-CaF2 flux was investigated under different oxidizing potential and temperature. It was found that chromium oxide formed in the oxidizing dephosphorization process, decreases phosphate capacity of slag and significantly affects steel dephosphorization.


Background Despite the empirical literature demonstrating the efficacy of antidepressant medications for treatment of depression disorder, these medications' effect on patients' overall well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains controversial. This study investigates the effect of antidepressant medication use on patient-reported HRQoL for patients who have depression. Methods A comparative cohort, secondary database analysis was conducted using data from the United States' Medical Expenditures Panel Survey for patients who had depression. HRQoL was measured using the SF-12 and reported as physical and mental component summaries (PCS and MCS). A cohort of patients that used antidepressant medications were compared to a cohort of patients that did not. Univariate and multivariate difference-in-differences (D-I-D) analyses were used to assess the significance of the mean difference of change on the PCS and MCS from baseline to follow-up. Results On average, 17.5 million adults were diagnosed with depression disorder each year during the period 2005–2016. The majority were female (67.9%), a larger proportion of whom received antidepressant medications (60.5% vs. 51.5% of males). Although use of antidepressants was associated with some improvement on the MCS, D-I-D univariate analysis revealed no significant difference between the two cohorts in PCS (–0.35 vs. –0.34, p = 0.9595) or MCS (1.28 vs. 1.13, p = 0.6405). The multivariate D-I-D analyses ensured the robustness of these results. Conclusion The real-world effect of using antidepressant medications does not continue to improve patients' HRQoL over time. Future studies should not only focus on the short-term effect of pharmacotherapy, it should rather investigate the long-term impact of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions on these patients' HRQoL.


The process of centromere formation enables the cell to conserve established genetic and epigenetic information from the previous cell cycle and reuse it for future episodes of chromosome segregation. CENPA asserts the role of an epigenetic requirement in maintaining active centromeres. Active centromeres are subject to position effects which can cause its site of assembly to drift occasionally. Determinants of neocentromere formation, when a native centromere is inactivated, remain elusive. To dissect factors for centromere/neocentromere formation, here, we employed the budding yeast Candida albicans, whose centromeres have unique and different DNA sequences, and exhibit classical epigenetic regulation. We used CENPA-mediated reversible silencing of a marker gene, URA3, as an assay to select cells with ectopic centromeres. We defined pericentric boundaries for C. albicans centromeres by Hi-C analysis and these were located in early replicating domains. The pericentric boundaries primed with CENPA served as sites of neocentromere formation in isolates with ectopic centromeres, indicating that the number of non-centromeric CENPA molecules determines neocentromere location. To understand the importance of early replication timing of centromeres, we identified genome-wide binding sites of the Origin Recognition Complex subunit, Orc4. A fraction of these Orc4 enriched regions located within tDNA, cluster towards early replicating regions, and frequently interact among themselves than the late replicating regions, demonstrating the spatiotemporal distribution of these regions. Strikingly, Orc4 is highly enriched at centromeres of C. albicans and along with the helicase component Mcm2, stabilizes the kinetochore, suggesting a role of pre-replication complex proteins as epigenetic determinants of centromere identity.


To describe the epidemiologic profile of children sustaining electrical burn injuries and assess the outcome in terms of need for amputations, hospitalization, and the associated in-hospital mortality. This case series study was performed over a 5-year period (January 2008 to December 2012) at the Department of Plastic surgery and Burn Care Centre, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad. All children of either gender up to 15 years of age were included. They were admitted for indoor management with standard burn care protocols. The demographic profile of the child, injury characteristics, and outcome were recorded and the data analyzed statistically. Of 85 children who presented with electrical burn injuries during the study period, 89.41% (n = 76) were males and 10.58% (n = 9) were females. The age ranged from 1 to 15 years with a mean age of 10.47 ± 4.09 years. High-voltage burns were the commonest type (n = 61; 71.76%). There were 35 major limb amputations. The mean hospital stay was 6.78 ± 5.01 days (range 1–25 days). The mortality rate was 2.35%. Male children aged 10 to 15 years are the most frequent victims of electric burn injuries, and high-voltage injuries constitute the commonest form of these injuries. There is associated considerable morbidity due to inevitable major amputations of the limbs among otherwise healthy children. There is dire need for primary prevention.


Any object can be considered as a spatial distribution of atoms and molecules; in this sense, we can manufacture any object as long as the precise distribution of atoms and molecules is achieved. However, the current point-by-point methods to precisely manipulate single atoms and single molecules, such as the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), have difficulty in manipulating a large quantity of materials within an acceptable time. The macroscopic manipulation techniques, such as magnetron sputtering, molecular beam epitaxy, and evaporation, could not precisely control the distribution of materials. Herein, we take a step back and present a universal method of controlling the distribution of multimaterails during macroscopic manipulation via microtopography-guided substrates. For any given target distribution of multimaterials in a plane, the complicated lateral distribution of multimaterials was firstly transformed into a simple spatial lamellar body. Then, a deposition mathematical model was first established based on a mathematical transformation. Meanwhile, the microtopographic substrate can be fabricated according to target distribution based on the deposition mathematical model. Following this, the deposition was implemented on the substrate according to the designed sequence and thickness of each material, resulting in the formation of the deposition body on the substrate. Finally, the actual distribution was obtained on a certain section in the deposition body by removing the upside materials. The actual distribution can mimic the target one with a controllable accuracy. Furthermore, two experiments were performed to validate our method. As a result, we provide a feasible and scalable solution for controlling the distribution of multimaterials, and point out the direction of improving the position accuracy of each material. We may achieve real molecular manufacturing and nano-manufacturing if the position accuracy of distribution approaches the atomic level.


Set within B. J. Zimmerman's (1989, A social cognitive view of self-regulated academic learning, Journal of Educational Psychology, Vol. 81, pp. 329–339; and B. J. Zimmerman, 2000, Attaining self-regulation: A social-cognitive perspective, in M. Boekaerts, P. Pintrich, & M. Seidner, Eds., Self-Regulation: Theory, Research, and Applications, pp. 13–39, Orlando, Florida, Academic Press) cyclical model of self-regulation and social–cognitive theory, this study tested the hypothesis that multi-modal psychological skills training (PST) would increase self-regulation behavior, self-efficacy, and psychological skill use in military pilot-trainees experiencing course-related learning difficulties. From pre- to post-intervention, findings showed that specific self-regulation behavior increased linearly. Likewise, significant increases in self-efficacy and psychological skill use occurred, along with concomitant reductions in anxiety and worry. Changes were generally retained at 2-month follow-up. PST highlights potential in modifying pilot-trainee cognitive and behavioral strategies to underpin learning, improve individual/cohort responsiveness, and importantly, cost effectiveness in training provision.


We have cloned a gene, BDP, encoding a protein with homology to the retinoblastoma-binding proteins Rbp1 and Rbp2. It also has homology to DNA-binding proteins such as Bright, a B-cell-specific trans-activator, and the Drosophila melanogaster dead ringer gene product. Like MyoD, Bdp binds to the COOH-terminal region of pRb through its conserved region and to hypophosphorylated pRb. It also binds to the MAR of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus. Thus Bdp may contribute to the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in differentiation and tissue-specific expression.


Urbanization is rapidly enveloping isolated remnants of Sonoran Desert habitat in southern Arizona. Understanding the means by which herpetofaunal elements can persist in these habitats in the face of multiple impacts is vital to conservation efforts to retain intact biotic communities, especially those with a high diversity of reptile species. We surveyed twelve preserves in the Phoenix Metropolitan region, five of which had been surveyed decades earlier, and obtained estimates of the diversity (species richness) and relative abun- dance of lizards. In comparison to surveys of the same preserves 20 to 40 years prior, one lizard species is absent from one large preserve where it was once present, but communities are otherwise largely similar in diversity and abundance over the past few decades. Larger preserves have higher diversity but not higher abundance of lizards. The range in diversity indices (i.e., species richness and evenness) across preserves we documented encompasses the range in diversity indices derived from other studies of urban lizard communities in the Southwest. Individual variation in distribution and abundance of component species must be investigated to adequately assess declines at the community level. We lack historically detailed data on distribution of many lizards and snakes, preventing an accurate analysis of species loss over the past 50 years.


The semantics of neural networks can be analyzed mathematically as a distributed system of knowledge and as systems of possible worlds expressed in the knowledge. Learning in a neural network can be analyzed as an attempt to acquire a representation of knowledge. We express the knowledge system, systems of possible worlds, and neural architectures at different stages of learning as categories. Diagrammatic constructs express learning in terms of pre-existing knowledge representations. Functors express structure-preserving associations between the categories. This analysis provides a mathematical vehicle for understanding connectionist systems and yields design principles for advancing the state of the art.


Eight patients with necrotizing encephalomyelopathy are reported. Lesions were found only in the central nervous system. The principal sites affected were the caudate nuclei, putamina, periaqueductal tissues, tegmentum, and structures in the floor of the IVth ventricle. Lesions were also found in the centrum ovale, cerebellum, and the grey and white matter in the spinal cord. The histological findings were of spongy rarefaction, scarring, and excessive vascularity. The pattern of inheritance of necrotizing encephalomyelopathy suggests that it is due to an autosomal recessive gene. Though the disease closely resembles the encephalopathy of thiamine deficiency, morphological and biochemical evidence suggests that this is not a direct aetiological factor. It is possible that the condition is due to a disorder of lipoic acid metabolism, perhaps at a step near the thiamine-dependent stage of carbohydrate metabolism.


For a long time, one of the important safety problems in open-pit mines is the stability of a large number of high slopes with gently inclined soft interlayer. Rock masses formed after long geological processes generally have some initial damage. Mining works also cause varying degrees of disturbance and damage to rock masses in the mining area during the mining process. This phenomenon means that accurate characterization of the time-dependent creep damage for rock masses under shear load is necessary. The damage variable D is defined based on the spatial and temporal evolution laws of shear modulus and initial level of damage for the rock mass. In addition, a coupling damage equation between the initial damage of the rock mass and shear creep damage is established based on Lemaitre's strain equivalence assumption. Kachanov's damage theory is also incorporated to describe the entire process of time-dependent creep damage evolution for rock masses. A creep damage constitutive model that can reasonably reflect the actual mechanical properties of rock masses under multi-stage shear creep loading conditions is established. This takes into account multi-stage shear creep loading conditions, instantaneous creep damage during the shear load phase, staged creep damage and factors influencing the initial damage of rock masses. The reasonableness, reliability and applicability of this model are verified by comparing the results of the multi-stage shear creep test with calculated values from the proposed model. As opposed to the traditional creep damage model, the shear creep model established in this present study takes into account the initial damage of rock masses and can describe the multi-stage shear creep damage characteristics of rock masses more convincingly.


Pancreatic cancer is a major oncological challenge due to its aggressive growth and metastasis. In the current study, we investigated the role of anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) in these processes. AGR2 mRNA, as assessed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (Q-RT-PCR), was 14-fold higher in pancreatic cancer compared with normal and pancreatitis tissues. Immunohistochemistry revealed high expression of AGR2 in neoplastic cells with 98% (56 of 57) positivity on pancreatic cancer and minimal staining in normal and pancreatitis tissues. AGR2 was also expressed in early pancreatic intraepithelial neoplastic lesions. RT-PCR and Western blotting showed elevated AGR2 expression in seven of nine pancreatic cancer cell lines. AGR2, as detected in conditioned media from cancer cells, indicated that it was secreted. The influence of AGR2 on pancreatic cancer cells was evaluated by silencing with small interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA. Silencing of AGR2 significantly reduced cell proliferation (MTS assay) and invasion (Boyden chamber assay) and improved gemcitabine sensitivity (fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis). Conditioned media from cells in which AGR2 was silenced had a reduced ability to stimulate proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting that secreted AGR2 was active. In vivo, silencing of AGR2 in MPanc-96 cells led to a significant reduction of tumor growth and increased the effectiveness of gemcitabine treatments in orthotopic tumor models evaluated by noninvasive bioluminescence imaging. In summary, AGR2 is expressed and secreted during pancreatic cancer development and plays an important role in cancer cell growth and survival. These observations suggest that AGR2 may be a useful molecular target in pancreatic cancer.


Abstract Background and aim: Differentiation of low-grade adenoma (Vienna category 3, C3) and high-grade adenoma/carcinoma (C4/5) among superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) using magnified endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (MNBI) is not established. The aim of this study is to clarify the diagnostic ability of MNBI to differentiate between C3 and C4/5 among SNADETs. Methods: A total of 585 MNBI images taken from 156 SNADETs were evaluated in a test and validation phase. In the test phase, MNBI patterns were extracted based on the combination of surface structure and vasculature. Comparison between MNBI patterns and histology was performed to establish diagnostic criteria to differentiate between C3 and C4/5. In the validation phase, the accuracy and interobserver agreement of the diagnostic criteria were assessed. Results: Four MNBI patterns (network, disappeared, white opaque substance and intrastructural vessels) with distinctive histological features were selected. The median number of MNBI patterns observed among C3 and C4/5 differed with significance (1 vs 2, p < .01). The pattern of disappeared was suggestive of C4/5. Diagnosis of C4/5 by using the criteria of 2 or more MNBI patterns or presence of disappeared pattern revealed a sensitivity of 76%, specificity of 63% and accuracy of 72%. Interobserver agreement of recognizing MNBI patterns was moderate (kappa 0.59). Conclusion: Diagnosis based on MNBI patterns is useful to differentiate between C3 and C4/5 lesions among SNADETs.


Human genetics has identified numerous single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other psychiatric disorders. However, the lack of standardized biological resources impedes understanding of the common pathophysiology of ASD. Here, using next-generation chromosome engineering based on the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we established a biological resource including 65 genetically modified mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) lines as genetic models of human SNVs and CNVs. To illustrate cell-type and CNV specific molecular features of ASD, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (37,397 cells in total), morphological, and physiological analyses using 12 representative cell lines with CNVs highly associated with ASD. These results uncover gene ontology (GO) terms, canonical pathways, upstream regulators, and related neuropsychiatric disorders in a cell-type and CNV specific manner.


At Universidad de Chile we have started a program for the development of a prototype receiver for Band 1 (31-45 GHz) of the Atacama Large Millimeter Array. This receiver will use a low-noise amplifier which is specified to have 5 times the quantum limit (~10 K). Here we present the first efforts and results towards reaching that goal.


Abstract A triangular area of Coal Measures rocks bounded to the south by the major WSW-ENE trending Causey Park Dyke, to the north and west by the limit of outcrop and the east by the North Sea, has been extensively worked by opencast methods over the past twenty years. Due to the close concentration of opencast workings it has been feasible to maintain a regional dewatering scheme over a number of years from Hauxley Shaft. However, during prospecting operations for an opencast coal site it was found that substantial quantities of groundwater existed in old workings horizons, ponded against the Causey Park Dyke in a broad anticlinal structural trap. It was decided by the Contractor that the area should be dewatered before excavations took place, to avoid the danger of flooding and water induced slope failures, and a submersible borehole pump was, thus, installed. This provided an opportunity to undertake a pumping test in mining disturbed strata. Due to the high permeability of the old underground workings it was found that the data did not conform to any standard analysis methods. However, it was found that the system could be modelled by treating it as a lagoon of triangular wedge shape. A mass balance calculation was performed and it was predicted that it would take approximately 350 days to dewater the site. The field data conforms closely to the predicted drawdowns and it is concluded that this method may be applicable to many regions with a mining history.


Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that is associated with significant perioperative complications. In 2012 and 2017, Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia and Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine published consensus statements for the selection of patients with OSA scheduled for ambulatory surgery. Despite these recommendations, the need for a CPAP device in the immediate postoperative period at ambulatory surgical centers remains controversial because these ambulatory patients are healthier and have fewer complications. This study aims to investigate the compliance rate with this recommendation among busy ASCs. Methods We created a survey to investigate if ASCs require patients to bring their CPAP devices to the facility. The survey measured compliance rates of ASCs to SAMBA's recommended guidelines of having CPAP machines available. Results The survey had a response rate of 60.9% encompassing 408,147 cases among 1946 providers. Of the facilities that responded, only 59.7% of them required their patients to bring their CPAP devices on the day of surgery. Out of the 67 facilities that responded, only 25.37% reported using a CPAP machine postoperatively within the past 2 years, with the highest CPAP usage at one facility being 20 times in that 2-year period. Discussion This would mean that 40.3% of ASCs that did respond do not have access to a CPAP device on-site and may possibly lack the proper equipment needed to handle these complications. The frequency and fatality rate associated with postoperative respiratory complications requiring a CPAP device are still inconclusive, making the need for CPAP devices during perioperative management controversial. Studies further in-depth are therefore necessary to assess postoperative complications that require the use of a CPAP device to determine the urgency of ASCs implementing SAMBA's recommendations.


The implementation of information security for governmental institutions is regulated by laws, which specify the development of complex regulation environment and implementation of information security solutions. The implementing regulation emphasizes the minimal user access rights principle, which means employees should be provided with necessary and sufficient rights to do their jobs, prescribes the implementation of a control system which limits user activities to the execution of their tasks, requires security analysis of information systems' log files of organizations handling large volume of personal data. Considering that the weakest point is the user, the most important aspect of log file processing is user activity analysis, building user profiles, identifying unusual events based on these and analyse them based on the data available about users for the organization. The paper discusses the goal, role, possibility, the importance and limitations of building user profiles instantly by analysing log files, considering efficiency, and all-inclusiveness with minimization of false alarms and administration tasks based on information available electronically about employees. By the end of the paper a cost-effective model is presented for automated user activity and profile analysis.


The purpose of the present study is both to introduce the scope, method and practices of Marshall Aids to Turkey and to analyze their effects on agricultural sector, along with their indirect results for Turkish economy. In this regard, this paper studies how the aids supplied by the Marshall Plan were used in the agricultural sector, to what extent they contributed to the development of the sector and what impacts the contributions had on some macroeconomic values such as the development, per capita income, trade balance and income distribution of Turkey. Of the total $184.5 million dollars supplied between the years 1948 and 1952, $38.282 million was reserved for the agricultural sector. In addition to bringing a high performance to the sector in general, the aids brought about a number of significant contributions such as agricultural mechanization, the farmers' taking over the modern agricultural production techniques, the enlargement of farmlands and enhancement of agricultural production. Between1948 and 1953, the economic development relied heavily on the agricultural sector. While the proportion of agricultural sector in gross national product was 38.4% in 1947, it rose to 45% in 1953. On average, Turkish Economy grew by 11% between 1950-1953 per year. At the same period, thanks to the developments in the agricultural sector, the per capita income increased at a rate of 28%.


Heritage façades are relevant to the historical preservation and identity of a city. Their deterioration can cause the devaluation of the urban environment, together with accidents caused by possible detachment of their different elements; therefore, maintaining them is crucial. It is important to have early warning systems in place, systems which would indicate potential damage and deterioration of such façades, which can be caused by factors such as humidity, earthquakes, the passage of time, or even people. This is often done through visual inspection; however, visual inspection is often affected by external factors, such as the financing of the on-site inspection and the availability of experts. Unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) are a practical and economical tool that has facilitated and improved imaging by regulating parameters such as camera angle, capture distance and image overlap, thus allowing improvements in photogrammetry techniques for virtual reconstruction processes. Although the implementation of this technology has been studied in recent years, research has focused primarily on horizontal structures, such as roads. In the case of vertical structures, flight parameters are traditionally defined by trial and error, without any methodological procedure. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodology to calibrate UAV flight parameters to build a photogrammetric 3D model of a vertical structure. This proposal is based on the development of a series of experiments configured through Taguchi orthogonal arrays, which is a method that significantly reduces the number of experiments required. This methodology is applied to a case study of a façade with architectural heritage features. The results obtained offer a flight plan and the optimal parameters to achieve efficiency in the capture of images in an inspection of heritage façades, thus achieving the optimisation of resources and time.


We develop a new blind source separation (BSS) microphone, named SSM-001, which can separate multiple sounds in real time under noisy conditions. The BSS microphone is based on our previously proposed BSS algorithm, in which single-input multiple-output (SIMO)-model-based BSS and SIMO-model-based binary masking are combined. We modify this algorithm and implement it in a digital signal processor for a more effective and realistic real-time operation. In this paper, the issue of real-time implementation in the BSS microphone is illustrated in detail, and the experimental evaluations of the hardware reveal the efficacy of the proposed BSS microphone.


Recent years have witnessed a rapid rise of a new class of data-intensive applications in which data arrive as transient, high-volume streams. Financial data processing, network monitoring, and sensor networks are all examples of such applications. Traditional relational database systems model data as persistent relations, but for this new class of applications, it is more appropriate to model data as unbounded streams with continuously arriving tuples. The stream data model necessitates a new style of queries called continuous queries. Unlike a one-time query executed over a single finite and static database state, a continuous query continuously generates new result tuples as new stream tuples arrive.
This dissertation tackles a range of challenges that arise in processing continuous queries. Specifically, for resource-constrained settings, this dissertation proposes techniques for coping with response-time and memory constraints. To scale to a large number of continuous queries running concurrently, this dissertation proposes techniques for indexing continuous queries as data, and processing and optimizing incoming stream tuples as queries over such data. A common theme underlying most of these techniques is exploiting the characteristics of the data and the continuous queries, e.g., asymmetry in the costs of processing different streams, temporal trends in the values of stream attributes, and clusteredness that arises in a large number of continuous queries.


Alkali-activated materials (AAMs), hybrid cements (cements composed of Portland cement clinker, supplementary cementitious materials and an alkaline activator) and cements based on the principle of 'Opus Caementicium' (OC) potentially provide advantages over conventional cements for the use in sealing structures in rock salt, such as low heat of reaction and related thermal induced deformations (expansion and contraction) and autogenous shrinkage, all of which can lead to crack formation. In this study several binders have been investigated by isothermal calorimetry and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Specific mix-designs of the AAMs were chosen for further investigations on the development of the mechanical strength of salt-saturated mortars, i.e. crushed rock salt was used as aggregates, under different conditions (23 °C/50 % r.H. and 40 °C/35 % r.H.) and compared to a 'low-pH'-cement-based salt-saturated reference mortar. After a reaction time of 7 days the heat of reaction of the hybrid cements was always lower than 70 % of that of an ordinary Portland cement (OPC), while the heat of reaction of the AAM and the OC was always lower than 20 %. For the hybrid cements Na 2 SO 4 accelerated the early reaction of the Portland clinker, while Na 2 CO 3 appeared to decrease the reaction and led to a shift of the second hydration peak (likely related to slag reaction) to later hydration times. Besides minor peaks in the heat flow after 4 days, the AAM and OC provided a rather continuous heat release over the considered reaction time. The AAMs showed no signs of major crystalline reaction products; only traces of carbonates, alumina or zeolites were identified after 28 days. For the hybrid cements, semicrystalline C-A-S-H, portlandite and hydrotalcite were present in all samples as hydration products. Furthermore, in these systems the use of Na 2 SO 4 lead to the formation of ettringite (AFt-phase), while the use of Na 2 CO 3 lead to the formation of hemicarbonate (AFm-phase). Compared to the 'low-pH'-cement-based mortar, the AAM-based mortars had lower mechanical strength after 28 days. With increasing curing time the differences decreased. Increasing the temperature and decreasing the air humidity led to an acceleration of the strength development at early ages, but also to a decrease of the final strength for specific AAM-based formulations, suggesting the introduction of microcracks due to drying shrinkage. The exception was the twopart AAM-formulation, which provided the highest final strength in the considered period (91 days) independent of the storing conditions.


In order to examine the effects of growth on sexual maturation in sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, smolts were marked with PIT tags and reared in an aquarium filled with seawater from May (age-1) to October (age-2). Their fork lengths were individually tracked every four or five months throughout the experiment. At the end of the experiment, 10 females and 13 males matured while 7 females and 3 males remained immature. Distinct differences in the fork lengths of mature and immature fish were observed from August and December at age-1. In particular, the immature group showed extremely low growth during this period. This result suggests that low autumn growth can inhibit the onset of sexual maturation in this species.


This study was conducted to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir lap joints. Invar 42 and SS 400 were selected as the experimental materials, and friction stir welding was carried out at a tool rotation speed of 200 rpm and welding speed of 100 ㎜/min. The application of friction stir welding to Invar 42 effectively reduced the grain size in the stir zone; the average grain size of Invar 42 was reduced from 11.5 ㎛ in the base material to 6.4 ㎛ in the stir zone, which resulted in an improvement in the mechanical properties of the stir zone. The joint interface between Invar 42 and SS 400 showed a relatively sound weld without voids and cracks, and the intermetallic compounds with L12 type in lap jointed interface were partially formed with size of 100 nm. Moreover, the hook in the advancing side of Invar 42 was formed from SS 400, which contributed to maintenance of the tensile strength. The evolution of microstructures and mechanical properties of friction stir lap jointed Invar 42 and SS 400 are also discussed herein.


Abstract Picking up Walter Benjamin's analysis of German Fascism as an aestheticisation of politics, the article develops the concept of late capitalist fascism for which aesthetics plays an important role. Today fascism is not primarily a political force but a cultural phenomenon that circulates as language, emblems and objects. Because of its history fascism does not dare name itself as such but fascism is fast becoming part of everyday life in a number of countries including Hungary, Italy and the United States, but also France and Denmark where the threat of fascism is used as a pretext for imposing fascist measures especially in relation to immigration and asylum policies.


The susceptibility of millimeter-wave (mmWave) signals to physical blockage and abrupt signal strength variations presents a challenge to reliable 5G communication. This work proposes and examines the feasibility of utilizing lower-frequency signals as early-warning indicators of mobile mmWave signal blockage or recovery. A physics-based channel simulation tool incorporating Fresnel diffraction and image sources is employed to demonstrate that sub-6 GHz signals "lead" mmWave signals in reaching a specific signal-strength threshold by several to tens of milliseconds at mobile speeds, suggesting early-warning systems are viable. This predictive approach stems from frequency-dependent properties of diffraction and does not assume a specific topology or mobile and obstacle speeds. Realistic simulations that include transitions from line of sight (LoS) to non-line of sight (NLoS) and reflection scenarios are employed to verify the proposed prediction capabilities. Moreover, prediction of the strongest multipath component and its angle of arrival (AoA) using sub-6 GHz observations is investigated.


Stenting of the arterial duct to maintain postnatal communication between the pulmonary and systemic arterial circulations in infants with complex congenital heart disease is an acceptable alternative to a surgically created systemic to pulmonary artery shunt. The procedure, however, can be demanding given the variable anatomy of the patent ductus arteriosus. We report a series of cases of ductal stenting via a range of varying approaches in neonates with complex congenital heart disease, and display the variety of situations in which these approaches may be used. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc


In Andrews's monograph on Christmas, Island, published in 1900 (11), Prof. T. Rupert Jones & Mr. F. Chapman contributed an article on the Tertiary foraminiferal limestones, and described several new species of Orbitoides. It was my original intention to examine the Orbitoides, in order to ascertain whether with their aid new light could be thrown on the age of the deposits, as at the time when they were described the genus Lepidocyclina was little known. In doing so I found that the above-mentioned authors, in describing the species, omitted details which of recent years have become of prime importance in the recognition of these forms. Since their descriptions are frequently inadequate, considerable confusion about the Christmas Island Orbitoides has appeared in the literature. I have, therefore, been led to attempt a revision of Jones's & Chapman's species. I have been fortunately able to prepare numerous new microscopic slides from rock-material preserved in the British Museum (Natural History). and also have examined the slides containing Jones's & Chapman's figured types. Dr. W. D. Lang and Mr. W. Campbell Smith have kindly helped by arranging to have numerous sections cut in the Geological and Mineralogical Departments of the Museum. In all, about a hundred slides have been examined. In studying the Orbitoides the chief difficulty is that they are irregularly distributed in massive limestone, so that it necessitates much care to cut a section through a specimen in a particular desired direction. In no case are specimens weathered out so as to


The effect of sudden variations in working modes and fatigue behavior of CS 1018 is studied. A general model based on the framework of the fracture fatigue entropy (FFE) concept is developed to capture such changes. Fully reversed bending tests are performed on flat dog bone specimens with a series of variable frequency tests without turning the machine off to simulate fluctuating working conditions. The results are then post-processed and analyzed to assess how fatigue life changes when a component is subjected to sudden changes in multiple frequencies. It is demonstrated that regardless of the frequency changes, FFE remains constant and stays within a narrow band range, similar to that of a constant frequency.


ABSTRACT: To determine whether administration of human placental lactogen (hPL) to pregnant rats during late gestation might enhance fetal growth, we implanted osmotically driven minipumps to provide 75 μ h PL/24 h on day 14 of the rat's 21.5-day gestation. This substantially increased maternal and fetal plasma hPL concentrations. By day 18, hPL fetuses were significantly heavier and had larger placentas than controls. From this point until term, their rate of growth (1.20 g/24 h) significantly exceeded that of controls (0.95 g/24 h). Birth weights differed significantly (hPL 5.86 ± 0.08 g; controls 5.20 ± 0.08 g, p < 0.001). This increase was due primarily to significant increases in the growth of the liver and carcass. Enhanced glucose availability was in part responsible for this phenomenon inasmuch as plasma glucose concentrations were significantly increased in hPL maternal rats from days 15 to 19. This resulted on days 18 and 19 in significantly increased plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in hPL fetuses. Fetal/maternal glucose ratios did not differ between hPL and control fetuses. Fetal hepatic glycogen concentrations were significantly increased on day 18 and 19 but were similar to controls from day 20 until birth. These observations suggest that increased maternal glucose availability with consequent stimulation of fetal insulin secretion accelerated the growth of hPL fetuses. However, maternal and fetal plasma glucose concentrations and fetal plasma insulin and hepatic glycogen concentrations on days 20 and 21 were normal, suggesting that other factors also were responsible for sustaining the accelerated fetal growth on these days. These observations and the many reports of the stimulatory effect of placental lactogen upon numerous fetal metabolic functions suggest that hPL might have directly stimulated growth.


Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is the causative agent of a highly contagious disease, hog cholera in pigs. The disease is endemic in many parts of the world and vaccination is the only way to protect the animals from CSFV infection. Wild hogs belong to the species Sus Scrofa Cristatus under the family Suidae are quite susceptible to CSFV infection. The epidemiological role concerning classical swine fever (CSF) in India is largely unknown. We report here the three isolated cases of CSF in wild hogs from three National parks, namely Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Jaldapara National Park, from north-east part of India. The post-mortem and histopathological findings were clearly indicative for CSFV infection. The presence of CSFV genome was demonstrated in several organs and tissues collected from hogs died due to viral infection. In addition, CSF-specific antibodies were detected in two wild hogs as well as in eighteen feral pigs from the same locations. The phylogenetic analysis of the partial E2 protein gene and 5' untranslated region of CSFV isolates from the wild hog showed identities with genotype 2.2 of the Indian isolates. Occurrence of CSF in wild hogs may pose a potent threat in the epidemiology of the virus in Northeast part of India. To the best of our knowledge, the report presented in the manuscript is the first comprehensive report on CSF in wild hogs form Northeast India. The findings reported would help us to understand the epidemiology and biology of CSFV in wild animals.


A network using resistors and active devices that implements a two-dimensional convolution whose shape is similar to a Gaussian is described. The network consists of resistive connections between each node and its nearest and second-nearest neighbors. When integrated on a CMOS chip with photoreception elements, the network forms a monolithic image reception and smoothing system with real-time response. The filter's width, which depends on the ratio of certain resistors, is continuously variable. Networks for other filter shapes are proposed.<<ETX>>


This thesis is concerned with the study of how sketch-based systems can be improved to enhance idea generation process in conceptual design stage. It is also concerned with achieving a kind of integration between sketch-based systems and CAD systems to complete the digitization of the design process as sketching phase is still not integrated with other phases due to the different nature of it and the incomplete digitization of sketching phase itself. Previous studies identified three main related issues: sketching process, sketch-based modeling, and the integration between the digitized design phases. Here, the thesis is motivated from the desire to improve sketch-based modeling to support idea generation process but unlike previous studies that only focused on the technical or drawing part of sketching, this thesis attempts to concentrate more on the mental part of the sketching process which play a key role in developing ideas in design. Another motivation of this thesis is to produce a kind of integration between sketch-based systems and CAD systems to enable 3D models produced by sketching to be edited in detailed design stage. As such, there are two main contributions have been addressed in this thesis. The first contribution is the presenting of a new approach in designing sketch-based systems that enable more support for idea generation by separating thinking and developing ideas from the 3D modeling process. This kind of separation allows designers to think freely and concentrate more on their ideas rather than 3D modeling. the second contribution is achieving a kind of integration between gesture-based systems and CAD systems by using an IGES file in exchanging data between systems and a new method to organize data within the file in an order that make it more understood by feature recognition embedded in commercial CAD systems.


Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infection from food or water often results in severe diarrheal disease and is a leading cause of death globally. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) secreted from E. coli induce lethality in mice. The omptin outer membrane protease OmpT from E. coli inactivates antimicrobial peptides and may enhance colonization of the uroepithelium, but its precise function remains unclear. Given OmpT is an outer membrane protease, we hypothesized it may have a role in OMV biogenesis. To further characterize the effect of OmpT on OMV production, a genetic approach using wild type, an ompT deletion mutant and an ompT overexpressing construct in EHEC were employed. ompT gene deletion markedly decreased OMV production and stainable lipid but increased vesicle diameter. Conversely, ompT overexpression profoundly increased OMV biogenesis but decreased stainable lipid, protein content, and vesicle diameter. Alterations in EHEC ompT gene expression have an impact on the biogenesis, composition, and size of OMVs. Changes in ompT gene expression may dynamically alter OMV formation, composition, and diameter in response to different host environments and contribute to cell-free intercellular communication to enhance bacterial growth and survival.


Abstract Weanling and adult rats were subjected to left ventricular pressure overload induced by abdominal aortic constriction. At 5 days or 5 weeks postsurgery, the left ventricle (LV) was dissected, weighed, and metabolic marker enzyme activities (μmole/g/min) of tissue homogenates were measured. Enzymes representing glycolytic (phosphofructokinase (PFK)) and mitochondrial (citrate synthase (CS) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH)) metabolisms were evaluated. Five days of pressure overload had detectable, but statistically nonsignificant effects on left ventricles of both weanling and adult rats. Sustained pressure overload (5 weeks) increased LV weight by 52 and 39% in weanling and adult rats, respectively. PFK activity was 24 ± 1 (mean ± SE) in control weanlings and was unaltered in any of the other groups. LDH isoenzyme composition was estimated by substrate inhibition (ratio 0.33/10 mM pyruvate). With normal heart development, the LDH ratio increased from 1.89 ± 0.06 to 2.03 ± 0.08. Pressure overload had no influence on the adult LDH ratio. Developmental LDH responses were not observed in weanling LV after 5 weeks of aortic constriction (1.74 ± 0.06). The product of CS activity and LV weight was used to estimate mitochondrial mass in the ventricle. Mitochondria accumulated at a rate of about 5% increase per day over the intervening 5-week period of normal heart growth. Pressure overload for 5 weeks in weanling rats elicited net accumulation of mitochondria at a rate of about 9% increase per day. Mitochondrial accumulation in the adapting adult rat heart amounted to less than 1% increase per day. The results indicate that qualitative and quantitative differences exist between young and adult animals in their heart enzyme adaptive responses to pressure overloading. Divergent metabolic adaptations may contribute to heart functional differences in the enlarged heart of weanlings and adults.