This paper analyzes strategic choice in p-beauty contests. We first show that it is not generally a best reply to guess the expected target value (accounting for the own weight) even in games with n>2 players and that iterated best response sequences are not unique even after perfect/cautious refinement. This implies that standard formulations of ``level-k'' models are neither exactly nor uniquely rationalizable by belief systems based on iterated best response. Second, exact modeling of iterated reasoning weakens the fit considerably and reveals that equilibrium types dominate the populations. We also show that ``levels of reasoning'' cannot be measured regardless of the underlying model. Third, we consider a ``nested logit'' model where players choose their level. It dispenses with belief systems between players and is rationalized by a random utility model. Besides being internally consistent, nested logit equilibrium fits better than three variants of the level-k model in standard data sets.


The farm gate balance is well known from the environmental literature. This method is not suitable in every case to show the nutrient load for the environment of agricultural companies that is the reason why unit level internal nutrient balances are applied to express the level of nutrient pollution on the environment. These also help to determine the source of the pollution. With the survey of the nutrient flows within the farm we determine the keystones of nutrient management to control the nutrient load of the pollution sources. On the basis of the results and the controlled data of the unit level internal balances we make recommendations for the most appropriate environmental policy instrument to reduce the nutrient pollution.


The identification of alternative crops that need less water and produce increased yields of organic matter per unit of water is important for agricultural sustainability. Amaranthus species are C4 dicotyledonous plants characterized by effective photosynthesis, intensive nitrogen metabolism and good adaptability. The aim of this paper was to evaluate some biological peculiarities, the quality of green mass and produced silage from Amaranthus hypochondriacus, as well as the possibility of using it as feed for ruminant animals and as feedstock for the production of biomethane. The results of our rJesearch revealed that the dry matter of harvested whole plants contained 172 g/kg CP, 330 g/kg ADF, 462 g/kg NDF, 55 g/kg ADL, 68 g/kg TSS and 88 g/kg ash, 275 g/kg Cel and 132 g/kg HC with 10.22 MJ/kg metabolizable energy and 6.23 MJ/kg net energy for lactation. The prepared silage was characterized by agreeable colour with pleasant smell and pH 3.86, it contained 13.4 g/kg DM lactic acid, 5.8 g/kg DM acetic acid, 877.6 g/kg DM organic matter, 167 g/kg CP, 348 g/kg ADF, 516 g/kg NDF, 45 g/kg ADL, 303 g/kg Cel and 156 g/kg HC with 10.05 MJ/kg metabolizable energy and 6.02 MJ/kg net energy for lactation. It has been found that the biomethane potential of the Amaranthus hypochondriacus biomass varied from 282 to 303 l/kg ODM. Amaranthus hypochondriacus contains many nutrients, which make it suitable to be used as fodder for animals and has potential as feedstock for biomethane


To define the incidence and spectrum of extra pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and the trend of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients in the University of Ilorin teaching hospital, a tertiary care centre in Nigeria. Review of all PTB cases diagnosed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique and EPTB diagnosed by tissue histology and/or cytology between January 2000 and December 2004. HIV/TB coinfection occurred in 40% (297 cases) of the 744 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) seen in the last 5 years, HIV/PTB occurred in 79% and HIV/EPTB occurred in 21%. About 47 new cases of HIV/PTB and 12 of HIV/EPTB were diagnosed per year. Tuberculous pleurisy with effusion; 23%, tuberculous meningitis; 16% and genital tuberculosis; 10% as (tuberculous: orchitis, endometritis and frozen pelvis) were common form of extra pulmonary presentation. The chance of mixed presentation was 3 times higher amongst the HIV positive than HIV negative patients; 27 vs. 11: X2 = 6.99, OR 3.25; 95% CI = 1.32-8.14, p-value = 0.008. Similarly the chance of miliary tuberculosis was 4 1/2 times higher in the HIV positive group; 9 vs. 2: X2 = 4.29, OR 4.67; 95% CI = 0.90-45.93, p-value = 0.03. Both conditions recorded the lowest CD4+ cells count; 88 cells/ul and 93.6.6 cells/ul, thus serving as features of advanced HIV illness. PTB and EPTB are common amongst the HIV infected patients; miliary spread and mixed presentation are signs of severe immunosuppression.


This special feature is dedicated to methods and applications of high-precision flow rate measurements at flow rates in the range of µl/min and below. It comprises papers from authors who gave lectures at the 250th PTB Seminar 'European Meeting on Microflow Metrology', held at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany, on 24–25 June 2009 and sponsored by the Helmholtz Funds e.V., Germany. More than 40 experts from national metrology institutes, universities and manufactures of flowmeters, and from seven European countries, attended the seminar. The main goal of the seminar was to discuss the measurement of very small flow rates on a metrological basis. The lectures covered measurements of flow rates of liquids as well as of gases. Manufacturers discussed their developments of commercial flowmeters for low flow rates, and first approaches towards a measurement traceable to the SI were introduced by the national metrology institutes. Thus, many interesting discussions were stimulated between various groups, in particular between those working in metrology and on applications. The measurement of very low flow rates traceable to the SI is just beginning. So many approaches have not yet been finished or are at the moment only at the status of a proof of principle. The papers in this special feature give an insight into these different approaches and mark the beginning of an exciting way towards the measurement of small and ultrasmall flow rates.


ABSTRACT Acinetobacter calcoaceticus strain P23 is a plant growth-promoting bacterium, which was isolated from the surface of duckweed. We report here the draft genome sequence of strain P23. The genome data will serve as a valuable reference for understanding the molecular mechanism of plant growth promotion in aquatic plants.


Abstract Much of the within species genetic variation is in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), typically detected by whole genome sequencing (WGS) or microarray-based technologies. However, WGS produces mostly uninformative reads that perfectly match the reference, while microarrays require genome-specific reagents. We have developed Diff-seq, a sequencing-based mismatch detection assay for SNP discovery without the requirement for specialized nucleic-acid reagents. Diff-seq leverages the Surveyor endonuclease to cleave mismatched DNA molecules that are generated after cross-annealing of a complex pool of DNA fragments. Sequencing libraries enriched for Surveyor-cleaved molecules result in increased coverage at the variant sites. Diff-seq detected all mismatches present in an initial test substrate, with specific enrichment dependent on the identity and context of the variation. Application to viral sequences resulted in increased observation of variant alleles in a biologically relevant context. Diff-Seq has the potential to increase the sensitivity and efficiency of high-throughput sequencing in the detection of variation.


Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is the leading cause of maternal death; however, the causative molecular basis remains largely unknown. Recent studies have revealed the important role microRNAs (miRNAs) play in PE. We aimed to explore the effects of let‐7d on trophoblast proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis in PE and its underlying mechanism. Placental tissues were collected from PE patients and healthy pregnant women, and it was found that let‐7d expression was increased, while KDM3A and ENO2 expression was decreased in PE tissues and cells. Bioinformatics analysis indicated the interaction among let‐7d, KDM3A and ENO2, confirmed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay; ChIP experiment identified methylated modification to ENO2 by KDM3A. With gain‐ and loss‐function method, silencing of let‐7d increased KDM3A expression and enhanced the binding between KDM3A and ENO2. Furthermore, overexpression of let‐7d suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion of trophoblasts, and induced apoptosis of trophoblasts, while these capacities were restored upon additional treatment of overexpressed ENO2. PE rat models were established to explore the effects of let‐7d and ENO2 on PE in vivo. The results established that the silencing of let‐7d alleviated the tissue injury and PE‐related symptoms when reducing urine protein, TUNEL‐positive cells and increasing ENO2, and KDM3A expression in rats. Cumulatively, let‐7d suppressed cell progression of trophoblasts, and induced apoptosis through the down‐regulation of KDM3A to promote ENO2 methylation, thereby promoting progression of PE. Such an epigenetic network of let‐7d, KDM3A and ENO2 in the pathogenesis of PE might provide novel insight into targeted therapy against this disorder.


Abstract This paper examines the reasons why the European Court of Human Rights remains ineffective in protecting the freedom of religion, especially as this issue applies to Muslims. I discuss these reasons under four broad categories: religion-specific, non-Christian religion-specific, and Islam-specific. First, there are problems that adversely affect everyone's freedom of religion. Despite expansive rights for the freedom of religion and belief that are provided in the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the Court has devised some methods that largely limit the scope of these rights. Second, these problems are much more salient in the Court's dealings with non-Christian religious traditions. Third, I claim that among these non-Christian relations, the Court's handling of cases involving Muslims is particularly problematic because of fears both about Islam and Muslim visibility and demands. Fourth, the Court's desire to promote the principle of secularism has allowed it to ignore government's "assertive secular" policies even when such policies conflicted with human rights of Muslim individuals.


Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is an excellent material with high performance, but it is very difficult to covalently introduce functional groups on its surface owing to its inherently inert structure, which constrains its further application. In this study, vinyl triethoxysilane (VTEOS) containing hydrolysable alkoxyl groups was in situ grafted on UHMWPE by air plasma treatment. The plasma treatment conditions for VTEOS grafting were optimized. The structure of the modified UHMWPE was characterized with FTIR and XPS. The relatively high VTEOS content was obtained when the treating conditions were about 20 W, 125 Pa for 10 min. And FTIR results showed that the grafted structure on the surface was stable for long time duration in the ambient environment. After the treatment, the roughness of the surface increased and the water contact angle of the modified sample dropped to 47.5° from 92.8° of the unmodified one. TGA and XRD results indicated that plasma treatment would not change the bulk structure of UHMWPE greatly. Cell culture experiments showed that fibroblasts on the modified samples had notably high viability and proliferation rate with good adhesion shape. Hence, it might be an effective method to improve the surface properties of UHMWPE for biomedical applications by plasma-induced in-situ grafting with VTEOS. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 321-332, 2018.


All solid rocket propellants are divided in two basic classes according to chemical state: homogeneous(double base) and heterogeneous (composite). Today, composite propellants are extensively used as power sources covering the range from gas generators and small rocket systems to large launch vehicles in space programs. The development of composite rocket propellants in the past was mainly directed to thermoset polymers. But, the thermoset composite propellants have the complication in formulation and fabricating process to adapt to rocket system requirements. In contrast to the thermoset propellant, the PVC plastisols composite propellants have the advantages in the view of loss in manufacturing process, low cost of raw material, and stability of the handling process even though moderate ballistic and mechanical properties. It is predicted that the application field of this class will be used more widely than any other classes.


Abstract:This paper reviews some themes and topics relating to Ireland's foreign aid programme that have been examined by this writer in this journal over the past twenty years. Space constrains the review from being completely comprehensive; it confines itself to the main aid topics and themes covered since the publication in Irish Studies in International Affairs vol. 5, 1994, of 'Ireland's foreign aid in 1993'. The paper begins by showing how the global environment for aid has evolved over the past twenty years. It then reviews the evolution of Irish official aid policy, both bilateral and multilateral, showing how it has usually mirrored events and policy changes at global level and changes in the aid policies of other 'like-minded' DAC donors, but also that Irish policy has often produced leading-edge initiatives. The Irish government's major published documents relating to aid, and the evolution of the aims and principles guiding the aid programme over the period, are also examined. The commitment to achieving the UN target for aid donation of 0.7% of GNI has been present since the Irish programme was established, and while it has both advanced and retreated over the years, it has never been abandoned. A recurring theme examined in many of the reviews has been the interaction between Ireland as a donor and the various international institutions with which it cooperates, such as the UN, EU, OECD/DAC and the international financial institutions such as the World Bank. The special relationship between Irish Aid and Irish non-governmental development organisations is also examined, as is Irish Aid's work in development education and engaging with the Irish public. A reading of the ISIA Reviews since 1994 shows how Irish Aid has defined gender, human rights, HIV/AIDS and the environment as cross-cutting issues and has tried to mainstream them in the official aid programme. The paper ends with some concluding comments that sum up the position of the Irish aid programme at the current point in time.


BACKGROUND--While high doses of caffeine may affect pulmonary function and bronchial challenge tests in patients with mild asthma, the effects of lower doses (< or = 5 mg/kg) are less well documented. Specific recommendations exist for withholding theophylline, but not caffeine, before bronchoprovocation and pulmonary function testing. METHODS--To assess the effect of a single oral dose of caffeine (5 mg/kg) on FEV1 and bronchial responsiveness to histamine a double blind, placebo controlled study was performed in eight patients with mild stable asthma. RESULTS--While caffeine had no effect on FEV1, mean (95% confidence interval) log PC20 histamine was significantly higher 150 minutes [caffeine = 0.99 (0.2) mg/ml, placebo = 0.53 (0.29)] and 240 minutes [caffeine = 0.89 (0.24), placebo = 0.44 (0.26)] after administration of caffeine than after placebo. CONCLUSIONS--Caffeine should be excluded from the diet for a period of more than four hours before bronchial provocation testing. The exact length of time for which it must be excluded requires further study.


Although Web services technology holds great promise for universal integration, several obstacles stand in the way of its acceptance. Work is being done to address these obstacles to enable the adoption of Web services technology in the future,, but where do we stand today? In particular, what can be done today to combat the often cited problem of slow response time for Web services? Although XML hardware acceleration and SOAP compression schemes can improve the overall response, the authors found that the appropriate selection of client software, server software, and data structures can have a substantial impact. It is possible to have a profound impact on performance using tools that are routinely and dependably available to us now.


The main objective of this study is the joint analysis of water level and seismicity recorded at Koyna (India), which is a unique site where reservoir-triggered earthquakes have been continually occurring over the last 50 years. Statistically significant cross-correlation coefficients between the daily water level and the daily number of earthquakes (with magnitudes greater than or equal to 2.2) suggest a time lag of 223 days, indicating reservoir-induced enhanced seismic activity mainly during the drawdown phase of the reservoir. The time lag and the mean earthquake depth provide a vertical hydraulic diffusivity of D ∼0.2 m2/s for the area.


As you mindful, if temperature builds (Absence of fever)after 31 degree Celsius , Warm touchy neurons increment their terminating rate and repress Cold delicate neurons as center temperature increments. As temperature drops, the terminating pace of Warm touchy neurons diminishes, decreasing their hindrance, and Cold delicate neurons which react by expanding their terminating rates.


This paper describes motion capture using Kinects. Kinect has built-in algorithm for recognition of skeleton of human body, but there are gaps when the joints are competing for the same area of sensor view. Each Kinect contributes to capture for positions that are unreachable by other, making graphical representation of body and movements done closer than other methods. The results showed that it is possible to use more than one Kinect to capture motion in short distance (less than 45o) and for large distance (about 135o) with complementary data, but it is not enough to have a good performance.


Applying a Coulomb correction factor to the Glauber model we have derived a closed expression for α-nucleus total reaction cross section, σ R. Under the approximation of rigid projectile model, the elastic S-matrix element Sel(b) is evaluated from the phenomenological N-α amplitude and a Gaussian fit to the Helm's model form factor. Excellent agreements with the experimental data have been achieved by performing two-parameter fits to the α-nucleus σ R data in the energy range about 75 to 193 MeV. One of the parameters was found to be energy independent while the other, as expected, shows the energy dependence similar to that of N-α total cross section. © 2008 The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.


Monitoring ctDNA in blood is important for cancer management. Here, a one-step single particle counting approach was developed for directly quantifying ctDNA in plasma. Hairpin DNA containing a triple helix stem was immobilized onto QD 585 as a probe. The hairpin was opened by the target, and therefore hybridized with assistant DNA on QD 655, resulting in an aggregate of QD 585 and QD 655. The two-color QD aggregate was regarded as the target. Observed under a single particle transmission grating-based spectral microscope, the two-color QD aggregate was distinguished by a unique spectral pattern of two first-order streaks, and it was counted. The difference in the responses of the probes to perfect-match DNA, single-base mismatch DNA, and non-match DNA indicated that the probe had sufficient single-base discrimination capabilities. The success in plasma recovery tests demonstrated the feasibility of carrying out the direct detection of ctDNA in plasma.


Attitude determination systems based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) work on principle of phase interferometer, using multiple receiving antennas. They rely on a good quality of carrier phase tracking, that is not the case in real dynamic environment with low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), for example, in a ground vehicle moving through an urban area or forest. There is still a problem in providing a GNSS attitude in such common conditions. This research is focused on improving sensitivity (i.e., the capability of providing attitude at a low SNR) and the reliability of the GNSS attitude determination system. It is contrasted with the majority of publications, where precision or computational efficiency is the main goal, but sensitivity and reliability are out of their scope. In the proposed system, sensitivity improved by using two measures: (a) tracking only phase differences instead of tracking full carrier phases—this is more sensitive due to the lower dynamics of the underlying process, and (b) using deep integration with gyroscope, where all phase differences are tracked in a vector gyro-aided loop closed on user's attitude in state vector. The algorithm synthesis is given, and simulation results are presented in this article. This shows that the minimal working SNR is lowered from 27–36 dBHz (typical) down to 20 dBHz, even with a low-cost MEMS gyroscope.


Patients first should be evaluated for a mimicking or coexisting condition, such as vocal cord dysfunction or endobronchial stenosis. Once the diagnosis is clearly established and any triggering factors have been addressed, chronotherapy is the key to management--that is, timing drug delivery so that serum levels peak when disease manifestations are at their worst, often in the middle of the night.


Polycomb chromobox (CBX) proteins participate in the polycomb repressive complex (PRC1) that mediates epigenetic gene silencing and endows PRC1 with distinct oncogenic or tumor suppressor functions in a cell-type-dependent manner. In this study, we report that inhibition of cell migration, invasion, and metastasis in colorectal carcinoma requires CBX4-mediated repression of Runx2, a key transcription factor that promotes colorectal carcinoma metastasis. CBX4 inversely correlated with Runx2 expression in colorectal carcinoma tissues, and the combination of high CBX4 expression and low Runx2 expression significantly correlated with overall survival, more so than either CBX4 or Runx2 expression alone. Mechanistically, CBX4 maintained recruited histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) to the Runx2 promoter, which maintained a deacetylated histone H3K27 state to suppress Runx2 expression. This function of CBX4 was dependent on its interaction with HDAC3, but not on its SUMO E3 ligase, its chromodomain, or the PRC1 complex. Disrupting the CBX4-HDAC3 interaction abolished Runx2 inhibition as well as the inhibition of cell migration and invasion. Collectively, our data show that CBX4 may act as a tumor suppressor in colorectal carcinoma, and strategies that stabilize the interaction of CBX4 with HDAC3 may benefit the colorectal carcinoma patients with metastases. Cancer Res; 76(24); 7277-89. ©2016 AACR.


A scientific theory consists of a symbolic framework containing laws and concepts that are derived by deductive reasoning from fundamental laws and primitive concepts, and complemented by the correspondence or the relation between the symbolic concepts and the real objects. The symbolic framework is understood as a representation of the real, constructed by our minds like a realistic painting. In accordance with this point of view, scientific laws are not discovered but conceived or created by our minds. We show how this approach is organized by rational thinking, which is understood as an innate ability of the mind that emerges between childhood and adolescence. We also examine with some detail the structure of the past scientific theories, pointing out their postulates, or fundamental laws, and the primitive concepts. We will restrict ourselves to some of the physical theories, starting with those that emerged in the Hellenistic period, and then proceed to examine other theories until the end of the seventeenth century.


Data envelopment analysis (DEA), as a useful management and decision tool, has been widely used since it was first invented by Charnes et al. in 1978. On the one hand, the DEA models need accurate inputs and outputs data. On the other hand, in many situations, inputs and outputs are volatile and complex so that they are difficult to measure in an accurate way. The conflict leads to the researches of uncertain DEA models. This paper will consider DEA in uncertain environment, thus producing a new model based on uncertain measure. Due to the complexity of the new uncertain DEA model, an equivalent deterministic model is presented. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the uncertain DEA model.


Abstract Hearing screening is important for the early detection of hearing loss. The requirements of specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and quiet environments for valid screening results limit its application in schools and health clinics. This study aimed to develop an automated hearing screening kit (auto-kit) with the capability of realtime noise level monitoring to ensure that the screening is performed in an environment that conforms to the standard. The auto-kit consists of a laptop, a 24-bit resolution sound card, headphones, a microphone, and a graphical user interface, which is calibrated according to the American National Standards Institute S3.6-2004 standard. The auto-kit can present four test tones (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) at 25 or 40 dB HL screening cut-off level. The clinical results at 40 dB HL screening cut-off level showed that the auto-kit has a sensitivity of 92.5% and a specificity of 75.0%. Because the 500 Hz test tone is not included in the standard hearing screening procedure, it can be excluded from the auto-kit test procedure. The exclusion of 500 Hz test tone improved the specificity of the auto-kit from 75.0% to 92.3%, which suggests that the auto-kit could be a valid hearing screening device. In conclusion, the auto-kit may be a valuable hearing screening tool, especially in countries where resources are limited.


The SkinCancer Foundationdefines skincancer as uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells (The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2016b). Skin cancer risk factors include ultraviolet radiation and sun exposure (American Cancer Society, 2016b). Young adult outdoor athletes are frequently exposed to the sun and are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Research found young adult athletes average 1,000 hours in the sun annually for their sport (Wysong et al., 2012). This article examines current literature and studies that have researched young adult athletes on their knowledge of being at an increased skin cancer risk as well as their attitudes and sun protective behaviors in regard to skin cancer and prevention. The purpose is to evaluate as a whole whether frequent sun exposure influences young adult athletes' use of preventative measures such as sunscreen or protective clothing. Results found that most athletes were knowledgeable of sunscreen use being a preventative measure for sun protection and skin cancer; however, sunscreen was not always applied (Lawler et al., 2012; Walker et al., 2014; Wysong et al., 2012). Results indicate that skin cancer and preventative practices among young adult athletes continue to be a concern, and therefore research should focus on addressing ways to promote skin cancer prevention practices as well as screening, management, and treatment strategies (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014).


Writer identification is the task of determining the author of a sample handwriting from a set of writers. In this paper, we propose Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) to address the task of off-line, text independent writer identification of text lines. The resulting system is compared to a system that uses a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based approach. While the GMM based system is conceptually much simpler and faster to train than the HMM based system, it achieves a significantly higher writer identification rate of 98.46% on a data set of 4,103 text lines coming from 100 writers.


Age‐related osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass, poor bone quality, and impaired osteoblastogenesis. Recently, the Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a disease of accelerated aging and premature osteoporosis, has been linked to mutations in the gene encoding for the nuclear lamina protein lamin A/C. Here, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of lamin A/C in osteoblastic lineage cells impairs osteoblastogenesis and accelerates osteoclastogenesis. Lamin A/C was knocked‐down with small interfering (si)RNA molecules in human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) differentiating toward osteoblasts. Lamin A/C knockdown led to an inhibition of osteoblast proliferation by 26% and impaired osteoblast differentiation by 48% based on the formation of mineralized matrix. In mature osteoblasts, expression levels of runx2 and osteocalcin mRNA were decreased by lamin A/C knockdown by 44% and 78%, respectively. Furthermore, protein analysis showed that osteoblasts with diminished levels of lamin A/C also secreted less osteocalcin and expressed a lower alkaline phosphatase activity (−50%). Lamin A/C inhibition increased RANKL mRNA and protein levels, whereas osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression was decreased, resulting in an increased RANKL/OPG ratio and an enhanced ability to support osteoclastogenesis, as reflected by a 34% increase of TRACP+ multinucleated cells. Our data indicate that lamin A/C is essential for proper osteoblastogenesis. Moreover, lack of lamin A/C favors an osteoclastogenic milieu and contributes to enhanced osteoclastogenesis.


The increasing use of genetically engineered mice as animal models of human disease in biomedical research, latest advances in imaging technologies, and development of novel, highly specific radiolabeled biomarkers provide great potential to study receptor expression and gene function in vivo in mice. 11C-raclopride is a widely used PET tracer to measure striatal D2 receptor binding and was used to test the feasibility of the multiple-ligand-concentration receptor assay for D2 receptor quantification. Methods: Mice underwent a total of 4 scans with decreasing specific activities from 141 to 0.4 GBq/μmol, corresponding to 11C-raclopride injected doses of 2.4 to 1,274 nmol/kg, using either a standard bolus injection protocol (n = 12) or a bolus–plus–constant infusion protocol to attain true equilibrium conditions (n = 7). Receptor occupancy was plotted as a function of raclopride dose, and D2 receptor density and raclopride affinity were calculated using linear and nonlinear regression analysis, respectively. In addition, we used ex vivo autoradiography, a more spatially accurate imaging technology, to validate the in vivo PET measurements, and we performed test–retest experiments to determine the reproducibility and reliability of the PET-derived measures. Results: The receptor occupancy curves showed that an injected tracer dose of 4.5 nmol/kg induces approximately 10% receptor occupancy, whereas 1% receptor occupancy will be achieved at tracer doses of approximately 0.45 nmol/kg. Using the bolus injection protocol and nonlinear regression analysis, we determined that the average D2 receptor density was 9.6 ± 1.1 pmol/mL, and the apparent raclopride affinity was 5.0 ± 0.6 pmol/mL. These values agreed well with those obtained at true equilibrium conditions. In contrast, linear Scatchard analysis did not lead to the expected linear relationship because nonsaturable binding was observed at high raclopride concentrations, and thus, it seems to be unsuitable for quantitative 11C-raclopride analysis in mice. Conclusion: Our data showed that the tracer mass, if higher than 4 nmol/kg, can strongly affect binding parameter estimations and must be considered when performing kinetic analysis, specifically in mice. We also demonstrated that the in vivo determination of D2 receptor density and raclopride affinity is feasible in mice using multiple-injection protocols and nonlinear regression analysis.


This study investigated the relationship of traditional social behavior to social communication via the Internet in a completely wired campus where every professor uses computers in classroom teaching, each residence is wired to the Internet, and every student is issued a laptop computer. It has been suggested that shy and socially isolated individuals communicate more on the Internet because it provides some protection from social anxiety. However, little research has empirically tested this assumption. In line with social network theory, we proposed, instead, that online social communication would complement or supplement the uses of face-to-face social contact resulting in a positive association between the two forms of social behaviors. We assessed the frequency and intimacy of traditional social behaviors, sociability, and shyness in 115 undergraduates (52 male, 63 female). These variables were then used to predict the frequency and intimacy of Internet social communication. Sociability and the frequency of traditional social behaviors were positively associated with the frequency of Internet social communication. The intimacy of traditional social behaviors was positively associated with the intimacy of Internet social communication. Overall, the findings supported the implications of social network theory in that online social communication appeared to complement or be an extension of traditional social behavior rather than being a compensatory medium for shy and socially anxious individuals. With relation to uses and gratifications theory, however, shyness was associated with increased intimate socializing over the Internet, indicating that traditional and Internet communication are not functionally equivalent.


One of the biggest challenges facing the United Kingdom Royal Mail and other service organizations is how to maximize the value of its investments in technology, driven by increasing global competition and the rapid pace of technology development. Royal Mail's ability to manage technology effectively at a strategic level will be essential to ensuring its success as a globally competitive distribution company. Technology roadmapping (TRM) provides a method for ensuring that investments in technology are aligned with the development of new capabilities that are required to exploit future market opportunities. The TRM approach has its historical roots in technology-intensive product-based companies, but it is equally applicable to technology-contingent service-based organizations, where the value of technology investment must be maximized and communicated. This paper describes the application of TRM within Royal Mail's research planning area, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. The results demonstrate how the technique can be successfully applied within a service-based organization, and highlight the benefits of roadmapping as an effective tool to support strategic technology management. The Royal Mail applications formed a key stage in the development of the T-Plan "fast-start" technology roadmapping approach (1,2), particularly in terms of how the technique can be customized to suit different business contexts. Strategic Technology Roadmapping Technology roadmapping is a process and a communication tool to aid strategic decision-making. The overall aims of TRM are to integrate technology considerations with the strategic business context, to identify those technologies that have the greatest potential to meet business goals, and to accelerate the transfer of technology into products. The roadmap is a visual aid that crystallizes the links between research and development programs, capability targets and requirements (3). TRM is an important tool for technology planning and coordination at a strategic level, helping senior managers to make better technology investment decisions (4). While roadmaps can take various forms, they generally comprise a time-based chart, linking technology development/investment to products/services and business/market drivers as shown in Figure 1. [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] Prospective technology roadmaps look forward from the present, and use expert opinion from different areas of the business to create a future view that helps to answer specific questions. The questions can vary considerably, depending on the context of the roadmap but could include such questions as, "If funding for a particular technology development is reduced or delayed, what are the implications for achieving downstream capability milestones?" Roadmaps may be technology driven or needs driven, but the most powerful are those that merge the two perspectives (5). The "technology push" perspective charts developments of a particular technology or group of technologies to identify potential future product opportunities. The "market pull" perspective charts future performance or customer needs, to identify which technologies to invest in, and in what timeframes. In companies that have successfully deployed TRM, it is an iterative process that fits within the broader strategic planning context. Strategic planning involves decisions that identify and link at a high level the customer/market needs a company wants to address and the products and services to satisfy these needs. Given this strategic plan, technology planning involves identifying, selecting and investing in the technologies to support these product and service requirements. Business development involves planning for and implementing certain aspects of the strategic plan, specifically those involved in the development of new products/services or new lines of business. TRM provides a framework for organizing and presenting the critical technology-planning information to aid investment decisions and to coordinate technological developments across the business (4). …


Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with remarkable clinical antitumor activity in multiple myeloma (MM) and is under evaluation in clinical trials in various types of cancer including breast cancer. Although the initial rationale for its use in cancer treatment was the inhibition of NF-κB activity by blocking proteasomal degradation of IκBα, direct evidence indicating inhibition of constitutive NF-κB activity by bortezomib in tumor cells in patients has not yet been reported. Moreover, recent studies have shown that bortezomib activates constitutive NF-κB activity via stimulating the canonical pathway in MM cells. In this study, we first examined protein expression of IκBα after bortezomib treatment. We observed that bortezomib upregulated the phosphorylation and downregulated IκBα protein expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in MCF7 and T47D cells, associated with phosphorylation of IKKβ. Since IκBα is an inhibitor of nuclear translocation of NF-κB, we further examined alteration of NF-κB activity by bortezomib. Importantly, bortezomib significantly upregulates NF-κB activity in both MCF7 and T47D in a dose-dependent fashion, demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift analysis (EMSA). Furthermore, immunocytochemical analysis confirmed enhanced nuclear translocation of p65 NF-κB (RelA) by bortezomib treatment. Supershift assay showed supershifted bands by anti-p65 and -p50 antibodies. Taken together, these results indicate that bortezomib activates the canonical NF-κB pathway in both cell lines. Finally, we demonstrated that IKKβ inhibitor enhanced cytotoxicity, associated with inhibition of NF-κB activity induced by bortezomib in MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cells.


We report a prevalence study of environmental pleural plaques in subjects over 50 years old from the northeastern Corsican village of Murato, built on asbestos surface deposits. The percentage of plaques was 41%, versus 7.5% in the control village of Vezzani. Although surface deposits contain both chrysotile and tremolite, airborne pollution and asbestos lung burden of exposed inhabitants consist essentially of tremolite as assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, TEM analysis of the parietal pleura of three animals bred in exposed areas showed a predominance of short fibers of chrysotile. The respective roles of tremolite and chrysotile in inducing pleural plaques in Corsica should thus be considered.—Environ Health Perspect 102(Suppl 5):251–252 (1994)


The theridiid genus Anelosimus consists of 26 described species in the Americas. 14 of these are endemic to Chile and the Argentine Patagonia, while the remaining species are widely distributed through Central and South America (Levi, 1956, 1963, 1972). Of these, 4 species are known to have highly organized social behavior, and the best known, A. eximius Keyserling ranges from Argentina to Panama (Stejskal, 1976; Vollrath, 1982; Christenson, 1984). Colony populations in A. eximius range from <I00 to >10000 (Simon, 189 1 ; Brach, 1975; Stejskal, 1976; Vollrath, 1982; Nentwig, 1985; Smith, 1989). Colonies of social species of Anelosimus characteristically have adult sex ratios highly skewed in favor of females (Fowler & Levi, 1979; Vollrath, 1986a, 1986b; Aviles, 1986). Two forms of colony foundation have been recorded in social Anelosimus: dispersion of solitary gravid females, and group migration, or sociotomy (Fowler & Levi, 1979; Vollrath, 1982; Christenson, 1984). Predation is intense on solitary dispersing gravid females (Vollrath, 1982; Christenson, 1984), and this should favor sociotomy (Vollrath, 1982). However, all studies of colony foundation were performed with colonies in perturbed habitats and little is known of their behavior


OBJECTIVES
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for diabetes mellitus is becoming increasingly popular; however, little is known about the prevalence of CAM use in patients with diabetes mellitus in Oman. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of use of CAM among diabetic patients in Muscat region, Oman, and to determine the types of CAM used as well as to identify the demographic features influencing the use of CAM.

METHODS
The study was performed from May to August 2009 on diabetic patients from 4 health centres in Muscat region. A total of 146 patients were interviewed. Information was obtained on demographics, and the prevalence and pattern of use of CAM.

RESULTS
Sixty two (42%) of the participants used CAM for the treatment of diabetes. Thirty (48%) were satisfied about its use and 27 (43%) intend to use it again. The only types of CAM used by participants in this study were herbs (n = 49, 79%), and/or food supplements (n = 7, 11%). Family and friends (n = 47/62, 76%) and/or traditional healers (n = 19, 31%) were the main source of information on CAM in the treatment of diabetes. There was no significant correlation between demographic characteristics and the use of CAM for diabetes.

CONCLUSION
CAM is used widely for diabetes in Muscat region, Oman. Patients have strong faith in CAM in terms of effectiveness. Doctors should recognise this and be prepared to talk more freely with patients about its use and potential side effects.


It is shown by the fluorimetric analysis that with the 1,2 M MgCl2-induced dissociation of rabbit muscle aldolase the tertiary structure of the resulted protomers (subunits) remains practically unchanged. Significant changes in the protomeric enzyme are provoked by subsequent addition of urea up to the concentration of 2,3 M, and are, evidently, manifested in a significant decrease in regularity of the hydrophobic part of aldolase and in possible transition of its Trp-147 into more polar environment. This transition is reflected in the longwave shift of the protein fluorescence maximum (lambda max) by 13 nm (from 320 to 333 nm). But the joint action of MgCl2 and urea does not lead to complete unfolding of the resulted protomeric enzyme. More deep structural alterations in the subunits occur on acidic dissociation, and lambda max shift in this case reaches 342 nm. Structural changes caused by MgCl2 and urea are concomitant with the increase of fluorescence quenchibility with NADH. Here a short-wave lambda max shift, being usually observed in native aldolase fluorescence quenching, is not registered. This mean that the photoselection of protein fluorophores does not occur. The results thus obtained produce an evidence that oligomerization endows aldolase protomers with enhanced stability.


Adrenocortical tumours are quite prevalent. Most of these tumours are benign, hormonally inactive adrenocortical adenomas. Rare hormone-secreting adrenocortical adenomas are associated with severe clinical consequences, whereas the prognosis of the rare adrenocortical cancer is rather poor in its advanced stages. The pathogenesis of these tumours is only partly elucidated. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that are pivotal in the regulation of several basic cell biological processes via the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Their altered expression has been described in many tumours. Several tissue microRNAs, such as miR-483-5p, miR-503, miR-210, miR-335 and miR-195 were found to be differentially expressed among benign and malignant adrenocortical tumours, and these could also have pathogenic relevance. Due to their tissue specific and stable expression, microRNAs can be exploited in diagnostics as well. As the histological diagnosis of adrenocortical malignancy is difficult, microRNAs might be of help in the establishment of malignancy. Novel data show that microRNAs are secreted in various body fluids, projecting their applicability as biomarkers as part of liquid biopsy. In this review, we attempt to present a synopsis on the pathogenic relevance of microRNAs in adrenocortical tumours and their potential diagnostic applicability. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(7): 245-251.


Abstract Low compliance to a prescribed Coumadin treatment can result in negative health outcomes. In this study we aimed to evaluate risk factors affecting patient compliance to Coumadin. For this purpose, two study phases were performed: Phase 1: a retrospective eight-year follow-up of databases from health care services; and Phase 2: a cross-sectional study with telephone interviews. A Total Compliance Index was constructed using the number of Coumadin purchases (40%), international standardised ratio (INR) tests (40%), and average INR values (20%). Multiple models for the Total Compliance Index were constructed using socio-demographic, treatment-related, and health care utilisation variables, use of drugs, patient-physician relationships and patient's quality of life. 78.5 ± 3.4% of patients in the total population were non-compliant in the retrospective phase of the study, and 53.2% in the second, cross-sectional phase. Total Compliance Index was significantly associated with older age, number of doctor visits, and drugs from group C. We suggest that the Total Compliance Index for other drugs can be utilised as well.


Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is important in skeletal growth and has been implicated in the maintenance of bone integrity. PTH stimulates bone resorption through the G protein-linked PTH/PTH-related protein (PTHrP) receptor in osteoblasts. Using a heterogeneous nuclear RNA assay and Northern blot analysis, we showed that IGF-I inhibited expression of the gene for PTH/PTHrP receptor in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, but did not alter the stability of the receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) in UMR-106 osteoblast-like cells. IGF-I treatment for 48 h also caused a decrease in the receptor number to 45% of that in controls without affecting receptor affinity and in functional receptor expression to 50-60% of that in controls as measured by PTH-stimulated cAMP production. In MC3T3-E1 murine nontransformed osteoblasts, IGF suppressed receptor mRNA expression dose dependently. In UMR-106 cells, IGF-I induced the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. The effect of IGF-I was blocked by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the MAP kinase-activating kinase, but not by wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. IGF-I inhibition of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA expression in UMR-106 cells was abrogated completely by pretreatment with cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. These findings indicate that IGF-I suppresses gene expression for PTH/PTHrP receptor via the MAP kinase pathway, and this inhibition is required for new protein synthesis in UMR-106 osteoblast-like cells.


This paper presents an auto-tuning approach for dual-input power amplifiers using a combination of global optimisation search algorithms and adaptive linearisation in the optimisation of a multiple-input power amplifier. The objective is to exploit the extra degrees of freedom provided by dual-input topologies to enhance the power efficiency figures along wide signal bandwidths and high peak-to-average power ratio values, while being compliant with the linearity requirements. By using heuristic search global optimisation algorithms, such as the simulated annealing or the adaptive Lipschitz Optimisation, it is possible to find the best parameter configuration for PA biasing, signal calibration, and digital predistortion linearisation to help mitigating the inherent trade-off between linearity and power efficiency. Experimental results using a load-modulated balanced amplifier as device-under-test showed that after properly tuning the selected free-parameters it was possible to maximise the power efficiency when considering long-term evolution signals with different bandwidths. For example, a carrier aggregated a long-term evolution signal with up to 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth and a peak-to-average power ratio greater than 10 dB, and was amplified with a mean output power around 33 dBm and 22.2% of mean power efficiency while meeting the in-band (error vector magnitude lower than 1%) and out-of-band (adjacent channel leakage ratio lower than −45 dBc) linearity requirements.


Background
The inguinal region is one of the most complex anatomic
areas of human body even though it has been the subject
of great interest to anatomists and surgeons because of its
clinical importance.
The aims of the study are to
1. Provide a simplification and in-depth understanding of
the complex and confusing inguinal canal anatomy.
2. Incorporate time-effective method in learning.
3. Provide revision for coursework at any time and place.
Method
This study took place during the 2008 - 2009 academic
years. The anatomical diagrams were prepared with the
Microsoft word2007 and printed on three A-4 papers. The
inguinal canal was constructed using ordinary scissors and
glue. The efficacy of the model construction is evaluated
by testing 10 questions regarding the anatomy of inguinal
canal before (pre-test) and after (post-test) doing the
construction. A 5-point scale questionnaire was used to
elicit the students' views on different teaching methods in
our university.

Results
The questionnaire with free comments section was
completed by 62 second-year medical students (response
rate 60.19%). Ninety six students performed the
construction with most completing it within one hour.
Scores on the anatomy pre-test and post-test were
compared. The mean pre-test score was 8.41/10 and the
mean post-test score was 9.31 /10. It was found that there
was a significant increase in post-test score (P<0.05). The
students also responded similarly to interactive sessions,
practical, tutorials and 3-D paper model (P>.05) in the
5-points scale questionnaire.
Conclusion
We concluded that the 3-D paper model provides the
opportunity to learn and correlate the spatial relations
among the inguinal structures in a short period of time
especially when taking constraints of time and the
availability of other resources into account. Moreover,
this model is inexpensive and easy to construct and
a valuable supplement to conventional teaching and
learning methods.


Despite the extensive body of publications exploring the potential of mobile devices in learning settings, little research is today concerned with how issues of mobility and place shape high-demanding cognitive activities such as writing. This paper investigates mobile learning practices while university students write technical reports collaboratively. The paper draws on a body of HCI research that seeks to elucidate how the growing use of ubiquitous and mobile technologies redefines our relationtionship and experience of place and time. While such technologies and applications allow people to be mobile and engage with activities at a variety of physical locations, understanding their use raises analytical issues concerning the situated nature of the very practices mobile technologies facilitate. According to Dourish (2006), for instance, when the technologies of interest are portable, distributed and embedded in our physical and social environment (i.e. wireless services), it becomes central to understand how such technologies transform people's interactions with a specific location (i.e. how they navigate or represent it), or how they can enable a meaningful engagement with a given physical environment. This, in turn, draws attention to the social, emotional and corporeal aspects concerned with people's experience of being in place, rather than merely investigating the physical affordance determined by its structural dimension (McCarthy et al., 2005). This paper investigates the role of physical place in the context of mobile learning activities. More specifically, it focuses on reciprocal transactions between places occupied, technologies used and the specific activities undertaken. Our interest in place is, therefore, tightly interwoven with the use of technologies, how they are appropriated in the context of the group activities to distribute the various writing tasks to a number of different locations, and to practically turn locations into appropriate places for writing. In terms of analysis, this entails to draw attention to writers' psychological, social and practical orientation to the places they occupy, and not merely to their writing tools and resource, tasks and objective. Our interest in understanding the materiality of place, and the different ways in which it can practically shape the mobile collaborative writing activities, draws therefore on the idea that place does not merely entail geometrical and physical properties, but it also encompasses facets of human experience and activities within it. The empirical material examined comes from two investigations of university students engaged in collaborative writing activities within two different courses. The theoretical approach chosen for the examination of the materiality of place, and how issues of mobility reflect on writing, is grounded in Casey's phenomenological theorization of "place". The analysis of the data shows the role of physical environments and contexts on mobile collaborative writing activities. These results contribute to a move away from the conception of mobile learning occurring anytime and anywhere. Instead it call for an understanding of the material "here" and "now" of a particular "mobile" collaborative writing activities.


The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of IFMIS on cash management practices in the public service. This has been necessitated by the fact that the use of IFMIS in the public service is undergoing challenges with many users experiencing problems with certain complicated features of IFMIS coupled with security, flexibility and reliability issues that have an impact on efficient cash management in the public service. The study was based on the Contingency theory and descriptive survey research design was employed. The study focused on70 staff and top management at the Eldoret West District treasury. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect primary data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression and correlation. Study findings showed that reliability of IFMIS, Flexibility of IFMIS positively affect cash management. The findings also showed that a reliable system is basically one that is accurate, timely, complete and consistent in collection of information and the infrastructure which supports the IFMIS is supposed to be secure from destruction, corruption, unauthorized access and breach of confidentiality so that there is efficient cash management. Flexibility of local IFMIS design can decrease chances of failure in cash management. Findings also revealed that the implementation of IFMIS has not been a success as a result of the top down management exhibited in most of the public services. There is need for public service to ensure that the information generated by IFMIS is consistent without delays and undue changes that demand further manual help. Public service should tailor information concerning IFMIS in such a way that it cannot be tampered with by others. Also, there should be sufficient IFMIS controls to curb tampering. Public service should also ensure that IFMIS easily adapts to the changes in cash management without complete overhaul of the system.


Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and individuals with schizophrenia (SZ)have in common to be impaired in their social and communication abilities. Their inability to infer intentions and beliefs of others has been supposed to result from their inability to use contextual information. However, recent findings have shown that individuals with ASD are sensitive to stereotypes on gender, race and age. It was also suggested that several factors such as level of incongruity between context and speaker's utterance, prosody, or character's features set in the stimulus situation cue the comprehension of the ironic intent among healthy subjects (Ivanko and Pexman, 2003). The goal of this study was to determine whether individuals with ASD and individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) exhibit the same patterns of performance on a task assessing if stereotypes (type of speaker's occupation) cue comprehension of ironic intent. Thirty SZ individuals, sixteen adults with ASD and fifty matched healthy participants were recruited. Participants were asked to read 48 stories in which the speaker's occupation had been manipulated according to 3 conditions of occupation: occupation that cues ironic intent, occupation that does not cue ironic intent and no occupation. Participants were asked to judge on a 7-point scale (1=not at all, 7=extremely) if the speaker was ironic, if he was mocking someone and if he was polite. The first two questions were used to assess attribution of mental states to the speaker while the last question was used to assess social perception. Main results seem to show that both SZ participants and ASD articipants were not sensitive to stereotypes (type of speaker's occupation) by contrast to healthy participants. However, while ASD participants performed like healthy participants judging irony and mockery, SZ participants gave answer at random (cf. Figure 1). There was no difference between the three groups for social perception.


Objective: Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) frequently co-occur with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and can lead to misdiagnosis with schizophrenia (SCZ) or other primary psychotic disorders. Misdiagnosis is more common when AVH meet criteria for Schneiderian first rank symptoms (FRS). This paper's objective is to improve diagnostic accuracy by outlining particular clinical features that can assist the distinction between BPD and psychotic disorders in these cases. Conclusion: The overall clinical presentation when AVH occur in BPD can assist in determining a primary diagnosis of BPD when frank psychotic disorder is absent. AVH in BPD cannot be distinguished phenomenologically from AVH in SCZ. Clinical experience and increasing research suggest that AVH in BPD are often dissociative in origin and highly correlated with the presence of FRS, elevated levels of dissociation and a history of childhood trauma. When AVH occur in BPD in the absence of co-occurring psychotic disorder, formal thought disorder is usually absent, negative symptoms minimal or absent, bizarre symptoms absent, affect reactive and the patient retains sociability. Psychotropic medication may be less effective for the AVH in these cases, while they may improve or remit during psychotherapy for BPD.


In modern day, from planetary exploration, disaster response to antiterrorism mission multiped robot has become the major tool. Smart robot with effective gait plan may play a significant role in such missions. But if a leg is injured, it is not possible to repair in this kind of mission. Then robot needs some alternative strategies to complete its mission. This paper proposes a removable sliding leg approach to solve this problem. A fault leg can be detaches and other legs can be slide to better position by the command of operator to get optimum alternative gait configuration. Based on leg sequence, stride length, longitudinal stability and efficiency, alternative gaits are evaluated. This paper recommends tables for different gait sequence with progressive efficiency. These tables can provide options for alternative gait and information about certain damaged leg. Moreover, a procedure for a multi-legged robot to complete its mission after serious leg failure is included. By taking the recommended tables and procedure, the multiped Robot can overcome any fault event and maintain stability and efficiency.


To investigate the inter relationship of metal elements in soil-medicinal plant systems, 51 pairs of soil and Chinese herbaceous peony samples were collected from Bozhou City, China. Our results revealed that the major and trace elements in soils and Chinese herbaceous peony samples were in a similar descent order as: Al > Fe > Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > As > Cd for soil samples, and Al > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Pb > As > Cd for peony samples. The pollution indices of Enrichment factor (EF) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) both indicated that Cr was the priority pollutant in soils and the other elements (Mn, As, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn) were slightly elevated. In general, the pollution load index (PLI) indicated that the studied soils were slightly contaminated by the nine elements. Furthermore, there existed significant relationship between Cr content in peony samples and Cr content in soils and soil pH (P < 0.01), indicating that the main source of Cr in Chinese herbaceous peony was probably from soils. Additionally, Cr content in peony samples displayed the highest hazard quotient (HQ) value, followed by As, Cu, Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cd, and Pb. Although the hazard quotient (HQ) for all elements and hazard index (HI) were lower than 1, which indicated no adverse health effects for adults, it was necessary to strengthen the control of soil Cr content in the process of peony planting.

 Thematic collection:
 This article is part of the Geochemical processes related to mined, milled, or natural metal deposits collection available at:
 https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/geochemical-processes-related-to-mined-milled-or-natural-metal-deposits


Spatiotemporal regulation of the biochemical information is often linked to supramolecular organizations proteins and nucleic acids, the driving forces of which have yet to be elucidated. Although the critical role of multivalency in phase transition has been recognized, the organization principles of higher-order structures need to be understood. Here, we present a fuzzy mathematical framework to handle the heterogeneity of interactions patterns and the resultant multiplicity of conformational states in protein assemblies. In this model, redundant binding motifs can establish simultaneous and partial interactions with multiple targets. We demonstrate that these multivalent, weak contacts facilitate polymer formation, while recapitulating the observed valency-dependence. In addition, the impact of linker dynamics and motif binding affinity, as well as the interplay between the two effects was studied. Our results support that fuzziness is a critical factor in driving higher-order protein organizations, and this could be used as a general framework to simulate different kinds of supramolecular assemblies.


Frequently a national "going-ahead" of environmental policy is proposed, e.g. by the German Council of Advisers on the Environment (SRU 2001). This request for a stricter environmental policy is often rationalized by the proposed prospect of advantages for national enterprises, resulting in higher domestic employment and output (Porter 1991; Porter, van der Linde 1995). Politicians take up this argument to promote environmental regulation. An opposing view holds that stricter environmental policy deteriorates competitiveness and induces capital flight. This position implies a rational for eco-dumping.


The consumer price index (CPI) is the most commonly used measure of inflation in Canada. As an indicator of changes in the cost of living, however, the CPI is subject to various types of measurement bias. The author updates previous Bank of Canada estimates of the bias in the Canadian CPI by examining four different sources of potential bias. He finds that the total measurement bias has increased only slightly in recent years to 0.6 percentage points per year, and is low when compared with other countries.


This paper proposes an architectural design of light-weight IPv6 (LWIPv6) for low-power wireless personal area networks (LoWPANs). The LoWPAN is a simple and low-cost wireless communication system, which allows wireless connectivity in a variety of applications with requirements of limited power and relaxed throughput. LoWPAN devices conform to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard specified by the IEEE Computer Society. This paper also suggests how to make IP and IPv6 networking benefits in LoWPANs. Consequently, this paper describes systems requirements analysis (SRA) of LoWPANs with regard to the Internet protocol (IP) layer, also proposes a design of the LWIPv6 architecture focused on LoWPAN, and finally simulates IP communications between LoWPAN devices in a viewpoint of performance analysis. The proposed architecture and protocol in LWIPv6 are substantially optimized for the IP stack, such as header compression, simplified neighbor discovery, and reduction of overhead in the Internet control message protocol (ICMP) functionality.


Gout is a disease caused by the deposition of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals. Precise mechanisms underlying the initiation of acute gout, however, are not known. Recent investigations provided novel evidence in the pathology of acute gout. A number of studies indicated that MSU crystals can act as a "danger signal" which resembles exogenous adjuvants, and toll-like receptor(TLR)-mediated pathways and/or MyD88-dependent IL-1 receptor pathways are involved in acute gout. Up-regulation of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1(TREM-1) in phagocytes by the stimulation with MSU crystals has been demonstrated. Furthermore, pathological significance of NALP 3 inflammasome in gout has been also demonstrated. These findings provide a new insight into the mechanisms underlying the initiation of MSU crystal-induced acute inflammation.


Author(s): Singer, Clay | Abstract: Archaeological Investigations at CA-SLO-99, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California Gary S. Breschini, Trudy Haversat, and R. Paul Hampson with contributions by J.A. Bennyhoff, M.F.Rondeau, and A.L. Runnings. Salinas, CA: Coyote Press Archives of California Prehistory No. 26, 1988, iv + 80 pages, 11 figs., 5 tables, plus 4 appendices with tables, $6.20 (paper).


Objective:Cognitive and emotional factors are known to influence peoples' pain experiences in many conditions, including low back pain. However, in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), their role is unclear. This study aimed to assess the relationships between psychological factors, pain, and disability in CRPS, compared with low back pain. This could help to identify target variables for psychological treatment. Materials and Methods:A total of 88 CRPS patients and 88 low back pain patients completed measures of pain, disability, depression, anxiety, and fear of movement and reinjury (kinesiophobia). Mean scores between the 2 groups were compared, and correlations between psychological factors, pain, and disability were compared between the 2 groups. Predictors of pain and disability were assessed using multiple regression analyses. Results:The 2 groups had remarkably similar scores on measures of pain, disability, depression, anxiety, and kinesiophobia. In both groups, those who were more depressed, anxious, and kinesiophobic were more disabled. For the CRPS group (but not the low back pain group), pain intensity significantly correlated with distress. Multivariate analyses showed that the unique predictors of disability for the 2 groups were pain and depression, and that depression had a stronger relationship with disability for the CRPS group. For both groups, pain intensity was predicted by kinesiophobia, and anxiety was a unique predictor in the CRPS group only. Discussion:In CRPS, disability and pain severity were more strongly associated with psychological factors than they were in low back pain. Cause and effect relationships could not be established by this cross-sectional study.


Food scares and newsworthy stories about risks associated with food often receive a high level of attention in the news media. This article examines the reporting of food risks over a recent 14-month period in three metropolitan newspapers available to readers in Sydney. The major topic reported over this time was the relationship between food intake and obesity, which comprised almost half of news stories about food risks. This topic was followed in frequency by the risks associated with primary food production and the risks from processed, restaurant or takeaway food. The article looks in detail at how each of these topics was reported, including the discourses that were employed to give meaning to the news stories. Much emphasis was placed upon personal responsibility for avoiding food risks, particularly in relation to overweight. News stories suggested that Australians, and in particular, Australian children, were facing a crisis in relation to the numbers of people over-eating and becoming fat as a result. The overweight body was represented as grotesque, out of control, unhealthy and unAustralian. In other news stories, various aspects of farming were presented as 'unnatural' and thus as rendering foodstuffs risky. Food prepared outside the home was portrayed as far more dangerous than food prepared within the home, with an emphasis in reporting on the potential for contamination in such foods.


This is the introductory article to the monograph "Redefining the Digital Divide in Higher Education". The article describes a comprehensive approach to the phenomenon of the digital divide and digital access, based on Marc Raboy and Mark Warschauer's research. This approach depicts the evolution from mere physical access to effective use of information and communication technologies in the field of higher education. Within this framework, the articles in the monograph are presented highlighting their role in contributing to a comprehensive approach and reflection on the digital divide in Higher Education.


For robot touch to reach the capabilities of human touch, artificial tactile sensors may require transduction principles like those of natural tactile afferents. Here we propose that a biomimetic tactile sensor (the TacTip) could provide suitable artificial analogues of the tactile skin dynamics, afferent responses and population encoding. Our three-dimensionally printed sensor skin is based on the physiology of the dermal–epidermal interface with an underlying mesh of biomimetic intermediate ridges and dermal papillae, comprising inner pins tipped with markers. Slowly adapting SA-I activity is modelled by marker displacements and rapidly adapting RA-I activity by marker speeds. We test the biological plausibility of these artificial population codes with three classic experiments used for natural touch: (1a) responses to normal pressure to test adaptation of single afferents and spatial modulation across the population; (1b) responses to bars, edges and gratings to compare with measurements from monkey primary afferents; and (2) discrimination of grating orientation to compare with human perceptual performance. Our results show a match between artificial and natural touch at single afferent, population and perceptual levels. As expected, natural skin is more sensitive, which raises a challenge to fabricate a biomimetic fingertip that demonstrates human sensitivity using the transduction principles of human touch.


Blood counts, E.S.R., bone marrow, coagulation factors, mid-stream urine, liver function tests, transaminases, aldolase, LOH, IgG, IgM and IgA, urine concentration for paraproteins and skeletal survey. Chest X-ray shows generalized cardiac enlargement. Histology. Vocal cord biopsy shows massive subepithelial deposition of amyloid material (H1967/68). Skin biopsy shows lace-like acanthosis, with broad, hyaline dermal papillae (H2307/68). The hyaline material is eosinophilic; negative for collagen; metachromatic with methyl violet; birefringent with Congo red; brilhant fluorescence with thioflavin T; Sharlach R, Fettrot and Sudan black negative. Electron microscopy shows a characteristic fibrillatry structure. Comment. The points of interest in this patient with primary amyloidosis are the very long history, the extent of the amyloid infiltration of the skin, the consistently normal immunoglobulins, and the absence of paraproteins or evidence of plasma cell prohferation so far.


Root growth is related to the acquisition, distribution, and consumption of water and nutrients of plants. As a vital organ, roots directly take the effect of environmental change and its behavior is closely related to the growth of the whole plant. With such, the importance of root systems has motivated botanists to seek a better understanding of root branching complexity. This complexity, which has been difficult to comprehend using simple Euclidean methods (i.e. lines and circles), is important to the survival of plants, especially when the distribution of resources in the environment is scarce. Mathematical models using fractals and computers can be applied to accurately understand the growth and form complexity of plant root systems. This study was conducted to analyze the root growth of gamma-irradiated cashew and mangosteen using fractals. (Nature and Science. 2005;3(1):59-64).


The objective with the paper is to describe, analyze and forecast the future fixed broadband penetration and traffic growth in NGN and NGA networks in Western Europe – one of the most advanced telecommunications areas in the world. Analyses show that the broadband penetrations are very well fitted by Logistic models. Here, extended Logistic four parameter models are used to develop broadband penetration forecasts 2011 2015. Separate forecasts are developed for DSL, HFC(Hybrid Fiber Coax), FTTx and FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) The traffic forecasts are developed per user in the busy hour. Hence, it is possible to assess the future fixed broadband busy hour traffic in NGA networks and also the accumulated busy hour traffic in NGN networks taking into account the fixed broadband penetration forecasts. ( $ ) *++ ! ,) . & /01 /0/ Kjell Stordahl, Telenor Norway Snarøyveien 30, 1331 Fornebu, Norway e-mail address: firstname.lastname@example.com Mobile phone: (+47) 900 99 820


Taxpayer compliance is a condition in which the taxpayer fulfills its tax obligations in accordance with the applicable taxation provisions. The purpose of this study was to obtain empirical evidence regarding the effect of E-SAMSAT, taxpayer awareness, service quality, and sanctions on motor vehicle taxpayer compliance. This research was conducted at the SAMSAT Joint Office in Karangasem Regency. The sampling method used was accidental sampling. The number of samples was calculated using the Slovin formula in order to obtain 100 samples. The data was collected through a survey method with a questionnaire instrument. The analysis technique used is multiple linear regression. Based on the analysis, it was found that E-SAMSAT, taxpayer awareness, service quality, and sanctions had a positive effect on motor vehicle taxpayer compliance in Karangasem Regency.


A 56-year-old man experienced dyspnea since August 1995 and the chest X-ray film showed abnormal shadow. The diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) was established based on the histological findings of transbronchial lung biopsy. The patient was treated with prednisolone and symptoms improved. Myalgia and muscle weakness developed associated with relapse of BOOP after withdrawal of prednisolone. Patient was admitted to our department on December 1995 for further examination. An increased level of serum CPK, histological findings of muscle biopsy consistent with myositis, and positive anti-Jo-1 antibody were identified. Those findings supported a diagnosis of polymyositis (PM), and BOOP was considered as a pulmonary complication of PM. Myositis and pulmonary lesion improved after second course of steroid therapy and patient was discharged on May 1996. Both chronic pulmonary fibrosis and acute progressive interstital pneumonia are well known as pulmonary lesion associated with PM. The former is frequently recognized in cases of PM with anti-Jo-1 antibody and the latter is often observed in cases without autoantibodies. The association of PM and BOOP, however, has rarely been reported. The findings that BOOP frequently preceded PM and anti-Jo-1 antibody was positive in half of the cases were observed in the literature.


Cutting and pasting to combine different elements into a common structure are widely used operations that have been successfully adapted to many media types. Surface design could also benefit from the availability of a general, robust, and efficient cut-and-paste tool, especially during the initial stages of design when a large space of alternatives needs to be explored. Techniques to support cut-and-paste operations for surfaces have been proposed in the past, but have been of limited usefulness due to constraints on the type of shapes supported and the lack of real-time interaction. In this paper, we describe a set of algorithms based on multiresolution subdivision surfaces that perform at interactive rates and enable intuitive cut-and-paste operations.


In the northwestern part of the Kutch Basin, Lower Cretaceous shales and trigonid-bearing / bioturbated/barren sandstones, overlie the glauconitic Upper Tithonian Virgatosphinctes-bearing "Umia Ammonite Bed" (138±20 Ma). During the lithofacies studies of this sequence, lithology, physical and biogenic sedimentary structures, bed geometry, palaeocurrent and fossil contents were given special attention. Laboratory investigations of heavy minerals, rock fragments and clay minerals revealed two distinct assemblages, one for the lower (Jurassic) and other for the upper (Cretaceous) part of the sequence. Lower part of the sequence is rich in low energy sedimentary structures, biogenic structures of sediment and deposit feeder, heavies and rock fragments of the metamorphic province and clay minerals of marine origin. On the other hand, the upper part is rich in high energy sedimentary structures, biogenic structures of suspension feeders, heavies and rock fragments of the granitic province and clay minerals of fresh to brackish water origin. These differences are of vital importance in delineating major changes such as shoreline orientation, changing provenance, relative sea level and tectonics during Jurassic/Cretaceous period in the northwestern Kutch Basin.


An inverse problem associated with mass transport down a tube, when the flowing medium has a two-dimensional velocity profile, is examined. The inverse problem of estimation of a temporally varying concentration at one end of a long tube, from the measurement of the cross sectional average concentration at the opposite end, is solved. It is shown that this inverse problem, which is associated with shear dispersion, is an ill-posed deconvolution problem. Mollification is used to produce a well conditioned problem.


Background Little is known about the associations of different depths of individualization of the exercise intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), metabolic outcomes and cardiac autonomic regulation in at-risk subjects. This randomized trial compared the effect of general physical activity (PA) guideline -targeted and highly individualized exercise intervention on maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate variability, body composition, and glucose and lipid profiles in fertile-aged women with increased risk for gestational diabetes. Methods Forty-five women with previous gestational diabetes or BMI>30kg/m 2 were randomized into general advice without intervention (Group 1), individualized intervention planned according to PA questionnaires and general guidelines for exercise training (Group 2) and highly individualized intervention based on results from the pre-intervention cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) groups (Group 3). All subjects performed pre-intervention CPET on a cycle ergometer with step incremental protocol until volitional fatigue, followed by a 3-month intervention period and post-intervention CPET. Examinations included HRV assessment during CPET and body composition (bioimpedance), blood glucose and lipid profiles. Results Total dropout was 53.8% at various points of the study leaving 8 subjects in Group 1, 12 subjects in Group 2 and 10 subjects in Group 3. CRF improved only in Group 3 (+1.9 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 0.3 to 3.5). This was associated with an increase in high-density lipoprotein (0.18 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.32) and increased HRV. In Group 2, we found a decrease in body mass index (-0.7 kg/m 2, 95% CI -1.3 to -0.1), fasting insulin (-4.14 mU/L, 95% CI -6.58 to -1.70), insulin resistance (-1.21, 95% CI -1.88 to -0.54), and low-density lipoprotein (-0.44 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.09). The dropouts in Group 1 had significantly less weight, smaller waist circumference, less visceral fat, and higher maximal oxygen uptake compared to the continuers in Group 1. Conclusions To improve CRF and cardiac autonomic function the exercise intervention should be highly individualized. PA intervention focused to achieve general exercise guidelines is not enough to improve CRF over 3-month period but combined with weight loss has beneficial effects on the metabolic profile. In randomized controlled trials, dropout may be biased. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01675271)


Relatively little is known on lymphatic vessel remodelling in lung fibrosis, and whether differences in lymphatic distribution underlie the worse survival seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, compared to the other fibrotic interstitial pneumonias. Lymphatic vessel remodelling and a deficit in lymphatic clearance could lead to prolonged exposure to pathogenic antigens and/or pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic mediators in the alveolar-interstitial space. In this study, we compared lymphatic and blood vessel morphology in lung biopsies of six patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (with usual interstitial pneumonia pattern-UIP), six patients with fibrotic non-specific interstitial pneumonia associated with scleroderma (NSIP) five patients with fibrotic organising pneumonia (FOP) and five controls (normal lung peripheral to resected cancer). Consecutive sections were stained with Movat's pentachrome and with double immunostaining for von Willebrand factor (blood vessels) and for podoplanin (lymphatic specific marker D2-40) (see Abstract S114 figure 1). Area, perimeter and position were recorded for all lymphatic vessels and for blood vessels with a diameter >15 μm, to be sure to exclude capillaries. In the three disease groups, blood vessels were significantly smaller (mean diameter: FOP 18±2, NSIP 13±1, UIP 13±1 μm) compared to controls (23±2 μm). Density of lymphatic vessels was significantly reduced in NSIP and UIP (21±2 mm−2), compared to controls (35±4 mm−2) and their size was significantly greater (mean diameter: NSIP 111±10 μm, UIP 121±5 μm, controls: 74±9 μm). In controls, 85±6% of the parenchymal lymphatics were close (<100 μm) to a blood vessel, and only 5±4% were in proximity of bronchoalveolar spaces, while in all three disease groups they were less frequently perivascular (FOP 47±6%, NSIP 55±3%, UIP 56±2%) and more frequently associated with the bronchoalveolar lumen (FOP 52±11%, NSIP 85±3%, UIP 69±2%). Lymphatic vessels were rarely seen inside Masson bodies and never inside fibroblastic foci (Abstract S114 figure 1). These data are consistent with a substantial remodelling of lymphatic vessels in fibrotic lung disease, with a shift of lymphatics away from blood vessels.Abstract S114 Figure 1 Two consecutive sections of a VIP biopsy. Movat's pentachrome staining (A) shows fibroblastic focus stained in light blue. Panel B corresponds to the consecutive section, lymphatic vessels stained by D2-40 (black), blood vessels (vWf) in red. Lymphatic vessels are absent within fibroblastic focus, but are seen in the fibrotic interstitium.


Several methods have been used for the detection of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. However, few reports have evaluated the accuracy of each method and compared the level of HP infection. HP infection was evaluated semi-quantitatively using immunohistochemical staining and accuracy of several methods to detect HP infection were compared. Biopsy specimens, obtained from a total 64 patients who underwent endoscopy for evaluation of gastroduodenal diseases, were studied using a rapid urease test, culture method, and immunohistochemical method. The infection was graded according to the number of the individual bacteria seen in a highly magnified visual field, and defined as follows: (0) = 0; (1+) < 10; (2+) = 10-29; (3+) = 30-99, (4+) > 100. The rapid urease test had a sensitivity of 53%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 73%. The culture method had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 86%. Sensitivity of rapid urease test and the culture method decreased in a positive correlation to the decrease in total number of HP bacteria counted. Using the rapid urease test, sensitivity was < 30% when the grade of HP infection was (2+) or less, while 100% sensitivity was obtained only when the grade of HP infection was (4+). On the other hand, sensitivity of culture method, remained between 80 and 90% when HP infection was (2+) or more. The rapid urease test and culture of HP may result in false negative tests for mild infection although those have high sensitivity and specificity for moderate to severe infection. Immunohistochemical stain provides a reliable semi-quantitative diagnosis of HP infection. Clinicians should be aware of the characteristics of each method to detect HP infection, and select the appropriate ones for their purpose.


Maintenance of manufacturing facility is a crucial factor affecting performance, cost, and productivity of the whole manufacturing system. Efforts for minimizing downtime due to facility failure have been made since a long time ago. Since early 21st century, ICT-based maintenance technology, mainly for preventive maintenance, has been attempted by the advanced industry. However, this method requires high investment for installing the sensors and communication infrastructure for each facility. Further, depending on the algorithm accuracy, there still exist chances of the system failure. Thus, in the industry, various maintenance strategies are employed together, but this practice brings another problem of integrality due to heterogeneous maintenance systems which support the different strategies using inconsistent data structures and terminologies. In this paper, we propose an ontology-based maintenance system (called OntoMAS) which can integrate and utilize the inconsistent information from the heterogeneous systems. OntoMAS can support operator to make accurate decision for error-free maintenance. Specifically, the concept and architecture of OntoMAS has been studied followed by prototype implementation.


Uniformity in modes of regulation and governance is now widely debated. The predominant thesis is that there should be a superior model promoting optimality by disclosure of information and transparency. But today, this thesis is greatly contested, since the adoption of a unique and universal set of rules and arrangements neglects the diversity of national experiences and the heterogeneity of firms, institutions and social norms. Moreover, evidence shows that this unique model of regulation and governance tends to generate major failures and turbulences. What emerges as a result is that different types of rules and norms govern entrepreneurial as well as public firms in different industries and stages of their development. The special issue following this introduction aims at discussing this timely debate on uniformity versus variety of modes of regulation and governance, and especially privileges analytical and empirical contributions covering the following dimensions of the debate: new approaches on regulation and governance in the domain of economics of the firm, business strategy, law and economics; new evidence on the evolution of regulation and governance at the firm, industry, and national levels.


The C-terminal region of the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP119) is one of the most promising vaccine candidates against the erythrocytic forms of malaria. In the present study, a gene encoding Plasmodium falciparum MSP119 was expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris. A non-glycosylated form of the recombinant protein MSP119 was purified from culture medium. This recombinant protein maintains its antigenicity. Significant immune responses were seen in C57BL/6 mice after the second immunization. Moreover, the specific antibodies recognized the native antigens of P. falciparum. The prevailing isotypes of immunoglobulin (Ig) G associated with immunization were IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b. The antibodies isolated from mouse sera immunized with MSP119 can inhibit parasite growth in vitro. Based on these immunological studies, we concluded that MSP119 deserves further evaluation in pre-clinical immunizations against P. falciparum.


Within the framework of the close-coupling method, ab initio calculations of parameters of multichannel quantum-defect theory have been carried out for several Rydberg series of Ca, Sr, and Ba. A local-density approximation, commonly used in solid-state calculations, including self-consistent, self-energy corrections, was made to the exchange-correlation potential. Good agreement with experimental values of multichannel quantum-defect theory parameters is obtained, permitting accurate prediction of highly excited-state binding energies.


Powder metallurgy magnesium matrix composite reinforced with un-bundled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Mg2Si/MgO hybrid compounds were prepared by solid-state synthesis between magnesium powder and amorphous silica particles including CNTs. Their tribological properties were investigated by using the ball-on-disc wear test equipment under dry sliding conditions. The friction coefficient of the composite material was low and stable because of no adhesion and stick-slip phenomenon in contacting with the SUS304 stainless steel ball as a counter material. This was due to both the defensive effect of hard Mg2Si dispersoids and the self-lubricant effect of network nanotubes on the sliding surface.


ABSTRACT The sustainable visitation index (SVI) is a new visitor management framework (VMF) for assessing the extent to which particular sites are approaching or have exceeded desired levels of environmental, cultural and social wellbeing. The SVI framework measures tourism impacts and compares these to desired levels of development for particular sites across a range of sustainable indices. It is proposed that the SVI framework serves as a more flexible and systematic method for assessing visitor impacts than previous VMFs, which takes seriously the value dimension of destination management and the need to balance social and environmental needs. To demonstrate how the framework is applied, findings are presented from an SVI study conducted on Rottnest Island, Western Australia, involving a survey of 2,423 visitors across nine sites and an expert-based impact assessment.


Repetition frequency tuning characteristics of a monolithic passively mode-locked distributed Bragg reflector semiconductor laser are investigated. By injecting current at a passive phase control section, a tuning range of 400 MHz is achieved while keeping the pulse characteristics nearly unchanged. Varying the absorber reverse bias offers an alternative to tune the frequency. By combining these techniques, a total tuning range of 1 GHz is realised.


As soon as abstract mathematical computations were adapted to computation on digital computers, the problem of efficient representation, manipulation, and communication of the numerical values in those computations arose. Strongly related to the problem of numerical representation is the problem of quantization: in what manner should a set of continuous real-valued numbers be distributed over a fixed discrete set of numbers to minimize the number of bits required and also to maximize the accuracy of the attendant computations? This perennial problem of quantization is particularly relevant whenever memory and/or computational resources are severely restricted, and it has come to the forefront in recent years due to the remarkable performance of Neural Network models in computer vision, natural language processing, and related areas. Moving from floating-point representations to low-precision fixed integer values represented in four bits or less holds the potential to reduce the memory footprint and latency by a factor of 16x; and, in fact, reductions of 4x to 8x are often realized in practice in these applications. Thus, it is not surprising that quantization has emerged recently as an important and very active sub-area of research in the efficient implementation of computations associated with Neural Networks. In this article, we survey approaches to the problem of quantizing the numerical values in deep Neural Network computations, covering the advantages/disadvantages of current methods. With this survey and its organization, we hope to have presented a useful snapshot of the current research in quantization for Neural Networks and to have given an intelligent organization to ease the evaluation of future research in this area.


ABSTRACT The importance of pavement–vehicle interaction on fuel use is potentially large enough to warrant further investigation. Ever-growing traffic volumes world-wide make rolling resistance in the pavement life-cycle important for all roads. Pavement structural response contributes to rolling resistance and excess fuel consumption by dissipating vehicle energy in the pavement, which can be modelled as material hysteresis or delayed surface displacement causing the tire to push against the side of the deflection bowl. In this study, a comprehensive numerical modelling factorial is developed to determine the response of pavement structures under a wide range of contributing factors with modelling of asphalt pavement energy dissipation due to the viscoelastic structural response. The modelling considered the material-induced dissipated energy under moving traffic using a quasi-dynamic procedure incorporating viscoelastic response and damping mechanisms. Using the developed FE models and Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) test results, the dissipated energy responses for several different conditions were numerically quantified for ten field sections. Dissipated energy outputs of 720 moving load models were used to develop three reliable regression models over a wide range of variables to predict dissipated energy response without the need to routinely perform the finite element simulations.


Factors of success are critical factors that need to be focus on the everyday management. The modern office management is very busy and needs a real practical way to increase both speed and quality of job assignment and services. Office management is one of the most important functions of university. Not only for the students and faculty members, but also for the staff members. Better management provides staff members with many kinds of opportunities for success and advancement. Successful in office management often reflects the level of satisfaction of staff members in the office. The objective of this research was to investigate feelings towards office management as well as the important factors of success that affected the positive or negative feelings from the staff's perspectives. This study employed the qualitative research method which aimed to obtain the findings of an in-depth interview from two major perspectives namely: male and female staff. Each group would consist of 12 individuals and each group would set up to participate in a small focus group to tell their opinion about office management and provide their insight information together with valuable comments of how to improve the office management. The finding of the study revealed that the majority of informants expressed the positive feelings towards the office management and most of them had a highly positive comments of the opportunity for advancement. However, there were some suggestions such as improvement of effective communications, collaboration with other offices in the university, and training opportunities.


The pressure tubes, which contain high temperature heavy water and fuel, are within the core of a CANDU
nuclear reactor, and are thus subjected to high stresses, temperature gradient, and neutron flux. Further, it is
well known that pressure tubes of cold-worked Zr-2.5Nb materials result in hydrogen diffusion, which create
fully-hydrided regions (frequently called Blister). Thus a proper investigation of hydrogen diffusion within
zirconium-alloy nuclear components, such as CANDU pressure tube and fuel channels is essential to predict
the structural integrity of these components. In this respect, this paper presents numerical investigation of
hydrogen diffusion to quantify the hydrogen concentration for blister growth of CANDU pressure tube. For
this purpose, coupled temperature-hydrogen diffusion analyses are performed by means of two-dimensional
finite element analysis. Comparison of predicted temperature field and blister with published test data shows
good agreement.