The classical approach for isolating enzymes from environmental samples is to enrich, isolate and screen a variety of microorganisms for the desired enzyme activity. The majority of the physiological diversity is excluded with this approach because it is estimated that >99% of the microorganisms observed in the environment cannot be cultivated. An alternative to this cultivation-dependent approach is to clone DNA which has been extracted directly from microbial biomass present in water, soil and sediment. Using an appropriate host system, enzyme activity can subsequently be detected by screening for heterologous gene expression. Geothermal regions are sources of thermophilic microbial diversity. This study sought to investigate the methods for extracting and cloning DNA from geothermal sediments for the purpose of detecting thermostable enzyme activities. Methods for extracting and purifying DNA directly from soil and sediment were evaluated based on DNA yield, purity and quality. Purified environmental DNA was then used to evaluate cloning protocols based on cloning efficiency, recombination efficiency and total number of recombinants generated per ligation reaction. Subsequently, two environmental gene libraries were constructed using a TA-cloning method with DNA directly extracted from sediments that were collected from Iceland geothermal sites. The environmental library designated as ICE16 was derived from biomass present in sediment at -74°C, pH 7.4, while the DNA used to construct library ICE22 was derived from biomass present in sediment at -58°C, pH 4.3. These libraries were screened for thermostable amylase, lipase, protease and phosphatase activities using established assays in both microtitre plate and indicator agar-plate formats. One transformant possessing phosphatase activity at 60°C (Phos22) and two transformants showing phenotypic differences on starch agar plates at 50°C (5ICE16, 6ICE16) were recovered from the ICE22 and ICE16 DNA libraries, respectively. These clones were selected for further evaluation including sequencing and expression studies.


Data from recent clinical trials of targeted biological therapies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were presented last June at the 2004 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting, held in Berlin, Germany. The clinical results presented for a novel agent that targets costimulatory activation of T cells, a central step in the immunologic response that eventually leads to joint destruction in RA, are discussed. Given the expanding number of biological targeted therapies available for treating RA, a working knowledge of the immune mechanisms underlying the disease has become a requirement for evaluating these new treatment options. This information should also help clinicians recognize the advantages and limitations of the available therapies and assist in the consideration of alternatives. This article first briefly reviews our current knowledge of the immunologic basis of RA. The next 2 sections examine how this knowledge has led to the development of novel, targeted biological agents. These agents have the potential not only to slow the progression of RA, but also to reverse the course of the disease, bringing the ultimate goal of a permanent remission closer.


All users of sea transportation in Indonesia in particular and in the world in general, place great importance on safety and security issues. They are vital to avoid accidents which can include the sinking or burning of ships, collisions and running aground. The causes of accidents can be broken down into three groups: human factors; technical factors; and weather factors. These can result in loss of life, psychological trauma to survivors, material losses, and environmental damage. This study proposes the following as key considerations in the reduction of accidents: the provision of safe practice guidelines; identify and introduce protections for all risk categories; continuously improve onboard and personal safety measures. In addition, measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of accidents after they occur, such as responsivity, the collection of evidence to establish why accidents occur and ensure they do not occur again, good leadership and demeanors from ship personnel.
Keywords: Ship Accidents, Prevention Efforts, Countermeasures


Objective: To analyze the clinical effects of allogenic acellular dermal matrix (ADM) treatment for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) with meta-analysis. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Cochrance Library, Embase, and OVID EBM Reviews were searched using key words " diabetic foot, diabetic ulcer, diabetic wound, acellular dermal matrix, acellular dermal regenerative tissue matrix, acellular regenerative tissue matrix, AlloDerm, SureDerm, KaroDerm, Graftjacket, Hyalomatrix PA, and Hyalograft 3D" , and Chinese Biological Abstracts, Chinese Journals Full-text Database, VIP Database, and Wanfang Database were searched using key words in Chinese version ",,," to obtain the published trials of allogenic ADM treatment for DFU from January 1990 to July 2015, and then meta-analysis was used to analyze the trials. The measurement indexes were wound contraction rate, wound healing rate, complete epithelization time of wound, and complication rate. Meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.2 statistical software. Results: A total of 5 trials involving 426 DFU patients were included, with 224 patients in group ADM who received allogenic ADM treatment and 202 patients in conventional treatment group (CT) who received conventional moist treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between group ADM and group CT in wound contraction rate, with mean difference 20.34 (with 95% confidence interval -25.27-65.94, P=0.38). The wound healing rate of patients in group ADM was higher than that in group CT, with relative risk (RR) 1.90 (with 95% confidence interval 1.29-2.80, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between group ADM and group CT in complete epithelization time of wound, with mean difference 1.20 (with 95% confidence interval -2.93-0.52, P=0.17). The complication rate of patients in group ADM was lower than that in group CT, RR=0.54 (with 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.76, P<0.001). Publication bias might exist in wound contraction rate, wound healing rate, complete epithelization time of wound, and complication rate. Conclusions: Compared with conventional moist treatment, allogenic ADM treatment can accelerate wound healing and reduce complication rate in patients with DFU.


Inscho, Edward W., Alan C. Schroeder, Paul C. Deichmann, and John D. Imig. ATP-mediated Ca21 signaling in preglomerular smooth muscle cells. Am. J. Physiol. 276 (Renal Physiol. 45): F450–F456, 1999.—We performed studies to determine the effect of extracellular ATP on the intracellular Ca21 concentration ([Ca]i) in freshly isolated microvascular smooth muscle cells (MVSMC). Suspensions of preglomerular MVSMC were prepared by enzymatic digestion and loaded with fura 2. Single cells were studied using a microscope-based fluorescence spectrophotometer during superfusion of a physiological salt solution with 1.8 mM Ca21 and during exposure to similar solutions containing ATP. Under control conditions, baseline [Ca]i averaged 107 6 6 nM (n 5 86 cells from 34 animals). ATP administration elicited concentration-dependent increases in [Ca]i. Exposure to ATP concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 μM increased intracellular Ca21 to peak concentrations of 133 6 20, 338 6 37, and 367 6 35 nM, respectively (P , 0.05 vs. respective baseline). Steady-state [Ca]i increased to 113 6 15, 150 6 16 (P , 0.05 vs. baseline), and 180 6 12 nM (P , 0.05 vs. baseline) for the same groups. The [Ca]i response to ATP was also assessed in the absence of extracellular Ca21 and during blockade of L-type Ca21 channels with diltiazem. In these studies, exposure to 100 μM ATP induced a transient peak increase in [Ca]i with the plateau phase being totally abolished under Ca21-free conditions and markedly attenuated during Ca21 channel blockade, respectively. These data indicate that ATP-mediated P2-receptor activation increases [Ca]i in freshly isolated preglomerular MVSMC by stimulating Ca21 release from intracellular stores, in addition to stimulating the influx of extracellular Ca21 through voltagegated L-type Ca21 channels.


Here we show that single particle charge-detection mass spectrometry (CD-MS) can be performed on a ubiquitous Orbitrap mass analyser and applied to the analysis of high-mass (megadalton) heterogeneous biomolecular assemblies. We demonstrate that single particle high-mass ions can survive in the Orbitrap for seconds, whereby their measured signal amplitudes scale linearly with charge state over the entire m/z range. Orbitrap based single particle CD-MS can be used to resolve mixed ion populations, accurately predict charge states, and consequently also the mass of the ions. We successfully applied CD-MS to challenging natural and biotherapeutic protein assemblies, such as IgM oligomers, designed protein nano-cages, ribosome particles and intact, empty- and genome-loaded Adeno-associated virus particles. Single particle CD-MS combined with native MS on existing Orbitrap platforms will greatly expand its application, especially in the mass analysis of megadalton heterogeneous biomolecular assemblies.


The emergent role of information theory in image formation is surveyed. Unlike the subject of information-theoretic communication theory, information-theoretic imaging is far from a mature subject. The possible role of information theory in problems of image formation is to provide a rigorous framework for defining the imaging problem, for defining measures of optimality used to form estimates of images, for addressing issues associated with the development of algorithms based on these optimality criteria, and for quantifying the quality of the approximations. The definition of the imaging problem consists of an appropriate model for the data and an appropriate model for the reproduction space, which is the space within which image estimates take values. Each problem statement has an associated optimality criterion that measures the overall quality of an estimate. The optimality criteria include maximizing the likelihood function and minimizing mean squared error for stochastic problems, and minimizing squared error and discrimination for deterministic problems. The development of algorithms is closely tied to the definition of the imaging problem and the associated optimality criterion. Algorithms with a strong information-theoretic motivation are obtained by the method of expectation maximization. Related alternating minimization algorithms are discussed. In quantifying the quality of approximations, global and local measures are discussed. Global measures include the (mean) squared error and discrimination between an estimate and the truth, and probability of error for recognition or hypothesis testing problems. Local measures include Fisher information.


A theorem is proved to the effect that each exceptional pair of vector bundles on a two-dimensional quadric can be supplemented to a coil of a helix. A condition is presented when this coil can be obtained from a given one by tightening transformations.


Objective: To determine prospectively whether interatrial dyssynchrony detected by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is useful for predicting the progression to chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) in patients with non-valvular paroxysmal AF (PAF). Methods: Thirty-seven patients with non-valvular PAF were prospectively followed after echocardiography. The interval of time from initiation of the P wave on the electrocardiogram (ECG) until the beginning of the late diastolic TDI signal at the lateral border of the mitral annulus (P-A′(M)) and the tricuspid annulus (P-A′(T)) was measured. Interatrial dyssynchrony was defined as the difference between the P-A′(M) and P-A′(T) intervals (A′(M)-A′(T)). The study endpoint was the onset of CAF (>6 months). Results: During a follow-up period of 28 (SD 23) months, eight patients developed CAF. Compared with those without CAF, the patients who developed CAF had a significantly lower atrial systolic mitral (A′(M)) (7.7 (1.7) vs 10.7 (2.9) cm/s, p<0.01) and tricuspid (A′(T)) (12.9 (3.5) vs 16.6 (5.1) cm/s, p<0.05) annular tissue Doppler velocity, as well as a longer A′(M)-A′(T) interval (47 (13) vs 24 (10) ms, p<0.0001). Kaplan–Meier analysis, using cut-off values determined by analysis of receiver-operating characteristics curves, revealed that progression to CAF was significantly more frequent when the A′(M)-A′(T) interval was ⩾34 ms (p<0.01), the A′(M) velocity was ⩽9 cm/s (p<0.05) and the A′(T) velocity was ⩽16 cm/s (p<0.05). Conclusions: This prospective study suggests that non-valvular PAF patients with a high risk of developing CAF have "interatrial dyssynchrony" and "atrial systolic dysfunction" on atrial TDI.


Use of perflubron (LiquiVent) and other perfluorochemical liquids during intratracheal administration of adenovirus and AAV vectors has been shown to improve total gene expression as well as distribution of expression throughout lungs of spontaneously breathing rodents. To determine if this method could be safely and easily extended to non-human primates, we carried out a pilot investigation in six spontaneously breathing rhesus macaques. Two animals received bronchoscopic administration of recombinant adenovirus vector (type 5 E1-deleted AdCMVlacZ, 4.6 x 10(10) plaque forming units/animal), two animals received vector followed by instillation of perflubron, and two animals received perflubron alone. Instillation of perflubron was well tolerated by the animals and, once recovered from anesthesia, all animals behaved and fed normally until lung harvest. Serial X-rays demonstrated that the perflubron had cleared from lungs of three animals by 48 hours after administration; the fourth animal had a small amount of residual perflubron. Apart from a mild elevation in hepatocellular enzymes, no significant abnormality was noted in complete blood count or serum electrolytes and chemistries. In animals receiving either vector alone or vector with perflubron, in situ beta-galactosidase expression was observed in a variety of cells including large airway, bronchiolar, and alveolar epithelial cells. In summary, use of perflubron was well tolerated in spontaneously breathing macaques. Further studies in larger numbers of animals will help assess the potential efficacy of perflubron for enhancing gene expression and elucidate effects on local and systemic inflammatory responses.


Optical and vibrational properties of a novel allotrope of elemental germanium Ge(oP32), which crystallizes in the structure corresponding to the orthorhombic space group Pbcm, are studied experimentally by means of absorption and polarized Raman scattering measurements and theoretically using the first principles density functional theory. Material is found to be a direct band gap semiconductor with Eg  =  0.33 eV. Out of theoretically predicted 48 Raman-active modes, 27 are observed in the spectra and assigned to the specific lattice eigenmodes of the crystal based on their symmetry and a comparison with the results of first principles lattice dynamics calculations. Remarkably, the highest frequency vibration is observed at 316 cm−1, that is higher than the cubic crystalline -Ge mode at 300 cm−1. Exceptional sharpness of observed phonon lines (between 0.8 and 2.5 cm−1 at T  =  10 K) implies excellent crystallinity of Ge(oP32) crystals.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of oily calcium hydroxide suspension (OCHS) in the of treatment of infrabony defects.

METHOD AND MATERIALS
Thirty patients with advanced chronic periodontitis, with one deep infrabony defect, were randomly treated with open flap debridement (OFD) (control) or OFD + OCHS (test). Clinical measurements were performed at baseline and 9 months after treatment. Surgical reentry was performed after 9 months. The primary outcome variables were reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD) and gain in relative attachment level (RAL). The secondary outcome was the reduction in depth of defect (DOD) measured intrasurgically.

RESULTS
A statistically significant reduction in PPD was observed at the end of 9 months, with the control group showing a mean reduction of 2.06 ± 0.59 mm from baseline to 9 months and the test 1.06 ± 1.22 mm (P ≥ .05). There was no statistically significant gain in RAL at the end of 9 months, with a mean of 0.60 ± 0.50 mm in the control group and 0.60 ± 0.91 mm in the test (P ≥ .05). No statistically significant difference was observed in DOD at 9 months, with a mean difference of 0.80 ± 0.77 mm in the control group and 0.66 ± 0.97 mm in the test (P ≥ .05).

CONCLUSION
Within the limitations of the study, OCHS failed to demonstrate any superior clinical outcomes in comparison with OFD.


THE MEDICAL literature 1 gives a good review of the history concerning the problem of cardiac arrest, its causes, recognition, and the various methods of therapy. The importance of various drugs, methods of administration, and differences in opinions concerning the dosages are of interest. Much time is spent on the active therapy in producing an artificial circulation, and the importance of starting this within a minute to three minutes after arrest is usually emphasized. The terminology for this artificial circulation may be cardiac massage or cardiac compression. The latter term, we believe, is preferred because it more clearly describes what is necessary to maintain an artificial circulation. Authors are now emphasizing that the most important factor in the prevention and cure of the catastrophe is an open airway which delivers oxygen and takes away the waste products, this being essential for a good respiration. Furthermore, surgeons and anesthetists are realizing


AbstractThe correlation lengths of vorticity anomalies from temporal averages are examined in the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis dataset. It is shown that, in the annual mean, eddies in the Southern Hemisphere are significantly larger than those in the Northern Hemisphere. The eddy vorticity lengths exhibit a strong seasonal cycle, with the largest scales occurring in the winter season. The maximum zonal eddy lengths closely follow the contours of the strong upper-level winds, while the maximum meridional lengths are found in jet exit regions and in the stratosphere.


This paper analyses the impacts of the structure of utility and platform's cost on price i.e. price structure and price level. The nature of the analysis is such that it can be applied to a wide variety of services with a two sided market characteristics such as credit cards, night clubs etc. However this paper focuses on internet service where users and content providers transact through the internet. By modelling the utility and cost in two parts; fixed and variable we show that even when the fixed part of the cost is significant, an operator can still extract higher profit by providing subsidized access to the user. The intuition behind it is that an internet user benefits from subscription and additionally brings benefit to the content provider by being present on the platform. We show that it is economically efficient to provide subsidized access to a user if the benefits together are greater than the fixed cost of provisioning the access to that user.


Abstract Chickens were raised with either translucent occluders or lenses, both under normal light cycles (12–h light/12–h dark) and in constant light (CL). Under normal light cycles, eyes with occluders became very myopic, and eyes with lenses became either relatively hyperopic (positive lenses) or myopic (negative lenses). After the treatment, retinal dopamine (DA), DOPAC, and serotonin levels were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC-EC). A significant drop in daytime retinal DOPAC (-20%) was observed after 1 week of deprivation, and in both DOPAC (-40%) and DA (-30%) after 2 weeks of deprivation. No changes in retinal serotonin levels were found. Retinal DA or DOPAC content remained unchanged after 2 or 4 days of lens wearing even though the lenses had already exerted their maximal effect on axial eye growth. When the chickens were raised in CL, development of deprivation myopia was reduced (8 days CL) or entirely blocked (13 days CL). Lens-induced changes in eye growth were not different after either 6 or 11 days in CL, compared to animals raised in a normal light cycle. Thirteen days of CL resulted in a dramatic reduction of DA and DOPAC levels, but serotonin levels were also lowered. The results suggest that lens-induced changes in refraction may not be dependent on dopaminergic pathways whereas deprivation myopia requires normal diurnal DA rhythms to develop.


A recent suggestion has been made that the hydrogen bound state spectrum should not depend on the number of spatial dimensions. It is pointed out here that the uncertainty principle implies that such differences must exist and that a perturbation expansion in the dimensionality parameter yields a precise quantitative confirmation of the effect.


Due to concerns about climate change, energy security, and resource scarcity, non- renewable resources are increasingly being displaced by biomass. As with most human activities, the production of biobased products can be associated with negative impacts. Primarily, this relates to the biomass supply systems, i.e., agriculture and forestry, which currently are major causes of biodiversity loss and degradation of ecosystem services. Developing sustainable production systems when transitioning from non-renewable resources to biomass is imperative. This thesis aims to clarify the meaning of sustainability in the context of biomass for bioenergy, and contribute to our understanding of how different forms of governance can promote sustainably sourced biomass for bioenergy. The thesis is based on five appended papers: Paper I analyses to what extent, where, and under what conditions oil palm for biodiesel in Brazil can be produced profitably, and what risks and opportunities that can be associated with introducing large-scale oil palm production in Brazil. Paper II lays the foundation for understanding how new biomass production can be introduced into landscapes while supporting rather than compromising the ability of the landscape to supply other ecosystem services. Paper III describes different forms of governance and shows how these can play different roles in promoting sustainable bioenergy in different countries. Paper IV focuses on how short rotation coppice production systems are affected by EU policy and how different governance forms can assist in adapting production systems to conform to the corresponding sustainability requirements. Finally, Paper V assesses how sustainability certification (private governance) addresses biodiversity conservation and contributes to our understanding of possible improvements.


Introduction Social inequalities in pregnancy outcomes have been extensively described, but studies that explain these inequalities comprehensively are lacking. This analysis evaluated the contribution of material, psychosocial, behavioural, nutritional, and obstetrical factors in explaining social inequalities in preterm delivery. Methods The data were based on a prospective cohort of 1109 Irish pregnant women. Preterm delivery was obtained from clinical hospital records. Socio-economic status was measured using educational level. The association between educational level and preterm delivery was examined using Cox model. Results Educational level was found to be a significant predictive factor of preterm delivery; women with low educational level were more likely to have a preterm delivery (HR=2.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.38) after adjustment for age and parity. Rented and crowded home, smoking, alcohol consumption, and intake of saturated fatty acids displayed educational differences and were predictive of preterm delivery. Material factors (rented and crowded home) reduced the HR of preterm delivery for low educated women by 33%. The independent contribution of behavioural factors (smoking and alcohol consumption) from material factors was 5%, and the independent contribution of saturated fatty acids from material to behavioural factors was 4%. All these factors together reduced the HR of preterm delivery for low educated women by 42% (HR=1.66, 95% CI 0.76 to 3.63). Conclusion This study is one of the first to attempt to explain social inequalities in preterm delivery comprehensively, and underlines the importance of material, behavioural and nutritional factors. More research is needed to better understand and prevent social inequalities in preterm delivery.


ABSTRACT Since 1997, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has invested in higher education and its expansion as part of its commitment to building a knowledge-based society. Though the UAE has prioritised quality higher education, it still faces challenges in producing graduates who are capable of actively participating in building its knowledge base. The literature reveals a clear mismatch between the qualities of university graduates and continually changing labour market needs. Along with demographic challenges, cultural and institutional factors impede progress. This paper discusses these challenges and offers policy recommendations designed to support the UAE in its goal of Emiratisising its workforce and creating a knowledge-based society.


Problems attributed to the bracing of timber roofs have necessitated a fresh look at the bracing criterion given in the timber design code, SABS 0163 (1994). The difference between bracing provided for stability of the overall structure and bracing that is used to reduce the effective length of compression members is discussed. The differences between bracing at discrete intervals and bracing by means of a continuous elastic diaphragm are shown. Revised design rules are proposed, which, if implemented, should solve the problems currently being experienced with timber roofs.


This paper aims to consider the meaning of secular ritual in pop-culture tourism, and to clarify the role of social media as a tool for making and transmitting secular ritual, focuses on Asian fans' pilgrimage of Japanese mixed media Love Live! School Idol Project. The paper first introduces contemporary sacred meaning-making as a theoretical framework. Then, based on anthropological research, the paper analyses how secular ritual is made and transmitted, focuses on Asian fans' popular-culture pilgrimages. The specific popular culture work chosen, after five years of participatory research in Japanese popular culture-related pilgrimage, was an event related to the Japanese media franchised work Love Live! School Idol Project (Love Live!). In this paper, it has clarified that social media plays a significant role in making the secular ritual. Nevertheless, the social media makes difficult to determine whether some fan performances are a sacred activity or attempts to follow current trends.


The objective of the paper is, a new normalized block LMS algorithm is developed for adaptive decision feedback equalizer (ADFE), which is suitable for high data rate wireless and mobile communication systems. Physical channels used in transmission of digital signals can be rarely represented by a nondistorting channel model with additive noise as the only impairment. In practice, the vast majority of channels are characterized by a limited bandwidth in which particular frequency components of transmitted signals are nonequally attenuated (causing amplitude distortion) and nonequally delayed (causing delay distortion). These effects are the result of the physical properties of the transmission medium and of the imperfect design of transmit and receive filters. The proposed approach exhibits better convergence characteristics to eliminate Inter symbol Interference (ISI), as compared with the conventional DFE. In this scheme the incoming data is partitioned into non overlapping blocks and the filtering operation has been performed in frequency domain with FFT(overlap and save method). In this the correction applied to the tap weight vector and it is normalized with respect to the squared euclidean norm of the tap input vector at time n. The frequency domain representation facilitates, easier to choose step size with which the proposed algorithm convergent in the mean squared sense, whereas in the time domain it requires the information on the largest eigen value of the correlation matrix of the input sequence.


Background: The immune system is recognized to have therapeutic potential to destroy cancer cells. T-cell immunoglobulin mucin domain-3 (sTIM-3) and its ligand galectin 9 (GAL9) cause suppression of cytokine production, cell cycle arrest, and cell death. Then, soluble levels of TIM-3 and GAL-9 may have prognostic implications in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in non-smoker patients. Methods: This prospective cohort study, including 49 NSCLC patients with an age median of 65 years, evaluated the soluble levels of sTIM-3 and sGAL9 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Low levels of sGAL9 in smokers compared to non-smoker NSCLC patients (P<0.0001). Overall survival (OS) analysis showed a low median survival of 10.5 months in smokers NSCLC patients compared to non-smokers (Log-Rank test; P = 0.009). The area under the curve (AUC) value of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.8497, suggesting that sGAL9 could be an OS biomarker for advanced NSCLC, being the cut-off value of serum of 1,694 pg/mL for sGAL9. Low sGAL9 levels NSCLC patients' group had significantly shorter OS than those in the high sGAL9 levels (Log-Rank test; P = 0.02). Conclusion: This study indicated the accuracy of sGAL9 as a potential biomarker predictive of OS in advanced NSCLC.


The present study is a continuation of the numerical modelling of geologic structures by the authors (see J. N. Reddy et al., Finite-element modelling of folding and faulting, this journal). The present paper is concerned with the computation of the stress and fracture density distributions in single layer folds by the finite-element method. It was found that variations in fracture patterns are related to several variables: (i) the viscosity of the competent layer, (ii) the ratio of the viscosity of the competent layer to the viscosity of the matrix, (iii) the cohesive strength of the material, and (iv) the boundary velocities during deformation. The fracture prediction is based on the Mohr–Coulomb criterion, which is a function of the stresses only. Prediction of fracture density is based on a function of the strain energy. It is found that there is a good correlation between the computer predicted fractures and the fracture pattern produced by the expermental buckiing of rock-beams. Itis, concluded that the viscosity ratio controls the location of fractures in single layer folds.


Objective The aim of this study was to compare QT dispersion (QTd) and signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SA-ECG) parameters that may predict risk of malignant arrhythmias in patients on hemodialysis (HD), on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and in controls. Setting Controlled cross-sectional study in a tertiary- care setting. Patients 28 HD (M/F 18/10; mean age 32 ± 9 years), 29 CAPD (M/F 17/12; mean age 34 ± 10 years), and 29 healthy controls (M/F 17/12; mean age 32 ± 8 years) were included. Interventions On ECG, minimum (QTmin) and maximum (QTmax) QT duration and their difference (QTd) were measured. In SA-ECG, duration of filtered QRS, HFLA signals less than 40 μV, and RMS voltage (40 ms) were also measured. Results Higher serum Ca2+ and lower K+ levels were found in CAPD compared to HD. All QT parameters were increased in HD and CAPD compared to controls. QT dispersion was significantly prolonged in HD compared to CAPD. In HD, QTd was correlated with left ventricular (LV) mass index (r = 0.53, p = 0.004), but not in CAPD (r = -0.09, p = 0.63). QT dispersion was significantly prolonged in patients with LV hypertrophy compared to patients without hypertrophy on HD (68 ± 18 ms vs 49 ± 18 ms, p = 0.008). In the analysis of SA-ECG, 3 of the 28 (11%) HD and 2 of the 29 (7%) CAPD patients had abnormal late potentials. Patients on HD and CAPD had significantly higher filtered-QRS duration compared to controls (105 ± 15 ms and 104 ± 12 ms vs 95 ± 5 ms, respectively, p = 0.04). Patients with LV hypertrophy had higher filtered-QRS duration compared to patients without hypertrophy (109 ± 12 ms vs 95 ± 8 ms, p < 0.001). Conclusion Dialysis patients had prolonged QTd and increased filtered-QRS duration in SA-ECG compared to controls. Patients on HD had longer QTd than patients on CAPD. QTd has been correlated to LV mass index in HD, but not in CAPD. This difference might be due to the effect of different dialysis modalities on electrolytes, especially the higher serum Ca2+ levels.


An improved practical synthesis of liquid crystals of trans-cyclohexyltolans by Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of 1-iodo-4-(trans-4-alkylcyclohexyl)benzene with aromatic terminal alkynes in the presence of Pd/C (palladium on activated carbon) as low as 0.03 mol% of Pd and CuI (2 mol%) in a mixture solvent of acetone–water (5:2 in volume) is described. The liquid crystals could be obtained in high yields as a solid with excellent purity by simple filtration, and the filtrate could be reused several times while still retaining high catalytic activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


CaSO4:Dy Teflon discs are fabricated and used in the author's laboratory for routine personal monitoring and research. CaSO4:Dy powder and Teflon are mixed in the ratio 1:3 by weight. The discs are 13.5 mm in diameter and 0.8 mm thick. The response of this radiation detector is studied using cavity theory. CaSO4 is considered to be the cavity and Teflon the medium. The relationship between the absorbed dose in the cavity to that in the medium is calculated using Burlin's (1966) expression and Almond's (1970) modified expression.


This short paper discusses the factors affecting corporate communication of stock exchanges including globalization, competition and regulation. Next, it discusses some corporate communications strategies used by three diverse exchanges, namely; Toronto, Hong Kong and Warsaw. The paper then refers to crises that are faced by organizations and refers to the good example of crisis management tactics utilized by New Zealand Stock Exchange. Afterwards, the paper discusses Cairo & Alexandria Stock Exchanges (CASE) strategic vision as well as its business profile. Then, the paper focuses on CASE corporate communication strategies with its various stakeholders such as its market regulator, investors, students, issuers, members, and the media. Following, the paper highlights CASE future communication plans and concludes by three important messages for stock exchanges.


AbstractMaster thesis in Business Administration, School of Business and Economics at Linneaus UniversityAuthors: Patrik Larsson and Pontus GislenSupervisor: Hakan LockingExaminer: Sven-Olof CollinTitle: The index effect- a study on Nasdaq OMXS30 and OMXH25Introduction: A significant part of the financial literature is based on the Efficient Market Hypothesis which assumes that prices in the market reflects all available information. Anomalies, such as the index effect, indicate weaknesses in this theory as it has been proved that it is possible to outperform the market using public information. Hence, the index effect can be linked to market efficiency which makes it interesting to study from a theoretical perspective. The mapping of the index effect is also interesting from a practical perspective, as it leads to a better understanding of whether investors and firms should take this anomaly into account.Problem: Is there an index effect, how does it behave and what can explain this effect?Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the index effect. This is to be able to draw conclusions about market efficiency and if investors and firms should take this anomaly into account. The index effect will be studied on OMXS30 and OMXH25 as these indices enables a price effect being traced to an index revision, separate from any new information being revealed.Method: The research approach will be deductive in nature, where existing theories in the field are used to generate hypotheses. These are then tested quantitatively by an event study based on time series data for stocks on the basis of an index revision.Conclusions: The results of this study shows an index effect for included stocks but not for excluded stocks. The index effect for included stocks can be distinguished from the end of the reference period. This is in line with what can be expected, since the criteria are designed so that a revision can be predicted. This effect is permanent and can be traced to an increased demand for stocks that are not perfect substitutes (Imperfect Substitute Hypothesis) and a greater awareness among investors (Awareness Hypothesis). Days after revision when the index effect already has reached its cumulative peak, there is a trend towards a reversal. This can be explained by that there exists a temporary price pressure associated with the revision (Price Pressure Hypothesis), in addition to a permanent effect. Finally, the index effect has decreased over time indicating that the market has become more efficient.


Decisions in management and finance rely on information that often includes win-lose feedback (e.g., gains and losses, success and failure). Simple reinforcement then suggests to blindly repeat choices if they led to success in the past and change them otherwise, which might conflict with Bayesian updating of beliefs. We use finite mixture models and hidden Markov models, adapted from machine learning, to uncover behavioral heterogeneity in the reliance on difference behavioral rules across and within individuals in a belief-updating experiment. Most decision makers rely both on Bayesian updating and reinforcement. Paradoxically, an increase in incentives increases the reliance on reinforcement because the win-lose cues become more salient. This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance. Funding: C. Alós-Ferrer gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft under [Grant AL1169/4], part of the research unit "Psychoeconomics" (FOR 1882). Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4584 .


Alternating-current impedance techniques were applied to organic coatings on mild steel in dilute sodium chloride solutions. The coatings used and the thicknesses employed were chosen to be typical of those systems frequently used for total immersion in marine conditions. A transfer function analyzer was used with high-impedance interfaces, and information was obtained concerning the impedance behavior of these coatings at frequencies that had previously been impossible. Equivalent circuit models analyzed the data obtained, and an assessment of the behavior of these coatings was made in the light of the analysis.


Objectives Type 2 peg fractures are known to have low fusion rates but most are elderly with comorbidities and not fit for surgery. Increasingly, clinicians want to stop using hard collars due to its complications, but with little supporting evidence. We aim to provide data to add to this debate. Design Single centre cohort study. Subjects 145 consecutive patients referred to a Major Trauma Centre as type 2 peg fracture. Methods All patients referred with a suspected peg fracture between March 2015 and December 2017 were included. All imaging were assessed and case notes reviewed for patient demographics, fracture management, complications and outcomes. Results 102 cases were peg fractures (mean age=80 years). 92 (90.2%) were managed conservatively with a hard collar (mean of 87 days). 37% developed symptoms from the collar, namely pain, stiffness and non-tolerance. Bony union was achieved in only 39.1% of patients with increasing age being an independent risk factor (p<0.001). Of the 56 patients who did not have bony union, there were no reported symptoms and 90% were discharged without a collar. 2 patients were offered but declined fixation and neither reported any on-going symptoms. Conclusions This study adds to the body of evidence that fusion rates are low, and collar complications are not insignificant when type 2 peg fractures are treated in a hard collar. However, outcomes are good regardless of union, potentially rendering the collar unnecessary. We aim to conduct a randomised prospective study to further investigate.


Success of medical treatments for any pathological disorders majorly depends on the efficacy of the therapeutic molecules and their delivery to the target sites. Non-invasive molecular imaging technologies have emerged as prime methods for validating both these aspects ranging from preclinical level to clinical application. Reporter genes and the respective reporter probes are essential components of molecular functional imaging that gained wide popularity throughout the world due to easy adaptation, user friendly software and cost-effective experiments. However, to monitor the therapeutic effects, reporter gene-reporter probes (RG-RP) are often combined with separate introductions of therapeutics whose delivery at target sites are not appropriately measured. A small group of reporter genes is associated with probes that behave like a signature as well as a therapeutic molecule thereby having theranostic properties. This Reporter Gene-Therapeutic Reporter Probe (RG-TRP) system bears additional advantages over RG-RP system and holds the promise of direct translational applications in humans. This short review focuses on describing the currently available and validated RG-TRP systems, delivery vehicles, associated imaging modalities, applications in various pathological conditions along with the merits and demerits. Identification of new RG-TRP system will open new direction in theranostic imaging with potential human applications.


Uncertainty presents significant challenges in the reasoning about and controlling of complex dynamical systems. To address this challenge, numerous researchers are developing improved methods for stochastic analysis. This book presents a diverse collection of some of the latest research in this important area. In particular, this book gives an overview of some of the theoretical methods and tools for stochastic analysis, and it presents the applications of these methods to problems in systems theory, science, and economics.


In pediatric airway surgery, endoscopic evaluation of the lesions and treatment is important. However, there are no objective and reproducible methods for measurement. The purpose of this study was to define the optical effects of a Storz-Hopkins system and develop a method of calibration and measurement. Known geometric images (grids and circles) were viewed through the Storz-Hopkins system and recorded. These images were then analyzed morphometrically with a computer image analyzer (Jandel Scientific). The distortion of the endoscope could be identified, and the severity was found to be a function of the distance from the center of the field (r = .962). When this distortion factor (range, 0% to 25% shrinkage) was used mathematically, known circles could be measured by means of an endoscopic image. The error was reduced from 17.6% to 4.3% (p < .003). With morphometric programs the optical distortion of the bronchoscope can be calibrated. This can then be used to correct the measurement of images.


Abstract Quaternary dune systems, as well as the Limpopo Basin near the rural city of Xai-Xai in southern Mozambique were studied concerning their soil fertility and sustainability for crop cultivation. Due to population growth, most sites, which are not overbuilt, are used for crop production. The Arenosols and Regosols of the dune area have slope of 20° and sandy textures. A poor water-holding capacity and a low capability of bonding nutrients are the consequence. A lack of food prevents a disciplined crop rotation including longer fallow periods. Despite persistent cultivation for decades, the soils have a high base saturation, but already a slight decline in the base saturation has considerable effects on crop quality. Shifting cultivation along the coastal dunes leads to a massive clearing of woodlands which destabilises the sensitive dune systems and exposes them to erosion. The Fluvisols of the Limpopo River valley on the other hand cannot be used without restrictions either. High salt contents influence plant growth and the clayey soils constrain root penetration, water availability, drainage and cultivation. Nevertheless, the soils are rich in nutrients and organic matter, and there is no water stress, even during the dry season. The valley soils appear to be a reasonable platform for agriculture.


When experimentally evaluating the performance of a wind or water current turbine, one must impose a regulating torque on the turbine rotor by electrical or mechanical means. Some options limit this controlling torque to a purely resistive quantity, while servomotors and stepper motors allow torque to be applied in the direction of turbine rotation. Any control mode that results in net positive power for a turbine may be of interest for energy harvesting, and all of these are net "fluid-driven." Here, we present experiments that characterize the power, torque, and force coefficients of a cross-flow turbine operated at a constant rotational speed or under a constant imposed control torque. Time- and phase-average performance coefficients are largely equivalent for the two strategies although torque-regulated control is restricted to a narrower range of rotational speeds and the two strategies result in slightly different blade kinematics.When experimentally evaluating the performance of a wind or water current turbine, one must impose a regulating torque on the turbine rotor by electrical or mechanical means. Some options limit this controlling torque to a purely resistive quantity, while servomotors and stepper motors allow torque to be applied in the direction of turbine rotation. Any control mode that results in net positive power for a turbine may be of interest for energy harvesting, and all of these are net "fluid-driven." Here, we present experiments that characterize the power, torque, and force coefficients of a cross-flow turbine operated at a constant rotational speed or under a constant imposed control torque. Time- and phase-average performance coefficients are largely equivalent for the two strategies although torque-regulated control is restricted to a narrower range of rotational speeds and the two strategies result in slightly different blade kinematics.


Historically the transcription of design data, in preparation for mask manufacture, has been to produce flat exposure tool data. Recent developments in hierarchical fracturing in the CATSä tool are reviewed and explained. Current design data, especially memory products or even microprocessors containing cache, benefit immensely from these developments. The pertinent CATSä commands are reviewed. Records of typical data fractures are presented and reviewed, showing the overall decrease in CPU usage with the hierarchal methods. The concomitant decrease in file sizes is also shown.


Higher environmental standards have made for the removal of arsenic from water, an important problem for environmental engineering. Iron oxide is a particularly interesting sorbent to consider for this application. Its magnetic properties allow relatively routine dispersal and recovery of the adsorbent into and from groundwater or industrial processing facilities; in addition, iron oxide has strong and specific interactions with both As (III) and As(V). Finally, this material can be produced with nanoscale dimensions, which enhance both its capacity and removal. The present study focuses on iron-oxide based complexes that were found to adsorb arsenic from water. Their composition, morphology, magnetic behaviour and potential were studied by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Zeta potential and Vibrating Sampling Magnetometer (VSM). Arsenic concentrations were recorded by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Finally, the particles were also investigated for their antimicrobial properties that can be used against gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. The study suggests that among various iron oxide sorbents magnetite chitosan beads provides a low cost, fast and effective method for removal of arsenic from potable water, and thus making it suitable for drinking purpose.


The I-V characteristic of carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors is dictated by the Schottky barrier (SB) at metal-nanotube interface. The SB is defined by the diameter of the CNT along with the source/drain metal and is presumed a device constant for single CNT transistors. Given the wide distribution of diameter of CVD-grown nanotubes, the presumption of single SB, however, is inappropriate for transistors with aligned array of CNTs. Indeed, array transistors with similar geometries and contact material can still exhibit considerable variation in threshold voltage (VT), on current (ION), and device resistance (Rd). We use measured diameter distribution within the framework of detailed numerical simulations to demonstrate that the diameter distribution of CNTs (in CNT FETs) plays a dominant role in defining the fluctuation of array transistors. Besides, it is argued that the large-scale integration of these devices within an IC would be feasible only if the distribution of diameter is considerably narrowed.


Arthur Levine and Jeanette Cureton title their latest book When Hope and Fear Collide: A Portrait of Today's College Student (Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1998). Their book is an analysis of the contrasts in the results of a late 1970s vs. an early mid-1990s Carnegie Council survey of college student attitudes. Their conclusions are sobering: The inescapable conclusion is that today's college students grew up in a time in which everything around them appeared to be changing—and often not for the better … [They are] a generation that is indeed wearied by the enormous pressures they face economically, politically, socially, and psychologically. At the same time, they are energized by a desire to enjoy the good life and make their corner of the world a better place. This is a generation in which hope and fear are colliding (Levine, 16-17).


The author asks whether the annual Chairmanship is the captain or the figurehead of the OSCE ship. It looks at the mandate of the Chairman-in-Office and how this works in practice. The author, who used to be an adviser to OSCE Chairmanships, concludes by making a number of recommendations for a successful Chairmanship.


The sub-chronic (28–56 days) effects of exposure to low concentrations of cadmium (Cd; 0·05, 0·25, 0·50 and 2·50 μg l−1) shortly following fertilization on embryos, larvae and juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were examined. Premature hatching occurred at lower concentrations (0·05 and 0·25 μg l−1 Cd), however, delayed hatching was seen in the 2·50 μg l−1 Cd group, with >90% of hatching occurring on the last day of the hatching period. Larval growth was negatively affected by Cd exposure in a concentration-dependent manner. Larvae exposed to 2·50 μg l−1 Cd were 13·9 ± 0·8% shorter in total length (LT) and weighed 22·4 ± 3·5% (mean ±s.e.) less than controls at the end of the exposure period. Plasma sex steroid concentrations (oestradiol in juvenile females and 11-ketotestosterone in juvenile males) were elevated (four- to 10-fold over controls) in exposed fish in both males and females, following 28 days of exposure to 0·05, 0·25 and 0·50 μg l−1 Cd, respectively. These results suggest that environmentally realistic concentrations (in the μg l−1 range) of Cd can affect the development of O. mykiss impacting embryos, larvae and juvenile fish.


Model predictive control has demonstrated to be an efficient control technique for power electronic systems. In this paper the linear complementarity modeling framework is used for the model predictive control design of a DC-DC boost converter cascaded with a single-phase inverter, a topology usually adopted in microgrids. A linear complementarity model valid for all operating modes of the converter is derived. A mixed-integer quadratic program is formulated for the design of the predictive controller constrained to the dynamic model and implementing a pulse width modulation. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed solution.


The paper describes an improved method for the estimation of the effective wavenumber in optical interferometers previously published by the authors, which allows reaching accuracy better than one part per billion. The method is based on analyses of spatial intensity profiles of a laser beam and its propagation at different distances, when images are captured by a digital camera. The method has been used for the evaluation of the so-called diffraction correction for FG5 and FG5X absolute gravimeters, which represents one of the most important contributions in the uncertainty budget of these gravimeters. We show that the commonly used estimates tend to systematically underestimate the correction.


This paper deals with the oscillatory behavior of forced second-order integrodynamic equations on time scales. The results are new for the continuous and discrete cases and can be applied to Volterra integral equation on time scale. We also provide a numerical example in the continuous case to illustrate the results.


Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) is usually missed on prenatal sonographic examinations, even on targeted scans. Irregular ventricular walls on axial view and irregular square‐shaped lateral ventricles on coronal view are suggestive of PNH in the early third trimester. To achieve an early prenatal diagnosis, it is important to keep in mind the possible coexistence of PNH with brain malformations such as ventriculomegaly, posterior fossa anomalies, or agenesis of corpus callosum. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:510–513, 2016


In this letter, we report on the realization of a carbon nanotube-based field emission triode with a new flip-chip design of the cathode. Our fabrication method is highly versatile and allows the use of various emitting materials, overcoming at the same time the severe limitations of material choices for the nanotriode fabrication. The obtained device shows a good modulation behavior and low losses. This technology opens a new way for the realization of highly efficient and scaled vacuum field emission devices.


This paper presents a two-dimensional numerical simulation of flows around different bluff bodies, at Re = 100 and 200, using the Immersed Boundary (IB) method, as a sequence of a previous work. The force density term required by the IB method is obtained with the Virtual Physical Model (VPM). Simulations were carried out for two circular cylinders of different diameter in tandem, two cylinders of the same diameter in tandem and two cylinders placed in side by side arrangement. The configurations of seven cylinders in a 'V' arrangement, for angles of 40o < a < 180o, were also simulated. A configuration of 23 different bluff bodies, representing a transverse cut in a central tower of an offshore structure, has been also simulated and the results were compared with a single compact square, of equivalent size. The Strouhal number, the drag and the lift coefficients were also calculated. The Strouhal number is calculated using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the lift coefficient temporal distribution. Visualization of the vorticity and pressure fields and the streamlines are presented for each simulation showing the flow dynamics and patterns. It was possible to verify that the IB method with VPM is a powerful methodology to simulate flows in the presence of complex geometries.


: A generalized unit hydrograph method is developed and evaluated for ungaged watersheds. A key component in this method is the value of a dimensionless storage coefficient. Procedures to estimate this coefficient are given using calibrated values from 142 rainfall-runoff events gaged in watershed located mainly in the Eastern US. Only limited success was obtained in predicting this storage coefficient. Thirty-seven, independent rainfall-runoff events were used to test the proposed technique. The generalized unit hydrograph predicted the observed runoff hydrographs fairly well with considerable improvement in accuracy over the SCS dimensionless unit hydrograph. Approximately one-half of test storms had percent errors in predicted peak flow rates that were less than 34 percent compared to percent error of 88 percent with the SCS method.


Microsphere‐based constitutive models are a helpful tool in the modelling of materials with a micro‐structure composed of contributing elements directionally arranged. This is the case, for instance, for fibred soft tissues. In these models, the macroscopic mechanical behaviour is obtained from the integration of the micro‐structural contribution of each component (e.g. each fibre) over the surface of an underlying microsphere, which allows incorporating the mechanical features of the micro‐constituents to the macroscopic response. The combination of this sort of models and the associated numerical techniques constitutes a powerful modelling tool for which an efficient integration scheme is required. In this regard, the unit sphere discretizations proposed by Bažant and Oh (ZAMM—J Appl Math Mech Z Angew Math Mech 1986; 66(1):37–49) have been used for the integration of the microscopic contributions in isotropic materials. Nevertheless, the inclusion of anisotropy has important implications with regard to the integration scheme, since very fine discretizations are needed to perform the integration accurately, causing the integration process to be very costly. In addition, the storage of internal variables at each integration direction of every integration point is required for constitutive models based on the use of internal variables at the micro‐structural level, which renders this approach rather complex and memory demanding. In order to reduce the number of necessary integration directions, several non‐linear transformations for the integration of rotationally symmetric functions over the surface of the unit sphere are here presented. Their accuracy in the integration of the von Mises orientation distribution function is evaluated. Furthermore, a hyperelastic microsphere‐based constitutive law for the modelling of soft biological tissues is used in order to check the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed transformations within a Finite Element context in inhomogeneous deformation problems. Simulation results show the suitability of the proposed methodology in order to accurately approximate the value of the integrals within reasonable computational costs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Computational research on mental health disorders from written texts covers an interdisciplinary area between natural language processing and psychology. A crucial aspect of this problem is prevention and early diagnosis, as suicide resulted from depression being the second leading cause of death for young adults. In this work, we focus on methods for detecting the early onset of depression from social media texts, in particular from Reddit. To that end, we explore the eRisk 2018 dataset and achieve good results with regard to the state of the art by leveraging topic analysis and learned confidence scores to guide the decision process.


Objective
To investigate hippocampal development deviation and its association with cognition in patients with major psychiatric disorders (MPDs), including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.

Methods
The T1-weighted MRI data of 174 first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia (FES) atients, 169 bipolar disorder (BD) patients, 184 major depressive disorder (MDD) patients, and 321 healthy controls were collected and their hippocampal volume was extracted after preprocessing with Freesurfer 5.3. A normative neurodevelopment model was applied to calculate the hippocampal deviation scores. Data on cognitive functions, including visual memory, attention, spatial working memory, were collected. Comparison by different sexes was made to identify difference between the hippocampal development deviation scores of the control group and those of the disease groups. We also investigated the moderating effect of age on the deviation score and explored the association between the deviation score and cognitive function.

Results
The hippocampal development deviation scores of patients with MPDs were significantly lower than those of the healthy controls (false discovery rate [FDR]-P<0.05). Analysis of the moderating effect of age revealed lower deviation scores in young patients (<[25.83-28.56] yr.) and higher deviation scores in old patients (>[35.87-54.35] yr.) in comparison with those of the healthy controls. The right hippocampal deviation scores in male FES patients were positively correlated with the number of errors for tasks concerning spatial working memory ( r=0.32, FDR-P=0.04).

Conclusion
Our findings suggest abnormal hippocampal development in MPDs patients and its different distribution in MPDs patients of different age groups. The hippocampal development deviation score may provide a new perspective for further understanding of etiology in MPDs.


Introduction: The vertebral artery is unique among the cervico-cephalic vessels by virtue of its position and relationship to the adjacent structures. The advent of new techniques and materials for surgical treatment of lower cervical spinal condition has come along with possible potential complications. As vertebral artery normally passes through transverse foramen of sixth cervical vertebra, these procedures can safely be done on seventh cervical vertebra. Aim: To study the anatomical variation of vertebral artery entering the transverse foramen of cervical vertebrae. Material & Methods: 50 vertebral arteries were dissected in 25 embalmed cadavers, out of which 19 cadavers were male and 6 were female. Vertebral artery was dissected from its origin to its entry into foramen magnum. Results: 4 (8 %) cases were found where vertebral artery entered into transverse foramen of 7th cervical vertebrae out of which 1 was bilateral, and 2 was on left side. In 46 cases (92%) it entered through transverse foramen of 6th cervical vertebrae. Conclusion: In 8% cases as vertebral artery enters through C7 transverse foramina, the relation is important while performing transpedicular fixation or other spinal surgeries.


Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is a globally distributed, obligate pathogen of humans that can be divided into seven clearly defined lineages. An emerging consensus places the origin and global dispersal of M.tb within the past 6,000 years: identifying how the ancestral clone of M.tb spread and differentiated within this timeframe is important for identifying the ecological drivers of the current pandemic. We used Bayesian phylogeographic inference to reconstruct the migratory history of M.tb in Africa and Eurasia and to investigate lineage specific patterns of spread from a geographically diverse sample of 552 M.tb genomes. Applying evolutionary rates inferred with ancient M.tb genome calibration, we estimated the timing of major events in the migratory history of the pathogen. Inferred timings contextualize M.tb dispersal within historical phenomena that altered patterns of connectivity throughout Africa and Eurasia: trans‐Indian Ocean trade in spices and other goods, the Silk Road and its predecessors, the expansion of the Roman Empire, and the European Age of Exploration. We found that Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia have been critical in the dispersal of M.tb. Our results further reveal that M.tb populations have grown through range expansion, as well as in situ, and delineate the independent evolutionary trajectories of bacterial subpopulations underlying the current pandemic.


Background: Positive psychology focuses on mental health, which can be reached by strengthening wellbeing. An important part of wellbeing are positive emotions. Therefore, wellbeing can be reached by strengthening positive emotions. This was already tested and confirmed by short positive psychological interventions (PPI's) and online positive psychological interventions (OPPI's). Those interventions consist of simple, everyday exercises which prove an increase of wellbeing. Good examples are the 'three good things' and 'counting kindness' intervention which increase wellbeing by strengthening positive emotions. In order to develop usable and user friendly OPPI's it is important to not only measure the effects of the intervention but also to explore the user experiences with the intervention. The aim of this research is to get an overview of the effects and user experiences of a short positive psychological intervention which consists of different positive psychological exercises.
Method: Seven mentally healthy participants took part in this study. The intervention lasted over two weeks and consisted of three required exercises, 'three good things', 'positive activity-monitoring' and 'kindness for yourself'. In addition there was an optional exercise called 'wish yourself something good'. The effects were measured for the variables wellbeing, satisfaction, positive and negative affect and mindfulness. At the end of the intervention interviews were conducted to identify and analyze the user experiences.
Results: For the variables 'wellbeing' and 'satisfaction', a significant progress was found. 'Positive affect' and 'mindfulness' however didn't increase significantly. The qualitative analysis showed that the 'three good things' exercise was rated as best exercise. The evaluation of the 'positive-activity monitoring' exercise was on some aspects rated as good and on others less good and the 'kindness for yourself' exercise was rated rather negative by the participants.
Discussion: The progress of wellbeing and satisfaction confirmed the researcher's expectations. The results on the process measures however require further research to get a better understanding. Especially 'kindness for yourself' has to be improved to make it more understandable and enjoyable. For the setup of an OPPI is recommended to present every exercise during the whole intervention, present the intervention as an APP and use an alarm so that participants won't miss exercises as easy as they do now.


This chapter presents a summary of manuscripts published in the period of June 2012–June 2013 involving NMR techniques and their applications in the field of amphiphilic systems. In Section 2 reviews and articles on general methods and models have been considered. In Section 3 the manuscripts on thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals, phospholipids, vesicles and bicelles have been presented. Section 4 has been devoted to micellar solutions including ionic and non ionic surfactant systems, polymer amphiphiles and mixed amphiphiles systems.


Future smart grid has been widely conceived to be featured by its flexible supply-demand management and great exploitation of renewable energy. However, due to the volatility of renewable sources, exploitation of renewable energy introduces uncertainty in energy supply. Therefore, it is of practical importance to quantify the optimal exploitation of renewable energy based on the supply-demand framework for future smart grid, where the energy-providers (or the energy-users) adaptively adjust their energy-provisioning (or energy-demands) according to the system information that takes account of the volatility of renewable energy. In this work, we consider a residential smart grid equipped with a centralized renewable source as a supplement to the electricity acquired from the grid. Our model aims at: i) quantifying the optimal exploitation of renewable energy that trades off between the system-wide benefit from using the renewable energy and the associated cost due to its volatility, and ii) characterizing how the volatility of renewable energy influences its optimal exploitation. An efficient distributed algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal utilization of renewable energy as well as the associated energy scheduling decisions based on the supply-demand model.


Introduction: Enamel demineralization adjacent to orthodontic brackets has been shown to be a consequence during orthodontic treatment. Fluoride-releasing resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) have been shown to protect the enamel from white spot lesions, but their bond strength has been proven inadequate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE, a bioactive material with strength superior to RMGICs, for inhibition of enamel demineralization surrounding orthodontic brackets. Materials and Methods: Fifteen human teeth were sectioned and divided into two groups. One group was the control and had orthodontic brackets bonded with Transbond XT, while the second group had orthodontic brackets bonded with ACTIVA. The teeth were varnished within 2 mm of the bracket margins and immersed in an artificial caries solution for 3 days to create carious lesions. The teeth were sectioned and viewed under polarized light microscopy for the detection of enamel demineralization adjacent to the bracket, and then, the lesion areas were measured with a computer imaging system. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.001) that ACTIVA had less enamel demineralization adjacent to the bracket when compared to the control group. Conclusions: The results of this study have demonstrated that ACTIVA, a fluoride-releasing bioactive restorative material, inhibits demineralization of enamel adjacent to orthodontic brackets when compared to a nonfluoride-releasing control.


There has probably been about 8 km of crustal extension in a northwest-southeast direction across the Rio Grande rift near Albuquerque, New Mexico, since approximately 26 m.y. ago, giving an annual rate of about 0.3 mm/yr. This estimate is based on an interpretation that the normal faults bounding the graben decrease in dip downward and extend to a depth of about 10 to 15 km. Below that depth the crust is assumed to have undergone plastic deformation.


Most online e-learning systems often demand the pre-requisite requirements between course modules and/or some relationship measures between involved concepts to be explicitly inputed by the course instructors so that an optimizer can be ultimately used to find an optimal learning sequence of involved concepts or modules for each individual learner after considering his/her past performance, learner's profile, learning style, etc. However, relying solely on the course instructor's input on the relationship among the involved concepts can be imprecise possibly due to the individual biases by human experts. Furthermore, the decision will become more complicated when various instructors hold conflicting views on the relationship among the involved concepts that may hinder any reasonable deduction. Therefore, we propose in this paper a complete system framework that can perform an explicit semantic analysis on the course materials, possibly aided by the relevant Wiki articles for any missing information about the involved concepts, to formulate the individual concepts, and followed by a heuristic-based concept clustering algorithm to group relevant concepts before finding their relationship measures. Lastly, an evolutionary optimizer will be used to return the optimal learning sequence after considering multiple experts' recommended learning sequences possibly containing conflicting views. To demonstrate the feasibility of our prototype, we implemented a prototype of the proposed e-learning system framework. Our empirical evaluation clearly revealed the possible advantages of our proposal with many possible directions for future investigation.


Post-translational modifications of the histone protein components of eukaryotic chromatin play an important role in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression (1). Given the requirement of Rad6/Bre1-dependent ubiquitination of histone H2B for H3 dimethylation (at lysines 4 and 79) and gene silencing (2–7), removal of ubiquitin from H2B may have a significant regulatory effect on transcription. Here we show that a putative deubiquitinating enzyme, Ubp8, is a structurally nonessential component of both the Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) and SAGA-like (SLIK) histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes in yeast. Disruption of this gene dramatically increases the cellular level of ubiquitinated-H2B, and SAGA and SLIK are shown to have H2B deubiquitinase activity. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, how the ubiquitin moiety can be removed from histone H2B in a regulated fashion. Ubp8 is required for full expression of the SAGA- and SLIK-dependent gene GAL10 and is recruited to the upstream activation sequence (UAS) of this gene under activating conditions, while Rad6 dissociates. Furthermore, trimethylation of H3 at lysine 4 within the UAS increases significantly under activating conditions, and remarkably, Ubp8 is shown to have a role in regulating the methylation status of this residue. Collectively, these data suggest that the SAGA and SLIK HAT complexes can regulate an integrated set of multiple histone modifications, counteracting repressive effects that alter chromatin and regulate gene expression.


Gay men's stories about homophobic violence will, at times, disguise reference to the persons who initiate harassment and injury. Instead, these stories emphasize the details of location or allow the victim of narrated violence to confirm the status of narrative hero. Each approach to story-telling has noticeable effects on the connections between sexual sameness and violence as displayed within the narrative. This paper examines these approaches to story-telling and their effects on homophobic formation (Leap, introduction, this volume), and traces the broader implications of these narrative styles within contemporary politics of gay visibility, assimilation and whiteness.


The title of this volume is Silence and Voice in the Study of Contentious Politics . This title is meant to signify that we are not simply interested in noting and articulating that which has been left out of the study of social movements, revolutions, and the like, but in relating these "silences" to the dominant "voices"; those topics, concepts, and theories that have set the intellectual agenda in recent years in the various fields that comprise the study of political contention. Necessarily, however, most of the chapters are focused on a topical silence, with the relationship between the topic and the dominant lines of theory and research addressed only briefly, if at all, in the chapter. The case of temporality is a bit different, however, from most of the other topics addressed in the individual chapters. It is not that the general topic has been ignored, but that specific temporal rhythms have been emphasized at the expense of others. In this chapter, then, we will devote nearly as much space to a discussion of the dominant conceptions of temporality as to the temporal rhythms that have gone largely unexamined in the study of contention. In this chapter we hope to do four things in particular. First, we will briefly highlight the two temporal rhythms that have dominated the study of social movements and revolutions. Second, we will take up two other rarely studied temporalities that strike us as highly relevant to an understanding of the emergence, development, and decline of political contention.


To intervene effectively, social workers need to make sense of clients and their situations. A case theory approach to assessment provides a framework to formulate assessments that are clear and directly related to the real-world problems clients present Explaining the problem situation, case theory forms the foundation for selection of Intervention strategies and methods to achieve change. Building case theory requires practitioner abilities to form concepts, relate concepts into propositions, develop hypotheses, and organize these into a coherent whole. Including case background Information, observations and relevant professional literature, case theory presents an accurate and cogent comprehension of the client Two case examples of depression illustrate the important relationship among concepts, empirical referents, propositions, general theories, and Intervention, highlighting how case theory guides practice.


Endurance training at a level (FATmax) that raises the maximal fat oxidation rate (max FOR) may contribute to body weight loss in obese individuals. However, max FOR and FATmax are reduced in subjects with obesity and/or with insulin resistance compared with those without. On the other hand, in humans, intranasal insulin administration increases the concentration of insulin in cerebrospinal fluid when peripheral effects are absent, resulting in reduced food intake and body weight. However, it remains unclear whether insulin delivery to the brain affects fat oxidation during exercise. In this study, we examined the effects of nasal insulin administration on max FOR during exercise in 11 normal-weight (N group) and seven overweight (O group) young individuals. On two separate days, either 40 IU regular insulin (INS) or normal saline, as placebo (PL), was randomly administered intranasally after overnight fasting, and then each participant underwent a graded exercise test. Indirect calorimetry was used to assess max FOR during exercise and FATmax. Blood insulin and glucose levels did not change after insulin administration. In the N group, max FOR tended to decrease in the INS trial (p = 0.050); FATmax and the total amount of fat oxidation during exercise were significantly smaller in the INS trial than in the PL trial. Max FOR was significantly smaller in the O group than in the N group (p = 0.021) and was not influenced by insulin administration. Blood adrenaline levels increased by exercise tended to be reduced by insulin administration in the N group only. In conclusion, intranasal insulin administration reduces fat oxidation during exercise without increasing peripheral insulin levels, possibly via the suppression of sympathetic nerve activity. The inhibitory effects of intranasal insulin administration on fat oxidation during exercise are diminished in overweight subjects, suggesting cerebral insulin effects are attenuated in this population. Disclosure H. Yokoyama: None. R. Takeda: None. E. Kawai: None. A. Ota: None. E. Morita: None. D. Imai: None. Y. Suzuki: None. T. Morioka: Consultant; Self; Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.. Research Support; Self; Novartis Pharma K.K., MSD K.K., Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi K.K., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc., Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., Astellas Pharma US, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. M. Emoto: Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.. Research Support; Self; Astellas Pharma Inc, Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kowa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Taisho Toyama Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. M. Inaba: None. K. Okazaki: None.


In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), along with involved electric utility companies and other organizations, formed the North American SynchroPhasor Initiative (NASPI). This effort combines the previous Eastern Interconnection Phaser Project (EIPP) and various activities associated with wide area measurement system (WAMS) research, development, and deployment activities that have been underway in the North American electric power system for a number of years as the primary focal point for continued DOE and NERC support and facilitation. This paper provides an update on this activity, building on a paper presented at last year's forum (Widergren et al., 2007).


The Antarctic Muon And Neutrino Detector Array (AMANDA) has been taking data since 2000 and its data acquisition system was upgraded in January 2003 to read out the complete digitized waveforms from the buried Photomultipliers (PMTs) using Transient Waveform Recorders (TWR). This system currently runs in parallel with the standard AMANDA data acquisition system. Once AMANDA is incorporated into the 1 km^3 detector IceCube, only the TWR system will be kept. We report results from a first atmospheric neutrino analysis on data collected in 2003 with TWR. Good agreement in event rate and angular distribution verify the performance of the TWR system. A search of the northern hemisphere for localized event clusters shows no statistically significant excess, thus a flux limit is calculated, which is in full agreement with previous results based on the standard AMANDA data acquisition system. We also update the status of a search for diffusely distributed neutrinos with ultra high energy (UHE) using data collected by the TWR system.


The Cactaceae are a diversified group of New World plants with a wide array of evolutionary and ecological strategies that has given them the ability to adapt to many different habitats. The family is both interesting and challenging because of its varied morphology, adaptations to the environment, and reproductive systems. Of the groups within the cactus family, the opuntias are one of the most successful and widespread, but they exhibit many taxonomic difficulties and are, therefore, not well understood.


Recent advances in the field of object detection and face recognition have made it possible to develop practical video surveillance systems with embedded object detection and face recognition functionalities that are accurate and fast enough for commercial uses. In this paper, we compare some of the latest approaches to object detection and face recognition and provide reasons why they may or may not be amongst the best to be used in video surveillance applications in terms of both accuracy and speed. It is discovered that Faster R-CNN with Inception ResNet V2 is able to achieve some of the best accuracies while maintaining real-time rates. Single Shot Detector (SSD) with MobileNet, on the other hand, is incredibly fast and still accurate enough for most applications. As for face recognition, FaceNet withMulti-task Cascaded Convolutional Networks (MTCNN) achieves higher accuracy than advances such as DeepFace and DeepID2+ while being faster. An end-to-end video surveillance system is also proposed which could be used as a starting point for more complex systems. Various experiments have also been attempted on trained models with observations explained in detail. We finish by discussing video object detection and video salient object detection approaches which could potentially be used as future improvements to the proposed system.


The idea of cognitive-behavioural therapy is helping to improve the way of thinking or emotions to see the result on the client's behaviour. Some of the clients find it difficult to change the process of thinking when they are trying to take a step of changing. In this article, I will provide brief information on the role of the social worker in modifying the process of decision making by using cognitive behavioural therapy. Some research studies mentioned the importance of CBT and the CBT using in the decision-making process. Also, the several cognitive techniques that might benefit the social workers or the therapists on applying into the sessions or psychotherapy.


The emerging connected-vehicle technology provides a new dimension for developing more intelligent traffic control algorithms for signalized intersections. An important challenge for scheduling in networked transportation systems is the switchover delay caused by the guard time before any traffic signal change. The switch-over delay can result in significant loss of system capacity and hence needs to be accommodated in the scheduling design. To tackle this challenge, we propose a distributed online scheduling policy that extends the well-known Max-Pressure policy to address switch-over delay by introducing a bias factor favoring the current schedule. We prove that the proposed policy is throughput-optimal with switch-over delay. Furthermore, the proposed policy remains optimal when there are both connected signalized intersections and conventional fixed-time ones in the system. With connected-vehicle technology, the proposed policy can be easily incorporated into the current transportation systems without additional infrastructure. Through extensive simulation in VISSIM, we show that our policy indeed outperforms the existing popular policies.


Abstract
          The study was conducted to determine that advertising over Radio is an effective medium of promotion. To achieve objectives of this study survey method has been used for data collection. A questionnaire was distributed among 30 respondents in Pune city. The findings of the study shows that highest preferred FM station in Pune is Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM. The study helps to determine various platforms that are used to keep people inform about the events and concerts happening in Pune city. This research study has also shown that advertising through events makes the targeted audience easier to connect with the products. The analysis of the survey shows that Radio is an effective medium for mass promotion and Radio Mirchi keeps its listeners well updated about the entertainment activities happening in Pune. It can be seen from the study that various promotional strategies used by Radio Mirchi  have a greater impact on the people.


Model Predictive Control (MPC) is a type of controller which generates control input by solving an optimization problem under the control and output constraints. The optimization problem consists of a cost function in which the future states of the plant of interest are also considered. In this work, an augmented version of MPC is used to control the linear model of quadrotor UAV. In general control of quadrotor is used by PID controllers implemented separately for all the control axis, but in MPC, state-space model of the vehicle is used and future states are predicted. Based on the expanded statespace matrices the control inputs over the control horizon is found with the consideration of the whole system by considering the saturation limits of inputs and limits of outputs or states which is the very powerful aspect of the controller.


Chemotherapy and targeted therapy are the main options for andvanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, resistance to these therapies is a major challenge in the clinic. Understanding molecular mechanisms and developing effective strategies against the drug resistance are highly desired. Increasing evidence has revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely linked to drug resistance in CRC. The explosion of knowledge in this field has brought forward new predictive and therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we systemically summarize the roles of miRNAs as regulators, tissue or circulating biomarkers, and therapeutics in the CRC resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin and anti-EGFR therapy. We also discuss the potential unsettled issues and future directions concerning these processes.


Deionized ammonium (NH3) acute toxicity (LC50-96h) in Patagonian blenny juveniles (Eleginops maclovinus) was assessed. Concentrations of deionized ammonium in salt water were prepared by using 24.09 ± 2.1 g ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). Fish were exposed in triplicates to different ammonium concentrations: 0.05; 0.094; 0.175; 0.325 and 0.605 mg NH3 L-1. Additionally, a control group was included. Experimental fish were kept at a photoperiod of 16:8h. Average temperatures were 16.24 ± 1.40 °C. Oxygen concentration was 7.16 ± 0.40 mg L -1. Water pH was 7.89 ± 0.2. LC50-96 h, was estimated by using Probit statistical method (95% intervals) using EPA software (1993). Juveniles of E. maclovinus showed a LC50-96h of 0.413mg NH3 L-1 value, different from most marine species. This study presents the first record of ammonium toxicity in marine species of Chile.


World Health Organization declared Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) that was originated from Wuhan, China as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The world is facing unprecedented test due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The scenario of Nepal reflects that in present condition where country is fighting with COVID- 19, safe pregnancy is not guaranteed and fear of challenges to ensure the lives of mother and children is seen among pregnant women. In particular, this has been especially major problem for pregnant women, who fear not only for themselves but often even more so for their unborn infants. Three Nepali mothers still die daily at childbirth and at least 24 women had died of birth-related complications during first two months of lockdown in Nepal. The situation is worse in remote areas where hospitals are few and far between and communities are coupled with a lack of awareness about reproductive healthcare. Thus, Nepal government should seriously address these issues because it is said that the pregnant women are the vulnerable groups during emergencies, disaster and disease outbreak. Also living in a healthy environment is ascribed as a right of people in the constitution of Nepal 2015.


Security for women has become a major issue as the number of crimes over women and girls increasing day-by-day. This paper describes about women safety and their security by using electronic device to both detect The problem & alert Authorities This paper suggests a new perspective to use technology to protect women. we use an android based smart phone with an integrated feature that alert and provide location based Information. This Document describe GPS and GSM based "Women Security System "that provides the combination of GPS devices aswell-as provide alerts and message with an emergency button Trigger. Whenever somebody is in Trouble They Only have to press Volume Key Button After that a message alert is sent to Register Contact list and a Voice Call to the Number registered first and give a message "I AM In TROUBLE PLEASE HELP ME" Now a day safety of women is becoming very poor with the help of this Application The project was development in Android Which Graphical User Interface it provide the level of reliability, availability and compatibility .All these make Android an appropriate language for this project because Android language is based on JAVA language.


Distributions of seed weight were investigated with different seed sized peanut varieties planted at the same time, and germination and field emergence percentage, growth, and seed yield were compared among three seed sizes of four peanut genotypes. Field performance also was carried out to evaluate the effects of cotyledon removal on growth and yields in field with large and small seed-sized peanut varieties. The variation of seed weight of large seed-sized was wider than small seed-sized peanut variety. The larger seed showed the higher percent germination after 3 days cold treatment in laboratary and field emergence. The growth was not different with their sizes, while seed yield was related to seed size in small seed-sized genotypes. The growth of peanut such as main stem, internodes, and total branches was affected significantly by cotyledon removal, although the differences were not obvious after podding time, and in small seed-sized variety Oltangkong, the yields was decreased by cotyledon removal but not in large seed-sized variety.


This paper describes the Interactive Document Summariser (IDS), a dynamic document summarisation system, which can help users of digital libraries to access on-line documents more effectively. IDS provides dynamic control over summary characteristics, such as length and topic focus, so that changes made by the user are instantly reflected in an on-screen summary. A range of 'summary-in-context' views support seamless transitions between summaries and their source documents. IDS creates summaries by extracting keyphrases from a document with the Kea system, scoring sentences according to the keyphrases that they contain, and then extracting the highest scoring sentences. We report an evaluation of IDS summaries, in which human assessors identified suitable summary sentences in source documents, against which IDS summaries were judged. We found that IDS summaries were better than baseline summaries, and identify the characteristics of Kea keyphrases that lead to the best summaries.


Formulaic language is widely acknowledged to be a central part of a language. However, it is heterogeneous in nature, made up of various formulaic categories with their own characteristics and behaviour. A first step towards systematically describing the relationship between these categories is to describe their distribution in language. This study investigated the frequency of occurrence of four categories of formulaic sequences: collocations, phrasal verbs, idiomatic phrases, and lexical bundles. Together the four categories made up about 41% of English, with lexical bundles being by far the most common, followed by collocations, idiomatic phrases and phrasal verbs. There were differences in the frequencies of each category in the overall corpus, and also in the four registers analysed (academic prose, fiction, newspaper language, and spoken conversation). Language mode (spoken/written) had a substantial effect on the frequency distribution of the categories as well.


Method and apparatus for the desulfurisation of a sulfur-containing first gas mixture containing at least a hydrocarbon gas, wherein there is provided a first separating device (10) for the separation of the sulfur-containing first gas mixture in accordance with a pressure swing adsorption process (PSA-process) in a desulfurized second gas mixture and a sulfur-containing third gas mixture, a first conversion device (17, 20, 30, 25) is provided for converting the second gas mixture in at least one sulfur-free fourth gas mixture, in which use is made for flushing of the first separation device (10) of at least a portion of the sulfur-free fourth gas mixture.


Visual web design covers website content and layout. In the context of content, the use of trendy technologies is suggested as a method to deliver a better look and feel of clothing products in the online environment. However, it has been recognized by the study and in the literature that the use of these technologies is less popular and there seems to be a paradigm shift towards instilling positive consumer experience in online shopping via emotional usability engineering. This shift is seen in previous studies that linked consumer's decision making with emotion. Correspondingly, the research investigates the detail design elements and presents the result in the form of dominant pattern of visual design in online clothing websites. 163 online clothing websites were selected based on their visible differences in both content and layout context. Analysis was conducted based on predefined rules and controls. A descriptive model of the dimension of a visual web design is derived and a model of visual technology on online clothing website is presented. This study of detail website design elements is the know-how technique in investigating associations with consumer's emotional responses, towards incorporating emotional appeal into web design, as an alternative for online shopping experience.


Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that allows automatic identification of people or objects by incorporating the use of radio frequency waves to transmit data between networked electromagnetic readers and tags. RFID is considered an emerging technology for advancing a wide range of applications, such as supply chain management and distribution. However, despite the extensive development of the RFID technology in many areas, the RFID tags collision problems remain a serious issue. Collision problems occur due to the simultaneous presence of multiple numbers of tags within the reader zone. To solve collision problems, different anti-collision methods have been mentioned in literature. These methods are either insufficient or too complex, with a high overhead cost of implementation. In this work, in order to improve the quality of RFID data collection, we propose novel deterministic and probabilistic anti-collision approaches. The main contributions of this study are summarised as follows: • We propose two novel deterministic anti-collision algorithms using combinations of Q-ary trees (Pupunwiwat and Stantic, 2009a,b, 2010c), with the intended goal to minimise memory usage queried by the RFID reader. By reducing the size of queries, the RFID reader can preserve memories, and the identification time can be improved. • We propose a novel frame-size estimation technique (Pupunwiwat and Stantic, 2010a,b) to minimise the number of slots and frames queried by the RFID reader and to maximise the system efficiency. In addition, we introduce the probabilistic group-based anti-collision method (Pupunwiwat and Stantic, 2010d) to improve the overall performance of the tag recognition process. • We evaluate our proposed anti-collision techniques and perform a comparative analysis, in order to find the benefits and disadvantages of each method. Additionally, in order to identify the best selection of anti-collision method, we propose two strategies for selective anti-collision technique management, i.e. a Novel Decision Tree Strategy and a Six Thinking Hats Strategy (Pupunwiwat et al., 2011). By correctly identifying the most suitable anti-collision method for specific scenarios, the quality of data collection can be improved. Statement of Originality This work has not previously been submitted for a degree or diploma in any university. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the thesis itself.