This article introduces a mathematical model for photogrammetric processing of linear array stereo images acquired by high-resolution satellite imaging systems such as IKONOS. The experimental result of the generation of simulated IKONOS stereo images based on photogrammetric principles, IKONOS imaging geometry and a set of georeferenced aerial images is presented. An accuracy analysis of ground points derived from the simulated IKONOS stereo images is performed. The impact of the number of GCPs (ground control points), distribution of GCPs, and image measurement errors on the ground point accuracy is investigated. It is concluded that an accuracy of ground coordinates from 2 m to 3 m is attainable with GCPs, and 5 m to 12 m without GCPs. Two data sets of HRSC (high resolution stereo camera) and MOMS (modular opto-electronic multispectral stereo-scanner)-2P are also utilized to test the model and system. The presented data processing method is a key to the generation of mapping products such as digital terrain models (DEM) and digitial shorelines from high-resolution satellite images.


E-Learning is one among the many positive implication of computer networking. It grew rapidly with the advent of World Wide Web. Soon many E-Learning paradigms flourished across the web. This resulted in the need for standardization, an effective guideline to make e-learning more structured and effective. The need for designing for learning resulted in many pedagogical models of which Learning Design has proved popular. Many platforms such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) were soon inspired by Learning Design and a significant success is seen over the last decade by the education sector adopting such systems. Also, the use of immersive environments like 3D virtual world has increased in the field of education. The scope and capabilities of these environments are interesting, so are the challenges associated in using them. The main problem for using these environments in education sector is the lack of ease with which authoring can be done in them. On the other hand, Learning Design engines such as LAMS offer much easier authoring in 2D. This paper proposes an approach to deploy the design sequence created in a 2D authoring interface such as LAMS into a 3D virtual world like Open Wonderland. The aim of the paper is to ease the difficulty of authoring in 3D environment as well as a unique attempt to integrate Learning Design concepts into any virtual world.


Effects of change in PaCO2 on systemic and coronary haemodynamics and on coronary sinus blood-gases have been studied in 10 open-chested dogs in which the lungs were ventilated with 0.8% halothane in oxygen, before and after administration of oxprenolol 0.3 mg kg-1 i.v. The hyperdynamic response of the circulation to hypercapnia was only marginally reduced after oxprenolol (cardiac output increased by 10% as opposed to 16% before oxprenolol). Before and after oxprenolol, hypocapnia caused large reductions of coronary blood flow (--24% and --20% respectively), while hypercapnia caused large increases of coronary blood flow (+ 59% and + 34% respectively). Oxprenolol does not appear to modify significantly the circulatory response to arterial carbon tension.


Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has commonly been applied to determine tendon cross‐sectional area (CSA) and length either to measure structural changes or to normalize mechanical measurements to stress and strain. The ability to reproduce CSA measurements on MRI images has been reported, but the accuracy in relation to actual tendon dimensions has never been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare tendon CSA measured by MRI with that measured in vitro with the mould casting technique. The knee of a horse was MRI‐scanned with 1.5 and 3 tesla, and two examiners measured the patellar tendon CSA. Thereafter, the patellar tendon of the horse was completely dissected and embedded in an alginate cast. The CSA of the embedded tendon was measured directly by optical imaging of the cast impression. 1.5 tesla grey tendon CSA and 3 tesla grey tendon CSA were 16.5% and 13.2% lower than the mould tendon CSA, respectively. Also, 3 tesla tendon CSA, based on the red‐green border on the National Institute of Health (NIH) colour scale, was lower than the mould tendon CSA by 2.8%. The typical error between examiners was below 2% for all the measured CSA. The typical error between examiners was below 2% for all the measured CSA. These data show that measuring tendon CSA on the grey‐scale MRI images is associated with an underestimation, but by optimizing the measurement using a 3 tesla MRI and the appropriate NIH colour scale, this underestimation could be reduced to 2.8% compared with the direct measurements on the mould.


The intent of this research is to study the interacting effect of culture and task nature on the adoption of communication media tools. The objectives are to suggest a comprehensive approach to the study of business communication media adoption with the consideration of cultural and task nature impact and to identify the best match of cultural characteristics and task nature with media choices so as to enhance business communication. Hypotheses were set up to test the interrelationships between independent variables (Hofstede's cultural dimensions and task nature) and the dependent variables (communication media). General Linear Model (GLM) analyses were carried out to analyze the survey data. Results of the empirical study suggest that: (1) individualism and familiarity with recipients suggest face-to-face communication; (2) uncertainties avoidances, task reciprocity, and task urgency have favor on telephone and video conferencing system; (3) high femininity people prefer telephone while high masculinity prefer instant messaging; (4) power distance index, work position, and task reciprocity suggest email and face-to-face communication; (5) when working on reciprocal tasks and recipients are far away, long-term orientated people prefer email or instant messaging while short-term orientated prefer face-to-face communication. The findings of the study provide useful insights into how business communication can be carried out so as to improve communication quality and in turn enhance productivity as a whole.


Traditionally, 5 kinds of fruits with "ja(子)" in their name, including Rubus coreanus, Schisandra chinensis, Lycinum chineuse, Torilidis fructus, and Cuscuta seed, collectively called Oja(五子), are long known to enhance stamina. In the present study, we replaced tosaja with gyeolmyeongja( Cassiae semen) and examined the effects of extracts from these fruits on andropause. This study investigated the antioxidant effect and testosterone synthesis of Oja water extract on Leydig TM3 cells. To investigate whether hydrogen peroxide induces oxidative stress in Leydig cells, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay, nitric oxide assay, and testosterone assay were performed on mouse Leydig TM3 cells. The results were obtained as follows: Leydig TM3 cells viability was assessed by a modified MTT assay, and the protection effect of Oja water extract against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell oxidative stress were examined by mitochondrial activity. Oja water extract could efficiently protect cytotoxicity induced by H2O2. Oja water extract promoted testosterone synthesis. These results suggest that Oja water extract has protective roles and promotes steroidogenesis in Leydig cells through its anti-oxidant action.


The distinction of metastatic melanoma from melanocytic nevi in lymph nodes can on occasion be difficult. As diffuse immunohistochemical (IHC) PRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma) expression is detected in the majority of primary and metastatic melanomas, but rarely in nevi, we reasoned that PRAME could be a useful adjunct marker for the diagnosis of melanocytes in lymph nodes. In this study, we examined 45 nodal melanocytic deposits comprising 30 nodal nevi and 15 melanoma metastases. The latter were diagnostically not straightforward because they either coexisted with nodal nevi or were present in perinodal fibrous tissue. All nodal nevi (30/30) were negative for PRAME, whereas all melanoma metastases (15/15) were diffusely positive for PRAME IHC. We additionally report the novel use of a PRAME/Melan A dual-label immunostain. Our results show that PRAME IHC may be useful in the assessment of diagnostically challenging nodal melanocytic deposits, such as intraparenchymal nodal nevi, metastases confined to the capsular fibrous tissue, or in the setting of small metastases coexisting with a nodal nevus in the same lymph node.


The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is commonly used to measure and quantify disabilities in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The patient-determined disease steps (PDDS) scale is a patient-reported measure of disability that is useful in MS. However, the Arabic version of the PDDS has only been tested in Jordanian patients. Although both populations share similar Arabic languages, it is plausible that differences in dialects and educational systems could alter the generalizability of the tool. In this prospective study, patients with MS were asked to complete a printed translated version of the (PDDS), and the results were compared to their EDSS scores, functional system scores, and walking speed measures. Patients with relapsing or progressive MS were included in the study. Spearman rho rank-order correlation coefficients (P) were used to measure the correlation between the PDDS and other variables. We considered previously reported P values > .1, .3, and .5 as small, moderate, and strong correlations, respectively. A total of 79 patients completed the study. The PDDS showed a strong correlation with the EDSS (P = .69, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.79, P < .001). PDDS is associated with cerebellar, pyramidal, and bladder dysfunctions. It was also moderately correlated with the timed-25-foot walk test and timed-up-and-go test. The Arabic version of the PDDS performed similarly to English and other languages when tested on a cohort of patients with MS.


Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) standardization serves as an important foundation of TCM modernization and internationalization, and TCM standardization strategy is the core of the subject. Recently, some developed countries and developing countries with a better economic basis have set development strategy for TCM standardization. China is at the beginning on TCM standardization strategy study. This paper explored the methods for setting TCM standardization development strategy. Firstly, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of TCM were analyzed based on SWOT method to set development tactics. On the above basis, the authors defined the total goal and stage goal under the guidance of the relevant laws and regulations. To achieve the strategic goal, priority areas were formed by literature analysis and expert inquiry method, and the safeguard measures were formulated by expert symposium. Secondly, the draft for development strategy of TCM standardization was made based on the above content. Finally, the authors revised and formed the official development strategy of TCM standardization.


The aim of this account is to present the use and the advantages of different experimental and theoretical methods in the study of the structural and spectroscopic properties of rare earth (RE) oxyfluorides. The structural characterization was carried out with the X-ray and neutron powder diffraction techniques combined with the analysis of the acquired data with the Rietveld profile refinement method. The detailed spectroscopic studies were also used by employing the optical absorption and luminescence as well as inelastic neutron scattering data. Simple spectroscopic measurements gave, however, only qualitative description of the spectroscopic properties studied. More sophisticated and quantitative means was obtained by the application of the phenomenological crystal field theory to the spectroscopic data. On the other hand, the structural data was also used as initial input to electrostatic point charge calculation in order to extract the spectroscopic information. The structural and spectroscopic studies comprised the verification of the exact crystal and energy level structures and the characterization of the different interactions modifying the spectroscopic properties of the RE 3+ ions. Finally, the results from the theoretical model were used to explain the evolution of the crystal field effect on the 4f N energy level structure of the RE3+ ion in the RE oxyfluorides series.


Costs-benefits of 3 strategies to deal with pulmonary emboli (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) after total hip replacement (THR) in 1769 cases were assessed. Based on examining 23 PE and 20 DVT cases and 43 matched controls, PE-DVT cases were more likely to have ≥ 1 abnormality of antithrombin III, protein C, or the prothrombin gene mutation (21/42 [50%] vs 3/43 [7%]) (p<0.0001), with sensitivity 50% and specificity 93%. Using sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 93%, we compared 3 strategies, no coagulation screening-aspirin-no low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)-no warfarin (W), no coagulation screening-universal LMWH-W, and universal coagulation screening-selective LMWH-W in cases with thrombophilia. We used cost estimates for short-term and for lifetime treatment of PE-DVT. We included costs due to major bleeding on LMWH-W in 3% of cases. We used short-term (˜ 10 days post THR) documented PE (1.5%) (by spiral CT) and DVT (48.5%) (by venogram). We estimated PE and DVT events not detected by the coagulation screening, and PE-DVT despite LMWH, pneumatic compression, or W. With no coagulation screening, aspirin, and no LMWH-W, 27 PE and 858 DVT would be expected, for a cost of $10,692/case. With universal LMWH-W, 3 PE and 313 DVT would be expected on LMWH, 366 DVT with pneumatic compression, and 410 on W, but 53 bleeding cases would occur. Using universal LMWH-W, on LMWH cost was $6,143/case, on W $7,239, and with pneumatic compression $6,743. Using universal coagulation screening and selective LMWH-W in cases with thrombophilia, 15 PE and 634 DVT would be expected; 1265 cases would not get LMWH-W, 38 bleeding events would be avoided, and 45% of PE and 26% of DVT avoided vs no coagulation screening, no LMWH-W. Universal coagulation screening with selective LMWH-W costs $8,630/case for LMWH, $8,930 for compression alone, and $9,178 for W. As our knowledge of thrombophilia-hypofibrinolysis improves, current sensitivity (50%) and specificity (93%) for coagulation screening should improve, allowing more selective LMWH-W for high risk cases, avoiding LMWH-W in cases without coagulation disorders.


Over the last two decades New Public Management, de-institutionalization and the growth of community care have radically altered the landscape of human service delivery in Australia. As a consequence of these changes, human service agencies have been compelled to develop mechanisms for regulating and managing the risks involved in frontline community care — and the management of risk is now pivotal to the practices of professional workers in this field. British research suggests that the emphasis on risk gives rise to greater monitoring and administrative supervision of workers and a focus on managerial rather than therapeutic skills. This article presents some early findings from an Australian study that finds a very different picture. Based on interviews with 24 social workers and nurses employed in community care, we found that these workers expressed a strong sense of agency when interpreting and negotiating the risk management policies of their respective organizations, and were focused primarily on the needs of their clients rather than bureaucratic procedures.


Acetic acid is one of the major inhibitors of spent sulfite liquor (SSL) fermentation for ethanol production. The objective of this study was to remove acetic acid from hardwood SSL using anion exchange resin in order to achieve effective fermentation with Pichia stipitis CBS6054. Lignosulfonate, as well as sulfate and sulfite ions in the SSL hindered the removal of acetic acid by anion exchange resins. CaO treatment was an effective method for removing these materials from SSL, which facilitated the removal of acetic acid in the subsequent ion exchange resin treatment. A two-stage strong base ion exchange resin (OH- form) treatment removed approximately 90% of the acetic acid from CaO-treated SSL, which decreased the acetic acid concentration to less than 1 g/L. The combined treatment of CaO and ion exchange resin treatments in a relatively short time achieved the selective removal of acetic acid from SSL and significantly increased the ethanol production from SSL.


Abstract : In recent years, China has aggressively contested Americas ability to project power in an area of global economic importance: the Western Pacific. Notable Chinese efforts in this region are the accelerated pace of China modernizing its People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), increasing its anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, and escalating activity to expand territory in the South China Sea. With the rise of China as a maritime power and its increasing A2/AD capabilities, this research paper examines how U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) can shape the theater and assure the U.S. and its allies maintain access to the global commons. Bolstering USPACOM ground force capabilities in the Western Pacific provides a comprehensive solution to counter China's aggressive action threatening East Asian security, because it sets conditions favorable to U.S. national security interests, strengthens the regional security framework, and projects U.S. power in the region to deter China. This paper provides a detailed analysis of this operational approach by first framing the problem of Chinas aggression, then discussing how to strengthen ground force capabilities to deter China, and concluding with several recommendations for USPACOM.


The human nasopharynx is the main reservoir for Streptococcus pneumoniae. We applied conventional and molecular methods to determine the prevalence of S. pneumoniae nasopharyngeal colonization in adults. Paired trans-orally and trans-nasally obtained nasopharyngeal samples from 268 parents of 24-month-old children were assessed for pneumococcal presence. Parents were classified as colonized when live pneumococci were recovered from either sample cultured on medium selective for S. pneumoniae. Of the 52 (19%) colonized parents 49 (18%) were culture-positive in trans-nasal and 10 (4%) in trans-oral samples. Bacterial growth was harvested from these cultures, DNA isolated and tested by quantitative-PCR (qPCR) targeting lytA and piaA genes specific for S. pneumoniae. A sample was considered positive if signals for both genes were detected. Altogether 105 (39%) individuals were classified as positive for pneumococcus by qPCR including 50 (19%) in trans-nasal and 94 (35%) in trans-oral settings. Although significantly more trans-nasal compared to trans-oral samples were culture-positive for S. pneumoniae at the primary diagnostic step (p<0.001) the opposite was observed in qPCR results (p<0.001). To confirm the presence of live pneumococcus in samples positive by qPCR but negative at the initial diagnostic step, we serially-diluted cell harvests, re-cultured and carefully examined for S. pneumoniae presence. Live pneumococci were recovered from an additional 43 parents including 42 positive in trans-oral and 4 in trans-nasal samples increasing the number of individuals culture- and qPCR-positive to 93 (35%) and positive by either of two methods to 107 (40%). There were significantly more trans-oral than trans-nasal samples positive for pneumococcus by both culture and qPCR (n = 71; 27%; vs. n = 50; 19%; p<0.05). Our data suggest that pneumococcal colonization is more common in adults than previously estimated and point towards the superiority of a trans-oral over a trans-nasal approach when testing adults for colonization with S. pneumoniae.


Alternative resources, such as biomass, and municipal and industrial waste are being considered as a source for the production of syngas to replace natural gas as a power turbine fuel. Pyrolysis of biomass produces a syngas composed primarily of CO, CO2, CH4, and H2 with a medium-low lower heating value that is strongly dependent on the process boundary conditions such as the pyrolysis temperature and product residence time in the reactor. The issues associated with conventional gas turbines also apply to syngas turbines with the added complexity of the fuel and impurities. At present, syngas turbines are operated at firing temperatures similar to those of turbines fired on natural gas by increasing the fuel mass flow through the turbine. While this produces a higher turbine power output, the heat transferred to the hot flow-path vanes and blades is also greater. The aim of this paper is to report on the use of numerical modeling to analyze the fundamental impact of firing gas turbines with biomass pyrolysis syngas. To complete the analysis, the results have been compared with data from the literature on gas turbines fired with coal gasification syngas. The test engine used to perform this analysis is a General Electric GE10-2 gas turbine. The performance, aerodynamics and secondary flows were computed using proprietary software, while a commercial finite element software was used to perform the thermal and local creep analyses.


This assessment presents a broad picture of the main gender disparities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in endowments, economic opportunities, and agency. The report builds on the framework of the 2012 World Bank World Development Report 2012 on gender and development and the World Bank's regional gender report on Europe and Central Asia: opportunities for men and women, that focuses on the household and individual members' bargaining power and their ability to access (i) endowments, education, health and physical assets, (ii) economic opportunities, labor market, employment, entrepreneurship, and (iii) agency, political participation and voice, gender-based violence, and the legal framework. The remainder of the report is organized as follows. The next subsections provide general patterns of gender gaps across socio-demographic groups. Chapter one discusses 'agency' and describes factors which may shape the process how men and women use their endowments and utilize economic opportunities to achieve desired outcomes. Chapter two, in turn, analyzes gender disparities in endowments, such as health and education. Chapter three focuses on gender gaps in the labor market, entrepreneurship and earnings, access to finance and poverty. The last section, chapter four, presents conclusions and policy recommendations.


The edible beans in Fabaceae have been used for foods and medicines since the ancient time, and being used more and more. It is also appeared as a major ingredient in dairy cooking menu in many regions including Thailand, a rich biodiversity country. Many studies reported on health benefits of their flavonoids, but there is no report on the effect of cooking on phytochemical profile and pharmacological potentials. Thus, this present study aims to complete this knowledge, with the 10 most consumed Fabaceae beans in Thailand, by determining the impact of traditional cooking and gastrointestinal digestion on their phytochemicals, their antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities using different in vitro and in cellulo yeast models. The results showed that Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis were the richest source of phytochemicals, whereas the population of V. mungo, Phaseolus vulgaris, V. angularis, and V. unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis were richest in monomeric anthocyanin contents (MAC). Furthermore, the results clearly demonstrated the impact of the plant matrix effect on the preservation of a specific class of phytochemicals. In particular, after cooking and in vitro digestion, total flavonoid contents (TFC) in Glycine max extract was higher than in the uncooked sample. This study is the first report on the influence of cooking and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the inhibition capacity toward advanced glycation end products (AGEs). All samples showed a significant capacity to stimulate glucose uptake in yeast model, and V. angularis showed the highest capacity. Interestingly, the increase in glucose uptake after in vitro digestion was higher than in uncooked samples for both P. vulgaris and G. max samples. The current study is the first attempt to investigate at the effects of both processes not only on the natural bioactive compounds but also on antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities of Thailand's 10 most consumed beans that can be applied for agro-industrial and phytopharmaceutical sectors.


Introduction
 Chromosomal instability is a hallmark of Multiple Myeloma (MM), with most patients displaying cytogenetic abnormalities which can arise due to DNA damage response (DDR) defects. TRIM33 is an E3 ligase and transcriptional co-repressor located on chromosome 1p13.2, a region frequently deleted in MM. Previous studies have shown that TRIM33 plays a role in the DDR and can regulate chromosomal stability, but its precise function remains unknown. In this study we investigated the impact of TRIM33 loss in MM on genomic stability and DDR pathways and whether this could be exploited therapeutically.
 Methods
 The CoMMpass dataset (IA15 release) was screened to identify patients with copy number (CN) loss of TRIM33 and this was correlated with overall survival (OS) and structural variants. TRIM33 shRNA knockdown models were established in JJN3 and U266 cells. The effect on DDR signalling was determined by western blotting and immunofluorescence. The Selleckchem DNA Damage/Repair Compound Library was screened on the JJN3 model in a high-throughput manner using the CellTox™ Green cytotoxicity assay. Validation of selected compounds was performed using CellTiter® Glo viability assay or clonogenic assays. Combination indices (CI) were calculated using CompuSyn software.
 Results
 Data on CN, OS and structural variants were available for 730 newly diagnosed MM patients and of these, 69 (9.5%) were identified to have a CN loss of TRIM33. These patients have poorer OS compared to those without TRIM33 loss (52.3 months vs 72.6 months; p<0.0001). Moreover, they exhibit a significantly higher median number of structural variants (deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations; 38 vs 26; p<0.0001), indicative of increased chromosomal instability.
 Our data in MM cell lines has shown that TRIM33 is rapidly recruited to chromatin within 5 minutes of induced DNA damage. TRIM33 knockdown led to an increase in 53BP1 foci formation and endogenous γH2AX (P<0.001) indicating unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) typical of a DDR defect. In response to these DSBs both ATM and ATR kinases were activated as demonstrated by increased pKAP1 Ser824 and pCHK1 Ser345 respectively (p<0.001). Additionally, we observed a reduction in RAD51 (p<0.05) indicative of a potential defect in the DSB repair pathway homologous recombination (HR).
 To identify therapeutic vulnerabilities relating to TRIM33 loss, we performed a high-throughput screen to assess sensitivity to 160 unique DNA damaging compounds. TRIM33 knockdown cells exhibited increased sensitivity to 27 compounds across a range of drug classes. Additional studies confirmed that compared to control cells, TRIM33 knockdown sensitized cells to the PARP inhibitor Olaparib and ATR inhibitors BAY-1895344 and VE-821. Further investigation with VE-821 demonstrated that whilst treatment induced PARP cleavage and DSBs in both control and knockdown cells within 48 hours, knockdown cells exhibited significantly more pCHK1 Ser345 inhibition (p<0.01). Furthermore, combining VE-821 with bortezomib yielded synergistic effects in TRIM33 knockdown cells across a range of doses (CI range 0.57-0.9) while no synergy was observed in control cells (CI>1 for all combinations).
 Conclusion
 We have identified a subset of MM patients with TRIM33 loss who display high-risk disease characterized by chromosomal abnormalities and defective DDR. Alongside this we have identified PARP and ATR inhibitors as therapeutic vulnerabilities in cell line models of TRIM33 loss. Moreover, we demonstrate that ATR inhibition increases the efficacy of bortezomib in TRIM33 knockdown cells. Further investigation into these compounds could lead to novel therapies for patients with TRIM33 loss.

 No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


DOI: 10.4328/JCAM.5835 Received: 22.03.2018 Accepted: 26.04.2018 Published Online: 26.04.2018 Printed: 01.01.2019 J Clin Anal Med 2019;10(1): 1-4 Corresponding Author: Kübranur Ünal, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara Polatlı Public Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. E-Mail: email@example.com ORCID ID: 0000-0001-7940-4590 Abstract Aim: Myocardial infarction can be life threatening and the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is highly important. The measurement of cardiac troponin is the preferred way to establish the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Measurement uncertainty provides quantitative estimates of the level of confidence that a laboratory has in its analytical precision of test results. The aim of this study is to present the importance of reporting hs-troponin I analysis results with measurement uncertainty estimation. Material and Method: The results of 16679 patients (8060 males and 8619 females) whose hs-troponin I results were analyzed in our laboratory in 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The uncertainty of measurement was calculated according to Eurachem/CITAC Guide CG. The hs-troponin I analysis results were re-evaluated by estimation of measurement uncertainty. Results: Measurement uncertainty for hs-troponin I is estimated to be ± 19.60 %. In this study, 346 hs-troponin I analysis results (206 females and 140 males) which are above manufacturer recommended cutoff values might be below cutoff values if they were assessed based on measurement uncertainty. Also, 260 Troponin I analysis results (155 females and 105 males) which are below manufacturer recommended cutoff values cutoff values might be above cutoff values if they were assessed based on measurement uncertainty. The results of 606 out of 16679 patients (3.63%) were affected by uncertainty values. Discussion: Medical laboratories should calculate uncertainty of troponin tests and report this in conjunction with troponin results to help clinicians. A test result is not powerful enough without an assessment of its reliability. Therefore, hs-troponin I results which are close to cutoff values should be evaluated with uncertainty of measurement.


SZRD1 is a novel gene screened out by high-throughput platform, and so far there exists no systematic function reports. The purpose of our study is to discover the function and mechanism of this novel human gene. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that SZRD1 is a highly conserved intracellular protein. After overexpression of SZRD1, we found that SZRD1 could arrest the cell cycle in G2 phase and play a role in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. In contrast, after knockdown of endogenous SZRD1, we concluded that it could promote cell proliferation. The mechanism investigations showed that overexpression of SZRD1 could downregulate the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, AKT, STAT3 and downstream signaling molecules, and then arrest the cells in G2 phase by upregulating P21. Tissue microarray analysis showed that the expression of SZRD1 was downregulated in cervical squamous cell carcinomas compared with normal squamous epithelium, and the ratio of downregulation correlated with the stage of the cancer. Overall, we clarified the function of this novel protein SZRD1, which indicated it may be a potential novel tumor suppressor in cervical cancer.


The decision to replant suboptimal cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) stands has become more challenging in recent years because the suggested retail price per bag of replanting seed has increased by more than 25%. Previous studies have justified replanting when ≥ 50% of planted area is occupied by skips ≥ 0.91 m (3 ft). Revision of replanting recommendations was deemed necessary with the introduction of more advanced and accurate plant and skip detection methods. The objective of this study was to update replanting recommendations using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The study was conducted at three sites in eastern North Carolina during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. Each site had an early- and a late-planted trial. Treatment combinations were produced using various ratios of DP 1646 B2XF and DP 493 cotton seed. Simulated replanted plots were planted with 100% DP 1646 B2XF three to four weeks after initial planting. Following emergence, glyphosate and glufosinate were applied to terminate all conventional seedlings and produce random skips. Cotton skips were detected using a Zenmuse X5 RGB sensor mounted on a UAV. Yield was regressed to the percentage of planted area occupied by skips > 0.91 m. In 2019, the replanted treatment did not yield higher than earlier planted treatments but, in 2020, yields were significantly higher in the replanted treatment compared to most earlier planted treatments. The data suggest that a replant should be triggered when 30 to 40% of the planted area is occupied by skips ≥ 0.91 m.


Siblicide may be "facultative" or "obligate". When food resources provided by the parents are insufficient to rear a whole litter successfully, dominants may kill their subordinate siblings, either directly by physical damage, or indirectly through enforced starvation. This phenomenon is termed "facultative siblicide" and occurs in a wide range of bird species and at least one mammalian species. In contrast, when the lowest ranking sibling is routinely killed by its dominant brood mate or littermate this is called "obligate siblicide", and seems to affect in particular large, long-lived species characterized by intense competition for breeding sites. This "obligate siblicide" has intrigued researchers for decades, trying to find an evolutionarily satisfactory explanation for this extreme behaviour. We review all scientific literature concerning sibling aggression published in the last 66 years. A bibliography search resulted in 104 references during the last 66 years, where birds represented 88% of the total published papers. Eleven hypotheses have been formulated for explaining these results, finding that siblicide is a complicated behaviour not controlled only for parents or chicks or environmental changes, but for a whole range of factors. These hypotheses have been identified and discussed according to actual supporting data. The relationship between food resources and brood reduction was widely documented; a sustained increase in food availability led to a highly significant decrease in both frequency and intensity of aggressiveness of the older chick towards its younger sibling in facultative species, also finding similar results in obligate siblicidal species. These results would suggest siblicide is an adaptive behaviour. This review tends to show that there is probably more than a single cause behind this behaviour. We conclude that more aspects must be considered in the design of future studies in order to understand the potential evolutionary sense of aggressive behaviour among siblings, especially those concerning food allocation decisions by parents.


This work described a comprehensive study to estimate chemical constituents of essential oils (EOs) extracted from different parts of the Callistemon citrinus viz: fruits, leaves and aerial part. The EOs were characterized using physicochemical parameters, and GC-FID/MS. It was observed that among different parts, aerial part has the highest oil yield (0.90%) followed by leaves and fruits. Further, seventeen compounds were characterized, and represented total amount (97.2-99.5%) with domination of monoterpenes (12.5-34.6%) and oxygenated monoterpenes hydrocarbon (61.8-86.8%). α-pinene (11.8-24.7%), α-phellandrene (1.2-3.0%), p-cymene (3.3-3.9%) and 1,8-cineole (58.3-85.1%) were found as major compounds in C. citrinus samples. These major compounds are the quality chemical markers of C. citrinus oil. The findings revealed significant quantitative variations in EO composition of samples and were also clearly supported by multivariate statistical analysis. Moreover, EOs were evaluated for glucosidase and colon cancer cell lines inhibitory activities, which were found promising.


Ultrafine-grained, nanophase samples of TiO_2 (rutile) were synthesized by the gas-condensation method and subsequent in situ compaction. The samples were studied by a number of techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, Vickers microharness measurements, and positron annihilation spectroscopy, as a function of sintering temperature. The nanophase compacts with average initial grain sizes of 12 nm were found to densify rapidly above 500 °C, with only a small increase in grain size. The hardness values obtained by this method are comparable to or greater than those for coarser-grained compacts, but are achieved at temperatures 400 to 600 °C lower than conventional sintering temperatures and without the need for sintering aids.


In rats treated with compound 48/80 or histamine, worm expulsion was inhibited. Treatment with a histidine decarboxylase inhibitor accelerated worm expulsion. Treatment with compound 48/80 elevates histamine and histidine decarboxylase levels and reduces circulating reagin titres. These results show that histamine is not responsible for worm expulsion. Compounds such as isoprenaline and theophylline which increase cellular levels of cyclic 3′,5-AMP, prevented worm expulsion. It is concluded that the evidence that amines are involved in worm expulsion needs reassessing and that cellular release mechanisms in general may be affected by drugs thought to act solely on amine release. In particular, the release of effector substances from sensitized lymphocytes on contact with antigen may be affected by these treatments. The skilful technical assistance of Miss R. Keist and Miss I. Beeger is gratefully acknowledged. We thank Mr H. Berchtold, Biostatistisches Zentrum der Universität Zürich, for the statistical evaluation of the data.


The synthesis, complete characterization, and solid state structural and solution conformation determination of calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) is reported. A complete series of X-ray structures of the alkali metal salts of calix[4]arene (HC4) illustrate the great influence of the alkali metal ion on the solid state structure of calixanions (e.g., the Li salt of monoanionic HC4 is a monomer; the Na salt of monoanionic HC4 forms a dimer; and the K, Rb, and Cs salts exist in polymeric forms). Solution NMR spectra of alkali metal salts of monoanionic calix[4]arenes indicate that they have the cone conformation in solution. Variable-temperature NMR spectra of salts HC4.M (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) show that they possess similar coalescence temperatures, all higher than that of HC4. Due to steric hindrance from tert-butyl groups in the para position of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (Bu(t)C4), the alkali metal salts of monoanionic Bu(t)C4 exist in monomeric or dimeric form in the solid state. Calix[6]arene (HC6) and p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene (Bu(t)C6) were treated with a 2:1 molar ratio of M(2)CO(3) (M = K, Rb, Cs) or a 1:1 molar ratio of MOC(CH(3))(3) (M = Li, Na) to give calix[6]arene monoanions, but calix[6]arenes react in a 1:1 molar ratio with M(2)CO(3) (M = K, Rb, Cs) to afford calix[6]arene dianions. Calix[8]arene (HC8) and p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene (Bu(t)()C8) have similar reactivity. The alkali metal salts of monoanionic calix[6]arenes are more conformationally flexible than the alkali metal salts of dianionic calix[6]arenes, which has been shown by their solution NMR spectra. X-ray crystal structures of HC6.Li and HC6.Cs indicate that the size of the alkali metal has some influence on the conformation of calixanions; for example, HC6.Li has a cone-like conformation, and HC6.Cs has a 1,2,3-alternate conformation. The calix[6]arene dianions show roughly the same structural architecture, and the salts tend to form polymeric chains. For most calixarene salts cation-pi arene interactions were observed.


Morphologically derived environment effects (MDEEs) are well-known examples where phonotactic patterns in the lexicon mismatch with what is allowed at morphological boundaries – alternations. Analyses of MDEEs usually assume that the alternation is morphologically general, and that the sequences 'repaired' across morpheme boundaries are phonotactically well-formed in the lexicon. This paper examines the phonotactic patterns in the lexicon of two languages with MDEEs: Korean palatalisation and Turkish velar deletion. I show that Korean heteromorphemic sequences that undergo palatalisation are underattested in the lexicon. A computational learner learns a markedness constraint that drives palatalisation, suggesting a pattern of exceptional non-undergoing. This contrasts with Turkish, where the relevant constraint motivating velar deletion at the morpheme boundary is unavailable from phonotactic learning, and where the alternation is an example of exceptional triggering. These results indicate that MDEEs are not a unitary phenomenon, highlighting the need to examine these patterns in closer quantitative detail.


Background: Socio-demographic changes increase the need for long-term elderly care. Consequently, providing formal institutional service in elderly care homes is an interesting opportunity for entrepreneurs. However, the entry strategy decision is influenced by numerous external variables. Purpose: The main goal is to answer what determines market concentration as one of the most important market entry determinants. Study design/methodology/approach: A linear regression model has been formed and tested on the Croatian elderly care home market, observed on a county level, using data for 2021. Further, a cluster analysis, as a decision-support tool, has been made to assess market characteristics that are more likely to attract new entrants to the elderly care home market. Findings/conclusions: Results indicate that demand for long-term care services plays a significant role, and the market with more elderly will attract more competitors. When the level of GDP per capita and the unemployment rate are observed together, markets with stronger economies tend to attract entrepreneurs. In other words, it is more likely that someone will open an elderly care home in a densely populated county with individuals that can afford formal institutional long-term care for themselves or family members. Limitations/future research: The shortcomings are mainly related to the lack of data on prices and quality measures. Further, information on the number of beds in each elderly care home would enable an alternative calculation of the Herfindahl-Hirschman index, while data on service prices and structure of employees as a proxy for quality (medical and non-medical staff) would enable a more reliable comparative analysis of obtained results. Future studies on this subject include variables related to the portion of unemployed females in the market since female family members more often provide informal care, and at the same time, they are more likely to be employed in formal long-term care institutions.


Gastrointestinal carcinoids are infrequent but at the same time hardly rare tumours. They are often chance findings but, as is clearly reported in the literature, their potential malignancy should not be overlooked. They are most commonly localised in the appendix. The authors describe two case reports of carcinoid tumours of the appendix, one of which was diagnosed during left hemicolectomy due to Crohn's disease and the other during acute appendicitis. Prognostic and therapeutic problems are discussed in the light of the most recent literature.


In this paper, the waterborne UV lacquer product (WUV) was used as the main raw material, zinc oxide (ZnO) was used as the additive, and the stearic acid as the surface modifier. According to the method of spraying coating on the surface of poplar wood (Populus tomentosa), a simple and efficient preparation method was carried out to generate a super-hydrophobic surface and enhance the erosion resistance of the coating. By testing, the contact angle (CA) of water on the coating surface can reach 158.4°. The microstructure and chemical composition of the surface of coatings were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that under acidic conditions, the non-polar long chain alkyl group of stearic acid vapor molecule reacted with the hydroxyl group in acetic acid, the metal ions of the ZnO were displaced to the stearic acid and generated globular zinc stearate (C36H70O4Zn). The hydrophobic groups –CH3 were grafted to the surface of zinc stearate (ZnSt2) particles and the micro/nano level of multistage flower zinc stearate coarse structure was successfully constructed on the surface of poplar wood, which endowed it with superhydrophobic properties. It is shown that the coating has good waterproof and erosion resistance.


Background Percutaneous cervical nucleoplasty (PCN) is a simple, safe, and effective treatment for contained cervical herniated intervertebral disc (CHIVD). However, few studies have compared the actual benefits of PCN against conservative treatment (CT), either clinically or radiographically. Purpose The present study sought to analyze and to compare the outcomes of symptomatic contained CHIVD treated with PCN or CT. Methods The present study was designed as a case–control comparative study. Patients who indicated for PCN after a failed CT for more than 6 months were recruited. After the exclusion of some patients who did not meet the selection criteria of the study, we finally enrolled 71 patients treated with PCN. In addition, another 21 patients who indicated for PCN but finally chose to receive CT continuously were also enrolled and categorized as the control group. All patients completed the 6-month follow-up. Pain levels and functional outcomes were evaluated pre- and post-operatively by assessing the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Radiographic images of 72 of 104 intervened segments were collected to measure disc height and other cervical spinal alignments, such as range of motion, C2–7 Cobb's angle, and C2–7 sagittal vertical axis. Results Compared with the CT group, the PCN group showed significantly better outcomes on VAS, ODI, and NDI at the 1-month post-operative follow-up, which continued through at least the 6-month follow-up (P < 0.01 for VAS and P < 0.05 for ODI and NDI). The mean disc height significantly decreased, from 6.04 ± 0.85 mm to 5.76 ± 1.02 mm, 3 months after PCN treatment (P = 0.003). However, the degree of disc height decrease did not correlate with the changes of the substantial VAS improvement. Conclusions To provide therapeutic benefits for symptomatic contained CHIVD patients after an invalid CT for 6 months, PCN seems to be a better option than CT. The reduced disc heights did not alter the clinical outcomes of PCN.


If selection maintains polymorphism at a site, an increase of neutral variability in the surrounding region is expected, because sites closely linked to alternative alleles at the selected site accumulate mutations as if they were in different populations. Selection thus creates a signal of increased polymorphism relative to the background 'noise' of neutral polymorphism. We show, by a theoretical study, that the effects of balanced polymorphisms on variability are highly localized in inbreeding populations, and that the overall level of variability is strongly reduced by selection against deleterious mutations. This implies that the signals of balancing selection are much stronger than in outcrossing populations.


This article is a reelaboration of a keynote talk presented at the 1st Conference in Ethnomusicology and Anthropology of Music. Methods, approaches and perspectives for the study of music within culture (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 2-3 July, 2015) which has been published in Catalan (Marti 2015). The present version has been elaborated within the framework of the Spanish National R+D project on posthumanism (FEM2016-77963-C2- l-P).


We demonstrate an orthogonally polarized optical single sideband (OP-OSSB) generator based on dual cascaded micro-ring resonators (MRRs). We achieve a large tuning range of the optical carrier to sideband ratio of up to 57.3 dB. The operation RF frequency of the OP-OSSB generator can also be continuously tuned with a 21.4 GHz range via independent thermal control of the two MRRs.


PURPOSE
The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of two different impression techniques for the All-on-Four implant therapy protocol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
An acrylic resin analog for an edentulous maxilla with four internal connection implants (Replace Select, Nobel Biocare) was fabricated according to the All-on-Four protocol. A total of 40 impressions were made with different techniques (open and closed tray) at abutment and implant levels and poured in type IV dental stone. A coordinate measuring machine was used to record the x, y, and z coordinates and angular displacement. The measurements were compared with those obtained from the reference model. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and t test at α = .05.

RESULTS
There was less linear and rotational displacement for the open-tray technique when compared with the closed-tray technique (P = .02 and P < .001, respectively). Impressions made at abutment level produced fewer linear and rotational displacements when compared with implant level impressions using the open-tray technique for straight and angulated implants (P = .04 and P < .001, respectively). However, less rotational dislocation was observed for impressions made with the closed-tray technique when compared with the open-tray technique at implant level (P < .001).

CONCLUSION
Choice of impression technique affected the accuracy of impressions, and less displacement was observed with the open-tray method. Abutment-level impressions with an open-tray technique were more accurate, while implant-level impressions were more accurate when a closed-tray technique was used.


The reaction of 1-bromo-3-halo-2-iodobenzene (I; X = Cl) with butyllithium gives 62% (II; X = Cl) similarly reaction of [I; X = F(III)] gave 64% II (X = F). These reactions involve the immediate intermediacy of the halolithiobiphenyl (IV) and the penultimate intermediate (V); V decomps. to give the corresponding benzyne VI which then reacts with addnl. V to give IV. Similarly, reaction of III with butyllithium and gives 79% VII (R = Br) via intermediacy of labile 2-BrC6H4Li (VIII) and V (X = F); VIII decomps. to VI (X = F), at temps. > -125 Deg, which then combines with the more stable V (X = F) to give the immediate intermediate to VII (R = Br), namely VII (R = Li). [on SciFinder (R)]


In patients with delayed bone tissue regeneration, changes in the indices of cellular immunity were revealed, consisting in a decreased number, both absolute and relative, of T lymphocytes, and in their reduced ability to respond to PHA stimulation by the reaction of blastic transformation. Autoimmunization to bone tissue antigen was observed in the same patients. This was confirmed by the reactions of blastic transformation and cytotoxicity of lymphocytes as well as by the reaction of leukocyte migration inhibition in the presence of bone antigen. It is recommended to take into account the indices of cellular immunity in treating patients with poorly healing bone fractures.


Large-scale simulations of plastic deformation and phase transformations in alloys require reliable classical interatomic potentials. We construct an embedded-atom method potential for niobium as the first step in alloy potential development. Optimization of the potential parameters to a well-converged set of density-functional theory (DFT) forces, energies, and stresses produces a reliable and transferable potential for molecular dynamics simulations. The potential accurately describes properties related to the fitting data, and also produces excellent results for quantities outside the fitting range. Structural and elastic properties, defect energetics, and thermal behavior compare well with DFT results and experimental data, e.g., DFT surface energies are reproduced with less than 4% error, generalized stacking-fault energies differ from DFT values by less than 15%, and the melting temperature is within 2% of the experimental value.


The Epsilon field, is located at the centre of Prinos oil basin (N. Aegean, Greece), 11 km NW of the island of Thassos and 4 km NW of the Prinos field, the first productive oil field in the Aegean Sea. The taphrogenetic basin of Prinos has been widely studied, due to its hydrocarbon reservoirs. Extensive geophysical survey, started at early 1970 's, led to a number of drilling jobs, which confirmed the existence of hydrocarbons in the area. The combined geological information, derived from the analysis of lithological, stratigraphic and geochemical data of the basin, suggested a structural and depositional model, strongly related to the Miocene tectonics and sedimentation. The new geophysical and drilling data from Epsilon oil field, are correlated to that already known, completing the model of the basin. Pay zone is found to be below an evaporitic sequence, consisting predominantly of salt, with anhydrite, clay and sandstone intercalations. These upper Miocene aged evaporites extend, varying in thickness, throughout Prinos basin. Reservoir consists mainly of sandstone with intercalations of claystone and trace of siltstone. The geology of the structure and the initial productivity, were positive for further drilling operations in Epsilon field.


The main objective of this study was to assess consumer preference and willingness to pay for sheep meat quality and safety attributes in Addis Ababa city. Two hundred (200) households were selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. Rapid market appraisal and key-informant discussions were held to select five most relevant sheep meat quality and safety attributes i.e. hygiene, freshness, official stamp, fat content, and price. These were derived using an orthogonal fractional factorial design to create profile scenarios. A cross-tabulation analysis was also employed between socio-demographic features and consumption frequency. The results of cross tabulation analysis indicated that sociodemographic variables such as age, education level, occupation, and household income have a significant effect on consumer preference. However, demographic variables such as gender, religion, ethnicity, and marital status do not. The data from conjoint experiment were estimated using rank-ordered logit model in which the ranking of product profile were determined by the five quality and safety attributes. Relative importance and willingness to pay for were estimated from the coefficient of rank-ordered logit result. All parameters from rank-ordered logit model were significantly different from zero with the expected signs, suggesting that the quality and safety attributes selected significantly influence consumer choice behavior at 1% significance level. The result of the analysis indicates that hygiene is highly valued by all consumers regardless of income strata, as indicated by part-worth utility, relative importance, and willingness to pay and the least preferred attribute is fat content. Hygiene contributes up to 37.41% of overall utility, followed by freshness (18.48%), price (16.02%), official stamp (14.29%), and fat content (13.80%). From these results, the most preferred combination of sheep meat quality and safety attributes was clean, fresh, price of 42 ETB, official stamp present, and low fat content. Result from this study indicates that respondents from high income households were more concerned about hygiene and fat content than medium and low income households. Conversely, respondents from the low income households were more concerned about price, freshness and official stamp than their medium and higher income counterparts. It was also found that consumers have a particular preference for hygiene as the most dominant attribute influencing purchasing decision. A large percent of consumers were willing to pay a premium for hygiene; where individual consumers were willing to pay a premium of 23.35 ETB for sheep meat of better and improved cleanliness. Freshness was ranked second with a WTP premium of 11.53 ETB for freshness attribute in sheep meat. On average, consumers WTP for official stamp, and fat content were 8.92 ETB and 8.61 ETB respectively. Thus, from the WTP result, hygiene, freshness, official stamp, and fat content were ranked from most to least valued attributes, thus preferred in terms of how their levels influencing consumer preference. The derived WTPs across income strata were also similar with those obtained using the whole sample. This finding would have a positive implication for forming product differentiation strategies within the animal source food policy in general and the sheep meat industry in particular. Specifically, it could be a source of information for producers in the sheep meat industry about consumer preference and willingness to pay for the selected quality and safety attributes.


The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of various compliance parameters in order to identify those which best assess the impact of compliance on therapeutic issues. We will discuss the particularities and restrictions of these parameters by considering two criteria, namely sensitivity index and reliability, which respectively describe strength and robustness of the relationship between these parameters and compliance. Using real and virtual data, performance analysis of compliance parameters was carried out for drugs whose pharmacokinetic properties govern the time course of their actions. Within this context, it was found that the percentage of taken doses (PTD), the most widely used parameter, poorly performed in the evaluation of the therapeutic impact of compliance. On the other hand, the adjusted percentage of correct doses (PCD*) which we propose here, showed the best reliability, making it the most appropriate parameter for the comparison of different compliance patterns. The percentage of correct doses (PCD) has, in its turn, the highest sensitivity index and thus should be preferred for the assessment of changes in compliance. Hence, a perfect parameter for the evaluation of compliance impact cannot be universally identified since each parameter can have its own characteristic advantages and limitations. The methodology proposed here is general enough to be adapted for similar drug classes to evaluate their compliance descriptors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


We are developing a passive power assist supporter called Smart Suit Lite. Smart Suit Lite is a compact and lightweight power assist device that utilizes the elastic force of elastic belts. To design the Smart Suit Lite, we developed a motion-based assist method and an extended musculoskeletal model. The motion-based assist method was used to design the arrangements and properties of the elastic belts by utilizing the relation between the target motions and the corresponding muscle forces. To analyze the assistive forces provided by the elastic belts, skin segments that represent the surface of the human body features the extended musculoskeletal model and can reproduce changes in length of the body surface with changes in posture. In this study, we used the developed method to produce the Smart Suit Lite for care workers. Furthermore, through the "trial experiment" in this experiment, we found that wear comfort was strongly correlated with the assistance perceived by the user. Thus, we have improved the Smart Suit Lite from the aspect of wear comfort and verified the enhancement of the assistance provided by the device. In user testing, 90% of the participants reported a decrease in load on the low back during care work. Keywords-Power Assist; Iomechanics; Human Body Dynamics Mode; KEIROKA Technology; Smart Suit Lite.


Recent developments in embedded systems open up a new realm of computer vision applications in surveillance and healthcare delivery, etc. However, such applications require high computational resources, which is challenging for embedded devices that are characterized by constrained processing power and limited memory capacity. In this paper we present a novel intelligent framework that enables building computer vision applications with optimal throughput and maintaining the performance of such applications at run-time.


The most widely used science reference of its kind in print, the new third edition of this invaluable resource reinforces its position as the most complete, concise, and easy-to-use single-volume scientific and technical encyclopaedia on the market today. The new edition of this best-selling encyclopaedia features: 7,900 alphabetically arranged articles - 300 entirely new to this edition, and many others extensively revised; 1,600 high-quality photographs and line drawings - plus hundreds of tables, charts, and graphs; Contributions from 3,000 world renowned scientists and engineers - including 21 Nobel laureates; A 30,000-entry analytical index; Extensive cross references and bibliographies. Since the material has been careful condensed from the continuously updated database of the widely acclaimed 20-volume Encyclopaedia of Science & Technology, Seventh Edition, the authority of the Concise Encyclopaedia remains unmatched. No other single source offers professionals, students, and science enthusiasts such comprehensive, up-to-date, and reliable information on so many topics - all in a highly readable and accessible format.


Lithium recovery is imperative to accommodate the increase in lithium demand. Salt lake brine contains a large amount of lithium and is one of the most important sources of lithium metal. In this study, Li2CO3, MnO2, and TiO2 particles were mixed, and the precursor of a manganese–titanium mixed ion sieve (M-T-LIS) was prepared by a high-temperature solid-phase method. M-T-LISs were obtained by DL-malic acid pickling. The adsorption experiment results noted single-layer chemical adsorption and maximum lithium adsorption of 32.32 mg/g. From the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and scanning electron microscopy results, the M-T-LIS provided adsorption sites after DL-malic acid pickling. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared results showed the ion exchange mechanism of the M-T-LIS adsorption. From the results of the Li+ desorption experiment and recoverability experiment, DL-malic acid was used to desorb Li+ from the M-T-LIS with a desorption rate of more than 90%. During the fifth cycle, the Li+ adsorption capacity of the M-T-LIS was more than 20 mg/g (25.90 mg/g), and the recovery efficiency was higher than 80% (81.42%). According to the selectivity experiment, the M-T-LIS had good selectivity for Li+ (adsorption capacity of 25.85 mg/g in the artificial salt lake brine), which indicates its good application potential.


OBJECTIVE
To study the imaging characteristics of different types of cerebral cysticercosis.

METHODS
The CT and MRI findings of 166 patients with clinical diagnostic cerebral cysticercosis were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS
Among the 166 cerebral cysticercosis patients, there were 108 cerebral parenchyma type cases, 15 ventricles type cases, 3 meningeal type cases, and 40 mixed type cases according to the cysticerci being in the parts of the brain. The CT and MRI imaging characteristics of various types were as the following. (1) Brain parenchyma type included the cystoid subtype, encephalitis subtype, nodular or multiple ring enhancement subtype, and chronic calcification subtype. The cystoid subtype: CT showed single or multiple cystic shadow (s) with clear boundary, and the sac with a high density of scolex; MRI showed round long T1 and long T2 signals, eccentric punctate shadows inside the sac, cystic wall and scolex signals, but no significant enhancement. The encephalitis subtype: CT showed scattered low density lesions and MRI showed patchy slightly long T1 and long T2 signals, but no enhancement or irregular enhancement in the majority. The nodular or multiple ring enhancement subtype: CT scan showed low density lesions in multiple nodules, or CT enhancement scan showed multiple nodules or ring enhancement. The chronic calcification subtype: CT showed single or multiple dot-like high density single (s), and MRI showed equal or long T I and short T2 signals. (2) Ventricular type: The lesions were often in the third and fourth ventricles complicated with obstructive hydrocephalus. (3) Meningeal type: there were expand and asymmetric cerebrospinal space limitations, communicating hydrocephalus, and the enhanced scan showed leptomeningeal enhancement. (4) Mixed type: The performance was mixed as two or more types above mentioned, and there existed mixed acute and chronic phases.

CONCLUSIONS
The imaging findings of the different types of cerebral cysticercosis are differ from one another. The analysis of the imaging characteristics of the different types of cerebral cysticercosis has a significance for the clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognostic judgment of cerebral cysticercosis patients.


From March 1987 to the end of February 1991, we performed Koch pouch construction as a urinary diversion on 20 patients who had undergone radical cystectomy due to bladder cancer. The operation was done according to the method of Skinner et al. We fully utilized an auto-suture instrument to ensure safe and stable suturing of the ileum and to shorten the operating time. It was of great concern that the staples placed at several portions might cause stone formation or aggravate infection. However, stone formation was observed only in one patient (5%) at the tip of a nipple valve in which a staple became the nucleus of the stone. Staples are usually not regarded as an obstacle as they are usually covered by the mucous membrane. In all patients, the maximum capacity of the pouch was more than 500 ml, intra-pouch pressure was kept low even when the pouch was inflated up to the maximum capacity, and reflux of urine into the upper urinary tract was not observed. As for complications, there was a slight degree of obstructive uropathy in 4 patients (20%), difficulty in catheter insertion was noted in 3 patients (15%), and stress incontinence-like urinary leakage was present in one patient when the capacity exceeded 500 ml. However, there were no complications which necessitated reoperation. In terms of blood chemistry, although there was a tendency towards a slight increase in BUN or hyperchloremia, no specific treatment was necessary as far as the kidney function was normal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


We discuss the connection between the origin of neutrino masses and the properties of dark matter candidates in the context of gauge extensions of the Standard Model. We investigate minimal gauge theories for neutrino masses where the neutrinos are predicted to be Dirac or Majorana fermions. We find that the upper bound on the effective number of relativistic species provides a strong constraint in the scenarios with Dirac neutrinos. In the context of theories where the lepton number is a local gauge symmetry spontaneously broken at the low scale, the existence of dark matter is predicted from the condition of anomaly cancellation. Applying the cosmological bound on the dark matter relic density, we find an upper bound on the symmetry breaking scale in the multi-TeV region. These results imply we could hope to test simple gauge theories for neutrino masses at current or future experiments.


We demonstrate that the DAL5 gene, encoding a necessary component of the allantoate transport system, is constitutively expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Its relatively high basal level of expression did not increase further upon addition of allantoin pathway intermediates. However, steady-state DAL5 mRNA levels dropped precipitously when a repressive nitrogen source was provided. These control characteristics of DAL5 expression make this gene a good model with which to unravel the mechanism of nitrogen catabolite repression. Its particular advantage relative to other potentially useful genes derives from its lack of control by induction and hence the complicating effects of inducer exclusion.


Resume An analysis of the anisotropy properties of austenitic steel AISI 304 (X5CrNi18-10) at elevated temperatures is presented in this paper. Considerations of the anisotropy problems are presented in the theoretical part of the paper, as well as the procedure for determination of the normal anisotropy coefficient. The experimental part of the paper describes the plan, methodology and equipment for testing of material's normal anisotropy and mechanical characteristics. The objective of conducting the experiments was to investigate influence of temperature on normal anisotropy, as well as on the mechanical properties of the considered material. The normal anisotropy was monitored by the coefficient – the so-called "r-value". Besides that, the tensile strength, yield stress and elongation at break were monitored, also. The tests were done on the 0.7 mm thick sheet metal within the temperature range 20 to 700 °C.


In Wonoharjo Village corn commodities can promise profits, this is because demand continues to increase over time. However, corn commodities have not been processed into foods of high economic value. Maize harvest is only consumed and sold to middlemen at a relatively low price of Rp 2,300 to Rp 2,700 every kilogram. Corn crop as one of the mainstay crops for the farmer group has not been developed optimally. Farming activities stop during the dry season due to lack of water. The farmers have not utilized the Kedung Ombo Reservoir as a means of irrigating the land, in addition to the use of organic fertilizer is still lacking, making the land worse (often harvest failure, due to disease attacks). Agricultural waste and livestock manure in Wonoharjo Village have also not been utilized. The objectives of this activity are: (1) to utilize the o 'bero' land that is not planted during the dry season with a demonstration plot of corn crops: (2) utilizing agricultural waste and livestock manure into organic fertilizer (3) overcoming crop failure with the application of organic fertilizer; (4) processing corn into tortillas (5) improving group management. The method used is education and facilitation. Education is done by: (1) providing counseling to farmer groups on how to cultivate corn that is good so that the quality and quantity increases; (2) the introduction of water suction machines, organic fertilizer grinding machines; (3) training in processing corn into tortillas and their packaging; (4) business management training.


During this talk, I present my recent work on temporally coherent stylization of 3D animations. In particular, I describe a method for accurately computing the contours of a smooth 3D surface to produce animated line drawings. This approach generates, for each viewpoint, a triangle mesh with contours that are topologically equivalent to those of the original surface. The visible contours of the mesh can then be accurately computed and textured by standard methods.

I also present a method that creates temporally coherent stylized animations by example, extending the technique of Image Analogies. To make the method art directable, we allow artists to paint keyframes that are used as constraints. The in-betweens calculated by this method maintain stylistic continuity and yet change no more than necessary over time.


Network Management is one of the important functionality in network Engineering. This paper proposes a methodology for security in SNMP managed sensor networks. McAfee is the platform used for implementing the security. It is mainly based on SNMP V3 which is the enhanced version of SNMP and it includes authentication.IEEE1451.4 TEDS is also incorporated to provide plug and play of sensor networks. SNMP is compactable with many kind of devices used in networking, So it provides a wide varity of devices to communicate in a network independent of the manufacturers. The proposed security method is applicable to many of the sensor devices.


The concepts of "basis" and "superstructure" were formulated by Marx neither as categories of reality (i.e. as definition of existence) nor as categories of cognition (i.e. as definition transforming interconnections of reality into laws), but as economical expression of working hypotheses, metaphorically and didactically simplified for casual purposes. Their treatment as a pair of theoretical categories and their oversimplifying utilization started only with Engels. Eventually, the vulgarization sprung therefrom made even Engels mark off himself from it and, as contrasted to the final determination by the economic sphere as overemphasized by Marx, made Engels draw the attention to the dialectics of re-action as well. Stalin re-interpreted superstructure by catechizing that it "necessarily" "corresponds" to "its" base; its only "role" is to "serve" its "own" base; in consequence, it has a "class-character", reduced to the exclusive "service" of the "ruling class". In other words, with Stalin the categories of basis and superstructure turned out to be the basic categories of social sciences that have, beyond the economic sphere, negated all kinds of specificites by reducing superstructure to a mere reflex phenomenon. That dogmatism has simply negated the possibility of both inter-action between differing superstructures and the fact that superstructures could grow into one another whilst the change of the economic basis. All in all, Stalin's categorical standpoint has exerted a devastating effect on theoretical development by deservedly questioning both the theoretical message and interpretability of the Marxian idea itself.As Lukacs attempted at explaining it in his posthumous Towards the Ontology of Social Being, inspired by Marx's basic methodological idea (for a jurisprudential analysis of its philosophical background, see, from the author, "The Place of Law in Lukacs' World Concept", Akademiai Publ., Budapest 1985/1998, 2nd ed. Szent Istvan Tarsulat, Budapest, 2012), the metaphorical expression of "basis" and "superstructure" can only be understood within the totality approach in a reasonable way, as a primitive formulation of the unbroken inter-action taking place among the complexes making up social totality, and of the over-riding role of the economic sphere within this inter-action. At the same time, however, inter-action can only take place on the basis of the ever growing specificity of each and every complex. In consequence, with the progress of social development, the individual complexes will react to the impetuses arrived at from the outside in a more and more specific way, i.e. in their own manner. In the field of law, where a series of formal means is expected to function according to pre-formalized requirements of substance and procedure, in most of the cases reaction is taking place, instead of the formal establishment or modification of the formal means, through the manipulated functioning of those means. Notwithstanding, in an ontological reconstruction, the continuous manipulation of the functioning of means presupposes and, at the same time, also results in the continuous shaping and re-formation of the actual characteristic (i.e. social meaning and significance) of the means in question.


In this paper written by the Groupe francophone d'hépatologie, gastroentérologie et nutrition pédiatriques, recommendations are given on the indications of drugs in infant and child infectious acute diarrhea, based upon the current scientific knowledge on their effectiveness and tolerance. This paper complements an article on nutritional treatment of acute diarrhea written by the Comité de nutrition de la Société française de pédiatrie, and published in the same issue of the Archives de Pédiatrie.


The frustrated magnet SrDy$_2$O$_4$ exhibits a field-induced phase with a magnetization plateau at $1/3$ of the saturation value for magnetic fields applied along the $b$-axis. We report here a neutron scattering study of the nature and symmetry of the magnetic order in this field-induced phase. Below $T\approx 0.5$ K, there are strong hysteretic effects, and the order is short or long ranged for zero-field and field cooling, respectively. We find that the long-range ordered magnetic structure within the zig-zag chains is identical to that expected for the one-dimensional axial next-nearest neighbour Ising (ANNNI) model in longitudinal field. The long-range ordered structure in field contrasts with the short-range order found at zero field, and is probably reached through enhanced quantum fluctuations with increasing fields.


This essay seeks to examine the association between race and space by interrogating the complicated relationship of two non-urban spaces: Pinhook, Missouri and Cairo, Illinois. Pinhook, an African American village, was destroyed on May 2nd, 2011 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers intentionally breached the front side levee of the Birds Point-New Madrid floodway in an attempt to lower historically high Mississippi River levels at and south of Cairo. While the circumstances of Pinhook's destruction suggest an oppositional relationship between the two towns, we contend that both are the victims of the consequences of racialized space, white supremacy, and urbannormativity. An examination of the destruction of Pinhook and the historical context behind it helps to demonstrate the ways in which these two towns, separated by a river and approximately twenty-five miles, rather than being at odds, have both become examples of "black nowheres," locales among the unimportant, invisible, and too oft-ignored geographies of America.


Three adhesion measurement methods for thermal spray coatings, namely tensile adhesive strength (according to EN 582), interfacial indentation and in-plane tensile tests were investigated in terms of accuracy of the results and application potential for different coating / substrate conditions. Whereas the tensile adhesive strength test is widely used in industry, the other two methods are still under development in research laboratories and therefore only few experimental data on the accuracy of the methods and on the potential in an industrial context are available. For that reason, dissimilar coating-substrate combinations covering a wide range of types of thermal spray coating-substrate systems were tested using all these methods. Ceramic (Al2O3) and metallic (NiCr 80-20) coatings were thermally sprayed by flame spraying with two different thickness on titanium alloy and steel substrates exhibiting each two distinct roughness levels. The distinguished coating properties include the coating toughness, shear strength, interfacial toughness, and adhesive strength. Thermally sprayed coatings do not only show an interfacial complexity, but also the integrity of the interface of substrate and coating has to be considered, as well as porosity, cracks and residual stresses. In this paper, each measurement method was found to be related to certain type of loading conditions and fracture mode. The results of the different methods are compared and the limits of applicability of the different methods are discussed.


As protected areas become more accessible via transportation networks, fragmentation, and encroachment from the borders, carnivores in these areas frequently decline. To counter these pressures, patrolling and active wildlife enforcement are widely accepted as fundamental conservation strategies. Using the case example of Khao Yai National Park (KYNP) and data from a camera trap survey, we modeled and evaluated the effectiveness of ranger stations in reducing human access and illegal activities, and in increasing prey and predator presence. This type of data and analysis is needed to monitor and evaluate enforcement effectiveness and develop adaptive management strategies. At KYNP, we used camera‐trapping data as a proxy to evaluate whether or not a positive impact of ranger stations on wildlife distribution could outweigh edge effects from human disturbance. We assessed factors affecting the distribution of poachers and wildlife using Maxent. Our analysis was based on 217 camera trap locations (6260 trap nights) and suggests that ungulates and poachers persist nearby ranger stations. Rangers should increase patrolling efforts of border areas; however, increasing wildlife patrolling in inaccessible areas with mobile range units may be more effective than establishing more ranger stations along park boundaries.


The Large Volume Detector (LVD) in the INFN Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Italy, is a ν observatory mainly designed to study low energy neutrinos from the gravitational collapse of galactic objects. The experiment has been monitoring the Galaxy since June 1992, under increasing larger configurations: in January 2001 it has reached its final active mass M = 1 kt. LVD is one of the largest liquid scintillator apparatus for the detection of stellar collapses and, besides SNO, SuperKamiokande and Amanda, it is a charter member of the SNEWS network, that has become fully operational since July 1st, 2005. No gravitational core-collapse has been detected by LVD during 14 years of data acquisition; this allows to put an upper limit of 0 . 18 events y − 1 in our galaxy at the 90% C.L. The LVD tracking system allows the detection and the recontruction of the cosmic muon tracks in a large fraction of the whole solid angle, in particular also horizontal tracks can be reconstructed. The results of the muon depth–intensity relation and of the flux of neutrino–induced muons are presented. Moreover, during 2006, the CNGS beam will start its operation: the performances of LVD as a beam monitor are described.


Septic liver injury remains a challenge in sepsis treatment. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation has been suggested to be a major cause of hepatocyte cell death in liver diseases. However, insufficient research has been performed to explore the underlying mechanisms associated with this. In the present study, sophocarpine, a pharmaceutical monomer originally isolated from Sophora flavescens, was suggested to attenuate septic liver injury in a mouse cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. By utilizing western blotting, ELISA, H&E staining and immunohistochemistry, the results demonstrated that sophocarpine treatment reversed CLP-induced elevations in serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β levels. Additionally, sophocarpine appeared to have suppressed the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, as indicated by observed reductions in liver IL-1β, NLRP3, caspase 1-p20 and gasdermin D-p30 protein levels. Further investigation suggested that sophocarpine-induced autophagy was essential for this suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, the inhibition of which reversed the protective effects of sophocarpine on CLP-induced liver injury. Collectively, results from the present study suggested a protective role for sophocarpine against septic liver injury, where sophocarpine may suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation by autophagy-mediated degradation.


Introduction Here we present a rare case of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis to the urinary bladder in a patient with metastatic HCC. Case presentation An 83‐year‐old man developed gross hematuria during combined treatment with an anti‐programmed death‐ligand 1 inhibitor and an anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor for metastatic HCC. A contrast‐enhanced CT revealed a 15 × 15 mm soft tissue mass protruding from the posterior bladder wall. Cystoscopy further revealed a solitary submucosal mass located on the posterior wall. The patient underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor. The pathological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of bladder metastasis from HCC. Following a 3‐week interval after the surgical intervention, salvage therapy was resumed. Conclusion During follow‐up after TUR‐BT in HCC patients who present with a bladder tumor, the possibility of HCC metastases to the urinary bladder should be excluded.


This study investigated the influences of professional skills and personal   competencies on job performances of registry staff in University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research deign while 102 registry staff participated. Finding from the study revealed that registry staff in University of Ibadan presses average  professional skills to carry out their duties as well as the requisite personal   competencies needed to perform their duties. The study further established a high level of job performance among the registry staff. Positive relationships were established  between job performance and professional skill as well as between job performances and personal competencies. The study of made some recommendations based on function from the study. Keywords : Professional skills, personal competences, job performances, registry staff, University of Ibadan.


There are significant health inequalities between Deaf and hearing people, including barriers to accessing care and communication difficulties in consultations. Such problems have particularly affected Deaf people with acquired cognitive deficits, leading to late and missed diagnoses. We therefore established a specialist cognitive clinic for the Deaf community in 2011 at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, which to our knowledge is the first of its kind in the world. In this study, we retrospectively analysed electronic patient records to evaluate the service and its impact since inception. We found that Deaf patients who use British sign language had difficulty obtaining an accurate diagnosis before attending our specialist clinic, highlighting the importance of tailored services for Deaf people. Our results show that the clinic improved communication for patients and accessibility to specialist investigations, ensuring diagnostic accuracy and overall reducing health inequality for this population.


About one half of all stars are close binaries whose components can efficiently interact during their evolution. The interaction of the components significantly influences the evolution and changes the chemical composition of their atmospheres. This review is devoted to the discussion of the binarity role in the creation of stars with an anomalous chemical composition of their envelopes: WR, OBN, OBC, RCrB, Ba, sdBO, Am, Fm, Ap, Bp, helium stars, CO stars, Na giants.


Plant demography has a long history resulting in a large knowledge base. Comparative analysis of this information allows exploration of the drivers of demographic patterns globally and the study of life‐history evolution. Studies aiming to generalise demographic patterns rely on data being derived from a representative sample. However, the data are likely to be taxonomically, geographically and methodologically biased. Matrix population models (MPMs) are widely‐used in plant demography, so an assessment of publications using MPMs is a convenient way to assess the distribution of plant demographic knowledge using this modelling approach. We assessed bias in this knowledge using data from the COMPADRE Plant Matrix Database, containing MPMs for > 700 species. We show that tree species and tropical areas are under‐represented, while herbaceous perennials and temperate areas are over‐represented. There is a positive association between the number of studies per country and per capita GDP. Most studies have low spatiotemporal replication with 43% of studies conducted over < four years, and only 17% replicated across > three sites. This limited spatiotemporal coverage means existing data may not represent the environmental conditions the species experience. These biases and knowledge gaps inhibit theory development and limit current utility for identifying useful generalities for management decisions, such as typical responses to climate change. It is likely that similar biases extend to other demographic modelling tools such as integral projection models. We urge researchers to address these biases and close these knowledge gaps.


Employee productivity is significant to the success and resources utilization in the county level since the employees take care of all other non-human resources for the purposes and achieving the set of objectives. Despite the contributions of the employees in the counties, scanty of studies have been carried out to determine the effect of organizational performance management practices on employee's productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the effect of organizational performance management practices on productivity of employees in Garissa County government. The specific objectives of the study were; to identify the effect of goal setting, career planning, competence based evaluation and continuous feedback on the employee productivity in County Government of Garissa. The study was anchored on human capital theory, reinforcement theory and goal setting theory. The study was carried out in Garissa County. Descriptive and exploratory research design was used. The total respondents targeted were 2611. Stratified sampling was used to classify the respondents and simple random sampling was used to sample 347 employees working in the County Government of Garissa. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Validity was sought from experts and reliability was tested using Cronbach alpha and a test score of 0.7 was the threshold. The data collected was analyzed by inferential statistics and descriptive statistics. SPSS was used to generate both descriptive data and inferential data which were presented into tables and figures. The findings of this study would be of great relevance to the county management as it highlights the relationships that exist between organizational performance management practices and employee productivity. The first objective on effect of goal setting on employee productivity, majority of the respondents agreed that employees had the necessary skills and power in handling the tasks assigned. Majority of the respondents agreed that proper and effective resources were not provided. The study concluded goals in the organizations are motivators and enables employees to improve on service provision. The second objective was on the effect of career planning on employee productivity. Majority of the respondents agreed that employees were oriented on their desired field of work to enable them plan for their careers. The study findings presented that majority of employees were able to attend to the duties allocated to them comfortably. The study concluded that career planning was vital in ensuring that employees grow their talent in an attempt in supporting organizational overall goals. Influence of competence based evaluation on employee productivity was the study's third objective. The results presented that majority of the respondent agreed that employee communication skills had improved over time in the County. The study concluded that competence of employees was vital in explaining the productivity of employees in the county. The study recommended that competence based evaluation should be improved by the county managers through training, workshops and seminars. The fourth objective was to establish the effect of continuous feedback on employee productivity. The findings indicated that majority of the respondents agreed that International Journal of Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Volume 2, Issue 2, 2020, PP 31-48, ISSN 2707-8027 32 www.ijcab.org there was effective feedback on information regarding customer service delivery collected from employees. The findings reported that the continuous feedback reports enabled the county to work on improving the employee's skills and knowledge. The continuous feedback in the county is significant in ensuring that every department contributes towards the common objectives. The study recommended that the directors of communication and other relevant directors in the county government should ensure that there is continuous feedback on matters related to employee competence and areas that need improvement in the county.


Abstract Thin sections of pterosaur bones have not been extensively studied so far. Until now mainly isolated bones were the subject of this type of analysis. Here we present preliminary results of the histological analysis of two pterodactyloid pterosaurs from the Romualdo and Crato Members of the Santana Formation. The first specimen (Museu Nacional, MN 4809-V) comprises both wings (from humerus to the third phalanx of the fourth digit) and one hindlimb (tibia, fibula and pes). The second (MN 6527-V) consists of a partial skeleton with the incomplete left wing (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, pteroid, wing metacarpal, two phalanges of the fourth digit) and fragments of one hindlimb (complete tibia and proximal articulation of the femur). Thin sections of the diaphyseal portion of each bone were ground in transverse, longitudinal and oblique orientation and the histological structures were compared. The following features can vary in the first observed specimen (MN 4809-V): presence of primary and secondary tissues in the cortex; absence or presence and position of lines of arrested growth; resorption of primary structures. These variations in different bones of the same individual represent differential growth rates. The second specimen (MN 6527-V) is well vascularized and has fibro-lamellar bone indicative of rapid growth in the thin section of the radius, ulna and first phalanx of the fourth digit. This last feature is very similar to the condition observed in most living birds.


We give a short overview of the results for large deviations of dynamical quantities obtained for models of glassy systems. We introduce the paper with the study of kinetically constrained models (KCMs), first without external forcing. In these models, it has been shown using the thermodynamic formalism for histories, that there is a coexistence between an active and an inactive phase. Later, it has been found that adding a driving field to a KCM model leads to a singularity in the large deviation function of the current at large fields. Finally we report on recent studies on realistic glassy systems, and open directions for future research.


The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a master regulator of cell growth, proliferation and survival. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR pathway is commonly dysregulated in cancer. FP-208, animidazolone derivatives, is a novel small molecule that primarily inhibits mTOR with potent antitumor activity. The compound is soluble with a good oral PK profile and excellent bioavailability in mice and rats. Here we report the in vitro and in vivo effects of FP-208 in multiple cancer cell lines and in xenograft tumor models. FP-208 inhibited mTOR enzymatic activity in vitro (IC50 = 0.3nM) in a kinase assay and cell proliferation in multiple cancer cell lines. Western blot analysis to examine the effect of FP-208 showed significant blockade of phosphorylation of S6 and AKTS473, suggesting inhibition of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 activities. The antitumor activity of FP-208 was evaluated in human cancer xenograft models as well. Oral administration of the compound in tumor bearing mice strongly inhibited tumor growth as a single agent. Further analysis demonstrated that treatment with FP-208 inhibited phosphorylation of mTORC1/2 pathway markers, S6 and AKTS473 in the tumors. Taken together, our data from both in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that FP-208 is a drug candidate for the treatment of human cancers. Citation Format: Zhenjian Du, Qi Ji, Bo Chen, Chunxiao Zhang, Ge Zhao, Xingmin Zhang. FP-208, a novel mTOR inhibitor with potent antitumor activities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2667. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2667


Residual stresses carry a vital role in determining the quality of the turned workpieces. Numerical modelling of residual stresses provides a deep insight of the process mechanism and increases the productivity by conserving time, material and manpower. In simultaneous turning process, two tools are engaged simultaneously to perform the turning process. This research work focuses on numerical investigation to estimate the impact of chamfer angle and width for various feed on surface residual stresses. The numerical simulation was done by commercially available finite element code. The work and tool material are AISI 4340 steel and carbide. CPE4RT four node plane strain element was used for the analysis. A widely used damage criterion was employed for the chip removal. The coefficient of friction in between the sliding surfaces was based on penalty approach. The friction coefficient was taken as 0.3. With the increase in chamfer angle and chamfer width, the surface residual stresses increase. This is caused by the rise in cutting forces and inelastic strain. At constant chamfer angle, with increase in cutting speed the cutting forces remain constant for both the cutting tools. The same trend was also observed for the chamfer width. On the whole, the usage of chamfered cutting tools proved to be beneficial in imparting higher compressive residual stresses in the simultaneous turning process.


This paper gives a new Hilbert's type inequality with the same best constant factor π. As its applications, we give its equivalent form and some particular results