Secretion of Escherichia coli alpha-hemolysin into the medium does not require the cleavage of an N-terminal signal peptide. The specific secretion apparatus was shown to consist of two proteins, HlyB and HlyD, both located in the inner membrane and encoded by genes contiguous to the hemolysin structural gene (hlyA). It was proposed that these two proteins constitute a membrane-bound translocator for hemolysin [Mackman, N., Nicaud, J. M., Gray, L. & Holland, I. B. (1986) Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 125, 159-181]. We show here that an E. coli outer membrane protein, the TolC protein, encoded by a gene not located in the hly cluster, is specifically required for hemolysin secretion. This result suggests that an outer membrane protein might be a component of the secretion apparatus allowing a specific interaction between the inner and the outer membrane.


Various methods to reinforce acrylic denture base material have been used to repair fractures in complete dentures. Metal wires and plates have been tested as reinforcement of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin. The contributions of the studies conducted on this biphase composite system are discussed in this review article. The literature has reported that even thin metal wires incorporated into the PMMA matrix increased the transverse strength of the PMMA construction. Metal mesh inserted into PMMA resin had negligible effects on the transverse strength of the restoration. macroscopic retention of the metal strengtheners to the PMMA had only a minor effect on the strength in contrast to microscopic retention, which showed a more marked effect. Chemical bonding between the PMMA and metal reinforcer enhanced the strength of the prosthesis with some exceptions.


In the humid tropics, humidity is high implying a high water vapour content in the atmosphere. This causes strong attenuation in the radiation measured in the thermal infrared as the main absorption in this region is due to water vapour. In this study Land Surface Temperature (LST) is retrieved from single band infrared (IR) band through the modeling of atmospheric transmission and thermal emission given only surface parameters. Comparison of the LST retrieved from single IR bands within the same dataset and cross comparison with the standard MODIS LST Product gives high correlation indicating the validity of the models adopted for the atmosphere


The aim of the investigation was to determine the cause of infertility in 7 previously fertile bitches referred to the Small Animal Clinic University of Nairobi. Clinical, vaginal cytology and bacteriological evaluation of the bitches were performed during
proestrus. Based on vaginal cytology, four of the bitches presented with prolonged proestral bleeding and were found to be in the fertile period of the oestrous cycle (80% "superficial" cells) although clinically presenting as being in proestrus based on
the nature of vulval discharge. These bitches had been presented for breeding based on vulval discharge and were infertile due to improper timing of mating. Infertility in two other bitches was associated with Brucella canis primarily, and probably beta-hemolytic
Streptococci super - infections. Infertility in the remaining bitch was due to the stud dog owner's assumption that mating had occurred after the stud dog and the aggressive bitch were put in the same kennel for the duration of the bitch's fertile period. The authors recognized that most breeders and some veterinarians did not understand the physiology of
the canine oestrous cycle resulting in the misdiagnosis of causes of infertility in healthy bitches. This article highlights the challenges met when investigating infertility and the importance of vaginal cytology in breeding of bitches in Kenya. Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 31 (1) 2007: pp. 40-44


This the first book to focus specifically on serial killers motivated by monetary gain.
 Serial Killing for Profit: Multiple Murder for Money addresses a gap in the existing literature by documenting one dozen of the most notorious perpetrators of commercial serial murder—murderers who kill to secure inheritances and pensions, to sell possessions or even the body itself, or as murderers-for-hire.
 In these pages, readers will encounter some of the nation's most infamous and disturbing criminals, including "America's first serial killer," Herman Mudgett; Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck, the "Honeymoon Killers;" Los Angeles's "Night Stalker," Richard Ramirez; the "black widow" Blanche Taylor Moore; and Dana Sue Gray, who killed three women for shopping money. Author Dirk Gibson gets to the twisted heart of each case, meticulously detailing the crimes, the victims, the hunt for the killers, the distinctive variations on the motive of "killing for money," and the lessons learned by investigators in each instance. Everyone from professional investigators to true crime aficionados will be riveted by these stunning accounts.


The influence of the individual spectrometer components on the depth dependent sensitivity fall-off (roll-off) in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is investigated. We present a method for the characterization of the roll-off in SD-OCT systems via modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis. The MTF of different image sensors was measured in a newly developed setup, which uses the interference of two coherent light beams. Different contributions, i.e. diffraction, aberrations and sampling effects, to the MTF of a spectrometer of commercially available SD-OCT systems is calculated and is compared with roll-off measurements. The difference was below -2 dB at 90 % of the maximum measurement depth.


By using spin-polarized density functional theory calculations, the electron density differences, band structures and density of states of p-type N-doped PbTiO3 have been studied. In addition, the oxygen vacancy in N-doped PbTiO3 is also discussed. After the nitrogen dopant is introduced into the crystal, the N-doped PbTiO3 system is spin-polarized, the spin-down valance bands move to a high energy level and the Fermi energy level moves to the top of the valance bands, finally the band gap is narrowed. In this process, the N-doped PbTiO3 shows typical p-type semiconductor characteristics. When an oxygen vacancy and N impurity coexist in PbTiO3, there is no spin-polarized phenomenon. The conduction bands move downward and the acceptors are found to be fully compensated. The calculation results are mostly consistent with the experimental data.


Structural and functional MRI studies of patients with post-stroke language deficits have contributed substantially to our understanding of how cognitive-behavioral impairments relate to the location of structural damage and to the activation of surviving brain regions during language processing, respectively. However, very little is known about how inter-patient variability in language task activation relates to variability in the structures affected by stroke. Here, we used parallel independent component analysis (pICA) to characterize links between patterns of structural damage and patterns of functional MRI activation during semantic decisions. The pICA analysis revealed a significant association between a lesion component featuring damage to left posterior temporo-parietal cortex and the underlying deep white matter and an fMRI component featuring (1) heightened activation in a primarily right hemispheric network of frontal, temporal, and parietal regions, and (2) reduced activation in areas associated with the semantic network activated by healthy controls. Stronger loading parameters on both the lesion and fMRI activation components were associated with poorer language test performance. Fiber tracking suggests that lesions affecting the left posterior temporo-parietal cortex and deep white matter may lead to the simultaneous disruption of multiple long-range structural pathways connecting distal language areas. Damage to the left posterior temporo-parietal cortex and underlying white matter may (1) impede the language task-driven recruitment of canonical left hemispheric language and other areas (e.g. the right anterior temporal lobe and default mode regions) that likely support residual language function after stroke, and (2) lead to the compensatory recruitment of right hemispheric fronto-temporo-parietal networks for tasks requiring semantic processing.


The organoimido functionalization of polyoxometalates (POMs) has drawn tremendous attention due to particular merits in fabricating POM-based hybrid materials with finely tunable properties. The electronic properties, orbital and bonding characters of unprecedented bridging organoimido-substituted hexamolybdate are investigated using density functional theory methods. Among the organoimido-bridged hexamolybdates, [Mo(6)O(16)(2,6-Me(2)-NC(6)H(3))(2)(mu(2)-2,6-Me(2)-NC(6)H(3))](2-) (3-Ar-1), which features two terminal and one bridging organoimido ligand, is more favorable. The calculations confirm that the three-center (3c) pi bond originates from the coplanarity of bridging nitrogen atom with two Mo atoms and the hybridization of bridging nitrogen. The 3c bond stabilizes the organoimido-bridged anion 3-Ar-1. Compared with cis-bifunctionalized organoimido derivative [Mo(6)O(17)(2,6-Me(2)-NC(6)H(3))(2)](2-) (2-Ar), the bonding interaction between terminal organoimido ligand and hexamolybdate cluster in 3-Ar-1 is strengthened by the bridging organoimido. The results are in good agreement with the analysis of the Wiberg bond index of the Mo-N bond. The organoimido segment modifies the occupied molecular orbitals of organoimido hexamolybdates. The unoccupied molecular orbitals in 3-Ar-1 are largely nonbonding O(p) and Mo(d) orbitals in character, which resemble those of 2-Ar.


Most invasive plants have been originally introduced for horticultural purposes. Still, most alien garden plants have not naturalized yet, probably due in part to inadequate climatic conditions. Climate change may alter this, but few experimental studies have addressed this for non‐naturalized alien garden plants, and those that have, addressed only singular aspects of climate change. In a greenhouse experiment, we examined the performance of nine non‐naturalized alien herbaceous garden plants of varying climatic origins in response to simulated climate warming and reduced water availability, in a factorial design, as projected for southern Germany. To assess their invasion potential, we grew the species in competition with resident native and already‐naturalized alien species. Reduced watering negatively affected non‐naturalized garden plants, as well as the native and naturalized competitors, particularly at higher temperatures. However, non‐naturalized aliens performed better relative to competitors when temperatures increased. Naturalized and native resident competitor responses to climate change were both negative, but across climate treatments, non‐naturalized aliens, irrespective of their climatic origins, performed better against native than against naturalized competitors. Synthesis. We conclude that relative performance compared to resident species may increase for non‐naturalized alien garden plants under climate change, as resident species become less competitive. Ongoing climate change is therefore likely to promote naturalization of commonly planted alien herbaceous species.


A procedure for monitoring the local age distribution of the Arctic sea ice cover is presented. The age distribution specifies the area covered by ice in different age classes. In our approach, a regular array of grid points is defined initially on the first image of a long time series, and an ice tracker finds the positions of those points in all subsequent images of the series. These Lagrangian points mark the corners of a set of cells that move and deform with the ice cover. The area of each cell changes with each new image or time step. A positive change indicates that ice in a new age class was formed in the cell. A negative change is assumed to have ridged the youngest ice in the cell, reducing its area. The ice in each cell ages as it progresses through the time series. The area of multiyear ice in each cell is computed using an ice classification algorithm. Any area that is not accounted for by the young ice or multiyear ice is assigned to a category of older first-year ice. We thus have a fine age resolution in the young end of the age distribution, and coarse resolution for older ice. The age distribution of the young ice can be converted to a thickness distribution using a simple empirical relation between accumulated freezing-degree days and ice thickness, or using a more complicated thermodynamic model. We describe a general scheme for implementing this procedure for the Arctic Ocean from fall freeze-up until the onset of melt in the spring. The concept is illustrated with a time series of five ERS-1 SAR images spanning a period of 12 days. Such a scheme could be implemented with RADARSAT SAR imagery to provide basin-wide ice age and thickness information.


In the early 1980s, when Chile first privatized its social security system, few observers could have predicted that its action would precipitate the worldwide interest in privatization that prevails today. In large part, the current interest grows out of a belief that privatizing social security can enhance national economic growth and lead to a higher standard of living for workers and retirees. Indeed, many analysts have attributed Chile's current economic success to social security privatization. Whether that is actually the case will no doubt be a subject for study by economic historians for years to come. In the meantime, a question that many researchers and others are asking is "Will privatization yield the expected benefits in the United States?" Among the researchers who have studied this question are Seidman (1986) and Feldstein (1995), who use partial equilibrium frameworks, and Arrau (1990), Arrau and Schmidt-Hebel (1993), Raffelhuschen (1993), and Huang, Imrohoroglu, and Sargent (1997), who use general equilibrium frameworks. This article uses simulations in a stylized model—the Auerbach-Kotlikoff Dynamic Life Cycle model—to explore some possible economic outcomes of privatizing Social Security in the United States: first, the potential impact on the macro economy; second, how different generations may be affected (in particular, whether privatization will enhance or undermine intragenerational equity); and, third, some efficiency gains that might arise from privatization. The parameters in this model (hereinafter referred to as the A-K model) closely parallel those of U.S. economic conditions and fiscal policies. In addition, the model has more detailed equilibrium frameworks than those in the other models cited above. Previously used in a number of simulation studies (see Kotlikoff, 1996 and 1998, and Kotlikoff et al., 1997 and 1998), the A-K model has recently been enhanced to include intragenerational heterogeneity, kinked budget constraints, and a more realistic formulation of income taxation. All the variations of the A-K model comprise three basic elements: (1) workers are required to contribute to private retirement accounts, (2) social security benefits are awarded to those who are workers and retirees during the transition in accordance with the benefits they have accrued before the transition, and (3) these transitional benefits are paid for by means of a wage tax, an income tax, a consumption tax, or a combination of income taxes and deficit financing. Simulations in the A-K model indicate that the long-run effects on the macro economy differ substantially from the short-run effects, depending on how the transition is financed. Because consumption-tax financing produces much more rapid economic gains than either wageor income-tax financing (see Kotlikoff et al., 1997 and 1998), I discuss only the consumption-tax simulation in this article.


Parenting styles have been investigated for several decades and are considered predictors of behavior among young individuals. This study's objective was to produce a reduced version of a Brazilian measure that can used to evaluate such styles, the Parental Perception Questionnaire (PPQ-20), an instrument that is useful in assessing parenting styles. The participants were 386 elementary-school students (208 men) with a mean age of 12.7 years (sd = 1.60). The participants answered two versions of the PPQ, each one composed of 20 items to assess the young individuals' perceptions concerning their fathers (PPQ-20-F) and mothers (PPQ-20-M). The analysis of principal components (varimax rotation) revealed a two-component structure (responsiveness and demandingness) for both versions, which accounted for about 40% of the total variance. These components presented Cronbach's alpha scores above 0.70. Finally, there is evidence this measure has factorial validity and internal consistency.


The essence of the protection of the whole nation and the blood of Indonesia as a constitutional right is the protection of the glory as a whole human or in other words the protection of human dignity. In fact, however, person's right to be free from torture or the degrading treatment of human dignity has not fully functioned optimally. One of the causes is sexual violence. The results of the research indicate that the basic idea of sexual violence abolition departs from the fact of violence is more complex, which is not only related to criminal acts against sexual organs. Moreover, it is a manifestation of a form of discrimination caused by the perspective of gender bias in the cultural construction of patriarchal society. Legal issues also arise regarding the structure and culture of law enforcement that is not oriented towards the protection and fulfillment of the best interests for the victim. Such regulatory conditions, it seems difficult to rely only on efforts to abolish comprehensive sexual violence through existing regulations. It takes a strong commitment in the effort to abolish sexual violence with the paradigm of human dignity protection, as mandated by the 1945 Constitution. The essence of sexual violence abolition is to realize efforts to preventing, deal with and restore sexual violence due to gender-based violence as a form of justice in the values of respect for human dignity. Keywords: Human Rights, Legal Policy, Sexual Violence


The influence of estuarine zonation in a coastal lagoon on the population variability of exploited penaeid shrimps Farfantepenaeus aztecus, F. brasiliensis, F. duorarum and F. notialis (Crustacea: Decapoda) at the 'Ría Celestún' Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, was evaluated. Monthly samples of shrimp and environmental factors were taken throughout 1997 and 1998 in three zones (seaward, middle, inner) of Celestún lagoon. Salinity and aquatic vegetation biomass exhibited a clear spatial heterogeneity of habitat. A total of 20,757 shrimps were collected mainly at the seaward zone, which registered the highest salinity and aquatic vegetation biomass. This revealed the critical contribution of the seaward zone as the most suitable habitat for shrimp populations, mainly for recruits. Results support the implementation of spatially-explicit management strategies, such as the closure of the seaward zone for fishing activities. The significant relationship between the recruits and the subsequent abundance of shrimp in the lagoon also support this operational measure.


It is expected that the momentum transfer from a plasma igniter to the surrounding gas plays a critical part in determining the subsequent combustion process. The momentum imparted by several types of plasma plug igniter has been measured by mounting each igniter in a simple pendulum and recording the steady state amplitude attained when the igniter is energised in sychronism with the swings of the pendulum. This technique, being far more sensitive than the previous single-shot method, allows relatively fine comparisons to be made between different types of igniter. The individual momentum measurements lie reasonably close to a theoretical limit based on the conversion of the translational energy of the Joule heated gas within the cavity to kinetic energy. On this basis it seems unlikely that substantial increases in imparted momentum can be expected from plug redesign etc. A separate series of measurements with energy storage at capacitor voltages of 5-20 kV instead of the usual range of 0.3-1 kV reveals that the imparted momentum decreases by less than 30%. Since recent measurements have demonstrated that the marginal igniter lifetime can be substantially extended by working at such high voltages, the above small decrease encourages the view that high voltage operation may be a desirable option.


The aim of this research is to analyse the impact of the Marpol Annex VI1 amendment on (SSS) between the three major North Sea ports and Southern Europe. The transport network analysed in this research include the port of Antwerp, Hamburg, Rotterdam and their relation with France, Greece, Italy and Spain. The research is segmented using three modes of transport; SSS, road and rail transport.

The regulations imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) limit the degree of sulphur content in fuel used by vessels. For the predefined Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA) are these sulphur content limits lower than compared to the average limit for the international waters. The SECA's include the North Sea, English Channel and Baltic Sea. Although the Mediterranean region is not yet subject to these regulations, it is can be assumed that this will change in the future to support an equal competitive maritime industry. (Panagakos et al, 2014) The relation between the European ports and the Mediterranean region for SSS is important with a share of 29% in the overall SSS throughput. (Eurostat, 2014)

Starting in January 2015, the sulphur limit for SECA's will be reduced from 1.0% to 0.1% per mass. (IMO, 2014) As a consequence, the currently used heavy fuel oil (HFO) is not allowed in the SECA areas anymore. Companies sailing in these areas should find an alternative for HFO, this research will review the impact of switching to low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO). The use of LSFO will increase the bunkering costs for the ship owners, who will in turn increase the freight rates of all maritime transport subject to this, to recover these costs. Based on related academic research and data, the methodological approach to estimate the impact will be a Global Simulation Model (GSIM).

The outcome of the model is in line with the reasoning of other researchers confirming a modal backshift from SSS to especially road transport. Remarkable is the result for Rotterdam, where a large modal backshift occurs. Furthermore the results indicate that the port of Hamburg will substitute the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam. The decrease in SSS is variable within a range from -20 to 64% for the OD relations between the North Sea port and the Southern European countries.


The mean wall thickness, in relation to the external diameter, of 100 muscular arteries distended by barium gelatin at 100cm H2O pressure was calculated in "normal" lungs from patients who ranged in age from 3 to 79 years. For normal vessels less than 2 mm in diameter the mean was 2.4% of the external diameter. The mean for vessels in the five persons under 40 years was 1.8% but it was 2.8% for the five older individuals. Although this difference may reflect some increased muscularity with age, some of the increment may be related to a reduced distensibility of vessels caused by the accumulation of interstitial fluid, as manifested by increased weight in the older lungs. Intimal fibrosis was found to increase with age but occurred in less than 50% of the vessels measured.


Purpose: To investigate the midterm outcomes of subintimal angioplasty in occluded superficial femoral arteries (SFA) and evaluate the clinical and procedural factors affecting these results. Methods: Between April 2004 and April 2012, 150 patients (122 men; mean age 69±10 years) with chronic total occlusions in the SFA underwent subintimal angioplasty with primary stenting in 172 limbs. The average lesion length was 22.6±8.5 cm. Stents were routinely implanted at the proximal entry into the subintimal channel. The primary endpoint was binary restenosis. Results: Technical success was achieved in 161 (94%) limbs; there were no procedure-related deaths or complications requiring surgery, but distal embolization and arterial perforation occurred in 2 and 4 limbs, respectively. The cumulative freedom from binary restenosis rates at 1 and 3 years were 77% and 59%, respectively, in the entire study group. The 96 patients without critical limb ischemia (CLI) had significantly higher patency rates at 1 and 3 years (84% and 66%, respectively) than the 54 patients with CLI (66% and 43%, respectively; p=0.011). Based on multivariate analysis, a larger number of stents, lower post-procedure ankle-brachial index, and lower body mass index were each independent predictors of binary restenosis. Conclusion: Subintimal angioplasty with routine stenting at the proximal stump is safe and effective for the treatment of chronic total SFA occlusions.


Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is a common pathogen that causes skin and venereal diseases. To date, a cure for this pathogen does not exist. Therefore, the development of a vaccine to prevent infection with the virus seems to be the best solution. DNA vaccines represent a novel vaccine formulation, which is able to induce an immune response. In the present study, we used genetic engineering technologies to ligate the HSV-1 protein Vp23 into the pcDNA3.1 plasmid, resulting in the constructed plasmid pcDNA3.1-UL18, the potential DNA vaccine against HSV- 1.The pcDNA3.1-UL18 (p-Vp23) was used for mice immunization. Determination of serum IgG levels, serum neutralization antibody titers, proliferation of spleen lymphocytes, Delayed Hypersensitivity Test reaction, as well as detection of the inflammatory factors IFN-, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in spleen cells revealed that the constructed p-Vp23, to a certain extent, was able to induce immune response in mice.


Redundant test cases in newly generated test suites often remain undetected until execution and waste scarce project resources. In model-based testing, the testing process starts early on in the developmental phases and enables early fault detection. The redundancy in the test suites generated from models can be detected earlier as well and removed prior to its execution. The article presents a novel model-based test suite optimization technique involving UML Activity Diagrams by formulating the test suite optimization problem as an Equality Knapsack Problem. The aim here is the development of a test suite optimization framework that could optimize the model-based test suites by removing the redundant test cases. An evolution-based algorithm is incorporated into the framework and is compared with the performances of two other algorithms. An empirical study is conducted with four synthetic and industrial scale Activity Diagram models and results are presented.


When a thin laser crystal disk is used with a nearly flat-top pump profile, the heat flux can be considered to be one-dimensional. This results in a homogeneous temperature and stress profile within the laser medium leading to reduction of thermal effects. A nearly flat-top pump profile is achieved with a two-pass cylindrical-lens coupling system. An average output power of 550 W is obtained by an average pumping


Introduction: The combination of several processing technologies can open the possibility for producing scaffolds with superior performance for tissue engineering (TE) applications. Hydrogels are structurally similar to the natural extracellular matrix microenvironment presenting high elasticity and resistance to compression forces. They have been extensively used in biomedical devices fabrication and for TE applications, including for cartilage defects repair[1]. Recently, it was found that proteins like silk fibroin (SF), presenting tyrosine groups can be used to prepare fast formed hydrogels with controlled gelation properties, via an enzyme-mediated cross-linking reaction using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)[2],[3]. Moreover, the high versatility, processability and tailored mechanical properties of SF, make this natural polymer attractive for the development of innovative scaffolding strategies for cartilage TE applications[4],[5]. Materials and Methods: The present work proposes a novel route for developing SF-based scaffolds derived from highconcentrated SF (16wt%) enzymatically cross-linked by a HRP/H2O2 complex. The combination of salt-leaching and freeze-drying methodologies was used to prepare macro/microporous SF scaffolds with an interconnected structure and specific features regarding biodegradation and mechanical properties (Fig. 1a). The scaffolds morphology and porosity were analyzed by SEM and micro-CT. The mechanical properties (Instron) and protein conformation (FTIR, XRD) were also assessed. In order to evaluate the scaffolds structural integrity, swelling ratio and degradation profile studies were performed for a period of 30 day. This work also aims to evaluate the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation response by culturing human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) over 21 days in basal and chondrogenic conditions. Cell behaviour in the presence of the macro/microporous structures will be evaluated through different quantitative (Live/Dead, DNA, GAGs, RT PCR) and qualitative (SEM, histology, immunocytochemistry) assays. Results and Discussion: The macro/microporous SF scaffolds showed high porosity and interconnectivity with the trabecular structures evenly distributed (Fig. 1b,c). A dramatic decrease of compressive modulus was observed for samples in hydrated state. Chemical analysis revealed that SF scaffolds displayed the characteristic peaks for β-sheet conformation. Swelling ratio data demonstrated a large swelling capacity, maintaining their structural integrity for 30 days. As expected, when immersed in protease XIV the degradation rate of SF scaffolds increased. Based on the promising morphology and physicochemical properties of the developed SF scaffolds, in vitro chondrogenic differentiation studies with hASCs are envisioned in order to validate their performance for cartilage regeneration applications.


Abstract Niobium and tantalum, rare metals and high field strength elements (HFSEs) that are essential to modern technologies, are concentrated among others in lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites and rare metal granites. The most important hosts for Nb-Ta in these types of deposits are the columbite group minerals (columbite-tantalite), but at some ore deposits significant Ta is also contained in wodginite, microlite, and tapiolite. Previous solubility experiments of HFSE minerals have been limited to high temperatures because of the slow diffusivities of HFSEs in granitic melts. An experiment protocol is described herein that allows HFSE mineral solubilities to be determined at lower temperatures, more in line with the estimated solidus temperatures of LCT pegmatites and rare metal granites. This is achieved through the interaction of a melt that is enriched in high field strength elements (e.g., P and Nb or Ta) with a fluid enriched in a fluid-mobile element (FME, e. g., Mn). A starting glass enriched in a slow diffusing HFSE was synthesized, and HFSE mineral saturation is obtained via the diffusion of a FME into the melt via interaction with a fluid. This interaction can occur at much lower temperatures in reasonable experimental durations than for experiments that require diffusion of niobium and tantalum. The solubility product of columbite-(Mn) from the fluid-melt interaction experiment in a highly fluxed granitic melt at 700 °C is the same as those from dissolution and crystallization (reversal) experiments at the same P-T conditions. Thus, both methods produce reliable measurements of mineral solubility, and the differences in the metal concentrations in the quenched melts indicates that the solubility of columbite-(Mn) follows Henry's Law. Results show that columbite-(Mn) saturation can be reached at geologically reasonable concentrations of niobium in melts and manganese in hydrothermal fluids. This experimental protocol also allows the investigation of HFSE mineral crystallization by fluid-melt interactions in rare-metal pegmatites. Magmatic origins for columbite group minerals are well constrained, but hydrothermal Nb-Ta mineralization has also been proposed for pegmatite-hosted deposits such as Tanco, Greenbushes, and granite-hosted deposits such as Cínovec/Zinnwald, Dajishan, and Yichun. This study shows that columbite-(Mn), lithiophilite, and a Ca-Ta oxide mineral (that is likely microlite) crystallized from experiments in fluid-melt systems at temperatures as low as 650 °C at 200 MPa. It is important to note that HFSE minerals that crystallize from fluid-melt interactions texturally occur as euhedral crystals as phenocrysts in glass, i.e., are purely magmatic textures. Therefore, crystallization of HFSE minerals from fluid-melt interactions in rare metal granites and pegmatite deposits may be more widespread than previously recognized. This is significant because the formation of these deposits may require magmatic-hydrothermal interaction to explain the textures present in deposits worldwide, rather than always being the result of a single melt or fluid phase.


The synergism between wormlike micelles formed from sodium oleate (NaOA) and hydrophobically modified polyacrylic acid (HMPA) was investigated according to their macroscopic performances and mesoscopic scales, using a combination of viscosity/rheology measurements and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) molecular simulations. The rheology of NaOA wormlike micelles changed significantly following the addition of a small amount of HMPA, which verified the synergistic effect between them. A peak in the apparent viscosity was observed following an increase in the concentration of HMPA, suggesting that the synergistic effect was restricted by the composition of the mixture. A DPD simulation also confirmed that the solution composition had an influence on the root mean square (RMS) end-to-end distances of HMPA, with the observed value fluctuating according to NaOA and HMPA concentrations. The micellar morphology affected the RMS end-to-end distances of HMPA and the presence of NaOA micelles exerted a significant impact on the extension of HMPA at high HMPA concentrations. A proposed synergistic mechanism has been presented according to the experimental and simulation results.


Iran is one of the most important mohair-producing countries in the world. Markhoz goat is the only breed producing mohair in Iran that is showing endangerment trend in its native breeding region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Markhoz goat and its color types using ISSR markers. Four primers were designed and two of them were selected based on their number of bands and polymorphic properties. These primers generated a total of 28 amplification products, from which 23 bands were polymorphic, revealing 82.14% polymorphism. The average ( ± standard error) of gene diversity (h) in Markhoz goat was 0.34 ± 0.18. The study of genetic diversity in Markhoz color types (Saddle Brown, Sandy Brown and Black) determined that total heterozygosity (Ht), heterozygosity within color types (HS) and the diversity between color types (Dst) were 0.33, 0.30 and 0.03, respectively. The coefficient of population differentiation (Gst) was 0.91. These results indicate that the genetic variation between color types is a small part of the total heterozygosity. The genetic distance between colors types using Nei standard genetic distance and Nei unbiased genetic distance methods was calculated. Phylogenetic danderogram of color types grouped Saddle Brown and Sandy Brown types in one cluster and Black types in another cluster that in agreement with their phenotypic similarities. The results obtained from genetic diversity of color types indicated that the highest and lowest genetic diversity exist in Saddle Brown and Black color types, respectively. Then it seems, to conserve all color types, the breeding programs should be conducted to improve genetic diversity in Black color type.


No high-level evidences about the best technique or the best implant to use for obtaining the best outcomes in aesthetic breast augmentation, with low complications and re-interventions rates exist from available literature. In this paper we present the actual best evidence about the etiopathogenesis of main complications in aesthetic breast augmentation, identifying some basic rules to follow in order to reduce complication rates in our daily activity, minimizing re-interventions, obtaining long lasting results and high women's satisfaction levels.


Arundhaty Roy's novel The God of Small Things is a political manuscript which conveys Marxist approach and throws the light on the fact that the Indian society is so much primitive that there is still the caste system in it. There is class struggle in the society and on the base of the resources the society has been divided in two main groups; bourgeoisie and proletariat. Bourgeoisie is the upper class of society that creates an ideology for the benefits of its own and tries to exploit the lower class for its own benefits. At the same time there have been given so many suggestions to improve the present state of affairs. However, the study argues about the communism, its impacts, false ideology of the bourgeoisie, exploitation of the lower class by the upper class, feminist perspective and the colonial impacts and mainly the Marxist thoughts. In the same way to novel also illustrates the view point of writer that how the Indian society should be. This study is qualitative in approach with Marxist theoretical perspective in the background of indian society. The study is delimited to the text of Arundhaty Roy' The God of Small Things by using Karl Marx approach towards society


The pathogenesis of AMD involves impaired protein degradation in RPE cells. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and the lysosomal pathway including autophagy are the major proteolytic systems in eukaryotic cells. Prior to proteolysis, heat shock proteins (HSPs) attempt to refold stress-induced misfolded proteins and thus prevent the accumulation of cytoplasmic protein aggregates. Recently, p62/sequestosome 1 has been shown to be a key player linking the proteasomal and lysosomal clearance systems.The aging characteristics of the RPE involve lysosomal accumulation of lipofuscin and extracellular protein aggregates drusens. Molecular mechanisms behind protein aggregations are weakly understood. There is intriguing evidence suggesting that p62, together with autophagy, seems to have a role in the pathology of different degenerative diseases. In ARPE-19 cells proteasomal inhibition caused accumulation of p62 bound irreversibly to perinuclear protein aggregates. The addition of the AMPK activator AICAR was pro-survival and promoted cleansing by autophagy of the former complex. Human AMD donor samples showed strong p62 accumulation in the drusen rich macula revealing impaired autophagy flux.


The shift of Ne X Lyman lines in laser plasmas is calculated by using a self-consistent potential and an inhomogeneous quasi-static field to account for electrons and ion perturbers, respectively. Our results agree with those of other self-consistent models in which the distributions of perturbers are Boltzmann-like. We also examine the effect of electron screening on the E1-transition probabilities.


In this paper we consider an aerial vehicle equipped with a monocular camera and inertial sensors. Additionally, a laser pointer is mounted on the vehicle and it produces a laser spot. The laser spot is observed by the monocular camera and it is the unique point feature used in the proposed approach. We focus our attention to the case when the vehicle moves in proximity of a planar surface and in particular when the laser spot belongs to this surface. The paper provides two main contributions. The former is the analytical derivation of all the observable modes, i.e. all the physical quantities that can be determined by only using the inertial data and the camera observations of the laser spot during a short time-interval. Specifically, it is shown that the observable modes are: the distance of the vehicle from the planar surface; the component of the vehicle speed, which is orthogonal to the planar surface; the relative orientation of the vehicle with respect to the planar surface; the orientation of the planar surface with respect to the gravity. The second contribution is the introduction of a simple recursive method to perform the estimation of all the aforementioned observable modes. This method is based on a local decomposition of the original system, which separates the observable modes from the rest of the system. The method is validated by using synthetic data. Additionally, preliminary tests with real data are provided and more complete experiments are in progress. The presented approach can be integrated in the framework of autonomous take-off and landing, safe touch-down and low altitude manoeuvres even in dark or featureless environment.


The stirrer of conventional machine rotates in one direction only which creates a specific flow pattern within the fluids hence the particles tend to stay to the walls of container owing to the force instead of mixing thoroughly in mixture of paint, ultimately results into poor quality mixture of paints there by poor quality output of paint . In order to possess a through mixing of metal oxide powder it might be appropriate to possess a stirrer that rotates such rotates about own axis also revolves about another fixed axis which helps it reach all parts of the container. This ensures that turbulence required for thorough mixing is provided all over the container. It would be advantageous to vary pattern of flow, which avoids vortex formation, i.e. motion of particles in a spiral path. Also if a wiper is added that brings the particles adhering to walls of container back to main flow or mixing area, good quality mixture are going to be ensured. The planetary mixer with strainer may be a perfect solution that has all the above mentioned features. This machine involves a rotating stirrer that revolves about the fixed container axis also as incorporates an strainer that changes the flow pattern and also acts as a wiper. Machine has variable mixing speed feature at an equivalent time delivers heavy torque to the stirrer for proper mixing.


Drewell (R) (diphenhydramine:DPH) is a histamine H1 receptor antagonist and the first OTC sleep aid in Japan. There are few studies which objectively evaluate the sedative effects in elderly subjects. The aim of present study was to evaluate the sedative effects of Drewell (R) in healthy elderly and to compare the results with data from young subjects on which we reported previously. A placebo controlled, double-blind, crossover clinical pharmacological study was performed. Eight Japanese healthy elderly male volunteers received 2 tablets of Drewell (R), containing 50mg DPH, or matched placebo orally. Plasma levels of DPH after administration were measured hourly up to 4 hours and every 2 hours up to 8 hours. The sedative effects after the dose were measured by using the saccadic eye movement analyzing system for objective assessment and visual analogue scale (VAS) for subjective assessment. After Drewell (R) administration the saccadic peak velocity (SPV) was decreased and saccade inaccuracy (IAC) was increased compared with placebo. There were no significant differences in saccade latency and VAS. The onset of significant decrease of SPV in elderly was delayed compared to young subjects (90 min in elderly vs 30 min in young) although pharmacokinetic parameters were similar in elderly and young subjects. However, the available data of both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic at the same time point until sedation onset was only 60 min. Therefore further investigation is necessary to precisely determine the differences of onset of the sedative effect up to 90 min after Drewell (R) administration.


The present study was designed towards the design and development of fast disintegrating tablets by direct compression technology using Ranitidine HCl as a model drug. Fast disintegrating tablet of Ranitidine HCl was formulated using two Superdisintegrants in different concentrations i.e. 30 mg and 35 mg. Kollidon CL and Sodium Starch Glycolate are used as Superdisintegrants. All the batches were prepared by direct compression method using the Single punch tablet compression machine using 13 mm diameter. Disintegration time and drug release were taken as the basis to optimize the immediate release tablet. Prepared tablets were evaluated for thickness, hardness, friability, uniformity of weight, disintegration time and dissolution study. Tablets containing 30 mg Kollidon CL showed the faster disintegration time (25-30 Secs) and percent of drug release (90% in 15mins) as compared to other superdisintegrating agent. KEYWORDS: Ranitidine HCl, Superdisintegrants, Direct Compression, Fast Disintegrating Tablet.


The literature connecting social capital with natural resources management has increased significantly in the past decade. Several studies have indicated that higher levels of social capital may lead to improved environmental management by communities. In this context, a multidimensional concept of social capital is used and its connection with environmental policy implementation is explored. The social capital components investigated are: social and institutional trust, social norms and social networks. This provides a first attempt to investigate the interconnections between these social capital components and different types of environmental policy instruments. Furthermore, social capital is connected to the constraints imposed by different instruments and the way that they are perceived by citizens.


The physical upper limit of hydrogen uptake for powder and compressed pellet MIL-101 has been experimentally investigated. Maximum uptake in pellets at 20 K achieves 9.6 wt% and 42 g L−1. Moreover, cryo-adsorption of hydrogen on pellets compared to liquid H2 possesses a larger temperature window for operation without boil-off loss, which will be beneficial for industrial applications.


Samples of croakers namely Pseudotolithus senegalensis, P. typus, P. brachygnathus, P.elongatus, P.epipercus and P. moorii of the family Sciaenidaewere subjected toisoelectric focusing methodology using LKB 2117 Multiphor 11 electrofocusing apparatus for electrofocusing and identification. A high resolution of pH gradient (pH 4 - 6) was necessary to distinguish the differences and similarities in the protein banding patterns among the Pseudotolithus sp. and to produce species specific patterns. The electrographs of P. senegalensis and P. typus showed minor variants between them but differed from the rest of the species. They were all species specific.Differences in the protein patterns at the cathode and the middle portions of the gels in all the species were observed. The migration of second to the last major band in P.epipercus had the least distance of migration towards the anode or acidic end. The densitometric tracings showed differences in their banding patterns as shown by graphical representations of the bands. There was a total of 2 major bands at the acidic or anode range in P. senegalensis, P. typus, P. epipercus and P. moorii and 3 in P. brachygnathus and P. elongatus. Key words : Isoelectricfocusing,Pseudotolithus sp.,protein profile
Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.18(1) 2003: 39-42


The first evidence of native cyclodextrins fusion was registered using fast scanning calorimetry (FSC) with heating rates up to 40,000 K s−1. The endothermal effects, detected at low heating rates, correspond to the decomposition processes. Upon the increase of the heating rate the onset of these effects shifts to higher temperatures, reaching a limiting value at high heating rates. The limiting temperatures were identified as the melting points of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins, as the decomposition processes are suppressed at high heating rates. For γ-cyclodextrin the fusion enthalpy was measured. The activation energies of thermal decomposition of cyclodextrins were determined by dependence of the observed thermal effects on heating rates from 4 K min−1 in conventional differential scanning calorimetry to 40,000 K s−1 in FSC. The lower thermal stability and activation energy of decomposition of β-cyclodextrin than for the other two cyclodextrins were found, which may be explained by preliminary phase transition and chemical reaction without mass loss. The obtained values of fusion parameters of cyclodextrins are needed in theoretical models widely used for prediction of solubility and solution rates and in preparation of cyclodextrin inclusion compounds involving heating.


This collection contains eight boxes of documents and miscellaneous items collected by Mr. Hubert McLendon. The items in this collection consist of a broad variety of materials which mainly pertain to Mr. McLendon's Confederate interest in the Civil War. He compiled a large amount of papers from book chapters to essays to magazines to photographs within this interest. The collection is arranged alphabetically by type of material into fifty-five series, then chronologically within each series, where applicable.


This ADC is aimed at medical imaging such as digital x-ray where multiple channels from a photodiode array are multiplexed to a number of ADCs. These ADCs need to have a dynamic range in excess of 90dB to cater for the distance and composition of tissues that the x-rays have passed through. INL matching between converters of about 1 LSB at the 16b level is also required to avoid visible artifacts across pixel boundaries. These INL and dynamic range specifications are met by a number of commercially available 16b successive approximation (SA) ADCs but none at conversion rates more than 4 MHz. Conversion rate can be increased by determining 2 or more bits per bit trial by using a low resolution flash within a SA ADC. In [1] the residue amplifier (RA) that drives the inputs of the flash converter is within the SA loop. Sufficient time must be allowed for this RA to settle to the required accuracy each bit trial. [2] has no gain between the SA DACs and the flash and so avoids any RA settling delays. However to avoid upsetting the SA algorithm, the flash comparator errors must remain smaller than the size of each trial space. As a result this latter approach has so far been limited to low to medium resolution ADCs.


Background: Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are now the major cause of death and disability worldwide and increasingly affect people from developing as well as developed countries. NCDs account for 44 % of premature deaths worldwide. Over the next 20 years, it will cost > US $30 trillion. It was defined as the total amount of own money respondents spent on both medical expenses and nonmedical expenses related to care processes pertinent to healthcare. High levels of out of pocket expenditure on healthcare may leave insufficient income for other necessities, and may impede access to healthcare, affecting health status and quality of life. Objective: To determine the level of out of pocket expenditure of Egyptian patients who suffered from non communicable diseases. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on Al-Hosary Family Health Center (6th October City, Egypt) targeted chronic patients older than 18 years with one or more of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia. An interviewing questionnaire was designed for data collection, which had been gathered during the period from February, 2014 to end of April, 2014. The number of patients who attended the center in that time and accepted to participate in the study and were sure about data related to their diseases and costs were 146 patients. Results: Results showed that mean age of the study participants was 48+6 years. Majority (76.7%) of the participants was females, 53.4% of the participants were suffering from DM while those who were suffering from hypertension represented 39.7% and 29.5% of them were suffered from dyslipidemia. 87% of the studied sample was non smoker while only 1.4% were alcoholic. 36.3% of the participants had different levels of regular physical activity; 11 % of them reached the required level of physical activity (≥ 30 minutes/day). Measuring of the obesity parameters revealed that mean BMI was 27+3 and mean waist circumference was 104+2 cm. Concerning out of pocket expenditure, 44.5% of the participants spent 500-1000 Egyptian pounds monthly for the management of their chronic diseases (DM, hypertension, dyslipidemia) while those who spent 1000 L.E. monthly. The mean monthly out of pocket expenditure for the studied patients was 506.3+202.9 L.E. Concerning monthly out of pocket expenditure in relation to gender and employment, there is no significant statistical differences. There is a statistical highly significant difference between monthly out of pocket expenditure and number of chronic diseases. Conclusion: There is a high out of pocket expenditure for Egyptians with NCDs. Recommendations: Searching for alternatives for financial support of those patients, establishing a national health insurance program, effective intersectoral action, and improved access to basic healthcare.


A new Sommerfeld integral path is proposed for a dielectric slab with double negative metamaterials. In order to conceive the proper Sommerfeld integral path, the mode properties of a grounded dielectric slab with double negative metamaterials are first reviewed. Dispersion diagrams and power flows are investigated, followed by a summary of sign choices for possible solutions. The mode loci in the kρ-plane is studied, as it provides crucial information in proposing a proper Sommerfeld integral path. It is found that layered double negative materials have a different Sommerfeld integral path as compared to the conventional layered double positive media. The numerical difficulties associated with the Sommerfeld integral path are investigated, and an accelerating method that greatly speeds up convergence is suggested by properly transforming the integral domain from kρ-plane to kz-plane. Finally, several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the importance of choosing correct integral paths and to unveil the exotic properties and potential applications of double negative metamaterials.


......................................... .................................................................... ii DEDICATION .......................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................... iv TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................... v LIST OF TABLES .................................... .................................................................. viii LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................. ix CHAPTER


INTRODUCTION
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a functional renal failure due to intense renal vasoconstriction that frequently develops in patients with cirrhosis. Past studies reported that in almost half of the cases of HRS, one or more precipitating factors can be identified. We conducted a study to determine the Precipitating factors and outcome of hepatorenal Syndrome in liver cirrhosis.

MATERIALS
This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in tertiary care centre. A total of 62 consecutive patients admitted with HRS were included in this study. All adult patients admitted with diagnosis chronic liver disease with hepatorenal syndrome after applying exclusion criteria. The precipitants of HRS were correlated with the type of HRS; length of hospital stay and mortality.

RESULT
Among the 62 subjects, 52% were alcoholics who were predominantly male and they had alcoholic cirrhosis. 21% and 16% were affected by hepatitis B and C respectively. Remaining 11% of them had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Bacterial infection and Large volume paracentesis had the longest duration of stay 16 ± 2 days and 12 deaths, GI bleed was around 12 ± 1 days and 4 deaths, ug induced HRS had 8 ± 2 days and 2 deaths, unknown factors were 5 ± 2 days.

CONCLUSION
Patients presenting with two or more precipitating factors and advanced grade of HE had a prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality rate. Spontaneous bacterial infection was the most common precipitating factor at our centre. References Ginès A, Escorsell A, Ginès P, et al. Incidence, predictive factors, and prognosis of the hepatorenal syndrome in cirrhosis with ascites. Gastroenterology 1993;105(1):229-236. Arroyo V, Ginès P, Alexander L, et al. Definition and diagnostic criteria of refractory ascites and hepatorenal syndrome in cirrhosis. International Ascites Club. Hepatology 1996;23(1):164- 176.


Huge quantity of information is lying quiescent in historical manuscripts. This information would go wasted if it is not stored digitally. In keyword spotting, all occurrences of a query keyword image are retrieved from scanned document images. The problem of spotting words from handwritten documents is difficult due to its huge changeability in writing styles and its large vocabulary. Existing keyword spotting approach is mainly based on statistical depiction of word image. This paper presents an efficient structural depiction of word image, where the handwritten words are represented using graph based method for historical handwritten devanagari manuscripts. Experimentation is conducted on historical handwritten Shankaracharya's documents written in Devanagari. The results were promising in terms of accuracy and efficiency.


The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of interpreting the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) in constructivist terms. This research project involved a qualitative approach, focusing on abductive discovery and phenomenological critique. From constructivist theory, the core ordering processes of reality, identity, power, value, and relatedness were used to interpret a subject's TAT narratives. The author of the study chose one subject from the three with which he worked to present a case study. Chapter One of the research project reviews the literature of both TAT studies and constructivist theory. The author first discussed reliability and validity studies involving the TAT. Second, the author discussed constructivist theory, focusing on its philosophical antecedents and its theoretical framework. Chapter Two of the project establishes the methods and procedures utilized during the project. The core ordering processes as taken from constructivist theory are defined and discussed in detail. Chapter Three represents the bulk of the study, presenting the results and discussion of the results. Following a discussion of the results, the author critiqued the results, and based on the critique discussed procedural changes and implications for future research.


The use of light weight magnesium alloy offers significant potential towards improvement of the automotive fuel efficiency. However, the application of formed magnesium alloy components in auto-body structures is restricted due to the low formability at room temperature and lack of knowledge for processing magnesium alloys at elevated temperatures. In this study, a warm tensile test of magnesium alloys was performed to measure tensile strength and elongation. An improvement in formability was confirmed at increased temperatures above about 250°C. Car body warm forming technology was conducted for forming forming reinforced dash components of the magnesium alloy AZ31B sheet at elevated temperatures.


Tropical forest landscapes face competing demands for conserving biodiversity, sustaining ecosystem services and accommodating production systems such as forestry and agriculture. Land-sparing and land-sharing have emerged as contrasting strategies to manage trade-offs between production and biodiversity conservation. Both strategies are evident in land-management policies at local-to-international scales. However, studies rarely report the impacts of these strategies, assessed for multiple stakeholders and multiple ecosystem services, particularly in real landscapes. Using a case study from a high-priority region for forest protection, restoration and rural development in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, we analysed the potential outcomes under 10 alternative policy scenarios, including land-sharing, land-sparing and mixed strategies. We used a novel optimization process integrating integer programming with conservation-planning software (Marxan with Zones) to identify production possibility frontiers (PPFs), highlighting the trade-off between smallholder agriculture and oil palm, subject to achievement of a set of carbon, timber and biodiversity conservation targets. All policy scenarios modelled proved to be capable of achieving all targets simultaneously. Most strategies resulted in an expansion of the PPF from the baseline, increasing the flexibility of land allocation to achieve all targets. Mixed strategies gave the greatest flexibility to achieve targets, followed closely by land-sparing. Land-sharing only performed better than the baseline when no yield penalties were incurred, and resulted in PPF contraction otherwise. Strategies assessed required a minimum of 29-37 to be placed in conservation zones, notably protecting the majority of remaining forest, but requiring little reforestation. Policy implications. Production possibility frontiers (PPFs) can evaluate a broad spectrum of land-use policy options. When using targets sought by multiple stakeholders within an ecosystem services framework, PPFs can characterize biophysical, socio-economic and institutional dimensions of policy trade-offs in heterogeneous landscapes. All 10 policy strategies assessed in our case study are biophysically capable of achieving all stakeholder objectives, provided at least 29-37 of the landscape is conserved for biodiversity. This novel methodological approach provides practical options for systematic analysis in complex, multifunctional landscapes, and could, when integrated within a larger planning and implementation process, inform the design of land-use policies that maximize stakeholder satisfaction and minimize conflict. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Applied Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Ecological Society.


This paper analyzes the developments in Croatian tourism sector during the last decade. Croatian tourism indicators are compared to the indicators of other Mediterranean countries with strong tourism activity and a dominance of the "sun and sea" tourism product. The results of the analysis suggest that tourism in Croatia exhibits favorable results in terms of strong growth in tourism revenues, decreasing unit labor cost, increasing labor productivity, gross value added, and employment in hotels and restaurants. The problems of Croatian tourism are reflected in insufficient investments in hotels and restaurants, which constrains the faster growth of accommodation capacities and overnight stays, both of which are still below the pre-war levels. Furthermore, pronounced seasonality and the related low occupancy of accommodation capacities, net losses of hotels and restaurants and higher prices of products and services related to tourism demand compared to competition and emitive markets, also present a problem for the Croatian tourism sector.


Particle swarm optimization is used for the training of the action network and critic network of the adaptive dynamic programming approach. The typical structures of the adaptive dynamic programming and particle swarm optimization are adopted for comparison to other learning algorithms such as gradient descent method. Besides simulation on the balancing of a cart pole plant, a more complex plant pendulum robot (pendubot) is tested for the learning performance. Compared to traditional adaptive dynamic programming approaches, the proposed evolutionary learning strategy is verified as faster convergence and higher efficiency. Furthermore, the structure becomes simple because the plant model does not need to be identified beforehand


Introduction. Chapter 1: Exploring the Living World. Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life. Chapter 3: The Living Cell. Chapter 4: Energy and Organisms. Chapter 5: Reproducing Cells. Chapter 6: DNA and Proteins: Life Partners. Chapter 7: Ecosystems and Populations. Chapter 8: Understanding Genetics. Chapter 9: Biological Evolution. Chapter 10: Ten Great Biology Discoveries. Index.


This article was written as a response to Chris Smaje's review, "The Strong Perennial Vision: A Critical Review" [this issue]. In his review, Smaje argues that society in general, and the research community in particular should question whether to invest substantially in the development of perennial grains because a) ecological theory suggests that perennial grains may yield less than annual grains; b) strong criticisms of annual agriculture are unfounded, both socially and ecologically; and c) focus on perennial grains detracts from more important strategies for achieving agricultural sustainability. We counter these three arguments by showing a) that Grime's C-S-R theory employed by Smaje is not meaningful when used to predict the "evolvability" of perennial species under selection in agricultural environments; b) that annual grain ecosystems have not broadly achieved an acceptable level of ecosystem function or resilience; and c) that perennial grain research is not currently attracting the attention or resources that other, less promising and less transformative research efforts garner.


A frequency modulated semiconductor laser and an interferometer are used as a source of very high frequency amplitude modulation to measure the response of optical detectors. This new technique does not require a laser with a flat, or even known, frequency response, and measures the detector response at frequencies well above the modulation frequency applied to the laser. The response of several InGaAs p-i-n detectors has been measured to 22 GHz using 1.3- and 1.55-μm semiconductor lasers modulated at only 500 MHz. These measurements were not limited by the measurement method, which may be capable of measuring bandwidths substantially in excess of 20 GHz.


A mixture interacting multiple model (MIMM) algorithm is proposed to enhance speech contaminated by additive nonstationary noise. In this approach, a mixture hidden filter model (HFM) is used for clean speech modeling and a single hidden filter is used for noise process modeling. The MIMM algorithm gives better enhancement results than the IMM algorithm. The results show that the proposed method offers performance gain compared to the previous results in with slightly increased complexity.


The members of the Committee on Visual Economics during the past year have extended their effort toward bringing about a greater uniformity in the administration of compensation laws. A complete review of the compensation statutes and laws of all the states has been made (tables 1 and 2). Table 1 sets forth the basic factors used by the different states in computing visual disability. Table 2 sets forth schedules for loss of visual acuity which have been adopted by the designated states. Similar tables were compiled by Dr. Walter Small several years past. These have been revised and brought up to date and are herewith presented by the Committee on Visual Economics. It may be noted that twenty-one states have adopted statutory schedules for loss of visual acuity, that onestate has no compensation law, that one has passed a law which has not been adopted by the electorate, that


Background: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) plays a fundamental role in the development of tissue fibrosis by stimulating matrix deposition and mediating many of the pro-fibrotic effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. CCN2 induction by TGF-β in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) is likely to play an important role in the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the induction of CCN2 by TGF-β1 and the possible mechanisms of this induction in human PTECs. Methods: Experiments were performed on primary and transformed (human kidney cell (HKC)-clone 8) human PTECs. Induction of CCN2 in response to TGF-β1 was studied at the gene promoter level by reporter gene assay, mRNA by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and protein by immunoblotting. While chemical inhibitors were used to assess the role of Ras/MEK/ERK1,2 signalling, an HKC cell line over-expressing Smad7 was used to assess the role of Smad signalling in induction of CCN2 by TGF-β1. Results: TGF-β1 induced CCN2 promoter activity, mRNA and protein in human PTECs. TGF-β1-dependent CCN2 promoter activity was reduced by inhibiting Ras and MEK activation. MEK inhibition also resulted in inhibition of the TGF-β1-induced secreted CCN2 protein. There was no significant increase in CCN2 gene promoter activity or protein by TGF-β1 in Smad7 over-expressing HKCs. Conclusions: TGF-β1 induces the expression of CCN2 in human PTECs. This induction is dependent on Ras/MEK/ERK and Smad signalling. Inhibiting TGF-β induced CCN2 by targeting Smad and/or Ras/MEK/ERK1,2 signalling pathways could be of therapeutic value in renal fibrosis.


This work presents a silicon evaluation of testing for small-delay defects using an approach called longest path avoidance testing. The motivation for LPA testing is to improve outgoing product quality by identifying delay defects that escape critical path delay testing. Results from experiments run on high volume production 180 nm ASIC are quantified in terms of test escapes and reliability escapes. Techniques for modeling the impact of small-delay testing are discussed.


Context: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Establishing early detection methods or markers of CRC is central to improve the survival rate of CRC patients. Nowadays, new molecular tools have been developed to acquire further knowledge on tumor progression. Aims: Comparative proteomics analysis of Vietnamese colorectal carcinoma in different stages was performed to gain an insight into the molecular events taking place in CRC and metastasis. Subjects and Methods: In this study, the comparative protein expression analysis of ten paired CRC and its corresponding noncancerous tissue samples was performed using the combination of isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation labeling and mass spectrometry (MS). The data obtained were further analyzed with Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) system. Results: Based on the MS/MS spectra analyzed by ProteinPilot software, 684 proteins were identified, out of which 215 were observed to be differentially expressed in at least 1 sample pair. Individual protein expression and variation have been identified for each patient. IPA system demonstrated cytoskeletal signaling as the top-ranked functional pathway network associated with the oncogenic function. Conclusions: Our study supplemented the understanding about proteome of Vietnamese CRC patients and identified statistically protein expression differences among samples assisting in finding effective biomarkers for CRC diagnostics.


The available thermodynamic data on the platinum group metals (PGMs) are summarized with reference to the use of these metals and their alloys at high temperatures. The significance of these data with regard to reactions with various environments and resulting corrosion effects are discussed. The influence of solubility limits in platinum solid solutions on achievable strength properties and the importance of oxide dispersion hardening for further improving strength and corrosion resistance are illustrated.


An 18-day-old boy with a recent history of circumcision presented with abdominal swelling and inability to pass urine. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension with a firm penile dressing. The diagnosis of peritonitis was made, and urinary bladder rupture with ascites was found at laparotomy. He had a smooth postoperative recovery and was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. At follow up one month post-surgery, he is well with good bladder function and no evidence of a urethral stricture. Urinary bladder rupture is an extremely rare complication of circumcision, in this case possibly due to an occlusive dressing. Early identification is key to good prognosis of such patients


A thorough investigation on the seismic response of lattice shells is presented in this paper. Based on the theoretical analysis and hundreds of calculating examples, conclusions on the seismic performances of lattice shells are obtained. As a result, practical methods on calculating internal forces for lattice shells due to earthquake are introduced in the Technical Specification for Lattice Shells in China.


Phalotris labiomaculatus Lema, 2002 was described based on a single specimen from Porto Franco, south of the Brazilian state of Maranhão, being rediscovered three years later in Mateiros, a municipality in the north of the state of Tocantins, attesting to its occurrence in the cerrado of both banks of the Tocantins River. The discovery of 28 new specimens from other localities during field expeditions (2009-2011) allowed a redescription of the species, adding new data on meristic and morpho-qualitative traits. These results enable a better diagnosis of intraspecific, ontogenetic and sexual variation, consolidating its taxonomic relationships with other species belonging to the nasutus group. The distribution map of P. labiomaculatus, as well as an identification key to the species of the natusus group, are provided. The type-locality is fixed to the municipality of Porto Franco, state of Maranhão.


Congenital anterior abdominal wall defect occurs commonly and requires specialized management. Thirteen cases of gastroschisis treated at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City over an 8-year period is presented. There were nine males and four females (male/female ratio 2.3:1). Time lag before presentation ranged between 5 and 36 hours (mean 16.8 ± 9.9 hours). Only six (46.15%) presented in the unit within 12 hours of birth, while seven (53.85%) presented after 12 hours with varying degrees of complications. Of the six that presented within 12 hours, one death (16.65%) was recorded whereas six deaths (85.71%) were recorded among those that presented after 12 hours (P = 0.0291, Fisher\'s exact). The causes of deaths were fluid and electrolytes derangement, hypothermia, overwhelming sepsis, respiratory failure and inanition. Two were too ill for surgical intervention and died during resuscitation. Eleven were operated between 4 and 8 hours on presentation. Of the Six that had digital stretching of abdominal cavity, gastric suctioning/rectal irrigation and primary abdominal closure, three died and three survived. The two who had bowel gangrene for which resection/anastomosis and primary abdominal closure were done, survived. Of the three that had improvised prosthetic silo closure, two died and one survived. Overall, six (46.2%) survived while mortality of seven (53.8%) was recorded. This study shows that delay in presentation resulted in high morbidity and mortality rates. Keywords : Gastroschisis, Congenital, Abdominal wall defect) Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 10 (4) 2007: pp. 115-118


Abstract : This document is the Final Report for a 5-year project dedicated to investigations of chemical processes related to the excitation of infrared chemiluminescent radiation in the upper atmosphere. The effort has included experimental measurements of molecular infrared fluorescence, from 2 to 25 micrometers, excited by energetic chemical reactions involving upper atmospheric and aurorally excited species. Observed IR radiators include electronically excited molecular nitrogen, vibrationally excited N20, and rovibrationally excited CO(v,J) and NO(v,J). Additional experimental measurements in a discharge-flow reactor quantified the kinetics and spectroscopy of energetic IR precursor species including metastable electronic states of molecular oxygen, molecular nitrogen, and atomic nitrogen. Results from the experimental measurements were included in a critical review of nitric oxide kinetics, and were applied to predictive modeling of nitric oxide excitation in the auroral upper atmosphere.


To achieve therapeutic effects, gene transportation or gene transfection becomes the key technique of gene therapy. Since viral vectors for gene therapy have shown serious problems, including immunogenicity and other adverse effects, non-viral carriers have attracted a great deal of attention, despite the fact that the transfection efficiencies are lower than those by viral carriers. Therefore, the major challenge of gene delivery is to improve the transfection efficiencies of the non-viral carriers, and first of all, the cell penetration efficiencies. This review focuses on recent approaches in the development of new non-viral gene delivery vectors, with great respect to those constructed based on cell penetration pathways of intracellular process considering transfection efficiency and cell penetration efficiency. Further development of sophisticated delivery systems is prospected for the non-viral vectors application in gene therapy.


Tumor-targeted delivery and controlled release of antitumor drugs are promising strategies for increasing chemotherapeutic efficacy and reducing adverse effects. Although mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been known as a potential delivery system for doxorubicin (DOX), they have restricted applications due to their uncontrolled leakage and burst release from their large open pores. Herein, we engineered a smart drug-delivery system (smart MSN-drug) based on MSN-drug loading, cell membrane mimetic coating, on-demand pore blocking/opening, and tumor cell targeting strategies. The pore size of DOX-loaded MSNs was narrowed by polydopamine coating, and the pores/channels were blocked with tumor-targeting ligands anchored by tumor environment-rupturable -SS- chains. Furthermore, a cell membrane mimetic surface was constructed to enhance biocompatibility of the smart MSN-drug. Confocal microscopy results demonstrate highly selective uptake (12-fold in comparison with L929 cell) of the smart MSN-drug by HeLa cells and delivery into the HeLa cellular nuclei. Further in vitro IC50 studies showed that the toxicity of the smart MSN-drug to HeLa cells was 4000-fold higher than to the normal fibroblast cells. These exciting results demonstrate the utility of the smart MSN-drug capable of selectively killing tumor cells and saving the normal cells.


When generating ensemble classifiers, selecting the best set of classifiers from the base classifier pool is considered a combinatorial problem and an efficient classifier selection methodology must be utilized. Different researchers have used different strategies such as evolutionary algorithms, genetic algorithms, rule-based algorithms, simulated annealing, and so forth to select the best set of classifiers that can maximize overall ensemble classifier accuracy. In this article, we present a novel classifier selection approach to generate an ensemble classifier. The proposed approach selects classifiers in multiple rounds of elimination. In each round, a classifier is given a chance to be selected to become a part of the ensemble, if it can contribute to the overall ensemble accuracy or diversity; otherwise, it is put back into the pool. Each classifier is given multiple opportunities to participate in rounds of selection and they are discarded only if they have no remaining chances. The process is repeated until no classifier in the pool has any chance left to participate in the round of selection. To test the efficacy of the proposed approach, 13 benchmark datasets from the UCI repository are used and results are compared with single classifier models and existing state-of-the-art ensemble classifier approaches. Statistical significance testing is conducted to further validate the results, and an analysis is provided.


We describe the design of a small microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switched planar inverted F antenna capable of operation in five cellular radio frequency bands. Both simulated and measured results are shown using MEMS devices fabricated in an industrialized process based on high-ohmic silicon. Results show that the antenna bandwidth (or size) and specific absorption rate can be significantly improved using such devices.


Community detection has attracted considerable attention crossing many areas as it can be used for discovering the structure and features of complex networks. With the increasing size of social networks in real world, community detection approaches should be fast and accurate. The Label Propagation Algorithm (LPA) is known to be one of the near-linear solutions and benefits of easy implementation, thus it forms a good basis for efficient community detection methods. In this paper, we extend the update rule and propagation criterion of LPA in the framework of belief functions. A new community detection approach, called Evidential Label Propagation (ELP), is proposed as an enhanced version of conventional LPA. The node influence is first defined to guide the propagation process. The plausibility is used to determine the domain label of each node. The update order of nodes is discussed to improve the robustness of the method. ELP algorithm will converge after the domain labels of all the nodes become unchanged. The mass assignments are calculated finally as memberships of nodes. The overlapping nodes and outliers can be detected simultaneously through the proposed method. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of ELP.


A major thrust of policy and practice within human services in recent years has been the implementation of evidence-based practices. However, despite the wide-spread use of such evidence-based programs and strategies, we are not always getting the kind of results we would expect when we try to apply these strategies in real world settings. In response to this situation, we have seen the emergence of the implementation science movement, with its emphasis on 'implementation fidelity'. The assumption behind the implementation agenda is that, to get better results, we need to be much more thorough about ensuring that practitioners are able to deliver evidence-based programs faithfully and consistently.


Leasing may be the most important legal institution that has received virtually no systematic scholarly attention. Real property leasing is familiar in the context of residential tenancies. But it is also widely used in commercial contexts, including office buildings and shopping centers. Personal property leasing, which was rarely encountered before World War II, has more recently exploded on a world-wide basis, with everything from autos to farm equipment to airplanes being leased. This article seeks to develop a composite picture of the defining features of leases and why leasing is such a widespread and highly successful economic institution. The reasons fall under three general headings. (i) Leasing is an attractive method of financing the acquisition of assets, especially for persons who have limited capital or would like to conserve their capital and cash flows for other purposes. (ii) Leasing is a device for minimizing the risks that either lessees or lessors associate with owning assets; although leasing also creates risks, various lease modifications have been developed to manage these derivative risks. (iii) By dividing the rights to an asset between lessor and lessee, leasing permits the parties to specialize in different functions and to solve various impediments to contracting that would be difficult to overcome among separate owners. Understanding the economic advantages of leasing is an important first step in considering possible legal reforms of leasing.


In this chapter, we propose an approach for assigning aninterest level to the goals of a planetary rover. Assigning an interest level to goals, allows the rover to autonomously transform and reallocate the goals. The interest level is defined by data-fusing payload and navigation information. The fusion yields an 'interest map',that quantifies the level of interest of each area around the rover. In this way the planner can choose the most interesting scientific objectives to be analysed, with limited human intervention, and reallocates its goals autonomously. The Dezert-Smarandache Theory of Plausible and Paradoxical Reasoning was used for information fusion: this theory allows dealing with vague and conflicting data. In particular, it allows us to directly model the behaviour of the scientists that have to evaluate the relevance of a particular set of goals. This chaptershows an application of the proposed approach to the generation of a reliable interest map.


The fluctuations of the voltage across the resting membrane of myelinated nerve fibers have been analyzed. They show a 1/f spectrum and a Gaussian amplitude distribution and are related to the net flow of potassium through the membrane. When the average membrane voltage is made more negative by means of an external current, depolarizing deflections can be observed. They cause an asymmetry in the noise amplitude distribution and a marked increase in the subaudio spectral components of the noise. The depolarizing deflections can be attributed to batch-wise inflow of sodium ions. Possible mechanisms of both types of membrane voltage fluctuations are discussed.


Marine animals such as the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) rely on a productive marine environment and are vulnerable to oceanic changes that can affect their reproduction and survival rates. Davis Base, Antarctica, acts as a moulting site for southern elephant seals that forage in Prydz Bay, but the genetic diversity and natal source populations of these seals has not been characterized. Determining the genetic diversity of moulting populations like this one provides essential information on seal dispersal, inter-population mixing, and foraging behaviours. In this study, we combined genetic and animal tracking data on these moulting seals to identify levels of genetic diversity, natal source population, and movement behaviours during foraging and haul-out periods. Using mitochondrial sequence data, we identified two major breeding lineages of seals at Davis Base. We found that the majority of the seals originated from breeding stocks within the South Atlantic Ocean and South Indian Ocean. One seal was grouped with the Macquarie Island breeding stock (South Pacific Ocean). The Macquarie Island population, unlike the other two stocks, is decreasing in size. Tracking data revealed long-distance foraging activity of the Macquarie Island seal around Crozet Islands. We speculate that changes to the Antarctic marine environment have resulted in a shift in foraging and dispersal strategies, which subsequently affects seal population growth rates. These findings have implications for conservation management plans aimed at improving the population status of the southern elephant seal.


A new polarimeter for absolute proton beam polarization measurements at 200MeV to accuracy better than ±0.5% has been developed as a part of the RHIC polarized source upgrade. The polarimeter is based on the elastic proton-carbon scattering at 16.2° angle, where the analyzing power is close to 100% and was measured with high accuracy. The elastically and in-elastically scattered protons are clearly identified by the difference in the propagation through variable copper absorber and energy deposition of the protons in the detectors. The 16.2° elastic scattering polarimeter was used for calibration of a high rate inclusive 12° polarimeter for the on-line polarization tuning and monitoring. This technique can be used for accurate polarization measurements in energy range of at least 160-250 MeV.


Abstract N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a nutritional supplement and greatly applied as an antioxidant in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the metabolic and antioxidant protective effect of NAC against selenium (Se) toxicity and gamma irradiation in rats by measuring biochemical and molecular parameters. This study was conducted on sixty rats divided into six equal different groups; control, NAC, Rad, Se, Rad + NAC, and Se + NAC groups. Oxidative/nitrosative makers (LPO, NO, and NOS), antioxidants status markers (GSH, GPx, and SOD), liver metabolic markers (LDH, SDH, and ATP), and plasma metabolic markers (Glucose, total cholesterol, and total proteins) were measured using commercial colorimetric kits while plasma corticosterone concentration was measured using commercial ELISA kit. Also, Levels of NR3C1 and Glut-2 genes expression using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were done. Our results revealed that Se toxicity and gamma irradiation induced significant increases in oxidative/nitrosative stress markers and a significant decrease in antioxidant status markers in the liver and adrenal tissues. Moreover, metabolic disorders were recorded as manifested by elevation of plasma ALT, Albumin, glucose and cholesterol, and decrease in protein levels associated with a significant increase in corticosterone concentration. This was also accompanied by a significant decrease in SDH activity and ATP production in the hepatic tissue. Molecular analysis showed a marked increase in NR3C1 mRNA and decrease in Glut-2 mRNA in liver tissue. However, NAC supplementation attenuated the changes induced by these toxins. Finally, we could conclude that, oral supplementation of NAC can modulate the metabolic disturbances and has protective effects in rats exposed to Se toxicity and gamma irradiation.


In healthcare chain workflow management, urgent requests and critical messages in these systems (referred to as alerts) have to be delivered and handled timely. Presently, most systems cannot address urgency and alerts are often handled in an ad-hoc manner. In this paper, we propose a sophisticated alert management system (AMS) for effective healthcare chain workflow management under urgent constraints. We develop a model for specifying alerts, in which alerts are associated with healthcare tasks and a set of parameters are captured for their routing and urgency requirements. Further, alerts also serve as a mechanism for both process and data integration. The AMS matches the specialties of healthcare personnel and functionalities of Web Services providers to receive an alert, based on the alert specification. We then propose a routing mechanism that is initiated when the alert message is not acknowledged or serviced within the deadline, so that the alert can be re-routed if necessary. Monitoring is especially essential to ensure timeliness and availability of services, otherwise suitable exceptions should be raised and handled. We outline our implementation framework with Web Services for communications among healthcare service providers and mobile devices for medical professionals. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach with a pilot prototype medical house-call system (MHCS) with evaluations of medical professionals.


Statement of the Problem: Different materials can be used to reconstruct the core foundation in all-ceramic restorations. Bond strength of the core material to zirconia is an important factor in long-term restoration success. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess shear bond strength (SBS) of zirconia to four different core materials. Materials and Method: In this experimental in vitro study, 40 zirconia ceramic disks (10×3 mm) were prepared and divided to four groups based on core material. Cylinder shaped core specimens (3×4 mm) of non-precious gold alloy (NPG), zirconia ceramic, natural dentin, and composite resin were prepared and bonded perpendicularly to the zirconia disks using Gillmore Needle Apparatus and dual cure resin cement. All samples were thermocycled for 2000 cycles. To evaluate SBS, the specimens were tested by universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test with Bonferroni correction. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: The highest values for SBS were achieved in composite resin group (11.58±1.74 MPa) followed by NPG (10.32±0.94 MPa), zirconia (7.3±1.11 MPa) and dentin group (6.53±0.56 MPa). SBS in composite resin and NPG core materials were significantly higher than other core materials (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Composite resin and NPG cores showed significant higher bond strength to zirconia in comparison to dentine and zirconia core materials.


This study is concerned to evaluate the effectiveness of
various forms of in-service education and training (INSET)
for political education. Political education is seen as a
broader enterprise than simply inculcating a knowledge of
the workings of political institutions.
It is argued that the main focus of INSET should be on
the professional performance of teachers, on what their
opinions are, what they know and what they are able to
achieve. Various approaches to, and theories of
educational evaluation are categorised and early attempts to
evaluate INSET are surveyed.
It is contended that the most appropriate mode of
evaluation should incorporate the Case-Study, Formative,
Responsive, Descriptive/Illuminative, Processed-based,
Portrayal and Democratic methods. The particular approach
devised is developed from the 'Cumulative Case-Study'
technique.
An analysis of a national survey of teachers' needs and
opinions indicates that teachers involved in political
education identify practical concerns as their main need and
practical INSET sessions as their preference. The survey
suggests a set of priorities which can be used to build a
range of models of INSET course provision to form the basis
of a theoretical framework for INSET course evaluation.
A set of five models is derived from the principal aims
of INSET courses identified in the national survey. As the
basis of the evaluation these models provide hypotheses to
be investigated and categories for the selection and
analysis of research data.
Two of the eleven case-studies conducted are presented
to provide a selection of qualitative and quantitative data
as well as to indicate the development of the research
theory and the evaluation methodology.
The findings indicate a range of specific recommendations
for the planning and implementation of INSET courses
if they are to meet the needs of teachers of political
education. Many of the conclusions would apply equally to
INSET courses in other fields.


Okadaic acid is a marine biotoxin that primarily occurs in shellfish and can cause diarrheic shellfish poisoning in humans. When analyzing biological samples using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, the presence of complex matrices is a major issue. Thus, it is crucial to selectively and simply extract the target analyte from samples and minimize matrix effects simultaneously. To meet this need, an immunomagnetic-bead-based liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to detect okadaic acid in shellfish. Magnetic beads bound to monoclonal antibody against okadaic acid were used as affinity probes to specifically enrich okadaic acid in samples, which effectively eliminated matrix effects. A magnetic separator was used to aggregate and separate magnetic particles from sample matrices, and methanol was used to elute okadaic acid from the magnetic beads. Standard solution prepared with methanol was employed directly for quantitative analysis. Several experimental conditions were optimized to improve performance. The method is of interest as a rapid (10 min) sample clean-up and selective enrichment tool, and it showed good linearity and sensitivity, with reported limits of detection and quantitation of 3 and 10 μg/kg, respectively. Fifty-three shellfish samples from an aquatic products market were tested using this method, and four samples positive for okadaic acid were found.


Excited states in the N = 28 isotones 54Fe and 55Co were populated in the bombardment of 54Fe with 3He ions. The subsequent de-excitation was studied using experimental in-beam techniques including γ-γ coincidences and γ-ray angular distributions. A number of previously unobserved levels were discovered in 54Fe and a new high-spin complex was assigned to 55Co. Self-consistent Hartree-Fock calculations were performed to elucidate the underlying nuclear structures. It was found that the ground-state shapes of 54Fe and 55Co correspond to deformation parameters β2 = +0.03 and +0.02, respectively. Shell-model arguments and calculations were used to assign configurations to the excited states.


An extracellular protease was purified from the culture supernatant of Bacillus Sphaericus strain SI- 1 isolated from local soil sample. The enzyme purification was primarily performed by ammonium sulfate fractionation, centrifugation and dialysis followed by centricon filtration. In each step of processing, enzyme activity was assayed by azocasein digestion method. Partially purified enzyme was further purified by sephadex G-75 column chromatography. Fraction having protease activity was visualized on SDS-PAGE. The molecular weight of the protease was 41.70 KDa, while optimum pH and temperature were 8.4 and 380C respectively. The isolated protease is positively modulated by Ca++ and Mg++ ions but significantly inhibited by EDTA, Cu++, Fe++ and Zn++ ions. The protease enzyme was slowly activated by sodium azide and inhibited by DTT and 2- marcaptoethanol. The enzyme activity could be completely eliminated by phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). Therefore, all the characteristics suggest the isolated protease to be a serine protease.