Abstract:  To find a simple and convenient method for age identification upon age‐related pulp cavity narrowing, the mesiodistal diameters of the cervical pulp chamber, the middle and terminal parts of the root canal of the pulp cavity of 620 incisors were measured on radiographs taken in situ in 80 Chinese aged from 15 to 80. It was shown that the three mesiodistal diameters significantly decreased in a negative linear relationship with age (−0.4233 ≤ r ≥ −0.8465) in all incisors, but the narrowing velocity of the cervical pulp chamber and the middle part of the root canal in the maxillary incisors (b = −0.02 mm) was faster than that in the mandibular incisors (b = −0.01 mm). Accordingly, a mathematical model describing the ages as a function of any one of the three mesiodistal diameters of the pulp cavity was deduced, which would be useful for age identification in forensic medicine or archaeology.


Heart failure (HF) is a devastating disease characterized by chamber remodeling, interstitial fibrosis and reduced ventricular compliance. Prolonged sympathetic overstimulation promotes excess signaling through G-protein Gβγ subunits and ultimately results in pathologic GRK2-mediated β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) downregulation. We have recently demonstrated the therapeutic potential of the small molecule Gβγ-GRK2 inhibitor Gallein in limiting HF progression. Pathologic activation of the cardiac fibroblast (CF) induces the transition to a myofibroblast phenotype, which plays a fundamental role in myocardial fibrosis and remodeling. We hypothesized that Gβγ-GRK2 inhibition plays an important functional role in the CF to attenuate pathologic CF activation, inflammation and interstitial fibrosis.

To explore the effect of Gβγ-GRK2 inhibition on inflammation and pro-fibrotic signaling, mice were subjected to 7 days of transverse aortic constriction, a pressure-overload model of HF. In addition to the attenuation in overall cardiac hypertrophy, animals treated with Gallein displayed reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α) and MIP-1β, along with Interleukin-6, as assessed by qPCR. Gallein-treated animals also exhibited diminished pro-fibrotic signaling, as evidenced by a reduction in the expression of TGFβ, a major driver of myocardial fibrosis, and decreased expression of collagen. To recapitulate these findings in vitro, primary adult mouse ventricular fibroblasts were pathologically stimulated using Isoproterenol (ISO, β-AR agonist) or Angiotensin II and treated +/- Gallein for 24 hours. CFs treated with Gallein displayed an analogous reduction in the expression of these pro-inflammatory cytokines and collagen.

In summary, these data suggest a potential therapeutic role for small molecule Gβγ-GRK2 inhibition in limiting pathologic myofibroblast activation, inflammation and interstitial fibrosis. We believe this fibroblast-targeted approach will lead to the refinement of existing targets and compounds, and possibly the generation of novel therapeutics for the treatment of HF.


Introduction.Digital Humanities (DH), formed in the mid-20th century, represent a dynamic direction of social and humanitarian disciplines that use computer technology in research and education. The actuality of the paper is to determine trends in the development of Social Science and Humanities in the digital age: hybridization of Humanities, transformation of subject and research goals, predominance of instrumental interdisciplinary in the methododogy of research. Despite the active growth of institutions, technologies, models and practices of Digital Humanities, researchers do not have a unity of views on this direction. The objectives of the study are to analyze approaches to the definition of the concept, typology and basic characteristics of DH. Scientific novelty is expressed in the proposed typologiy of paradigms, models and practices of this direction. The paper defines theoretical status of DH.Methodology and sources.The paper uses Philosophical methodology for comparative analysis of the developing models (paradigms), including text analysis, quantitative research, digitization of image collections, Humanities Computer Science, as well as digital socio-humanitarian models and practices, such as Digital Philosophy, Digital History, Digital Social Research, Digital Self-Presentation, "Art and Science", and others. Taken together, they represent the implementation of DH as the Global Network Project realization. The research is carried out on the material of Russian and foreign textbooks on Digital Humanities, scientific publications, and websites.Results and discussion.The paper presents an analysis of the DH development stages, provides justification for the concept and its main aspects. Analysis of approaches to the definition of DH reveals the main trends: a) DH represent a new interdisciplinary research direction that use information technology in traditional humanitarian fields to achieve meaningful goals; b) DH represent the ways of modeling and producing innovations. Their essential characteristics are: methodological and instrumental interdisciplinary and commercialization of innovations, transformation of the criteria of science (objectivity of knowledge, loss of disciplinary boundaries. The DH research typology criteria are defined according to basic paradigms, subject areas, research goals, and major institutions. An analysis of the main types of digital research is presented. The problem of the ambivalence of digital technologies used in DH is considered as the main risks: a) for the Humanities - "loss of focus" (technologization of language leads to the technologization of the memory of society; b) for a human (as a result of the predominance of the network forms of communication, the highest value for a person - freedom of choice and the meaning of being may be lost); c) for society (transformation of human communications into network forms of sociality).Conclusion.The expansion of digital technologies use in scientific research, education, culture, in general – and in the Humanities, in particular, is due to the global technological trends of the fourth industrial revolution. According to experts, the definition of "digital" in various areas of Digital Humanities does not express their essence, but characterizes the "computing" technologies used in the Social and Humanitarian knowledge. Accordingly, they do not represent independent scientific disciplines, but are models and practices that use information technology as instruments to solve the objectives of the Humanities and exchange knowledge and methods between scientists, engineers, designers, and students. In general, those changes characterize the process of the new science image development in the network society.


This paper investigates the state-of-the art in remanufacturing of cellular telephones and discusses economic and environmental issues relative to primary manufacturing. Characteristics of developed countries versus lesser developed countries are explicitly considered in the remanufacturing enterprise, and the corresponding impacts of introducing remanufactured cellular telephones to such markets is discussed. It is shown that while remanufacturing as a process carries a much lower environmental burden than primary manufacturing, the remanufacturing enterprise will likely add to the net environmental burden of the telecom industry, rather than reduce it. The extent of this impact depends on situational issues such as transportation and energy grid technology. The value of expanding the remanufacturing enterprise is also discussed in the context of sustainable development.


ABSTRACT.The placement of implants in fresh extraction sockets allows placement of the implant during the same visit at which the tooth is extracted, which reduces morbidity and decreases the treatment time, among other benefits. However, there is just few studies regarding this matter using lobular internal connection implants. In this article, we show a case in which we placed a tapered immediate implant, establishing a respective prognosis and a treatment plan.


Sulfatases are a highly conserved family of proteins that cleave sulfate esters from a wide range of substrates. The importance of sulfatases in human metabolism is underscored by the presence of at least eight human monogenic diseases caused by the deficiency of individual sulfatases. Sulfatase activity requires a unique posttranslational modification, which is impaired in patients with multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD) due to a mutation of the sulfatase modifying factor 1 (SUMF1). Here we review current knowledge and future perspectives on the evolution of the sulfatase gene family, on the role of these enzymes in human metabolism, and on new developments in the therapy of sulfatase deficiencies.


This book explores the social implications and challenges of low-carbon development. The argument of the book is that a broad understanding of low-carbon development is essential for mitigating climate change and enabling development in a carbon-constrained world, but there are risks that low-carbon development might come at a price that is both social and economic. These risks need to be carefully assessed and reduced. The main aim of the book is to explore, critically analyse and propose different ways of understanding low-carbon development from a social perspective in both developed and developing countries. The author uses concepts such as low-carbon development, social policy, sustainable development and environmental justice to understand the social implications of low-carbon development projects. The book first elaborates the need to understand the social issues and challenges of low-carbon development in both developed and developing countries. It then discusses five contemporary challenges of low-carbon development: * the social consequences of Chinese hydropower dams in the Mekong region; * the cost of the transition to renewable energies such as wind energy in Germany; * the challenges of carbon offsetting in Brazil; * the nexus of fuel-inefficient housing and fuel poverty in England; * solar power for refugees in Africa. The book fills a crucial gap for researchers, postgraduates, practitioners and policy-makers in the fields of climate change, development and social policy. Johan Nordensvard is a Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Southampton, UK.


Abstract: The genus Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) is a lineage of shrubs and trees with leaves reduced to scales and numerous species adapted to moist and often saline soils in arid and semi-arid climates. Extensive morphological variation and hybridization complicate species delimitation and identification. Based on both morphological and DNA sequence characters, Tamarix humboldtiana Akhani, Borsch & N. Samadi is described as a new species from S Iran. Phylogenetic analysis of plastid rpl16 intron and trnG-trnS spacer sequences depicts a sister group relationship of its unique plastid haplotype to T. tetrandra, whereas nuclear ITS sequence data show close affinities to T. kotschyi. The new species differs from T. kotschyi by distinctly pedicellate, 5-merous flowers and vaginate-amplexicaul leaves. The stem and foliar anatomy and the epidermal micromorphology provide additional characters differentiating the new species from T. kotschyi. The gametic chromosome number of n = 12 reflects that of most of other species of the genus. Tamarix humboldtiana is a rare species living at freshwater riversides in S Iran and is according to current knowledge critically endangered. Citation: Akhani H., Samadi N., Noormohammadi A. & Borsch Th. 2019: A new species of Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) from Hormozgan Province, S Iran, supported by morphology and molecular phylogenetics. – Willdenowia 49: 127–139. doi: https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.49.49113 Version of record first published online on 17 April 2019 ahead of inclusion in April 2019 issue.


Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a disorder of unknown etiology characterized by one or more of the following: episodic lip swelling which progresses to chronicity, facial swelling, intermittent facial nerve palsy, and fissured tongue. Granulomatous infiltration is seen on histopathologic examination of lip tissue (1, 2). The first case of MRS with a complement abnormality is reported below. A 6-year-old Caucasian boy presented with a history of hives as an infant and toddler, and three episodes of urticaria over the preceding 3 years. He was again seen at 13 years of age with the complaint of 6 months of severe lip swelling and additional history of anaphylaxis at 2 and 7 years of age, eczema, and penicillin allergy manifest by angioedema. Onphysical examination, therewas severe cheilitis with local angioedema, patches of eczema and lop ears having poorly developed antihelical folds. The cranial nerves were intact and the tongue appearednormal. Pertinent laboratory results were a total eosinophil count of 480 per mm (normal <400 per mm), immunoglobulin E (IgE) of 597 IU/ml (normal <200 IU/ml), angiotensin-converting enzyme of 87 U/l (normal 13–100 U/l) and normal chest X-ray. Positive prick/puncture immediate hypersensitivity skin tests were found to peanut, tree nuts, mustard, garlic and several seasonal pollens. A RAST test for latex IgE was negative. Complement evaluation showed a low C1q of 4.6 mg/dl (normal 5.0–8.6 mg/dl) and a C4 at the lowest limit of normal, 16 mg/dl (normal 16–47 mg/dl). Other complement test results were a total complement of 32 U/ml (normal 26–58 U/ml), C2 of 2.7 mg/dl (normal 1.6–3.5 mg/dl), C3 of 129 mg/dl (normal 90–180 mg/dl), chemical test for C1 INH of 16 mg/dl and a functional C1 INH of 87% (normal >68%). A lip biopsy showed granulomas with multinucleate giant cells. Stains for fungi and acid-fast bacilli were negative. This case is compatible with the monosymptomatic form of MRS, which is also termed cheilitis granulomatosa Miescher (3). Other diseases in the differential diagnosis of granulomatous cheilitis seem unlikely in this patient: sarcoidosis because of the normal angiotensin-converting enzyme level and absence of pulmonary, lymphatic, ocular and joint findings and Crohns disease because of the absence of other gastrointestinal signs or symptoms. The patient also has an allergic diathesis. The complement studies revealed a low C1q and a C4 at the lowest limits of normal. Total complement, C2, C3 and C1 INH were all normal, as has been reported previously in MRS (4). The pathogenesis of the complement abnormality reported here has not been explored, however it could simply be an increased utilization through the classical pathway. If this be the case, then an ongoing immunologic reaction may be a feature of MRS and this would be worth evaluating in additional cases.


Neural network models have widely been applied in assessment and perdition of economic and social fields, including risk assessment. Thus, it becomes a subject for the theory of neural network to study how to improve accuracy in the premise of ensuring convergence rate of BP (Back Propagation) neural network. On the basis of recent studies and disadvantages of traditional BP neural network, in terms of structural optimization to improve accuracy, the paper presents a variable-structure neural network where it is re-linking randomly process from neurons of input layer to neurons of output layer and from neurons of hidden layer to neurons of output layer. Secondly, the variable structure neural network of re-linking random process is applied in freeway investment risk assessment. Results of a cast indicate that the proposed model is sufficiently reasonably.


In political and popular discourse about immigration and integration, Europe is referred to as both fundamentally secular and fundamentally Christian depending on the context. Even if only a minority of the population in many Western European countries actually practise their religion, many continue to identify with Christianity as cultural tradition, without the beliefs and practice one would normally associate with a religious identity. Few empirical studies have analysed the relationship between religious and national identities in modern Europe. Using a combination of qualitative interviews and quantitative survey research with data from the International Social Survey Programme 2008 in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland, this thesis explores how religious affiliation, belief and practice are associated with anti-immigration attitudes and regarding Christianity as important for nationality. Factor analysis is used to explore different dimensions of national identity and how they relate to religious conceptions of the nation, and multivariate regression models address how experiencing immigration as a threat to national identity is associated with Christian affiliation and practice. The main finding is that Christian identification is positively associated with seeing immigration as a threat to national identity, whereas churchgoing is negatively associated with anti-immigration attitudes. There are two identifiable mechanisms that explain this finding. Firstly, ?Christian? can signify national cultural heritage or white ethnicity rather than faith. Hence those who identify as Christian, however loosely, are on average more likely to be nationalist or xenophobic. Secondly, since churchgoers will be more sympathetic to religion in general they also tend to be less negative towards Muslims and other religious minorities. The findings are contextualised through the use of qualitative interviews and comparative analysis of countries, addressing both the external influences and internal experiences that contribute to specific associations.


The aim of this master thesis is to investigate if WTO members' shifting behaviour in the Dispute Settlement Mechanism may be explained using a game theoretic approach. To do this, the author uses a three step process: First, a thorough quantitative analysis of how the DSM works and how the members behave in it is carried out. Second, with the result from the first part in mind, a game theoretic model pointing out different possible strategies that may be pursued in the DSM is constructed. And third, the implications of the model are compared with the findings in the first part in order to evaluate whether the model could be used to explain the members' different behaviour in the DSM or not. The main result is that many aspects of the member states' strategies could be explained whit the constructed model but as a few commonly used strategies seem completely irrational from the model's perspective it is far from a perfect explanation.


The extensive global competition between companies and the development of new industrial technologies have greatly contributed to the current competitive conditions Like industrial companies, customers demand high quality products, low prices and better performance. This fierce competition has led to concerns about improved product design. This development is based on GQFD. Model of this developed Water pump is employed by CAD solid model (version 7). In order to achieve competition and high quality and high performance in the Iraqi market. GQFD demonstrates the balance between product development and environmental protection. Used a water pump for a home air cooler as a case study. Data is collected and distributed using personal interview methods and questionnaire forms to indicate customer requirements. The data is then analyzed using Pareto chart and AHP to prioritize customer needs. These priorities are then placed in house of quality and matrix of relationships between customer requirements and technical characteristics is established. The product has been developed from electrical to mechanical, in addition to using accumulated, stored and recycled materials; it also saves 20% of energy, thereby combining energy reduction with the use of damaged materials and their re-entry into work. As a result, the cost of pump manufacturing will decrease


A group of tricyclic phenothiazines (6a, 6b and 7a–l) and phenoselenazines (12a, 12b and 13a–l) was designed, synthesized and evaluated as multi-targeting ligands aimed at the cholinergic, amyloid and oxidative stress pathways of Alzheimer's disease. The phenothiazine derivative 7j (2-chloro-10H-phenothiazin-10-yl-(4-methoxyphenyl)methanone) was identified as the best dual, non-selective cholinesterase inhibitor (AChE IC50 = 5.9 ± 0.6 μM; BuChE IC50 = 5.3 ± 0.5 μM), whereas in the corresponding phenoselenazine series, 13j (2-chloro-10H-phenoselenazin-10-yl-(4-methoxyphenyl)methanone) exhibited good non-selective cholinesterase inhibition (AChE IC50 = 5.8 ± 0.4 μM; BuChE IC50 = 4.9 ± 0.5 μM). Interestingly, N-10 unsubstituted phenothiazine 6a (AChE IC50 = 7.3 ± 0.6 μM; BuChE IC50 = 5.8 ± 0.5 μM; Aβ1–42 aggregation inhibition = 62%; DPPH scavenging = 92%), and the corresponding phenoselenazine bioisostere 12a (AChE IC50 = 5.6 ± 0.4 μM; BuChE IC50 = 3.0 ± 0.5 μM; Aβ1–42 aggregation inhibition = 45.6%; DPPH scavenging = 84.4%) were able to exhibit multi-targeting ability by demonstrating cholinesterase inhibition, beta-amyloid aggregation and antioxidant properties. These results show that fused tricyclic ring systems based on either phenothiazine or phenoselenazine templates can be useful to develop hybrid small molecules to target multiple pathological routes associated with Alzheimer's disease.


A population of organisation development consultants is identified from the training function of the Chemical industry and certain demographic features are reported.These features are compared with other populations identified at the same time. A sample of organisation development consultants and training officers are interviewed in depth regarding some personal and professional beliefs. Organisation development is analysed as a social movement, and some major findings on the characteristics of those who join various kinds of social movement are reported. Two hypotheses (i and ii) relating the aetiology of the values of organisation development consultants to those of their parents or significant authorities in early childhood are taken from the literature and tested in relation to organisation development consultants. A third hypothesis (iii) concerning the aetiology of values of organisation development consultants is developed from object relations theory.The organisation development consultants are compared with a group of trainee social scientists and trainee general managers regarding their perceptions on various dimensions o£ their parents. As a result, negative findings are recorded concerning hypotheses i) and ii), the dependency and counterdependency hypotheses. Hypothesis iii) is tested by literature reanalysis, reanalysis of depth interviews with organisation development consultants and by fieldwork usingthe object relations technique both with a group of organisation development consultants and a group of college lecturers. Further comparisons are made with clinical groups on whom the object relations technique has been used. The implications of the findings regarding hypothesis iii) are discussed both in relation to organisation development practice and the further research needed as a result of this work.


Abstract The transesterification process of dimethyl and diethyl phosphite with 1,3-dichloropropanol-2 is examined. It is found that the reaction proceeds in the absence of catalyst at a temperature of 155°, whereas in the presence of morpholine as a catalyst it takes place at 126°C. The transesterification of dimethyl phosphite and diethyl phosphite with 1,3-dichloropropanol-2 is accompanied by the evolution of dimethyl and diethyl ethers and alkyl halides (methyl chloride and ethyl chloride).


Some Fe-rich amorphous alloys of Fe–B–P–Si and Fe–B–P–Si–C systems were found to exhibit simultaneously good soft magnetic properties with high-saturation magnetization values near 1.7 T, which are higher than those for previously reported Fe-based amorphous and glassy alloys, in addition to rather good amorphous ribbon formability, good bending ductility, and rather high corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance increased with increasing P content, accompanying by the increase in thermal stability of the amorphous phase. The decrease in the outer surface velocity of the wheel, which results in the increase of ribbon thickness, also causes an improvement of surface smoothness of the melt-spun amorphous alloy ribbons. The syntheses of new high-saturation Fe-based soft magnetic amorphous alloys without any other transition metals hold promise for future extension of Fe-based soft magnetic amorphous materials.


A differential equation is derived which enables the determination of the input-output characteristic ß of a nonlinear feedback network which results in zero distortions in the output of the feedback amplifier. The nature of this feedback network is related to the nonlinear characteristic of the basic amplifier and the operating point. The approach is useful for both small and large signals.


A new Drosophila Pax gene, sparkling (spa), implicated in eye development, was isolated and shown to encode the homolog of the vertebrate Pax2, Pax5, and Pax8 proteins. It is expressed in the embryonic nervous system and in cone, primary pigment, and bristle cells of larval and pupal eye discs. In spa(pol) mutants, a deletion of an enhancer abolishes Spa expression in cone and primary pigment cells and results in a severely disturbed development of non-neuronal ommatidial cells. Spa expression is further required for activation of cut in cone cells and of the Bar locus in primary pigment cells. We suggest close functional analogies between Spa and Pax2 in the development of the insect and vertebrate eye.


A transient non-linear multiscale finite element heat flow-mechanical model to determine micro residual stresses (type III) and micro plastic strains in SAE-AISI 1524 gas tungsten arc welded joints is developed. To include anisotropy by preferred crystallographic orientation or texture, the global domain was decomposed into small subdomains based on the concept of representative volume elements (RVEs). A three-dimensional numerical procedure was developed by using the coupling DREAM.3D-ABAQUS. The macro scale temperature gradient information as prescribed driven (load) boundary conditions was used to calculate the meso thermal cycles, and the meso scale temperature gradient information was used to calculate the micro thermal cycles needed in the subsequent mechanical analysis. Anisotropy was included by randomly entering in each grain of the RVE specimen either the maximum Young's modulus (Emax) in the stiffest direction <111>, or the minimum Young's modulus (Emin) in the least stiff direction <100>. Under this assumption, the averaging of the grain orientations over all grains in the textured polycrystal with greater number of grains ocurred, and the strength was diluted by the spread of orientations present. Higher Mises stresses evolved in the sample with coarse grain size (16 µm), which indicates that the strong dependence of residual micro stresses on grain size was reversed. The influence of the grain size on the response of the aggregates is clearly observed.


Preparation of novel oligosilsesquioxanes based materials and metal containing ones as homo geneous and heterogeneous catalysts of excellent activity are reviewed . The authors examined the activity of a V containing silsesquioxane as a homogeneous catalyst for the photo oxidation of simple alkanes . For the epoxidation of alkenes catalyzed by Ti silsesquioxanes, the presence of alkenylsilyl substituents around the Ti center shows significant promotional effects . By utilizing silsesquioxanes bearing appropriate functional groups, novel caged molecules with organic-inorganic hybrid structures were prepared as well as soluble cooligomers, starburst-type polymers, and a dendrimer containing metallasilsesquioxanes. Furthermore, the authors found that these metal-containing silsesquioxanes can be good precursors of oxide catalysts with high BET surface areas and uniformly-controlled pores. Remarkably, the catalysts containing V and Al species were found to show excellent activity for photo assisted aerobic oxidation of methane into methanal and the cracking of cumene , respectively .


At the Máxima Medisch Centrum in Veldhoven, The Netherlands, neonatal sepsis caused by invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infection was diagnosed in 5 neonates between 1996 and 2004. This infection is relatively rare and its clinical features are variable, but often particularly severe and fulminant as was the case in 2 of the 5 children, one of whom died and the other was left with serious psychomotor retardation. The other 3 recovered fully. The child who died and one of the children who recovered are described in some detail. They were both prematurely born neonates, a girl and a boy, who presented almost immediately after birth with an early-onset sepsis caused by S. pneumoniae. In both cases neonatal cultures as well as maternal vaginal swabs were positive for S. pneumoniae growth. 2 different patients had other risk factors for peripartal infection. Neonatal pneumococcal infections are most likely transmitted trough the maternal vaginal tract. Maternal vaginal colonization is rare (0.11%), but associated with a high risk of transmission to the newborn. Asymptomatic neonatal colonization was not observed. In light of the likelihood of a high rate of transmission and subsequent infection, peripartal prophylactic antibiotic treatment is advised for all mothers with proven vaginal S. pneumoniae colonization. If this is not given or is not effective, then in contrast with the policy on patients with group B streptococcal colonization, prophylactic antibiotic treatment is advocated for all neonates born to colonized mothers. Amoxicillin is the preferred treatment. In areas of increasing macrolide resistance, erythromycin should only be advised in cases of penicillin allergy.


This paper presents a novel, smart and portable active knee rehabilitation orthotic device (AKROD) designed to train stroke patients to correct knee hyperextension during stance and stiff-legged gait (defined as reduced knee flexion during swing). The knee brace provides variable damping controlled in ways that foster motor recovery in stroke patients. A resistive, variable damper, electro-rheological fluid (ERF) based component is used to facilitate knee flexion during stance by providing resistance to knee buckling. Furthermore, the knee brace is used to assist in knee control during swing, i.e. to allow patients to achieve adequate knee flexion for toe clearance and adequate knee extension in preparation to heel strike. The detailed design of AKROD, the first prototype built, closed loop control results and initial human testing are presented here


A model for the computation of failure probabilities for partly reshaping mass-armored berm breakwaters in the Arctic is presented. The model consists of a reliable tool for the design of port structures in the rapidly changing Arctic environment and considers the simultaneous effects of wave and ice forces.
 The applied probabilistic approach was based on Bayesian inference. Hydrodynamic and ice historical data from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska were collected and analyzed to supply the Bayesian network with a large pool of information for the analysis. The model performed real-time predictions based on historical data and the user's prior knowledge and assigned relevant values to load and resistance parameters. The predictive skill of the Bayesian network was validated with log-likelihood tests. Furthermore, the main outputs were applied for a Level III (fully probabilistic) reliability assessment of the structure.
 The study shows that a well-formulated Bayesian network can be a powerful tool in the design process and for the purpose of reliability analysis of coastal structures in highly unpredictable environments, such as the Arctic. The model can represent the dependencies between wave and ice loads in relation to the characteristics of the breakwater, as well as, its response. The average deviation of computed probabilities of failure relative to the prior estimates was 58.7%.


This Comment, an invited contribution for a symposium on cyber & international law, develops innovative tools for addressing cyber issues through international economic law. In thinking about strategy and doctrine for cyberspace, one cannot ignore either the cyber domain's interaction with other domains or the applicability of existing legal tools to address cyberspace issues. This Comment focuses on the latter and argues that any discussion regarding deterrence and a playbook for consequences for cyber incidents by state actors ought necessarily to include a careful examination of existing plays, particularly where those incidents have an economic component as many do. Focusing on multilateral institutions, regional and bilateral trade and investment agreements, and unilateral tariff and non-tariff trade and investment tools, this Comment maintains that current and available international economic tools offer significant potential to shape cyber activities and norms and only now are beginning to be deployed this way.


Study Design A descriptive experimental study. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the reliability and accuracy of palpable anterior neck landmarks (angle of the mandible, hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, and cricoid cartilage) for the identification of cervical spinal levels in a slight neck-extended position as in anterior approach cervical spinal surgery. Overview of Literature Standard, palpable anatomical landmarks for the identification of cervical spinal levels were described by Hoppenfeld using the midline palpable anterior structures (angle of the mandible [C2 body], hyoid bone [C3 body], thyroid cartilage [C4–C5 disc], cricoid cartilage [C6 body], and carotid tubercle [C6 body]) to determine the approximate level for skin incisions. However, in clinical practice, patients are positioned with a slight neck extension to achieve cervical lordosis. This positioning (neck extension) may result in changes in the locations of anatomical landmarks compared with those reported in previous studies. Methods This experimental study was conducted on 96 volunteers. Each volunteer was palpated for locating four anatomical landmarks three times by three different orthopedic surgeons. We collected data from the level of the vertebral body or the vertebral disc matching the surface anatomical landmarks from the vertical reference line. Results Accuracy of the angle of the mandible located at the C2 vertebral body was 95.5%, the hyoid bone located at the C2/3 intervertebral disc was 51.7%, the thyroid cartilage located at the C4 vertebral body was 42%, and the cricoid cartilage located at the C5/6 intervertebral disc was 43.4%. Conclusions With the neck in a slightly extended position to achieve cervical lordosis, the angle of the mandible, the hyoid bone, the thyroid cartilage, and the cricoid cartilage were most often located at the C2 body, the C2/3 disc, the C4 body, and the C5/6 disc, respectively. The angle of the mandible and the hyoid bone are highly reliable surface anatomical landmarks for the identification of cervical spinal levels than the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage.


tmRNA has a dual function both as a tRNA and an mRNA to facilitate trans-translation, in which a ribosome can switch translation from a truncated or other problematic mRNA to the tmRNA's tag-encoding sequence. During trans-translation, tmRNA enters the ribosomal A-site without a codon-anticodon interaction, but with an SmpB which is a tmRNA binding protein. To further study the interaction of SmpB with ribosome and tmRNA, we have performed directed hydroxyl radical probing. It revealed that there are two SmpB binding sites at the A-site and P-site, and their C-terminal regions reside along the mRNA path in the 30S subunit. From these results, we propose a new type of molecular mimicry, in which both tmRNA and SmpB mimic the structures and functions of tRNA and mRNA during trans-translation, addressing how tmRNA preferentially recognizes the stalled ribosome, and what substitutes for a codon-anticodon interaction.


Increase efficiency in the basics while breathing more life into the teaching of 3D modelling. This presentation will demonstrate the construction of 3D computer models for photo quality printing and web display, and address the skills which add realism to your model while controlling design efficiency. Topics include 3D tools, creative techniques, materials, textures, lights, shadows, reflections and 3D rendering. Demonstrations will be shown using 3D Studio Max and AutoCAD, featuring work from high school and university students.


Abstract Light is a major external factor in regulating seed germination. Photoreceptor phytochrome B (PHYB) plays a predominant role in promoting seed germination in the initial phase after imbibition, partially by repressing phytochrome-interacting factor1 (PIF1). However, the mechanism underlying the PHYB-PIF1-mediated transcription regulation remains largely unclear. Here, we identified that histone deacetylase15 (HDA15) is a negative component of PHYB-dependent seed germination. Overexpression of HDA15 in Arabidopsis inhibits PHYB-dependent seed germination, whereas loss of function of HDA15 increases PHYB-dependent seed germination. Genetic evidence indicated that HDA15 acts downstream of PHYB and represses seed germination dependent on PIF1. Furthermore, HDA15 interacts with PIF1 both in vitro and in vivo. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis revealed that HDA15 and PIF1 co-regulate the transcription of the light-responsive genes involved in multiple hormonal signaling pathways and cellular processes in germinating seeds in the dark. In addition, PIF1 recruits HDA15 to the promoter regions of target genes and represses their expression by decreasing the histone H3 acetylation levels in the dark. Taken together, our analysis uncovered the role of histone deacetylation in the light-regulated seed germination process and identified that HDA15-PIF1 acts as a key repression module directing the transcription network of seed germination.


Hot electron energy (ELR) and momentum (MLR) loss rates due to acoustic phonons (APs) and surface polar phonons (SPPs) scattering are studied as a function of electron temperature Te in a bilayer graphene. Hot phonon effect is taken in to account for SPP. Hot phonon effect is found to reduce both ELR and MLR significantly. For Te less than about 150 (180)K the AP scattering dominates ELR(MLR). At very low Te, for APs, ELR ∼ Te4 and MLR ∼ Te2.5.


--- This article is devoted to the influence of trends, problems and barriers on the value of commercial real estate. The article presents figures positively characterizing demand for commercial real estate as the basis for entrepreneurial activities. The authors have analyzed the investment appeal of commercial real estate, defined risks influencing the disparity of commercial real estate prices and studied price dynamic for premises of free appointment in cities with a population over 1 million. As a result of the study, the authors have identified factors influencing the development of the commercial real estate market and have drawn some conclusions.


The uropathogens possess a wide array of virulence factors which help them in pathogenesis. The present study investigated the virulence factors produced by uropathogens and also determine the antimicrobial activity of drugs against the pathogens. E. coli was documented to be the most prevalent uropathogen. 60% of uropathogens were found to be siderophore producers. 73% isolates were found to be protease producers. A total of 74% uropathogens were rhamnolipid producers. Isolates were found to be maximally sensitive towards streptomycin and oxacillin.


Abstract In a search for a pyrethroid resistance diagnostic marker, a partial sequence of the para-like sodium channel gene was obtained from 78 diploid females of the arrhenotokous insect pest species Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), the western flower thrips. Although all the insects analyzed came from a single laboratory population, nine different haplotypes were obtained. Two haplotypes did have the well-known L to F kdr mutation, but only one of these could be statistically linked to pyrethroid resistance in our population. This haplotype did not have the superkdr mutation, but did have a unique mutation a few amino acids downstream, at a position already linked to resistance in Plutella. Although this para-like locus seemed to have a role in pyrethroid resistance in our population, other resistance mechanisms were also probably involved. The fact that our laboratory population, open to migration, contained a high genetic diversity for this selected gene shows that "pest tourism" is a major factor for resistance dynamics in this greenhouse pest. This, with the possible occurrence of an original resistance mutation, might preclude the use of very specific approaches for resistance monitoring in the field in this species.


Green sugarcane harvesting may promote great changes in the dynamics of herbicides in the environment. Our goal was to evaluate the influence of straw decomposition degree on leaching and weed (Ipomoea grandifolia) control efficacy by (14C) tebuthiuron and hexazinone. The presence of straw on the soil surface affected leaching, mainly for hexazinone (leaching reduced from 37 to 5% of the applied amount in the presence of straw). Overall, tebuthiuron showed more efficient control of Ipomoea than hexazinone. The straw decomposition degree affected only hexazinone efficacy that was lowest for the least decomposed straw. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of sugarcane straw on herbicides dissipation, particularly on volatilization and photolysis, to better predict their efficacy and environmental fate.


Two common approaches for automating IoT smart spaces are having users write rules using trigger-action programming (TAP) or training machine learning models based on observed actions. In this paper, we unite these approaches. We introduce and evaluate Trace2TAP, a novel method for automatically synthesizing TAP rules from traces (time-stamped logs of sensor readings and manual actuations of devices). We present a novel algorithm that uses symbolic reasoning and SAT-solving to synthesize TAP rules from traces. Compared to prior approaches, our algorithm synthesizes generalizable rules more comprehensively and fully handles nuances like out-of-order events. Trace2TAP also iteratively proposes modified TAP rules when users manually revert automations. We implemented our approach on Samsung SmartThings. Through formative deployments in ten offices, we developed a clustering/ranking system and visualization interface to intelligibly present the synthesized rules to users. We evaluated Trace2TAP through a field study in seven additional offices. Participants frequently selected rules ranked highly by our clustering/ranking system. Participants varied in their automation priorities, and they sometimes chose rules that would seem less desirable by traditional metrics like precision and recall. Trace2TAP supports these differing priorities by comprehensively synthesizing TAP rules and bringing humans into the loop during automation. CCS Concepts


Abstract Lipolase is the trade name for a fungal lipase that can catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds in, for example, triacylglycerol molecules. An important characteristic of this enzyme is that it is water-soluble whereas its substrate is water-insoluble. The adsorption of Lipolase was studied on several polystyrene latices and glass in order to determine the effect of the nature of the solid phase and to determine the interactions which are of importance for the adsorption. Electrostatic interaction and dehydration of hydrophobic surfaces are the main driving forces for Lipolase adsorption. Under attractive electrostatic conditions between the surface and the enzyme, the plateau value of the isotherm corresponds to saturated monolayer coverage. Under conditions where dehydration of the hydrophobic surface is almost compensated for by electrostatic repulsion the lateral repulsion between the adsorbed enzymes becomes also important and contributes to the surface coverage. The adsorption mechanism of Lipolase is similar to that of the protein Savinase. However, Lipolase adsorbs much less on hydrophobic interfaces under electrostatic repulsive conditions than proteins examined in the literature, indicating that the dehydrated contact area between enzyme and surface is relatively small and that consequently the enzyme does not unfold significantly upon adsorption.


After the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the environment of northeastern Japan was contaminated by fallout containing radioactive cesium isotopes (r-Cs) from the plant, leading to contamination of municipal solid waste (MSW) as well. The contaminated MSW has been handled by various thermal treatment facilities. In order to understand r-Cs behavior during different thermal treatments of MSW, we reviewed earlier research reports on r-Cs concentration in solid residual materials discharged from the treatment plants, the distribution ratio of r-Cs between residue discharged from the bottom of furnaces (bottom ash, incombustibles, or slag) or dust in flue gas (fly ash), and r-Cs leaching rates from these residues. Furthermore, we compared the results with those of our recent investigation into incineration of waste from decontamination activities. In this paper, we present the results and discuss the effect of different types of waste on r-Cs behavior and leaching characteristics, using a thermodynamic equilibrium calculation approach.


In three patients, intractable hiccups occurred as part of the symptomatology of multiple sclerosis. In one patient intractable hiccups were the presenting complaint, and in another patient exacerbations of symptoms were almost always heralded by intractable hiccups. Intractable hiccups occur in a variety of diseases, including many that affect the brainstem and cervical cord, but have not been reported in multiple sclerosis. The hiccup may be a 'primitive" gastrointestinal reflex that is disinhibited by lesions such as multiple sclerosis plaques. Carbamazepine was successful in arresting the hiccups in one of the cases presented.


Diketopiperazines (DKPs) are a well-known class of heterocycles that have emerged as promising biologically active scaffolds. Solid-phase organic synthesis has become an important tool in the combinatorial exploration of these privileged structures, expediting the synthesis and, often, the discovery of active compounds. We recently identified several DKPs that are capable of inhibiting the luminescence response of the bacterial symbiont Vibrio fischeri, and we sought to further test the scope of this biological activity. Herein, we report the synthesis of DKP macroarrays using a SPOT-synthesis approach based on an Ugi/DeBoc/Cyclize strategy. Neither a spacer nor a linker was required for macroarray construction on cellulose support, and the cyclative cleavage produced high purity DKPs in good yields. Using this protocol, we prepared a library of 400 DKPs on cellulose support and evaluated its members as luminescence inhibitors in V. fischeri. We found six DKPs capable of inhibiting luminescence by at least 80% at 500 muM. Collectively, this work serves to further highlight the utility of the small molecule macroarray platform for the synthesis and evaluation of focused libraries.


The article attempts to investigate the role of ownership structure and corporate governance in mitigating agency cost in a sample of 50 firms selected on the basis of market capitalization from "Karachi Stock Exchange" during the period 2003 to 2006. We used the proxy asset utilisation ratio to measure agency cost. Multivariate fixed effect regression is used to analyze the data. The explanatory variables include director ownership, institutional ownership, external ownership, board size, CEO/Chair duality, remuneration structure and board independence. The results show that higher director and institutional ownership reduces the level of agency cost. Smaller sized boards also results in lowering agency cost. Board independence has positive association with asset utilisation ratio. The separation of the post of CEO and chairperson and higher remuneration lower agency cost.


In this paper we study the application of boundary integral equation methods to the solution of the Helmholtz equation in a locally perturbed half‐plane with Robin or impedance boundary conditions. This problem models outdoor noise propagation from a cutting onto a surrounding flat plane, and also the harbour resonance problem in coastal engineering. We employ Green's theorem to derive a system of three coupled integral equations. The three unknowns are the pressure on the boundary of the disturbance and the pressure and its normal derivative on the interface with the upper half‐space. We prove that the integral equation formulation has a unique solution at all wavenumbers by proving equivalence of the boundary value problem and the integral equation formulation and proving uniqueness of solution for the boundary value problem.


Abstract Background Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive soft tissue sarcomas with high metastatic rates and poor overall patient survival. There are currently no effective therapies, underscoring the pressing need to define the molecular etiologies that underlie MPNST progression. The aim of this study was to examine clonal progression and identify the molecular events critical for MPNST spread. Methods In two patients with temporally and spatially distinct metastatic lesions, we employed whole exome sequencing (WES) to elucidate the genetic events of clonal progression, thus identifying the molecular events critical for MPNST spread. Results First, we demonstrated shared clonal origins for the metastatic lesions relative to the primary tumors, which were maintained throughout the course of MPNST progression, supporting the conclusion that cancer cells with metastatic potential already exist in the primary neoplasm. Second, we discovered TRIM23, a member of the Tripartite Motif family of proteins, as a regulator of MPNST lung metastatic spread in vivo. Conclusions The ability to track the genomic evolution from primary to metastatic MPNST offers new insights into the sequence of genetic events required for tumor progression and has identified TRIM23 as a novel target for future study in this rare cancer.


A 1-year-old female spayed Birman cat was presented with a history of inappropriate urination and defecation, lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss. After intermittent responses to non-specific therapy she was diagnosed with atypical hypoadrenocorticism from the results of an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test.


Aim: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common clinical condition encountered in the emergency department (ED). The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics and outcomes of patients with respect to treatment using novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed medical records of patients diagnosed with DVT during 2019 in the ED of the Clinical Hospital Dubrava. We identified 295 patients, who comprised 1.2% of all patients examined in the ED. Results: Women were more frequently diagnosed with DVT (59%) and they were older than the men (median age 69 vs. 62 years, respectively). Patients with proximal deep vein thrombosis (71%) were admitted to the hospital. Two thirds of all patients were treated with NOAC. Rivaroxaban was the most commonly prescribed drug (52% of patients). Control Doppler ultrasound was performed in 58% of the patients, and complete resolution was observed in 63% of the cases. NOACs caused significantly fewer bleeding events than warfarin (3.2% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that patients with DVT


Background. Lung cancer continues to be a burden worldwide with an estimated 2.09 million new cases of lung cancer and 1.76 million deaths in 2018. MicroRNAs (miRs) are key regulators of gene expression and show their oncogenic or antioncogenic role in human cancers including lung cancer. In this study, we test the hypothesis that miR-34c-5p functions as a candidate antioncomiR in lung adenocarcinoma by targeting NUF2. Methods. The expression pattern of miR-34c-5p and NUF2 was evaluated in 202 biopsy specimens from patients with lung adenocarcinoma and 176 biopsy specimens from patients with benign lung diseases. Interaction between miR-34c-5p and NUF2 was verified by the luciferase-based assay. Cell viability and invasion assays were carried out in cultured A549 cells treated with miR-34c-5p mimic, inhibitor, and siRNA against NUF2. Results. NUF2 was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma samples and related to the differentiation degree, TNM stage, and presence of lymph node metastasis (LNM). Patients with NUF2 overexpression had reduced overall survival (OS) and diseasefree survival (DFS) compared to patients with underexpression. Cox multivariate analysis revealed that high expression of NUF2, advanced TNM stage, well/moderate differentiation, and existence of LNM were unfavorable prognostic factors. siRNAmediated knockdown of NUF2 inhibits A549 cell viability and invasion. miR-34c-5p was expressed at a poor level in lung adenocarcinoma samples and related to the differentiation degree, TNM stage, and presence of LNM. miR-34c-5p underexpression contributes to reduced OS and DFS, which was demonstrated as an unfavorable prognostic factor by Cox multivariate analysis. siRNA-mediated knockdown of NUF2 could ablate miR-34c-5p inhibition-mediated effects on A549 cells. Conclusion. Our results prove the hypothesis that miR-34c-5p could suppress lung adenocarcinoma progression by binding to the NUF2 gene. The study is a significant step towards extending our understanding of the mode of miRNA regulation in lung adenocarcinoma.


Abstract Congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries is a rare anomaly which are responsible for 0.5% of all CHDs and can be associated with other congenital cardiac abnormalities. Association of congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries and isolated atrial septal defect is a very rare condition, and management of this association is challenging. In this paper, we describe three patients with congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries and isolated atrial septal defect who were admitted to our clinic and all of them underwent percutaneous closure of defect. From 2017 to 2020, we visited three patients with congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries and isolated atrial septal defect. Our patients' ages ranged from 28 to 38 years. All of them underwent percutaneous atrial septal defect device closure without any complications. Patients were discharged from hospital in good condition with a daily dose of Aspirin 80 mg and Plavix 75 mg. For all of them, follow-up echocardiography was performed the day after the procedure at 1, 3, and 6 months later and showed the function of the right-sided left ventricle improvement and the severity of the mitral regurgitation was reduced. Furthermore, clinical evaluation also indicated functional class improvement. Although the cases of percutaneous transcatheter closure are few and cannot be regarded as strong evidence to recommend this procedure, the outcomes are promising and can demonstrate that this approach is practical.


In this paper we describe three independent implementations of a new agent-based model (ABM) that simulates a contemporary sports-betting exchange, such as those offered commercially by companies including Betfair, Smarkets, and Betdaq. The motivation for constructing this ABM, which is known as the Bristol Betting Exchange (BBE), is so that it can serve as a synthetic data generator, producing large volumes of data that can be used to develop and test new betting strategies via advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques. Betting exchanges act as online platforms on which bettors can find willing counterparties to a bet, and they do this in a way that is directly comparable to the manner in which electronic financial exchanges, such as major stock markets, act as platforms that allow traders to find willing counterparties to buy from or sell to: the platform aggregates and anonymises orders from multiple participants, showing a summary of the market that is updated in real-time. In the first instance, BBE is aimed primarily at producing synthetic data for in-play betting (also known as in-race or in-game betting) where bettors can place bets on the outcome of a track-race event, such as a horse race, after the race has started and for as long as the race is underway, with betting only ceasing when the race ends. The rationale for, and design of, BBE has been described in detail in a previous paper that we summarise here, before discussing our comparative results which contrast a single-threaded implementation in Python, a multi-threaded implementation in Python, and an implementation where Python header-code calls simulations of the track-racing events written in OpenCL that execute on a 640-core GPU – this runs approximately 1000 times faster than the single-threaded Python. Our source-code for BBE is being made freely available on GitHub.


A novel and effective catalytic system using monobenzylnicotinium chloride combined with copper(I) chloride was employed for the first time in Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions of phenylacetylene with various aryl halides. The goal was to use an efficient green media by using copper instead of palladium in metal-catalyzed coupling reactions. Monobenzyl nicotinium chloride, a quaternary ammonium salt containing a coordinating centre, plays an important role in this catalytic system and increases the efficiency of Cu(I) species during the reaction. A number of internal alkynes were produced in moderate to excellent yields in short reaction times in DMF at 135–140 °C. The efficiency of this catalytic system was compared with the copper-based catalyst obtained from dibenzylnicotinium chloride which has no N-donor active site, wherein lower activity was observed due to lack of a coordination site.


BACKGROUNDS
The quality of health care depends not only on physicians' medical skills but also on proper patient education. The aim of the study was to ascertain the types of information required by women before they start their breast cancer treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Before a surgery, 254 patients with early breast cancer treated primarily by surgery obtained an originally developed questionnaire containing information topics assumed to be important. The patients were asked to indicate the information they had been provided and the information they required.

RESULTS
The majority of patients (more than 70%) knew that their disease was malignant, that they needed the surgery and what would be the extent of the resection of their breast. Markedly less patients (47.1%) knew about the planned extent of their regional lymph nodes surgery. More than 80% patients required information about their long-term expectations, such as the overall length of cancer treatment, length and extent of their anticipated physical impairment and their chances for cure. The majority of younger women (76.2%) recommended for total mastectomy required information about breast reconstruction options. A substantial proportion of older women (about 60%) were interested to learn about an anticipated cosmetic outcome and possibilities for correction of their potential defect.

CONCLUSION
Multimodal breast cancer treatment is generally managed by clinical oncologists. However, a surgeon should be enabled to discuss with the patient their cancer treatment, what it involves and how it will affect the patient's future life. It is advisable to clarify the extent of the surgery on regional lymph nodes and to engage in discussions on cosmetic outcomes of the surgery. With respect to a proper patient education, breast cancer patients should be treated by surgeons specialized in the treatment of this disease.


Abstract All human beings must satisfy their basic needs. When they cannot do so, they compete with their fellow beings, get involved in conflicts, and sometimes exert violence. In many parts of the Himalayas, the potential for conflicts linked to the use of natural resources to satisfy basic needs is high because traditional livelihoods depend very much on agricultural land, pastures, and forests. A negative balance of demand and supply drives people to obtain resources forcefully wherever possible, which frequently leads to confrontation. Such conflicts can be mitigated by providing people with other sources of income and reducing their dependence on the limited local resource base. The people of Pangi Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, have experienced these processes and have now reached a stage where conflicts over natural resources are no longer a major concern. The availability of alternative economic opportunities has enabled people to free themselves from the constraints of traditional livelihoods based only on local natural resources.


This study investigates the impact of training on the employee–organisation relationship among a sample of temporary workers from a  call centre (N= 240). The data support the idea that social exchange theories are useful frameworks in explaining temporary workers' affective commitment towards organisations. Organisational investment in training was positively related to the affective commitment of these temporary workers. However, the employees attributed greater importance to the fact that training increased their employability than to the number of training hours received. The relationship between this human resource management practice and affective commitment partly occurred through the perceived organisational support on the part of the employees. Such perception partially mediates the relationship between training as a promoter of employability and this positive attitude.


Significant air temperature increases in urban areas is well known as the heat island phenomenon in a global scale. Therefore, we propose numerical model in order to analyze quantitative effects of building environmental factors on the heat island phenomenon in urban area. In this paper, thermal property of upper atmosphere is experimentally investigated for Sakae, Nagoya Japan. In conclusion, it was confirmed that the boundary layer of a urban canopy existed near the altitude of 139 m.


Historically, online documentation has not lived up to its potential because of hardware and software limitations and a lack of integration into the traditional document production process. A network workstation architecture and new production techniques offer solutions to these restrictions. A strategy for creating an integrated online system is discussed, followed by a description of a real-world implementation.


Spotted fever rickettsiosis is a zoonosis transmitted by ticks, having a varied clinical course that can lead to death if not managed properly. In Brazil it is more commonly observed in the Southeast, being an emerging public health problem. Hazard mapping models are common in different areas of knowledge, including public health, as a way of inferring reality and seeking to reduce or prevent damage. The aim of this study is to offer a spatial heuristic methodology for assessing the potential risk of transmission of spotted fever in the Rio de Janeiro state, located in the southeastern region of Brazil. For this, we used geospatial tools associated with eco-epidemiological data related to the clinical profile of the disease. The results achieved were substantially encouraging, considering that there are territories with greater or lesser expectation of risk for spotted fever in the study area. We observed that there are important distinctions between the two rickettsiosis scenarios in the same geographic space and that the areas where there is a greater potential risk of contracting rickettsiosis coincide with the administrative regions that concentrated the cases of hospitalization and deaths from the disease, concluding that the scenery found are relevant to the case series for the disease and that the planning of surveillance actions can gain in quality if the use of this spatial analysis tool is incorporated into the routine of local health management.


The crystal structure of simonkolleite, Zn5 (OH)8 Cl2 (H2O), rhombohedral, space group R 3 m , a 6.3412(3), c 23.646(1) A, V 823.4(1) A3, Z = 3, has been refined to an R index of 1.6% based on 284 observed (5σ) reflections measured with Mo K α X-radiation. There are two distinct Zn sites fully occupied by Zn: Zn (1) is octahedrally coordinated by six (OH) groups, = 2.127 A, and Zn (2) is tetrahedrally coordinated by three (OH) groups and one Cl atom, = 2.041 A. The (Znφ6) octahedra (φ: O, OH, Cl) form an edge-sharing dioctahedral sheet similar to that observed in dioctahedral micas. On each side of the vacant octahedron, a (Znφ4) tetrahedron is attached to three anions of the sheet and points away from the sheet. The decorated sheet can be written as [ M 3 ( T φ4)2 φ2], where M = [6]Zn, T = [4]Zn and φ = OH, Cl. Intercalated between adjacent sheets are interstitial (H2O) groups. The sheets are held together by hydrogen bonding from (OH) groups of one sheet to Cl anions of adjacent sheets, and to interstitial (H2O) groups. Simonkolleite can be considered as a decorated sheet structure of the form [[6] M φ2]4 with an interrupted sheet, and is related to the structures of cianciulliite, gordaite, namuwite, bechererite, chalcophyllite, ramsbeckite, chalcophanite and claringbullite.


This study describes the bioengineering of phycomolecule-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a novel type of plant-growth-enhancing micronutrient catalyst aimed at increasing crop productivity. The impact of natural engineered phycomolecule-loaded ZnO NPs on plant growth characteristics and biochemical changes in Gossypium hirsutum L. plants was investigated after 21 days of exposure to a wide range of concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 200 mg l−l). ZnO NP exposure significantly enhanced growth and biomass by 125.4% and 132.8%, respectively, in the treated plants compared to the untreated control. Interestingly, photosynthetic pigments, namely, chlorophyll a (134.7%), chlorophyll b (132.6%), carotenoids (160.1%), and total soluble protein contents (165.4%) increased significantly, but the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content (73.8%) decreased in the ZnO-NP-exposed plants compared to the control. The results showed that there were significant increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD, 267.8%) and peroxidase (POX, 174.5%) enzyme activity, whereas decreased catalase (CAT, 83.2%) activity was recorded in the NP-treated plants compared to the control. ZnO NP treatment did not show distinct alterations (the presence or absence of DNA) in a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) banding pattern. These results suggest that bioengineered ZnO NPs coated with natural phycochemicals display different biochemical effects associated with enhanced growth and biomass in G. hirsutum. Our results imply that ZnO NPs have tremendous potential in their use as an effective plant-growth-promoting micronutrient catalyst in agriculture.


Development potential of Latgale region is varied, which points to several development possibilities and perspectives of the national economy. Differences in the level of development in the subregion show the unequal development tendencies. To balance the socio-economic situation, it is necessary to have a targeted state support activity, active initiative of the Southern Latgale population, innovative approach, and willingness to change the situation. Territorial characteristics, different values and needs point to the necessity for a diverse and appropriate for a particular territory use of support means aimed at national and international development. Such targeted regional policy in a predictable time period could reduce inequality among people living in different parts of Latvia and promote their capacity. In the current situation, it is important to unite the resources, ideas, and efforts in order to promote economic activity in the Southern Latgale by defining and implementing economic and strategic development criteria that would stimulate a balanced and sustainable development of the subregion. The aim of the research is to identify and evaluate the major criteria of economic development opportunities of the Southern Latgale. The paper includes a part of the author's research on the potential evaluation and determination of development directions of the Southern Latgale. Criteria mentioned in the paper are derived from the analysis of current situation in the Southern Latgale, by researching and determining the development direction criteria, conditions of the Southern Latgale that are essential growth drivers in the research area. The following economic research methods as monographic, comparative analysis and synthesis, deductive, inductive, constructive logic, qualitative (profound interviews with 9 experts) and quantitative (questionnaire survey) methods are used in the present research.


The North Taymyr ice-marginal zone (NTZ) on the Taymyr Peninsula, Arctic Siberia and the Ugleelv Valley on Jameson Land, East Greenland, have been investigated with the aim of reconstructing the glacial history, including depositional processes and environments. Geomorphological, sedimentological, stratigraphical and remote sensing methods have been combined to give a comprehensive view of developments in the two areas. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon (14C) dates provide the chronological control.

The Kara Sea shelf was glaciated three times during the Weichselian, each time with a smaller ice cover than before. The ice sheets caused a reversal of the fluvial drainage towards the south on the Taymyr Peninsula and, during the Early-Middle Weichselian, also the damming of proglacial lakes. The youngest ice-advance, but probably also the older ones, was warm-based and 'surge-like'. After it had reached its maximum position, the margin froze to its base and compressional flow took place there. The North Taymyr ice-marginal zone (NTZ) was initiated during an Early Weichselian retreat stage (c. 80 ka BP) and added to during the Middle (c. 65 ka BP) and Late Weichselian (<20 ka BP) ice advances, thus revealing a complex history. It comprises ice-marginal and supraglacial landsystems dominated by 2-3 km wide thrust-block moraines. Large areas are still underlain by remnant glacier ice and a supraglacial landscape with numerous ice-walled lakes and kames is forming even today. The proglacial landsystem is characterised by subaqueous or terrestrial environments, depending on altitude and time of formation.

The sedimentary succession in the Ugleelv area comprises three tills, glaciolacustrine, glaciofluvial and aeolian sediments. The depositional history started in the early Saalian with a prograding delta in a lake dammed by an outlet glacier in Scoresby Sund. Soon thereafter, and also once during the Weichselian, Jameson Land was inundated by glaciers emanating from Liverpool Land in the east. These glaciers were warm-based and deposited glaciofluvial sediments, local tills and small end moraines. Conditions were less dynamic later in the glacial cycles. During most of the Weichselian the Ugleelv area was ice free and aeolian activity took place, but in the late Saalian the Greenland ice sheet expanded eastwards over the area. This ice was mainly cold-based but in places temporarily warm-based, where a lodgement till was deposited. During deglaciation there was substantial glaciofluvial erosion.

The Kara Sea ice sheet and the Greenland ice sheet behave differently through a glacial cycle. The shelf-centred Kara Sea ice experiences large shifts in areal extent and disappears completely during interglacials. 'Individual' ice advances seem to be gover-ned by internal ice dynamics rather than by climatic changes. Contrary to this, the Greenland ice sheet is relatively stable and the climatically driven expansion or retreat of its outlet glaciers through the fjords represents the major changes.


Introduction Previous studies support modular organization of locomotor circuitry contributing to the activation of muscles in a spatially and temporally organized manner during locomotion. Human spinal circuitry may reorganize after spinal cord injury; however, it is unclear if reorganization of spinal circuitry post-injury affects the modular organization. Here we characterize the modular synergy organization of locomotor muscle activity expressed during assisted stepping in subjects with complete and incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) of varying chronicity, before any explicit training regimen. We also investigated whether the synergy characteristics changed in two subjects who achieved independent walking after training with spinal cord epidural stimulation. Methods To capture synergy structures during stepping, individuals with SCI were stepped on a body-weight supported treadmill with manual facilitation, while electromyography (EMGs) were recorded from bilateral leg muscles. EMGs were analyzed using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and independent component analysis (ICA) to identify synergy patterns. Synergy patterns from the SCI subjects were compared across different clinical characteristics and to non-disabled subjects (NDs). Results Results for both NMF and ICA indicated that the subjects with SCI were similar among themselves, but expressed a greater variability in the number of synergies for criterion variance capture compared to NDs, and weaker correlation to NDs. ICA yielded a greater number of muscle synergies than NMF. Further, the clinical characteristics of SCI subjects and chronicity did not predict any significant differences in the spatial synergy structures despite any neuroplastic changes. Further, post-training synergies did not become closer to ND synergies in two individuals. Discussion These findings suggest fundamental differences between motor modules expressed in SCIs and NDs, as well as a striking level of spatial and temporal synergy stability in motor modules in the SCI population, absent the application of specific interventions.


With the availability of the Internet as a learning tool educators are faced with the challenge of whether to use this tool for course delivery and, if so, to what extent and in what manner it should be incorporated into the curriculum. This study takes an empirical look at course design and delivery factors that impact student perceptions of learning and course satisfaction. Students completed surveys addressing a variety of issues as they relate to traditional classroom courses, Internet courses and a hybrid of the two. Results of the study suggest that the use of hybrid methods of course delivery -incorporating elements of both the traditional classroom and webbased instruction -may provide an optimal "mix" for student learning. Implications of the results are discussed. A Comparison of Traditional, Online and Hybrid Methods of Course Delivery


ABSTRACT An extracellular protein of Streptococcus pyogenes, streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC), and its variant, called DRS (distantly related to SIC), are expressed by some S. pyogenes strains. SIC from type 1 (M1) isolates of S. pyogenes interferes with complement-mediated cell lysis, reportedly via its interaction with complement proteins. In this study we demonstrate that S. pyogenes strains carrying emm12 and emm55 (the genes for the M12 and M55 proteins, respectively) express and secrete DRS. This protein, like SIC, binds to the C6 and C7 complement proteins, and competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments demonstrate that DRS competes with SIC for C6 and C7 binding. Similarly, SIC competes with DRS for binding to the complement proteins. Despite this, the recombinant DRS preparation showed no significant effect on complement function, as determined by lysis of sensitized sheep erythrocytes. Furthermore, the presence of DRS is not inhibitory to SIC activity.


This paper presents a new algorithm (PMS-BDD) based on the binary decision diagram (BDD) for reliability analysis of phased-mission systems (PMS). PMS-BDD uses phase algebra to deal with the dependence across the phases, and a new BDD operation to incorporate the phase algebra. Due to the nature of the BDD, cancellation of common components among the phases can be combined with the BDD generation, without additional operations; and the sum of disjoint products (SDP) can be implicitly represented by the final BDD. Several examples and experiments show that PMS-BDD is more efficient than the algorithm based on SDP, in both computation time and storage space; this efficiency allows the study of some practical, large phased-mission systems.


The present study attempts to ascertain the relationship between inadequate sanitation facilities and two key measures of the economic well-being of women in India: literacy rates and labor force participation rates. A two-stage regression model and correlation analysis are employed. All data is district-level for the year 2011. Results from a simple correlation analysis suggest that there is a positive correlation between latrine availability and female literacy rate but a negative correlation between latrines and the female labor force participation rate. Results from a twostage analysis, however, indicates that latrine availability is positively related to both female labor force participation and female literacy rates. These results suggest that the availability of latrines positively impacts the economic well-being of women. This is one of the first studies that examines the relationships between latrine availability and female labor force participation and literacy rates in India, and this is one of the few studies on this topic to use district-level data. Hence, these results are significant and suggest that the government of India should invest more in proper sanitation facilities for all of its citizens. These types of investments would greatly improve the economic lives of India's women.


Dear Sir, The ischiorectal fossa is defined superiorly by the levator ani and medially by the external sphincter muscles. Laterally its limits are the obturator internus muscle and the obturator fascia, anteriorly the superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles and inferiorly the skin of perineum [1]. Tumours in this location are very rare and only case reports and small case series [2–7] such as that published by Buchs et al. [7] have been reported. There are two matters of importance regarding tumours in this anatomical region, including the role of percutaneous biopsy and the approach to achieve a complete resection. Anecdotal publications report a perineal approach as the only route to achieve complete resection for these neoplasms avoiding an abdominal incision. We report a case of an 81-year-old patient who experienced pain in both thighs and a bulging mass in the right gluteal muscle. The MRI appearances were indicative of a leiomyosarcoma and this was confirmed by examination of a needle biopsy. This video illustrates the perineal approach technique without an abdominal phase for the complete excision of the leiomyosarcoma. We conclude that the perineal approach could be a technical option to perform complete excision for tumours in the ischiorectal fossa avoiding intraabdominal extension.


In order to prepare for the negotiations on the EU Energy and Climate Package, the Federal Planning Bureau was asked by the Belgian federal and regional authorities to conduct a study on the impact of the January 2008 European Commission's proposal. In the course of this study, various scenarios were run. Next to a baseline, two main alternative scenarios were scrutinised: the 20/20 and 30/20 target scenarios, standing for an EU reduction of respectively 20% and 30% of GHG emissions in the year 2020 compared to the level of 1990 and a 20% mandatory EU share of RES in Gross Final Energy Demand in 2020. The report then includes an analysis of the impact of both scenarios on the Belgian energy system and economy as well as on GHG emissions.


Pneumatic energy (compressed air) widely used all over industrial branches, including transport and transport and transport enterprises. Breaking systems, safety devices etc. of the JSC "RZD" rolling-stock and enterprises use compressed air containing harmful includings. Its existence negatively impacts on pneumatic on pneumatic functioning. At autumn-spring period appears the risk of freezing. It is the direct threat to safety motion. To prevent these threats it is necessary to use intellectual systems (devices) of the compressed air drying, equipped with automatic moisture drainage systems. It is necessary to prevent the repeated moisture entrainment after compressed air drying. Such devices are recommended to implement as at the rolling-stock pneumatic systems, as at the railway enterprises branch, particularly at car exploitation depot. It is also necessary to control the dew point temperature as outgoing. This process becomes very important to control the compressed air quality going to breaking main, dew point sensor, as the main part of compressed air quality control intellectual management system, allows to control and correct compressor's pressure, compressed air drying system operation etc.


A new micromachined uniaxial silicon resonant accelerometer characterized by a high sensitivity and very small dimensions is presented. The device's working principle is based on the frequency variations of two resonating beams coupled to a proof mass. Under an external acceleration, the movement of the proof mass causes an axial load on the beams, generating opposite stiffness variations, which, in turn, result in a differential separation of their resonance frequencies. A high level of sensitivity is obtained, owing to an innovative and optimized geometrical design of the device that guarantees a great amplification of the axial loads. The acceleration measure is obtained, owing to a properly designed oscillating circuit. In agreement with the theoretical prediction, the experimental results show a sensitivity of 455 Hz/ ( g being the gravity acceleration) with a resonant frequency of about 58 kHz and a good linearity in the range of interest.


Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA

Approximately 90% of all cancer deaths arise from the metastatic spread of primary tumours. Most colon cancer metastasis occurs. Runx3(runt-related transcription factor3) is known as tumor suppressor gene in gastrointestinal epithelium. Recent reports have been shown that loss of Runx3 induce proliferative effect in gastric cancer cells. However, their roles and underlying mechanism in colon cancer cell lines are not yet known. In this study, we investigated the function of Runx3 in human colon cancer cells. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells in response to using the Runx3 expression vector for various times were investigated using MTT, wound healing, and Matrigel invasion assay, respectively. The morphologic changes of colon cancer cells through the EMT process were monitored by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot assay for EMT markers Twist and Vimentin. We found that Runx3 overexpressing cell inhibited cell motility and invasiveness in colon cancer, and this process was enhanced by Runx3 siRNA. We observed that the mRNA expressions of Runx3 was enhanced by Runx3 overexpressing cell, whereas no increase of these factors was observed when the Runx3 siRNA was transfection. Overexpression of Runx3 decreases protein expression of EMT (Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition) markers. In addition, Runx3 knockdown upregulates MMP2 activity. The ROS production was decreased in Runx3-overexpressing cells. These results indicate that Runx3 signaling pathway can contribute to ROS generation enhancing the metastatic potential of tumor cells. Our findings suggest that Runx3 signaling processes through ROS and MMP2 the inhibition of these pathway blocked the metastatic potential of colon cancer cell lines.

Citation Format: Bo Ram Kim, Myoung Hee Kang, Jung Lim Kim, Yoo Jin Jang, Sun Il Lee, Jun Suk Kim, Sang Cheul Oh. Runx3 inhibited epithelial to mesenchymal transition promotes motility and invasiveness of colon cancer cells through reduction of ROS generation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 120. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-120


A combined experimental and modeling investigation of the ozone kinetics in the afterglow of pulsed direct current discharges in oxygen is carried out. The discharge is generated in a cylindrical silica tube of radius 1 cm, with short pulse durations between 0.5 and 2 ms, pressures in the range 1–5 Torr and discharge currents ∼40–120 mA. Time-resolved absolute concentrations of ground-state atoms and ozone molecules were measured simultaneously in situ, by two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence and ultraviolet absorption, respectively. The experiments were complemented by a self-consistent model developed to interpret the results and, in particular, to evaluate the roles of vibrationally excited ozone and of ozone formation on surfaces. It is found that vibrationally excited ozone, , plays an important role in the ozone kinetics, leading to a decrease in the ozone concentration and an increase in its formation time. In turn, the kinetics of is strongly coupled with those of atomic oxygen and O2(a 1Δg) metastables. Ozone formation at the wall does not contribute significantly to the total ozone production under the present conditions. Upper limits for the effective heterogeneous recombination probability of O atoms into ozone are established.


The metastable atoms produced by the photodissociation of are detected by observing the enhanced fluorescence of the transition - in the buffer gas xenon. The photodissociation experiments are carried out under conditions of low-pressure (about 100 mtorr) in high-pressure Xe (20-200 torr). The fluorescence spectrum of ) in the wavelength region 510-560 nm is measured. A strong production of is found at wavelengths between 120 and 140 nm in the state, and a small production observed in the range 105-120 nm. Both spectra seem continuous. The Rydberg states in this wavelength region produce very little O(1S).


The measurement of small currents of the order of 10-12ampere by thermionic electron tubes requires special considerations not ordinarily encountered with larger currents. Electrometer tubes are especially designed for this service. The necessary differences between ordinary electron tubes and electrometer tubes is discussed from a practical viewpoint. Plate current and plate voltage are much lower in electrometer tubes, and this presents problems both in tube and circuit requirements. Low grid current and high leakage-resistance techniques are presented. Characteristics of such tubes are given in terms which are generally applicable.


About 400 million individuals worldwide have been affected by the inherited disorder of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency that predisposes individuals to neonatal jaundice or hemolytic crisis due to drugs or infections. A descriptive observational study with longitudinal design was undertaken among 109 live newborns, delivered in labor room of IPGME and R, Kolkata during the period from June to August 2009. An objective of the study was to estimate the occurrence of G6PD deficiency among newborns and its association with different socio-demographic, clinical and gestational characteristics. 14.68% newborns were found G6PD deficient. This occurrence was not significantly related to gender, religion and ethnicity, consanguineous marriage of the parents, gestational age and birth weight of the baby. Development of severe jaundice (total serum bilirubin >15 mg/dl) was found 23.8% among G6PD deficient babies and 12.5% among non-G6PD deficient. This difference was statistically not significant.


ABSTRACT Introduction: TB of the knee is often associated with marked morbidity because of its late and non-specific presentation. The use of TKA (total knee arthroplasty) in the face of a previous tuberculous knee infection has been criticized with multiple controversies. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to assess: (1) clinical outcomes, (2) radiographic outcomes, and (3) complications of TKA in the face of a previous healed TB infection. Our analysis has demonstrated that previous TB infection of the knee joint does not preclude TKA if indicated and suggests placing patients who have ESR or CRP results out of normal range on pre-operative anti-TB prophylactic antibiotic for a minimum of 2 weeks. In case of local recurrence following TKA, antibiotic therapy alone can be an effective treatment option. Areas covered: We examined reported outcomes of performing TKA in patients with previous TB infection of the knee. Different strategies recommended by different authors to maximize the success of TKA in this situation are also discussed. Expert commentary: TKA has been proven to be effective in patients who are status post tuberculous arthritis when thoughtful patient selection and peri-operative planning is conducted. Tuberculosis continues to have a rising incidence and increasing spread of multi-drug resistant strains.


Purpose: this study examined the impact of CBE on brand loyalty directly and indirectly through brand satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: the survey was given to 80 Islamic banking customers from four leading Islamic banks in Indonesia. The analysis used partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings: the research findings found a direct relationship between CBE and brand loyalty and an indirect relationship using the brand satisfaction variable as the mediating variable. Research limitations: this study did not use indicators that focus on Islamic banking. Practical implications: these studies are essential to building long-term success. For brand managers, concrete steps can be taken by involving consumers in unique and memorable activities. Originality/value: CBE had an indirect effect on brand loyalty by using brand satisfaction as a mediating variable in Islamic banking.


Living in the Era of constant change and anticipated movements seems to remain the struggling of working out the perfect global strategy, based on both well-developed cooperation skills and most of all, the supreme power conquer. The change from one domain to the other, one alliance to another, every single country comes as no surprise when the big reveal is made - whether going for an increased level of mass- destruction weapons or just a simple deception that is due to put down an entire civilization, leaders are the ones to be held responsible when bad things occur. History shows us how easily deception can be made, and how easily a poor-developed country can actually gain power over a twice as much developed one. Those days, collaboration among cultures and countries is imminent, without which failure is closer than ever. The key is held in the Intelligence and among the main characteristics of a real leader, whose powerful and strategic skills are meant to turn him into the best decision maker of the region.


The paper discusses the problem of international trade in art. The works of art are very specific objects of international trade, because – recognised as cultural goods and part of the national heritage they are protected against export. Most countries of the world have laws that protect their cultural property. The legal regulations concern different types of the works of art and apply different instruments of art export controls. The paper discusses the import and export of art worldwide. The analysis is based on OECD international trade data Harmonised System 1996 (ITCS International Trade by Commodities Statistics) on the import and export of the works of art (section 97) in the recent years. The relations between export and import are also analysed. On the basis of the collected data it would be possible to identify the countries which have a significant share in the international trade in art. Special attention is given to foreign trade in art in European Community countries as well as in the United States. The UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Switzerland are discussed in the European context, while Japan, China, Hong Kong give insights into the Asian environment, with Canada and Mexico representing the Americas and Australia.


Research on aspect oriented programming and specification has highlighted the need to deal with cross-cutting concerns that involve more than one implementation level component. Distributed systems are an important application area where cross-cutting concerns frequently emerge. We present a novel way of composing distributed behavior from reusable superposition steps. The steps are given in a joint action notation, which allows the introducing of logically related data and operations in several implementation level components simultaneously. A superposition step contains a description of the context in which it is applicable, and the additional structure to add to a specification. Aspects of collective behavior may overlap at the implementation level. To make it possible to separate aspects cleanly at the specification level, our specification method allows entities to be merged in composition to allow an implementation level entity to play multiple specification level roles.


Isotropic conductive adhesives (ICAs) are a type of interconnect material used more and more widely in computer, robot, mobile phone, LED and so on. Compared with traditional solders, isotropic conductive adhesives have better working plasticity, creep resistance and heat resistance. In particular, isotropic conductive adhesives are more responsive in high density packaging than solder, which determines the dominance of ICAs in high density packaging in the future. In order to improve the thermal conductivity of ICA with acceptable electrical conductivity, Ag flakers, BN and SiC nanoparticles were added into the matrix. The content of silver flakes was 75wt%, and the content of nanoparticles (BN or SiC) in the isotropic conductive adhesives were 0wt%, 0.5wt%, 1.5wt%, 2.5wt%, 3wt%, 5wt% in weight. The conductive adhesives were coated on the PCBs with stencil printing and fifty SR1206 chip components were mounted on a PCB using conductive adhesive. All samples were cured at 150°C for 1h. Further research into the reliability of the above isotropic conductive adhesives after temperature & humidity and thermal-cycling was carried out to analyze the effects of BN and SiC nanoparticals on the properties of ICA. The condition of the temperature & humidity test was 85 °C/85%RH, 500h. The thermal-cycling test was -40°C~125°C, 500 cycles and the soaking time and ramping rate were 19min and ±15°C/min. Changes to electrical resistance were used to estimate the reliability of the isotropic conductive adhesives in this study. The microstructure of the failure samples was observed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The water absorption of all ICAs is the same after 94h temperature and humidity aging and the rate of water absorption is also the same during the aging. The ICA with 3% boron nitride nanoparticles and 75% micron silver flakes shows the best temperature and humidity reliability, with the fewest cracks on the interface between ICA and component. After 500h thermal cycling aging, the resistance reduces in the first 100h and maintains in a certain value after 332h cycled thermal. The samples have no wide cracks but a few small ones on the interface.


Background Elder abuse is a growing public health question among policy makers and practitioners in many countries. Research findings usually indicate women as victims, whereas male elder abuse still remains under-detected and under-reported. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, severity and chronicity of abuse (psychological, physical, physical injury, sexual, and financial) against older men, and to scrutinize factors (e.g. demographics) associated with high chronicity of any abuse. Methods Randomly selected older men (n = 1908) aged 60–84 years from seven European cities (Ancona, Athens, Granada, Kaunas, Stuttgart, Porto, Stockholm) were interviewed in 2009 via a cross-sectional study concerning abuse exposure during the past 12 months. Results Findings suggested that prevalence of abuse towards older men varied between 0.3% (sexual) and 20.3% (psychological), with severe acts between 0.2% (sexual) and 8.2% (psychological). On the whole, higher chronicity values were for injury, followed by psychological, financial, physical, and sexual abuse. Being from Sweden, experiencing anxiety and having a spouse/cohabitant/woman as perpetrator were associated with a greater "risk" for high chronicity of any abuse. For men, severity and chronicity of abuse were in some cases relatively high. Conclusions Abuse towards older men, in the light of severe and repeated acts occurring, should be a source of concern for family, caring staff, social work practice and policy makers, in order to develop together adequate prevention and treatment strategies.