Airborne measurements of upward solar spectral irradiances were performed during the second Saharan Mineral dUst experiMent (SAMUM-2) campaign based on the Cape Verde Islands. Additionally, airborne high resolution lidar measurements of vertical profiles of particle extinction coefficients were collected in parallel to the radiation data. Aerosol layers of Saharan dust, partly mixed with biomass-burning smoke, were probed. With corresponding radiative transfer simulations the single scattering albedo and the asymmetry parameter of the aerosol particles were derived although with high uncertainty. The broad-band aerosol solar radiative forcing at the top of atmosphere was calculated and examined as a function of the aerosol types. However, due to uncertainties in both the measurements and the calculations the chemical composition cannot be identified. In addition, a mostly measurement-based method to derive the broad-band aerosol solar radiative forcing was used. This approach revealed clear differences of broad-band net irradiances as a function of the aerosol optical depth. The data were used to identify different aerosol types from different origins. Higher portions of biomass-burning smoke lead to larger broad-band net irradiances.


Owing to its well-known properties of possible power-noise match as well as superior noise performance, the inductively-degenerated low-noise amplifier is nowadays the most-widely used RF pre-amplifier topology. However, there is not much flexibility when setting the amplifier's input impedance to match the source impedance, as for a given biasing condition, matching is achievable only for a particular value of the degenerative inductance. Moreover, to cancel the imaginary part of the input impedance, a particular excess inductance is necessary at the input of the amplifier, directly degrading the over-all amplifier performance. On the other hand, the transformer-feedback degeneration, introduced in this paper, offers the possibility, for low-noise amplifiers, of simultaneous matching to the source impedance of both the imaginary and the real part of the input impedance, in an orthogonal way. What is more, by controlling the amount of feedback, the amplifier is relieved from the burden of having the lossy input inductor. Detailed analysis shows a novel representation of the input impedance as well as a novel power-matching scheme of the transformer-feedback degenerated low-noise amplifier.


Throughout most mankind's history our daily life artifacts have been designed, produced, and used with respect for social and environmental constrains and within the carrying capacity of ecosystems. Also, they have been created to fulfill tangible and specific needs (not desires) of individuals and communities to their daily tasks and have sustained a thorough process of evolution and adaptation to the cultural and environmental context and, so, have been perfected over time. It has been only with the technological and cultural changes implemented with the industrial revolution that several unbalances have been created in the relation between our material culture and the natural world. It stands to reason that there are lessons to be learned from those previous times, from their habits and, with a design perspective, from their products. This paper presents an analysis of vernacular objects identifying design features related to morphology, functionality, production, material, and use. This text presents as case study a set of vernacular objects from the rural life collection of the Portuguese National Museum of Ethnology. The analysis was made with support of literature, drawing and photography, and adapting some examples from previous studies of vernacular heritage and architecture. These products serve as example of the incorporation of circular product design strategies.


Systematic training of children and adolescents to cope with asthma has been practised in Germany for long years parallel to the development of training for adult asthmatics. An analysis conducted in mid-1992 revealed a considerable gap between the actual need for such training and the available training facilities. The analysis covered asthma training both for outpatients and inpatients including those referred to rehabilitation hospitals. The analysis revealed that there have been some achievements in the topics that were analysed (general framework of conditions for training, target groups of patients, agreement on the direction in which to proceed with regard to scope and aims, follow-up and aftercare, interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and actions, financing and government-piloted sponsorship by the compulsory health insurance bodies, qualification of the asthma pupils and evaluation), whereas in many cases these achievements are in the nature of a pilot study or of a matured model without meeting as yet the essential conditions for a full-range and adequate asthma training offer that can be realised in a sufficiently large area. However, a general consensus has been reached recently on medical contents of the training, on problems of methods and didactic approach and also on standards of evaluation. The paper expressing this general consensus was passed on the occasion of the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Work Team for Asthma Training in Childhood and Adolescence. This means that the essential prerequisites for expanding the training programme from a local to a large-area programme have now been created.


Dynamics of water and nutrients as affected by physical and chemical characteristics of a substrate, fertigation method and schedule, and plant uptake were studied for a flooded bench fertigation system for potted plants, through a detailed experimental study of the root environment and a simulation model. Based on analogy with soils, a summary is given of the theory which describes the dynamics of water and nutrients in horticultural substrates. Existing simulation models based on this theory, so far mainly tested for field soils, were adapted to the flooded bench fertigation system. The model comprises three submodels: 1) one-dimensional vertical water transport, accounting for hysteresis, allocation of water uptake over depth, and conical shape of the pot, 2) solute transport, and 3) chemical equilibration accounting for cation adsorption and precipitation. The model requires evapotranspiration as a forcing function. For a potting medium consisting of peat and perlite, physical characterization is discussed. Characterization dealt with the water retention characteristic, including hysteresis and the effect of repeated wetting and drying, and the hydraulic conductivity characteristic. Mathematical equations, frequently applied for description of physical characteristics of soils, were used to describe the physical characteristics of the potting medium. Cation adsorption of the potting medium was found to be affected by pH. A cation adsorption model is presented to calculate the composition of the adsorption complex in relation to the composition of the liquid phase. Transpiration of Ficusbenjamina and evaporation from the potting medium are discussed with respect to fertigation schedule. Using tensiometers, dynamics of water induced by fertigation of given frequencies and durations and by evapotranspiration were measured. Nutrient balances and vertical distributions were studied for different fertigation schedules. These data were mainly used for validation of the simulation model. The simulation model gave a fair description of the measured data. The volumetric water content in relation to fertigation schedule and measured matric head profiles between fertigations could be understood by studying the dynamic behaviour of the model. Hysteresis in the water retention characteristic significantly influenced the dynamics of water. Vertical distribution of cations was strongly affected by cation adsorption. The combined use of the experiments and the model deepened the understanding of the complicated interactions between evapotranspiration, fertigation schedule, physical and chemical characteristics of the potting medium, and geometry of the pot, in particular the height. It was concluded that considering one of these factors separate from the others is not advisable, since they are all important.


This paper reports that a series of Nd3+:Er3+:Yb3+ co-doped borosilicate glasses have been prepared and their absorption spectra measured. The J—O intensity parameters Ωk (k = 2, 4, 6), spontaneous radiative lifetime τrad, spontaneous transition probability A, fluorescence branching ratio β and oscillator strength fed of the Nd3+ ions at room temperature are calculated based on Judd—Ofelt (J—O) theory. The temperature dependence of the up-conversion photoluminescence characteristics in a Nd3+:Er3+:Yb3+ co-doped sample is studied under a 978 nm semiconductor laser excitation, and the energy transfer mechanisms among Yb3+, Er3+ and Nd3+ ions are analysed. The results show that the J—O intensity parameters Ω2 increase when the Nd3+ concentration of the Nd3+:Er3+:Yb3+ co-doped borosilicate glasses increases. The possibility of spontaneous transition is small and lifetimes are long at levels of 4F5/2 and 4F3/2. The intensity of Nd3+ emissions at 595, 691, 753, 813 and 887 nm are markedly enhanced when the sample temperature exceeds 400 K. The reasons being the cooperation of the secondary sensitization from Er3+ to Nd3+ and the contribution of a multi-phonon.


Treatment of an equivalent amount of ZrCl4 with [(PNtBu)2(tBuNLi·THF)2] in toluene affords the bis(tert-butylamido)cyclodiphosph(III)azane zirconium complex LZrCl2 (1; L = (PNtBu)2(tBuN)2). Ammonolysis of compound 1 has been carried out in the two-phase system liquid ammonia/toluene at −78 °C in the presence of 2 equiv of KH to yield the imido (NH) bridged dinuclear zirconium derivative [(η3-L)Zr(μ-NH)]2 (2). The molecular structure of [(η3-L)Zr(μ-NH)]2 (2) has been determined by X-ray diffraction.


Adequate supply of energy is important for sustainable growth in an economy. The rate of the growth of the Nigeria's electricity development is very slow and not effective compare to other emerging economies; this on the other hands has discouraged production, most especially in the manufacturing sector. In light of this, the study investigates the long-run impact of electricity consumption on manufacturing sector performance proxy by output, employment and capital using Canonical Cointegrating Regression for the period of 1981-2019. Evidence from the result in the output equation shows that electricity consumption and credit to manufacturing sector have a negative relationship with output. In the employment equation, consumption in electricity and interest rate have negative effects on employment. In the capital equation, electricity consumption is not statistically significant. In conclusion, effects of electricity consumption as input in the manufacturing sector have not improved the performance in the sector. To improve the situation, the study recommends among others the need to create a framework to promote energy efficiency by maximizing output from the power sector and minimize wastage.


Mucormycosis usually occurs in immunocompromised patients or in patients with diabetes mellitus. Pathogens are moulds of the mucorales species. The diagnosis is made by histological examination of biopsies. A 39 year-old patient with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was admitted with a tentative diagnosis of a tumour of the maxilla. After diagnosis of hyphae of the mucorales species, the patient's diabetes was stabilised and he was treated over 17 weeks with amphotericin B (40 mg per day) and made a good recovery. A 58 year-old insulin-dependent patient with ethmoidali and sphenoidali sinusitis did not respond to antibiotic therapy. Mucormycosis was diagnosed by means of biopsy. Although treatment with amphotericin B was started, the patient died after 3 weeks due to multiple organ failure.


This paper deals with wireless sensor networks within the engine room of vessels. At the engine room data like temperature, flow and pressure have to be measured. To replace cabling and to reduce costs a wireless sensor network is of interest. Therefore the special EMC environment within the engine room had been analyzed on board of different vessels. In the next step the susceptibility of the motes against possible disturbances had been investigated. Due to the special application area the best suited routing protocol had been chosen and implemented. The behaviour of this routing protocol had been tested in the lab when possible disturbers are present. Finally the system had been tested in the engine room of a new cruise vessel during the sea trials.


The performance of Islamic entities does not only consist of aspects of financial performance (economic performance), but also views from the aspect of sharia as a characteristic that distinguishes it from conventional entities. The purpose of sharia is revealed in the form of maqashid sharia which must be applied in all aspects of life. Therefore, the maqashid sharia approach can be an alternative choice for assessing the performance of a sharia-based entity. In addition, another requirement for Islamic entities is to disclose Islamic Social Reporting (ISR), in which there are 43 items that are characteristic of Islamic entities that must be disclosed in the financial statements of Islamic entities as a form of accountability for Islamic entities. This research uses a qualitative approach by means of case studies based on the interpretive paradigm in order to capture the performance of Islamic hotels using the maqashid sharia approach, and to see whether the elements in Islamic Social Reporting already exist in Islamic hotels. Based on the results of a survey of sharia hotels in Indonesia, both those that have been certified as sharia hotels, hotels that have halal certification for their restaurants, and hotels that claim to be sharia hotels. The conclusion is that certified sharia hotels have been proven to have implemented and maintained sharia values in their hotel operations, although there were some insignificant violations. The implementation of sharia values is not only applied by sharia hotels that have been certified as sharia hotels. The new sharia hotels apply the halal concept, either claiming to be a sharia hotel in the name of the hotel or not mentioning the word sharia in the hotel name. In fact, there were almost perfect implementations in several Islamic hotels that were not yet certified as sharia hotels. It's just that for 2-star hotels and below that claim to be sharia hotels, the implementation of sharia values is only limited by not accepting guests who are not legal spouses, and not providing liquor.


This paper presents the problem of sensing coverage of layers of the ocean in three dimensional underwater environments. We propose distributed control laws to drive mobile underwater sensors to optimally cover a given confined layer of the ocean. By applying this algorithm at first the mobile underwater sensors adjust their depth to the specified depth. Then, they make a triangular grid across a given area. Afterwards, they randomly move to spread across the given grid. These control laws only rely on local information also they are easily implemented and computationally effective as they use some easy consensus rules. The feature of exchanging information just among neighbouring mobile sensors keeps the information exchange minimum in the whole networks and makes this algorithm practicable option for undersea. The efficiency of the presented control laws is confirmed via mathematical proof and numerical simulations.


Flow-based fast handover for mobile IPv6 (FFHMIPv6) is a new handover method designed for mobile IP networks. The FFHMIPv6 uses the flow-state information and packet encapsulation to enable reception of packets simultaneously with the address registration process of mobile IPv6. Analysis and performance evaluation of FFHMIPv6 shows it handles the handover delay more efficiently than the basic mobile IPv6, hierarchical MIPv6, as well as fast handovers for MIPv6 handover mechanisms. However, if FFHMIPv6 is to be the primary mechanism for handover in mobile IP networks it has to be secure, efficient as well as reliable alternative to the existing handover mechanisms. In this paper, we present the security analysis and assessment of FFHMIPv6. We also recommend solutions to the identified security vulnerabilities and defense mechanisms to FFHMIPv6. The major security threat of FFHMIPv6 is related to the process of Flow-based fast handover binding update (FFHBU).


We demonstrate that DNA sediments in the presence of millimolar concentrations of zinc or related metal cations and that EDTA entirely dissolves the sediment. The sedimentation is promoted by alkaline pH but the pH dependence is abolished by submillimolar concentrations of phosphate anions. We suspect that the metal cations generate sedimenting particles of insoluble hydroxides or phosphates for which DNA has a strong affinity. The events involved in DNA-metal phosphate co-sedimentation are similar to the processes that enable calcium phosphate-assisted transfection. Hence, work with even submillimolar concentrations of zinc and most other metal cations, which many DNA-binding proteins need for their activities, requires care to avoid the sedimentation of DNA. Literature reporting about zinc effects on DNA is discussed from the point of view of the present results.


ON THE basis of their audiograms, six boys were considered in need of the facilities of a school for the deaf.* However, on the basis of psychological investigation, each has been found to present problems, the solution of which could have more effectively been dealt with in other settings, i. e., they were not organically deaf. Audiometric data on each of the six cases are listed in the Table. For each, it became clear that the primary disorder was not one of sensory impairment, but rather of a psychological disturbance, but there was the similarity, in all, of a hearing disorder expressing itself as a symptom of the psychologic disturbance. Three cases illustrating different causal conditions for the defective response to audiometric testing are reviewed below. REPORT OF CASES Case1.—The psychologist's diagnosis of an autistic withdrawal state, confirmed in psychoanalytic treatment, explained the audiometric findings. This student was in


Early warning systems (EWS) for electrical grid infrastructure have played a significant role in the efficient management of electricity supply in natural hazard prone areas. Modern EWS rely on scientific methods to analyze a variety of Earth Observation and ancillary data provided by multiple and heterogeneous data sources for the monitoring of electrical grid infrastructure. Furthermore, through cooperation, EWS for natural hazards contribute to monitoring by reporting hazard events that are associated with a particular electrical grid network. Additionally, sophisticated domain knowledge of natural hazards and electrical grid is also required to enable dynamic and timely decision-making about the management of electrical grid infrastructure in serious hazards. In this paper, we propose a data integration and analytics system that enables an interaction between natural hazard EWS and electrical grid EWS to contribute to electrical grid network monitoring and support decision-making for electrical grid infrastructure management. We prototype the system using landslides as an example natural hazard for the grid infrastructure monitoring. Essentially, the system consists of background knowledge about landslides as well as information about data sources to facilitate the process of data integration and analysis. Using the knowledge modeled, the prototype system can report the occurrence of landslides and suggest potential data sources for the electrical grid network


In this paper, we construct the generalized Kodama state for the case of a Klein–Gordon scalar field coupled to Ashtekar variables in isotropic minisuperspace by a new method. The criterion for finiteness of the state stems from a minisuperspace reduction of the quantized full theory, rather than the conventional techniques of reduction prior to quantization. We then provide a possible route to the reproduction of a semiclassical limit via these states. This is the result of a new principle of the semiclassical-quantum correspondence (SQC), introduced in the first paper in this series. Lastly, we examine the solution to the minisuperspace case at the semiclassical level for an isotropic CDJ matrix neglecting any quantum corrections and examine some of the implications in relation to results from previous authors on semiclassical orbits of spacetime, including inflation. It is suggested that the application of nonperturbative quantum gravity, by way of the SQC, might potentially lead to some predictions testable below the Planck scale.


To date there has been little exploratory research about the experience of trainee clinical psychologists. What is not known from the literature is how trainee clinical psychologists perceive reflective practice within clinical training and how the process of being a 'novice' alongside the increased introspection of reflective practice feels in terms of self-concept.

The first chapter of the thesis reviews the relevant literature investigating the use of reflective practice within mental health settings. The review indicates that although reflective practice might offer some valuable contributions to working in these settings there are often difficulties with ongoing implementation. A number of methodological limitations of the studies are discussed and the implications of reflective practice for professional practice are considered.

Chapter two presents an empirical study that explores trainee clinical psychologists' experiences of reflective practice within the setting of clinical training, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. A preliminary model of reflective activity within clinical psychology training is proposed, indicating that self-reflection lies at the heart of reflective practice. Implications for clinical training, psychologist self-care and future research are discussed.


The development of this paper, which aims at first hand, to analyze the process of understanding and assimilation of the writing texts by secondary students, emerges not in a vacuum or by chance. Initially, the author was interested in understanding his experience at the secondary school, where some teachers did not explain in a clearer way, the criteria which they used to elucidate what were the central ideas and what the secondary ones were. Another interest was to verify why many secondary students who are going to Universities are able to distinguish among to read a text and understand its central ideas. If this disjunction is conceived as broader manner, the answer probably would be pessimist. This is the case of students of the Alameda de Osuna Institute (Secondary School) in doing exercises about editorials of the diary printing press, according to their teachers. These students think they had understood the essential idea when they just present, with other words, the same issues explicit in the original title of the editorial. It seems to be a bypath or a kind of strategy used by students when they have to face a complex text of an editorial, which probably, the editors spent a whole afternoon working on the text.


BACKGROUND
The difference in outcomes in patients is unclear when 2 types of enteral nutrition, ie, tube feeding and conventional oral diets with intravenous dextrose (standard care), are compared with parenteral nutrition.

OBJECTIVE
We reviewed systematically and aggregated statistically the results of prospective randomized clinical trials (PRCTs) to examine the relations among the nutrition interventions, complications, and mortality rates.

DESIGN
We conducted a MEDLINE search for PRCTs comparing the effects of enteral and parenteral nutrition in adults. Two different people abstracted data for the method and outcomes separately. We used fixed-effects meta-analysis technique to combine the relative risks (RRs) of the outcomes of infection, nutrition support complications, other complications, and mortality.

RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies in 1828 patients met the study criteria. Aggregated results showed a significantly lower RR of infection with tube feeding (0.64; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.76) and standard care (0.77; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.91). A priori hypotheses showed a lower RR of infection with tube feeding than with parenteral nutrition, regardless of nutritional status, presence of cancer, year of study publication, or quality of the study method. In studies in which participants had high rates of protein-energy malnutrition, there was a significantly higher risk of mortality (3.0; 95% CI: 10.9, 8.56) and a trend toward a higher risk of infection with standard care than with parenteral nutrition (1.17; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.56).

CONCLUSIONS
Tube feeding and standard care are associated with a lower risk of infection than is parenteral nutrition; however, mortality is higher and the risk of infection tends to be higher with standard care than with parenteral nutrition in malnourished populations.


We carry out a meta-analysis of the very large literature on testing for Granger causality between energy use and economic output to determine if there is a genuine effect in this literature or whether the large number of apparently significant results is due to publication or misspecification bias. Our model extends the standard meta-regression model for detecting genuine effects in the presence of publication biases using the statistical power trace by controlling for the tendency to over-fit vector autoregression models in small samples. Granger causality tests in these over-fitted models have inflated type I errors. We cannot find a genuine causal effect in the literature as a whole. However, there is a robust genuine effect from output to energy use when energy prices are controlled for.


The acceleration in telecommunication needs leads to many groups of research, especially in communication facilitating and Machine Translation fields. While people contact with others having different languages and cultures, they need to have instant translations. However, the available instant translators are still providing somewhat bad Arabic-English Translations, for instance when translating books or articles, the meaning is not totally accurate. Therefore, using the semantic web techniques to deal with the homographs and homonyms semantically, the aim of this research is to extend a model for the ontology-based Arabic-English Machine Translation, named NAN, which simulate the human way in translation. The experimental results show that NAN translation is approximately more similar to the Human Translation than the other instant translators. The resulted translation will help getting the translated texts in the target language somewhat correctly and semantically more similar to human translations for the Non-Arabic Natives and the Non-English natives.


The paper presents a computational environment built on the LEGO Minstorms RCX kit for introductory robotics and programming. The author describes the Ada/Mindstorms 3.0, a software environment for teaching using the LEGO Mindstorms RCX kit. He discusses the design choices made, the reasons for those decisions, and show examples of how the system works. Ada/Mindstorms has been used in computing classes at the US Air Force Academy and around the world and is freely available online.


Introduction: Cognitive dysfunction is the most common problem of patients with Alzheimer Disease (AD). The pathological mechanism of cognitive impairment in AD may contribute to neuronal loss, synaptic dysfunction, and alteration in neurotransmitters receptors. Mitochondrial synapses dysfunction due to the accumulation of Amyloid Beta (Aβ) is one of the earliest pathological features of AD. The flavone apigenin has been reported to play some protective roles in AD through the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed at investigating the effects of apigenin on spatial working memory and neural protection by restoring mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibition of caspase 9. Methods: Intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinjection of Aβ 25–35 was used for AD modeling. Working memory was assessed 21 days later using the Y maze test. Neuronal loss was detected in the hilar area of the hippocampus using Nissl and Fluoro-jade B staining, whereas immunohistochemistry was used to illustrate cytochrome c positive cells and caspase 9. Results: The results revealed that apigenin significantly ameliorated spatial working memory. It also significantly reduced the number of degenerative neurons in the hilus area. Apigenin almost completely blocked the release of cytochrome c and caspase 9 in hilus. Conclusion: Apigenin may improve the spatial working memory deficits and neuronal degeneration through the amelioration of the mitochondrial dysfunction.


Tarlov or perineural cysts are nerve root cysts found most commonly at the sacral spine level arising between covering layers of the perineurium and the endoneurium near the dorsal root ganglion. The cysts are relatively rare and most of them are asymptomatic. Some Tarlov cysts can exert pressure on nerve elements resulting in pain, radiculopathy and even multiple radiculopathy of cauda equina. There is no consensus on the appropriate therapeutic options of Tarlov cysts. The authors present a case of two sacral cysts diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging. The initial symptoms were low back pain and sciatica and progressed to cauda equina syndrome. Surgical treatment was performed by sacral laminectomy and wide cyst fenestration. The neurological deficits were recovered and had not recurred after a follow-up period of nine months. The literature was reviewed and discussed. This is the first reported case in Thailand.


Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is accompanied by numerous metabolic disorders, partially associated with altered adipokine system regulation. Omentin (intelectin-1) is a novel adipokine known to play a pivotal role in metabolic regulation in CHC. In a group of 63 CHC patients (29 men/34 women) infected with genotype 1b, aged 6.6 ± 14.6 years, serum omentin levels and its gene expression in liver tissue were examined and their association with metabolic and histopathological features was assessed. Serum omentin levels were significantly higher in CHC patients compared to controls (p < 0.001), regardless of sex, body mass index (BMI), insulin sensitivity and lipid concentrations. There was no correlation between serum omentin and omentin hepatic expression. Neither parameter was associated with any histological features. Serum omentin in non-obese CHC patients seems not to be related to metabolic disorders or liver pathology. Omentin hepatic expression shows no relationship with either serum omentin levels or histopathological features. This suggests different mechanisms regulating circulating omentin concentration and omentin hepatic expression in CHC.


The overall objective of this thesis is to examine the role of environmental drivers in controlling the spatial and temporal variations of gross primary productivity (GPP) in savannas in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. GPP is a critical measure of the health and sustainability of ecosystems. An understanding of GPP will underpin predictions of the impact of climate change on the savanna carbon cycle. This thesis employs an integrated approach combining in situ measurements, eddy covariance based flux tower data and remote sensing techniques to address the objective. The control of aerosols and clouds (important environmental variables in savannas) on the temporal variation of GPP was examined at Howard Springs, a tropical savanna site in the NT. Results indicated that aerosols and clouds affected the temporal variability of savanna productivity by altering the quantity and quality (partitioning of total radiation into direct and diffuse) of solar radiation. It was found that in the dry season aerosols emitted in the region were relatively lower compared to other savanna regions. Consequently, a small increase in the diffuse radiation (22%) resulted in a small decrease in the total radiation (10%), but did not affect the GPP significantly. In contrast, during the wet season, diffuse radiation increased due to cloudiness but was overshadowed by large decreases in total radiation (57% under thick clouds compared to clear sky periods) which reduced overall productivity by up to 19% under thick clouds. Information on other environmental controls such as fPAR (fraction of absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation), VPD (vapour pressure deficit), soil moisture, and temperature on the temporal variability of savanna GPP were also examined using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro- radiometer (MODIS) GPP products. Given that these products are generated based on inference from surface reflectance, MODIS GPP and the upstream products used to estimate GPP; fP AR, light use efficiency (LUE) and climate were validated against flux tower derived GPP to improve the products for savannas. In northern Australia, soil moisture rather than VPD was found to be an important factor limiting savanna GPP in the dry season. This was suggested by the improved estimation of GPP and improved simulation of the seasonal dynamics when VPD was replaced with a moisture index in the GPP algorithm. Validation of MODIS GPP and associated inputs provided information on the uncertainties of the MODIS GPP algorithm inputs. This information was used to improve the estimation of GPP at the regional scale across the NT from 2000 to 2007 using field based LUE, regional specific meteorology and fPAR from the latest MODIS product. Results showed that GPP estimated with this approach captured the seasonal patterns of monthly GPP quite well across 18 sites along the Northern Australian Tropical Transect (NATI). The magnitude of GPP was also estimated quite well with only a 6% error at the Howard Springs site. Changes in rainfall along the gradient resulted in changes in the structure and composition of savannas and GPP across the NA IT. Consequently, within the NT savanna region, vegetation type was a major driver of GPP with closed forest having six times more GPP than Acacia vegetation. Examination of the environmental controls on the spatial variation in GPP showed a strong influence of mean annual rainfall (r2 0.88). In terms of inter- annual variability, arid ecosystems had higher variation (>20%) in GPP than forests ( 30% for arid vegetation versus 19% for forest). These results suggest that future changes in precipitation driven by climate change may affect the future distribution and dynamics of savanna vegetation in northern Australia. Given the significance of soil moisture (rainfall) and radiation control on GPP over Australian savannas, more emphasis should be placed on models that are able to accurately simulate the sensitivity of these factors on productivity. Results presented in this thesis provide valuable information for savanna management in predicting the response of savannas to perturbations of the major environmental drivers. Such research will become vital in formulating strategies to secure resources in the tropical savannas of northern Australia, as well as mitigating the potential adverse effects of climate change.


A proton microbeam has been developed to support various research endeavors. Test subjects may be irradiated from any angle with respect to the vertical because the beamline is contained within a rotating gantry used for human patients. Converting from the treatment to experimental arrangement is quick and straightforward as is the reverse. Using a series of collimators, the final beam diameter at the surface of the subject is 1 mm. The depth from the surface to the Bragg peak in water is 15 mm. Fluence distributions perpendicular to the beam axis were determined by scanning radiographic film exposed at various depths with a scanner having a pixel size of 84.7 μm. The depth dose integrated over the beam area was measured using a parallel plate ionization chamber. Central axis depth doses were calculated by multiplying the ionization chamber signal by the ratio of film doses for the central axis pixels to the integrated beam doses at each depth. A Faraday cup was used to confirm the dose at the surface while TLDs, diodes, and film were used to verify the dose at depth. The usefulness of this beamline for experimental situations has been demonstrated in a feline neurological study. The dosimetry techniques are useful for narrow beams such as used for functional radiosurgery treatments of humans.


Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a group of highly conserved proteins that show extensive homology at the DNA and protein level among bacterial and mammalian species. Furthermore, bacterial HSPs induce specific cellular and humoral immune responses in mammals. Cross-reacting antibodies may therefore be induced in chronic infections. Recently, it has been claimed that patients with arteriosclerosis (AS) of the carotid arteries have significantly elevated antibody titers to mycobacterial HSPs. In this study, we extended the spectrum of vascular diseases and analyzed sera from patients with systemic vasculitis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for the presence of anti-HSP antibodies. Anti-HSP antibodies, tested in an ELISA with recombinant mycobacterial HSP 65, were significantly elevated in patients with vasculitis (n = 56; p < 0.01) and AS (n = 29; p < 0.0001), but only marginally in patients with SLE (n = 22; p > 0.05) compared to healthy controls (n = 90). These findings further support the concept of infection-induced immune reactions playing a pathogenic role in the development of both AS and vasculitis.


Acute schizophrenic, chronic schizophrenic, and depressive patients (20 of each) were compared with normal subjects and six groups of patients with organic brain disease. They were given tests of verbal learning (left hemisphere type function) and pattern recognition memory (right hemisphere type function). All functional psychotics showed impaired memory. Acute schizophrenics were, however, only impaired on the verbal task, suggesting left hemisphere dysfunction, while chronic schizophrenics and depressives were impaired on both tasks, suggesting bilateral dysfunction.


Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006

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Neuroblastoma is characterized by aggressive local growth, followed by metastasis to the regional lymph nodes, liver and bone marrow. Although a few tumor- associated antigens of neuroblastoma, such as survivin, NY-ESO and MYC-N, have been reported, tumor specific antigens still remain unclear. Fusion vaccine of dendritic cells (DCs) and tumor cells has the advantage of inducing an immune response against multiple tumor antigens, including unknown tumor antigens. In this study, we assessed the protective and therapeutic effects of fusion cells transduced with the interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene and/or the interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene, employing the liver metastasis model of C1300 neuroblastoma cells. Pathogen-free A/J mice were purchased from Japan SLC, Inc. Murine neuroblastoma C-1300 originating in A/J mice was maintained in RPMI 1640 medium. IL-18, IL-12 or LacZ gene was transduced to DCs or tumor cells using the adenovirus vector. For fusion cells, three fusion methods - polyethylene glycol treatment, electrofusion, and a combination of PEG and electrofusion - were examined. Improving the fusion method by combining polyethylene glycol and electroporation increased loading efficiency. In the mice vaccinated with fusion cells modified with the LacZ gene (fusion/LacZ), IFN-γ production and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity increased significantly compared with that of DCs/LacZ, C1300/LacZ, or a mixture of the two (mixture/LacZ). With the transduction of IL-12 and IL-18 genes into the fusion cells (fusion/IL-12/IL-18), the level of IFN-γ increased more than five times that of other fusion groups. In addition, NK cell activity and CTL activity increased significantly compared with that of mixture/LacZ, fusion/LacZ, DC/LacZ, or C1300/LacZ. In the protective and therapeutic studies of fusion cell vaccine, mice vaccinated with fusion/LacZ, fusion/IL-12, fusion/IL-18, or fusion/IL-12/IL-18 showed a significant decrease in liver metastasis and a significant increase in survival compared with mice given a mixture/LacZ, DCs/LacZ, or C1300/LacZ. In particular, the mice receiving fusion/ IL-12/IL-18 vaccine showed a complete protective effect and the highest therapeutic effects. These results indicate that the improved loading efficiency of fusion cells and suggest that the introduction of IL-12 and IL-18 genes can induce extremely strong protective and therapeutic effects on liver metastasis of neuroblastoma.


This Progress Report presents a review of the research done in 1992 by the Duke High Energy Physics Group. This is the first year of a three-year grant which was approved by the Office of High Energy Physics at DOE after an external review of our research program during the summer of 1991. Our research is centered at Fermilab where we are involved with two active experiments, one using the Tevatron collider (CDF, the Collider Detector Facility) and the other using a proton beam in the high intensity laboratory (E771, study of beauty production). In addition to these running experiments we are continuing the analysis of data from experiments E735 (collider search for a quark-gluon plasma), E705 (fixed target study of direct photon and {sub {Chi}} meson production) and E597 (particle production from hadron-nucleus collisions). Finally, this year has seen an expansion of our involvement with the design of the central tracking detector for the Solenoidal Detector Collaboration (SDC) and an increased role in the governance of the collaboration. Descriptions of these research activities are presented in this report.


Adjusted responses, adjusted fitted values and adjusted residuals are known to play in Generalized Linear Models the role played in Linear Models by observations, fitted values and ordinary residuals. We think this parallelism, which was widely recognized and used in the early literature on Generalized Linear Models, has been somewhat overlooked in more recent presentations. We revise this parallelism, systematizing and proving some results that are either scattered or not satisfactorily spelled out in the literature. In particular, we formally derive the asymptotic dispersion matrix of the (scaled) adjusted residuals, by proving that in Generalized Linear Models the fitted values are asymptotically uncorrelated with the raw residuals and hence deriving the asymptotic dispersion matrix of these latter residuals. Also, we show that an orthogonal decomposition of the error vector between adjusted response and true linear predictor, parallel to the familiar decomposition in Linear Models, holds approximately. Finally, we provide some new perspective, both in Linear and Generalized Linear Models, on adjusted residuals for model comparison, and their relationships with test-statistics used to compare the fit of nested models.


In times of global economic uncertainty and in a climate of increased consumer responsibility for financial decisions, maintaining a financial environment where consumers are protected from risk and continue to have opportunities to create wealth should be critical for governments, business and administrators. The Australian Government has recognised that, for those with the lowest levels of financial literacy, specific financial literacy programs can equip them with the appropriate financial skills and knowledge to ensure they can make well informed decisions and be less vulnerable to scams and market risks.One of the main aims of increasing the overall financial literacy of populations is creating an environment where consumers have the knowledge, skills and confidence to protect them from financial risk. It is argued that taxation consequences often play an important role in investment decisions and are often the primary reason why people seek assistance and advice from professionals. It is also argued that making poor taxation decisions through a lack of basic understanding can pose significant risks to a person's overall financial position and financial decision‑making. Indeed, Chardon has argued that the notion of financial capability should include notions of tax and superannuation. However, to what extent do Australians understand basic tax concepts, that is — what is their "tax literacy"?The current study is the first to empirically examine the tax literacy of Australians and whether there are any correlations with certain demographical factors. The study involved firstly a series of focus group interviews to determine what concepts should form part of a tax literacy score (TLS). This was then followed by a survey completed by over 600 Australians to determine their TLS. In measuring the levels of tax literacy in Australia, it was found that approximately 81% of Australians have a TLS at the "basic" or higher level. This, in turn, means that 19% of Australians have a TLS classified as either "poor" or "low". Also, it was found that similar demographic groups for financial literacy were likely to have lower levels of tax literacy. It was also found that higher levels of tax literacy were found in those groups having a greater connection to employment.The findings of this research have practical policy implications, in that the results can assist policymakers and administrators in their understanding of what areas of tax the general population needs assistance with and can help shape communication and education strategies.


Gelatin films containing cobalt chloride were investigated to obtain information on the humidity dependence of optical absorbency in view of the coordinate state of cobalt ion and the polymer structure. The visible absorption spectra of the films exhibited that, with increasing relative humidity (RH), the absorption bands between about 550 and 750 nm decreased, accompained by sharpening of the 693 nm peak. Further, the decrease of cobalt chloride in gelatin resulted in decreased absorption intensity of the 693 and 668 nm peaks, more than the overall lowering in intensity. The infrared spectral data indicated that most of the carboxyl groups of gelatin are linked to the complex even in the strongly hydrated state. In addition, the water content of the films containing cobalt chloride is a little less below 42% RH, but is much greater above 62% RH than that of the original gelatin film. These results indicated that there are cross-linked networks, composed of the hydrogen bonding and the coordination bond via the complex in the dry film; as water molecules are adsorbed by the film, they gradually destroy these bonds and swell the polymer. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


Optiscan Imaging Limited is a Melbourne-based, publicly listed Australian company. The company's proprietary technologies are used for clinical research and medical applications. International clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate and monitor the usefulness of Optiscan's live microimaging (LMI) systems in clinical practice in the fields of dermatology and endoscopy.


Abstract In recent times the question of whether or not there is such a thing as nonconceptual content has been the object of much serious attention. For analytical philosophers, the locus classicus of the view that there is such a phenomena is to be found in Evans remarks about perceptual experience in Varieties of Reference. He famously wrote: In general, we may regard a perceptual experience as an informational state of the subject: it has a certain content -- the world is represented a certain way -- and hence it permits of a non-derivative classification as true or false. For an internal state to be so regarded, it must have appropriate connections with behaviour -- it must have a certain motive force upon the actions of the subject.... The informational states which a subject acquires through perception are non-conceptual, or nonconceptualised. Judgements based upon such states necessarily involve conceptualisation. (Evans 1982: 226-227).


This article presents measurements of density, optical properties and chemical composition of biomass particles produced from the combustion of rice straw. In general, I think this study employs an impressive suite of instrumentation to characterize the chemical, optical and physical properties of biomass burn particles. The article does lack a main point and there are some deficiencies in presentation. Moreover, some of the conclusions do not follow from the data as mentioned in the "Detailed Comments" that follow. The main technical problems are:


Responses to the changes in dietary sodium and posture were investigated in 9 young clinically healthy Japanese males who customarily consumed a larger amount of salt than North Americans or Europeans of mixed white ethnic background. Plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), and urinary aldosterone excretion rate (AER) differed at each end of 3- to 4-day spans on a "control", a high-salt and a low-salt diet and of furosemide administration. PRA and PAC, also determined during the upright position following the supine blood sampling, increased after only 1 hour of standing in each condition (p less than 0.05 or more). PRA and PAC were well correlated in all 4 conditions, regardless of the posture (r = 0.806, p less than 0.001). There were also highly significant correlations between the "supine" PRA or PAC and the preceding 24-hour AER (r = 0.869, p less than 0.001) for PRA; r = 0.855, p less than 0.001 for PAC). Correlation coefficients between PRA and PAC in 9 individual subjects ranged from 0.823 to 0.987. The estimates of constant and slope of the regression line between PRA and PAC varied from subject to subject. The renin-aldosterone axis in response to changes in dietary sodium and posture must be individually assessed.


A multicenter, retrospective study was undertaken to survey the prevalence of thromboembolism complicated with atrial fibrillation and the efficacy of treatment in both elderly and younger patients. The primary prevention group consisted of 1,810 patients without prior cerebral thromboembolism, and was divided into the elderly patient group (> or = 65 years old, 588 patients) and younger patient group (< 65 years old, 1,222 patients). The elderly group had higher prevalences of chronic atrial fibrillation (65.3% vs 56.4%, p < 0.001) and ischemic heart disease and hypertension (16.8% vs 9.3% and 34.2% vs 24.4%, respectively, p < 0.001) and lower prevalence of treatment with warfarin (9.2% vs 20.1%, p < 0.001). Elderly patients with mitral valve disease and hypertension had lower prevalence of treatment with warfarin as compared with younger patients (p < 0.001). This was also true for the secondary prevention group of 147 patients with prior history of cerebral infarction (p < 0.001). During the mean follow-up period of 4.6 years, patients with underlying cardiac diseases had a higher risk of thromboembolism compared with those without cardiac diseases for both the elderly (12.1% vs 6.1%, p < 0.05) and younger (7.5% vs 3.6%, p < 0.02) groups. Treatment with antiplatelets or warfarin could reduce the risk of thromboembolism in the elderly group (p < 0.1) and the younger group (p < 0.001). The risk of major hemorrhagic complication, i.e., gastrointestinal tract or intracranial hemorrhage, was quite low in patients receiving antithrombotic drugs. The present study indicates that the attitude toward the use of warfarin for prevention of thromboembolism is conservative and the risk of thromboembolism is higher in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation in Japan. Our attitude to the use of antithrombotic drugs in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation needs to be modified.


Among all other diseases of onion, anthracnose-twister caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium fujikuroi (formerly known as Gibberella moniliformis) remained the most destructive every cropping season. It destroys onion production, especially when left unmanaged. Studies showed that chemical management is still the best option in addressing this disease; thus, this study was conducted. It aimed to: (a) evaluate the different protectant fungicides available in the market in managing the disease; (b) test Paclobutrazol in suppressing the rapid production of gibberellic acid that triggers the development of the disease; and (c) compare the performance of Paclobutrazol and other fungicides in suppressing the disease when applied as preventative and curative. Results showed that onion plants treated with Captan and Paclobutrazol had the least incidence of disease under protective spray application. In contrast, onion plants applied with Carbendazim and Paclobutrazol had the least severity on both spray applications. Whereas, onion plants applied with Difenoconazole-Propiconazole and Auxin showed the highest disease incidence and severity in both spray applications. The shortest length of the neck was observed in onion plants treated with Benomyl+Paclobutrazol and Paclobutrazol alone, while the longest was observed in Difenoconazole-Propiconazole. The highest yield was obtained in onion plants treated with Carbendazim+Paclobutrazol and Captan, whereas the lowest yield was obtained in onions applied with Auxin and Difenoconazole-Propiconazole. Protective spray application obviously showed lower disease incidence and severity, shorter neck and higher yield compared to curative spray application.


The
purpose of this study was to use structural equation modeling to examine the
effects of trait rumination and reflection on stress response and subjective
well-being among Japanese university athletes. One hundred and eighty-two
Japanese university athletes (114 males, 68 females, mean age = 20.15 years)
participated. Trait rumination was positively associated with stress response
and negatively associated with subjective well-being. On the other hand, trait
reflection showed a negative association with stress response and a positive
association with subjective well-being. In order to develop effective
interventions for athletes high in rumination and/or low in reflection, future
research should examine the mechanism that explains the different effects of
rumination and reflection on athlete mental health.


In a world of limited resources, marketing managers tasked to deliver shareholder value face decisions about how to maximise the returns on their marketing portfolio. Risk is less often considered. In finance the picture is very different; financial portfolio management is concerned with both risk and returns. The central innovation in this paper is the application of modern portfolio theory (MPT) to the management of marketing portfolios in food retailing and in drinks manufacturing. The authors develop a model that calculates an efficient frontier of marketing portfolios that maximise overall return within certain risk constraints, first for a simple two-segment marketing world and then for a more realistic multi-segment portfolio. However, marketing portfolios differ from financial ones in the sense that the allocation of marketing spend affects the returns from the portfolio. Therefore, a second innovation, an extension of MPT to take account of marketing spend allocation decisions, has been developed. Using this model, marketers can determine the risk and the returns of marketing investments, helping them select an optimal portfolio. This would go some way to ensuring that marketing contributes to shareholder value creation, currently one of its major challenges.


With the scale of computer business systems inflate unceasingly recently, heterogeneous applications increase dramatically. In the operation and maintenance of computer application business systems, heterogeneous applications monitoring systems are becoming indispensable tools to make systems available continuously. In order to reflect the situation of monitoring objects instantly, we proposed and investigated a framework based on communities of autonomous units.


The Volume Integral Equation Method (VIEM) has been used for the solution of three-dimensional nonlinear magnetostatic field problems. The number of unknowns is minimal as only the magnetic material has to be discretized. For accurate solutions of problems where the magnetic field is small compared to the excitation field a difference field formulation has been developed. To reduce computational costs the fast multipole method is applied both on compression of the system matrix and during post processing. The efficiency of the formulation is demonstrated in several examples.


A mass lesion presenting difficulty in differential diagnosis between a tumor in the lateral segment of the liver and a gastric submucosal tumor (SMT) was found in a 59-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B. For differential diagnosis between the 2 lesions, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was performed. EUS showed a tumor exhibiting a mosaic pattern with a halo derived from the lateral segment of the hepatic left lobe in contact with the stomach. FNA using the cell block technique revealed findings consistent with HCC. No examination-associated complications developed. In patients with HCC that is in contact with the stomach and shows extrahepatically protruding growth, which is difficult to differentiate from gastric SMT, EUS-FNA is a method worthy of trying.


We have shown by ab-initio calculation that quantum interference between two vibrational wavepackets on the bound A1Σ+ state of NaH molecule can be controlled by controlling the delay time and relative phase between the ultrashort pulses which generate these wavepackets. Quantum interference between the wavepackets is probed by a third pulse which initiates photodissociation of the molecule via repulsive B1II state. Temporal evolution of the photodissociation cross section mimics the dynamics of interfering wavepackets on the bound state. We have shown that the evolution of photodissociation cross section with time can be utilized as time-dependent quantum gate whose nature is a function of the delay time and relative phase between the pulses.


Recent exon sequencing studies of human tumors have revealed frequent mutations in subunits of BAF (mSWI/SNF) complexes. Here we find a novel function for BAF complexes in decatenating newly replicated sister chromatids, which is necessary for proper chromosome segregation during mitosis. We find that deletion of Brg1 leads to anaphase bridge formation and stalling in G2/M phase. In addition, we find that Brg1 point mutants identified from medulloblastoma and Burkitt's lymphoma patients have compromised ATPase function and that their expression similarly results in G2/M arrest and anaphase bridge formation. The G2/M arrest is rescued by caffeine, a known inhibitor of ATM/ATR, key regulators of the decatenation checkpoint, and also by expression of the TopoIIα point mutant, S1524A, which fails to initiate the decatenation checkpoint. Endogenous BAF complexes directly interact with endogenous TopoIIα and are required for TopoIIα binding to about 12,000 sites over the genome. Similarly, cells expressing the oncogenic Brg1 point mutants have compromised TopoIIα binding at Brg1-dependent TopoIIα binding sites. These studies indicate that the ability of TopoIIα to prevent DNA entanglement at mitosis requires BAF complexes and suggest that this activity contributes to the role of Brg1 as a tumor suppressor.

This abstract is also presented as Poster A36 .

Citation Format: Emily Dykhuizen, Diana Hargreaves, Erik Miller, Kairong Cui, Andrey Korshunov, Marcel Kool, Stefan Pfister, Yoon-Jae Cho, Keji Zhao, Gerald Crabtree. mSWI/SNF (BAF) complexes facilitate decatentation of DNA by topoisomerase IIα. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Jun 19-22, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(13 Suppl):Abstract nr PR08.


In this paper, we study the following problem: given are adjacency matrices of two simple graphs. Find two principal matrices (though they are vectors) having the maximum inner product. When used for computing the similarity of two protein structures this problem is called contact map overlap and for the later, we give an exact B&B algorithm with bounds computed by solving Lagrangian relaxation of the problem. The efficiency of the approach is demonstrated on a popular benchmark set of instances together with a comparison with the best existing algorithm.


The paper contains the second part of the research which compares corrosion and mechanical properties of different zinc coatings. The following methods of zinc coating were applied: galvanic (PN-EN ISO 4042), hotdip (PN-EN ISO 10684) and lamellar (PN-EN ISO 10683). The first stage of the experiment covered metallographic research: roughness coefficient measurement, morphological structure evaluation with the use of scanning and optical microscope, zinc layer thickness measurement, and corrosion research in salt chambers using the following tests: in the salt chamber with neutral NaCl (PN-EN ISO 9227), climatic chamber (VDA 621-415) and KESTERNICH (DIN 50018/2,0 SO2) chamber.The second stage of the experiment, presented in the following paper, refers to: tribological laboratory research, metallographic analysis of zinc coating microstructure in damaged areas, with the use of optical microscope, and the evaluation of the decrease in corrosion resistance as the result of destruction the continuousness of zinc layer. The corrosion research was conducted with the salt chamber with neutral NaCl (PN-EN ISO 9227). Having analyzed the results, it was stated that the lamellar coating is the most resistant to mechanical damage and therefore its corrosion resistance didn't change essentially after the friction test. Galvanic and hot – dip coatings are less resistant to mechanical damage, and destruction the continuousness of protection layer structure affects their corrosion resistance significantly.


The aim of the current study was to identify the main actors (leaders) involved in transformations of mediumsized cities in Poland and Russia that share similar legacies but took different development paths after the collapse of state socialism. These transformations are discussed using the framework of urban regeneration and are based on empirical data from two cities – Kolomna (Russia) and Kalisz (Poland). The data were obtained through expert interviews, as well as nonparticipant observation in the two cities. Though the process of urban regeneration shows similarities, the process leaders are different.


It is believed that the 20th century ends the era that began in the Modern period. It was a period of triumph and at the same time defeat of its ideals — in politics, social life, science, art. There were radical experiments on the reorganization of the world, which combined extreme opposites. They are fully reflected in the phenomenon of revolutions, which has a multidimensional structure. The 20th century is a time of revolutions in social life, science and technology, in art at the same time. The article analyzes the revolutionary waves of the twentieth century, identifies their driving forces, the consequences of revolutionary transformations both for certain countries and regions and for the whole world.


Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL

Introduction: Silencing of key tumor suppressor genes by promoter hypermethylation plays an important role in lung cancer carcinogenesis. Reversing the hypermethylation in the early lung cancer cells adjacent to the airway surface may have a potential to inhibit lung cancer development. This study was to explore the therapeutic potential of aerosol administered demethylating agent azacytidine (Aza) for the treatment of bronchial epithelial premalignancy or lung cancer. Methods: The demethylation and gene reactivation functions of Aza administered by aerosol were detected by qPCR methylation array and western blotting assay in the tumor tissues from the orthotopic human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) xenograft models in nude mice. The therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of the aerosol Aza were also evaluate in the same lung cancer models. An intravenous administered Aza with clinical equivalent dose and schedule was used as a control. Results: The aerosol Aza is an appropriate pharmaceutical inhalation formulation with about 80% of droplets size distributing between 0.1 to 5 micron. This aerodynamic size range ensures the aerosol droplets depositing in the lower airway. In animal studies, aerosol administration of Aza significantly prolonged the survival of nude mice with intratracheally inoculated human NSCLC tumors. The %-increased life span was 5- to 10-fold higher than that of a systemic treatment of Aza at a clinical equivalent dose. The aerosol treatment did not cause any detectable lung toxicity or myelosuppression (systemic toxicity of Aza), since the treatment dose was >100-fold lower than the toxic dose. The lung tumors were resected after the aerosol Aza treatment and the methylation levels of the 24 promoters that drive the lung cancer related tumor suppressor genes (TSG) were detected. We found that aerosol Aza significantly reduced the methylation level in 9 of these 24 promoters. The dementhylating aerosol also resulted in the gene reactivation in the protein level of several tested genes. Conclusions: Aerosol administration of Aza has significant therapeutic advantages over the systemic Aza. It can be given at a non-cytotoxic dose, thus its main therapeutic efficacy is the demethylation function of Aza and the TSG reactivation. In our case, the therapeutic index of aerosol Aza is >800-fold higher than that of IV Aza. The clinical trial of aerosol Aza is worth to be conducted. Acknowledgement: Supported by a NIH (NCI) grant 5R01CA154755-02

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4075. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4075


Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to compare peak power between the mid-thigh power clean, squat jump and push press.
Design and Methods: Eleven recreationally trained men (age 22.2 ± 3.5 yrs; height 178.6 ± 8.5 cm; body mass 88.7 ± 13.5 kg) performed one set of three repetitions of the mid-thigh power clean, squat jump and push press, with 50, 60 and 70% of respective 1RM, while standing on two force platforms. The effect of load and lift on peak power was analyzed with two-way analysis of variance.
Results: Peak power was highest during mid-thigh power clean (4739.2 ± 1015.8 W), but was not significantly higher than the squat jump (4430.4 ± 1140.3 W, Cohen's d = 0.29) and push press (4071.1 ± 1552.3 W, Cohen's d = 0.51) performed at equivalent intensities. Similarly, the load effect on peak power was non-significant and trivial (Cohen's d
Conclusions: The findings of this study show that when training to maximize peak power output the mid-thigh power clean, squat jump and push press performed at 50-70% of 1RM could be incorporated interchangeably without any detriment to peak power output.


Abstract In the present work, the dynamic strain aging behaviour in microalloyed steels has been examined using a C-Mn-Al-V-N steel, which occasionally exhibits low toughness in the subcritical heat affected zone (HAZ). This may be attributed to dynamic strain aging, whereby materials show lower ductility and higher yield strength owing to the interaction between mobile dislocations and diffusing solute atoms. The research has shown that the high temperature tensile behaviour of C-Mn-Al-V-N steel depends on the presence of clusters believed to be of vanadium and carbon atoms. The interaction between dislocations and clusters of vanadium and carbon atoms at 200-450°C changes the work hardening rate and contributes to dynamic strain aging as confirmed in the present work. These interactions may also decrease toughness in the subcritical HAZ and lead to the subcritical embrittlement observed in the C-Mn-Al-V-N microalloyed steel.


The abrupt development of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a threat to persons with chronic diseases' compliance with treatment, which is critical to improving their health, life expectancy, and lowering death and morbidity rates. The public health control measures for the pandemic have been heavily politicized. The focus on the COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in a neglect for chronic disease management. As a result, the goal of this study was to review the literature in order to gain a broader perspective on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted chronic disease management, as well as to investigate various strategies to deal with similar occurrences in the future when faced with medical emergencies, in order to reduce the potential harm of these measures to non-communicable disease control.

 To analyze and identify full-text studies relevant to the influence of COVID-19 on the management of chronic diseases conducted in an African environment from 2019 to 2021, the suggested reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses were used. Six databases were searched to find relevant studies, which include CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, ProQuest, and APA PsychINFO. Researchers performed a quality assessment for each included paper prior to data synthesis, as well as a formal risk-of-bias assessment.

 Out of 119 abstracts reviewed, 17 full-text studies were included. Three themes were identified: the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare system; the psychological impact on people with chronic diseases and healthcare providers; and the digitalization of healthcare services. The majority of studies were conducted in South Africa and other African countries in collaboration with western countries. The majority of studies focused on lessons learned during periods of strict public health measures, however a few empirical investigations of patients or healthcare providers were done. It is recommended that African countries should develop an integrated community-based non-communicable disease (NCD) and infectious disease care model and protocols, initiate innovative ways of central dispensing, pre-packaging and home delivery of medications to stable patients, use of telemedicine, and emphasize mental health services during medical emergencies.

 The study's findings could improve policy implementation regarding the management of chronic diseases during a medical emergency; in this case, COVID-19. It could also improve self-care management. The main goal is to maintain adherence and compliance with treatment to reduce complications and the disease burden. The study mainly focused on the African context.

 The literature revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the management of chronic diseases and disrupted access to related healthcare services in terms of prevention, diagnosis, routine clinical care, and self-care. In addition, the mental health of both patients and healthcare providers has been affected. Chronic diseases should also be considered a public health emergency and should be given the same attention and priority as infectious diseases during a pandemic to reduce the burden of disease, especially in low and middle-income African countries already experiencing a shortage of resources. Rather than depending on the researcher's opinion, viewpoint, and notes taken during the COVID-19 lockdown, primary investigations should be done to address the inadequacies brought to light on the management of chronic diseases due to COVID-19.


Although nausea and vomiting are widely recognised as two of the most distressing symptoms of cytotoxic therapy, there is still concern over the adequate control of these symptoms in the cancer population. Recently updated Antiemetic Consensus Guidelines recommend the prophylactic treatment of all patients at moderate-to-high risk of experiencing nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is important that these guidelines are fully adhered to; however, when considering which antiemetic regimen is most appropriate in an individual patient, it is also important to consider individual patient-related factors. In addition, certain patient groups, such as the young or the elderly, may be in need of specific consideration due to age-related factors that may influence treatment decisions.


The purpose of this research was to investigate the current state of buried services management at a variety of different organisations including airports and utilities providers. It also looked at the effects of services strikes on organisations and how these could be reduced. This project was chosen after witnessing how poor buried services information and a lack of coordination between service providers caused considerable damage to assets at an airport where the effects of disruption are multiplied. Striking services is not just a problem at airports but across the construction industry as it heavily effects roads and construction projects. The research itself involved interviewing representatives from organisations involved in the buried services management process, completing a case study on Heathrow Airport's buried services management process and comparing service strike data between organisations. The interviews allowed a better understanding of the issues facing buried services management and why current methods weren't always successful. Whereas the case study focused on an organisation that has an established method in which to manage services and continuously improve information on them. The results of the research showed there was no standardised process to manage buried services but new specifications and guidelines were being introduced to advise clients, such as PAS 128. Utilities providers stated that they rarely hit their own services but those owned by others. This was because they were able to more accurately locate their own services due to the information they held. This also showed a lack of coordination between service providers. A recommendation from this research is that any organisation involved in buried services management should adhere to relevant legislation (CDM, HSWA and NRSWA) and use guidelines such as PAS 128, PAS 1192-2, HSG47 and TSA – Utility Survey Guidance to develop a process. These documents give important requirements and advise as to how information should be used, stored and coordinated between organisations.


Background and aim: The cesarean births have increased, just like observed for obesity and overweight in childhood. This study aims to report the association between cesarean birth and the nutritional development status of 6/7-year-old. Materials and methods: As part of the Coorte Brasil Sul, the study involved 475 randomly selected children from the city of Palhoca, Brazil, born in 2009. Demographic, pregnancy and birth characteristics and children nutritional status were obtained. Measures of weight and height were converted to age and sex-adjusted z-scores of height-for-age (HFAz), weight-for-age (WFAz) and BMI-for-age (BMIz). Results: Among these children, 196 (41.3%) were born by cesarean section and 279 (58.7%) were born by vaginal birth. No differences were found between the means of the BMIz, WFAz and HFAz according to the mode of delivery, as well as the average treatment effect. Conclusion: Cesarean birth was not associated with the nutritional development status of 6/7-year-old in the studied population.


Bacterial mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) catalyze the singular transfer of an ADP-ribose moiety from an NAD+ molecule onto a target
 molecule. ARTs contain an ancient and highly conserved tertiary structure and have a wide variety of intracellular targets and effects.
 Some, but not all, bacterial ARTs have an AB5-type multimeric structure consisting of an enzymatically active subunit non-covalently
 situated atop of a non-toxic pentamer. The active, or A, subunit of AB5-type toxins has a catalytic action that contributes to
 bacterial pathogenicity, and it is sometimes, but not always, an ART. ArtAB is an ART with AB5-type structure from the virulent
 and highly antibiotic resistant Salmonella Typhimurium DT104. In the studies described here, we tested the hypothesis that the active
 subunit of ArtAB is structurally and enzymatically homologous to that of the well-characterized AB5-type ART pertussis toxin.
 ArtAB was purified from E. coli and was used to characterize ArtAB's cellular effects, predicted structure, and biophysical
 properties. In addition, a set of single-residue mutants was constructed and purified to probe ArtAB's active site. AB5-type toxins
 have long been studied for their immunogenic properties, and some of these bacterial munitions have been harnessed and repurposed as vaccines
 or vaccine adjuvants to prevent infectious disease. Their receptor-binding pentamer, abbreviated as B5, binds to, and facilitates
 entry into, host cells. In additional work presented here, we tested the hypothesis that the B5 subunit of cholera toxin (CTB)
 from Vibrio cholerae could be used to construct a safe and effective mucosal vaccine
 against Staphylococcus aureus-caused mastitis. We constructed a bovine vaccine by
 conjugating Staphylococcus aureus antigens to the CTB-based adjuvant platform, and the immunogenicity of the vaccine was
 characterized in a bovine clinical trial. Finally, clinical isolates of caprine S. aureus were screened for the presence of
 surface antigens that could be use in a caprine version of the vaccine against mastitis. The work on bacterial AB5-type ARTs
 presented here contributes to a growing global understanding of the bacterial ART family, lays a foundation for the potential incorporation of
 ArtAB in a vaccine against Salmonella, and advances the development of bovine and caprine vaccines
 against S. aureus-caused mastitis.


Both pectin and pectinase are vitally imperative biomolecules in the biotechnological sector. These molecules are a feasible non-toxic contrivance of nature with extensive applicative perception. Understanding pectic substances and their structure, unique depolymerization, and biochemical properties such as a catalytic mechanism and the strong interrelationship among these molecules could immensely enhance their applicability in industries. For instance, gaining knowledge with respect to the versatile molecular heterogeneity of the compounds could be considered as the center of concern to resolve the industrial issues from multiple aspects. In the present review, an effort has been made to orchestrate the fundamental information related to structure, depolymerization characteristics, and classification of pectin as well as the types and biochemical properties of pectinase. Furthermore, various production methods related to the optimization of the product and its significant contribution to the pharmaceutical industry (either pectinase or derived pectic substances) are described in this article.


It is essential to predict accurately the critical speeds and associated vibration amplitudes of rotating machineries to ensure a correct design to limit noise nuisance and fatigue failure. However, numerous uncertainties are present, due to environmental variations or manufacturing tolerances for e.g., and must be taken into consideration in the design stage to limit their impact on the system dynamics. These uncertainties are usually modelled with a probability law and the dynamic response becomes stochastic. On the other side, during the design stage, a few key parameters, often called design parameters, are identified and tuned to ensure a robust conception of the rotor w.r.t to the uncertain model parameters. In this context, one must tackle a high-dimension parametric problem but numerous parameters of different nature. The efficiency of an advanced meta-modelling technique that couple polynomial chaos expansion and kriging is demonstrated here. The kriging efficiency is improved by introducing physical properties of the rotor. A finite element model of a rotor subjected to nine uncertain parameters is studied. The hybrid surrogate model gives a direct access to the Sobol indices, exploited to conduct an extensive sensitivity analysis.


With the ubiquitous use of computers in controlling physical systems, it requires to have a new formalism that could model both continuous flows and discrete jumps. Hybrid systems are introduced to this purpose. A hybrid system, which is modeled by a hybrid automaton in the thesis, is equipped with finitely many discrete modes and continuous real-valued variables. A state of it is then represented by a mode along with a valuation of the variables. Given that the system is in a mode `, the variable values are changed continuously according to the Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) associated to `, or discretely by a jump starting from `. The thesis focuses on the techniques to compute all reachable states over a bounded time horizon and finitely many jumps for a hybrid system with non-linear dynamics. The results of that can then be used in safety verification of the system. Although a great amount of work has been devoted to the reachability analysis of hybrid systems with linear dynamics, there are few effective approaches proposed for the non-linear case which is very often in applications. The difficulty is twofold. Firstly, it is not easy to find an over-approximation with acceptable accuracy for a set of the solutions of a non-linear ODE. Secondly, to detect and compute the reachable states under a jump requires solving non-linear real arithmetic problems which is also difficult in general. In the thesis, we present our approaches to deal with the above difficulties. For the first one, we present the use of Taylor models as the over-approximate representations for nonlinear ODE solutions. Our work can be viewed as a variant of the Taylor model method proposed by Berz et al., such that we are able to efficiently deal with some examples with more than 10 variables. Besides, we also extend the work of Lin and Stadtherr to handle the ODEs with bounded time-varying parameters. For the second difficulty, we present two techniques: (a) domain contraction and (b) range over-approximation to compute an enclosure for the reachable set from which a jump is enabled. They can be seen as Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) solving algorithms which are specialized for the reachability analysis of hybrid systems. In order to reduce the computational cost, we also propose different heuristics for aggregating Taylor models. Besides the above contributions, we describe a method to fast generate Taylor model over-approximations for linear ODE solutions. Its performance is demonstrated via a comparison with the tool SpaceEx. To make our methods accessible by other people, we implement them in a tool named Flow*. To examine the effectiveness, we thoroughly compare it with some related tools which are popularly used, according to their functionalities, over a set of non-trivial benchmarks that are collected by us from the areas of mechanics, biology, electronic engineering and medicine. From the experimental results, the advantage of Flow* over the other tools becomes more apparent when the scale of the system grows. On the other hand, it


The Ile191Val variant of the TAS1R2 gene of sweet taste receptors causes a partial loss-of-function and is associated with reduced glucose excursions in a healthy lean cohort. However, it is unclear whether this polymorphism contributes to the regulation of glucose homeostasis in metabolically unhealthy individuals. Thus, we used participants with variable glycemic profiles and obesity to assess the effects of the TAS1R2-Ile191Val variant. We found that the Val minor allele carriers had lower HbA1c at all levels of fasting glucose and glucose tolerance. These effects were not due to differences in beta-cell function or insulin sensitivity assessed with a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. This study extends our previous findings and provides further evidence that sweet taste receptor function may contribute to glucose regulation in humans.


Two-dimensional steady laminar flows past multiple thin blades positioned in near or exact sequence are examined for large Reynolds numbers. Symmetric configurations require solution of the boundary-layer equations alone, in parabolic fashion, over the successive blades. Non-symmetric configurations in contrast yield a new global inner–outer interaction in which the boundary layers, the wakes and the potential flow outside have to be determined together, to satisfy pressure-continuity conditions along each successive gap or wake. A robust computational scheme is used to obtain numerical solutions in direct or design mode, followed by analysis. Among other extremes, many-blade analysis shows a double viscous structure downstream with two streamwise length scales operating there. Lift and drag are also considered. Another new global interaction is found further downstream. All the interactions involved seem peculiar to multi-blade flows.


Phase II clinical trials are conducted to test whether a drug has a minimum desired effect and to assess whether further development of the drug is warranted. They are often designed as one-arm trials with response rate as the primary endpoint, and a two-stage design is often used to ensure early termination of the trial for futility. To control the type I error rate and guarantee the specified power of the study, planned sample sizes for both stages must be rigidly followed, but a literature review suggests that actual sample size often differs from that planned. We propose to extend simple two-stage designs to allow more flexible sampling plans in both stages. Our designs are preferable to similar extensions proposed to control type I and II error probabilities. Additionally, our assumptions regarding distribution of the actual sample size at the end of stage 1 are more lenient. A list of optimal designs for typical error rates and the selected null and alternative response rates is presented.


The FRP-concrete delamination problem is studied making use of BEM. Cohesive crack model has been adopted for the interface, whereas linear elasticity is used for the two materials outside the process zone. Numerical analyses are carried out by means of symmetric Galerkin boundary element method for cohesive interfaces, adopting the arc-length technique to follow the equilibrium path beyond its critical point. Two different test setups have been numerically simulated and results are compared with experimental tests. For bond lengths longer than minimum anchorage length, tests may exhibit a snap-back branch after the attainment of the maximum force.


In this work we present a novel approach for elastic image registration of multi-phase contrast enhanced CT images of liver. A problem in registration of multiphase CT is that the images contain similar but complementary structures. In our application each image shows a different part of the vessel system, e.g., portal/hepatic venous/arterial, or biliary vessels. Portal, arterial and biliary vessels run in parallel and abut on each other forming the so called portal triad, while hepatic veins run independent. Naive registration will tend to align complementary vessel. Our new approach is based on minimizing a cost function consisting of a distance measure and a regularizer. For the distance we use the recently proposed normalized gradient field measure that focuses on the alignment of edges. For the regularizer we use the linear elastic potential. The key feature of our approach is an additional penalty term using segmentations of the different vessel systems in the images to avoid overlaps of complementary structures. We successfully demonstrate our new method by real data examples.


The EMF of the liquid Na-Bi system has been measured as a function of temperature and pressure in detail by the method of an electrochemical cell using beta -alumina as the electrolyte. The authors have obtained the associated thermodynamic quantities of mixing such as the free Gibbs energy Delta G, entropy Delta S, enthalpy Delta H, excess specific heat Delta Cp and excess volume Delta V. The isothermal compressibility chi T and the concentration-concentration fluctuation Scc(0) in the long-wavelength limit are obtained. From these, a strong short-range order was found at the composition of Na3Bi and a rather weak short-range order was found around the composition of NaBi.


This study aims to identify maternal death cases caused by Coronavirus infection 2019 pneumonia, including disease progression, fetal consequences, and the fatality cause.
Patients and methodology: A retrospective case collection of Iraqi pregnant women in their second and third trimesters diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and died due to it.
The four cases were all of a young age, had a brief complaint period, and had no comorbidities. Fever, dyspnea, and fatigue were the most common symptoms. Hypoxia was present in all cases and was the cause of mortality in three cases, with thromboembolism being a potential cause in the fourth. Prelabour membrane breakup, fetal growth restriction, and fetal death are all examples of adverse fetal effects.
Conclusion: COVID-19 pneumonia induces substantial fetal and maternal mortality rates through pregnancy, which should be considered when treating these cases.


Background & Objective: Accurate and timely reporting of critical values is an important issue. There is some doubt whether repeat testing of critical values would offer any advantage over single testing or not. The aim of this study was evaluation of utility of routine repeat testing of critical values in our referral center and to compare probable variations in different working shifts. Methods: Clinical results of serum Potassium, Calcium, Blood Hemoglobin and Prothrombin Time (INR: International Normalized Ratio) were evaluated for three months. Results: Totally, 178, 96, 67 and 107 consecutive critical values for Potassium, Calcium, Hemoglobin and INR were reported, respectively. In potassium and Hemoglobin 5.05% and 1.17% of retest runs exceeded the accep1 tolerance limit. All of the calcium retest results were within the acceptable limit. For INR, 21/107 retest results did not meet the acceptable tolerance limit, nine still were critical. Afternoon working run performance was significantly better than the two others. Conclusion: Our observation suggests that routine repeat of hematology and chemistry critical test result is not necessary and may adversely affect patient safety measure. However, attention should be paid to results greater than analytical measurement range and all such results should be repeated before reporting.


Epidemiologic studies designed to evaluate the health significance of environmental chemicals are compromised by the lack of quantitative exposure data for individuals in exposed populations. Monitoring data on levels of compounds in environmental media often represent the only information available, and average population exposure is therefore the only quantitative parameter that can be calculated. Biological monitoring, i.e., measurements on cells, tissues or body fluids of exposed persons, has the objective of defining the so-called "internal dose" or "effective dose" on an individual basis. Such measurements can be used to ensure that current or past exposure does not entail unacceptable health risks, or can detect potentially excessive exposure before the appearance of adverse health effects. Results obtained through this approach can be interpreted on an individual basis and also used to estimate for that individual the amount of chemical absorbed during a specific time interval or the amount bound to critical sites. They may also be useful for characterization of community exposure by analyzing results obtained in groups of individuals within the general population. In this respect, biological monitoring data complement environmental measurements but have certain advantages in estimating health risks. Most importantly, the data obtained are more directly related to adverse effects and thus provide a better estimate of risk than ambient monitoring. Biological monitoring also takes into account absorption by all routes, integrates exposure from all sources, and therefore can be used as a basis for estimate of total risk from multiple chemicals.


Herein we report the palladium-catalyzed isomerization of highly substituted allylic alcohols and alkenyl alcohols by means of a single catalytic system. The operationally simple reaction protocol is applicable to a broad range of substrates and displays a wide functional group tolerance, and the products are usually isolated in high chemical yield. Experimental and computational mechanistic investigations provide complementary and converging evidence for a chain-walking process consisting of repeated migratory insertion/β-H elimination sequences. Interestingly, the catalyst does not dissociate from the substrate in the isomerization of allylic alcohols, whereas it disengages during the isomerization of alkenyl alcohols when additional substituents are present on the alkyl chain.


To study the stability of a nominal cyclic steady state in power electronic converters, it is necessary to obtain a linearization around the periodic orbit. In many past studies, this was achieved by explicitly deriving the Poincare map that describes the evolution of the state from one clock instant to the next and then locally linearizing the map at the fixed point. However, in many converters, the map cannot be derived in closed form, and therefore this approach cannot directly be applied. Alternatively, the orbital stability can be worked out by studying the evolution of perturbations about a nominal periodic orbit, and some studies along this line have also been reported. In this paper, we show that Filippov's method - which has commonly been applied to mechanical switching systems - can be used fruitfully in power electronic circuits to achieve the same end by describing the behavior of the system during the switchings. By combining this and the Floquet theory, it is possible to describe the stability of power electronic converters. We demonstrate the method using the example of a voltage-mode-controlled buck converter operating in continuous conduction mode. We find that the stability of a converter is strongly dependent upon the so-called saltation matrix - the state transition matrix relating the state just after the switching to that just before. We show that the Filippov approach, especially the structure of the saltation matrix, offers some additional insights on issues related to the stability of the orbit, like the recent observation that coupling with spurious signals coming from the environment causes intermittent subharmonic windows. Based on this approach, we also propose a new controller that can significantly extend the parameter range for nominal period-1 operation.


Phosphogypsum, a waste by-product derived from the wet process production of phosphoric acid, represents a serious problem facing the phosphate industry in Brazil. This by-product (mainly calcium sulphate dihydrate) precipitates during the reaction of sulphuric acid with phosphate rock and is stored at a rate of about 4x10(6) kg per day on several piles in Cubatão, Brazil. Contents of natural radionuclides from thorium and uranium series were measured in Brazilian phosphogypsum samples from disposal piles, using high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis (NAA). These phosphogypsum piles present a potential threat to the surrounding environment and to the individual occupationally exposed. The results obtained in this study show that radionuclides, although present in relatively high concentrations in phosphogypsum, do not imply in significant doses for individuals occupationally exposed. The results obtained for the water activity in the monitor wells showed that the run-off of the piles is influenced by the activity present in the piles, giving indication of a possible groundwater contamination. Sediments from rivers in the area of influence of the pile presented higher concentrations of 238U and 232Th when compared with reference values.


Production diseases in dairy cows can have significant effects on farm business performance. Decisions about controlling production diseases are mainly based on veterinary advice. However, from an economic perspective, mere diagnosis of disease does not provide enough information for intervention decisions. Well-founded decisions are based on knowledge of the economic effects of production diseases and their control measures. One challenge for dairy farmers and advisors is to access farm-specific tools that can determine the effect of a disease on farm business performance. Efficiency analysis facilitates a more integrated economic-epidemiological view by considering the aggregate transformation of inputs into outputs; it also enables advanced benchmarking within a set of farms. With efficiency analysis, the effect of diseases on economic performance can be studied and farm-specific economic-epidemiological win-win scenarios can be identified. Additionally, the contribution of disease control in moving farms closer to performance benchmarks can be determined. The main challenges for practical application of these techniques are the linking of animal disease metrics with farm accountancy information and integrating farm-economic principles into veterinary advice.