ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus harbors redundant adhesins mediating tissue colonization and infection. To evaluate their intrinsic role outside of the staphylococcal background, a system was designed to express them in Lactococcus lactis subsp.cremoris 1363. This bacterium is devoid of virulence factors and has a known genetic background. A new Escherichia coli-L. lactis shuttle and expression vector was constructed for this purpose. First, the high-copy-number lactococcal plasmid pIL253 was equipped with the oriColE1 origin, generating pOri253 that could replicate in E. coli. Second, the lactococcal promoters P23 or P59 were inserted at one end of the pOri253 multicloning site. Gene expression was assessed by a luciferase reporter system. The plasmid carrying P23 (named pOri23) expressed luciferase constitutively at a level 10,000 times greater than did the P59-containing plasmid. Transcription was absent in E. coli. The staphylococcal clumping factor A (clfA) gene was cloned into pOri23 and used as a model system. Lactococci carrying pOri23-clfA produced an unaltered and functional 130-kDa ClfA protein attached to their cell walls. This was indicated both by the presence of the protein in Western blots of solubilized cell walls and by the ability of ClfA-positive lactococci to clump in the presence of plasma. ClfA-positive lactococci had clumping titers (titer of 4,112) similar to those of S. aureus Newman in soluble fibrinogen and bound equally well to solid-phase fibrinogen. These experiments provide a new way to study individual staphylococcal pathogenic factors and might complement both classical knockout mutagenesis and modern in vivo expression technology and signature tag mutagenesis.


The discoveries of superconductivity in heavily boron-doped diamond, silicon and silicon carbide renewed the interest in the ground states of charge-carrier doped wide-gap semiconductors. Recently, aluminium doping in silicon carbide successfully yielded a metallic phase from which at high aluminium concentrations superconductivity emerges. Here, we present a specific-heat study on superconducting aluminium-doped silicon carbide. We observe a clear jump anomaly at the superconducting transition temperature 1.5 K indicating that aluminium-doped silicon carbide is a bulk superconductor. An analysis of the jump anomaly suggests BCS-like phonon-mediated superconductivity in this system.


The main problems of the nature and management of agricultural land under the conditions of modern soil management have been considered. Among the processes which cause soil structure decline on the Crimean peninsula, predominate: erosion, deflation, dehumification, secondary salinization and alkalinization of previously irrigated areas, overgrowing of agricultural land with shrubs and light forests, and some other processes leading to loss of soil fertility. Considerable attention has been paid to the problem of developing a system for soil resources monitoring. It has been noted that the main problems in the rational management of agricultural land in the region are: the imperfection of the regional monitoring system for the nature, conservation, management and protection of soil cover, and the lack of reliable and complete information on the nature of agricultural land.


The monomer N'-octadecyl-N(alpha)-(4-vinyl)-benzoyl-L-phenylalanineamide (4) based on L-phenylalanine has been simply but effectively synthesized, and its self-assembling properties have been investigated. FTIR and a variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopic investigation demonstrated that the aggregation of compound 4 in various organic solvents is due to the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds among the amide moieties. UV/Vis measurements indicated that the multiple pi-pi interactions of the phenyl groups also contribute to the self-assembly. As was observed by (13)C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR and variable-temperature (1)H NMR measurements, the ordered alkyl chains also played an important role in the molecular aggregation by van der Waals interactions. Compound 4 was polymerized by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization from porous silica gel to prepare a packing material for HPLC. The results of thermogravimetric analysis showed that a relatively large amount of polymer was grafted onto the silica surface. The organic phase on silica was in a noncrystalline solid form in which the long alkyl chain exists in a less-ordered gauche conformation. Analysis of chromatographic performance for polyaromatic hydrocarbon samples showed higher selectivity than conventional reversed-phase HPLC packing materials.


This paper explores the structure of Italian revealed comparative advantages (RCA), focusing on the export structure itself, on its changes over time and on its degree of persistence. The analysis is developed with the use of visual statistical tools and non-parametric statistical techniques that allow to estimate the empirical distribution of the Balassa (1965) index, and to track its dynamics during three decades, from the 1970s to the present. The main results of the analysis are that the structure of Italian RCA is highly persistent, but is changing; the structure is very different when it is examined at a macro-regional level; the distribution is not so similar to the one of the new industrialised countries, when it is examined at a high level of sectoral disaggregation. Finally, the persistence in the pattern of RCA appears to be positively related to the presence of industrial districts in export data disaggregated at the provincial level.


A system was developed for the identification of mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. avium, by thin layer chromatography of 55Fe-labelled mycobactin. Approximately 2 x 10(3) mycobacteria were detected within 24 h and little operator time or skill was required. M. avium, M. intracellulare and M. scrofulaceum were found to have lower requirements for iron than other mycobacteria and this may influence their growth in host organisms.


We propose Zygarde --- which is an energy- and accuracy-aware soft real-time task scheduling framework for batteryless systems that flexibly execute deep learning tasks1 that are suitable for running on microcontrollers. The sporadic nature of harvested energy, resource constraints of the embedded platform, and the computational demand of deep neural networks (DNNs) pose a unique and challenging real-time scheduling problem for which no solutions have been proposed in the literature. We empirically study the problem and model the energy harvesting pattern as well as the trade-off between the accuracy and execution of a DNN. We develop an imprecise computing-based scheduling algorithm that improves the timeliness of DNN tasks on intermittently powered systems. We evaluate Zygarde using four standard datasets as well as by deploying it in six real-life applications involving audio and camera sensor systems. Results show that Zygarde decreases the execution time by up to 26% and schedules 9% -- 34% more tasks with up to 21% higher inference accuracy, compared to traditional schedulers such as the earliest deadline first (EDF).


Background: The objective of the present investigation was to study epidemiological profile, clinical manifestation, laboratory features, complication and out-come of scrub typhus. Methods: This is a retrospective study at a tertiary care hospital including patients diagnosed as scrub typhus by positive ELISA test. Results: Of the 99 cases which were positive for scrub typhus, 48.5% belonged to age group 18 - 30 years and female populations were more commonly affected 51%. Fever was the common presentation of all the cases followed by GI symptoms 95%. ARDS 11% and MODS 7% were the common complications. Impaired liver function with three fold increase in SGOT/SGPT was found in 41% of cases. Most of the cases belonged to Vellore district 51%. Mortality was observed in 6% of cases. Conclusions: The study shows wide variety of clinical manifestation and complications of scrub typhus, a well-known mite borne disease in South India especially in the North western districts of Tamil Nadu. The study highlights the clustering of cases during the months of September to January. Due to the varied presentation and high mortality due to complications, a high index of suspicion is required.


In Italy buffalo milk is an important animal product utilized solely for the manufacture of Mozzarella cheese. Of an estimated population of 200000 buffalo there are ∼25000 controlled animals. The average milk production, expressed over 270 d lactation, is 2000 kg/head with average fat and protein contents of 82·6 and 46·4 g/l respectively (Associazione Italiana Allevatori, 1996). In recent years there has been a steady increase in the number of dairy buffalo replacing dairy cows as a consequence of the European Union quota system. The cheesemaking qualities of milk depend on many factors, the most important of which are the concentrations of intact casein and fat. Milk in which casein has been broken down by proteolytic enzymes is of less value to cheese manufacturers (Lucey & Kelly, 1994). Plasmin (EC 220.127.116.11), the most important endogenous milk proteinase, occurs in milk together with its inactive proenzyme, plasminogen (Schaar & Funke, 1986). Plasmin hydrolyses αs-casein and β-casein, although κ-casein has been reported to be resistant (Fox, 1981). However, Andrews & Alichanidis (1983) found κ-casein to be hydrolysed quite rapidly by plasmin. Plasmin activity is higher in mastitic than normal milk (Bastian & Brown, 1996). Stage of lactation affects plasmin activity: late lactation is associated with higher concentrations of plasmin (Gilmore et al. 1995; Baldi et al. 1996). Thus, plasmin could be a major problem in herds with seasonal breeding such as buffalo, which progress through lactation in synchrony and are therefore at a similar stage of lactation at a given time. The cascade of reactions leading to plasminogen activation is regulated by a complex network of molecular interactions between plasminogen activators (PA; EC 184.108.40.206) and at least three types of specific PA inhibitors (PAI-1; PAI-2; PAI-3; Saksela, 1985; Politis, 1996). There are two types of highly specific PA: tissue-PA (t-PA) and urokinase-PA (u-PA) (Saksela & Rifkin, 1988). PA activity is higher in mastitic than normal milk (Heegaard et al. 1994a). However, previous studies on PA in milk were carried out on bovine and caprine milk. No information is available on the presence and type of PA in buffalo milk. Thus the objective of the present study was to determine the level and type of PA in different fractions of buffalo milk: casein, serum, and somatic cells.


AIM
To investigate and characterise a cluster of six cases of severe pneumonia in the Wellington region notified to Regional Public Health in November 2003. And to describe the public health response to an identified subgroup of Legionella infections.

METHODS
The case definition was "a person admitted to Wellington or Hutt Hospital between 29 October 2003 and 9 November 2003 with severe pneumonia". The cluster was initially investigated by interviewing patients to obtain histories of activities and exposures, and by reviewing medical notes. Medical teams sent further clinical specimens for testing (sputum for polymerase chain reaction [PCR], convalescent Legionella serology, and urine for Legionella antigen testing). Further investigation of Legionella pneumophila cases involved obtaining detailed exposure histories, environmental investigations at the suspect source of infection, and taking water and biofilm swabs for Legionella detection and serotyping.

RESULTS
Three cases from the cluster were confirmed as, or compatible with, Legionella pneumophila serogroup 2. With the other three cases there was evidence of infection with L. longbeachae (two cases) or respiratory syncytial virus (one case). Exposure histories for the L. pneumophila cases revealed that the three cases had visited a Lower Hutt retail outlet with operating spa pools on display. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was cultured from one of three pools. All pools were positive for Legionella on direct fluorescent antibody testing.

CONCLUSIONS
Although unproven, the display spa pools were considered to be the most likely source of Legionella infection in the three cases that had visited the retail outlet. Although Legionella isolated from the pools was a different serogroup from that identified in two cases, the pools were considered to be the most likely source of infection in view of inadequate chlorination of the waters. Public health intervention to address the immediate and longer-term health risks from the pools is described. This is the second outbreak of Legionella pneumophila linked to operating display spa pools in New Zealand and it appears to be the fourth recorded outbreak of Legionnaires' disease associated with operating spa pools on display.


The title compound, C23H19N, was obtained unexpectedly from the reaction of [Eu(nta)3(PzPy)] {Hnta = 1-(2-naphthoyl)-3,3,3-trifluoroacetone and PzPy = 2-[3(5)-pyrazolyl]pyridine} with 1-naphthylmethylamine. The 1- and 2-naphthyl groups are essentially planar [r.m.s. deviations of 0.007 and 0.011 Å, respectively] and subtend angles of 38.69 (11) and 16.50 (11)°, respectively, with the central CH3—C=N—CH2 unit, which is also almost planar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.002 Å]. In the crystal, the molecules are disposed in zigzag-type fashion, forming layers perpendicular to [100]. Weak supramolecular C—H⋯π interactions contribute to the packing forces.


The purpose of this paper is to describe experimental results about the T-joint welding of the high power continuous wave (CW) fiber laser for SAPH steel plate for seat frame of car. The seat rail is a part of seat frame of cars. The assembling method is mostly fix up using a bolt and nut. But this assembling method has many demerits in productivity such as increasing work process and material cost. This paper presents an experimental study about Laser T-Joint weldability of seat rail. Laser welding has many advantages in lightness and saving material costs of seat frame. The laser beam was moved along the work pieces by six axis robot with process optical fiber. The laser beam is focused with a welding head within incident angle for the purpose of the T-joint welding through two side full penetration. The range of the root gap size is less than . Optical microscopy SEM were performed to observe the micro structures and determine the structures of welded zone.


Pre and postoperative metabolism of electrolytes and protein were studied in gastric cancer patients. Eight patients who underwent distal subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer, were treated with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) from the third day before surgery to the tenth day after surgery. Twelve patients who underwent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer were treated with enteral nutrition (EN, T-330, ED-AC) and TPN in the early postoperative phase. The results were as follows. 1) P which existed in intracellular space showed a decrease in the plasma level and a negative balance in the early postoperative phase. Thereafter, the plasma level of P ion increased and a positive balance was observed. 2) Ca showed a positive balance during the observation period. 3) The level of prealbumin and retinol-binding protein decreased to some extent after surgery, but came up to the preoperative level on the seventh postoperative day in enteral nutrition (T-330) after total gastrectomy. 4) Nitrogen balance was observed to show a positive balance on the seventh postoperative day. There was no statistical difference between the three groups. 5) There were significant relationships between the serum albumin level and the development of postoperative complications.


This textual-discourse analysis examines coverage of the coming-out revelations of two American professional athletes in major sports media. When Brittney Griner of the wnba and Jason Collins of the nba made their announcements within two weeks of each other in April 2013, sports media embraced both athletes by praising their courage and calling for tolerance. However, sports media treated Collins's revelation as big news and Griner's as routine. The sports world continues to cling to the idea that masculinity and heterosexuality are linked, in line with the concept of masculine hegemony. Because Griner defies societal constructions of femininity, she adheres to the stereotypical view that aggressive female athletes are "masculine." The media discourse reflected these conceptual frameworks. Yet the positive media coverage in support of these gay athletes demonstrates that these constructions may be in flux.


A tremendous potential has been observed in the designing of long afterglow materials for sensing, bioimaging, and encryption applications. In this study, two different strontium aluminate-based luminescent materials; SrAl2O4: Eu, Dy (S1), and Sr4Al14O25: Eu, Dy (S2) were melt-mixed with polypropylene (PP) matrix, and the phosphorescence properties were evaluated. After excitation at 320 nm, the PP/S1 composite exhibited a green emission and the PP/S2 generated a blue emission at 520 nm and 495 nm, respectively. The emission spectra intensity increased by increasing the content of these luminescent fillers. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) experiments show that no chemical reaction occurred during the melt-mixing process. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results revealed that the total crystallinity of the composites reduced by increasing the amount of the fillers; however, no changes in the temperature of melting (Tm) and crystallization (Tc) of PP were observed. Both fillers improved the impact strength of the composites, but the tensile strength (TS) and modulus (TM) decreased. Poly (ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (P) plasticizer was used to improve the filler-matrix interaction and its dispersion; nevertheless, it adversely affected the intensity of the luminescence emissions.


Abstract The higher education courses for social experts started more than 25 years ago in Hungary. Since then more than 20 thousand students have earned a degree in social areas. Some of them quit their original jobs whereas a lot of these specialists still provide support as human assistants and regard their profession a career. Due to the huge amount of experience accumulated in both education and practice since then, in our empirical research an answer was sought to the question which personal and professional competencies determine the long-term engagement to a career and how the competency experience of the students correlates with their further career aspirations. In the research nearly 500 responses from students from 8 different Hungarian higher education institutions were analysed by applying questionnaires and tests accepted in international practice together with our own measures. Data were collected about the students' career decision self-efficiency experiences, their personality traits and also about the question how they see their future profession. Based on our results the students who had a definite idea of their future professional career even during their studies and were determined with improved professional and personal competencies during the training made up a distinct group and were more dedicated to their career. On the basis of our analyses it was empirically proved that the training types which provide opportunities for the conscious monitoring of personal and professional competencies by encouraging the student with their career adjustment are of great significance.


Summary

The temperature dependence of the Raman bands of Cr4+ modes which show enhanced intensities due to pre-resonance effects is reported from 293 to 673 K in chromium-doped titanite (CaTiOSiO4). Some aspects of the temperature dependence of Raman bands in pure, synthetic titanite which have not been previously published are also included in this study. Two Raman-active components of Ag and Bg symmetry, respectively, of the symmetric Si–O mode in titanite are predicted under P21/a symmetry and also been identified in this phase for the first time. The one component of Bg symmetry disappears just above the antiferroelectric–paraelectric transition at ~500 K in accordance with the predictions under A2/a symmetry for the high-temperature phase. Two resonance-enhanced components of the Cr4+–O stretch are also evident in the P21/a phase and only one could be identified in the A2/a phase, again in accordance with group-theoretical predictions. These observations can be used to characterize the P21/a and A2/a phases of pure synthetic and chromium-doped titanite. The temperature dependence of the Cr4+–O modes can be approximated by two-dimensional Ising behavior with the critical exponent β ≈ 1/8 below 450 K. Between 450 and 498 K, anomalous behavior is observed and this could be due to the appearance of mobile anti-phase boundaries (APBs). Anomalous behavior also persists to temperatures above 500 K. The half-width of the Ti–O stretching mode reflects the influence of the order parameter (Ti–O displacements) as well as mobile anti-phase boundaries. No evidence could be found of the existence of other ions such as Cr4+-ions in Ti-sites and/or Cr3+-ions also in Ti-positions in Cr-doped titanite in the Raman spectra using different laser lines to excite the spectra. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


This work provides an overview of the auto-service business for the trained repair-person who wants to move from being an employee to becoming a proprietor. From start-up to hiring employees, all of the crucial information is included: obtaining loans, establishing credit, marketing your services, providing employee benefits, training and ensuring job safety. In addition, there are tips on reducing costs and risk, keeping records and developing repeat customers. Practical worksheets help the reader prepare estimates, contracts, profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets and bids.


ABSTRACT Nocardia species, particularly Nocardia brasiliensis, are etiologic agents of mycetoma, a chronic subcutaneous infection. Until now, little has been known about the pathogenic mechanisms involved in nocardial infection. Traditionally, subculture in rich media has been a simple way to induce attenuation. In this work, we report the changes in virulence toward mice and in genomic constitution of N. brasiliensis produced after 200 continuous subcultures in brain heart infusion (BHI) medium (P-200 strain). The ability of the N. brasiliensis P-200 strain to produce experimental infection was tested using BALB/c mice. P-200 was also used to immunize mice to determine whether it could induce resistance against a challenge with a nonsubcultured isolate (P-0). Comparative proteomic analysis between N. brasiliensis P-0 and P-200 was performed by two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis, and the genome sequence was obtained through Roche 454 sequence analysis. Virulence in BALB/c mice was completely lost, and BALB/c mice immunized with P-200 bacterial cells were resistant to mycetoma production by the nonsubcultured strain. Whole-genome sequence analysis revealed that P-200 lost a total of 262,913 bp distributed in 19 deleted regions, involving a total of 213 open reading frames (ORFs). The deleted genes included those encoding bacterial virulence factors, e.g., catalase, nitrate reductase enzymes, and a group of mammalian cell entry (MCE) family proteins, which may explain the loss of virulence of the isolate. Thus, completely attenuated N. brasiliensis was obtained after 200 passages in BHI medium, and putative Nocardia virulence genes were identified for the first time.


To eliminate the aggregation of Co3O4 in the methane combustion process at high temperature, a thermally stable mullite structure, SmMn2O5 (SMO), was utilized as a support to improve the catalytic durability of Co3O4 particles. In detail, Co/SMO composite catalysts were prepared using the deposition–precipitation method with distinct Co/SMO nominal weight ratios of 5%, 30% and 50%. Later, their methane combustion performances under an oxygen-rich atmosphere were evaluated and compared. Meanwhile, their physical and chemical properties were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, the BET method, SEM, HRTEM, XPS, H2-TPR and O2-TPD. H2-TPR and O2-TPD results illustrated that the Co/SMO-50% catalyst showed the highest reducibility and it enhanced the mobility of oxygen species. As a result, the Co/SMO-50% sample exhibited the highest CH4 combustion catalytic activity among all the composite catalysts. Specifically, the T10, T50, and T90 for methane combustion were measured to be 334 °C, 390 °C, and 437 °C, very similar to those of Co3O4 catalyst. At the same time, the Co/SMO-50% catalyst showed improved durability, better performance after recycling, thermal aging and long-term experiments when compared to the Co3O4 catalyst.


Members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) perceive the 47% rain rate has burdened its national meetings more than would be expected. We compared weather conditions on the first day of each national SPA meeting since 1987 with historical data using the day, month, and location of each meeting. Using a generalized estimating equations model, the odds ratio of rain comparing meeting and nonmeeting days was 2.63 (P value 0.006, 95% confidence interval 1.32–5.22). These results confirm a significantly higher frequency of rain at national SPA meetings than would be anticipated.


In the cultured immature rat full-thickness neuroretina, massive apoptosis appears in the GCL within hours after explantation, but in the ONL cell death is low. Microglia cells become activated when the retina is kept in culture and are found in the GCL within 24 hours of culture.

Embryonic porcine retina kept in culture can survive and develop according to its intrinsic timetable for at least six weeks in vitro.

Short-term culture of embryonic donor tissue prior to transplantation does not seem to affect the differentiation and survival of the graft. A laminated graft can rescue rods in a large-animal model for severe retinitis pigmentosa.

Adult porcine retina kept in culture displays early degenerative changes, but many of the cells can survive for several days in the culture environment. Retinas kept in culture for up to 1 day can survive transplantation.

Human embryonic retinas can be kept in tissue culture for at least six weeks. They develop a partly laminated structure and several of the retina-specific neurons and glial cells.


The objective of this study was to assess laboratories' ability to detect or rule out the presence of four common food pathogens: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. To do this, qualitative proficiency test data provided by one proficiency test provider from 1999 to 2007 were examined. The annual and cumulative 9-year percentages of false-negative and false-positive responses were calculated. The cumulative 9-year false-negative rates were 7.8% for E. coli O157:H7, 5.9% for Salmonella spp., 7.2% for L. monocytogenes and 13.6% for Campylobacter spp. Atypical strains and low concentrations of bacteria were more likely to be missed, and the data showed no trend of improving performance over time. Percentages of false-positive results were below 5.0% for all four pathogens.


: WTO in the contemporary world, the barriers to Belarus's membership in this organization as well as consequences of a potential accession. Further he describes the path of Belarus to WTO membership as well as accomplishments which facilitate the accession. According to the author, in spite of the changes liberalizing the economy that have been introduced, there is a little chance for Belarus to become a WTO member in the foreseeable future. The author describes a number of barriers that hin-der or make it even impossible for Belarus to become a WTO member. The ineffective economic model (central control), the lack of necessary liberalization reforms and privatization are the obstacles to accession. There are no significant changes in the Belarusian economy leading to escalation of problems, the crisis intensifies and social discontent increases. Furthermore, the author analyses consequences for Belarus of Russia joining the WTO. As the author indicates this forced the other members of the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia to automatically adhere to the liberalization of trade conducted by Russia in line with the obligation arising from the membership in the WTO. Belarus is exposed to the negative effects of Russia's accession to the WTO without receiving any benefits in return. One of the main problems is that Belarusian goods are of low quality and thus they are unable to compete with foreign products. In addition, the technology in Belarus is underdeveloped and this intensifies the inefficiency of the Belarusian economic model, preventing accession to the WTO.


Abstract. Magnetosheath jets are localized regions of plasma that move faster towards the Earth than the surrounding magnetosheath plasma. Due to their high velocities, they can cause indentations when colliding into the magnetopause and trigger processes such as magnetic reconnection and magnetopause surface waves. We statistically study the occurrence of these jets in the subsolar magnetosheath using measurements from the five Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft and OMNI solar wind data from 2008 to 2011. We present the observations in the BIMF–vSW plane and study the spatial distribution of jets during different interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientations. Jets occur downstream of the quasi-parallel bow shock approximately 9 times as often as downstream of the quasi-perpendicular shock, suggesting that foreshock processes are responsible for most jets. For an oblique IMF, with 30–60∘ cone angle, the occurrence increases monotonically from the quasi-perpendicular side to the quasi-parallel side. This study offers predictability for the numbers, locations, and magnetopause impact rates of jets observed during different IMF orientations, allowing us to better forecast the formation of these jets and their impact on the magnetosphere.


In this paper, first measurements with a particularly designed quantum-cascade-laser (QCL) arrangement for application in semiconductor industrial environments for in situ wafer-to-wafer etch monitoring are reported. The combination of QCLs and infrared absorption spectroscopy (QCLAS) opens up new possibilities for plasma process monitoring and control. In silicon etch plasmas, concentrations of the etch product SiF4 were measured real time in an industrial-production environment. The comparison of the results with inline data of the processed wafers shows a correlation between the amount of produced SiF4 and the measures of the trench depth and the bottom void. Furthermore, it is shown that the characteristics of the refractive index of Si and SiO2 in the mid-infrared can be used to determine etch rates of SiO2 and Si wafers during the processing.


BACKGROUND
Endoscopic treatment is recommended for initial hemostasis in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Many endoscopic hemostatic devices are used. Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) is an alternative.

OBJECTIVES
This study reviews all available literature to access the efficacy of APC compared to other endoscopic therapies in the control of acute non-variceal upper GI hemorrhage.

SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 4 2003), MEDLINE 1966 to December 2003, EMBASE 1980 to December 2003, Web of Science for SCISEARCH (1980 to December 2003), BIOSIS (1985 to December 2003), and the National Research Register Issue 4 2003. We also handsearched abstracts from conference proceedings of the United European Gastroenterology Week and Digestive Disease Week.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized, controlled trials of APC compared with other endoscopic hemostasis interventions in the treatment of non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers assessed trial quality and independently extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS
Two trials involving 121 people were included. There was no common intervention to pool. One trial compared APC to heat probe, another trial compared APC to injection sclerotherapy. There was no significant difference between groups in either of these trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the two randomised controlled trials identified in this review, there is no evidence to suggest that APC is superior to other endoscopic therapies. Further randomised controlled trials are needed.


This study is a content analysis on the novelette entitled Daisy Miller written by Henry James. The objectives of this study are to reveal and describe the values of European society related to women's existence, Daisy Miller's performances which are not appropriate with the values in the society, and the patriarchal society's responses to her performances.
This study applies a descriptive qualitative approach. The phenomena that are described are the values of European society related to women's existence, Daisy Miller's performances which are not appropriate with the values in the society, and the patriarchal society's responses to her performances in James' Daisy Miller. The data were classified and analyzed based on the theory of radical feminism developed by Elaine Showalter. The validity and reliability were obtained using credibility and dependability.
The discussion of this study shows that the European culture as reflected in James' Daisy Miller is patriarchal. The social values related to women's existence demand women to have attractive physical performance, be dependent, be powerless and obedient, follow the manner of the society, have committed relationship, and be responsible for nurturing children. Daisy Miller does not take for granted the social values of the society she dwells in. For her, society is not always right. It tends to limit her social range as an adult person, especially as a woman. Thus, she keeps aware by setting her own values and implementing them in such performances as being independent, having straightforward speech, having uncommitted intimate relationship with the opposite sex, and being disobedient. Daisy's performances inevitably incite some inconvenient responses from the society. She inevitably becomes the object of gossiping. The gossips are mostly about her physical appearance and also her manner which are not appropriate with the customs and values of the society. In further, the gossips even lead to criticizing. She has to deal with people who indicate her faults in a disapproving way. Those people criticize her relationship with the opposite sex and her characteristic of being arrogant and stubborn. Ultimately the society responds to her performances with rejection. Refusing to meet, interact, and socialize with Daisy are the actions of the society that indicates rejection. In these cases, Mrs. Costello and Mrs. Walker unconsciously behave on behalf of patriarchal tyranny in administering sexual discipline to other women.


The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program was created to help preserve, protect, and conserve the state's natural water resources. The program teaches nine landscaping principles that educate Floridians on how to design, install, and maintain an attractive, healthy, and environmentally-friendly landscape while saving time, energy, and money. These principles include: right plant–right place, water efficiently, fertilize appropriately, maximize mulch, attract wildlife, control yard pests responsibly, recycle, reduce stormwater runoff, and protect the waterfront. Homeowners, builders, developers, community associations, and maintenance professionals are the primary target audiences.


SIR—We read with interest the remarks of Dr Storm about our article « Pain monitoring in anesthetized children: first assessment of skin conductance and analgesia-nociception index at different infusion rates of remifentanil » (1). First, the parameter of skin conductance we measured and analyzed was not 'skin conductance level', but indeed the 'number of skin conductance variations' (NSCF), which is, as suggested by Dr Storm, known to be the most relevant. The title of Figure 3 should read 'Skin conductance (NSCF)' and not 'Skin conductance (lS)', and the legend should read 'Number of skin conductance fluctuations for the different...' and not 'Skin conductance value for the different...'. Regarding the threshold of detection of these variations, we set the monitor we had at this time to a low value of the 'anesthesia' mode. With a lower threshold, or a larger number of patients, our results might have been different, and it would be interesting to assess this in another study. However, as every parameter is derived from sympathetic activity, skin conductance is likely to be very much depressed under deep anesthesia, both in its baseline level and reactivity. As demonstrated by Widmark (2) on heart rate variability, during desflurane or isoflurane maintenance anesthesia (1.3 MAC, no opioid), global autonomic activity is very weak, and while the parasympathetic component is relatively preserved, sympathetic activity is nearly abolished (Total spectral power 18% of baseline, LFnu 7, HFnu 78). And because palmar sweat glands innervation is exclusively sympathetic, it seems coherent that the reactivity of skin conductance was rather low, in the specific context of deep and stable desflurane anesthesia. As discussed in our article, the relevance of the skin conductance monitor has been established by several authors in awake, sedated, or lightly anesthetized patients, but not yet as a monitor of nociception under deep steady-state anesthesia. We believe it would be very interesting to describe in another study the responses of the available 'autonomic monitors' to calibrated tetanic stimulations, during maintenance of general anesthesia, using other anesthetic agents, such as propofol or ketamine, that have different influences on the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the autonomous nervous system.


In Basotho culture men, women, girls, and boys each have different festivities to engage in when praying for rain. Rain festivities are organised and performed during the drought months from November to January of each year. This study examines the indigenous knowledge systems embedded in the different festivities as performed by males and females, and how they are understood and practised by diverse groups in Basotho society. The practices form part of the culture of Basotho that is still fundamentally practised in the rural areas of Lesotho, in spite of the advent of western education and Christianity. The article discusses the prayer for rain festivities and weather predictions and their relevance to the contemporary climate and weather-changing phenomenon and patterns. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and a sample of 40 Basotho men, women, girls, and boys—including traditional leaders and community elders in the four rural villages in Leribe district participated in interviews and focus group meetings. The thematic analysis described the narratives and discourse of the festivities and their cultural significance. Lesotho has experienced climate change, which has affected its people over centuries—hence they continue to explore changing patterns of climate and weather conditions. In line with their cultural beliefs, Basotho believe that rain and other environmental conditions are sent by their ancestors. Thus, rain festivities and prayers form part of their indigenous knowledge and contribute to the debate on climate change and its effects on the lives of African communities and their culture, particularly those of Basotho. Thus, the study concludes that African communities in general—in this context Basotho, have been engaged in climate change discourses in their own indigenous ways over time, and for them, climate change is not a new phenomenon.


The concrete in Martin Dam, an arch-gravity hydroelectric power dam in Alabama, completed in 1926, was sampled by three 152-mm (6-in.) cores drilled in the crest of the dam to the foundation. Samples taken from these cores were examined petrographically, tested ultrasonically to measure compressional- and shear-wave velocities, tested in unconfined compression, tested in triaxial loading in groups of three cores each at three confining pressures, and tested for strength in direct tension. The petrographic examination yielded evidence of the occurrence of alkali-silica reaction in concrete from all three drill holes; however, alkali-silica reaction gel was not found in the lower part of one hole. The core from this zone contained large flakes of tetracalcium aluminate monosulfate-12-hydrate (C4 A¯SH12). No reference to the presence of this compound in concrete in crystals large enough to be visible to the naked eye was found in the literature. Although the evidence of alkali-silica reaction is clear, it did not extend to cracks in the mortar except to a minor extent. The mechanical tests indicated concrete in good physical condition. Despite the presence of alkali-silica reaction, the Martin Dam concrete appears to be in acceptable condition and in better condition than some younger structures that are still in service.


Diversification of energy sources and transport decarbonisation are growing concerns of modern societies. Alternative fuels play an important role in addressing these challenges. For the spark ignition (SI) engine, the propensity of the fuel and fuel blends to auto-ignite is a critical characteristic that limits engine efficiency, which can be assessed by the ignition delays (τi). Severity of knock is also dependent upon the duration of heat release rate - the excitation time (τe).
In this thesis, detailed evaluations of τi and τe are employed to study the tendency of methane to detonate in comparison with other fuels, employing the detonation peninsula on the ξ/ɛ diagram. The ξ parameter is the ratio of acoustic to auto-ignitive velocity, whereas e is the ratio of the acoustic wave resistance time in a hot spot to the τe. It is shown that stoichiometric methane/air exhibits very good anti-knock properties in comparison with other fuels under turbocharged engine running conditions.
The changes in the auto-ignition behaviour caused by the progressive addition of n-butanol (at 10%, 20%, 40% and 85% vol n-butanol) to gasoline (RON 95, MON 86.6) and its toluene reference fuel (TRF) are studied computationally and experimentally in a rapid compression machine (RCM) under stoichiometric condition at 2 MPa and at 678-916 K. At low temperatures, n-butanol acts as an octane enhancer, reducing low temperature heat release and increasing ignition delays, with marginal additional effects for blends above 40%. This is supported by the results from ξ /ɛ diagram, where higher n-butanol blends lie further away from the developing detonation region.
A brute-force sensitivity analysis of the surrogate model suggests that the main reaction inhibiting ignition at low temperatures is H abstraction from the α-site of n-butanol, even for the 10% blend. At higher temperatures, the behaviour reverses as the chain branching routes from H abstraction by OH from the γ-site of n-butanol and from the α-site by HO2 become more dominant, promoting ignition. For the lower blends, the largest discrepancies between simulations and experiments are found in the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) region, where a larger number of reactions contribute to the uncertainty in predicting τi. For the higher blends, the largest discrepancies occur at low temperatures, indicating that uncertainties within the low temperature n-butanol chemistry need to be resolved. Regarding τe, the addition of n-butanol to the TRF blends has a negligible effect. Furthermore, τe, is not influenced by NTC chemistry.


This work explores cache-aided interference management in the absence of channel state information at the transmitters (CSIT), focusing on the setting with K transmitter/receiver pairs endowed with caches, where each receiver k is connected to transmitter k via a direct link with normalized capacity 1, and to any other transmitter via a cross link with normalized capacity t ≤ 1. In this setting, we explore how a combination of pre-caching at transmitters and receivers, together with interference enhancement techniques, can a) partially counter the lack of CSIT, and b) render the network self-sufficient, in the sense that the transmitters need not receive additional data after pre-caching. Toward this we present new schemes that blindly harness topology and transmitter-and-receiver caching, to create separate streams, each serving many receivers at a time. Key to the approach here is a combination of rate-splitting, interference enhancement and coded caching.


Results are presented of an evaluation of the contraceptive efficacy, cycle control, and tolerance of a low dose triphasic pill, Trigynon, used by 353 reproductive-aged women for a total of 1668 cycles. 20 physicians in different Belgian centers recruited and followed the women. Average weight of the patients was 56.8 kg, average age was 24.8 years, average parity was 1.07, and 1/3 smoked. None had any medical condition contraindicating the use of the preparation. 156 of the women had never used contraception, 163 had used combined pills, 4 had used injectables, 6 had used progestin-only minipills, 21 had used IUDs, and 22 had used other methods. 2.5% of the patients forgot to take at least 1 pill in a typical cycle. No pregnancies were imputed to forgetting, but 3 pregnancies occurred during the study: 1 already established but not recognized at the start of treatment, 1 in a woman taking antituberculosis drugs, and 1 in a patient suffering an attack of dysentery. Almost 90% of patients had regular cycles of 28 days with treatment, compared to only 57.5% before treatment. The duration and quantity of bleeding were significantly decreased. Compared to the last pretreatment cycle, the 3rd and 6th cycles with Trigynon showed a decrease in percentage of patients complaining of dysmenorrhea, nervousness, headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, decreased libido, depression, thrombophlebitis, and edema. The percentage complaining of acne and vertigo increased slightly at 3 months and then declined to below pretreatment levels. Average weight was almost unchanged. It appears that Trigynon offers reliable protection, excellent cycle control and few side effects, and would be an appropriate contraceptive choice for most women except those with benign breast disease or hyperestrogenism.


Breeding habitat selection strongly affects reproduction and individual fitness. Among birds, using social cues from conspecifics to select habitat is widespread, but how different types of conspecific social cues influence breeding habitat selection remains less understood. We conducted a playback experiment evaluating if the yellow warbler ( Setophaga petechia ), a species with two song categories linked to pairing status, uses categories differently when selecting breeding habitat. We hypothesized that yellow warblers use second-category singing mode, which is mostly sung by paired males, over first-category singing mode for habitat selection, as successfully paired males should indicate higher-quality habitat. We broadcast yellow warbler first-category singing mode, second-category singing mode, and silent controls at sites in Illinois. Yellow warblers were more abundant at sites treated with second-category singing mode compared other sites. Our results demonstrate that yellow warblers use social cues informing successful pairing over other types of social cues to select breeding habitat.


The discontinuation of the Canadian long-form mandatory census presents a crisis for data users. Examined as a tension between the need to preserve individual civil liberties and the need to curtail those liberties for the public good, the census crisis presents an opportunity for a public discussion on the specifics of our national values, beliefs and expectations.


There are many voices arguing that managers should contribute actively to the cause of promoting sustainable development. Many educators, facilitators and consultants are attempting to help managers to unlearn their 'old' mind-sets that are locking them into seeing their contribution purely in economic terms. Managing within a framework of sustainable development requires adopting new values, policies and practices. This article describes the developmental journey undertaken by a group of educators as they designed and delivered a sustainable development programme for a large international company. It concludes that the learning journey for educators will be as arduous and challenging as that that needs to be undertaken by participants.


The term digital applied to television did not appear until we began talking about digital terrestrial TV (DTTV), that is, long after this information coding system had appeared in the world of television. This paper, therefore, examines the various changes performed in the television production by computer-generated images and special effects in the 1990s, the broadcasting with DTTV in the early 21st century, and channel delineation in the last decade. Based on practices and uses, it highlights the gaps which sometimes exist between technical possibilities and user ownership, particularly according to television genres. Then, television borrowing from social sharing sites and eventual relinearization are discussed before examining what platforms change in content consumption.


Abstract Objective: This retrospective observational study aimed to look into the social demographic change of the occupants of a long-term care (LTC) facility that was constructed in 2015 as a restoration support after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. Methods: The social demographic information during 2015–2021 of occupants in the Kawauchi Special Nursing Home was analyzed. Results: A total of 172 participants were included in the analysis. The number (proportion) of evacuees was 37 (69.8%) in 2015, then gradually decreased to 7 (31.8%) in 2018, yet increased to 21 (58.3%) in 2019. There were 121 occupants (70.4%) who were from Kawauchi Village and other municipalities of the former evacuation area. Conclusion: The Kawauchi Special Nursing Home initially received people who hoped to return to the former evacuation zone; however, its role changed to receive people who became in need of LTC after returning to Kawauchi Village. The construction of LTC facilities in the former evacuation area may help enhance the local LTC service where returnees are rapidly aging.


Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng, which is endemic to China, only distributes in Mt. Hua of Shaanxi Province. 5 enzyme systems coding 13 loci were analyzed in 13 subpopulations of P. huashanica from Mt. Hua. Allozyme analysis showed that high genetic variability and clonal diversity existed in the species. Mean proportions of polymorphic loci (95% criterion), average number of alleles per locus, and mean expected heterozygosity were 69.2%, 1.8 and 0.344, respectively. Simpson index was 0.998. A negative species mean fixation indice (-0.252) indicates that there is a considerable excess of heterozygotes compared to the expected proportions of heterozygote loci. Mean genetic distance among populations was 0.049 (range: 0-0.139), and 91% of the genetic variation resided within populations. Gene flow estimated by indirect methods was 2.77, which was much lower than the Nm value (5.24) of anemophytes. This suggested that gene flow of P. huashanica might be in a critical level, and genetic differentiation might occur in natural population of this species.


Loss reserves are a discretionary tool for managing insurer earnings, with more accurate and/or less volatile reserve errors resulting in higher accruals quality. We investigate whether accruals quality is related to insurer financial strength ratings. Specifically, we use insurer loss reserve errors as a measure of the quality of accruals and examine whether overall accruals quality, as well as a decomposition into innate and discretionary accruals quality, is related to insurer financial strength ratings. We find that firms with lower-quality (noisier) accruals receive lower financial strength ratings from A.M. Best. This result holds for both innate and discretionary accruals. Overall, we provide the first evidence that the quality of accounting information is a significant factor in ratings of insurance firms.


The "Treatment of Stroke" contains eight chapters, each by an individual author. Because of the multiple authorship, there is some overlap of material in different chapters and some differences of opinion occur. The inclusion of divergent views is fortunate, since their existence is a matter of fact, and they indicate the inexact state of knowledge concerning certain aspects of treatment. However, it is important that the reader carefully examine all chapters—else he will miss the areas of controversy. The material is condensed, and some parts lack some practical detail. For example, in the discussion of cerebral edema, "hypertonic mannitol solution, 1.0-1.5 gm/kg body weight..." is the recommended treatment. This cursory account is supplemented by a reference to the pertinent literature—a technique frequently employed throughout the text. The reviewer hopes that readers using the therapeutic methods described will achieve a better mortality for their patients than the 25% ascribed to


The breast cancer progression and chemotherapy side effects not only cause problems in mental status, but also the patient's physical status. This is related to a deteriorating quality of life and a worse prognosis. Physical exercise can improve physical status, mental status, and quality of life. Experimental preand post intervention research with a control group was conducted on breast cancer patients to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on the improvement of body composition, depression status, and quality of life for breast cancer patients during chemotherapy at RSMH on February 2019 February 2020. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) can improve body composition (p = 0.000), reduce the degree of depression (p = 0.000), improve global health status (p = 0.013), physical functioning (p = 0.002), emotional functioning (p = 0.009), social functioning (p = 0015), body image (0.000), sexual function (p = 0.05), future perspective (p = 0.006), and decreased fatigue (p = 0.00), nausea and vomiting (p = 0.002 ), pain (0.000), insomnia (0.002), appetite loss (p = 0.000), breast symptoms (p = 0.000), arm symptoms (p = 0.000), hair loss (p = 0.000), and therapy side effects (p = 0.000).


The potential to harness the effectiveness and specificity of the immune system underlies the growing interest in cancer immunotherapy. One such approach uses bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs), phenotypically distinct and very potent antigen-presenting cells, to present tumour-associated antigens (TAAgs) and, thereby, generate tumour-specific immunity. Support for this strategy comes from animal studies that have demonstrated that DCs, when loaded ex vivo with tumour Ags or pulsed with peptides and administered to cancer-bearing hosts, can elicit T cell-mediated cancer destruction. These observations have led to clinical trials designed to investigate the immunological and clinical effects of Ag-pulsed DCs administered as a therapeutic vaccine to patients with cancer. In the design and conduct of such trials, important considerations include Ag selection, methods for introducing TAAgs into MHC class I and II processing pathways, methods for isolating and activating DCs, and route of administration. Although current DC-based vaccination methods are cumbersome and complex, promising preliminary results from clinical trials in patients with malignant lymphoma, melanoma, and prostate cancer suggest that immuno-therapeutic strategies, that take advantage of the unique properties of DCs, may ultimately prove both efficacious and widely applicable treatment in patients with cancer.


India being home to the largest number of poor and malnourished population in the world, the tabling of National Food Security Bill has renewed the public pressure for universalization of PDS in India. In this regard, Tamil Nadu?s model of universal PDS has been cited for its success in providing comprehensive food security. We conducted a survey in Coimbatore-Tiruppur region of Tamil Nadu to assess the merits and demerits of universal system. The survey covering 154 households seeks to understand the utilization of the PDS by the poor and the non-poor households, if there is voluntary exclusion of better-off sections of the population from the system and the reasons behind them. It is found that there is low drop-out of non-poor households from the universal system. This is because around 25 percent of all households who are eligible for any PDS commodity reported selling one of the commodities or feeding them to livestock. Also, the entitlements of the poor to subsidized commodities are reduced in uniform universal system. Based on the survey experience, this study puts forward an analytical framework to analyse the resource use efficiency and redistribution achieved in the food distribution system of India. Based on the theoretical framework and the observations from the survey, we make further recommendations in designing an optimal PDS model.


The introduction of smartphones has revolutionized how late adolescents (aged 18-21 years) access and use the internet. Vast troves of health information are today just a tap or swipe away, with smartphones and internet connectivity becoming increasingly accessible. The need for eHealth literacy among late adolescents is now gaining importance as it ensures an effective use of health information. This study conducted a survey among 427 late adolescents in order to evaluate their eHealth literacy levels; their perceptions of the quality of online health information; their level of trust and credibility in online health and checked if acquiring health information through the online medium led to a change in their behavior intention. The results showed that most of the late adolescents preferred viewing multiple websites for their health information needs. Health information in the form of text and images were preferred over video content; and most preferred accessing online health information in their native language. Cancer and obesity are the common health issues of interest to both genders. Mobile applications (apps) were the least preferred mode of accessing heath information despite the high usage of smartphones. eHealth literacy and credibility positively predicted behavior intention while quality of health information did not predict behavior intention.


UNMET NEED FOR CONTRACEPTION 214 million women in developing countries do not wish to become pregnant yet are not using a modern method of family planning (FP). Top method-related reasons for non-use of modern contraceptives include contraceptive side effects, infrequent sex, a need for discreet methods and methods compatible with breastfeeding. Studies suggest that the critical factors for meeting women's contraceptive needs are access to a broad choice of methods, improvement in the quality of information and services available, a consistent supply of contraceptive products, and the reduction of social barriers to use. EXPANDING EFFECTIVE CONTRACEPTIVE OPTIONS (EECO) Expanding Effective Contraceptive Options (EECO) is a USAID project with funding from 2013-2022 that supports the introduction of new contraceptive options, like the SILCS diaphragm, and dual protection methods, like the women's condom. Each product in the EECO portfolio is designed to address one or more method-related reasons for non-use of contraception. Among these methods is the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS), a contraceptive option with a side effect profile that differs from other methods and may appeal to women seeking reduced menstrual bleeding. EECO conducts pilot introductions of new contraceptive products, like the LNG-IUS, in countries that have high levels of unmet need for contraception such as Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, and Zambia. By the project's end, EECO will have produced step-by-step roadmaps for product introduction which can be used to scale up access to the products or expand introduction to additional countries. This program brief focuses on the lessons learned through each stage of the project's pilot introductions of the LNG-IUS in Zambia and Madagascar from 2016 to 2018. THE EECO TEAM SUPPORTING LNG-IUS INTRODUCTIONS WCG Cares (WCG) leads the team, bridging the private sector and non-profit worlds, and linking upstream product developers/suppliers and downstream marketing and distribution partners. WCG leads regulatory and quality assurance efforts, intensive medical detailing and data collection. Population Services International (PSI) , the social marketing and service delivery partner, works through existing healthcare and product distribution networks to market EECO products. In Zambia, PSI works through its local network member, the Society for Family Health . EECO PROCESS EECO introduces new and innovative contraceptive products by collaborating with market players along the supply chain from product manufacturers to providers and clients, as well as the stakeholders who influence the policy environment for FP. EECO product introduction takes place in five stages, which are outlined in Figure 1.


Targeting K-RAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with novel inhibitors has shown promising results with the recent approval of sotorasib in this indication. However, progression to this agent is expected, as it has previously been observed with other inhibitors. Recently, new immune therapeutics, including vectorized compounds with antibodies or modulators of the host immune response, have demonstrated clinical activity. By interrogating massive datasets, including TCGA, we identified genes that code for surface membrane proteins that are selectively expressed in K-RAS mutated NSCLC and that could be used to vectorize novel therapies. Two genes, CLDN10 and TMPRSS6, were selected for their clear differentiation. In addition, we discovered immunologic correlates of outcome that were clearly de-regulated in this particular tumor type and we matched them with immune cell populations. In conclusion, our article describes membrane proteins and immunologic correlates that could be used to better select and optimize current therapies.


HMM (Hidden Markov Model) is a very important intrusion detection tool. The classical HMM training algorithm is a climbing algorithm. It can only find a local optimal solution. To improve the accuracy of HMM training, this paper introduces a hybrid algorithm into intrusion detection. Experiments show that this algorithm can find a more accurate model.


This report results from the project 'Competing Claims on Natural Resources (overkoepelend instrumentarium)' in the KB programme of 2011. In short the terms of reference of this report are as follows: Give an overview of instruments developed in other KB projects relevant for the analysis of Competing Claims on Natural Resources. Questions include: What are feasible instruments? What are their advantages and disadvantages? What can or should be applied in specific cases? Is there a need to validate instruments and how? Can the instruments help to make trade-offs clearer on a global, national and local level? What are the white areas (not covered)? What should be developed?


The carbon isotopic (δ13C) composition of shallow-water carbonates often is interpreted to reflect the δ13C of the global ocean and is used as a proxy for changes in the global carbon cycle. However, local platform processes, in addition to meteoric and marine diagenesis, may decouple carbonate δ13C from that of the global ocean. We present new δ13C measurements of benthic foraminifera, solitary corals, calcifying green algae, ooids, coated grains, and lime mud from the modern Great Bahama Bank. We find that vital effects, cross-shelf seawater chemistry gradients, and meteoric diagenesis produce carbonate with δ13C variability rivaling that of the past two billion years of Earth history. Leveraging Walther's Law, we illustrate how these local δ13C signals can find their way into the stratigraphic record of bulk carbonate.


Experimental and clinical evidence is here assembled in support of the concept that the development of a solid tumor progresses from a prevascular phase to a vascular phase. The prevascular tumor does not induce angiogenesis, is limited in size, and rarely metastasizes. The vascularized tumor induces host microvessels to undergo angiogenesis, has the potential to rapidly expand its cell population, and has a propensity to metastasize. Thus, angiogenesis is necessary but not sufficient for tumor growth and metastasis. Neovascularization of a tumor requires that a critical number of its cells have switched to the angiogenic phenotype. The mechanisms by which tumor cells become angiogenic, subjects of current study, are reviewed here. At least two general categories are recognized: (i) angiogenic activity arises from the tumor cell itself in the form of the release of angiogenic molecules such as basic fibroblast growth factor; (ii) angiogenic activity arises from host cells recruited by the tumor (e.g. macrophages), or is mobilized from the extracellular matrix, or requires concomitant loss of physiological inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation. Accumulating evidence indicates that for most tumors, the switch to the angiogenic phenotype depends upon the outcome of a balance between angiogenic stimulators and angiogenic inhibitors, both of which may be produced by tumor cells and perhaps by certain host cells.


This paper presents an analysis of the stator teeth geometry impact on the parameters of the 8-pole radial magnetic bearing. In this paper, such parameters as current gain and position stiffness have been analysed. Additionally, we have proposed criteria for evaluating the characteristics of these parameters by calculating the variability of current gain and position stiffness. The research has been performed by solving the magnetic bearing actuator boundary problem using the finite element method. Magnetic force has been calculated using the Maxwell stress tensor method. Other parameters, such as current gain and position stiffness have been calculated as partial derivate of the force with respect to control current and position of the rotor.


Tools are provided that enable the analysis of robust stability for a particular nonlinear neural model-based control scheme, and the result enables robust synthesis as well. It is shown how an uncertainty description of an off-line trained neural network can be obtained and how this can be used to analyse robustness of the adopted control strategy. It turns out that, due to the uncertainty in the network, the closed-loop system becomes uncertain within a polytopic region. Stability of the closed-loop system can be proved by finding an appropriate Lyapunov function. Finding such a Lyapunov function can be rewritten as a LMI, which is tractable from a computational point of view. It is shown how the obtained uncertainty description of the closed-loop system allows robust synthesis of the controller, one of the main goals in robust control research.


OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: By combining clinical knowledge of hoarding disorder (HD) with qualitative methods from cultural anthropology, we hope to build a patient-centered approach that will allow us to better understand the clinician perspectives on patient motivations and explanatory models of individuals with HD, and improve treatment outcomes. We describe the ways that these methodologies are productively merged in this project as a result of TL1 collaboration, and present a preliminary picture of methodological and theoretical issues uncovered as part of this processes. We further describe the analytical methods used for this project, and explore issues raised through the combination of psychological and anthropological data and insights. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This study represents an attempt to combine the qualitative methodologies of cultural anthropology with the clinical knowledge of psychology and psychiatry in order to better understand gaps between provider and patient beliefs and knowledge about hoarding disorder. This study will present preliminary methodological issues arising from interviews with hoarding experts. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: This study will discuss preliminary issues including shared language, strengths and limitations of both disciplines, and factors for consideration when combining these disparate methodologies. It will close with recommendations for consideration when moving forward with similar collaborations. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: This project seeks to unite psychological and social factors that may contribute to the lived experience of individuals with HD in order to better understand the way that HD is manifested. It also unites disparate methodologies to provide us with a more holistic and complete picture of the experience of HD. While HD has been studied within psychiatry, it has never been assessed using the qualitative methods of anthropology. These methods provide the possibility of expanding knowledge about the ways that this disorder is experienced by individuals and their families, and potentially impacted by shared beliefs and cultures. Furthermore, qualitative data of this nature provides a patient perspective on the experience of HD as a psychiatric illness. This patient perspective can be used to better inform treatment, improve patient outcomes, and to allow providers and researchers to gain a fuller understanding of this complex population.


For the purpose of recursive joint estimation of state and parameters in continuous-time state space systems, the algorithm proposed in this paper improves the consistency of a recently developed adaptive observer for multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) linear time varying (LTV) systems. The new algorithm makes use of a time varying gain matrix for parameter estimation, instead of the constant gain matrix used by the previously reported algorithm. It is exponentially stable, converges in the mean for both state and parameter estimations. The covariance matrix of the parameter estimation error can be made arbitrarily small by choosing a sufficiently small forgetting factor.


Ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm had severely high mortality. A 83-year-old female, who had suddenly complained back pain and been diagnosed as the ruptured distal aortic arch aneurysm with aortic regurgitation by computer tomography and echo cardiogram, was admitted for an emergent surgery. Aortic arch replacement and aortic valve replacement were performed through median sternotomy under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with the retrograde cerebral perfusion. She was complicated with respiratory ventilation failure due to the massive mediastinal hematoma and her chest was kept open postoperatively. Her chest was closed two days after the first operation and she recovered uneventfully.


Field experiments were conducted at the Lacombe Research Station from 1989 to 1991 to determine the influence of various adjuvants on sethoxydim activity. In all experiments sethoxydim was applied at 100 g ai ha-1 to green foxtail, wheat, wild oat, and barley seeded in a canola crop. Of the four grass species, green foxtail was the most susceptible and barley was the least susceptible to sethoxydim. CC 16255 was the most effective adjuvant followed by either of two sources of ammonium sulphate (liquid or granular) and then Merge. Liquid and granular forms of ammonium sulphate were equally effective in enhancing sethoxydim activity. Several other adjuvants, including Enhance, Savol, and XE 1167, were moderately effective in the enhancement of sethoxydim activity. Adding Canplus 411 to Merge was not usually beneficial, but additions of Canplus 411 to Enhance often increased sethoxydim activity compared with sethoxydim and Enhance alone. Agral 90 and LI-700 were of little or no value as adjuvants with sethoxydim.


We examined the behavioral responses of aquatic snails (prey) and two species of crayfish (predators) following exposure to chemical cues from injured snails. Snail survival rates and crayfish capture rates were compared between cued treatments and controls. Snails (Physa gyrina) responded to chemical cues by significantly increasing refuge use (i.e. moving to the waterline, floating or crawl-out behavior). Despite their responses, use of refugia did not influence survival rates. Crayfish species differed in their responses to these same chemicals. Orconectes juvenilis became more active (including increased movements across the substrate and reaching up sides of aquaria). In contrast, the activity levels of Procambarus clarkii did not significantly change. Nevertheless, P. clarkii captured snails in less time than O. juvenilis, regardless of whether injured-snail cue was present, and the presence of these cues did not significantly influence capture times for either crayfish species. This study provides strong evidence that injury-released chemical cues can elicit behavioral responses from both conspecific prey and their predators, but found no benefits of response for either prey or predators. The complex interplay of effects makes it difficult to draw simple, general insights about the benefits of the responses for either participant during a predator-prey interaction.


Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) can pose a major risk for aviation safety, due to both negligent and malicious use. For this reason, the automated detection and tracking of UAV is a fundamental task in aerial security systems. Common technologies for UAV detection include visible-band and thermal infrared imaging, radio frequency and radar. Recent advances in deep neural networks (DNNs) for image-based object detection open the possibility to use visual information for this detection and tracking task. Furthermore, these detection architectures can be implemented as backbones for visual tracking systems, thereby enabling persistent tracking of UAV incursions. To date, no comprehensive performance benchmark exists that applies DNNs to visible-band imagery for UAV detection and tracking. To this end, three datasets with varied environmental conditions for UAV detection and tracking, comprising a total of 241 videos (331,486 images), are assessed using four detection architectures and three tracking frameworks. The best performing detector architecture obtains an mAP of 98.6% and the best performing tracking framework obtains a MOTA of 98.7%. Cross-modality evaluation is carried out between visible and infrared spectrums, achieving a maximal 82.8% mAP on visible images when training in the infrared modality. These results provide the first public multi-approach benchmark for state-of-the-art deep learning-based methods and give insight into which detection and tracking architectures are effective in the UAV domain.


Background It is well documented that interruptions adversely affect task performance. What is less well known is the impact of interruptions in the context of the paediatric dispensary accuracy checking process. Purpose To measure the effect that interruptions have on dispensary accuracy checkers. Materials and methods The study instrument was non-participant, direct observation of a discrete, clearly identifiable step within the dispensing process (the accuracy-checking phase of the dispensing process). A prescription requiring two bottles of medicines to be dispensed was created. The medicines were labelled and placed in a tray together with the required paperwork, additional spoons or oral syringes and a dispensing bag. The operatives, both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, volunteered to participate and were told that they would be timed accuracy checking a prescription and that the object of the observations was to measure the effect of the environment on their work only and that they themselves were not being assessed. They were also advised that the prescriptions were non-complex, had been clinically screened, and did not contain any errors by design. Each observation (n=34) consisted of two arms as determined by a Latin square. The observations were undertaken in the dispensary and in an office; the latter ensured a quiet environment. In addition a designed interruption was introduced into some of the variants. Results A statistical analysis of variables was carried out using Minitab. A calculation of least squared means for time showed that individuals were 28.41% less efficient when interrupted in the dispensary. The mean time taken to accuracy check the standard prescription increased from 121.20 s to 155.63. Conclusions It was found that interruptions adversely affected dispensary accuracy checkers who were checking a standardised prescription of two items in the dispensary at BCH. Dispensary design should support the reduction of interruptions in critical areas.


We show that a dual-core optical fiber in which one core is doped with erbium and the other core is undoped can be used as an optical amplifier with very flat gain over the wavelength range 1520 nm to 1560 nm. The gain variation over this range is less than 0.7 db. The noise floor is less than 4 dB.


Locus control regions (LCRs), cis-acting, noncoding regulatory elements with strong transcription-enhancing activity, are conserved in sequence and organization, and exhibit strict gene-specific expression. LCRs have been reported and studied in several mammalian gene systems, signifying that they play an important role in eukaryotic gene expression control. Their highly regulated, stable, and precise levels of expression have made them a strong candidate for use in gene therapy vectors. In this study, we attempted to determine the unique signatures of human LCRs by analyzing a data set of LCR sequences for the presence of motifs through systematic bioinformatics approach. Using web-based regulatory sequence analysis tools (RSAT), motif-based analysis was performed. Detected significant motifs were analyzed further for their identity using Tomtom tool. RSAT analysis revealed that significant motifs are existent within the LCRs. Identity analysis using Tomtom showed that detected significant motifs were comparable with known transcription factor (TF) binding sites and the top scoring motifs belong to zinc finger-containing proteins, an important group of proteins involved in a variety of cellular activities. Correspondence to segment of known motif indicates the biological relevance of the detected motifs. Motif-based analysis is valuable for analyzing the various characteristics of sequences, notably TF binding models in this study. Owning to their unique expression control abilities, LCRs form an important component of integrating vectors, therefore identification of unique signatures present within LCR sequences will be instrumental in the design of new generation of regulatory elements containing LCR sequences.


Long-chain alkylphenols including octylphenol (OP) are well-known toxic pollutants prevailing in the environment due to the massive demand of these chemicals in industry and have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). While a considerable amount of work has addressed the degradation capacity of EDCs carried out by bacterial and filamentous fungal strains, little is known about the EDC degradation by yeasts. In this study, we isolated three branched-chain OP-degrading yeast strains from samples collected from a wastewater treatment plant in Taipei, Taiwan, by enrichment methods using 4-t-octylphenol (4-t-OP) as the sole carbon and energy source. Analysis of ITS and LSU rDNA gene sequences revealed that these isolates belonged to two genera and were designated as Candida rugopelliculosa RRKY5, Galactomyces candidum RRK17 and G. candidum RRK22. Growth properties of the isolates were explored using different substrates such as 4-t-OP, 4-t-nonylphenol (4-t-NP), octylphenol polyethoxylates (OPEOn), nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOn), phenol and isooctane. Of these three, the strain RRKY5 utilized a wide variety of substrates and grew faster than the others. Results of HPLC analysis indicated that 4-t-OP degradation took place both in the presence and absence of the co-substrate dextrose (0.05%): within 24 days, 93% or 95% of 4-t-OP was degraded by C. rugopelliculosa RRKY5 in media with or without dextrose, whereas degradation was lower (less than 75%) in the two strains of G. candidum. Therefore, in contrast to the 4-t-OP degradation by filamentous ligninolytic fungi, dextrose did not appear to exert a significant impact on this process in yeast cultures. It can be concluded that RRKY5 is a potent candidate for the biodegradation of 4-t-OP and thus can potentially be used for bio-remedial actions in the future. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence demonstrating that pure cultures of yeast strains are capable of utilizing branched-chain OP.


In this paper, an analytical model is developed to describe the dynamic characteristics of a roller bearing. In order to obtain accurate dynamic response of roller bearing, each roller is modeled as a rigid body, which has radial and axial movement and rotational constraints. Beam element between outer race segments is used to consider flexibility of outer race. Beam deflection is calculated from beam forces and used for contact between roller and outer race. The efficient contact search kinematics and algorithms in the context of the compliance contact model are implemented to detect the interactions between roller and race for the sake of speedy and robust solutions. The numerical results are validated with another analysis results which are calculated using waviness condition. Increasing rollers, dynamic responses are compared with each other. In order to confirm dynamic behavior and nonlinear characteristic of roller bearing, Poincare map is used.


Aim: To evaluate social-emotional development and adaptive behavioral outcomes in a cohort of extremely low birth weight infants with a confirmed diagnosis of neonatal seizures. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of preterm infants weighing ≤1000 g at birth, with a diagnosis of neonatal seizures, evaluated between 21 and 31 months of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (Bayley-III) in a longitudinal neurodevelopmental follow-up program. Seizures were diagnosed using continuous video electroencephalography interpreted by a pediatric neurologist. Results: Nineteen infants meeting criteria were included and were matched with 38 control subjects, without clinical signs of seizures, and similar baseline characteristics. Multivariate analysis revealed significantly lower social-emotional development (–14.8 points; P = .05) and adaptive behavior scores (–10.8 points; P < .01) on the Bayley III in children with seizures compared to controls without clinical signs of seizure.Interpretation: Seizures are associated with impaired adaptive behavior and social-emotional development in this cohort of extremely low birth weight infants. These results highlight the negative association between neonatal seizures and functional development.


Today's trends toward interconnection of networks expose limitations and deficiencies of traditional identification schemes. The need arises for a uniform naming solution that can accommodate the size and heterogeneity of worldwide domains, while still remaining understandable, usable, and manageable by human users. This paper describes a proposatol name objects and resources in distributed environments; each object or resource cabne located, accessed, communicated with, operated on, managed, or secured using the same, unique name. The solution proposed here includes registration mechanisms necessary to ensure name uniqueness. The schemeis based on existing standards, mainly Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Distinguished Names; whenever standards disagree, the preference goesto the alternative that offers the widest usage acrosasll protocols. Clear, consistent naming guidelineasr e given that would enable ISM customers who have purchased IBM networking and system management products to name their resourcesso that their administrative processes and IBM's products and protocols can support those resources effectively. A method is suggested to encompass existing name spaces in a single, worldwide namings pace, and a migration pathis sketched. The interoperation of different protocols across network boundariesu sing the same naming constructs is shown by means of several scenarios. The naming and addressing scheme proposed here requires nothing new or different from the already defined standards, but allows interoperation among them by using a subset of each.


Natural compound polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) has a variety of biological actions such as reducing blood fat, antitumor and antioxidant activities, and enhancing immune function. Our previous study has revealed that PSP can promote osteoblastic (OB) differentiation in bone mesenchymal stem cells by increasing nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. This study was designed to investigate that PSP can upregulate nuclear β-catenin, which was prevented by inhibiting the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) activity, by effectively activating Wnt signaling independent of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5). We showed that PSP reduced the level of GSK-3β, which phosphorylates and destabilizes nuclear β-catenin through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that PSP promotes OB differentiation and mineralization in vitro through the ERK/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathways. This study may aid in the development of a therapeutic approach utilizing PSP for the enhancement of bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.


Total serum thyroxine concentrations, the dialyzable fractions of total thyroxine, and absolute free thyroxine concentrations were measured in six patients with thyroid storm, in 15 patients with uncomplicated thyrotoxicosis, and in 19 normal subjects. Total thyroxine concentrations were similar in both thyrotoxic groups. However, the mean dialyzable fraction of thyroxine and the mean free thyroxine concentration was significantly higher in patients with thyroid storm than in patients with uncomplicated thyrotoxicosis (0.060 +/- 0.017% versus 0.026 +/- 0.006% and 10.9 +/- 3.8 ng/dL versus 4.7 +/- 1.4 ng/dL, respectively). These findings suggest that events precipitating thyroid storm may act with thyrotoxicosis to decrease thyroxine binding markedly and result in a sharp increase in free thyroxine concentration. These phenomena may play a role in the pathogenesis of thyroid storm.


We propose a new modularity criterion in complex networks, called the unifying modularity q which is independent of the number of partitions. It is shown that, for a given network, the relationship between the upper limit of Q and the number of the partitions, k, is sup(Qk) = (k − 1)/k. Since the range of Q for each partition number is inconsistent, we try to extend the concept Q to unifying modularity q, which is independent of the number of partitions. Subsequently, we indicate that it is more accurately to determine the number of partitions by using unifying modularity q than Q.


In the past 15 years, the Indonesian economy has grown rapidly, and, since 1973- 1974, increased oil revenues have reduced foreign exchange constraints and allowed rapid increases in capital and consumer goods imports. Despite growth in the industrial sector, the subsistence oriented farm sector is still the largest employer in the country. About 80 percent of the present population of 150 million live in rural areas. The food security of both the urban and rural populations has been a prime goal of the government. It has been achieved principally through the regulation of the domestic rice market by the National Logistics Agency (BULOG), the total cost of which fluctuates considerably from year to year, depending on world price movements and domestic production performance. The prospect that domestic energy demand may erode oil export revenues suggests that food policies which focus less on the level and stability of rice prices need to be evaluated. Since food consumption patterns and preferences differ markedly between income groups, changes in policies affecting relative rice prices have different impacts on the quality and stability of the food intake within each group. This paper describes results from a stochastic simulation model which disaggregates consumers into two urban and two rural income groups, and food production and consumption into five staple food crops. Results from the model support the hypothesis that higher and less stable rice prices would have their most deleterious impact on the urban poor; however, less severe regulation of the domestic rice market is shown to lead to significant increases in the food risk faced by all groups.


We present a method for determination of the random-orientation polarimetric scattering properties of an arbitrary, nonsymmetric cluster of spheres. The method is based on calculation of the cluster T matrix, from which the orientation-averaged scattering matrix and total cross sections can be analytically obtained. An efficient numerical method is developed for the T-matrix calculation, which is faster and requires less computer memory than the alternative approach based on matrix inversion. The method also allows calculation of the random orientation scattering properties of a cluster in a fraction of the time required for numerical quadrature. Numerical results for the random orientation scattering matrix are presented for sphere ensembles in the form of densely packed clusters and linear chains.


Introduction: Intercondylar fracture of distal humerus is one of the difficult fracture involving the humerus in adults. Intercondylar fracture distal humerus in adults are difficult to manage due to complex anatomy of elbow. We present a method of surgical treatment of intercondylar humerus fracture in adults by open reduction with JEES fixator and to evaluate functional outcome and associated complication with application of JESS fixator.Materials & Methods: It is Institutional based, prospective study carried out from June 2018 to May 2019.Twenty cases of intercondylar distal humerus fracture were reduced and fixed with K-wire and finally JESS was applied. Patient were follow up at 1week, 4weeks, 6weeks & 12weeks and clinically evaluated with Mayo's elbow performance score. Results: According to AO classification 4 cases had C1 fractures, 14 cases had C2 fractures and and 2 cases had C3 fractures. 3 cases had open injury among which two were of C2 and 1 were C3 type. All cases were operated using paratricipital approach and average duration of JESS application was 7 week and mean follow up duration was 9 months. Irrespective of injury pattern 9(45%) cases showed excellent results, 7(35%) showed good results, 3(15%) cases showed fair results and 1(5%) case showed poor results.Discussion: The goal of intercondylar fracture management by JESS technique is to achieve early range of motion of anatomically align joint. Conclusion: This study shows comparatively good results using JESS fixator. This procedure is viable alternative option to ORIF dur to its simplicit, cost-effectiveness and easy implant removal on day care basis.


Medical students who exhibit severe forms of adverse behaviour (including criminal matters), sometimes accompanied by mental health problems, are likely to be seen by their medical school's fitness to practise committee, a topic explained in this review.


The author outlines briefly the material properties of ceramic superconductors, the techniques for making and processing them and specific problems which prevent them being used more widely. Most attention is paid to YBa2Cu3O7 material and its deposition as thin films.


Title of dissertation: IMPROVING THE ROUND COMPLEXITY OF IDEAL-CIPHER CONSTRUCTIONS Aishwarya Thiruvengadam, Doctor of Philosophy, 2017 Dissertation directed by: Professor Jonathan Katz Department of Computer Science Block ciphers are an essential ingredient of modern cryptography. They are widely used as building blocks in many cryptographic constructions such as encryption schemes, hash functions etc. The security of block ciphers is not currently known to reduce to well-studied, easily formulated, computational problems. Nevertheless, modern block-cipher constructions are far from ad-hoc, and a strong theory for their design has been developed. Two classical paradigms for block cipher design are the Feistel network and the key-alternating cipher (which is encompassed by the popular substitution-permutation network). Both of these paradigms that are iterated structures that involve applications of random-looking functions/permutations over many rounds. An important area of research is to understand the provable security guarantees offered by these classical design paradigms for block cipher constructions. This can be done using a security notion called indifferentiability which formalizes what it means for a block cipher to be ideal. In particular, this notion allows us to assert the structural robustness of a block cipher design. In this thesis, we apply the indifferentiability notion to the two classical paradigms mentioned above and improve upon the previously known round complexity in both cases. Specifically, we make the following two contributions: • We show that a 10-round Feistel network behaves as an ideal block cipher when the keyed round functions are built using a random oracle. • We show that a 5-round key-alternating cipher (also known as the iterated Even-Mansour construction) with identical round keys behaves as an ideal block cipher when the round permutations are independent, public random permutations. IMPROVING THE ROUND COMPLEXITY OF IDEAL-CIPHER CONSTRUCTIONS


The precision, accuracy, and sampling rates of Radiello and Ogawa passive samplers were evaluated in the laboratory using a flow-through chamber and under field conditions prior to their use in the 2007 Harbor Community Monitoring Study (HCMS), a saturation monitoring campaign in the communities adjacent to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Passive methods included Radiello samplers for volatile organic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, 1,3-butadiene), aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein) and hydrogen sulfide, and Ogawa samplers for nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Additional experiments were conducted to study the robustness of the passive sampling methods under variable ambient wind speed, sampling duration, and storage time before analysis. Our experimentally determined sampling rates were in agreement with the rates published by Radiello and Ogawa with the following exceptions: we observed a diffusion rate of 22.4 ± 0.1 mL/min for benzene and 37.4 ± 1.5 mL/min for ethylbenzene compared to the Radiello published values of 27.8 and 25.7 mL/min, respectively. With few exceptions, the passive monitoring methods measured one-week average ambient concentrations of selected pollutants with sensitivity and precision comparable to conventional monitoring methods averaged over the same period. Radiello Carbograph 4 VOC sampler is not suitable for the collection of 1,3-butadiene due to backdiffusion. Results for the Radiello aldehyde sampler were inconclusive due to lack of reliable reference methods for all carbonyl compounds of interest.


Modelling the flow in a thin accretion disc like a dynamical system, we analyse the nature of the critical points of the steady solutions of the flow. For the simple inviscid disc there are two critical points, with the outer one being a saddle point and the inner one a centre type point. For the weakly viscous disc, there are four possible critical points, of which the outermost is a saddle point, while the next inner one is a spiral. Coupling the nature of the critical points with the outer boundary condition of the flow, gives us a complete understanding of all the important physical features of the flow solutions in the subsonic regions of the disc. In the inviscid disc, the physical realisability of the transonic solution passing through the saddle point is addressed by considering a temporal evolution of the flow, which is a very likely non-perturbative mechanism for selecting the transonic inflow solution from among a host of other possible stable solutions. For the weakly viscous disc, while a linearised time-dependent perturbation imposed on the steady mass inflow rate causes instability, the same perturbative analysis reveals that for the inviscid disc, there is a very close correspondence between the equation for the propagation of the perturbation and the metric of an acoustic black hole. Compatible with the transport of angular momentum to the outer regions of the disc, a viscosity-limited length scale is defined for the spatial extent of the inward rotational drift of matter.


(1) Background: Few studies have investigated (demographic) correlates of (prevalent) overweight rates among early adolescents, especially from higher socioeconomic positions (SEP) in developing countries, such as Indonesia. The current study aims to fill this gap. (2) Methods: Participants included 411 adolescents from five private schools in Indonesia. Adolescents' weight and height were measured, and adolescents completed questionnaires on demographic factors (i.e., sex, school area, ethnicity, pocket money) and previous year dieting. (3) Results: Results showed that more than one-third of the sample was overweight, with higher rates among adolescent males (47%) than females (24%). Moreover, adolescents attending schools in urban areas (compared with suburban areas), and those reporting past dieting (compared with those reporting no dieting) had higher overweight rates. Ethnicity and the amount of pocket money were not related to overweight status. Finally, a clear sex-specific interaction was found involving school area, showing that males in urban areas had a significantly higher risk to be overweight, whereas this did not apply to females. (4) Conclusions: males from urban area private schools in Indonesia may be an important target group for future preventive overweight interventions.