Magnetorheological (MR) fluids alter their flow resistance as a function of the magnetic field. The variation in flow resistance is rapid and completely reversible and due to this MR fluids have been used in Braking applications. In the present paper, a MR Brake experimental setup, developed to evaluate the torque performance of MR brake, has been detailed. The measured torque values were compared with the estimated torque values and errors in the experimental values compared to theoretical torque values as a function of rotational speed have been presented. To investigate the reason for the variations, the vibration of MR disc was measured using proximity sensor. Based on the obtained results from proximity sensor the setup was modified. A comparison among the vibration signals measured on test setups (before modification and after modifications) has been presented.


In this paper we offer a programming approach to quantum computation using mixed states. Mixed-state quantum systems generalise standard (pure) quantum systems by allowing the state of the system to be a probabilistic distribution of pure states. We build on previous work by Aharonov et al. and generalise their results from quantum circuits to probabilistic (and quantum) programs.


In smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), artificial viscosity is necessary for the correct treatment of shocks, but often generates unwanted dissipation away from shocks. We present a novel method of controlling the amount of artificial viscosity, which uses the total time derivative of the velocity divergence as shock indicator and aims at completely eliminating viscosity away from shocks. We subject the new scheme to numerous tests and find that the method works at least as well as any previous technique in the strong-shock regime, but becomes virtually inviscid away from shocks, while still maintaining particle order. In particular sound waves or oscillations of gas spheres are hardly damped over many periods.


The main problem targeted by this research is the lack of flexibility of virtual objects within a Virtual Environment. Virtual objects are difficult to re-use in applications or contexts different from the ones they were designed for. This refers mainly to the need for adaptive entities, from the points of view of the geometric representation and user interface. The solution we propose is based on a semantic model aimed at representing the meaning, and functionality of objects in a virtual scene; including their geometric representation and user interface. This thesis is divided into four main parts. First we define a semantic model for Virtual Environments populated by digital items (virtual entities). Then we focus on three main aspects of the development and use of Virtual Environments: interaction, visualization and animation. We describe the needs and benefits of using a semantics-based representation for: animating virtual characters; interacting within Virtual Environments and visualizing them in different contexts/devices (handhelds, hi-resolution displays, text-based devices, etc.). The thesis concludes by exploring a novel trend in research that builds upon knowledge-base technologies and the emerging Semantic Web initiatives: the use of ontologies for Virtual Environments. A preliminary version of an ontology for Virtual Humans is presented. When using ontologies, digital entities can be understood by both humans and machines and be reused in a wide range of contexts and applications. Semantic Virtual Environments are composed of such reusable and adaptive digital items.


In this paper, we present the numerical and experimental demonstration of a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM) based on the photonic crystal (PC), in which the waveguide has a tapered width. Owing to the tapered waveguide, propagating light can be slowed down and be trapped by a local mode gap effect at certain distances from the entrance of the waveguide. The corresponding effect leads to the localization of four different wavelengths at different points inside the waveguide. The drop-channels are introduced at these specified locations to separate selected wavelengths. Here, we utilized an optimization algorithm to enhance the coupling efficiencies of the introduced drop-channels. The presented WDM PC separates the wavelengths of 22.29, 21.63, 20.80, and 19.87 mm (13.46, 13.87, 14.42, and 15.10 GHz, respectively) into different drop-channels with coupling efficiencies at around 80%. Experimental verifications of the numerically presented results are realized at the microwave frequency regime where the coupling efficiencies of each drop-channel are measured as around 75%. The designed WDM PC structure is all dielectric, compact, and efficient, and it exhibits low cross talk between drop-channels. Experimental measurements show a rainbow-trapping phenomenon and verify the simulation results of wavelength demultiplexing design with the margin of error between 0.8% and 1% frequency shifts in peak transmission values.


This paper proposes a new theory to account for the effects of underload on performance. Malleable attentional resources theory posits that attentional capacity can change size in response to changes in task demands. As such, the performance decrements associated with mental underload can be explained by a lack of appropriate attentional resources. These proposals were explored in a driving simulator experiment. Vehicle automation was manipulated at 4 levels, and mental workload was assessed with a secondary task. Eye movements were also recorded to determine whether attentional capacity varied with mental workload. The results showed a clear decrease in mental workload associated with some levels of automation. Most striking, though, were the results derived from the eye movement recordings, which demonstrated that attentional capacity varies directly with level of mental workload. These data fully supported the predictions of the new theory. Malleable attentional resources theory suggests that future vehicle designers should employ their technology in driver support systems rather than in automation to replace the driver. The implications of this theory are discussed with regard to capacity models of attention as well as to the design of future vehicle systems.


Sensitivity of electromagnetic contactors for voltage sags and non-sinusoidal voltage supply has been carried out by laboratory testing. Effects of sag characteristics such as; sag magnitude, sag duration and point on wave of sag initiation to be considered on contactors behavior. Contactors are subjected to voltage sags of depth varying, sag duration varying 5 ms to 600 ms, different point on wave and under different non-sinusoidal conditions. A Schaffner Profline 2100 EMC has been used as sag generator to create sag characteristics. The results show that sensitivity curves of the contactors depend on sag magnitude, sag duration and point on wave, whereas influence of non-sinusoidal voltage is slightly different.


The progressive neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy owing to selective motoneuron degeneration. The anti-glutamatergic drug, riluzole (RZ), is the standard-of-care treatment for ALS. Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT), a traditional herbal formula, improves motor function and prolongs the survival of mice with ALS. As ALS is a multicomplex disease, effective therapies must target multiple mechanisms. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a BJIGT/RZ combination (5-week treatment) in 2-month-old hSOD1G93A mice with ALS. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme activity assays. BJIGT/RZ significantly attenuated inflammation, autophagy, and metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunctions in the gastrocnemius (GC) compared with the control. It reduced the mRNA and protein levels of muscle denervation-related proteins and creatine kinase levels. The total creatine level was significantly higher in the BJIGT/RZ-treated GC. Moreover, after BJIGT/RZ treatment, the number of Nissl-stained motoneurons and choline acetyl transferase-positive neurons in the spinal cord significantly increased via the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, the BJIGT/RZ treatment was superior to single-drug treatments in alleviating multiple ALS-related pathological mechanisms in the ALS mouse model. Overall, BJIGT can serve as a dietary supplement and be combined with RZ to achieve superior therapeutic effects against ALS.


A base-free rhodium-catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck (M-H) reaction using potassium aryltrifluoroborates as the arylating agent of alkenes and acetone as a green "oxidant" is described. Thanks to the ready availability of organoboranes, this reaction should constitute an interesting alternative to conventional M-H reactions using aryl halides.


Most terrestrial snails are oviparous and only some are ovoviviparous. The physiology of the reproductive system and its activity in these two groups have received little attention. We compared the month-to-month dynamics of reproductive cell formation between two species of Clausiliidae snails: Ruthenica filograna (an ovoviviparous species) and Clausilia bidentata (an oviparous species). Our aim was to test the hypothesis that the seasonal activity of gametogenesis is determined by reproductive strategy (oviparity /ovoviviparity). The results showed that the frequency and number of reproductive cells in different stages varied month-to-month, within each species, and between the two species. Ruthenica filograna maintained its reproductive activity throughout the entire observation period, whereas the gonadal activity of C. bidentata changed with the seasons (it was temperature dependent). Our results are in tune with the hypothesis of Baur, that ovovivipary has some advantage over oviparity under harsher environmental conditions.


Aims There is a move to a seven-day NHS. It is not known whether outcomes differ by day of week for paediatric admissions. Our hypothesis was that the outcomes in and diagnoses of children admitted to hospital will differ by the day of the week. Methods Details of every acute medical admission to paediatric units in Scotland 2000 to 2013 were obtained. Outcomes were odds for death, admission to intensive care or high dependency unit (ICU/HDU), zero day admission, length of stay and readmission within the same month. The odds for being admitted with one of the five most common conditions and five conditions we felt were commonly admitted to HDU/ICU were calculated for each day with reference to Monday. Results There were 570,403 admissions, most (16%) presented on Mondays and least (12%) on Saturdays. The odds of death were not related to the day of admission. The odds for ICU/HDU admission were only increased on Saturdays (1.18 [1.05, 1.31]) and Sundays (1.27 [1.14, 1.41]). The odds for zero day admission rose progressively from Monday to Friday (Friday OR 1.09 [1.07, 1.11]) but were reduced on Sundays (OR 0.94 [0.92, 0.96]). The odds for readmission were highest after initial presentation on a Monday and fell progressively to 0.86 [0.82, 0.91] for Sunday admissions. The mean length of stay was similar for all days. Presentations with URTI, vomiting and diarrhoea, "viral infection" and bronchiolitis had a mostly even distribution across the week. The odds for admissions with febrile convulsions, croup and meningococcal diseases were only increased on Saturdays and Sundays (by 25–30%). The odds for admission with asthma and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) were remarkable for falling by 25–30% between Monday and Friday but then being highest after Sunday admission (OR for asthma 1.08 [1.02, 1.14] and for DKA 1.18 [1.02, 1.37]). Conclusion Although proportionately more very sick children present at weekends, there is no increase in mortality and indices of quality of care are no worse on weekends compared to weekdays. As the traditional working week progresses, there are divergent trends in the proportions with zero day admissions and readmissions, and notable differences in presentations with non-communicable diseases which require further evaluation.


[1] On the basis of the RHESSI results it has been suggested that terrestrial gamma flashes (TGFs) are produced at very low altitudes. On the other hand some of the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) spectra show unabsorbed fluxes of X rays in the 25–50 keV energy range, indicating a higher production altitude. To investigate this, we have developed a Monte Carlo code for X-ray propagation through the atmosphere. The most important features seen in the modeled spectra are (1) a low-energy cutoff which moves to lower energies as TGFs are produced at higher altitudes, (2) a high-energy cutoff which moves to lower energies as TGFs are observed at larger zenith angles, and (3) time delays are observed for TGFs produced at ≤20 km (and some at 30 km) altitude when observed at larger zenith angle than the half-angle defining the initial isotropic X-ray beam. This is a pure Compton effect. The model results and an optimization procedure are used to estimate production altitudes of the BATSE TGFs. The main findings are (1) half or more of the BATSE TGFs are produced at low altitudes, ≤20 km, (2) a significant portion of the BATSE TGFs are produced at higher altitudes, 30 km to 40 km, (3) for the TGFs produced at ≤20 km (and some at 30 km) altitudes the dispersion signatures can be explained as a pure Compton effect, and (4) the softening of the BATSE spectra for increasing zenith angles and the time dispersions both indicate that the initial TGF distribution is beamed.


Aim We aimed to investigate whether the 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) constitutes a valid and reliable measure of social support for the general adult Australian population. Methods Data were from Australia's National Survey of Adult Oral Health 2004–2006 and included 3899 participants aged 18 years old and over. The psychometric properties were evaluated with Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis. One-, two-, and three-factor (Significant Other, Family and Friends) structures were tested. Model fit was assessed with the posterior predictive p-value (PPPχ2), Bayesian root mean square error of approximation (BRMSEA), and Bayesian comparative fit index (BCFI). Dimensionality was tested by comparing competing factorial structures with the Bayes factor (BF). Reliability was evaluated with the Bayesian ΩH. Convergent validity was investigated with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and discriminant validity with the Perceived Dental Control scale (PDC-3). Results The theoretical three-factor model (Significant Other, Family, and Friends) provided a good fit to the data [PPPχ2 < 0.001, BRMSEA = 0.089-95% credible interval (CrI) (0.088, 0.089); BCFI = 0.963-95% CrI (0.963, 0.964)]. The BF provided decisive support for the three-factor structure in relation to the other structures. The SO [BΩH = 0.95 - 95% CrI (0.90, 0.99)], FA (BΩH = 0.92 - 95% CrI (0.87, 0.97), and FR (BΩH = 0.92 - 95% CrI (0.88, 0.97)] subscales displayed excellent reliability. The MSPSS displayed initial evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusion The MSPSS demonstrated good psychometric properties and excellent reliability in a large Australian sample. This instrument can be applied in national surveys and provide evidence of the role of social support in the Australian population.


The nonequilibrium velocity distributions and reaction rates are studied with numerical resolve of the semiclassical Boltzmann equation and Direct Monte Carlo Simulation. The order of differences in the temperatures and the concentrations are studied by these ways. When the chemical reaction activity decreases, the differences between the concentrations and the temperatures obtained by the different ways decrease.


Factor V deficiency associated with rheumatoid arthritis was found in a 54-year-old woman. Hereditary factor V deficiency is very rare; only about 150 cases have been reported since its discovery in 1943. This appears to be the first case report of factor V deficiency associated with rheumatoid arthritis in the literature.


In this paper, we present a distributed classification technique for big data by efficiently using distributed storage architecture and data processing units of a cluster. While handling such large data, the existing approaches consider specific data partitioning techniques which demand complete data be processed before partitioning. This leads to an excessive overhead of high computation and data communication. The proposed method does not require any pre-structured data partitioning technique and is also adaptive to big data mining tools. We hypothesize that an effective aggregation of the information generated from data partitions by subprocesses of the complete learning process can lead to accurate prediction results while reducing the overall time complexity. We build three SVM based classifiers, namely one phase voting SVM (1PVSVM), two phase voting SVM (2PVSVM), and similarity based SVM (SIMSVM). Each of these classifiers utilizes the support vectors as the local information to construct the synthesized learner for efficiently reducing the training time and ensuring minimal communication between processing units. In this context, an extensive empirical analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of our classifiers when compared to other existing approaches on several benchmark datasets. However, among existing methods and three of our proposed (1PVSVM, 2PVSIM, and SIMSVM) methods, SIMSVM is the most efficient. Considering MNIST dataset, SIMSVM achieves an average speedup ratio of 0.78 and minimum scalability of 73% when the data size is scaled up to 10 times. It also retains high accuracy (99%) similar to centralized approaches.


The metastatic phenotype (M+) is determined by the expression of the invasive (I+) and growth (G+) phenotypes at various sites along the metastatic pathway. The G, I and M phenotypes are not confined to tumor cells and may be expressed by normal cells, such as leukocytes, under certain physiological conditions. The study of the I and M phenotypes of leukocytes may yield valuable information on common mechanisms, underlying invasion and metastasis of normal and malignant cells. In this review we summarize experimental approaches that were developed for the analysis of the I and M phenotypes of normal and malignant leukocytes.


This review examines the vast catalytic and therapeutic potential offered by type I (i.e. oxygen-insensitive) nitroreductase enzymes in partnership with nitroaromatic prodrugs, with particular focus on gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT; a form of cancer gene therapy). Important first indications of this potential were demonstrated over 20 years ago, for the enzyme-prodrug pairing of Escherichia coli NfsB and CB1954 [5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide]. However, it has become apparent that both the enzyme and the prodrug in this prototypical pairing have limitations that have impeded their clinical progression. Recently, substantial advances have been made in the biodiscovery and engineering of superior nitroreductase variants, in particular development of elegant high-throughput screening capabilities to enable optimization of desirable activities via directed evolution. These advances in enzymology have been paralleled by advances in medicinal chemistry, leading to the development of second- and third-generation nitroaromatic prodrugs that offer substantial advantages over CB1954 for nitroreductase GDEPT, including greater dose-potency and enhanced ability of the activated metabolite(s) to exhibit a local bystander effect. In addition to forging substantial progress towards future clinical trials, this research is supporting other fields, most notably the development and improvement of targeted cellular ablation capabilities in small animal models, such as zebrafish, to enable cell-specific physiology or regeneration studies.


Current trends in the bioinformatics job market were assessed using a sample of 1,996 online employment advertisements from the 6-year period of January 2003 through December 2008. Job postings were classified by employer type, job role, and location, and a content analysis of the text of a subset of 404 of the posts was performed to identify detailed characteristics associated with master's degree level positions, such as educational requirements and preferred scientific and technical skills. Consistent with previous studies, academic institutions, corporations, and research institutes are the primary employers of bioinformaticists. In the U.S. only three states, California, Maryland, and Massachusetts, provided the majority of opportunities. Graduates from all levels of education are needed in the field, although those with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a Ph.D. in biology or bioinformatics are especially in demand. Perl programming is the most frequently requested skill across advertised positions, and experience using bioinformatics software tools (such as BLAST, CLUSTAL, and HMMER) is the bioinformatics skill in greatest demand. A small number of positions specifically requesting librarians and LIS-trained bioinformaticists was observed, but the significant bioinformatics activities in biomedical libraries over the same time period are not reflected in this snapshot of the bioinformatics workforce.


This article proposes an integrative solution to the modern debate on corporate purpose, the question of whether directors and officers must solely maximize profits or whether they may consider the effects on employees, the environment or the community. Many find pure profit maximization unseemly and suggest alternative theories, typically arguing that corporations owe a duty to a broader range of stakeholders. This position is inconsistent with the case law and unnecessary to allow conscience in the boardroom. We resolve the issue more simply by acknowledging that the purpose of a corporation is to promote the shareholders' interests, which includes the shareholders' financial and nonfinancial interests. These nonfinancial interests could potentially encompass product safety, the treatment of employees or environmental concerns, among others. We refer to this focus as broad shareholder value. In this article we show that a broader view of shareholder value is superior to competing models in theory, in case law, and in explaining the empirical evidence.First, our theories of what a corporation is (corporate identity) imply that the proper corporate purpose is promotion of broad shareholder value, not mere profit maximization or duties to other stakeholders. In this we show that considerations of conscience are not only permissible, they are inevitable. For each investor, there is some body count that would be unacceptable for a set level of profits. We argue that if the value of life can ever outweigh the desire for profits, then the value of life must already be on the scale. The same holds equally for other social concerns. That is, if directors are ever required to say that some situation is too extreme to prioritize profits, then the directors must always ask, "Is this that situation?" Conscience is inevitable, and this article advances corporate law by recognizing and explicitly incorporating this insight. Second, we show that the case law does not require pure profit maximization, as has been claimed, but instead allows consideration of other shareholder interests. For support, we provide a new understanding of the case law using principles of game theory and applying evidentiary burdens. Third, we build on the work of prior scholars to show that a theory of broad shareholder value best explains the empirical evidence of what directors and officers actually do and what shareholders actually want. In short, real world evidence shows that pure wealth maximization theories lack both explanatory power and a normative mandate in the real world. A broad shareholder value norm provides a stronger explanation and mandate than pure wealth maximization, without contradicting case law requirements that boards consider only the interests of shareholders, rather than other stakeholders.A broad shareholder value norm provides a stronger explanation and mandate than pure wealth maximization, without contradicting the case law requirement that boards consider only the interests of shareholders, rather than other stakeholders


The clinical features of the syndrome, as at present understood, are as follows: Skeletal Defects.-In most cases the skull is dolichocephalic. The limbs are exceedingly long and slender. There is not only a real increase in the length of the extremities as compared with those of normal children of the same age but a relative increase in comparison with the weight. The span between the tips of the middle fingers with arms extended often exceeds the height, and this is one of the typical aberrations. The metacarpal bones and phalanges show an increase in length which in some cases is relatively greater in the terminal phalanges, giving to the fingers the delicate spider-like appearance described in Marfan's first case. The feet are also elongated because of the long and slender metatarsal bones and toes. A funnel-shaped chest is quite common, but the pigeon-breasted type with narrowness and flattening of the chest wall is often seen. Some degree of kyphosis and scoliosis and laxity of the joints and ligaments, especially at the elbows, fingers, and knees, contribute to the usual appearance.


Despite the large interest in nuclear/optical multimodality imaging, the effect of radiation on the fluorescence of fluorophores remains largely unexplored. Herein, we report on the radiobleaching of cyanine fluorophores and describe conditions to provide robust radioprotection under practical (pre)clinical settings. We determined the radiosensitivity of several cyanine fluorescent compounds, including IRDye 800CW (800CW) and a dual modality imaging tetrapeptide containing DOTA as chelator and Dylight 800 as fluorophore, exposed to increasing activities of 111In, 68Ga, or 213Bi (γ, EC/β, and α emitter, respectively). An activity and type of radiation-dependent radiation-induced loss of fluorescence, radiobleaching, of 800CW was observed upon incubation with escalating activities of 111In, 68Ga, or 213Bi. 68Ga showed the largest radiolytic effect, followed by 111In and 213Bi. The addition of oxygen radical scavengers including ethanol, gentisic acid, and ascorbic acid (AA), provided a concentration dependent radioprotective effect. These results supported the hypothesis of a free radical-mediated radiobleaching mechanism. AA provided the most robust radioprotection over a wide range of concentrations and preserved fluorescence at much higher radioactivity levels. Overall, both near-infrared fluorescent compounds displayed similar sensitivity, except for 213Bi-irradiated solutions, where the dual modality construct exhibited enhanced radiolysis, presumably due to direct radiation damage from α particles. Concurrently, AA was not able to preserve fluorescence of the dual-modality molecule labeled with 213Bi. Our findings have important consequences for several research areas including ROS sensing, radiation-mediated drug release (uncaging), fluorescent dosimetry, and in the preparation of dual-modality radiopharmaceuticals.


Background: Chronic effects of aerobic training (AT) seem to decrease inflammation in experimental asthma.

Objective: Investigate the effects of a unique exercise session of aerobic exercise in a murine asthma model.

Methods: Male Balb/c mice were divided in 4 groups: Control, AT, ovalbumin sensitized (OVA) and OVA+AT. OVA sensitization groups received i.p.(days 0,14,28) and OVA inhaled exposition (OVA1%, 3xweek/30min) after the 21st day. In the 28th day animals from AT and OVA+AT groups performed a session of treadmill running for 1 hour (50% maximal intensity). Evaluations: In vivo respiratory mechanic (Flexivent), different cell count in the BALF, and collagen fibers depositions and smooth muscle thickness in the airways were evaluated by an image analyzer.

Results: Initial physical capacity was similar among groups (p>0.05). BALF total and inflammatory cells, collagen fiber and the smooth muscle thickness were increased in sensitized groups (p<0.05). Parameters of respiratory mechanic (Gtis and This) were also increased in groups sensitized groups (OVA and OVA+AT; p<0.05).

![Figure][1]

Conclusions: Aerobic exercise when performed for acutely does not decrease features of experimental asthma such as cell migration, airway remodeling and respiratory mechanic.

 [1]: pending:yes


A Doppler ultrasound analysis method based on wavelet package transform was proposed for embolic detection. The embolic Doppler signal was firstly decomposed using the wavelet packet. Then the sensitive characteristics were calculated from each sub-band signal and used in the emboli classification. This method was applied to analyze 300 cases simulated and 163 cases clinical Doppler signals. The minimum error ratio of embolic detection using this method was 13 percents lower than that using the traditional spectrogram analysis method.It was shown that this method overcame the limit between the time and frequency resolution in the short time Fourier transform, improved the accuracy of embolic detection greatly and extracted more reliable parameters for the clinical diagnosis.


This study investigated the effects of worn-out shoes on lower leg stability, shock absorption and energy cost during prolonged walking. Seven male subjects (23.4 +/- 0.5 yr) walked at 4.8 km/h for 60 minutes wearing three different pairs of shoes: two of these pairs had severely and moderately worn soles (EASC: Excessive Attrite Shoe Condition and MASC: Moderate Attrite Shoe Condition, respectively) and the other pair had no wear (NASC: No Attrite Shoe Condition). Impact acceleration at the subtalar at heel strike, rearfoot angles (the subtalar joint and the lower leg) during stance phase, and oxygen uptake (VO2) were measured throughout the 60-minute walk. At the 10th minute of walking, worn-out shoes increased the supination of the subtalar joint and extortion of the lower leg. In addition, VO2 was significant larger in EASC (808.3 ml x min(-1)) than in NASC (749.5 ml x min(-1)). During the 60-minute walk, however, there were no time effects of shoe condition on the rearfoot angles and on VO2. In contrast, impact acceleration at the subtalar joint in EASC remained almost constant until the 30th minute of walking, and then began to elevate. In conclusion, worn-out shoes increased the energy cost and reduced lower leg stability during walking, although these changes were not influenced by walking duration within 60 minutes. However, prolonged walking showed the potential negative effect of worn-out shoe on shock absorption.


UNLABELLED
The aim of this study was to evaluate the added value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the pancreatic cystic mass (PCM) diagnosis by using a qualitative and quantitative analysis in order to make a relevant characterization.

PATIENTS AND METHOD
Between December 2008 and November 2011, 37 patients with PCM discovered at ultrasound examination were prospectively followed. A qualitative and quantitative CEUS analysis was performed in order to differentiate etiologies of the PCM. In the quantitative analysis several parameters were followed: Peak Intensity (PI), Time to Peak (TTP), maximum ascending gradient (GRAD), Time to maximum gradient (TTG) and Area Under the Curve (AUC). Normalized ratios were also calculated. In all patients a definite cytological or histological diagnosis was obtained.

RESULTS
Thirty-seven patients were studied: 12 with pancreatitis-associated pseudocyst and 25 with cystic tumors (10 serous cystic adenoma, 5 mucinous cystic adenoma, 6 cystadenocarcinomas, 2 solid pseudopapillary tumors and 2 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms). There was a significant difference of the nAUC and nTTP between pseudocyst and cystic tumors, p=0.03 and p=0.01, respectively. A normalized TTP value above 7 sec was suggestive for the diagnosis of pseudocysts with 79.16 % accuracy. There was a significant difference of nTTP and nTTG between the benign and malignant lesions. nTTP < 9 sec and nTTG < 8.5 sec rules out malignant cysts in almost 90% of cases.

CONCLUSION
The CEUS is useful in the diagnosis of PCM. The quantitative analysis of the enhancement of the cystic wall may discriminate the different types of the PCM.


While decolonisation is usually discussed in relation to countries that were formally colonised, countries that have not been formally colonised have also faced challenges related to colonialism. In this case, it is worth considering whether decolonial theory has more widespread applicability to respond to global challenges faced in the postcolonial era. This article documents the historical trajectories of colonisation and decolonisation of the school curriculum in Nepal. Although Nepal was never formally colonised, the introduction of modern schooling in Nepal was informed by the British colonisation of India, where local languages were replaced by English in the curriculum, diminishing the value of local languages and knowledges. Against this backdrop, the Nepal government issued a series of policies supporting Nepali supremacy, but the expansion of English was not significantly challenged. Rather, the policies resulted in a double colonisation of ethnic/Indigenous languages: external colonisation by English, and internal colonisation by the Nepali language. However, significant decolonisation efforts have recently made space for minoritised languages in the curriculum. This article illustrates these colonisation and decolonisation waves, shaped by the government, local communities and other actors. Drawing on Nepal's legislative and educational policies, the article relates language policy decisions and actions as decolonial efforts to support ethnic/Indigenous languages and explores the implications for understanding tensions around decolonisation of curriculum.


A novel process was developed for building Rapid Prototyping(RP) parts using a sheet lamination technique. The building process of existing sheet lamination RP machines consist of the following steps : feeding, lamination and cutting. In this process, the laminated part of an object is often scratched by a cutter or damaged by a laser beam due to the cutting operation after the lamination step. In addition, decubing of the unused portion from the laminated block is difficult. In the new process, however, cutting is performed before lamination. The cutting operation takes place while a paper sheet is firmly attached, using electrostatic force on the plate. Then liquid glue is applied only to the calculated region of the given contour for lamination. This new process aims to manufacture a $2k RP machine, what we call the Freeform Master I and can use A4 size or letter size sheets of paper. A prototyping machine that demonstrates the concept design was built and further research issues are discussed


: This study aims to explore how people of Jakarta-Indonesia demand for public transportation with a cashless society. Based on qualitative methodology, 151 respondent data collected were analysed descriptively. Findings from the study provide empirical support that facility, information, various kinds of public transportation, urban and spatial planning, price, Safety Procedure are the key antecedents to the role of Government and people's trust to implement the cashless system on public transportation. This paper presents recent research on public awareness of public transportation associated with socio-economic vulnerability and capacity. At the same time, there are substantial evidence and causal links between policy implementation of the equitable development of public transport and growth in the deployment process, the adoption of the sophisticated policy by implementing public transportation in priority, urban problems and lack of financial literacy especially on cashless payment in technology with digital platforms. In this respect, the study fills the research voids by raises some essential results concerning how people of Jakarta-Indonesia demand for public transportation in proper information, including information computer and technology (ICT). The article provides a digital framework to support government policy about the development of public transportation in Indonesia.


OBJECTIVE
To determine failure strength, stiffness, and failure mode of 4 suture materials in equine linea alba.

STUDY DESIGN
Randomized complete block design.

SAMPLE POPULATION
Linea albas collected from 12 adult horses (mean weight, 475 kg; mean age, 10 years).

METHODS
The ventral abdominal fascia, including the linea alba, was collected and bisected along the linea alba into right and left halves. Each half was divided into four, 5-cm sections extending from the umbilicus cranially, and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 suture materials: 2 polydioxanone (2 PD), 3 polyglactin 910 (3 PG), 6 polyglactin 910 (6 PG), and 7 polydioxanone (7 PD). A single cycle to failure test was performed on each specimen at a distraction rate of 100 mm/min. Differences in failure strength and stiffness for the materials were evaluated using a mixed linear model with significance set at P<.05.

RESULTS
In 94 of 96 test sections, constructs failed by suture failure. There were significant differences in failure strength (P<.0001) and stiffness (P<.001) among the suture/tissue constructs. 7 PD had the highest breaking strength (316.8 N) followed by 6 PG (281.3 N), 3 PG (229.9 N), and 2 PD (193.0 N). Six PG had the largest stiffness (14 N/mm) followed by 3 PG (12.7 N/mm), 7 PD (10.1 N/mm), and 2 PD (7.2 N/mm). Suture breaking strength and stiffness were not affected by linea or fascia thickness, individual horse, half of the linea alba, or abdominal wall position. Eighty-five (90.4%) suture loops failed adjacent the knot.

CONCLUSIONS
When tested in single cycle to failure, suture material was more likely to fail than the linea alba. Larger suture materials had higher breaking strengths than smaller suture materials and stiffness was also affected by suture material and size.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Given its high initial breaking strength and its relatively longer in vivo strength retention, 7 PD seems an appropriate choice of suture material for closure of the equine linea alba when maximal short-term failure strength is desired.


Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT) is a rare tumor of uncertain tissue origin. Although it has been classified as a benign tumor under the WHO classification, it is locally aggressive, and multiple recurrences have been reported. PHAT commonly involves the lower extremities; however, various unusual sites of origin have been reported. We present the case of a 30-year-old female with dysmenorrhea, who presented a presacral mass on imaging. The core biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PHAT. She underwent laparotomy and excision. Histopathology confirmed the presence of a tumor comprised of aggregates of ectatic vessels with perivascular hyalinization. An immunohistochemical study showed diffuse CD34 positivity, but S100, MDM2, and smooth muscle actin negativity. After surgical procedures, the patient is disease free as at the 12-month follow-up. Only 120 cases have been published in the English literature to date. Our study is only the third case of PHAT arising from the pelvis to be reported. Though considered to be a rare condition, the diagnosis of PHAT should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of well-defined hypervascular soft tissue mass in the pelvis. The typical histopathological findings along with immunohistochemistry should clinch the diagnosis.


Strong experimental evidence suggests that thyroid hormones influence beta-adrenoceptor regulation. The question arises whether in tissues like mouse brain cortex bearing both beta1- and beta2-subpopulations, these receptor subtypes may be regulated independently, as demonstrated after some drug stimulations. An eventual influence of aging on triiodothyronine (T(3))-induced subpopulation response is also worth studying, because of the decrease of receptor density in old animals observed only in the beta1-type. These points have been addressed in the present paper, performing experiments on young and old mice stimulated with a single injection of T(3). The response has been assayed as rapidly as 15 min after T(3) treatment. Results on untreated control mice confirm previous findings showing that the decrease of receptor density is in charge only of the beta1-subtype. T(3) stimulation induces up-regulation of both beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors in young animals. The response shows no impairment with aging, as in both receptor subtypes a significant increase can be demonstrate. Due to the very short time of response, and unmasking mechanism can be hypothesized for receptor up-regulation, though an increase of protein synthesis cannot be excluded.


Abstract The plasticity of any given trait, which has a genetic basis and which may or may not be adaptive, can intensify or attenuate evolved responses, and can itself evolve in response to selection depending on the scale of spatial or temporal heterogeneity. To investigate the complex function and evolution of plastic traits, an appealing yet challenging approach is assessing responses to artificial selection. Here, I review how artificial selection has been employed to explore four botanical research themes: (1) relationships between plastic and evolved responses to multiple stresses, (2) integration of cellular, leaf-level, and whole-plant responses to altered CO2 concentrations, (3) photomorphogenic and photoperiodic development, both mediated by phytochrome photoreceptors, and (4) the evolution of the pest-induced myrosinase-glucosinolate system in cruciferous plants. These diverse topics are unified not only because they have been studied using artificial selection experiments, but also because they have considered variability in multiple traits affected by multiple factors in the external environment. Limitations of such research include a dearth of long-term studies; a surprising but often logistically necessary omission of control or replicate lines; and numerous issues relating to assessing impacts of inbreeding and drift. In addition to discussing options for circumventing such limitations, I draw attention to strategies for integrating the results of artificial selection studies with progress in functional and evolutionary genomics.


The extent to which life change after birth of a baby and instrumental support of parenting predict the occurrence of illness in mothers of 6-month-olds was studied. Mothers (N = 155) were selected from an urban clinic and from the birth records of a suburban hospital. All data were collected with questionnaires and interviews in mothers' homes when infants were 6 months old. Age, race, socioeconomic status, and prior illness were used as control variables in the analyses. Life change and intensity of support were positively related, and size of the support network was negatively related to illness. There was no evidence for the buffering effect of support. Findings confirmed that life change helps predict postpartal illness, and revealed that characteristics of instrumental support differ in their importance as predictors.


In the area of publishing ethics, plagiarism is addressed in all scholarly disciplines as a major academic fraud which poses a threat to the validity and reliability of published works (1). Plagiarism is a hard to define term frequently used in the literature; however, the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English defined it as "to copy another person's ideas, words or work and pretend that they are your own" (2). In most cases of plagiarism, a kind of dishonesty to mislead readers can be identified (3); but most students are confused about its exact meaning. Actually, they are not efficiently skillful in correctly summarizing, paraphrasing and citing the original resources. Clearly, we concern about the unintentional plagiarism by young researchers who are not familiar with strategies to avoid plagiarism but require publishing their original works or ideas in other languages than their native language (4). The problem is particularly significant in countries where the researchers, for the promise of the promotion, were compelled by the academic institutes to publish their papers in reputable English journals, whereas English is not their first language. Lacking sufficient abilities in writing skills, the young scholars may feel frustrated and unable to transform their original ideas into perfectly acceptable written works. They may subsequently learn from the peers either to use internet to commit a simple cut and paste crime or to employ a word processing superficially to convert the mechanics of the other's works into a new paper (5).

It is hard to estimate how extensive the problem is; however, the increase in Internet use has made the academic dishonesty especially in its cyber-cheating form (i.e., cut and paste plagiarism) easier than ever (6). Evidences from literature suggest that there is a significant relation between the increased use of technology in academic education and plagiarism (7). In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of literature concerning the seriousness of this academic fraud. Using plagiarism detection software in a 2005 study on the prevalence of plagiarism among medical students identified committing plagiarism by 91% of the subjects (8). A large and growing body of literature has also attempted to investigate the increase in the occurrence of plagiarism among medical groups (7–11). One question that needs to be asked, however, is whether the plagiarism is a serious matter in medical education. Gaberson KB (1997) is among the scholars who pointed out the academic dishonesty as a potential threat to the professional practice among medical practitioners (10). Ten years later, Harper MG (2006) considered the academic dishonesty as a predictor of workplace dishonesty and professional misconduct (7). One major criticism of previous discussion is that main expectation from medical practitioners is not being creative in academic skills but being knowledgeable and expert in their profession (11). However; it is unquestionable that careers will be damaged by detecting plagiarism and other ethical misconducts.

Recently we have conducted a training course on research methodology for a group of physicians, all of which were the staffs of a blood transfusion center in Iran. In this four-week workshop program, the participants learnt how to prepare high quality research proposals in order to overcome their stated problems through systematic research. They successfully prepared 10 research proposals based on the format given by research center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. The assessments indicated a positive attitude towards research activities among the workshop participants. Meanwhile, we found them having strong desire to see their works published in English language journals. Unfortunately their perceived knowledge of English writing as well as the respective self-efficacy was assessed low. Putting all these together with their zero Knowledge of the strategies to avoid plagiarism and their capabilities in this regard, we are concerned about how to keep these future scientists away from unintentional plagiarism. It is suggested to avoid plagiarism by employing a combination of measures such as explicit warning, using plagiarism detection software, disseminating knowledge and improving the academic and writing skills (7, 8, 12). We believe that a kind of obligatory course in avoiding plagiarism is inevitable, and proves helpful. This can be done by disseminating awareness and knowledge about this serious ethical misconduct. Serving the young authors with an online discussion forum moderated by a native English expert in academic writing may improve the quality of English-written works and strengthening the skills of avoiding plagiarisms.


The scenario approach to developing foresight, to improve policies supporting rural economic development, is discussed and illustrated with an application in the Mid Wales region of the United Kingdom, which displays characteristic rural problems, including agricultural decline, demographic imbalance, and sparsity and remoteness of populations. Conclusions which may be drawn from this application suggest that the approach helps to confront and deal with the considerable uncertainties involved in strategic decision making at the regional level by developing a shared understanding among key opinion-formers.


This study investigates whether IT center success model (Magal, 1991) is truely and validly implementable in Indonesia or not. Despite this study tests all constructs in conformity with this model, it also rearranges to get more suitable model that could be applied to measure IT center success in Indonesia. Magal s models tested and the result concludes that it is medium goodness of fit and all factors have significant effect on the success of information technology implementation. Thus, the success of IT implementation depends on the improvement and development of IT service quality, end-user computing quality, and user self-sufficiency. Finally, teh newly arranged model has a better goodness of fit. However, the new model has more parsimonius relationship than Magal s model. It implies that the success of IT implementation are in single perspective derived from unity of all three constructs.


Colombia is a war-torn society where an important number of conflict-related songs have been composed by victims at the grassroots level. In order to develop a better understanding of the scope of music as a tool for reconciliation, this paper examines some of these songs and analyzes the extent to which this music may or may not contribute to reconciliation in both, the audience and the composers. To do so, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the composers, and a focal group exercise with ex-combatants was organized in order to analyze the impact of these songs on the listeners. The results of the analysis indicate that these songs entail opportunities but also limitations regarding reconciliation. On one hand, they have constituted storytelling tools that contribute to the historical memory of the conflict in Colombia in a way that is accessible for all types of public. In addition, the process of composition by victims and the musical activity itself embody an outlet through which composers release feelings and redefine identities. Moreover, in an audience made up ex-combatants there were some expressions of sympathy, understanding, and trust. However, the research shows contrary effects as well. The content of some songs may incite revenge, reinforce stereotypes and mistrust, and enlarge differences between the sides instead of reducing the distances. The results indicate that music may embody several opportunities but also limitations as a tool for reconciliation.


A hallmark of complex pitch perception is that the pitch of a harmonic complex is the same whether or not the fundamental frequency is present. By 7 months, infants appear to discriminate on the basis of the pitch of the missing fundamental (MF). Although electrophysiological cortical responses to MF pitch changes have been recorded in infants younger than 7 months, no psychophysical studies have been published. This study investigated the ability of 3- and 4-month-olds to perceive the pitch of MF harmonic complexes based on fundamentals of 160 Hz and 200 Hz using an observer-based method. In experiment I, to demonstrate MF pitch discrimination, 3- and 4-month-olds were required to ignore spectral changes in complexes with the same fundamental and to respond only when the fundamental changed. In experiment II, a 60-260 Hz noise was presented with complexes to mask combination tones at the fundamental frequency. In experiment III, complexes were bandpass filtered with a -12 dB/octave slope to limit use of spectral edge cues and presented with a pink noise to mask all distortion products. Nearly all infants tested categorized complexes by MF pitch in these experiments, suggesting perception of the missing fundamental at 3 months.


Purpose
In the running of multiple automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in warehouses, delay problems in motions happen unavoidably as there might exist some disabled components of robots, the instability of networks and the interference of people walking. Under this case, robots would not follow the designed paths and the coupled relationship between temporal and space domain for paths is broken. And there is no doubt that other robots are disturbed by the ones where delays happen. Finally, this brings about chaos or even breakdown of the whole system. Therefore, taking the delay disturbance into consideration in the path planning of multiple robots is an issue worthy of attention and research.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes a prioritized path planning algorithm based on time windows to solve the delay problems of multiple AGVs. The architecture is a unity consisting of three components which are focused on scheduling AGVs under normal operations, delays of AGVs, and recovery of AGVs. In the components of scheduling AGVs under normal operations and recovery, this paper adopts a dynamic routing method based on time windows to ensure the coordination of multiple AGVs and efficient completion of tasks. In the component for scheduling AGVs under delays, a dynamical prioritized local path planning algorithm based on time windows is designed to solve delay problems. The introduced planning principle of time windows would enable the algorithm to plan new solutions of trajectories for multiple AGVs, which could lower the makespan. At the same time, the real-time performance is acceptable based on the planning principle which stipulates the parameters of local time windows to ensure that the computation of the designed algorithm would not be too large.

Findings
The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is more efficient than the state-of-the-art method based on homotopy classes, which aims at solving the delay problems. What is more, it is validated that the proposed algorithm can achieve the acceptable real-time performance for the scheduling in warehousing applications.

Originality/value
By introducing the planning principle and generating delay space and local adjustable paths, the proposed algorithm in this paper can not only solve the delay problems in real time, but also lower the makespan compared with the previous method. The designed algorithm guarantees the scheduling of multiple AGVs with delay disturbance and enhances the robustness of the scheduling algorithm in multi-AGV system.


Tumor formation involves the accumulation of a series of genetic alterations that are required for malignant growth. In most malignancies, genetic changes can be observed at the chromosomal level as losses or gains of whole or large portions of chromosomes. Here we provide evidence that tumor DNA may be horizontally transferred by the uptake of apoptotic bodies. Phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies derived from H-rasV12- and human c-myc-transfected rat fibroblasts resulted in loss of contact inhibition in vitro and a tumorigenic phenotype in vivo. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed the presence of rat chromosomes or of rat and mouse fusion chromosomes in the nuclei of the recipient murine cells. The transferred DNA was propagated, provided that the transferred DNA conferred a selective advantage to the cell and that the phagocytotic host cell was p53-negative. These results suggest that lateral transfer of DNA between eukaryotic cells may result in aneuploidy and the accumulation of genetic changes that are necessary for tumor formation.


Cooperation among unrelated humans is frequently regarded as a defining feature in the evolutionary success of our species. Whereas, much research has addressed the strategic and cognitive mechanisms that underlie cooperation, investigations into chemosensory processes have received very limited research attention. To bridge that gap, we build on recent research that has identified the chemically synthesized odorant Hedione (HED) as a ligand for the putative human pheromone receptor (VN1R1) expressed in the olfactory mucosa, and hypothesize that exposure to HED may increase reciprocity. Applying behavioral economics paradigms, the present research shows that exposure to the ligand causes differentiated behavioral effects in reciprocal punishments (Study 1) as well as rewards (Study 2), two types of behaviors that are frequently regarded as essential for the development and maintenance of cooperation.


A data-processing system includes a storage device for running a local web-server residing in the storage device; a host device for connecting to the storage device; and an exchanging mechanism, residing in the host device, for exchanging information autonomously between the local web-server and a remote web-server connected to the host device. Preferably, the local web-server serves a host application, upon a host-application request for information when the local web-server cannot obtain the information, by retrieving the information autonomously from the remote web-server via an LWSA. Preferably, the exchanging mechanism exchanges data packets between the local web-server and the remote web-server. Preferably, the storage device initiates the exchanging of the information upon indication of available bandwidth for network communication. More preferably, the storage device prioritizes the exchanging of the information according to a protocol that takes into account statistics of data usage according to temporal parameters of the data usage.


A 14-year-old male presented with a one week history of weakness, lightheadedness and vomiting. Bilateral pleural effusions were evident on chest radiography; electrocardiogram revealed decreased voltages. Echocardiogram, abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in an hepatic vein and the inferior vena cava extending up to and filling the right atrium. Under deep hypothermia and extracorporeal circulation the mass was removed en bloc. It originated from the hepatic vein. Pathology revealed a smooth muscle tumour intermediate between benign and malignant (atypical leiomyoma). This is the first reported pediatric primary leiomyoma of the hepatic vein. It caused the Budd-Chiari syndrome, a rare pediatric entity.


In this study, to examine the causes of cracks in continuously reinforced concrete tracks (CRCTs) and the main factors affecting cracking, a field survey on the status of cracks and crack patterns in the Gyeong-bu high speed line was conducted, and the crack patterns of CRCT due to the temperature difference between the top of the slab (TCL) and the bottom of the subbase (HSB) and the drying shrinkage of concrete were predicted by a nonlinear finite element model considering the structure of CRCT. The results of the numerical analysis show that cracks will be developed at the interface between the sleeper and the TCL, and under the sleeper due to the temperature difference and concrete shrinkage. This corresponds well to the crack locations found in the field. Also, it is found that the most significant factors are the coefficient of thermal expansion with respect to the temperature difference, and the drying shrinkage strain with respect to shrinkage. According to the results, the reinforcement ratio should be carefully determined considering the structures of CRCT because the crack spacing is not always proportional to the reinforcement ratio due to the sleepers embedded in the TCL.


We propose using coded modulation based on nonbinary quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes for beyond 100-Gb/s optical transmission. The proposed scheme not only lowers the latency in the system but also offers much higher coding gains than its binary counterpart based on bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM). We show that using component LDPC codes over high order finite fields and matching bandwidth-efficient modulations, our scheme can provide around 1-dB coding gain improvement at the bit-error ratio of 10-6 compared to a corresponding BICM-based scheme.


40 diabetic children, ranging in age from 7 to 18 years, were examined with fluorescein angiography. 31 of them also underwent applanation tonometry. In 45% of the children a diabetic retinopathy was demonstrated on the angiograms. This retinopathy appeared to be progressive during a follow-up period of 1-3 years. The diabetic children without retinopathy had an intraocular pressure which was equal to that of a control group of 25 nondiabetic children. However, the diabetic children who developed retinopathy had a significant (p less than 0.01) elevation of their intraocular pressure.


From the origins of modern copyright in early eighteenth-century culture to the efforts to represent nature and death in postmodern fiction, this book explores a series of problems regarding the containment of representation. Stewart focuses on specific cases of "crimes of writing"-the forgeries of George Psalmanazar; the production of "fakelore"; the "ballad scandals" of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; the imposture of Thomas Chatterton; and contemporary legislation regarding graffiti and pornography. She emphasizes the issues that arise once language is seen as a matter of property, and authorship is viewed as a matter of originality. Finally, Stewart demonstrates that crimes of writing are delineated by the law because they specifically undermine the status of the law itself: the crimes illuminate the irreducible fact that law is written and therefore subject to temporality and interpretation. This valuable and pioneering work, originally published in 1991 (Oxford University Press), will be of interest to literary and legal theorists, folklorists, anthropologists, and scholars of eighteenth-century and postmodern culture.


The medicinal value of different species of Ziziphus mauritiana has been known for a long time. There are various reports of this plant having antifungal, anthelmintic, antiasthmatic and antidiabetic activity. No information about it's antipyretic potential is been observed in the literature. In the present study leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana were extracted with five solvents in the order of increasing polarity using a soxhlet apparatus. All the extracts were qualitatively analyzed for their phytoconstituents and for antipyretic potential using Brewer's yeast induced pyretic albino rats of Wistar strain. The results were tested for their significance by using one way ANOVA analysis by comparing with that of the control group at corresponding hours. The results strongly favour the significant antipyretic potential of the petroleum ether extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaves.has shown significant reduction in body temperature as compared with control group and its effect is comparable to the standard drug paracetamol. It was also observed that the active extract contains steroids and volatile oil. The TLC study of the active extract supports the presence of six major compounds.


Brushite cements have potential as drug carriers and bone filling materials. They can also act as a reservoir for calcium and phosphate ions in remineralisation of hard tissues. Aim and objectives: To optimize brushite cement properties and assess the effect of incorporation of a novel antimicrobial e-polylysine (PLS) into brushite. Materials and Methods: Powders were mixed with aqueous solutions at a powder to liquid ratio of 3.3:1 or 4:1 to produce cement pastes and start the setting reaction. The powder consisted of 1g of monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) and 1.23 g of β -tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). Two different types of MCPM and different β-TCP particle size range from 4 micron to 34 micron were used. The liquid phase was prepared by dissolving PLS powder in aqueous citric acid 800 mM in incrementally percentages. In control formulations, only citric acid 800 without the PLS was employed. Biaxial flexural strength and modulus were determined using a ball on ring jig. Setting kinetics and chemistry were examined using Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Microstructure of brushite cements were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The largest particle size of â-TCP (34 micron) produced the highest flexural strength of 30 MPa. The handling of brushite cements was better with MCPM 2 (Sigma). This was observed to have much larger flat crystals rather than the more powdered MCPM 1 from Himed. Powder to liquid ratio 4:1 overall increased the strength 5 MPa – 7 MPa compared to powder to liquid ratio 3.3:1. High levels of PLS could be added with only a minor reduction in the strength. Setting time however was delayed and an alternative anhydrous dicalcium phosphate complex formed rather than all brushite which is hydrated dicalcium phosphate. Conclusion: The findings of this research demonstrated that very high levels of PLS could be introduced into brushite cements without serious detrimental effects on mechanical properties. PLS however, did delay the setting time and altered the final chemistry and microstructure of the dicalcium phosphate product.


Abstract The pandemic COVID-19 is caused by a highly transmissible severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which showed the highest morbidity and mortality rates among the other coronavirus infections such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. However, the numbers of infected cases as well as mortality rates are varying from population to population. Therefore, scientist has urged the SARS-CoV-2 genome and host genetic factors investigations. Recently, new SARS-CoV-2 variants has been detected and though to affect the diseases transmission from human to human. In this mini-review, we aimed to explained detected SARS-CoV-2 variants that thought to influence the COVID-19 severity and transmission using the literature.


Chapter one provides a brief exposition on the history and impo rtance of boron and carboranes and introduces 1,1 ʹ-bis(o-carborane). It also provides literature examples of 1,1́-bis(o-carborane) chelates, 1,1 ʹ-bis(o-carboranyl)phosphines and tethered 1,1 ʹ-bis(ocarboranes). Chapter two discusses the reaction between dilithiated 1,1 ʹ-bis(o-carborane) and dihalogenated ruthenium compounds to afford several n ew compounds of the formula [Ru(κ-2,2́(3ʹ)-{1-(1ʹ-1ʹ,2ʹ-closo-C2B10H10)-1,2-closo-C2B10H10})(L)]. The first compound prepared, whereby L = p-cymene, reacts with either PPh 3 or dppe and shows unusual displacement of the p-cymene ligand and a change in the bonding mode of 1,1́bis(o-carborane). The fully saturated (MeCN or CO) deri vatives of these compounds are also synthesised and studied, some of which are exc ll nt examples of illustrating the structural trans effect. The initial {Ru( p-cymene)} was tested as a catalyst and displayed good Lewis acid catalytic activity of a Diels-Alder cycloaddition. Chapter three explores two carboranylphosphines [μ-2,2 ʹ-PR-{1-(1́-1ʹ,2ʹ-closoC2B10H10)-1,2-closo-C2B10H10}], where R = Et or Ph. Two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations are used to expla in an unusual lack of observed JPH coupling in the 1H NMR spectrum of the ethyl derivative. Their subs equent reactions with {AuCl} and {Se} are also discussed as they pro vide a route to identifying the steric bulk and electronic properties of these carboranylp hos hines. Chapter four discusses one new tethered 1,1 ʹ-bis(o-carborane) and its comparison with non-carborane analogues. A known tethered carboran e is also synthesised and its single decapitation and metalation with {Ru( p-cymene)} explored producing the desired 12vertex ruthenacarborane/12-vertex carborane but als o an unusual 13-vertex diruthenacarborane/12-vertex carborane. Chapter five gives all the synthetic and analytical details for the compounds discussed. Appendix one provides crystallographic tables and a ppendix two provides all the crystallographic information on a CD. Appendix thr ee includes copies of all published work related to this thesis (to date).


In article the main questions on management of the production program of the large industrial enterprise are taken up at innovative development and technological modernization. In the manuscript materials of activity of JSC Shakhty Hydraulic Actuator Plant of the Rostov region which production represents difficult process of transformation of objects of the labor in the finished goods satisfying needs of many subjects of managing of the Russian Federation and a number of the foreign states are used.


In the second decade of the 21st century, information has been globalized, digitized, and sped up to move at the speed of thought. Being literate in this new world means programming personal websites, sending e-mails from mobile devices and spending hours communicating via virtual social networks. Our students are products of this world. However, for all their digital expertise, there is still a great deal that these youth have to learn about how to process the information they are inundated with via these new portals of information. Teachers today have a responsibility to help students acquire these 21st century literacies without abandoning a commitment to the traditional literacies that have defined education to date. This article argues that language arts educators must inject the discipline with these new tools and ways of communication as concepts such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking take on new dimensions in the media age.


The subcellular localization of membrane Ca 2þ channels is crucial for their functioning, but is difficult to study because channels may be distributed more closely than the resolution of conventional microscopy is able to detect. We describe a technique, stochastic channel Ca 2þ nanoscale resolution (SCCaNR), employing Ca 2þ-sensitive fluorescent dyes to localize stochastic openings and closings of single Ca 2þ-permeable channels within <50 nm, and apply it to examine the clustered arrangement of inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP 3 R) channels underlying local Ca 2þ puffs. Fluorescence signals (blips) arising from single functional IP 3 Rs are almost immotile (diffusion coefficient <0.003 mm 2 s À1), as are puff sites over prolonged periods, suggesting that the architecture of this signaling system is stable and not subject to rapid, dynamic rearrangement. However, rapid stepwise changes in centroid position of fluorescence are evident within the durations of individual puffs. These apparent movements likely result from asynchronous gating of IP 3 Rs distributed within clusters that have an overall diameter of ~400 nm, indicating that the nanoscale architecture of IP 3 R clusters is important in shaping local Ca 2þ signals. We anticipate that SCCaNR will complement superresolution techniques such as PALM and STORM for studies of Ca 2þ channels as it obviates the need for photoswitchable labels and provides functional as well as spatial information.


We measured the selection pressure on brood size in a recently established population of great tits (Parus major L.) in the northern Netherlands by manipulating brood size in three years (1995: n e 51, 1997: n e 66, 1998: n e 51), and we estimated fitness consequences in terms of local survival of both offspring and parents. Enlarged broods had highest fitness; the offspring fitness component was positively affected by manipulation and the parental fitness component was unaffected. Parental survival and the probability that parents produced a second clutch were not affected by the treatment. However, parents that had raised enlarged broods produced their second clutch later in the season. Clutch size, brood size, and laying date of birds recaptured in the next breeding season were largely independent of the treatment. We conclude that there is strong evidence for selection for larger brood size and reject the individual optimization hypothesis for this population because the number of young in the nest predicts fitness independently of the manipulation history. Copyright 2004.


Introduction
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) of young athletes during competition or training is a tragic event. The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an arrythmogenic disorder characterized by prolonged ventricular repolarization leading to torsade de pointes evident at electrocardiogram (ECG). Implantable cardioverter defibrillator is an option to revert ventricular fibrillation to sinus rhythm, although the implantation may result in denial of sports participations to the athlete. The authors reviewed the current literature on LQTS in young athletes, to clarify the role of different screening technologies to prevent SCD.

Sources of data
A systematic review of the literature was performed applying the PRISMA guidelines according to the PRISMA checklist and algorithm. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase and Google Scholar databases using various combinations of the keywords: 'QT', 'syndrome', 'screening', 'young', 'athletes', 'genetic', 'electrocardiogram', 'echocardiography' and 'prevention' were used.

Areas of agreement
Young athletes with LQTS are at greater risk of SCD.

Areas of controversy
Different detection screening technologies, including ECG monitoring and genetic testing, are recommended, even though their role is not fully understood.

Growing points
ECG and genetic testing screening programmes could reduce the incidence of SCD, and they may positively impact on the health and safety of young athletes during sport.

Areas timely for developing research
Further studies should analyze other modalities of screening to allow early detection of cardiovascular conditions to prevent SCD in young athletes.


In this paper, mosquito and cicadas two kinds of insects fascicle were studied, and observed the fascicle surface morphology and distribution through scanning electron microscopy, discussed the height of the six parameters of sawtooth and analyzed quantitatively, compared the two types of fascicle in micro-structure size, and shape, the experiment results show that there are obviously different among the two mouth fascicle morphological structure. Triangular sawtooth are all clearly visible in the two kinds of insect fascicle, in which the mosquito has the small microstructure, and the cicada has the larger one; microstructure of mosquitoes tilt to the rear part of the fascicle, while the microstructure of cicada is symmetric on bottom corner. Based on non-smooth surface structure of fascicle obvious principles of drag reduction effect, the model of drag reduction bionic syringe is proposed, Designed a bionic drag painless needles, and simulated needle piercing power is also measured. Bionic needle surface microstructure can help reduce the needle to decrease the contact area, form rolling, friction, and thus reduce the resistance to needle piercing. Bionic needle has been proved that its puncture resistance is less than smooth one consequently has significant drag reduction effects. Keywords: Insects fascicle; surface morphology; bionic needles; drag reduction


The aim of this thesis was to investigate the theoretical feasibility of calibrating heliostats using a drone. Doing so would require the following: (1) First show that it is possible to identify heliostats using a camera. (2) Then prove and test the accuracy of a RTK-GPS. (3) Then assess the target that is used, and prove that it can be identified within the reflection of a heliostat's concave mirror. The last step is to set up an adjusted calibration equation for the application of using a drone. Due to the number of parameters, a Monte Carlo simulation should be performed using multiple drone inputs to predict the performance of a drone-calibrated heliostat. If the predicted performance of a drone-calibrated heliostat is satisfactory, then it can be claimed that a heliostat could theoretically be calibrated using a drone. A proof of concept established that it is possible to identify the reflection in the heliostat's concave mirror. It was also shown that it is possible to calculate a weighted average of the reflection, and to identify a feasible point in space for the drone. The RTK-GPS also performed as expected and showed steady results during the tests. Nine parameters were used to describe the mathematical model of the heliostat, and an additional parameter was used to describe the drone offset. The simulation could predict the resulting milliradian error on the target to be less than one milliradian for drone calibration using at least 10 points in space that is further than 32 metres from the pylon. It was concluded that the resulting milliradian error was dependent on the specific noise in the drone position, combined with the drone position chosen, as well as the drone distance from the pylon. iii Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za


160 Abstract -Variants of the coilgun are considered for use in microgravity experimental research. Subscale point designs are described for a payload of 50kg and muzzle velocity of 30 to 40m/s. A multiphase linear induction coilgun (LLL) (one stage with six coils and constant pitch) and a 4 -stage reconnection coilgun were designed and analyzed. The results show that the requirement of very low acceleration is difficult, because the ac- celeration fluctuation of both designs is large. But differences between them are revealed. The induced current in the armature of the reconnection gun distributes much more unevenly than in the LIL, and this will cause mechanical and thermal problems. The efficiency of energy transformation in the reconnection gun is better than LIL of this specific design. Mechanical structural analysis results of the reconnection coilgun are also presented. The results show the coils are structurally sound. The armature is a nonlinear problem of both material and geometry so the available code Super SAP is adopted. However, the armature re- quires structural reinforcement.


In this article, the consensus of networked underactuated robotic systems subject to fixed and switched communication networks is discussed by developing some novel event-triggered control algorithms, which can synchronously guarantee the convergence of the active states, the boundedness of the velocities of passive actuators, and the exclusion of Zeno behaviors. In the cases of fixed networks, the sufficient criteria are established for the presented distributed event-triggered mechanisms with and without using neighbors' velocities, in order to achieve a better tradeoff between the communication load and system performance. Besides, in the situation of switched networks, the sufficient criterion is established by assuming that the union of the network has a spanning tree. A distributed sampled-data rule is constructed to decide when to update its own and neighbors' estimated positions, and thus further reduces the unnecessary control cost. Finally, by further extending the main results to three other sampled-data control algorithms, several examples with performance comparisons are provided to validate the efficiency and advantages of the theoretical results.


Purpose: Because of the lack of information about the incidence of cesarean section and its indicators in Yemen, particularly in Dhamar Governorate, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence of cesarean section and identify the most common indications for cesarean section in Al- Wahdah Teaching Hospital, in Dhamar Governorate, Yemen.
Subjects and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on 393 at Al- Wahdah Teaching Hospital to estimate the incidence and indications of cesarean section in the hospital. The data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire over a period of one month.
Results: The overall rate of cesarean section was 55.5% (218/ 393). Among the 218, 61.9% were emergency while 38.1 % were elective cesarean sections. The maternal age for patients undergoing cesarean section ranged from 16 to 40 years, 23.9% were under 20 years, 66.5% were from 20- 35 years, and 9.6% were more than 35 years. The majority of mothers who gave birth by cesarean section were multigravida "43.1%" of which 42.7% (93) were multipara and 72% had no abortion. The majority of mothers had term pregnancy 90.8% (198), and 54.6% (119) had limited antenatal care. The most common indication was previous cesarean section 22.5%, followed by contracted pelvis 22% and obstructed labor 20.6%.
Conclusions: In our study, the rate of cesarean section is higher than recommended by WHO. Most of them were emergency cesarean sections. The most common indication was a previous cesarean section, followed by the contracted pelvis and obstructed labor.


Using a high-rise building water piping after hydrostatic test of the reliability of the leak to be completed if the pressure is maintained until the leak is not commercially available considered. Due to the nature of high-rise buildings and the construction period will take several years from the lower levels of use of the water supply and fire fighting water pipe construction is in progress, the order of which I do most of the first pipe to the construction and more than three years. So kind of riser pipe is complete, install the valve in the basement by installing an automatic pump to maintain a constant pressure after hydrostatic test and after each floor plumbing piping is complete, the progress of the hydrostatic test without undergoing a separate branch pipe the valve is opened automatically when the number of the pressing pressure of the structure. I kind of do and keep working pressure of pipe until the completion of the construction work to keep the damage to human error when it is intended to prepare. In winter, the frost protection and an alternative to drainage water pipe is damaged or deformed, even if unaware of the finishing work to the building, the use of the damage caused by a leak in a after construction of finish work to be expected. Alternative to reduce this damage if the pressure test without fear of freezing to help maintain long-term commercial pressures may be considered.


Accurate high energy x-ray diffraction data are presented on liquid water measured at room temperature. Sources of both systematic and statistical errors within the experiment are considered and data consistency checks are discussed. It is found that the resulting x-ray pair distribution function is smoothly varying in real space and shows no evidence of small peaks in the 3–5 Å region. Our results are in contrast to the recent findings reported in Petkov et al 2012 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 24 155102.


Neoplasms of the urachus are an extremely rare entity consisting of incompletely obliterated tissue of the urachal canal during embryonic development, which sometimes remains into adulthood in the urinary bladder. The treatment of choice for these entities is surgical excision, which maximizes patient survival should the lesion prove to be malignant. In this case, we describe a 57-year-old female who presented with a one-year history of left lower quadrant pain. The patient underwent robot-assisted surgery to remove the mass, bladder dome, and median longitudinal ligament en bloc without evidence of recurrence to date


We consider Fredholm determinants of matrix convolution operators associated to matrix versions of the $n - $th Airy functions. Using the theory of integrable operators, we relate them to a fully noncommutative Painleve II hierarchy, defined through a matrix valued version of the Lenard operators. In particular, the Riemann-Hilbert technique used to study these integrable operators allows to find a Lax pair for each member of the hierarchy. Finally, the coefficients of the Lax matrices are explicitely written in terms of these matrix valued Lenard operators and some solution of the hierarchy are written in terms of Fredholm determinants of the square of the matrix Airy convolution operators.


The relevance of the study is conditioned by the need of the society in the training of professionals, not only competitive on the labor market, but also patriots of their homeland, aware of the civil responsibility for the implementation of rights and duties, able to perform their civic duty. The purpose of the paper is to identify the features of pedagogical management of students' civil and Patriotic qualities' formation. The leading method is the method of action research (AR), allowing to obtain new knowledge about the pedagogical management of the process of students' civil and Patriotic qualities' formation characterizing their owners as civil society's actors who are ready to serve and protect the homeland, to take conscious and active participation in the establishment of peace, mutual understanding and confidence between peoples, to respect for human rights. The article reveals the essence of civil-Patriotic education and justifies its concrete historical content; identifies the factors (student's age, which is characterized by the pursuit to self-realization; features of humanitarian knowledge, as a component of educational content, including values, meanings, point of life), and pedagogical conditions (activation of the personal-semantic sphere of students; the revival of the ideas of the national school; ensuring of the impact of education on socialization) to manage the students' formation of civil and Patriotic qualities; proposes the idea of the organization of students' civil and Patriotic tours. The paper submissions can be useful for teachers of research universities; experts of centers for professional training and retraining of personnel in the selection and structuring of the content in the training of scientific and pedagogical staff of research universities. Keywords: Pedagogical Management, Civil-Patriotic Education, Civil and Patriotic Qualities, Personality-Semantic Sphere. JEL Classifications: A23, I23, I26


ABSTRACT
Strengths-based approaches focus on identifying an individual's assets and resources to find solutions that support their health. These principles are already inherent in nursing philosophies and processes. This article presents a call to reshape the current deficit-based, provider-centric model by formalizing inclusion of holistic, strengths-based approaches into nursing care.


The aim of this research was to know effect of methyl jasmonate addition in any concentration on the callus growth and alkaloid reserpine production from in vitro culture of pule pandak [Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Bentham ex. Kurz.]. The research frame based on the advantage of pule pandak as medicine plants sources. The addition of methyl jasmonate on the callus medium would inhibit the callus growth. It also has effects for the synthesis stricthosidine synthase. This enzyme had essential role on the reserpine biosynthesis. The research was conducted of two steps. First, initiation step to induct the callus formation. Second, treatment step to induct reserpine production. The research was done by designing a factor random completed, that is methyl jasmonate concentration. Methyl jasmonate concentration which is 0 I¼M, 10 I¼M, 20 I¼M, 40 I¼M, 80 I¼M, and 100 I¼M. The result data was qualitative form, that was callus morphology and quantitative form, fresh weight and dried weight, and reserpine content. The analysis of data used the ANOVA and DMRT 5%. The result of this research indicated that increasing of methyl jasmonate addition reduced the callus growth. The more methyl jasmonate concentration (10, 20, 40, 80 I¼M) was added, the higher reserpine was produced. Methyl jasmonate concentration in 80 I¼M produced the highest reserpine content that is 0.75 mg/g.


First-year teachers' perceptions of the helpfulness oi their teacher mentoring experiences during their induction into the profession were Investigated in this study. It was found that most novice teachers perceived their mentoring experiences to be helpful; however, they rated other professionals in their school Wstricts as being more helpful in aiding their transition into teaching than their formally asJigned mentor teachers. The novice elementary teachers rated their building principals as being more helpful, and the novice secondary teachers rated other teacher colleagues as being more helpful than the mentor teachers. The areas of mentoring assistance found to be most valued by the neophyte teachers were in meeting school requirements and procedures, handling pupil discipline, and dealing with other professionals. Most of the first-year teachers reported spending considerable amounts of time with their teacher mentors (15 or more hours). The less well-prepared novice teachers spent less time with their mentor teachers and rated their principals as being more helpful facilitating their transition into the profession than did the better prepared first-year teachers. (Author) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * *********************************************************************** Teacher Mentor Induction Programs: An Assessment by First-Year Teachers Ronald N. Marso and Fred L. Pigge College of Education and Allied Professions Bowling Green State University Bowling Green, Ohio 43403 A paper presented at the annual meeting of the Association of Teacher Educators 70th Annual Conference February 5-8, 1990 Las Vegas, Nevada


Cyphostemma glaucophilla is used in the management of kwashiorkor, because impaired immune responses is associated with malnourishment the modulatory activity of aqueous leaves extract of Cyphostemma glaucophilla on primary and secondary humuoral responses, in vivo leucocyte mobilization, Delayed Type Hypersensitive Reaction (DTHR), haemoglobin, packed cell volume and white blood cell count were evaluated. The extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg stimulated significant (p<0.05) dose dependent increase in primary and secondary sheep red blood cell specific antibody titre comparable to Levamisol. Extract at doses of 100 and 250 mg/kg induced leucocyte mobilization while 500 mg/kg inhibited leucocyte mobilization. The extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg produced significant (p<0.05) inhibition of DTHR in rats by 20.24 and 67.77%, respectively. The extract also induced significant (p<0.05) increases in packed cell volume by 3.0% at the lowest dose of 0.5 mg/kg and 11.2% at the highest dose of 2.0 mg/kg. However, the extract was insensitive to haemoglobin and total white blood cell count. Result has established cellular and humoral immunomodulatory activities of Cyphostemma glaucophilla aqueous leaves extract.


In recent years, much research interest has been directed to DNA-templated metal nanoclusters (NCs), which has resulted in remarkable progress in sub-nanometer sized metal clusters, such as Ag NCs and Au NCs. The well-known interactions of metal cations with DNA provide the possibility of fabricating various DNA-templated metal NCs. Furthermore, DNA can form secondary structures in a predictable and programmable manner, which makes DNA an excellent building block for preparation of defined-size NCs. Moreover, the biodiversity inherent in DNA via modification of sequence and composition should enable regulation, optimization as well as identification of metal NCs emitters with excellent physicochemical properties. In this chapter, recent advances in DNA-stabilized metal NCs (Ag and Au) are summarized, and the applications of fluorescent DNA–metal NCs including biological detection, logic gates and fluorescent imaging are highlighted. Finally, a brief outlook of DNA–metal NCs and current challenges are discussed.


Background Although MSUS is routinely used in rheumatology practice, expertise in performing MSUS and training opportunities vary considerably across UK and Europe. [1, 2, 3] There is a growing consensus to include MSUS in the UK Rheumatology curriculum. The All Wales Rheumatology Ultrasound group (AWRUG) conducted a preliminary survey of rheumatologists across Wales in 2013 and based on this survey, developed a modular MSUS training programme to improve training facilities and access to mentorship.[4] In August 2015, AWRUG re-surveyed rheumatologists across Wales, seeking their feedback and views on MSUS training. This 2 year follow on survey depicts the current state of Rheumatology MSUS training and expertise in Wales. Objectives 1. To ascertain the level of MSUS expertise and interest following the modular MSUS training programme. 2. To ascertain the opinion of rheumatology consultants and trainees as to whether MSUS training should be part of the Rheumatology curriculum in the UK. Methods An online survey link was sent to all rheumatologists in Wales by email in August 2015, asking for their feedback on the AWRUG delivered MSUS training and about their expertise in MSUS. Results Out of 32 respondents including 9 trainees and 21 consultants, 14 (44%) had access to US mentorship and training facilities. 11 (34%) respondents had no MSUS training and 2 (6%) were expert/ trainers. 13 (41%) could identify synovitis/ erosions on MSUS. 18 (56%) attended an AWRUG MSUS masterclass (with 11 finding it useful and 7 very useful). 17 (53%) were using MSUS routinely in their clinical practice, mostly requesting scans for synovitis or shoulder pathology. 27 (85%) felt that MSUS should be included in the rheumatology curriculum; however 3 (33%) trainees and 2 (9%) consultants felt that it should not be included. 13 (41%) felt that theoretical knowledge of MSUS plus scanning for synovitis should be mandatory. Regarding service provision, 20 (62%) felt that Routine MSUS should be provided by radiology department whereas 11 (34%) felt that rheumatologists should also offer this. Most respondents felt that MSUS for synovitis should be provided by rheumatologists wholly 9 (28%) or in collaboration with radiology 15 (47%). Conclusions 1. All respondents who attended the AWRUG Masterclasses, found them useful, confirming the need for an ongoing regional training programme. 2. Most rheumatology consultants and two thirds of rheumatology trainees in Wales feel that MSUS training should be included in the rheumatology curriculum. References Cunnington, Joanna, et al. Attitudes of United Kingdom rheumatologists to musculoskeletal ultrasound practice and training. Annals of the rheumatic diseases 66.10 (2007): 1381–1383. Garrood, Toby, and Philip Platt. Access to training in musculoskeletal ultrasound: a survey of UK rheumatology trainees. Rheumatology 49.2 (2010): 391. Naredo, Esperanza, et al. Current state of musculoskeletal ultrasound training and implementation in Europe: results of a survey of experts and scientific societies. Rheumatology 49.12 (2010): 2438–2443. Humphreys, Emyr, et al. 246. Development of a Modular-Based Ultrasound Training Programme for Rheumatologists and Allied Health Professionals in Wales. Rheumatology 54.suppl 1 (2015): i145-i145. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Long term evolution (LTE) is envisioned to be a key technology for the 4G wireless communication. In LTE systems, each user (UE) detects the surrounding base stations by searching the primary and secondary synchronization channel symbols in the received signal. Searching and tracking neighboring base stations is of great interest for UEs' handover and other applications such as base station cooperation. In this paper, we formulate the problem of neighboring cell search (NCS) for LTE systems and investigate this problem from both theoretical and practical perspectives. In particular, we first derive the sufficient signal metrics for NCS under various channel conditions and develop NCS algorithms based on these metrics. We also implement the algorithms on the simulator to validate its effectiveness.


Fixed asset investment has consistently been a rather important indicator of the vitality of the economy. Due to its non-linearity and randomness, this paper focuses on establishing improved grey neural network models for better prediction results to help government achieve a better economic decision-making process. Firstly, Simpson formula is utilized to improve the background value of GMC (1, n) model to increase the precision of prediction. Secondly, two kinds of grey neural network models are constructed –residual- modified grey neural network model and parallel grey neural network model both with trapezoid formula and Simpson formula respectively. The two systems share the same input training data for GMC (1, n) model and BP neural network model, while the output training data for the former one is the difference between the GMC (1, n) predicted output and the actual value and the latter one is the actual value. The newly proposed model i.e. parallel grey neural network model connects GMC (1, n) and BP neural network simply by giving different weight to each model based on their precision of prediction. And the results show that the parallel grey neural network model with Simpson formula has the best prediction accuracy of fixed asset investment with both root mean squared error and mean absolute percentage error less than 3% which are far less than that of classic residual-modified grey neural network model. This satisfying result enables this effective model to be utilized to help with government in the economic policy-making process.