This paper proposes an optimization method for the optimal placement of phasor measurement units (PMUs) for the complete observability of power systems. The proposed method is based on numerical observability and articial intelligence. The articial intelligence algorithm used is the improved tabu search (ITS) algorithm. The ITS is used to nd the optimal placement for the PMU to keep the system completely observable. In addition, the paper describes a predictive out-of-step (OOS) algorithm based on the observation of the voltage phase dierence between the substations. The proposed optimal placement of the PMUs and the OOS algorithm is tested using the IEEE 6-bus and IEEE 14-bus systems, and the Egyptian 500 kV network. The test systems are simulated using the power system computer aided design software program. The placement algorithm and the OOS prediction algorithm are carried out using MATLAB script programs.


Colon cancer is the cancer of the epithelial cells lining the colon. This type of cancer occurs in many people that are either genetically predisposed or exposed to risk factors. Colorectal cancer is mainly divided into different stages according to invasiveness and metastatic ability of the tumor. Many mutations are acquired, leading to this malignancy. Treatment of colorectal cancer range from surgery in early stages to palliative care in most advanced stages. In this minireview, we summarize the latest findings on colorectal cancer.


Train speed controlling systems are now changing from wayside systems to onboard signaling systems. Locomotive engineers refer to wayside markers to decide on a braking point when the train speed appears to be lower than the current speed. However, in the onboard signaling systems that have been installed recently, the braking point is not determined by the wayside signal but by an onboard value. In this paper, we studied braking points and methods for deciding on such points by engineers using the onboard systems. An optimized braking point is proposed via simulation of decelerating velocity to control the velocity in the signaling system through a predefined point; Gaussian distributions are used to simulate the actual situation. We estimated and demonstrated how to obtain braking parameters in order to satisfy the interval of permitted error.


Substrates play crucial roles for the sensing performances of fluorescent films owing to their effect on the formation of a fluorescent adlayer. However, no such film has been developed through synthesizing a substrate with a defined structure. We herein report a kind of self-standing, uniform, and thickness tunable pillar[5]arene-based nanofilms to serve as substrates for fabricating fluorescent sensing films. In comparison with a glass plate, the pillar[5]arene-based nanofilms can ensure spatial and electronic isolation of immobilized fluorophores and circumvent aggregation-caused quenching in a film state. For conceptual proof, a formic acid fluorescent sensing film was developed through simple loading of a fluorophore, a 4-azetidine-1,8-naphthalimide derivative of cholesterol (NA-Ch), onto the prepared nanofilm. Sensing performance studies demonstrated that the fluorescent film showed a sensitive, fast, and highly selective response to formic acid in air with a detection limit of lower than 2.8 mg m-3 and a response time of less than 3 s. Moreover, the sensing is fully reversible and highly repeatable. Further studies showed that the film sensor can be used for fast determination of methanol acidity via vapor sampling. Clearly, innovation of substrates with defined structures can be taken as an effective and efficient way to develop new sensing films via combination with known fluorophores.


Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide. It is associated with significant increases in morbidity in the form of stroke and heart failure, and a doubling in all-cause mortality. The pathophysiology of AF is incompletely understood, and this has contributed to a lack of effective treatments and disease-modifying therapies. An important cellular process that may explain how risk factors give rise to AF includes post-translational modification (PTM) of proteins. As the most commonly occurring PTM, protein phosphorylation is especially relevant. Although many methods exist for studying protein phosphorylation, a common and highly resolute technique is mass spectrometry (MS). This review will discuss recent evidence surrounding the role of protein phosphorylation in the pathogenesis of AF. MS-based technology to study phosphorylation and uses of MS in other areas of medicine such as oncology will also be presented. Based on these data, future goals and experiments will be outlined that utilize MS technology to better understand the role of phosphorylation in AF and elucidate its role in AF pathophysiology. This may ultimately allow for the development of more effective AF therapies.


Despite the importance of placement stability in promoting positive outcomes for looked after children, the number of foster placement disruptions continues to be high. Existing research has identified factors which contribute to placement disruption and success. However, the experiences of foster carers who are able to create stable placements are less well understood. The aim of this study was to examine what can be learnt from the experience of long-term, mainstream foster carers, who had been providing placements that were at risk of disruption, but which eventually became stable. The study explored how foster carers experience and explain recovery from a threatened placement, how and why they make the decision to maintain difficult placements and what processes and factors influence this. It also aimed to understand how theories of attachment and resilience contribute to the understanding of foster carers' experiences.
Seven foster carers were recruited from across two Local Authorities. They each took part in a semi-structured interview which was transcribed and subjected to a grounded theory lite methodology. The analysis generated one super-ordinate theme (layers of protection) and seven core themes (fragile context, personal investment and affirmations, expectations, special kind of love, strengthening experiences and feelings, adapt and take action and collective vs isolated). A visual model of the data was produced which represented the protective layers, which collectively mitigated the threatening elements associated with difficult placements. The findings suggested that not all participants needed or experienced all of the layers and that the importance of each layer, in maintaining the placement, was variable, depending on the situation. Clinical implications can be drawn from this study including: the importance of foster carers investment in the role, participants mixed feelings about the full disclosure of information on the child and the importance of balancing realistic expectations and maintaining hope.


Abstract Objectives Standard once-daily dosing of ceftriaxone may not lead to adequate antibiotic exposure in all cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB). Therefore, we compared clinical effectiveness of empirical antibiotic treatment with flucloxacillin, cefuroxime and ceftriaxone in adult patients with MSSA bacteraemia Methods We analysed data from the Improved Diagnostic Strategies in Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (IDISA) study, a multicentre prospective cohort study of adult patients with MSSA bacteraemia. Duration of bacteraemia and 30 day SAB-related mortality were compared between the three groups using multivariable mixed-effects Cox regression analyses. Results In total, 268 patients with MSSA bacteraemia were included in the analyses. Median duration of empirical antibiotic therapy was 3 (IQR 2–3) days in the total study population. Median duration of bacteraemia was 1.0 (IQR 1.0–3.0) day in the flucloxacillin, cefuroxime and ceftriaxone groups. In multivariable analyses, neither ceftriaxone nor cefuroxime was associated with increased duration of bacteraemia compared with flucloxacillin (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.73–1.60 and HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.88–1.71). In multivariable analysis, neither cefuroxime nor ceftriaxone was associated with higher 30 day SAB-related mortality compared with flucloxacillin [subdistribution HR (sHR) 1.37, 95% CI 0.42–4.52 and sHR 1.93, 95% CI 0.67–5.60]. Conclusions In this study, we could not demonstrate a difference in duration of bacteraemia and 30 day SAB-related mortality between patients with SAB empirically treated with flucloxacillin, cefuroxime or ceftriaxone. Since sample size was limited, it is possible the study was underpowered to find a clinically relevant effect.


Abstract Previous literature finds anomalies are at least as prevalent in developed markets as in emerging markets; namely, the global anomaly puzzle. We show that while market development and information diffusion are linearly related, information diffusion has a nonlinear impact on anomalies. This is consistent with theoretical developments concerning the process of information diffusion. In extremely low-efficiency regimes, without newswatchers sowing the seeds of price discovery and ensuring the long-run convergence of price to fundamentals, initial mispricing and subsequent correction will not occur. The concentration of emerging countries in low-efficiency regimes provides an explanation to the puzzle.


A class of chaotic map called piecewise-quadratic-equation map to design feedback stream cipher is proposed.Such map can generate chaotic signals that have uniform distribution function, δ-like autocorrelation function. Compared with the piecewise-linear map, this map provides enhanced security in that they can maintain the original perfect statistical properties, as well as overcome the defect of piecewise-linearity and expand the key space. This paper presents a scheme to improve the local complexity of the chaotic stream cipher based on the piecewise-quadratic-equationmap.Both the theoretic analysis and the results of simulation show that this scheme improves the microstructure of the phasespace graph on condition that the good properties of the original scheme are remained.


Several studies show that work engagement acts as a mediator between psychological capital and social support on performance (Bakker & Demeuroti, 2019). The aim of this researcher is to determine the role of work engagement as a mediator in the relationship between psychological capital and social support on performance. The subjects in this study were employees of PT. Adhibaladika Agung. From a total population of 311 employees, as many as 175 people were sampled in this study. The data collection technique used in this study was purposive sampling. The analysis technique in this study uses the SmartPLS program and before being analyzed, it is done first to check whether there are operational items that fail or not using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS). The results of this study indicate that all variables have a significant influence or can also be called 7 of 7 accepted research hypotheses. In practice, the seven hypotheses that have been proven to be accepted and show a significant value will certainly be very useful as a reference for companies to increase psychological capital, social support, work engagement and employee performance. Each endogenous variable that wants to be improved is recommended with a different solution in aspects related to its endogenous variable or it can be concluded that t count from H1 is the Psychological Capital variable on Performance = 13.346 (solution: training), H2 is the Social Support variable on Performance = 5,382 ( solution: role model), H3 is Psychological Capital variable on Work Engagement = 3,308(solution: training), H4 is Social Support variable for Work Engagement = 2,397 (solution: role model), H5 is Work Engagement variable on Performance = 7,840 (solution : rewards and punishments). This research also proves that the JD-R Model is still valid today.


The authors present resistivity ( rho ) and thermopower (S) measurements at temperatures between 3 K and 300 K on Ce3-xLaxAl alloys (x=0,0.15,0.30,0.45,0.6,0.9,1.2). All the alloys showed evidence of Kondo-like scattering (occurrence of rho min and Smin around 30 K). The low-temperature Smin crossed over to positive values at x>or=0.45, giving rise to a positive thermopower over the entire temperature range. The low-temperature positive peak (around 5-10 K) in S and rho measurements gave evidence of a coherence effect. This peak was found to vary with La concentration in the thermopower studies. At higher temperatures (50-100 K), alloys with 0<or=x<or=0.6 showed thermal hysteresis in both types of measurements, indicating the presence of lattice transformation effects.


Gas District Cooling (GDC) supplies chilled water to Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) through the primary line where it will undergo heat transfer in heat exchangers with chilled water in the secondary line. Two gasketed plate heat exchangers are currently being used for the chilled water distribution system at UTP. Effectiveness of the heat exchangers are important criteria that influence the heat transfer process of the chilled water between the primary and secondary lines. Since there is no study yet on the effectiveness of the heat exchangers, this study is undertaken to analyse the effectiveness. Data on the parameters of the chilled water flow through the plate heat exchangers were obtained from the control room of UTP. The parameters such as temperature and flow rate of the hot and cold fluids were used in the calculations to determine the effectiveness of the plate heat exchangers.


Hedonic regressions are used for property price index measurement to control for changes in the quality-mix of properties transacted. The paper consolidates the hedonic time dummy approach, characteristics approach, and imputation approaches. A practical hedonic methodology is proposed that (i) is weighted at a basic level; (ii) has a new (quasi-) superlative form and thus mitigates substitution bias; (iii) is suitable for sparse data in thin markets; and (iv) only requires the periodic estimation of hedonic regressions for reference periods and is not subject to the vagrancies of misspecification and estimation issues. JEL Classification Numbers: C43, E30, E31, R31.


RAPD assay was conducted for molecular genetic analysis of six wheat cultivars, such as, Kanchan, Sourav, Gourab, Shatabdi, Pavon and BAW-1006 to observe genetic variability and relatedness among these cultivars. Three out of 12 decamer random primers showed distinctly polymorphic bands when used to amplify genomic DNA. The primers yielded a total of 23 RAPD markers of which 14 were considered as polymorphic. The proportion of polymorphic loci and gene diversity (h) values were 34.78% and 0.153 for BAW-1006, 30.43% and 0.124 for Kanchan, 26.09% and 0.127 for Shatabdi, 26.09% and 0.127 for Pavon, 26.09% and 0.111 for Gourab, 21.74% and 0.098 for Sourav, respectively. The coefficient of gene differentiation (G st ) and gene flow (N m ) values across all the loci were 0.50 and 0.50, respectively indicating genetic divergence among populations. The UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei's genetic distance, grouped six cultivars into two main clusters: Kanchan, Sourav, Gourab and Shatabdi in cluster I; Pavon and BAW-1006 in cluster II. The cluster I was further separated: Kanchan alone in sub-cluster I and Sourav, Gourab, Shatabdi in sub-cluster II; furthermore, Sourab and Gourab grouped together in sub-sub-cluster I of sub-cluster II with the lowest genetic distance of 0.035. Thus, RAPD offer a potentially simple, rapid and reliable method to evaluate genetic variation and relatedness among six wheat cultivars. Key words : RAPD, g enetic diversity, p olymorphic loci, w heat D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v19i1.4915 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 19 (1): 35-44, 2009 (June)


We propose three criteria for the generation of random digital strings from quantum beam splitters: (i) three or more mutually exclusive outcomes corresponding to the invocation of three- and higher-dimensional Hilbert spaces, (ii) the mandatory use of pure states in conjugated bases for preparation and detection, and (iii) the use of entangled singlet (unique) states for elimination of bias.


Rhamnomannans from several isolates of Sporothrix schenckii and Ceratocystis species were compared. No major differences emerged in the analysis of the carbohydrate composition of polysaccharides from either species. Methylation analysis for the identification of the glycosidic linkages present in the polysaccharides showed that they all were very similar with minor differences being observed among strains and between polysaccharides obtained at 25 and 37 C. Partially methylated derivatives were identified by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Their proportions suggest that polysaccharides from S. schenckii and C. stenoceras have a general structure similar to that of C. ulmi: a (1 → 6)-linked α-d-mannopyranosyl main chain substituted in the 3-positions by α-l-rhamnopyranosyl and in many cases by α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-l-rhamnopyranosyl side chains. Differences among polysaccharides resided in the proportions of the dirhamnosyl side chains and of 4-O-substituted and 2, 4-di-O-substituted mannose units. Increased proportions of dirhamnosyl side chains were observed in the polysaccharides from S. schenckii strains and from a pathogenic variant of C. stenoceras grown at 25 C. Proton magnetic resonance spectra (H-1 region) of the rhamnomannans showed that S. schenckii strains could be placed in two different groups similar but not identical to any Ceratocystis species. These spectra were very close to those of the polysaccharides from the C. clavata and C. ambrosia groups of Ceratocystis species.


This paper is aimed at giving comments to some institutions, which in their molecular biology/ genetics related job postings indicate that the incumbent must have very good knowledge on a specific marker. The use of molecular markers as basic and applied research tools in plant and animal biology have been used from decades. Various types of markers have been developed and used with different modifications all the time. They have been continuously changing with the advent of new technologies supporting them.


Glioblastoma (GBM) is recognized as one of the deadliest forms of cancer, despite aggressive therapy consisting of maximal surgical resection followed by concurrent radiation and chemotherapy, the median survival remains ~15 months. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) possess potent tumor-initiating properties and comprise a cellular hierarchy that is responsible for treatment resistance and progression. Specifically targeting GSCs has been considered a promising therapeutic approach, however no clear method has been identified. Histologically, it is known that GSCs are found in perivascular and pseudsopalisading regions of GBM. Similarly, platelet aggregates are often found in pseudsopalisading necrotic regions, suggesting a potential interaction between platelets and GSCs due to their spatial locations. High platelet counts have been associated with poor clinical outcome in many cancers including ovarian and endometrial cancer. While platelets are known to affect progression of other tumors, mechanisms by which platelets influence GBM oncogenesis are unknown. Our work aimed to understand the crosstalk between GSCs and platelets within GBM solid tumors that work to enhance disease progression and treatment resistance. Our clinical studies suggest elevated platelet counts positively correlate with tumor growth and negatively correlate to overall patient survival. We found platelets and GSC co-localization in GBM solid tissue; platelet exposure to GSCs results in increased proliferation of GSCs specifically, by increasing the self-renewing capacity of GSCs in a dose dependent manner, and resulted in an increased "Stem-like" transcriptional pattern. Consequently, inhibiting the GSC-platelet interaction results in a decrease in GSC renewal and stemness. These results introduce a novel interaction between GSCs and platelets and elucidate a novel therapeutic approach specifically targeting GSCs by disrupting the GSC-platelet interaction.


This article explores a relatively rare archival account of female subjectivity, experience, mobility, and voice within a carceral institution in late-colonial Delhi. The capital's "Rescue Home" was created to house women and girls removed from the city's brothels under new legislation. While no brothels were closed in the first year of the laws functioning, the home accepted 18 women and girls and detailed their circumstances and experiences in its 1940 report. It was able to forcibly detain girls and was run upon disciplinary and racial lines, like other colonial institutions. But its inhabitants were not subject to detailed surveillance. Rather, their lives were ones usually beyond recording or whose stories were actively silenced. The 1940 Rescue Home report provides us with rich details of the commonplace, quotidian struggles which women and girls faced in colonial Delhi. The 18 case geographies of the Home's inhabitants help us understand how sexuality and motherhood, education and character, and race all shaped routes into the home and destinations when people left. The accounts tell us of a carceral governmentality with influence beyond the disciplinary institution's walls, but also of female subjects who resisted, spoke back, and absconded. This relationship between forced immobility and willed mobility suggests that brothels and rescue homes were not just connected, through the intended transfer of inhabitants, but can be directly compared as carceral domesticities.


CONTEXT
Ketamine evokes psychosislike symptoms, and its primary action is to impair N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor neurotransmission, but it also induces secondary increases in glutamate release.

OBJECTIVES
To identify the sites of action of ketamine in inducing symptoms and to determine the role of increased glutamate release using the glutamate release inhibitor lamotrigine.

DESIGN
Two experiments with different participants were performed using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover, counterbalanced-order design. In the first experiment, the effect of intravenous ketamine hydrochloride on regional blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal and correlated symptoms was compared with intravenous saline placebo. In the second experiment, pretreatment with lamotrigine was compared with placebo to identify which effects of ketamine are mediated by increased glutamate release.

SETTING
Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, England.

PARTICIPANTS
Thirty-three healthy, right-handed men were recruited by advertisements.

INTERVENTIONS
In experiment 1, participants were given intravenous ketamine (1-minute bolus of 0.26 mg/kg, followed by a maintenance infusion of 0.25 mg/kg/h for the remainder of the session) or placebo (0.9% saline solution). In experiment 2, participants were pretreated with 300 mg of lamotrigine or placebo and then were given the same doses of ketamine as in experiment 1.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Regional BOLD signal changes during ketamine or placebo infusion and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale scores.

RESULTS
Ketamine induced a rapid, focal, and unexpected decrease in ventromedial frontal cortex, including orbitofrontal cortex and subgenual cingulate, which strongly predicted its dissociative effects and increased activity in mid-posterior cingulate, thalamus, and temporal cortical regions (r = 0.90). Activations correlated with Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale psychosis scores. Lamotrigine pretreatment prevented many of the BOLD signal changes and the symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS
These 2 changes may underpin 2 fundamental processes of psychosis: abnormal perceptual experiences and impaired cognitive-emotional evaluation of their significance. The results are compatible with the theory that the neural and subjective effects of ketamine involve increased glutamate release.


Native languages are disappearing quickly in this country, but there are many programs that are underway trying to save Native languages before they are gone. One such program is the Euchee/Yuchi Language Project which uses a modified version of the Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program (MALLP). Elder language speakers, masters, and younger members of the tribe, apprentices, meet daily in a two-hour language session. The goal of the session is to immerse the apprentices in the language by using conversational Euchee/Yuchi in the form of lessons, props, and presentations, so they can learn the language quickly. The purpose of this study was to discover the lived experiences of participants in the Euchee/Yuchi Language Project by using phenomenological methodology. Research was conducted using interviews and observation sessions. A theoretical concept based on constructivism, Knowles' principles of adult learning, and cognitive apprenticeships was constructed to frame the study within the adult education paradigm. Initial interviews, observation sessions, and follow-up interviews were used to gather data. The Euchee/Yuchi Language Project participants seem to realize the importance of passing down the language to the younger generation, which gives them pride in their tribal heritage. This finding is supported by the data. During the daily language sessions, props and gestures were used to learn new words. New language knowledge was built on existing knowledge because new lessons were taught each day. Observations and interactions were based on real-life situations through which the apprentices acquired new knowledge. Based on the findings, a clear picture of the lived experiences of the participants in the Euchee/Yuchi Language Project emerged. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations based on the theoretical framework were prepared to enhance the lived experience of participants in the program. Recommendations for enhancing the lived experiences of participants in the Euchee/Yuchi Language Project included: (1) more structure in the learning environment, (2) a variety of class times, and (3) the use of reallife learning situations outside of the classroom. Final recommendations were made in the form of further research: (1) Administer a survey to the Euchee/Yuchi community and tribal governance to determine the importance of language preservation outside of the Euchee/Yuchi Language Project and (2) Conduct a program evaluation of the Euchee/Yuchi Language Project to determine if the most effective practices for language preservation and revitalization are being used.


A correlation has been made in human plasma between autoxidation as determined manometrically, and total polyunsaturated fatty acids as determined spectrophotometrically. From this it is possible to formulate an empirical curve by which one may estimate the total polyethenoid acids in less than 1 milliliter of human plasma. The procedure has the advantage that it is quick and simple, but the limitation that it does not give direct information about the individual polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Submitted on February 24, 1956


A suite of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs – acetaldehyde, acetone, propanal, butanal and butanone) were measured concurrently in the surface water and atmosphere of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea in November 2011. A strong correlation was observed between all OVOC concentrations in the surface seawater along the entire cruise track, except for acetaldehyde, suggesting similar sources and sinks in the surface ocean. Additionally, several phytoplankton groups, such as haptophytes or pelagophytes, were also correlated to all OVOCs, indicating that phytoplankton may be an important source of marine OVOCs in the South China and Sulu seas. Humic- and protein-like fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) components seemed to be additional precursors for butanone and acetaldehyde. The measurement-inferred OVOC fluxes generally showed an uptake of atmospheric OVOCs by the ocean for all gases, except for butanal. A few important exceptions were found along the Borneo coast, where OVOC fluxes from the ocean to the atmosphere were inferred. The atmospheric OVOC mixing ratios over the northern coast of Borneo were relatively high compared with literature values, suggesting that this coastal region is a local hotspot for atmospheric OVOCs. The calculated amount of OVOCs entrained into the ocean seemed to be an important source of OVOCs to the surface ocean. When the fluxes were out of the ocean, marine OVOCs were found to be enough to control the locally measured OVOC distribution in the atmosphere. Based on our model calculations, at least 0.4 ppb of marine-derived acetone and butanone can reach the upper troposphere, where they may have an important influence on hydrogen oxide radical formation over the western Pacific Ocean.


ABSTRACT Political appetite for neoliberal education policy has problematised teacher education in a number of countries, including Australia, the US and England. In Australia, dominant policy discourses of quality normalise the regulation and standardisation of teacher education and position teacher educators within a deficit model of education reform. Such positioning has been shown to have a deleterious impact on professional status, dismantling complex conceptualisations of teacher educators' work. Framed by key tenets of positioning theory and conceptualisations of policy enactment, this study investigated, using online semi-structured interviews, the ways in which 16 teacher educators in one Australian university positioned policy as "other", and the ways in which they felt they could or should respond. It found that teacher educators position policy, and engage in the policy process, in complex and varied ways. While many positioned policy as an intruder, with the potential to do harm to the profession, others had made choices that positioned policy as a tool for innovative imagining for programme renewal. Findings also highlight the potential appetite for collaborative positioning between policy makers and teacher educators as partners. These findings have significant implications for future approaches to re-shaping the teacher education policy space both in Australia and beyond.


For anthropologists as well as for historians, law practices and their discursive productions provide a way of studying interactions and decisions in a variety of domains of social and political life—from social and family relationships to issues such as criminality, environmental protection, natural resource management, religious practices, or human rights. The following studies deal with such issues by using the "lens of the law" as a vantage point over society, giving access to sometimes intimate situations otherwise difficult to document for an observer, as well as a filter through which social issues have to be shaped when evolving into court cases. Thus studying how law is used by people and how it impacts their lives is all the more important as, despite delays, poor facilities, and widespread corruption, courts often represent the main if not the only hope for many to redress their grievances. As a consequence the Courts are bustling with an activity that testifies to the vital role they play in society as sites of power that affect every aspect of life therein.


Steam Generator (SG) is a critical equipment in the nuclear power plant, it is the huge heat exchanger in reactor system which can achieve removing fission energy from the reactor system effectively to ensure safety of the whole nuclear system. It is located between the primary and the secondary loop in reactor system act as the intermediate hub of energy and the security barrier in nuclear power plant. Generally, there are numerous of U-shaped heat transfer tubes in SG it is one of the weakest structures throughout the primary loop system. So the integrity of the SG especially its heat transfer tubes is important to the safety of reactor operation. The degradation problem of heat transfer tubes together with ruptures accidents often occur under suffer environments in reactors, which include thermal stress, mechanical stress and so on, it is noteworthy that this kind of accidents is inevitable due to the limited properties of existing materials. The performance of the SG is seriously affected by the number of failure tubes. Plugging operations through various mechanical means is the most common method to solve the tubes ruptures problems which can reduce the economic losses to the utmost extent. However, plugging operations will make huge impact on the thermal hydraulic performances of both sides of SG. It's meaningful to research the characteristics of the plugging affects under different operations. In this paper the hydraulic characteristics of primary side in AP1000 SG under a certain fraction of heat transfer tube plugging conditions is researched. Three dimensional hydraulic characteristics of primary side coolant in SG under different plugging conditions are obtained by using the thermal hydraulic software FLUENT. The typical plugging fraction in this simulation model is 10 percent, and the effect of plugging locations also be considered through changing the plugging positions using the zone marking method. The results shows that the pressure drop under the structure integrated SG is 358.01MPa which is accordance with the results from Westinghouse 343KPa. The pressure drop values varies when changing positions of the plugging tubes under the same plugging fraction condition. The flow fields in bottom head also change meanwhile and the maximum pressure drop can reach up to 388.05KPa when the plugging fraction is 10%. The growth rate become significant when tube plugging fraction larger than 5%, and differences between maximum and minimum values of total pressure drop under different plugging positions become larger gradually. Finally the local resistance coefficients and flow field distributions of primary side in SG under various plugging conditions are obtained which is meaningful for the reactor safety and it can be a good reference for the maintenance of SG.


In tight gas sandstones, detailed geological understanding of the reservoirs is imperative in preparing optimal exploration, appraisal and development plans. The distribution of sand bodies, their textures, orientation and paleocurrent directions need to be understood in the context of sedimentary depositional environments to assist in the prediction and identification of reservoir architecture, reservoir quality variability and sweet spots. The use of high salinity mud, providing a highly conductive logging environment, affects the quality of borehole images. Additionally, tight formations are highly resistive, which limits traditional image interpretability for textural, structural and sedimentological analysis and petrophysical interpretation. Advances in borehole imaging in recent years have significantly helped in addressing the geological challenges in hostile borehole environments. In the tight gas clastics of northern Oman, hyper saline mud (~300,000 ppm) and highly resistive formations (>20,000 ohm-m in some cases) have had a significant deleterious impact on the traditional imager quality. Image quality is of utmost importance in undertaking detailed sedimentological analyses and poor image quality reduces the confidence in the interpretation of reservoir architecture and textural variations. This is particularly the case in Oman's high net-to-gross continental tight gas successions. The latest borehole imager with improved signal-to-noise ratio and tolerance to high mud salinity has been deployed to acquire good quality images that help in the interpretation of these sandstone reservoirs. The new imager is supported by new hardware configuration and improved downhole signal processing compared to the traditional imagers. Its 16-bit data quality provides better image visualization because of improved signal-to-noise ratio in hostile environments. Subtle geological features which were masked with the traditional imager can be studied with the improved imaging for enhanced interpretation. Three wells, logged with this new imager, have provided a good understanding of reservoir geology in the tight gas reservoirs of Northern Oman where the reservoir facies were deposited in arid fluvial sheet flood/sand flat, sabkha and aeolian environments where sedimentary distinction between facies is subtle.


— Swarm robotics investigates how a large population of robots with simple actuation and limited sensors can collectively solve complex tasks. One particular interesting application with robot swarms is autonomous object assembly. Such tasks have been solved successfully with robot swarms that are controlled by a human operator using a light source. In this paper, we present a method to solve such assembly tasks autonomously based on policy search methods. We split the assembly process in two subtasks: generating a high-level assembly plan and learning a low-level object movement policy. The assembly policy plans the trajectories for each object and the object movement policy controls the trajectory execution.
Learning the object movement policy is challenging as it depends on the complex state of the swarm which consists of an individual state for each agent. To approach this problem, we introduce a representation of the swarm which is based on Hilbert space embeddings of distributions. This representation is invariant to the number of agents in the swarm as well as to the allocation of an agent to its position in the swarm. These invariances make the learned policy robust to changes in the swarm and also reduce the search space for the policy search method significantly. We show that the resulting system is able to solve assembly tasks with varying object shapes in multiple simulation scenarios and evaluate the robustness of our representation to changes in the swarm size. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the policies learned in simulation are robust enough to be transferred to real robots.


This research provides a systematic and theoretical analysis of the digital challenges to the established exclusive regime of the economic rights enjoyed by authors (and related rightholders) under the law of copyright. Accordingly, this research has developed a relational theory of authorship and a relational approach to copyright, contending that the regulatory emphasis of copyright law should focus on the facilitation of the dynamic relations between the culture, the creators, the future creators, the users and the public, rather than the allocation of resources in a static world. In this networked digital world, the creative works and contents have become increasingly vital for people to engage in creativity and cultural innovation, and for the evolution of the economy. Hence, it is argued that today copyright owners, as content holders, have certain obligations to make their works accessible and available to the public under fair conditions. This research sets forward a number of recommendations for the reform of the current copyright system.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the abnormalities of iron metabolism, the prevalence and risk factors of iron overload and clinical characteristics of patients with aplastic anemia (AA).

METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 520 newly diagnosed AA patients.

RESULTS
Iron overload was observed in 66(13%) of 520 AA patients,in which a higher prevalence of iron overload was seen not only in patients with infections(19/86, 22%)than those without infections (47/434, 11%, P<0.01), but also in patients with hepatitis associated AA(HAAA) (6/22, 19%) than the idiopathic cases (60/488, 12%, P>0.05). Excluded the patients with infections and/or HAAA, 43 of 405(11%)cases had iron overload, including 14 of 248(6%) cases without history of blood transfusion and 29 of 157 patients (18%, P<0.01) with transfusion. In univariate analysis, higher levels of serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI) and transferrin saturation (TS) were mainly observed in adult male patients with severe AA (SAA) and significantly upward with increasing blood transfusion (P<0.01). No differences of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were observed between adults and children, males and females, hepatitis and idiopathic AA. However, patients with infections had significantly lower level of sTfR (0.50 mg/L) than cases without infections (0.79 mg/L, P<0.01). The level of sTfR in SAA patients (0.70 mg/L) was only half of that in non-SAA (NSAA) (1.36 mg/L, P<0.01). Patients with increasing blood transfusion had significantly downward levels of sTfR (P<0.01). In multivariate analysis, more than 8 U blood transfusion (OR=10.52, P<0.01), adults (OR=3.48, P<0.01), males (OR=3.32, P<0.01) and infections (OR=2.09, P<0.01) were independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION
AA patients had higher iron burden and were high-risk populations occurring iron overload. The iron overload occurred in 18% of patients with blood transfusion and in 6% of patients without transfusion.


Machine type communications (MTC) play a crucial role in the Internet of things (IoT) where a number of devices are connected by wireless communications. Unfortunately, wireless communications are prone to various security threats including eavesdropping due to the broadcast nature. In this paper, we propose an approach that can generate a sequence of random numbers for a secret-key in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. Since the random key is based on channel dependent signature (CDS) and generated without any predetermined sequences, a device can have a unique secret-key in the proposed approach, which suits to MTC for secure communications. The resulting approach is called CDS based secure OFDM (CDSSOFDM). We also modify the CDS-SOFDM scheme to transmit more bits using multiple blocks.


There is the conflict between community control of relative needs and the specialized needs of the individual agencies. The campaign itself represents a conflict between sentiment, which raises the money, and science, which gives the service. One whole chapter of Mr. Norton's book is devoted to the conflict between the national and local interests in social work. A conflict-or at least a confusionbetween the function and responsibilities of private and public philanthropy is ever present. And, finally, there is the fundamental conflict between the religious and economic groups that are drawn into its huge network. Out of such a welter of underlying opposites, can co-operation emerge from the thin expression of a sentimental ideal? Mr. Norton believes it can: first because of the cementing altruism which is inherent in all of us; and second because the community chest is developing its mechanics and technique. He presents an impressive argument. BRADLEY BUELL


The finite Fourier transform of a finite sequence is defined and its elementary properties are developed. The convolution and term-by-term product operations are defined and their equivalent operations in transform space are given. A discussion of the transforms of stretched and sampled functions leads to a sampling theorem for finite sequences. Finally, these results are used to give a simple derivation of the fast Fourier transform algorithm.


We assessed the composition of the bacterioplankton in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean in austral fall and winter and in New Zealand coastal waters in summer. The various water masses between the subtropics/Agulhas-Benguela boundary region and the Antarctic coastal current exhibited distinct bacterioplankton communities with the highest richness in the polar frontal region, as shown by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S rRNA gene fragments. The SAR11 clade and the Roseobacter clade-affiliated (RCA) cluster were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. SAR11 was detected in all samples analysed from subtropical waters to the coastal current and to depths of > 1000 m. In fall and winter, this clade constituted < 3% to 48% and 4-28% of total bacterial 16S rRNA genes respectively, with highest fractions in subtropical to polar frontal regions. The RCA cluster was only present in New Zealand coastal surface waters not exceeding 17 degrees C, in the Agulhas-Benguela boundary region (visited only during the winter cruise), in subantarctic waters and in the Southern Ocean. In fall, this cluster constituted up to 36% of total bacterial 16S rRNA genes with highest fractions in the Antarctic coastal current and outnumbered the SAR11 clade at most stations in the polar frontal region and further south. In winter, the RCA cluster constituted lower proportions than the SAR11 clade and did not exceed 8% of total bacterial 16S rRNA genes. In fall, the RCA cluster exhibited significant positive correlations with latitude and ammonium concentrations and negative correlations with concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and for near-surface samples also with chlorophyll a, biomass production of heterotrophic prokaryotes and glucose turnover rates. The findings show that the various water masses between the subtropics and the Antarctic coastal current harbour distinct bacterioplankton communities. They further indicate that the RCA cluster, despite the narrow sequence similarity of > 98% of its 16S rRNA gene, is an abundant component of the heterotrophic bacterioplankton in the Southern Ocean, in particular in its coldest regions.


A lysimeter experiment was conducted during 19866—96 to study the impacts of groundwater tables on the capillary contribution, evapotranspiration, and crop coefficient of maize and winter wheat grown in a semi-arid region in loess loam soils. The depth of groundwater table was set to 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.50 m, respectively. The results showed that the rate of capillary contribution from groundwater to crop root-zone was influenced mainly by the depth of the water tables. The daily variation in capillary contribution was not the same as pan evaporation; the peak was delayed when the water table was >0.8 m, and the time of delay increased with the depth of water table. The crop evapotranspiration was decreased with increasing groundwater table in the early growth period and harvest period. The maximum evapotranspiration occurred at 1.2 m groundwater table in the other periods. Values of crop coefficients (K c ) were estimated based on the measured evapotranspiration (ET) and reference crop ET computed by the modified Penman method. The estimated K c was significantly different from the values computed and used in the region in the absence of groundwater table effects, and it varied markedly with groundwater tables. Relationships between the crop coefficient and the depth of groundwater table were developed using mean crop coefficients derived from multi-year data. It was found that linear model was better for the period Octobermp;mdash;February in the winter wheat growing season and June in the summer maize growing season. The polynomial model was suitable for the period March;mdahs;June in the winter wheat growing season and from July to October in the summer maize growing season.


Non renewable energy is a relatively short-term energy source; consequently, the uses of alternative sources such as solar energy are becoming more wide spread. To make solar energy more viable, the efficiency of solar array systems must be maximized. A feasible approach to maximizing the efficiency of solar array systems is sun tracking.PV modules are devices that cleanly convert sunlight into electricity and offer a practical solution to the problem of power generation in remote areas. The Sun Tracking system using PLC designed offers a reliable and affordable method of aligning a PV module with the sun in order to maximize its energy output.Design of Sun Tracking system using PLC is a hybrid hardware/software prototype, and consists of SCADA system which automatically provides best alignment of PV panel with the sun, to get maximum output (electricity) with monitoring the system by controlling the movement with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and minimizing the loss of energy that is applied for the control system.By applying the proposed technique it is expected that the efficiency of the PV plant will maximize.


Eight patients with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) have been diagnosed by fiber light colonoscope in recent ten years in our hospital. Four of them coming from the same family. It was called "Gao family". We made a survey on 42 members in 5 generation of the family including 13 definite patients and 3 suspicious patients. The specification of PJS, the malignant change of polyps and the misdiagnosis of hamartoma are discussed in this paper.


Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of Rhizobium (PAU G-33 strain) and Captaf (@ 3 g/kg of seed) in chickpea variety GL 769 from rabl 1991–92 to 1994–95. Various observations like nodule number, nodule biomass were recorded at 55 DAS, while grain yield was recorded at harvesting of crop. Effect of fungicide on legume -Rhizobium symbiosis revealed that yield and yield attributing characters were not affected by its application.


Clause-final negation markers (CFNMs), although typologically rare, can be found in a very wide range of languages of Northern Sub-Saharan Africa. Based on a sample of 618 African languages, this paper provides an analysis of spatio-temporal language dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa with respect to the feature CFNM. I argue that it is important to consider together both the languages that have the feature under investigation and the languages that do not have it. Furthermore, in order to better capture the diversity of the languages that have CFNMs, I increase the degree of granularity of my data by taking into account two parameters, viz., obligatoriness of CFNMs and possible restrictions on the freedom to use CFNMs in different constructions. For spatial analysis and visualiza-tion, I use the methods of spatial interpolation and generalized additive model-ing. Both methods converge on the need to distinguish two focal areas of the feature CFNM. The first one, the Central Focal Area, is the most prominent of the two and spans the east of West Africa and parts of Central Africa. The second one, the Western Focal Area, is less prominent and is restricted to West Africa. The two focal areas are separated by a major discontinuity around Ghana, Togo and Be-nin. In order to better calibrate the results of the spatial analysis and to identify the historical core of the Central Focal Area, I call onto other types of data available. Finally, I address the distribution of optional and/or restricted CFNMs in Africa, with a particular focus on the spread of CFNMs among Bantu languages to the south of the Central Focal Area, primarily in the Congo River corridor and the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo.


Because female literacy contributes to the economic condition in sub-Saharan Africa, it is important to examine the role of index of economic freedom and religion on female literacy. By index of economic freedom, we mean an index that measures the extent to which individuals are free to engage in voluntary transactions. Using cross-sectional data of 33 sub-Saharan African countries, this paper examines: (a) the impact of index of economic freedom on female literacy, and (b) the influence of religion on female literacy. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis, the study found that the index of economic freedom was positively related to female literacy at a 10 percent significant level. Religion was found to be negatively related to female literacy at a 1 percent level of significance.


Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a multipurpose oilseed crop. Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. carthami) is the major damaging disease in safflower. In the present investigation, Fusarium wilt resistance was introgressed from two wild species, Carthamus oxyacantha and Carthamus palaestinus, into susceptible cultivated species through interspecific hybridization. Inheritance of wilt resistance indicated single dominant gene control. Eight simple‐sequence‐repeat (SSR) markers each in ('Nira' × C. oxyacantha) and ('Nira' × C. palaestinus) were found to be linked to wilt resistance. Marker‐assisted selection for wilt resistance was performed using these markers in F₃–F₇ generations of both crosses. Six wilt resistant interspecific lines evaluated for 2 years under nondisease conditions have recorded 9%–29% higher seed yield than the high yielding cultivar, 'A1'. The wilt resistant lines would serve as new sources of resistance to wilt in safflower. The SSR markers linked to wilt resistance would be useful for precise selection of wilt resistance at seedling stage in large segregating populations without attempting screening in artificially inoculated conditions and pyramiding of wilt resistant genes from wild into a common background.


Abstract Hierarchical layered double hydroxide (HLDH) was synthesized by using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a soft-template agent for the removal of two charged organic dyes (i.e. methylene blue (MB; cationic dye) and methyl orange (MO; anionic dye)). The experimental results based on response surface methodology (RSM) demonstrated distinct removal behaviours of HLDH towards these two dyes: (1) the maximum capacity was 416.7 mg g–1 for MO and 58.7 mg g–1 for MB at 25°C; (2) the increase in temperature could enhance MO removal significantly, whereas it had a negligible effect on the MB treatment process; and (3) rapid removal of MB (5 min) compared to MO (480 min) was observed. In addition, the removal process for both dyes was pH-independent. Multiple characterization techniques further revealed the removal mechanisms, demonstrating that SDS played a significant role in the removal of both dyes; that is, MO replaced SDS to be intercalated into the HLDH interlayer via anion exchange. MB could influence the –SO3 group of SDS, resulting in it modifying the electrodensity of SDS. It could then be further combined with an SDS anion (DS–) via hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions to form DS-MB monolayers. This work not only provides an efficient capture agent for charged dyes, but also offers a deep insight into the underlying removal mechanism.


Studies had been conducted on the mycoflora of samples of "ragi", "tape ketela" or "peuyeum", "tape ketan hitam", "oncom hitam", and "oncom merah" or "oncom beureum" from various places in WE'~'lt Java. The organisms that had been found in "ragi" include Candida sp., C. guilliermondii, C. humicola,+1J. japonica, C. parapsilosis, C. pelliculosa, C. solani, Fusarium sp., Mucor circinelloides, M. javanicus, M. rouxii, and Rhizopus oryzae; in "tape ketela" Candida sp., C. guilliermondii C. intermedia, C. japonica, C. mycoderma, C. parapsilosis, C. parapsilosis var. intermedia, C. pelliculosa, C. soiani, M. circinelloides, and M. javanicus; C. intermedia seems to be more prevalent in samples from the Bogor _ Cianjur Sukabumi region and C. pelliculosa in those from the Bandung Garut Karawang area;in "tape ketan hitam" Candida sp., land C. pelliculosa; in "oncom hitam" C. mesenterica, C. parapsilosis, C. parapsilosis var. intermedia, C. pelliculosa, C. reukaufii, C. solani, Mucor sp., M. javanicus, R. oligosporus, and R. oryzae,· C. mesenterica and C. llarapsilosis were more often found than the others; in "oncom merah" C. guilliermondii, C. humicola, C. mesenterica, C. parapsilosis, C. pelliculosa, C. reukaufii, C. solani, C. tropicalis, C. utilis, Cryptococcus laurentii, M. inaequisporus, M. javanicus, Neurospora sp., N. Bitophila, and R. oryzae. Most of the yeasts were isolated from the samples from Bogor Cianjur SUkabumi area.


Over the last few years, the world's corporations have been restructured, reengineered, downsized, and rightsized. Whatever it is called, the process usually involves laying off workers. Some of the largest upheavals have involved those corporations built around the sale and application of computer technology, and one of the professions affected most is the computing profession. We continue to hear contradictory reports of excesses and shortages of skilled labor in the world's technology market. Is it boom or bust for computer professionals? This article examines the trends that are important to computer professionals. The fact is that the computing profession as a whole is enjoying stable employment and renewed hiring.


Background: Ensartinib (X-396) is a novel, potent anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with additional activity against MET, ABL, Axl, EPHA2, LTK, ROS1 and SLK. In animal studies, brain concentration of ensartinib in mice given at the therapeutic dose was 4 times higher than the IC50 for growth inhibition of ALK positive cells in vitro. Ensartinib was significantly more effective than crizotinib at inhibiting the intracranial growth of the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma model harboring the F1174L mutation. We subsequently evaluated the CNS activity of ensartinib in patients with ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: In this multicenter phase I/II study, patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors were enrolled and given ensartinib orally on a continuous 28-day schedule (NCT01625234). Doses from 25 mg up to 250 mg once daily were evaluated and 225 mg was selected for further evaluation in the phase II expansion. We report on patients enrolled with CNS metastases (with or without systemic disease) who were ALK TKI naive or had received prior crizotinib or a second generation ALK TKI. Patients with untreated asymptomatic CNS metastases were allowed to enroll. All pts were assessed for adverse events using CTCAE version 4.03, and response to therapy was assessed using RECIST 1.1. Patients with only CNS disease had to have at least one measurable target lesion ≥ 3 mm in diameter. Results: As of the December 13, 2016 data cutoff, 26 pts with ALK+ NSCLC and baseline CNS metastases have been treated at ≥ 200 mg. Of the 26 pts, 13 pts had baseline target lesions (8 of which also had non-target lesions) and 13 pts had baseline non-target lesions only. Median age is 52 (21-72) years and the majority of patients had ECOG performance status of 1 (69%). CNS responses have been observed in both ALK TKI naive pts and pts that received prior crizotinib. In the 13 pts with baseline target CNS lesions, intracranial response was achieved in 9 pts (69%), including 1 CR, and 4 pts (31%) had SD, a 100% disease control rate. In the 13 pts with non-target baseline lesions only, 1 CR was achieved and 8 pts had SD. All 3 (100%) ALK TKI naive pts with baseline target lesions achieved CR or PR, and 5/8 pts (62%) that received prior crizotinib only and had baseline target lesions responded. The median duration of intracranial response in the 10 pts who responded (9 with target lesions, 1 with non-target lesions only) is 5.8+ months, with the longest duration being 24 months. Conclusions: Our clinical findings support the preclinical results that the use of ensartinib at doses generally well-tolerated in the clinic may result in favorable therapeutic outcomes in pts with ALK+ NSCLC with baseline CNS metastases. The ongoing phase III eXalt3 study will assess CNS response rate and time to CNS progression in pts receiving first-line ensartinib vs crizotinib (NCT02767804 and NCT01625234). Citation Format: Leora Horn, Karen L. Reckamp, Sandip Patel, George Blumenschein, Joel W. Neal, Barbara Gitlitz, Saiama Waqar, Geoffrey Oxnard, Christina Brzezniak, Gary Dukart, Fenlai Tan, Kimberly Harrow, Chris Liang, James Gibbons, Heather A. Wakelee. CNS activity of ensartinib in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT151. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-CT151


Commissioning of the plant dominated the activities of the ENCOAL field group during this reporting period. The operator training classes were completed, initial plant start-up commenced. On June 17, 1992 all systems were fully integrated and the ENCOAL Mild Gasification Plant became fully operational. The plant operated continuously for 24 hours, and both PDF and CDL were produced. Construction of the project was 100% complete by the end of May. As a result of the construction progress, demobilization of KCI and their subcontractors was concluded. An electrical and instrumentation contract was also awarded during the quarter. This contract, combined with the mechanical maintenance contract awarded earlier, provided excellent assistance for plant commissioning and final construction activities.


Drawing upon research, theory, classroom and personal experiences, this paper focuses on the development of primary-aged children's computational fluency with multi-digit multiplication. Getting children from 'here' (current strategy use) to 'there' (a more efficient strategy) is often not a straight-forward path. The critical links between number sense and a child's ability to perform mental and written computation with ease are examined.


GTO thyristors with a 2 cm2 active area and small rectangular 40 * 40 μm emitters were fabricated using a specially developed self-aligned process based entirely on reactive ion etching, RIE, technology. Each device consists of 176 1 mm2 segments containing 100 individual emitters. The devices were electrically evaluated and compared to standard, wet etched mesa, GTO devices of comparable size having 3000 * 200 μm large emitters. Simulations were carried out to analyse specific features of the new devices. In particular the influence of the surface quality on the gate trigger current and on-state voltage was investigated. It was demonstrated that it is possible to reduce significantly the GTO unit cell dimensions without sacrificing the yield. 23% of the cm2 devices out of a lot containing 50 devices could be accepted without repair while the overall segment yield was 97%. The dynamic performance of the devices under both snubbered and snubberless conditions compares well to that of the reference devices.


OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the facilitators and barriers in implementing a workload intensity (WI) tool. BACKGROUND A WI tool was developed to quantify patient needs and more evenly disperse workload among nurses. METHODS A descriptive phenomenological design was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 nurses on 5 inpatient units. Questions focused on the factors that helped or hindered the change transition to workload intensity staffing (WIS). RESULTS WI was perceived as a positive change. Five themes were uncovered as facilitators and barriers to the change: resistance to change, intense workloads, supportive organizational culture, resources/training, and evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Understanding barriers and facilitators to change is important for successful implementation of WIS. To promote success, leaders should provide support to staff and ensure availability of adequate resources.


The infra-red absorption of polycrystalline BaCO3, SrCO3, and CaCO3, the latter in both the aragonite and calcite modifications, has been measured in the region 600 to 2000 cm-1. Absolute intensities were determined for each of the three fundamental bands of the carbonate ion, by the method of extrapolation to infinite dilution of the carbonate in the alkali halide matrix. The band due to the out-of-plane bending mode was examined under high resolution, the samples employed having been enriched to a 50/50 ratio of 12C/13C. Intermolecular coupling in this band, which is revealed by the isotopic solid solution, has been interpreted as arising primarily from interaction of the dipoles produced during the vibration. The dipole derivatives calculated from this coupling agree fairly well with those estimated from the absolute intensities. Various sources of error are discussed, and in particular, an estimate is made of the dipole-dipole energy summed over the entire lattice, instead of merely for nearest neighbours. The carbon-oxygen bond moment during the vibration has an effective value of from 1.3 to 1.7 debyes.


This study was conducted to identify and recognize relations and diversity among accessions of the Iranianpears (Pyrus spp). A total of 34 pear accessions, derived presumably from at least six species, were subjected to simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis. The Japanese and the Chinese pear samples were; "Housui" and "Yali" cultivars, example of Pyrus pyrifolia and P. bretschneideri, respectively. Some European pears and Iranian germplasm were analyzed. Seven SSR markers (KU10, BGA35, BGT23b, NH011b, NH013a, NH004a and NH015a) were used for the analysis. One hundred six visible amplified fragments (putative alleles) acquired for 34 pear samples NH011b and NH015a loci exhibited high heterozygosities of 0.82 and 0.79, respectively. BGA35 produced eight putative alleles, while NH013a created 22 putative alleles. The average value of allele per locus was 15. A phenogram was constructed based on the similarity-matrix data using the unweighted pair-group and arithmetic average methods. There was no association between the SSR and morphological phenograms. This work revealed relatedness of Iranian pear samples to the four species of P. communis, P. syriaca, P. salicifolia, and P. glabra.


Binocular stereo vision algorithm is an effective method to position for intra-vehicular robot system(IVRS) quickly and exactly, however, large number of image data and much time cost have brought difficulties to solve the real-time applications of IVRS for the general vision system presently. Therefore, a binocular stereo vision system is designed and developed in this paper for extensive application of space position. Through the establishment of mathematical model, system calibration and homonymy points matching, the high precision object's 3D coordinate for robot system can be acquired. An improved fast matching algorithm is presented for the system. In this algorithm, the aim matching region is greatly reduced through using epipolar constraint mutually between two images, which not only saves the calculate time, but also advances the matching precision, and then the high precision matching solution can be realized by the use of reference difference gradient rule. Finally, design feasibility of binocular stereo vision system is validated by IVRS, meanwhile, the vision system is optimized through error analysis. According to the experiment, it demonstrates the applicability and significance of the system for IVRS positioning.


The genus Epileucon Jones, 1956 is redefined on the basis of carapace, pereon and appendage characters. The following species are transferred to Epileucon from the genus Leucon Kroyer, 1846: E. spiniventris (Hansen, 1920), E. longirostris (G. O. Sars, 1871), E. tenuirostris (G. O. Sars, 1887), E. latispina (Jones, 1963) and E. bengalensis (Lomakina, 1967). A lectotype is selected for E. spiniventris . Known Atlantic and Mediterranean species are redescribed, and five new species, E. ensis, E. pusillus, E. craterus, E. socius and E. acclivis , are described. Keys to males and females of the Atlantic and Mediterranean species are provided. The geographical distribution of the group is discussed. The genus is known in deep water (> 200 m) in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans and in the Mediterranean Sea, and also on the continental shelf (at around 100 m depth) off New Zealand.


Paulownia is a rapid-growth tree with a high biomass production rate per year and low demand of water, which make it very suitable for intercropping systems, as it protects the crops from adverse climatic conditions, benefiting the harvest yields. Moreover, these characteristics make Paulownia a suitable raw material able to be fractionated in an integrated biorefinery scheme to obtain multiple products using a cascade conversion approach. Different delignification pretreatments of biomass have been purposed as a first stage of a lignocellulosic biorefinery. In this study, the formosolv delignification of Paulownia wood was investigated using a second order face-centered factorial design to assess the effects of the independent variables (concentrations of formic and hydrochloric acids and reaction time) on the fractionation of Paulownia wood. The maximum delignification achieved in this study (78.5%) was obtained under following conditions: 60 min, and 95% and 0.05% formic and hydrochloric acid, respectively. In addition, the remained solid phases were analyzed to determine their cellulose content and cooking liquors were also chemically analyzed and characterized. Finally, the recovered lignin by precipitation from formosolv liquor and the pristine lignin (milled wood lignin) in Paulownia wood were characterized and compared by the following techniques FTIR, NMR, high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and TGA. This complete characterization allowed verifying the capacity of the formosolv process to act on the lignin, causing changes in its structure, which included both phenomena of depolymerization and condensation.


On 24 May 2006, a moderate-size ( M w 5.4) earthquake occurred in the Mexicali Valley, Mexico. The event created 5 km of surface rupture. Associated deformation was recorded by geotechnical instruments, leveling profile, and synthetic aperture radar interferometry. A coseismic steplike groundwater level change was detected at seven wells. The surface rupture consisted of up to 30 cm of primarily normal displacement. 20–25 cm of vertical offset was recorded by a crackmeter and 20 cm on leveling line. We created Envisat C-band interferograms spanning the 24 May 2006 earthquake to image the coseismic displacement. Although the coherence of the interferometric images is low, the images clearly show a spatial displacement field centered on the known surface rupture that is consistent with the expected sense of motion. The interferograms and leveling line also include subsidence related to geothermal production. This anthropogenic subsidence component was estimated using a pre-event interferogram. Source parameters for the earthquake were estimated using forward modeling of both surface deformation data and static volume strain change (inferred from coseismic changes in groundwater level). Modeling was based on finite rectangular fault embedded in an elastic media. The preferred fault model has a strike, rake, and dip of (48°, -89°, 45°) and has a length of 5.2 km, width of 6.7 km, and 34 cm of uniform slip. The geodetic moment, based on the modeled fault parameters, is ![Graphic][1] . The model matched the observed surface deformation, expected groundwater changes, and teleseismic moment reasonably well.

 [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif


The opioid, ketobemidone, has previously been shown to be a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. In Denmark, ketobemidone is available in a formulation which contains ketobemidone and a spasmolytic compound, (RS)-3-dimethylamino-1,1-diphenylbut-1-ene, hydrochloride (A29), in a one to five ratio. Using in vitro receptor binding techniques and an in vitro electrophysiological preparation consisting of rat cerebral cortex, we have characterized the interaction between A29 and the different glutamate receptor subtypes. A29 selectively inhibited binding of the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist 3H-MK-801 with a Ki value 16 +/- 4.5 microM, but was inactive in assays measuring affinities for other glutamate receptors. In agreement with the binding studies, A29 was found to selectively inhibit responses to NMDA in the rat cortical wedge preparation, whereas responses to kainate and AMPA were unaffected. Analysis of dose response curves showed A29 to be a NMDA receptor antagonist with an IC50 value of 100 microM versus responses to 10 microM NMDA. The inhibitory effects of ketobemidone and A29 on responses to 10 microM NMDA were additive. These data show that the combination of A29 and ketobemidone exert more potent antagonism at the NMDA receptor than does ketobemidone alone.


Background Mississippi was selected as a pilot state in the national breastfeeding promotion campaign titled Loving Support Makes Breastfeeding Work (LSMBW). To reinforce the national LSMBW project, the Mississippi Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Breastfeeding Promotion Project Team developed a comprehensive program that included patient and family education, staff training, public awareness activities, health professional outreach, and partnerships with the community. The program also implemented a breastfeeding-friendly clinic environment project and a videotape project. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Mississippi's LSMBW activities among WIC breastfeeding coordinators in the United States. Method The cross-sectional study was performed with the use of a mailed, self-administered questionnaire. Results Representatives of 50 state WIC agencies returned the survey. Of these 50 agencies, 36 (72%) had effectively used education materials created by the state of Mississippi. Breastfeeding coordinators reported that among the campaign activities, staff training, community outreach, and peer counseling were most beneficial. They also identified the videotape project developed by Mississippi as useful in addressing barriers to breastfeeding and in training support groups, staff, and health care professionals. Conclusion This study showed that Mississippi's outreach activities and motivational videotape had a positive impact on coordinators' promotion of breastfeeding.


Background Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are now an established means of capturing, storing, distribution and viewing of all radiology images. The study was conducted in a quaternary hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), part of the University of the Witwatersrand teaching circuit, in South Africa. Objectives To measure the clinicians' perceived benefits and challenges of PACS. To document perceived views on how the current PACS can be improved. Method This was a cross-sectional observational study over a period of 5 months from September 2021 to January 2022 carried out at CMJAH. Questionnaires were distributed to referring clinicians with PACS experience. Descriptive statistics was conducted. Categorical variables were presented as frequency and percentages. The continuous variables were presented as means ± standard deviation. Results A survey with a response rate of 54% found the benefits most reported by clinicians were improved patient care, less time needed to review an exam, improved image comparison and consultation efficiency. With respect to perceived challenges, the unavailability of images at the bedside, problems with access and the lack of advanced image manipulating software were noted. The most frequent recommendations on improvements focused on the aforementioned challenges. Conclusion Hospital-wide PACS was viewed beneficial by most clinicians. Nonetheless, there are a few aspects that deserve attention to improve the functionality and access of the system. Contribution The findings will assist in future hospital or provincial-wide PACS deployment projects.


Background Heterotopic periarticular ossification (PAO) is very common (more than 60%) after total hip replacement (THR). Without any prevention severe grades of Brooker 3 and 4 occur in about 20%. Grade 3 and 4 means also loss of function and sometimes pain. Prevention of severe grades (Brooker 3–4) is indicated in all cases of THR and is possible by radiation therapy or oral administration of NSAIDs like indometacin or diclofenac. Objectives Standard NSAIDs have the potential risk of severe gastrointestinal events (perforation, ulceration and bleeding, PUB). Especially patients with THR are usually old and suffering from many diseases. These patients have an increased risk of GI-complications. Rofecoxib is a selective inhibitor of COX-2 with reduced risk of PUBs. Although the cause and actions of PAO are not well understand it is generally accepted that COX-2 plays an important role. Methods In a prospective study we compared the results of 25 mg rofecoxib once daily on preventing severe PAO after THR with results of diclofenac out of the literature. Our 137 patients take 25 mg rofecoxib once daily starting on the first or second day after THR. The mean duration of drug administration was 13.8 days. 72 hips could be evaluated after 3 months, further 65 hips after 6 months. Results The ossification was evaluated on pre- and postoperative x-rays of the pelvis. There was no difference between the results after 3 and 6 months. 96 (70%) of the hips showed no signs of PAO, 40 (29%) hips had Brooker 1 (ossifications up to one cm), only one hip (1%) Brooker 2 and none of the hips had severe bone formation Brooker 3 or 4 (bridging ossification between femur and pelvis). Results of diclofenac or irradiation therapy in the literature show similar results: Brooker 1 and 2: 11–40% and no severe Brooker 3 and 4.Abstract OP0127 Table 1 Therapy n Brooker 0 % Brooker 1+2 % Brooker 3+4 % Eulert et al. 19972 no 317 36,3 41,3 22,4 Sell et al. 19983 3 × 50 mg Diclofenac 77 76,6 23,4 0 Sell et al. 19983 3 × 3,3 Gy post-op 77 97,4 2,6 0 Zacher et al. 2001 1 × 25 mg Rofecoxib 137 70 30 0 Conclusion 25 mg of the COX-2 inhibitor Rofecoxib administered once daily after THR starting one or two days after surgery for 2 weeks can securely prevent the formation of periarticular ossification (PAO) of severe grade (Brooker 3 and 4). Minor ossification without functional impairment (Brooker 1–2) were found in 30%. 70% of the hips showed no signs of postoperative ossification. These findings are comparable to the results of prevention with irradiation therapy or standard NSAIDs like diclofenac (100–150 mg). References Brooker AF, Bowermann JW, Robinson RA, Riley LH. Ectopic ossification following THR: incidence and a method of classification. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1973;55:1629–32 Eulert J, Knelles D, Barthel T. Heterotope Ossifikationen. Orthopäde 1997;6:399–406 Sell S, Willms R, Jany R, et al. The suppression of heterotopic ossification: radiation versus NSAID therapy – a prospective study. J Arthroplasty 1998;13:854–9


Background

Excessive bleeding is a major complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of postoperative tranexamic acid (TXA), hemocoagulase agkistrodon and their combination in patients undergoing heart valve replacement surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
Methods

This was a retrospective study. The enrolled patients were intravenously injected with TXA at a dose of 1.0 g during the intraoperative period. After surgery, the patients were assigned to four groups: the control group (Group C), the TXA group (Group T), the hemocoagulase agkistrodon group (Group H) and the combination group (Group TH). The primary efficacy outcomes were the total blood loss (TBL) from the time of the operation to postoperative Day 2, postoperative blood loss within 2 days, and transfusion of red blood cells and plasma from the operation to postoperative Day 3. The primary safety endpoint was the incidence of thromboembolic events.
Results

A total of 252 patients were recruited. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of the TBL, postoperative blood loss, volumes of red blood cells or plasma transfusion among the four groups. However, an increased total pericardial drainage volume and longer length of stay in the ICU were found in Group H compared with in Group T. In addition, increased volumes of total pericardial drainage were found in Group TH compared with Groups C and T. A similar result was also found in the number of days of pericardial drainage. Regarding safety outcomes, fibrinogen levels on postoperative Days 1 and 2 in Groups H and TH were significantly lower than those in Groups C and T, while the frequencies of human fibrinogen transfusion in Groups H and TH were higher, with the highest frequency in Group H. The transfusions of human fibrinogen among Groups C, T, H and TH were 1.45%, 2.78%, 64.71%, and 28.72%, respectively. No significant differences were found in the postoperative incidences of thromboembolic events and acute kidney injuries among all groups.
Conclusions

Bleeding events after cardiac valve replacement surgery with CPB were not improved by postoperative administration of TXA, hemocoagulase agkistrodon or their combination. Hemocoagulase agkistrodon is related to hypofibrinogenemia and increased transfusions of human fibrinogen.


The major groups of entomopathogens that include taxa with pathogenicity to Plutella xylostella are discussed. Among the viruses, several of the Autographa californica MNPV related viruses with wide host ranges, exhibit variable virulence to P. xylostella larvae. At least two of these viruses have been marketed for control of a range of pests including P. xylostella. The recently isolated PxMNPV, also related to AcalMNPV, is very significantly more virulent to P. xylostella than others in the same family. The highly specific P. xylostella granulovirus, previously dismissed because of its environmental sensitivity, is being evaluated in E. Africa where market forces are encouraging biopesticide use on export crops destined for the EU. Of the fungal Hyphomycete species infective to P. xylostella, the commercial product Mycotrol® based on Beauveria bassiana strain GHA has been shown to be effective in the field and the Entomophthoralean species Zoophthora radicans shows promise when used in autodissemination traps, despite problems of persistence. Bacillus thuringiensis continues to be the dominant pathogen used inundatively against P. xylostella, with most commercial products based on the Bt kurstaki subspecies, although Bt aizawai has been used where resistance to Bt kurstaki exists. Entomopathogenic nematodes in the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis penetrate all P. xylostella instars, as well as pupae and adults although there is variation in the efficacy of different isolates. Their field use is limited by abiotic factors but spraying at dusk and the use of UV protectants and desiccation protective formulations improves efficacy. Vairimorpha imperfecta is a highly virulent microsporidian pathogen of P. xylostella with potential as a biocontrol agent. However, it also leads to deficiencies in offspring of Trichogramma chilonis that parasitize infected larvae. While several pathogens infective to P. xylostelle now are under commercial development, Bt constitutes the most significant control option. In common with most entomopathogens destined for inundative field application, development of suitable formulation and dissemination technologies remains an over-riding priority if the other pathogens are to gain a market share. (Resume d'auteur)


OBJECTIVE
To describe the manifestations of methylene blue toxicity, with a review of the literature.

DESIGN
A descriptive analysis of physical findings and significant laboratory tests in patients with methylene blue toxicity.

SETTING
A pediatric referral center.

PATIENTS
Two infants, one a neonate with trisomy 21 exposed to methylene blue as an intraoperative diagnostic marker and the other a neonate treated with methylene blue for type II glutaric acidemia.

INTERVENTIONS
Laboratory tests to define the occurrence of methylene blue toxicity, phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia, and transfusions for anemia.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS
Within hours after exposure to methylene blue, the infants voided green-blue urine, followed by hyperbilirubinemia, recurrent anemia requiring transfusions, and red blood cell dysmorphology, including the appearance of blister cells and Heinz bodies visible in both Wright's- and supravital-stained peripheral blood smears. After the initiation of phototherapy, both infants exhibited cutaneous bullae followed by desquamation.

CONCLUSION
Significant neonatal morbidity may occur following postpartum administration of methylene blue. Toxic manifestations include hyperbilirubinemia, Heinz body hemolytic anemia, and possibly desquamation of the skin. In our infants toxicity was secondary to an overdose of methylene blue, as is true for most of the previously reported cases. Methods for defining the mechanism of dye-related hemolysis and simple screening tests for elucidating the unique sensitivity of certain individuals to dye toxicity are suggested.


ABSTRACT In this work, a quadrupolar cubic plus association (qCPA) equation of state is evaluated for its ability to predict the phase equilibria of multicomponent mixtures containing CO2 and alkanes, alcohols, and/or water. A single binary interaction parameter is employed in qCPA for all binary combinations. All parameters are based solely on pure fluid or binary mixture data and multicomponent data are used only to evaluate the predictions. The performance of qCPA is, for all mixtures, compared to CPA where CO2 is considered to be either non-associating (inert), solvating or self-associating. In the latter two approaches, an additional adjustable parameter is employed for binary pairs of CO2 and an associating compound. The results show that the predictions with qCPA are very similar to the best performing CPA approaches, even though the model uses fewer adjustable binary parameters. The predictions with qCPA and the best CPA approaches are typically satisfactory and predict the general behaviour of the systems. As expected, qCPA and CPA with solvation or association typically performs better than inert CPA for two- and three phase vapour–liquid and vapour–liquid–liquid equilibria. However, inert CPA yields the best results of all the models for the prediction of dew point pressures.


Ticks have complex life cycles which involve blood-feeding stages found on wild and domestic animals, with humans as accidental hosts. At each blood-feeding stage, ticks can transmit and/or acquire pathogens from their hosts. Therefore, the circulation of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), especially the zoonotic ones, should be studied in a multi-layered manner, including all components of the chain of infections, following the 'One Health' tenets. The implementation of such an approach requires coordination among major stakeholders (such as veterinarians, physicians, acarologists, and researchers) for the identification of exposure and infection risks and application of effective prevention measures. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in Central America and the Caribbean and the challenges associated with the implementation of 'One Health' surveillance and control programs in the region.


Consumer communities play an important role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function. In seagrass systems, algal regulation by mesograzers provides a critical maintenance function which promotes seagrass productivity. Consumer communities also represent a key link in trophic energy transfer and buffer negative effects to seagrasses associated with eutrophication. Such interactions are well documented in the literature regarding temperate systems, however, it is not clear if the same relationships exist in tropical systems. This study aimed to identify if the invertebrate communities within a tropical, multispecies seagrass meadow moderated epiphyte abundance under natural conditions by comparing algal abundance across two sites at Green Island, Australia. At each site, paired plots were established where invertebrate assemblages were perturbed via insecticide manipulation and compared to unmanipulated plots. An 89% increase in epiphyte abundance was seen after six weeks of experimental invertebrate reductions within the system. Using generalised linear mixed-effect models and path analysis, we found that the abundance of invertebrates was negatively correlated with epiphyte load on seagrass leaves. Habitat species richness was seen to be positively correlated with invertebrate abundance. These findings mirrored those of temperate systems, suggesting this mechanism operates similarly across latitudinal gradients.


Background: anti-DFS70 antibodies (anti-DFS70ab) were recently described as biomarkers clinically useful to discriminate Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (SARD) from non-SARD patients, especially if no concomitant SARD-specific autoantibodies were found. Several unanswered questions concerning the biological significance of this autoantibodies still remain. Objectives: to evaluate the prevalence of anti-DFS70ab in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients and the influence of anti-TNF therapy on their development. Methods: sera from adult RA (n= 100) and SpA (n= 105) patients, included psoriatic arthritis, fulfilling ACR/EULAR 2010 and ASAS 2011 criteria, respectively, were studied for anti-DFS70ab as measured by IIF, then confirmed by immunoblotting. Medical history, demographic and clinical data were collected at enrolment. Results: the prevalence of anti-DFS70ab was 4.00% (4/100) in the RA and 4.76% (5/105) in SpA cohort. All anti-DFS70ab in RA patients were monospecific, while only 1 sample in SpA showed concomitant anti-centromere positivity. The findings for the anti-DFS70ab positivity revealed no statistical differences between the groups (p>0.05). In RA cohort, there were no differences between anti-DFS70ab positive and negative patients regarding the F/M ratio (F/M, 3/1 vs 84/12, p>0.05), mean age (50.2±12.4 vs 55.6±11.7 yrs, p>0.05) and disease duration (18.2±15.2 vs 14.0±9.9 yrs, p>0.05). In SpA group, no significant differences were found between patients with and without anti-DFS70ab in F/M ratio (3/2 vs 43/57, p>0.05) and regarding disease duration (18.8±7.7 vs 19.0±20 yrs, p>0.05) while the mean age of anti-DFS70ab patients was significantly higher than the negatives (66.8±10.4 vs 53.5±15.0 yrs, p<0.05). Serological and clinical data of anti-DFS70ab positive patients were summarized in Table 1. In our cohort, all anti-DFS70ab were negative before initiating biologics. Conclusion: based on our findings, detection of anti-DFS70ab reactivity cannot completely exclude the suspicion of SARD, especially for RA and SpA. In addition, the rate of anti-DFS70ab positivity resulted higher in RA and SpA patients than previously observed in a cohort of samples from outpatients clinics (2.1%) [1]. Immunogenicity of anti-TNF therapy has been also addressed in this study, showing that all detected anti-DFS70ab were induced by anti-TNF therapy. Further studies are needed to support these preliminary data. References [1] Carbone T. et al. Prevalence and serological profile of anti-DFS70 positive subjects from a routine ANA cohort. Scientific Report. 2019, In press.Table 1 Serological and clinical data of anti-DFS70ab positive patients. Patient n° Diagnosis ACPA RF ENA Extra-articular manifestations Comorbidity 1 RA - - - None AH 2 RA + + - None EM 3 RA + + - Lung Fibrosis OP, AH, HBV, DM, Dyslipidemia 4 RA + + - None None 5 SpA na na - Erythema nodosum Autoimmune thyroiditis 6 SpA na na - None COPD, AH 7 SpA na na - Psoriasis DM, AH, diverticulitis 8 SpA na na - Psoriasis COPD, autoimmune thyroiditis, allergic asthma 9 SpA na na + Psoriasis Autoimmune thyroiditis RA, Rheumatoid Arthritis; SpA, Spondyloarthritis; ACPA, anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody; RF, Rheumatoid Factor; AH, Arterial Hypertension; EM, Endometriosis; OP, Osteoporosis; DM, Diabetes Mellitus; COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; na, not available; -, negative; +, positive. Disclosure of Interests: Teresa Carbone: None declared, carmela esposito: None declared, ornella mercuro: None declared, Antonio Carriero: None declared, valentina picerno: None declared, Maria Carmela Padula: None declared, Angela Padula Speakers bureau: Lilly Italia EMS, vito pafundi: None declared, Salvatore D'Angelo: None declared


Many devices have been used by orthopedists for recording graphically the contours of spinal curvatures. The majority of these instruments are unwieldy and cumbersome; all are more or less unsatisfactory. For many years draftsmen have used for drawing compound curves an instrument known as a "curve ruler." I have found such an instrument to be ideal in making tracings of spinal curvatures. It is flexible and sturdy, retains the shape into which it is molded, and does not bend except in the plane desired. The rulers are made in three types and vary in length from 7 to 31 inches. A ruler 14½ inches in length is satisfactory for children, and one 30 inches long is adequate for adults. Such rulers are sold, at a reasonable price, by dealers in drawing instruments, under the name of the "Davenport patent adjustable curve rulers."


Application of context-dependent classification for recognition tasks is proposed. In the context-free classification, the starting point was the Bayesian classifier. Morphological features such as object form, area, and eccentricity were considered through context-dependent classification. As result, dependences which can be used for object recognition have been obtained, and further they can be used together with interesting point detectors. The procedure of prediction of object variative features was developed.


An InP double hetero-junction bipolar transistor (DHBT) distributed power amplifier MMIC with 35 dB gain, 42 GHz bandwidth and 15 dBm output power is reported. This represents the highest power and largest gain reported over this bandwidth from a single chip HBT amplifier. A lumped preamplifier with a novel distributed output is used to obtain high gain and wide bandwidth at these power levels.


Chronic septic bone nonunion requires a well-designed therapeutic planning, demanding a multimodal treatment to achieve bone consolidation and elimination of infection. A successful case of an association of the major omentum flap with surgical stabilization with an interlocking nail for treatment of a femoral septic nonunion in dog is reported. The patient had partial functional return of the limb 30 days after surgery, negative bacterial culture with radiographic signs of bone healing and total functional return of the limb at 90 th days after the surgical procedure.


OBJECTIVE
To review the clinical features of a families affected with glutaric acidemia type I (GA-1) and screen potential mutations in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH) gene.

METHODS
Clinical data of the patients and their family members was analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. The 11 exons and flanking sequences of the GCDH gene were amplified with PCR and subjected to direct DNA sequencing.

RESULTS
Two patients have manifested macrocephaly. Imaging analysis revealed arachnoid cyst and subdural effusion. The elder sister had encephalopathy crisis. The younger sister had significantly raised glutaric acid, whilst the elder sister was normal during the non-acute phase. Genetic analysis has revealed a homozygous c.1244-2A> C mutation of the GCDH gene in both patients.

CONCLUSION
The clinical features and mutation of the GCDH gene have been delineated in a Chinese family affected with GA-1. The c.1244-2A> C mutation may be particularly common in the Chinese population.


Fingerprint has been widely used in a variety of biometric identification systems in the past several years due to its uniqueness and immutability. With the rapid development of fingerprint identification techniques, many fingerprint identification systems are in urgent need to deal with large-scale fingerprint storage and high concurrent recognition queries, which bring huge challenges to the system. In this circumstance, we design and implement a distributed and load-balancing fingerprint identification system named Pegasus, which includes a distributed feature extraction subsystem and a distributed feature storage subsystem. The feature extraction procedure combines the Hadoop Image Processing Interface (HIPI) library to enhance its overall processing speed; the feature storage subsystem optimizes MongoDB's default load balance strategy to improve the efficiency and robustness of Pegasus. Experiments and simulations are carried out, and results show that Pegasus can reduce the time cost by 70% during the feature extraction procedure. Pegasus also balances the difference of access load among front-end mongos nodes to less than 5%. Additionally, Pegasus reduces over 40% of data migration among back-end data shards to obtain a more reasonable data distribution based on the operation load (insertion, deletion, update, and query) of each shard.


The purposes of this study were twofold. The first estimated a mixed logit model of South Korean National Park choices to determine how park size and miles of trail affected the choice patterns of visitors to the 18 parks in the system. The second applied the resulting choice model to simulate how the distribution of visits would change in response to two hypothetical but possible scenarios. One scenario involved the hypothetical changes in the miles of park trails and the other related to an increase in future visits to the 18 national parks. Motivating this study, in part, was the anticipated increase in national park visitation due to 2002 legislation converting the Republic of South Korea's six-day work week to five days and thereby reducing time constraints for vast numbers of potential visitors. The article illustrates the value of mixed logit modeling to understanding how management changes may affect visitation.