June M. Alexis A study of the extent to which the criteria of the TTA, Ofsted and the Academic Literature agree what makes effective subject leaders in London secondary schools________________________ This research examines the extent to which the TTA, Ofsted and the academic literature agree on the criteria on what makes effective subject leaders in London secondary schools. The role of subject leaders is an evolving one where they have to deal with the process of change. Many subject leaders were not prepared for the devolution of management and leadership tasks they had to undertake, especially as a result of the ERA (1988). The three bodies, the TTA, Ofsted and the academic literature, all have an input in developing the role and focusing on what makes subject leaders effective. Despite having some, although limited, convergence on the effectiveness of subject leaders, they do emphasis different aspects of the role to the exclusion of others areas. The aspects they emphasise tend to relate to their individual functions and purposes. Lawton's five level model of curriculum control was the framework used for structuring the literature review. One of the central themes of the review is that subject leaders are expected to translate government policies to their departmental members to ensure effective teaching and learning takes place in their subject areas. Thus, this emphasises the important aspects of management and leadership that are central to the work of subject leaders. Particularly, this research highlights four key functions as the main responsibilities of subject leaders: management and leadership, quality of teaching, management of the learning experience and students' standard of achievement. These areas are common to the TTA, Ofsted and the academic literature. The Ofsted reports, on the other hand, confirm the continuing weaknesses in subject leaders' performance with respect to management and leadership functions. Subject leaders play an increasing role in school improvement at the departmental level. This study outlines the varying and demanding functions that subject leaders have to undertake without being given extra consideration for the work in the area of management and leadership duties they have to perform. These are mainly in the area of management and leadership. It concludes by suggesting that subject leaders need training for this demanding role therefore training providers need to collaborate on the content of such programmes.


In this study, we focused on the interoperability and authentication of medical devices in the context of telemedical systems. A recent standard called the ISO/IEEE 11073 Personal Health Device (X73-PHD) Standards addresses the device interoperability problem by defining common protocols for agent (medical device) and manager (appliance) interface. The X73-PHD standard however has not addressed security and authentication of medical devices which is important in establishing integrity of a telemedical system. We have designed and implemented a security policy within the X73-PHD standards. The policy will enable device authentication using Asymmetric-Key Cryptography and the RSA algorithm as the digital signature scheme. We used two approaches for performing the digital signatures: direct software implementation and use of embedded security modules (ESM). The two approaches were evaluated and compared in terms of execution time and memory requirement. For the standard 2048-bit RSA, ESM calculates digital signatures only 12% of the total time for the direct implementation. Moreover, analysis shows that ESM offers more security advantage such as secure storage of keys compared to using direct implementation. Interoperability with other systems was verified by testing the system with LNI Healthlink, a manager software that implements the X73-PHD standard. Lastly, security analysis was done and the system's response to common attacks on authentication systems was analyzed and several measures were implemented to protect the system against them.


With the dramatic increases in concentration in recent years of input supply and output processing firms and with striking increases in the level of vertical integration (the proportion of slaughter hogs sold under some type of marketing or production contract approaching 70 percent for example), it is important to assess the implications for producers. Such a structural transformation of a subsector is not unknown—the broiler industry went that direction several decades ago—but it is a first for the Middle West.


Since the launch of the European Union's (EU's) Eastern Partnership initiative in 2009, it has attracted considerable scholarly attention. Yet, so far it has been largely analysed from a very EU-centred perspective, looking into how policies are developed by the EU and what are their effects in the 'target countries'. Rarely has the table been turned around, asking how the EU and its initiatives are viewed in these countries. This article intends to fill this gap by examining perceptions of the EU among think tanks, i.e. civil society actors seeking influence on foreign policy formation in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. The study maps and evaluates discursive frames used by representatives of think tanks. Methodologically, the research employs content analysis of think tank publications, covering a period of two and a half years – between November 2013 and May 2016.


The Schiff base ligand obtained from the reaction of 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine, 2,4,6-trihydroxy benzaldehyde is described. Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II)complexes have been analyzed by various spectroscopic techniques like FT-IR, UV-visible, mass spectrometry and NMR. Based on spectral data octahedral geometry has been assigned to the complexes. In the present study the prepared Schiff base ligand and all the metal complexes have been synthesized and studied for their in vitro anti diabetic, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Geometry optimization and the chemical stability and reactivity of complexes clearly understood with help of frontier molecular orbital's (HOMO-LUMO) using B3LYP/LACVP++ basis sets based on density functional theory. Furthermore, Molecular docking study of the Schiff base ligand and their metal (II) complexes showed good binding score with human pancreatic α-amylase (PDB: 1HNY).


To study sarcomagenesis of the mammary gland and estimate the degree of maturity of its various stages, the author examined 45 postoperative specimens of fibroadenomatosis, fibroadenoma, leaf-shape tumor, sarcoma from the preexisting leaf-shape tumor and stromal sarcoma. Studies on the nucleus-plasma relationship, the mitotic coefficient, frequency and pathology of mitosis and quantitative-qualitative changes in sex chromatin allowed a more reliable estimation of the degree of maturity of cell elements of the fibroblastic origin in the process of malignant transformation.


For many years attempts have been made to ascertain the composition of arcus senilis in the cornea. The earliest examinations were qualitative ones and were performed by histological methods between 1850 and the early 1900's. 1-7 For several decades subsequently, interest in arcus senilis seemed to wane. During the 1940's and 1950's, however, with the tremendous interest in the relationship of cholesterol to atherosclerosis, interest in arcus senilis was revived because of its possible relationship to cholesterol. Cogan and Kuwabara (1959), 8 using histochemical and fat solubility studies, concluded that the arcus was composed primarily of cholesterol, phospholipids, and neutral fats. Andrews (1961), 9 using quantitative biochemical analyses, concluded that the lipid associated with arcus senilis consists primarily of sterol ester with small amounts of neutral glycerides, sterol, and phospholipids also being present. An objection to the work of Andrews is that the controls, or corneas with no arcus, were


Date Presented 4/17/2015 This study was aimed to explore the perceptions of rehabilitation professionals concerning fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Results suggest that although participants were able to demonstrate accurate knowledge of the signs and symptoms, they did not feel well prepared to manage/coordinate intervention plans.


We present a model of radicalization and deradicalization based on the notion that the quest for personal significance constitutes a major motivational force that may push individuals toward violent extremism. Radicalization is defined as the process of supporting or engaging in activities deemed (by others) as in violation of important social norms (e.g., the killing of civilians). In these terms, radicalization (1) is a matter of degree (in which mere attitudinal support for violence reflects a lower degree of radicalization than actual engagement in violence); (2) represents a subjective judgment proffered by those for whom the violated norms seem important but not by those who have devalued or suppressed the norms in question.

Our radicalization/deradicalization model contains three crucial components: (1) the motivational component (the quest for personal significance) that defines a goal to which one may be committed, (2) the ideological component that in addition identifies the means of violence as appropriate for this goal's pursuit, and (3) the social process of networking and group dynamics through which the individual comes to share in the violence-justifying ideology and proceeds to implement it as a means of significance gain. We present empirical evidence consistent with our model's assumptions and discuss its implications for policies of preventing radicalization and effecting deradicalization.


Background In 2016, 44,965 people in the United States died by suicide. It is common to see people with suicidal ideation seek help or leave suicide notes on social media before attempting suicide. Many prefer to express their feelings with longer passages on forums such as Reddit and blogs. Because these expressive posts follow regular language patterns, potential suicide attempts can be prevented by detecting suicidal posts as they are written. Objective This study aims to build a classifier that differentiates suicidal and nonsuicidal forum posts via text mining methods applied on post titles and bodies. Methods A total of 508,398 Reddit posts longer than 100 characters and posted between 2008 and 2016 on SuicideWatch, Depression, Anxiety, and ShowerThoughts subreddits were downloaded from the publicly available Reddit dataset. Of these, 10,785 posts were randomly selected and 785 were manually annotated as suicidal or nonsuicidal. Features were extracted using term frequency-inverse document frequency, linguistic inquiry and word count, and sentiment analysis on post titles and bodies. Logistic regression, random forest, and support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithms were applied on resulting corpus and prediction performance is evaluated. Results The logistic regression and SVM classifiers correctly identified suicidality of posts with 80% to 92% accuracy and F1 score, respectively, depending on different data compositions closely followed by random forest, compared to baseline ZeroR algorithm achieving 50% accuracy and 66% F1 score. Conclusions This study demonstrated that it is possible to detect people with suicidal ideation on online forums with high accuracy. The logistic regression classifier in this study can potentially be embedded on blogs and forums to make the decision to offer real-time online counseling in case a suicidal post is being written.


Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are an integral part of the current antiretroviral therapy (ART), which dramatically reduced the mortality from AIDS and turned the disease from lethal to chronic. The further steps in curing the HIV-1 infection must include more effective targeting of infected cells and virus sanctuaries inside the body and modification of drugs and treatment schedules to reduce common complications of the long-term treatment and increase patient compliancy. Here, we describe novel NRTI prodrugs synthesized from cholesteryl-ε-polylysine (CEPL) nanogels by conjugation with NRTI 5'-succinate derivatives (sNRTI). Biodegradability, small particle size, and high NRTI loading (30% by weight) of these conjugates; extended drug release, which would allow a weekly administration schedule; high therapeutic index (>1000) with a lower toxicity compared to NRTIs; and efficient accumulation in macrophages known as carriers for HIV-1 infection are among the most attractive properties of new nanodrugs. Nanogel conjugates of zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC), and abacavir (ABC) have been investigated individually and in formulations similar to clinical NRTI cocktails. Nanodrug formulations demonstrated 10-fold suppression of reverse transcriptase activity (EC90) in HIV-infected macrophages at 2-10, 2-4, and 1-2 μM drug levels, respectively, for single nanodrugs and dual and triple nanodrug cocktails. Nanogel conjugate of lamivudine was the most effective single nanodrug (EC90 2 μM). Nanodrugs showed a more favorable pharmacokinetics compared to free NRTIs. Infrequent iv injections of PEGylated CEPL-sAZT alone could efficiently suppress HIV-1 RT activity to background level in humanized mouse (hu-PBL) HIV model.


This work includes the deposition of WO 3 as a thin film on glass substrates by pulsed laser deposition method. The influence of Oxygen pressure on the structural and optical properties of tungsten trioxide films was investigated. The X-ray diffraction results show that the structure of the films changes from amorphous to crystalline at an Oxygen pressure higher than 10 -2 mbar. The color of WO 3 films formed at Oxygen pressure of 10 -2 mbar is translucent white and it changes to pale blue with increasing the Oxygen pressure. From UV-visible spectroscopy the distinct variations in the transmission spectra and optical energy gap of the thin films were also observed. The optical band gap of the prepared films determined at different Oxygen pressures and it is found to be 3-3.1-3.12 eV at Oxygen pressures of 10 -2 2×10 -1 -5×10


AIM
To determine the factors that attract and retain Registered Nurses in the first-line nurse manager role.

BACKGROUND
The first-line nurse manger role is pivotal in health-care organisations. National demographics suggest that Canada will face a first-line nurse manager shortage because of retirement in the next decade. Determination of factors that attract and retain Registered Nurses will assist organisations and policy makers to employ strategies to address this shortage.

METHODS
The study used an exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach, consisting of semi-structured individual interviews with 11 Registered Nurses in first-line nurse manager roles.

RESULTS
The findings revealed a discrepancy between the factors that attract and retain Registered Nurses in the first-line nurse manager role, underscored the importance of the mentor role and confirmed the challenges encountered by first-line nurse managers practicing in the current health-care environment.

CONCLUSIONS
The first-line nurse manager role has been under studied. Further research is warranted to understand which strategies are most effective in supporting first-line nurse managers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT
Strategies to support nurses in the first-line nurse manager role are discussed for the individual, programme, organisation and health-care system/policy levels.


During high temperature pyrolysis of polymer thin films, nanocrystalline graphene with a high defect density, active edges and various nanostructures is formed. The catalyst-free synthesis is based on the temperature assisted transformation of a polymer precursor. The processing conditions have a strong influence on the final thin film properties. However, the precise elemental processes that govern the polymer pyrolysis at high temperatures are unknown. By means of time resolved in situ transmission electron microscopy investigations we reveal that the reactivity of defects and unsaturated edges plays an integral role in the structural dynamics. Both mobile and stationary structures with varying size, shape and dynamics have been observed. During high temperature experiments, small graphene fragments (nanoflakes) are highly unstable and tend to lose atoms or small groups of atoms, while adjacent larger domains grow by addition of atoms, indicating an Ostwald-like ripening in these 2D materials, besides the mechanism of lateral merging of nanoflakes with edges. These processes are also observed in low-dose experiments with negligible electron beam influence. Based on energy barrier calculations, we propose several inherent temperature-driven mechanisms of atom rearrangement, partially involving catalyzing unsaturated sites. Our results show that the fundamentally different high temperature behavior and stability of nanocrystalline graphene in contrast to pristine graphene is caused by its reactive nature. The detailed analysis of the observed dynamics provides a pioneering overview of the relevant processes during ncg heating.


This presentat ion is a review of the ILA concept and considers (1) major insulin assays; description, comparison, and variation of results; (2) location of circulating ILA in the plasma proteins by various technics; (3) types of ILA: "free-bound," "typical-atypical," "suppressiblenonsuppressible," "NSILA," and other forms; (4) inhibitory or antagonistic factors: synalbumin-antagonistic albumin and nonesterified fatty acids; and (5) the ILA concept with respect to vascular membranes and the glucose transport theory. Also included are data comparing insulin levels obtained by the major assays, types of ILA-insulin levels and properties of the various forms of insulin.


The electrochemical oxidation of fomesafen on Ti/SnO2-Sb2O5/PbO2 electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry in this paper. The electrochemical behaviour of the electrode in sodium sulfate solution and in the mixture solution of sodium sulfate and fomesafen has been studied. The experimental results of cyclic voltammetry showed that acidic media was suitable for efficient electrochemical oxidation of fomesafen. Some electro-generated reagent formed in the electrolysis process and fomesafen could be oxidized by the electro-generated reagent. The Ti/SnO2-Sb2O5/PbO2 electrode was used as the anode and the electrolysis experiment was carried out under the optimized conditions. The electrolysis process was monitored by UV-visible spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the chemical oxygen demand(COD) was determined by the potassium dichromate method. The mechanism of fomesafen be oxided was studied primarily by the cyclic voltammetry and UVvisible spectrometry. The results of electrolysis experiment demonstrated the possibility that the electrode was used as an anode for electrochemical treatment of fomesafen contained in the waste water.


In considering the issue of language and literacy, the following factors must be addressed: the nature of learning; the relationship between reading and learning; effective strategies and practices which promote literacy; and the responsibility of schools. Of the reading approaches and strategies which have been developed and implemented in an effort to ensure that children acquire reading skills, no evidence exists to substantiate the claim that the teaching of phonics produces readers; the effectiveness of whole language is difficult to assess; and the Reading Recovery Program has been found to be successful in solving early literacy problems, yet is costly. To ensure that all students acquire sufficient reading skills, it will become necessary for the schools' curricula to be adapted to accommodate the diverse learning styles of students. The six major national education goals outlined by President George Bush (in his America 2000 proposal) may be unattainable, inasmuch as vast numbers of American students are either poor readers or non-readers. The adoption of a goal that all students have proficient reading skills would likely promote the implementation of effective strategies to enhance reading skills. (RS) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************


We present a study investigating the psychological characteristics of users and their conversation-related preferences in a conversational recommender system (CRS). We collected data from 260 participants on Prolific, using questionnaire responses concerning decision-making style, conversation-related feature preferences in the smartphone domain, and a set of meta- intents , a concept we propose to represent high-level user preferences related to the interaction and decision-making in CRS. We investigated the relationship between users' decision-making style, meta-intents and feature preferences through Structural Equation Modeling. We find that decision-making style has a significant influence on meta-intents as well as on feature preferences, however, meta-intents do not have a mediating effect between these two factors, indicating that meta-intents are independent of item feature preferences and may thus be generalizable, domain-independent concepts. Our results provide evidence that the proposed meta-intents are linked to the general decision-making style of a user and can thus be instrumental in translating general decision-making factors into more concrete design guidance for CRS and their potential personalization. As meta-intents seem to be domain-independent factors, we assume meta-intents do not affect users' various interests in concrete product features and mainly reflect users' general decision-support needs and interaction preferences in CRS.


ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to expand the availability of nutrient data for beef variety meat items and to provide relevant data to update the USDA Food Composition Database. Previous to this study, much of the nutritional information for these items was outdated, and was imputed, rather than true analytical data. Materials and MethodsBeef heart, liver, kidney, tongue, honeycomb tripe, oxtail, and marrow bones were obtained from 3 different processing facilities (Texas, Nebraska, Kansas) in the United States. Rocky mountain oysters (beef testicles) and beef blood were obtained from separate, single facilities. Standardized dissection procedures were used to yield the following separable components: lean tissue, external fat, internal fat, and refuse. Each of the separable components from each sample, excluding refuse, were homogenized individually, immediately following dissection. Three composites of each item were created and were frozen (–80°C) until further analysis. For items containing separable fat, all fat homogenates of the same item and fat type (internal or external fat) were combined to produce a single fat composite per item. Nutrient analysis occurred at USDA-ARS approved laboratories using validated methods and standards. Proximate analysis (protein, ash, moisture, fat), fatty acid profile, ICP minerals, cholesterol, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and vitamin K analysis were performed for heart, liver, kidney, tongue tripe, oxtail, bone marrow, rocky mountain oysters, and blood. Additionally, B-vitamin content was analyzed for heart, liver, kidney, and tongue. Using R statistical software, mean and standard error of the mean of nutrient values were calculated from the 3 composites of each item. ResultsThe protein content of the variety meat items ranged from 1.25 to 19.91g per 100 g of separable lean. Fat content of bone marrow was 77.09g per 100 g, while all other items contained between 1.15 and 11.20g fat per 100 g separable lean. The fatty acid found to be most prevalent (as a percentage of total fatty acids in each sample) for both lean and fat tissue was oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. Vitamin B₁₂ was the most abundant B-vitamin in all samples analyzed, varying between 54.27 and 849.00µg/g of separable lean. Each of the items discussed in this study qualifies for at least one "Good Source" or "Excellent Source" labeling claim as regulated by the USDA based on the separable lean component. "Good source" indicates that a product contains 10 to 19% of the Daily Value (DV) or Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) per RACC (reference amount customarily consumed) for that nutrient, while "Excellent Source" designates that the food contains at least 20% of the DV or RDI per RACC for that nutrient. Vitamin K2 has been studied recently in regard to beneficial effects on human health. Although there is not an established daily reference value for vitamin K2, this nutrient was present in all samples analyzed and results are reported for 13 forms of vitamin K2. ConclusionThis study provides current, analytically derived nutrient information for U.S. beef variety meat items. Results reflect that these variety meat items could be beneficial in providing essential vitamins and minerals as a component of a healthy diet. This data will be valuable for use by the meat industry, those selling variety meats, researchers, dietetic professionals, and consumers.


Water covers a greater part of the Earth's surface. However, little knowledge has been achieved regarding the underwater world as most parts of it remain unexplored. Oceans, including other water bodies, hold substantial natural resources and also the aquatic lives. These are mostly undiscovered and unknown due to the unsuited and hazardous underwater environments for the human. This inspires the unmanned exploration of these dicey environments. Neither unmanned exploration nor the distant real-time monitoring is possible without deploying Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN). Consequently, UWSN has drawn the interests of the researchers recently. This vast underwater world is possible to be monitored remotely from a distant location with much ease and less risk. The UWSN is required to be deployed over the volume of the water body to monitor and surveil. For vast water bodies like oceans, rivers and large lakes, data is collected from the different heights/depths of the water level which is then delivered to the surface sinks. Unlike terrestrial communication and radio waves, conventional mediums do not serve the purpose of underwater communication due to their high attenuation and low underwater-transmission range. Instead, an acoustic medium is able to transmit data in underwater more efficiently and reliably in comparison to other mediums. To transmit and relay the data reliably from the bottom of the sea to the sinks at the surface, multi-hop communication is utilized with different schemes. For seabed to surface sink communication, leading researchers proposed different routing protocols. The goal of these routing protocols is to make underwater communications more reliable, energy-efficient and delay efficient. This paper surveys the advancement of some of the routing protocols which eventually helps in finding the most efficient routing protocol and some recent applications for the UWSN. This work also summarizes the remaining challenging issues and the future trends of those considered routing protocols. This survey encourages further research efforts to improve the routing protocols of UWSN for enhanced underwater monitoring and exploration.


DNA polymerase β (Pol β) participates in mammalian base excision repair. The enzyme has a two-domain architecture, reflecting its dual functionality. The polymerase activity, which replaces damaged nucleosides removed during an initial excision process, is within the C-terminal 31 kDa domain, while the N-terminal 8 kDa domain participates in a lyase function, working to remove a 5'-deoxyribose phosphate (5'-dRP) moiety from the damaged DNA substrate. The currently accepted mechanism of the lyase reaction involves a transient covalent enzyme-DNA intermediate in the form of a Schiff base connecting Lys72 of the enzyme with the 5'-dRP moiety. The Schiff base intermediate is resolved via a β-elimination reaction, initiated by abstraction of a C2'-H atom from the 5'-dRP moiety. Presently, we describe the preparation of three Pol β enzymes modified at position 72 with aminooxy or hydrazinyl analogues of lysine. These enzymes form transient covalent bonds with the 5'-dRP moiety of the damaged DNA, in the form of an oxime or hydrazone, respectively. Both types of enzyme DNA intermediates are ultimately resolved by the lyase activities of each of the modified enzymes. Unsurprisingly, the formation and resolution of these E-S complexes proceed with diminished kinetics, and with an altered pH profile. The performed experiments provide additional support for Schiff base formation as an obligatory intermediate on the pathway to DNA repair, as well as for the proposed participation of Lys72 in effecting opening of the 5'-dRP ring via protonation of the ring oxygen atom, and for complex resolution via a β-elimination reaction.


Conjunctive queries are one of the most common class of queries used in database systems, and the best studied in the literature. A seminal result of Grohe, Schwentick, and Segoufin (STOC 2001) demonstrates that for every class G of graphs, the evaluation of all conjunctive queries whose underlying graph is in G is tractable if, and only if, G has bounded treewidth. In this work, we extend this characterization to the counting problem for conjunctive queries. Specifically, for every class C of conjunctive queries with bounded treewidth, we introduce the first fully polynomial-time randomized approximation scheme (FPRAS) for counting answers to a query in C, and the first polynomial-time algorithm for sampling answers uniformly from a query in C. As a corollary, it follows that for every class G of graphs, the counting problem for conjunctive queries whose underlying graph is in G admits an FPRAS if, and only if, G has bounded treewidth (unless BPP is different from P). In fact, our FPRAS is more general, and also applies to conjunctive queries with bounded hypertree width, as well as unions of such queries. The key ingredient in our proof is the resolution of a fundamental counting problem from automata theory. Specifically, we demonstrate the first FPRAS and polynomial time sampler for the set of trees of size n accepted by a tree automaton, which improves the prior quasi-polynomial time randomized approximation scheme (QPRAS) and sampling algorithm of Gore, Jerrum, Kannan, Sweedyk, and Mahaney '97. We demonstrate how this algorithm can be used to obtain an FPRAS for many open problems, such as counting solutions to constraint satisfaction problems (CSP) with bounded hypertree width, counting the number of error threads in programs with nested call subroutines, and counting valid assignments to structured DNNF circuits.


Salinity stress has recently received much attention as an object worthy of research and interest. It is a great challenge for the future global agricultural production that aspires to a large-scale conversion of raw seawater to irrigation use. Our study aims to investigate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging effect of glutathione (GSH) that would enhance maize tolerance to the destructive effect of salinity. A greenhouse trail was conducted in this context during the summer season of 2015 using two salinity (Mediterranean seawater: 3000 and 6000 ppm) and GSH (100 and 200 pm) levels. Tap water was used as a control. Individually, saline water acted in a distinctly different manner than GSH. Irrigation with diluted seawater caused morphological alterations consistent with chemical imbalance. The weight, stem diameter and longitudinal growth of maize were substantially reduced, while enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant components were positively enhanced. Amino acid composition was significantly higher only among plants received low salt concentration (3000 ppm). Glutathione application alone had a strong impact in promoting maize growth. However, lower response was noted at the level of antioxidant-related substances and amino acids content in comparison with salinity treatments. In stressed plants, glutathione mitigated the detrimental effects imposed by salinity, both at the morphological and biochemical levels. Concurrently, the alleviative effect increased as GSH concentration increased. In view of the results obtained irrigation maize with diluted seawater is possible, yet the cumulative adverse effects of salt on land safety should be considered. Our results suggest that using GSH enhances maize tolerance to salinity, and promotes plant recovery from the stress.


Abstract The rheological behavior of the olive oil-in-water emulsions has been studied by varying the oil to water ratio as well as the surfactant concentration. The viscoelastic property of the olive oil emulsions was investigated with a cone-and-plate system, using a Bohlin C-VOR Rheometer. The obtained results indicated that the emulsions with greater oil and surfactant concentrations are highly packed systems with greater interdroplet interactions as well as higher critical strain. The viscoelastic property of the emulsions can be enhanced by increasing the oil concentration. The elastic modulus of the emulsions was always predominant over the viscous modulus, thereby emphasizing the elastic character of the above mentioned emulsions. The emulsion with a higher oil composition shows greater elasticity, which implies a strong dynamic rigidity of the emulsions. A high oil composition also enhanced the structural integrity as well as the interdroplet interactions of the emulsion.


Family functioning is influenced by socioeconomic status, culture, family structure, and developmental stage, and is assessed primarily using instruments developed for middle-income European American two-parent families. These instruments may not validly assess low-income African American single-parent families. This qualitative study was conducted to provide rich descriptions of families and family functioning in order to inform research on this underrepresented group. Interviews were conducted with 20 low-income African American single mothers and 20 adult family members recruited from a large midwestern city. Content analysis revealed the essential dimensions of family functioning: Effective families provide emotional nurturing, communicate, do things together, help each other, and parent children appropriately.


: Schoolchildren of 1--10-th grades solved the tasks with one and the same elementary scheme, in which the appearance of the given signal followed one action out of 14 possible ones. When the task was presented in the form of buttons and lamps its solution did not improve with age. Moreover, 4--5-th grades' pupils solved it quicker than the senior ones. When the scheme consisted of symbols the task was solved better with age. Junior schoolchildren solved it much slower than that with buttons and lamps. This difference diminished with age, and senior pupils solved both types of tasks equally. The obtained data result from formation in the ontogenesis of abstract-logic connections with different degree of generalization, reflecting the relations between the stimuli in the experimental environment.


Tirilazad mesylate (FREEDOX), a potent inhibitor of membrane lipid peroxidation in vitro, is under clinical development for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. In humans, tirilazad is cleared almost exclusively via hepatic elimination with a medium-to-high extraction ratio. In human liver microsomal preparations, tirilazad is biotransformed to multiple oxidative products and one reduced, pharmacologically active metabolite, U-89678. Characterization of the reduced metabolite by mass spectrometry and cochromatography with an authentic standard demonstrated that U-89678 was formed via stereoselective reduction of the Delta4 bond in the steroid A-ring. Kinetic analysis of tirilazad reduction in human liver microsomes revealed that kinetically distinct type 1 and type 2 5alpha-reductase enzymes were responsible for U-89678 formation; the apparent KM values for type 2 and type 1 were approximately 15 and approximately 0.5 microM, respectively. Based on pH dependence and finasteride inhibition studies, it was inferred that 5alpha-reductase type 1 was the high affinity/low capacity microsomal reductase that contributed to tirilazad clearance in vivo. In addition, a role for CYP3A4 in the metabolism of U-89678 was established using cDNA expressed CYP3A4 and correlation studies comparing U-89678 consumption with cytochrome P450 activities across a population of human liver microsomes. Collectively, these data suggest that formation of U-89678, a circulating pharmacologically active metabolite, contributes to the total metabolic elimination of tirilazad in humans and that clearance of U-89678 is mediated primarily via CYP3A4 metabolism. Therefore, concurrent administration of therapeutic agents that modulate 5alpha-reductase type 1 or CYP3A activity are anticipated to affect the pharmacokinetics of PNU-89678.


Objective. To determine the rates of and risk factors for carriage and acquisition of extended-spectrum (β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae during hospitalization. Design. Cohort study. Setting. Shaare Zedek Medical Center, a 550-bed teaching hospital. Methods. During a 5-month period (February 1-June 30, 2004), 167 (8%) of 1,985 newly admitted general medical patients were enrolled in our study. Nasal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swab specimens were obtained at admission and every 2-3 days until hospital discharge or death. Enterobacteriaceae isolates were tested for ESBL, and Staphylococcus aureus isolates were tested for methicillin resistance. Results. Of the 167 patients enrolled in our study, 15 (9%) were identified as nasal carriers of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) at admission, and 13 (8%) were rectal carriers of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae at admission. Univariate risk factors for rectal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae included female sex (odds ratio [OR], 11 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.4—238]; P < .05), nursing home residence (OR, 6.9 [95% CI, 1.8-27]; P < .01), recent antibiotic treatment (OR, 9.8 [95% CI, 1.7-74]; P < .05), and concomitant nasal carriage of MRSA and/or ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (OR, 5.8 [95% CI, 1.2-26]; P < .01). Multivariate risk factors were female sex and recent antibiotic treatment. During hospitalization, 35 (21%) of 167 patients had acquired rectal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (P = .002, for trend analysis). Of the 12 patients who were still in the hospital 2 weeks after admission, 4 (33%) were carriers of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Univariate risk factors for acquisition included an age of older than 65 years (P < .005), nursing home residence (OR 2.6, [95% CI, 0.98-2.6]), impaired cognition (OR, 4.8 [95% CI, 1.9-12]), recent antibiotic treatment (OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 0.9-8.3]), respiratory assistance (OR, 4.2 [95% CI, 1.2-14]), and prolonged hospitalization. Multivariate risk factors were an age of older than 65 years and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Conclusions. Rectal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae occurred in 13 (8%) of 167 patients at admission to the medical departments of our hospital and in 4 (33%) of 12 patients still remaining in our hospital after 2 weeks.


Experimental results of fiber Bragg gratings fabricated with halftone amplitude transmission masks and 10-cm-long phase masks are presented for the first time to our knowledge. The performance of the devices is evaluated in terms of their spectral characteristics and deviation from linear group delay. Good out-of-band sidelobe suppression of -27 dB and group-delay ripple of ?9.5 ps is achieved for fully apodized grating devices.


Recent studies on artiflcial materials demonstrate that substantial improvements in electromagnetic response can be attained by combining difierent materials subject to desired metrics. However, the perfect material combination is unique and extremely di-cult to determine without automated synthesis schemes. In this paper, we develop a versatile approach to design the microstructure of periodic materials with prescribed dielectric and magnetic material tensors. The proposed framework is based on a robust material model and generalized inverse synthesis tool relying on topology optimization. The former is derived using homogenization theory and asymptotic expansion applied to Maxwell equations and can characterize the efiects of anisotropy and loss of materials with periodic unit cells of arbitrary geometries and multi-phases much smaller than the wavelength. Resulting Partial Difierential Equation (PDE) is solved numerically using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and is validated with results in literature. The material model proves to be fast and numerically stable even with complex inclusions. The topology optimization problem is applied for the flrst time towards designing the unit cell topology of periodic electromagnetic materials from scratch with desired dielectric and magnetic tensors using ofi- the-shelf materials, i.e., readily available constituents obtained from


This ongoing study deals with an important part of a line of research that constitutes a challenging burden. It is an initial investigation into the development of a Holistic Framework for Cellular Communication (HFCC). The main purpose is to establish mechanisms by which existing wireless cellular communication components and models can work holistically together. It demonstrates that establishing a mathematical framework that allows existing cellular communication technologies (and tools supporting those technologies) to seamlessly interact is technically feasible. The longer-term future goals are to actually improve the interoperability, the efficiency of mobile communication, calls quality, and reliability by applying the framework to specific development efforts.


Abstract A series of group-administered curriculum-based measurement (CBM) probes were developed to assist in the identification of kindergarten students exhibiting deficient readiness skills. The technical adequacy of the readiness probes was assessed in two suburban, public kindergarten centers. Reliability was assessed in three ways with 107 kindergarten students. Alternate forms reliability was assessed via administration of parallel forms of probes. Source reliability was assessed via independent scorer agreement. Item reliability was assessed via Cronbach's alpha. A random sample of 31 students participated in the validity phase of the study. Concurrent, predictive, and social validity were assessed. Acceptable reliability and validity estimates were obtained for three of the kindergarten probe measures. The use of kindergarten CBM probes as a potential screening device to fit within a larger framework of functional academic assessment and early intervention is proposed.


: Regularities of rat mast cells (MC) repopulation and regranulation in late reparative stage of inflammation compared to that in conditions approximating to MC natural renewal (after their osmiophilic elimination) and MC restoration after the inflammation caused during their absence were established on the model of E.coli induced acute infectious peritonitis. MC number in peritoneal fluid and mesenterium restores by 90th day in typical development of the inflammation, with peritoneal MC regranulation yielding to that in mesenterium and remaining unfinished by 120th day. MC repopulation in peritoneal fluid and mesenterium forestalls the one observed after the osmotic MC elimination. Inflammation, induced during MC absence retards peritoneal MC regranulation and promotes that of mesenterial ones. MC repopulation and regranulation on the site of inflammation combines their degranulation and high content of free histamine in peritoneal fluid and mesenterium.


Extensive and increasing specialization in construction has prompted much criticism—that fragmentation leads to poor performance. Such issues are magnified on engineering construction projects due to their size, complexity, financing, duration and execution by many organizations, often from several diverse countries. Theory, research perspectives and findings of boundary management studies are examined in the context of management of engineering construction projects. The objectives are to investigate theory and practices of boundary management; to examine how boundary management operates on engineering construction projects; and to produce a research agenda for studying further, important aspects of boundary management impacting on engineering construction projects. Conclusions are that the emerging theories provide insights but it is the nature of the markets—notably, the diverse objectives of stakeholders and the procedures and their practices in pursuit of self-oriented benefits—which are the main impediments to achieving greater coordination and collaboration. On complex engineering construction projects, many requirements are emergent and project participants co-evolve to yield self-organizing governance as projects progress within an often fixed formal framework. Recognition of performance interdependence among participants is an essential underpinning of commitment and cooperation; development and use of appropriate boundary management through boundary spanning and boundary objects can foster interaction and coordination even with participants' retention of their individual goals.


Nucleic acid testing (NAT), a molecular diagnostic technique that involves nucleic acid
extraction, amplification and detection, conventionally relies on well-established
laboratories, high-end instrumentation and highly trained operators, limiting its use in
resource-poor settings, where most diseases exist. With advances in point-of-care
testing (POCT), lateral flow assays (LFA) have been explored for nucleic acid detection.
However, as biological samples are generally complex and contain low amounts of
target nucleic acids, a substantial off-chip extraction and amplification process (e.g.,
tube-based extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) is normally required prior
to lateral flow detection. Additionally, the applications of LFA have been currently
limited by their low sensitivity and poor functionality. Herein, it was demonstrated for
the first time a novel fully integrated paper-based sample-to-answer biosensor
incorporating nucleic acid extraction, amplification and sensitive lateral flow detection.
The optimum concentration of reagent and environmental conditions (i.e., temperature
and relative humidity) for LFA were determined. Paper-based LAMP was integrated
into LFA, coupled with a handheld battery-powered heating device for nucleic acid
amplification in POC settings, which showed a comparable result to that of
conventional tube-based platform. A fully integrated paper-based sample-to-answer
biosensor was then developed, which could successfully detect Escherichia coli in
spiked drinking water, milk, blood, and spinach with a detection limit of as low as 10-
1000 CFU/mL, and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in clinical blood sample, highlighting its
potential use in medical diagnostics, food safety analyses and environmental monitoring.
The sensitivity of biosensor was further enhanced by incorporating a piece of paperbased
shunt and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) barrier into the strip to achieve
optimum fluidic delays for LFA signal enhancement, resulting in 10-fold signal
iv
enhancement over unmodified LFA. This strategy could successfully detect HBV with
concentrations of as low as ~102 IU/mL in clinical blood samples, which was
comparable to that of conventional detection strategy and even more sensitive than the
existing biosensors, demonstrating its ability to detect acute HBV infections. The
phenomena of fluidic delay were also evaluated by mathematical simulation, through
which the fluid movement throughout the shunt and the tortuosity effects in the
presence of PDMS barrier were revealed, which significantly affect the detection
sensitivity. The proposed fully integrated biosensor offers great potential for highly
sensitive detection of various targets for wide applications in the near future.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the additional value of mediastinoscopy/tomy in the pre-surgical staging of non-small-cell lung carcinoma.

DESIGN
Retrospective.

METHODS
Patients who underwent mediastinoscopy/tomy for staging of non-small-cell lung carcinoma from 1994 to 2000 at Groningen University Hospital, the Netherlands, were evaluated. Starting with data on history, physical examination, data imaging tests and bronchoscopy, the additional value of the mediastinoscopy was then evaluated using a logistic regression model. Not only was the additional value of a limited, routinely performed mediastinoscopy (whereby only lymph nodes at the site of the primary tumour are biopsied) examined, but also that of the comprehensive standard mediastinoscopy (conforming to the minimal requirements regarding number and localization of biopsied lymph nodes, i.e. lymph-node stations 2L, 2R, 4R, 4L, 7). The outcome against which all the test results were measured was the result of final pathological tumour staging.

RESULTS
A total of 176 evaluable patients were included. History, physical examination and bronchoscopy played a small but significant role in predicting the percentage of patients in which resection was possible, 58% (95% CI: 50-67). Age was an important predictor. The subsequent addition of the limited and routinely performed mediastinoscopy to the model increased the correct prediction to 69% (95% CI: 61-77), while adding the standard mediastinoscopy to the model showed a significantly higher correct prediction of 81% (95% CI: 75-88).

CONCLUSION
The standard mediastinoscopy involving a minimum of five different lymph node stations was of greater diagnostic value than limited mediastinoscopy.


We consider the scaling similarity solutions of two integrable cubically nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) that admit peaked soliton (peakon) solutions, namely the modified Camassa–Holm (mCH) equation and Novikov's equation. By making use of suitable reciprocal transformations, which map the mCH equation and Novikov's equation to a negative mKdV flow and a negative Sawada–Kotera flow, respectively, we show that each of these scaling similarity reductions is related via a hodograph transformation to an equation of Painlevé type: for the mCH equation, its reduction is of second order and second degree, while for Novikov's equation the reduction is a particular case of Painlevé V. Furthermore, we show that each of these two different Painlevé-type equations is related to the particular cases of Painlevé III that arise from analogous similarity reductions of the Camassa–Holm and the Degasperis–Procesi equation, respectively. For each of the cubically nonlinear PDEs considered, we also give explicit parametric forms of their periodic travelling wave solutions in terms of elliptic functions. We present some parametric plots of the latter, and, by using explicit algebraic solutions of Painlevé III, we do the same for some of the simplest examples of scaling similarity solutions, together with descriptions of their leading order asymptotic behaviour.


Carnitine is a carrier for the transport of long-chain fatty acids from the cytoplasmic to the mitochondrial space. So far 18 cases of carnitine deficiency myopathy have been recognized, generally occurring as progressive or relapsing myopathy. In contrast episodic exercise-induced myalgia and paresis was found in a 46-year-old patient with carnitine deficiency myopathy which was quickly reversible at rest. As a consequence of this observation carnitine deficiency myopathy must be added to the differential diagnosis of the McArdle syndrome (muscular phosphorylase deficiency) and other "exercise myopathies".


Artificial multiferroic structures are of great interest as they combine two or more functionalities together. One example of these structures is magnetostrictive films grown on top of piezoelectric substrates; allowing the magnetisation hysteresis loop of the magnetostrictive film to be manipulated using an electric field across the structure rather than a magnetic field. In this paper, we have studied the multiferroic structure NiFe/FeCo/Ti/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)–PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) as a function of the electric and magnetic field. Soft magnetostrictive bilayer films (NiFe/FeCo) are studied, as often applications require soft magnetic properties (small coercive and anisotropy fields) combined with larger magnetostrictive constants. Unfortunately, FeCo films can have coercive fields that are too large, while NiFe films' magnetostriction constants are almost zero; thus, combining the two together should produce the 'ideal' soft magnetostrictive film. It was found that the addition of a thin NiFe film onto the FeCo film reduced the coercive field and remnant magnetisation on the application of an applied voltage in comparison to just the FeCo film. It was also determined that for the NiFe/FeCo bilayer the magnetisation switchability was ~100% on the application of 8 kV cm−m, which was higher than the monolayer FeCo films at the same applied field, demonstrating improvement of the multiferroic behaviour by the soft magnetic/magnetostrictive bilayer.


The problem of relevance continues to bedevil the presentation of medical histology courses. Students are not likely to understand the value of the subject until its applications become visible, and this may occur in divided and irregular doses at odd times, and even long after the course is completed. Curricula, as they expand in content and get compressed in time, may produce some unforeseen and undesirable gaps in knowledge. The introduction to this small but useful volume states its authors' intent to present in concise from (227 easy-to-read pages) the fundamentals of histology necessary for a modern medical curriculum. They have succeeded admirably. Students need more histology than this, but it should come by means of observation, discussion, and application, not through reading textbooks. The text may seem too brief, but the expressed and fulfilled objective is to make drawings and diagrams complement, not duplicate, information. Obviously, great care and


This research is a juridical and empirical study about the implementation of sharia compliance based on Law no. 23 the year 2011 on the Management of Zakat. BAZNAS, as the zakat management authority under the government, must implement good governance based on Islamic Sharia principles, trustworthiness, benefit, justice, legal certainty, integrated and accountability as a mandate from the zakat regulation. Sharia compliance is the main aspect in the management of zakat which consists the rules and the principles of sharia are essentially listed in the Qur'an, Hadith and developed in zakat fiqh related to principles of collecting and management of zakat, such as subject dan object of zakat, nisab and haul and the utilization and empowerment of zakat property. This study discusses the regulatory aspects of sharia compliance in the management of zakat, sharia principle in the operation of zakat, the stakeholders, indicators, reporting and auditing systems, and the benefits of implementing sharia compliance in zakat management. The research field was conducted in six ProvinceS in Indonesia (Aceh, West Nusa Tenggara, East Kalimantan Province, East Nusa Tenggara, North Sulawesi, Gorontalo). The implementation of sharia compliance in zakat institutions began to be effective in 2018 after the Decree of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Number 733 in 2018 concerning sharia audit guidelines for zakat management reports. The implementation of sharia compliance has a positive correlation with the implementation of good governance in the management of zakat institutions because it is associated with increased accountability and responsibility of zakat institutions. Sharia compliance is a strategic issue in achieving best practices in the management of zakat institutions, especially in ensuring legal certainty and trust in the community to optimize the empowerment of zakat in Indonesia.


PURPOSE
The opaque contact lens (OCL) market is profitable and expanding. This pilot study sought to identify OCL color preferences among women of three ethnic groups, African American (A), white (W), and Hispanic Americans (H).

METHODS
Sixty-three brown-eyed female subjects (19 A; 22 W; 22 H), 18 to 35 years of age, with uncorrected near visual accuity of at least 20/50 were recruited. Each subject was presented with OCLs of three different color pattern designs in each of four colors (blue, green, gray, and hazel). The subjects viewed their appearance in a mirror while wearing each lens. Once all lenses had been observed, the subjects chose their lens color preference.

RESULTS
Using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, an ethnic preference was shown for all but the gray contact lenses. In group A 47.4% rated the hazel lens as their first choice whereas 0% chose the blue lens. In contrast, 45.5% of group C chose the blue lens over the other colors but did not favor the hazel lens, which was their first choice only 4.5% of the time. Group H demonstrated the most diversity in color preference, however, 36.4% chose green as their overall lenscolor preference.

CONCLUSIONS
Distinct differences exist in OCL color preferences among the three ethnic groups studied. Improved understanding of this ethnic difference could increase the efficiency of the trial lens process while possibly decreasing inventory costs when one ethnic group dominates a practice patient base.


Abstract : The objective of the CAMP program is to demonstrate the feasibility of reusable Ada software parts in a real-time embedded application area; the domain chosen for the demonstration was that of missile flight software systems. This required that the existence of commonality within that domain be verified (in order to justify the development of parts for that domain), and that software parts be designed which address those areas identified. An associated parts system was developed to support parts usage. This Volume is the User's Guide to the CAMP Software parts.


In eukaryotes, the polyamine pathway generates spermidine that activates the hypusination of the translation factor eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A). Hypusinated-eIF5A modulates translation, elongation, termination and mitochondrial function. Evidence in model organisms like drosophila suggests that targeting polyamines synthesis might be of interest against ischemia. However, the potential of targeting eIF5A hypusination in stroke, the major therapeutic challenge specific to ischemia, is currently unknown. Using in vitro models of ischemic-related stress, we documented that GC7, a specific inhibitor of a key enzyme in the eIF5A activation pathway, affords neuronal protection. We identified the preservation of mitochondrial function and thereby the prevention of toxic ROS generation as major processes of GC7 protection. To represent a thoughtful opportunity of clinical translation, we explored whether GC7 administration reduces the infarct volume and functional deficits in an in vivo transient focal cerebral ischemia (tFCI) model in mice. A single GC7 pre- or post-treatment significantly reduces the infarct volume post-stroke. Moreover, GC7-post-treatment significantly improves mouse performance in the rotarod and Morris water-maze, highlighting beneficial effects on motor and cognitive post-stroke deficits. Our results identify the targeting of the polyamine-eIF5A-hypusine axis as a new therapeutic opportunity and new paradigm of research in stroke and ischemic diseases.


Abstract Existing guidelines (WHO, 2011) advise caretakers and professionals to disclose children's and their caretakers' HIV status to children, despite a lack of evidence concerning the potential implications in resource-constrained settings. Our research uses feminist Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the experiences of HIV positive mothers in Kingston, Jamaica, focusing on their lived experiences of talking to their children about maternal HIV. This paper will focus on the concept of mothering at a distance and how this presents additional challenges for HIV positive mothers who are trying to establish emotional closeness in relation to talking to their children about their HIV. Using Hochschild's concept of emotion work and examples from the interviews, we highlight the difficult contexts informing women's decisions when negotiating discussions about their HIV. Women may choose full, partial or differential disclosure or children may be told their mother's HIV status by others. Disclosure policy, we argue, reflects Anglo-Northern constructions of the family and parenting which may not adequately reflect the experiences of poor urban mothers in low and middle income countries. We argue that policy needs to recognise culturally-specific family formations, which, in Jamaica includes absent fathers, mothering at a distance and mothering non-biological children. This article reflects on the experiences of an under-researched group, poor urban Jamaican women practising mothering at a distance, using a novel methodological approach (IPA) to bring into relief unique insights into their lived experiences and will contribute to the global policy and research literature on HIV disclosure.


The effect of wet ashing, dry ashing and microwave procedure for the determination of trace metal levels was investigated in house dust, tobacco and tea samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. The study of sample preparation procedures showed that the microwave method was the best. The recovery of trace metals was very good and precision and accuracy were compatible with standard reference material. The relative standard deviations for all measured metal concentrations were lower than 10%. The digestions of HNO3/H2SO4/HClO4 (4: 1: 1) mixture for house dust, HNO3/H2SO4/H2O2 (2: 2: 2) mixture for tea and HNO3/H2O2 (4: 2) mixture for tobacco were very efficient.


The immense progress of imaging technologies has radically changed the practice of medicine both in terms of diagnosis and intravascular surgery. Using technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed axial tomography (CAT) scans, doctors are now able to "see" internal organs and structures in high-resolution detail. Today using expensive specialized hardware, one can generate three-dimensional visualizations providing accurate interpretations and revolutionizing the medical field. This thesis presents a substantially different method to visualize volume datasets by treating them as a scattering volume and rendering the images on a small cluster of parallel computers. With sufficient computing power, the data can be explored interactively without any loss of information. We utilize a basic raycasting algorithm with several acceleration techniques, such as global empty space skipping, early ray termination, a local gradient cache and increased data access coherency. By selecting efficient data subdivisions, we eliminate the memory and bus-bandwidth latencies and maximize the computing power of each core. The cache coherence of the data access due to the bricking scheme produced almost real-time rendering speeds that are independent of the viewing direction. We tested these algorithms on three different datasets at varying output image resolutions. In the near future, with increased computing power and sufficient bandwidth, it will be possible to use a cluster of machines to render time-dependent datasets in real time and to deliver these images directly into an operating room.


Herein, electron beam irradiation (EBI) was employed to in situ construct Ag-based micro/nanostructures. The composition of AgX@Ag (X = Cl−, Br−, etc.) composites and the size/morphology of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were tuned by adjusting the electron beam current density (EBCD) and the feeding dose of electrons. A hypothesis of gas–solid fluid-bed composed of atomic gas and nanocrystals is suggested to discuss the nanoparticle constructions with EBI. The low/medium EBCD creates a fixed fluid-bed for AgX@Ag-NPs and piled-pore architecture of Ag-NPs (PPAAg-NPs), while a high EBCD sets up a stirred fluid-bed for monodispersed Ag-NPs. Hopefully, this strategy would promote nanotechnology.


Coal and gas outbursts are among the most destructive dynamic disasters. It is very important to study the failure process and mechanism of coal and gas outbursts in coal mines. Based on outburst cases and outburst experiments, the outburst process and failure types of coal are discussed, and the flow process of outburst coal is studied in depth. This paper concludes that the whole process of outburst generally involves four stages (preparation, trigger, development and termination), which include both time and spatial dimensions. There are two types of coal failure: shear failure and tensile failure. Under the effect of the gas pressure gradient, the coal exhibits tensile failure, and the coal ultimately fails in the form of multiple similar layers. After the layer is separated, the pressure difference between the two sides of the layer is found to be stable for a period of time, and a pressure difference coefficient is introduced to characterize the change of this pressure difference before and after the separation of the layer. Furthermore, the flow process of outburst coal is divided into a quasi-static phase, a constant acceleration phase, a freefall phase and a deceleration phase. Accordingly, a simplified model of the coal flow is established, and the model is calculated using the data of outburst experiments. Based on the layered failure of outburst coal, the flow velocity of outburst coal is obtained. The distribution features of outburst coal in both the experiments and the outburst cases are explained as well.


Anyone, of any gender, at any age, can leak urine or faeces. What would you do if it happened to you? Imagine if you'd woken up this morning and you'd wet the bed. What would you do? Have a wash, put on clean clothes, change the bedding and put it in a washing machine? You may go to the shop and buy an incontinence pad. And perhaps if you knew that there was help available for leaking urine you'd make an appointment to see a doctor next week and then just carry on with the rest of your day, dignity intact. Now imagine if you'd woken up this morning and you'd wet the bed. But to have a wash, or clean your clothes and bedding, you'd have to walk for an hour to collect water. Imagine you are frightened to walk there alone, the path is steep and you struggle to use the hand pump. Even if you did get water, you don't have enough soap so the smells would linger anyway. And after all that effort, you have nothing to wear to soak up urine if it happens again. What if you didn't know that leaking urine was common, and you spent the rest of the day worried about your health and too embarrassed to go to work in case people could tell? What if you were worried that your partner would hit you again for making a mess so you had very little to drink all day for fear of it happening again? What can you do to support people living with incontinence? To start, we need to talk about leaks.


This paper introduces a new approach for rational macromodeling of multiport devices that ensures high accuracy with arbitrary terminal conditions. This is achieved by reformulating the vector fitting technique to focus on eigenpairs rather than matrix elements. By choosing the least squares weighting equal to the inverse of the eigenvalue magnitude is achieved that the eigenvalues are fitted with a relative accuracy criterion. The procedure is shown to give a major improvement in accuracy for cases with a large eigenvalue spread. Also is shown how to utilize the impedance characteristics of the adjacent network in the fitting process.


This study evaluated the utilization of food waste compost to meet quality standard of solid refuse fuel (SRF) by mixing with unused biomass through the analysis of fuel properties. Since the moisture content of food waste compost is as high as 60%, it is necessary to remove the moisture through a drying process or process improvement for fuel production. When the compost is produced with a calorific value of less than 4,000kcal/kg, it is required to increase it 4,000kcal/kg by mixing unused biomass. The analytical result showed that various biomass materials for mixing can comply with the SRF standards. In the test results of the mixture for SRF certification, the calorific value of the compost can increase from 4,090kcal/kg to 4,600kcal/kg by mixing 30 of coffee residue. When the biological process as biodryging or drying process are applied, it was concluded that it is possible to produce fuel from food waste compost that can be satisfactorily utilized as SRF.


BACKGROUND
Limiting resident work hours may improve patient safety, but unintended adverse effects are also possible. We sought to assess the impact of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education resident work hour limits implemented on July 1, 2003, on resident experiences and perceptions regarding patient safety.

METHODS
All trainees in 76 accredited programs at 2 teaching hospitals were surveyed in 2003 (preimplementation) and 2004 (postimplementation) regarding their work hours and patient load; perceived relation of work hours, patient load, and fatigue to patient safety; and experiences with adverse events and medical errors. Based on reported weekly duty hours, 13 programs experiencing substantial hours reductions were classified into a "reduced-hours" group. Change scores in outcome measures before and after policy implementation in the reduced-hours programs were compared with those in "other programs" to control for temporal trends, using 2-way analysis of variance with interaction.

RESULTS
A total of 1770 responses were obtained (response rate, 60.0%). Analysis was restricted to 1498 responses from respondents in clinical years of training. Residents in the reduced-hours group reported significant reductions in mean weekly duty hours (from 76.6 to 68.0 hours, P < .001), and the percentage working more than 80 hours per week decreased from 44.0% to 16.6% (P < .001). No significant increases in patient load while on call (patients admitted, covered, or cross covered) were observed. Between 2003 and 2004, there was a decrease in the proportion of residents in the reduced-hours programs indicating that working too many hours (63.2% vs 44.0%; P < .001) or cross covering too many patients (65.9% vs 46.9%; P = .001) contributed to mistakes in patient care. There were no significant reductions in these 2 measures in the other group, and the differences in differences were significant (P = .03 and P = .02, respectively). The number of residents in reduced-hours programs who reported committing at least 1 medical error within the past week remained high in both study years (32.9% in 2003 and 26.3% in 2004, P = .27).

CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to reduce residents' hours without increasing patient load. Doing so may reduce the extent to which fatigue affects patient safety as perceived by these frontline providers.


This paper investigates adaptability among lower-level military leaders in unexpected threatening situations. Two studies were performed. In the first, a grounded theory approach was used, and 16 Swedish officers and soldiers with experience from international peacekeeping operations were interviewed. A model was developed based on the results. In Study 2, the model concepts from Study 1 were operationalized into a questionnaire and data was obtained from 102 respondents from the Swedish Armed Forces who had recently served in Afghanistan. Based on Study 1, the model suggests that the key aspects of adaptive leadership in such circumstances are 2 balancing acts. One is how subordinates handle structure/following rules versus their own initiatives/freedom of action. The other concerns the balance between individual decision making versus group input. Both are affected by availability of time, resulting in a favorable/unfavorable outcome. The hypotheses from Study 1 were partly confirmed in Study 2.


The impact of urban development on the natural environment generates unique challenges to architects and engineers seeking passive design strategies in hot and humid climates such as those in Dubai. They are collaborating to design new buildings that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and architecturally significant. Passive cooling design techniques, which are recognized mainly in the old Dubai, are energy efficient and can be considered as a good alternative to mechanical cooling systems. Green roofs and facades are passive techniques and add more benefits not only for reducing the energy demand of buildings, but also for providing environmental benefits, including visual relief, accessible green space, and improving air quality. In recent years, greening systems have been practised in many hot cities, including greening directly on to roofs and walls, greening the cavity between walls, and incorporating greening systems within the construction of the wall. Green roofs are frequently used in cities like Dubai; however, practising green wall technology is still new despite its great benefits. Based on the climatic condition of Dubai, this paper attempts to reduce energy consumption in buildings by adopting passive cooling strategies in the sustainable urban context of Dubai. The growing interest in incorporating vegetated green walls into sustainable building is highlighted. To achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives have been covered: to investigate the use of passive cooling strategies in Dubai; to enhance the energy performance by reducing the cooling loads and therefore identifying the optimal parameters for building skins; and to draw guidelines for architects, planners and developers to demonstrate the potential benefits of green wall technology. In this context various issues, including the urban development of Dubai, sustainability, passive cooling techniques, and the performance of green walls, are to be considered.


Background: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) promotes upper motor neuron excitability which has the potential to improve function. As a precursor to clinical trials, we investigated the potential efficacy of TENS on strength, proprioception and balance in healthy older adults. Method: Design: A paired-sample randomized crossover trial. No stimulation was the control. Intervention: A one-off session of TENS (Modulated frequency: 70-130Hz, 5 second cycle) via a conductive sock. Participants: 25 healthy older volunteers with no pre-existing balance or mobility limitations or contra-indications to TENS. Outcomes: Dorsiflexor and plantarflexor strength and proprioception using an isokinetic dynamometer and balance (postural sway and forward reach test). Analysis: Paired t-tests Results: None of the parameters showed any significant changes with TENS (p>0.05). Conclusions: The stimulation of cutaneous sensory nerve endings of the foot with the application of TENS showed no immediate effect on the ankle proprioception, lower leg muscle strength, and postural stability. The concern that TENS would have a distracting impact on sensation and balance was not supported according to these results.


OF THESIS STRANDED CORE TRANSFORMER LOSS ANALYSIS We will present the approaches used to investigating the power loss for the stranded core transformers. One advantage of using stranded core is to reduce power loss or enhance transformer efficiency. One difficulty in the modeling of this type of transformer is that the core is not solid (there are small gaps between core wires due to circular cross section). A two dimensional finite element method with nodal basis function for magnetostatic field was developed to study the effects of the small gaps between core wires. The magnetic flux densities are compared for the uniform (solid) cores and the stranded cores for various permeability values. The effects of different air gap dimensions in stranded core to the magnitude of magnetic flux density were also discussed. The results of the two dimensional study were applied to modify the B-H curves in a 3D simulation with an equivalent simplified uniformed core transformer model via Ansoft Maxwell 3D. This is achieved by output the magnitude of magnetic flux density at fixed points of mesh center. The total core loss of a transformer was predicted by integration of the losses of all elements.


Background: Patients with Marfan syndrome are referred for cardiac surgery due to root aneurysm with or without aortic valve regurgitation. Because these patients are young and frequently present with normal-appearing aortic cusps, valve sparing is often recommended. However, due to the genetic nature of the disease, the durability of such surgery remains uncertain. methods: Between February 2004 and June 2012, 100 patients in our department suffering from aortic aneurysm with aortic valve regurgitation underwent elective aortic valve-sparing surgery. Of them, 30 had Marfan syndrome, were significantly younger (30 ± 13 vs. 53 ± 16 years), and had a higher percentage of root aneurysm, compared with ascending aorta aneurysm in their non-Marfan counterparts. We evaluated the safety, durability, clinical and echocardiographic mid-term results of these patients. results: While no early deaths were reported in either group, there were a few major early complications in both groups. At follow-up (reaching 8 years with a mean of 34 ± 26 months) there were no late deaths, and few major late complications in the Marfan group. Altogether, 96% and 78% of the patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I-II in the Marfan and non-Marfan groups respectively. None of the Marfan patients needed reoperation on the aortic valve. Freedom from recurrent aortic valve regurgitation > 3+ was 94% in the Marfan patients. conclusions: Aortic valve-sparing surgery in Marfan symdrome patients is safe and yields good mid-term clinical outcomes.


Two strains of previously unknown Gram-stain-positive, anaerobic, coccus-shaped bacteria from human wound specimens were characterized using phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies and distinguishable biochemical characteristics demonstrated that these two unknown strains, WAL 1855C(T) and WAL 2038E, are genotypically homogeneous and constitute a novel lineage within Clostridium cluster XIII. There was 13-14 % 16S rRNA gene sequence divergence between the novel strains and the most closely related species, Parvimonas micra, Finegoldia magna and species of Helcococcus. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic findings, a novel genus and species, Murdochiella asaccharolytica gen. nov., sp. nov., are proposed. Strain WAL 1855C(T) (=ATCC BAA-1631(T) =CCUG 55976(T)) is the type strain of Murdochiella asaccharolytica.


We introduce a new type of hybrid material: a nanostructured elastomer covered by a hard photoactive metal-oxide thin film resembling the exoskeleton of insects. It has extreme water repellency and fast self-recovery after damage. A new fabrication method for replicating high aspect ratio, hierarchical re-entrant aluminum structures into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is presented. The method is based on a protective titania layer deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the aluminum template. The ALD titania transfers to the elastomeric scaffold via sacrificial release etching. The sacrificial release method allows for high aspect ratio, even 100 μm deep and successful release of overhanging structures, unlike conventional peeling. The ALD titania conformally covers the 3D multihierarchical structures of the template and protects the polymer during the release etch. Afterwards it prevents the high aspect ratio nanostructures from elasticity based collapse. The resulting nanostructured hybrid PDMS/titania replicas display robust superhydrophobicity without any further fluoro-coating or modification. Their mechanical and thermal robustness results from a thick nanostructured elastomeric layer which is conformally covered by ceramic titania instead of a monolayer hydrophobic coating. We have demonstrated the durability of these replicas against mechanical abrasion, knife scratches, rubbing, bending, peel tape test, high temperature annealing, UV exposure, water jet impingement and long term underwater storage. Though the material loses its superhydrophobicity in oxygen plasma exposure, a fast recovery from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic can be achieved after 20 min UV irradiation. UV-assisted recovery is correlated with the high photoactivity of ALD titania film. This novel hybrid material will be applicable to the large area superhydrophobic surfaces in practical outdoor applications.


Background: It is well established that there is a need for more research into the cause and prevention of breast cancer. While many studies are done in cell lines and laboratory animals, translation of findings to women often falters due to perceived difficulty in recruiting women for research. The DSLRF partnered with The Avon Foundation for Women to form the Love/Avon Army of Women (AOW); an on-line recruitment resource designed to partner women with scientists in an effort to accelerate breast cancer research. Methods: The AOW was launched in October 2008 with the goal of recruiting one million women interested in participating in breast cancer research, and of encouraging researchers to submit studies for recruitment. Researchers interested in having the AOW recruit for their studies, submit a proposal that will be reviewed by the AOW Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of nominees from AACR and NBCC. If a study is accepted, a mass e-mail describing the study procedures and inclusion/exclusion criteria is sent to the entire AOW database. Women sign up on-line at www.armyofwomen.org to become an AOW member. Women aren9t committing to participating in a particular study, but agree to receive AOW e-mails about breast cancer research studies. If the individual is interested and qualifies for a study, she undergoes a secondary on-line screening and then her contact information is passed on to the principal investigator to begin the enrollment process. Results: As of November 2009, over 320,000 women have become AOW members. Membership includes survivors, those who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as those with and without a family history of breast cancer, ranging from ages 18 to 100, representing all 50 US states and 47 countries. To date, the AOW has recruited for 16 studies, both regional and national, that vary from biomarker and circadian rhythm research to psycho-social and quality of life studies. With over 13,000 AOW members having participated in the research process, this method of recruitment has been found to be effective and efficient. The diversity of the AOW members has proved beneficial for many studies such as those needing to enroll African American women, women of varying sexual orientations, or young survivors. Many studies were closed to enrollment within the first 24 hours after accruing all subjects while others were very quickly over-enrolled by 5-10%. This overwhelming response has led many researchers to seek additional funding to increase their statistical significance and accommodate all eligible subjects. Conclusions: The Love/Avon Army of Women is a novel resource for scientists to accelerate accrual, expand the number and diversity of their subject population and to obtain exactly the type of specimens they need when they need it. This new partnership between women and scientists can revolutionize research and accelerate efforts to eradicate breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2894.


We perform a detailed study of the resolved properties of emission-line galaxies at kiloparsec scales to investigate how small-scale and global properties of galaxies are related. We use a sample of 119 galaxies in the GOODS fields. The galaxies are selected to cover a wide range in morphologies over the redshift range 0.2 < z < 1.3. High resolution spectroscopic data from Keck/DEIMOS observations are used to fix the redshift of all the galaxies in our sample. Using the HST/ACS and HST/WFC3 imaging data taken as a part of the CANDELS project, for each galaxy, we perform spectral energy distribution fitting per resolution element, producing resolved rest-frame U − V color, stellar mass, star formation rate (SFR), age, and extinction maps. We develop a technique to identify "regions" of statistical significance within individual galaxies, using their rest-frame color maps to select red and blue regions, a broader definition for what are called "clumps" in other works. As expected, for any given galaxy, the red regions are found to have higher stellar mass surface densities and older ages compared to the blue regions. Furthermore, we quantify the spatial distribution of red and blue regions with respect to both redshift and stellar mass, finding that the stronger concentration of red regions toward the centers of galaxies is not a significant function of either redshift or stellar mass. We find that the "main sequence" of star-forming galaxies exists among both red and blue regions inside galaxies, with the median of blue regions forming a tighter relation with a slope of 1.1 ± 0.1 and a scatter of ∼0.2 dex compared to red regions with a slope of 1.3 ± 0.1 and a scatter of ∼0.6 dex. The blue regions show higher specific SFRs (sSFRs) than their red counterparts with the sSFR decreasing since z ∼ 1, driven primarily by the stellar mass surface densities rather than the SFRs at a given resolution element.


In autologous bone marrow transplantation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC) is a commonly used ex vivo purging agent for leukemic blasts. In the present report, we demonstrate that exposure to high concentrations of 4-HC for 1 hour, as used in ex vivo bone marrow purging, produces internucleosomal DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptosis, or programmed cell death (PCD), in human myeloid leukemia HL60 cells. Lower concentrations of 4-HC (10, 20, or 50 microM/L) failed to cause this effect, while higher concentrations (> or = 200 microM/L) produced random DNA fragmentation. 4-HC-mediated internucleosomal DNA fragmentation was associated with a marked induction in c-jun and significant reductions in bcl-2 and c-myc oncogene expressions. A combined treatment with interleukin-3 (IL-3) plus IL-6 for 18 hours before an additional, 1-hour concurrent treatment with 4-HC (100 microM/L) significantly increased 4-HC-induced DNA fragmentation as well as colony growth inhibition of HL60 cells. The effects of cotreatment with IL-3 plus IL-6 were also associated with a further, modest decrease in bcl-2 and c-myc and augmentation of c-jun expression. These findings highlight an alternative mechanism of 4-HC-induced leukemic cell death that can be potentially enhanced by cotreatment with IL-3 plus IL-6.


ABSTRACT A second-generation solar disinfection (SODIS) system (pouch) was constructed from food-grade, commercially available packaging materials selected to fully transmit and amplify the antimicrobial properties of sunlight. Depending upon the season, water source, and challenge organism, culturable bacteria were reduced between 3.5 and 5.5 log cycles. The system was also capable of reducing the background presumptive coliform population in nonsterile river water below the level of detection. Similar experiments conducted with a model virus, the F-specific RNA bacteriophage MS2, indicated that the pouch was slightly less efficient, reducing viable plaques by 3.5 log units in comparison to a 5.0 log reduction of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli O18:H11 within the same time period. These results suggest that water of poor microbiological quality can be improved by using a freely available resource (sunlight) and a specifically designed plastic pouch constructed of food-grade packaging materials.


Glacial erosion rates inferred from total sediment budgets in recently deglaciated fjords, which are the highest reported erosion rates worldwide, have received considerable attention in fields as diverse as tectonics, glacial sedimentation, and climate. These record rates, however, are representative only of tidewater glaciers during their extensive retreat of the post–Little Ice Age period; erosion rates averaged over glacial-interglacial cycles and longer periods are likely to be substantially smaller. We examine the influence of retreat rate on sediment yields from tidewater glaciers by reconstructing the history of sediment output from retreating glaciers necessary to produce sediment packages observed in contemporary fjords. Using a simple numerical model of proglacial sedimentation in front of a retreating glacier, seismic profiles of proglacial sediments, and the history of terminus retreat of Muir Glacier, Glacier Bay, Alaska, we calculate the sediment flux as a function of time from this glacier between 1900 and 1979, and conclude that sediment flux scales with retreat rate. The corresponding basin-wide erosion rate during this 79 yr period averages 37 mm/yr, and exceeds long-term erosion rates by a factor of 5 ± 1. For Muir Glacier and, by inference, for other calving glaciers, the general drastic retreat and the marked regional drawdown of ice since the Little Ice Age are both linked to unusually rapid calving and fast ice motion, which is conducive to rapid erosion.


Power systems are the most complex systems and have great importance in modern life. They have direct impacts on the modernization, economic, political and social aspects. To operate such systems in a stable mode, several control and protection techniques are required. However, modern systems are equipped with several protection schemes with the aim of avoiding the unpredicted events and power outages, power systems are still encountering emergency and mal-operation situations. The most severe emergencies put the whole or at least a part of the system in danger. If the emergency is not well managed, the power system is likely to have cascading failures that might lead to a blackout. Due to the consequences, many countries around the world have research and expert teams who work to avoid blackouts on their systems. In this paper, a comprehensive review on the major blackouts and cascading events that have occurred in the last decade are introduced. A particular focus is given on the US power system outages and their causes since it is one of the leading power producers in the world and it is also due to the ready availability of data for the past events. The paper also highlights the root causes of different blackouts around the globe. Furthermore, blackout and cascading analysis methods and the consequences of blackouts are surveyed. Moreover, the challenges in the existing protective schemes and research gaps in the topic of power system blackout and cascading events are marked out. Research directions and issues to be considered in future power system blackout studies are also proposed.


BRCA1 is a multifunctional tumor suppressor, whose expression is activated by the estrogen (E2)-liganded ERα receptor and regulated by certain recruited transcriptional co-activators. Interference with BRCA1 expression and/or functions leads to high risk of breast or/and ovarian cancer. Another multifunctional protein, HTLV-1Tax oncoprotein, is widely regarded as crucial for developing adult T-cell leukemia and other clinical disorders. Tax profile reveals that it can antagonize BRCA1 expression and/or functionality. Therefore, we hypothesize that Tax expression in breast cells can sensitize them to malignant transformation by environmental carcinogens. Here we examined Tax effect on BRCA1 expression by testing its influence on E2-induced expression of BRCA1 promoter-driven luciferase reporter (BRCA1-Luc). We found that E2 strongly stimulated this reporter expression by liganding to ERα, which consequently associated with BRCA1 promoter, while ERα concomitantly recruited CBP/p300 to this complex for co-operative enhancement of BRCA1 expression. Introducing Tax into these cells strongly blocked this E2-ERα-mediated activation of BRCA1 expression. We noted, also, that Tax exerted this inhibition by binding to CBP/p300 without releasing them from their complex with ERα. Chip assay revealed that the binding of Tax to the CBP/p300-ERα complex, prevented its link to AP1 site. Interestingly, we noted that elevating the intracellular pool of CBP or p300 to excessive levels dramatically reduced the Tax-mediated inhibition of BRCA1 expression. Exploring the mechanism of this reduction revealed that the excessive co-factors were sufficient to bind separately the free Tax molecules, thus lowering their amount in the CBP/p300-ERα complex and relieving, thereby, the inhibition of BRCA1 expression.


Economic model predictive control (EMPC) is a feedback control method that dictates a potentially dynamic (time-varying) operating policy to optimize the process economics. The objective function used in the EMPC system may be a general nonlinear function that describes the process/system economics. As this function is not derived on the sole basis of classical control considerations (stabilization, tracking, and optimal control action calculation) but rather on the basis of economics, selecting the appropriate control configuration, and quantifying the influence of a given input on an economic cost is an important task for the proper design and computational efficiency of an EMPC scheme. Owing to these considerations, an input selection methodology for EMPC is proposed which utilizes the relative degree and the sensitivity of the economic cost with respect to an input to identify and select stabilizing manipulated inputs with the most dynamic and steady-state influence on the economic cost function to be assigned to EMPC. Other considerations for input selection for EMPC are also discussed and integrated into a proposed input selection methodology for EMPC. The control configuration selection method for EMPC is demonstrated using a chemical process example. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3230–3242, 2014