Context. We present a study of the 3D environment for a sample of 386 galaxies in the Catalogue of Isolated Galaxies (CIG, Karachentseva 1973) using the Ninth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-DR9). Aims. We aim to identify and quantify the e ects of the satellite distribution around a sample of galaxies in the CIG, as well as the e ects of the large-scale structure (LSS). Methods. To recover the physically bound galaxies we first focused on the satellites that are within the escape speed of each CIG galaxy. We also propose a more conservative method using the stacked Gaussian distribution of the velocity di erence of the neighbours. The tidal strengths a ecting the primary galaxy were estimated to quantify the e ects of the local and LSS environments. We also defined the projected number density parameter at the fifth nearest neighbour to characterise the LSS around the CIG galaxies. Results. Out of the 386 CIG galaxies considered in this study, at least 340 (88% of the sample) have no physically linked satellite. Following the more conservative Gaussian distribution of physical satellites around the CIG galaxies leads to upper limits. Out of the 386 CIG galaxies, 327 (85% of the sample) have no physical companion within a projected distance of 0.3 Mpc. The CIG galaxies are distributed following the LSS of the local Universe, although presenting a large heterogeneity in their degree of connection with it. When present around a CIG galaxy, the e ect of physically bound galaxies largely dominates (typically by more than 90%) the tidal strengths generated by the LSS. Conclusions. The CIG samples a variety of environments, from galaxies with physical satellites to galaxies without neighbours within 3 Mpc. A clear segregation appears between early-type CIG galaxies with companions and isolated late-type CIG galaxies. Isolated galaxies are in general bluer, with probably younger stellar populations and very high star formation compared with older, redder CIG galaxies with companions. Reciprocally, the satellites are redder and with an older stellar populations around massive early-type CIG galaxies, while they have a younger stellar content around massive late-type CIG galaxies. This suggests that the CIG is composed of a heterogeneous population of galaxies, sampling from old to more recent, dynamical systems of galaxies. CIG galaxies with companions might have a mild tendency (0.3 0.4 dex) to be more massive, and may indicate a higher frequency of having su ered a merger in the past.


Height measurement with special conditions such as total bedrest in hospitalized patients, the elderly, and people with disabilities can use knee height measurement devices. A knee height caliper is an anthropometric tool that is rarely used because it is large and made of wood or iron. This tool needs to be modified with the right accuracy level and makes it easy to measure knee height in bed rest patients. This study aims to know practicality's status in using and carrying tools and measuring knee height modification accuracy. The research design used was Research and Development (RnD) with the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The first subject is the media expert on the media validation test using a validation assessment questionnaire. The media assessment is carried out at the implementation stage. The second subject is a nutritionist at dr. Soebandi Jember, as many as 11 nutritionists who are a small group. The percentage of the first stage media validation assessment was 74%, classified as good. The second stage was 70% classified as good, the third stage was 82% classified as very good, and the fourth stage was 100% classified as very good. The average result of the four stages of validation is 81.5% and classified as very good. The nutritionist's assessment results for the modification of the knee height device were 78.73%, and the media was classified as suitable for use. The study concludes that the modification of the knee height device is a tool designed using the 2015 Sketch Up software and from the results of the assessment of the knee height modification tool is suitable for use by health workers, especially nutritionists.


Experiments show that fitness landscapes can have a rich combinatorial structure due to epistasis and yet theory assumes that local peaks can be reached quickly. I introduce a distinction between easy landscapes where local fitness peaks can be found in a moderate number of steps and hard landscapes where finding evolutionary equilibria requires an infeasible amount of time. Hard examples exist even among landscapes with no reciprocal sign epistasis; on these, strong selection weak mutation dynamics cannot find the unique peak in polynomial time. On hard rugged fitness landscapes, no evolutionary dynamics — even ones that do not follow adaptive paths — can find a local fitness peak quickly; and the fitness advantage of nearby mutants cannot drop off exponentially fast but has to follow a power-law that long term evolution experiments have associated with unbounded growth in fitness. I present candidates for hard landscapes at scales from singles genes, to microbes, to complex organisms with costly learning (Baldwin effect). Even though hard landscapes are static and finite, local evolutionary equilibrium cannot be assumed.


This paper examines the effects of increased car weights, train size, and distance on railroad operational performance, which is measured in revenue ton-miles per train hour. A statistical model is estimated from Class I data that explains most of the variation in this index, while controlling for commodity and fixed network effects. The results suggest that length of haul, net load, and train size contributed significantly to performance gains from 1987 to 2006. However, train miles per track mile increased by 89% during the same period, resulting in line and yard congestion.


The convergence of voice and data on Internet Protocol (IP) networks has led to tremendous growth of Voice over IP (VoIP). While SIP/ H.323 are dominant signaling protocols, RTP is widely used for media transfer. Certain situations may require logging of RTP sessions along with the signaling information for call and voice analysis. Recovering voice from RTP packets requires explicit handling of RTP stack and decoding. In this paper, we propose a scheme that uses softphones with appropriate codec support for voice recovery from logged RTP packets. It is done using inherent provisions of RTP, specifically SSRC-multiplexing. The scheme also suggests the possibility of an active stream injection attack in RTP based VoIP.


This article offers an exploratory approach to the role of anger in translation performance. We performed a study in which translation students translated a negative review containing opinions that they may potentially find offensive. Based on previous findings pointing to punishment and restoration of justice as the most common behaviors of anger, we predicted that angry translators would manipulate the text in an attempt to punish the author and/or mitigate the offensive content. We operationalized such manipulation by identifying attenuating and emphasizing strategies in target texts. While no significant differences were revealed between baseline and post-read anger levels, sentiment analysis tools revealed angry moods when applied to participants' written opinions. Significant differences were also found for the strategies applied with more occurrences for attenuation than emphasis. However, these findings are acknowledged as preliminary; larger samples, control groups and more reliable indicators of anger would be necessary to corroborate these results.


The essay deals with hierarchies that occurs between inmates in prison. It deals with a theory that these hierarchies, when seen through a gender perspective, can be understood as a hierarchy where you are valued based on traditional male characteristics. Empirically, the paper consists of interviews with five inmates, or former inmates, who during a period in his life, has served a prison sentence at a closed institution. Based on the informants' statements, conclusions are drawn about which properties are valued low in the hierarchy. This becomes clear when the informants speak humiliating about sexually deviant groups, snitches, or sex offenders. Those who are highly valued are those who have committed acts of violence and express a violent attitude, and other traditionally male characteristics. Hierarchy occurs much because of the frustration and powerlessness the inmates are experiencing and their need to dominate each other.


While most recent research on radicalism prioritizes focus on religious and right wingoriented radicalism, radicalism and violence are, of course, not the sole domain of far-right political, religious, or racial ideology. 1 This article addresses the most active and musical element emerging from the radical left today within the United States, Radical Environmental and Animal-Rights Activism—a movement for which I have crafted the acronym, REARA. The first section of this study introduces the movement and addresses the problematic issue of the "terrorism" label when referencing REARA direct action, a label increasingly applied to the movement's criminality by governmental agencies. Among the many challenges involved in studying the radical left is the fact that groups, eco-animal rights ones included, are often comprised of individuals maintaining vastly divergent and sometimes contradictory ideological commitments. Research suggests that within REARA, the uniformity of ideological motivation comes second to direct action, which defines ideology insofar as ideological inconsistencies among members appear mitigated by a deeper commitment to simply act. The second section outlines the historical and ideological backgrounds that now root ecoanimal rights militancy; it also tackles the use of playful terminology, like "monkeywrenching," within movement rhetoric and publications that seemingly serves to lighten the severity and destructive impact of the movement's violence. Additionally, an assessment of REARA's organizational models is presented, one in which traditional above-ground organizations, like Earth First!, are distinguished from leaderless resistance movements, like the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) or Earth Liberation Front (ELF). Such "non-groups" operate under the domain of tactical strategies or direct-action ideology rather than conventional hierarchical models, and disavow figureheads, meetings, or even awareness of other members. The third and fourth sections of this article consider examples of music cultures within REARA. Earth First!, the first major eco-radical group in the U.S., evidences a vibrant history of musical creation in which acoustic-guitar protest songs largely formed the cultural life of their annual meetings ("Rendezvous") and have proven central to the group's longevity and activism. The study closes by delving into the punk, hardcore, and metal music of animalrights activism, Vegan Straight Edge (xVx). While mostly a musical subculture of personal edification, some bands and advocates of xVx have adopted militant positions on animal liberation and enacted violence to considerable degrees in furtherance of their social politics. To read and download the complete article you can sign up here for free: http://journals.sfu.ca/jed/index.php/jex/user/register


We report the in vivo fluorination of the tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine residues in a glycosylation-deficient mutant of Candida antarctica lipase B, CalB N74D, expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and subsequently segregated into the growth medium. To achieve this, a P. pastoris strain auxotrophic for all three aromatic amino acids was supplemented with 5-fluoro-L-tryptophan, meta-fluoro-(DL)-tyrosine, or para-fluoro-L-phenylalanine during expression of CalB N74D. The residue-specific replacement of the canonical amino acids by their fluorinated analogs was confirmed by mass analysis. Although global fluorination induced moderate changes in the secondary structure of CalB N74D, the fluorous variant proteins were still active lipases. However, their catalytic activity was lower than that of the non-fluorinated parent protein while their resistance to proteolytic degradation by proteinase K remained unchanged. Importantly, we observed that the global fluorination prolonged the shelf life of the lipase activity, which is an especially useful feature for the storage of, e.g., therapeutic proteins. Our study represents the first step on the road to the production of biotechnologically and pharmacologically relevant fluorous proteins in P. pastoris.


 ABSTRACT Face recognition is growing in many fields like Biometrics. But it also has some significant challenges for recognizing the face under different illuminations, pose variance, aging, occlusion, facial expression, low resolution etc. Face recognition is practically used in security systems for law enforcement situation at places like boarder security, airports railway station where the identification and verification of person matters a lot especially when face is occluded. This paper is mainly focusing on the Real Time occluded face verification. For this purpose the LPOG technique, which is the combination of BELBP and LPQ will be used. With the help of automatic face detection misalignment algorithm Voila-jones. SSRC the classification technique which is better than other state-of-arts techniques will be used for


Purpose : A study was conducted at two merged South African higher education institutions to determine which management factors, as identified in a literature study as well as through a factor analysis of survey data, were predictive of the dependent variable 'research output'. Problem investigated : Research output contributes to creating sustainability of knowledge of management sciences and therefore the active management of research is in the interest of progressive universities. Research management related activities are usually associated with measurable targets, detailed plans, rigorous evaluation and decisive action - all of which are observable (perhaps programmable) behaviour also referred to as tangible factors. Authors argue that the tangible factors of any successful institution can be copied, technology can be bought, and in theory you should have an instantly thriving research institution. It is, however, clear that although many institutions have exactly the same technology and structure as their successful competitors, they still fail to succeed in increasing research output. Design and Research methodology or approach : A survey was distributed to n=411 and yielded a 49.6% response rate. A confirmatory reliability analysis as well as a factor analysis was conducted. Findings/implications : The empirical model that was derived through a factor analysis strengthens the argument that both tangible and intangible factors exist in a research environment. Tangible and intangible factors play a different role in predicting research output. The tangible factors are predictors of research output for non-research-active academics. The theoretical research output prediction model highlights predictors such as 'professional activities' and 'individual skills and competence' for specific groupings. The theoretical model indicates that the factors that predict research output are largely intrinsic to a researcher but could also be supported by institutional research management. Value of research : Findings provide direction on the differences in managing research active and research non-active academics. Findings could influence institutional research management practices and policies. Conclusion : A large percentage of the knowledge capital of the global economy is managed and retained in a university setting through the management of tangibles and intangibles. Research management, of which impact is measured through research output, can only be optimised through a balanced combination of tangibles and intangibles.


The scope of the study is to analyze data of children and adolescents who are the victims of different forms of violence, registered in the Surveillance System for Violence and Accidents (VIVA/MS) in Feira de Santana in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The total number of records, since the implementation of VIVA in the city (01/2009 to 01/2011) was used and the analyses sought associations between characteristics of violence and profiles of victims and perpetrators. The results showed that children and adolescents were molested using different types of violence, including the use of physical force, verbal threats and weapons and sundry cases of personal injury. Approximately 35% were hospitalized and 15% died. Physical violence was more common among males during adolescence in the home environment and perpetrated by a family member. Sexual violence occurred with greater frequency among females during childhood and 55.5% of the cases occurred in the home environment and more frequently perpetrated by a family member or acquaintances. The results highlight the importance of investments in policies and programs for harm prevention and reduction, seeking to broaden coverage in the care and the enhancement of the information system and surveys of these indicators.


The extracellular domain of human fibroblast growth factor receptor (XC-FGF-R) was expressed in Escherichia coli. The protein was purified to homogeneity and the interaction with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), its physiological ligand, was examined. Using resins on which bFGF was reversibly bound, we analysed the characteristics of the binding between XC-FGF-R and immobilized bFGF. We also investigated the stoichiometry of the binding between XC-FGF-R and recombinant human bFGF (rhbFGF) applying non-denaturing gel electrophoresis, chemical cross-linking followed by SDS/PAGE, and gel-filtration chromatography. In cross-linking and gel-filtration chromatography experiments, a 1:1 complex between rhbFGF and XC-FGF-R was observed. The complex was separated from the non-complexed proteins using non-denaturing PAGE in the presence of 0.1% Triton X-100. The band corresponding to the complex was recognized by specific antibodies directed against bFGF and its receptor, blotted on poly(vinylidene difluoride) membranes and submitted to sequence and amino acid analysis. The data obtained from these determinations confirmed the formation of a 1:1 complex between rhbFGF and XC-FGF-R.


Results from the first experiments to drive Alfven eigenmodes (AEs) with antennas external to a tokamak plasma are presented. In ohmically heated plasma discharges, direct experimental measurements of the damping of toroidicity induced AEs (TAEs) have allowed an identification of different regimes corresponding to different dominant TAE absorption mechanisms with a wide range of damping rates, 10-3 ≤ γ/w ≤ 10-1. In plasmas heated by ion cyclotron resonance heating, neutral beam injection heating, lower hybrid heating and high plasma current ohmic heating, a new class of weakly damped Alfven eigenmodes, the kinetic Alfven eigenmodes, predicted in theoretical models that include finite Larmor radius and finite parallel electric field effects, has been identified experimentally


The best-value procurement strategy is gaining the interest of federal and state agencies. The strategy increases the value added to a project for each dollar added. A new concept of best value, that is, a rational and flexible model based on expected performance, is presented. The model's flexibility is obvious in the selection of parameters to be included in the contractor selection process and in the determination of their weights. The model's rationality will be achieved through relating all awarded scores to the agency's expected performance. The establishment of the best-value model relies on the past record of the contractor's work for the agency as an indicator of qualification trend. This research incorporates prequalification as a first-level screening technique in selecting top contractor bids in the best-value procurement and then applies a rational scoring system in the final selection. Selection of the most appropriate contractor with the best qualifications for a given project will be based on contractor best value. Data are collected from groups of experts in the Minnesota Department of Transportation and processed through the analytic hierarchy process to establish the parameter weights. Although this research assists departments of transportation in selecting the best contractor, the results are relevant to both academics and practitioners. The paper provides practitioners with a tool for ranking contractors based on best value and provides academics with selection parameters, a model to evaluate the best value, and a methodology for quantifying the qualitative effect of subjective factors.


Pseudoenzymes have burst into the limelight recently as they provide another dimension to regulation of cellular protein activity. In the eudicot plant lineage, the pseudoenzyme PDX1.2 and its cognate enzyme PDX1.3 interact to regulate vitamin B6 biosynthesis. This partnership is important for plant fitness during environmental stress, in particular heat stress. PDX1.2 increases the catalytic activity of PDX1.3, with an overall increase in vitamin B6 biosynthesis. However, the mechanism by which this is achieved is not known. In this study, the Arabidopsis thaliana PDX1.2-PDX1.3 complex was crystallized in the absence and presence of ligands, and attempts were made to solve the X-ray structures. Three PDX1.2-PDX1.3 complex structures are presented: the PDX1.2-PDX1.3 complex as isolated, PDX1.2-PDX1.3-intermediate (in the presence of substrates) and a catalytically inactive complex, PDX1.2-PDX1.3-K97A. Data were also collected from a crystal of a selenomethionine-substituted complex, PDX1.2-PDX1.3-SeMet. In all cases the protein complexes assemble as dodecamers, similar to the recently reported individual PDX1.3 homomer. Intriguingly, the crystals of the protein complex are statistically disordered owing to the high degree of structural similarity of the individual PDX1 proteins, such that the resulting configuration is a composite of both proteins. Despite the differential methionine content, selenomethionine substitution of the PDX1.2-PDX1.3 complex did not resolve the problem. Furthermore, a comparison of the catalytically competent complex with a noncatalytic complex did not facilitate the resolution of the individual proteins. Interestingly, another catalytic lysine in PDX1.3 (Lys165) that pivots between the two active sites in PDX1 (P1 and P2), and the corresponding glutamine (Gln169) in PDX1.2, point towards P1, which is distinctive to the initial priming for catalytic action. This state was previously only observed upon trapping PDX1.3 in a catalytically operational state, as Lys165 points towards P2 in the resting state. Overall, the study shows that the integration of PDX1.2 into a heteromeric dodecamer assembly with PDX1.3 does not cause a major structural deviation from the overall architecture of the homomeric complex. Nonetheless, the structure of the PDX1.2-PDX1.3 complex highlights enhanced flexibility in key catalytic regions for the initial steps of vitamin B6 biosynthesis. This report highlights what may be an intrinsic limitation of X-ray crystallography in the structural investigation of pseudoenzymes.


Patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction often experience visually-induced aggravation of dizzy symptoms (visual vertigo; VV). The Situational Characteristics Questionnaire (SCQ), Computerized Dynamic Posturography or Rod and Frame Test (RFT) are used to assess VV symptoms. This study evaluates whether correlations exist between these three tests, their ability to identify patients with VV and whether emotional state correlates with VV symptoms. Tests were completed by 20 normal controls (Group NC), 20 patients with vestibular dysfunction plus VV (Group VV) and 13 without VV (Group NVV). Additionally, the Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS-V) was applied to quantify general, non-visually induced vertigo (dizziness, lightheadedness and/or spinning) and imbalance. Autonomic (VSS-A) and psychological symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression questionnaire; HAD) were also assessed. With the SCQ 100% of Group VV scored outside normal ranges and scores differed significantly between Group VV and both Groups NC and NVV. RFT values were not significantly different between groups; only 15% of patients scored outside normal ranges. Posturography scores were abnormal for 50% of patients; significant differences were noted between Groups NC and VV for composite scores and ratios 3/1, 4/1, 5/1 and 6/1 (indicative of abnormal sensory re-weighting). There were no correlations between the three data sets in patients. Anxiety and depression scores significantly differed between Groups NC and VV but not between patient groups; this indicates that psychological symptoms may be present in either patient group. The SCQ can be used to corroborate an initial clinical diagnosis of VV and quantify its severity in patients with vestibular dysfunction. Posturography data suggested patients with VV have a sensory re-weighting abnormality. The rod and frame test results and posturography findings agree less with the clinical diagnosis of VV. Psychological symptoms may need to be addressed.


Abstract Many commentators have described Barack Obama as a 'deracialized' politician. In contrast to 'racialized' Black candidates, deracialized politicians are said to deemphasize their Black racial identity, downplay the racial legacies of American inequality, and favor race-neutral over racially targeted policies. Puzzlingly, this narrative of Obama's racial politics sits incongruously with his political curriculum vitae, spent largely in contexts which are difficult to describe as deracialized. This article holds that commentators have misjudged Barack Obama's racial politics by conflating a contingent electoral strategy with a deeper expression of Obama's racial philosophical commitments. In explaining these commitments, the article finds the deracialized/racialized framing inadequate. Instead, it favors the typology of racial policy alliances situating Obama within the "race-conscious" policy alliance rather than the "color-blind" alliance. By returning to the site of Obama's political development, Hyde Park in Chicago, the paper uncovers a tradition of racial politics in which Blacks formed coalitions with progressive Whites but also embraced Black racial identity, acknowledged the enduring legacies of slavery and Jim Crow, and supported targeted policies to overturn these racial legacies. The article argues that Obama was an inheritor of this tradition.


This dissertation examines the perspectives of middle- and senior-level higher education administrators at a predominantly white institution (PWI) who provide minority-based programs and services that support underrepresented college students. This research aims to identify the key institutional systemic barriers that create challenges for the administrators in their effort to support underrepresented college students. Often underrepresented college students face academic and social challenges in their pursuit of obtaining an education; their experiences often differ from their white peers. Underrepresented college students attending predominantly white institutions are at greater risk of academic failure and adapting to their learning environment when institutional barriers are present and diversity and inclusion are not institutional priorities to promote an inclusive campus climate. Subsequently, administrators who support these students through their programs also encounter systemic barriers that create challenges. This task can be daunting for administrators at PWIs, often characterized by concerns induced by racism and the senior institutional leadership practices which influence systemic practices and policies. Using a qualitative semi-structured interview method, this study seeks to analyze the data gathered from 10 middle- and senior-level administrators interviewed at the University of Pittsburgh, a public research and PWI. The inquiry focused on the perspectives in narrative form. A qualitative analysis of interview results and pertinent literature review support identifying the key findings, themes, and interpretation. The data gathered in the study is analyzed using critical race theory (CRT), a theoretical framework and tenets of counter-storytelling and the permanence of racism. The qualitative study revealed the following emerging themes: institutional financial challenges; implications of existing silos; equitable resources and treatment are not always equal; social challenges create systemic discrimination and implicit bias; checking boxes and formality are common practices; administrators' perspectives regarding racism as a factor; and senior institutional leadership and support they provide. The seven emerging themes from the data analysis reveal that racism and the influence of senior institutional leadership were tied closely to each of the themes. The seven themes also answer the three research questions. The data gathered is not intended to generalize all PWIs, underrepresented college students, and administrators.


Nowadays, not-for-profit organizations and charities face the ageing of donors and a growing debate over monetary donation collection methods. They need to find solutions to attract younger generations of donors. Could this be done using the same methods applied to older generations? This present research investigates social representations (SRs) of giving by younger generations to understand how not-for-profit organizations and charities should approach them. The study focuses on SRs of a French sample of 276 individuals from Generation Y born between 1979 and 1991. It uses the free association technique. The results show paradoxical representations of giving. Institutionalization of giving is salient as representation of it as a freely consenting act. The paradox relies also in the strong presence of a relationship with others that parallels the gift as an individualistic choice. Generation Y individuals appear to be sociable, yet they evoke more sharing and solidarity than charity. Institutionalized forms of giving, particularly via charities and not-for-profit organizations, are rejected. These individuals seem to express their individuality through practices that resemble sharing rather than giving. From a managerial point of view, these results shed light on the factors liable to cause members of this generation to give, such as (i) the use of social networks, (ii) appealing to pleasure, festivities and efficiency rather than to guilt and duty, and (iii) encouragement to "work within the not-for-profit organization".


There are a number of serious conservation problems associated with the Cherangany forest degradation due to human settlements. The communities are highly dependent on the natural resources available within their vicinity and thus cause the greatest sustained forest disturbance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the drivers of forestdegradation. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design and the sampling frame comprised of respondents drawn from household heads living adjacent to the forest, members of Community Based Organizations (CBOs), community forest associations (CFA), and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) personnel in the area. The study area was divided into three strata; Kapcherop, Embobut and Cheptongei. In order to ensure that representative samples were derived from each stratum, the 282 households were obtained by simple random sampling technique as per the population of each strata. The instruments used for collection of data were questionnaires interview schedules and focus group discussions. The study used frequencies and percentages to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were data summarized and interpreted in line with the research objectives.Results were presented in form of figures and tables. The study found out that majority of the respondents were not employed and therefore depended on activities such as logging, charcoal burning, crop production and livestock rearing which have a negative effect on forest degradation. The study recommended that there is need for conservation of Cherangany forest through re-afforestation in places were agricultural activities such as crop production has taken place. This will increase the forest cover and thus reducethe socio-economic impacts associated with forest degradation. The research findings could influence policy makers and development agencies in the conservation of water catchment areas and will generate vital information on the socio-economic impact of the degradation of the forest on the household income.


above 50% [2]. The treatment options specific for hypergranulation at gastrostomy sites include the application of silver nitrate, combined antibiotic and steroid ointment, Lyofoam T® (Mölnlycke Health Care Limited, Bedfordshire, UK); as a last resort, it may be necessary to consider resiting the gastrostomy. A Medline search revealed that cryosurgery has not been reported as a treatment modality for hypergranulation tissue at gastrostomy stoma; in fact there is no description of the use of cryosurgery for treating hypergranulation tissue in general. In this report we describe the case of a 10 year old boy with the rare cardio-facioP ercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion is reported to be performed in 125,000 to 200,000 of cases in the United States annually [1]. Hypergranulation tissue is common after PEG insertion with reported occurrences of cutaneous syndrome who presented with a rapid sizable growth of hypergranulation tissue around the stoma of his PEG. The hypergranulation tissue was successfully treated by intralesional cryosurgery where other treatment modalities had failed.


The 11-subunit trp RNA-binding attenuation protein of Bacillus subtilis, TRAP, regulates transcription and translation by binding to several (G/U)AG repeats present in the trp leader and trpG transcripts. Filter binding assays were used to study interactions between L-tryptophan-activated TRAP and synthetic RNAs. RNAs that contained GAG and/or UAG repeats were tested while the length and sequence of the nucleotides separating adjacent trinucleotide repeats were altered. TRAP-RNA complexes formed with transcripts containing GAG repeats were more stable than those with transcripts containing UAG repeats or alternating GAG and UAG repeats. The stability of TRAP-RNA complexes also increased substantially when the number of GAG repeats was increased from five to six and from six to seven. A gradual increase in complex stability was observed when the number of GAG repeats was increased from 7 to 11. The optimal spacer between adjacent trinucleotide repeats was found to be 2 nucleotides, with A and U residues preferred over G and C residues. TRAP binding was specific for single-stranded RNA; TRAP could not bind to RNA containing GAG repeats base paired in a stable RNA duplex. Overall, our findings suggest that each L-tryptophan-activated TRAP subunit can bind one (G/U)AG repeat and that multiple TRAP subunit-RNA binding site interactions are required for stable TRAP-RNA association.


We study the effects of confinement between two parallel walls on a two dimensional fluid with competing interactions which lead to the formation of particle microdomains at the thermodynamic equilibrium (microphases or microseparation). The possibility to induce structural changes of the morphology of the microdomains is explored, under different confinement conditions and temperatures. In the presence of neutral walls, a switch from stripes of particles to circular clusters (droplets) occurs as the temperature decreases, which does not happen in bulk. While the passage from droplets to stripes, as the density increases, is a well-known phenomenon, the change of the stripes into droplets as an effect of temperature is rather unexpected. Depending on the wall separation and on the wall-fluid interaction parameters, the stripes can switch from parallel to perpendicular to the walls and also a mixed morphology can be stable.


Sufficient information concerning the difficulties encountered in reconstructive surgery is rarely provided in the literature. This study, which was performed on 32 patients, points out a high rate of complication; major and minor complications were encountered in 68.8% of the patients. Benign and traumatic lesions caused the fewest problems. Malignant lesions, particularly those receiving radiotherapy, had the greatest incidence of complications. Successful reconstruction was accomplished in 75% of the cases. The use of a corticocancellous autogenous graft is suggested in selected cases of malignant disease.


Many U.S. military veterans lack health insurance and are ineligible for care in Veterans Administration health care facilities. Using two recently released national government surveys—the 2004 Current Population Survey and the 2002 National Health Interview Survey—the authors examined how many veterans are uninsured (lacking health insurance coverage and not receiving care from the VA) and whether uninsured veterans have problems in access to care. In 2003, 1.69 million military veterans neither had health insurance nor received ongoing care at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals or clinics; the number of uninsured veterans increased by 235,159 since 2000. The proportion of nonelderly veterans who were uninsured rose from 9.9 percent in 2000 to 11.9 percent in 2003. An additional 3.90 million members of veterans' households were also uninsured and ineligible for VHA care. Medicare covered virtually all Korean War and World War II veterans, but 681,808 Vietnam-era veterans were uninsured (8.7 percent of the 7.85 million Vietnam-era vets). Among the 8.27 million veterans who served during "other eras" (including the Persian Gulf War), 12.1 percent (999,548) lacked health coverage. A disturbingly high number of veterans reported problems in obtaining needed medical care. By almost any measure, uninsured veterans had as much trouble getting medical care as other uninsured persons. Thus millions of U.S. veterans and their family members are uninsured and face grave difficulties in gaining access to even the most basic medical care.


Intake of a high dosage of baicalin has previously been shown to attenuate hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet. Baicalin functions as an activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), which is the key regulator of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that baicalin could promote cholesterol efflux in macrophages through activating PPAR-γ. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated THP-1 cells were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein and (3H)-cholesterol for 24 h, and the effects of baicalin on cholesterol efflux were evaluated in the presence of apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1), or high-density lipoprotein subfraction 2 (HDL2) or subfraction 3 (HDL3). The expression levels of scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), PPAR-γ and liver X receptor-α (LXRα) were detected and specific inhibitors or activators of SR-BI, PPAR-γ and LXRα were applied to investigate the mechanism. Treatment of THP-1 macrophages with baicalin significantly accelerated HDL-mediated, but not ApoA-1-mediated cholesterol efflux. However, baicalin treatment increased the expression of SR-BI at the mRNA and protein levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and pre-treatment with the SR-BI inhibitor BLT-1 and SR-BI small interfering RNA significantly inhibited baicalin-induced cholesterol efflux. Furthermore, baicalin increased the expression of PPAR-γ and LXRα, and the application of specific agonists and inhibitors of PPAR-γ and LXRα changed the expression of SR-BI, as well as cholesterol efflux. It may be concluded that baicalin induced cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages via the PPAR-γ/LXRα/SR-BI pathway.


The size, shape, stacking patterns, and internal architecture of deepwater deposits control reservoir fluid flow connectivity. Predicting deepwater stratigraphic architecture as a function of position along a deepwater slope from seismic-reflection data is critical for successful hydrocarbon exploration and development projects. Stratigraphic architecture from confined and weakly confined segments of a deepwater sediment-routing system is analyzed in outcrop from the Tres Pasos Formation (Upper Cretaceous), southern Chile. Outcrop observations are the basis of two geocellular models: confined channel deposits at Laguna Figueroa and weakly confined channel and scour deposits at Arroyo Picana. Key stratigraphic surfaces and facies relationships observed in outcrop are forward seismic modeled at high to low resolution to bridge the gap in subseismic scale interpretation of deepwater reservoirs and demonstrate challenges associated with identification of varied reservoir architecture. The outcrop-constrained geometry of architectural elements, their stacking arrangement, and the varied internal distribution of facies each impart a strong influence on seismic reflectivity. Key outcomes from the analysis include (1) stratigraphic architecture transitions down-paleoslope from vertically aligned low-aspect-ratio channel elements to a more weakly confined depocenter characterized by a breadth of laterally offset low- and high-aspect-ratio channel and scour elements. Seismic reflections, down to 30 Hz frequencies, record aspects of these stratigraphic changes. (2) Key seismic reflections are often comprised of multiple outcrop-constrained stratigraphic surfaces. Tuning effects result in composite seismic surfaces that are vertically offset from the known position of sedimentary units; this hinders accurate interpretation of stratigraphic surfaces from seismic-reflection data. This is particularly problematic in the weakly confined system in which shifted stratigraphic surfaces, which bound deposits characterized by numerous similar architectural elements, can alter the interpretability of sandstone connectivity within and across zones. Furthermore, misinterpretation of surfaces is problematic when they are flow barriers draped with debris flows, slumps/slides, or thin-bedded turbidites. (3) Tuning effects also impart significant control on volume-based interpretations from seismic data. In particular, calculations of gross rock volume from seismic reflection data that do not consider the tuning or architectural element stacking pattern can overestimate actual volumes by 10%–50%, with implications for reservoir prediction and hydrocarbon volume estimation.


This paper presents a technology to integrate electronics at the thread level in woven textiles. Flexible plastic substrates are cut into stripes and serve as carriers for electronics, including ICs, thin-film devices, interconnect lines, and contact pads. These functionalized plastic stripes, called e-stripes, are woven into textiles. Conductive threads perpendicular to the e-stripes electrically interconnect the devices on the individual e-stripes. The integration of e-stripes and conductive threads into the woven textiles is compatible with commercial weaving processes and suitable for large-scale manufacturing. We demonstrate the technology with a woven textile containing five e-stripes with digital temperature sensors. Conductive threads interconnect the e-stripes among each other to form a bus topology. We show that the contacts between the conductive threads and the pads on e-stripes as well as the contacts between the temperature sensors and e-stripes withstand shear forces of at least 20 N. The integration of the temperature sensors into the textile increases the bending rigidity of the textile by 30%; however, it is still possible to obtain a textile-bending radii of <;1 mm. This technology seamlessly integrates electronics into textiles, thus advancing the field of smart textiles and wearable computing.


The scope of the paper was to evaluate dental caries severity as a function of some socio-economic and behavioural factors. Materials and method. A transversal clinical study performed on 396 children with ages between 6 and 12 years, involving examination and interviewing of the subjects was developed. The DMFT/S and dmft/s indices were calculated and the habits related to hygiene, diet and some socio-economic factors were registered. Results. Caries indices were statistically lower in children who brushed their teeth 2-3 times/day (DMFT/ S=1.5/2.6), in those using auxilliary hygiene means (DMFT/S=1.14/1.6) and also in those consuming predominantly meat (DMFT/S=0.88/1.19) and fruits/vegetables (DMFT/S=1.43/2.18). The indices were also lower in the children growing in families with a high socio-economic level (DMFT/S=1.47/2.08), whose mothers are employed (DMFT/S=1.41/2.14) and have universitary training (DMFT/S=1.35/1.67). Conclusions. The indices of carious experience were influenced by certain socio-behavioural factors, which may provide explanations for the different types of carioactivity recorded.


tert-Butylation of naphthalene is a promising process for the production of 2,6-DANs, which are fundamental starting materials for PEN. Herein, the tert-butylation of naphthalene with tertiary butanol was carried out in the liquid phase over a series of Ce-modified HY zeolites. XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, NH3-TPD and FT-IR characterization studies proved that the Ce species dispersed uniformly on the HY zeolite in the form of small cerium oxide clusters/nanoparticles. The formed Ce2O3 and CeO2 interacted with the hydroxyl groups in the zeolite, which caused the passivation of silicon–aluminium bridge hydroxyl groups in supercages and sodalite cages, resulting in the decrease of acid concentration and acid strength. Due to the weakened acid strength, the selectivity for 2,6-DTBN in the pores was greatly enhanced. Moreover, the non-selective acid sites on the external surface were reduced by Ce modification, which effectively inhibited dealkylation and isomerization reactions and thus helped to maintain the high selectivity for 2,6-DTBN.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the expression of tissue factor (TF), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and to find their roles in lymph node metastasis, vascular involvement and prognosis.

METHODS
Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of TF, uPA, and uPAR in the tumor tissues of 97 NSCLC patients obtained during operation and 40 samples of normal lung tissues at least 5 cm away from the tumor tissues. The correlations of expression of TF, uPA, and uPAR with the clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed by chi2 test. The survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS
TF, uPA, and uPAR were diffusely expressed in the carcinoma cell cytoplasm with the positive rates of 61.9%, 58.8%, and 61.9% respectively; however, they were only weakly expressed in the scattered macrophage and fibroblast cells in the normal lung tissues. TF expression was correlated with tumor angiogenesis as measured by microvessel density (P < 0.01); TF(34/47), uPA(33/47), and uPAR (39/47) expressions were all positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01), and the uPAR expression was positively correlated with vascular involvement (P < 0.01). The agreement between TF and uPAR expression was significant (r = 0.432, P < 0.01). Co-expression of TF and uPAR was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and vascular involvement. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that median the survival time of the patients with TF, uPAR and TF-uPAR positive tumor was shorter than that of the patients with TF, uPAR and TF-uPAR negative tumors (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION
TF promotes angiogenesis, and uPAR contributes to lymph node metastasis and vascular involvement. Co-expression of TF and uPAR may play an important role in the metastasis and prognosis of NSCLC.


Abstract. Inside a snow cover, metamorphism plays a key role in snow evolution at different scales. This study focuses on the impact of temperature gradient metamorphism on a snow layer in its vertical extent. To this end, two cold-laboratory experiments were conducted to monitor a snow layer evolving under a temperature gradient of 100 K m−1 using X-ray tomography and environmental sensors. The first experiment shows that snow evolves differently in the vertical: in the end, coarser depth hoar is found in the center part of the layer, with covariance lengths about 50 % higher compared to the top and bottom areas. We show that this heterogeneous grain growth could be related to the temperature profile, to the associated crystal growth regimes, and to the local vapor supersaturation. In the second experiment, a non-disturbing sampling method was applied to enable a precise observation of the basal mass transfer in the case of dry boundary conditions. An air gap, characterized by a sharp drop in density, developed at the base and reached more than 3 mm after a month. The two reported phenomena, heterogeneous grain growth and basal mass loss, create heterogeneities in snow – in terms of density, grain and pore size, and ice morphology – from an initial homogeneous layer. Finally, we report the formation of hard depth hoar associated with an increase in specific surface area (SSA) observed in the second experiment with higher initial density. These microscale effects may strongly impact the snowpack behavior, e.g., for snow transport processes or snow mechanics.


Problem statement: Text summarization can be of different nature ranging from indicative summary that identifies the topics of the document to informative summary which is meant to represent the concise description of the original document, providing an idea of what the whole content of document is all about. Approach: Single document summary seems to capture both the information well but it has not been the case for multi document summary where the overall comprehensive quality in presenting informative summary often lacks. It is found that most of the existing methods tend to focus on sentence scoring and less consideration is given to the contextual information content in multiple documents. Results: In this study, some survey on multi document summarization approaches has been presented. We will direct our focus notably on four well known approaches to multi document summarization namely the feature based method, cluster based method, graph based method and knowledge based method. The general ideas behind these methods have been described. Conclusion: Besides the general idea and concept, we discuss the benefits and limitations concerning these methods. With the aim of enhancing multi document summarization, specifically news documents, a novel type of approach is outlined to be developed in the future, taking into account the generic components of a news story in order to generate a better summary.


Introduction: Isobaric levobupivacaine is now being investigated in spinal anesthesia owing to its better safety profile; however, the studies are sparse which show clinical efficacy of intrathecal isobaric levobupivacaine alone in its ED95 dose (12.5-13.5mg) for cesarean sections (CS) and its comparison with most commonly used regime of hyperbaric bupivacaine (10mg).
Objective and Methods: 100 parturients undergoing CS in spinal anesthesia were randomized in two equal groups to receive either 12.5mg isobaric levobupivacaine (group L) or 10mg hyperbaric bupivacaine (group B). Sensory – motor block characteristics (onset, extent, and duration), hemodynamic profile, adverse effects and success rate of the two drugs were compared.
Results: All patients in both groups achieved target sensory level of T6 and Bromage score of 3 (complete motor block) hence no patient required anesthetic supplementation resulting in 100% success rate in both groups. Sensory onset (Time to T6) was significantly faster in group B (3.8±0.81 min) than in Group L (4.28±1.04 min) p = 0.011. Motor onset (Time to B3) was also significantly faster in Group B (3.04±0.69) than in group L (3.56±0.63), p = 0.0002. However this difference of
Conclusion: Isobaric levobupivacaine (12.5mg) can be used as an alternative to hyperbaric bupivacaine (10mg) in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section as it offers effective sensory motor blockade with clinically comparable onset time.

Keywords: Isobaric levobupivacaine, Hyperbaric bupivacaine, Spinal anesthesia, Caesarean section.


To investigate labour-associated changes in production of activin and related hormones by gestational tissues we prepared extracts from amnion, choriodecidual and placental tissues delivered at term before labour (TNL; n=15), at term after spontaneous labour (TSL; n=15) or preterm (PTD; n=31) and measured concentrations of inhibin A, activin A and follistatin by ELISA. Activin concentrations in placental tissues were significantly (Mann-Whitney U-test; P<0.05) elevated with term labour (pg/mg protein, median; 1313 vs 2591), but in the PTD tissues concentrations were lower than those delivered spontaneously at term (3650 vs 2649). Inhibin concentrations also increased with term labour in the placenta (480 vs 686), but paradoxically decreased in amnion (188 vs 64) and choriodecidua (657 vs 358). Little or no significant changes in follistatin concentrations were observed. Concentrations of all three proteins were significantly correlated between amnion and choriodecidual tissues, and were significantly correlated with each other in most tissues (Spearman's ranked correlation; P<0.05). The activin:inhibin ratio in term amnion and choriodecidual tissues was increased 2 to 3-fold (P<0.0005 by Mann-Whitney U-test) after term labour, with similar trends also observed in the activin:follistatin ratio in placental tissue. These data suggest that a modest increase in placental activin and inhibin production may occur with labour at term. In addition, an increase in activin bioactivity may occur with labour, potentiating any paracrine effects of activin during parturition. The data, however, do not support an association between increased intrauterine activin biosynthesis and preterm delivery.


This paper deals with closed loop control of CNC operated tool and cutter grinder machine with conventional fixed gain controller and adaptive gain scheduling controller. Reliable spindle power model is developed for the purpose of simulation and is validated. Fuzzy logic based gain scheduling control scheme for tool and cutter grinding machines is proposed in this paper. Series of simulation work with different machine parameters and disturbance condition is carried out to verify utility of the scheme. Performance of gain scheduling controller is compared with conventional fixed gain controller. From simulation result it is clear that gain scheduling controller offers better tool protection against catastrophic failure and also assures good productivity.


This thesis aims to provide an original context for the emergent use of Web 2.0 technologies by brands and their communication agents (advertising, PR and marketing) as they engage consumers in (a branded form of) dialogue. This is achieved by exploring the content and style of brand-consumer communications in Web 2.0 platforms, by appraising advertising discourses in collaborative and interactive environment of Twitter. This study focuses in particular on the use of language and the role that other communicative modes play in Web 2.0-mediated interactions and the possible implications they might have on brand-consumer power relations.
This thesis adopts a critical inter-disciplinary approach, and is designed to inform the emerging field of digital commercial communications. More specifically, by applying social and cultural theories of new media with the social Web, this study sets out to contribute to emerging literature and debates on the socio-economic implications of Web 2.0 communications in the context of advertising. Critical theories of advertising and new media have been utilised to shape a framework for analysing communications in collaborative and often interactive digital advertising settings. This, and a body of primary research through first-hand interviews, plus analysis of exemplar of Web 2.0-mediated brand-consumer communications, enables me to consider more broadly the ways in which capitalism has been repositioned within the new digital environment.
To achieve this, this study has appropriated two research methods in it's handling of primary evidence. The first part of analysis appraises eight semi-structured interviews I conducted with digital strategy makers and 'brand ambassadors' working within the contemporary international advertising industry, acting on behalf of multinational brands. The second part analyses the content of brand-consumer communications within Web 2.0 platforms, notably Twitter, through four different sectors spanning service, product and cause sectors. Cases are of Starbucks Coffee (fast moving consumer goods), Dell Computers (IT sector), Burberry (luxury fashion) and Yes Scotland (a political cause). The overarching aim is to assess product or service-driven digital advertising strategies that have most effectively exploited (or best lend themselves to) social Web platforms to leverage their ideology and generate social supports.
The results of my analysis suggest that although Web 2.0-mediated communications between brands and consumers exhibit some characteristics of participatory culture, the actual nature of the conversational qualities and the types of interaction spans a much wider spectrum. Some discourses are in fact monologue, while others contain consumer-generated responsive dialogue and more proportionate mutual discourse. The latter ultimately contributes in co-creating and shaping discourses that reinforce and stabilise existing hierarchical relations between producers and consumers


The purpose of this study was to further examine the construct and predictive validity of the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire or PMCSQ. Young athletes (N = 169, M age = 14.2 ± 1.94 years) on teams competing in an amateur international competition completed questionnaires measuring perceived motivational climate, the degree of worry experienced while participating, and team satisfaction. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis indicated an acceptable fit of the data with the hypothetical measurement model. In terms of the predictive utility of the PMCSQ, perceptions of a mastery climate were positively related to satisfaction with being a member on the team and negatively associated with performance worry. In contrast, perceptions of a performance climate were positively associated with concerns about failing and the adequacy of one's performance and negatively correlated with team satisfaction. Future directions in terms of instrument development and research on motivational climat...


The aim of the work described in this paper was to trace and eliminate vibration sources in a low pressure system with high flow velocities.
 Considerable vibration on the pipe system between a flashing vessel (6.5 m diameter) and heat-exchangers resulted in leakages and subsequent shut downs of a chemical production plant.
 As compressors or pumps were not directly involved in the process, we considered aero-acoustic pulsations as the main cause of the high vibration levels. Analysis of the flow in the pipe system showed that mean flow velocities could rise up to 50 m/s, which is rather high considering the speed of sound in the gas of 195 m/s. Furthermore separation of the flow from the pipewall occurs at the outlets of a flashing vessel, which resulted in estimated flow velocities of over 100 m/s in the vena contracta.
 This paper provides an overview of the analysis done by a one-dimensional acoustical and a mechanical finite element model.
 The recommended modification consists of a perforated pipe-section between the outlets of the vessel and has been tested in a scale model. Tests have been performed with airflow at identical Mach numbers for different configurations with perforation ratios from 70 to 36%.
 The modification with a perforation ratio of 50% shows a reduction of a factor 5 of the pressure pulsation and vibration levels over the entire frequency range.
 The net pressure loss for this configuration is similar to that in the original lay-out without the perforated tube.
 This modification was implemented during a plant shutdown in October 1996 and proved to be very effective. The results are well in line with the predicted levels and on the basis of this success a similar design has been planned for two new installations.


Modern civil engineers have big problems on their hands; more cars use our road networks every year, leading to ever increasing congestion. Knowing how to change a road network to relieve congestion without spending millions of pounds doing so is a tricky business. Traffic simulators can go some way to helping the engineers know how flows will alter with changes in the network. Such changes could be a new road, or even a simple modification to a signalized junction's phasing. Unfortunately, accurate simulators typically available to engineers are slow to execute, especially if the network being simulated is the size of a city. Real-time simulations are available, running on parallel platforms, but these are costly.

This paper discusses the initial research into traffic simulation on programmable logic devices (PLDs). This promises simulations speeds which are faster than real time, but at a fraction of the cost of simulators based on parallel architecture. Rather that trying to map road networks directly onto the PLDs, we have used a hardware description language, XCircal, to model our hardware components. Each component corresponds to a part of a road network, such as a section of road or a one-lane to two-lane splitter. Using XCircal, full junctions can be modelled without touching the hardware. Results of a simulation are included, and these demonstrate that basic junction behaviour can be replicated in hardware.


Progress in molecular high-throughput techniques has led to the opportunity of a comprehensive monitoring of biomolecules in medical samples. In the era of personalized medicine, these data form the basis for the development of diagnostic, prognostic and predictive tests for cancer. Because of the high number of features that are measured simultaneously in a relatively low number of samples, supervised learning approaches are sensitive to overfitting and performance overestimation. Bioinformatic methods were developed to cope with these problems including control of accuracy and precision. However, there is demand for easy-to-use software that integrates methods for classifier construction, performance assessment and development of diagnostic tests. To contribute to filling of this gap, we developed a comprehensive R package for the development and validation of diagnostic tests from high-dimensional molecular data. An important focus of the package is a careful validation of the classification results. To this end, we implemented an extended version of the multiple random validation protocol, a validation method that was introduced before. The package includes methods for continuous prediction scores. This is important in a clinical setting, because scores can be converted to probabilities and help to distinguish between clear-cut and borderline classification results. The functionality of the package is illustrated by the analysis of two cancer microarray data sets.


Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) networks will offer in the forthcoming years multiple and differentiated services to users with high mobility requirements, connecting via portable or wearable devices which rely on the use of batteries by necessity. Since a relatively large fraction of energy is consumed by such devices for transmitting/receiving data over-the-air, mechanisms are needed to reduce power consumption, in order to increase the lifetime of devices, and hence, improve user's satisfaction. The IEEE 802.16, which supports mobile BWA since its "e" amendment in 2005, defined power saving functions at the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, which are designed to be operated during open traffic sessions for the greatest energy consumption reduction. However, enabling power saving usually increases the transmission latency, which can negatively affect the Quality of Service (QoS) experienced by users. On the other hand, imposing stringent QoS requirements may limit the amount of energy that can be saved. In this paper, an extensive study of the mutual interaction between power saving mechanisms and QoS support is carried out in the context of the IEEE 802.16e. In particular, two types of delay-constrained applications with different requirements are considered, i.e., Web and Voice over IP (VoIP) for which the IEEE 802.16e standard specifies two different power saving classes. The performance is assessed via detailed packet-level simulation, with respect to several system parameters. To capture the relative contribution of all the factors on the energy- and QoS-related metrics, part of the evaluation is carried out by means of 2k · ¿! analysis.


The passive evaporative cooling roof in building is an important passive thermal insulation technology with the development of green roof, spraying water roof and storing water roof. For its complexity of heat and moisture transfer process only some sample experiments could be done on some controlling conditions. In this paper on the basis of analyzing the unsteady heat transfer model with the first boundary conditions and by using the integral method based on the concept of thermal boundary layer the critical penetration time, the critical penetration thickness and the temperature attenuation ratio are calculated and analyzed for different materials with different thickness. The research results show that the critical penetration time is gradually attenuated with the increasing of thermal diffusivity. The critical penetration time of being researched materials is lower than one hour when the thickness of materials is 0.1 meter, when the thickness of materials is 0.2 meter the critical penetration time is between 46.83 and 214.55 minutes, when the thickness is 0.3 meter the time is between 105.36 and 482.73 minutes. The sandy soil has the maximal critical penetration time and the critical penetration thickness in all analyzed materials, and the loose sawdust has the minimum critical penetration time and the maximal critical penetration thickness. On the side of temperature attenuation ratio the different material thickness has different attenuation law.


East Kutai Regency is one of the regions in East Kalimantan Province which has a variety of tourism objects that have the potential to be developed, especially in the Sangsaka region which is in the Sangkulirang Zone. The purpose of this study was to analyze tourism marketing development strategies and supporting factors and inhibiting factors in marketing and developing tourism in the Sangsaka area of East Kutai Regency.
The research design used in this study was exploratory descriptive research. The number of respondents who provided data through questionnaires in this study were 55 people and informants who provided data through the results of interviews in the study were 4 people so that the total number was 59 people. Data analysis using SWOT.
The results of the study resulted in several strategies used for tourism development through marketing mix in the Sangsaka area of East Kutai Regency as well as supporting factors consisting of the geographical condition of the Sangsaka region, the existence of support from the Regional Government, the establishment of good cooperation between agencies and technology optimization. While the inhibiting factors consisting of sea and land transportation, facilities and infrastructure are still lacking, the budget is very limited, the location of attractions is quite far away, the quality of human resources is still low and tourism awareness is still lacking. The need for additional facilities and infrastructure as well as supporting facilities in Sangsaka region tourism objects, it is necessary to collaborate with investors and regions to develop tourism potential and it is necessary to immediately develop and train human resources.


BACKGROUND In the era of leprosy eradication, Jayapura is still one of the biggest leprosy pockets in Papua, Indonesia. The trend for leprosy case detection rate has remained relatively stable over recent years. This study was aimed to detect Mycobacterium leprae in household contacts and to evaluate the associated factors with the detection. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited household contacts of leprosy patients who were diagnosed consecutively from March to August 2015 in Hamadi Point of Care, Jayapura. The leprosy patients were diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For each leprosy patient, up to four household contacts that had no symptom were included. Every household contact received screening through DNA detection of M. leprae extracted from nasal swab specimens and examined using PCR. Factors for bacteria detection included intensity, time duration and number of contacts living together in the same house, and random blood glucose levels were evaluated. Bivariate analysis was used to associate them with M. leprae detection in household contacts. RESULTS From 107 household contacts of 35 patients who had leprosy, M. leprae was detected in 19.6%. Household contacts with leprosy patients for >1 year was a risk factor for detection (OR = 12.45; 95% CI = 1.595–97.20; p = 0.002). Blood glucose (p = 0.444), ethnic (p = 0.456), sleeping proximity to leprosy case (p = 0.468) and relatives (p = 0.518) give no effect to M. leprae detection in household contacts. CONCLUSIONS Among the various risk factors studied, duration of living together with the patient significantly increased the risk of M. leprae transmission.


Capelin Mallotus villosus is the most abundant pelagic fish species in boreal and sub- arctic waters. The ecological and commercial importance of capelin emphasizes the need for a better understanding of the genetic population structure of the species and the mechanisms underlying its population dynamics. With this aim, 1155 capelin from the entire distributional range of the species were genotyped using 9 recently-developed microsatellite markers. The genetic analyses clearly demonstrated that the circumpolar capelin population can be divided into 4 regional groups: (1) West Pacific, (2) East Pacific, (3) Newfoundland, and (4) Northeast Atlantic and West Greenland. Highly significant genetic differentiation was observed between capelin from the western and eastern Pacific, and a high assignment success within both regions indicated minimal gene flow between these populations. Within the Atlantic Ocean, the Newfoundland population was differentiated from all the other samples. Among the remaining samples within the Atlantic Ocean the microsatellite data were less conclusive. Comparison of our results with studies of species with similar distribution, duration of planktonic stages and dispersal capacity suggests that genetic structuring of capelin within the complex system of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean cannot be ruled out.


The aim of the research is to analysis the health of a simple frame structure based on accelerometer data. The research is a preliminary study which used the accelerometer data in the time history analysis of the structure. The parameters has been used in the study are the Story Damage Index (SDI), the Approximate Story Damage Index (ASDI), the Flexibility Damage Index (MFDI), and the Park Ang Damage Index. The finite element analysis is used to identify the damage of building structures through the pushover analysis. The study has conducted the minor damage index, physical appearance to check the cracked beam and concrete column. The damage index average is in the range 0-0.08. It can be concluded the building is still able to withstand the earthquake load. However, the building is stated in a minor damage condition after the earthquake occurred.


This paper explores how long it takes to build an apartment. In our effort to answer the question, we concentrate on the inventory phase. The phase involves the completion of every apartment. It includes several trades, a significant number of tasks and a great deal of coordination, and spans from erecting the walls to installing and coupling of technical systems and to the finishing of kitchen, bathroom(s), doors and all surfaces. The paper is grounded in the research idea that to make construction more like manufacturing, we need to study it from a manufacturing viewpoint. Its starting point are the peculiarities of construction as emphasized by one-of-a-kind projects, site production, a temporary organization and intervention of regulatory authorities (Koskela 1992). While these particularities have played a fundamental role to understand the uniqueness of the construction building process, we argue in this paper to handle them with caution so that they do not hamper initiatives – and insights – based on the commonalities of the two types of production. In the paper, a preliminary analysis is carried out based on a housing project including 127 apartments, divided by four, four-to-six storey high blocks. Using the single apartment as the production unit, we outline certain assessments which we plan to test full-scale in a sizeable housing project including 342 apartments. The paper discusses the potential benefits of defining an apartment as the production unit, and how it may assist production knowing how long it takes to build an apartment. We conclude that to build an apartment in a more effective and less wasteful manner than today, we should think of it as more of a manufacturing than a construction process.


A definite diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can only be made at autopsy. Even at expert research centers, diagnostic accuracy is relatively low. We conducted this study to examine the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of AD and present a list of clinical and neuropsychological findings that could render the clinical diagnosis difficult. Using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database, the records of 533 patients who had been diagnosed clinically with AD, and later underwent autopsy, were reviewed retrospectively. Since the pathologic results of 119 subjects did not meet the criteria for definite AD, we labeled them as Alzheimer "mimics". The neuropathological diagnoses of Alzheimer mimics consisted of dementia with Lewy bodies (n = 35, 29%), insufficient AD (n = 22, 18%), vascular disease (n = 15, 13%), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (n = 14, 12%), and hippocampal sclerosis (n = 10, 8%). History of pacemaker insertion (10.92% versus 4.11%, p = 0.005), congestive heart failure (13.45% versus 6.04%, p = 0.007), hypertension (56.30% versus 47.83%, p = 0.037), and resting tremor (14.29% versus 10.87%, p = 0.170) was more prevalent in Alzheimer mimics. Clinical Dementia Rating score and frequency of Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire items reflecting delusions, agitation, depression, and motor disturbance were more severe in confirmed AD. In addition to Mini-Mental State Examination (16.97 ± 8.29 versus 12.74 ± 15.26, p < 0.001), Logical Memory, Animal Fluency, Boston Naming Test, and Digit Span scores showed more severe impairment in confirmed AD. Continuing systematic comparisons of the current criteria for the clinical and pathological dementia diagnoses are essential to clinical practice and research, and may also lead to further improvement of the diagnostic procedure.


Bariatric surgery, such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a surgery of the gastrointestinal tract that is performed for the purpose of weight loss. Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective long-term treatment for obesity. In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery produces additional health benefits such as remission of type 2 diabetes, remission of hypertension, and decreased risk of developing certain types of cancer. The mechanisms beyond weight loss for these benefits remain incompletely defined. Therefore, animal models of bariatric surgery are being developed and validated to identify the mechanisms leading to these benefits, with the goal of improving understanding of gastrointestinal physiology and identifying new therapeutic targets. VSG has become the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the clinic in the United States because it is highly effective at producing weight loss and metabolic improvement, and is simpler to perform than other bariatric procedures. Therefore, we have developed and validated a murine model of VSG. This murine VSG model recapitulates many of the effects of VSG seen in humans, including improved glucose and blood pressure regulation. The method is based on isolation of the stomach, ligation of gastric vessels, and removal of 70% of the stomach by transecting along the greater curvature of the stomach. We have successfully applied this surgical protocol to various genetically modified mouse lines to define the mechanistic contributors to the benefits of VSG. Furthermore, this murine VSG model has been combined with other surgical techniques, to achieve deeper mechanistic insight. Therefore, this is a simple and versatile model for studying gastrointestinal physiology and the health benefits of bariatric surgery.


Robotic manipulation tasks, such as wiping with a soft sponge, require control from multiple rich sensory modalities. Human-robot interaction, aimed at teaching robots, is difficult in this setting as there is potential for mismatch between human and machine comprehension of the rich data streams. We treat the task of interpretable learning from demonstration as an optimisation problem over a probabilistic generative model. To account for the high-dimensionality of the data, a high-capacity neural network is chosen to represent the model. The latent variables in this model are explicitly aligned with high-level notions and concepts that are manifested in a set of demonstrations. We show that such alignment is best achieved through the use of labels from the end user, in an appropriately restricted vocabulary, in contrast to the conventional approach of the designer picking a prior over the latent variables. Our approach is evaluated in the context of a table-top robot manipulation task performed by a PR2 robot -- that of dabbing liquids with a sponge (forcefully pressing a sponge and moving it along a surface). The robot provides visual information, arm joint positions and arm joint efforts. We have made videos of the task and data available - see supplementary materials at this https URL


A novel and timesaving preparing process for hollow polymer microspheres(HPMs) was proposed based on the improved alkali neutralization method. In the process, uniform HPMs were prepared by synthesizing poly(styrene-methacrylic acid){P(St-MAA)} particles with carboxylic functional groups by emulsion polymerization and subsequently hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases separating by alkali neutralizing. The morphology, diameter and monodispersion of P(St-MAA) particles were controlled by varying the content of methacrylic acid(MAA). Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) were used to characterize the products and to demonstrate that the polymer microspheres were hollow. The results indicated that the optimum MAA content was about 10%.


The Allison Engine Company has been developing a low emission, can-annular combustion system for the 501K industrial gas turbine engine to satisfy increasingly stringent environmental requirements. This paper describes the progress achieved, over that previously reported by Razdan et al. (1994), through subsequent design evolution, bench testing, and engine evaluation. Allison's goal is to develop a retrofittable, can-annular combustion system that limits emission levels to less than 25 ppm nitrogen oxide (NOx), 50 ppm carbon monoxide (CO), and 20 ppm unburned hydrocarbon (UHC), while operating at full load conditions. The interim emissions goals for the combustion system are 37 ppm NOx, 80 ppm CO, and 20 ppm UHC (all dry 15% O2 corrected).The combustion system under development employs a dual mode combustion approach to meet engine operability requirements and high power emission targets without the use of combustor diluent injection or postcombustor exhaust treatment. A lean premixed combustion mode is used to minimize combustion zone temperature and limit NOx production during high power engine operation. The lean premix mode is augmented with a diffusion flame pilot mode for engine starting and low power operation.Initial engine testing showed a dry low NOx combustion system, designed to meet a 37 ppm NOx limit, produced less than 34 ppm NOx and less than 10 ppm CO and UHC in test stand verification test. Continued burner rig testing with modified primary combustion zone stoichiometry has demonstrated NOx less than 25 ppm, CO less than 50 ppm, and UHC less than 20 ppm with simulated engine conditions representing 20 to 100% power. Development activity continues on the combustion system as engine field evaluation trials proceed.Copyright © 1995 by ASME


Abstract This paper presents an approach to assessing presenteeism (on-the-job productivity loss) that is related to perceived work ability. The aim of this explorative research was to find out if perceived work ability could be a robust indicator, interchangeable with presenteeism, in Finnish food industry organizations. The developed approach was based on existing presenteeism research as well as on register and survey data. The approach demonstrates that one step downward on the 10-point perceived work ability scale theoretically reduces employees ' on-the-job productivity by ~5 percentage points. At the company level, on-the-job productivity loss was 3.7% (mdn 0), while sickness absence was 5.0% (mdn 2.2). The probability of productivity loss among factory workers was fourfold compared to women in office work. The developed approach makes it possible to assess perceived productivity loss at the level of an individual and an organization. Perceived work ability may, in fact, be a robust indicator for assessing perceived productivity loss.


The model developed by Usui and Hirata was used to simulate the pupil response to a light stimulus based on autonomic nervous activity, such as sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. This model was recreated in SIMULINK finding that it did not consider the limitations of the pupil in frequency which Stark was reported. The pupil acts as a lowpass filter with a cut-off frequency of 1.5 Hz approximately. These conditions are generated by the unidirectional rate sensitivities. Then, considering this fact, the original model by placing the output of the lowpass filter of -20 dB/decade was modified, which there certain changes are regarding the response of the model by filtering high frequencies, and a delay by the filter. To obtain the pupil dynamic response induced by sound stimulation, the hippus and flickering of practice mode was using conventional (NTSC) and high speed videoculography thus, to determine sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, in order to recreate such behaviour the Hirata-Usui model was used with a few modification.


Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine patterns and determinants of trade among developing countries (South-South trade), with emphasis on the role of production sharing in global economic integration of the Southern economies. Design/methodology/approach - The paper begins with an analytical narrative of the emerging trends and patterns of South-South trade using a classification system that helps delineating trade based on global production sharing (network trade) from total recorded trade. Then it undertakes a comparative econometric analysis of the determinants of South-South and South-North trade using the standard gravity model. Findings - The share of South-South trade in world trade has shown a significant increase over the past two decades. This increase has predominantly come from the dynamic East Asian countries, reflecting their growing engagement in global production sharing. The growth dynamism of East-Asia centered production networks depends heavily on demand for final (assembled) goods in the Northern markets; South-South trade is largely complementary to, rather than competing with, South-North trade. While regional trading agreements (RTAs) could play a role at the margin, natural economic forces associated with growth and structural change in the economy and the overall macroeconomic climate as reflected in the real exchange rate, and the quality of trade related logistics are far more important in the expansion of South-South network trade. Originality/value - This is the first study to examine patterns and determinants of South-South trade paying attention to the role of global production sharing. The findings are valuable for informing the contemporary policy debate on promoting South-South trade. The trade data classification system developed here is expected to help further research on this subject.


With this essay I analyse the notion of cultural difference with a reference to moral and epistemic relativism. I then explain how the contradictory nature of relativism leads to the notion of cultural difference and then to the idea of cultural pluralism. Cultural pluralism does not only acquire significance in view of moral arguments but is the result of the fulfillment of socio-political standards for mutual cooperation. The latter can be achieved only if the potential conflict among different comprehensive views is defused. According to my views, in order to overcome the potential conflict among comprehensive views of the good, one has to recognize the normative force of one fundamental principle of human rights - the principle of equal liberty of communication. The formulation of such a principle is sensitive to the critical-genealogical reconstruction of the primary meaning of human rights as a concept originating from the end of the Wars of Religion (1598). What I will claim is that the principle of equal liberty of communication is required by the same "fact of pluralism" (Rawls 1993). Contrary to its original meaning as equality of conscience, the principle of equal liberty of communication is to be interpreted today in accordance to its most extensive public participatory form, that is, as equality of participation. One crucial aspect of the proposed argument is showing how there is a strict interconnection between the principle of equal liberty of communication and the role of reflective judgment in constructing pluralism along exemplar lines. It is believed that the model of public reason suggested here will prove to be both more inclusive and stable than those grounded on forms of presumed neutrality.


Sedimentary archives are used to infer past climate and environment thanks to their physical and chemical properties. Sampling methods (millimetric or centimetric) and routine analysis are time and material consuming. The use of some specific spectroscopic methods and data analysis, allow to develop and perform some robust methods capable of (i) fast high resolution (ii) performed at low costs (iii) non-destructive and (iv) monitor concentration variations of major sediment compounds. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is one of these techniques, but it is able to detect just mineral geochemistrys. Whereas hyperspectral imaging (VNIR 400-1000 nm, SWIR 1000-2500 nm) allow, behind each voxel (a pixel with several wavelengths), to define spectral fingerprint of organic or mineral chemical compounds. This type of data can be analyzed by statistical techniques. Many (pseudo-) univariate coefficients are available for the quantification of some molecules (RABD845 for BPhe a, RABD660-670 for chlr-a and chlorins). But in this study we choose to applied multivariate methods that take into account all spectra variations. To achieve such study we can use technic that usually applied in classical spectroscopy or for satellite data that can be unsupervised or supervised. For unsupervised techniques, without any prior knowledge of the sample, exploratory algorithms are used to determine groups in the data. Then, these groups can be interpreted with the comparison to other analytical methods. It is possible to find pure signal that corresponds to one or several organic or mineral sedimentary compounds by (i) endmembers techniques, (ii) spectral unmixing, or (iii) clustering. For supervised techniques, we can use the knowledge of sample chemical and physical properties to create prediction models, then it is possible to observe variations of a specific property along the core. To develop qualitative and quantitative model for focused spectral properties we can applied classification and regression techniques. They allow to discriminate spectral domains or some wavelengths for some interest property. In the present study, Lake Le Bourget (Savoie, France) and Black Sea (Northwest margin) sediment cores are used. From this two different environmental systems we could create and test several prediction models. The high-resolution acquisition is done with two hyperspectral cameras: VNIR (400-1000 nm) and SWIR (1000-2500 nm) with spatial resolution of several dozen micrometers. Both sensors are well designed to create predictive models for either physical or chemical properties. In order to improve prediction models and make them more robust, we can pair these two cameras and add XRF core scanner data. For the black sea sediment, we use unsupervised techniques to determine groups and define interesting spatial areas to take samples for analytic analysis. Whereas for the Lake le Bourget sediment, several previous studies allow us to have many available data, thus supervised techniques are used to observe along core variations. For some properties, we could try to use models of the Lake Le Bourget in the Black Sea data, for example if we create a grain-size model, chemical elements ratio or organic compounds.


In this paper we describe a new method for improving the representation of textures in blends of multiple images based on a Markov Random Field (MRF) algorithm. We show that direct application of an MRF texture synthesis algorithm across a set of images is unable to capture both the "averageness" of the global image appearance as well as specific textural components. To overcome this problem we vary the width of the Parzen window (used to smooth the conditional probability distribution of the pixel's intensity) as a function of scale, thus making lower pyramid resolutions closer to the Gaussian mean, while maintaining the high resolution textures. We also show that approximating the maxima of the conditional probability distributions with a weighted-average produces very similar results with a significant increase in speed.


ABSTRACT Sun, L.; Xie, W., and Tang, K., 2018. 3D finite element analysis of ocean strengthened side prestressed pier by ANSYS. In: Liu, Z.L. and Mi, C. (eds.), Advances in Sustainable Port and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 83, pp. 499–506. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. In this study, the ocean strengthened prestressed anchor cable of flood diversion sluice pier of Shu River Hydropower Station Project is modeled by the international general finite element program——ANSYS. After the anchor cable pretension force applied at the point, various load combination and conditions combination reasonably considered, the finite element analysis is performed and the effect of the prepress is determined, then the results of the stress and strain characteristics of the structure under static loadings are analyzed, more deeply on reinforcement conditions. Through these statistics, characteristics of prestressed pier three-dimensional finite element analysis are summarized more comprehensively to promote the development of three dimensional finite element analysis of complex hydraulic structure, and provided the theory basis for subsequent maintenance and construction of this project.


The truth about Christmas - its traditions unravelled! Have you ever wondered: - Who decided to celebrate Jesus' birthday on 25th December ...and why? - Who exactly was Saint Nicholas? - Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? - When was the first Christmas card sent? - What on earth has a Yule log got to do with Christmas? - Did Father Christmas really used to wear green? - Who invented the advent calendar? - What do crackers have to do with Christmas? - Where do the flying reindeer come from? - What's all the holly and ivy for? - Why are carols called carols? - What exactly is a manger? - Why have a fairy, not an angel at the top of the tree? The answers to these and many other festive questions can be found within the covers of this delightful little book!


АBSTRACT This article considers concrete manifestations of the politogenesis multilinearity and the variation of its forms; it analyzes the main causes that determined the politogenetic pathway of a given society. The respective factors include the polity's size, its ecological and social environment. The politogenesis should be never reduced to the only one evolutionary pathway leading to the statehood. The early state formation was only one of many versions of development of complex late archaic social systems. The author designates various complex non-state political systems as early state analogues. The early state analogue posed a real alternative to the state for a rather long period of time, whereas in many ecologically marginal regions they could compete quite seriously with the state sometimes until recently. Thus, it was only in the final count that the state became the leading form of political organization of complex societies. The very pathways to statehood had a few versions. One may group them into two main types: 'vertical' and 'horizontal'. Within the 'vertical' model the state formation took place in a direct way, i.e. directly from small pre-state polities to primitive statehood. Within the 'horizontal' model we first observe the formation of early state analogues that were quite comparable to the state as regards their complexity, whereas later those analogues were transformed into states. This article is very closely connected with another article published in the same issue of this journal (Grinin and Korotayev 2009b).


Introduction: In this scientific era of high technologic advancement, lots of progress has been made in the field of dentistry. LASER is one of the most important latest additions in the existing list of advanced equipment. In the last 3-decades laser have made a mark in the field of medicine as a useful alternative to conventional method of therapy as well as in dentistry too.
Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of present study was to evaluate the wound healing after ErCr:YSGG laser gingivectomy over conventional scalpel gingivectomy.
Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (20) with a total of Forty (40) quadrants of gingival enlargements were selected for external bevel gingivectomy. Patients divided into following groups: Group-A (Test Group) After phase1 therapy remaining suprabony pocket /enlarged gingiva removed by laser gingivectomy using Er,Cr:YSGG laser in 20 patients. Group-B (Control Group): After phase1 therapy remaining suprabony pocket/enlarged gingiva removed by conventional scalpel gingivectomy in 20 patients. Wound Healing were evaluated at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th day after gingivectomy.
Results and Conclusion: All peroperative and postoperative records were compared between test & control groups.No statistically significant difference found in healing between laser gingivectomy and scalpel gingivectomy but to draw a definite conclusion regarding the wound healing efficacy of Er,Cr:YSGG lasers, further study involving higher number of samples are warranted.

Keywords: Gingival enlargement, Er,Cr:YSGG laser, Ninhydrin, Gingival crevicular fluid, Carbonization.


Clients with severe mental illness (SMI) often struggle in their efforts to maintain employment. One cause of early job terminations is interpersonal difficulties in the workplace. This study explored workplace social networks and their relationship with job outcomes and other employment characteristics for people with SMI. Results indicated that clients generally had positive experiences with both supervisors and coworkers. Contrary to our hypothesis, employment model was not associated with better workplace network characteristics. Also contrary to our hypothesis, clients employed in group placements did not differ in workplace network characteristics from those in competitive employment settings. Workplace network characteristics were robustly correlated with job satisfaction, but not strongly related to hourly wages or overall job tenure. Job tenure at the time of the workplace network assessment did show a few modest negative correlations with supervisor and coworker support, indicating declining perceived social network support with increasing job tenure. Study limitations and future directions for research using this methodology are discussed.


Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a recently recognized clinical entity with specific morphologic, immunocytochemical, and genetic features. Though this tumor is mostly described to involve serosal surfaces, we report a case with ovarian involvement. The clinical presentation and differential diagnoses as well as the treatment including aggressive surgical debulking and multiagent chemotherapy are discussed.