This article presents a method for obtaining the mean structure of the temperature, specific volume anomaly, and velocity of an ocean current, using isopycnal float data combined with gravest empirical mode (GEM) fields calculated from historical hydrography. A GEM field is a projection on a geostrophic streamfunction space of hydrographic data, which captures most of the vertical structure associated with frontal regions. This study focuses on the North Atlantic Current‐subpolar front (NAC‐SPF) current system, but the float‐GEM method has broad applicability to baroclinic ocean currents in general. The NAC‐SPF current system is of climatic interest, being an important conduit of warm salty waters into the northern North Atlantic. It constitutes the upper limb of the thermohaline circulation of the Atlantic Ocean and plays a crucial role in the moderation of European climate, but uncertainties regarding its transport and corresponding heat fluxes remain, mainly because the structure of the system is not well known. This paper shows how isopycnal floats can be used to obtain such estimates. The performance of the float‐GEM method is tested in two ways. First, two synoptic hydrographic sections (one across the NAC and the other across the SPF) are reconstructed from simulated isopycnal float pressure measurements. The baroclinic transports of volume and temperature (relative to 1000 dbar) across the sections are well reproduced by the method: the float‐GEM transport estimates have an accuracy of 620% and a precision of 615% or less, which result in deviations of less than 610% from the ''real'' values. In the second test, horizontal maps of pressure and temperature on the d 52 12.7 3 1028 m3 kg21 specific volume anomaly surface (su 27.5 kg m23) are produced, using RAFOS float data from two experiments that sampled the region from 1993 to 2000. These maps compare well with similar maps constructed in previous studies and establish the consistency of the method. The good performance of the float‐GEM method gives confidence in this novel way of using isopycnal floats to obtain information on the structure of the ocean. Combined with the velocity measured by the floats, it has the potential to estimate absolute transports and heat fluxes along the NAC‐SPF system.


Platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh) are emitted by vehicle exhaust catalysts (VECs) and their concentrations have increased significantly in various environmental compartments, including airborne particulate matter, soil, roadside dust, vegetation, rivers and oceanic environments, over the last two decades as the use of VECs has increased. However, data on the chemical speciation of the platinum-group elements (PGEs) and their bioavailabilities are limited. In this paper, the thermodynamic computer model, HSC, has been used to predict the interactions of Pt, Pd and Rh with different inorganic ligands and to estimate the thermodynamic stability of these species in the environment. Eh–pH diagrams for the PGEs in aqueous systems under ambient conditions (25°C and 1 bar) in the presence of Cl, N and S species have been prepared. The results indicate that Pt, Pd and Rh can form complexes with all of the inorganic ions studied, suggesting that they are capable of mobilizing the PGEs as aqueous complexes that can be transported easily in environmental and biological systems and that are able to enter the food chain. Hydroxide species can contribute to the transport of PGEs in oxidizing environments such as road-runoff waters, freshwater, seawater and soil solutions, whereas bisulphide complexes could transport Pt and Pd in reducing environments. Ammonia species appear to be significant under near-neutral to basic oxidizing conditions. Chloride species are likely to be important under oxidizing, acidic and saline environments such as seawater and road-runoff waters in snowmelt conditions. Mixed ammonia–chloride species may also contribute to the transport of Pt and Pd in highly saline solutions.


As infrastructures that connect the energy source with the energy use, energy networks constitute a crucial element of national and global energy systems. They also play a key role in helping with balancing supply and demand, thus ensuring that energy is not only available in the right places but also at the right time. Energy transition will have significant impacts, though not necessarily in the same way, on existing energy networks, for example, electricity and natural gas grids, and might lead to the growth of new energy carrier systems, such as district heating and cooling and the deployment of new infrastructures to support the use of hydrogen. Understanding the implications of energy transition for energy networks, and the ways in which these infrastructures should adapt to the challenges of decarbonization, is important to achieve net-zero carbon objectives. This paper explores some of the key issues faced by electricity transmission and distribution networks; natural gas networks; and future hydrogen, heating, and cooling networks in the transition of energy systems. Also, as future decarbonized energy systems are likely to exhibit significantly more interaction between different parts of the system, this paper explores possible approaches to utilizing the synergies between energy networks and benefiting from their integrated operation to lower the costs and challenges of decarbonization.


Mixture-of-experts (MoE) models are a powerful paradigm for modeling of data arising from complex data generating processes (DGPs). In this article, we demonstrate how different MoE models can be constructed to approximate the underlying DGPs of arbitrary types of data. Due to the probabilistic nature of MoE models, we propose the maximum quasi-likelihood (MQL) estimator as a method for estimating MoE model parameters from data, and we provide conditions under which MQL estimators are consistent and asymptotically normal. The blockwise minorization-maximizatoin (blockwise-MM) algorithm framework is proposed as an all-purpose method for constructing algorithms for obtaining MQL estimators. An example derivation of a blockwise-MM algorithm is provided. We then present a method for constructing information criteria for estimating the number of components in MoE models and provide justification for the classic Bayesian information criterion (BIC). We explain how MoE models can be used to conduct classification, clustering, and regression and we illustrate these applications via a pair of worked examples.


This paper presents an overview of a large research project involving collaboration from the government, academia and industry on lithium (Li) exploration in South-West Cornwall, UK. Scope of the study is to assess the utility of remote sensing technologies in the mining sector, with a particular focus on lithium. A wide range of datasets (including multispectral and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)) are used to delineate the various steps of the project. The ultimate aims are the generation of a map with the probability of lithium occurrence and a complementary environmental baseline study. For the first aim, geological and vegetation anomalies maps indicating proxies for the presence of lithium, derived from multi- and hyperspectral data, and fault lines, derived from SAR imagery, are integrated with in-situ data and a ground-based campaign. The second aim involves the generation of a high-resolution land cover classification and a historical time series analysis to provide an environmental baseline study for the assessment of the impact of mining activities.


The origin, background, and mechanism of operation of the Maternal Mortality Study Committee in Wisconsin is outlined. Its value as a teaching vehicle is emphasized. Trends in maternal mortality in Wisconsin and the continued decline are presented, with 45 per 100,000 live births in 1953 to 9.2 per 100,000 live-births in 1975. An appeal for standardization of terms and definitions and a continuation of these studies in each state is made. Study committees in many states are inactive. It is suggested that chairmen of maternal mortality committees and representatives meet in geographic areas comparable to Districts of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to compare trends and statistics. Hemorrhage, once considered the important cause, has decreased from 56.4% of maternal loss to a low of 12.1% in 1975. Presently, a category listed as "other causes"—that is, other than hemorrhage, sepsis, and toxemia—account for approximately 60% of deaths. This group includes anesthesia, emboli and coincidental disease involving kidneys, heart, malignancy, and diabetes. An appeal is made to continue these studies.


The effects of extracts and exudates of the cyanobacteria, autotrophic blue green algae, Anacystis (Synechococcus) nidulans, Oscillatoria fremyii, Lyngbya sp., Phormidium molle and Westiellopsis prolifica on hatching of Meloidogyne incognita were investigated. Hatch inhibition was greater in extracts than in exudates. The rate of hatch and cumulative percentage hatch over 12 days of incubation were significantly reduced, to 66.9 and 67.6% in exudates (extracellular secretions) of A. nidulans and Lyngbya sp., respectively, compared to 91.2% hatch in nutrient medium control and 85% in water. After one day of incubation, the rate of hatch in the aqueous extracts (intracellular contents) of the species A. nidulans (2.5%), Lyngbya sp. (3%) and O. fremyii (3.2%) was significantly less that the 29.8% hatch in the control. Cumulative per cent hatch increased to only 7.0, 8.6 and 22.1% over 12 days of incubation compared to 85% in water. Replacing exudates or aqueous extracts with water did not significantly increase the rate of hatch, thus indicating that the suppression of hatch was mostly irreversible.


Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common form of inflammatory bowel disease with a complex aetiology. As part of the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2, we performed a genomewide association scan for UC in 2361 cases and 5417 controls. Loci showing evidence of association at P < 1 × 10−5 were followed up by genotyping in an independent set of 2321 cases and 4818 controls. We find genome-wide significant evidence of association at three new loci, each containing at least one biologically relevant candidate gene, on chromosomes 20q13 (HNF4A; P = 3.2 × 10−17), 16q22 (CDH1 and CDH3; P = 2.8 × 10−8) and 7q31 (LAMB1; 3.0 × 10−8). Of note, CDH1 has recently been associated with susceptibility to colorectal cancer, which is an established complication of longstanding UC. The new associations suggest that changes in the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier may contribute to the pathogenesis of UC. Genetic epidemiological data clearly implicate inherited susceptibility in the pathogenesis of UC and Crohn's disease (CD), which represent the two common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and together affect at least 1 in 250 of the Northern European population.1 Notwithstanding recent therapeutic advances, disease-related morbidity in ulcerative colitis continues to be high. Recognized complications of severe disease refractory to medical therapy include colectomy, often as an emergency, in 15-20% of patients, as well as colorectal cancer2. Substantial progress has been made in understanding IBD pathogenesis in recent years. In genetically susceptible individuals it appears that a dysregulated mucosal immune response to commensal enteric bacteria predisposes to chronic, relapsing intestinal inflammation which is the hallmark of IBD.3 Clinical features combined with epidemiological evidence have long suggested that CD and UC are related polygenic diseases. This has recently been corroborated by the results of genetic association studies, which have highlighted both disease-specific loci and others which are shared between UC and CD. For example, while genetically-determined defects in the handling of intracellular bacteria (NOD2 and the autophagy genes ATG16L1 and IRGM) are specific to CD, multiple components in the Th17 pathway (IL23R, IL12B, JAK2, STAT3) are associated with both CD and UC.4-12 Until recently most attention had focused on CD, with genome-wide association (GWA) studies and subsequent meta-analysis yielding more than 30 confirmed CD susceptibility loci.4, 6, 7, 10-12 In addition to the longstanding known association in the MHC,13 the first Correspondence to: JCB (firstname.lastname@example.com), CCAS (email@example.com). Author contributions JL, CL, NP, AP, EW, KP, HZ, HD, ERN, DM, KB, TE, LC were involved in establishing DNA collections, and/or assembling phenotypic data; CL, AP, EW, DM, HD, AL, CM, JeS, DPJ, CE, TA, JCM, JS, MP recruited patients; WN, CE, TA, JCM, JS, MP, CGM supervised clinical and laboratory work; WTCCC2 DNA, Genotyping, Data QC and Informatics group executed GWAS sample handling, genotyping and QC; WTCCC2 Data and Analysis group, JCB, CAA performed statistical analyses; JCB, JL, CL, CCAS, CAA, TA, PD, JS, MP, CGM contributed to writing the manuscript. WTCCC2 Management Committee conceived and oversaw the design and execution of the GWAS. WTCCC2 group memberships are specified in the full author list. Europe PMC Funders Group Author Manuscript Nat Genet. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 June 01. Published in final edited form as: Nat Genet. 2009 December ; 41(12): 1330–1334. doi:10.1038/ng.483. E uope PM C Fuders A uhor M ancripts E uope PM C Fuders A uhor M ancripts GWA scans in UC reported associations at IL23R, IL10 and loci on chromosomes 1p36 and 12q15 which meet accepted genome-wide significance thresholds.14, 15 As part of the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2 (WTCCC2) study of 15 complex disorders and traits, we report here the results of the largest GWA scan in UC to date. All study subjects were UK residents of white, European ancestry; clinical data are presented in Table 1. Cases and controls were genotyped on the Affymetrix 6.0 array. After application of quality control filters (see Methods), we analysed GWA data from 2361 individuals with UC and 5417 controls (Figure 1). An initial analysis revealed 24 distinct loci (comprising 156 SNPs) which showed evidence of association at P < 1×10−5. Sixteen of these had not been previously reported, and were followed up by genotyping the most strongly associated SNP from each locus using the Sequenom iPlex platform in an independent panel of 2321 UC cases and 4818 controls. Three new loci showed evidence for association at P < 5 × 10−8 in the combined panel, with three further new loci showing nominal (P < 0.05) replication (Table 2 and Figure 2). We describe these loci below and highlight the most plausible candidate gene for each, recognizing that fine mapping and functional studies are required to define causal variants and identify the gene from which each signal arises. A list of all loci for which replication was attempted is shown in Supplementary Table 1. The most significant new association was seen at rs6017342 (GWA scan P = 3.2 × 10−13; combined GWA and replication P = 8.5 × 10−17), which maps within a recombination hotspot on chromosome 20q13 containing the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of just one gene, HNF4A. The SNP rs6017342 itself maps 5kb distal to the 3′UTR. Although within an expressed sequence tag DB076868, this has been detected in just a single testis cDNA library and does not encode a significant open reading frame. The region contains two small blocks of sequence that are conserved in mammals and may include regulatory sequences affecting the expression of surrounding genes. Since rs6017342 is located within a recombination hotspot, there are few known SNPs in strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 > 0.5) with it; there are none on the Affymetrix chip used in this study or on the Illumina chips used in previous studies. As the evidence for this association rests on this single SNP, we subjected these data to careful scrutiny; genotype cluster plots for this SNP showed clear resolution of the 3 genotype classes (Supplementary Figure 1), with 99.3% completeness of genotypes within this dataset. Rare HNF4A mutations account for approximately 4% of UK cases of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY),16 a monogenic form of diabetes mellitus characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance, young age of onset, pancreatic b-cell dysfunction and sensitivity to sulphonylureas. Common variants of HNF4A influence predisposition to Type II diabetes (rs2144908)17 and dyslipidaemia (rs1800961).18 The UC associated SNP, rs6017342 is not in LD with either of these 2 common variants, nor did it not show association in our study of CD (P=0.92).3 HNF4A encodes the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α which regulates the expression of multiple components within all three key compartments of the cell-cell junction, namely the adherens junction, the tight junction and the desmosome.19 Such cellcell junctions are fundamental to epithelial organization and barrier function. HNF4α also plays a key role in the development of the embryonic mammalian gastrointestinal tract. Previous studies demonstrated that mice with targeted deletion of HNF4α in epithelial cells of the foetal colon die perinatally. Histological analysis of colonic tissue recovered during late development (E18.5) demonstrated absent crypt formation, reduced epithelial cell proliferation and defective goblet cell maturation.20 In order to explore the role of HNF4α in murine intestinal inflammation, Ahn and colleagues circumnavigated the embryonic lethality of Hnf4α−/− mice by generating a conditional model of intestinal Hnf4α deletion. and Page 2 Nat Genet. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 June 01. E uope PM C Fuders A uhor M ancripts E uope PM C Fuders A uhor M ancripts 21 These Hnf4αΔIEpC mice (floxed Hnf4α driven by the villin promoter) developed increased epithelial permeability and a markedly more severe colitis following dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) challenge, than their wild-type littermates.21 The same investigators provided preliminary evidence for dysregulated HNF4A gene expression in the intestinal epithelium in Crohn's disease and in ulcerative colitis,21 a finding which now merits detailed re-exploration. Significant association was also seen for a locus on chromosome 16q22, with the strongest signal at rs1728785 (GWA scan P = 1.8 × 10−5; combined GWA and replication P = 2.8 × 10−8). The interval bounded by recombination hotspots spans 411 kb and encodes several genes. Among the strongest candidates for UC susceptibility is CDH1 which encodes Ecadherin. This transmembrane glycoprotein is one of the main components of the adherens junction and a key mediator of intercellular adhesion in the intestinal epithelium. It also plays a key role in epithelial restitution and repair following mucosal damage and expression of CDH1 is known to be significantly reduced in areas of active UC.22 Given the well-recognised association between UC and colorectal cancer,2 the observation of correlated association signals at the CDH1 locus in both diseases is striking. Thus variants in LD (r2 = 0.5) with the most strongly UC associated SNP in our study were recently identified in a GWA scan meta-analysis to be associated with colorectal cancer susceptibility23; conversely, we find that a perfect proxy for the most associated SNP in the colorectal cancer study is also associated with UC (P = 8 × 10−4). This locus did not show association with CD in a large international GWA meta-analysis of CD (P = 0.549)6 (Supplementary Table 2). However, evidence for association of CDH1 with CD was reported recently in the Canadian population using a candidate gene approach,24 and the CD associated SNPs resulted in a truncated E-cadherin pr


In this paper, an overview of antenna design for passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags is presented. We discuss various requirements of such designs, outline a generic design process including range measurement techniques and concentrate on one practical application: RFID tag for box tracking in warehouses. A loaded meander antenna design for this application is described and its various practical aspects such as sensitivity to fabrication process and box content are analyzed. Modeling and simulation results are also presented which are in good agreement with measurement data.


Distribution channels play significant role for hotels. Direct and indirect selling options of hotel rooms have been increased especially with the help of new technologies, i.e. hotel's own web sites and online booking sites. Although these options emerged as tools for diversifying the distribution channels, vast number of hotels -mostly resort hotelsis still heavily dependent upon international tour operators when selling their products. On the other hand, hotel sector is so vulnerable against crises. Economic, political or any other crisis can affect hotels very badly and so it is critical to have the right balance of distribution channel to avoid the adverse impacts of a crisis. In this study, it is aimed to search the impacts of a general crisis on the selling prices of hotels which have different weights of distribution channels. The study was done in Turkey where various crises occurred in 2015 and 2016 which had great negative impacts on Turkish tourism and led enormous occupancy rate and selling price reductions. 112 upscale resort hotel in Antalya, which is the most popular tourism destination of Turkey, joined to the research. According to the results, hotels with high dependency to international tour operators are more forced to reduce their room prices in crisis time compared to the ones which use their own web sites more. It was also found that the decline in room prices is limited for hotels which are working with national tour operators and travel agencies in crisis time. Keywords—Marketing channels, crisis, hotel, international tour operators, online travel agencies.


We demonstrate and evaluate the importance of an intrinsic chirp inherent to attosecond pulse creation accompanying high-order harmonic generation in recently published experimental data by Dinu et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 063901 (2003)]. We present an analytical model, from which the atomic origin of the harmonic chirp is clearly understood. Moreover, the behavior of the chirp as a function of experimental parameters such as laser intensity is inferred. The comparison between our model and the experimental data provides us with useful information about the conditions in which the high-order harmonics is generated.


Hemochromatosis is a metabolic disease with protean manifestations including polyarthritis. It is often under diagnosed due to poor classification criteria, ambiguity in laboratory testing and the inability to obtain a histological diagnosis. The current DNA testing for hemochromatosis may not adequately identify patients at risk for indolent chronic migratory arthropathy secondary to this condition. In this case, we present a patient with compound heterozygotes of hemochromatosis laboratory testing, indolent chronic migratory polyarthritis, generalized weakness, depression and abnormal iron studies. Our subject presented to medical attention with a four-year history of indolent chronic migratory polyarthritis resulting in multiple orthopedic surgeries including right shoulder replacement and left ankle fusion. The patient's laboratory results including Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) showed mild elevated liver enzymes and transferrin saturation percentage. Iron studies demonstrated mild elevation in ferritin value, but returned to normal limits with oral steroid and NSAID treatments. A thorough serologic work-up for rheumatic, immunologic and infectious diseases were within normal limits. Physical examination revealed thickening and tenderness of the meta-carpophalangeal joints. The distribution of joint involvement prompted further testing for secondary causes of polyarthritis such as hemochromatosis. Genetic testing for hemochromatosis identified the C282Y and H63D alleles of the HFE gene. The variable range of iron studies in patients with compound heterozygotes portends iron studies alone as a weak indicator of probability of the disease. Laboratory testing in classical hemochromatosis is typically associated with, elevated iron studies, elevated ferritin and transferrin saturation in addition to abnormal liver associated enzymes depending upon the duration and severity of the disease. This standard laboratory studies may not be sensitive enough to identify patients with hemochromatosis with or without associated polyarthritis early in their disease course.


The development of generalized edema is the consequence of a decreased level of proteins in the plasma, due to a deficient intake or exaggerated loss. The gastrointestinal system may cause this deficiency at three different levels. We report three clinical cases of protein losing enteropathy at different locations, such as: giant hypertrophy of the gastric mucosa, intestinal lymphangiectasia and Crohn's disease. In each case we tried to demonstrate the sites that could mainly be affected in the gastrointestinal system and taking into consideration that these are rare entities, we made a brief description of them.


Phylogenetic analysis of 20 strains of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus subtype IE isolated from 1961 to 1996 in Mexico and throughout Central America showed that VEE virus subtype IE was monophyletic with respect to other VEE virus subtypes. Nonetheless, there were at least three distinct geographically separated VEE virus IE genotypes: northwestern Panama, Pacific coast (Mexico/Guatemala), and Gulf/Caribbean coast (Mexico/Belize). Strains from the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua may cluster with the Gulf/Caribbean genotype, but additional isolates from the region between Guatemala and Panama will be required to firmly establish their phylogenetic position. Viruses associated with two separate equine epizootics in Mexico in the 1990s were phylogenetically related to nonepizootic viruses from neighboring Guatemala and may represent the emergence or re-emergence of equine-virulent VEE virus subtype IE in Middle America.


Background: The majority of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receive their care in general practice and will eventually require initiation of insulin as part of their management. However, this is often delayed and frequently involves referral to specialists. If insulin initiation is to become more frequent and routine within general practice, coordination of care with specialist services may be required. Relational coordination (RC) provides a framework to explore this. The aim of this study was to explore RC between specialist physicians, specialist diabetes nurses (DNEs), generalist physicians in primary care (GPs) and generalist nurses (practice nurses (PNs)) and to explore the association between RC and the initiation of insulin in general practice, and the belief that it is appropriate for this task to be carried out in general practice. Methods: A survey was distributed to a convenience sample of specialist physicians, DNEs, GPs and practice nurses. We collected data on demographics, models of care and RC in relation to insulin initiation. We expected that RC would be higher between specialists than between specialists and generalists. We expected higher RC between specialists and generalists to be associated with insulin initiation in general practice and with the belief that it is appropriate for insulin initiation to be carried out in general practice. We used descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests to explore these hypotheses. Results: 179 health professionals returned completed surveys. Specialists reported higher RC with each other and lower RC with PNs. All groups except PNs reported their highest RC with DNEs, suggesting the potential for DNEs to serve as boundary spanners. Lower RC with specialists was reported by those working within a general practice model of care. Health professionals who felt that a general practice model was appropriate reported lower communication with specialist physicians and higher shared knowledge with GPs. Conclusion: Given the need for coordination between specialist and generalist care for the task of insulin initiation, this study's results suggest the need to build relationships and communication between specialist and generalist health professional groups and the potential for DNE's to play a boundary spanner role in this process.


In 2009, an increase in reports of hearing loss in young people initiated a process which led to the introduction of noise standards for activities with electronically amplified music in Flanders. A participatory approach was chosen, involving as many target groups as possible. The challenge was to develop regulation which bans excesses but still allows artists and audience to have a complete musical experience. The result is a three-step system which is applicable to all types of activities with electronically amplified music such as festivals, parties, but also dance schools or music in pubs, stores,... In addition to a maximum noise level a number of accompanying measures are introduced. Increasing noise levels imply stricter measures. This approach allows us to differentiate: not all activities with electronically amplified music demand an equally high sound level. This set of noise standards complements the existing regulation limiting nuisance to the neighbourhood. The introduction of the new regulation was accompanied by an extensive information campaign towards organizers, musicians and enforcers. An additional focus was sensitization; a campaign had to raise public awareness of the risk on and the impact of hearing loss. The regulation has been in force for two years now. It is time for the next step in the process: evaluation. The following paper discusses the making and introduction of the regulation, analyzes the noise standards themselves and the considerations that were discussed in the course of the process.


ABSTRACT This paper studies how customers of a global firm evaluate their experiences within and across 44 countries. It focuses on customers' emotional, cognitive, sensory and behavioral responses to the catalog experience. It develops a theory-based model of satisfaction with the catalog experience as a function of experiential attributes and control variables. A second model captures how each experiential attribute's contribution to the customer experience is influenced by market and customer characteristics. The models were operationalized using survey data from 366,185 customers who used the firm's catalog across different trade areas in 44 countries, yielding 571 equations that describe satisfaction with the customer experience. Consistent with theoretical work on context-dependent judgments, nine contingency factors explain significant and substantial amounts of variation (30% on average) in the elasticities of the 12 experiential attributes. East and West can appear similar when market characteristics are similar – or when they are different. Emotional, cognitive, sensory, and behavioral responses to the customer experience systematically differ due to economic, demographic, technological, cultural and consumer characteristics. East and West especially differ in terms of responses to emotional and sensory experiences. Customer experience management can help to shape a strategy that resolves strategy differences between East and West.


Laser-plasma acceleration is now entering an era of petawatt lasers, tenuous plasmas and multi-GeV electron energies. I will review initial results in this regime, and discuss plasma diagnostics needed to understand, optimize and scale them.


A possible role for fibroblasts in promoting the survival and function of islet B cells in tissue culture was examined by the addition of fibroblasts from a mouse embryo cell line (3T3-L2) to islet cell monolayer cultures prepared from newborn rat pancreases. Co-culture of islet cells with fibroblasts significantly increased the recovery of insulin in medium and cells after 7 days of culture in medium supplemented with 10% serum, and prevented the deterioration of islet cells cultured in serum-free medium. Similarly, serum-free medium, conditioned by cultures of either 3T3-L2 fibroblasts or fibroblasts freshly isolated from newborn rat pancreases, maintained the release and content of insulin in islet cell monolayer cultures at levels four- to eightfold higher than in control serum-free medium. Serum-free, fibroblast-conditioned medium also enhanced the survival of intact islets maintained in free-floating culture for 28 days. The active factor(s) in fibroblast-conditioned medium has a high molecular weight and is heat-stable. We conclude that fibroblastic cells produce a macromolecular factor(s) capable of enhancing the survival of functional islet B cells in tissue culture.


Extratropical transition (ET) of a tropical cyclone (TC) can modify the midlatitude flow and thus have implications for the weather and predictability in downstream regions such as North America or Europe. Albeit recurving and undergoing ET, the downstream impact of Typhoon Jangmi in September 2008 during the THORPEX Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T‐PARC) was weak. In this study, we explore the physical processes inhibiting the reintensification of Jangmi and governing the forecast uncertainty during ET. The focus is on the relative contribution of the TC and the midlatitude flow. Quasi‐geostrophic diagnostics reveal that Jangmi is located south of and in phase with a midlatitude trough. Jangmi does not couple with the region favourable for reintensification ahead of the trough and subsequently decays. Instead, a weak frontal wave‐like cyclone develops. The role of the phasing of Typhoon Jangmi and the midlatitude Rossby wave pattern is tested in sensitivity experiments with the COSMO model in which Jangmi has been relocated. The simulations reveal two contrasting groups of scenarios. The first group reflects the weak actual ET and subsequent decay accompanied by a broad ridge over the Pacific. The second group is characterized by a strong ET with extratropical reintensification, the triggering of a pronounced Rossby wave train and downstream cyclogenesis. The displacement of Jangmi's initial position in the two contrasting groups is less than 1.25° (130 km). In the frame moving with the environmental background flow a critical bifurcation point for the track of Jangmi exists. The relative position to this bifurcation point determines whether Jangmi decays or reintensifies and triggers a Rossby wave train. A simple discrimination parameter is derived that allows for classifying the scenarios. The observed behaviour gives a simple explanation for the reduced predictability of the track and of the midlatitude flow in downstream regions during ET.


Bioresorbable scaffolds have been developed as an alternative to current metal stents. Despite earlier acceptable short-term results, the recently published AIDA study found that the most-used resorbable scaffold (Absorb) presents an almost threefold increased risk of stent thrombosis than the metal XIENCE stent, short-term as well as long-term. Acute and subacute stent thrombosis probably occur because of inadequate dual antiplatelet therapy, suboptimal implantation technique or both. Late stent thrombosis is probably affected by absorption-related stent-strut discontinuity and factors affecting blood flow. Implantation protocols consisting of adequate pre-dilation, correct sizing and post-dilation have been proposed to reduce the risk of stent thrombosis. In addition, it recommended to treat patients with dual antiplatelet therapy for up to 3 years after placement. The resorbable scaffold is currently being studied further in controlled clinical studies. With new insights and future technical improvements, the bioresorbable scaffold may still be the next revolution in the area of coronary stents.


Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare interstitial lung disease, of unknown etiology, affecting almost exclusively women. Microscopically LAM consists of a diffuse proliferation of smooth muscle cells. LAM can occur without evidence of other diseases (sporadic LAM) or in conjunction with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). It presents with progressive breathlessness or with recurrent pneumothorax or chylothorax. We report a 33 year-old woman with a history of recurrent pneumothorax. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed numerous thin-walled cysts throughout the lungs, a characteristic finding in LAM. A pulmonary biopsy was compatible with the diagnosis and HMB-45 monoclonal antibodies were positive. Treatment with Sirolimus was started).


Understanding the peer distribution over the global Internet is the key issue toward building new generation of ISP-friendly peer-to-peer systems. However, there are unfortunately significant scalability and representability challenges in measuring and understanding real-world peer distribution. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel hybrid measurement methodology that uses the PlanetLab as a distributed probing platform to interact with BitTorrent trackers and peers in the global Internet.


In the spring of 2014, the Greek presidency of the Council of the EU tabled a revised version of a 2010 proposal that promises to allow Member States to restrict or prohibit the commercial cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on whole or part of their territory. This study seeks to answer the question: does the proposal for partial renationalisation of the EU's regulatory regime for the cultivation of GMOs provide an adequate solution to its current problems? It finds that the EU's GMO regime has to this day failed to accommodate national diversity prior to authorisation through central deliberation and that it does not provide Member States with opportunities for substantial differentiation post-authorisation. An in-depth legal analysis of the Greek proposal, however, shows that the proposal is unlikely to fill this legal vacuum by empowering Member States to impose cultivation bans after authorisation, while the exercise of their newfound autonomy may well be restricted by EU internal market and international WTO law. Whereas this study makes recommendations for a more adequate redistribution of competences, it also calls into question whether renationalisation is the best solution for the regime's problems. It thus examines the practical consequences of re-emphasising national frontiers when dealing with a cross-boundary issue like GMO cultivation, and briefly discusses underexplored opportunities to improve the inclusiveness of the EU's centralised risk-assessment and risk-management procedures.


As the top-down fabrication techniques for silicon-based electronic materials have reached the scale of molecular lengths, researchers have been investigating nanostructured materials to build electronics from individual molecules. Researchers have directed extensive experimental and theoretical efforts toward building functional optoelectronic devices using individual organic molecules and fabricating metal-molecule junctions. Although this method has many advantages, its limitations lead to large disagreement between experimental and theoretical results. This Account describes a new method to create molecular electronic devices, covalently bridging a gap in a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) with an electrically functional molecule. First, we introduce a molecular-scale gap into a nanotube by precise oxidative cutting through a lithographic mask. Now functionalized with carboxylic acids, the ends of the cleaved carbon nanotubes are reconnected with conjugated diamines to give robust diamides. The molecular electronic devices prepared in this fashion can withstand and respond to large environmental changes based on the functional groups in the molecules. For example, with oligoanilines as the molecular bridge, the conductance of the device is sensitive to pH. Similarly, using diarylethylenes as the bridge provides devices that can reversibly switch between conjugated and nonconjugated states. The molecular bridge can perform the dual task of carrying electrical current and sensing/recognition through biological events such as protein/substrate binding and DNA hybridization. The devices based on DNA can measure the difference in electrical properties of complementary and mismatched strands. A well-matched duplex DNA 15-mer in the gap exhibits a 300-fold lower resistance than a duplex with a GT or CA mismatch. This system provides an ultrasensitive way to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms at the individual molecule level. Restriction enzymes can cleave certain cDNA strands assembled between the SWNT electrodes; therefore, these strands maintain their native conformation when bridging the ends of the SWNTs. This methodology for creating novel molecular circuits forges both literal and figurative connections between chemistry, physics, materials science, and biology and promises a new generation of integrated multifunctional sensors and devices.


Enteral nutrition is delivered via the gastrointestinal tract when oral intake is not sufficient to maintain nutrition status. There is evidence that long-term home enteral nutrition (HEN) can be advantageous to pediatric patients by improving quality of life and function. Data from pediatric patients receiving either nasogastric tube or gastrostomy tube feeds indicate good outcomes in terms of maintaining and improving nutrition status as evidenced by anthropometric measurements. As the number of pediatric patients requiring HEN increases, development of an effective program to allow smooth transition to the home is necessary. The formation of a multidisciplinary HEN management team can achieve the important task of taking care of children requiring HEN who are technology dependent. Members of a multidisciplinary HEN team can include care coordinators, nurses, physicians, dietitians, and speech therapists. Planning for patient discharge to home should start well before the actual discharge, with timely identification of home caregivers, the family's learning style, and completion of other requirements for safe administration of HEN. Education should be provided in a continuum, starting at the identification of nutrition support while still in the hospital and continuing after discharge to address concerns and long-term complications of HEN.


Solving cooperative path finding (CPF) by translating it to propositional satisfiability represents a viable option in highly constrained situations. The task in CPF is to relocate agents from their initial positions to given goals in a collision free manner. In this paper, we propose a reduced time expansion that is focused on makespan sub-optimal solving of the problem. The suggested reduced time expansion is especially beneficial in conjunction with a goal decomposition where agents are relocated one by one.


This study aims to formulate a model of zakat compliance for formal zakat collection institutions based upon tax compliance model. The study further conducts an empirical examination of the application of the model developed utilizing a case study on the Province of Acheh. The study demonstrates that it is possible to construct a zakat compliance model based upon the tax compliance model. The case study of Acheh also suggests that individual zakat compliance was not significantly influenced by zakat law, but by factors of demography (gender and age), reference group, education, and the perception on the tax system.


Melanocortin receptors (MC, MC1–MC5) are GPCRs, activated with different affinities by the melanocortin peptides (?-, ?-, ?-MSH and ACTH). MC3 has well characterised roles in both the central regulation of energy metabolism and peripheral inflammatory responses. The functions and distribution of MC3 and the other MC in tissues of the reproductive system are unclear. Compared to wild type mice (WT), an apparent decrease in fertility of MC3 null mice (MC3-/-) has been observed and hence it was the aim of this series of studies to characterize MC3 and the other MC in tissues of the mouse hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) system.
The relative mRNA expressions of the MC have been identified at each level of the HPG axes in both male and female mice. It appeared that the MC mRNA expression may be regulated by the reproductive state of an animal and may change with age. Two different forms of POMC mRNA have been confirmed in the reproductive axes of both genders implicating local melanocortin production. Localization of MC3 protein was unsuccessful due to a lack of specificity of all the antibodies applied. Ablation of MC3 led to a decrease in the total pituitary hormone content in both male and female mice. The histology of testes of MC3-/- mice at different ages were abnormal compared to WT. In vitro incubation of hemi-sected testes of Balb/c or C57BL/6 mice in varying concentrations of selective MC3 agonist had modulatory, although non-significant, effects on testosterone production. However, MC3 activation during an inflammatory-like state in the testis, inhibited nitrite production but had no effects on the release of cytokines. The inhibitory action of MC3 agonist on nitrite release was also apparent in the K9 Leydig cell line, which expresses all five isoforms of MC.
MC3 may be both directly and/or indirectly implicated in the control of the mouse HPG system. The anti-inflammatory action of testicular MC3 activation could lead to possible clinical applications of MC3 agonists in the treatment of inflammatory situations associated with the loss of fertility.


Development impact calls for knowledgeable development practitioners. How then do the operational staff of the largest development agency value and use its own research? Is there an incentive to learn and does it translate into useful knowledge? A new survey reveals that the bulk of the World Bank's senior staff value the Bank's research for their work, and most come to know it well, although a sizable minority have difficulty accessing research to serve their needs. Another group sees little value to research for their work and does not bother to find out about it. Higher perceived value is reflected in greater knowledge about research, though there are frictions in this process. Staff working on poverty, human development and economic policy tend to value and use Bank research more than staff in the more traditional sectors of Bank lending – agriculture and rural development, Energy and Mining (EM), transport and urban development; the latter sectors account for 45% of lending but only 15% of staff are highly familiar with Bank research. Without stronger incentives for learning and more relevant and accessible research products, it appears likely that this lag in demand for research by the traditional sectors will persist.


In January 2010 a random survey was conducted to determine the frequency of herbicide resistance in populations of Lolium spp. (ryegrass), Avena spp. (wild oat), Bromus diandrus Roth. (brome grass) and Hordeum lepinorum Link (barley grass) across the cropping region of Tasmania, Australia. A total of 84 paddocks were surveyed with 80 containing the aforementioned weed species, resulting in the collection of 76 ryegrass, 16 wild oat, seven brome grass and five barley grass samples. These samples were then screened against the most commonly utilised herbicide groups for annual grass control in Australia. Ryegrass resistance frequencies were highest to aryloxyphenoxypropionate (18%) and sulfonylurea (24%) herbicides with lower incidences of resistance to cyclohexanedione (1%), imidazolinone (7%) and dinitroaniline (1%) herbicides. Sixty four percent of ryegrass samples tested against five herbicide groups (aryloxyphenoxypropionate, cyclohexanedione, sulfonylurea, triazine and dinitroaniline) were susceptible to all herbicides, 27% were resistant to one herbicide only, 7% to two herbicide groups and one sample was resistant to three herbicide groups. In the other species collected, resistance was found only to aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides with two wild oat and one barley grass samples exhibiting resistance to herbicides in this group. The frequency of resistance observed in screened populations in this survey is much lower than that found in recent surveys of southern Australian cropping regions. A lower frequency of observed herbicide resistance in Tasmania, combined with our ability to use the knowledge gained from 20 years of herbicide resistance management, should result in a predictably slower spread of herbicide resistant grass weeds than experienced in many other regions of Australia.


An optics-based strain sensing system is being developed for quazi-distributed strain sensing in locations and environments that are not accessible to conventional strain sensors. The system comprises an Optical Interrogator that has been designed and constructed by Southern Photonics [1], and optical fibre coupled Bragg grating strain sensors. It has been tested using commercial fibre Bragg gratings [2] that were attached to 2 samples of 316 grade stainless steel and cycled in strain and temperature using an Instron mechanical testing machine and temperature controlled cabinet. The results have been compared to the performance of conventional electrical resistance strain gauges. Pairs of fibre Bragg gratings were simultaneously interrogated at 1540 and 1550 nm centre wavelengths to demonstrate the ability of the system to use multiple sensors for quazi-distributed sensing and temperature compensation. The Optical Interrogator resolution is approximately 4 microstrains, accounting for longer term temperature drift, and it is capable of resolving dynamic strains at rates of up to 90 Hz.


This paper introduces the Core Civil Society Index (CCSI), a measure of the robustness of civil society, using indicators from the Varieties of Democracy battery on civil society. It begins with a discussion of the reemergence of civil society as a central concept in comparative politics and discusses the existing state of data to capture it. It then discusses the conceptualization behind the CCSI and the construction of the measure. This is followed by a series of face and discriminant validity checks. The paper closes with an example of the CCSI's utility by examining the question of whether postcommunist civil society is "weak" compared to other regions. We find no evidence that postcommunist civil society is less robust than civil society in other major world regions via time-series cross-sectional analysis using 2999 country-year observations between 1989 and 2012.


In the spirit that a picture is worth a thousand words, the Pathways Commission Vision's "perception" of accounting is a simplistic caricature of a practice epitomized by bookkeeping and governed by a "black letter" tradition whereby hard-and-fast rules exist for distilling the vast number of data business generates into a meaningful narrative about the financial state and performance of a firm. The "Reality" Vision is a rather heroic self-perception the profession has for the role it will play in producing a prosperous society. The problematic ambiguity with the "Reality" obviously revolves around the concept of "prosperous society" and what implications different notions of prosperous have for accounting's role in society, given accounting's (and accountants') limitations. We propose a vision for a prosperous society based on the 17 UN goals, specifically focusing on the two which relate to income distribution and sustainability. We consider how accounting can play a role in helping achieve this view of a prosperous society.


The aim of the present paper is to empirically estimate the mon-etary value workers place on safer working conditions. The marginalwillingness to pay for workplace safety is estimated using data onjob durations together with data on accident risks and wages. Theresults indicate that individuals value safety to 0.65-4.1 percent of an-nual wages. Male workers in service occupations are found to have thehighest marginal willingness to pay. Female blue-collar workers arefound to value workplace safety higher than male blue-collar workers.


We conducted a qualitative study to explore parental beliefs about emotions in the family across three cultures (African American, European American, and Lumbee American Indian), using the underutilized yet powerful methodology of focus groups. The main goal of this monograph is to understand parents' beliefs about the role of emotions in the family and how cultural or ethnic background may influence those beliefs. Based on philosophical traditions and previous research, three dimensions of parental beliefs were predicted: Value of Emotion, Socialization of Emotion, and Controllability of Emotion. We expected new themes to emerge during the focus groups.Twelve focus groups were conducted with 87 parents from the three cultural groups mentioned above. Groups met for two sessions scheduled 2 weeks apart. Focus group discussions were led by same-ethnicity moderators. Aninductive analysis was conducted; key themes and subthemes were identified.All three theoretically derived dimensions were well represented in each focus group. Cultural similarities in themes within these dimensions included children's appropriate expression of negative emotions, role of emotion in the home, children's capacity for controlling emotions, and parents' role in socialization of emotion. Cultural variations included concern about parents' expression of negative emotion, children's modulation of positive emotion, the role emotions play in behavior, and choice in emotional experience. Two new dimensions also emerged: Relational Nature of Emotions and Changeability of Emotions. Cultural similarities in themes within these dimensions included emphasis on emotional connections with children, emotional contagion in families, developmental change in children's emotions, and intergenerational change in emotion socialization. Cultural variation included discussion of emotions as guides for action and children's emotional privacy. Dimensions and the themes and subthemes within them are presented with supporting evidence and sources. Implications of parental beliefs for emotion socialization theory and future research, as well as limitations, are discussed.


Power control is a key technique in cellular radio systems. Convergence rate and energy efficiency are two important factors to evaluate power control algorithms. This paper presents a comparative analysis of various distributed power control algorithms in feasible systems. The results of analysis and simulation show that CPIPC and CSOPC offer the advantage of faster convergence, while GDCPC and CSOPC consume less power than other algorithms. Consequently in consideration of both convergence rate and energy efficiency, it is concluded that CSOPC offers the best performance.


Relational properties describe relationships that hold over multiple executions of one or more programs, such as functional equivalence. Conventional approaches for automatically verifying such properties typically rely on syntax-based, heuristic strategies for finding synchronization points among the input programs. These synchronization points are then annotated with appropriate relational invariants to complete the proof. However, when suboptimal synchronization points are chosen the required invariants can be complicated or even inexpressible in the target theory.
In this work, we propose a novel approach to verifying relational properties. This approach searches for synchronization points and synthesizes relational invariants simultaneously. Specifically, the approach uses synthesized invariants as a guide for finding proper synchronization points that lead to a complete proof. We implemented our approach as a tool named PEQUOD, which targets Java Virtual Machine (JVM) bytecode. We evaluated PEQUOD by using it to solve verification challenges drawn from the from the research literature and by verifying properties of student-submitted solutions to online challenge problems. The results show that PEQUOD solve verification problems that cannot be addressed by current techniques.


Effects of different resination techniques relative to the mechanical properties of commercially produced thick medium density fiberboard (MDF) were investigated. The amount of urea-formaldehyde resin (11 wt%) applied to the wood fibers was gradually decreased in the blowline (11, 10.5, 10, and 9.5 wt%), while it was gradually increased in the short-retention blender (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5. wt%). The internal bond strength of the MDF boards considerably improved as the amount of the resin applied to the fibers in the short-retention blender was increased to 1.5 wt%. In particular, the increase in the IB strength was most pronounced as the resin content increased from 1 to 1.5%. The edge and face screw withdrawal resistances increased by 7.7 and 7.9% as the amount of the resin applied to the fibers in the blender was increased. Similar values were also observed for the flexural properties. Overall, the total resin content in the production of thick MDF can be decreased as blender resination, a means of post-dryer resin addition, is incorporated into the blowline resination technique.


Publishing in scientific journals is the most common and powerful means to disseminate new research findings. Visibility and credibility in the scientific world require publishing in journals that are included in global indexing databases such as those of the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI). Most scientists in developing countries remain at the periphery of this critical communication process, exacerbating the low international recognition and impact of their accomplishments. For science to become maximally influential and productive across the globe, this needs to change.


The pathogenesis of the hemodynamic abnormalities of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is not well understood. Previous studies suggest that prostacyclin (PGI2) production by adipose tissue is increased in DKA. We investigated the role of PGI2 in the pathogenesis of the reduced vascular resistance in DKA. Rats with streptozocin-induced DKA were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium, and flow was measured with an electromagnetic probe on the infradiaphragmatic aorta The plasma level of 6-keto-PGF1α (stable derivative of PGI2) was higher (mean ± SE 0.91 ± 0.05 ng/ml) and vascular resistance lower (4.9 ± 0.2 mmHg · ml−1 · min−1 · 100 g−1 [resistance units, RU]) in 67 rats with DKA than in 21 normal rats (0.34 ± 0.03 ng/ml, P < .01, and 9.0 ± 0.7 RU, P < .01, respectively). Inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity with either indomethacin or meclofenamic acid reduced the plasma 6-keto-PGF1α level but failed to raise vascular resistance. Infusions of PGI2 in rats with DKA demonstrated that the vasculature was responsive to PGI2. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity not only reduced PGI2 production but also suppressed renin release. When the effects of the renin-angiotensin system were excluded by bilateral nephrectomy, indomethacin caused a significant increase (P < .05) in vascular resistance. Thus, the failure of cyclooxygenase inhibitors to raise vascular resistance in DKA was a result of concurrent suppression of vasodilator (PGI2) and vasoconstrictor (renin-angiotensin system) mechanisms that are activated in DKA. Insulin administration increased vascular resistance (P < .01) and decreased the level of plasma 6-keto-PGF1α (P < .01). Combined administration of PGI2 and insulin did not alter vascular resistance, suggesting that the increase in vascular resistance with insulin was predominantly due to the reduction of circulating PGI2. Thus, vascular resistance is decreased in DKA primarily as a result of the vasodilator effects of PGI2 produced by adipose tissue. The activation of the renin-angiotensin system represents a partial compensation. The increase in PGI2 production may contribute to the hypotension and mortality of DKA.


More and more individual taxpayers are using the online services of commercial tax software to prepare and file their tax returns electronically. However, online tax return does have risks, especially the risk of information privacy evasion. Little research has been conducted on the linkage between taxpayers' online information privacy concerns (TOIPC) and taxpayers' behavior intentions, and factors affecting online taxpayers' information privacy concerns. This study identifies three primary dimensions for TOIPC (that is, control, awareness, collection), conducts empirical testing on the relationship between each privacy concern dimension and taxpayers' intention to use online tax software, and explores factors affecting TOIPC (age, gender, trust, perceived risk, and victim of previous privacy invasion). The results suggest that taxpayers with high privacy concern about information collection will be less willing to use online tax software to file tax. Taxpayers' perceived risks have significant positive relationship with the taxpayers' online information collection concern. Implications and future research are discussed.

 Key words:  Privacy concerns, online tax software, intention to use.


In corrosive media the wear resistance of ceramic-metallic coatings is dependent on the corrosion resistance of the metal matrix. Other factors that will affect the coating deterioration are the corrosivity of the medium and any galvanic interaction from the surrounding material. This paper presents results from a study where different types of WC(Co/Cr/Mo/Ni) powders have been sprayed by HVOF, Diamond Jet 2600 Hybrid equipment. The properties of the sprayed coatings have been verified by metallographic studies and by erosion-corrosion testing both under corrosive and non-corrosive conditions. The results clearly demonstrate the importance of having a metal matrix at least as corrosion resistance as the surrounding materials. When wear exposed components in pipe systems, pumps or valves are coated with a WC type coating, the corrosion resistance of the metal matrix should be compatible to the material of the rest of the system. This is especially important when the surrounding materials are corrosion resistant alloys as stainless steels, where the coatings otherwise will act as an anode. This work is relevant for field production equipment in the oil and gas industry.


Hyperkalemia generally is attributable to cell shifts or abnormal renal potassium excretion. Cell shifts account for transient increases in serum potassium levels, whereas sustained hyperkalemia generally is caused by decreased renal potassium excretion. Impaired renal potassium excretion can be caused by a primary decrease in distal sodium delivery, a primary decrease in mineralocorticoid level or activity, or abnormal cortical collecting duct function. Excessive potassium intake is an infrequent cause of hyperkalemia by itself, but can worsen the severity of hyperkalemia when renal excretion is impaired. Before concluding that a cell shift or renal defect in potassium excretion is present, pseudohyperkalemia should be excluded.


Dancing, which is integrally related to music, likely has its origins close to the birth of Homo sapiens, and throughout our history, dancing has been universally practiced in all societies. We hypothesized that there are differences among individuals in aptitude, propensity, and need for dancing that may partially be based on differences in common genetic polymorphisms. Identifying such differences may lead to an understanding of the neurobiological basis of one of mankind's most universal and appealing behavioral traits--dancing. In the current study, 85 current performing dancers and their parents were genotyped for the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4: promoter region HTTLPR and intron 2 VNTR) and the arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a: promoter microsatellites RS1 and RS3). We also genotyped 91 competitive athletes and a group of nondancers/nonathletes (n = 872 subjects from 414 families). Dancers scored higher on the Tellegen Absorption Scale, a questionnaire that correlates positively with spirituality and altered states of consciousness, as well as the Reward Dependence factor in Cloninger's Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire, a measure of need for social contact and openness to communication. Highly significant differences in AVPR1a haplotype frequencies (RS1 and RS3), especially when conditional on both SLC6A4 polymorphisms (HTTLPR and VNTR), were observed between dancers and athletes using the UNPHASED program package (Cocaphase: likelihood ratio test [LRS] = 89.23, p = 0.000044). Similar results were obtained when dancers were compared to nondancers/nonathletes (Cocaphase: LRS = 92.76, p = 0.000024). These results were confirmed using a robust family-based test (Tdtphase: LRS = 46.64, p = 0.010). Association was also observed between Tellegen Absorption Scale scores and AVPR1a (Qtdtphase: global chi-square = 26.53, p = 0.047), SLC6A4 haplotypes (Qtdtphase: chi-square = 2.363, p = 0.018), and AVPR1a conditional on SCL6A4 (Tdtphase: LRS = 250.44, p = 0.011). Similarly, significant association was observed between Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire Reward Dependence scores and AVPR1a RS1 (chi-square = 20.16, p = 0.01). Two-locus analysis (RS1 and RS3 conditional on HTTLPR and VNTR) was highly significant (LRS = 162.95, p = 0.001). Promoter repeat regions in the AVPR1a gene have been robustly demonstrated to play a role in molding a range of social behaviors in many vertebrates and, more recently, in humans. Additionally, serotonergic neurotransmission in some human studies appears to mediate human religious and spiritual experiences. We therefore hypothesize that the association between AVPR1a and SLC6A4 reflects the social communication, courtship, and spiritual facets of the dancing phenotype rather than other aspects of this complex phenotype, such as sensorimotor integration.


The evolution of surgical strategies in vulvar cancer over thirty years of personal experience is considered. The knowledge of aggressiveness and risk factors of every tumor correlated with the patients' age allows today to perform adequate radical surgery even without the large multilations of the past. 5-year survival rate and incidence of relapses are the same while quality of life is highly improved. The Authors stress the new conservative trend in every field of oncological surgery.


With mobile applications' ever-increasing demands for memory capacity, along with a steady increase in the number of applications running concurrently, memory capacity is becoming a scarce resource on mobile devices. When the memory pressure is high, current mobile OSes often kill application processes that have not been used recently to reclaim memory space. This leads to a long delay when a user relaunches the killed application, which degrades the user experience. Even if this mechanism is disabled to utilize a compression-based in-memory swap mechanism, relaunching the application still incurs a substantial latency penalty as it requires the decompression of compressed anonymous pages and a stream of I/O accesses to retrieve file-backed pages into memory. This paper identifies conventional demand paging as the primary source of this inefficiency and proposes ASAP, a mechanism for fast application switch via adaptive prepaging on mobile devices. ASAP performs prepaging by combining i) high-precision switch footprint estimators for both file-backed and anonymous pages, and ii) efficient implementation of the prepaging mechanism to minimize resource waste for CPU cycles and disk bandwidth during an application switch. Our evaluation using eight real-world applications on Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 3a demonstrates that ASAP can reduce the switch time by 22.2% and 28.3% on average, respectively (with a maximum of 33.3% and 35.7%, respectively), over the vanilla Android 10.


In this letter, we study empirically the relation between the double-bounce effect of buildings in very high resolution (VHR) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and the orientation angle for two different ground materials (i.e., asphalt and grass) by analyzing two different TerraSAR-X VHR spaceborne SAR images. Furthermore, we compare our empirical results with the simulations obtained using theoretical electromagnetic models. In order to deal with slightly rough surfaces, we also present a novel model for double-bounce scattering based on the small-perturbation method. We show that the double-bounce effect results in different power signatures, depending on the type of the building and the surrounding ground properties. Finally, we discuss the reliability of theoretical models for predicting the double-bounce power for the analyzed data sets. The models can predict the general behavior of the double bounce but lack in calculating the accurate double-bounce radar cross section reliably.


The strong x-ray line emission of n = 4→n = 3 and n = 5→n = 3 transitions of Ni-like Au has been investigated under a coronal plasma condition. A complete set of atomic data, including energy level, transition probability and collision strength, has been obtained to simulate the emission spectra. Under a typical coronal equilibrium (electron temperature of 2500 eV and density of 1.0×1015), the predicted strongest line is due to the transition of (3d3/2−14f5/2)1 → (3d10)0. Extensive studies show that the relative intensity is insensitive to temperature and density over a wide plasma condition.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of the present communication is to report the safety and efficacy of applying miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) in Vietnamese patients with recurrent kidney stones using a miniature nephroscope through a 18F metal access sheath.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who were diagnosed with recurrent nephrolithiasis and underwent mini-PCNL after previous treatments between 2017 and 2020. Clinical profile, preoperative characteristics, intraoperative events, and postoperative outcomes were obtained from the hospital database. Descriptive statistics were used for the whole analysis.

RESULTS
Of 89 eligible patients, 54 were male. The mean age was 53.4 years. Mean stone size was 24.9 mm. 37 patients had right side stone, 39 had left side stone, and 13 had stone on both sides. Pain in the flanks and back was the most symptom in our patients (n = 87, 97.8%), followed by hematuria (n = 13, 14.6%), dysuria (n = 8, 8.9%), fever (n = 7, 7.9%), acute renal colic (n = 5, 5.6%), and pyuria in 2 patients. 27 had complex stones, and the remaining stone position included renal pelvis (21, 23.6%), upper calyx (15, 16.9%), lower calyx (14, 15.7%), and middle calyx (12, 13.5%). 35 of them had grade I, 27 grade II, 8 grade III and 2 grade IV of hydronephrosis. Renal failure was documented in 12 patients (13.5%). 18 patients were performed with 2-times punctures (20.2%) and 13 with 3-times punctures (14.6%). We used one percutaneous tract in 79 patients and the remaining 10 were performed with two tracts. The upper, middle, and lower calyx was the site of puncture access in 6 (6.7%), 73 (82.0%), and 10 (11.3%) cases, respectively. 3 patients had bleeding requiring intraoperative blood transfusion and 2 were converted to open surgery. Intraoperative parameters recorded percutaneous puncture duration of 20.9 minutes (5-50), and total operative duration of 112.9 minutes (40-240). 7 patients developed secondary bleeding after surgery, besides 5 cases of fever, 2 cases of septic shock and one case of drainage failure. Early stone-free rate was 89.9% and this rate was 94.4% for patients after one month of mini-PCNL. Mean duration of ureteral catheter circulation was 2.7 days (2-20), mean length of postoperative hospitalization was 6.6 days (4-25) and mean total hospital stay was 12.9 days (7-28).

CONCLUSIONS
Present results show the safety of mini-PCNL with respect to recurrent nephrolithiasis. Our updated evidence may provide appropriate modified approaches that aim at reducing the risk of recurrent kidney stone development.


This paper examines the principles of the social policies, deepening the thought of some authors of the London School of Economics, in particular: the "Beveridge Report", the social conflict described by Daherendorf and the models of Titmuss. The work (with comparative methods) studies the English contribution to Italian social policies. In conclusion, the state of art of Italian model and the new frontiers of the welfare state are briefly considered


All beta-thymosins studied interact with G-actin in a bimolecular complex and inhibit the polymerization to F-actin under high salt conditions. The interactions between actin and beta-thymosins have been studied under polymerization conditions using actin labeled by a fluorescent reporter group at Cys374. Instead of labeling actin we employed equilibrium centrifugation of unlabeled G-actin, viscometry, and chemical cross-linking to investigate the interactions with several beta-thymosins, oxidized thymosin beta 4 and N-terminally truncated beta 4. The apparent dissociation constants for actin from bovine heart and beta-thymosins were 2.5, 0.1, and 2.7 microM for thymosin beta 4, [Ala1]beta 4(beta Ala4), and beta 10, respectively. Comparable apparent dissociation constants were obtained for the interaction of G-actin from rabbit skeletal muscle and thymosin beta 4 or beta Ala4. In rabbits thymosin beta Ala4 replaces beta 4 being different in amino acid residue 1 only. The apparent dissociation constant of thymosin beta 10 with actin from rabbit skeletal muscle, however, is about 10% of the value obtained with actin from bovine heart. Oxidation of thymosin beta 4 at Met6 (beta 4-sulfoxide) as well as truncation of 6 [beta 4-(7-43)] or 12 [beta 4-(13-43)] amino acid residues from the N-terminus increase apparent dissociation constants to 38-53 microM. Truncation of the first 23 amino acid residues [beta 4-(24-43)] abolishes interaction with G-actin completely. Therefore, amino acid residues between position 13 and 24 are necessary for 1-ethyl-3[3-(dimethyl-aminopropyl)-carbodiimide cross-linking of G-actin. In spite of comparable apparent dissociation constants between actin and thymosin beta 4-sulfoxide or beta 4-(7-43) or beta 4-(13-43), only beta 4-sulfoxide and not the truncated beta-thymosins inhibits actin polymerization, however, only at a 20-fold higher concentration than beta 4. Thus the first six amino acid residues are indispensable to inhibit salt-induced actin polymerization as analyzed by viscometry. While the apparent dissociation constant of the actin/thymosin beta 4 complex generated from a preformed actin/DNase-I complex is 160 microM, a fivefold excess of DNase I over the preformed actin/thymosin-beta 4 complex is necessary to observe a comparable dissociation constant.


Recently continuous relaxations have been proposed in order to learn Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) from data by backpropagation, instead of using combinatorial optimization. However, a number of techniques for fully discrete backpropagation could instead be applied. In this paper, we explore that direction and propose DAG-DB, a framework for learning DAGs by Discrete Backpropagation. Based on the architecture of Implicit Maximum Likelihood Estimation [I-MLE, arXiv:2106.01798], DAG-DB adopts a probabilistic approach to the problem, sampling binary adjacency matrices from an implicit probability distribution. DAG-DB learns a parameter for the distribution from the loss incurred by each sample, performing competitively using either of two fully discrete backpropagation techniques, namely I-MLE and Straight-Through Estimation.


The current-induced spin-orbit torques (SOTs) in the perpendicularly magnetized Ir22Mn78/Co20Fe60B20/MgO structures are investigated. The damping- and field-like torques are characterized using a harmonic technique. The spin Hall angle of Ir22Mn78 is determined to be θSHE = +0.057 ± 0.002. The SOT-driven magnetization switching is also demonstrated with the assistance of an external in-plane field. Furthermore, the magneto-optical Kerr effect imaging experiments show that the magnetization switching is realized through domain nucleation and domain wall motion. These results may promise potential practical applications in high-performance SOT devices based on the antiferromagnetic materials.


Background
Multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) is useful as prognostic tool in hospitalized older patients, but our knowledge derived from retrospective studies. We therefore aimed to evaluate in a multi-center, longitudinal, cohort study whether the MPI at hospital admission is useful to identify groups with different mortality risk and whether MPI at discharge may predict institutionalization, re-hospitalization and use of homecare services during 12 months.

Methods
This longitudinal study, carried-out between February 2015 and August 2017, included nine public hospitals in Europe and Australia. A standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment including information on functional, nutritional, cognitive status, risk of pressure sores, comorbidities, medications and co-habitation status was used to calculate the MPI and to categorize participants in low, moderate and severe risk of mortality. Data regarding mortality, institutionalization, re-hospitalization and use of homecare services were recorded through administrative information.

Results
Altogether, 1,140 hospitalised patients (mean age 84.1 years, females=60.8%) were included. In the multivariable analysis, compared to patients with low risk group at admission, patients in moderate (odds ratio, OR=3.32; 95%CI: 1.79-6.17; p<0.001) and severe risk (OR=10.72; 95%CI: 5.70-20.18; p<0.0001) groups were at higher risk of overall mortality. Among the 984 older patients with follow-up data available, those in the severe risk group experienced a higher risk of overall mortality, institutionalization, re-hospitalization, and access to homecare services.

Conclusions
In this cohort of hospitalized older adults, higher MPI values are associated with higher mortality and other negative outcomes. Multidimensional assessment of older people admitted to hospital may facilitate appropriate clinical and post-discharge management.


This petrological study characterizes the nature of various mixtures of terrigenous and carbonate sedimentary sequences of Late Pleistocene to Holocene age along the northwestern margin of the Nile delta in the Alexandria region, Egypt. Focus on the composition and proportions of sand-sized components serves to distinguish siliciclastic sediments of the River Nile to the east from carbonate sediments of the Arab's Gulf carbonate province to the west. Considered in this investigation are the petrologic attributes of (1) surface facies in shallow marine environments and prominent carbonate ridges, and also of (2) subsurface sediments recovered in radiocarbon-dated borings collected south and west of Abu Qir to Borg el Arab. Surface and subsurface sections can be correlated on the basis of compositional analysis. Distribution in time and space of the mixed terrigenous-carbonate facies is delineated in the Alexandria Lake Maryut region. Temporal and geographic shifts of this facies along the coast are induced by natural (eustatic sea level, subsidence, transport processes) and also man-induced factors. The latter include irrigation projects along the western delta margin, and development of coastal structures, particularly in the Agami to Abu Qir region. It is proposed that the terrigenous-carbonate sediment interface can be used as a gauge to detect changes in coastal depositional patterns along the northwest delta. Displacement of this interface would be induced by changes such as coastline configuration, erosion rates, and amount and nature of the sediment input from River Nile branches flowing to the Mediterranean.


At Penmaenmawr, in the county of Caernarvon, six miles southwest of Conway, a crystalline felspathic rock has been erupted through Silurian strata, and rises to a height of 1553 feet above the sea-level, forming a boss-like elevation two miles in length and one in width. This stone, which is of a greenish-grey colour, is moderately fine-grained, and to the unassisted eye, appears to consist of felspar associated with minute crystals of some dark hornblendic or pyroxenic mineral. The general mass is divided into beds by a series of predominating joints dipping north at an angle of about 45°; and these are again divided by a system of double jointings which are sometimes so developed as to the cause the rock to become distinctly columnar. On the northern flank of the mountain, where four large quarries have been opened upon it, this stone is extensively worked both for general building-purposes and for road-making. Of these quarries the two more easterly ones belong to Messrs. Kneeshaw, Lupton, and Co., while those situated further towards the west are worked by Messrs. Brundrit and Co. The crystalline rock at the eastern extremity of the outcrop, near its point of contact with the slates, sometimes encloses small schistose fragments, but is fine-grained and frequently assumes a columnar structure. Here the stone is often so close in texture as to almost resemble chert, and to break with a conchoidal fracture; but particles of kaolinized felspar show that it has, even here, been subjected to a certain


Using shower wastewater to flush toilets decreases the potable water demand of residential buildings, reducing pressure on existing water supplies. 'Off- the-shelf' greywater reuse systems intended for single-family residential dwellings have recently become commercially available, but have variable field performance. A standard field testing methodology was developed and applied to a greywater reuse system installed in 22 homes in Southern Ontario. Performance was quantified by measuring the water balance, water quality, energy consumption, durability, maintenance requirements, installation process, economics and user satisfaction with the system. The tested system was found to save, on average, 40.9 litres per household per day, occasionally meet water quality guidelines and generally have less maintenance and durability issues than previous generations, resulting in satisfied users. However, due to low water rates and high capital costs, there is a need for government subsidization of these systems which will, ultimately, reduce pressure placed on centralized water infrastructure.


Bank erosion consists of two processes: basal erosion due to fluvial hydraulic force and bank failure under the influence of gravity. Because bank resistance force varies with the degree of saturation of bank material, the probability of bank failure is the probability of the driving force of bank failure being greater than the bank resistance force. The degree of saturation of bank material increases with river stage; therefore, the frequency of bank failure is correlated to the frequency of flooding. Consequently, the rate of bank erosion is due to both basal erosion and bank failure, and bank failure is a probabilistic phenomenon. In this paper, for cohesive bank material experiencing planar bank failure, a deterministic approach was adopted for basal erosion analysis, whereas the probability of bank failure was included in the analysis of bank failure. A method for calculating the rate of bank erosion was derived that integrates both basal erosion and bank failure processes, and accounts for the effects of hydraulic force, bank geometry, bank material properties, and probability of bank failure.


The formability of the magnesium alloy sheets is poor at room temperature even though the magnesium alloy sheets are attractive because of their excellent characteristics. Application of pulsating hydroforming is a new and effective method to improve the formability. The effects of the pressure amplitude on the maximum bulging height and minimum wall thickness of the formed parts of AZ31B magnesium alloy sheets are examined using finite element simulations. It is shown that the distribution of maximum bugling height and minimum wall thickness is similar for different pressure amplitude A, and a uniform expansion in bulging region is obtained, the cause of the uniform expansion obtained may be caused by the variation of stress components. The AZ31B sheet has an excellent performance in formability when the pressure amplitude and pulsating frequency are properly selected.


The use of herbal medicinal products and supplements has increased tremendously over the past three decades with not less than 80% of people worldwide relying on them for some part of primary healthcare. Although therapies involving these agents have shown promising potential with the efficacy of a good number of herbal products clearly established, many of them remain untested and their use are either poorly monitored or not even monitored at all. The consequence of this is an inadequate knowledge of their mode of action, potential adverse reactions, contraindications, and interactions with existing orthodox pharmaceuticals and functional foods to promote both safe and rational use of these agents. Since safety continues to be a major issue with the use of herbal remedies, it becomes imperative, therefore, that relevant regulatory authorities put in place appropriate measures to protect public health by ensuring that all herbal medicines are safe and of suitable quality. This review discusses toxicity-related issues and major safety concerns arising from the use of herbal medicinal products and also highlights some important challenges associated with effective monitoring of their safety.


SUMMARY From March to October 1993. 15 cases of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS) in children were detected in a large area of northern Italy, where only 8 cases had occurred in the previous 5 years. Analysis of stool and serum specimens obtained from 14 cases showed evidence of Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) infection in 13. Serum antibodies to the E. coli O157 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were found in 8 patients and to the O111 LPS in 2. An O86 VTEC was isolated from another patient. Fourteen children needed dialysis, and 1 died. No obvious epidemiologic link was observed among cases, most of whom lived in small townships. A case-control study did not show an association between HUS and food or exposure to cattle, but suggested an association with contact with chicken coops (OR = 6·5. 95% C.I. 1·2–34·9). However, VTEC were not isolated from stool samples obtained from the chicken coops involved. The risk factors for VTEC infection related to living in rural settlements, including the exposure to live poultry, should be considered in outbreak investigations.


Purpose: This paper intends to explore a quantitative method for investigating the characteristics of information diffusion through social media like weblogs and microblogs. By using the social network analysis methods, we attempt to analyze the different characteristics of information diffusion in weblogs and microblogs as well as the possible reasons of these differences. Design/methodology/approach: Using the social network analysis methods, this paper carries out an empirical study by taking the Chinese weblogs and microblogs in the fi eld of Library and Information Science (LIS) as the research sample and employing measures such as network density, core/peripheral structure and centrality. Findings: Firstly, both bloggers and microbloggers maintain weak ties, and both of their social networks display a small-world effect. Secondly, compared with weblog users, microblog users are more interconnected, more equal and more capable of developing relationships with people outside their own social networks. Thirdly, the microblogging social network is more conducive to information diffusion than the blogging network, because of their differences in functions and the information flow mechanism. Finally, the communication mode emerged with microblogging, with the characteristics of micro-content, multi-channel information dissemination, dense and decentralized social network and content aggregation, will be one of the trends in the development of the information exchange platform in the future. Research limitations: The sample size needs to be increased so that samples are more representative. Errors may exist during the data collection. Moreover, the individual-level characteristics of the samples as well as the types of information exchanged need to be further studied. Practical implications: This preliminary study explores the characteristics of information diffusion in the network environment and verifi es the feasibility of conducting a quantitative analysis of information diffusion through social media. In addition, it provides insight into the characteristics of information diffusion in weblogs and microblogs and the possible reasons of these differences. Originality/value: We have analyzed the characteristics of information diffusion in weblogs and microblogs by using the social network analysis methods. This research will be useful for a quantitative analysis of the underlying mechanisms of information fl ow through social media in the network environment.


In the following study we intend to give an overall description of the
Eucharistic prayers of the Apocryphal Acts that had been missing from
the contemporary literature up till today. First we will consider the
Eucharistic character of the so called "Hymn of the Dancing Christ" in AJ
ch. 94-96, which has been a debated question. After a detailed analysis a
synthesis is to be given, of the six or seven prayers, with the help of
narrative, religious-historical and philological approaches. It is also intended
to examine docetic and gnostic influences in them. Then we will cast a glance
at the complexity of the trajectories (or trends of thought) of the tradition
of Eucharistical rites. It also seems necessary to compare them with the
Eucharistic prayers of the ancient church (Didache, Justinos Martyr). Of course
we could not omit a theological interpretation of their main concepts.


Most ground-penetrating radar suveys are acquired in quasi zero-offset mode, Le. source-receiver offsets are small compared to the target depth. The correct way to realistically model such an experiment would be to compute a corresponding sequence of common-offset radargrarns. In finite-difference time domain (FDTD) modeling this approach would be excessively expensive and hence is substituted by initiating a downward travelling plane wave at the earth's surface. However, this method of zero-offset modeling is only realistic for horizontafly layered, one-dimensional media, and thus is unsatisfactory in most realistic situations and defeats the very purpose of finite-difference rnodeling. Therefore, we propose an alternative approach based on the "exploding reflector" concept. This approximation is more realistic, even in highly complex media, and is only marginaily more expensive than the plane wave method.


Vehicle number plate recognition has attracted many researchers for intelligent transportation systems such as the payment of parking fee, controlling the traffic volume, traffic data collection, etc. We are presenting an enhanced license plate extraction methodology which includes edge statistics and the morphology. The proposed methodology includes vertical edge extraction, background curve and noise removing, edge statistical analysis and morphology-based license plate extraction. Keywordsintelligent transportation systems; license plate extraction; edge detection; morphology


The work is devoted to experimental and numerical study of aerodynamic structure of a swirl flow in isothermal model of a vortex burner device that is characterized by the fluid flow supply via two sequentially-mounted tangential swirlers. Depending on the way of the flow supply into the second-stage swirler, either co-swirl or counter-swirl of two flows can be realized. The effect of the second-stage supply direction on the resulting aerodynamic structure has been investigated. Using LDA measurement system the profiles of averaged axial and tangential velocity components were obtained. Experiments have shown that in the co-swirl case the flow inside the vortex burner model is characterized by strong non-uniformity, while in the counter-swirl regime a rapid mixing of the flows from the first and second stages occurs, resulting in a uniform distribution of the flow across the chamber section. Numerical simulation of 3D isothermal turbulent flow has been performed for the counter-swirl regime using the differential Reynolds stress model in the time-dependent formulation. Using the Q-criterion for the identification of vortices in numerical data arrays, the evolution of large-scale vortex structures of the swirl flow inside the vortex chamber has been visualized, indicating the presence of two spiral-shape vortex filaments in the vortex chamber. The periodic character of dynamics of these vortex structures has been revealed.


Lead is a potent neurotoxin and drinking water represents an important route of exposure, especially where legacy lead pipe is widespread. Polyphosphates are often added to drinking water to sequester iron and calcium, but they may form coordination complexes with lead, increasing its solubility. This risk is not well characterized in practice: the prevalence of lead-polyphosphate complexes in drinking water systems is not known. We used size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) with multi-element (ICP-MS) detection to compare the speciation of lead below 0.45 μm in two low-alkalinity water systems dosing phosphate-based corrosion inhibitors at different ortho : poly ratios and doses. In one system dosing polyphosphate at 0.05 mg P L−1 (3 : 1 ratio), it reverted almost completely to orthophosphate during distribution. In another system dosing polyphosphate at 0.20 mg P L−1 (1 : 1 ratio), it was detectable at points of use. Under the influence of polyphosphate, lead and iron were present as dissolved species strongly associated with phosphorus. Moreover, experiments with sodium hexametaphosphate confirmed our ability to detect lead as a coordination complex using SEC. In the absence of polyphosphate, lead and iron were present as colloidal particles. Orthophosphate on its own also appeared to reduce lead solubility, as estimated using paired sample profiles collected at seventeen single-unit residences. Increasing orthophosphate from 0.5 to 1.0 mg PO4 L−1 accompanied decreases in total lead concentrations of 38% (95% CI: 15–51%) within eight months. Analysis of recovered lead pipe corrosion scale was consistent with the presence of an insoluble lead phosphate compound: hydroxypyromorphite (Pb5(PO4)3OH).


Because attacks are becoming more frequent and more complex, intrusion detection systems IDSes need significant improvements to be able to detect new attacks and variants of already known attacks. It is thus necessary to assess precisely their quality of detection, performance, and robustness in the environment where they will be deployed. In this paper, we present an evaluation approach designed to overcome most of the identified weaknesses in several IDS evaluation: the lack of a rigorous methodology, the use of non-representative test datasets, and the use of inappropriate metrics. In our approach, model-based evaluation is combined with experimental testing. Because testing an IDS against all possible attacks is practically impossible, we propose a classification of elementary attacks and a model of attack processes. Then, we developed the attack planning and injection tool that helps security administrators to plan and select the most relevant attack scenarios. Attack planning and injection tool is able to generate and carry out concrete and adaptable attacks on specifically identified computers. To demonstrate the validity of our approach, we experimented our tool in a case study environment to compare well-known IDSes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Fusarium verticilliodes (Sacc.) Nirenberg (G) is a well known phytopathogenic fungus capable to infect a wide range of plants including maize. In addition; its toxic metabolites fumonisin (FB1 and FB2) are associated with Equina Leukoencephalo Malacia and induced hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects in animals. Twenty two isolates of F. verticilliodes obtained from corn samples and grown on Barley medium, were added to sterile soil two weeks before sowing maize grains to test their ability to cause corn seedling damping-off. Thirteen isolates caused pre-emergence dampingoff, and two of them were significant. In addition one F. verticilliodes isolate was significantly affecting post emergency and four isolates exhibited the highest disease index. F. verticilliodes isolates which caused significant pre and post emergence damping-off as well as disease index were found to be fumonisin producers. Fourteen out of twenty two detached and moistened maize leaves showed necrotic lesions when they inoculated by F. verticilliodes spore suspensions. Further more the crude extracts of the tested F. verticilliodes isolates showed leaf lesions when they were spotted on the moisted maize leaf cuts, in addition to FB1 standard. Twelve of the pathogenic F. verticilliodes isolates produced fumonisins (eight; FB1 and four; FB1 & FB2); whereas fumonisins could not been detected in only two of the pathogenic isolates according to TLC.. These results suggest the great role of fumonisins that may be played as a virulence factor of F. verticilliodes on maize.