The introduction of cracks into loaded versus unloaded components has a significant effect on the apparent fracture toughness within finite element modelling. The history effects of crack introduction can be beneficial to defect assessment procedures that do not consider prior plasticity specifically from crack introduction. It is assumed that as strain energy is released due to plastic deformation during crack formation a reduction in the energy available for crack propagation under fracture conditions is experienced. This can be characterized by the formation of a plastic wake behind the crack tip and leads to significant increases in load at critical J and other crack growth parameters for modelling situations. However experimental evidence validating this apparent fracture toughness increase are needed. A beneficial increase in apparent fracture toughness can prolong the life of components that might be taken out of service prematurely if history effects are not considered.
 This paper discusses a series of experimental and modelling approaches that have been taken to assess the magnitude of the benefit in increase of apparent fracture toughness by the manipulation of crack introduction history effects. An initial parametric study of material properties on the effect of introducing cracks into loaded and unloaded components indicates that most benefit be derived from high hardness, high yield materials such as Aluminum 7000 series alloys. Further work has been carried out with experimental C(T) specimens of Aluminum Alloy 7475 T7351. Cracks were introduced by fatigue into the samples. One set of specimens was fatigued with a low mean load and the other with a high mean load, this was achieved by keeping a consistent ΔKI between specimens and changing the load ratio one set of specimens. Fracture test results indicate that the influence of prior plasticity on fracture initiation is much subtler in experimental trials than in the finite element model. Crack growth resistance curves and neutron diffraction results measuring the residual stress created ahead of the crack tip by this method are be discussed and contrasted with the parametric study and finite element modelling of the two different crack introduction scenarios.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to start a conversation on achieving a shared understanding among hospitality service co-creation participants. Adopting a stakeholder and service eco-systems approach, attention is drawn to the necessity for all service experience participants to have a shared understanding of the service experience and their role within it, for a sustained competitive advantage to be realized. Informed by community of practice (CoP) thinking, a road map of research questions is advanced encouraging insight into a macro level phenomenon that, traditionally, is only ever considered at the micro service encounter level.

Design/methodology/approach
A thorough multidisciplinary review of the literature was undertaken, providing an opportunity to present a viewpoint on the strategic implications of providing a sustainable competitive advantage via the hospitality service experience.

Findings
To achieve a shared understanding across the Hospitality Service Experience Eco-System, potential tensions among stakeholders are highlighted. Accounting for such barriers, institutional arrangements, combining organizational CoPs that are bridged by designated boundary objects, is advanced. Given the novel approach of applying a traditionally organizational phenomenon at a macro multi-stakeholder level, several research questions are proposed to inform thinking about this neglected perspective.

Originality/value
Acknowledging the innovation, agility and resources required to maintain a competitive service experience, the paper emphasizes the importance of adopting a macro perspective to effective service management. The hope is to stimulate academic interest to inform understanding as to how to build this capability as well as enhance practitioner interest in promoting stakeholders' CoP for the benefit of the entire Hospitality Service Experience Eco-System.


Milk production is highly dependent on the extensive development of the mammary epithelium, which occurs during puberty. It is therefore essential to distinguish the epithelial cells committed to development during this key stage from the related epithelial hierarchy. Using cell phenotyping and sorting, we highlighted three sub-populations that we assume to be progenitors. The CD49fhighCD24neg cells expressing KRT14, vimentin and PROCR corresponded to basal progenitors whereas the CD49flowCD24neg cells expressing luminal KRT, progesterone and prolactin receptors, were of luminal lineage. The CD49flowCD24pos cells had features of a dual lineage, with luminal and basal characteristics (CD10, ALDH1 and KRT7 expression) and were considered to be early common (bipotent) progenitors. The mammary stem cell (MaSC) fraction was recovered in a fourth sub-population of CD49fhighCD24pos cells that expressed CD10/KRT14 and KRT7. The differential ALDH1 activities observed within the MaSC fraction allowed to discriminate between two states: quiescent MaSCs and lineage-restricted "activated" MaSCs. The in-depth characterization of these epithelial sub-populations provides new insights into the epithelial cell hierarchy in the bovine mammary gland and suggests a common developmental hierarchy in mammals.


Microgrids comprise a variety of distributed energy resources, energy storage devices, and loads. The majority of sources are not suitable for direct connection to the electrical network due to the characteristics of the energy produced, such as low voltage DC power from fuel cells and PV arrays or high frequency AC power from microturbines. Therefore, voltage source converters (VSCs) are required to interface them with the network. In microgrids with the DC distribution network, the DC voltage reference setting for the VSCs operating in the voltage regulator mode, and the optimal power reference settings of the remaining VSCs working in the power dispatcher mode must be pre-determined to maintain the DC voltage within desired margins. In this paper, the problem has been formulated as an optimization problem with VSCs switching and conduction losses selected as the objective function. Computational intelligence techniques, including genetic algorithm (GA) and simulated annealing (SA) based optimization methods, have been employed to solve the optimization problem. The results of the optimal power flow have been compared with a conventional power flow.


One of the major challenges in the next-generation electron-positron linear colliders is to produce and control multi-bunch beams with extremely small transverse emittance. The Accelerator Test Facility (ATF) at KEK is a test accelerator that has been built to study the feasibility of production, damping, control and diagnosis of such beams. The facility consists of a multi-bunch capable thermionic gun, bunchers, followed by a 1.54 GeV S-band injector, beam transport and a test damping ring. This paper reports the preliminary results from commissioning and accelerator studies of the test damping ring that has started in January, 1997.


This paper proposes a synchronic analysis of vowel splits between diphthongs and monophthongs in Franconian tone accent dialects (spoken in parts of Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands). In some dialects, the tonal contrasts between Accent 1 and Accent 2 are accompanied by vocalic oppositions. On the basis of data from Maastricht and Sittard Franconian, I argue that a unified phonological analysis of these related phenomena (tone, vowel quality) is possible if we assume that the accents differ in their metrical structure: Accent 1 is represented as a disyllabic foot, Accent 2 as a monosyllabic foot.


This study aims at comparison of buckling loads of masonry slender columns having rectangular and circular cross-section subjected to their own weight and eccentric vertical top load. It has been assumed that the material of the columns is a homogeneous continuum which has no tensile strength and, linear-elastic in compression. For the practical determination of the buckling loads, an effective calculation method existing in the literature has been adopted. For sample square and circular columns, buckling loads have been obtained and the effect of cross-section shape discussed. Finite element model for one of the square columns has been created with the Abaqus program, the buckling load has been determined and compared with the result of the present study's method. It has been seen that there is a good agreement between the results. Variation of buckling loads of the considered columns depending on the load eccentricity have been determined. Moreover, analytical expressions have been obtained for the variation of buckling loads of the square and circular columns depending on the vertical load eccentricity.


This study aims to examine the situation and trend of suicide in 76 provinces in Thailand during 2006–2013 and also to investigate the relationship among suicide, economic development, and economic problems by utilizing the feasible generalized least square (FGLS) regression analysis. The findings reveal that the average suicide rate in Thailand during the study period was 5.98 per 100,000 populations and exhibited a slight upward trend. Moreover, Lamphun province had the highest average suicide rate while Pattani province had the lowest rate. Gross provincial product per capita is found to have a curvilinear relationship with total, male, and female suicide rate. That is, suicide rate is likely to decrease as gross provincial product per capita increases but only up to a certain point, thereafter as gross provincial product continues to increase, suicide rate is likely to increase. Additionally, the findings reveal that industrialization and unemployment have the negative effect on suicide rate. In terms of other factors, divorce, having diabetes, and having high blood pressure significantly determine total, male, and female suicide, whereas urbanization affects only male suicide and educational attainment affects only female suicide.


Sexual relationships remain an important aspect of life for people living with motor neurone disease. This article explores the use of the Extended-PLISSIT model when discussing relationships and sexual function with patients and their partners in a motor neurone disease clinic. The model provides a structured approach to assist discussions with patients as well as promoting reflection and exchange of knowledge in the multidisciplinary team. It is a useful model when addressing issues that are sometimes difficult to discuss.


BACKGROUND
Findings from studies of food addiction in adults suggest those with food addiction are less successful in weight-loss interventions. Little is known about food addiction in obesity treatment-seeking adolescents; therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of food addiction and correlates of food addiction symptoms in obese adolescents entering an outpatient, weight management program.

METHODS
Obese adolescents (n = 26) were administered the Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children (YFAS-C), measures of appetitive responsiveness, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before and following a 12-week, outpatient, behavioral weight management program. Descriptive statistics and correlations between YFAS-C symptoms and study variables were performed and further examined with linear regression. Baseline differences were compared between those meeting criteria for food addiction to those who did not (independent t-tests) and pre-postweight management program changes were examined (paired t-tests).

RESULTS
30.7% met criteria for food addiction and 50% reported ≥3 symptoms. Number of YFAS-C symptoms was correlated with appetitive responsiveness (r = 0.57, p < 0.05) and inversely correlated with all domains of HRQOL (r = 0.47-0.53, p < 0.05). Attrition rate was higher in adolescents with food addiction compared to those without (62.5% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Adolescents with food addiction or with a higher number of food addiction symptoms may warrant additional resources to support adherence to and retention with a weight management program. Implementing screening measures for food addiction before enrolling in a weight management program may be an effective strategy to identify adolescents who may benefit from adjunct modalities.


Objective Memory formation is proposed to be a dual process that involves the simultaneous memorisation of both detailed information (item-specific memory) and gist information (gist memory). Memory deficits have been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, few studies have explicitly addressed the nature of these deficits. To obtain a detailed understanding of memory dysfunction in patients with PD, it is of crucial importance to establish whether item-specific memory and gist memory performance are impaired. The aim of this study is to explore whether gist memory and item-specific memory performance are still intact in patients with PD, as well as to determine which psychological mechanisms are responsible for memory formation. Setting Two hospitals in northern Taiwan. Participants Thirty-nine patients with PD and 28 normal controls were recruited. Each participant received a gist-based recognition test following the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm, as well as neuropsychological tests and measures of clinical characteristics. Results Gist memory was impaired in patients with advanced-stage disease (Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage: III) (F2,64=3.58, p=0.033), whereas item-specific memory was preserved throughout all disease stages. Correlation analysis showed that item-specific memory was related to executive functions in normal controls and early-stage patients with PD (H&Y stage: I–II); however, item-specific memory was related to episodic memory, rather than to executive functions, in advanced-stage patients with PD. Moreover, gist memory was related to episodic memory, but only in early-stage patients with PD. Conclusions We discovered that impaired gist memory is found in advanced-stage, but not in early-stage, patients with PD. Our findings suggest that the techniques used to take advantage of the relatively preserved gist memory in early-stage patients with PD, as well as the preserved item-specific memory in patients with PD of all stages, could be useful for memory rehabilitation programmes.


REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY
Warmblood horse studbooks aim to breed horses with a conformation that will enable elite future performance, but reduce the risk of injuries and lameness. Negative conformational traits, such as asymmetrical or 'uneven' forefeet would possibly diminish performance.

OBJECTIVES
To assess the prevalence and heritability of uneven feet and its genetic relationship to other conformation traits as well as to sporting performance later in life in Warmblood riding horses.

METHODS
The databases of the Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook (KWPN, n = 44,840 horses) and Royal Dutch Equestrian Sports Federation (KNHS, n = 33,459 horses in dressage and n = 30,474 horses in showjumping) were linked through the unique number of each registered horse. Therefore, heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations could be estimated from the scores of the jury at studbook admission and the sports performance of that population in dressage and jumping over the period 1990-2002.

RESULTS
The prevalence of uneven feet was 53% on average, and increased from under 4.5% during the first 3 years of recording to over 8% in the years from 2000 onwards. Heritability estimates of foot conformation traits were moderate and ranged from 0.16 for heel height to 0.27 for hoof shape. The genetic correlation between the trait of uneven feet and performance in competition was negative but weak: -0.09 with dressage and -0.12 with showjumping.

CONCLUSIONS
Predisposition to uneven feet can be reduced by selection. Because of weak genetic correlations, the increased prevalence is not directly associated with selection for better sports performance or higher conformation grade. If the trait 'uneven feet' arises from a disproportionate relationship between height at the withers and neck length, then selection on conformation grade might result in development of uneven feet. In general, limb conformation has a moderate genetic relationship to conformation grade and foot conformation traits have a genetic relationship to sporting performance. Reducing occurrence of uneven feet by selection is possible, without limiting progress in sport performance.


The author analyzed the career of the great Russian surgeon Nicolay Pirogov (1810-1881). The analysis of Pirogov's honors shows that despite of early European and all-Russian fame, serving heartily and fervently, he passed all scales of "The table of ranks" and didn't step over the honors, getting them in strict sequence. It shows that he didn't reach after ranks, honors. These honors were finding the eminent doctor, surgeon, teacher, scientist and public figure of Russia in the 19th century.


This paper proposes an approach for the modeling and analysis of autonomous agent mobility patterns which is based on discrete-time Markov chains graphicallyenhanced to improve modularity. Mobility patterns are associated to autonomous agents when they have to fulfil a distributed task involving migration to remote agent servers where agent computation and/or interaction can likely take place. Two kinds of analysis can be performed on the obtained models: reliability and time analysis. Reliability analysis relies on statistical/mathematical tools and allows for testing the reliability of agent patterns carried out on non-completely reliable networks of agent servers. Time analysis is based on an appositely defined analytical simulation framework and enables the evaluation of time-related performance indexes. Using this approach, several types of patterns were identified, modeled, and analysed: ping-pong, itinerary and free walk. They can be associated to classes of agent tasks in specific application domains.


The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the rapid development of vaccines against this disease. Despite the success of the international vaccination program, adverse events following vaccination, and the mechanisms behind them, remain poorly understood. Here we present four cases of death following receipt of a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with no obvious cause identified at autopsy. Using RNA sequencing, we identified genes that were differentially expressed between our post-vaccination cases and a control group that died of blood loss and strangulation. Three hundred and ninety genes were found to be upregulated and 115 genes were downregulated in post-vaccination cases compared with controls. Importantly, genes involved in neutrophil degranulation and cytokine signaling were upregulated. Our results suggest that immune dysregulation occurred following vaccination. Careful observation and care may be necessary if an abnormally high fever exceeding 40°C occurs after vaccination, even with antipyretic drugs.


Nanoparticle-based contrast agents are attracting a great deal of attention for various biomedical imaging and theranostic applications. Compared to conventional contrast agents, nanoparticles possess several potential advantages to improve in vivo detection and to enhance targeting efficiency. Silica-based nanoprobes can be engineered to achieve longer blood circulation times, specific clearance pathways, and multivalent binding. In this tutorial review, we summarize the latest progress on designing silica-based nanoprobes for imaging and theranostic applications. The synthesis of both solid silica and mesoporous silica nanoparticles is described, along with different approaches used for surface functionalization. Special emphasis is placed on the application of silica-based nanoprobes in optical, magnetic resonance, and multimodal imaging. The latest breakthroughs in the applications of silica nanoparticles as theranostic agents are also highlighted.


PURPOSE
Vaccine alternatives to high-dose interferon alfa-2b therapy (HDI), the current standard adjuvant therapy for high-risk melanoma, are of interest because of toxicity associated with HDI. The GM2 ganglioside is a well-defined melanoma antigen, and anti-GM2 antibodies have been associated with improved prognosis. We conducted a prospective, randomized, intergroup trial to evaluate the efficacy of HDI for 1 year versus vaccination with GM2 conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and administered with QS-21 (GMK) for 96 weeks (weekly x 4 then every 12 weeks x 8).

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Eligible patients had resected stage IIB/III melanoma. Patients were stratified by sex and number of positive nodes. Primary end points were relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS
Eight hundred eighty patients were randomized (440 per treatment group); 774 patients were eligible for efficacy analysis. The trial was closed after interim analysis indicated inferiority of GMK compared with HDI. For eligible patients, HDI provided a statistically significant RFS benefit (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.47, P = .0015) and OS benefit (HR = 1.52, P = .009) for GMK versus HDI. Similar benefit was observed in the intent-to-treat analysis (RFS HR = 1.49; OS HR = 1.38). HDI was associated with a treatment benefit in all subsets of patients with zero to > or = four positive nodes, but the greatest benefit was observed in the node-negative subset (RFS HR = 2.07; OS HR = 2.71 [eligible population]). Antibody responses to GM2 (ie, titers > or = 1:80) at days 29, 85, 365, and 720 were associated with a trend toward improved RFS and OS (P2 = .068 at day 29).

CONCLUSION
This trial demonstrated a significant treatment benefit of HDI versus GMK in terms of RFS and OS in melanoma patients at high risk of recurrence.


BackgroundTo identify the determinants of survival in patients with severe (>75%) stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LM) and an acute (48 hours) anterolateral myocardial infarction (AAMI), we retrospectively analyzed the course of 34 such patients who presented to our institution over the last decade. Methods and ResultsLM disease was diagnosed arteriographically at presentation, and AAMI was determined by ECG, enzymatic, and kinetic criteria. Of the nine patients (26%) managed medically, seven patients (78%) were in cardiogenic shock (cardiac index <2.0, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure >25, and pulmonary edema), and all seven died in hospital. Twenty-five (74%) of the 34 patients were managed surgically or with angioplasty. Nine of these patients, of whom eight were in cardiogenic shock, also died in hospital. Regardless of the method of treatment, the presence of cardiogenic shock in this population was reproducibly a grave prognostic indicator. That is, 15 (94%) of the 16 patients in cardiogenic shock at presentation died in hospital, and only 1 (5%) of the 18 patients without cardiogenic shock died (P<.001). ConclusionsThus, we propose that, because patients presenting with AAMI, severe LM stenosis, and cardiogenic shock (left main shock syndrome) have such a grave prognosis regardless of management, conservative measures may be indicated.


Microinjections of the cholinergic agonist carbachol into anterior substantia nigra dose dependently increased food intake in satiated rats. This resulted from a prolongation of the duration of eating. In the absence of food, those doses of carbachol that stimulated food intake (.1 and .5 microgram) had no effect on any other response examined, including gnawing, drinking, locomotion, grooming, sniffing, and rearing. The effect of carbachol depended on the degree of prior food deprivation, but supra-additive effects of carbachol and deprivation were not observed. These results are contrasted with those of previous studies demonstrating the nonspecific behavioral effects of electrical stimulation of the brain and of studies showing that carbachol has radically different behavioral effects at other central nervous system sites. Microinjection of an acetylcholine/eserine sulfate mixture also significantly increased food intake. This response was abolished by prior microinjection of the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine into the substantia nigra, a result that provides evidence for pharmacological specificity of the behavioral effects. These data provide further evidence for the hypothesis that a functional cholinergic system is present within substantia nigra.


ABSTRACT In May 1998, ethnic riots and widespread sexual violence occurred in several major Indonesian cities. Chinese-Indonesians were targeted and, since then, there has been an interest in feminist visual art created by Chinese-Indonesian diaspora in Australia. This article explores Chinese Whispers, a digital graphic novel by Rani Pramesti, a Chinese-Javanese-Indonesian actor and Melbourne-based performance maker, and her team of Indonesian-Australian collaborators. Applying solemn imagery, it narrates a young woman's attempts at understanding cultural trauma that has marked both personal and public identities of Chinese-Indonesians. Imbued with black-and-white illustrations and interview transcripts, the digital graphic novel tries to answer questions regarding hatred and violence towards Chinese-Indonesians against the backdrop of political turmoil. This article assists in understanding the significance of Indonesian digital graphic narratives as a channel through which the targeted community can discuss their shared trauma and reflexive awareness by visualising cultural conflict.


Peripheral neuropathy is a type of neurological disorder in which patients with complex inherited neurological defects present significant phenotype in the peripheral nervous system. Hereditary amyloidogenic transthyretin (hATTR) neuropathy is typical polyneuropathy caused by single-nucleotide variants in the gene encoding transthyretin (TTR) and leads to transthyretin misfolding and systemic deposition of amyloid. One of the clinical hallmarks of hATTR neuropathy is polyneuropathy of the destruction of the somatic and autonomic peripheral nervous system, leading to loss of autonomy. Progressive amyloid accumulation also causes multi-organ dysfunction and death. There are many therapeutics that have been proposed and developed in these years. These therapies aim to reduce or eliminate hATTR from the plasma, stabilize the hATTR to prevent deposition, and dissolute the amyloid misfolding matrix. Recently, gene therapy strategy is being deployed to treat recessive genetic disorders by eliminating the expression of the mutated genes. Thus, gene-silencing approaches have been used to manage this amyloidosis neuropathy in the broad stages and produce some degree of improvement of this disease. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Inotersen (an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)) and patisiran (a small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for the treatment of hATTR polyneuropathy to suppress hATTR expression. Inotersen, a 2'-O-methoxyethylmodified ASO, which acts by reducing the production of transthyretin, and has been demonstrated to improve the quality of life in early hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis polyneuropathy. I here focus on the RNA-targeted therapy with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms by which antisense oligonucleotide can be designed to modulate transthyretin RNA function for being a novel therapy for hereditary amyloidosis neuropathy.


Reliable methods for automatic readability assessment have the potential to impact a variety of fields, ranging from machine translation to self-informed learning. Recently, large language models for the German language (such as GBERT and GPT-2-Wechsel) have become available, allowing to develop Deep Learning based approaches that promise to further improve automatic readability assessment. In this contribution, we studied the ability of ensembles of fine-tuned GBERT and GPT-2-Wechsel models to reliably predict the readability of German sentences. We combined these models with linguistic features and investigated the dependence of prediction performance on ensemble size and composition. Mixed ensembles of GBERT and GPT-2-Wechsel performed better than ensembles of the same size consisting of only GBERT or GPT-2-Wechsel models. Our models were evaluated in the GermEval 2022 Shared Task on Text Complexity Assessment on data of German sentences. On out-of-sample data, our best ensemble achieved a root mean squared error of 0:435.


A novel water-insoluble mesoporous adsorbent based on a 3D-network polymer containing pendant thiol groups was synthesized via post-functionalization of the polymeric backbone for fast, efficient and selective removal of toxic mercury ions from aqueous solutions. The structural and textural properties of the newly designed adsorbent were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), elemental analysis (CHNS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG). The synergistic incorporation of the porous matrix and active sites of this new adsorbent offered a unique combination for high-efficiency and high-selectivity Hg2+ removal, which made it a new class of solid-support sorbent for clean-up of contaminated water.


Model building and molecular mechanics and dynamics calculations have been performed on a number of complexes of the post-activated form of the neocarzinostatin chromophore (NCS) with the B-DNA oligomer 5'GAGCG:5'CGCTC. Stable structures with the naphthoic acid moiety intercalated at all base pairs can be constructed. The observed bistranded lesions consisting of an abasic site at the Cyt residue in AGC and a direct break at the Thy residue on the complementary strand can be explained by assuming that NCS in the (R,R) form intercalates between the Ade2-Thy9/Gua3-Cyt8 base step with its 'diradical' core oriented towards the 3'-end of the (+) strand. Sites at C5', C4' and C1' in the minor groove are within a short enough distance from the two radical centers on NCS to permit hydrogen atom abstraction and the formation of the bistranded lesions. Strand cleavage at Thy9 may occur as a single lesion if NCS is intercalated into the Gua3-Cyt8/Cyt4-Gua7 base step with its active core towards the 3'-end of the (-) strand. The results are analyzed, and the utility and limitations of this type of model building are discussed.


This paper describes the results of an experimental campaign conducted on a U-Oscillating Water Column (U-OWC) wave energy converter equipped with Dielectric Elastomer Generator (DEG) Power Take-Off (PTO) system. The considered PTO technology has the potential for overcoming some of the limitations associated with the use of traditional self-rectifying turbines. Experiments have been performed in the benign sea test site of the Natural Ocean Engineering Laboratory (NOEL), where the DEG/U-OWC was exposed to sea states with a significant wave height in the range of 0.15 m – 0.45 m and peak spectral periods in the range of 1.8 s – 3.3 s.
 The aim of this work is to analyze the dynamic response of the coupled DEG-PTO and U-OWC system. The analysis of the experimental data shows that the presence of the DEG determines a slight decrease in the natural period of the water column oscillations. Through the tests, we also demonstrate that a relief valve can be successfully used to actively tune the dynamic response of the system to ensure the safety of the DEG in severe sea-states.


Cocos nucifera L., a member of the family Arecaceae is an important fruit crop in tropical countries and is known to possess several pharmacological properties. The oil extracted from the coconut shell is used in Unani medicine to treat severe skin diseases. The present study involves bioactivity guided fractionation and characterization of a potent Matrix Metalloprotease 9(MMP-9) inhibitor from coconut shell extract (CSE) .Coconut shell was extracted using soxhlet extractor and was subsequently purified using Sephadex LH 20 column. The effect of the bioactive fraction, F1 was studied on human melanoma cell line, A375. F1 significantly down regulated the activity of MMP-9 which was further corroborated by qRTPCR studies. A corresponding decrease in the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 as well as other biomarkers of cancer progression like COX-2, VEGF and EGFR was also seen. Further studies confirmed that F1 inhibited migration of A375 cells and caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Based on the results obtained, structural characterization of F1was carried out by NMR and LC/MS which resulted in the identification of F1 as oxyresveratrol, a stilbenoid. Further, molecular docking studies demonstrated that oxyresveratrol forms hydrogen bonds with critical amino acid residues present in the catalytic site of both MMP-9 and MMP-2.


To enhance the best quality in higher education it is mandatory to chalk an institutional plan. Planning is a major instrument in every system to achieve the optimum utilization of available resources and felt needs. Good institutional plan could develop goal orientation, cooperation among the various stake holders and consistency by introducing latent changes and subtle improvement in the motivation level of all segments of it. Usually the planning of this level is done by the management but the participation of faculty, students and community can make the plan more viable and stable.


Scene Graph Generation (SGG) aims to extract entities, predicates and their semantic structure from images, enabling deep understanding of visual content, with many applications such as visual reasoning and image retrieval. Nevertheless, existing SGG methods require millions of manually annotated bounding boxes for training, and are computationally inefficient, as they exhaustively process all pairs of object proposals to detect predicates. In this paper, we address those two limitations by first proposing a generalized formulation of SGG, namely Visual Semantic Parsing, which disentangles entity and predicate recognition, and enables sub-quadratic performance. Then we propose the Visual Semantic Parsing Network, VSPNet, based on a dynamic, attention-based, bipartite message passing framework that jointly infers graph nodes and edges through an iterative process. Additionally, we propose the first graph-based weakly supervised learning framework, based on a novel graph alignment algorithm, which enables training without bounding box annotations. Through extensive experiments, we show that VSPNet outperforms weakly supervised baselines significantly and approaches fully supervised performance, while being several times faster. We publicly release the source code of our method.


State Sovereign Immunity in Administrative Adjudication^ Notes I. Introduction Recent Supreme Court decisions extending states' Eleventh Amendment immunity from suit have foreclosed many avenues for private plaintiffs seeking to enforce federal law against the states.1 Under the Court's state-sovereign-immunity doctrine, nonconsenting states are constitutionally protected from suit by private plaintiffs in both federal and state courts.2 Exceptions to sovereign immunity provide limited options for plaintiffs seeking to hold states accountable under federal law, but these options have been narrowly construed. The expansion of state sovereign immunity has provided plaintiffs and scholars impetus for exploring uncharted areas in sovereign-immunity law in search of opportunities to circumvent the doctrine.3 One such area is suits against states before an administrative agency. Administrative agencies may provide a forum for plaintiffs to bring actions for recovery of damages or to bring claims for injunctive relief directly against a state.4 But the Supreme Court recently granted certiorari in a case that questions whether states retain their sovereign-immunity rights in administrative adjudications.5 In the case pending before the Court, a private plaintiff brought a claim for prospective and retrospective relief against a South Carolina agency before the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).6 Federal law creates a cause of action for plaintiffs before the FMC, but because the FMC's orders-as with many agency orders-are not self-executing, the plaintiff must seek enforcement before an Article III court.7 Federal law also grants the Attorney General of the United States the power to enforce FMC orders for prospective relief benefiting a private plaintiff.8 One could easily imagine a statute authorizing the United States to enforce both prospective and retrospective awards on behalf of private plaintiffs. A plaintiff seeking to enforce an agency's order against a state will face two hurdles. First, courts must address whether state sovereign immunity extends to claims against states by private plaintiffs before administrative agencies. Second, courts must address whether the private plaintiff or the United States may constitutionally enforce any agency order resulting from such a suit. This Note primarily addresses the first hurdle, the constitutionality of a private suit brought directly against a state before an administrative agency. Two large and complex bodies of case law-the Court's extensive state-- sovereign-immunity jurisprudence and the Court's cases analyzing the constitutionality of non-Article III judicial tribunals-comprise the precedent relevant to whether private plaintiffs may bring claims directly against states before administrative agencies. Traditionally, state-sovereign-immunity law has asked whether a state is immune from suit in federal courts exercising Article III judicial power.9 The issue of immunity before an administrative agency seems to raise additional questions: Do administrative agencies exercise the judicial power? If not, does the doctrine of sovereign immunity apply? The Court has addressed the role of agency tribunals in cases concerning Congress's creation of Article I tribunals.10 It has developed a doctrine that seeks to balance administrative agency encroachment on the judiciary with Congress's interest in providing alternatives to suit in an Article III court.11 Addressing the issue of state immunity before administrative tribunals requires an examination of agencies' function in the constitutional system of tripartite government. Part II of this Note reviews the doctrine of state sovereign immunity as it relates to the possibility of immunity before an administrative agency. An important aspect of this review of sovereign-immunity doctrine is an examination of the federalism values the Court has deemed pertinent in any state-immunity inquiry. …


Summary The article deals with the peculiarities of non-defective work of residential buildings, their structures and engineering systems. The concepts of the failure and limit state are defined. The causes and influences upon the failure are determined. Possible classification of damages is presented. The author defines that failure is a casual occurrence taking place in the material of the structure the points out that there are object and indirect indications of failure. The author explains that damages of structures are the result of gradual accumulation of defects under certain loading and factors due to poor quality of production, improper maintenance and design mistakes. The analytical investigations show a close interdependence of damages and expenses for removing them and the influence on the dynamics of redistribution of damages in the period of maintenance. The expressions are suggested for evaluating the possibilities of wear and failure increase. The author motivates the necessity of gatherin...


The objective of this work was to explore alternative methods to time-delay beamforming for focusing a sound field in a shallow water harbor environment. The approach is based on optimizing the phase of individual sources in an array to provide maximum sound pressure levels at a particular location in the harbor. The optimization scheme requires a priori interrogation of the harbor with a number of hydrophones in the area of interest. However, it is designed to be insensitive to vertical or horizontal boundaries and other time-independent obstructions that can be found in typical working harbors. Numerical simulations for classic array theory and the new Optimal Phase Search (OPS) method are compared and experimental data for both methods is presented. The field work investigated the extent to which low-frequency acoustic energy could be focused in very shallow water and was carried out in a semi-protected harbor in June 2008. Sound pressure levels generated with the new optimal phasing scheme were comparable with those based on classic array theory for the experiments, but the OPS method gave an increase in the SPL relative to the array method off-axis in the numerical simulations.


cha,rged home. The aeptlcsemia occurs during the night, and the general practitioner is called to attend to this. He must be able to make a diagnosis and institute immediate therapy. The possible nephrotoxic etJects of kanamycin, streptomycin and eolymycin must be largely ignored under these conditions and a starter dose given. Vasopressors are frequently necessary in hospital for several days. The weaning-otJ period may also be protracted.


The umbilical cord is the critical organ that links the placenta and fetus. The intrauterine conditions and fetal activity influences the umbilical cord length. The normal umbilical cord is spiraled. By ultrasound, the spiral nature of the umbilical cord can be demonstrated early in the first trimester. Most of the adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes are related to abnormal Umbilical Cord coiling Index (UCI). A 23 year booked G2P1+0 of about 4/12 pregnant is presented. She presented 4 h history of colicky lower abdominal pain and 1 h history of vaginal bleeding; there were passage of blood clot but no fleshy materials or vesicles. No history of urinary symptoms or trauma, she is not a known Diabetics, hypertensive or sickle cell diseases patient. On examination, was not in painful distress, not pale, afibrile (36.9°C), anecteric and no fedal edema. Other parameters were within normal limit. Pelvic examination reveals a vulva smeared with blood, the fetal membrane were bulging into the vagina, this rupture spontaneously, and the cervix was fully dilated. She was managed for inevitable abortion; she subsequently expelled a female abortus. The abortus and the placenta were taken for histology which shows ischemic infarction on the placental tissue and hyper coiling of the umbilical cord. She was placed on anti-malaria, antibiotics and heamatenics, and was discharged home for follow-up. Modern imaging techniques are useful in the evaluation of Umbilical Cord coiling Index especially during the second trimester. To predict the adverse prenatal and pregnancy outcomes with view of instituting appropriate measures to obviate them, therefore routine screening for the high index cases is suggested.

 Keywords: Umbilical cord, coiling index, torsion, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD).


The prevalence of border crossing to access fertility services is currently unknown, although there is evidence of extensive international travel to access a wide range of services (Blyth et al 2011). The development of a robust systematic evidence base is hampered by some of the underlying reasons for cross border travel (especially where these relate to socially disapproved or illegal practices in either home or destination countries/jurisdictions) and the lack of regulation and record keeping in some key destination countries/jurisdictions. Consequently much of current evidence is piecemeal and based on the work of investigative journalists and anecdotal personal accounts. While more robust evidence is being generated, the nature of some of the activities associated with cross border travel pose significant methodological and ethical challenges for academic researchers


Depending on perspectives and even languages the concept didactics is defined in different ways. The article acknowledges that the debate about conceptualization, particularly concerning the equivalence in English of what in Germanic and Latin languages is termed 'didactics', is well documented in the research literature (e.g. Wetsbury, Hoppmann & Riquarts, 2000). There is a claim in this article concerning the need to transcend the language discussion; it argues that there is indeed a need, particularly relevant for VET, to develop a close linkage between what some authors (e.g. Wenerstam & Hansen, 2006) consider "an empirically based" side of didactics associated to empirical findings and the "non-empirical" associated theoretical constructs for understanding the teaching-learning process. The article intends to critically revisit a number of influential didactical works both from German, Nordic and Anglo-Saxon contexts in search to contribute to the development of didactics for specific intricate subject of vocational education and training. The article does not intend to propose alternative solutions but suggest lines of development, encourage discussions and the further research that is required.


The aim of this study is to investigate if the three–dimensional (3D) double inversion recovery (DIR) sequence is superior compared to the 3D fluid–attenuated inversion–recovery (FLAIR) sequence in detecting intracortical, mixed, juxtacortical (JX), and deep grey matter (GM) lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The correlation between intracortical lesion load and disability status was also investigated. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations of 24 patients (9 males, 15 females; mean age 34.4±12.0 (16-69) were retrospectively evaluated from our database. Lesions were counted and classified according to anatomic regions as intracortical, mixed, JX, and deep GM on the 3D DIR and FLAIR sequences. The incidence of lesions on the two sequences were identified and compared. The relationship between the number of lesions and type of MS, patient age, gender, duration of the disease, disability, the mean number of attacks per year and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was also investigated. More lesions were detected by the DIR sequence compared to the FLAIR sequence in all regions except for thalamus (11/12). The lesion detection superiority of DIR was statistically significant for intracortical lesions (p<0.001) and GM lesions (intracortical +mixed) (p<0.001). Lesion load of the JX area in the DIR sequence decreased as the disease duration (r=-0.444; p=0.030) and age (r=-0.473; p=0.020) increased. JX lesion load in the DIR sequence decreased as the number of attacks increased (r=-0.602; p=0.002). More mixed lesion load on the DIR sequence were found in cerebral atrophy group than in no cerebral atrophy group (p=0.026). EDSS score increased as the disease duration and number of attacks increased (p=0.003, p<0.001). There was no correlation between lesion location and EDSS score. The DIR sequence is superior to the FLAIR sequence in the detection of intracortical and GM lesions. Also, the mixed lesion load on the DIR sequence is correlated with cerebral atrophy.


Abstract Critical phenomena in non-equilibrium systems have been studied by means of a wide variety of theoretical and experimental approaches. Mode-coupling, renormalization group, complex Lie algebras and diagrammatic techniques are some of the usual theoretical tools. Experimental studies include light and inelastic neutron scattering, X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, microwave interferometry and several other techniques. Nevertheless, no conclusive treatment has been developed from the basic principles of a thermodynamic theory of irreversible processes. We have developed a formalism in which we obtain correlation functions as field averages of the associated functions. By applying such formalism, we attempt to find out whether the resulting correlation functions will inherit the mathematical properties (integrability, generalized homogeneity, scaling laws) of its parent potentials, and we also use these correlation functions to study the behavior of macroscopic systems far from equilibrium, especially in the neighborhood of critical points or dynamic phase transitions. As a working example, we will consider the mono-critical behavior of a non-equilibrium binary fluid mixture close to its consolute point.


Compared with traditional three-phase motors, six-phase induction motors due to their high reliabilities and low DC side voltages can achieve high power drives using devices with lower voltage level. In this paper, it analyzes the research status of six-phase induction motors, introduces the winding structures of six-phase induction motors, and finally designs the vector control system for six-phase induction motors taking the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) as the core. It introduces DSP circuit implementations, emphasizes to describe software structures of the control system, and proposes a detailed software flow chart.


We investigate the internal morphology of smart core–shell microgels by super-resolution fluorescence microscopy exploiting a combination of 3D single molecule localization and structured illumination microscopy utilizing freely diffusing fluorescent dyes. This approach does not require any direct chemical labeling and does not perturb the network structure of these colloidal gels. Hence, it allows us to study the morphology of the particles with very high precision. We found that the structure of the core-forming seed particles is drastically changed by the second synthesis step necessary for making the shell, resulting in a core region with highly increased dye localization density. The present work shows that super-resolution microscopy has great potential with respect to the study of soft colloidal systems.


Malaysia Higher Education Sector Blueprint 2015-2025 among others was launched in April 2015 to increase the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) enrolment from 250,000 to 650,000 by 2025. It is, therefore, important to understand the factors that influence students to consider TVET for their higher education. Extensive research has been conducted in this area involving public and private universities. However, past research has overlooked the TVET sector. This study was carried out at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), one of the technical universities in Malaysia, in two stages. Stage one involved conducting focus group interviews; while the second stage included developing the questionnaire and sending it out to 131 first year undergraduate students using purposive sampling. The study essays to explore- (i) the factors that influence students' decision to study at UniKL; (ii) if the influencing factors were affected by parents' household income; (iii) whether students' residential locations have an impact on the factors; and (iv) the fundamental sources of information to students to evaluate tertiary education. It was found that the most significant factors that affected students' decisions were- the value of education, a degree's content and structure, physical aspects, facilitiesand resources, and information. Moreover, it was seen that students coming from different income-classes incurred various amounts of education and information cost, but the residential location, apparently, did not play any role in the decision of whether to study at UniKL. Finally, the study also showed that the university website, counsellor and parents acted as the major sources of information provider for the students. Administrators of TVET Higher Learning Institutions are urged to focus on developing a prestigious reputation. Even though, higher TVET institutions already have specialized programs but more work is required to raise the promotion and the publicity of TVET programs to the public. Aus. J. Bus. Sco S. & IT. Vol 2(1), January 2016, P 19-33


As a main force of ocean shipping, the energy consumption of container ships is considerably high due to the frequent load shifts of main engine and other disturbances. In this study, for engine room power systems in intelligent container ships, including cooling water subsystems, fuel oil subsystems, and main engine subsystems, a coordinated control scheme based on a correlation model and a distributed model predictive control approach was proposed to reduce continual fluctuations of control and output values through optimisation in a negotiated manner. The correlation model considers the interconnections among the subsystems, and the control approach achieves Nash equilibrium solutions. A comparative simulation was carried out between the proposed method and the decentralized model predictive control. The result shows that the proposed method works better than the decentralized one with less fluctuations. This study provides a theoretical basis for integrated designs of power control systems in intelligent container ships.


We examine the correspondence between high latitude ionospheric scintillation measurements made at 250MHz with the occurrence of 10MHz HF coherent radar backscatter, on 13 and 14 December 2002. We demonstrate that when the ionospheric intersection point of the scintillation measurements is co-located with significant HF radar backscatter, the observed scintillation, quantified by the S4 index, is elevated. Conversely, when the radar indicates that backscatter is observed away from the intersection point due to movements of the auroral zone, the observed scintillation is low. This suggests that scintillation is highly location-dependent, being enhanced in the auroral zone and being lower at sub-auroral latitudes. The coexistence of scintillation and HF radar backscatter, produced by ionospheric density perturbations with scale sizes of 100s of metres and ~15 m, respectively, suggests that a broad spectrum of density fluctuations is found in the auroral zone.


After 3 years of intense debate, medical researchers and ethicists have agreed on international standards that would dramatically tighten the rules for clinical research and put new limitations on the risks to which patients may be exposed. Meeting in Edinburgh, U.K., on 7 October, the general assembly of the World Medical Association voted to approve a revised version of the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki, the cornerstone of clinical research ethics, that reduces ambiguity in existing guidelines and could force changes in the design of future drug trials.


Here we demonstrate direct use of sulphate rich seaweed polysaccharides, carrageenans, namely kappa (κ-), iota (ι-) and lambda (λ-) as source of sulphur and carbon doping in TiO2 photocatalysts. During TiO2 synthesis in the presence of sulphate rich carrageenan leaves, mainly residual carbon and sulphur doping resulted in a highly active photocatalyst. Evaluation of the dye degradation pattern shows rapid degradation of reactive black-5, methylene blue & methyl orange using modified TiO2 nanocomposites in different light sources. Robust dye degradation was achieved between 1 and 4 h under daylight whereas, the use of a solar concentrator reduced the degradation time of MB and RB-5 to <5 min and MO solution was turned colourless within 20 min. The present study elaborates the effect of seaweed carrageenans in inducing heteroatoms like sulphur and residual carbon for the photodegradation of industrially important dyes.


At the end of the XIXth century and the beginning of the XXth century in USA and Europe a literature arose concerning the comparison between the Old and the New world. Marriage among affluent Americans and ruined European nobles were one of the topics preferred to represent the cultural confrontation between the two societies, their mutual attraction and repulsion. This paper focuses how the complex relationships among the blood aristocracy and the money aristocracy were represented in The American and in The Golden Bowl by Henry James and in The Shuttle, by Frances Hodgson Burnett who put like James the "Euroamerica" at the core of her novels.


Textbooks on Buddhism comprise a large, varied genre and have long been used to introduce the religion to students in academic settings. This review essay examines ten textbooks on the subject, noting their distinctive features, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as the types of courses that are well suited to each work. Additional information from a survey on Buddhism textbooks conducted by the author is used to supplement our understanding of which sources are regularly used in Buddhism courses and why. Unresolved tensions over whether to stress the coherence or diversity of Buddhism, and how comprehensive a textbook should be, are noted. Arguing that 'Textbook Buddhism,' as a product of scholarly imagination, is a distinctive form of the tradition, it behooves specialists to be more reflective about their use of textbooks and to be more intentional in helping students to read them critically.


This paper presents the dynamic modeling of a continuous three-dimensional swimming eel-like robot. The modeling approach is based on the "geometrically exact beam theory" and on that of Newton-Euler, as it is well known within the robotics community. The proposed algorithm allows us to compute the robot's Galilean movement and the control torques as a function of the expected internal deformation of the eel's body


This paper presents an approach to the automatic classification of article errors in non-native (L2) English writing, using data chosen from the MELD corpus that was purposely selected to contain only cases with article errors. We report on two experiments on the data: one to assess the performance of different machine learning algorithms in predicting correct article usage, and the other to determine the feasibility of using the MELD data to identify which linguistic properties of the noun phrase containing the article are the most salient with respect to the classification of errors in article usage.


Twelve hospices from the ECLIHP Regional group working with Skills for Health as part of a successful bid for £10,000 foa a supported project. The overall aim of this project will be to improve the quality of care for people with complex palliative and end of life care needs and their families by ensuring 24/7 direct admissions access to specialist inpatient hospice beds and emergency out of hours assessment in the community. The intention of this project is to support delivery of a flexible and responsive 24/7 hospice admission and assessment service through redesign of the existing workforce to introduce an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) role within the team. Impact will be measured by agreed Key Performance Indicators Desired Outcome a Transferable Role Template for the ANP in Hospice Care defining the skills, competence, learning and development needed to fulfil this role. an outline Business Case Template to build the case to commissioners of the benefits of the ANP role in improving the quality of care for people with complex palliative and end of life care needs and their families by ensuring 24/7 direct admissions access to specialist inpatient hospice beds and emergency out of hours assessment in the community. Deliverables: Development of an ANP Transferable Role Template within Hospice Care to be included in the Skills for Health Learning Bank. Development of a Education and Training Framework to underpin the role. An outline Business Case Template targeted at Commissioners Written Job Description for the ANP Role in Hospice Care. How to achieve the deliverables? Define role, responsibilities and core job description Create a Clinical Reference Group and arrange workshops Develop formal partnership arrangement to support the project Identify evaluation process Agree scope of role and map competences/skills (NOS) sign off Agree core education programme Conduct baseline evaluation Complete clinical/technical skills training and competency sign off Define role, responsibilities in preparing Business Case Template Agree Business Case and Sign off Produce project outcome report


Farm tractor skidding is one of the common methods of timber extraction in Turkey. However, the absence of an optimal skidding plan covering the entire production area can result in time loss and negative environmental impacts. In this study, the timber extraction by farm tractors was analyzed, and a new skid trail pattern design was developed using Linear Programming (LP) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). First, a sample skidding operation was evaluated with a time study, and an optimum skidding model was generated with LP. Then, the new skidding pattern was developed by an optimum skidding model and GIS analysis. At the end of the study, the developed new skid trail pattern was implemented in the study area and tested by running a time study. Using the newly developed "Direct Skid Trail Pattern (DSTP)" model, a 16.84% increase in working time performance was observed when the products were extracted by farm tractors compared to the existing practices. On the other hand, the average soil compaction value measured in the study area at depths of 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm was found to be greater in the sample area skid trails than in the control points. The average density of the skid trails was 281 m/ha, while it decreased to 187 m/ha by using the developed pattern. It was also found that 44,829 ton/ha of soil losses were prevented by using the DSTP model; therefore, environmental damages were decreased.


Since 2015, the University of Michigan has offered the DPP at no out-of-pocket cost to its employees, dependents, and retirees with prediabetes (pDM). We assessed the yield of 3 proactive engagement strategies. In strategy A, 6,734 adults with no previous diagnosis of diabetes (DM) but with a claims diagnosis of pDM or A1c 5.7-6.4% were identified and mailed letters encouraging them to enroll in a DPP. In strategy B, 5,219 adults with no previous diagnosis of DM or pDM who were at high-risk for pDM or DM based on age, sex, and claims data on obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were identified and mailed letters encouraging them to get an A1c test. In strategy C, 29,878 employees not targeted by strategies A or B were sent emails encouraging them to take an online risk test and, if positive, to get an A1c test. In general, individuals identified by strategies A and B were older, had higher BMIs, and were more likely to have cardiovascular (CV) risk factors or CV disease than those identified by strategy C. Of those targeted by strategy A, 649 (10%) enrolled in a DPP. Those who enrolled were more likely to be older, female, and to have a higher BMI than those who did not enroll. Of those targeted by strategies B and C, 1,402 (27%) and 3,768 (13%), respectively, had A1c tests or received new diagnoses of pDM or DM within 1-year of receiving the letter/email. In general, those who had A1c tests or were diagnosed with pDM or DM were more likely to be female, non-White, to have a higher BMI, and to have more CV risk factors or CV disease than those not tested or diagnosed. Of individuals tested in response to strategies B and C, 561 (40%) and 583 (15%) were diagnosed with pDM and 68 (12%) and 5 (1%) enrolled in a DPP. Together, these 3 complimentary strategies to encourage engagement in a DPP had a yield of 9% among individuals with pDM, which is substantially greater than the ∼0.0001% yield observed when passive strategies are employed, but not high enough to have a substantial impact on the population incidence of DM. Disclosure L.N. McEwen: None. K. Joiner: None. R. Bergmans: None. T.E. Hurst: None. W.H. Herman: Consultant; Spouse/Partner; Nestle. Other Relationship; Self; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Funding National Institutes of Heath (1R01DK109995)


We propose consumption inertia as a new explanation for asymmetric price transmission. Inertia in consumer demand enlarges retailers' gains in gross profits from raising prices in response to higher wholesale prices and reduces gains from decreasing prices in response to lower wholesale prices. Thus, consumption inertia can cause asymmetries in price transmission whereby retailers are more willing to change their prices, and change them more quickly, in response to wholesale price increases as opposed to wholesale price decreases.


Fibre bundles of glycerinated rabbit psoas muscle about 0.5-1.0 mm thick were incubated in 5 mM tris-(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane (Tris), pH 8.0 for 5-20 hours at 4 degrees C. This treatment leads to selective removal of some proteins in the M-bands and H-zones of sarcomeres. Effects of extraction were analyzed on the basis of electron micrographs of longitudinal sections of muscle specimens, gel electrophoresis patterns of myofibrils and of the extracts, and measurements of the creatine kinase activity of myofibrils. In the X-ray diffraction patterns of the fibre bundles subjected to prolonged extraction a drastic decrease in the intensity of "442 A" and "223 A" meridional reflections and a considerably smaller decrease in the intensity of "212 A" meridional reflections were observed. The "147 A" meridional reflection remains practically unchanged. It was concluded that: (1) The reflections "442 A" and "223 A" were contributed mainly by diffraction on the minor proteins located in the central part of the thick filaments in between the C-zones. This is contrary to the widely accepted viewpoint according to which the appearance of "442 A" reflection is caused only by the C-protein component of the thick filaments. (2) The "147 A" meridional reflection is contributed mainly by C-protein and light meromyosin of the thick filaments.


The seismic quality factor Q for P waves in Atlantic Coastal Plain sediments is estimated using data from the 2004 U.S. Geological Survey seismic survey in eastern Virginia. The estimates are based on spectral ratios derived from reflections and sediment-guided P waves in Late Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments within the annular trough of the Late Eocene Chesapeake Bay impact structure. The estimates of Q for the frequency range of 10–150 Hz are from 75 to 100, with the best estimate of 80 based on multichannel stacking of spectral ratios from receivers in the offset range of 200–2000 m. This result is approximately a factor of 2 larger than the results previously reported for the Charleston, South Carolina, area, and it is approximately one-half of that recently reported for the Mississippi Embayment.


Introduction: Heme is essential for cardiovascular health, as it is a component of myoglobin, cytochrome P450, electron transport chain complexes, and antioxidant enzymes. The eight steps of heme synthesis are well characterized; however, it is not known how the synthetic intermediates are transported between mitochondria and cytosol. We hypothesized that the mitochondrial ATP-binding cassette protein-B10 (ABCB10) plays a role in heme synthesis by mediating the export of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) out of the mitochondria. Results: Lentiviral shRNA-based knockdown of ABCB10 in H9c2 cardiac myoblasts significantly reduced cytosolic and mitochondrial heme levels and the activities of heme-containing proteins (catalase, peroxidase and complex IV), while their mRNA levels remained unchanged. The observed heme deficiency was not due to a defect in heme synthesis, iron incorporation, or enhanced heme degradation, as ABCB10 shRNA had no effect on the expression of enzymes mediating these steps. We then tested whether ABCB10 regulates mitochondrial export of ALA. Addition of exogenous ALA completely reversed the reduction in heme levels and normalized the activities of heme containing enzymes in cells with ABCB10 knockdown. However, overexpression of ALA synthase 1 (ALAS1), an enzyme catalyzing the production of ALA in the mitochondria, resulted in increased heme levels at baseline, but failed to restore heme content in ABCB10 shRNA-treated cells. To examine the role of ABCB10 in cardiac disease, we measured ABCB10 expression in the hearts of mice subjected to myocardial infarction and in explanted human hearts with ischemic cardiomyopathy. ABCB10 protein was significantly elevated in mouse and human hearts, and adenoviral overexpression of ABCB10 in H9c2 cardiac myoblasts significantly attenuated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting the protective role for ABCB10 in heart disease. Conclusions: Our studies place ABCB10 between the mitochondrial synthesis of ALA by ALAS1 and the cytosolic conversion of ALA into heme, suggesting that ABCB10 plays a role ALA export out of the mitochondria. Furthermore, its overexpression exerts protective effects against oxidant induced cell death in cardiac cells.


Based on micro survey data of 344 rapeseed farmers in 19 rapeseed counties of Hubei Province, with the aid of stochastic frontier production function model and efficiency loss model, this paper analyzed basic production situations, demographic characteristics of rapeseed farmers, technical efficiency loss, and main influencing factors. In Hubei Province, there are mainly following problems in rapeseed production: serious aging of rapeseed farmers; relatively scarce labors; the middle-aged and old farmers have higher technical efficiency level; with increase in farmer age, their technical efficiency firstly declines and then rises. In view of these situations, it came up with recommendations including raising educational level of rapeseed farmers to realize large scale economy and effectively reduce technical efficiency loss, and local government, specialized associations and agricultural machinery extension departments should provide proper technical guidance according to demands of farmers to reduce technical efficiency loss.


Background Huntington's disease (HD) is pathologically characterised by a selective neurodegeneration of vulnerable populations of neurons, with an early marked neuronal loss and atrophy in the neostriatum. Dopaminergic innervations of neostriatal neurons originate in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Few studies have investigated the neuronal loss and the functional role of the substantia nigra in HD. Neuropathological and neurochemical studies provide conflicting results, with the evidence of neuronal loss varying from minimal loss to 40%. The few imaging studies evidenced a reduction of striatal DAT uptake and vescicular monoamine transporter type-2 (VMAT2). No correlations with clinical data have yet been investigated. Aims We have evaluated in vivo the integrity of nigrostriatal projections in genetically confirmed HD patients and determined whether their clinical and neuropsychiatric features are correlated with the dopamine transporter (DAT) levels. Methods 12 HD patients and 12 controls, age matched, underwent SPECT scans with 123I-FP-CIT, a tracer that selectively binds to DAT, following an adequate drug washout. The association between clinical aspects (age of onset, duration and severity of disease, mean number of triplets, severity of involuntary movements and bradykinesia), neuropsychological assessment (verbal and visuospatial memory, attentive, executive and abstractive capacities), neuropsychiatric features (NeuroPsychiatry Inventory Scale) and striatal DAT uptake (ROI approach analysis) was explored. Results Striatal (p<0.05), caudate (p<0.05) and putaminal (p<0.01) uptake was significantly lower in patients with respect to controls. No correlation between striatal uptake and clinical or neuropsychological features was found. Conclusions Reduced striatal DAT binding suggests nigrostriatal pathology in HD that could be related to substantia nigra degeneration. The absence of any correlation with age of onset, disease duration and severity and the number of triplets suggests that nigrostriatal pathology occurs early in the course of the disease. Also, the lack of any kind of correlation between clinical, neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric features with striatal DAT uptake suggests that motor and both psychiatric and cognitive aspects in HD are not related to nigrostriatal degeneration.


Computer simulation of human facial expressions requires an interactive ability to create arbitrary faces and to provide a controlled simulation of expressions on these faces. The system described in this paper presents the interactive facilities for simulating abstract muscle actions using Free Form Deformations (FFD). The particular muscle action is simulated as the displacement of the control points of the control-unit for an FFD defined on a region of interest. One or several simulated muscle actions constitute a Minimum Perceptible Action (MPA), which is defined as the atomic action unit, similar to Action Unit (AU) of the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), to build an expression.


The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of abomasal casein infusion on glucose uptake and abundance of the Na+/glucose co-transporter (SGLT1) 1 in the ovine small intestine. Lambs (body weight 35 (sem 1.0) kg) were surgically fitted with abomasal infusion catheters and were fed diets containing equal portions of wheat hay and cracked maize. Lambs were infused with either 500 g water/d or with 500 g water containing 35 g casein/d. The infusion period lasted 10 d, after which lambs were killed, exsanguinated and eviscerated. Brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were prepared using mucosa from different small intestinal regions. Intake and total tract digestibility of nutrients were similar between treatments and averaged 1134, 1142 and 486 g/d and 67, 70, and 94 % for DM, organic matter and non-structural carbohydrates respectively. Crude protein (Nx6.25) digestibility was 15 % greater in the casein-infused than control lambs. Glucose uptake to BBMV ranged from 101 to 337 pmol/mg protein per s along the small intestine and was greatest in the mid-section of the small intestine. In the mid-jejunum, glucose uptake was greater (P<0.07) in lambs infused with casein and averaged 120 pmol/mg protein per s compared with 68 pmol/mg protein per s in the control group. SGLT1 affinity was similar between treatments and averaged 104 microm in the different segments of the small intestine of lambs. However, lambs infused with casein exhibited similar values along the small intestine and affinity averaged 106 microm, while in the control group a greater affinity (85 microm) was measured in the mid-jejunum. SGLT1 protein abundance was correlated with glucose uptake in the BBMV in the casein-treated lambs, but not in the control group. These results suggest that glucose uptake along the small intestine of lambs is influenced by casein or its derivatives in the small intestine via SGLT1 affinity and activity at the brush border membrane, and that SGLT1 activity may be regulated by post-translational events affected by amino acids and peptides.


Introduction: The myocutaneous flap is often used in reconstruction of head and neck defects. However, it is restricted to the middle third of the face. Perforating artery dissection techniques allow further lengthening of the pedicle, thus achieving coverage of the orbitofrontal-parietal region. Case report: A 63-year-old male with a poorly-differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma presented with a final defect of 12.0 × 18.0 cm in the right orbitofrontal-parietal region, with dura mater, frontal sinus, and right upper orbit exposure after resection. We designed a pectoralis major flap, with a cutaneous island equaling the defect in dimensions, in the right parasternal region, from the fourth intercostal space to the subcostal region (extended). The pedicle was sectioned after 4 weeks. The coverage was effective, with no major complications, and a satisfactory aesthetic result. Conclusion: This flap can be an excellent option for reconstruction of the upper third of the head when there are limitations to microsurgery. ■ ABSTRACT


Social importance of malignant neoplasms lies not only in the fact of high morbidity and mortality rates but also in the economic damage. One half of males and females develop malignant tumors in their prime of life. As a result, the economic damage according to the materials of Omsk Province reports, in particular, makes 770, 6 rubles in skin cancer, 1010, 6 rubles- in cancer of the lower lip as calculated per one patient. But general economic losses due to malignant tumors in Omsk Province reached 20 818 483, 4 rubles in 1970. Taking into account these data on approximate value for the whole country will amount to no less than 3.4 billion rubles.


During the 1980's climate modeling moved from being an academic problem to become the main tool in predicting climate change. Since then with better science and access to more computer power, models have improved significantly. Until now, due to their cost in running for centuries, climate models have been run at relatively low resolution and much of the recent increase in computer power has been used to increase the number of processes e.g. aerosols and the carbon cycle. To try to predict regional impacts of climate change will require higher resolution but to harness the computer power of the next generation of computers will require more scalable model code. It is likely that many of the existing climate models will need major reformulation involving both algorithms and grids to make best use of massively parallel architectures. Whether this can be done without significant compromises in the science remains an open question.


Over the past decades, the life insurance sector has been faced with a number of challenges that emerged as a result of the growing longevity and stagnating birth rates for highly developed societies. In the field of actuarial application one could therefore ask for the implications of (long-term) mortality trends and (short-term) population fluctuation on an insurer's pricing and reserving of pension contracts, particularly in interaction with uncertainty in the capital markets. The first part of the thesis focuses on the mathematical description and projection of the mortality of homogeneous populations or insurance cohorts. Besides a survey of the most important representatives, a comprehensive analysis and comparison of stochastic and deterministic mortality forecasting models is carried out. In the second part a full stochastic model approach for two typical old-age provision products is set up and applied in terms of a management of longevity risk. On the one hand, a deferred conventional life annuity is analysed with regard to the combined effects of stochastic mortality and interest rates on different premium principles and risk capital allocation. On the other hand, a modern unit-linked annuity insurance, namely a deferred variable annuity contract, with an additional guaranteed minimum death benefit during the deferment period and a minimum income benefit at retirement is discussed. Mathematically, the guarantees represent options on the greater of the net asset value and a predetermined insurance benefit. For this reason, the existence and uniqueness of an extra fair percentage guarantee charge is proven. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of the fair charge and risk neutral option prices concerning different model parameters is considered and several profitability and risk measures are determined.


Two major markers of virulence have been described in H. pylori. The first is a secreted protein (VacA) that is toxic to human cells in tissue culture. This cytotoxin causes vacuolation of epithelial cells in vitro and induces epithelial cell damage in mice. The second is a 40-Kb pathogenicity island for which the gene cagA (cytotoxin-associated gene A) is a marker. Approximately 60% of H. pylori isolates in Western countries are cagA+. The protein encoded by cagA+ has a molecular weight of 120-140 kDa and exhibits sequence heterogeneity among strains isolated from Western and Eastern countries. Although no specific function has been identified for CagA, there is increasing evidence that cagA+ strains are associated with increased intensity of gastric inflammation and increased mucosal concentration of particular cytokines including interleukin 8. Inactivation of picB (Hp 0544) or any of several other genes in the cag island ablates the enhanced IL-8 secretion of human gastric epithelial cells in tissue culture. Furthermore, persons colonized with cagA+ strains have an increased risk of developing more severe gastric diseases such as peptic ulcer and distal (non-cardia) gastric cancer than those harboring cagA- strains. We investigated the role of cagA status in both gastroduodenal and extragastroduodenal disease with H. pylori. Among the diseases limited to the antrum and body of the stomach and the duodenum, we demonstrated a correlation between CagA seropositivity and peptic ulcer disease. We also showed correlation between distal gastric cancer rated and CagA prevalence in populations in both developed and developing countries. In addition, we found that for several Asian populations, the relationship between CagA seropositivity and gastroduodenal diseases was complex. For extragastroduodenal diseases, our results confirmed previous reports that demonstrated that CagA status did not play a role in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and hyperemesis gravidarum. However, we found a clear negative association between the presence of a positive response to CagA and esophageal diseases. Therefore, CagA seropositivity (and thus gastric carriage) is associated with increased risks of certain diseases (involving the lower stomach and duodenum) and decreased risks of GERD and its sequelae. This apparent paradox can best be explained by differences in the interaction of cagA+ and cagA- strains with their hosts.


In a search for a replication complex, the activity that replicates the 2-,.m yeast DNA plasmid in vitro was isolated in a high molecular weight form (Mr 2 x 106) by gel filtration and rate-zonal sedimentation from extracts prepared from cells of the budding yeast Saccharomyces. When obtained from cells in late logarithmic cultures this material or "complex" was labile compared to that from early logarithmic cultures, and it did not survive as a complex after ammonium sulfate precipitation. This suggests that, as cultures approach stationary phase and cells cease growth, the association of its protein constituents may be altered. A chimera of 2-,um DNA inserted into the plasmid pBR322 was used to test for binding of components of the complex. After a brief incubation of the chimera in vitro with the high molecular weight material containing replicating activity, a protein "knob" was found associated with the 2-pzm DNA as shown by electron microscopy. This association was not random but was limited to two positions on the plasmid. In the same series of experiments, the in vitro origins of 2-pum plasmid replication were also mapped. Two origins were found, consistent in position with those that have been identified in vivo. Molecules utilizing both origins simulta-neously in vitro were not observed, and replication in vitro was bidirectional. The location of the origins corresponded to the positions at which the protein knobs associated with 2-,.m DNA. This and the fact that no replicative intermediates with associated complexes were detected raises the possibility that a


Elderly autonomy is mainly evaluated by activities of daily living or functional fitness instruments. Both aspects are scarcely associated. This study describes the development of the Senior Physical Activity Questionnaire (QSAP), which is part of an evaluation system that takes into account the interaction of these factors. It is a four part interview, quantifying elderly needs in terms of strength (FO) and energy production (PA). Part I considers domestic, professional and free-time activities of daily living. Part II evaluates the living context of the subject. Part III is concerned with the difficulties for the activities of daily living, and with the subject's feelings aroused from not practising activities he longs for. Part IV regards the interviewer's point of view about the three former parts. Two partial indices are obtained for each part of the questionnaire: TOT (FO) and TOT (PA). Three general indices are calculated: ITOT (FO), ITOT (PA) and IAE. Questionnaires were applied to 164 Belgians of both sexes, from 60 to 90 years (X = 69.9 ± 7.12). The IAE was defined by: a) principal component analysis for TOT indices; b) first factor scores determination; c) multiple regression between factor scores and ITOT indices; d) standardisation of the regression results by the chronological age. IAE's stability and content validity was tested by: a) comparison with QSAP partial indices; b) comparison with subjects' chronological age; c) cross-validation for a sample of 20 subjects (X = 67.40 ± 5.39 years). Results suggest that: a) the IAE is representative of the QSAP items; b) physical autonomy needs, as quantified by IAE, have a inverse correlation (though poor) with age; c) the regression equation is stable. It is concluded that the QSAC as a whole, and specifically the IAE, show good levels of content validity. However, further studies are recommended to assess the pertinence (criterion and structure related) and the reproducibility of the method, before generalising its application.


TSH is hormone is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and stimulate the secretions of the thyroid gland. Its secretions are controlled by the TSH-R on the epithelial cells of the thyroid gland. It controls the production of the thyroxin hormone from thyroid gland that is involved in the production of heat and energy. But the excessive amount of this hormone leads to the hair fall in some of the peoples. Hyper thyroidism correlates with the human skin and hair structure and its function. In case of hyperthyroidism hair bulb cell proliferation increases and hence hair fall rate also increases. While in case of hypothyroidism the bulb cell proliferation reduces and so, hair fall increases. Samples from different regions of the south Punjab were taken that were analyzed by the special chemistry analyzer (minividas). The concentrations of the T4, T3, and TSH were measured. Some of the alopecia patients were recorded high level TSH. The patients were treated with thyroxin tablets that reduces TSH level. After that the patients are also treated with hair fin tab, folli one shampoo, wistin tab, and multivitamins. Now the patients were observed with microscope. The growth of hair follicles and hairs were recorded. Hence, thyroxin tab use to decrease TSH level in body for 1 month. Hair fin tab, folli one shampoo, wistin tab and multivitamins are best treatment methods for the growth of hairs in alopecia patients.


The temperature and concentration dependences of the nanometric parameter of crystal lattice of Fe-Ni alloys in the range of 293-973 K were studied with the high-temperature X-ray diffraction method using the "CROS"-type camera. The change of the Debye's X-ray characteristic temperature, the general measure of anharmonicity, it's implicit and explicit parts, the Grüneisen parameter were investigated. The discrepancy between the individual values and the mean values of the Grüneisen parameter was explained. One part of the research results was presented analytically and the other was presented graphically. The nature of temperature and concentration changes correlate with each other. It was investigated that for invar alloys (3535.6 at. % Ni) the linear expansion coefficient is small, and for super invar alloys (42-48 at. % Ni) the coefficient of linear expansion is almost constant in the range of 273-573 K. In connection with these features, it was foreseen to estimate the value of the explicit part of anharmonicity measure, due to the growth of sample temperature. The temperature dependence of the lattice constant and the logarithm of the relative integral intensity of diffraction peaks reflection were investigated at room temperature and at higher temperatures. By the Chipman's method, taking into account the correction on thermal diffusive scattering, the temperature dependence of the effective X-ray characteristic temperature was determined. It was investigated that the temperature dependence of the actual coefficient of linear expansion of permalloy alloys is similar in magnitude and character. For invar alloys it differs significantly in magnitude and in character from permalloy alloys. The prospect of using a high-temperature X-ray method for determining the Grüneisen parameter in studying the structure and interatomic bonds of ferromagnetic solids was substantiated.


Abstract Iodometric Back Titration (IBT) and Spectrophotometric (SPM) methods are two common methods used in the determination of hydrogen sulfide concentrations in anoxic basins, like in the upper sections of the Black Sea anoxic waters. Although the results obtained by both methods are in agreement when the concentrations of sulfide are higher than 30 μM/1, IBT analysis gives more reproducible results compared to SPM analysis. On the other hand, the reproducibility of the SPM is better than that of IBT method when the concentration of sulfides is less than 30 μM/1, but in this case SPM method provides lower results compared to IBT method. This discrepancy can be explained by the presence of the hydrogen sulfide oxidation products (i.e., thiosulfate) formed as a result of aeration of water samples. These products consume the iodine added to the sample. Therefore, they are measured as hydrogen sulfide in the IBT method, but are not detected by the SPM method since they do not react with the N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine – FeCl3 mixed reagent.


Abstract Cement is considered the basic component with the highest environmental impact in construction, in terms of CO2 emissions. As for the aggregates, the process of comminution of rocks, in addition to artificial sand, generates stone powder that ends up being stored outdoors, generating environmental damages. Thus, the replacement of cement by stone powder appears as an attractive alternative towards the sustainable concretes. In this context, the objective of this paper is to determine the maximum packing density in Portland cement, silica fume and stone dust pastes, to determine the optimal cement substitution content for the stone powder. In addition, it is intended to verify the influence of excess water on the consistency of the mixtures produced. The substitution was done in contents equal to 0%, 7%, 14% and 21% by volume and, for each content, the packing density was determined analytically by CPM model and combinations were reproduced experimentally. Excess water was checked by the mini Kantro cone test. The results showed that the higher cement substitution content of the stone powder obtained the higher packing density, experimental and analytical, and the higher workability, allowing economic and environmental advantages. Analyzing each material, the stone powder resulted in the highest packing density and silica fume is the lowest one. Therefore, finer particles resulted in lower packaging densities, due to the greater specific surface area, which demands more water. The agglomeration resulted in more empty gaps between the grains. In addition, mixtures flowability increased with the increase of the stone powder content. As the excess water is responsible for mixture lubrication, a higher packing density for a given volume of water improves the flowability.


Transformative ethnography is a method of learning to cross cultures through an embodied, experiential, and reflective practice. I have developed this method over fifteen years of anthropological fieldwork and reflection. This methodology requires the practitioner to embody a foreign practice, generally through art, music, or a specialized skill or technique. She moves through four phases that overlap and intertwine as she goes about the ethnographic process: sensorial observation, embodying practice, emptying and reflecting, and embodying representation. The purpose of Transformative Ethnography is to become explicitly aware of the process of loosening ones own, and adopting to another cultural way of thinking and acting. The overarching research question to this methodology asks How can we re-make ourselves, consciously, in order to fit new (multi-) cultural realities? It is controversial in that it incorporates mindfulness training - something not yet broadly accepted in our discipline. It is creative in that it draws on art-based techniques of observation and embodiment in ways that select few anthropologists are using in the field today.


A variety of compounds, with a related structure to podocarpic acid, have been found to possess a wide variety of biological activities, including antileukemic activity, inhibition of plant cell growth, insect toxicity and antifungal properties. In the present study, a series of synthetic derivatives of podocarpic acid have been prepared by chemical synthesis for potential biological evaluation as useful compounds for use in medicine and agriculture.


In the United States, one in four women will be victims of domestic violence each year. Despite the passage of federal legislation on violence against women beginning in 1994, differences persist across states in how domestic violence is addressed. Inequality Across State Lines illuminates the epidemic of domestic violence in the U.S. through the lens of politics, policy adoption, and policy implementation. Combining narrative case studies, surveys, and data analysis, the book discusses the specific factors that explain why U.S. domestic violence politics and policies have failed to keep women safe at all income levels, and across racial and ethnic lines. The book argues that the issue of domestic violence, and how government responds to it, raises fundamental questions of justice; gender and racial equality; and the limited efficacy of a state-by-state and even town-by-town response. This book goes beyond revealing the vast differences in how states respond to domestic violence, by offering pathways to reform.


We evaluated the feasibility and costs of utilising hand-held cardiac ultrasound (HHCU) as part of a community-based pre-participation cardiovascular screening programme. Ninety-seven school children were screened using a personal history, a physical examination, a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and a HHCU. A consultant cardiologist independently reviewed and reported the data. Previously undiagnosed cardiovascular abnormalities were identified in nine participants (9%). An additional three participants (3%) were diagnosed with hypertension. The nine abnormalities were identified at a cost of £460 per finding, with a cost of £43 per participant screened. The marginal cost of adding a HHCU to the personal history, physical examination and ECG was £16 per participant. Pre-participation screening in the community using hand-held echocardiography is practical and inexpensive. The additional sensitivity and specificity provided by the ultrasound may enhance screening programmes, thereby reducing false positives and the need for expensive follow-up testing. Key Words


The Schrödinger cat male and female states are discussed. The Wigner and Q–functions of generalized correlated light are given. Linear transformator of photon statistics is reviewed.


It is suggested that the information about a new stimulus from the neocortex is transferred to the hippocampus and forms there a transient trace in the form of a distributed pattern of modified synapses. During sleep, the neuronal populations which store this trace are reactivated and return to the neocortex the information necessary for consolidation of the permanent memory trace. A possible mechanism of the reactivation of the "learned" hippocampal neurons during memory consolidation is the reverberation of excitation in the neuronal circuits connecting the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. In rats, we recorded responses in hippocampal field CA1 to stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals with potentiated synapses during wakefulness and sleep. We showed that in the periods of deep sleep, after the discharge of CA1 neurons, the wave of excitation passes through the entorhinal cortex and via the perforant path fibers enters the hippocampus and the dentate gyrus, causing in the latter the discharge of neurons. The repeated discharge of the CA1 neurons develops as the result of interaction of the early wave which is returned directly via the perforant path fibers and the late wave which is returned via the Schaffer collaterals, but not through the dentate gyrus and hippocampal field CA3 (trisynaptic pathway), but, probably, through the field CA2.


Post-Industrial sites are often unutilized and deserted places that are an aesthetic, social, ecological, and physical hindrance to the realm of the cities in which they lie, however they possess enormous potential. With respectful and transformative design, these new public parks gain a variety of benefits that extend well beyond the typical benefits exhibited by public parks due to their rich history, fascinating existing structures, high levels of visual and sensorial stimulation, one-of-a-kind traits, and opportunity for impactful change. By evaluating these post-industrial public parks, knowledge can be gained about what specific elements in the landscape contribute to their overall success with regard to spatial, physical, social, and symbolic qualities. The research of Abraham Maslow and Kaplan & Kaplan have been vital to general humanenvironment interaction studies in the field of environmental psychology. By melding environmental psychology theories with the public life/urban form studies of William Whyte, Jan Gehl, and the Project for Public Spaces, this study is able to apply these general innate human needs and preferences specifically to public spaces with unique historical features and significance. The assimilation of theories informed the creation of a comprehensive set of evaluation criteria directed towards factors specific to post-industrial public parks. The established evaluation, communicated through a long-form narrative with example images and illustrations, analyzes various elements of three case study sites regarding the spatial, physical, social, and symbolic qualities they exemplify. Syntheses are compared to establish correlations between the case studies to further understand each element in the larger context of postindustrial landscapes. AESTHETICS AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF POST-INDUSTRIAL PUBLIC PARKS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Honors Program of the Department of Architecture + Design in the Fay Jones School of Architecture, University of Arkansas.