Neural tube defects (NTD) occur when the flat neural plate epithelium fails to fold into the neural tube, the precursor to the brain and spinal cord. Squint (Sqt/Ndr1), a Nodal ligand, and One-eyed pinhead (Oep), a component of the Nodal receptor, are required for anterior neural tube closure in zebrafish. The NTD in sqt and Zoep mutants are incompletely penetrant. The penetrance of several defects in sqt mutants increases upon heat or cold shock. In this project, undergraduate students tested whether temperature influences the Zoep open neural tube phenotype. Single pairs of adults were spawned at 28.5°C, the normal temperature for zebrafish, and one half of the resulting embryos were moved to 34°C at different developmental time points. Analysis of variance indicated temperature and clutch/genetic background significantly contributed to the penetrance of the open neural tube phenotype. Heat shock affected the embryos only at or before the midblastula stage. Many factors, including temperature changes in the mother, nutrition, and genetic background, contribute to NTD in humans. Thus, sqt and Zoep mutants may serve as valuable models for studying the interactions between genetics and the environment during neurulation.


After years of continuous increase in road traffic fatalities (from 6806 in 2006 to 10 012 in 2015), bringing it as the fifth leading cause of mortality in the Philippines, and human error, identified as the top cause of road crashes in Metro Manila, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) implemented the Public Utility Drivers Academy Program. The LTFRB has observed that numerous complaints, both from passengers and other road users, are being filed on a daily basis against drivers and conductors of public utility vehicles (PUVs) involving arrogance, discourtesy, overcharging, refusal to convey, recklessness and other violations of traffic rules. To pro-actively address this, LTFRB in partnership with private institutions, designed PUV Drivers Academy as a one-day training seminar to reform, re-educate and re-orient all PUV drivers on existing traffic and public land transportation rules and regulations, including gender sensitivity, rights of PWDs and Senior Citizens and their proper handling, road discipline, defensive driving, anger management and road safety. Apart from drivers' education, this platform will also serve as a kind of monitoring system for the LTFRB Board to record drivers' training programs attended, competency assessment, certifications acquired and traffic violations committed with the end view to sift through and only allow competent PUV drivers on the roads. In six months, since its pilot, there were 2,382 PUV driver-participants in the LTFRB Central Office in Manila who benefitted from the program. Initially, from August to October 2017, about 59 percent of the PUV driver-participants nationwide passed the one-day program. This paper will document the experience of the LTFRB and its partners in implementing this drivers' education program.


Precious metallic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention because of their unique properties (optical, electronic, and chemical properties) and potential applications in many areas such as optical probes, biochemical sensors, and surface enhanced Raman Spectrum. Despite many successes in synthesis of anisotropic nanoparticles (rods, plates), some limitations still exist in generating monodispersed silver nanoparticles. This study intends to elucidate the influence of crystalline seeds on the shape, size, and size distribution of nanoparticles through a seed-mediated method. The crystalline seeds can be modified by using different ways, such as heating treatment and oxidative etching. The shape and size of the generated particles will be characterized by TEM, and the particle formation and growth is tracked by UV-vis spectrometry. The findings would be useful for the shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles for desired functional properties.


Elevated temperatures might have promoted the nucleation, growth and replication of protocells on the early Earth. Recent reports have shown evidence that moderately high temperatures not only permit protocell assembly at the origin of life, but could have actively supported it. Here we show the fast nucleation and growth of vesicular compartments from autonomously formed lipid networks on solid surfaces, induced by a moderate increase in temperature. Branches of the networks, initially consisting of self-assembled interconnected nanotubes, rapidly swell into microcompartments which can spontaneously encapsulate RNA fragments. The increase in temperature further causes fusion of adjacent network-connected compartments, resulting in the redistribution of the RNA. The experimental observations and the mathematical model indicate that the presence of nanotubular interconnections between protocells facilitates the fusion process.


Many approaches have reported that knowledge-based layout recognition methods are very successful in classifying the meaningful data from document images automatically. However, these approaches are applicable to only the same kind of documents because they are based on the paradigm that specifies the structure definition information in advance so as to be able to analyze a particular class of documents intelligently. In this paper, the authors propose a method to recognize the layout structures of multi-kinds of table-form document images. For this purpose, the authors introduce a classification tree to manage the relationships among different classes of layout structures. The authors' recognition system has two modes: layout knowledge acquisition and layout structure recognition. In the layout knowledge acquisition mode, table-form document images are distinguished according to this. Classification tree and then the structure description trees which specify the logical structures of table-form documents are generated automatically. While, in the layout structure recognition mode, individual item fields in the table-form document images are extracted and classified successfully by searching the classification tree and interpreting the structure description tree. >


To investigate the influence of vitamin A intake on the contribution of chylomicrons vs. holo retinol-binding protein to milk vitamin A, female rats were fed diets containing either 10 (n = 6) or 50 micromol vitamin A/kg body (n = 4) during pregnancy and through d 13 of lactation. [3H]Vitamin A was incorporated into each diet beginning on d 6 of lactation. Vitamin A concentrations on d 13 were significantly higher in dam liver (x 3), pup liver (x 2.6), milk (x 2.5) and mammary tissue (x 1.3) in rats consuming the higher level of vitamin A. In both groups, vitamin A specific activities in plasma and milk reached apparent plateaus by 2.33 d after addition of [3H]vitamin A to the diets. Vitamin A specific activity in milk was higher than in plasma at all times in both groups. The estimated minimum contribution of chylomicrons to milk vitamin A was 32 +/- 3% in rats fed the lower level of vitamin A vs. 52 +/- 10% at the higher level (P = 0.014). We concluded that dietary vitamin A, like triglycerides, may be directed to mammary tissue during lactation for preferential secretion into milk; thus, increasing vitamin A intakes will increase the contribution of dietary vitamin A to milk. In contrast to milk, mammary tissue vitamin A turns over very slowly.


This paper presents a benchmarking, performance analysis and optimisation study of the OP2 "active" library, which provides an abstraction framework for the parallel execution of unstructured mesh applications. OP2 aims to decouple the scientific specification of the application from its parallel implementation, and thereby achieve code longevity and near-optimal performance through retargeting the back-end to different hardware. Runtime performance results are presented for a representative unstructured mesh application on a variety of manycore processor systems, including traditional X86 architectures from Intel (Xeon based on the older Penryn and current Nehalem micro-architectures) and GPU offerings from NVIDIA (GTX260, Tesla C2050). Our analysis demonstrates the contrasting performance between the use of CPU (OpenMP) and GPU (CUDA) parallel implementations for the solution on an industrial sized unstructured mesh consisting of about 1.5 million edges. Results show the significance of choosing the correct partition and thread-block configuration, the factors limiting the GPU performance and insights into optimizations for improved performance.


Effect of Blending on High-Pressure Laminar Flame Speed Measurements, Markstein Lengths, and Flame Stability of Hydrocarbons. (December 2010) William Baugh Lowry, B.S., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Eric L. Petersen Natural gas is the primary fuel used in industrial gas turbines for power generation. Hydrocarbon blends of methane, ethane, and propane make up a large portion of natural gas and it has been shown that dimethyl ether can be used as a supplement or in its pure form for gas turbine combustion. Because of this, a fundamental understanding of the physical characteristics such as the laminar flame speed is necessary, especially at elevated pressures to have the most relevance to the gas turbine industry. This thesis discusses the equations governing premixed laminar flames, historical methods used to measure the laminar flame speed, the experimental device used in this study, the procedure for converting the measured data into the flame speed, the results of the measurements, and a discussion of the results. The results presented in this thesis include the flame speeds for binary blends of methane, ethane, propane, and dimethyl ether performed at elevated pressures, up to 10-atm initial pressure, using a spherically expanding flame in a constant-volume vessel. Also included in this thesis is a comparison between the experimental measurements and four chemical kinetic models. The C4 mechanism, developed in part through collaboration between the National University of Ireland Galway and Texas A&M, was improved using the data presented herein, showing good agreement for all cases. The effect of blending ethane, propane, and dimethyl ether with methane in binary form is emphasized in this study, with the resulting Markstein length, Lewis number (Le), and flame stability characterized and discussed. It was noticed in this study, as well as in other studies, that the critical radius of the flame typically decreased as the Le decreased, and that the critical radius of the flame increased as the Le increased. Also, a rigorous


A gas bubble seep located in the northern Gulf of Mexico was investigated over several days to determine whether changes in the stable carbon isotopic ratio of methane can be used as a tracer for methane dissolution through the water column. Gas bubble and water samples were collected at the seafloor and throughout the water column for isotopic ratio analysis of methane. Our results show that changes in methane isotopic ratios are consistent with laboratory experiments that measured the isotopic fractionation from methane dissolution. A Rayleigh isotope model was applied to the isotope data to determine the fraction of methane dissolved at each depth. On average, the fraction of methane dissolved surpasses 90% past an altitude of 400 m above the seafloor. Methane dissolution was also investigated using a modified version of the Texas A&M Oil spill (Outfall) Calculator (TAMOC) where changes in methane isotopic ratios could be calculated. The TAMOC model results show that dissolution depends on depth and bubble size, explaining the spread in measured isotopic ratios during our investigations. Both the Rayleigh and TAMOC models show that methane bubbles quickly dissolve following emission from the seafloor. Together, these results show that it is possible to use measurements of natural methane isotopes to constrain the extent of methane dissolution following seafloor emission.


Long period seismic events observed under many volcanoes are often interpreted in relation to any fluid-filled resonator. The kinematic mechanisms have been also studied seismologically in terms of seismic moment, and some of them indicate the geometry of a 'tensile' crack. In Volcanology, Chouet (1986) first solved the elasto-dynamic equations coupling with the fluid using a finite difference method, similarly to 'shear' crack problems treated in seismology, and this model is always a reference (Chouet and Motoza, 2013). But only a few studies have treated such dynamic problems (e.g. Yamamoto and Kawakatsu, 2009), while dynamic 'shear' cracks have been studied progressively in these two decades in seismology. This study presents a boundary integral equation method (BIEM) in the time domain to solve a 'tensile' crack resonance. The time-domain BIEM is often used for a 'shear' crack thanks to its accuracy, efficiency and flexibility, and usually adopted with an explicit approach (a time step $\Delta t$ is short enough to an element size $\Delta s$ so that any grid influences instantaneously itself, $\Delta t$ <= $\Delta s$/(2*P-wave velocity) ). However such explicit approach introduces severe high frequency oscillations on a 'tensile' crack whose frictional property is intrinsically different from a 'shear' crack. It is found that the implicit approach can retrieve the expected solution for a longer time step of $2 \Delta t$ and no high-frequency oscillations is visible for a $4 \Delta t$. Comparing to the other methods, the time-domain BIEM is easy to be combined with any boundary condition, so that the method would be widely applicable for the observed long period sources if the geometry of a tensile crack is inferred.


This study explores the influence of gender on adoption of information technology (IT) among owners of small firms. In the small firm context, owner-managers are central to decision-making, including IT adoption. This potentially allows gender-related factors to influence the IT adoption decision. Accordingly, the research literature associated with female business owners is used to comment conceptually on gender-related factors subsumed among accepted antecedents of IT adoption decisions. Empirical findings are based on 21 key informant interviews. The study documents numerous perceived gender-related influences embedded within IT adoption among owners of small- and medium-sized enterprises, such that women are less likely than men to adopt IT. The implications for research, policy and practice are discussed.


Iron ore deposits of greater or lesser extent are scattered over a wide area in southeastern Minnesota. They are limited to the area that is underlain by Paleozoic limestones and dolomites, where they occur as replacements and residual deposits over rocks of Cambrian, Ordovician, Devonian, and Upper Cretaceous age. In Fillmore County the ores attain such thickness that they are of economic value. In the vicinity of Etna, where the glacial drift is thin, test-pits show from 2 to 15 feet of high-grade limonitic ore. The ore lies on Cedar Valley limestone of Devonian age, which it penetrates along joints and bedding planes, and forms linings on solution cavities. Devonian fossils occur in the ore and in the limestone on which it rests.Most of the ore is soft and earthy and contains from 10 to 30 per cent of siliceous silt, most of which is removed by washing before it is shipped to the blast furnace. Locally the ore is in the form of hard, massive blocks of limonite and goethite. The dry, washed ore averages about 55 per cent iron. About a quarter of a million tons have been shipped and the known reserves are estimated at several million tons.


Leydig cells in the foetal rat testis are still present at birth and it has been hypothesized that they commence to degenerate immediately after birth, based on the decrease in their volume density (v/v%) with age. In this study the interstitium of the rat testis was studied quantitatively at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 90 days after birth: the latter are considered to be adults. The absolute volumes of connective tissue cells and blood vessels increased with age. The absolute volumes of macrophages and lymphatic spaces were greater at 90 days than at any other age. The absolute volume of foetal Leydig cells per testis was unchanged from 1 to 15 days, despite a decrease in the % volume occupied per testis. The number of foetal Leydig cells per testis did not decline from days 1-20 although on day 20 an average foetal Leydig cell was smaller in volume than at earlier ages (days 1-15). Adult Leydig cells were recognized at day 10 and their absolute volume and number per testis increased from 15 to 90 days. Adult Leydig cells were similar in morphology to foetal Leydig cells at 20 days except for a reduced volume of cytoplasmic lipid.


PURPOSE
To evaluate feasibility of delivering electron dose by use of the extremely short lived isotope In-116 undergoing beta decay. Methods of isotope creation, transport and delivery are also examined.

METHODS
A system consisting of natural Indium in a eutectic liquid metal was constructed to transport by peristaltic pumping in flexible tubing the isotope In-116 between a neutron activation source and a phantom material where beta decay is measured. The In-116 (half-life 14.1 sec), created through thermal neutron capture on In-115, decays with 99.98% probability by beta particle with an energy average of 1.37 MeV and endpoint energy of 3.28 MeV. The liquid metal was passed near the neutron source for 4 half-lives, pumped to a thin window chamber (0.13mm styrene), and held stationary for 60 seconds to detect beta particles with a silicon charged particle detector.

RESULTS
The liquid nature of the eutectic allowed pumping of the material through tubing from the neutron source to the detector. By keeping the tubing narrow the mixture remained in smooth laminar flow to maintain a bolus of active material (In-116) that reaches the detector with good uniformity. Beta decays were detected in the silicon detector with a half-life matching that of In-116 showing that dose can be successfully delivered to a material.

CONCLUSION
This work indicates the potential for targeted electron dose useful for shallow lesions currently treated by electrons or low energy X-Rays. The lack of associated gamma-rays and pure beta source allows dose to be tightly controlled to the treatment area and the application of custom fields based on applicator shape. Rapid decay to stable Sn-116 means no permanent isotopes are used and a reduction in shielding requirements. Future investigation includes ion chamber measurements for depth dose and the use of higher flux neutron sources to examine clinically useful doses.


The purpose of this study is to examine consumer tendencies within the economic crisis, to examine consumer ethnocentrism (CE) among CEE consumers and its character and influence on buying domestic and foreign products. Based on broad existing theoretical and empirical knowledge, we constructed measures for this research derived from existing literature. The hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling. The analyzed sample consisted of 199 Czech respondents. The results confirm effect of CE on buying behavior as well as national identity influence on CE. In the Czech context, CE significantly and positively influenced domestic purchase behavior. Alternatively, there was only a marginal influence of CE supported its negative effect on foreign purchase behavior. Cosmopolitanism did not affect CE in the Czech context. Therefore, the research findings suggest a prevalent influence of CE on buying behavior under conditions of economic crisis. The paper concentrates on ignored area that was very hard hit by economic crisis in Central and Eastern Europe. The findings provide useful information to marketing specialists in designing their marketing strategies for local "made-in" communication campaigns. In addition, implications for retailers to evaluate their merchandise assortment portfolio are implied from the findings. We build on the positive influence of CE on buying behavior of domestic products versus foreign, and infer preference for freshness and quality of goods. This suggest implications for public policy implications related to local job creation and employment, especially within the area of small local producers, self-employment, development of local agriculture, as well as countryside maintenance. This issue seems to gain more importance and attention given the nature of the global economic crisis for consumers, producers, retailers and government. Potentially, there appears to be significant carryover effect related to the present and future integration processes of the CEE economies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.23.3.1932


The paper discusses the call admission control problem from a computational point of view. The use of various mathematical approaches to solving the call admission control problem is described, namely the use of the Markov decision process, neural nets, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms. All these approaches are explained as used with a guard channel policy.


"Protection of intellectual property embedded in self-replicating biological innovations, such as genetically modified seed, presents two problems for the innovator: the need for copy protection of intellectual property and price competition between new seed and reproduced seed. We consider three regimes in two periods with asymmetric information: short-term contracts, biotechnological protection, and long-term contracts. We find that piracy imposes more intense competition for seed sales than does durability alone. Technology protection systems yield highest firm profit and long-term contracts outperform short-term contracts. Farmers prefer, in order, long-term, short-term, and biotechnical protection. Depending on monitoring cost, long-term contracts may be socially preferred to short-term contracts, with both preferred to biotechnical protection." Copyright Blackwell Publishing 2005.


This article uses analysis methods for the interpretation of Ernst Wicherts (1831–1902) Littauische Geschichten 1881 which have been developed in connection with the spatial turn. The overarching question for such an interpretation is about how communication produces space and how space produces communication. The tales by Wichert are particularly suitable for such an analysis because the author shows the interaction of two cultures—the German and the Lithuanian in the border area of Prussian-Lithuania at the end of the 19th century. The detailed analysis of the narrative space draws a picture of separate spheres which are separated by ethnic-cultural, social, language boundaries and such of Prussian law. Of course, Littauische Geschichten is also shaped by the period of its genesis. Ernst Wichert writes in the context of positions characteristic of nationalism in the 19th century; but—with the exception of Hermann Sudermann—no other German author has depicted the situation of the Lithuanians with such insight. (RH; in German)


In the current conditions of the Ukrainian economy, which is characterized by crisis phenomena and frequent changes in legislation, the insurance organizations are facing a number of difficulties in maintaining their financial sustainability. Moreover, these processes take place under the increased requirements for solvency of insurers. However, a significant part of domestic insurance companies is financially unstable, which is conditioned not only by the lack of funds, but also by the low level of management. This situation hinders the further development of the insurance market in Ukraine and has a negative impact on all areas of the domestic financial system and prevents it from successful integration into the European financial field. In order to address this problem, it is necessary to distinguish the key groups of risks that affect the financial sustainability of insurance organizations, among which there are the following: insurance, strategic, market risk, risk of inefficient capital structure, risk of limiting the insurance company's liquidity, tax risk, investment risk, operational risk, the risk of ineffective organizational structure of the enterprise, and information risk. It should be noted that under conditions of changing environment, the impact of these risks only increases, and therefore the task of minimizing the impact of these risks on the activities of insurance companies is highly important. Accordingly, the authors of the article proposed a four-stage strategy to manage the financial sustainability of the insurance company, the purpose of which is to identify the risks of limiting the insurer's financial sustainability, their qualitative and quantitative assessment, as well as the development and implementation of appropriate measures to minimize and eliminate unacceptable consequences.