We determined if exposed to a high fat diet (HFD) during development have a similar phenotype (changes in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA)) in the offspring as adult obesity when consuming a HFD.

New Zealand White breeder rabbits were placed on a normal or 13.5% high fat diet (HFD) from 3 weeks prior to mating, during pregnancy and during lactation. Maternal NFD (mNFD) offspring was divided to two groups and placed on HFD for 10 days (mNFD+10dHFD) to mimic adulthood obesity. Rabbit offspring were implanted with renal electrode to measure RSNA. At 18 weeks of age, rabbits were infused with alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH, 10nmol), Leptin antagonist (100μg), SHU9119 (melanocortin 3 and 4 receptor antagonist, 0.0375nmol, 0.075nmol, 0.1875nmol and 0.375nmol) and vehicle intracerebroventricularly.

There was no difference in baseline BP between all diet groups but baseline RSNA was increased in mHFD offspring (17.6 normalised unit (nu)) and mNFD+10dHFD offspring (10.7 nu) when compared to mNFD offspring (5.6 nu). αMSH injection increased BP (from 68 to 75mmHG, p<0.01) in mNFD+10dHFD offspring and HR was increased (from 159bpm to 246bpm, p<0.01) in maternal HFD offspring. When SHU9119 was injected, there was a reduction in BP in both maternal HFD (from 71 to 65mmHG, p<0.001) and mNFD+10dHFD (from 78 to 72mmHG, p<0.01) offspring. Leptin antagonist had no effect on BP in all diet groups but RSNA was reduced (29% reduction from 13 normalised unit) in mHFD offspring.

The phenotype of developmental obesity shows similar characteristics of adulthood obesity where the elevation of RSNA induced by HFD is predominantly mediated by increased sensitivity of the leptin signalling pathway.


The Greek restructuring of March 2012 illustrates how non-price contract terms can have a significant effect on the pricing of sovereign debt. In the Greek restructuring, bonds governed by local law suffered NPV haircuts in the range of 60-75%, whereas those bonds governed by foreign law were paid in full and on time. Other contract parameters such as the currency in which the debt is denominated and the exchange on which it is listed can also affect the leeway a sovereign debtor has in dealing with its creditors. In general we find that sovereigns with strong institutions and investor protections are able to issue bonds under local parameters at relatively lower interest rates. In contrast sovereigns with relatively weak investor protections have lower bond ratings and are forced to pay relatively higher interest rates on their debt. The important exceptions are those lower rated sovereigns who issue debt under foreign parameters. We believe that these sovereigns are able to obtain lower rates because by issuing bonds under foreign parameters, they reduce (eliminate) their ability to expropriate investors' wealth once the debt is issued.


We present a general summary of light sheet based microscopy for non-destructive optical sectioning of organisms and thick tissues. Optical sections are recorded using a thin sheet of light to induce a plane of fluorescence in transparent or fixed and cleared tissues. We explain the basic building units and compare our thin sheet laser imaging microscope (TSLIM) to similar microscope systems.

High resolution across the full width of a large specimen is achieved by moving the specimen through the thinnest region of the hyperbolically shaped light sheet, stitching together pixel columns with optimal resolution. We also show how to reduce absorption and scattering artefacts and explain optimizations to the optical system which help to produce thinner light sheets than achieved with cylindrical lenses alone.


Disney Animation industry has grown, over the years, as a powerful producer of youth media and generator of visual culture. Its animation films break into the world's living-room screens and mesmerize young spectators with a fantasy world full of life, magic and colors, where love and happiness are everlasting. The genre of anime, through a series of images, creates a link between the child and characters; a desirable image of self-seeing oneself reflected and experienced by the story characters, mediates how the spectator wants to be seen by others. Hence, these fe/male protagonists cross from being plain characters to become "Role Models" promoting impolite social norms and gender performances through their discursive practices. This research is concerned with the study of how modern fe/male highest grossing Disney characters use language to shape social identities through their impolite discourse and gender behaviors; By drawing on Culpeper's (2010) 'Model of Impoliteness Formulae'. The results of the model will be further examined with language and gender theories in order to uncover how both genders (females and males) use impoliteness strategies to re/produce and maintain their power relations. Keywords: Disney, role models, impoliteness, gender, power


Two compact single-chip 94-GHz frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar modules have been developed for high-resolution sensing under adverse conditions and environments. The first module contains a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) consisting of a mechanically and electrically tunable voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) with a buffer amplifier, 10-dB coupler, medium-power and a low-noise amplifier, balanced rat-race high electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) diode mixer, and a driver amplifier to increase the local-oscillator signal level. The overall chip-size of the FMCW radar MMIC is 2/spl times/3.5 mm/sup 2/. For use with a single transmit-receive antenna, a 94-GHz microstrip hexaferrite circulator was implemented in the module. The radar sensor achieved a tuning range of 1 GHz, an output signal power of 1.5 mW, and a conversion loss of 2 dB. The second FMCW radar sensor uses an MMIC consisting of a varactor-tuned VCO with injection port, very compact transmit and receive amplifiers, and a single-ended resistive mixer. To enable single-antenna operation, the external circulator was replaced by a combination of a Wilkinson divider and a Lange coupler integrated on the MMIC. The circuit features coplanar technology and cascode HEMTs for compact size and low cost. These techniques result in a particularly small overall chip-size of only 2/spl times/3 mm/sup 2/. The packaged 94-GHz FMCW radar module achieved a tuning range of 6 GHz, an output signal power of 1.5 mW, and a conversion loss of 5 dB. The RF performance of the radar module was successfully verified by real-time monitoring the time flow of a gas-assisted injection molding process.


BACKGROUND
The All of Us Research Program is building a national longitudinal cohort and collecting data from multiple information sources (e.g., biospecimens, electronic health records, and mobile/wearable technologies) to advance precision medicine. Participant-provided information, collected via surveys, will complement and augment these information sources. We report the process used to develop and refine the initial three surveys for this program.

METHODS
The All of Us survey development process included: (1) prioritization of domains for scientific needs, (2) examination of existing validated instruments, (3) content creation, (4) evaluation and refinement via cognitive interviews and online testing, (5) content review by key stakeholders, and (6) launch in the All of Us electronic participant portal. All content was translated into Spanish.

RESULTS
We conducted cognitive interviews in English and Spanish with 169 participants, and 573 individuals completed online testing. Feedback led to over 40 item content changes. Lessons learned included: (1) validated survey instruments performed well in diverse populations reflective of All of Us; (2) parallel evaluation of multiple languages can ensure optimal survey deployment; (3) recruitment challenges in diverse populations required multiple strategies; and (4) key stakeholders improved integration of surveys into larger Program context.

CONCLUSIONS
This efficient, iterative process led to successful testing, refinement, and launch of three All of Us surveys. Reuse of All of Us surveys, available at http://researchallofus.org, may facilitate large consortia targeting diverse populations in English and Spanish to capture participant-provided information to supplement other data, such as genetic, physical measurements, or data from electronic health records.


Acoustic reflex growth functions for pure tone activators of 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz and a broad-band noise (BBN) were obtained with activator durations of 20, 200 and 1000 msec (10 msec rise/decay) in four young, normal subjects. The lowest reflex thresholds were obtained for the 1000 msec activators, followed by 200 msec and then 20 msec. The reflex growth functions revealed lower reflex magnitudes for the shorter duration activators. When normalized to account for temporal summation at reflex threshold, reflex magnitude growth was similar among the three durations at 500 Hz, slower for 20 msec than for 200 and 1000 msec at 1000 Hz, and became progressively slower with decreasing duration from 1000 to 200 to 20 msec at 2000 Hz. When expressed in SPL, the BBN growth functions reasonably resembled those at 2000 Hz. No particular pattern was revealed for the normalized BBN growth functions.


Pea protein hydrolysate was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis with trypsin. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) was controlled by using the pH-stat method. Solubility of the trypsin-treated hydrolysate was tested at nine different pH values starting from 2 up to 10. Protein determinations were carried out using Kjeldahl, Lowry and modified Lowry methods. The results revealed that samples analysed with either the Kjeldahl or Lowry method gave similar values. However, systematic consistent differences existed for those results obtained by the Kjeldahl and the modified Lowry as well as between those results obtained by the Lowry and the modified Lowry.


Two thousand seven hundred and seventy four sand flies were captured since 1987 to 1992 in endemic areas of human bartonellosis and Peruvian Verruga (district of San José de Lourdes, province of San Ignacio - 05 degrees 03' LS, and district of Lonya Grande, province of Utcubamba - 06 degrees 05'30" LS) belonging to the Northeast region of Marañon, Peru. Thirteen species were identified, 11 belonging to the genus Lutzomyia, 1 to Brumptomyia and the other to Warileya. Lutzomyia sp, close to L. serrana and L. maranonensis n. sp., Galatti, Cáceres & Le Pont are more prevalent (89.74% of the individuals captured). Suggests working of the kind. Lutzomyia verrucarum (Townsend, 1913) is reported in Utcubamba province for the first time.


In negotiating with third-party payers, physicians--whether acting independently or as members of independent practice associations--must proceed very cautiously to prevent antitrust exposure. This article describes a number of government investigations in this area and provides some specific "do's" and "don'ts" for avoiding the appearance of collective action that might be in violation of the antitrust laws.


The renorenal reflex responses to physiological stimulation of the afferent renal nerves are species-dependent. In dogs, renal mechanoreceptor (MR) stimulation results in a contralateral excitatory renorenal reflex response with a fall in contralateral renal blood flow and urinary sodium excretion at unchanged mean arterial pressure. In cats, renal MR stimulation increases mean arterial pressure and produces variable effects on contralateral renal excretion. In rats, renal MR stimulation results in a contralateral inhibitory renorenal reflex response with contralateral diuresis and natriuresis at unchanged systemic and contralateral renal hemodynamics. Renal chemoreceptor (CR) stimulation produces similar results. In spontaneously hypertensive rats renal MR and CR stimulation fails to produce a renorenal reflex response.


The use of deep learning for the activity recognition performed by wearables, such as smartwatches, is an understudied problem. To advance current understanding in this area, we perform a smartwatch-centric investigation of activity recognition under one of the most popular deep learning methods - Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBM). This study includes a variety of typical behavior and context recognition tasks related to smartwatches (such as transportation mode, physical activities and indoor/outdoor detection) to which RBMs have previously never been applied. Our findings indicate that even a relatively simple RBM-based activity recognition pipeline is able to outperform a wide-range of common modeling alternatives for all tested activity classes. However, usage of deep models is also often accompanied by resource consumption that is unacceptably high for constrained devices like watches. Therefore, we complement this result with a study of the overhead of specifically RBM-based activity models on representative smartwatch hardware (the Snapdragon 400 SoC, present in many commercial smartwatches). These results show, contrary to expectation, RBM models for activity recognition have acceptable levels of resource use for smartwatch-class hardware already on the market. Collectively, these two experimental results make a strong case for more widespread adoption of deep learning techniques within smartwatch designs moving forward.


I. Introduction From 1913 through the 1950s, U.S. multinational corporations operated free from current U.S. income tax to the extent that they conducted operations through foreign subsidiaries. U.S. income tax applied to foreign subsidiaries only when they repatriated income to the United States. As a result, a growing chorus of U.S. multinationals began to shift their operations offshore. In response to the growing erosion of the U.S. tax base, the Kennedy Administration introduced groundbreaking international taxation legislation. Under the initial Kennedy Administration Proposal, foreign subsidiary activity was generally to trigger current U.S. income tax for the subsidiaries' U.S. multinational shareholders. The aim of this Proposal was simple-global tax neutrality.1 Thus, foreign activities of U.S. multinationals were to be taxed at the same rates imposed on wholly domestic U.S. enterprises, ensuring that wholly domestic enterprises would remain competitive with their U.S. multinational rivals. The Kennedy Administration Proposal faced serious congressional opposition, primarily on the grounds of international competitiveness.2 The opposition believed that the Proposal would have subjected U.S.owned foreign subsidiaries to higher overall taxes than the taxes imposed on their locally owned foreign competitors. Thus, they believed that foreign local neutrality was necessary to ensure that U.S.-owned foreign subsidiaries would remain competitive abroad. Both sides soon came to a compromise. Under this compromise (known as "Subpart F"), U.S. multinationals are generally subject to current U.S. income tax to the extent their foreign subsidiaries receive disfavored forms of income. These disfavored forms of income include income from passive investments, such as portfolio stocks and bonds. Disfavored forms of business income are of a more limited nature, mainly involving structures that shift income outside a foreign subsidiary's place of incorporation without significant economic cost. The modus vivendi under this Subpart F compromise remains largely in place to this day. However, U.S. multinationals have begun engaging in new forms of foreign subsidiary structures (most notably hybrid branch structures) that the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") believes upsets this compromise. These structures primarily implicate disfavored forms of foreign subsidiary business income. The Service initially responded to these structures by issuing temporary regulations that would have immediately prevented U.S. multinationals from reaping the intended tax benefits.3 However, the Service withdrew these regulations in the face of public pressure,4 eventually reissuing these regulations in proposed form (albeit with a long delayed effective date).5 The controversial nature of this whole affair set off a lengthy debate over the objectives of Subpart F, leading many on both sides of the controversy to question whether the Subpart F regime should be revised as a whole. The controversy between the Service and taxpayers over Subpart F essentially boils down to three main issues. First, what is the principle behind the Subpart F compromise and does this compromise make any sense from a policy perspective? Second, does the hybrid entity structure violate this intent? And third, if the policy of Subpart F proves wanting, how should Subpart F be redesigned? The purpose of this Article is to explore these issues. Part II of the Article begins by explaining the basic structural paradigm of the U.S. international taxing system and the resulting tension between global tax neutrality and international competitiveness. Part III reviews the history and statutory language of Subpart F in order to discern how it attempts to balance global tax neutrality against international competitiveness-a discussion surprisingly absent from most of the literature.6 Next, in Part IV, I briefly explore the current debate over hybrid entity structures (as well as a related debate over harmful tax competition). …


A growing number of advanced smart systems and solutions are being designed for the elderly, helping them to live longer at home. These systems need to provide unobtrusive monitoring and safety for their users and information for the healthcare professionals and family members. Multi-modal sensor data enables the possibility for in-depth behavioral analysis. To gather multi-modal data, we propose an IoT-based smart ambient behavior observation system (SABOS). SABOS provides unobtrusive monitoring of daily living activities by utilizing various sensors integrated into the residential house. To reduce the amount of data, we present a data reduction algorithm. The data reduction algorithm effectively reduces over 90% of the submitted data with full recovery in the cloud. Data is sent to ThingSpeak for MATLAB visualization and analysis to generate graphical illustrations of daily living activities. In an emergency, an "if this then that" (IFTTT) service combined with ThingSpeak triggers an applet to send a defined message to a healthcare professional or a family member.


The aim of this paper is to explore Greenstone open source digital library software which considered to be one of most essential open-source Content Management Systems (CMSs) that are available for use in creating, organizing, and managing Arabic content on the Internet. It focuses on the appropriateness of the system for Arabic content from different perspectives, such as its ability to support the Arabic language and to sustain and maintain different file formats. It also aims to examine Greenstone software and discuss its weaknesses and strengths in terms of managing Arabic digital content. Greenstone search facilities were tested and evaluated in this study using a quasi-experimental approach. The National Oil Cooperation standalone CDS/ISIS database in Libya (NOC) was converted into web interface using Greenstone software to explore the system's functionality and to test its search and browse facilities. This database consists of 3400 Arabic bibliographic records. As previously stated, this paper aims to assess Greenstone retrieval facilities in the context of Arabic digital content to provide a full picture of the system's suitability for the Arabic language and to highlight its limitations and strong points in the overall process of information retrieval.


Abstract Three-dimensional Voronoï analysis is used to quantify the clustering of inertial particles in homogeneous isotropic turbulence using data sets from numerics in the point particle limit and one experimental data set. We study the clustering behaviour at different density ratios, particle response times (i.e. Stokes numbers $\mathit{St}$) and two Taylor–Reynolds numbers (${\mathit{Re}}_{\lambda } = 75$ and 180). The probability density functions (p.d.f.s) of the Voronoï cell volumes of light and heavy particles show different behaviour from that of randomly distributed particles, i.e. fluid tracers, implying that clustering is present. The standard deviation of the p.d.f. normalized by that of randomly distributed particles is used to quantify the clustering. The clustering for both light and heavy particles is stronger for higher ${\mathit{Re}}_{\lambda } $. Light particles show maximum clustering for $\mathit{St}$ around 1–2 for both Taylor–Reynolds numbers. The experimental data set shows reasonable agreement with the numerical results. The results are consistent with previous investigations employing other approaches to quantify the clustering. We also present the joint p.d.f.s of enstrophy and Voronoï volumes and their Lagrangian autocorrelations. The small Voronoï volumes of light particles correspond to regions of higher enstrophy than those of heavy particles, indicating that light particles cluster in higher vorticity regions. The Lagrangian temporal autocorrelation function of Voronoï volumes shows that the clustering of light particles lasts much longer than that of heavy or neutrally buoyant particles. Due to inertial effects arising from the density contrast with the surrounding liquid, light and heavy particles remain clustered for much longer times than the flow structures which cause the clustering.


Plasma-filled diode regarded as perspective source of electron beam feeding HPM generator of GW power level, comparing to conventional explosive emission vacuum diode. Electron beam generation occurs in plasma double layer, where plasma boundary plays as an anode. It allows cancelling the usage of anode foils or grids in HPM generators with the virtual cathode, which could limit its life time to few shots. The presence of ions in the e-beam drift space could raise the limiting current for a drift space, but it could affect to microwave generation also. Sectioned plasma-filled diode with beam current of about 100 kA, electron beam energy of about 0.5 MV and beam current density of 1-10 kA/cm2 was realized. Cylindrical transport channel with the diameter of 200 mm and the length of about 30 cm was attached to the diode. Beam current measurements in a drift space were performed. Computer simulations of electron beam transport with the presence of ions were carried out with the 2.5D axisymmetric version of PiC-code KARAT. Obtained results would help optimizing electrodynamic system of HPM generator subjected to the presence of ions.


A self-administered questionnaire completed by 683 male farmers showed individuals incurring a farming-related injury more likely to score higher on a measure of personal risk-taking and to believe that accidents were inevitable (fatalism). Specific safe farming practices--wearing protective clothing and operating machinery safely--were associated with lower likelihood of injury. Traditional predictors of involvement in accidents (age, exposure to hazards, and work experience) were not significant.


A vast new literature on the sources of economic growth has now accumulated. This book critically reviews the most significant works in this field and summarizes what is known today about the sources of economic growth. The first part discusses the most important theoretical models that have been used in modern growth theory as well as methodological issues in productivity measurement. The second part examines the long-term record on productivity among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, considers the sources of growth among them with particular attention to the role of education, investigates convergence at the industry level among them, and examines the productivity slowdown of the 1970s. The third part looks at the sources of growth among non-OECD countries. Each chapter emphasizes the factors that appear to be most important in explaining growth performance.


Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change with experience. Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique capable of temporarily inducing neuroplasticity in the primary motor cortex (M1), as indicated by changes in the excitability of the stimulated brain region. However, cTBS-induced neuroplasticity shows large inter-individual variability, which limits its potential in research and clinical settings. The present study investigated whether down-regulating motor cortical inhibition, with cTBS applied using a lower than conventional intensity (cTBSlow), is capable of making the brain more amenable to the neuroplasticity-inducing effects of cTBS applied using the conventional intensity. Thirty-two, right-handed, healthy adults participated in two experimental sessions: 1) cTBS primed by cTBSlow; 2) cTBS primed by sham stimulation. Due to unforeseen technical issues, there were two groups: group 1 received cTBSlow with conventional bursts; group 2 received cTBSlow with reduced pulses per burst. Motor cortical excitability and inhibition were measured from an intrinsic hand muscle at baseline, between the two cTBS applications, and following cTBS. In group 1, cTBSlow reduced inhibition in M1, however, there was no systematic change in motor cortical excitability following cTBS primed by cTBSlow or primed by sham. This lack of effect may be due to unreliable neuroplasticity induction in M1 following cTBS alone. In group 2, long-lasting and less variable changes in motor cortical excitability were found following an unconventional cTBS pattern. These findings confirm the variability of cTBS-induced neuroplasticity and highlight the importance of developing novel protocols to induce less variable neuroplasticity responses.


Imidazolinone-resistant (IR) spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was released commercially in Canada in 2004, providing growers with a new opportunity to selectively control a broad range of weeds in wheat, including volunteer cereals and annual grasses. Imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides inhibit acetolactate synthase in susceptible (S) plants, but IR wheat plants have an altered target site that confers resistance to IMI herbicides. The IR trait has served as a phenotypic marker in a number of gene flow studies, but the response of IR F 1 wheat hybrids to various doses of imazamox has not been adequately characterized. Therefore, a greenhouse study was initiated to assess the whole-plant response of several spring wheat genotypes with different parental backgrounds to increasing doses of imazamox. No differences in biomass accumulation prior to imazamox application were detected among genotypes. Biomass accumulation after foliar treatment with imazamox was similar within all groups of genotypes, with no significant differences detected within F 1 or S genotype groups. The resistance factor (GR 50 ratio) of the single IR genotype tested in the study was six-fold greater than the mean of the F 1 genotypes, which was itself six-fold greater than that of the S genotypes examined. Differential mortality was observed between some S genotypes at 3.9 g a.i. ha -1 , but no differences between genotypes were observed at any other dose. The results of this study indicate that for the spring wheat genotypes assessed, parental background and market class do not affect spring wheat tolerance to imazamox. Furthermore, results indicate that the IR trait in spring wheat should provide a satisfactory marker for pollen-mediated gene flow studies.


Two cases of bowel infarction following abdominal aortography are presented. In both patients, two of the three major arteries supplying the bowel were occluded before the study. The superior mesenteric artery in one and the inferior mesenteric artery in the other were the only arteries supplying the bowel and their lumens were reduced. After the aortogram, the residual lumen clotted, leading to bowel necrosis. Survival was made possible in these two cases by revascularizing the superior mesenteric artery and resecting the necrotic bowel.


OBJECTIVE: This study compares the performance of urine dipstick alone with urine microscopy and with both tests combined as a screen for urinary tract infection (UTI) in febrile infants aged 1 to 90 days. METHODS: We queried the Intermountain Healthcare data warehouse to identify febrile infants with urine dipstick, microscopy, and culture performed between 2004 and 2011. UTI was defined as >50 000 colony-forming units per milliliter of a urinary pathogen. We compared the performance of urine dipstick with unstained microscopy or both tests combined ("combined urinalysis") to identify UTI in infants aged 1 to 90 days. RESULTS: Of 13 030 febrile infants identified, 6394 (49%) had all tests performed and were included in the analysis. Of these, 770 (12%) had UTI. Urine culture results were positive within 24 hours in 83% of UTIs. The negative predictive value (NPV) was >98% for all tests. The combined urinalysis NPV was 99.2% (95% confidence interval: 99.1%–99.3%) and was significantly greater than the dipstick NPV of 98.7% (98.6%–98.8%). The dipstick positive predictive value was significantly greater than combined urinalysis (66.8% [66.2%–67.4%] vs 51.2% [50.6%–51.8%]). These data suggest 8 febrile infants would be predicted to have a false-positive combined urinalysis for every 1 infant with UTI initially missed by dipstick screening. CONCLUSIONS: Urine dipstick testing compares favorably with both microscopy and combined urinalysis in febrile infants aged 1 to 90 days. The urine dipstick test may be an adequate stand-alone screen for UTI in febrile infants while awaiting urine culture results.


This paper presents a general approach for the free vibration analysis of curvilinearly stiffened rectangular and quadrilateral plates using the Ritz method by employing classical orthogonal Jacobi polynomials. Both the plate and stiffeners are modeled using first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The displacement and rotations of the plate and stiffeners are approximated by separate sets of Jacobi polynomials. The ease of modification of the Jacobi polynomials enables the Jacobi weight function to satisfy geometric boundary conditions without loss of orthogonality. The distinctive advantage of Jacobi polynomials, over other polynomial-based trial functions, lies in that their use eliminates the well-known ill-conditioning issues when a high number of terms are used in the Ritz method, e.g., to obtain higher modes required for vibro-acoustic analysis. In this paper, numerous case studies are undertaken by considering various sets of boundary conditions. The results are verified both with the detailed finite element analysis (FEA) using commercial software msc.nastran and with those available in the open literature. New formulation and results include: (i) exact boundary condition enforcement through Jacobi weight function for FSDT, (ii) formulation of quadrilateral plates with curvilinear stiffeners, and (iii) use of higher order Gauss quadrature scheme for required integral evaluations to obtain higher modes. It is demonstrated that the presented method provides good numerical stability and highly accurate results. The given new numerical results and convergence studies may serve as benchmark solutions for validating the new computational techniques.


Objective: To develop two different oral formulations such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) tablets and oxaliplatin (OX) microspheres which were further filled into capsules and coated with pH-sensitive polymer (eudragit S-100) for the chronotherapeutic treatment of colon cancer (Fluorouracil: Oxaliplatin regimen) to perform as a substitute for intravenous (IV) route based chronomodulated chemotherapy.
Methods: The 5-FU tablet formulation was prepared with alginate and guar gum polymers in varied concentrations using wet granulation technique in two varieties such as granules coated and tablet coated formulations using eudragit RSPO as coating material to achieve controlled drug release. Alongside OX microspheres were formulated using the ionotropic gelation methodology in combination with alginate and chitosan polymers in varying concentrations to accomplish a time-controlled drug release. Prepared formulations were evaluated for pre-compression and post-compression parameters, percentage yield, percentage drug entrapment, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), In vitro and Ex vivo dissolution studies.
Results: Pre-compression and post-compression parameters for 5-FU tablets were satisfied with Indian pharmacopeia specifications. The entrapment efficiency of OX microspheres were increased due to the elevated concentration of polymers up to a certain level as seen in A7M, further greater the concentration of polymer resulted in a decline of entrapment efficiency as seen in A4M and A8M. The optimized formulations A14T and A14M were shown in vitro drug release of 90.36 % by 24 h and 79.63 % by 9 h respectively.
Conclusion: The two different oral formulations of 5-FU (Tablets) and OX (Microspheres) were found to be successful in controlled drug release. Therefore they can be efficiently used to control the rate of drug release to the colon in synchronization with the circadian timing system in the belief of improved therapeutic efficacy, tolerability and overall survival rate of cancer patients. Hence it is promised to be a better alternative for intravenous route based chronomodulated chemotherapy.


The military institution enjoys consistently high levels of public confidence, making it one of the most respected entities in American society. However, this aggregate trend conceals an underlying polarization among partisans, who arrive at different conclusions over the institutional quality of the military. What explains the divide? This analysis argues a partisan bias resulting from (1) exposure to different information about the military and (2) different cognitive biases in using that information to render an opinion on institutional quality. Using observational data on news media reporting patterns and original text-as-data processed through unsupervised machine learning techniques, I find that partisans during a key phase of the Iraq War were exposed to widely different types information on military performance. Furthermore, I find through original survey experimentation that when presented with information on negative performance by the military, partisans adopt very different sensibilities in how that information is used to evaluate it.


In this short Essay, I take the opportunity to highlight one further potential asymmetry that may yet emerge from the Supreme Court's application of Chevron's many doctrines. Drawing on then-Judge Kavanaugh's disdissental from the D.C. Circuit's decision affirming network neutrality rules, I suggest that there is at least one vote on the Supreme Court—and perhaps more—for an asymmetric approach to the major questions doctrine. Moreover, I demonstrate how asymmetry in this context is deeply irrational. As applied to network neutrality, the asymmetry has at least one of two effects. One, it might simply favor one large industry over another, subjecting one inter-sector wealth transfer to heightened scrutiny, while treating an analogous wealth transfer—in the opposite direction—deferentially. But the judiciary is not typically in the business of favoring one industrial sector over another. Two, it subjects consumer-protection devices to increased regulatory scrutiny, thereby shifting the costs and burdens of overcoming a regulatory default to those entities—consumers—who can likely least afford to bear them. Hence, in more general terms, Justice Kavanaugh's unbalanced approach to the major questions doctrine tends to undermine many of the values— accountability and expertise, among others—that agency policymaking has long served.


Void formation and compositional change in nitrogen doped Ge2Sb2Te5 (NGST) films during repeated phase transformations were examined. Stable reversible switching behavior between the crystalline and melt-quenched phase of NGST films containing 5% nitrogen was examined using laser irradiation on a nanosecond time scale. Transmission electron micrographs indicated that with repeated phase transformation, void formation and subsequent coalescing and movement to the top and bottom interfaces with SiO2 layers in NGST occurred in both amorphous and crystalline states. Moreover, void formation at the grain boundaries of crystalline NGST was clearly observed. Compositional change around voids also occurred, which was confirmed using energy dispersive spectroscopy. Void formation and compositional change during repeated reversible switching can cause serious issues related to the reliability of NGST materials during actual phase-change random access memory device operations.


It is significant for the environment that molecular oxygen replaces conventional heavy metal-containing or toxic oxidants to participate in oxidation reactions. However, the involved gas–oil–solid multiphase catalytic reactions usually show low reaction efficiency due to the low solubility of gas in oil. Herein, an organic–inorganic hybrid with certain interfacial activity was synthesized by using an alkoxysilane covalent modified POM. Such a hybrid POM has surface activity and can be adsorbed at the gas–liquid interface, and allows direct contact between the gas, oil and catalyst at the interface. The performance of the foam system is superior to that of the conventional multiphase catalytic reaction at room temperature. In addition, no solvent was required for the reaction. The catalyst can be recovered by centrifugation after the reaction.


Metal waveguide can be used as a dispersive medium to convert long duration, lower power pulses into short, higher peak power pulses. This provides an advanced method to generate radiation with gigawatts power in the millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelength range by compressing a megawatt level long duration pulse. In this paper, a five-fold helically corrugated waveguide operating in X-band was designed and constructed. The experiments conducted show that a 5.75 kW average power microwave pulse with a 6% bandwidth and duration of 80 ns can be compressed into a 144.8 kW, 1.6 ns pulse with a power compression factor of 25.2.


Abstract Rodents make foraging decisions by balancing demands to acquire energy and mates with the need to avoid predators. To identify variations in the risk of predation, nocturnal rodents may use moonlight as a cue of risk. Moonlight avoidance behaviors have been observed in many nocturnal rodent species and are widely generalized to small mammals. However, most prior studies have been limited to 1 species or 1 study site, or occurred in modified habitats. We evaluated desert rodent activity patterns in natural habitats from 1999 to 2006 at 62 study sites across the Great Basin Desert of western North America. Rodent activity was examined by livetrapping in open habitats, using the presence of the sand-obligate kangaroo mouse (Microdipodops) as a habitat indicator. Activity patterns were assessed on 69 nights with clear skies and compared to corresponding moonlight values (moon phase and brightness) to evaluate the frequency of moonlight avoidance. Analyses of total activity of all species in the rodent assemblage relative to moonlight showed a distinct nonrandom (triangular-shaped) pattern but no significant correlations. However, individual genera of desert rodents responded differently to moonlight. Only kangaroo rats (Dipodomys) displayed significant moonlight avoidance patterns; they were maximally active at significantly different moonlight levels and avoided bright moonlight to a greater extent than co-occurring rodents. Moonlight seemed to limit the activity of kangaroo rats most strongly on bright nights during waxing moon phases and summer seasons, but not significantly during the spring or fall seasons, or during waning moons. Rather than avoiding moonlight, the activity of deer mice (Peromyscus), pocket mice (Perognathus), and kangaroo mice may be governed by changes in competition with kangaroo rats. Differences in the body size, locomotion, and space use of kangaroo rats relative to other rodents may explain why different moonlight responses were detected, especially if these traits alter how rodents perceive risk from bright moonlight. These findings indicate that moonlight avoidance may be a specialized trait of kangaroo rats rather than a general behavior of nocturnal desert rodents in the Great Basin.


Gundel, Hedberg and Zacharski (1993) propose a framework whereby different referring forms conventionally signal different cognitive statuses on an implica-tional 'givenness hierarchy'. Interaction of the hierarchy with Grice's Maxim of Quantity gives rise to scalar implicatures which further constrain the choice among forms and their interpretations when necessary conditions for more than one form are met. Wilson (1992) and Matsui (1995) show that reference assignment for NPs introduced by the definite article is constrained within Relevance Theory by the automatic selection of an interpretation that yields adequate contextual effects for minimal processing effort. This paper proposes that an optimal account of how people understand the intended referent of an NP must appeal to both the Givenness Hierarchy and Relevance Theory. Such an account still requires the first part of the Quantity Maxim, however, either as a socially based assumption or as part of the Principle of Relevance itself


Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and surgically assisted RME (SARME) in the sagittal, vertical, and transverse planes. Study design: Orthodontic records of 28 patients were selected retrospectively and divided into two treatment groups. Group 1 comprised 14 patients (4 boys, 10 girls, mean age 14.2 ± 0.74 years) who had been treated with RME. Group 2 comprised 14 patients (4 boys, 10 girls, mean age 19.6 ± 2.73 years) who had been treated with SARME. Measurements were performed on lateral and posteroanterior cephalograms and dental casts obtained before (T0) and after (T1) expansion. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in soft tissue convexity angle, anterior face height, and upper nasal width in group 1, and in U1–NA length and posterior face height measurements in group 2 (P<.05). In both groups significant increases were found in interpremolar, intermolar, maxillary, and lower nasal widths and in anterior lower face height (P<.01). Statistically significant intergroup differences were found in the ANB angle (P<.05) and maxillary intercanine (P<.01) measurements. Conclusion: With both RME and SARME, successful expansion of maxillary dentoalveolar structures and nasal cavity and palatal widening were achieved. Sagittal plane effects of SARME were similar to those of RME on dental skeletal and airway measurements. Key words: Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, Rapid maxillary expansion, Airway, Transverse deficiency.


The pseudotetrahedral node, [In(O2CR)4]-, often found in InIII-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) without a cluster-based secondary building unit (SBU) is a negatively charged center due to charge mismatch between an 8-coordinate InIII ion and four anionic carboxylate bridging ligands. Thus, In-MOFs with this pseudotetrahedral node tend to bear a counter-cation near each InIII center in the frameworks. Generally, dialkylammonium-based cations such as Me2NH2+ and Et2NH2+ directly derived from N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or N,N-diethylformamide (DEF) solvents during MOF formation reactions play a significant role to form a stable framework through charge matching. If these cations thermally derived from DMF or DEF were not suitable for crystal growth of In-MOFs, it becomes very challenging to obtain high quality single crystals for X-ray structure determination of the frameworks. In this context, high quality crystals of In-ABDC MOF were not easily prepared from a ditopic azobenzene-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (H2ABDC) through a thermal reaction in DMF or DEF. We successfully overcome this problem by employing a room-temperature ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMIM][BF4]), and the resulting three-dimensional (3D) In-ABDC MOF, [EMIM][In(ABDC)2]•DEF•H2O (I), was structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. The 3D framework indicates a 4-connected uninodal net with Schlafli symbol of 66 (dia). The gas sorption properties of solvent-free I were also investigated in detail.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare insertion parameters of four different types of supraglottic airway devices (SGAD) (Classic LMA, I-gel LMA, Proseal LMA, Cobra PLA) in children undergoing ophthalmic surgery and to determine the effect on intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and haemodynamic responses during insertion.

METHODS
Sixty American society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II children aged 1-10 years undergoing extra-ocular ophthalmic surgery were randomly divided into four groups (Group LMA, Group I-gel LMA, Group PLMA and Group CPLA) in this prospective, randomised study. Anaesthesia was induced with decreasing sevoflurane concentrations (8%-2%) in a mixture of 50% N2O-O2. All SGADs were inserted under deep anaesthesia. The characteristics of insertion (number of attempts, ease and time), oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) and complications were recorded. IOP in both eyes, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and EtCO2 were measured before and 2 and 5 min after insertion of the SGADs.

RESULTS
There was no difference between the groups in terms of the characteristics of insertion. The mean IOP did not increase significantly in all groups. MAP and HR changes were similar among the groups during follow-up. In all groups, HR increased 2 min after insertion (statistically insignificant) and returned to the baseline value 5 min after insertion. A statistically significant correlation was seen between HR increase and IOP values before and after insertion of the SGADs (p=0.006, correlation coefficient=0.352). Desaturation was seen in one patient in Groups LMA, PLMA and CPLA, and laryngospasm was seen in two patients in Group CPLA and in one patient in Group LMA.

CONCLUSION
It was seen that during insertion of Classic LMA, I-gel LMA, Proseal LMA and Cobra PLA, IOP did not increase and haemodynamic stability was maintained in children undergoing extra-ocular ophthalmic surgery.


The sentence stimuli developed in this project combined aspects from several traditional approaches to speech audiometry. Sentences varied with respect to frequency of word use and phonetic confusability. Familiar consonant-vowel-consonant words, nouns and modifiers, were used to form 500 sentences of seven to nine syllables. Based on concepts from the Neighborhood Activation Model for spoken word recognition, each sentence contained three key words that were all characterized as high- or low-use frequency and high or low lexical confusability. Use frequency was determined by published indices of word use, and lexical confusability was defined by a metric based on the number of other words that were similar to a given word using a single phoneme substitution algorithm. Thirty-two subjects with normal hearing were randomly assigned to one of seven presentation levels in quiet, and an additional 32 listeners were randomly assigned to a fixed-level noise background at one of six signal-to-noise ratios. The results indicated that in both quiet and noise listening conditions, high-use words were more intelligible than low-use words, and there was an advantage for phonetically unique words; the position of the key word in the sentence was also a significant factor. These data formed the basis for a sequence of experiments that isolated significant nonacoustic sources of variation in spoken word recognition.


Since the inception of Web 3D technology, we have seen an evolution of human interaction in virtual space. Today, we can manipulate 3D products, but we cannot see ourselves interacting with those products. Recognizing that to experience features and benefits of virtual products fully, NARKii.com technology offers potential customers the ability to see themselves wearing, rearranging, and using products in a virtual environment. This paper describes the technologies that support the creation of 3D products, and the creation of a personalized 3D "avatar" that can interact with those products. In addition, it describes a business model and methodology for developing a 3D virtual commercial website based on NARKii.com technologies. As the first worldwide 3D e-commerce platform, NARKii.com (http://www.NARKii.com) released its beta version on April 19 2009, following by a major revision in October 2009. The Page Ranking value jumps from one in Dec 1, 2009 to 5 in April 5, 2010. It has attracted over one million customers by now to the website.


Abstract Since Chen's Entity-Relationship (ER) model, conceptual modeling has been playing a fundamental role in relational data design. In this paper we consider an extended ER (EER) model enriched with cardinality constraints, disjointness assertions, and is a relations among both entities and relationships. In this setting, we consider the case of incomplete data, which is likely to occur, for instance, when data from different sources are integrated. In such a context, we address the problem of providing correct answers to conjunctive queries by reasoning on the schema. Based on previous results about decidability of the problem, we provide a query answering algorithm that performs rewriting of the initial query into a recursive Datalog query encoding the information about the schema. We finally show extensions to more general settings.


This article reviews the parameters that characterise the image quality of digital radiography and the available evaluation methods that are used to measure these parameters. The article also discusses the factors that affect each parameter of image quality. Digital imaging systems are the most commonly utilised technology in the field of radiology. Screen-film radiography systems are almost replaced by digital radiography. The data acquisition and image processing principles of digital radiography differ from that of conventional radiography. The required exposure factors for each digital radiography system are not the same. Therefore, the image quality should be optimised while lower radiation dose is maintained according to the properties of the specific imaging system. Distinguishing image quality parameters and understanding the factors that control each image quality parameter are essential to optimise and maintain image quality and to reduce radiation dose to the patient. The degree of factors effects on the images of different digital radiography types and systems are not exactly same. There are different methods and approaches that are used to evaluate the quality of medical images and to assess the performance of imaging systems and each has its own rewards and limits. Therefore, these methods should be utilised and employed according to their aptitudes to improve imaging process.


A general discussion is presented of the present status of folic acid antagonist therapy in acute leukemia in children and in other forms of incurable cancer. Conclusions reached in our initial report have been supported by a far greater experience. Temporary remissions in acute leukemia as marked as those caused by aminopterin have been produced by the use of two compounds closely related chemically to aminopterin—amethopterin and amino-an-fol, both of which, however, are also toxic compounds. Despite the increasing number of patients in whom temporary remissions have been produced, with survival in some far beyond the usual course of the disease, no evidence has been presented which would justify the use of the word "cure" of acute leukemia. A carcinolytic action on related and on certain unrelated forms of incurable cancer has been observed. Further research for less toxic related compounds with even greater effectiveness is not only justified by these studies but is imperative. The value of this direction of research in cancer has been established. Two of the most pressing problems demanding solution are concerned with the nature, the prevention, and the treatment of toxic changes, including hemorrhage, produced by these folic acid antagonists and the causes, prevention and mechanism of hemorrhage in acute leukemia. The use of the folic acid antagonists in the treatment of incurable cancer including leukemia must remain in the realm of research until answers to these questions are found.


Multicomponent seismic processing and interpretation have become disconnected in industry practice, hindering the ability to extract meaningful reservoir characterization conclusions. Integrating seismic processing with the final interpretation goals elevates the overall characterization that can be performed, and drives advancements in processing algorithms. The focus of this study is on converted-waves because of their high sensitivity to the azimuthal anisotropy caused by preferential fractures and differential stress, and ultimately because they provide a method of correlating hydraulic stimulation success to the enhanced permeability pathways created in the hydraulic completion process.


Objective: To assess the impact of Huntington's disease (HD) on caregivers and identify the main determinants of French and Italian caregivers' burden, and Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study included patients and their caregivers who were identified by national HD patients associations in France and Italy. Data on HD characteristics and (QoL) of patients and caregivers was collected using the Huntington Self-Assessment Instrument (HSAI), SF -36 and EQ-5D. Results: The study included 175 patient caregiver pairs from France and 126 pairs from Italy. Mean age (±SD) of patients was 54.5 (±11.6). Average ages at the onset of the first symptoms and at HD diagnoses were 44.8 (±12.4) years and 46.7 (±12.0) years, respectively. The mean age (±SD) of caregivers in France and Italy was 61.31 (11.36) and 51.14 (13.18) respectively. 44% and 55% of caregivers were unsatisfied with their own happiness and 38% and 45% were unsatisfied with overall QoL in France and Italy respectively. No correlation was found between patients and caregivers HRQoL. Correlations of HDQoL-C scores with patients EQ-5D utility score ranged from 0.16 to 0. 25 and with patients SF-36 ranged from 0.11 to 0.34. Caregivers HRQoL was driven by patient voluntary movement disorder (p=0.01), patient depression/anxiety issues (p<0.01) and patient psychotic disorder (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study captured the predictors of burden in HD caregivers and provides further insights into HD caregivers. Predictors were found to be voluntary movement disorders, depression/anxiety, and psychotic disorders, thus highlighting further insights for a correct therapeutic approach.


High-pressure optical absorption measurements are carried out on zirconium tungstate and hafnium tungstate (ZrW2O8 and HfW2O8) up to 59 and 47 GPa, respectively, at room temperature. We observe a striking color changes in both tungstates with the application of pressure. Initially, yellowish ZrW2O8 becomes red around 28 GPa and opaque above 55 GPa and the initially transparent HfW2O8 becomes red at 38 GPa. Using both a linear extrapolation of the transmission and the Tauc model, the high-energy region of the absorption edge is fit to determine the pressure dependencies of the band gaps. Based on a linear extrapolation of the data, we estimate the metallization pressures of ZrW2O8 and HfW2O8 to be approximately 165 and 176 GPa, respectively.


We explore how to digitally augment musical instruments by connecting them to their social histories. We describe the use of Internet of Things technologies to connect an acoustic guitar to its digital footprint - a record of how it was designed, built and played. We introduce the approach of crafting interactive decorative inlay into the body of an instrument that can then be scanned using mobile devices to reveal its digital footprint. We describe the design and construction of an augmented acoustic guitar called Carolan alongside activities to build its digital footprint through documented encounters with twenty-seven players in a variety of settings. We reveal the design challenge of mapping the different surfaces of the instrument to various facets of its footprint so as to afford appropriate experiences to players, audiences and technicians. We articulate an agenda for further research on the topic of connecting instruments to their social histories, including capturing and performing digital footprints and creating personalized and legacy experiences.


Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are designed to improve the care and safety of patients in hospitals. This thesis explores the promoters and barriers for CPG adherence among nurses. The research is based on a combination of a systematic literature review, qualitative research and a quantitative study. The systematic literature review included searching three data bases, namely, the British Nursing Index (BNI), Medline and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The qualitative research study included one-to-one interviews and focus groups. The quantitative study consisted of a questionnaire distributed to nurses to extend and check the findings of the qualitative studies.
The systematic literature review revealed that the attitude of doctors to any CPG is influenced most by the level of their agreement with the guideline and by its applicability in practice. The adherence of nurses to CPGs is influenced most by the support and feedback they receive and by team interactions.
A previous framework for CPG adherence by doctors has been produced by Cabana (1999) based on a literature review. This thesis extends that framework to nurses, and adapts it on the basis of my original research findings. Three principal themes emerged from the qualitative studies; namely, nurses' attitudes to CPGs, their knowledge of CPG and external factors that influence CPG adherence.
Within these, the most prominent promoters of CPG adherence were nurses' sense of their accountability, professional values and self-efficacy, as well as managerial monitoring and belief that a CPG would achieve the expected desirable outcome. The last of these depended to a large extent on nurses' trust in the credibility of the guideline authors.
The main barriers to CPG adherence were lack of knowledge about the guidelines caused by insufficient time to read them, poor presentation and inadequate dissemination of CPGs and the low priority given to training within a nurse's schedule. Other barriers included lack of staff resources to apply CPGs, the exigencies of individual patient problems and wishes, the frequent movement of nurses between specialisms and a general failure to involve nurses in drafting the guidelines. All these results were confirmed by the results of a questionnaire survey.
The revised framework presented here could help health care organisations, medical educators, policy makers and managers to develop better models for CPG development and awareness, especially among nurses, and to have a greater insight into the factors that promote or inhibit CPG adherence. Based on the framework, recommendations are made to help these groups of people, and nurses themselves, improve nurses' adherence to CPGs. These are presented below, and are found as Table 7.1 in the thesis.


ABSTRACT In this report, the fourth of our monographic series on mammalian diversity and Matses ethnomammalogy in the Yavarí-Ucayali interfluvial region of northeastern Peru, we document the occurrence of 98 species of bats, including 11 emballonurids, 2 noctilionids, 66 phyllostomids, 1 furipterid, 4 thyropterids, 7 vespertilionids, and 7 molossids. New species based on specimens collected in this region (Peropteryx pallidoptera, Micronycteris matses, Hsunycteris dashe, Sturnira giannae, and Thyroptera wynneae) have already been described elsewhere, but noteworthy distributional and taxonomic results newly reported here include the first specimen of Diclidurus isabella from Peru and the diagnosis of Glossophaga bakeri as a species distinct from G. commissarisi. Lists of examined voucher specimens, identification criteria, essential taxonomic references, and summaries of natural history observations are provided for all species. Original natural history information reported herein includes numerous observations of roosting behavior obtained by indigenous Matses collaborators. We assess the Yavarí-Ucayali bat inventory for completeness and conclude that more species remain to be discovered in the region, where as many as 116 species might be expected. Most of the "missing" species (those expected based on geographic criteria but not actually observed) are aerial insectivores, a guild that is notoriously difficult to sample by mistnetting. Of the 98 species in the observed regional fauna, only 71 are known to occur sympatrically at Jenaro Herrera, by far the best-sampled locality between the Yavarí and Ucayali rivers. Faunal comparisons with extralimital inventories (e.g., from Brazil, Ecuador, and French Guiana) suggest that frugivorous bats are substantially more speciose in western Amazonia than in eastern Amazonia, a result that is consistent with previous suggestions of an east-to-west gradient in the trophic structure of Amazonian mammal faunas. As previously reported, the Matses have only a single name for "bat," but they recognize the existence of many unnamed local species, which they distinguish on the basis of morphology and behavior. However, by contrast with the well-documented accuracy of Matses observations about primates and other game species, recorded Matses monologs about bat natural history contain numerous factual errors and ambiguities. Linguistic underdifferentiation of bat diversity and inaccurate natural history knowledge are both explained by cultural inattention to small, inedible, and inoffensive nocturnal fauna.


Emerging pathogens are a major threat to the biological safety of the world in the 21 st century. Owing to many reasons, the emergence and re-emergence of deadly pathogens have increased and posed a considerable challenge to human and animal health, alike. Various factors including ecological changes along with other specific risk factors related to the type and classification of the pathogen, route of transmission and host range are among the most commonly associated criterion for emerging and re-emerging pathogenic environments. Owing to the lack of essential in-depth knowledge, challenges remain in this domain to tackle and combat emerging pathogens. Significant research efforts, exploitations of natural resources with potent bioactivities, and development of scientific innovations along with new degrees of integration are required to tackle this challenging threat. Aiming to resolve these issues, various methodological approaches including in-vitro , in-vivo , ex-vivo, etc. have been exploited, in the past several years. Research is underway around the globe to develop or engineer bioactive materials. Among them, biomaterials-based therapeutic constructs are of supreme interests in the current biomedical sector. The following measures, i.e. (i) principle sources of emerging pathogens, (ii) linking pathogen surveillance of wild and domestic animals, (iii) public health surveillance at the national and international level, and (iv) importantly the coverage of these surveillance issues, etc. should be taken with utmost care. This will ultimately make a significant and essential contribution to the detection and control of emerging and re-emerging pathogens.


Megalin (gp330) is a multiligand receptor found on the apical surface of selected epithelial cells, including thyroid cells. We recently showed that megalin is a high-affinity receptor for thyroglobulin. Megalin is capable of inducing autoantibodies, as shown in the rat model, Heymann nephritis. Based on this consideration and on the knowledge that autoantibodies against several thyroid antigens develop in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases, we searched for antimegalin antibodies in 78 patients with autoimmune and nonautoimmune thyroid diseases. We developed an assay, based on flow cytometry, to measure binding of serum IgGs to L2 cells, a rat carcinoma cell line that expresses abundant megalin. After incubation of L2 cells with serum samples and then with fluorescein isothiocynate-conjugated antihuman IgG Fc-specific antibody, the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was determined. Using results obtained in sera from 32 normal subjects, we established a cutoff value for MFI (50.62), above which, tests were considered positive. Significantly elevated values were found in 18 patients, including 13 of 26 patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (50.0%) and in 2 of 19 patients with Graves' disease (10.5%). Furthermore, 2 of 19 patients with nontoxic goiter (10.5%) and 1 of 14 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (7.14%) had MFI values greater than 50.62, associated with the presence of circulating antithyroid autoantibodies. As a control cell line, we used Chinese hamster ovary cells, which do not express megalin. We found that, among the 18 patients with positive tests for binding to L2 cells, only 1 patient with nontoxic goiter had significant binding of serum IgGs to Chinese hamster ovary cells. Binding of serum IgGs to L2 cells was significantly reduced by coincubation with purified megalin in 15 of 18 positive patients (83.33%) and by a rabbit antimegalin antibody in 11 patients (61.11%). Further and more conclusive evidence that positive tests (MFI >50.62) for binding to L2 cells were attributable to serum antimegalin antibodies was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation experiments. After incubation of serum samples with L2 cell extracts, incubation with antihuman IgG Fc-specific agarose beads resulted in immunoprecipitation of megalin in all the 18 positive patients, but not in normal subjects, as assessed by Western blotting using a monoclonal antibody against megalin. Furthermore, the intensity of the band corresponding to megalin precipitated by serum IgGs in the above 18 patients was significantly correlated with the L2 binding MFI. This is the first clear-cut demonstration of antibodies against megalin in humans. Further studies are needed to determine whether antimegalin antibodies have pathogenic significance or diagnostic value in autoimmune thyroid diseases.


In an ideal world, administrative agencies would develop regulations in an informal rulemaking process that was transparent, efficient, and included broad input from the public, or an entity advocating for the public, as well as the regulated community. Instead, critics assert that the informal rulemaking process is opaque and is dominated by regulated entities and industry groups, rather than public interest groups. The process does not encourage a dialogue among the commenters or between the commenters and agency. Although the Administrative Procedures Act only imposes minimal public participation requirements on the informal rulemaking process, broader, more informed and more transparent public participation in rulemaking could provide significant benefits to agencies, as well as the public. Such participation is not, however, costless. Reforms are likely to make the rulemaking process more expensive and less efficient for agencies. This article examines two avenues of rulemaking reform that could yield broader, more informed and more transparent rulemaking. First, the article focuses on "e-rulemaking" efforts and the migration of the informal rulemaking process to the Internet. So far, those efforts have been slow and have provided marginal improvements in public participation. The next generation e-rulemaking proposals (Rulemaking 2.0), such as the Regulation Room Project developed by the Cornell eRulemaking Initiative with the Department of Transportation, are more ambitious, but may result in significant costs and delays in the rulemaking process if implemented on a wide scale. At the same time that agencies are implementing technological changes in the rulemaking process, a resurrected Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) has issued recommendations for structural changes to the informal rulemaking process, including encouraging agencies to provide adequate time for public comments, to post comments on the Internet in a timely manner, to use reply comment periods, where appropriate, and to provide the public with guidance regarding effective commenting. ACUS has also issued recommendations regarding e-rulemaking that are designed to reduce resource demands on agencies when adopting rules through electronic means. ACUS does not recommend any changes to the APA, though, and, on the whole, the Conference's recommendations are modest. It is likely, therefore, that the benefits that they produce will be similarly modest. More significant reforms are necessary to achieve broader, more informed and more transparent public participation, so this article also focuses on some of the other reforms that have been suggested by academics and policymakers.


This PhD investigates driver behavioural adaptation to in-vehicle navigation systems (IVNS). Behavioural adaptation is receiving an increasing amount of research attention in traffic psychology, but few studies have directly considered the concept in relation to IVNS. The thesis aims were addressed using a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

Using two online surveys, over 1300 drivers (including over 1000 IVNS users) were sampled, to identify a range of positive, neutral and negative aspects of end-user behavioural adaptation to IVNS in terms of both safety and navigational efficiency. The first survey (N=450) aimed at drivers in general, showed that IVNS users believe they commit some common driving errors (e.g. misreading signs when leaving a roundabout) significantly less frequently than ordinary drivers who do not use these systems, but that they also feel they drive without fully attending to the road ahead significantly more frequently. The second survey (N=872) was aimed at IVNS users only, and further explored distracted driving. This survey found that the majority of IVNS users have interacted with their system while driving (e.g. to enter a destination), and that some do so frequently. It also showed that system reliability is a key issue affecting most current IVNS users, revealing that some drivers have followed inaccurate as well as illegal and potentially dangerous, system-generated route guidance information in a range of different contexts.

A longitudinal diary study (N=20) then collected rich qualitative data from a sample of worker drivers who regularly used their IVNS in unfamiliar areas. The data collected illustrated the diverse contexts in which drivers experience aspects of behavioural adaptation to IVNS identified in the surveys. Both the IVNS user-survey and diary study also identified key demographic individual difference variables (most notably age and computing skill) that were associated with the extent to which driver's experienced different manifestations of behavioural adaptation to IVNS. Moreover, other individual difference variables (e.g. complacency potential, system-trust, confidence) were found to be associated with more specific behavioural adaptations.

Two simulator studies investigated system interaction while driving. The first (N=24) demonstrated the poor degree of correspondence between drivers' perceptions of driving performance when entering destinations while driving (relative to normal driving) and objective performance differences between these conditions. The second simulator study (N=24) showed that safety and training based interventions designed to reduce the extent to which drivers use IVNS while driving or to improve their performance if they do had only a modest effect on dependent measures.

This thesis represents the first attempt in the literature to bring together research from diverse areas of human factors and traffic psychology to consider behavioural adaptation to in-vehicle navigation systems. By associating a range of these issues with behavioural adaptation to IVNS, it has indirectly increased the scope of several salient, previous research findings. Moreover, by investigating many of these issues in depth, using both quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches, it has set the foundation for future work. Such work should aim to explore many of the issues raised, and develop effective remediating or mitigating intervention strategies for negative behavioural adaptations that could adversely affect driving safety, as well as to encourage and support those which may be considered more positive.


—The study of quantum cryptography is one of the great interest. A straightforward and reliable quantum experiment is provided in this paper. A half wave plate in linearly polarized light makes up a simplified polarization rotator. The polarization rotates twice as much as the half wave plate's fast axis' angle with the polarization plane when the half wave plate is rotated. Here, an experiment of message sharing is conducted to demonstrate quantum communication between parties. The unitary transformation is performed step by step using half-wave plates represented by the Mueller matrix. A simulation created using Python programming has been used to test the proposed protocol's implementation. Python was chosen because it can mathematically imitate the quantum state of superposition.


The skin, which is the largest organ of the human body, serves as a protective barrier between the internal milieu and the environment. It functions as the body's first line of defense against infection and regulates its temperature and fluid balance.
Keratinocytes are present in all the layers of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and are essentially connected to the pathophysiology of skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and play a crucial role in skin wound healing. Keratinocytes are the first cells to be in contact when exposed with external stimuli and are consequently more amenable to non-invasive treatments such as PBM using blue light. The anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of blue light are already used for different medical treatments like psoriasis, neonatal jaundice and back pain. However, little is known about the mechanisms transducing the light induced signals from target molecules over downstream processes and/or gene expression to the biological effects and therefore the aim of this project was to examine the photobiomodulary effect of blue light on the immortalized human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT in detail.

Photobiomodulation using blue light irradiation induces a biphasic dose response curve of metabolism in HaCaT cells with an increase in metabolism and proliferation for low doses and a decrease in metabolism and proliferation for higher doses in vitro. For further tests, 7.5min (10.35J/cm²) respectively 30min (41.4J/cm²) were chosen for subsequent experiments to test the blue light effect after different harvesting times in the proliferative phase respectively the anti-proliferative phase of PBM.

Gene expression evaluation of HaCaT cells after 30min (41.4J/cm²) of blue light irradiation revealed an upregulation of "AHR battery genes" leading to production of phase I and phase II enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism. One important action of this downstream process is to provide a delicate hormesis between promoting and preventing ROM-mediated oxidative stress, which is in agreement with our ROS measurements. H2O2 concentrations are increased 30min after blue light irradiation; however, already 1h after irradiation H2O2 is metabolized by the cells leading to an even lower ROS concentration. Furthermore, steroid hormone biosynthesis is activated as a downstream process of "AHR battery gene" expression already 1h after irradiation triggering anti-inflammatory responses. Additionally, inflammation is also decreased due to oxidative stress inhibited NF-κB signaling pathway and interaction with JunB. DNA replication pathway is downregulated resulting in a decrease in cell proliferation due to primary production of ROS, AHR-induced downregulation of CDKN1B and prolongation of S-phase. However, ROS concentrations are not reaching a damaging level as cell survival pathways are enhanced by crosstalk of AHR-ligand complex with EGFR. Moreover, reduction of TNF-signaling pathway and downregulation of TRADD gene expression, which are relevant for apoptotic signaling, are consistent with FACS analysis as 24h after blue light irradiation cells are not showing any sign of apoptosis. Finally, it can be concluded that gene expression after 30min (41.4J/cm²) of blue light irradiation shows a time course after blue light irradiation, with early response genes and pathways leading to the identification of AHR as a possible target for PBM with blue light via photo-oxidation of tryptophan resulting, when using this described dose, in a cell protective effect with decreased proliferation, production of steroid hormones and prevention of inflammatory responses. Moreover, the anti- proliferative effect can be prolonged by consecutive irradiations each 24h.

Photobiomodulation with 7.5min (10.35J/cm²) blue light induced a proliferation increase in HaCaT cells until at least up to 24h after irradiation, which was documented in gene expression analysis with upregulation of DNA replication pathway and genes connected to cell cycle. H2O2 concentrations were increased 30min after blue light irradiation to an even higher level than after a 30min (41.4J/cm2) blue light irradiation; however, already 1h after irradiation H2O2 was metabolized by the cells. The hypothesis was set that even though H2O2 concentrations were higher after a 7.5min (10.35J/cm²) blue light irradiation compared to 30min (41.4J/cm2) the actual oxidative stress was lower. This was explained with the triphasic ROS production-curve induced by PBM described by Huang et al. 2011 and could be linked to gene expression analysis results, where for example oxidative stress dependent Nrf2 transcribed genes were not deregulated. It was not only shown that ROS production was not damaging the cells but even that cell survival pathways were enhanced by crosstalk of EGFR with the AHR-ligand complex. Furthermore, apoptotic signaling was downregulated as TRADD gene expression and TNF-signaling pathway were reduced. Comparable with 30min (41.4J/cm²) blue light irradiation, gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation of "AHR battery genes" after 7.5min (10.35J/cm²) blue light leading to production of phase I and phase II enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis as a downstream process of "AHR battery gene" expression. However, deregulation of genes and pathways occurred to a smaller extent. Finally, it can be concluded that PBM with blue light, when using 7.5min (10.35J/cm²), activates AHR and results in a cell protective effect with increased proliferation, production of steroid hormones and induction of cell survival pathways. Furthermore, it is suggested not to use consecutive irradiations each 24h if a proliferative effect is desired.


Smart mobile and wearable technology offers exciting opportunities to support people with dementia (PwD). Its ubiquity and popularity could even benefit user adoption – a great challenge for assistive technology (AT) for PwD that calls for user-centred design (UCD) methods. This study describes a user-centred approach to developing and testing AT based on off-the-shelf pervasive technologies. A prototype is created by combining a smartphone, smartwatch and various applications to offer six support features. This is tested among five end-users (PwD) and their caregivers. Controlled usability testing was followed by field testing in a real-world context. Data is gathered from video recordings, interaction logs, system usability scale questionnaires, logbooks, application usage logs and interviews structured on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model. The data is analysed to evaluate usability, usefulness and user acceptance. Results show some promise for user adoption, but highlight challenges to be overcome, emphasising personalisation and familiarity as key considerations. The complete findings regarding usability issues, usefulness of support features and four identified adoption profiles are used to provide a set of recommendations for practitioners and further research. These contribute toward UCD practices for improved smart, pervasive AT for dementia.


The purpose of the present study was to determine olfactory detection thresholds in human subjects for a set of six sulfur-containing odorants which are known to be components of mammalian predator odors. Using a threealternative ascending staircase procedure, the olfactory sensitivity of 12 healthy adult human subjects, 6 males and 6 females was assessed with 2-propylthietane, 2,2-dimethylthietane, 3-mercapto-3-methylbutan-1-ol, 3-mercapto-3- methylbutyl formate, 3-methyl-1-butanethiol, and methyl-2-phenylethyl sulfide. The results showed that A) all six predator odorants were detected at concentrations below 1 ppb (parts per billion), and one of them (3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl formate) even at a concentration below 1 ppt (parts per trillion), B) structurally similar odorants yielded significantly different threshold values, and C) no significant sex differences were found in olfactory sensitivity with any of the six odorants. The findings obtained from the present study show that human subjects were not generally less sensitive to the predator odorants tested here compared to spider monkeys despite having a markedly lower number of olfactory receptor types. Further, they suggest that humans may be more sensitive to predator odorants compared to a variety of non-predator odorants. One possible explanation for the high olfactory sensitivity observed here is the fact that sulfur compounds typically can be detected at low concentrations. An alternative explanation derives from an evolutionary perspective as our human ancestors were a potential prey of large carnivores and thus a high olfactory sensitivity for predator odors should be adaptive for humans.


This paper examines gender differences in responses to different aspects of students' housing in two identical single-sex halls of residence in a Nigerian university. A questionnaire survey was used to elicit data from 150 students about their attitudes towards their accommodation, the design, social densities, choices and preferences, use of facilities and coping strategies. Gender differences were found to be most significant with respect to the use of domestic facilities, social densities, and design issues. The paper confirms previous studies about gender differences, identifies directions for future research and discusses the implications for the design of students' residence halls.
Keywords: Students' housing; Gender; Crowding, Behavior, Halls of Residence, Attitudes.
© 2017. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.


Prior to updating global influenza-associated mortality estimates, the World Health Organization convened a consultation in July 2017 to understand differences in methodology and implications on results of three influenza mortality projects from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Netherlands Institute for Health Service Research (GLaMOR), and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). The expert panel reviewed estimates and discussed differences in data sources, analysis, and modeling assumptions. We performed a comparison analysis of the estimates. Influenza-associated respiratory death counts were comparable between CDC and GLaMOR; IHME estimate was considerably lower. The greatest country-specific influenza-associated mortality rate fold differences between CDC/IHME and between GLaMOR/IHME estimates were among countries in South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean region. The data envelope used for the calculation was one of the major differences (CDC and GLaMOR: all respiratory deaths; IHME: low respiratory infection deaths). With the assumption that there is only one cause of death for each death, IHME estimates a fraction of the full influenza-associated respiratory mortality that is measured by the other two groups. Wide variability of parameters was observed. Continued coordination between groups could assist with better understanding of methodological differences and new approaches to estimating influenza deaths globally.


Subject-field classification systems are implemented in every major termbank to facilitate the internal management of terminographic work, and this study begins with an account of how the DANTERM subject-field classification system was selected to meet such needs in the bilingual Irish-English termbank focal.ie. Little is known, however, about how subject-field labels and other metadata are actually used by users of termbanks. The current study thus also sets out to investigate users' beliefs and opinions about how the presentation of metadata, and especially subject-field labels, affects user behaviour and success in the context of English-Irish translation, including use of the bilingual Irish-English termbank focal.ie. Users' opinions and beliefs are investigated in a series of five focus groups involving nineteen users of focal.ie. Actual use of the termbank is subsequently observed in a contextual inquiry, involving observation of and interviews with nine professional translators in their workplaces. Findings from the focus groups suggest that users believe that 'no information is too much information' and they prefer collapsible items to be revealed rather than concealed by default. Although all metadata is considered useful, metadata items that put terms into context (examples of usage, related terms) are considered most useful. The contextual inquiry interviews and observation on the other hand suggest that translators work at speeds that mean that they cannot scrutinise metadata in great detail, but that their use of terminological resources is guided by the overarching theme of trust. Translators' trust in the data and metadata, in the source of the metadata (creator of the metadata), in their client/employer and in themselves had more of a bearing on how they used the metadata than did the amount or the presentation of the metadata.


While foundation species can stabilize ecosystems at landscape scales, their ability to persist is often underlain by keystone interactions occurring at smaller scales. Acacia drepanolobium is a foundation tree, comprising >95% of woody cover in East African black-cotton savanna ecosystems. Its dominance is underlain by a keystone mutualistic interaction with several symbiotic ant species in which it provides housing (swollen thorns) and carbohydrate-rich nectar from extra-floral nectaries (EFN). In return, it gains protection from catastrophic damage from mega-herbivores. Crematogaster mimosae is the ecologically dominant symbiotic ant in this system, also providing the highest protection services. In addition to tending EFN, C. mimosae tend scale insects for carbohydrate-rich honeydew. We investigated the role of scale insects in this specialized ant-plant interaction. Specifically, does this putatively redundant third partner strengthen the ant-plant mutualism by making the ant a better protector of the tree? Or does it weaken the mutualism by being costly to the tree while providing no additional benefit to the ant-plant mutualism? We coupled observational surveys with two scale-manipulation experiments and found evidence that this third partner strengthens the ant-plant mutualism. Trees with scale insects experimentally removed experienced a 2.5X increase in elephant damage compared to trees with scale insects present over 10 months. Reduced protection was driven by scale removal causing a decrease in ant colony size and per capita baseline activity and defensive behavior. We also found that ants increased scale-tending and the density of scale insects on trees when EFN were experimentally reduced. Thus, in this system, scale insects and EFN are likely complementary, rather than redundant, resources with scale insects benefitting ants when EFN production is low (such as during annual dry periods in this semi-arid ecosystem). This study reveals that a third-partner strengthens an ant-plant mutualism that serves to stabilize a whole ecosystem.

publisher-specific, author manuscript: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#am


The purpose of this study was to understand if selected leadership pedagogy (hands on activities) utilized in an organizational behavior classroom contributed to the development of workplace readiness skills. Since successful organizational behavior classes and hands on learning can lead to successful graduates, the importance of leadership pedagogy emerges. In the case here, the participants in one organizational behavior class were followed through a single semester providing feedback to the instructors on the perceived effectiveness of the participatory activities. The researchers found that, in this case, the students shared mixed reactions to the activities, but were able to share positive impacts and gains they felt they received from participating in those activities. Readiness skills were developed, however recommendations for further research and practice are included.


Today, with the advancement of technology, the interest in wireless sensor networks has increased. The main purpose of these networks is to gather information about the events around them. These networks work as nodes collect the necessary information and then send them to the recipient. These networks, each with more than one sensor, are used in many areas including health, agriculture, security, military and automation applications. The biggest problems of these networks are the energy consumption of the nodes. There are many studies to improve the performance of sensor networks which are considered as one of the current scientific subjects. These studies are mainly aimed at increasing and improving the information dissemination efficiency of networks. Low power batteries are used in the nodes. This will cause premature failure of the node as the energy consumption increases. One of the methods used to reduce energy consumption in wireless sensor networks and extend the life of the node is transmission power control. In order to increase the energy efficiency of the network, various improvements were made on the 6TiSCH protocol developed by IETF and the life cycle of the nodes was extended. In this study, a new simulation module has been proposed to control energy consumption. For the application of the proposed module, Contiki OS COOJA emulator was used. With the battery module developed as a result of the work, energy savings of %20 -25 have been achieved.


We propose a dynamic factor model with time-varying uncertainty for the joint estimation of inflation expectations in the United States and the euro area. We exploit information in several U.S. and euro area surveys of professional forecasters to fit the first two moments of future inflation rates. Our model provides closed-form solutions for conditional expectations and variances of inflation at different horizons and is able to closely match their survey-based counterparts. Survey-consistent probabilities of future inflation falling within a given range of inflation outcomes are used to evaluate whether inflation expectations are anchored. We find that since 2010 inflation expectations decreased noticeably in both economies, and that over our sample period the U.S. displayed larger inflation uncertainty relative to the euro area. The correlation between future inflation rates in the two economies increased. This correlation and probability of deflation occurring jointly in both economies are related to economic policy uncertainty indices. JEL codes: E31, E44, G15


Twenty or more normal subjects (half of whom were males) in each decade of life from age 20 to 80 years were included in the study. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured with the subjects on a normal sodium diet and after sodium restriction and standing. Aldosterone and sodium excretion rate was measured on unrestricted sodium intake and on day 3 of sodium restriction. Plasma renin activity was quantitated by both bioassay and radioimmunoassay of angiotensin-I. Plasma renin activity under both test conditions declined with increasing age, especially those over 40. Values of those in the seventh decade averaged 60 per cent of the value of that of the younger age group. Response of renin activity to sodium restriction and standing was 73 per cent of that of the younger age group. Older females tended to be less responsive to sodium restriction and standing. Aldosterone excretion rate declined with increasing age so that by the seventh decade the values averaged 55 per cent of those in the second decade of life. Aldosterone excretion rate in response to sodium restriction also declined with increasing age, particularly above the fourth decade, so that the values on day 3 of sodium restriction in the older subjects averaged 33 per cent of that of the subjects in the second decade of life. Renin substrate did not decline with increasing age. The decline in renin activity and aldosterone values in the older subjects appeared to be due to factors other than sodium or potassium intake.


The general trend in oil and gas industry gives a clear direction towards the need for high strength grades up to X100. The exploration in extreme regions and under severe conditions, e.g. in ultra deep water regions also considering High Temperature/High Pressure Fields or arctic areas, becomes more and more important with respect to the still growing demand of the world for natural resources. Further, the application of high strength materials enables the possibility of structure weight reduction which benefits to materials and cost reduction and increase of efficiency in the pipe line installation process.To address these topics, the development of such high strength steel grades with optimum combination of high tensile properties, excellent toughness properties and sour service resistivity for seamless quenched and tempered pipes are in the focus of the materials development and improvement of Vallourec.This paper will present the efforts put into the materials development for line pipe applications up to grade X100 for seamless pipes manufactured by Pilger Mill. The steel concept developed by Vallourec over the last years [1,2] was modified and adapted according to the technical requirements of the Pilger rolling process. Pipes with OD≥20″ and wall thickness up to 30 mm were rolled and subsequent quenched and tempered. The supportive application of thermodynamic and kinetic simulation techniques as additional tool for the material development was used. Results of mechanical characterization by tensile and toughness testing, as well as microstructure examination by light-optical microscopy will be shown. Advanced investigation techniques as scanning electron microcopy and electron backscatter diffraction are applied to characterize the pipe material up to the crystallographic level. The presented results will demonstrate not only the effect of a well-balanced alloying concept appointing micro-alloying, but also the high sophisticated and precise thermal treatment of these pipe products.The presented alloying concept enables the production grade X90 to X100 with wall thickness up to 30 mm and is further extending the product portfolio of Vallourec for riser systems for deepwater and ultra-deep water application [1, 3, 4].Copyright © 2014 by ASME


haemolysis) when used for ductal stones compared with its use for gall bladder stones.5 However, Takacs et al 3 used MTBE in much lower concentrations and reported only mild toxic side effects. Furthermore, there are two important caveats concerning the efficacy of topical dissolution therapy for bile duct stones. Firstly, infusion of any solvent into the bile duct may result in clearance of stones by its mechanical effect; stones are flushed from the bile duct into the duodenum. This is true especially for those cases in which a sphincterotomy has been performed. Stone clearance may therefore result from spontaneous migration of stones or mechanical effect of infusion of solvents, or both, instead of true chemical dissolution. Secondly, fragmentation of bile duct stones (as reported in 50% of patients treated by Takacs et al 3) may also result from frictional forces between stones and the nasobiliary catheter as reported after treatment of bile duct stones with biliary endoprostheses.6 We feel that the use of topical dissolution therapy for bile duct stones should be limited to expert centres and to those patients in whom endoscopy and surgery are unsuccessful or contraindicated and in whom longterm endoscopic stenting is considered inappropriate.7 In these selected cases the use ofDMSO in combination with other solvents like MTBE may be considered.