Short peptide sequences typically lack well-defined structure when removed from the context of a larger protein. In order to constrain peptides into well-defined structures, nature often relies on the formation of disulfides between cysteine residues. Chemists have leveraged alternative chemoselective reactions to constrain peptides into defined folded conformations. Chemoselective cyclization strategies typically require extensive synthetic manipulation or the use of conditions which are incompatible with biological systems.

This work encompasses the development of alternative peptide cyclization strategies that can be utilized under conditions compatible with biological systems. The strategies we have focused on offer the possibility of implementing cross-linking in a dynamic and reversible manner in aqueous solutions. We have chosen to take advantage of the bioorthogonal and reversible nature of Schiff base formation in the development of bioorthogonal and dynamic side chain cross-linking.

We have demonstrated that an oxime formed by a cyclization reaction between aminooxy- and aldehyde-functionalized side chains in peptide sequences proceeds rapidly and in high yield. These cross-links have been shown to affect peptide folding and are capable of dynamic covalent exchange. Oxime cross-links have been shown to stabilize a model protein-protein interaction, with a dependence upon the sequence context and structure of the cross-link formed. Analysis of a high-resolution structure of the cross-linked oligomer demonstrates that the oxime side chain cross-link is well accommodated into an α-helical fold. We have also demonstrated that the product distribution of a cross-linking reaction in which multiple cross-linked regioisomers can be generated is dependent upon the folded state of the peptide at the time of cross-link formation.

An alternative strategy which employs the use of an intermolecular cyclization between a bifunctionalized peptide and dialdehyde functionalized small molecules has also been explored. The intermolecular cyclization strategy has been shown to affect peptide folded structure and be capable of dynamic covalent exchange. Intermolecular cyclization offers a generally applicable and convergent manner to synthesize multiple cross-linked species in a combinatorial manner. This strategy has then been employed to template formation of different cross-linked structures based on the presence of an expressed protein receptor.


Background Four part fractures of the proximal humerus represent approximately 5% of all proximal humeral fractures. Treatment options for these displaced fractures include nonoperative treatment, open reduction and internal fixation, and arthroplasty. Presently, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal management strategy for this complex injury. Objective To determine the effect of alternate devices in the management of four part proximal humerus fractures in patients on the risks of reoperation, need for implant removal at 1 year, and pain.


Three-dimensional (3D) ZnO nanorod networks were synthesized through the direct evaporation of metal zinc with high purity via a chymical evaporation deposition (CVD) method in Ar and O2 at 910 °C without any catalyst. The nanorod networks of as-synthesized ZnO were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The branches within one network show very regular orientation relationships: either perpendicular or parallel to each other. The nanorods follow a growth direction [0001]. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were measured at room temperature and showed the different PL features of other nanostructures. Two typical emission peaks at -401 nm and at 452-495 nm were observed. Specially, the emission peak at 452-495 nm includes four subordinate peaks.


Updated information and services can be found at: (4217 articles) Neoplasia (3667 articles) Clinical Trials and Observations Articles on similar topics can be found in the following Blood collections


This paper attempts to ascertain the requirements (in terms of ownership of factors of production) for successful adaptation to the Green Revolution in Indian agriculture. We estimate stochastic production frontiers for wheat in two Indian states: Haryana (which has been significantly affected by the Green Revolution) and Madhya Pradesh (where the Green Revolution has had much less effect). In Haryana, but not in Madhya Pradesh, larger farm size and ownership of land and machines positively influence technical efficiency. Thus, with the Green Revolution advancing, land consolidation and vesting of clear ownership rights of land and capital with farmers becomes important.


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hyperattenuated cerebral areas on postinterventional CT are a common finding after endovascular stroke treatment. There is uncertainty about the extent to which these hyperattenuated areas correspond to hemorrhage or contrast agent that extravasated into infarcted parenchyma during angiography. We evaluated whether it is possible to distinguish contrast extravasation from blood on MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the influence of iodinated contrast agents on T1, T2, and T2* and magnetic susceptibility in a phantom model and an ex vivo animal model. We determined T1, T2, and T2* relaxation times and magnetic susceptibility of iopamidol and iopromide in dilutions of 1:1; 1:2; 1:4; 1:10; and 1:100 with physiologic saline solution. We then examined the appearance of intracerebral iopamidol on MR imaging in an ex vivo animal model. To this end, we injected iopamidol into the brain of a deceased swine. RESULTS: Iopamidol and iopromide cause a negative susceptibility shift and T1, T2, and T2* shortening. The effects, however, become very small in dilutions of 1:10 and higher. Undiluted iopamidol, injected directly into the brain parenchyma, did not cause visually distinctive signal changes on T1-weighted spin-echo, T2-weighted turbo spin-echo, and T2*-weighted gradient recalled-echo imaging. CONCLUSIONS: It is unlikely that iodinated contrast agents extravasated into infarcted brain parenchyma cause signal changes that mimic hemorrhage on T1WI, T2WI, and T2*WI. Our results imply that extravasated contrast agents can be distinguished from hemorrhage on MR imaging.


The behaviour of systems on chip (SOC) is complex because they contain multiple processors that interact through concurrent interconnects, such as networks on chip (NOC). Debugging such SOCs is hard. Based on a classification of debug scope and granularity, we propose that debugging should be communication-centric and based on transactions. Communication-centric debug focuses on the communication and the synchronisation between the IP blocks, which are implemented by the interconnect using transactions. We define and implement a modular debug architecture, based on NOC, monitors, and a dedicated high-speed event-distribution broadcast interconnect. The manufacturing-test scan chains and IEEE1149.1 test access ports (TAP) are re-used for configuration and debug data read-out. Our debug architecture requires only small changes to the functional architecture. The additional area cost is limited to the monitors and the event distribution interconnect, which are 4.5% of the NOC area, or less than 0.2% of the SOC area. The debug architecture runs at NOC functional speed and reacts very quickly to debug events to stop the SOC close in time to the condition that raised the event. The speed at which data is retrieved from the SOC after stopping using the TAP is 10 MHz. We prove our concepts and architecture with a gate-level implementation that includes the NOC, event distribution interconnect, and clock, reset, and TAP controllers. We include gate-level signal traces illustrating debug at message and transaction levels


A whistler wave is a Very Low frequency (VLF) trace that obtains its characteristics from dispersive propagation in the magnetosphere. Field-aligned ducts of enhanced plasma density ensure the propagation from one hemisphere to the other. The origin of these signals is lightning strikes that emit radiation which spans the entire spectrum with the bulk being in the VLF band. The VLF portion can travel great distances within the Earth-ionosphere waveguide (EIWG) before penetrating through the ionosphere, and exciting a duct. The relative location, compared to the duct, of those strikes that cause whistlers is unknown. It is of interest to examine where the whistlers that have been observed at Tihany, Hungary, and Dunedin, Nerv Zealand, originate. This is one tool to gain further understanding of the properties, especially the plasma density structure, of the ionosphere and the magnetosphere. Therefore time series with observed whistlers from these stations has been correlated with lightning data obtained from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN). The results show that whistlers observed at Tihany mainly originate from lightning in an area surrounding the magnetic conjugate point which is situated in the ocean just off East London, South Africa. This area, called the source region, has a radius slightly less than 1000 km. Whistlers also originate from lightning activity over the rest of Southern Africa and the northern parts of South America. A clear diurnal distinction is seen in that the correlation is maximized when the whistler station and the source region are covered in darkness. This is believed to relate to the diurnal variation of the ionospheric profile, which becomes more transparent to VLF waves at night. A similar diurnal correlation pattern for Dunedin was also obtained. The general correlation results for Dunedin were very sporadic. Whistler statistics for the two stations and lightning statistics for the Tihany's magnetic conjugate point are also presented. It reveals a general diurnal maximum in received whistlers in dark hours for Tihany with absolute maximum at 1 UTC and for Dunedin, the maximum occurs in the afternoon with absolute maximum at 15 UTC. It also reveals a seasonal maximum when the conjugate point is in the summer season. The lightning statistics for Tihany's magnetic conjugate point reveals a diurnal maximurn ranging from the afternoon until a couple of hour after midnight. Something worth noting is the delay between the peaks of lightning activity and whistler registration at Tihany. The lightning activity peaks around 18 UTC. The explanation is once again believed to relate to the behavior of the ionosphere in darkness.


To understand adoption process and its relevant factors influencing this research model will integrate model that uses T-O-E approach (technology, organization, and environment) by Tornatzky and Fleisher (1990) and orientation process approach by Soh and Markus (1995). Survey method is applied in this research. The population is the entire SME (small medium enterprises) in Yogyakarta City, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The sample quantity is 108 SME. The technique of sample drawing used is method of proportional area sampling. This research applies statistical technique of Partial Least Square (PLS). The conclusion of all the hypothesis proposed are; (1) there is positive influence of technology competence on IT usage, (2) there is positive influence of government policies on IT usage, (3) there is positive influence of government policies on technology competence, (4) there is positive influence of IT usage on IT value, and (5) there is positive influence of IT usage on E-readines to use.


The quaternary structure of keratins contains a definite amount (to 40%) of protein-subunits with higher content of sulphur composing cystine, cysteine and other derivatives of these amino acids. These proteins are characterized by low molecular weight (to 30 kDa), significant heterogeneity and disordered, most probably, globular ternary structure in a free state. Being a constituent of the amorphous part of keratin (the so-called "matrix") and forming numerous intra- and intermolecular disulphide links, they stabilize the quaternary structure and promote resistance of keratins in solution and action of proteolytic enzymes.


Until recently in South Korea, the central dilemma facing children with ageing parents was how and by whom their parents should be cared for. In accordance with the norm of filial piety, the eldest son used to take responsibility. However, with the recent proliferation of long-term care hospitals, this arrangement is changing. These institutions, which play the combined role of rehabilitative hospital, long-term care centre, and nursing home, admit elderly people who do not require active medical intervention. The government's promotion of these hospitals, centred on deregulation, ambiguity around their function, and the lack of alternative care facilities, has led to an expansion of the sector and consequently to the 'nursing hom(e)fication' of many of these institutions. While these hospitals ease the pressures associated with an ageing population, their mainstreaming has had an impact on healthcare, medicine, and the lives of elderly people. The hospital field has become commercialised, medical practice is being transformed, and the dignity of elderly people is being lost through hospitalisation. In this new care regime, filial piety itself is undergoing transformation—from an ideology underpinning the domestication of care, to the market idiom of service compliance. In this article, I introduce these hospitals and investigate how their growth has brought about a Korean style of elderly care commodification, revealing the undercurrents of healthcare privatisation and the neoliberalisation of welfare.


As conductors in electronic applications shrink, microscopic conduction processes lead to strong deviations from Ohm's law. Depending on the length scales of momentum conserving (lMC) and relaxing (lMR) electron scattering, and the device size (d), current flows may shift from ohmic to ballistic to hydrodynamic regimes and more exotic mixtures thereof. So far, an in situ, in-operando methodology to obtain these parameters self-consistently within a micro/nanodevice, and thereby identify its conduction regime, is critically lacking. In this context, we exploit Sondheimer oscillations, semi-classical magnetoresistance oscillations due to helical electronic motion, as a method to obtain lMR in micro-devices even when lMR>>d. This gives information on the bulk lMR complementary to quantum oscillations, which are sensitive to all scattering processes. We extract lMR from the Sondheimer amplitude in the topological semi-metal WP2, at elevated temperatures up to T~50 K, in a range most relevant for hydrodynamic transport phenomena. Our data on μm-sized devices are in excellent agreement with experimental reports of the large bulk lMR and thus confirm that WP2 can be microfabricated without degradation. Indeed, the measured scattering rates match well with those of theoretically predicted electron-phonon scattering, thus supporting the notion of strong momentum exchange between electrons and phonons in WP2 at these temperatures. These results conclusively establish Sondheimer oscillations as a quantitative probe of lMR in micro-devices in studying non-ohmic electron flow.


Drought has hit the African plains, wiping out all vegetation except for one lush fruit tree. A vigilant python encircles its trunk, permitting a taste of the fruit only to those who know the tree's name. Hungry and desperate, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Monkey, and Tortoise decide to seek the answer from the king of the jungle. One by one they journey to the lion, learn the name of the tree, and promptly forget it as they travel home. All that is, except Tortoise, who makes up a clever rhyme to remember "Bojabi." Ideal for storytimes, this African folktale (with source note) makes effective use of repetition and invites melody to engage listeners. Grobler's line and watercolor illustrations employ slender, edgy lines that give the animals a sophisticated goofiness, while the subtle earth-toned palette, mostly spots and planes against the white background, is enlivened by amusing detail and the injection of text into the art. Simple and celebratory, this story will fare especially well among a group who loves proving all they can remember. AA


In previous studies employing interferons (IFNs) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, there have been few reliable predictors of sustained responses. We retrospectively evaluated the predictive value of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA measurements in the first few months during consensus interferon (CIFN) treatment using a sensitive reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay to determine sustained responses. Data from two large treatment trials, one of IFN‐naive patients and one of retreated relapsers and nonresponders, were used, including serum samples at 2‐week intervals in the naive study and 8‐week intervals in the retreatment study. Patients received initial CIFN (9 μg) treatment for 6 months and were assessed 6 months after treatment. There were 28 sustained viral responders of 232 CIFN‐treated patients. Of the sustained responders, 48% had already cleared HCV RNA from serum (<100 copies/mL) by week 2, 78% by week 4, 81% by week 6, and 96% by week 12. Patients with early HCV‐RNA clearance were more likely to have sustained responses than those who responded later. Early clearance of HCV from serum was also associated with greater likelihood of a sustained response to 48 weeks of retreatment with 15 μg CIFN. Ninety‐five percent of the sustained responders were HCV‐RNA–negative by week 8 of retreatment. Early assessment of HCV RNA may help in the prediction of sustained responses to IFN and allow the value of continued treatment to be determined early in the course of IFN therapy.


BACKGROUND
Aeromedical transport in northern areas may be associated with hypothermia. The objective of this study was to determine whether significant hypothermia (core temperature <35 masculineC) occurs in severely injured or ill intubated patients during transport by rotary wing aircraft.

METHODS
In this prospective cohort study, all intubated patients over 16 years of age who were transported by rotary wing aircraft from rural hospitals or trauma scenes in northern Alberta to regional hospitals in Edmonton were eligible for study. Esophageal thermometers were used to measure core temperature at 10-minute intervals during transport.

RESULTS
Of 133 potentially eligible patients, 116 were enrolled; 69 (59%) had esophageal thermometers inserted, and 47 (41%) had other temperature measurements. Severe hypothermia occurred in only 1% to 2% of cases, but 28% to 39% of patients met criteria for mild hypothermia prior to transport. Core temperatures did not fall during transport, despite the fact that warming techniques were documented in only 38% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS
During brief (<225 km) rotary wing aeromedical transport of severely injured or ill patients, significant hypothermia is uncommon and body temperature is generally well maintained with the use of simple passive measures. These findings do not justify recommendations for more aggressive core temperature monitoring during this type of aeromedical transport.


Incidental findings are an important topic in diagnostic imaging. Because of the comprehensive nature of computed tomography (CT) scanning, incidental findings are seemingly found on almost every CT scan performed for a wide variety of reasons in a radiology department. Many of these incidental findings such as a liver cyst are benign and immediately dismissed. Other findings require more extensive interpretation and management. In regard to coronary CT angiography (CCTA), a similar problem exists. Even though we have a primary interest in the heart, the CT scanner delivers radiation to all tissues of the chest such as the bones, lung parenchyma, and breast tissue. Extracardiac findings are reported to occur in 15% to 67% of CCTA examinations,1 and the vast majority (≈80%) represent pulmonary nodules.

Article see p 668

For diagnostic radiologists, evaluation of all tissues in the x-ray path has long been the standard of care. If an x-ray of the shoulder includes the lateral lung fields, the diagnostic radiologist evaluates that portion of the lung for an infiltrate or lung mass. Similarly, for CT scanning, if the primary request is to evaluate for pulmonary embolus (pulmonary arteries) or lymphadenopathy (mediastinum), we also expect the radiologist to evaluate all tissues that are exposed to the x-ray beam, including the lungs.

Cardiologists who interpret CCTA examinations may not have training that allows diagnostic evaluation of all tissues within the field of view of the x-ray beam. This results in 2 different strategies to deal with extracardiac tissues beyond the coronary arteries:

1. The CCTA images can undergo a separate evaluation by a radiologist for interpretation of extracardiac tissues. This approach requires additional time and effort that may not be fully reimbursed. Some office-based practices may not have radiology expertise available. A potential solution is to acquire sufficient training to allow …


We conducted over a decade of research into individual eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis; hemlock) trees that are potentially resistant to hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae; HWA), an invasive xylem-feeding insect that is capable of rapidly killing even mature trees. Following clonal propagation of these individuals, in 2015 we planted sizeand age-matched HWA-resistant and HWA-susceptible hemlocks in HWA-infested forest plots in seven states. In 2019, we re-surveyed the plots; 96% of HWA-resistant hemlocks survived compared to 48% of susceptible trees. The surviving HWA-resistant trees were also taller, produced more lateral growth, retained more foliage, and supported lower densities of the elongate hemlock scale Fiorinia externa, another invasive hemlock pest, than the surviving HWA-susceptible trees. Our results suggest that HWA management may benefit from additional research exploring the identification, characterization, and use of HWA-resistant eastern hemlocks in future reforestation efforts.


This study investigates the newspaper coverage of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria, with a view to identifying the patterns of frames in the stories published. A total of 120 editions of four selected newspapers were analyzed. Findings show that The Nation newspaper published more than other titles - Daily Trust, The Guardian and ThisDay - across all genres. Straight news was predominant. The ineffective response of the government, in terms of its uncompromising behavior and inability to contain the insurgency, was widely reported. Findings also show that the newspapers dwelt so much inflammatorily on the impact of attacks by the sect and de-emphasized messages that could help end the violence. Nigerian newspapers should do more in terms of investigating and interpreting issues in a crisis instead of straight news reporting that lacks control. If they agree with this recommendation, framing patterns that bring solution to the problem, rather than stoke it, become easier to create.


The present paper is the continuation of a research conducted on hemming operations by using rolling tools. Sheet hemming is a joining operation widely used in automotive industry when it is necessary to join two sheet parts (such as the engine hood or the door panels with their internal frame) by plastic deformation of the edge of the outer part. The whole process is characterised by a 90° sheet flanging, a pre-hemming (up to approximately 135°) and the final hemming where the outer sheet edge is bended up to 180° clamping the inner sheet. Hemming processes are normally performed using rigid dies in series production and manually in pre-series and small batch production, due to the high cost of the dies. Nowadays, rollers moved by robots are becoming an interesting alternative to the manual operations especially when flexible productions are required. Even if the process time is higher, this solution can help in minimizing set-up times and costs. The required equipments are a support and a blocking system for the sheets together with the rollers mounted on a CNC machine or on a robot. The production flexibility is guaranteed by changing the 3D tool path using a CAD/CAM system. Authors are dealing with this technique having conducted many experiments studying the influence of the hemming process parameters such as flange geometry (edge height, fillet radius), distance of the inner panel from the flange, tool path sequence, along straight paths on steel sheets. The goal of the present research is to study the material behaviour and the produced parts quality when working on aluminium sheets. In particular, both experimental tests and simulations will be carried out in order to optimize the process.


A liquid biased, liquid crystal, infrared radiation detector has been devised for the purpose of determining the time integrated output spectrum and power spatial distribution of infrared radiation. The device has been specifically used to measure the spectrum and spaital power distribution of the output of a quasi-cw carbon monoxide gas laser. The detector recording medium is composed of thin mylar coated with temperature sensitive, encapsulated, cholesteric, liquid crystals and energy absorbing black paint. A uniform spatial color distribution of the liquid crystals is established and maintained by immersion in a controlled temperature liquid bath. The resulting uniform color distribution is modified, at various spatial points, by the addition of laser energy obtained either indirectly from the laser output coupler to yield the spatial dependence of the near or far field laser output or from a spectrometer output to yield the spectrum of the laser output. The addition of less than 15 mJ/cm2 of incident energy is adequate to modify the color distribution. The uniformity and precise control of the liquid crystal temperature and hence color, by the use of a liquid bath, makes it possible to compare colors, and hence laser output powers, at various spatial points. This permits the mapping of the laser near field output spatial distribution and the distribution of the laser spectrum with greater sensitivity than has been possible with more conventional tech, niques. Results showing the near field energy distribution and output spectrum of a supersonic flow, electric discharge CO laser obtained using the detection technique will be presented.


A one hour presentation was developed to get elementary school students interested in engineering. The presentation begins with the students building a six feet long, structurally sound bridge which they can crawl across. A pictorial presentation helps them learn to identify some of the different types of bridges: truss, stone arch, steel arch, concrete girder, cable‐stayed, and suspension. They are introduced to the fundamental engineering concepts of tension and compression. These concepts are reinforced by demonstrating that if a tension member is replaced with a chain then the bridge is still strong, but if a compression member is replaced with a chain the bridge will collapse. The presentation was integrated into the engineering curriculum by having senior design groups develop new bridge concepts and introduce new ideas into the presentation. This project provides a good senior design problem and helps keep the program fresh and interesting for the grade school children.


Humans have the cognitive abilities to implement the revenge and forgiveness systems hypothesized by McCullough et al., but the evidence suggests that simpler processes may underlie most revenge cases in humans and other animals. The mediating role of emotions can be at the basis of the flexibility needed in the hypothesized systems and the associated assessment of social relationships.


There are wide individual differences in the characteristic intensity of affective response to the same emotion-evoking event. The processes whereby individuals come to experience strong or mild emotional responses when exposed to the same affect-provoking stimuli are still unclear. In these studies, we propose that individual differences in affect intensity are associated with certain cognitive operations used during exposure to emotion-relevant stimuli. Specifically, cognitive operations that involve personalizing, generalizing, and selective abstraction were hypothesized to discriminate subjects high and low in affect intensity. Two studies replicated support for the hypothesis that subjects high on the affect-intensity dimension engage in more personalizing/empathic and more generalizing/elaborative cognitive operations than do subjects low on the affect-intensity dimension. The same cognitive operations discriminated groups high and low in affect intensity in response to both positive and negative emotional stimuli. Also, the cognitions that discriminated subjects high and low in affect intensity occurred only in response to affective stimuli; neutral stimuli did not evoke divergent cognitive operations for these two groups. Finally, a high degree of consistency was found in the use of emotion-relevant cognitive operations across positive and negative affective stimuli.


Focuses of this research is quality education at elementary school in Surabaya City. Influence  teacher's income (salary, subsidies and honorarium) for teacher's performance to quality education at elementary school in Surabaya City. Or in other words, the influence of teacher's salary to teacher's performance, subsdies to teacher's performance, honorarium to teacher's performance and teacher's salary to education quality, subsidy to education quality, honorarium to education quality. Also the influence of teacher's performance to quality education. The population are the teacher of elemantry school in Surabaya City, the which have totally of 945 school and 12.492 teacher's. Research sample  about 372 teacher's by using stratified cluster sampling technique. Technical analysis of data use SEM (Structural Equation Modelling) with the program AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structure) Version 4.01.Applying structural equation modelling analysis, the research findings that the intensive as follow. First, salaries conducted by the government's salary and Institution's salary influenced to teacher's performance and also influenced to quality education at elementary school. Second, subsidies conducted by the government in the forms of subsidies from center government, subsidies of regional subsidies from government and school committees are influenced to teacher's performance and also influenced to education quality. Third, teacher's honorarium with indicator activates incidental, extracurricular activates and activates learn. Influence to teacher's performance but do not influence to education quality. Fourth, teacher's performance indicators with skill, attitude, knowledge and emotional intelligence influenced to education quality indicator value with quality and quantity of study.Based on the finding, that for grow-up of quality education at elementary school from 4 factors most need is teacher's performances grow up just for the teacher's performance need a teacher's salary. Key Words: income, performance of teacher, education qualities


In the last two decades, osseointegrated prostheses have been shown to be a good alternative for lower limb amputees experiencing complications in using a traditional socket-type prosthesis; however, restraining biomechanical issues, such as peri-prosthetic bone fractures or loosening, are present. To better understand and overcome these limiting issues, and thus reduce the number of implant failures, many studies have investigated the stress distribution on bone and implant during normal daily activities. The aim of this study was a biomechanical analysis of two different osseointegrated implants, a screw-type (OPRA) and a press fit system (OPL, Osseointegrated Prosthetic Limb), to evaluate the stresses generated in bone and prosthesis during a fall. In particular, four scenarios have been experimentally reproduced to determine the loads on the limb during different kinds of fall. For this purpose, a motion capture system and a force plate have been used. Numerical FEM (Finite Element Method) simulations have been performed to compare the behaviour of the OPRA and OPL systems in different fall scenarios. The obtained results showed that a fall backwards due to balance loss is the most stressful scenario among the ones analysed. As regards the comparison between OPRA and OPL devices, it emerged they have similar behaviours in terms of peak values of the stress, but the OPL implant generates larger high-stress areas in the distal femur as compared with the OPRA system.


Double tube heat exchanger is one of the modifications of shell and tube, which use as transformer cooler in power plant system AT PLTA Jatiluhur, Purwakarta, Jawa Barat. It has double tube, the outer contacts with the oil and the inside one contacts with water as cooling medium. One of the benefits of this type can reduce explosion risk of the transformer, because the warning system will be on when there is leakage at inside tube, so water and oil will not mix. But this type needs cost more expensive than the single one. , Design optimization was using reverse engineering. The dimensions are 339.6 mm inner shell diameter, outer tube dimension 15mmOD, 1mmThickness, 2208mmLength, inside tube dimension 13mmOD, 1.2mmThickness, 2208mmLength, and 124 pcs in each. The performance tests of the reverse engineering at 23.23 MW were; 27.4oC/31oC water in/out, 41.5oC/38.8oC oil in/out, oil flow rate 2.92 kg/s, 10.94oC log mean temperature difference, and temperature work of transformer 41.1oC. Using reverse engineering the work temperature of transformer at 28 MW was 60oC when using original equipment the work temperature of transformer at 26 MW was 80oC. Design of reverse engineering increased cooling capacity 16% and only 71.43% from OEM.


In two previous papers, the first by Feng, Rao, Berg, and Zhu (see ibid., vol.43, p.1799-810, 1997) and the second by Feng, Zhu, Shi, and Rao (see Proc. 35th. Afferton Conf. Communication, Control and Computing, p.205-14, 1997), the authors use a generalization of Bezout's theorem to estimate the minimum distance and generalized Hamming weights for a class of error correcting codes obtained by evaluation of polynomials in points of an algebraic curve. The main aim of this article is to show that instead of using this rather complex method the same results and some improvements can be obtained by using the so-called footprint from Grobner basis theory. We also develop the theory further such that the minimum distance and the generalized Hamming weights not only can be estimated but also can actually be determined.


Immobility during hospitalization is widely recognized as a contributor to deconditioning, functional loss, and increased need for institutional post-acute care. Several studies have demonstrated that inpatient walking programs can mitigate some of these negative outcomes, yet hospital mobility programs are not widely available in U.S. hospitals. STRIDE (assiSTed eaRly mobIlity for hospitalizeD older vEterans) is a supervised walking program for hospitalized older adults that fills this important gap in clinical care. This paper describes how STRIDE works and how it is being disseminated to other hospitals using the Replicating Effective Programs (REP) framework. Guided by REP, we define core components of the program and areas where the program can be tailored to better fit the needs and local conditions of its new context (hospital). We describe key adaptations made by four hospitals who have implemented the STRIDE program and discuss lessons learned for successful implementation of hospital mobility programs.


Doce, R. R., Baron, V. S., and Dick, A. C. 2015. Estimating swath-grazed carrying capacity from plot-scale data. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 647-651. A spreadsheet calculator was developed to estimate farm-scale carrying capacities for swath grazing beef cows with forage yield and quality data from small areas within fields or paddocks. It could be used to compare agronomic treatments for swath grazing potential from plot data when combined with existing beef nutrition equations. Examples using either in vitro true digestibility at 30-h digestion or acid detergent fiber (ADF) in equations to estimate digestible energy were compared with actual field-scale carrying capacities to evaluate the ability of the methods to meet requirements of scale, precision and accuracy. Both methods were capable of estimating carrying capacity at a realistic whole-farm scale, but the ADF-based method was superior with respect to accuracy and precision characteristics.


Performance auditing is a new type of control in public sector organizations. Because of this Lithuania has not enough experience in organizing and prosecuting audits. Auditing of Lithuanian Armed forces is not only new but also a very specific form of control. Singularity of auditing is caused by these reasons: the "product" of Armed forces is an extra-ordinal service and it's impossible to evaluate the quality of this service at peace time. The specific Armed forces performance makes difficult to choose audit criteria, methods and causes specific requirements of auditor's qualification. In the article singularities and problems of performance auditing in the Armed forces are examined. In order to explain planning, organizing and prosecuting performance audit the elements of the Armed forces environment are described.


We employed the discrete wavelet transform to refl ectance spectra obtained from hyperspectral data to improve estimation of LAI in temperate forests. We estimated LAI for 32 plots across a range of forest types in Wisconsin using hemispherical photography. Plot spectra were extracted from AVIRIS data and transformed into wavelet features using the Haar wavelet. Separately, subsets of spectral bands and the Haar features selected by a genetic algorithm were used as independent variables in linear regressions. Models using wavelet coeffi cients explained the most variance for both broadleaf plots (R 2 = 0.90 for wavelet features versus R 2 = 0.80 for spectral bands) and all plots independent of forest type (R 2 = 0.79 for wavelet features vs. R 2 = 0.58 for spectral bands). The forest-type specifi c models were better than the models using all plots combined. Overall, wavelet features appear superior to band refl ectances alone for estimating temperate forest LAI using hyperspectral data.


Optimization of electrolysis cell for producing hydrogen is dependent of a set of complex physical and chemical processes simultaneously occurring within the electrolysis cell. Similar to fuel cells, it has been demonstrated that these processes are strongly dependent on the fluid dynamics inside the electrolysis & fuel cell. Bipolar plates are important components of PEM electrolysis cells because they are the first stage of the flow distribution system. Numerical simulations were performed for three-dimensional two-phase water/oxygen flow in the anode side of a bipolar plate with a diagonal flow design. The water flowrate was maintained as constant of 260 ml/min, while the oxygen bubble generation rate was assumed to change from 0–0.014 g/s. Numerical results reveal that a minimum of the peak values of mainstream velocity component in the channels develops in the middle of the plate. Pressure drop and volume fraction of oxygen at the exit become higher as the oxygen bubble generation flowrate increases. The irregular velocity profile (locally low velocity magnitude near the exit port section) is not observed when the oxygen bubble flowrate is relatively low.Copyright © 2008 by ASME


Although the idea of context‐awareness was introduced almost two decades ago, few mobile software applications are available today that can sense and adapt to their run‐time environment. The development of context‐aware and self‐adaptive applications is complex and few developers have experience in this area. On the basis of several demonstrators built by the joint European research project MUSIC, this paper describes typical context and adaptation features relevant for the development of context‐aware and self‐adaptive mobile applications. We explain how the demonstrators were realised using the open‐source platform MUSIC and present the feedback of the developers of these demonstrators. The main contribution of this paper is to show how the development complexity of context‐aware and self‐adaptive mobile applications can be mastered by using an adaptation framework such as MUSIC. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Abstract. With the development and widespread application of aerial LiDAR, point cloud data can easily be acquired and used in many fields. The accurate detection of buildings from an aerial LiDAR point cloud has attracted much attention owing to its wide range of applications, such as updating building maps and constructing 3D city models. However, such applications remain challenging in the fields of photogrammetry, remote sensing, and computer vision. In this paper, we discuss the features that contribute to building detection accuracy from an aerial LiDAR point cloud using a deep-learning-based method (KPConv). We evaluated the influence of neighborhood size, intensity, RGB, and normal vectors on building detection. The study area was approximately 6 km2, consisting of 133 million points and 8,099 buildings. The density of the point cloud data was eight points/m2. We compared search radii of 4, 10, 25, and 50 m for finding neighboring points. The results suggest that an optimal neighborhood size improves the accuracy of building detection. For searching neighboring points, a radius of 25 m is optimal when the building area is less than 1000 m2, whereas a radius of 50 m is optimal when the building area is larger than 1000 m2.We also compared different features as inputs to KPConv for training and testing, such as i) 3D coordinates only, ii) 3D coordinates and intensity, iii) 3D coordinates and RGB, iv) 3D coordinates and normal vectors, and v) 3D coordinates, intensity, RGB, and normal vectors. The results suggest that neither intensity nor normal vectors contribute to the accuracy of building detection, while the features of RGB have a limited effect on the results.


Artefacts are common in today's cone beam CT (CBCT). They are induced by discrepancies between the mathematical modelling and the actual physical imaging process. Since artefacts may interfere with the diagnostic process performed on CBCT data sets, every user should be aware of their presence. This article aims to discuss the most prominent artefacts identified in the scientific literature and review the existing knowledge on these artefacts. We also briefly review the basic three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction concept applied by today's CBCT scanners, as all artefacts are more or less directly related to it.


1. Grafts consisting of area opaca ectoderm, presumptive epidermis, presumptive neural tissue, or presumptive mesoderm (axial or side-plate), were transplanted to a position immediately under the primitive streak of chick blastoderms in the primitive streak stage. 2. The grafts, though they sometimes remained as a non-neural epithelium, were usually neurally induced, contemporaneously and co-extensively with the neural induction of the host. The graft-derived neural tissue is often much thicker than the host neural tissue, and though usually forming an autonomous structure, it is frequently arranged with a high degree of symmetry relative to the host. If, however, the graft remains for a long time uninduced, lying in the host mesenchyme, it tends to break up into mesenchyme itself. 3. It is probable that all parts of the epiblast, whatever their presumptive fate, are competent to form neural tissue, provided their epithelial structure is maintained; and it is notable that this is true of presumptive mesoderm. 4. The dorso-ventral polarity of the grafts is maintained whatever their orientation in the host; but the irreversible determination of this polarity was probably not tested. The antero-posterior polarity of the grafts was without effect on their differentiation. 5. An elongation of the graft along the antero-posterior axis of the host usually occurred. It was often very marked, and generally consisted in the posterior end of the graft accompanying the host primitive node as it moved backwards. It is believed to be due to the induction of an active movement in the graft itself. 6. The host is considerably modified by the presence of the graft. In particular, the head-fold is usually suppressed. The formation of the foregut is frequently upset, but the closed foregut shows a considerable power of regulation.


Endless travel in cyberspace, virtual reality, and the dream of limitless speed: technology changes our sense of self. In her new book, Trinh Minh-ha explores the way technology transforms our perception of reality. "We are all engaged in social rituals in our daily activities, she writes, "and by remaining unaware of their artistic ritual propensity, we remain 'in conformity'." Her goal, as a thinker and an artist, is to transform our understanding of technology and speed so that we are able to "turn an instrument into a creative tool and to step out of the one-dimensional, technologically servile mind." The paradox that "stillness contains speed within it" is central to Trinh's concept of the digital apparatus. With her signature amalgam of feminism, Eastern philosophy, and practical understanding of filmmaking, Trinh Minh-ha presents a much-needed advance in our concept of the real in a technological age.


While some scholars assert that non-state actors (NSAs) can be considered as public diplomacy agents in their own right, others argue that NSAs' work only supplements a state's public diplomacy efforts. Both groups of scholars, however, focus on collaboration between states and NSAs. This article draws attention to the situations in which transnational NSAs challenge their respective states. Using the transnational movement Open Russia as a case study and drawing on Robert Kelley's conceptualization of the diplomatic capabilities of NSAs as manifesting themselves in such actions as disruption, agenda-setting, mobilizing and gatekeeping, this article explores the power interplay between Open Russia and its domestic and foreign constituencies. By analysing the potential and the limits of Open Russia's diplomatic capabilities, the article expands the discussion about NSAs' role in public diplomacy.


IEEE 802.11-based multihop wireless networks have attracted considerable attention for next-generation networks since it can extend the service coverage area without difficulty. However, it is well known that the effective end-to-end throughput (E2ET) degrades due to the overhead caused by the distributed coordination function (DCF) scheme of IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol. To improve this issue, the transmission opportunity (TXOP) mechanism is defined in the IEEE 802.11e standard, with which a wireless node can transmit multiple frames consecutively for a maximum channel occupancy time, called TXOPlimit. This paper considers the performance of the TXOP mechanism for multihop wireless networks. Focusing on a three-node chain topology, we model it as a tandem queueing network with two nodes. The E2ET is derived and the analysis is validated by simulation. Numerical results show that the TXOP mechanism works well for multihop wireless networks. It is also shown that adjusting TXOPlimit is significantly important in order to increase the overall throughput.


A characteristic of the Kv10.1 voltage-gated potassium ion channel is its overexpression in a number of cancerous tissues and cancer cell lines, even though it should normally be restricted to the adult brain and myoblasts. This compelled us to investigate the role this ion channel may play in cancer, where we initially localized it in filopodia, lamellipodial regions and at cell-cell or cell-surface adhesion interfaces, all of which are important for cell migration, a hallmark of cancer. Therefore, to further study how Kv10.1 affects cell motility and adhesion, we generated two HT-1080 cell lines stably overexpressing either Kv10.1-mVenus or only mVenus, both of which were then tasked to migrate induced by means of the scratch assay. However, cell behavior may be affected by the recording method used. We therefore conducted a methodological survey of a number of previously undescribed image acquisition scenarios, which enabled us to identify hardware settings with the least influence on cell behavior. Semi-automated, live-cell microscopy and image analysis revealed then that Kv10.1 overexpression lead to faster scratch-closure speeds with an accompanying loss of cell-cell adhesion, when compared to the control. Individual cell tracking showed that Kv10.1 overexpression enabled HT-1080 cells to migrate at a faster maximum speed, but along a less directed, longer and more complex path, given the same timespan. Additional experiments using interference reflection microscopy and a novel quantification algorithm, enabled us to detect cell-surface adhesion deficits due to Kv10.1 overexpression, which are present in stationary cells and likely cause the less coordinated, more invasive and faster migration with more degrees of freedom. We confirmed Kv10.1 overexpression to be the cause of the aberrant cell behavioral effects by the use of Kv10.1-specific antibody mAb56, as well as the antihistaminic drug astemizole. The results of this study indicate that the hallmarks of reduced cell adhesion and increased cell migration in cancer may depend on the abnormal Kv10.1 expression, the understanding of which may yield new diagnostic and treatment targets.


Most intravascular catheter-related infections are associated with central venous catheters. Technologic advances shown to reduce the risk for these infections include a catheter hub containing an iodinated alcohol solution, short-term chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine- impregnated catheters, minocycline-rifampin-impregnated catheters, and chlorhexidine- impregnated sponge dressings. Nontechnologic strategies for reducing risk include maximal barrier precautions during catheter insertion, specialized nursing teams, continuing quality improvement programs, and tunneling of short-term internal jugular catheters.


Within the textile design domain, the creative process often remains tacit and solely the knowledge of the individual creator. This paper describes approaches to analysing a collection of historical samples produced by the Scottish carpet manufacturers Stoddard Templeton in order to unearth and explicate textile design processes. The name Stoddard Templeton denotes a group of once prolific companies, synonymous with the formation and development of the carpet industry in the United Kingdom. Developing from Paisley shawl production, the foundations of James Templeton & Co date to 1839 when, with William Quigley, James Templeton patented a chenille making process which pioneered the mechanisation of carpet manufacturing. In 1862, American Arthur Francis Stoddard formed the Glenpatrick Carpet Mills and then A F Stoddard & Co in Elderslie. Existing for over 160 years, Stoddard Templeton designed and manufactured carpets for an array of highly prestigious Royal occasions and residencies. They also produced for events such as the Festival of Britain. The interiors of Glasgow Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament and the White House, have at one time featured Stoddard Templeton carpets. The companies designed and manufactured for ocean liners including the Titanic and Queen Mary, for hotels, bars, restaurants, offices and other contract interiors throughout the world. An abundance of domestic designs were created which carpeted millions of homes. In addition to their in-house design teams Stoddard Templeton commissioned an array of reputable designers including Charles Voysey, Walter Crane, Frank Brangwyn, Enid Marx, Marion Dorn and Mary Quant.

Throughout their individual and collective existence, to assist expansion, a number of subsidiary companies were purchased. Regrettably, in the latter half of the twentieth century interior trends and consumer preference for exposed floorboards, hardwood, concrete and high performance surfaces for flooring, coupled with competition from overseas, led to a decline in carpet manufacturing in the United Kingdom. The closure of the remaining company, Stoddard International PLC in 2005 marked the poignant demise of the West of Scotland carpet industry. However, within the residue remained an unrivalled historically significant archive containing inspirational design references, design work, corporate records and carpet examples. A consortium comprising The Glasgow School of Art Library, University of Glasgow Archive Services and Glasgow Life formed to purchase and safeguard this archive for future generations. A group of textile samples from this acquired collection, now held by the Archives & Collections Centre at The Glasgow School of Art, provide the focus for this paper. The thirteen samples date from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prior to commencement of the research, only minimal details listed on a conservation report were known. Visual motif, product form, production technique and impact of manufacturing process on design have been analysed. Through studying these artefacts it has been possible to uncover aspects of design process methodology and in particular the utilisation of inspirational reference library and archive resource materials in the creative process. In certain instances it has been possible to identify specific dates of origin, a complex task when investigating an industry in which design reproduction and adaptation played a prominent role. This study has formed part of a larger project examining the workings of the Stoddard Templeton design studio. The insights gained contribute to minimal existent knowledge in the carpet and textile disciplines regarding design process and designers' utilisation of archival resources from a historical perspective.


Although self-/un-supervised methods have led to rapid progress in visual representation learning, these methods generally treat objects and scenes using the same lens. In this paper, we focus on learning representations for objects and scenes that preserve the structure among them. Motivated by the observation that visually similar objects are close in the representation space, we argue that the scenes and objects should instead follow a hierarchical structure based on their compositionality. To exploit such a structure, we propose a contrastive learning framework where a Euclidean loss is used to learn object representations and a hyperbolic loss is used to encourage representations of scenes to lie close to representations of their constituent objects in a hyperbolic space. This novel hyperbolic objective encourages the scene-object hypernymy among the representations by optimizing the magnitude of their norms. We show that when pretraining on the COCO and OpenImages datasets, the hyperbolic loss improves downstream performance of several baselines across multiple datasets and tasks, including image classification, object detection, and semantic segmentation. We also show that the properties of the learned representations allow us to solve various vision tasks that involve the interaction between scenes and objects in a zero-shot fashion.


The present study analyzed the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on brain activity. P300 latency of event-related potential (ERP) was used to evaluate the effects of low-frequency and short-term rTMS by stimulating the supramarginal gyrus (SMG), which is considered to be the related area of P300 origin. In addition, the prolonged stimulation effects on P300 latency were analyzed after applying rTMS. A figure-eight coil was used to stimulate left-right SMG, and intensity of magnetic stimulation was 80% of motor threshold. A total of 100 magnetic pulses were applied for rTMS. The effects of stimulus frequency at 0.5 or 1 Hz were determined. Following rTMS, an odd-ball task was performed and P300 latency of ERP was measured. The odd-ball task was performed at 5, 10, and 15 min post-rTMS. ERP was measured prior to magnetic stimulation as a control. Electroencephalograph (EEG) was measured at Fz, Cz, and Pz that were indicated by the international 10–20 electrode system. Results demonstrated that different effects on P300 latency occurred between 0.5–1 Hz rTMS. With 1 Hz low-frequency magnetic stimulation to the left SMG, P300 latency decreased. Compared to the control, the latency time difference was approximately 15 ms at Cz. This decrease continued for approximately 10 min post-rTMS. In contrast, 0.5 Hz rTMS resulted in delayed P300 latency. Compared to the control, the latency time difference was approximately 20 ms at Fz, and this delayed effect continued for approximately 15 min post-rTMS. Results demonstrated that P300 latency varied according to rTMS frequency. Furthermore, the duration of the effect was not similar for stimulus frequency of low-frequency rTMS.The present study analyzed the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on brain activity. P300 latency of event-related potential (ERP) was used to evaluate the effects of low-frequency and short-term rTMS by stimulating the supramarginal gyrus (SMG), which is considered to be the related area of P300 origin. In addition, the prolonged stimulation effects on P300 latency were analyzed after applying rTMS. A figure-eight coil was used to stimulate left-right SMG, and intensity of magnetic stimulation was 80% of motor threshold. A total of 100 magnetic pulses were applied for rTMS. The effects of stimulus frequency at 0.5 or 1 Hz were determined. Following rTMS, an odd-ball task was performed and P300 latency of ERP was measured. The odd-ball task was performed at 5, 10, and 15 min post-rTMS. ERP was measured prior to magnetic stimulation as a control. Electroencephalograph (EEG) was measured at Fz, Cz, and Pz that were indicated by the international 10–20 electrode system. Results de...


This article presents the application of waste sanding dusts in order to evaluate its suitability as reinforcement for thermoplastics as an alternative to wood fibers. The effects of sanding dust loading and nanoclay content on the physical and mechanical properties were also studied. Overall trend showed that with addition of sanding dusts, tensile and flexural properties of the composites were significantly decreased, due to the reduction of interface bond between the fiber and matrix. It was found that flexural, tensile and withdrawal strength of fasteners were moderately enhanced by the addition of 2 wt% nanoclay in the matrix. However, with increase in the nanoclay content (4 and 6 wt%), the flexural and tensile properties decreased significantly. The results also showed that the withdrawal strengths of screws are much higher than those of nails. At certain amount of sanding dust, with increasing nanoclay loading the withdrawal strengths of fasteners (screws and nails) were considerably decreased. The thickness swelling and water absorption of the composites dramatically decreased with the increase in nanoclay loading. Except thickness swelling, both variable parameters (sanding dust and nanoclay contents) showed significant influence on physico-mechanical properties.


Introduction: The Synadenium grantii Hook species is a medicinal plant of the Euphorbiaceae family and is popularly known in the Midwest regions of Brazil as leitosinha or janauba. All the parts of Synadenium grantii Hook as stem, latex, leaves and flowers are used for the treatments of various disease, but no elemental composition has been done.
Objective: The aim of present work was to measure the macroelements (K, Mg, Mo and P) and microelements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, Si, Ni, Co, Cd and Al) in the leaves of medicinal plant Synadenium grantii Hook used in the treatment of diseases by rural and urban communities of the Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Method: The chemical digestions of samples were prepared utilizing HNO3 and H2O2 and microwave digestion system Speedwave Berghof, Germany. After digestion, the concentrations of the elements in leaves were determined by technique of Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) with a Dual Plasma (Thermo Scientific – iCAP 6000 Series)
Results: Results demonstrated that the Synadenium grantii leaves are source of K but aren't the best source of Na and P. Its leaves are rich in elements such as Mg, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn. The leaves of Synadenium grantii showed a high content of Mg values tolerable upper intake level. However, Fe, Na, P, Mn, Mo and Zn are below the values tolerable upper intake level. The leaves of this plants have elements as Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd above the permissible limit set by WHO and FAO.
Conclusions: The gaps in knowledge about the level of contents in the Synadenium grantii was completed in this work and would serve as a tool for deciding the dosage of prepared from this plant with medicinal and nutritional purposes. Brazil should create legal standards for the use of medicinal plants based on internationally practiced requirements.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Synadenium grantii, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.


Aim: To evaluate in vitro the effectiveness of several anti-infective agents alone or in combination against Mycobacterium smegmatis. Method: A convenient stratified sampling method was used to obtain selected anti-infective agents. For individual drug samples, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were obtained using the agar-well plate diffusion technique. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Indices (FICI) were calculated for drug combinations using their MIC as obtained from the broth dilution method. Results: Of the thirty (30) anti-infective agents analyzed, ten (10) had MIC equivalent to or better than rifampicin (reference TB drug). Seven (7) drugs had MIC higher than rifampicin, while twelve (12) showed no growth inhibition of M. smegmatis. Analysis of the effect of drug combinations on M. smegmatis indicated that four (4) combinations, including rifampicin/ethambutol showed synergism. One (1) was additive, two (2) were indifferent and one (1) combination showed antagonism. Conclusion: Notable in the results obtained was the high effectiveness of the carbapenems in inhibiting the growth of M. smegmatis. Carbapenems, though not indicated for TB treatment, has a potential of playing a significant role in the treatment of tuberculosis. Also the drug combinations which showed synergism, especially those that involved the macrolide antibiotics, should further be investigated. These results have to be confirmed by in vivo clinical studies to define their roles in tuberculosis treatment.


The book examines the way people talk with power – and power talks back to them – in the context of authoritarian state regimes, the Soviet/Russian one being the case in point. My claim is, in the first place, that there does exist such a conversation. I thus strongly resist the reading of recent Soviet history in terms of people's mute and passive subordination to crushing imposition of power, or at best – of forms of indirect resistance or escapism. Instead, my claim is that multi-layered communication between the pinnacle and the broad base of the social pyramid was part and parcel of the identity of the Soviet period all along.As it is argued in the book, grassroots-with-power communication in the Soviet and post-Soviet context reflects a will and corresponding practice for a continuously re-negotiated arrangement with power. Its principal thrust is the establishing of a grassroots-to-power tensed compromise over such fundamentally critical issues like existential security and a degree of well-being. I argue for the presence of effective grassroots' agentivity in the Soviet/post-Soviet context. To examine it I turn special attention to the period of enforced collectivisation of agriculture (1929-1934) in the context of the reindeer husbandry economy of what is today Murmansk Region of NW Russia. My specific ethnography takes a reindeer husbandry practice of mixing private and collective reindeer as a metaphorical expression of a risk-free socioeconomic arrangement I call 'sovkhoizm'. My general conclusion is that a socioeconomic and political environment that has sovkhoizm as a principal worldview presents serious communicative obstacles as regards a generalized 'western' attempt, over the last two decades, for constructive dialogue on, particularly, the Sami indgeneity issue.The ethnographic basis of the study comes from long-term fieldwork with Sami and Komi reindeer husbandry teams in Lovozero District, Murmansk Region.


To conduct a systematic review that compares the effectiveness of nurses using 2-D ultrasound guided insertion of pe- ripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) with the landmark method in adult patients. Nine electronic databases were searched, the reference lists of studies were screened, the Internet was searched, and contact was made with experts. A quality assessment checklist was used to assess study validity. Dichotomous outcome data on the failure rate to insert PICCs were calculated as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Data were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects model. From 156 studies, four eligible non-randomised studies were identified. Three studies originated from the United States and RR of failure to insert PICCs was significantly lower in the ultrasound group: 0.26 (0.10 to 0.64), 0.47 (0.38 to 0.59) and 0.28 (0.20 to 0.41). One study from the United Kingdom did not find a statistically significant difference in failure to insert PICCs between landmark and ultrasound groups: single centre RR was 0.60 (0.23 to 1.57) and multi centre RR was 0.42 (0.16 to 1.09). The pooled RR for all studies was 0.40 (0.33 to 0.48) showing that ultrasound signifi- cantly reduces failure rates by 60%. The presence of bias is evident in all studies. There is evidence to support the use of 2-D ultrasound by nurses to insert PICC lines. Further more rigorous research is required, such as a multi-centre randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation, before the widespread uptake of this technology can be recommended.


We describe a simple quality improvement project leading to a change in the configuration of referral pathways within the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service at Margaret Pyke Centre (MPC), London, UK. This service provides open access to contraception. In 2015 the MPC provided services for 14 604 patients. Some 39% of the patients were from the local boroughs of Camden and Islington, and 92% came from all London boroughs and were equally distributed among all deprivation scores. The majority (68%) of patients are white and 78% of all patients are aged between 21 and 35 years. While 95% of patients have their needs met in a single visit, 5% require onward referral to a Level 3 specialist clinic as specified in the Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England.1 This accounts for about 150 patients per month, and due to the high demand women often wait up to 8 weeks for an appointment. In general it is known that "most dissatisfaction with the Health Service is due to long waiting times, staff shortages and lack of funding".2 Patients who wait for a long time are less likely to keep their appointments.3 4

Many of the women who require referral at MPC could be managed in a single visit if same-day specialist care with an ultrasound scan carried out by a trained specialist was available. This project was therefore designed to determine whether same-day access to specialist SRH care improves efficiency, reduces rates of failure to keep appointments (DNA: did not attend) and improves patient experience. The project was based on PDSA (Plan Do Study Act) methodology5 where a small change is put into place; it is studied and then modified to address the findings. The idea was to implement same-day Level 3 service provision within MPC, modify change to the service as …


This study was conducted to investigate the integration of biological and psychological factors that occurred in horticultural therapy for cancer patients. Through this study, we can infer how the process of internalization generates the psychological outcome in horticultural therapy programs for cancer patients. In the process of making and raising grass dolls some patients noted that "when the grass doll had no grass at all, all my hair had fallen out, but while the grass was sprouting, my hair began to regrow". Similarly, they stated that "I had mixed emotions when I looked at the hair of the grass doll, because chemotherapy for cancer was over now, and my hair was growing". They recognized that their grass doll resembled their own selves and their experience of hair loss and hair regrowth in the process of chemotherapy. We can infer from this that cancer patients identify with hair growth and hope, such as growth, development, and recovery. In the program, cancer patients also trimmed the roots of herbal plants such as lavender and rosemary during transplanting. Horticultural therapists explained that trimming unnecessary roots helped the growth of stems, leaves, and new roots. The therapists then gave clients the opportunity to consider negative thoughts or feelings which needed to be trimmed within themselves. Transplanted herbal plants were managed and nurtured by the clients, and their harvested and dried leaves were used to make herbal tea. In the process of those activities some patients found a lot of benefit: "I felt purification of body and mind, and elimination of miscellaneous thoughts while making herb tea. Even a small plant smells nice. I should be a person who has a good and beautiful fragrance." The results suggest that cancer patients recognized the disease experience as personal growth. Horticultural therapists can use these findings as a basic reference to guide and support their clients in their programs.


Business process modelling is an increasingly popular research area for both organisations and academia due to its usefulness in facilitating human understanding and communication. Several modelling techniques have been proposed and used to capture the characteristics of business processes. However, available techniques view business processes from different perspectives and have different features and capabilities. Furthermore, to date limited guidelines exist for selecting appropriate modelling techniques based on the characteristics of the problem and its requirements. This paper presents a comparative analysis of some popular business process modelling techniques. The comparative framework is based on five criteria: flexibility, ease of use, understandability, simulation support and scope. The study highlights some of the major paradigmatic differences between the techniques. The proposed framework can serve as the basis for evaluating further modelling techniques and generating selection procedures.


Neurologic complications of infective endocarditis have been observed in 20-40% of cases. Our aim was to determine the frequency of neurologic involvement, clinical manifestations, lesional patterns and evolution in patients with infective endocarditis. This was a prospective cohort study. We included 98 patients with left-sided infective endocarditis. Forty seven percent presented neurologic involvement at some time of the disease. The frequency of symptoms was: focal deficit 61%, sensory disturbance 17% and seizures 2%, while 20% remain asymptomatic. The most prevailing lesion was cerebral ischemia (76%). Vegetations larger than 1 cm were associated to neurologic involvement (57% vs. 31%, p = 0.01). Valvular replacement was more common among patients with neurologic involvement (70% vs. 44%, p = 0.01). Hospital mortality was 20% in patients with neurologic manifestation versus 15% of those without it (p = 0.5). The length of stay was significantly prolonged in patients with neurologic affection (32 ± 27 vs. 21 ± 15 days, p = 0.01) and a favorable Rankin assessment at the discharge was less likely in patients with neurologic involvement (36% vs. 74%, p = 0.0001). In this cohort, the most frequent clinical manifestation was focal deficit and the most prevalent pattern of lesion was cerebral ischemia. Those with neurologic involvement presented an increased length of stay and more disability at the discharge but not statistical significant difference in hospital mortality.


Abstract Malaise and pitfall traps were used to sample herbivorous insects in canopy gaps created by group-selection cutting in a bottomland hardwood forest in South Carolina. The traps were placed at the centers, edges, and in the forest adjacent to gaps of different sizes (0.13, 0.26, and 0.50 ha) and ages (1 and 7 yr old) during four sampling periods in 2001. Overall, the abundance and species richness of insect herbivores were greater at the centers of young gaps than at the edge of young gaps or in the forest surrounding young gaps. There were no differences in abundance or species richness among old gap locations (i.e., centers, edges, and forest), and we collected significantly more insects in young gaps than old gaps. The insect communities in old gaps were more similar to the forests surrounding them than young gap communities were to their respective forest locations, but the insect communities in the two forests locations (surrounding young and old gaps) had the highest percent similarity of all. Although both abundance and richness increased in the centers of young gaps with increasing gap size, these differences were not significant. We attribute the increased numbers of herbivorous insects to the greater abundance of herbaceous plants available in young gaps.


Background Elongation factor for RNA polymerase II 2 (ELL2) was reported as a putative tumor suppressor in the prostate. ELL2 is frequently down-regulated in prostatic adenocarcinoma specimens, and loss of ELL2 induced murine prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and enhanced AR-positive prostate cancer cell proliferation. However, the ELL2 gene appears to be amplified in AR-negative neuroendocrine prostate tumors, suggesting a potential oncogenic role for ELL2 in AR-negative prostate cancer cells. In this study, we explored the potential function of ELL2 in PC-3 and DU145, two AR-negative prostate cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods The role of ELL2 in PC-3 and DU145 cells was studied using siRNA-mediated ELL2 knockdown. Genes regulated by ELL2 knockdown in PC-3 cells were identified and analyzed using RNA-Seq and bioinformatics. The expression of representative genes was confirmed by Western blot and/or quantitative PCR. Cell growth was determined by BrdU, MTT and colony formation assays. Cell death was analyzed by 7-AAD/Annexin V staining and trypan blue exclusion staining. Cell cycle was determined by PI staining and flow cytometry. Results ELL2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of PC-3 and DU145 cells. RNA-Seq analysis showed an enrichment in genes associated with cell death and survival following ELL2 knockdown. The interferon-γ pathway was identified as the top canonical pathway comprising of 55.6% of the genes regulated by ELL2. ELL2 knockdown induced an increase in STAT1 and IRF1 mRNA and an induction of total STAT1 and phosphorylated STAT1 protein. Inhibition of cell proliferation by ELL2 knockdown was partly abrogated by STAT1 knockdown. ELL2 knockdown inhibited colony formation and induced apoptosis in both PC-3 and DU145 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of ELL2 caused S-phase cell cycle arrest, inhibition of CDK2 phosphorylation and cyclin D1 expression, and increased expression of cyclin E. Conclusion ELL2 knockdown in PC-3 and DU145 cells induced S-phase cell cycle arrest and profound apoptosis, which was accompanied by the induction of genes associated with cell death and survival pathways. These observations suggest that ELL2 is a potential oncogenic protein required for survival and proliferation in AR-negative prostate cancer cells.


Occasionally, crumpled adhesive tape strips are encountered in criminal cases involving rape, murder, kidnapping and explosives (bombing). Such tape is usually submitted to a crime laboratory for the detection of latent prints, to establish a physical match with other strips or roles of tape, or to be examined for associative evidence, such as hair, fibers, or paint, which may be adhering to the tape surfaces. To achieve these objectives, it is often necessary to unravel the tape without affecting the potential latent prints which may be present on the adhesive or nonadhesive surfaces. This paper describes a new technique, using a solvent consisting of a blend of aliphatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, to unravel tangled tape which, unlike existing freezing or heating methods, minimizes disturbance of latent prints. This procedure was used on various types of commercially available adhesive tapes bearing latent prints, which were subsequently detected by crystal violet, cyanoacrylate fuming, and fluorescent dye stain development procedures. This simple technique proved to be very convenient and successful in unraveling various types of adhesive tapes for the detection of latent prints and possible recovery of trace evidence.


Adrenomedullin is a 52–amino acid peptide that was first isolated from human pheochromocytoma. Subsequently, it was found to be distributed widely in the body, including throughout the cardiovascular system. It belongs to a family of peptides that include calcitonin gene-related peptide and amylin. Adrenomedullin causes vasorelaxation and influences vascular proliferation and interacts closely with nitric oxide, and it may have a role in the pathophysiology of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and cardiac and renal failure. Nonpeptide agonists or antagonists of adrenomedullin may have potential therapeutic application. The role of adrenomedullin in septicemic shock also merits further investigation.


The initial permeability μ' (at 0.1 GHz) of Ba3Co2R0.1Fe23.9O41 (x=0.1, R= Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb) samples is higher than that of the Co2Z ferrite without substitution. In particular, μ' of Gd3+ substituted Z-type ferrite sample (x=0.1) is the highest of all samples. The substituted sample of Ba3Co2TixZnxFe24-2xO41 with x= 0.85 has a maximumμ' of 24, which is twice as large as that of the non-substituted sample with x=0. Ba3Co2-2x LixFe24+xO41(x=0-1.0) are also prepared. The sample with x=0 showsμ'of 8 at 50MHz. The maximumμ' is 24.5 at x=0.3. An apparent magnetic anisotropy constant K*, calculated by using HA* and MS, decreases. Therefore, the decrease of the magnetic anisotropy contributes to the increase of μ'.


We have seen that power of imaging with electromagnetic energy is tremendous. By imaging with the appropriate wavelength of electromagnetic energy, materials that we normally think of as completely opaque become transparent, revealing hidden wonders. Objects that we think of as dark look light, and light objects look dark; indeed the whole notion of dark and light becomes very subjective, as it depends on the wavelength response of the imaging technology we use and not what the human eye sees. However, imaging with lightwaves is not always possible or desirable. It is not always possible because there are basic imaging limitations imposed by the optical properties of matter between the object and the imaging system. As we turn the imaginary knob on our head and sweep the response of our eyes through the electromagnetic spectrum, we may not ever find a waveband of light capable of imaging through a particular obstacle. For instance, we cannot see through even the purest ocean water for more than about 100 m at any wavelength of light, yet the ocean floor is full of interesting things that we would like to image. Imaging with light is not always desirable because sometimes the light we need to see through intervening matter may be harmful. Imaging of a fetus can be done with x rays—in fact, doctors used to x ray pregnant mothers as a means of diagnosing prenatal conditions—but this practice is now discouraged due to the potentially harmful effects of x rays on the developing child.

Acoustic or sonic imaging is an alternate way to see through intervening matter. This is literally "seeing with sound," made possible because sound waves are very similar to electromagnetic waves in their properties, yet they travel freely through fresh or salt water, tissue, and a variety of other materials that are opaque at many or all wavelengths of electromagnetic energy. Acoustic pictures are different from pictures made from light in that they are essentially maps of density variations. Sound waves will reflect from boundaries between different materials and carry back information about changes in density and object shape to a sensor. There are several different ways to image with acoustic waves, and these methods are all analogous to techniques used to image with light. For instance, some acoustic imaging systems use special lenses and mirrors which reflect or refract acoustic waves in order to focus them onto sensor arrays, just like the human eye or a conventional photographic camera. Other systems are the acoustic equivalents of radar systems discussed in Chapter 3. These acoustic radar systems transmit pulses of sound toward a target in a beam pattern, detect the reflected pulses, and process them into a visual image.


We present a stepwise approach to estimate high dimensional Gaussian graphical models. We exploit the relation between the partial correlation coefficients and the distribution of the prediction errors, and parametrize the model in terms of the Pearson correlation coefficients between the prediction errors of the nodes' best linear predictors. We propose a novel stepwise algorithm for detecting pairs of conditionally dependent variables. We compare the proposed algorithm with existing methods including graphical lasso (Glasso), constrained `l1-minimization(CLIME) and equivalent partial correlation (EPC), via simulation studies and real life applications. In our simulation study we consider several model settings and report the results using different performance measures that look at desirable features of the recovered graph.


Aural abscesses are a common health problem in free-ranging eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), and they have been associated with high body burdens of organochlorine (OC) compounds, which are known disruptors of vitamin A. The objective of this study was to determine if the presence of pathologic lesions in box turtles were correlated with increased and decreased levels of hepatic OC compounds and vitamin A, respectively. A graded scale for the pathologic changes observed in tissue samples collected from abscessed and nonabscessed box turtles over a 2-yr period (2003–04) was developed, and the levels of OC compounds and vitamin A in livers collected from the same turtles were determined through chemical analysis. Sixty-eight turtles (40 with aural abscesses and 28 without) were included in the study. Relationships between variables were analyzed using Spearman's Rank Correlation Test, where P≤0.05 was considered significant. Twenty-seven different OC compounds were identified. Mean±standard deviation (SD) total OC compound level for all turtles was 0.35±0.83 ppm (range 0–5.81 ppm), and mean±SD vitamin A level was 72.8±98.6 ppm (range 0–535.7 ppm). There was no correlation between pathologic score and total hepatic OC compound concentration (r=−0.18, P=0.16). However, pathologic score was positively correlated with o,p′-DDT (r=0.25, P=0.05). Vitamin A was positively correlated with pathologic score (r=0.32, P=0.01), which was contrary to the expected result. There was no linear correlation between vitamin A and total hepatic OC compound concentration (r=−0.04, P=0.75). However, a nonlinear regression provided a significant fit (r2=0.12, P=0.02), indicating an initial increase in vitamin A as the OC compound burden increased, followed by a decline as OC compound levels increased further. The hepatic OC compound residue concentrations in these box turtles were lower compared to levels found in freshwater aquatic turtles but similar to levels in other terrestrial reptile species. This study provides mixed results in support of a role of OC compounds, presumably of environmental origin, in the etiology of aural abscesses in free-ranging box turtles.


Local IP Access (LIPA) and Selected IP Traffic Offload (SIPTO) are two topics currently of high interest to mobile network operators. They enable data traffic offload at appropriate points in the Radio Access Network in a highly cost-efficient manner. These technologies also have the potential to greatly increase system scalability and offer operators the flexibility to cope with the growing community of smart phone users and the associated increase of mobile data traffic. This paper first introduces the main concepts behind LIPA/SIPTO and discusses the main requirements to support them. Different architecture solutions, proposed for home, enterprise and macro-cellular networks, are presented. The paper also elaborates on LIPA/SIPTO traffic handling. A DNS-based approach, offering operators a fine-grained control of LIPA/SIPTO traffic handling, is introduced. The paper then discusses different other issues pertaining to LIPA/SIPTO traffic management, SIPTO QoS support, data offload gateway selection, and service planning and deployment. Finally, the paper concentrates on recent efforts towards the support of LIPA/SIPTO service continuity.


The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have a strange relationship with Administrative Procedure Act notice-and-comment rulemaking procedures. Treasury acknowledges the general applicability of APA procedural requirements when it promulgates regulations interpreting the Internal Revenue Code. Treasury also maintains that most Treasury regulations are exempt from the APA's public notice and comment requirements. Nevertheless, Treasury purports to utilize those same procedures anyway in promulgating most Treasury regulations. This Article documents a study of 232 separate Treasury regulation projects for which Treasury published Treasury Decisions and notices of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2005. In connection with this study, this Article compares Treasury's actual practices and exemption claims with current doctrinal trends in courts evaluating compliance with APA requirements across administrative agencies. The Article documents the study's finding that, in 40.9% of the projects studied, Treasury failed to follow APA notice and comment requirements. The Article also concludes that, as interpreted by the courts, established exceptions from those requirements generally do not apply to excuse this noncompliance. Consequently, among other implications, many Treasury regulations, including some of Treasury's most complex and controversial rulemaking efforts, are susceptible to legal challenge for failure to adhere to APA rulemaking requirements.


Changes in molecular structure are essential for the function of biomolecules. Characterization of these structural fluctuations can illuminate alternative states and help in correlating structure to function. NMR relaxation dispersion (RD) is currently the only method for detecting these alternative, high-energy states. In this study, we present a versatile 1 H R1ρ RD experiment that not only extends the exchange timescales at least three times beyond the rate limits of 13 C/15 N R1ρ and ten times for CPMG experiments, but also makes use of easily accessible probes, thus allowing a general description of biologically important excited states. This technique can be used to extract chemical shifts for the structural characterization of excited states and to elucidate complex excited states.


Background and Aims: Due to the increasing trend of high-heeled shoes usage among women, investigation of their effects on the body and especially lumbar lordosis and pelvic alignment seems necessary. Some studies have previously been conducted in this field but it seems that there is little convergence about the effects of wearing such shoes and, in some cases, even contradictions exist. These contradictions are more pronounced where lumbar lordosis is under investigation. Therefore, the aim of the present review article was to investigate the results of existing studies on the effects of shoe heel height on the magnitude of lumbar lordosis and the pelvic tilt. Materials and Methods: The current article focused on reviewing the results derived by the articles published between 2000-2016 on the effects of high heeled shoes on lumbar and pelvic alignment in sagittal plane. By searching the relevant resources, six articles including two review articles were chosen for evaluation and investigation. Results: According to the limited number of studies examined and the distinction between them, a certain conclusion about the effects of shoe heel height on the magnitude of lumbar lordosis and the pelvic tilt cannot be presented. According to the results of articles examined, loss of multilateral investigation on the vertebral column and pelvis, loss of using proper and validated measurment tools in some cases, and neglect in the compensatory effects are the common reasons for divergence in the results. It seems that a more comprehensive study is necessary to shed more light on the areas unknown.


The article presents a volume on multimedia information retrieval (MMIR), promoted by the Italian Association of Advanced Documentation (AIDA). The volume outlines the state of the art of MMIR, an innovative system of content-based information retrieval to process digital information in multimedia databases. It offers a panorama of multimedia information retrieval issues and challenging research areas and a collections of chapters by international specialists in the computer science and information retrieval community. The aim of the book is to contribute to dissemination of MMIR in Italy, envisioning its potencial applications by public and private organizations in a variety of fields within the documentation area. For technically inclined readers dealing with information systems, artificial intelligence, image and audio processing, computer vision, human-computer interaction and high performance computing, the book will provide a deeping lecture on familiar topics.


We have investigated the headache-eliciting effect of a wide range of "triggers" or precipitants that either are directly perceived (e.g., stress, specific foods, sleep) or are less readily perceptible (e.g., hormonal fluctuations, barometric changes, autonomic arousal). In so doing, we have created mathematical models to predict the probability that an individual will experience an attack when preceded by various combinations of potential triggers. An interesting question that can be asked with these models but that to date remains unaddressed is whether or not the forces that trigger an attack might also play a role in stopping one. To address this question, we have reversed our model to predict the flip-side of the more usual trigger question. In other words, instead of inquiring "does the headache trigger (or absence thereof) predict onset of an attack?", we are inquiring "does the headache trigger (or absence thereof) predict the cessation of the attack?" The evidence so far rejects that common headache triggers predict the cessation of an attack.

To illustrate this inquiry, we examined N = 9 episodic headache sufferers who participated in a diary study where they recorded headache activity using diaries as well as perceived stress using the daily stress inventory daily for one month.[1,2] Stress is widely considered to be one of the most potent triggers of headache, but is it also predictive of attack cessation?[3] To examine the question, we coded the duration between each headache attack as well as the duration of each attack, with individuals contributing multiple attacks to the analysis. For the purposes of graphical display and analysis, we artificially dichotomized each day's stress rating as either being "high" (above that participant's mean ratings during the month) or "low" (below that participant's mean ratings). Then, we conducted a survival analysis examining the course of headache activity for either: a) days after an attack had just ceased, orb) days after an attack had just started. In this way, we examined the impact of stress on either eliciting a new attack or ceasing an existing attack.

Figure A displays the time-course of days between attacks. On day 1 of this plot, participants did not experience a headache and were dichotomized into groups experiencing either "high" or "low" stress. After this day, the proportion of days that they were still free from headache was plotted using a Kaplan-Meier curve. As can be seen from the curves, when participants experienced "high" stress, they were much more likely(HR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.29 to 5.4) to experience a new-onset headache in each of the following days. The plot supports the popular wisdom that stressful days can elicit and attack.

Kaplan-Meier (survival) plots of the role of stress in initiating (A) and ceasing (B) a headache attack. In both plots stress was artificially dichotomized into "high" and "low" levels with the proportion of the sample ...

Figure B displays the duration of an attack. On the first day of the attack (day 1), participants again were dichotomized into groups experiencing either "high" or "low" stress. After this day, the proportion of days where a headache is still experienced is plotted using a Kaplan-Meier curve. The role of stress in predicting the end of the attack is much less clear than when initiating it. On subsequent days after participants experienced "high" stress, they were somewhat, yet not statistically more likely to experience the cessation of the attack (HR: 1.7, 95% CI:0.86 to 3.5). This modest association is certainly counterintuitive and would be difficult to explain because stress has been linked to increased pain reporting in rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic pain states. [4]Taken together there is not evidence that stress can serve substantially to "trigger" attack cessation the way it appears to trigger initiation.


In the Late Roman period the Batavians disappeared from the written sources, and archaeologically speaking, nearly all rural settlements and cities of the Southern Netherlands ceased to exist, alongside the civilian centres. There is no good explanation for this depopulation but slight hints point to the population's deportation. In the early 5th century several settlements were inhabited again. Judging by the style of the house plans, the pottery and jewelry, the inhabitants came from the area north of the Rhine. Ubiquitous gold finds in the same area imply that they were paid by the Roman government. They are called Franks in the written sources and most likely served as foederati when regular Roman troops left in 401/402.
 Migration has always been a thorny issue in archaeology: based on ethnic interpretation of artefacts, arrows were drawn on maps, but theoretical objections silenced this approach, at least in theoretically-oriented archaeology. Migration can further be researched by new scientific methods (aDNA and isotope analysis of human remains); the results for the Roman period are not yet spectacular. More is expected from the analysis of settlement complexes by various methods: a) provenancing pottery by geochemical and mineralogical analysis, b) combined with stylistic study; c) isotopic analysis of associated animal bones, to see whether the animals were brought on the hoof over long distances; d) stylistic analysis of the house plan, and e) plotting the circulation area of the metal jewelry. This combination can ascertain whether the inhabitants of settlements were migrants originally and how quick they adapted to their new environment.


Often it is time consuming to monitor the plant condition in modern complex process industries as there is abundance of instrumentation that measure thousands of process variables in every few seconds. This has caused a "data overload" and due to the lack of appropriate analyses very little is currently being done to utilize this wealth of information. Fortunately, in process, groups of variables often moves together because more than one variable may be measuring the same driving principle governing the behavior of the process. Multivariate statistical methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) are capable of compressing the information down into low dimensional spaces which retain most of the information. Using this method of statistical data compression a multivariate monitoring procedure has been developed to efficiently monitor the performance of large processes and to rapidly detect and identify important process changes. A graphical interface was developed which will facilitate to plot the real time plant condition by a single point. The location of this point will give the idea whether whole plant is running in normal or abnormal zone and diagnosis online any fault in the process. This software was implemented in commercial Ethylene glycol plant and successfully diagnoses process upsets and abnormalities. Two implemented case studies were presented (namely compressor monitoring and ethylene oxide reactor monitoring) where an early detection of fault at its incipient stage can avoid money loss and process upsets. This generalized intelligent software can be useful and extend to any other process