Background Currently, immunotherapy is a very active area of oncology research. It is a treatment that uses the body's own natural defences to kill cancer cells. New immunotherapy drugs are showing significant and extended effectiveness, but they are complex and, to date, most are available only through clinical trials (CT). Purpose To analyse the evolution of immuno-oncology clinical trials (IOCT) developed in the oncology unit over 5 years (2012–2016) and to evaluate the principal characteristics of currently ongoing IOCT. Material and methods A retrospective analysis of IOCT over 5 years and a descriptive, transversal study about active IOCT were conducted. Variables collected were: study phase, experimental drug, type of experimental therapy (monotherapy, combination with chemotherapy or others), indication, cancer stage, treatment line (firstline, secondline, thirdline or maintenance) and number of patients included. Data were extracted from electronic clinical trials database (PK-ensayos). Results IOCT have increased nearly 10 times in past 5 years, from 3.3% of the total active oncology CT in 2012 (1/30) to 31.6% in 2016 (12/38). Number of patients included has also increased, from 1 in 2012 to 45 patients currently. Ongoing IOCT (n=12) are for treatment of solid tumours: 75% lung cancer, 16.7% head and neck, and 8.3% colorectal cancer. Cancer stage: 75% stage IV, 25% stage I–III. 50% are evaluating anti-PDL1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab), 41.6% anti-PD1 (atezolizumab, durvalumab) and 8.3% anti-CTLA4 antibodies (tremelimumab). 66% are using monotherapy, 25% combined with chemotherapy and 8.3% combining two immune checkpoint inhibitors. All studies are phase II and III (25% and 75%). In relation to treatment line: 50%, 16.6%, 16.6% and 25% are being checked for first, second, third and maintenance line, respectively. Conclusion The rapid progress of cancer immunology has produced a high increase in IOCT. In our hospital, most of ongoing clinical trials are evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitors in monotherapy for advanced lung cancer. CT are critical in bringing new and potentially effective treatments to more patients, and may represent the greatest hope for patients currently facing the disease. No conflict of interest


Abstract This study introduces a hybrid method for deformable matching of Magnetic resonance (MR) images by utilizing the advantages of both wavelets and variational calculus. Image matching problem is expressed as an optimal control problem and discretization of the resulting Euler-Lagrange equations is written in terms of the system of linear equations in the form of Au = f, where u is the image displacement field. Implementation of the algorithm exploits Gabor wavelet energy maps of MR images. The proposed algorithm provides an efficient MR matching technique. Experimental results proved that the method can match MR images better than the only variational or only wavelet-based methods.


Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a congenital heart disease characterized by abnormal spatial arrangement of the two main vessels, with the aorta arising from the pulmonary valve and the main pulmonary artery arising from the aortic valve. TGA surgical repair with the arterial switch operation (ASO) involves physically repositioning the aorta and the pulmonary artery in their correct anatomical location, as well as separately moving the coronary arteries. Following ASO, decreased aortic distensibility and enlarged aortic root have been observed, together with late complications such as coronary artery obstruction, neoaortic valvar insufficiency, and arrhythmia [1]. Clearly, further knowledge of the hemodynamics in the neoaorta following ASO can be helpful in understanding the physiology of repaired-TGA. We suggest that engineering tools can provide access to such knowledge, both experimentally and computationally. 4D flow data from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can generate excellent maps of velocity streamlines and — to our knowledge — has never been applied to this clinical problem. In addition, 4D MR flow data gathered in-vitro (hence more reproducible and more stable than in-vivo) can be a resourceful tool for validating a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the same problem. The experimental model, lacking respiration effects and concerns about scanning time, can also be used for exploring the optimal spatial and temporal resolution for improving the quality of the data. Ultimately, we suggest that a synergistic approach (experimental 4D MR flow + CFD study) carried out at a patient-specific level can provide knowledge about the hemodynamics in the neoaorta following ASO. For this purpose, we present two comparisons:(a) TGA anatomy vs. an age-matched healthy subject(b) in-vitro vs. in-silico.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) is a speech disorder with sudden changes in speech patterns resulting in affected people perceived to have a new non-native accent. Characteristic changes in language concluded in interviews provide some initial insight into the syndrome.1 The control group (without disorders) had normal speech and grammar, patients with language-speech disorders faced difficulty in speaking whereas FAS patients were labelled 'foreign' due to frequent hesitation, slow speech, inappropriate grammar and word selection.1 A great deal of time has been dedicated to understanding FAS, however, a varied patient presentation and underlying pathophysiology has led to difficulties in diagnosing the disorder and evaluating its true epidemiology.


Bird and bat collisions with wind turbines are of increasing concern to utilities, regulatory agencies, and environmental organizations. Kills have been documented at several wind farms; however, the magnitude of the problem industry-wide is unknown. This report presents the results of a feasibility study for a sensor aimed at developing an automated tool to monitor collisions with wind turbines. Accelerometers and fiber-optic sensors were identified as possible contact sensor options. Acoustic emission sensors (microphones) were identified as a non-contact option that need not be installed directly on the rotor blades. The three sensor technologies were evaluated on the basis of installation requirements, signal processing needs, and system cost. Microphones were deemed the most viable sensor system overall. Accelerometers were ranked second because they need to be installed on the rotor blades and thus require associated hardware mounted on the rotor shaft. Fiber-optic sensors were deemed the least feasible, as they have similar installation requirements as the accelerometers and higher equipment costs; moreover, the fiber-optic systems are bulky and would require custom hardware to reduce their size for practical installation on the rotor shaft.


ABSTRACT Background: The Disturbing Dreams and Nightmares Severity Index (DDNSI) is commonly used when assessing the experience of nightmares. It comprises two parts examining i) chronicity and ii) nightmare consequences. The primary aim of the present study was to explore the dimensional structure of the optional and currently unvalidated nightmare consequences component using exploratory factor analysis. Internal reliability and construct validity were also examined. A secondary aim explored the relationships between nightmare chronicity and perceived consequences with measures of anxiety, depression, stress, self-efficacy, and insomnia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with complete data from N = 757 students from six UK-based universities. Participants completed the chronicity and consequences components of the DDNSI, alongside the Sleep Condition Indicator, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Perceived Stress Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: Two nightmare consequences factors emerged; 'Sleep-Interference' (four items; α =.848), and 'Psychosocial Well-being' (six items; α =.946). Significantly moderate correlations were observed between the two emerging factors and the nightmare chronicity component, as well as with insomnia, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and self-efficacy. Perceived 'Sleep-Interference' (β =−.241) was the strongest predictor of insomnia, and 'Psychosocial wellbeing' was the strongest predictor of anxiety (β =.688) depression (β =.804) perceived stress and lower self-efficacy. Conclusions: The perceived nightmare consequences component of the DDSNI is a multidimensional construct comprising two internally consistent and distinct, but related dimensions. The potential importance of distinguishing between types of perceived nightmare consequences and the associations with mental health outcomes in a student population is highlighted.


In the quest for lowering Carbon dioxide emissions and creating a more sustainable future living environment, personal transportation and its cost on both economy and environment is a key part and problem to be solved.We can witness more and more electrical vehicles on our roads world-wide, and further more and more households are investing in solar energy in the form of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) cells. The arrays combined with the electrical vehicles could possibly cut down carbon dioxide emissions and monthly gas/fuel costs on households.This report is a Bachelor thesis work at ABB, Corporate research, Vasteras, Sweden. For Kungliga Tekniska Hogskolan (KTH).The report will present a prototype software-solution implementation for scheduling the start of electrical vehicle charging, based on parameters such as the current supply of PV Generated energy, price, CO2 emission and user preferences. A key functionality is to give the household in question the power of choice, to choose when and how their electrical vehicle should be charged, be it with the environment or the wallet in mind.


UNLABELLED
There are several antiproliferative and angiogenic factors, recently have been discovered (IL-27, IL-29, IL-31 and IL-33), but they have not been tested yet in lung cancer patients. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the clinical usefulness of determination of IL-27, IL-29, IL-31 and IL-33 in advanced stages of lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study included 45 patients (38 males; mean age 62 years; 45 with advanced NSCLC). Serum and BALF cytokine concentrations were evaluated by ELISA method before chemotherapy. The comparative groups consisted of patients with sarcoidosis (BBS, n = 15), hypersensivity pneumonitis (HP, n = 8) and healthy subjects (n = 15).

RESULTS
The serum IL-29 levels were higher in NSCLC patients than in the sarcoidosis group. However, serum IL-27, IL-31 and IL-33 did not differ markedly between: NSCLC, BBS, HP and the control group. Concentrations of IL-29 and IL-31 in BALF did not differ significantly between investigated groups. In all groups levels of IL-27 and IL-29 are significantly higher in serum than in BALF. Concentrations of IL-31 in BBS, HP and control groups tended to higher in BALF than in serum. These differences were significantly in NSCLC patients. Patients in stage IIIB of NSCLC had higher serum levels of IL-29 than these in stage IV. Lung cancer patients with partial remission (PR) after chemotherapy had significantly higher concentration of IL-27 in BALF than patients with SD. However, patients with SD had higher levels of IL-29 in BALF than patients with PD. A negative correlation was found between serum IL-31 levels before therapy and time to progression of NSCLC.

CONCLUSION
Determination of IL-27, IL-29 and IL-31 in serum and BALF can be useful in clinical practice, but their practical significance needs further studies.


textabstractThe introduction of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and mycophenolic acid (MPA) to the transplantation clinic improved the outcomes of kidney transplantation. Therapeutic drug monitoring of these immunosuppressive drugs is currently based on a pharmacokinetic approach that measures whole-blood (pre-dose) drug concentrations. Unfortunately, these measurements cannot accurately predict clinical outcomes after kidney transplantation, such as rejection, and have a poor correlation with long-term outcomes after transplantation. Pharmacodynamic monitoring is an alternative and possibly complimentary way for therapeutic drug monitoring that measures the biological effects of the drug at its target site. The research described in this thesis assessed novel techniques for pharmacodynamic monitoring of immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplantation.
Two promising methods are the phospho-specific flow cytometry assay and the intracellular monitoring of NFATc1 amplification. Phospho-specific flow cytometry measures the phosphorylation of signaling molecules involved in T cell activation, such as p-p38MAPK and p-ERK and p-Akt. The assay can be applied to monitor therapeutic drug effects on both T cells and monocytes. The phospho-specific flow cytometry assay also revealed that the currently prescribed immunosuppressive drugs have only a limited effect on intracellular monocyte activation pathways, demonstrating the need for new drugs that target monocytes after kidney transplantation.
Another promising method for PD monitoring of tacrolimus in T cells is the analysis of NFATc1 amplification. Measuring NFATc1 amplification is a specific whole-blood test to monitor the biological effects of tacrolimus in T cells of kidney transplant recipients.
Both the phospho-specific flow cytometry assay and the NFATc1 amplification assay can measure the activation of signaling molecules in different T cell subsets. In the future, when both assays are ready for routine use we recommend that these assays should be used in combination with pharmacokinetic measurements.


33-year-old woman who had received a diagnosis of tricuspidvalve endocarditis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated for replacement of the tricuspid valve. She had New York Heart Association functional class II symptoms of heart failure. Giant systolic pulsations, known as C-V waves, were observed on jugular venous examination (Panel A and Video 1). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed normal left ventricular size and systolic function. The left ventricular ejection fraction was more than 55%. The right ventricle was moderately to severely dilated. The right ventricular systolic function was mildly to moderately reduced. The left atrial size was normal, but the right atrium was severely dilated. A moderate-sized vegetation on the tricuspid valve was seen, and the right ventricular systolic pressure was elevated, at 30 to 40 mm Hg. There was severe tricuspid regurgitation (Panel B and Video 2). During surgery, the posterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve was found to be severely compromised, the anterior leaflet was unremarkable, and the septal leaflet had a perforation. The tricuspid valve was replaced with a bioprosthetic valve, and the patient recovered without complications . As the degree of tricuspid regurgitation increases, there is regurgitation of blood into the right atrium during systole. With severe tricuspid regurgitation, the V wave of tricuspid regurgitation merges with the C wave, forming a single C-V wave. This C-V wave of severe tricuspid regurgitation resembles the large carotid-pulse wave of severe aortic regurgitation and is often confused with this pulsation.


Optical nonlinearities give rise to many ubiquitous effects in optical fibers. These effects are interesting in them and can be detrimental in optical communication. In the Dense Wavelength division multiplexing system (DWDM) the nonlinear effects plays important role. DWDM system offers component reliability, system availability and system margin. DWDM system carries different channels. Hence power level carried by fiber increases which generates nonlinear effect such as SPM, XPM, SRS, SBS, and Four waves mixing (FWM). FWM is one of the most troubling issues. The FWM gives crosstalk in DWDM system whose channel spacing is narrow. Wavelength exchanging enables data swapping between two different wavelengths simultaneously. These phenomena have been used in many applications in DWDM optical networks such as, wavelength conversion, wavelength sampling, optical 3R, optical interconnects and optical add-drop multiplexing.


Glucuronidation of xenobiotics and endobiotics is catalyzed by a group of intrinsic membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum of cells: the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. Two isoforms with glucuronidation activity toward opioids have been purified and characterized from liver microsomes obtained from phenobarbital-treated Wistar rats. The proteins have been identified as the gene products of UGT2B1 and UGT1.1r. The purified proteins exhibited the same apparent KM values for morphine glucuronidation (2-3 mM). However, the purified UGT1.1r enzyme exhibited glucuronidation activity toward buprenorphine and bilirubin with high efficiency, but the UGT2B1 protein did not react with these compounds. Both purified enzymes glucuronidated chloramphenicol, 4-hydroxybiphenyl, chrysin, and ibuprofen. Flunitrazepam photoaffinity labeling was demonstrated for both enzymes, and naloxone, the opioid antagonist, antagonized the photoaffinity labeling reactions.


Polymers have great potential as building blocks to construct biomaterials for applications in biomedicine, pharmaceutics and biotechnology. Their chemical flexibility leads to the synthesis of materials with diverse physical and mechanical properties. Specifically, stimuli-responsive polymers are engineered to undergo chemical or physical transitions in response to specific external triggers. One such response involves the cleavage or degradation of a dynamic covalent bond within the polymer structure. Particularly, the reduction of disulfide bonds has gained significant attention in the development of complex delivery systems for therapeutics. This thesis describes the development of two different reduction-responsive biomaterials.
Amphiphilic block copolymers (ABPs) self-assemble in aqueous solutions to form core/shell micelles consisting of a hydrophobic core, capable of carrying a variety of hydrophobic therapeutic agents, and a hydrophilic corona, able to improve circulation time and delay immune responses. This unique property, in addition to enhanced colloidal stability and tunable size with narrow size distribution, makes micelles promising candidates for drug delivery systems. Hence, a polyester-based reduction-responsive degradable ABP with disulfide linkages positioned repeatedly on the main chain at regular intervals is synthesized. These well-defined ABPs were synthesized by a combination of polycondensation and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). These ABPs self-assemble in aqueous solution, resulting in spherical micelles with a monomodal distribution. In the presence of a reducing agent, disulfide bonds are cleaved, leading to a destabilization of the micellar core and thus enhanced release of encapsulated model drugs. Demonstrating the potential drug delivery applications of polymeric micellar systems, functionalization with biotin (vitamin H) leads to bioconjugated micelles capable of potential cell-targeting.
Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers that have shown promise as tissue engineering scaffolds. Thermo-responsive hydrogels expel water above their lower critical solution temperature (LCST), becoming more hydrophobic, and hence lose volume. Hydrogels were synthesized by ATRP using biocompatible oligo(ethylene oxide) as a scaffolding material in the presence of a disulfide-labeled dimethacrylate cross-linker. The amount of cross-linker affects thermo-responsive and mechanical properties. Cleavage of disulfide bonds lead to an increased LCST, enhanced deswelling kinetics and a decrease in mechanical properties caused by the generation of hydrophilic dangling chains, increasing the overall hydrophilicity of hydrogels. Combined with these results, as well as enhanced release of encapsulated hydrophilic model drugs and non-toxicity, these hydrogels show promise for biomedical applications.


With current development in the pedagogy of teaching and learning approaches in the world, not many studies have been done on outdoor learning in Malaysia. Most of the study was focusing on the development of curriculum and the delivery of knowledge but not many writing and approaches has been done to see outdoor learning as one of the alternative methods of learning in school design. This paper tries to briefly explain the philosophy and approaches of one of the alternative school in Indonesia which is the Natural school or Sekolah Alam which grow tremendously fast in Indonesia. With its unique methods and learning philosophy, this Toto Chan's style of learning has been considered one of the fastest growing alternative school in Indonesia. With its successful attempt in grooming un-ordinary children this school has proofed to be the most effective implementation of outdoor learning study methods in Indonesia. The discussion itself will consist of four (4) main parts First part will discuss on the current problem and situation in teaching and learning in Malaysia, while the second part will try to explore and review on the definition of outdoor learning with its importance and character in learning environment. The third part will focused on the lesson from Natural School approaches and philosophy of learning while the last part will do some analysis and comparison which result on the suggestion and recommendation for outdoor learning facilities design in Malaysia.


Active neurons tends to have a different dynamical behavior compared to resting ones. Non-exhaustively, vesicular transport towards the synapses is increased, since axonal growth becomes slower. Previous studies also reported small phase variations occurring simultaneously with the action potential. Such changes exhibit times scales ranging from milliseconds to several seconds on spatial scales smaller than the optical diffraction limit. Therefore, QPI systems are of particular interest to measure neuronal activity without labels. Here, we report the development of two new QPI systems that should enable the detection of such activity. Both systems can acquire full field phase images with a sub nanometer sensitivity at a few hundreds of frames per second. The first setup is a synchronous combination of Full Field Optical Coherence Tomography (FF-OCT) and Fluorescence wide field imaging. The latter modality enables the measurement of neurons electrical activity using calcium indicators. In cultures, FF-OCT exhibits similar features to Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM), except from complex computational reconstruction. However, FF-OCT is of particular interest in order to measure phase variations in tissues. The second setup is based on a Quantitative Differential Interference Contrast setup mounted in an epi-illumination configuration with a spectrally incoherent illumination. Such a common path interferometer exhibits a very good mechanical stability, and thus enables the measurement of phase images during hours. Additionally, such setup can not only measure a height change, but also an optical index change for both polarization. Hence, one can measure simultaneously a phase change and a birefringence change.


Abstract The growth of normal faults in mechanically layered sequences is numerically modelled using three-dimensional Distinct Element Method (DEM) models, in which rock comprises an assemblage of bonded spherical particles. Faulting is induced by movement on a pre-defined normal fault at the model base whilst a constant confining pressure is maintained by applying forces to particles lying at the model top. The structure of the modelled fault zones and its dependency on confining pressure, sequence (net:gross) and fault obliquity are assessed using various new techniques that allow (a) visualization of faulted horizons, (b) quantification of throw partitioning and (c) determination of the fault zone throw beyond which theoretical juxtaposition sealing occurs along the entire zone length. The results indicate that fault zones become better localized with increasing throw and confinement. The mechanical stratigraphy has a profound impact on fault zone structure and localization: both low and high net:gross sequences lead to wide and relatively poorly localized faults. Fault strands developing above oblique-slip normal faults form, on average, normal to the greatest infinitesimal stretching direction in transtensional zones. The model results are consistent with field observations and results from physical experiments.


Abstract Over the past decade, oil and gas producers in the Alberta basin have been faced with a growing challenge to reduce atmospheric emissions of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) that is produced from 'sour' hydrocarbon pools. Since surface desulphurization is uneconomic, increasingly operators are turning to acid-gas disposal by injection into deep geological formations. Acid gas, a mixture of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide (H2S and CO2), is the by-product of 'sweetening' sour hydrocarbons. Although the purpose of the acid-gas injection operations is to dispose of H2S, significant quantities of CO2 are also being injected because it is uneconomical to separate the two gases. The acid-gas injection operations in the Alberta basin represent an analogue to geological sequestration of CO2. Large-scale injection of CO2 into depleted oil and gas reservoirs and into deep saline aquifers is one of the most promising methods of geological sequestration of CO2, and in this respect it is no different from acid-gas disposal operations. However, before implementation of greenhouse-gas geological sequestration, a series of questions need to be addressed; the most important ones relate to the short- and long-term fate of the injected CO2. Thus, the study of the acid-gas injection operations in Alberta provides the opportunity to learn about the safety of these operations and about the fate of the injected gases, and represents a unique opportunity to investigate the feasibility of CO2 geological sequestration.


An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) utilizing a synthetic peptide analogue of HIV gp41 (amino acids 579-599, RILAVERYLKDQQLLGIWGCS) as antigen was compared with two commercial assays (Genetic Systems, Abbott ENVACORE) for the ability to detect antibodies in the early stages of infection. Two panels, consisting of 96 sera from 15 people and 140 sera from 44 people seroconverting to HIV, were examined. In the first group the synthetic peptide assay (gp41 EIA) detected antibodies before the Genetic Systems EIA in seven out of 15 people and concurrently in the remaining eight. With the second panel the Abbott ENVACORE assay detected antibodies before the gp41 EIA in two out of 44 people while the gp41 EIA detected antibodies first in six out of 44. In the remaining 36 people antibodies were detected simultaneously by the two tests. The gp41 EIA usually detected anti-HIV antibodies before or concurrently with the two commercial assays examined suggesting that the epitope cluster represented by this peptide is recognized early in infection.


If a tidal power scheme is to enclose a part of an estuary where there are one or more ports or quays used by commercial shipping, then either suitable locking facilities will have to be provided or the ports closed down. If the ports are losing money, as is sometimes the case, then it could be argued that there would be economic benefit in closing them, as well as a saving in the cost of the barrage by not having to include locks. However, this raises all sorts of questions about employment, knock-on effects and so forth which are outside the scope of this book, and so the assumption is made that adequate provision would have to be made to allow shipping to continue.


Objective: To compare the efficacy of depo-methylprednisolone and triamcinolone acetate in pain relief and in the improvement in claudication distance after two doses of epidural injections in patients with clinically diagnosed lumbar canal stenosis. Material and Methods: This prospective, randomized trial was performed in seventy patients with the clinical features of lumbar canal stenosis, who received epidural medications for pain relief. The patients were grouped into two; the T group receiving an injection of 80mg triamcinolone acetate with bupivacaine (0.125%) diluted in normal saline and the M group receiving 80 mg methylprednisolone acetate with bupivacaine (0.125%) diluted in normal saline solution (total volume of 20 ml in each group). The pain relief was assessed at 1, 3 and 6 months post-procedurally for improvement in the VAS pain scores and for the increase in the claudication distance. Results: Of the 70 patients who were included in the study, 40% were females (n=28) and 60% were males (n=42). In the M group, 24 patients (68.5%) reported improvement in the VAS pain scores at the end of 6 months, as compared to 14 (40%) patients in the T group. The pre-intervention mean claudication distance was 163 meters in the group M and 170 meters in the group T, which improved to 637 metres and 350 meters in groups M (P < .001) and T (P>0.05) respectively, at the end of a 6 month follow up. In group M, the average VAS scores decreased from 7.34 in the pre-treatment phase, to 3.64 at the end of a 6 month follow up, which was significantly low (P=0.02). Comparatively, in group T the pre-treatment VAS score value decreased from 6.4 to 4.8 after 6 months of treatment (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Both triamcinolone and methylprednisolone are effective epidural medications for symptomatic relief in lumbar canal stenosis, though depomethylprednisolone showed better long term pain relief and improved walking distance at long term intervals as compared to triamcinolone.


Innovations in food packaging systems will help meet the evolving needs of the market, such as consumer preference for "healthy" and high-quality food products and reduction of the negative environmental impacts of food packaging. Emerging concepts of active and intelligent packaging technologies provide numerous innovative solutions for prolonging shelf-life and improving the quality and safety of food products. There are also new approaches to improving the passive characteristics of food packaging, such as mechanical strength, barrier performance, and thermal stability. The development of sustainable or green packaging has the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of food packaging through the use of edible or biodegradable materials, plant extracts, and nanomaterials. Active, intelligent, and green packaging technologies can work synergistically to yield a multipurpose food-packaging system with no negative interactions between components, and this aim can be seen as the ultimate future goal for food packaging technology. This article reviews the principles of food packaging and recent developments in different types of food packaging technologies. Global patents and future research trends are also discussed.


Abstract The trophic state of ten dam reservoirs was assessed using a zooplankton community. In order to determine the trophic state of dam reservoirs, we used indices calculated on the basis of density and species structure of Rotifera and Crustacea communities. Samples were collected once during summer 2012 in ten dam reservoirs. The largest numbers of zooplankton taxa were found in a lowland high meso-eutrophic dam reservoir (Koronowski) and the lowest ones in a submontane low eutrophic dam reservoir (Lubachowski). The trophic state was determined for the investigated dam reservoirs. In the case of the Rotifera community, the percentage of the tecta form in the Keratella cochlearis population and the proportion of high-trophic species in the total species density were the best indices to describe the water trophic status. In the case of the crustacean community, the best indices were the density of Crustacea and the biomass of Cyclopoida. The high value of all indices calculated on the basis of density and species structure of Rotifera and Crustacea was determined for Zygmunt August Lake, whose trophic status was defined as highly eutrophic to polytrophic. Our study has shown that zooplankton could be a good ecosystem indicator of the water trophic level in dam reservoirs.


Pilot plant studies with settled domestic waste water were carried out to study the influence of a contact tank on bulking sludge control. It has been clearly proved that the configuration of the contact tank plays a decisive role in preventing or curing bulking sludge. A rectangular contact tank with a substrate gradient ensured well-settling sludge, while a circular contact tank - completely mixed - was not able to control bulking sludge. Stirring or aerating of the rectangular contact tank did not make a difference in the sludge quality during continuous process operation. Great differences in biosorption and COD-removal were measured between well-settling and poor-settling sludge. A detention time of 30 minutes of the sludge-water mixture in the rectangular tank guaranteed - on the basis of biosorption and COD-removal - a more stable and reliable process for controlling bulking sludge than 10 minutes.


In this study a supply chain management system was developed using blockchain technology. The system, which may be suitable to environment sensitive products involves a simple market place, where a smart contract is introduced between the seller and the buyer using ethereum when an order is placed. Upon completion of this contract a different smart contract is established between the seller and the shipping company. This latter contract involves the shipping conditions such as temperature and humidity of the transport medium. These data are recorded using a sensor system in the container and kept in a private blockchain but are available to all the parties involved. Upon delivery of the goods, the buyers approves payment to the supplier if the conditions set for delivery were complied with. Then the seller approves the payment to the shipper and the file is closed. All the transactions are performed using Ether and the private blockchain assures that the shipper has honoured the conditions set forth in the contract.


ABSTRACT This paper employs a practice perspective to understand the hanging-together of networking and production practices in small craft-food businesses. Based on a case study from a rural region of Germany, we explore how practices are held together by teleoaffective structures and socio-material arrangements, pointing to the role of machines as nodes in networking and production practices. We furthermore demonstrate how the niche-specific mode of these practices facilitates cooperation within the niche but hampers cooperation beyond the niche. Last, the hanging-together of producing and networking practices eventually leads to a niche-specific path for business growth. We add to the blossoming entrepreneurship-as-practice (EaP) literature by delineating how the bundle of entrepreneurial practices of producing, selling, and networking works to constitute a niche business realm, highlighting the agency of matter.


Abstract Background and Objectives Creative group storytelling as utilized in TimeSlips is a social activity that focuses on communication, improvisation, and creativity among its participants with dementia. A collective narrative is a channel through which participants express themselves, and it thus signifies clues about their identities, values, and experiences. No study to date, however, has examined the contents of the stories. Using the generativity model as a theoretical underpinning for analysis, this paper examines the emergent themes of such collective stories. Research Design and Methods This study used the data collected in a memory care community where a research team recruited and engaged 21 out of approximately 80 residents with dementia in 6 weekly creative storytelling sessions; 4 small groups of 4 to 6 participants created a total of 24 collective stories. Three researchers analyzed these stories by open-coding emergent themes. Once coded manually, the narratives were managed and analyzed in NVivo. Results Consistent with the concept of generativity, a thematic analysis of collective narratives revealed various aspects of participants' generative concerns. Three themes related to generativity: (1) caring and promoting the well-being of others, (2) family values, and (3) positivity. Discussion and Implications The narratives show that participants living with dementia continue to express their generative values and concerns. The findings reveal generative identities held by persons living with dementia, which help destigmatize dementia. The findings also shed light on why creative group storytelling may affect multiple positive outcomes for its participants.


Oxidative function during exercise was evaluated in 11 young athletes with marked skeletal muscle hypertrophy induced by long-term resistance training (RTA; body mass 102.6 ± 7.3 kg, mean ± SD) and 11 controls (CTRL; body mass 77.8 ± 6.0 kg). Pulmonary O2 uptake (Vo2) and vastus lateralis muscle fractional O2 extraction (by near-infrared spectroscopy) were determined during an incremental cycle ergometer (CE) and one-leg knee-extension (KE) exercise. Mitochondrial respiration was evaluated ex vivo by high-resolution respirometry in permeabilized vastus lateralis fibers obtained by biopsy. Quadriceps femoris muscle cross-sectional area, volume (determined by magnetic resonance imaging), and strength were greater in RTA vs. CTRL (by ∼40%, ∼33%, and ∼20%, respectively). Vo2peak during CE was higher in RTA vs. CTRL (4.05 ± 0.64 vs. 3.56 ± 0.30 l/min); no difference between groups was observed during KE. The O2 cost of CE exercise was not different between groups. When divided per muscle mass (for CE) or quadriceps muscle mass (for KE), Vo2 peak was lower (by 15-20%) in RTA vs. CTRL. Vastus lateralis fractional O2 extraction was lower in RTA vs. CTRL at all work rates, during both CE and KE. RTA had higher ADP-stimulated mitochondrial respiration (56.7 ± 23.7 pmol O2·s(-1)·mg(-1) ww) vs. CTRL (35.7 ± 10.2 pmol O2·s(-1)·mg(-1) ww) and a tighter coupling of oxidative phosphorylation. In RTA, the greater muscle mass and maximal force and the enhanced mitochondrial respiration seem to compensate for the hypertrophy-induced impaired peripheral O2 diffusion. The net results are an enhanced whole body oxidative function at peak exercise and unchanged efficiency and O2 cost at submaximal exercise, despite a much greater body mass.


In this thesis, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxypyrrole) or PEDOP and it's composites were synthesized wherein the polymer films were grown by electropolymerization and an appropriate moiety was integrated with the polymer to achieve enhanced electrochemical response for electrochromic and/or supercapacitor applications. Improvements in electrochromic and redox switching capability for PEDOP films were attained by use of reduced graphene oxide functionalized with an ionic liquid (RGO/IL) as a dopant/counter ion. Further, the variation in localized nanoscale conduction / work function profile of PEDOP, when doped with an intr1insically conducting charge balancing counter ion such as functionalized carbon nanotubes was compared with the nanoscale behavior of same polymer doped with insulating counter ions and correlated to the significantly increased electrochromic switching by using a combination of electrochemical tools and microscopy probes. Electrochromic devices usingPEDOP andpoly(5-cyano-indole) or PCIND as cathodic and anodic electrochromes with a novel ionic liquid based polymeric electrolyte were assembled, and the performance attributes of the device were examined in detail, to ultimately demonstrate the suitability of the PEDOP-PCIND device for smart window applications.Electrically conductive composites of Sb2S3 nanorods enwrapped by PEDOP were prepared and used as electrodes in asymmetric supercapacitors; structure-property correlation with an emphasis on the ability of Sb2S3 to serve as electron conduits was evaluated. A PEDOP-Au@WO3 hybrid dual function electrochromic supercapacitor electrode capable of optically modulating solar radiation while simultaneously storing/releasing charge was constructed for the first time and the concurrent electrochromic cum pseudocapacitive roles of this hybrid was established and assessed with respect to pristine PEDOP and WO3 films. The ability of PEDOP to enhance the photoelectrochromic response of a V2O5 nanobelts based film, using a PEDOP/V2O5 hybrid was shown. In this thesis, the remarkable potential of PEDOP and it's composites for high performance electrochromic devices, supercapacitors, electrochromic supercapacitors and as electrodes in self-powered photoelectrochromic devices is unambiguously demonstrated.


The relationship between land surface temperature and snow cover extent trends is examined in three distinct types of ensembles over the 1981–2010 period: an observation‐based ensemble, a representative selection of CMIP5 coupled climate model output, and two large initial condition coupled climate model ensembles. Observation‐based estimates of snow cover sensitivity are stronger than simulated over midlatitude and alpine regions. Observed sensitivity estimates over Arctic regions are consistent with simulated values. Anomalous snow cover extent trends present in one data set, the NOAA climate record, obscure the relationship to surface temperature seen in the rest of the analyzed data. The spread in modeled snow cover trends reflects roughly equal contributions from intermodel variability and from natural variability. Together, the anomalous relationship between surface temperature and snow cover expressed in the NOAA climate record and the large influence of natural variability present in the simulations highlight the importance of ensemble‐based approaches.


Abstract : The AF/M24T-2 Tester is an electric motor-driven cabin leakage tester designed to furnish pressurized air to the aircraft at controlled pressures and temperatures during ground pressurization of aircraft cockpits and pressurized compartments. This report provides measured data defining the bioacoustic environments produced by this unit operating inside a large aircraft hangar at normal rated/loaded conditions. Near-field data are reported for 37 locations in a wide variety of physical and psychoacoustic measures: overall and band sound pressure levels, C-weighted and A-weighted sound levels, preferred speech interference level, perceived noise level, and limiting times for total daily exposure of personnel with and without standard Air Force ear protectors. Refer to Volume 1 of this handbook, USAF Bioenvironmental Noise Data Handbook, Vol. 1: Organization, Content and Application, AMRL-TR-75-50(1) 1975, for discussion of the objective and design of the handbook, the types of data presented, measurement procedures, instrumentation, data processing, definitions of quantities, symbols, equations, applications, limitations, etc. (Author)


BACKGROUND
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a chronic progressive or relapsing and remitting disease that usually causes weakness and sensory loss. The symptoms are due to autoimmune inflammation of peripheral nerves. CIPD affects about 2 to 3 per 100,000 of the population. More than half of affected people cannot walk unaided when symptoms are at their worst. CIDP usually responds to treatments that reduce inflammation, but there is disagreement about which treatment is most effective.

OBJECTIVES
To summarise the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) and non-Cochrane systematic reviews of any treatment for CIDP and to compare the effects of treatments.

METHODS
We considered all systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any treatment for any form of CIDP. We reported their primary outcomes, giving priority to change in disability after 12 months.Two overview authors independently identified published systematic reviews for inclusion and collected data. We reported the quality of evidence using GRADE criteria. Two other review authors independently checked review selection, data extraction and quality assessments.On 31 October 2016, we searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (in theCochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL Plus for systematic reviews of CIDP. We supplemented the RCTs in the existing CSRs by searching on the same date for RCTs of any treatment of CIDP (including treatment of fatigue or pain in CIDP), in the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL Plus.

MAIN RESULTS
Five CSRs met our inclusion criteria. We identified 23 randomised trials, of which 15 had been included in these CSRs. We were unable to compare treatments as originally planned, because outcomes and outcome intervals differed. CorticosteroidsIt is uncertain whether daily oral prednisone improved impairment compared to no treatment because the quality of the evidence was very low (1 trial, 28 participants). According to moderate-quality evidence (1 trial, 41 participants), six months' treatment with high-dose monthly oral dexamethasone did not improve disability more than daily oral prednisolone. Observational studies tell us that prolonged use of corticosteroids sometimes causes serious side-effects. Plasma exchangeAccording to moderate-quality evidence (2 trials, 59 participants), twice-weekly plasma exchange produced more short-term improvement in disability than sham exchange. In the largest observational study, 3.9% of plasma exchange procedures had complications. Intravenous immunoglobulinAccording to high-quality evidence (5 trials, 269 participants), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) produced more short-term improvement than placebo. Adverse events were more common with IVIg than placebo (high-quality evidence), but serious adverse events were not (moderate-quality evidence, 3 trials, 315 participants). One trial with 19 participants provided moderate-quality evidence of little or no difference in short-term improvement of impairment with plasma exchange in comparison to IVIg. There was little or no difference in short-term improvement of disability with IVIg in comparison to oral prednisolone (moderate-quality evidence; 1 trial, 29 participants) or intravenous methylprednisolone (high-quality evidence; 1 trial, 45 participants). One unpublished randomised open trial with 35 participants found little or no difference in disability after three months of IVIg compared to oral prednisone; this trial has not yet been included in a CSR. We know from observational studies that serious adverse events related to IVIg do occur. Other immunomodulatory treatmentsIt is uncertain whether the addition of azathioprine (2 mg/kg) to prednisone improved impairment in comparison to prednisone alone, as the quality of the evidence is very low (1 trial, 27 participants). Observational studies show that adverse effects truncate treatment in 10% of people.According to low-quality evidence (1 trial, 60 participants), compared to placebo, methotrexate 15 mg/kg did not allow more participants to reduce corticosteroid or IVIg doses by 20%. Serious adverse events were no more common with methotrexate than with placebo, but observational studies show that methotrexate can cause teratogenicity, abnormal liver function, and pulmonary fibrosis.According to moderate-quality evidence (2 trials, 77 participants), interferon beta-1a (IFN beta-1a) in comparison to placebo, did not allow more people to withdraw from IVIg. According to moderate-quality evidence, serious adverse events were no more common with IFN beta-1a than with placebo.We know of no other completed trials of immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory agents for CIDP. Other treatmentsWe identified no trials of treatments for fatigue or pain in CIDP. Adverse effectsNot all trials routinely collected adverse event data; when they did, the quality of evidence was variable. Adverse effects in the short, medium, and long term occur with all interventions. We are not able to make reliable comparisons of adverse events between the interventions included in CSRs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We cannot be certain based on available evidence whether daily oral prednisone improves impairment compared to no treatment. However, corticosteroids are commonly used, based on widespread availability, low cost, very low-quality evidence from observational studies, and clinical experience. The weakness of the evidence does not necessarily mean that corticosteroids are ineffective. High-dose monthly oral dexamethasone for six months is probably no more or less effective than daily oral prednisolone. Plasma exchange produces short-term improvement in impairment as determined by neurological examination, and probably produces short-term improvement in disability. IVIg produces more short-term improvement in disability than placebo and more adverse events, although serious side effects are probably no more common than with placebo. There is no clear difference in short-term improvement in impairment with IVIg when compared with intravenous methylprednisolone and probably no improvement when compared with either oral prednisolone or plasma exchange. According to observational studies, adverse events related to difficult venous access, use of citrate, and haemodynamic changes occur in 3% to17% of plasma exchange procedures.It is uncertain whether azathioprine is of benefit as the quality of evidence is very low. Methotrexate may not be of benefit and IFN beta-1a is probably not of benefit.We need further research to identify predictors of response to different treatments and to compare their long-term benefits, safety and cost-effectiveness. There is a need for more randomised trials of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents, routes of administration, and treatments for symptoms of CIDP.


Well Head Protection (WHP) area, is a surface or subsurface area around a well which supplies extracted water from a well and therefore the pollutants entering the groundwater in this area would finally pump out from the well. In this study while introducing calculated fixed radious (CFR) method for determining WHP area of a single well, other conventional methods like analytical methods (Wyssling and KLF) and numerical models are also compared using nine pumping wells suppling drinking water for Hamedan city, Iran. The results indicated that by increasing the time of travel (increasing distance from a well), calculated fixed radious and analytical methods would lose their accuracy compared to the numerical modeling. CFR calculated values indicated under-protection on the upgradient side and over-protection on the downgradient side of a well head protection area. Moreover, in spite of the fact that the protection areas which calculated by KLF and Wyssling analytical methods, compared to the fixed radius method, are covering further area compared to the calculated protection area by numerical models, the narrow extended shape showed that the results does not cover considerable lateral distances of calculated protection area. Generally, the numerical models are the most accurate methods to draw well head protection area. In case of insufficient data, time, fund, and knowledge, however applying simpler methods like calculated fixed radius method and analytical methods would also lead to acceptable results.


The current study inspects weight status as a connect of electronic and customary cigarette. E-cigarettes could fill in as an entryway to different types of tobacco use. Among the individuals who attempt e-cigarettes, 25% had taken in any event one puff on a cigarette inside the following year, contrasted with just 10% of the individuals who never took a stab at vaping Many are under the feeling that since e-cigarettes don't contain tobacco, they present little wellbeing hazard, however the outcomes of vaping and double use presently can't seem to be completely investigated . A bunch of studies have connected e-cigarette use to dying mouths and throats, gum ailment, malignancy, deferred wound recuperating, hacking and bronchitis . 33% of e-cigarette clients are nonsmokers, recommending that e-cigarettes add to essential nicotine compulsion and Dynamic Juvenile smoking: The connection between cigarette smoking, E-cigarette smoking and BMI.


Objectives: Abnormalities in the regulation of apoptotic cell death have been shown to have an important effect on the pathogenesis and progression of cancer. Survivin, which is identified in most cancers and has recently been identified as an inhibitor of apoptosis, is a potential therapeutic target for cancer management. We investigated cell growth, apoptosis, and expression of survivin in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines after treatment with the bioactive compound silibinin. Methods: Cultured human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma SNU-46 cells were treated with different concentrations of silibinin, and the degree of cell growth and apoptosis was analyzed. Additionally, survivin protein and messenger RNA were analyzed by Western immunoblotting and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Results: Silibinin inhibited the growth of SNU-46 cells in a both dose- and time-dependent manner (p < 0.01). Upon fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, silibinin (200 μmol/L) treatment increased the proportion of apoptotic cells from 7% to 40%. At high concentrations (more than 150 μmol/L), silibinin greatly reduced messenger RNA and protein expression of survivin. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that silibinin induced apoptosis of laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells by a mechanism involving decreased survivin expression, which suggests the possibility that silibinin may be an effective treatment of laryngeal cancers.


Sir, One of the difficulties in publishing of single case reports is that the possibility of discussion of the diagnosis is limited. I would just like to question the assumption of Barr et al. (October 1986 JRSM, p 612)that the mentally subnormal index case and her mother both had Friedreich's ataxia. Friedreich's ataxia, as we currently know it, is an autosomal recessive disorder and is not associated with mental handicap. Whatever neurological condition the patient had, it is perhaps as important to be as precise about the niceties of the neurological diagnosis as of the histology of the complicating tumour. J B P STEPHENSON Consultant in Paediatric Neurology Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow


The safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of an oral cholera vaccine (OCV) was assessed in adult Korean male through an open-label, non-comparative clinical study. Two doses of vaccine with an interval of 2 weeks were given to 20 healthy subjects. A total of 7 adverse events occurred in 6 subjects. However, no clinically significant change was observed in electrocardiograms, vital signs, physical examinations, and clinical laboratory tests. The immunogenicity of OCV was evaluated by serum vibriocidal assay where anti-Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 antibodies were measured at day 0, 14, and 28 of vaccine administration. The antibody titers ranged from < 2.5-5,120 for V. cholerae O1 Inaba, < 2.5-10,240 for V. cholerae O1 Ogawa and < 2.5-480 for V. cholerae O139. In addition, the fold increase in antibody titers ranged from 1-4,096 for O1 Inaba, 1-8,192 for O1 Ogawa, and 1-384 for O139. The seroconversion rate was 95% and 45% for O1 and O139 antibodies, respectively. Our study clearly shows that administration of two doses of OCV at a 2 week-interval increases an appropriate level of antibody titer in the serum of healthy Korean adult males (Clinical Trial Number, NCT01707537). Graphical Abstract


This volume celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Society for Medieval Archaeology (established in 1957), presenting reflections on the history, development and future prospects of the discipline. The papers are drawn from a series of conferences and workshops that took place in 2007-2008, in addition to a number of contributions that were commissioned especially for the volume. They range from personal commentaries on the history of the Society and the growth of the subject, to historiographical, regional and thematic overviews of major trends in the evolution and current practice of medieval archaeology in Britain. Critical overviews are presented of the archaeology of medieval landscapes, buildings and material culture; new developments in the scientific study of medieval health, diet and materials; and innovations in social approaches to medieval archaeology. A series of papers on southern Europe provide a comparative perspective, featuring overviews on medieval archaeology in Italy, Spain and southeastern Europe.


Background & Aim: Paracetamol is a non-opioid and non-NSAID(non non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) analgesic with central function. Analgesic effect of paracetamol is similar to opioids and NSAIDs but different from them in terms of side effects. Remifentanil is a short-acting opioid. In our study, we assess the effect of these two drugs on the depth of anesthesia using BIS monitoring. BIS(Bispectral) index is a complex EEG(Electroencephalograph) parameter. Bispectral index values of 0 represent an isoelectric EEG, where values of 100 represent awareness. Patients & Method: This study was done on 100 ASA-1(American Society of Anesthesiologists) patients who were candidates for endoscopic sinus surgery. Patients who were out of the age range of 15-45 years were excluded. Then the patients were randomly divided into two groups of 50. The first group included patients using paracetamol and the other group used remifentanil. Both groups received 1μg/kg of fentanil as premedication. Induction of anesthesia in the first group was started by using propofol 2.5mg/kg and then cysatracurium 0.15mg/kg. Propofol 100μg/kg/min+N2O 50%,O2 50%(equal minute volume)+paracetamol 1gr/Q4h were administered for maintenance. In the other group the induction was similar to the first group, but for maintenance propofol 100μg/kg/min+N2O 50%, O2 50%(equal minute volume)+remifentanil 1μg/kg/min were administered. For each group, depth of anesthesia was measured during laryngoscopy, intubation and incision. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded on collecting data sheets too. Results: Data was analyzed using independent sample t-test and PV<0.05 was statistically significant. The analysis of data showed no significant difference between the two groups(PV>0.05). As a result, there is no difference between the effect of paracetamol and remifentanil on the depth of anesthesia. Conclusion: These findings suggest that infusion of paracetamol replace remifentanil in order to observe hemodynamic stability during the surgery.


The purpose of this study is to determine the appropriate network system for using the Digital Textbook in a u-Learning environment. South Korea has invested a substantial amount of capital in the Digital Textbook project. However, its network system is not sufficient to support the u-Learning network system. To ensure the success of the Digital Textbook project, it is necessary to establish an optimal network environment in which to facilitate the development of content and manage the rapid changes in information and communication technology. To determine an appropriate network system, a comparative analysis has been conducted regarding a network environment for the Digital Textbook based on the actual case of South Korea. As a result of this study, Wireless LAN (WLAN) appears to be the most appropriate network system for the Digital Textbook project among WLAN, Mobile WiMAX, and High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network systems. Subsequently, this paper presents useful policy guidelines for the Digital Textbook project in South Korea as well as for other countries interested in the u-Learning project. KeywordsWireless Communication Technology; u-Learning; Digital Textbook; Mobile WiMAX


Abstract Human longevity is a complex trait influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, whose interaction is mediated by epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation. Here, we generated genome-wide whole-blood methylome data from 267 individuals, of which 71 were long-lived (90–104 years), by applying reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. We followed a stringent two-stage analysis procedure using discovery and replication samples to detect differentially methylated sites (DMSs) between young and long-lived study participants. Additionally, we performed a DNA methylation quantitative trait loci analysis to identify DMSs that underlie the longevity phenotype. We combined the DMSs results with gene expression data as an indicator of functional relevance. This approach yielded 21 new candidate genes, the majority of which are involved in neurophysiological processes or cancer. Notably, two candidates (PVRL2, ERCC1) are located on chromosome 19q, in close proximity to the well-known longevity- and Alzheimer's disease-associated loci APOE and TOMM40. We propose this region as a longevity hub, operating on both a genetic (APOE, TOMM40) and an epigenetic (PVRL2, ERCC1) level. We hypothesize that the heritable methylation and associated gene expression changes reported here are overall advantageous for the LLI and may prevent/postpone age-related diseases and facilitate survival into very old age.


Multiple packet transmissions (MPTs) improve performance by transmitting multiple packets in a single operational cycle. Asynchronous duty cycling medium access control (MAC) protocols such as receiver initiated MAC protocol (RI-MAC) transmit multiple packets in one cycle. In this letter, we develop two associated discrete time Markov chain (DTMC) models to model MPT that can be achieved via multiple node competitions. Furthermore, we present the way of incorporating those developed models with each other for evaluating performance of RI-MAC with MPT. Using the solution of DTMC models, network throughput of MPT is calculated and compared with the one achieved by single packet transmission MAC (e.g., S-MAC) protocol. Validation of analytical results through discrete-event simulations confirms the accuracy of modeling and discloses the operation of MPT in RI-MAC protocol.


Notwithstanding the demands of retributive desert, strict criminal liability is sometimes defensible when the strict liability pertains, not to whether conduct is to be criminalized at all, but to the seriousness of the actor's crime. Suppose an actor commits an intentional assault or rape, and accidentally brings about a death. Punishing the actor more seriously because the death resulted is sometimes justifiable, even absent proof of his independent culpability as to the death. But what punishment is proportionate for such an actor? Should he be punished as harshly as an intentional or knowing killer?This paper offers a framework for analyzing these difficult questions. After rejecting a broad forfeiture justification for strict liability in grading, it articulates a more promising set of arguments, premised on the actor's "change of normative position" by choosing to commit a crime. Three principles of culpability sometimes justify strict liability in grading: holistic culpability, attention to the degree of unjustifiability of the risk, and rough comparability in culpability. Strict liability in grading can be appropriate when the risk of committing the more serious crime (a) is a risk intrinsic to the less serious crime or (b) is minimally foreseeable. The article also addresses the relevance of moral luck, i.e. the principle that the fortuitous occurrence of a result or circumstance increases the actor's just deserts. Even if moral luck is recognized, it cannot fully justify strict liability in grading.This is an electronic version of an article the final version of which is published in Oxford Journal of Legal Studies.


A 70s woman with a history of open-heart surgery presented with severe aortic stenosis (AS). CT showed chronic type B aortic dissection (TBAD) between the distal aortic arch and the left common iliac artery. After careful consideration, we planned transfemoral (TF)-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using a 20-Fr long sheath to minimise number of contacts with the false lumen of the aorta. TAVI was performed under general anaesthesia, guided by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A transcatheter aortic valve was successfully implanted. TEE immediately after valve implantation showed no remarkable changes in the descending thoracic aorta. Repeated postprocedural CT examinations showed no obvious changes in the aorta. The patient was stable without sequelae at the 12-month follow-up. This case demonstrates that TF-TAVI using a long sheath under TEE guidance can be a treatment option for patients with severe AS and chronic TBAD.


The paper provides evidence on the extent of ethnic segregation experienced by children across secondary schools and neighbourhoods (wards). Using 2001 Schools Census and Population Census data, indices of dissimilarity and isolation are employed to compare patterns of segregation across nine ethnic groups, and across Local Education Authorities in England. Looking at both schools and neighbourhoods, high levels of segregation are found for the different groups, along with considerable variation across England. Consistently higher segregation is found for south Asian pupils than for Black pupils. For most ethnic groups, children are more segregated at school than in their neighbourhood. The relative degree of segregation is analysed and it is shown that high population density is associated with high relative school segregation.


In the past few years, communications technology has brought many advances in the delivery and monitoring of press releases and other public relations messages. New technological tools are giving practitioners new ways to communicate on-screen, on-line and over the fax. It may not be the paperless office, but it comes mighty close. Jon Pierce, an account executive for Paul Werth Associates in Columbus, OH, recently hired a market research firm to conduct a 75-question poll of 500 people. When the polling was completed, the firm sent Pierce raw data via CompuServe's electronic mail system. Pierce downloaded the data into his statistical analysis program, with no re-keying necessary, and was able to generate a report on the results within hours. To hear public relations practitioners tell it, that's the kind of nimble, instantaneous exchange of information that clients, the media and a firm's constituencies are demanding these days. You don't have to be a high-tech hacker to realize that technological advances have forever changed the day-to-day business of public relations. Broadcast facsimile, on-line media lists and interactive networks may be novelties now, but they'll soon be staples in a practitioner's portfolio of communication conduits. Add to that a host of gee-whiz gadgetry coming down the pike--such as the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), which will enable the existing telephone network to transmit much more information over standard lines--and the craft of public relations looks very different than it did 10 years ago. "Changes inside public relations offices--corporate and counselor alike--will be every bit as great as those in the outside world," predicted E.W. Brody, Ed.D., APR, co-author of "New Technology and Public Relations: On to the Future," published in 1991. "Survival in many cases may depend on a practitioner's ability to apply the new and emerging technologies. Inability to quickly access a database and extract information needed by a client or employer will be a crippling handicap to the practitioners of the 21st century." And let's not forget, he added, that the next century is only seven years away. Keeping pace with all these changes can seem daunting at first. Yet when you realize that they will ultimately offer new ways to use familiar office equipment--namely, the facsimile machine and the personal computer--new technology becomes simply a user-friendly way to do your job faster, better and more easily. Here's a look at some new developments. Wide nets and narrow niches The popularization of the fax machine in the late 1980s was a turning point for public relations. Not only did it curtail the arduous copying, collating and mailing of press releases, it enabled practitioners to fall in sync with the timetables of the broadcast media, for which the news day is measured in hours, not days. The subsequent advent of broadcast fax, which transmits a single document to hundreds of recipients simultaneously, made it even easier to disseminate timely news quickly and efficiently. (For a report on the use of broadcast fax in the recent presidential campaign, see PRJ, November 1992, page 8.) Now, several vendors, including PR Newswire and Business Wire, both based in New York City, have added a twist to the one document/many recipients formula. Last June, PR Newswire inaugurated PRONTO On-Call, a service that allows callers to dial an 800 number, request information by touch-tone phone, and receive a document within minutes on their fax machine. Designed to cut the time and cost of providing frequently requested information such as earnings reports, news releases, crisis communications documents and merger announcements, the service's big selling point is security. Companies offering the service give the 800 number only to people authorized to receive the information. In addition, different personal identification numbers (PINs) can be assigned to separate groups of callers. …


Abstract In this paper, a robust method to the ability of the watermark to resist against attacks is proposed for hiding information into images. The proposed method is blind because the original image is not required at the decoder to recover the embedded data. The robustness of the watermarking scheme is inspired by using a PJND (Pyramidal Just Noticeable Difference) model and the message is inserted into these DoG (Difference of Gaussians) [1, 2]. Our proposal takes into account three main characteristics of Human Visual System, namely: contrast sensitivity, luminance adaptation and contrast marking. Therefore, it not only provides an invisible and robust watermarking but also optimizes watermarking capacity. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated by a series of experiments with different input images. In terms of transparency, besides using the subjective experiments, eight objective metrics are calculated in comparison with other methods such as PSNR, MSSIM, SVDm, etc. Our approach always presents the outperform values. In terms of robustness, many kinds of attacks from global transformation (rotation, scaling, etc) to local transformation (stirmark, checkmark benchmarks, de-synchronization attacks) are implemented. Many image processing tools are applied to simulate the attacks such as Print-Screen, Using Photo editing software, Camcorder, Print-Scan, etc. The experimental results show an outstanding robustness in resisting these attacks. Keywords: Digital Watermarking, Print-Scan process, DoG, De-synchronization attacks, Camcorder.


RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) act as essential regulators of cell fate decisions through their ability to bind and regulate the activity of cellular RNAs. For protein-coding messenger RNAs (mRNAs), RBPs control the localization, stability, degradation, and ultimately translation of mRNAs to impact gene expression. Disruption of the vast network of mRNA-protein interactions has been implicated in many human diseases, and accordingly, targeting these interactions has surfaced as a new frontier in RNA-targeted drug discovery. To catalyze this new field, methods are needed to enable the detection and subsequent screening of mRNA-RBP interactions, particularly in live cells. Using our laboratory's RNA-interaction with Protein-mediated Complementation Assay (RiPCA) technology, herein we describe its application to mRNA-protein interactions and present a guide for the development of future RiPCA assays for structurally diverse classes of mRNA-protein interactions.


In some electric vehicle the power supplied by the battery is DC in nature and is inappropriate to operate a variable speed DC motor. The battery power is converted to the required regulated supply for the motor by using an electronic power converter. The exact nature and timing of the current and voltage waveforms that are fed to the motor are determined by the controller system .The motor converts the electric power into mechanical energy at the shaft, which then drives the wheels through an appropriate transmission/speed reducer system. The torque and power requirements for an electric vehicle are quite unique among variable speed drive applications. The desirable torque/power vs. speed characteristics is very important for the drive to be capable of maintaining high efficiency over broad ranges of torque and speed. It is required that motors are related to operate at certain voltage and are sensitive to fluctuations in this voltage. In an electric vehicle the voltage is dependent upon the battery's state of charge and the load current. Both these factors can alter the voltage as much as 20% and hence the motor should be capable of handling these fluctuations in supply voltage. The two methods of scaling a drive are namely the torque scaling and speed scaling required for transmission speed reduction. Speed scaling would require a transmission/speed reducer because of the change in reduction ratio. This paper is primarily aimed at developing a fault tolerant fuzzy logic controller .The fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is modeled to be capable of increasing the initial torque required for the electric vehicle drive with variable speed characteristics and high efficiency. An efficient gear-changing algorithm is given with simplified block diagram.


Based on the examination of 26 499 female and 17 666 male specimens, the reproductive biology of P. ornatus is discussed with spatiotemporal reference to the annual breeding migration from northern Torres Strait to the Gulf of Papua. Migration commences generally in August with ovary development, mating and initial oviposition occurring during migration. Larval release normally commences once the migration has terminated on the reefs of the eastern seaboard in the Gulf of Papua. At the conclusion of the migration, marked segregation of the sexes occurs, with males entering shallow water (<3 m) before females, who frequent deeper water (3-15 m) until their eggs have hatched. During the breeding season (NovemberApril), females produce up to three broods. Fecundity is determined for 33 females in the carapace size range 75.4-121 .O mm. No significant egg loss during incubation was detected, but there was an indication of a reduction in the size of each subsequent brood. There appears to be a high post-spawning mortality of migratory lobsters. It is likely that the Gulf of Papua is the major source of larval recruitment in the western Coral Sea, including the east coast of Queensland and Torres Strait.


UAVs have the potential to capture information about the earth's surface in dangerous and previously inaccessible locations. Through image acquisition of flash flood events and subsequent object-based analysis, highly dynamic and oft- immeasurable hydraulic phenomenon may be quantified at previously unattainable spatial and temporal resolutions. The potential for this approach to provide valuable information about the hydraulic conditions present during dynamic, high-energy flash floods has until now not been explored. In this paper we adopt a novel approach, utilising the Kande-Lucas-Tomasi 10 (KLT) algorithm to track features present on the water surface which are related to the free-surface velocity. Following the successful tracking of features, a method analogous to the vector correction method has enabled accurate geometric rectification of velocity vectors. Uncertainties associated with the rectification process induced by unsteady camera movements are subsequently explored. Geo-registration errors are relatively stable and occur as a result of persistent residual distortion effects following image correction. The apparent ground movement of immobile control points between measurement intervals 15 ranges from 0.05 - 0.13m. The application of this approach to assess the hydraulic conditions present in Alyth Burn, Scotland during a 1:200 year flash flood resulted in the generation of an average 4.2 measurements m -2 at a rate of 508 measurements s -1 . Analysis of these vectors provide a rare insight into the complexity of channel-overbank interactions during flash floods. The uncertainty attached to the calculated velocities is relatively low with a spatial average across the area of ± 0.15m s -1 . Little difference is observed in the uncertainty attached to out-of-bank velocities (± 0.15m s -1 ), and within-channel velocities 20 (± 0.16m s -1 ), illustrating the consistency of the approach.


The principles of the prognostic evaluation in epilepsy are suggested. Since the concept of prognosis is complex and multifacet it is advisable to differentiate its clinical aspect (including the prognosis of paroxysmal, psychic, neurologic and other manifestations of the disease) and the social one (occupational, familial, and social). The correlation of these factors considered from the viewpoint of a dynamic approach determines the course and the prognosis of epilepsy as a whole. The degree of the patient's clinical and occupational compensation serves as one of the major criteria of the assessment of the disease course and prognosis. Clinical and social criteria taken as a whole permit a comprehensive qualification of the prognosis of epilepsy. The above principles may be applied to other mental disorders as well.


People with behavioral health conditions suffer from missed health care opportunities. Research has shown that people with serious mental illness suffer from increased burdens of sickness and early death as a result of poorly managed physical illness. People with less significant behavioral conditions too often remain unconnected to mental health or substance use disorder care because such services are unavailable in primary care settings. Clinicians responding to these system deficits advocate care integration through bringing primary care and behavioral health under one roof.Innovative New Jersey clinicians have worked toward behavioral health integration. The clinical difficulties such integration entails can be daunting, but models from around the country, as well as home-grown efforts, point the way toward success. The Nicholson Foundation has funded several care integration efforts around New Jersey. Clinicians reported, however, that their efforts are impeded by legal barriers in New Jersey's licensure and reimbursement systems. The Nicholson Foundation asked Seton Hall Law School's Center for Health & Pharmaceutical Law & Policy to examine those legal barriers, and to propose solutions that would facilitate appropriate behavioral health integration.This Report reviews the clinical behavioral health literature and describes the statutory and regulatory law on licensure and reimbursement. It reflects extensive conversations with many primary care and behavioral health providers, academics, advocates, and government representatives. The goals of this Report are several. First, the statutory and regulatory framework is complex, and the regulated community experiences confusion that impedes efforts to extend care. One goal, therefore, is to describe in clear terms both the "black letter" law and, equally as important, authoritative interpretations of that law as applied to behavioral health integration.Second, the Report describes those instances in which current law impedes the development of integrated care. In some instances New Jersey law appears to lag the clinical developments in this area, suggesting that modifications in the law could benefit all. This Report details such areas in the licensure and reimbursement areas.Finally, this Report offers recommendations for adjustments to the regulatory framework governing reimbursement and licensure, which recommendations are intended appropriately to balance the consumer protection missions of the Departments of Human Services and Health on the one hand with the imperative to facilitate the move to clinically integrated behavioral health and primary care services.


Ageing is one of the most critical risk factors in the development of age-related disease. In particular, it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease with age-related changes to the heart demonstrating hypertrophy, reduced elasticity and reduced diastolic function. The dietary implementation of the polyamine spermidine has been shown to extend lifespan in a number of model organisms such as mice, rats, yeast, worms, flies and mammals, thought primarily to be due to its cardioprotective effects. Various studies have demonstrated the ability of spermidine to reduce blood pressure, delay hypertrophy and increase elasticity of cardiac muscle. Spermidine is a polyamine that is naturally abundant in a number of foods such as aged cheese, fermented soybean and wheatgerm, making it a viable compound to research its impact on longevity through dietary interventions. Spermidine has the ability to promote autophagy in cardiac muscle along with mitophagy. Autophagy is a vital process for the recycling of dysfunctional and potentially harmful cellular components which can prevent interruptions in the homeostatic environment and prevent disease. In light of the cardioprotective effects seen through spermidine supplementation in various models, it is a promising candidate for further research into treatments for age-related cardiac decline.


TonB is known to be a bacterial periplasmic protein that transduces proton from the inner membrane to the outer membrane receptor in complex with the ExbB and ExbD proteins. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae TonB2 protein is the second TonB protein that is important for iron acquisition and virulence. The TonB2 protein was verified to be immunogenic and could afford partial protection for animals from lethal infection. In the present study, the recombinant TonB2 (rTonB2) was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and purified. The rTonB2 was then used as antigen to immunize BALB/c mice for the production of monoclonal antibodies (MAb). Four clones of TonB2-specific MAb secretion hybridomas—2F2, 2G8, 3D2, and 6F10—were selected. The MAbs 2F2, 3D2, and 6F10 were classified as IgG1 isotype and 2G8 was of IgG2a isotype. Western blot and ELISA results indicated that MAbs had specific binding activity to rTonB2. The MAbs generated here will be used for further functional analyses of the TonB2 protein.


MICROBIAL GENETICSOn page [375][1], researchers describe the sequence of the 1.14 million base pairs that make up the genetic code of Treponema pallidum , the spirochete that causes syphilis. Although complete gene sequences are known for perhaps 14 other microbes, including a half-dozen that cause disease, none has been so difficult to study with the traditional tools of microbiology, because the microbe doesn't survive long in the culture dish. Public health workers are now hoping that this new information will help them battle the disease and perhaps eventually find a vaccine. And in a related Policy piece, public health officials discuss a possible campaign to eliminate syphilis in the United States (see p. [353][2]).

 [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/281/5375/375
 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/281/5375/353


During the past 40 years of human space flights it has been confirmed that exposure to microgravity affects almost all human physiological systems. The more common among these alterations show strong analogies with the corresponding cellular and molecular processes present in the immunosenescence.
The limited access to experimentation in real microgravity in space strongly suggests to use ground-based facilities. The Random Positioning Machine (RPM) has been used so far as a suitable facility for in vitro cellular physiology studies.
The main goal of the first part of my research was to further contribute to the validation of the RPM as facility for in vivo experiments by studying bone marrow cells mineralization in young male rats exposed to simulated microgravity.
Studying the mutual changes seen in the immunosenescence through in vivo and in vitro experiments in simulated microgravity, can be an experimental instrument for a better comprehension of some processes seen in the elderly people.
In the second part of my Ph.D. we paid special attention to an interesting analogy found both in the microgravity effects on the immune system and haematic parameters in the elderly people, the increased apoptosis and cytokines levels. In vivo and in vitro experiments in simulated microgravity conditions were carried out to evaluate the phagocytosis capability in macrophages.
Finally, we evaluated the phagocytosis capability of macrophages obtained from elderly people.


Experience the highly visual format of the Art of Photoshop: Digital Photography Workshop and learn how to take good source photos and transform them into display-quality digital works of art with visual effects used in Adobe Photoshop. Using the beauty of the Tuscan region of Italy as a backdrop, author and artist/photographer Daniel Giordan, will take you through the steps of how to capture good source materials, how to explore the artistic effect of those images, and how to turn those explorations into richly layered and visually complex artwork using the tools available in Photoshop. This is your chance to look over the author's shoulder as he guides you through a process of creative exploration through which he creates 10 artistic montages.i¾


Diabetic foot infection (DFI), a multi-facetted disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach for successful treatment, mostly affects the forefoot. Calcaneal osteomyelitis (CO) is an uncommon presentation of DFI with a somewhat different epidemiology, clinical features, and approach to management. These patients, compared to those with non-calcaneal DFI, more often require special surgical techniques and off-loading approaches. In this narrative review targeted to non-surgical clinicians, we explore how CO differs from other types of DFI affecting other anatomical locations. Based on our review of the literature and personal experience, we also highlight important issues regarding the management of CO osteomyelitis, including the need for specialized surgical approaches.


: This paper deals with the extreme value analysis for the triangular arrays which appear when some parameters of the mixture model vary as the number of observations grows. When the mixing parameter is small, it is natural to associate one of the components with "an impurity" (in the case of regularly varying distribution, "heavy-tailed impurity"), which "pollutes" another component. We show that the set of possible limit distributions is much more diverse than in the classical Fisher–Tippett–Gnedenko theorem, and provide the numerical examples showing the efficiency of the proposed model for studying the maximal values of the stock returns.


We investigate the covering problem in RT spaces induced by the Rosenbloom-Tsfasman metric, extending the classical covering problem in Hamming spaces. Some connections between coverings in RT spaces and coverings in Hamming spaces are derived. Several lower and upper bounds are established for the smallest cardinality of a covering code in an RT space, generalizing results by Carnielli, Chen and Honkala, Brualdi et al., Yildiz et al. A new construction of MDS codes in RT spaces is obtained. Upper bounds are given on the basis of MDS codes, generalizing well-known results due to Stanton et al., Blokhuis and Lam, and Carnielli. Tables of lower and upper bounds are presented too.


"Involuntary parenthood" actions are negligence actions, usually medical malpractice cases involving a failed sterilization, inadequate warning about the risks of pregnancy, or a failed abortion. In Canada, they will soon also involve product liability claims against negligent birth control manufacturers, providers and regulators. This article considers whether the parents' damages ought to include the cost of raising the child. No Canadian appellate court has ever ruled on this point, although it has been adjudicated extensively by the highest courts elsewhere in the common law world. At least 7 different rules limiting such recovery have been endorsed in the Canadian lower courts. Most of the limiting rules are unique to involuntary parenthood cases, deviating from the outcome that would prevail were the standard rules of negligence law applied. Many have no rational foundation. This article concludes that the failure to compensate parents for the cost of raising the child cannot be justified. Rather the refusal to compensate for reasonable child rearing expenses constitutes discrimination against women who are mothers. This discrimination is sometimes, perhaps often, perpetrated by judges who refuse to accept and protect a woman's right to reproductive freedom. These mothers are under-compensated, and the medical establishment that failed them is under-deterred.


Internet routing tables have been growing rapidly due to factors such as edge-site multihoming, traffic engineering, and disjoint address allocations. To address the routing scalability problems caused by this rapid growth, we propose an evolutionary approach that is incrementally deployable and provides immediate benefits to any adopting ASes. The basic premise of the approach is that route aggregation removes from routing tables the unnecessary topological details about remote portions of the Internet. We demonstrate that aggregation can be applied incrementally starting from local scopes within individual routers and individual ASes, and gradually expanded to the global Internet scope. The evaluation studies show that route aggregation is effective in addressing FIB scalability problems within a router and within a network.


Purpose To analyze transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) gene mutations in a Chinese pedigree with Reis-Bücklers dystrophy (RBCD). Methods In a four-generation Chinese family with Reis-Bücklers dystrophy, six members were patients and the rest were unaffected. All members of the family underwent complete ophthalmologic examinations. Exons of TGFBI were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, sequenced, and compared with a reference database. The sequencing results were reconfirmed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results A single heterozygous C>T (R124C) point mutation was found in exon 4 of TGFBI in all six members of the pedigree affected with RBCD, but not in the unaffected members. Conclusions Within this pedigree, RBCD segregates with the R124C variance, which is a known mutation for lattice corneal dystrophy type I. Therefore, along with G623D and R124L, the R124C mutation in TGFBI is also found to be responsible for RBCD.


A formal compositional study of the proanthocyanidins of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Carménère was conducted in this work. We first characterized the polymeric proanthocyanidins of Carménère skins, seeds, and wines. In addition, the wine astringency was analyzed and compared with Cabernet Sauvignon. Although Carménère wines had a higher proanthocyanidin concentration and mean degree of polymerization than Cabernet Sauvignon wines, the former wines were perceived as less astringent. The low seed/skin proportion in Carménère wines as compared to other varieties, as evidenced by the reduced number of seeds per berry and the higher amount of epigallocatechin subunits of Carménère wine proanthocyanidins, could explain this apparent paradox.


Robots operating in human environments need to perform a variety of dexterous manipulation tasks on object arrangements that have complex physical support relationships, e.g. procuring utensils from a large pile of dishes, grabbing a bottle from a stuffed fridge, or fetching a book from a loaded shelf. The cost of a misjudged extraction in these situations can be very high (e.g., other objects falling) and therefore robots must be careful not to disturb other objects when executing manipulation skills. This requires robots to reason about the effect of their manipulation choices by accounting for the support relationships among objects in the scene. Humans do this in part by visually assessing the scene and using physics intuition to infer how likely it is that a particular object can be safely moved. Inspired by this human capability, we explore how robots can emulate similar vision-based physics intuition using deep learning based data-driven models. We formulate our research problem as a scene understanding task for visually assessing the feasibility of extraction from an arrangement of objects. We focus on data-driven approaches that assess possible object interactions with only a few glimpses of the scene. Ongoing work has shown that deep convolutional neural networks can learn intuitive physics over images generated in simulation and determine the stability of an arrangement of objects in the real world. We extend these physics intuition models to the task of assessing safe object extraction by conditioning the visual images on specific objects in the scene using object masks. Our method identifies which objects can be safely extracted, from which direction to extract them, and the potential impact such extraction will have on nearby objects. Our results, in both simulation and real-world settings, show that physics intuition models using our proposed method can successfully inform a robot's actions during object extraction. We compare the performance of our method against simulation-based and geometry-based assessment methods and highlight their pros and cons for their application to the task of assessing safe object-extraction. Furthermore, we show that using aggregation techniques to combine multiple views, we can obtain a unified visual assessment that improves the model's predictive performance.


Segmented mirrors present unique challenges to fabrication and testing that are absent for monolithic optics. Since traditional asphere tests do not address segmented optics adequately, we validate a previously developed method to test large quantities of segments accurately, quickly, and economically. In this test, the aspheric shape of each segment is controlled to high accuracy by use of computer-generated holograms, and the radius of curvature is tightly controlled by use of the reference plate. In an adjoining paper [Appl Opt 43, 5303 (2004)] we developed the theory for this test, and now we present a complete system design and optimization for measuring the 1.4-m segments from a 30-m F/1 primary. A complete tolerance analysis predicts a test accuracy of 4.8-nm rms surface and excellent accuracy for controlling the geometry of the segment. In addition, a laboratory demonstration using 30-cm optics is presented that demonstrated 3.9-nm rms surface accuracy.


Major complications, including sepsis, bleeding, and abscess formation, occur in 10% to 30% of patients (13,14) . Stent occlusion, leading to recurrent jaundice, fever, and pruritus, develops in about one ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Endoscopic stenting has become widely accepted procedure for the relief of jaundice in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. It may offer lower morbidity and mortality, shorter hospitalization, and diminished overall cost compared with surgical or radiological approaches. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the self expendable metallic stents in treatment of the patients with biliary stricture due to malignant tumors, and to compare this efficacy between proximal and distal obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SEMS were deployed during endocopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in a total of 41patients with malignant biliary obstruction (proximal or distal) . Clinical success was defined as the improvement of the laboratory data and a decrease of the bilirary dilatation by follow up ultrasound imaging. Stent dysfunction was defined as recurrence of jaundice or cholangitis, is confirmed by ERCP or simply by elevated cholestatic parameters and treated by insertion of a plastic stent or second metallic stent inside the old one. RESULTS: Stent placement was achieved in 38 of 41 patients (92.7%) with malignant bile duct obstruction. SEMS was failed to be placed in 3 patients (1 with pancreatic cancer and 2 with proximal cholangiocarcinoma).Clinical improvement was seen in 36 of 38 patients (94.7%). In 4 patients (10.5%) cholangitis had developed.The overall stent patency time was 37.88 + 18.59 weeks (range 16-76 week). Analysis in subgroup of patients classified according to the site of obstruction (34with distal and 7 with proximal biliary obstruction).The overall success (technical and clinical) was significantly higher in the distal group (33/34, 97.1%) than in the proximal group (3/7, 42.9%); p-value was 0.02. CONCLUSION: SEMS implantation is a feasible , palliative method for inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. The clinical and the technical success of biliary drainage by SEMS is better achieved in distal than in proximal tumors with hilar infiltration by the tumor.


This dictionary profiles world-renowned architects, engineers, landscape architects, artists and photographers whose work has given rise to an entirely new dimension in designing the cityscape. It features leading figures from the international scene, including Tadao Andao, Emilio Ambasz, Daniel Buren, Tony Cragg, Walter De Maria, Michael Heizer, Anish Kapoor, Rem Koolhaas, Maya Lin, Richard Long and James Turrel, among many others. Over the last decade the concept of "landscape" has dramatically changed, Projects that reconstruct large disused areas, the design of public spaces, parks and private gardens, and Land Art all involve landscape design. This field has come to greater prominence with the increase in public projects and by keeping pace with new theoretical approaches and design practices. This volume will be an invaluable reference for any one involved in urban planning, public art, landscape architecture and landscape design.