Non-ideal and turbulent environment is affecting the business operations of today's companies. The influence and behavior of external factors is not possible or very difficult to predict, but necessary to consider in the decision making process at all organizational levels. Development of computer technologies allowed companies processing large amounts of data in order to make decisions which take into account both internal and external factors. Due to their tolerance of imprecision and uncertainty, Soft computing techniques (SCT) are increasingly used in solving those problems. They are characterized by the ability to adapt quickly to the changes in the environment, stability when processing large amounts of inaccurate data and real time responsiveness. The basic and most commonly used Soft Computing techniques are Fuzzy logic (FL) and neural networks (NN). This paper gives a review of 78 papers referring to the development of theory and practical application of soft computing techniques in business process management. Papers were selected based on the journals impact factor and year of publication (with the focus on recent papers). Approximately, equal number of both Fuzzy logic and Neural Network techniques was tried to be captured. Although this review is not final, it can be considered as a valid guide to explore the opportunities and possibilities which fuzzy logic and neural networks offer process owners in managing their business processes. In conclusion of this paper, fields for further research have been identified.


The purpose of research consist in an estimation of efficiency of treatment of patients with CP by using normabaric hypoxitherapy (NHT). The basic group (32 patients) received standard treatment and NHT. Control group (20 patients) received only standard treatment. All patients passed j clinical, laboratory, tool inspections. It fixed, inclusion in complex therapy CP normabaric hypoxitherapy was accompanied by essential positive changes on the part of all systems of an organism, and, in turn, considerably raised efficiency of treatment. It was shown in elongation of the period of the remission, expressed positive effects on parameters of hemodynamics, the hormonal status at ill the basic group.


The objective of this research is to develop a computer-based diagnosis system which is capable of recognizing normal and edematous humeral head images by using texture features derived from Hermite transform. The performance of Hermite-based texture features in classification of humeral bone was compared with curvelet, con-tourlet and gray level co-occurrence matrix-based texture feature descriptors. To measure the performance of the extracted features, we deployed MLP (multilayer percep-tron), SVM (support vector machine) and KNN (K-nearest neighbors) methods and demonstrated their power in differentiating the normal and abnormal regions. The proposed approach was tested on our own dataset which consists of 79 normal and 91 edematous humeral heads in PD (proton density)-weighted MR (magnetic resonance) images. The highest classification accuracy of Hermite-based method was 98.23% by MLP. In most cases, Hermite-based texture features surpassed the results of other proposed methods under all of the three classifiers. Our results suggest that the proposed system is a promising tool for classification of edematous and normal bone from PD-weighted MR images. This study is unique in the literature of using PD-weighted MR images and Hermite transform to classify bone edema .


Like environment, social, and governance investing, climate change is an important concern for asset managers and owners and a new challenge for portfolio construction. Until now, investors have mainly measured carbon risk using fundamental approaches, such as with carbon intensity metrics. Nevertheless, it has not been proven that asset prices are directly affected by these fundamental-based measures. In this article, the authors focus on another approach, which consists of measuring the sensitivity of stock prices with respect to a carbon risk factor. In the authors' opinion, carbon betas are market-based measures that are complementary to carbon intensities or fundamental-based measures when managing investment portfolios; carbon betas may be viewed as an extension or forward-looking measure of the current carbon footprint. In particular, they show how this new metric can be used to build minimum variance strategies and how it affects portfolio construction. TOPICS: ESG investing, portfolio construction, tail risks, fundamental equity analysis Key Findings ▪ Measuring carbon risk is different if we consider a fundamental-based approach by using carbon intensity metrics or a market-based approach by using carbon betas. ▪ Managing relative carbon risk implies overweighting of green firms, whereas managing absolute carbon risk implies having zero exposure to the carbon risk factor. The first approach is an active management bet, whereas the second is an immunization investment strategy. ▪ Both specific and systematic carbon risks are important when building a minimum variance portfolio and justify combining fundamental and market approaches to carbon risk.


This paper focuses on improving requirements quality in agile projects by determining requirements prioritization. Current methods suggest to take into account business value in order to determine the requirements priority rank. In practice it was observed that many other factors enter into the equation, such as implementation cost and functionality dependencies. Since agile methods suggest that priority should be customer/user's prerogative, taking all relevant factors becomes challenging without decision supporting tools. Our research question is the following: How can we formulate the agile release decision problem, and which computations can we do over requirements models to recommend solutions to that decision problem? Our contributions are the following: (i) we formulate this agile release decision problem as an optimization problem, (ii) we provide a modelling language to represent instances of this problem as requirements models, and (iii) we describe an online tool to make the models and solve the resulting optimization problem instances.


Abstract. We developed a new tracer-aided hydrological model that disaggregates cockpit
karst terrain into the two dominant landscape units of hillslopes and
depressions (with fast and slow flow systems). The new model was calibrated
by using high temporal resolution hydrometric and isotope data in the outflow
of Chenqi catchment in Guizhou Province of south-western China. The model
could track hourly water and isotope fluxes through each landscape unit and
estimate the associated storage and water age dynamics. From the model
results we inferred that the fast flow reservoir in the depression had the
smallest water storage and the slow flow reservoir the largest, with the
hillslope intermediate. The estimated mean ages of water draining the
hillslope unit, and the fast and slow flow reservoirs during the study
period, were 137, 326 and 493 days, respectively. Distinct seasonal
variability in hydroclimatic conditions and associated water storage dynamics
(captured by the model) were the main drivers of non-stationary hydrological
connectivity between the hillslope and depression. During the dry season,
slow flow in the depression contributes the largest proportion (78.4 %)
of flow to the underground stream draining the catchment, resulting in weak
hydrological connectivity between the hillslope and depression. During the
wet period, with the resulting rapid increase in storage, the hillslope unit
contributes the largest proportion (57.5 %) of flow to the underground
stream due to the strong hydrological connectivity between the hillslope and
depression. Meanwhile, the tracer-aided model can be used to identify the
sources of uncertainty in the model results. Our analysis showed that the
model uncertainty of the hydrological variables in the different units relies
on their connectivity with the outlet when the calibration target uses only
the outlet information. The model uncertainty was much lower for the
"newer" water from the fast flow system in the depression and flow from the
hillslope unit during the wet season and higher for "older" water from the
slow flow system in the depression. This suggests that to constrain model
parameters further, increased high-resolution hydrometric and tracer data on
the internal dynamics of systems (e.g. groundwater responses during low flow
periods) could be used in calibration.


AIM
Our aim was to measure the association of maternal periodontitis with low birth weight (LBW), pre-term LBW, and intra-uterine growth restriction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
An inclusive case-control design including subjects examined for periodontitis through attachment loss, information on perinatal outcomes and general health. Data were analysed through conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS
Cases (n=304) and controls (n=611) had similar prevalence and severity of periodontitis, defined as at least three sites, in different teeth, with loss of three or more millimetres of clinical attachment level. Several factors were associated with the outcome, but the crude odds ratio for periodontitis was not significant. Odds ratio were 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63-1.41] for LBW and 0.92 (95% CI:0.54-1.57) for pre-term LBW in the presence of periodontitis, after adjustment for maternal age, previous pregnancies, pre-natal care, smoking, previous low birth or premature birth and other medical conditions, on a hierarchical model.

CONCLUSIONS
Results do not support the hypothesis of association observed in previous studies after appropriate controlling for confounding variables. Negative peri-natal outcomes are better explained by determinants other than periodontal health. This study adds to the growing body of literature on the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health.


We present the Lancaster Astrophysics Metal Poor Star Search (LAMPSS) in the Milky Way halo, conducted using the metallicity-sensitive Ca H & K lines. We use the CaHK filter of the MegaPrime/MegaCam on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) to survey an area of 1.010deg2 over the COSMOS field. We combine our new CaHK data with broadband optical and near-infrared photometry of COSMOS to recover stars down to mHK ∼ 26. After removing galaxies, we find 70% completion and 30% contamination for our remaining 1772 stars. By exploring a range of spectral types and metallicities, we derive metallicity-sensitive colour-colour diagrams which we use to isolate different spectral types and metallicities (−5 ≤ [Fe/H ≤ 0). From these, we identify 16 potentially extremely metal-poor stars. One of which, LAMPS 1229, we predict to have [Fe/H] ∼ −5.0 at a distance of (78.21 ± 9.37) kpc. We construct a Metallicity Distribution Function for our sample of metal-poor stars, finding an expected sharp decrease in count as [Fe/H] decreases.


Blood platelets (Pl) may attain a relatively high marginal concentration in arterioles, perhaps also in arteries. Along a renal interlobular artery, blood passes several successive arterioles, each arteriole receiving a small flow fraction from a narrow zone adjacent to the artery wall. Thus, in theory, the Pl concentration should cumulatively decrease as the blood approaches the outer cortex, contrary to the concentration of red and white blood cells (RBC and WBC). This was tested by assessing the concentrations of these blood elements, and for comparison, the concentrations of 0.3-, 1.8- and 3.5-micron microspheres (MS), in serial blood samples from veins separately draining the outer and inner cortex in cat kidney. The outer-to-inner cortical concentration ratio was 1.28 for WBC, 1.04 for RBC, and 0.75 for Pl, confirming the working hypothesis. The RBC demargination corresponded to that of MS smaller than 1.8 micron, the demargination of WBC to that of MS larger than 3.5 micron. In contrast to Pl the even smaller 0.3-micron MS were not marginated. Thus, the margination of platelets may not be due merely to their small size.


The effect of chronic ethyl alcohol intoxication on the evolution of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice was studied by two experimental procedures: (1) mice after 60 days of infection with a myotropic strain of T. cruzi were submitted to chronic alcoholic intoxidation receiving a 7% ethanol solution as only liquid source for six months; (2) mice chronically intoxicated with ethanol during five months were infected with the same strain of T. cruzi and were followed up for 45 days drinking the 7% alcoholic solution. In comparison with the infected group, not treated with ethanol, the infected mice that received the ethanol showed: a) similar mortality in the two experiments; (b) higher parasitemia in the acute phase and more frequent blood parasites in the chronic phase; (c) myocarditis with less severe cellular exudation but with increased fibrosis; (d) in the skeletal muscle, milder myositis and low frequency of arteritis and hyaline thrombi.


5-Dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl (dansyl)-Co-eIF-2A was prepared using homogeneous Co-eIF-2A. Dansyl-Co-eIF-2A was as active as untreated Co-eIF-2A when assayed for stimulation of ternary complex formation and also for protection of the ternary complex from dissociation by aurintricarboxylic acid. The mechanism of interaction of dansyl-Co-eIF-2A with eIF-2 was studied by measuring changes in fluorescence polarization. These studies indicate that dansyl-Co-eIF-2A interacts specifically with the ternary complex and does not interact with free eIF-2 or with two other high molecular weight protein complexes, Co-eIF-2B and Co-eIF-2C. Mg2+ inhibits ternary complex formation by eIF-2 and Co-eIF-2C relieves this Mg2+ inhibition of ternary complex formation. In both cases, the changes in fluorescence polarization of dansyl-Co-eIF-2A correlate well with the extent of ternary complex formed.


The world is faced with inadequate fuel supply for household and industrial application. Fossil fuels are mostly used to run machineries with the emission of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur oxides and particulates from their combustion affecting human health and the environment. Biomass also forms a larger percentage of energy utilized in the household and other areas. Apart from its emission after combustion, biomass waste contributes greatly to pollution. One of the alternatives to effective use of biomass such as rice husk waste is to generate electricity. In this paper a review of energy production from biomass gasification to run internal combustion engines is presented. The gasification process is discussed under drying, pyrolysis, reduction, and oxidation. Different types of designs of gasifiers are reviewed. The current status of gasification technology in developed and developing countries is discussed. The gas generated is introduced to a modified engine with small amounts of diesel used to ignite the mixture. This is because the producer gas cannot ignite by itself under the prevailing pressure. Thus for a compression ignition engine to run on producer gas they have to be either; a dual fuel engine or, converted into a spark ignition engines. Since diesel engines have compression ratios between 16 – 20 and are run at lower revolutions per minute than gasoline engines they are ideally suited to run on producer gases without spark ignition. The paper also looks at current work that has been done and identifies areas that need further research.


Theoretical investigations of the electronic structure, x-ray absorption, and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the Fe L-2,L-3 and Mo L-2,L-3 edges of Sr2FeMoO6 are carried out by means of the generalized gradient approximation. The magnetic coupling between Fe and Mo is found to be antiparallel, which gives direct confirmation of ferrimagnetic ordering and settles controversies existing between the earlier experimental reports. This is also confirmed by our good agreement of the Mo L-2,L-3 edges with experiment. Using our theoretical spectra, we recalculate the spin and orbital magnetic moments by means of the XMCD sum rules and compare the results with a direct self-consistent calculation and experiment.


In this paper, a new process of using high grade ores, such as magnesite and water magnesium stone etc, to produce magnesium is proposed from the thermodynamic point of view. For the ores, the main component of calcined products is MgO. Considering the reaction activity, price and material stability, CaC2 is chosen as the reductant in the new process. Furthermore, the optimal reaction is determined as the reduction of MgO by CaC2 adding SiO2 based on the principle of Gibbs free energy. It is found that the initial reaction temperature is 947°C under ordinary pressure showing the reaction taking place without vacuum condition. Compared with the traditional silicothermic process, the new process is not only simple but also can achieve continuous production due to the thermal reduction under ordinary pressure, as a result that it is easy to industrial application in the present technological level and conditions.


Objective: To assess the decision-making impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and how they relate to other cognitive domains. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis in 84 patients with MS, and 21 matched healthy controls using four tasks taken from behavioral economics: (1) risk preferences, (2) choice consistency, (3) delay of gratification, and (4) rate of learning. All tasks were conducted using real-world reward outcomes (food or money) in different real-life conditions. Participants underwent cognitive examination using the Brief Repeatable Battery-Neuropsychology. Results: Patients showed higher risk aversion (general propensity to choose the lottery was 0.51 vs 0.64, p = 0.009), a trend to choose more immediate rewards over larger but delayed rewards (p = 0.108), and had longer reactions times (p = 0.033). Choice consistency and learning rates were not different between groups. Progressive patients chose slower than relapsing patients. In relation to general cognitive impairments, we found correlations between impaired decision-making and impaired verbal memory (r = 0.29, p = 0.009), visual memory (r = −0.37, p = 0.001), and reduced processing speed (r = −0.32, p = 0.001). Normalized gray matter volume correlated with deliberation time (r = −0.32, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Patients with MS suffer significant decision-making impairments, even at the early stages of the disease, and may affect patients' quality and social life.


Utilizing an analogue research design conducted via the Internet, this study assessed athletic trainers' abilities to recognize, diagnose, and intervene with a hypothetical athlete experiencing depression, and examined the impact of their gender, athlete gender, and athlete's presenting problem on their decisions. Athletic trainers' perceived competency in using psychosocial interventions with athletes, history of referring athletes to psychology professionals, and training backgrounds in psychology also were examined. Participants (270 male and 370 female certified athletic trainers) were randomly assigned to one of six conditions (Athlete Gender X Presenting Problem). After reading the appropriate vignette, they completed questions related to the athlete's psychological symptoms and diagnosis, referral recommendations, and use of psychosocial interventions if working with the athlete. The vignettes were identical except for the athlete's gender and problem. Overall, athletic trainers accurately identified the athlete's depressive symptoms/diagnosis and need for psychological referral. They rated the athlete significantly higher in Depressive Symptoms than in Anger/Agitation Symptoms and Compulsive Behavioral Symptoms, and as more likely to be experiencing a depressive disorder compared to an adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, sleep disorder, or substance abuse disorder. Female athletic trainers provided significantly higher ratings of Depressive Symptoms than males and the injured athlete was rated significantly higher in Anger/Agitation than the performance problem athlete. Diagnosis ratings were not influenced by athlete gender, athletic trainer gender, or type of problem. Athletic trainers were most likely to refer the athlete to a psychology professional compared to an allied health professional, treating the athlete themselves, or doing nothing. Presenting problem significantly impacted referral recommendations. If treating the athlete themselves, athletic trainers were significantly more likely to use supportive interventions than cognitive-behavioral techniques; they felt significantly more competent in providing supportive interventions. Competency in both interventions was significantly enhanced if athletic trainers completed psychology coursework. Findings suggest that athletic trainers are able to accurately identify and intervene with athletes experiencing psychological problems.


This paper explores the question of whether there is an ethical business case for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) employing a more diverse workforce with Regan and Stanley (2003: p.v) arguing that employers should look beyond their legal obligations in respect of disadvantaged groups. What attitudes do SME employers have to such proposals, what are their current practices and how can they be supported to meet skills shortages through employing a more diverse workforce? The primary data was derived from focus group sessions with local SMEs and interviews with the procurement managers of large employers in Southampton. Examples of good practice in the employment policies of SMEs and business benefits are discussed in relation to the literature on inclusion strategies for disadvantaged groups. The feasibility of using supply chains to encourage employment diversity in SMEs is evaluated. In concluding this paper reflects on how Southampton's labour market intelligence capability and the capacity of local organisations to deliver effective support services to businesses and to individuals could be built. Finally, the paper initiates discussion on the feasibility of addressing low economic activity and participation rates among disadvantaged individuals and communities.


In order to detect possible influences of donor (D)/recipient (R) HLA-DR antigen disparities on graft survival, 310 renal cadaver transplantations performed from January 1980 to July 1988 were analyzed. For each DR1 to DR7 specificity, 4 combinations were considered according to the presence (pos) or the absence (neg) of the antigen in the D and in the R. Logistic regression was used to study graft survival during two postoperative periods: A (month 1 to 3) and B (month 4 to 24). The following combinations exerted a beneficial effect on survival: DR5 and DR7 Dpos/Rneg for period A, DR4 Dpos/Rneg and DR5 Dneg/Rpos for period B, whereas DRw6 and DR7 Dneg/Rpos for period A, DR1 and DR2 Dpos/Rneg, DR2 and DRw6 Dneg/Rpos for period B exerted a detrimental effect. Graft survival at two years was similar (83%) in HLA-DR identical pairs and in recipients with beneficial and no detrimental HLA-DR disparities, contrasting with poorer outcome in patients with either mixed beneficial and detrimental HLA-DR disparities (67%: p less than 0.05) or detrimental (and no beneficial) HLA-DR disparities (55%: p less than 0.001). The use of relevant D/R HLA-DR disparities for predicting graft outcome could lead to results similar to those currently reported with the best HLA-matched kidneys, from a much smaller pool of recipients.


Results: A total of 4576 stool cultures were evaluated within the study period. Of these stool cultures, 527 (11.5%) were positive, the most common organisms being: Candida sp. (n=282, 6.16%), Staphylococcus aureus (n=88, 1.92%), Campylobacter jejuni (n=25, 0.55%), Salmonella sp. (n=22, 0.48%), Shigella sp. (n=13, 0.28%). Escherchia coli 0157:H7 was not isolated in any cultures. Candida and S. aureus were considered contaminants and did not impact clinical management. Th is left 54 positive stool cultures for analysis, excluding duplicate cultures and those taken from patients without diarrhea. Seven cultures (15.5%) resulted in a change of the patient's management. Management changes included initiating antibiotics (n=4, 7.4%) and changing to narrower spectrum antibiotics (n=3, 5.6%). Results from 33 of the positive cultures (61%) were obtained aft er the patient was discharged with improved symptoms (with or without empiric antibiotic treatment). Results from the remaining 14 stool cultures (26%) were obtained during the patient's admission, but did not result in a change in management. Conclusion: In this large single center retrospective analysis, we demonstrate that bacterial stool cultures have a low rate of positivity, and positive culture results are of limited utility in guiding clinical management in patients admitted with acute diarrhea. Clinical judgment as to the benefi ts of culture results in guiding management should be considered prior to collecting them, and may enhance high value care and cost eff ectiveness.


Abstract Background The broad use of immunosuppressants and biologicals in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients increases the susceptibility to severe infections, and possibly COVID-19. Recently, in a Swedish population-based study it was suggested that IBD patients are at an increased risk of hospitalization for COVID-19, although course of COVID-19 did not differ from controls. Data on the outcome of COVID-19 in IBD patients from heavily affected regions remain, however, limited. South-Limburg has the second highest COVID-19 mortality rate in the Netherlands. We aimed to determine the incidence rate and outcome of severe COVID-19 in IBD patients in a population-based setting in South-Limburg. Methods We identified all IBD patients who presented at the emergency department (ED) of the only two hospitals covering the whole South-Limburg region with COVID-19 associated symptoms between February 27 and November 1, 2020. Confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis was defined by a combination of COVID-19 associated symptoms and either a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR or a CT-CORADS score ≥4. As primary outcome, the incidence rate of severe COVID-19 (i.e. confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis requiring hospitalization, and/or resulting in ICU admission or death) was determined. Baseline characteristics and data on COVID-19 course were collected. At present, the total IBD population in South-Limburg is set at 4980 patients. Results During a follow-up of 3384 person-years, a total of 61 IBD patients (1.22%) presented with COVID-19 associated symptoms at one of the two hospital's ED. Of these, 18 IBD patients (0.36%; 11 UC, 7 CD) fulfilled the criteria for severe COVID-19, corresponding to an incidence rate of 5.3 per 1000 person-years. Furthermore, 12/18 patients were using immunosuppressive medication for their IBD. Mean age at time of admission was 64.5 years (SD: 10.8) and 55.6% were male. All hospitalized patients had at least one comorbidity (with ≥ 1 comorbidity in 13/18 patients (72.2%)), cardiovascular disease being most prevalent (12/18). Mean BMI at time of admission was 27.3 (SD: 4.2). Thirteen patients (72.2%) required oxygen support and three patients (16.7%) ICU admission (of which two needed mechanical ventilation), translating to an incidence rate of 0.9 per 1000 patient-years for ICU admission. Median length of hospitalization was 11 days (IQR: 5.3–18.3). No IBD patients died due to severe COVID-19. Conclusion The incidence rate of severe COVID-19 among IBD patients in a population-based setting in a heavily affected region was 5.3 per 1000 person-years. Despite frequent use of immunosuppressive medication and high region-specific mortality rates, clinical outcomes of severe COVID-19 were comparable to the general population and in line with recent literature.


The threat of dangerous levels of global warming demand that we significantly reduce carbon emissions over the coming decades. Globally, carbon emissions from all energy end-uses in buildings in 2004 were estimated to be 8.6 Gt CO2 or almost one quarter of total CO2 emissions (IPCC 2007). In Australia, nearly ten per cent of greenhouse gases come from the residential sector (DCCEE 2012). However, it is not merely the operation of the buildings that contributes to their CO2 emissions, but the energy used over their entire life cycle. Research has demonstrated that the embodied energy of the construction materials used in a building can sometimes equal the operational energy over the building's entire lifetime (Crawford 2011). Therefore the materials used in construction need to be carefully considered. Conventional building materials not only represent high levels of embodied energy but also use resources that are finite and are being depleted. Renewable building materials are those materials that can be regenerated quickly enough to remove the threat of depletion and in theory their production could be carbon-neutral. To assess the potential for renewable building materials to reduce the embodied energy content of residential construction, the embodied energy of a small residential building has been determined. Wherever possible, the conventional construction materials were then replaced by commercially-available renewable building materials. The embodied energy of the building was then recalculated. The analysis showed that the embodied energy of the building could be reduced from 7.5 GJ per m2 to 5.4 GJ per m2 i.e. by 28%. The commercial availability of renewable materials, however, was a limiting factor and indicated that the industry is not yet well positioned to embrace this strategy to reduce embodied energy of construction. While some conventional building materials could readily be replaced, in many instances a renewable substitute could not be found.


The thesis deals with the relationship between ideology and policy-making. The main concern is the development of agrarian policy in India since Independence, but this topic necessarily has roots and ramifications which extend much further, both backwards into time and laterally into other aspects of policy. The aim is also to consider how relevant are various sociological definitions of, and approaches to, ideology, for dealing with the problem of its relationship to policymaking. The question of whether ideology is to be defined as manifest doctrine, or as underlying and possibly implicit evaluative assumption, is as important as whether ideology is to be interpreted primarily in a psychological, social structural or functional 'systems' context. An application of some of these approaches to the successive stages of political debate in India shows that no one type of approach can by itself adequately account for the nature of prevailing ideology and its relationship to policy or potential policy. But the various approaches may be subdivided and combined to provide ideal-type characterisations of the way in which ideology plays an active role in political situations. It appears, however, that in such ideal-types the elements of a power - or structure - based interpretation of ideology tend to dominate. Finally, there is the problem of how the changing nature of 'official' ideology and policy in India, manifested in the swing from an advocacy of relatively socialist to relatively 'pragmatic' solutions, is to be described. There is a danger of constructing a false dichotomy between 'ideology' on the one hand and 'pragmatism' on the other. This can only be resolved by looking at the way in which the role of ideology has changed over time, and especially in the context of the rising and declining power of Congress and the Government.


In this study, there is a description of a new species, Protzia longiacetabulata n.sp., and P. squamosa Walter, 1908 representing a new Protzia record for the fauna of Turkey. Protzia longiacetabulata n.sp. is closest to the P. halberti from the P. rotunda species group and identified from these species by the number of the leg claws and acetabuli. Furthermore, there is the first description of the female of Atractides persicus Pesic & Asadi, 2010, for which there is a description from Iran of the male.


The author introduces a set of integrated developments in Web application software, networking, data citation standards, and statistical methods designed to increase scholarly recognition for data contributions; to put some of the universe of data and data-sharing practices on firmer ground; and to facilitate the public distribution of persistent, authorized, and verifiable data, with powerful and easy-to-use technology, even when the data are confidential or proprietary. The goal is to solve some of the political and sociological problems of data sharing via technological means, with the result intended to benefit both the scientific community and the sometimes apparently contradictory goals of individual researchers.


This study is concerned with the generalised ℋ2 and the ℋ∞ static control problems for discrete-time fuzzy systems with time-varying norm-bounded parametric uncertainties. Based on the solutions to certain linear matrix inequalities LMIs, static output feedback controllers are designed, which can ensure the asymptotic stability and the generalised ℋ2 and ℋ∞ performance level, respectively. Differenting from the existing results, the design conditions in this study are derived in terms of LMIs directly, and the local output matrices are allowed to be different. Three illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and the reduced conservatism of the proposed methods.


Objectives: This study explores the rainfall variability and long-term trend in the Brahmaputra plain of northeast region of India. The data analysis is mainly focused on estimating the amount, frequency, and trend of rainfall, using daily recorded data between the year 1950 and 2013.
Methods: Linear Regression analysis was utilized to check the correlation relation between elevation and rainfall. The Mann Kendall test was used to detect a significant trend in rainfall series. Sen's slope method was used to measure the magnitude of trends in rainfall series. The correlation between time and rainfall was estimated by utilizing Kendall's tau.
Findings: Data analysis reveals a heaviest-rainfall pockets zone at North Lakhimpur region, wherein annual average rainfall occurs about 3249.57 mm. Another rain shadow zone has detected at Guwahati, wherein annual average rainfall occurs is about 1706.27 mm. A high-low-high gradient in the spatial distribution of seasonal and yearly rainfall has observed from west to east. A similar spatial trend has also observed from south to north along latitudes. The Linear regression analysis reveals a positive relationship between elevation and annual average rainfall. The Mann Kendall test detected a significant rainfall trend on a monthly and seasonal scale whereas, on an annual scale, no significant trend was detected. Rainfall intensity over each station was observed uniform for most of the years. The frequency of light, heavy and very heavy rainfall over the entire Brahmaputra plain region shows a non-significant decreasing trend. Whereas, Dibrugarh and North Lakhimpur experience decreasing trends in the frequency of rainy day and light rainfall and heavy rainfall respectively with a 5% significance level.
Application: The result that comes out from this study shall be useful for the study of soil erosion, water resources management, and agricultural activity and may be useful for adopting flood disaster management policies.
Keywords: Brahmaputra Plain Region, Rainy Day, Mann Kendall Test, Sen's Slope Method.


Nuclear export is a vital cellular process, which supplies the cytoplasm with essential biological
macromolecules, such as matured tRNAs and ribosomal subunits. This process is carried out by a
set of proteins called exportins. In higher eukaryotes, up to now eight RanGTPase-dependent
exportins have been identified. Among these exportins, CRM1 mediates one of the major nuclear
export pathways with the broadest range of cargoes. So far, more than 100 structurally and
functionally diverse CRM1 cargoes have been described. The CRM1-cargo interaction occurs
through recognition of short peptide sequences, which are called nuclear export signal (NES).
Although, this consensus sequence is commonly present in the primary structure of many
proteins, it might be inaccessible to CRM1. This poses challenges for in silico identification of
CRM1 cargoes. Therefore, this study focused on experimental identification of CRM1 cargoes with
two orthogonal approaches. First, a novel MS-based approach was established to capture in vivo
localization changes between the nucleus and the cytosol upon inhibition of the CRM1 export
pathway with Leptomycin B treatment in HeLa cells. This led to identification of many known and
novel CRM1 cargoes (totally ~140). Some of these were verified by microscopic analysis. Second,
the CRM1 affinity chromatography was employed to selectively enrich RanGTP dependent
interaction partners from X. laevis oocyte extract, which resulted in identification of large number
of CRM1 binders (~640). These two approaches provided a comprehensive catalog of candidate
CRM1 cargoes, which most of them belong to cytoplasmic activities, such as translation,
intracellular membrane trafficking and cytoskeleton based processes. Complementary to CRM1
cargo identification, nucleocytoplasmic distribution of X. laevis proteome was investigated and
this resulted in quantitative mapping of ~6300 proteins. This offered valuable insights into degree
of compartmentation of a eukaryotic cell, and the spatial distribution of distinct molecular
activities, such as RNA metabolism, protein production and degradation. The nucleocytoplasmic
distribution of candidate CRM1 cargoes revealed that ~17% exclusively cytosolic proteins were
RanGTP dependent CRM1 binders. This observation highlights that the permeability barrier of the
nuclear pore complex is alone insufficient to keep cytosolic proteins out of the nucleus and CRM1 safeguards the
nucleus by counteracting leakage of the many cytosolic proteins.


Abstract of meteorological observations, Tasmania, for the year 1879.
Results of observations taken at Hobart Town.
Includes times of leafing, flowering and fruiting of a few standard plants in the Royal Society's Gardens during the month of February, 1879.


Nonlinear elastic wave spectroscopy (NEWS) has been shown to exhibit a high degree of sensitivity to both distributed and isolated nonlinear scatterers in solids. In the case of an isolated nonlinear scatterer such as a crack, by combining the elastic energy localization of the time reversal mirror (TRM) with NEWS, it is shown here that one can isolate surfacial nonlinear scatterers in solids. The experiments presented here are conducted in a doped glass block applying two different fixed frequency time reversed signals at each focal point and scanning over a localized nonlinear scatterer (a complex crack). The results show a distinct increase in nonlinear response, via intermodulation distortion, over the damaged area. The techniques described herein provide the means to discriminate between linear and nonlinear scatterers, and thus to ultimately image and characterize damaged regions.


Introduction In a presidential address delivered before this Society not long ago, the former speaker divided such addresses into two groups. To the one belonged those in which the retiring president sought to develop some favorite theory of his own; to the other those which in general treated of the progress of some particular science or branch thereof. The address which I have to present this evening belongs, I believe, to the second group, although I may trespass slightly on the field of the first by suggesting a few ideas for your consideration. If they arouse discussion, so much the better, as it may lead more rapidly to a true solution of some of the problems referred to. I make no apologies for the selection of my topic, because it represents a field in which my interests lie, but it is unfortunately one in which, as a whole, few specialists . . .


Serum zinc and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in two groups of acutely ill geriatric hospital in-patients. Serum CRP levels were greater than 10 mg/l in 62% of the first group and 47% of the second. There was a significant negative correlation between zinc and CRP in both groups (r = -0.33, P less than 0.001, n = 103) and (r = -0.29, P less than 0.001, n = 135 respectively). The serum CRP was raised in 30% of long stay patients (n = 50) and 23% of a control group of elderly hospital patients with a normal serum albumin (n = 71), but there was no correlation between zinc and CRP in these patient groups. The results indicate that an acute phase response influences serum zinc levels in acutely ill geriatric patients. There is reason to believe that a distinction should be made between true zinc deficiency and a low serum zinc secondary to acute zinc redistribution during an inflammatory response. Measurement of CRP may help to distinguish between these two situations. We advise that if the serum zinc is low and CRP is significantly raised, zinc supplements should be avoided and a source of infection should be sought. Following recovery from severe infection low serum zinc levels return to normal while elevated CRP levels fall.


We consider the classical motion of a probe D-brane moving in the background geometry of a ring of NS5 branes, assuming that the latter are non-dynamical. We analyse the solutions to the Dirac-Born-Infield (DBI) action governing the approximate dynamics of the system. In the near horizon (throat) approximation we find several exact solutions for the probe brane motion. These are compared to numerical solutions obtained in more general cases. One solution of particular interest is when the probe undergoes oscillatory motion through the centre of the ring (and perpendicular to it). By taking the ring radius sufficiently large, this solution should remain stable to any stringy corrections coming from open-strings stretching between the probe and the NS5-branes along the ring. e-mail: email@example.com e-mail: email@example.com


Angiogenesis inhibition is an important therapeutic strategy for advanced stage prostate cancer. Previous work from our laboratory showed that sustained stimulation of Rap1 by 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP (8CPT) via activation of Epac, a Rap1 GEF, or by expression of a constitutively active Rap1 mutant (cRap1) suppresses endothelial cell chemotaxis and subsequent angiogenesis. When we tested this model in the context of a prostate tumor xenograft, we found that 8CPT had no significant effect on prostate tumor growth alone. However, in cells harboring cRap1, 8CPT dramatically inhibited not only prostate tumor growth but also VEGF expression and angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment. Subsequent analysis of the mechanism revealed that, in prostate tumor epithelial cells, 8CPT acted via stimulation of PKA rather than Epac/Rap1. PKA antagonizes Rap1 and hypoxic induction of 1α protein expression, VEGF production and, ultimately, angiogenesis. Together these findings provide evidence for a novel interplay between Rap1, Epac, and PKA that regulates tumor-stromal induction of angiogenesis.


Microarc oxidation coatings on biomedical NiTi alloy were prepared in aluminate electrolytes with and without hypophosphate addition. The effect of hypophosphate concentrations on the characteristics of micro-arc oxidation coatings has been studied. The compositions and surface morphologies of the coatings prepared in different hypophosphate concentrations were determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface roughness (Ra) and bonding strength of the coatings were measured by surface roughmeter and a direct pull-off test, respectively. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was evaluated in Hank's solution using potentiodynamic polarization tests. The results show that all of the coatings exhibit a typical porous surface structure and mainly consist of γ-Al2O3 crystal phase. With increasing the hypophosphate concentrations, the elemental contents of Ni, Ti and P increase while Al decreases; the pore sizes and surface roughness of the coatings decrease firstly, reaching a minimum value at 0.01mol/L, and then increase; at the same time, the bonding strength increases up to 60MPa, and then decreases. The corrosion resistance of the coatings decreases with the increase of the hypophosphate concentrations, but all of the coated samples is better than that of the uncoated NiTi alloy.


Assessment of occlusal fissure systems and restorations of amalgam in 100 extracted teeth were carried out by four examiners. An initial assessment, made with the naked eye, was repeated with binocular magnification (x 3). The data indicated that restorative decision-making behavior was modified when magnification was used, with an increase in the number of restorations planned for replacement and an increase in the number of tooth surfaces planned for restoration. Statistical analysis indicated that one of the examiners was particularly sensitive to the use of magnification and modified his treatment planning behavior considerably. As part of the process of adapting to the use of magnification, clinicians should review their decision-making behavior.


Full-length alpha 1(VI) and alpha 2(VI) cDNAs in an eukaryotic expression vector were used to obtain stably transfected human kidney cell clones and to purify these collagen-VI chains in substantial quantities from the culture medium. Both chains appeared mainly as monomers together with some dimers that were disulfide linked through their C-terminal globular domains. Despite sufficient hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues, the chains did not form a triple-helix, as shown by electronmicroscopy, CD spectra and pepsin sensitivity. Digestion of the chains with bacterial collagenase released the N-terminal and C-terminal globular domains, which were identified by their size and partial sequences. They showed a substantial content of alpha-helical conformation and a distinct globular structure after rotary shadowing. Antibodies could be raised that distinguished between the two chains and reacted with the globular domains. The alpha 2(VI) but not the alpha 1(VI) chain showed binding to a heparan sulfate proteoglycan (perlecan), fibronectin and pepsin-solubilized collagen VI. Purified globular domains did not bind these ligands indicating the localization of binding sites within the triple-helical domain. Both chains showed a distinct affinity for heparin but failed to bind to various collagen types.


Background Aphasia is one of the most disabling cognitive deficits affecting >2 million people in the USA. The neuroimaging characteristics of chronic aphasic patients (>6 months post onset) remain largely unknown. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the regional signal changes of spontaneous neuronal activity of brain and the inter-regional connectivity in chronic aphasia. Materials and methods Resting-state blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to obtain fMRI data from 17 chronic aphasic patients and 20 healthy control subjects in a Siemens Verio 3.0T MR Scanner. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was determined, which directly reflects the regional neuronal activity. The functional connectivity (FC) of fMRI was assessed using a seed voxel linear correlation approach. The severity of aphasia was evaluated by aphasia quotient (AQ) scores obtained from Western Aphasia Battery test. Results Compared with normal subjects, aphasic patients showed decreased ALFF values in the regions of left posterior middle temporal gyrus (PMTG), left medial prefrontal gyrus, and right cerebellum. The ALFF values in left PMTG showed strong positive correlation with the AQ score (coefficient r=0.79, P<0.05). There was a positive FC in chronic aphasia between left PMTG and left inferior temporal gyrus (BA20), fusiform gyrus (BA37), and inferior frontal gyrus (BA47\45\44). Conclusion Left PMTG might play an important role in language dysfunction of chronic aphasia, and ALFF value might be a promising indicator to evaluate the severity of aphasia.


Sedimentation processes caused by a modern tsunami have been discussed from the point of view of geologic and numerical investigations of the 1992 Flores tsunami in Indonesia. Geologic evidence on Babi Island shows an invasion of two waves of different direction and magnitude, which resulted in widespread deposition of marine sand on the north and south-southwest shores. On the latter, coarse and well-sorted carbonate sand containing molluscan shells suggests that much more destructive waves swept across the southern coast, as compared with the northern coast, where the deposit included medium carbonate sand with a silty component. A physical explanation for such destructive waves on the southern coast of Babi is provided by a numerical simulation of the tsunami generation and propagation. The geologic and numerical results indicate that an isolated island surrounded by a circular shoreline or reef edge will be subject to the most destructive waves on the coast on the back side of the island relative to the tsunami source.


Abstract Crevasse subdeltas develop on modern river-dominated delta plains, and may be affected by the interaction of river currents and marine processes. However, their sedimentology and stratigraphic architecture is poorly constrained, leading to simplistic depositional models of delta-plain systems in the ancient record. Extensive exposures of the Middle Jurassic Lajas Formation permit the architecture, main stratigraphic surfaces, and lateral and vertical facies variations of crevasse subdelta deposits to be constrained. Lower-delta-plain successions studied in the Lajas Formation consist of up to 5-m-thick distributary channels and interdistributary-bay deposits, interpreted as crevasse subdeltas. Crevasse subdelta deposits consist of small-scale lenticular units (∼ 1–2 m thick) interpreted as crevasse channels and upward-coarsening and upward-thickening packages (∼ 2 m thick) with clinothems interpreted as crevasse mouth bars. These deposits preserve interbedding of coarser and finer sediments that are interpreted as river flood and interflood couplets associated with variations in river discharge. River flood beds are commonly structureless and erosionally based, and show little evidence of tidal action and brackish-water conditions. Interflood deposits show rhythmically distributed mudstone drapes, bimodality, and brackish trace fossils. This study highlights an important but largely undocumented component of interdistributary deposits consisting of tide-influenced, but strongly river-dominated, prograding depositional bodies. An implication is that some coarsening-upward, forward-accreting units previously interpreted from the rock record as interchannel "tidal bars" may instead represent minor mouth bars of tide-influenced crevasse subdeltas. Furthermore, present-day crevasse subdeltas are restricted to river-dominated delta systems that flow into semi-enclosed or enclosed seas and lakes with microtidal conditions and limited wave action, which is comparable to paleogeographic reconstructions for the Neuquen Basin during the Middle Jurassic.


The crystal structure of two new cubic phases in the silicon-sodium system have been solved from their x-ray diffraction patterns. Both structures are of the clathrate type found for gas hydrates, consisting of tetrahedral networks which are combinations of pentagonal dodecahedra with 14-face polyhedra in one case and with 16-face polyhedra in the other case. There is strict correspondence between the silicon positions and the oxygen positions of the hydrate structures. For one compound, Na8Si46, the centers of all polyhedra are occupied by sodium atoms. For the other compound, there occurs only partial occupancy of the polyhedral cages.


Abstract This study determined whether ingesting a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CES) vs. progressive dehydration affected skeletal muscle glycogen use and performance in ice hockey players during simulated ice hockey exercise comprised of 3 active "periods". Seven males (21.3±0.3 years, 184.7±1.2 cm, 84.2±3.9 kg, and 49.6±1.8 mL·kg−1·min−1) performed a hockey-specific protocol on two occasions and either dehydrated progressively (NF), or stayed well-hydrated by ingesting a CES. Muscle biopsies were taken at rest, before the 3rd period (P3), and after the final sprint in the protocol. Compared to dehydration in the NF trial (−1.8% BM), CES ingestion enhanced voluntary performance (151.0±8.0 vs. 144.1±8.7 kJ) and glycogen use (177.5±31.1 vs. 103.5±16.2 mmol·kg dm−1), and reduced perceived exertion (16±1 vs. 18±1) in P3. Mean core temperature was reduced by CES ingestion throughout the protocol (38.0±0.2 vs. 38.1±0.1°C). These results suggest that compared to progressive dehydration, staying hydrated by ingesting a CES helps preserve performance, while reducing thermal and perceptual strains, in P3 of cycle-based simulation of ice hockey exercise. These benefits are observed despite greater glycogen use in P3 with CES ingestion.


Forecasting the Extreme Right vote in French elections is one of the few 'third-party' forecasts that has attracted attention in a forecasting literature focusing generally on incumbent performance and winners. Despite being a 'hard case' because of third-party status, unstable polling estimates and relatively few data points, previous models have provided relatively strong forecasts of the performance of the Front National (FN) and its erstwhile leader, Jean-Marie Le Pen. The recent succession of Le Pen by his daughter, Marine, and her apparent popularity pose a significant challenge to these models, however. We discuss and evaluate our previous model's prediction of her likely score in the first round of the presidentials, comparing this to standard forecasting benchmarks, and look at possible adjustments to account for the speculated 'Marine effect'. We then compare this with other vote indicators including the results of an experimental expert judgment survey.


In pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, many virulence factors are secreted via the two-partner secretion pathway, which consists of an exoprotein called TpsA and a cognate outer membrane translocator called TpsB. The HMW1 and HMW2 adhesins are major virulence factors in nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and are prototype two-partner secretion pathway exoproteins. A key step in the delivery of HMW1 and HMW2 to the bacterial surface involves targeting to the HMW1B and HMW2B outer membrane translocators by an N-terminal region called the secretion domain. Here we present the crystal structure at 1.92Å of the HMW1 pro-piece (HMW1-PP), a region that contains the HMW1 secretion domain and is cleaved and released during HMW1 secretion. Structural analysis of HMW1-PP revealed a right-handed β-helix fold containing 12 complete parallel coils and one large extra-helical domain. Comparison of HMW1-PP and the Bordetella pertussis FHA secretion domain (Fha30) reveals limited amino acid homology but shared structural features, suggesting that diverse TpsA proteins have a common structural domain required for targeting to cognate TpsB proteins. Further comparison of HMW1-PP and Fha30 structures may provide insights into the keen specificity of TpsA-TpsB interactions.


Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. The most common management tool, stimulant medication, shows limited efficacy in youth due to side effects, stigma, and noncompliance. The current quasi-experimental study examines the influence of a behavioural, mindfulness-based treatment program for youth, Integra Mindfulness Martial Arts, on theta power, beta power, and theta/ beta ratio (TBR), neural indices reflecting attentional ability. Additionally, the current study compared the use of rest versus active attention tasks in order to determine which task type best displayed attention-related treatment gains. Improvements in attentional ability, indexed by a decrease in TBR, were found for the treatment group, but not controls, during an active attention task and not during a rest task. These findings support mindfulness training as a treatment option for ADHD, and support the use of active versus passive attention tasks when examining treatment-related gains.

Keywords: attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, mindfulness, youth, EEG, theta/beta ratio


Introduction: The diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis (TBM) has remained a challenge due to its insidious onset and the failure of conventional diagnostic tests. The present study aimed to identify the mycobacterial pathogen in the CSF of patients with TBM and a poor prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively recruited 224 TBM and 34 non-TBM patients admitted to the Central India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur, India, in 2014. The CSF samples of these patients were subjected to a duplex PCR assay for the species-specific identification of the causative pathogen. Results: M. bovis and infection with M.tuberculosis were detected in 7% (18) and 32.9% (85) of the patients, respectively. Moreover, 14% (36) of the study samples were culture positive; however, the mycobacterial pathogens could not be differentiated to the species level.  Conclusion: The present study findings emphasized the potentially vital importance of M. bovis identification for appropriate patient management. The obtained data also demonstrated the persistent significance of M. bovis, as a zoonotic pathogen.


Shear bands with characteristic spatial patterns observed in an experiment for a cubic or parallelepiped specimen of dry dense sand were simulated by numerical bifurcation analysis using the Cam‐clay plasticity model. By incorporating the subloading surface concept into the plasticity model, the model became capable of reproducing hardening/softening and contractive/dilative behavior observed in the experiment. The model was reformulated to be compatible with the multiplicative hyperelasto‐plasticity for finite strains. This enhanced constitutive model was implemented into a finite‐element code reinforced by a stress updating algorithm based on the return‐mapping scheme, and by an efficient numerical procedure to compute critical eigenvectors of elastoplastic tangent stiffness matrix at bifurcation points. The emergence of diamond‐ and column‐like diffuse bifurcation modes breaking uniformity of the materials, followed by the evolution of shear bands through strain localization, was observed in the analysis. In the bifurcation analysis of plane strain compression test, unexpected bifurcation modes, which broke out‐of‐plane uniformity and led to 3‐dimensional diamond‐like patterns, were detected. Diffuse bifurcations, which were difficult to observe by experiments, have thus been found as a catalyst creating diverse shear band patterns.


In this analytical review, some thermodynamic, physical and nanotechnological aspects of the graphene/graphane problem are considered (in a correlation), relevance to developing a much simpler and efficient method (in comparison with the megabar compression dynamic and static ones) of producing a high-density solid molecular hydrogen carrier. It is achieved by the hydrogen intercalation (at the cost of the hydrogen association energy) in closed multigraphane (carbohydride-like) nanostructures of the megabar strength properties. The limiting density value (0.7±0.2 g/cm3(H2)) of such intercalated high-purity reversible hydrogen carrier corresponds to a megabar compression. The "volumetric" hydrogen capacity is of 0.3±0.1 g/cm3(system), and the "gravimetric" one being ≥ 15 wt %( H2). Such a hydrogen storage nanotechnology can exceed and/or correspond to the known U.S. DOE requirements-targets on the hydrogen on-board storage for 2015 (www.eere.energy.gov /hydrogenandfuelcells), with respect to the hydrogen capacities (0.081 g/cm3(system), 9.0 wt %( H2)), safety, reversibility and purity.


There were classified patients into 2 groups, group 1 with normal MCA/UA PI ratio (MCA/UA PI > 1.08) and group 2 with abnormal MCA/UA PI ratio. Adverse perinatal outcome as neonatal intensive care unit admission, Apgar score at 1 min < 7, need for ventilators, respiratory distress syndrome and need for blood transfusion were compared between 2 groups. Results: Of the 54 pregnancies in this study, 37 patients (68.5%) were classified into group 1 and 17 patients (31.5%) into group 2. There were significantly higher adverse perinatal outcome in group 2 (P values < 0.05). Conclusions: IUGR fetuses with abnormal MCA/UA PI ratio suffered more morbidity than with normal MCA/UA PI ratio. The MCA/UA ratio is a good predictor of adverse perinatal outcome.


There are concerns that migrants may be embedded in far-flung networks with support being less collective. The spatial dispersion of their relatives and friends would result in fragmented networks with lower solidarity and lower mutual trust than densely connected networks based on geographical proximity. This may be particularly true for migrants who rarely meet their relatives and friends face-to-face. Yet, it is unclear what role, if any, distant visits play in migrants' social capital. This article examines these issues using representative data from Switzerland and a combination of network and sequence analysis. Results show that migrants have more spatially dispersed networks, which, in turn, are associated with higher number of emotional support ties compared to respondents with spatially close networks, yet they are characterised by low cohesion and low trust. Distant visits only partly moderate the influence of spatial dispersion on social capital. People who frequently visit or host their far-flung relatives and friends have more transitive networks and fewer supportive ties than those who see them less often, but they do not have higher trust in them. Overall, distant visits have relatively little impact on social capital, suggesting a network effect that goes beyond dyadic relationships.


The implementation, optimization, and performance of various DFT-D schemes have been tested on models for polar-π interactions between arenes spaced at van der Waals distances and on a series of functionalized corannulene derivatives and complexes. For DFT-D schemes involving a semiempirical correction, optimized parameters are proposed for several basis sets. Performance of the different DFT-D strategies is compared, where functionals include some of the most recently proposed, B97D, B2PLYP, BMK, and M06-2X functionals, together with several other well-known functionals. Semiempircally corrected dispersion functionals hold some promise as useful and affordable methods for studies involving large polynuclear aromatic molecules and molecules on metal surfaces.


Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder in the endocrine system resulting from a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action or both of them. Adverse side effects of chemical drugs for treatment of diabetes persuaded the using of medical plants. Cherry as a traditionally used plant for treatment of diabetes, is packed with powerful plant pigments called anthocyanins. They give cherries their dark red color and are one of the richest antioxidant sources which lower the blood sugar and bear other beneficial health effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of cherry fruit on alloxan induced diabetic rats. In this study 36 Male Wistar rats, body weight of 150-200gr were divided into 6 groups. Diabetes was induced by intra peritoneal injection of 120 mg/kg Alloxan. The duration of the cherries treatment was 30 days in which single dose of extracts (200mg/kg) were oral administered to diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were estimated with glucometer before treatment, 2h and 1- 4 weeks after administration of extracts. Treatment with extracts of the cherries resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and urinary microalbumin and an increase in the creatinine secretion level in urea. Extract of this plant is useful in controlling the blood glucose level. Cherries appear to aid in diabetes control and diminution of the complications of the disease. Some relevant patents are also outlined in this article.


In this note we consider the following problem. Suppose a set of sensors is jointly trying to estimate a process. One sensor takes a measurement at every time step and the measurements are then exchanged among all the sensors. What is the sensor schedule that results in the minimum error covariance? We describe a stochastic sensor selection strategy that is easy to implement and is computationally tractable. The problem described above comes up in many domains out of which we discuss two. In the sensor selection problem, there are multiple sensors that cannot operate simultaneously (e.g., sonars in the same frequency band). Thus measurements need to be scheduled. In the sensor coverage problem, a geographical area needs to be covered by mobile sensors each with limited range. Thus from every position, the sensors obtain a different view-point of the area and the sensors need to optimize their trajectories. The algorithm is applied to these problems and illustrated through simple examples.


We demonstrate nonlinear magnetoelectric coupling in a varactor-loaded metamaterial at microwave frequencies. The nonlinear magnetoelectric coupling takes the form of second-harmonic generation in which incident magnetic fields at frequency ω drive an electric polarization at frequency 2ω. The magnitudes and phases of the generated signals from two nonlinear metamaterials are measured, verifying the dominant nonlinear process in each sample. We expect the metamaterial design employed in this letter to form the prototype for future investigations into nonlinear magnetoelectric coupling.


Previous research indicates that practicing mindfulness-based strategies over an extended period of time may positively impact individuals' well-being, such as improved mood and cognitive performance (Chambers, Lo, & Allen, 2008; Kabat-Zinn, 1990; Kabat-Zinn, 2003; Mrazek, Franklin, Phillips, Baird, & Schooler, 2013). This research also indicates there may be immediate benefits to practicing mindfulness strategies; however, a majority of the existing literature on this topic has focused primarily on extended mindfulness-practices over several weeks with an in-person guide or trained researcher. The purpose of the current study was two-fold. First, how practicing one of two mindfulness-based strategies for a short period of time (e.g., less than two minutes per day over a one week period) influenced several psychological variables of interest (i.e., attention and awareness, depression, anxiety, stress, mood, and cognitive performance) was assessed. Second, the short mindfulness-based strategies were guided by a mobile-phone application; thus, the effectiveness of practicing mindfulness without the physical presence of a guide or researcher trained in meditation was assessed. Participants came to an initial lab session (Time 1) and completed self-report measures assessing the variables of interest along with a cognitive task to test their working memory capability. Participants either learned and practiced one mindfulness-based strategy (mindful breathing or a body scan) or engaged in a no-strategy (control) condition. After the initial lab session, participants in the mindfulness strategy conditions were instructed to practice the strategy on their own for three days using a mobile-phone application. Participants returned to the lab for a final lab session (Time 2) and once ii again practice the assigned mindfulness strategy, answered the self-report questionnaires, and completed the cognitive task. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that participants in the mindful breathing and body scan conditions compared to the control condition would show increases in attention and awareness, positive affect, and cognitive performance from the initial lab session (Time 1) to the final lab session (Time 2). It was also hypothesized that participants in the mindful breathing and body scan conditions compared to the control condition would show decreases in depression, anxiety, stress, and negative affect from Time 1 to Time 2. Seventy-four participants completed all parts of the current study; there were not significant differences across conditions and time on most of the self-report measures. However, there was a significant main effect of time on negative affect and performance on the cognitive task. Exploratory analyses were conducted to further probe the data for relationships between the variables of interest. A negative correlation between self-reported mindfulness, attention, and awareness was found in relation to depression, anxiety, stress, and negative affect. Although not significant, a positive correlation between self-reported mindfulness, attention, and awareness was found in relation to positive affect and cognitive performance. The results suggest that more research is needed on the effect of brief mindfulness practices guided by a mobile-phone application. Contributions of the current study, as well as future research and limitations, are discussed.


This unique book fills a vital gap present in most study and examination guides - it offers inspiration and motivation to make the student want to excel. As such, it is a valuable complement to the author's other book, Scholars' Secrets. The author shares his personal story about how he overcame poverty and parental abuse, and progressed from doing badly in primary school to topping his class in postgraduate studies. He also features stories about "famous failures" - people who succeeded in life despite having little or no formal education, such as Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and multi-billionaire Li Ka Shing. Thus, academic qualifications are by no means the "be all and end all". Ultimately, the difference lies in PRAISE, a life skills model developed by the author for excellence and success. Through the six key concepts of Prizedream, Rules, Analysis, Invincibility, Strategy and Excellence, this model will help you overcome whatever obstacles you face, as it leads you out of mediocrity and conformity towards your unique vision.


Research which has aimed to understand how children come to acquire ideas about different science
concepts has had a long history (Vosniadou, 2008, Driver et al, 1994). However, these studies have
explored conceptual knowledge largely through verbal reports, whilst successful, these approaches were
critiqued as they did not capture a comprehensive understanding of knowledge growth particularly if
children are not able to clearly or fully articulate their ideas (Goldin-Meadows, 2000). In more recent
research this bias towards language has been challenged and investigations have begun to consider
multimodal aspects of children's communication in science lessons (Jewitt, 2011). Multimodal research has
begun to demonstrate how other communication strategies can provide a more holistic understanding of
children's knowledge growth (Callinan, 2015). This paper discusses the results drawn from a recent case
study which aimed to explore how children with SEND use mini whiteboards in order to express their ideas
about floating and sinking. The case study focused on a four week science intervention undertaken with a
class of 8 children (10 – 11 years old) with behavioural needs and attending a special needs school. The
children were encouraged to capture their ideas about the topic throughout the course of the intervention,
this paper focuses on how the children used mini whiteboards to demonstrate increasingly complex scientific
ideas. The children's whiteboard representations were captured using a camera throughout the lessons.
Preliminary findings indicated that the children preferred to discuss their ideas using the whiteboard rather
than in the formal test and through verbal discussions. These findings demonstrate that the children were
more confident when drawing on other multimodal resources than those typically used in school
assessments (e.g. spoken or written word forms). This presentation will explore the initial findings from this
pilot study and will discuss plans for further development of the intervention.


Transportation of fishes from study site to the laboratory needs lot of care as the fish is very sensitive to even minor changes in the surroundings. The prime response from the fishes was random running and hitting its head and body against the medium in which it is transported. Secondly it was found excreting a lot of ammonia waste which will degrade the water quality and there by lead to poor survival chances. Anesthetized transportation thus forms a boon in aquaculture. The fish meant for transportation is anesthetized hence it will not run and also will not eliminate wastes. A solution of 1 ml of 2- Phenoxy ethanol in 5 l of water was prepared and used for the transportation trials which were conducted in heavy duty poly bags.  The average weight of brood fish was 200 g.  Five numbers of brood fishes were accommodated in a bag for the transportation for 2 hours. Water quality parameters like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia and alkalinity were assessed following standard methods using water quantity analyzing probe (Eutech, S-660).  The studies were carried out repeatedly four times during transportation so as to confirm results. The results have shown that as time proceeds the water quality of control changed drastically whereas the experiment retained the change in water quality towards a standard range throughout the transportation trial. As the fishes are anesthetized the biological activities will slow down which result in lesser consumption of oxygen, low excretory waste and so on. So anesthetizing H.kurali with 2- phenoxy ethanol is advisable.


Whole trophozoites and cysts of axenically cultivated Naegleria fowleri were prepared for study of their surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Trophozoites and cyst stages were studied from Chang's culture media. Some trophozoites were examined after animal inoculation and brain isolation to compare the changes in surface features. Photomicrographs of freeze-dried and critical point-dried organisms fixed with glutaraldehyde were presented along with views of both isolates of trophozoites to compare the surface features. SEM revealed the surface of trophozoites to be undulating, wrinkled and covered at irregular intervals by protruding vesicles. There were also surface extensions which were long and thin in brain isolates which may help in the contact and cytolysis of host cells at some distance from the trophozoite. Some cysts appeared wrinkled while others smooth, and empty cysts were also seen with many pores on the surface.


Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality worldwide with 1.6 million deaths in 2012. The prognosis of lung cancer remains very poor (1). For most countries, the age-standardized 5-year survival rate ranges from 10% to 20% for most countries (2). Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85% of all lung malignant tumors.


Prince Edward Island's 65th General Election was held 4 May 2015. The Prince Edward Island Liberal Party (Liberals) won 18 of the Island's 27 seats, capturing its third straight majority. The Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island (PCs) improved its standing to eight seats, once again forming the Official Opposition. The Green Party of Prince Edward Island (Greens) picked up a single seat - its party leader winning that party's first ever in a PEI election. The New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island (NDP) did not win a seat, despite garnering slightly more votes island-wide than did the Greens. The surprise of the election may not have been the historic election of the leader of the Greens, but the fact that two candidates tied, resulting in a coin toss to determine the winner.


In this paper we seek to explain the causes and consequences of Northern penetration in Southern subsistence markets in order to reach the countless masses at the Bottom of the (Income) Pyramid. To this end we formulate a One-North-Many-Souths model, inspired by the Krugman (1979) North-South model. In our model, Southern countries are differentiated with respect to population size, but also the degree of internal connectedness as a proxy for the cost involved in reaching the local subsistence market. Northern subsistence goods production in Southern countries takes place under increasing returns to scale, why local production of subsistence goods takes place under constant returns to scale. Using this set-up, we show what kind of Southern countries would be penetrated first, and under which conditions this would happen. From the point of view of Northern producers, Southern countries can be divided into three classes: the broad class of partner- and non partner countries, and within the class of partner countries, the sub-classes of small and large partners. In this context, small partners are so small, that all of local subsistence production is taken over by the North, while in large countries part of subsistence consumption must still be met out of local subsistence production. The main insights coming from numerical simulations with the model are that Northern penetration on Southern markets releases (labor) resources that can then be used for producing tradable luxury goods. This has a negative terms of trade effect for the South, but a positive income effect, while, moreover, the latter effect tends to outweigh the former. In addition, small partner countries generally stand to gain more from Northern penetration than large countries, as in small partner countries relatively more resources would be released when shifting production of subsistence goods from local to Northern technologies. Using numerical simulations in which we increase the rate of imitation, we show that this leads to higher terms of trade for the South, and consequently, a higher penetration of the North in Southern countries with respect to subsistence production. The reason is that the opportunity cost of using Northern labor in Northern luxury goods production falls, and consequently more Northern labor is allocated to its alternative use of managing subsistence goods production in Southern countries. Thus we are able to "explain" the recent penetration of Northern firms in subsistence goods production in countries like India and China (which have become increasingly important as manufacturing trading partners), as the latter countries are both large in population terms as well as relatively well connected.


Abstract. A common strategy for calculating the direction and rate
of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) exchange between the ocean and atmosphere
relies on knowledge of the partial pressure of CO2 in surface seawater
(pCO2(sw)), a quantity that is frequently observed by autonomous sensors
on ships and moored buoys, albeit with significant spatial and temporal
gaps. Here we present a monthly gridded data product of pCO2(sw) at
0.25∘ latitude by 0.25∘ longitude resolution in the
northeastern Pacific Ocean, centered on the California Current System (CCS) and
spanning all months from January 1998 to December 2020. The data product
(RFR-CCS; Sharp et al., 2022; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5523389) was created using observations
from the most recent (2021) version of the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas
(Bakker et al., 2016). These observations were fit against a variety of
collocated and contemporaneous satellite- and model-derived surface
variables using a random forest regression (RFR) model. We validate RFR-CCS
in multiple ways, including direct comparisons with observations from
sensors on moored buoys, and find that the data product effectively captures
seasonal pCO2(sw) cycles at nearshore sites. This result is notable
because global gridded pCO2(sw) products do not capture local
variability effectively in this region, suggesting that RFR-CCS is a better
option than regional extractions from global products to represent
pCO2(sw) in the CCS over the last 2 decades. Lessons learned from the
construction of RFR-CCS provide insight into how global pCO2(sw)
products could effectively characterize seasonal variability in nearshore
coastal environments. We briefly review the physical and biological
processes – acting across a variety of spatial and temporal scales –
that are responsible for the latitudinal and nearshore-to-offshore
pCO2(sw) gradients seen in the RFR-CCS reconstruction of
pCO2(sw). RFR-CCS will be valuable for the validation of high-resolution
models, the attribution of spatiotemporal carbonate system variability to
physical and biological drivers, and the quantification of multiyear trends
and interannual variability of ocean acidification.


This paper describes a 3D object classification method by 3D-3D comparison using the numerical surface point signatures on interest points of 3D objects point cloud. Interest or salient points of 3D point cloud were found by Heat Kernel Signature method. The numerical point signatures used for classification were composed only on these points. To investigate the objects classification resistance to the data measurement noise, additionally to original 3D data was added 1.5 % of continuity distributed noise. Object classification was carried out using forty three 3D objects point cloud database. Study of 3D object interest points recognition has shown that the standard Surface Point Signatures methodology is sensitive to the normal vector used for signature composition as well as the object's surface normal is very sensitive to objects mesh error. In order to reduce the sensitivity to the object surface measurement error we have proposed to use one constant vector as average from all object mesh normal's. Such approach on average improved interest point's recognition rate by ~16 % and allowed to reach 95.9 % of classification accuracy on used 43 objects database. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.20.6.7259


As more and more processors and subsystems are integrated in a single system, the verification bottleneck is driving designers away from RTL and RTL-like strategies for verification and design to higher abstraction levels. Increasing system complexity at the other hand requires much faster simulation and analysis tools. This is leading to new standards and tools around transaction level modeling. Languages such as SystemC and SystemVerilog are rich in behavioral and structural constructs which enable modeling designs at different levels of abstraction without imposing a top-down or bottom-up design flow. In fact, most design flows are iterative and modules at different levels of abstractions have to be considered. A more abstract model is very useful to increase simulation speed and to improve formal verification. SystemC and SystemVerilog stress the importance of verification support for complex SOCs including improvement for hardware verification as well as for the verification of hardware dependent software. In todays design flows the software development can often only start after the hardware is available. This causes unacceptable delays for the software development. The idea of transaction level modeling (TLM) is to provide in an early phase of the hardware development transaction level models of the hardware. Based on these TLMs a fast enough simulation environment is the basis for the development of hardware and hardware dependent software. The presumption is to run these transaction level models at several tens or some hundreds of thousand transactions per second which should be fast enough for system level modeling and verification.


During the breeding season Zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata, females develops a brood patch on the ventral surface which facilitates heat exchange between the incubating bird and the egg. The brood patch has to be sensitive to changes in temperature, so that the eggs can be kept at an optimal temperature for embryo development. If the egg temperature drops it has to be re-warmed. Mild cooling of the brood patch has been shown to cause cold induced vasodilation, but the responsible mechanism for this is not known. In this study we investigated if known thermoreceptors, TRPV3 and TRPV4, could be involved in the alteration of blood flow. To activate TRPV3 and TRPV4 two agonists, carvacrol and 4α-PDD respectively, were applied on the brood patch. Changes in skin temperature and vascularity were then examined. The results obtained did not reveal any changes in the vascularity. Temperature changes in the skin that could be caused by an alteration in blood flow did not significantly change either. Still, a role of these channels in the brood patch cannot be excluded.


The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Enugu North LGA, Enugu State, Nigeria in November, 2008. Ninety patent medicine vendors were studied using semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires. Information on knowledge and management of diarrhea in under-fives was obtained. The patent medicine vendors had good knowledge (64.0%) of the types, causes, signs and effects of diarrhea but their knowledge on steps to prevent or improve diarrhea outcome was poor (33.3%). Their knowledge of therapeutic use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and salt sugar solution (SSS) was also poor (46.9%). Though sixty-two (68.9%) respondents identified ORS as their first line treatment of diarrhea in children, nineteen (21.1%) of them do not stock ORS. Metronidazole is the drug most commonly used in management of childhood diarrhea. The knowledge of patent medicine vendors on the prevention of diarrhea in children is poor. There should be routine health education campaign on appropriate management of mild childhood diarrheal diseases.


The growing deficits of community budgets force the Public Health Service to streamline its duties and activities and to develop strategies which allow reimbursement by other resources. The possibilities for part financing of tasks of the Bremen Public Health Office by local statutory health insurance funds are considered and discussed.


Continuous innovation is regarded as an imperative for most companies. In this regard, open innovation suggests a successful approach to new product development, wherein the emphasis is on external collaboration. Previous research has provided examples from some industries, whereas mature and traditional companies such as manufacturing firms have gained limited interest. Thus, this paper seeks to answer two critical questions: why should manufacturing companies shift toward open innovation approaches and how can they adopt open innovation for product development. Based on case study in two companies, a list of opportunities, challenges, and efforts for organizational change toward open innovation are discussed.


The tuning of optimal controller parameters in wind plant is crucial in order to minimize the effect of wake interaction between turbines. The purpose of this paper is to develop an improved grey wolf optimizer (I-GWO) in order to tune the controller parameters of the turbines so that the total energy production of a wind plant is increased. The updating mechanism of original GWO is modified to improve the efficiency of exploration and exploitation phase while avoiding trapping in local minima solution. A row of ten turbines is considered to evaluate the effectiveness of the I-GWO by maximizing the total energy production. The proposed approach is compared with original GWO and previously published modified GWO. Finally, I-GWO produces the highest total energy production as compared to other methods, as shown in statistical performance analysis.


Thiosulphate (SSO32-) and tetrathionate (S4O62-) are found in environments where numerous bacterial species live. Some of these bacteria express di-heme thiosulphate dehydrogenase (TsdA) enzymes that catalyse the interconversion of these sulphur compounds:

2 SSO32- ↔ S4O62- + 2 e- (EM = +198 mV)

Electrons originate or terminate in this redox couple during respiration or photosynthesis in these bacteria. This is likely to give them a niche competitive advantage against other organisms lacking this enzyme in environments where these compounds are present. The catalytic site of TsdA enzymes is heme I which has the unusual axial ligand pairing His/Cys-. Heme II is an electron transfer site which has His/Met ligation in most TsdA enzymes (eg. Campylobacter jejuni (Cj) TsdA), but which has a redox-driven switch between His/Lys and His/Met ligation in two known TsdA enzymes (eg. Allochromatium vinosum (Av) TsdA).

This work uses magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) to identify the heme ligation states for recombinant TsdA enzymes Cj TsdA and Av TsdA in solution and several variants where these ligands are substituted. Protein film electrochemistry (PFE) also characterised the electroactivity of the TsdA hemes in these proteins. This, in combination with electrochemically-poised MCD samples, was used to determine the mid-point potentials of native and variant hemes. Additionaly these techniques confirmed the Av TsdA heme II ligand switch and permitted investigation of its kinetics. Remarkably, the number of electrons transferred by Cj TsdA heme I in PFE is different to the number transferred by heme II. In comparison, the number of electrons transferred by the Av TsdA hemes are equal, although introducing Cj TsdA-like heme II ligation, introduces unequal electron transfer. Replacing the heme I cysteine ligand with methionine in Cj TsdA causes both hemes to have equal electron transfer. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-resolved native covalent adducts to the heme I cysteine ligand, which modulate the electroactivity of heme I.

A catalytic mechanism proposed for TsdA enzymes features covalent modification of the heme I cysteine ligand. Chemical treatments, substrates and substrate analogues have been used to change these modifications in a predictable manner, allowing for the characterisation of TsdA with defined heme I cysteine modifications. Combining data from PFE, MCD and LC-MS the previously-proposed catalytic mechanism is expanded further. Evidence suggests that the substrate-augmented site has adducts to the heme I cysteine which also control electron transfer to the TsdA hemes. This electron transfer is not adequately explained by conventional theory of redox centres in proteins suggesting that the reality in TsdA enzymes is more complex than this typically assumed model.


This study is an investigation of life-worlds of severely visually impaired and blind adults. The aim is to understand changes which people undergo when struck by severe visual impairment or blindness, focusing on how people learn to handle their changed life situation. The following questions are addressed: How does visual impairment change a person's life? How does blindness affect the continuation of life? How do people handle this situation? What characterises learning in relation to blindness? What does it mean to henceforth live with blindness in society? A qualitative study has been performed with eight adults, four men and four women. The research is grounded in the concept of the life-world, which means the world in which we live our daily lives, a world usually taken for granted. Information has been gathered through interviews, life story interviews and participant observation. The data have been analysed with an interpretative approach. The study points out that learning processes are related to the participants' respective life-worlds and their lived experiences of being visually impaired or blind. Being blind often means a break in a person's life, dividing life into before and after blindness. This break is interpreted as changed relations to the world in relation to time, the physical surroundings, relations to other people (intersubjectivity), and the performance of activities, all including a changed identity. Learning processes are then interpreted as re-establishing the relations to the world and focus both on re-learning previously well-known activities and learning completely new activities, i.e. the white cane technique. Learning in relation to visual impairment or blindness is further described as a li×ed learning grounded in the life-world and the person's lived experiences, including dimensions of body-situated learning, social learning and re ecti×e learning. Learning processes also comprise the concepts of horizon and the intentional arc. When a person has re-established relations to the different dimensions of the life-world, learning is temporarily seen as Ž nished. However, social learning will continue throughout life. In discussing the various dimensions of life-changing processes and learning, the following concepts are used: the body of time, physical body, the body of acti×ity and social body. Finally, some pedagogical implications for rehabilitation work and counseling are discussed.


Potes CS, Boyle CN, Wookey PJ, Riediger T, Lutz TA. Involvement of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway in amylin's eating inhibitory effect. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 302: R340–R351, 2012. First published November 30, 2011; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00380.2011.—Peripheral amylin inhibits eating via the area postrema (AP). Because amylin activates the extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) pathway in some tissues, and because ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK) leads to acute neuronal responses, we postulated that it may be involved in amylin's eating inhibitory effect. Amylin-induced ERK phosphorylation (pERK) was investigated by immunohistochemistry in brain sections containing the AP. pERK-positive AP neurons were double-stained for the calcitonin 1a/b receptor, which is part of the functional amylin-receptor. AP sections were also phenotyped using dopamine-hydroxylase (DBH) as a marker of noradrenergic neurons. The effect of fourth ventricular administration of the ERK cascade blocker U0126 on amylin's eating inhibitory action was tested in feeding trials. The number of pERK-positive neurons in the AP was highest 10–15 min after amylin treatment; the effect appeared to be dosedependent (5–20 g/kg amylin). A portion of pERK-positive neurons in the AP carried the amylin-receptor and 22% of the pERK-positive neurons were noradrenergic. Pretreatment of rats with U0126 decreased the number of pERK-positive neurons in the AP after amylin injection. U0126 also attenuated the ability of amylin to reduce eating, at least when the animals had been fasted 24 h prior to the feeding trial. Overall, our results suggest that amylin directly stimulates pERK in AP neurons in a timeand dose-dependent manner. Part of the AP neurons displaying pERK were noradrenergic. At least under fasting conditions, pERK was shown to be a necessary part in the signaling cascade mediating amylin's anorectic effect.


Terahertz metamaterials (THz MMs) have been proven to be good candidates for chemical, biological, temperature, strain, and position sensing. However, currently developed thin‐metal‐film‐based split ring resonator (SRR) MMs have relatively low quality factor (Q‐factors), leading to a poor sensitivity, which is one of the obstacles for development of sensors. In order to enhance the Q‐factor, novel THz MMs, nanopillar‐based MMs, are designed, fabricated, and characterized. The nanopillar‐based MMs excite the inductive‐capacitive resonance via desplacement currents, showing a significantly enhanced Q‐factor around 450, which is about 30 times higher than typical thin‐metal‐film‐based MMs. Nanopillar‐based MMs also show 17 times larger frequency shift compared to the metal‐film‐based MMs when the permittivity of the ambient dielectric properties of the MMs changes. Due to high Q‐factor and large frequency shift, the nanopillar‐based THz MMs utilizing displacement current have great potential for highly sensitive chemical and biomaterial detection as well as frequency‐agile THz devices.


Effective public communication systems are essential for managing crises involving threats to the public. Risk communication is a proven methodology for formulating and delivering appropriate strategies. Modern society, however, is uniquely complex and faces an unknown range of threats. Integrated emergency planning meets multiple contingencies by extending proven everyday systems. For communication, the required capability is to reach mass target audiences swiftly and authoritatively – the everyday function of the news media. Public information and warning partnerships (PIWPs) are voluntary arrangements designed to deliver integrated emergency planning for communication. They harness the collective resources and goodwill of public, private, not‐for‐profit and media organisations without compromising media independence and, therefore, public trust. There are successful national and local examples in the UK, including the national Media Emergency Forum. The BBC's "Connecting in a Crisis" initiative aims to develop close cooperation between communities and their local stations in emergencies. To develop a fully scalable nationwide response, regional PIWPs – Regional Media Emergency Forums – have been set up.


1. Steady-state poly(A)-containing nuclear RNA was isolated from the lactating guinea-pig mammary gland and analysed by sucrose-gradient centrifugation under denaturing conditions. 2. Nucleic acid-hybridization studies demonstrated the presence of small amounts of high-molecular-weight RNA species containing milk-protein mRNA sequences sedimenting at 25S. These were not found in the post-nuclear supernatant, where milk-protein sequences sedimented only between 12S and 15S; these were also the predominant species in the nuclear fraction. 3. The results are consistent with the transcription of milk-protein genes as high-molecular-weight precursor RNA species, 3-4 times as large as the active mRNA species isolated from the post-nuclear fraction.