The Biot-Granier (Gbt) is a new thermal dissipation-based sap flow measurement methodology, comprising sensors, data management and automatic data processing. It relies on the conventional Granier (Gcv) methodology upgraded with a modified Granier sensor set, as well as on an algorithm to measure the absolute temperatures in the two observation points and perform the Biot number approach. The work described herein addresses the construction details of the Gbt sensors and the characterization of the overall performance of the Gbt method after comparison with a commercial sap flow sensor and independent data (i.e., volumetric water content, vapor pressure deficit and eddy covariance technique). Its performance was evaluated in three trials: potted olive trees in a greenhouse and two vineyards. The trial with olive trees in a greenhouse showed that the transpiration measures provided by the Gbt sensors showed better agreement with the gravimetric approach, compared to those provided by the Gcv sensors. These tended to overestimate sap flow rates as much as 4 times, while Gbt sensors overestimated gravimetric values 1.5 times. The adjustments based on the Biot equations obtained with Gbt sensors contribute to reduce the overestimates yielded by the conventional approach. On the other hand, the heating capacity of the Gbt sensor provided a minimum of around 7 °C and maximum about 9 °C, contrasting with a minimum around 6 °C and a maximum of 12 °C given by the Gcv sensors. The positioning of the temperature sensor on the tip of the sap flow needle proposed in the Gbt sensors, closer to the sap measurement spot, allow to capture sap induced temperature variations more accurately. This explains the higher resolution and sensitivity of the Gbt sensor. Overall, the alternative Biot approach showed a significant improvement in sap flow estimations, contributing to adjust the Granier sap flow index, a vulnerability of that methodology.


Abstract We study Riemannian and semi-invariant submersions whose total manifolds are locally product Riemannian. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the integrability and totally geodesicness of all distributions which are introduced in the definition of the semi-invariant submersion are obtained. We also give a characterization theorem for the proper semi-invariant submersions with totally umbilical fibers and find some results for such submersions with parallel canonical structures. Moreover, we define first variational formula on the fibers of a semi-invariant submersion and by the virtue of that we prove a new theorem which has a condition for the harmonicity of a semi-invariant submersion.


This article describes a mobile robot/camera system that is both simple and inexpensive enough for an undergraduate engineering student to construct. It provides an excellent first introduction to hands-on robotics, enabling the capture of small objects with the robot. It is scalable and can lead the interested student further into many diverse areas of robotics research. This system was carefully designed and arranged components so that the system can work with straightforward algorithms, off-the-shelf hardware, and minimal programming. Creating a working robot system not only introduces the beginning roboticist to many interesting problems in robotics but also creates a testbed to begin exploring them.


A survey of 635 Canadian men and women revealed that overall attitudes toward Canadian-made products were positive, especially among women. Cynicism existed among men and among persons who were older, had higher educations, higher incomes and higher status occupations. For clothing and footwear products Canadian-made rated high, but Japanese-made rated higher for automobiles and home entertainment equipment, while European wines were rated ahead of Canadian wines. The last purchase in each product category studied was frequently Canadian-made. Consumers favored purchasing Canadian-made products in the future except for home entertainment equipment. Implications for Canadian industry, marketing and government policy are drawn.


This paper suggests new methods for the development of network models in climate research. Current climate networks, first introduced in 2004 by Tsonis and Roebber, define network edges based on correlation of node pairs, resulting in a correlation network. The key idea of this paper is to introduce techniques from causal reasoning to derive climate networks, specifically constraint based structure learning. This approach is expected to yield networks that better represent the causal connections in the network, by containing less edges and with all causal pathways still present. The anticipated advantage of a network with less edges is a more manageable model size that makes it easier to gain new insights about causal relationships in the climate system. The goal of this paper is to provide researchers in the climate area with an intuitive understanding of the causal discovery process, specifically of constraint based structure learning. We review the basic principles of constraint based structure learning, namely how cause-and-effect relationships of variables can be learned from observational data using conditional independence tests. Tutorial-style examples illustrate this process. Finally, we review available algorithms and software packages from other disciplines that can be applied to derive climate networks. There are no simulation results provided in this paper (work in progress), thus we do not yet know how much reduction is achieved through this method compared to existing methods. However, applications of similar techniques for protein interaction modeling has yielded tremendous savings, making it possible to gain significant understanding of causal pathways from the obtained network graphs.


Notes on the Book And Now, Time for a Short, Brisk Whipping! More Light-Shaping Tools! * Things I Think I Know: Risking "No" Northern (One) Light But Then, I Just Couldn't Take It Anymore One Light, One Window, One Room Of Frosted Glass and Dirty Windows The ABCs Build a Wall of Light Make the Light Jump...and Other Lessons Big Flash, Small Flash, Far Away * Things I Think I Know: News Flash Here's Sunshine Up Your Skirt! Set the Table with Light The Two-Speedlight Character Portrait Industrial Light Finding Faces * Things I Think I Know: How Do You Get Fired from LIFE? Big Light, Small Flash The Aesthetics of High-Speed Flash Up Against the Wall * Things I Think I Know: I Thought the Lights Would Be On Radio TTL The Shape of Light A Tale of One Face, Lit Two Ways * Things I Think I Know: Mamie and Barbara, and a Lesson Learned Lessons from the Acetate Era Finding a Picture on the Edge of the Canyon Sometimes, the Main Light Is in the Back * Things I Think I Know: Don't Mess with the Photog Working with D Light as an Exclamation Point One Light, One Shadow This Looks Hard, But It's Not * Things I Think I Know: Flash Frenzy A Couple of Joes The Lady, the Light, and Some Luck Lighting the Wind More Wilma This Looks Hard, and It Is This Just In Index


A novel duplex scheme for DMT-based VDSL systems on copper wire pairs is introduced. This method, named Zipper, uses different subcarriers in opposite transmission directions to divide the available bandwidth between the two directions. It provides exceptional versatility when it comes to dividing capacity between up and downstream. The scheme has high duplex efficiency, low latency, and most importantly good coexistence possibilities with other systems such as ADSL. —


Objective To optimize enhancement of pulmonary arteries and facilitate diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE), modern computed tomography angiography (CTA) contains a contrast bolus tracking system. We explored the diagnostic accuracy of the time-intensity curves given by this automated system to identify right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in acute PE. Methods 114 CTAs with a diagnosis of PE were reviewed. RVD was defined as right-to-left ventricular diameter ratio of 1 or greater. Four parameters on time-intensity curves were identified. Parameters between CTAs with and those without RVD were compared with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The ability of the four parameters to discriminate patients with RVD was explored by compiling the area under the operating curves (AUC). Results The time needed by the contrast media to reach the pulmonary artery [8 seconds (IQR: 7–9) versus 7 seconds (IQR: 6–8), p<0.01], the time needed to reach 40 Hounsfield units (HU) [11 seconds (IQR: 8.5–14) versus 9.5 seconds (IQR: 8–10.5), p<0.01], and the contrast intensity reached after 10 seconds [19 HU (IQR: 4–67) versus 53 HU (IQR: 32–80), p<0.05] were all statistically different between CTA with and CTA without RVD. Those three parameters changed gradually across severity categories of RVD (p<0.05 for trend). Their AUC to identify RVD ranged from 0.63 to 0.66. The slope of contrast intensity over time was not informative: [31 HU/s (IQR: 20–57) in CTA with, compared to 36 HU/s (IQR: 22.5–53) in CTA without RVD, p = 0.60]. Conclusion Several parameters of the time-intensity curve obtained by the bolus tracking system are associated with RVD assessed on CTA images. Of those, the time needed to reach a predefined threshold seems to be the easiest to obtain in any CTA without additional processing time or contrast injection. However, the performance of those parameters is globally low.


Strains of Drosophila simulans from Riverside, California (DSR) and Hawaii (DSH) harbour distinct strains of the cytoplasmic incompatibility microorganism Wolbachia, resulting in the expression of bidirectional incompatibility when crossed. D. simulans lines carrying both of these (superinfected) Wolbachia strains were generated by the transfer of infected DSH cytoplasm into DSR embryos by microinjection. The superinfected flies were unidirectionally incompatible with both DSR and DSH individuals. As a result of this pattern, the superinfected state was observed to replace single infections in laboratory populations. The ability of the superinfection to spread was modulated by the production of singly infected offspring from superinfected mothers: strain segregation was observed under crowded larval rearing conditions. An inverse correlation between the penetrance of the cytoplasmic incompatability phenotype and the degree of larval crowding was also observed. The findings have implications for the evolution of bidirectionally incompatible strains, and lead to the prediction that superinfections should be relatively common in field populations. Evidence for a natural superinfection in the mosquito Aedes albopictus is discussed. The results also have applied significance for the generation of insect lines capable of driving desirable genes into populations already infected with Wolbachia, thus allowing repeated opportunities for population replacement.


{\def\enorm {\mathop{\mbox{\boldmath{$|\!|$}}}\nolimits} Let $u \in H$ be the exact solution of a given self--adjoint elliptic boundary value problem, which is approximated by some $\tilde{u} \in {\cal S}$, $\cal S$ being a suitable finite element space. Efficient and reliable a posteriori estimates of the error $\enorm u - \tilde{u}\enorm $, measuring the (local) quality of $\tilde{u}$, play a crucial role in termination criteria and in the adaptive refinement of the underlying mesh. A well--known class of error estimates can be derived systematically by localizing the discretized defect problem using domain decomposition techniques. In the present paper, we provide a guideline for the theoretical analysis of such error estimates. We further clarify the relation to other concepts. Our analysis leads to new error estimates, which are specially suited to three space dimensions. The theoretical results are illustrated by numerical computations.}


A granulated formulation of fenbendazole was tested in 95 dogs harbouring naturally occurring infections of Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Trichuris vulpis, Dipylidium caninum, and Taenia spp and in 19 laboratory-reared Beagle pups experimentally infected with Toxascaris leonina. The drug was administered in moistened dry dog food or in canned dog food. In dosage titration and confirmational studies, using worm counts in naturally infected dogs, the drug was 98%-100% effective at a dosage of 50 mg/kg of body weight/day for 3 days against the commonly occurring nematodes of dogs (ascarids, hookworms, and whipworms) and against Taenia tapeworms. A dosage of 20 mg/kg for 5 days was equally effective against nematodes, but only 73% of the dogs were cleared of Taenia tapeworms. There was no activity at either dosage against Dipylidium tapeworms. Dosages of 100 or 150 mg/kg for a single treatment and 5 or 25 mg/kg daily for 3 days were unsatisfactory with respect to nematodes and tapeworms. Induced infections of T leonina were eliminated from all treated dogs at the dosage and dosing period tested (50 mg/kg/day for 3 days). Fourteen untreated controls expelled 13% of T leonina burdens. It was concluded that granulated fenbendazole is effective in dogs against natural infections of T canis, A caninum, T vulpis, Taenia spp, and experimentally induced infections of T leonina at a dosage of 50 mg/kg of body weight/day for 3 days.


In his sequel to "Athenian Black Figure Vases, " John Boardman, Professor Emeritus at Oxford University, covers the invention of the "red figure" technique in about 530 BC. Professor Boardman illuminates the ancient art form by placing the painters and their vases within the history of Athens and the greater tradition of Greek mythology. 528 illus.


This paper presents the behaviour of moisture movement of calcium silicate brick masonry walls exposed to sodium sulphate environment. The walls were exposed to three sodium sulphate conditions with sulphate concentrations of5%, 10% and 15%. For comparison, some walls were also exposed to dry and wet condition which acts as a control conditions. All specimens were prepared and cured under polythene sheet for 14 days in a controlled environmental room and maintained at relative humidity and temperature of 80 ± 5% and 25 ± 2°C, respectively. After the curing period, the specimens were exposed to sodium sulphate as well as drying and water exposures, during which moisture movement was measured and monitored for a period of up to 7 months. As a result, the moisture expansion was observed and recorded for all masonry wall specimens after exposed to the sulphate condition.


Sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of advanced differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Resistance to sorafenib may appear under treatment and may be associated with increased aggressiveness of the neoplasia. The present study reports the case of a 65-year-old male who underwent total thyroidectomy for a follicular thyroid carcinoma, Hürthle cell variant, in February 2005. Until January 2010, the patient received four consecutive 131I doses (total dose, 612 mCi) for increased serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and initial faint lung uptake (which eventually became undetectable). Subsequently, the patient developed several sequential bone (humerus, rib and skull), adrenal and lung metastases, the majority of which were surgically removed. Histological examination in all cases revealed evidence of DTC metastases that were strongly positive for Tg, as revealed by immunohistochemistry. In March 2014, sorafenib therapy was initiated, but it was discontinued 10 months later to allow an undelayable prostatectomy. Immediately upon surgery, the patient developed a large metastatic lesion in the right gluteal muscle, whose biopsy revealed undifferentiated neoplasia of epithelial origin, and the patient succumbed shortly afterwards. An extensive comparative search for biochemical and molecular markers was performed on all available tissues (primary tumor, and differentiated and undifferentiated metastases). The primary tumor and all the available metastases exhibited the same molecular oncogenic markers (namely, the RAS mutation p.Q61R and the telomerase promoter mutation C228T). In addition, the undifferentiated metastasis exhibited a p53 mutation. The present study reports a case of a sudden acceleration of DTC metastatic progression following sorafenib discontinuation, which could have been due to the emergence of sorafenib-resistant undifferentiated p53-positive tumor cell clones.


To evaluate partial or total replacement of renal function using gut, we measured in vivo transport of nitrogen metabolites, electrolytes, and water into a jejunal segment configured as a continent reservoir in the dog. Reservoir contents were sampled and analyzed at serial time intervals during a 3-h period after instillation of solution containing (in mM) 40 NaCl, 10 NaHCO3, 220 mannitol, pH 8.5, without or with added urease. At 10 min postinstillation, the amount of urea in the solution without added urease was 3-5 times greater than in the presence of added urease, but accumulation of NH4+ was 14-21 times greater in the solution containing added urease, giving a luminal NH4+ concentration up to 10,000 times that of plasma. In the absence of urease, HCO3- concentration fell to 0, and pH declined to 6 at 3 h; in the presence of urease, HCO3- concentration was 4.5 mM, and pH was 7.8 at 3 h. We conclude 1) urea is secreted by the reservoir; 2) H+ is secreted and/or formed in the reservoir; 3) in the presence of urease, urea hydrolyzed to NH3 is converted to NH4+ by H+ and trapped in the lumen; and 4) in the urease solution, H+ binding by NH3 preserves luminal HCO3-, maintaining the initial pH. Thus the continent jejunal reservoir may supplement or replace impaired renal function.


Endothelial dysfunction is common in acute and chronic organ injury. Isoflurane is a widely used halogenated volatile anesthetic during the perioperative period and protects against endothelial cell death and inflammation. In this study, we tested whether isoflurane induces endothelial ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) and cytoprotective adenosine generation to protect against endothelial cell injury. Clinically relevant concentrations of isoflurane induced CD73 activity and increased adenosine generation in cultured human umbilical vein or mouse glomerular endothelial cells. Surprisingly, isoflurane-mediated induction of endothelial CD73 activity occurred within 1 hr and without synthesizing new CD73. We determined that isoflurane rapidly increased CD73 containing endothelial microparticles into the cell culture media. Indeed, microparticles isolated from isoflurane-treated endothelial cells had significantly higher CD73 activity as well as increased CD73 protein. In vivo, plasma from mice anesthetized with isoflurane had significantly higher endothelial cell-derived CD144+ CD73+ microparticles and had increased microparticle CD73 activity compared to plasma from pentobarbital-anesthetized mice. Supporting a critical role of CD73 in isoflurane-mediated endothelial protection, a selective CD73 inhibitor (APCP) prevented isoflurane-induced protection against human endothelial cell inflammation and apoptosis. In addition, isoflurane activated endothelial cells Rho kinase evidenced by myosin phosphatase target subunit-1 and myosin light chain phosphorylation. Furthermore, isoflurane-induced release of CD73 containing microparticles was significantly attenuated by a selective Rho kinase inhibitor (Y27632). Taken together, we conclude that the volatile anesthetic isoflurane causes Rho kinase-mediated release of endothelial microparticles containing preformed CD73 and increase adenosine generation to protect against endothelial apoptosis and inflammation.


Sooty blotch (SB) and flyspeck (FS) is a disease complex which causes the blemishes on skin surface of apple (Malus domestica Borkh) and damages the cosmetic look of fruit in humid temperate areas of the world. Not only it affects the postharvest quality of apple fruits but also reduces the storage life due to increased transpiration. During this study, five different organic fungicides (Ridomil gold, Thiophanate-methyl, Metalaxyl + Mancozeb, Dithane M-45 and Benomyl) at the rate of 5g/l were sprayed on mature and healthy apple trees to control this disease. Fungicides were applied with spray schedule of 15 days interval. Eight sprays were applied from the month of June to September. Results obtained revealed that the application of organic fungicides significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the disease incidence of SB and FS as compared to control. Maximum disease control (92.50%) and minimum (7.50%) fruit blotches were recorded with a combined application of Metalaxyl + Mancozeb. Similarly, maximum fruit weight (140.57 g), and total yield per tree (28.30 kg) were obtained in plants treated with Metalaxyl + Mancozeb. However, maximum fruit set per tree (299.75) was recorded in plants sprayed with Dithane M-45 as compared to control (160.25). Maximum total soluble solids and total sugars (12.90%, 15.50%) were recorded in fruits which were sprayed with Benomyl and Dithane M45, while minimum total soluble solids and total sugars (10.90%, 10.87%) were recorded in control fruits. Minimum ascorbic acid and titratable acidity (15.10 mg/100 mL, 3.65%) were recorded in fruits which were treated with Benomyl, respectively. Overall, a combined treatment of Metalaxyl + Mancozeb not only gave the best control against SB and FS but also increased the total fruit yield and improved the fruit colour as compared to other treatments. Therefore, it could be further exploited on a commercial scale against SB and FS in future.


We predicted and supported the prediction that a 'preference-expectation reversal' would occur among Japanese but not among Americans. American and Japanese participants evaluated ideal-typical independent and interdependent persons on the negative–positive dimension, and estimated how others would evaluate these persons. They also indicated their preference for acting like each of the target persons; that is, which of the two target persons they would prefer to act like. Both the American and Japanese participants wanted to act like the typical independent person rather than the typical interdependent person. However, the Japanese participants expected that others would evaluate the interdependent person more positively than the independent person. This preference-expectation reversal was not observed among the American participants. Further analysis demonstrated that the American participants' personal evaluations of the two targets were consistent with their preferences. The Japanese participants' personal evaluation represented a compromise between their preferences and the expected responses of others. These results suggest that the culturally shared belief in Japan that interdependent persons would receive more positive evaluations than independent persons created an incentive for them to behave interdependently despite their preferences.


This research contributes to the area of corpus annotation and text mining by developing novel domain specific language resources. Most practical text mining applications restrict their domain. This research restricts the domain to the Qur'anic Text.

In this thesis, a number of pre-processing steps were undertaken and annotation information were added to the Qur'an. The raw Arabic Qur'an was pre-processed into morphological units using the Qur'anic Arabic Corpus (QAC). Qur'anic terms were indexed and converted into a vector space model using techniques in Information Retrieval (IR). In parallel, nearly 24,000 Qur'anic personal pronouns were annotated with information on their referents. These referents are consolidated and organized into a total of over 1,000 ontological concepts. Moreover, a dataset of nearly 8,000 pairs of related Qur'anic verses are compiled from books of scholarly commentary on the Qur'an. This vector space model, the pronoun tagging, the verse relatedness dataset, and the part-of-speech tags available in QAC all together served for a number of Qur'anic text mining applications which were rendered online for public use. Among these applications: lemma concordance, collocation, POS search of the Qur'an, verse similarity measures, concept clouds of a given verse, pronominal anaphora and Qur'anic chapter similarity.

Furthermore, machine learning experiments were conducted on automatic detection of verse similarity/relatedness as well as categorization of Qur'anic chapters based on their chronology of revelation. Domain specific linguistic features were investigated to induct learning algorithms. Results show that deep linguistic and world knowledge is needed to reach the human upper bound in certain computational tasks such as detecting text relatedness, question answering and textual entailment. However, many useful queries can be addressed using text mining techniques and layers of annotations made available through this research. The works presented here can be extended to include other similar texts like Hadith (i.e., saying of Prophet Muhammad), or other scriptures like the Gospels.


Background: Self-directed learning (SDL) is an important tool for transforming medical students into lifelong learners so that they are competent to identify their learning needs, allocate resources, and evaluate the learning process throughout their career. Recently, the Medical Council of India has introduced SDL as an essential component of the competency-based medical education curriculum and has allocated fixed hours for SDL in all undergraduate MBBS students. Regarding the role of facilitators in SDL program, there are controversial reports and there are even studies which have shown that the role of a facilitator is not important. Aim: The proposed study aimed to assess students' performance before and after discussion in an SDL module in small-group teaching–learning method and compare the performance scores. Methodology: A total of 117 students responded and were included in the study. Batch A had 59 students and Batch B had 58 students. The topic selected for the SDL module was "Heme degradation and Jaundice." The module was conducted over two contact sessions, Session 1 and Session 2, which were conducted 5 days apart. The prediscussion and postdiscussion assessment questionnaire was also prepared. Session 1 was conducted during a 1-h SDL slot. A gap of 4 days was given to students for doing self-study and to learn the topic. The prediscussion questionnaire consisting of five multiple-choice questions related to the topic was shared with the students a day before the second contact session. Session 2 was conducted during the 2-h tutorial slot (over 2 consecutive days for two batches of the class, Batch A and Batch B, respectively). Fishbowl method of small-group teaching–learning was done followed by postdiscussion questionnaire. Results: The questionnaire was analyzed, and it was observed that the overall mean performance of students improved considerably (78.3%–87.7%) in the questions related to core concept (Q1, Q2, and Q3). Similarly, in the questions related to clinical aspects of the topic, the mean performance of students showed considerable improvement from prediscussion to postdiscussion assessment (86%–93.5%). Conclusion: We conclude that the SDL module should be meticulously planned keeping in mind the topic selected and the availability of infrastructure and workforce. Peer discussion is a very important aspect of the SDL module, and it shows improvement in learning outcomes in an SDL module.


Introduction: The immunosuppressant regimen after kidney transplantation typically includes initial induction therapy followed by a maintenance regimen. The induction therapy was introduced with the aim of reducing acute rejections. A retrospective study was conducted to compare the outcomes in patients with different modalities of induction. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital-based retrospective study where 148 patients who have undergone live renal allograft transplantation at SCB Medical College and Hospital from March 2012 to February 2019 were included in the study. All cases included were crossmatch negative, ABO-compatible live renal allograft transplantations. All patients received tacrolimus, mycophenolate sodium, and steroids. Induction therapy varied depending on immunological risk and changes in protocol over time. Basiliximab, anti-T-lymphocyte globulin (ATLG), and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) were given in 56, 21, and 21 patients, respectively, and no induction therapy in 50 patients. All patients with an acute rise in serum creatinine and without an obvious cause of graft dysfunction were subjected to renal biopsy. The incidence of acute rejection, patient survival, and graft survival was calculated from the follow-up records and compared among patients receiving different induction therapies. Results: In the high-risk category patients, 31%, 20%, and 18.2% of patients (P = 0.6) and in the low risk category, 37%, 27.3%, and 20% of patients (P = 0.6) had acute rejections in basiliximab, ATLG, and ATG group, respectively. The patient survival at 1 year was 79.3%, 70%, and 81.8% in high-risk group patients (P = 0.84) and 88.9%, 81.8%, and 80% in low-risk group patients (P = 0.88) in the basiliximab, ATLG, and ATG groups, respectively. The graft survival at 2 years was 96.6%, 90%, and 90.9% in high-risk group patients (P = 0.32) and 88.9%, 90.9%, and 90% in low-risk group patients (P = 0.65) in the basiliximab, ATLG, and ATG groups, respectively. Conclusion: In the low-risk group, the use of different modalities of induction does not have any advantage over no induction therapy in reducing the incidence of acute rejection, or improving patient and graft survival. In the high-risk group, all the induction therapies used lead to similar outcomes and none show any advantage over the other in terms of statistical significance. However, patients who received ATLG or ATG have an increased incidence of septicemia as compared to basiliximab and no induction group.


Dual-lane roundabouts successfully controlling traffic because of their slower entry speeds and fewer conflict points compared to conventional intersections. Operational evaluations of dual-lane roundabouts depend on the average delay at each roundabout entry, and the delay of each entry depends on the entry capacity. An optimization model is developed in this thesis for dual-lane right-angle and skewed-angle roundabouts, which determines the design elements of the roundabout based on design consistency and the least average intersection delay. The design element includes vehicle radii for through, left, and right turn traffic paths. The design consistency of an individual path is considered by minimizing the relative speed difference along each vehicle path for all approaches. Operational analysis gives an estimation of the capacity and level of service in terms of queue length and delay. These models use site conditions as inputs and prove the feasibility of the design.


Warning: This paper may contain trigger words that might be uncomfortable to some readers. Tracking sexual violence is a challenging task. In this paper, we present a supervised learning-based automated sexual violence report tracking model that is more scalable, and reliable than its crowdsource based counterparts. We define the sexual violence report tracking problem by considering victim, perpetrator contexts and the nature of the violence. We find that our model could identify sexual violence reports with a precision and recall of 80.4% and 83.4%, respectively. Moreover, we also applied the model during and after the #MeToo movement. Several interesting findings are discovered which are not easily identifiable from a shallow analysis.


Current dialogue systems fail at being engaging for users, especially when trained end-to-end without relying on proactive reengaging scripted strategies. Zhang et al. (2018) showed that the engagement level of end-to-end dialogue models increases when conditioning them on text personas providing some personalized back-story to the model. However, the dataset used in Zhang et al. (2018) is synthetic and only contains around 1k different personas. In this paper we introduce a new dataset providing 5 million personas and 700 million persona-based dialogues. Our experiments show that, at this scale, training using personas still improves the performance of end-to-end systems. In addition, we show that other tasks benefit from the wide coverage of our dataset by fine-tuning our model on the data from Zhang et al. (2018) and achieving state-of-the-art results.


Closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) integrate forward and reverse flows of products and information. This integration helps companies to manage their supply chains better as they have more control and a broader view of the whole chain. Also, companies can have economic and environmental benefits from the returned products. Despite these advantages, managing CLSCs can be challenging as they are exposed to many uncertainties regarding supply and demand processes, travel times, and quantity/quality of returned products. In this paper, we study the production planning, inventory management, and vehicle routing decisions of a CLSC of beverage glass bottles. We propose an MILP model and rely on a multistage adjustable robust optimization (ARO) formulation to deal with the uncertainties in demand of filled bottles and in request to pick up empty bottles. We develop a novel branching technique to solve the ARO problem, and design a heuristic search approach to decrease the solution time. Numerical experiments not only show the incompetency of the customary method, namely the affine decision rule approach, but also illustrate how the developed branching and heuristic techniques can solve the small-size problems and improve the quality of the obtained solution dramatically. Furthermore, our numerical results show that the robust plannings tend to be sparse, meaning the routes are chosen so that empty bottles are transported to production sites in such a way they order a few new bottles. Thus, the robust plannings make the CLSC more environmentally friendly.


The profile of magnetostatic forward volume waves along the direction of propagation is measured using the trans- verse interaction with optical guided modes. The technique is used in regimes of both linear and nonlinear magnetostatic wave excitation. A microwave input power of up to 700 mW in the frequency range of 6-8 GHz was used to excite magnetostatic waves in a 6.3 pm film of (BiLu),Fe,O,,. The optical wave- length used in the experiment was 1.32 pm. At distances be- yond about l mm from the transducer, we observed an ap- proximately exponential decay with a rate of about 40 dBicm. The profile departs from an exponential shape at distances closer than 1 mm, owing, we believe, to transducer fringing field effects and the finite resolution of the probe beam. The nonlinear microwave frequency shift of the interaction spec- trum was also observed at high magnetostatic wave power lev- els.


Study of fractals has been an interest for scientists and mathematicians since the term 'fractal' was first coined by Mandelbrot. By a simple definition, a fractal is a shape
made of parts similar to the whole in some way. Many studies on fractals have been carried out either in applications, usually involving experimental works, or in theory, where most simulations on fractal patterns models are on nature-based fractals such as river flows, coastline and tree branching. Many of fractal growth models are suitable with experimental phenomena such as electrochemical electrodeposition, electrochemical polymerization and Diffusion Limited Aggregation growth structures of many metal aggregates in the presence of a magnetic field as external stimuli. The formation of fractals without using any external stimuli has been reported by a few groups of researchers. This work focuses on the improvisation of the modeling and simulation of laboratory cultured fractals using polymer electrolyte films as the media of growth. This research work's main topics are fractals and fractal growth models particularly DLA (Diffusion Limited Aggregation). DLA model describes how a fractal is built from particles in low concentrations. The DLA cluster formed through DLA is
formed by particles moving due to Brownian motion (diffusion) which meet and stick together randomly (aggregation) to form the cluster. Fractals can be constructed using this model from polymer films infused with inorganic salt without any external stimuli. The experimental methods for growing fractals are discussed. This research work also includes descriptions of polymer films properties and the advantages of using polymer films infused with inorganic salt as media to culture fractals. The simulation of single and multiple cluster fractals is done using DLA methods incorporating different parameters such as its sticking coefficient, lattice geometry and number of particles.
Development of a computer coding to simulate and visualize the fractal growth is a key part in this research. To compare the simulation with the real patterns obtained, one vital aspect would be the calculation of their fractal dimension values. The computer program developed is able to calculate the fractal dimension value of each of the
simulated fractal patterns. Suitable fractal dimension calculation method is employed according to its usefulness and efficiency. Fractal growth modeling and simulation such
as done here can contribute to the understanding of other related studies concerning fractal growth found in areas including medical (nervous systems, cancer growth and
more).


The myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA) is a nuclear protein expressed specifically in developing cells of the human myelomonocytic lineage, including the end-stage monocytes/macrophages and granulocytes. Nuclear localization, lineage- and stage-specific expression, association with chromatin, and regulation by interferon alpha indicate that this protein is involved in regulating gene expression uniquely associated with the differentiation process and/or function of the monocyte/macrophage. MNDA does not bind specific DNA sequences, but rather a set of nuclear proteins that includes nucleolin (C23). Both in vitro binding assays and co-immunoprecipitation were used to demonstrate that MNDA also binds protein B23 (nucleophosmin/NPM). Three reciprocal chromosome translocations found in certain cases of leukemia/lymphoma involve fusions with the NPM/B23 gene, t(5;17) NPM-RARalpha, t(2;5) NPM-ALK, and the t(3;5) NPM-MLF1. In the current study, MNDA was not able to bind the NPM-ALK chimera originating from the t(2;5) and containing residues 1-117 of NPM. However, MNDA did bind the NPM-MLF1 product of the t(3;5) that contains the N-terminal 175 residues of NPM. The additional 58 amino acids (amino acids 117-175) of the NPM sequence that are contained in the product of the NPM-MLF1 fusion gene relative to the product of the NPM-ALK fusion appear responsible for MNDA binding. This additional NPM sequence contains a nuclear localization signal and clusters of acidic residues believed to bind nuclear localization signals of other proteins. Whereas NPM and nucleolin are primarily localized within the nucleolus, MNDA is distributed throughout the nucleus including the nucleolus, suggesting that additional interactions define overall MNDA localization.


ABSTRACT ICP0, an α (immediate-early) protein of herpes simplex virus 1, performs at least two key functions. It blocks inhibition of viral-gene expression by interferon, a function dependent on the degradation of the ND10 components PML and SP100 by the ubiquitin ligase expressed by the RING finger (RF), and it blocks silencing of viral DNA mediated by the HDAC1/2-CoREST-REST complex. In the latter case, a mutant CoREST lacking the HDAC1 binding site compensates totally or in part for the absence of ICP0 in a cell-type-dependent manner. Here, we compare the phenotypes of an ICP0 mutant containing disabling amino acid substitutions in the RF with those of a mutant with substitutions in the CoREST binding site (R8507). We report the following: (i) the onset of replication of both mutants was delayed, but the RF mutant yields did not reach wild-type virus levels even as late as 48 h after infection, and (ii) in infected cells, PML is rapidly degraded by wild-type virus, with some delay by the R8507 mutant, and is spared by the RF mutant. The translocation of ICP0 to the cytoplasm is impaired in cells infected with the RF mutant or delayed in cells infected with the R8507 mutant. Finally, in contrast to wild-type viruses, both mutants are inhibited by alpha or gamma interferon. The results indicate that both sets of events, the degradation of PML and the blocking of silencing, are interdependent and in large measure dependent on events in the ND10 nuclear bodies.


Abstract A novel sequential processing approach to fabricate versatile fibres containing encapsulated materials is presented. It is based on developing highly porous fibres, to be filled with functional materials and coated with protective layers. Applicability of the approach to develop porous poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fibres with encapsulated antibacterial salts within a coating is demonstrated. The salt was introduced to the fibre via a sacrificial solvent. Desired solvent properties to ensure successful filling was discussed. The salt was encapsulated via spray coating. The coating characteristics were tuned via vapour treatment to facilitate controllable radial salt release. Large volume axial release was also achieved due to the axial pore connectivity. Compared to state-of-the-art methods to produce fibres with functional material inclusions such as emulsion electrospinning, the method presented herein, due to its sequential processing nature, offers greater freedom in material selection and thus broad applications of the fibres.


The author examined 34 probands with late endogenous paroxysmal psychoses and a characteristic picture of involutional melancholy at a certain stage of the disease. The accumulation of schizophrenia and affective psychoses among the next-kin relatives of these patients was significantly lower than in the families of patients with paroxysmal schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychosis of an early onset, but at the same time it was considerably higher than the risk of morbidity in the general population. No accumulation of psychoses of any other nosological nature (including those of a mentality deteriorating type) was observed. A possible genetic relationship between the disorder in the group of patients under study and the presence of "involutional" symptomatology with endogenous psychoses in the clinical picture of "the disease is discussed.


The term Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) encompasses a growing list of composite manufacturing processes. The focus of this paper is prediction of tooling forces for Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). Previous experimental work has demonstrated the influence of reinforcement compaction behaviour, which is strongly non-elastic. A viscoelastic compaction model has been developed which addresses both dry and wet response, and is implemented in RTM simulations of simple flat parts. Non-planar geometries introduce a tangential stress acting on mould surfaces, due to shear of the reinforcement. The tooling force analysis is extended to complex parts using an existing RTM filling simulation, LIMS, which has been developed at the University of Delaware.


The paper explores conceptualisations of work-based learning, knowledge and practice. It sets the discussion in its socio-economic context, one in which knowledge is seen as the route not only to societal competitiveness but also to well-being. Such arguments emphasise the turbulent environment in which work is set as well as the fluidity and rapidity in the transformation of knowledge. The paper examines the varying ways in which knowledge is conceptualised within these debates arguing that transformation is frequently set on a capitalist terrain rather than being tied to a radical political project.


: Changes in isozymes of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in the chloroplast fraction under the transplantation of the A. crenulata nuclei in the A. mediterranea anuclear fragments were studied by means of electrophoresis in polyacrilamide gel. Within 30 days after the transplantation the nucleus induces in the chloroplast fraction MDH isozymes similar by the electrophoretic mobility with those of A. crenulata. The induction of such isozymes was observed both in the plants with the morphological characters of A. crenulata and the fragments which have not formed the reproductive caps, as well as under the transplantation of a small amount of cytoplasm from A. crenulata with chloroplasts in the anuclear fragments of A. mediterranea.


This paper is a non-technical discussion by an economist and lawyer, each with long international experience in taxation, of the constraints and objectives that in principle and practice shape tax policy design. After discussing the main factors traditionally taken into account by those charged with designing tax policy in any country – such as revenue, the costs of taxation, equity and fairness, administrability, and the effects of taxation on growth and other non-fiscal objectives – several additional important considerations associated with 'globalization' are then discussed with special attention to income taxes. The paper concludes with a brief reflection on how the 'new world tax order' in which countries must now develop their tax systems may perhaps develop over time.


Aims: To investigate the physical and neurodevelopmental wellbeing of ICSI conceived 5 year olds, compared with naturally conceived controls. Methods: Children were singleton, first born and caucasian. A paediatrician and a psychologist performed a comprehensive assess-ment of these children. The psychologist was blinded to conception type. A sociodemographic, medical and developmental history was ascertained whilst the child was assessed using WIPPSI-R, McCarthy, and Bene-Anthony family relations tests. After this, a physical examination was performed by the paediatrician including visual test- ing, pure tone audiometry, measurement of growth and ascertainment of congenital abnormalities. Results: For this interim analysis 138 study and 105 control children have been assessed. A range of sociodemograhic factors, including social class, parental level of education, maternal smoking and parental drinking were comparable between groups. Maternal age of study children, 34.2years, was significantly older than in the control group, 31.7years (p < 0.0001). There was no sex bias although the study children, 5.08 years, were slightly older than control children, 4.96years (p < 0.01) and the study children were born slightly less mature. Growth parameters were not statistically different at examination. Hospital admissions were similar and the occurrence of major childhood illnesses and surgery were no different. At this stage, combined major and minor congenital abnormality rates were also comparable (ICSI 38/138, control 19/105). WIPPSI-R, McCarthy and Bene-Anthony scores were comparable and around the mean for age. Conclusions: Despite continuing concerns about the safety of this invasive form of in-vitro fertilisation, our findings to date suggest ICSI conceived 5 year olds are similar to their matched naturally conceived controls. Aims: To systematically review the literature to ascertain the long-term outcomes for failure to thrive (FTT) Methods: A literature search was carried out on the MEDLINE, Cochrane, Cinahl and Psychlit databases for cohort studies and randomised controlled trials on infants with FTT. Outcomes of interest were growth, developmental and behavioural measures, and indicators of child abuse at the age of at least 3 years. Results: 23 studies (15 hospital and 8 community based) were found meeting the inclusion criteria. Nine studies had a matched com- parison group, in which 6 had assessments blind to the anthropomet-ric status of the child. Length of follow up ranged from 8 months to 12 years. Most studies were of cases identified retrospectively with follow up rates of 47-100%. The prospective cohort studies had follow up rates of 64–88%. In all studies the majority of children attained height and weight in the normal range. Only a minority exhibited emotional and behavioural problems, or were considered to be at risk. The only community cohort found academic and IQ tests to be no different from controls. Conclusions: The literature indicates that the majority of children experiencing FTT in infancy seem to do well in all respects, particularly in community cohorts. This finding throws current criteria and screen- ing for FTT into some question. Large well designed cohort studies are required to determine which subgroups of infants with poor weight gain are at risk for growth, development and socially, and to ascertain if weight monitoring is a worthwhile form of surveillance. basis. The further 'top Aim: It is increasingly apparent that early diagnosis & intensive early intervention may considerably benefit children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders ( PDD ). However there is uncertainty about the best way to achieve comprehensive early diagnosis of PDD. In an earlier study ( JAMA, June 27, '01 ) we had shown that efficient total screening and diagnosis of a population of preschool children may be achieved by a system of early referral of low threshold developmental problems followed by staged screening and assessment. The current study extends the previous work with inclusion of subsequent birth cohorts. Method: The study was conducted in Stafford in 2001. The total population of children born between 1992 and 1998 in one NHS area was screened. Health professionals in contact with young children (Health Visitors, Speech Therapists, Paediatricians) were encouraged to refer children with developmental problems to a multi- disciplinary team. The children were screened for significant developmental problems defined as moderate delay in two or more areas ( speech and language, personal social, motor, play skills, attention and/or behaviour ) or severe delay in one area. Screen positive chil- dren underwent multidisciplinary assess- ment followed by Autism Diagnostic Interview ( ADI-R ) of suspected case Results: Out of a total population of 26403 children born between 1992 and 1998, 1205 were referred and 170 children were diagnosed to have a PDD. Average age of diagnosis was 38 months. Population prevalence of combined PDD was 64.4 per 10000 ( 95 CI 55.1–74.8 ). Conclusion: Preschool children with PDD can be comprehensively identified by a system of early referral of non PDD specific developmentalproblems followed by staged screening and assess- ment. Aim: To evaluate the significance of perinatal complications in the development of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) within a sample of multiplex sibling pairs. Method: These 87 multiplex UK families, recruited via clinicians and a direct mailing of the membership of the various UK autistic soci- eties, are part of a larger sample included in the International Molecular Genetic Study of Autism (IMGSA). This study is using affected relative pairs and linkage analysis to identify the susceptibility genes for autism. Within each pair, both individuals had a PDD; the diagno- sis was confirmed by the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) and Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule (ADOS). When possible, cognitive function (performance and verbal IQ) was assessed using the Ravens, BPVS or Mullens schedules. An obstetric interview was completed with the mother about each pregnancy. When information was missing from the parental interview, it was obtained by consulting the medical notes. Prenatal, perinatal, postna-tal and total optimality scores were calculated and correlated with measures of severity of PDD. Results: Analysis of single interview items and total optimality scores failed to find a statistically significant correlation between obstetric or perinatal adversity and the severity of PDD. Conclusions: This study indicates that mild perinatal adversity does not contribute to the severity of expression of PDD in sibling pairs selected for sharing a genetic susceptibility to PDD. Background: The emotional challenges to which children are exposed continue to increase including social and family disadvan-tage, bullying and drugs. Emotional ill health impacts on academic achievement, behaviour and overall health. Method: A multi-agency group, led by a paediatrician, involving head teachers, a young person leaving care, educational psychologists and the team manager of the Leaving Care Team, devel- oped a novel child friendly tool - a cartoon strip, illustrating children in a socially challenging school scenario. This tool was designed to help children verbalize emotions, develop empathy and encourage an emotional understanding of social situations. 14 teachers were trained to use the tool, which was then piloted with 300 children, aged 5-16 years, from 1 special need and 3 mainstream schools. School- excluded children were also piloted. Results: Qualitative data from the children's responses showed that the tool triggered a discussion using emotional language in all groups of children. The children's ideas var-ied with their ages and educational placement. In addition the children's comments have been used in an interactive learning process to design a second cartoon. Conclusions: We present an innovative approach, which can be used in the school curriculum to increase children's emotional understanding, increasing their resilience to potential emotional stresses thereby protecting their mental health. programme


Here we report a novel quadruple-stimuli-responsive block copolymer nanocarrier sensitive to pH, temperature, light, and reducing agent. The well-defined amphiphilic diblock copolymer poly(2-nitrobenzyl methacrylate)-SS-poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PNBM-SS-PDMAEMA) was synthesized via two steps of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In aqueous solution, the diblock copolymer self-assembled into nanoparticles consisting of a light-responsive hydrophobic PNBM core, a pH- and temperature-responsive hydrophilic PDMAEMA corona, and a redox-sensitive disulfide linker. The multi-stimuli-responsive behaviors of the block copolymer assemblies were revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The release of encapsulated molecules from the polymeric nanocarriers could be enhanced under combined stimulation. The prepared multi-stimuli-responsive nanocarriers may offer significant opportunities in diverse applications in the fields of nanotechnology and biot...


Ethnopharmacological relevance: Caesalpinia pulcherrima Swartz. is an ornamental plant like a shrub or small tree. In traditional Indian medicine C. pulcherrima is used in the treatment of tridosha, fever, ulcer, abortifacient, emmenagogue, asthma, tumors, vata and skin diseases.Aim of the study: In the present study, the antimicrobial and the antioxidant activities of seeds and fruits rind of Caesalpinia pulcherrima Swartz were investigated.Material and methods: Hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol and water extracts of C. pulcherrima were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method. DPPH• free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic, flavonoids and qualitative phytochemical analysis were also performed.Results: Among the different extracts, the methanol extract showed significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The MIC of the methanol extract of fruits rind showed narrow MIC range (1,250 - 78 I¼g/ml) against all the investigated microorganisms. The methanol extract of the fruitsrind showed good antioxidant activity (IC50 value 14 I¼g/ml) which is very near to the standard (ascorbic acid IC50 value 11.4 I¼g/ml).Conclusion: The obtained results suggested that the methanol extract of the seeds and fruits rind of C. pulcherrima possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which can be used for the discovery of new bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals that address unmet therapeutic needs.


Generative adversarial networks (GANs) are an expressive class of neural generative models with tremendous success in modeling high-dimensional continuous measures. In this paper, we present a scalable method for unbalanced optimal transport (OT) based on the generative-adversarial framework. We formulate unbalanced OT as a problem of simultaneously learning a transport map and a scaling factor that push a source measure to a target measure in a cost-optimal manner. In addition, we propose an algorithm for solving this problem based on stochastic alternating gradient updates, similar in practice to GANs. We also provide theoretical justification for this formulation, showing that it is closely related to an existing static formulation by Liero et al. (2018), and perform numerical experiments demonstrating how this methodology can be applied to population modeling.


Evaluation of salient point techniques.- Challenges of Image and Video Retrieval.- Image Retrieval I (Oral).- Visualization, Estimation and User-Modeling for Interactive Browsing of Image Libraries.- Robust Shape Matching.- Semantics-Based Image Retrieval by Region Saliency.- The Truth about Corel - Evaluation in Image Retrieval.- Non-retrieval: Blocking Pornographic Images.- Modelling I (Poster).- A Linear Image-Pair Model and the Associated Hypothesis Test for Matching.- On the Coupled Forward and Backward Anisotropic Diffusion Scheme for Color Image Enhancement.- Multiple Regions and Their Spatial Relationship-Based Image Retrieval.- Feature Based Retrieval (Poster).- Query by Fax for Content-Based Image Retrieval.- Spectrally Layered Color Indexing.- Using an Image Retrieval System for Vision-Based Mobile Robot Localization.- JPEG Image Retrieval Based on Features from DCT Domain.- Image Retrieval Methods for a Database of Funeral Monuments.- Semantics/Learning I (Poster).- AtomsNet: Multimedia Peer2Peer File Sharing.- Visual Clustering of Trademarks Using the Self-Organizing Map.- FACERET: An Interactive Face Retrieval System Based on Self-Organizing Maps.- Object-Based Image Retrieval Using Hierarchical Shape Descriptor.- Video Retrieval (Oral).- Multimodal Person Identification in Movies.- Automated Scene Matching in Movies.- Content Based Analysis for Video from Snooker Broadcasts.- Retrieval of Archival Moving Imagery - CBIR Outside the Frame?.- Challenges for Content-Based Navigation of Digital Video in the Fischlar Digital Library.- Image Retrieval II (Oral).- Spin Images and Neural Networks for Efficient Content-Based Retrieval in 3D Object Databases.- Size Functions for Image Retrieval: A Demonstrator on Randomly Generated Curves.- An Efficient Coding of Three Dimensional Colour Distributions for Image Retrieval.- Content-Based Retrieval of Historical Watermark Images: I-tracings.- Semantics/Learning II (Poster).- Object Recognition for Video Retrieval.- Semantic Video Retrieval Using Audio Analysis.- Extracting Semantic Information from Basketball Video Based on Audio-Visual Features.- Video Indexing and Retrieval for Archeological Digital Library, CLIOH.- Fast k-NN Image Search with Self-Organizing Maps.- Video Retrieval by Feature Learning in Key Frames.- Modelling II (Poster).- Local Affine Frames for Image Retrieval.- A Ranking Algorithm Using Dynamic Clustering for Content-Based Image Retrieval.- Online Bayesian Video Summarization and Linking.- Face Detection for Video Summaries.- Evaluation/Benchmarking (Poster).- A Method for Evaluating the Performance of Content-Based Image Retrieval Systems Based on Subjectively Determined Similarity between Images.- Evaluation of Salient Point Techniques.- Personal Construct Theory as a Research Tool for Analysing User Perceptions of Photographs.


Objective: To analyze the complexity and diversity of type, surgical management and complications in adult choledochal cysts presenting to a Hepatobiliary unit of a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Case series. Place and Duration of Study: Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jan 2017 to Dec 2019. Methodology: All the patients diagnosed with choledochal cyst and underwent surgical procedure between Jan 2017 to June 2019 were analyzed. The clinical features, types, operative procedure and outcomes of the patients in terms of post-operative morbidity and mortality were assessed. Calvin Dindo classification was used to assess complications. Results: A total of 17 patients were studied, out of which, 13 were females (76.5%) and 4 were males (23.5%) with mean age of 37.41 ± 16.96 years. There were 13 type I (76.5%), 2 type IVa (11.8%) and 1 type II (5.9%) choledochal cysts according to Todani's classification. Extrahepatic cyst excision with a Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy was performed on all 17 patients. There was no mortality in the series. Post-operative complications occurred in 4 (23.5%) patients, 2 were grade II, 1 was grade I and 1 grade III according to Clavin Dindo scale. Long-term follow up revealed recurrent cholangitis in 3 (17.6%) patients which settled on antibiotic regime. The median follow up time was 1.5 years. Conclusion: The total extra-hepatic excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is the treatment of choice for adult choledochal cyst. The procedure has low morbidity and very low mortality.


In this paper, we introduce a query suggestion approach to reuse users' search context and search logs. For a given search log, we integrate two pieces of wisdom embedded in the search context: consecutive queries and reformulation patterns between consecutive queries. When providing suggestions online, we extract concepts that represent the user's intent and associate these concepts with wisdom attained from past users who had similar search intents. Finally, customized suggestions are provided according to the current user's search pattern. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms existing query suggestion methods and effectively provides users with more accurate suggestions to help them get required information faster.


This study presents the improvement of durable flame retardant (FR) effect of 100 % cotton fabrics via chemical foaming system which provides energy and water saving significantly, compared to conventional methods. In order to carry out the experiments, dialkylphosphonocarboxylic acid amide based flame retardant agent and auxiliary chemicals were applied on cotton fabrics in a foam formed. Foam parameters such as blow ratios and wet-pick-up ratios were varied and flame retardant properties of foamed cotton fabrics were compared with cotton fabrics treated through pad-dry-cure process in order to determine the performance effect of cotton fabrics in flame retardancy via different finishing methods. After the finishing processes, flame retardant effect of all treated fabrics was examined with vertical burning test method. As durability of flame retardant applied cotton fabrics against washing process is one of the most important subjects that has been tried to be improved with different approaches for a long time, all treated fabrics were washed and dried 50 times, separately. After repeated washing and drying cycles, burning behavior of washed and FR treated fabrics were also tested vertically for determining flame retardancy effect. Beside the vertical burning test, tearing strength test, color spectrums, SEM and SEM- EDX analysis of fabrics were carried out. According to test results, even at the low wet-pick-up ratios, a significant increase was observed in flame retardant effect of cotton fabrics that were treated with FR agents via foam application. Moreover, all treated fabrics were durable against 50 washing and 50 drying processes.


One challenge for the realization of electrically drive nano-photonic devices is the formation of metal contacts and passivation. In this paper, we report a novel self-aligned method suitable for the formation of the metal contact and passivation for submicron photonic devices. Two different dielectric materials with high selectivity in wet chemical etching and a wet etching of semiconductor to create an undercut are involved. The whole process is completely compatible with existing compound semiconductor process. As a demonstration of this method, the fabrication and characterization of an InGaAsP/InP submicron-ridge waveguide lasers is presented. The method is extendable to high aspect ratio-submicron ridge waveguide and other device fabrication.


Vision 2020 represents the preferred developmental way forward for the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). It defines the intention of greatly increasing the involvement of its staff and students in innovation and technology transfer activities, resulting in the CUT having a greater effect on the socioeconomic development of the region.
The article describes educational processes that would prepare graduates for such activities, as well as financial and other support measures to assist (prospective) entrepreneurs to convert research outputs into commercially viable products. The potential value to such individuals of participating in formal innovation and incubation activities is also described.


Threads provide a useful programming model for asynchronous behavior because of their ability to encapsulate units of work that can then be scheduled for execution at runtime, based on the dynamic state of a system. Recently, the threaded model has been applied to the domain of data parallel scientific codes, and initial reports indicate that the threaded model can produce performance gains over non-threaded approaches, primarily through the use of overlapping useful computation with communication latency. However, overlapping computation with communication is possible without the benefit of threads if the communication system supports asynchronous primitives, and this comparison has not been made in previous papers. This paper provides a critical look at the utility of lightweight threads as applied to data parallel scientific programming.


This review contends that the recent publication of C. Oliver O'Donnell's book Meyer Schapiro's Critical Debates: Art Through a Modern Mind represents a welcome addition to the growing intellectual history of art history, a discipline in desperate need of serious accounts of the lives and writings of many of its architects. Schapiro is one such architect, and O'Donnell tames the enormity of his contribution to art history by pursuing an intellectual history that neatly divides into eight 'critical debates'.


During the 1970s and the 1980s the developing world faced a number of economic shocks and crises: severe fluctuations in the exchange rates for leading currencies, major oil shocks, deterioration in the world market conditions for primary product exports, and in some cases, natural or manmade disaster such as famine and war. The severity and persistence of the deterioration in the world economic climate forced the governments of developing countries to address the question of how to adjust to the new economic realities. The Adaptive Economy is an informal textbook on the principles of adjustment policy with special reference to small, low-income countries. It starts from the premise that all economies need to adapt constantly to changing circumstances if they are to achieve reasonable rates of development. In this respect, adjustment is not viewed simply as a phenomenon of the late twentieth century nor a preliminary step in the struggle for economic development. The book seeks to identify some common elements of adjustment: the forces to which economies must respond in the adjustment process; the attributes that increase an economy's capacity to adjust; the major problems associated with adjustment and, above all, how policy initiatives can help facilitate the adjustment process. The book covers a wide range of subjects: the relationships between economic development and structural flexibility; the determinants of economic flexibility; the strategies and principles of adjustment policy; and the socioeconomic context in which adjustment policies operate. Specific chapters cover: the use of exchange rates; adjustment policies in agriculture and industry; and policies for adjustment in the financial sector.


Edible waxes are widely used to maintain foodstuff until they are consumed. However, some products may be subjected to industrial procedures, such as hydration, prior to their consumption. Hydration of a material is a complex process, which aims to reconstitute the original characteristics of a product when in contact with a liquid phase. An important agricultural product that requires this procedure is beans. Thus, the purpose of this work is to study the hydration process of beans (cultivar BRSMG Majestoso) in different temperatures and concentrations of carnauba wax, which is applied on the product surface. Beans with initial moisture content of 0.2015, 0.1972 and 0.1745 (d.b.) corresponding to treatments 0 (witness), 1 (wax diluted in water in the ratio 1:1), and 2 (carnauba wax, without dilution) were used. Later, these samples were imbibed in distilled water at temperatures of 20, 30 and 40 oC, for 15 h. The temperature and the carnauba wax influenced the water absorption rate. The Peleg model described satisfactory experimental data and the Mitscherlich model presented biased residual distribution. The constants C1 and C2 of the Peleg model exhibited opposite behaviors with increasing temperatures in the hydration process.


This article examines the introduction and use of the new species Monarda didyma L. in the conditions of Western Siberia. The rhythm of the seasonal development of the longrhizome-taprhizome life form was investigated. The timing and duration of the basic phenological phases were determined and their temperature thresholds were identified. Based on the phenological development, it was established that M. didyma can be classified as a long-growing evergreen plant. According to the identified blossoming period, the species falls into the long-flowering late-summer group. The presented phenological spectrum represents an important comparative and practical tool for Western Siberia and other geographical areas. The new species has a promising outlook for cultivation in Western Siberia and possesses a high adaptive potential, which allows for its use as an essential-oil-bearing, aromatic, decorative and melliferous plant.


Laboratory bench-scale soil washing (batch) and flushing (column flow) experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of citric acid as an agent to extract uranium from a synthetically contaminated sandy soil. The results of soil washing and flushing experiments indicate that citric acid is highly effective in removing uranium, and that the extraction efficiency increases with increasing citric acid concentration, especially under slightly acidic to alkaline conditions in systems containing sand coated with secondary minerals (e.g., Fe). The enhanced U(VI) desorption in the presence of citrate may be explained through several processes, including the complexation of U(VI) with citrate and extraction of secondary coatings (e.g., Fe), which results in the liberation of Fe-citrate complexes into solution. In batch washing systems, the presence of 10 -3 M citric acid enhances the extraction of uranium 2.8 times greater than water alone for the conditions of the experiment. A comparison of soil washing and flushing shows that the extraction efficiency is higher in bench-scale washing experiments. A removal efficiency of up to 98% was achieved with 10 mL of 10 -3 M citric acid in batch systems, whereas it required 4 pore volumes (150 mL) of 0.1 M citric acid to accomplish similar extraction efficiencies in column soil flushing systems.


Stimuli-responsive 'smart' polymers are a promising class of materials for switchable devices. In this work, we present poly[N-acryloylpiperidine-random-N-acryloylpyrrolidine] (poly[APi-r-APy]) as a novel thermoresponsive copolymer which was synthesised by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation in a controlled manner. One of its attractive features is that the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in aqueous solution, i.e. the temperature at which the polymer instantaneously becomes insoluble, can be freely adjusted between 3 °C and 47 °C. This adjustment is indeed extremely straightforward because the LCST of the copolymer is linearly dependent on the copolymer composition. We furthermore discuss the influence of the addition of a second 'good' solvent to polymer–water solutions on the thermoresponsiveness of the system. Depending on the nature of the additive, the cloud point can be shifted both upwards and downwards. Our research is focused on alcoholic additives, with systematic variation of the chemical structure of the alcohol, which resulted in the occurrence of remarkable cononsolvency effects. The results are discussed in terms of polymer–additive as well as additive–water interactions and help to gain a more detailed understanding of water interactions with amphiphilic additives and, hence, of cononsolvency phenomena. This work moreover contributes to the systematic design of switchable systems with tailored phase transition properties.


Paclitaxel-containing treatment regimens are standard chemotherapy schemes for breast cancer patients. The use of oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) vectors has been shown to be a safe and effective therapeutic approach for different types of cancer. We hypothesized that paclitaxel in combination with an oHSV vector would present an enhanced killing effect when used against breast cancer cells. In the present study, we demonstrated that the combined use of the oHSV vector G47Δ and paclitaxel produced a synergistic effect against breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies demonstrated that paclitaxel and G47Δ both caused dose-dependent cytotoxicity against the human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468. G47Δ and paclitaxel also demonstrated synergistic cytotoxicity when applied together, with Chou-Talalay combination indices ranging from 0.44 to 0.77 for MCF-7 cells and 0.68 to 0.83 for MDA-MB‑468 cells. Paclitaxel did not enhance viral replication or viral spread among tumor cells. However, G47Δ increased the antitumor ability of paclitaxel by inducing mitotic arrest and apoptosis. In vivo studies indicated that when combined with G47Δ, the dose of paclitaxel could be reduced at least 5-fold while maintaining levels of tumor reduction similar to those achieved with the administration of paclitaxel alone. Combination therapy resulted in no morbidity in vivo. Our data demonstrated that G47Δ and paclitaxel combination therapy had synergistic effects in the treatment of breast cancer. This combination therapy may be promising for breast cancer patients.


In this paper, we propose a new type (n + 1)-dimensional reduced differential transform method (RDTM) based on a local fractional derivative (LFD) to solve (n + 1)-dimensional local fractional partial differential equations (PDEs) in Cantor sets. The presented method is named the (n + 1)-dimensional local fractional reduced differential transform method (LFRDTM). First the theories, their proofs and also some basic properties of this procedure are given. To understand the introduced method clearly, we apply it on the (n + 1)-dimensional fractal heat-like equations (HLEs) and wave-like equations (WLEs). The applications show that this new technique is efficient, simply applicable and has powerful effects in (n + 1)-dimensional local fractional problems.


In some models, the Earth is considered to be a flat cylinder. Here we calculate the escape velocity for such a matter distribution and find that it is similar to the standard sphere. This result is briefly discussed and we show that, for large distances, the force from such a planet would tend to that from a sphere as expected.


Cabo Frio, with its unique oceanographic conditions, is an important biogeographical transitional region between tropical and sub-tropical waters. This is due to the presence of upwelling from the Central Water of the South Atlantic (CWSA), and the presence of tropical waters from the Brazilian Current (BC) and Coastal Water (CW). The intertidal barnacle, Tetraclita stalactifera, and its brooding stages were analyzed to correlate environmental conditions with reproductive development. Two thermal contrasting sites were chosen: Ponta da Cabeca (PC), which is under the influence of seasonal upwelling, and Ponta da Fortaleza (PF) which experiences tropical influences. At each site, T. stalactifera specimens were collected monthly and their egg lamellae conditions classified into stages from 0 (empty) to IV (ready to release). Our results show a seasonal effect on brooding at the PC site and a continuous development at the PF site. Nauplii larval availability also followed this trend. Differences between the sites could be due to ecological differences related to water temperature and the ecological-physiological response of the barnacles to these differences.


Background: The increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health challenge globally. The need to examine the longevity of patients with CKD can never be over emphasized. We investigated the survival experience and factors that may contribute to the longevity of chronic kidney disease patient on haemodialysis.
Methods: Data for the study were extracted from the record of CKD patient on haemodialysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was done to assess both short- and long-term survival. The impact of six covariates on survival chances were separately investigated using Log-rank test and collectively examined using both Cox and Weibull models. Akaike Information Criterion was then employed for determination of a better model between variables. P-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: The overall median survival time was 182 days. Only 66.3% of all the patients survived their 90th days after starting dialysis and approximately 25% survived to 366 days. The hazard ratios for those patients with family history of chronic kidney disease was 0.45; 95% CI 0.23-0.90 and for those with urinary symptoms was 0.59; 95% CI 0.35-0.99. Model generated imply hi(t)= –5.1499 exp{–0.7850Family His. Of CKDi –0.5353Urinary symptomi}. The age of the patient was also found to be statistically significant when separately investigated.
Conclusion: Family history of chronic kidney disease and urinary symptoms were found to influence the survival of patients on haemodialysis. Early identification of at-risk family and prompt treatment of urinary symptoms is advocated.


Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of medial tibial slope (MPTS) and lateral tibial slope (LPTS) on clinical scores and range of motion (ROM) after unicompart-mental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Materials and Methods: A total of one hundred eighty-two patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis, treated by UKA between January 2011 and May 2017, were retrospectively evaluated. Postoperative MPTS and LPTS were measured using computed tomography (CT). Patients were categorized into four groups based on MPTS and LPTS values: Group 1 had MPTS and LPTS>5°; Group 2 had MPTS>5°, LPTS<5°; Group 3 had MPTS<5°, LPTS>5°; and Group 4 had MPTS and LPTS<5°. Preoperative and postoperative Knee Society Score (KSS) and ROM were compared. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.3±5.2 years (range: 52–78) and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 26±1.6 kg/m² (range: 22–29.6). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding age, BMI, follow-up period, and gender (p=0.402, p=0.076, p=0.712 and p=0.787, respectively). The postoperative KSS scores and postoperative maximum flexion in patients with both MPTS and LPTS>5° were significantly higher compared to the other groups (p<0.001 for both). Conclusion: Sagittal alignment should not be overlooked in UKA. Unlike previous studies that evaluated only MPTS using a lateral radiograph and ignored LPTS, this study demonstrated that LPTS affects postoperative ROM and clinical scores. Therefore, defining MPTS along with LPTS is recommended.


Understanding how populations, and the ecosystems of which they are a part, respond to fluctuations in the environment is paramount for conservation, sustainable management of natural resources, and perpetuation of ecosystem function. In this dissertation, I evaluated the role of source components of variability as statistical indicators of large-scale ecological shifts, assessed the impact of age truncation on frequency signals in catches of a prey population over time, and investigated how a fish community has responded to a suite of environmental drivers. An analysis of variability in standardized fish catch data showed that spatial and temporal components of variability can be responsive major perturbation, offering finer-scale information about ecological reorganization than a mean response or total variability alone. This analytical framework is flexible and could be broadly applicable to questions about population responses to a changing climate, physiographic differences, or monitoring program efficacy, for example. In the next chapter, I evaluated demographic changes to test the hypothesis that predation can induce similar effects as fishing. Age truncation of an important prey fish was associated with increased variability in recruitment and biomass, and greater correlation between these population metrics and temperature indices. These results suggest that the relative abundance of a fish population could be tracking the environment more closely due to the loss of a buffering capacity otherwise associated with a broader reproducing age structure. Lastly, I went beyond single-species assessment by evaluating data for a fish community in relation to environmental fluctuations. Using gradient forest methods, I was able to quantify the influence of different environmental signals on community indicators and identify thresholds along gradients of those environmental signals. Collectively, this research highlights tools and approaches to disentangle variability in standardized fish catch data. The findings illustrate the complexity of patterns and correlative relationships that may exist between populations and their environment, which may change over time, and which are likely consequential for effectively managing dynamic ecological systems. Index words: Climate change, Fish, Great Lakes, Perturbation, Population dynamics, Statistical modeling, Variance partitioning Understanding the role of variability in fish population and community response to changing environmental conditions by


Vascular epiphytes, which are specialised to spend their entire life cycle within trees, are significant contributors to local ecosystem services. However, our current understanding of epiphyte distributions, co-occurrences, and general ecology lags far behind that of terrestrial plants. Furthermore, the majority of epiphyte research is undertaken in tropical forests, with comparatively few studies extending into temperate climates. As such, whether epiphytic plant assemblage structure varies geographically, or is influenced by area and isolation effects needs further scrutiny. In addition, how epiphytes are distributed in relation to host tree ontogeny and microclimates specific to south-temperate forests is poorly understood. Here, I attempt to bridge this gap by researching epiphyte distributions and assemblage structure in New Zealand, southern Chile, and Australia.  In the first biogeographic study of epiphyte-host interactions, I determined if epiphyte-host network structure (i.e. nestedness, species co-occurrences, species specialisation) varied among New Zealand and Chilean temperate forests (Chapter 2). At the forest stand level, network structure was consistent with stochastic structuring, which suggests that dispersal and disturbances are important drivers of epiphyte distributions at a biogeographic scale. However, deterministic structure was observed in New Zealand networks with regards to nestedness (i.e. when specialists interact with generalists), which suggests that positive species interactions influence epiphyte distributions at a within-tree scale.  Second, I determined whether the composition of plant communities residing in epiphytic birds' nest ferns (Asplenium goudeyi) on Lord Howe Island, Australia, are influenced by fern size, isolation from a major propagule source and resident plant community richness (Chapter 3). Results suggest that plant communities are structured by dispersal. For one, there was a significant isolation effect on resident plant community richness. Additionally, wind-dispersed taxa were well represented in isolated ferns, while animal-dispersed taxa and taxa with no specific dispersal strategies were absent. This is the first study to test the combined effects of area, isolation and resident plant richness on epiphytic plant assemblage structure.  Third, using Darwin's geological theory of island ontogeny as a theoretical construct, I explored changes in epiphyte species richness throughout tree ontogeny (Chapter 4). Theoretical frameworks have helped bridge the gap between our understanding of vascular epiphytes and terrestrial plants, however, none have been implemented to guide investigations on epiphyte assemblage development. Based on the general features of island ontogeny, I found three stages of epiphyte assemblage development: (i) an initial stage where host trees are devoid of epiphytes, (ii) a second stage where trees acquire epiphytes into maturity, and (iii) a hypothetical stage where epiphyte assemblages follow a period of species decline following host tree mortality. In addition to these results, I found interspecific variation in the ontogenetic stage at which host trees become favourable for epiphyte establishment and the rate at which epiphyte assemblages develop.  Lastly, I explored the systematic distribution of epiphytes and mistletoes in relation to microclimate gradients around the trunks of trees (Chapter 5). In addition, I tested the physiological responses of epiphytes and mistletoes to reductions in their most limiting resources to determine if the responses were consistent with their distribution patterns. The radial distributions of epiphytes and mistletoes were highly directional, and paralleled gradients of humidity, light and water. Additionally, the photochemical efficiency of epiphytes and CO₂ assimilation in mistletoe leaves decreased in plants growing in environments with lower water and light availability, respectively. However, mistletoe leaves still assimilated CO₂ in lower light conditions, which suggests a high plasticity of mistletoes to growing in a canopy environment. Despite over 120 years of recognising the importance of vertical microclimates on epiphyte distributions, this is the first systematic study of epiphytic plant distributions in relation to microclimate gradients around the trunks of trees.  This thesis has increased our understanding of epiphytic plant assemblage structure, and how it is influenced by host tree species, isolation, area and resident plant species richness. In addition, this thesis has increased our understanding of the effect of host tree ontogeny and microclimate on epiphyte distribution patterns. Together, these studies may be built upon more broadly to further elucidate drivers of epiphyte assembly and distribution patterns.


The meaning and value of quality of life has eluded researchers and philosophers for centuries. In this book I take the reader through a textual journey, so that it may be approached differently. Qualitative research chapters are alternated with those analysing the political and cultural background to their making. These texts are then woven into a deconstruction of quality of life in the five oppositional pairs of life and death, health and illness, independence and dependence, empowerment and disempowerment and certainty and uncertainty. This deconstructive thread informs and is informed by the texts studied, in a dis-order created to blur boundaries between established categories and deterritorialise the concept. Powerful discourses are highlighted, which shape a quality of life text for people with long-term conditions. This book is thus essentially about the application of Deleuzo-Guattarian concepts to the study of quality of life and health. As such, it is aimed at a broad audience of health care professionals, quality of life researchers, postmodernists, sociologists and students interested in postmodern approaches to research.


Abstract The feminist politics of identity asserts that 'narrative identity' can produce the female subject who can resist patriarchal power. However, women at the margins, stigmatized by intersectional sex hierarchies, do not have the language to express themselves. Certain former sex workers want to keep their past experience as something 'that cannot be spoken of.' This is the consequence of internalizing the fear of external stigma rather than self-negation. For these women, narrative identity can be thought of as an excessive pressure. Then how can they express themselves? By analyzing the images of the photographs taken by a former sex worker, this study compares the possibilities and limits of self-expression through narrative and through photography. Also, this study investigates how the woman discovers a 'different' possibility to reveal and convince herself of her life through the act of photographing. As objects of the photograph, the red light district women become contained in the objectified representational image by the power of the gaze. However, photographing functions as an act of image production; it reveals the gap of regulation and partitioning enforced by the existing discursive power. While an active resistance may not be possible, the metonymical self-descriptive acts of capturing the adjacent time and place of one's life can become a possibility for females at the margins to traverse the intersectional sex hierarchy.


OBJECTIVES
we used the Controlling Nutritional Status score (CONUT), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) to explore three different nutritional scores in predicting postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS
data were retrospectively reviewed from 113 patients who underwent PD to treat pancreatic cancer and periampullary neoplasms at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between 2015 and 2020. Nutritional status was assessed by the CONUT, GNRI, and PNI scores, and patients were categorized as either at risk or not at risk for malnutrition by each score. Postoperative complications were defined according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact probability method and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The relationships between the three nutritional scoring systems and postoperative complications were examined.

RESULTS
CONUT, GNRI and PNI scores were closely related to the occurrence of postoperative complications. CONUT (OR = 0.92, 95 % CI, 0.75-1.12, p = 0.043), GNRI (OR = 0.98, 95 % CI, 0.93-1.02, p = 0.036), PNI (OR = 0.96, 95 % CI, 0.89-1.03, p = 0.024), and operation periods (OR = 1.01, 95 % CI, 0.99-1.02, p = 0.034) were independent risk factors for complications in patients after PD. The predictive value of the three nutritional screening methods for overall complications in patients with PD had a sensitivity of 31.8 %, 56.06 % and 74.24 %, a specificity of 85.10 %, 68.08 % and 76.81 %, a Youden index of 0.17, 0.24 and 0.71, and a kappa value of 0.460, 0.389 and 0.472, respectively. The predictive value of the three nutritional screening methods in predicting the severity of complications in patients with PD had a sensitivity of 82.11 %, 58.95 % and 65.26 %, a specificity of 38.89 %, 55.56 % and 66.67 %, a Youden index of 0.21, 0.15 and 0.36, and a kappa value of 0.664, 0.416 and 0.645, respectively. Among the three nutrition scoring systems, PNI score had better diagnostic efficiency (0.660 area under the AUC curve), higher specificity (66.67 %), and was consistent with postoperative complications (KCONUT = 0.664, KGNRI = 0.416, KPNI = 0.645) when compared to the GNRI and CONUT scores.

CONCLUSIONS
CONUT, GNRI and PNI scores, especially PNI score, have good predictive values for the occurrence and severity of postoperative complications in PD patients, and should be used as preoperative nutritional risk screening tools for PD patients.


This letter first analyzes the scattering features of civilian aircraft (CA) using high-resolution TerraSAR-X images of the Hong Kong International Airport based on the electromagnetic scattering theory. The main stable scattering features are found to be salient points. Then, a salient point vector (SPV) is proposed to describe the salient points. By adding two relaxation variables to the matching process, the SPV becomes both translationally and rotationally invariant over a certain orientation range. In addition, a recognition scheme is designed to validate the scattering analysis and the SPV descriptor. Finally, 43 test chips are collected from another TerraSAR-X image acquired in November 2013 in the same location with similar imaging parameters. The test chips are applied to validate the analysis, the SPV descriptor, and the recognition scheme. The results of the experiment indicate that the recognition rate of the Boeing 747 CA reaches 80% and that the scattering features of the aircraft are rotationally invariant to within at least 5°. This research verifies the potential application of CA monitoring using high-resolution synthetic aperture radar images.


On squirrel cage induction motors, there is an important choice between utilizing a lower cost die cast or fabricated aluminum rotor versus the more expensive copper bar rotor. Utilizing the wrong rotor construction for the application can either increase costs unnecessarily or lead to catastrophic failure. This paper provides the background necessary to assist in making the proper choice. The fundamentals of rotor construction and basic information on how the induction motor works are discussed. Additionally, the effects of various materials and types of rotor construction on motor performance are analyzed.


A human lung tumor-associated protein has been purified from an extract of a human small cell carcinoma of the lung and shown by Ouchterlony double diffusion analysis to be antigenically identical to a component which was previously demonstrated in 84 of 98 lung tumor extracts of all histological types but absent from extracts of normal adult and fetal lung, other normal tissues, and tumors of other organs. These studies utilized xenoantisera raised against a pool of lung tumor ex tracts which were exhaustively adsorbed with normal serum and tissue extracts. A radial immunodiffusion assay developed for the antigen permitted its quantitation throughout the course of isolation. Purification was accomplished by ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and affinity immunoadsorption. By ion-exchange chromatography, the proteins appeared to be quite heterogeneous, with immunological reactivity detected in three different peaks. However, all the active components were immunologically identical. Gel filtration of the major antigenic component from diethylaminoethyl cellulose similarly demon strated a further fractionation into several active, immunologi cally identical forms. These results suggest a charge-size iso meric relationship among the various forms, all of which pos seas a common and identical antigenic site. The major com ponent was isolated throughout the purification scheme. The final product represented 9% of the input activity, produced a single, although broad, protein-staining region on 7% poly acrylamide gels which was coincident with antigenic activity, and exhibited immunological identity with the antigen in the crude extract as well as with that in an extract from another lung tumor.


The standard model of tidal capture predicts that ~45 moderately bright cataclysmic binaries should exist today in 47 Tuc. To test this prediction, we have conducted a search for erupting dwarf novae in the center of 47 Tuc with 12 separate epochs of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images in visual through near-UV bands. We have found a second eruption of the dwarf nova V2 discovered by Paresce and De Marchi. In addition, we have discovered a faint blue variable with period ~4.7 hr and amplitude 1.5 mag, which may be a cataclysmic variable. Detailed simulations demonstrate that our areal and temporal coverage and detection sensitivity is sufficient to have detected one-third of all dwarf novae (via their eruptions) in the center of 47 Tuc; even the very faint U Gem-type objects. We therefore claim that there are probably no more than three dwarf novae in the core of 47 Tuc, in significant disagreement with a key prediction of the standard model of tidal capture, unless the properties of dwarf novae in globulars differ (e.g., in outburst frequency) from those in the field. In addition, the cluster color-magnitude diagram reveals zero novalike variable candidates.


This report provides information on the morphology of fat absorption in rat intestinal epithelial cells. Three types of experiments were performed: (a) intubation of corn oil into fasted rats, (b) injection of physiological fatty-chyme prepared from fat-fed donor rats into ligated segments of jejunum of fasted animals, and (c) administration of electron-opaque particles in corn oil and markers given concurrently with the fat. These results support the hypothesis that fat is absorbed by selective diffusion of monoglycerides and fatty acids from micelles rather than by pinocytosis of unhydrolized triglycerides. Evidence is presented that the pits between the microvilli, previously believed to function in the transport of fat, are not involved in this process. Instead they appear to contribute their contents to lysosomes in the apical cytoplasm. Arguments are offered that the monoglycerides and fatty acids diffuse from the micelle while the latter is associated with the microvillous membrane of the absorptive cell. These micellar components penetrate the plasma membrane and diffuse into the cytoplasmic matrix where they encounter the SER. Triglyceride synthesis occurs in the SER and results in the deposition of fat droplets within its lumina. The synthesis of triglycerides and their sequestration into the SER establishes an inward diffusion gradient of monoglycerides and fatty acids.