The steady-state detection is critically important in many engineering fields, such as fault detection and diagnosis and process monitoring and control. However, most of the existing methods were designed for univariate signals and, thus, are not effective in handling multivariate signals. In this paper, we propose an efficient online steady-state detection method for multivariate systems through a sequential Bayesian partitioning approach. The signal is modeled by a Bayesian piecewise constant mean and covariance model, and a recursive updating method is developed to calculate the posterior distributions analytically. The duration of the current segment is utilized for steady-state testing. Insightful guidance is also provided for hyperparameter selection. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through thorough numerical and real case studies. Note to Practitioners—This paper addresses the problem of online steady-state detection of systems captured by multivariate signals. Existing approaches often monitor each signal independently, and the system is claimed steady when all signals reach steady state. These methods have many shortcomings, such as failing to consider the correlations among signals and suffering the multiple testing problems. In this paper, we propose a novel joint monitoring approach, where the multivariate signal is sequentially partitioned into segments of constant mean and covariance through an online Bayesian inference scheme, and once the current segment duration is sufficiently large, the signal is considered steady. We also provide several insightful guidelines to select appropriate hyperparameters under different scenarios. The proposed approach is much more accurate and robust than existing ones. However, this method may face prohibitive computational cost and ill-posed covariance inversion problem when there are hundreds or even thousands of variables in the system. In future research, we will develop efficient distributed monitoring and data fusion techniques to overcome these challenges.


Positronium, Ps, is the atom-like bound state of an electron and its antimatter counterpart, the
positron. This work encompasses the experimental techniques required to produce a collimated
beam of Ps atoms and recent investigations of Ps collisions on a variety of atomic and molecular
targets to determine Ps total and fragmentation cross-sections. For the former experiment, the
present work is compared to theory - for which there is now very good agreement for low energy
Ps–He collisions - and to other projectiles where the present data shows that total cross-sections
for equivelocity Ps and electrons are nearly identical for a wide range of targets and velocities.
The Ps fragmentation measurements proceed via the detection of ejected electrons or positrons
for Ps collisions on Xe at 18 and 30 eV. Detection of ejected positrons is a unique signature of
Ps fragmentation and the recent integrated measurements for this process agree well with theory,
as do the shapes of the differential cross-sections with respect to the longitudinal energy of the
ejected positrons. Concerning these, the energy dependence of the positron distributions appear
similar for the present measurements on Xe and those previously measured for a He target. When
detecting ejected electrons, the experiment is sensitive to reactions in which the projectile and/or
target are ionised, and the integrated cross-sections indicate that target-ionisation is significant at
only ∼3 eV above threshold in Xe.


KDM4A is a histone lysine demethylase that has been described as an oncogene in various types of cancer. The importance of KDM4A-mediated epigenetic regulation in tumorigenesis is just emerging. Here, by using Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) as a screening model, we identified 6 oncogenic virus-induced long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with the potential to open chromatin. RNA immunoprecipitation revealed KSHV-induced KDM4A-associated transcript (KIKAT)/LINC01061 as a binding partner of KDM4A. Integrated ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis showed that the KIKAT/LINC01061 interaction may mediate relocalization of KDM4A from the transcription start site (TSS) of the AMOT promoter region and transactivation of AMOT, an angiostatin binding protein that regulates endothelial cell migration. Knockdown of AMOT diminished the migration ability of uninfected SLK and iSLK-BAC16 cells in response to KIKAT/LINC01061 overexpression. Thus, we conclude that KIKAT/LINC01061 triggered shifting of KDM4A as a potential epigenetic mechanism regulating gene transactivation. Dysregulation of KIKAT/LINC01061 expression may represent a novel pathological mechanism contributing to KDM4A oncogenicity.


Stabilization/solidification (S/S) processes were utilized to immobilize lead (Pb) and tungsten (W) in contaminated soils, the inclusion of W motivated by the use of the new W-based ammunition. Artificially contaminated soils were prepared by mixing either kaolinite or montmorillonite with 10% Pb and 1% W (all percentages by dry weight). Type I/II Portland cement (PC), silica fume cement (SFC) and cement kiln dust (CKD) were used as S/S agents. The S/S agents were added at 5, 10 and 15 % for a curing time of 1-, 7- and 28-days. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) was used to investigate the crystalline mineral phases responsible for Pb and W immobilization. The TCLP results showed that regardless of clay type and stabilizing agents, the Pb concentrations decreased with increasing pozzolan content. PC and SFC exhibited similar performance depending on the particular sample (not consistent with soil type, dosage, and curing time). The most effective stabilizing agent on Pb leachability was PC despite SFC being silica-enriched which should have contributed to its greater immobilization of Pb. TCLP-W was immobilized below 1 mg l -1 in every case. The most effective stabilizing agent on the SPLP-Pb leachability was CKD, consistently demonstrating among the lowest concentrations for each soil type due to pH control. PC and SFC exhibited similar performance depending on the particular sample (not consistent with soil type, dosage, and curing time). The W concentrations in SPLP leachate were very low in most samples indicating that W could be immobilized upon S/S processes even though W solubility is very high at elevated pH conditions (662.9 mg l -1 at pH~11), and would remain immobilized under SPLP exposure conditions. The XRPD results revealed that the formation of lead silicate (Pb4SiO6), stolzite (PbWO4) and lead tungsten oxide (Pb0.29WO3) were strongly associated with the immobilization of Pb in the S/S matrix.


Formative assessment was hypothesized to have a beneficial impact on students' science achievement and conceptual change, either directly or indirectly by enhancing motivation. We designed and embedded formatives assessments within an inquiry science unit. Twelve middle-school science teachers with their students were randomly assigned either to an experimental group (N = 6), provided with embedded formative assessment, or control group (N = 6). Teachers varied significantly as to their impact on student motivation, achievement, and conceptual change. But the impact of the formative assessment treatment on these outcomes was not statistically significant. Variation in both teachers' classroom management and the degree to which they used informal formative assessment, regardless of group, were conjectured as possible reasons for the absence of an overall formative assessment effect.


There is a need for a real-time, non-invasive method to monitor blood pH in a patient line during cardiopulmonary bypass, as today's methods are both invasive and time consuming. Blood pH is an indicator of physiological and biochemical activity in the body and needs to be kept within a relatively narrow range, typically between 7.35-7.45. A pH value outside this range can be critical for the patient and therefore needs to be carefully monitored throughout the course of cardiopulmonary bypass. In this study the feasibility of using spectroscopic methods for indirect measurement of pH was investigated, and both transmission and reflectance spectroscopy were tested. The results showed that NIR reflectance spectroscopy is a feasible technique for blood pH monitoring during cardiopulmonary bypass. A strong correlation was found between measured pH values and spectral output in the wavelength range 800-930 nm. It was suggested that by means of the statistical partial least square regression method, a model could be created with three regression factors with a cross-validated R2 of 0.906 and a prediction error RMSEP of 0.089 pH units. The results presented here form a foundation for further analysis and experiments with larger sample set and more controlled experimental environment.


Integrated passives have become increasingly popular in the last years. Especially wafer level packaging technologies offer an interesting variety of different possibilities for the implementation of integrated passive components. In this context particularly the fabrication of integrated passive devices (IPDs) represents a promising solution regarding the reduction of size and assembly costs of electronic systems in package (SiP). These IPDs combine different passive components (R, L, C) in one subcomponent to be assembled in one step by standard technologies like SMD or flip chip. In this paper the wafer level thin film fabrication of such IPDs (WL-IPDs) will be discussed. After a brief overview of the different possibilities for the realization of IPDs using wafer level packaging technologies two fabricated WL-IPDs will be presented. Design, technological realization as well as results from the electrical characterization will be discussed.


Opposing forces influence assortative mating so that one seeks a similar mate while at the same time avoiding inbreeding with close relatives. Thus, mate choice may be a balancing of phenotypic similarity and dissimilarity between partners. In the present study, we assessed the role of resemblance to Self's facial traits in judgments of physical attractiveness. Participants chose the most attractive face image of their romantic partner among several variants, where the faces were morphed so as to include only 22% of another face. Participants distinctly preferred a "Self-based morph" (i.e., their partner's face with a small amount of Self's face blended into it) to other morphed images. The Self-based morph was also preferred to the morph of their partner's face blended with the partner's same-sex "prototype", although the latter face was ("objectively") judged more attractive by other individuals. When ranking morphs differing in level of amalgamation (i.e., 11% vs. 22% vs. 33%) of another face, the 22% was chosen consistently as the preferred morph and, in particular, when Self was blended in the partner's face. A forced-choice signal-detection paradigm showed that the effect of self-resemblance operated at an unconscious level, since the same participants were unable to detect the presence of their own faces in the above morphs. We concluded that individuals, if given the opportunity, seek to promote "positive assortment" for Self's phenotype, especially when the level of similarity approaches an optimal point that is similar to Self without causing a conscious acknowledgment of the similarity.


Abstract Second-harmonic electron cyclotron (EC) current drive experiments have been performed in the Compact Helical System (CHS). The driven current changes its direction according to the change of the EC-wave beam direction in agreement with an expectation from the Fisch and Boozer theory in the case of low-field-side injection of EC waves. The EC-driven current varies as a function of the magnetic axis position of CHS plasmas. The cause of the variation was experimentally investigated by a magnetic field scan. Setting the second-harmonic resonance layer near the magnetic axis was favorable to maximize the total EC-driven current. The main cause of the dependence of the driven current on the magnetic axis position is attributed to the change of distribution of the magnetic field along the beam path due to the change of the beam direction to aim at the magnetic axis in the three-dimensional helical magnetic field of the CHS.


frequent in the groups with malformations and GDM, but higher as in idiopathic cases. Low birth weight combined with severe polyhydramnios was frequently associated with malformations. Moreover, 21.9% of polyhydramnios with GDM were combined with fetal malformations. Conclusions: Diagnosis of polyhydramnios should prompt glucose tolerance testing, detailed sonography, eventually genetic testing and viral serology. Especially small fetuses with polyhydramnios or GDM should be carefully evaluated for malformations.


During the late summer of 1988, personnel from the Midwest Archeological Center conducted an archeological survey within Grand Portage National Monument. Those investigations were necessitated by several proposed development projects that would possibly involve ground disturbance on various land parcels. The projects included construction of new visitor/administration and maintenance facilities, stabilization of a section of Lake Superior shoreline, burial of a utility line, and installation of a parking lot gate. For the most part, investigations revealed that construction would have no adverse effect on cultural resources. One early Historic period site was discovered on a parcel, identified as a maintenance facility alternate, near the eastern boundary of the Monument. Recommendations for mitigation are offered, should that parcel be selected for construction. In addition, several surface dumps of relatively recent refuse were observed in the field. One such dump, located near the western boundary of the Monument, lies within the proposed visitor/administration facility project area. Preliminary evaluation of the deposit suggests that it probably dates from the turn of the last century and may have archeological significance. Avoidance of that refuse dump is recommended.


In this talk I will present an approximate version of Caratheodory's theorem and its algorithmic applications. In particular, I will show that for every vector in the convex hull of a set of vectors X there exists a nearby (under p-norm distance, for p at least 2) vector that can be expressed as a convex combination of at most b vectors of X, where the bound b is independent of the dimension of the vectors. Given the significance of Caratheodory's theorem, this approximate version is interesting in its own right. It also has notable algorithmic applications. Specifically, I will describe how this approximate version of Caratheodory's theorem leads to a new algorithm for computing approximate Nash equilibria in two-player games. This algorithm, in particular, provides a polynomial-time approximation scheme for Nash equilibrium in games where the sum of the payoff matrices is sparse. Moreover, for arbitrary two-player games the running time of the algorithm matches the best-known upper bound, which is obtained in (Lipton, Markakis, and Mehta 2003). Arxiv preprint: http://arxiv.org/abs/1406.2296


The Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) represents a vast historical and scientific resource that, often, is not accessible to the general public due the environment and depth where it is located. Digital technologies (Virtual Museums, Virtual Guides and Virtual Reconstruction of Cultural Heritage) provide a unique opportunity for digital accessibility to both scholars and general public, interested in having a better grasp of underwater sites and maritime archaeology. This paper presents the architecture and the first results of the Horizon 2020 iMARECULTURE (Advanced VR, iMmersive Serious Games and Augmented REality as Tools to Raise Awareness and Access to European Underwater CULTURal heritage) project that aims to develop and integrate digital technologies for supporting the wide public in acquiring knowledge about UCH. A Virtual Reality (VR) system will be developed to allow users to visit the underwater sites through the use of Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) or digital holographic screens. Two serious games will be implemented for supporting the understanding of the ancient Mediterranean seafaring and the underwater archaeological excavations. An Augmented Reality (AR) system based on an underwater tablet will be developed to serve as virtual guide for divers that visit the underwater archaeological sites. Keywords— Underwater Archaeological sites, Virtual museums, Serious games, Underwater Augmented Reality system.


The three-field reduced fluid model was extended to describe the resistive drift wave turbulence in magnetized cylindrical plasmas. There include multiple energy exchange paths, and two kinds of nonlinear steady states were obtained in simulations with a fixed particle source: one with a zonal flow generated by modulational coupling of various unstable modes, which suppress transport, and the other with a streamer, which is a azimuthally-localized vortex structure and induces convective transport, formed by parametric coupling. These structures are formed selectively, depending on the ion-neutral collision frequency, which is a damping force of a zonal flow and has a stabilizing effect of linear instability in this model. This is a minimal model for analyzing the turbulent structural formation mechanism by mode coupling in cylindrical plasmas, and competitive nature of structural formation was revealed.


Technology evolutions in logic and memory through increased integration, combined with potential improvements in machine organization, should provide processor performance in the mid 1970's that exceeds the second generation benchmark (IBM 7090) by a factor of 1000. Serious problems of packaging require a greater system designer sensitivity to the electrical and physical properties of materials, as well as requiring a closer tie between the technologist, system designer, and software designer. The increased processor speeds also create a balancing problem as the processor input- output gap widens, and LSI could assist in the solution of this problem. This paper discusses some of the technology- dependent parameters that could permit predicted performances to be achieved.


This paper describes the development of nQuire, a software application to guide personal inquiry learning. nQuire provides teacher support for authoring, orchestrating, and monitoring inquiries as well as student support for carrying out, configuring, and reviewing inquiries. nQuire allows inquiries to be scripted and configured in various ways, so that personally relevant, rather than off-the-shelf inquiries, can be created and used by teachers and students. nQuire incorporates an approach to specifying learning flow that provides flexible access to current inquiry activities without precluding access to other activities for review and orientation. Dependencies between activities are automatically handled, ensuring decisions made by the student or teacher are propagated through the inquiry. nQuire can be used to support inquiry activities across individual, group, and class levels at different parts of the inquiry and offers a flexible, web-based approach that can incorporate different devices (smart phone, netbook, PC) and does not rely on constant connectivity.


Johnston (1997) suggests that, if defined in terms of phonology, Scots as a traditional dialect in Britain has a "rosy future". Glaswegian is known to continue Scots L‑vocalization in words such as ball and all. L‑vocalization of a different type, similar to that found in Cockney, is one feature which has been observed to be diffusing rapidly across accents of English. This paper considers the evidence for these two distinct processes of L‑vocalization in Glaswegian, drawing on empirical evidence from two corpora of Glaswegian collected in the early 1980s and late 1990s. The results from the later corpus confirm the vigorous maintenance of the Scots l‑vocalization, but at the same time provide clear indications of the incorporation of innovative L‑vocalization. Our findings confirm that at the phonological level at least, the Urban Scots of Glaswegian youngsters is both conservative and innovative.


The Rana Plaza tragedy demonstrated the need to regulate companies which use subsidiaries, subcontractors and suppliers to carry out underpaid work, without consideration for core humanitarian principles, including trade union and workers' rights. Structures permitting companies to profit from such abusive practices should be replaced by a principle of company responsibility for their entire value chain.

A French law passed in 2017, which defines a 'duty of vigilance' for companies, provides important lessons for the drafting of an EU directive on due diligence. The duty of vigilance applies to human rights and fundamental freedoms, health and safety, and the environment. Going beyond a simple 'due diligence' obligation, it mandates companies to set up a 'vigilance plan' containing reasonable but adequate measures to identify risks and to prevent severe impacts on such rights.

A directive at the EU level on this issue should be adopted based on these principles. It should also contain appropriate internal monitoring arrangements (such as a 'vigilance committee' with stakeholder representation, including trade unions and worker representatives), proper external supervision (through a public supervisory agency) and adequate remedies, including criminal sanctions, disgorgement of profits, and punitive damages. The directive should apply to companies whose seat is in the EU as well as companies above a certain size threshold selling goods and services in the EU.


Background: Distal radial fractures are very common in Orthopaedic practice but still there is no unanimity about its treatment.
Objective: To evaluate the external fixator for the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures.
Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out from January 2018 to December 2019 over a period of two years. Twenty-five consecutive patients of both sexes between the ages of 18 to 60 years with closed or open unstable distal radius fractures with or without intraarticular extension admitted in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 250 Bedded General Hospital, Tangail & several private hospitals in Tangail & Dhaka city were selected. Patients with diabetes mellitus or chronic renal or hepatic disorder or extra-articular fractures or volar & dorsal shear injuries (Barton fractures) were excluded from this study. All the patients were evaluated thoroughly including distal neurovascular status and any associated injuries ruled out. Patients were operated as early as possible. But 4 cases were lost to follow up. Remaining 21 patients were followed up for at least 6 months and a maximum period of 12 months.
Results: In this series mean age of the patient was 35.71±11.65 years and males (66.7%) were predominant than females (33.3%). In this series right side was involved in 13 patients (61.9%) and left side in 8 patients (38.1%). The mechanism of injury included road traffic accident 13 (61.9%), fall on slippery ground 7 (33.3%) and occupational accident 1 (4.8%). Six patients of this study (28.6%) had associated injury other than the local soft tissue injury. Most of the patients (66.7%) were operated on the day of admission, 2 patients (9.5%) were operated within 3 days and 5 patients (23.8%) were operated within 7 days. As per AO classification, majority (38.1%) injury was type C3 fracture followed by C1 (33.3%), C2 (14.3%), B1 (9.5%) and A3 (4.8%). According to functional outcome, satisfactory was 76.2% and according to anatomical outcome, satisfactory was 85.7%.
Conclusion: According to this study finding satisfactory outcome was 76.2% (functional) and 85.7% (anatomical).
J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2021; 13(1): 20-25


Climate variability is shown to be an important driver of spatial and temporal changes in hydrometereological variables in Europe. However, the influence of climate variability on flood damage has received little attention. We investigated the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the East Atlantic pattern (EA) during their neutral, positive, and negative phases, to understand their relationships with four flood indicators: Occurrence of Extreme Rainfall, Intensity of Extreme Rainfall, Flood Occurrence, and Flood Damage. We found that positive and negative phases of NAO and EA are associated with more (or less) frequent and intense seasonal extreme rainfall over large areas of Europe. The relationship between ENSO and the Occurrence of Extreme Rainfall and Intensity of Extreme Rainfall in Europe is much smaller than the relationship with NAO or EA, but still significant in some regions. We show that Flood Damage and Flood Occurrence have strong links with climate variability, especially in southern and eastern Europe. Therefore, when investigating flooding across Europe, all three indices of climate variability should be considered. Future research should focus on their joint influence on flood risk. The potential inclusion of seasonal forecasts of indices of climate variability could be effective in forecasting flood damage.


Recent years have seen an explosion in social media in our everyday lives, and a corresponding increase in social media research in IS. As social media researchers, we are intrigued by the problem of virtuality and context in social media research, and how we might apply reflexive research principles to such settings. In social media, the absence of a setting's real physical boundaries (to a large extent) limits participants' ability to create a common experience at the present time and develop a history of shared experiences. As a result, we would contend that many social media researchers' interpretations of data in social media settings are often black‐boxed. In this paper, we argue that many of the challenges concerned with social media settings, by nature, are emergent and linked to their virtual and contextual features. We use the Klein and Myers (1999) framework for traditional interpretive field studies as a vehicle for unpacking these challenges. We contend that these challenges may remain unnoticed if researchers do not actively reflect upon their impact on the research process. In this paper, we present a framework for social media research, considering social media research as a reflexive space, building on the notion of three levels of reflexivity: theory, design and practice. Finally, we discuss some implications of reflexivity for qualitative social media research in IS.


We report on a facile procedure for synthesis of nanoporous coatings of tungstic silica through wet-chemical deposition and post-treatment of tungsten-doped potassium silicate solutions. The process relies on an aqueous washing and ion exchange step where dispersed potassium salt deposits are removed from a 150 nm silicate gel layer. Through an adjustment of the pH value of the washing agent within the solubility regime of a tungstic salt precursor, the tungsten content of the remaining nanostructured coating can be controlled. We propose this route as a universal approach for the deposition of large-area coatings of nanoporous silica with the potential for incorporating a broad variety of other dopant species. As for the present case, we observe, on the one hand, antireflective properties which enable the reduction of reflection losses from float glass by up to 3.7 percent points. On the other hand, the incorporation of nanoscale tungstic precipitates provides a lever for tailoring the coating hydrophilicity and, eventually, also surface acidity. This may provide a future route for combining optical performance with anti-fouling functionality.


Quantitative erythrogram, i. e. the per cent distribution of the cells of different shapes into 5 groups (discocytes, stomatocytes, echinocytes, poikilo- and schizocytes, hemolytic forms) is recommended to be taken into consideration when estimating the red cell transformation in clinical and experimental studies. The classifying morphologic signs of about forty erythrocyte forms are described, and examples of the quantitative erythrogram use are given.


In recent years the choice between insourcing and outsourcing has been the subject of increased interest among economic operators. The continuous search for cost reductions, and the maintenance of competitiveness have entailed that both national and international undertakings must regularly consider the optimal mix of in-house production and external production. However, such considerations may not be based only on operational considerations, as the choice can have significant VAT implications. From this perspective, it is highly relevant to examine the VAT consequences of insourcing and outsourcing in the EU VAT system.


Abstract The high-pressure behaviour of the thaumasite structure was investigated using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction, up to 19.5 GPa. Based on Rietveld refinements, thaumasite retained the roompressure P63 space group throughout the whole investigated pressure range while the pressure dependence of the refined unit-cell parameters can be cast into three different compression regimes, each corresponding to a different thaumasite phase (th-I, th-II and th-III) related by isosymmetric phase transitions. In particular, the phase transition in the 7.40-15.02 GPa P-range (i.e. from th-II to th-III) is associated with an inversion of the axial bulk moduli which, by analogy with ettringite, can be rationalized as due to a change in the relative strengths of the iono-covalent bonds along the [Ca3Si(OH)6(H2O)12]4+ columns parallel to the c axis vs. the O-H bonds linking the columns within the ab plane. The linear inverse relationship between the low- and high-temperature data from the literature with those collected under high-pressure conditions reveals that the same bonding regime governs the anisotropic expansion and contraction of thaumasite up to ~1.4 GPa and 400 K (HP-HT stability limits of th-I phase).


Today's perpetually improving technology brings new equipment, systems, solutions and semantics. Engineering requirements become greater and the level of complexity, cost, and humbug tend to increase. This paper offers communication solutions for today's engineering management challenges based on the use of certain models. Those models are simplified presentations of complex, elaborate, or vague concepts, designed to accelerate the learning process and extend retention of acquired knowledge and/or skills. Two model examples are used. Some traps and urban myths surrounding new technologies (and also older ones) are unveiled. An increased importance of recognizing needs for integration of technical and non-technical content are stressed. Skills and practices, necessary to succeed today are pointed out. Three stories, taken straight from the author's experience are told. They indicate the potential for sad happenings where end users not only vastly overpay for engineering work, but also receive clearly inferior product. It is followed by discussion on how application of those models leads to formulation of 'meta-consulting' where both technical and non-technical aspects are quickly assessed to form a basis for powerful, rapid-engagement, clear, priority-based solutions.


Background. Dental students have reported a high prevalence of psychological stress and the causes are associated with the challenging dental environmental and demographic factors. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary investigation on dental students' stress status, using a sample of first-to-third-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students in an Australian university. Special interests included causes of dental environmental stress and access to help services. Methods. A sample of 145 students was surveyed with a modified Dental Environmental Survey and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale in 2014. The participants' demographic information was also collected. Results. The response rate was 95.4%. Second-year (P = 0.042), third-year (P < 0.001) and employed students (P = 0.027) were more likely to report stress resulting from transition to clinical learning. Third-year students were more often stressed about communicating and approaching staff (P = 0.023) as well as different opinions between staff (P < 0.001) and reduced holidays (P < 0.001). Students that were younger than 21 years of age (P = 0.001), that were first years (P < 0.001), and that were not in a relationship (P = 0.010) more often found difficulty of course work stressful. Students who were not in a relationship more often considered learning manual dexterity a source of stress (P = 0.034). Students previously seeking professional help were more likely to be stressed (P = 0.010). Conclusion. Causes of dental environment stress varied among years of study and demographic backgrounds. Professional support to stressed students should be enhanced. Further investigation is indicated.


Ingredient branding, or the use of two or more brand names on a single product, is widely seen as providing significant benefits in terms of increased product differentiation and greater market share. The association between two brand names can both enhance and dilute the brand equity of the host brand name and the ingredient brand name. This research examines the behavioral spillover effects associated with co-branded strategies across segments of consumers that vary in their prior brand commitment or loyalty. Different from previous research, this paper uses A.C. Nielsen scanner panel data to investigate the behavioral spillover effects of ingredient branded products on choice of the host and ingredient brands in a field setting. The results suggest that there is a significant behavioral spillover impact of trial of the co-branded product on the purchase probability of both the host and ingredient brands. This effect is greater among prior non-loyal users and prior non-users of the host and ingredient brands and when there is a higher degree of perceived fit between the host and ingredient brands.


The language development of two deaf girls and four deaf boys in Sign Language of the Netherlands (SLN) and spoken Dutch was investigated longitudinally. At the start, the mean age of the children was 3;5. All data were collected in video-recorded semistructured conversations between individual children and deaf and hearing adults. We investigated the lexical richness and syntactic complexity of the children's utterances in SLN and spoken Dutch, as well as language dominance and interactional participation. Richness and complexity increase over time, as well as children's participation. An important outcome is that syntactic complexity is higher in utterances with both sign and speech. SLN does not have higher outcomes on richness or complexity, but is dominant in terms of frequency of use.


Abstract Bells are recorded in many published excavation reports from Roman sites, but there has been no previous study of the British material. This paper explores the significance of bells in the Roman world from both a ritual and a functional perspective. We create a first typology of Romano-British bells, provide an understanding of their chronology and examine any spatial and social differences in their use. Special attention is paid to bells from funerary or ritual contexts in order to explore the symbolic significance of these small objects. Bells from other parts of the Roman world are considered to provide comparisons with those from Roman Britain. The paper demonstrates that small bells were used as protective charms and may have been preferentially placed into the graves of children and young women. The paper identifies a new, probably Roman type of bell that has no parallels within the Empire, although similar pieces occur in first- and second-century graves in the Black Sea region.


Abstract A variety of different patterns is observed when a magnetic field rotating with an angular frequency ω is applied on a nematic cell with homeotropic boundary conditions. To study the role of backflow in the formation of these dissipative structures, we compared the behaviour of dilute solutions of a mesogenic side group polymethacrylate in a low molar mass nematic liquid crystal (5CB) with that of the pure solvent. The dissolved polymer molecules lead to a strong reduction of the existence range of the so-called VRL-TI (viscosity reduction lattice transverse instability) and complex states. For mass fractions w > 2 % of the polymer these states were found to be suppressed completely due to the efficient reduction of backflow. The growth rate of the viscosity reduction lattices, which can still be observed, is in addition dependent on the polymer concentration. Numerical calculations were performed to explain the behaviour.


The Agricultural European Policy aims to introduce oil energy crops in arable fields. While in northern and central Europe Countries several crops was introduced, in southern European Countries is necessary to develop agro-energetic chains for arid arable fields. For that reason EU funded in 2006 the Project "Global Process To Improve Cynara cardunculus Exploitation For Energy Applications" (Biocard) in which CRA-ING was responsible for developing mechanization solutions. From Cynara Cardunculus is possible to obtain biomass for energy, seeds for oil and pappus for fine cellulose, so harvesting equipment was designed to collect separately the different biomass fractions. The aim of the paper is to present the performance of the machine developed during the harvesting of 40 ha of Cynara Cardunculus in 2008. After concluding the prototypic phase, the harvester reached a satisfactory working capacity of 2.10 ha/h and overcame the difficulties already examined the past season, with an increase in the operating working capacity of 33.78%.


Undergraduate research is increasingly prevalent in many fields of study, but it is not yet widespread in mathematics education. We argue that expanding undergraduate research opportunities in mathematics education would be beneficial to the field. Such opportunities can be impactful as either extracurricular or course-embedded experiences. To help readers envision directions for undergraduate research experiences in mathematics education with prospective teachers, we describe a model built on a design-based research paradigm. The model engages pairs of prospective teachers in working with faculty mentors to design instructional sequences and test the extent to which they support children's learning. Undergraduates learn about the nature of systematic mathematics education research and how careful analyses of classroom data can guide practice. Mentors gain opportunities to pursue their personal research interests while guiding undergraduate pairs. We explain how implementing the core cycle of the model, whether on a small or large scale, can help teachers make instructional decisions that are based on rich, qualitative classroom data.


cAMP-gated channels were studied in inside-out membrane patches excised from the apical cellular pole of isolated olfactory receptor cells of the rat. In the absence of divalent cations the dose-response curve of activation of patch current by cAMP had a KM of 4.0 microM at -50 mV and of 2.5 microM at +50 mV. However, addition of 0.2 or 0.5 mM Ca2+ shifted the KM of cAMP reversibly to the higher cAMP concentrations of 33 or 90 microM, respectively, at -50 mV. Among divalent cations, the relative potency for inducing cAMP affinity shifts was: Ca2+ > Sr2+ > Mn2+ > Ba2+ > Mg2+, of which Mg2+ (up to 3 mM) did not shift the KM at all. This potency sequence corresponds closely to that required for the activation of calmodulin. However, the Ca(2+)-sensitivity is lower than expected for a calmodulin-mediated action. Brief (60 s) transient exposure to 3 mM Mg2+, in the absence of other divalent cations, had a protective effect in that following washout of Mg2+, subsequent exposure to 0.2 mM Ca2+ no longer caused affinity shifts. This protection effect did not occur in intact cells and was probably a consequence of patch excision, possibly representing ablation of a regulatory protein from the channel cyclic nucleotide binding site. Thus, the binding of divalent cations, probably via a regulatory protein, controls the sensitivity of the cAMP-gated channels to cAMP. The influx of Ca2+ through these channels during the odorant response may rise to a sufficiently high concentration at the intracellular membrane surface to contribute to the desensitization of the odorant- induced response. The results also indicate that divalent cation effects on cyclic nucleotide-gated channels may depend on the sequence of pre-exposure to other divalent cations.


In this Paper we extend the cheap talk model of Crawford and Sobel (1982) to a multidimensional state space and policy space. We provide a characterization of equilibria. We focus on the question of feasibility of information transmission, for large degrees of conflict of interests between the sender and the receiver. We show that it is possible to construct equilibria with information transmission even for unboundedly large conflicts, but that any such equilibrium is based on knife-edge assumptions. We prove that influential equilibria are non-generic when the conflict between the sender and the receiver is large enough. Thus, adding more dimensions cannot improve upon information revelation when interests are too divergent.


The behaviour of earth electrodes at power frequency conditions is well known. Several studies are going on at present, to understand the behaviour of earthing systems at transient impulse and high frequency conditions. The study of impulse measurements in earthing systems was carried out during this project, to understand the soil electromagnetic behaviour towards high frequency and variable AC/DC/impulse current magnitudes. Several measurement techniques and instrumentation used for the measurement of the earthing systems were surveyed. The limitations and the advantages of each approach have been identified, and the range of application determined. Extensive experiments were performed on the practical earth electrodes at the Cardiff University test site at Llanrumney, and at the Dinorwig power station earthing facilities. These experiments have revealed that there is reduction of impedance of earth electrodes over the frequency range 20Hz to 120kHz. Moreover, a pronounced effect of DC current magnitude was observed on the earth resistance of the electrodes over the range of 1mA to 500mA. The numerical modelling of the test configurations did not show the reduction in earth impedance over the frequency range 20Hz to 120kHz. To understand the different trends shown by the experiments and simulation, and the effect of frequency and current magnitude, a geological literature survey was carried out. This survey revealed that when the soil water electrolyte solution is subjected to high frequency electrical currents, it exhibits conductivity dispersion phenomenon. Conductivity dispersion is a phenomenon where conductivity of the clay water electrolyte solution increases by about 30% over a frequency range 20Hz to 100kHz. The geological literature survey also revealed that the polarisation effect in the soil water electrolyte is responsible for the non-linear current effect.
Moreover, during this project, a new technique of FFT from impulse, was proposed to measure the earth electrode impedance, over a frequency range which is an inherent
component of the impulse signals. The FFT from impulse signals, showed a good agreement of the measured earth impedance of the earth electrodes, with the measured earth impedance using the variable frequency scan method. FFT from impulse technique has an advantage over the variable frequency scan method, from the point of view of the time required for the measurement and the simplicity of the test source, for the measurement of the earth electrode impedance. Such a technique, could have impact on the testing at high current magnitudes, where impulse generation is much easier. Finally, the future scope of work is presented to explore the measurement of earth electrode impedance above the frequency of 120kHz and current magnitudes above 5A.


The Nernst coefficient of the cuprate superconductor YBa2Cu 3Oy was recently shown to become strongly anisotropic within the basal plane when cooled below the pseudogap temperature T, revealing that the pseudogap phase breaks the fourfold rotational symmetry of the CuO 2 planes. Here we report on the evolution of this Nernst anisotropy at low temperature, once superconductivity is suppressed by a magnetic field. We find that the anisotropy drops rapidly below 80 K, to vanish in the T=0 limit. We show that this loss of anisotropy is due to the emergence of a small high-mobility electronlike pocket in the Fermi surface at low temperature, a reconstruction attributed to a low-temperature state that breaks the translational symmetry of the CuO2 planes. We discuss the sequence of broken symmetries-first rotational, then translational-in terms of an electronic nematic-to-smectic transition such as could arise when unidirectional spin or charge modulations order. We compare YBa2Cu 3Oy with iron-pnictide superconductors where the process of (unidirectional) antiferromagnetic ordering gives rises to the same sequence of broken symmetries. © 2011 American Physical Society.


Cycling is a memory of the past for most of us, the lack of support from the authorities on the cycling infrastructure made it difficult to attract people to cycle in the city. Urban sprawl, traffic congestion, car dependency, environmental pollution and public health concerns have pressured cities around the world to consider reintegrating cycling into the urban environment.
Design as a research method was utilised to investigate the effectiveness of design methodology and workflow for cycling infrastructure from an architecture and design perspective. Using Wellington City as a design case study, this research aimed to improve the legibility, usability and the image of cycling as a mode of transport in the city. To achieve this, a customisable graphical design framework and branding strategies were developed to structure and organise the design components within cycling infrastructure. The findings from the iterative design processes were visualised through the appropriate architectural and presentation conventions.
This research provided an unique architectural perspectives on the issues of cycling infrastructure; the results would support the transportation advisers and urban planners to further the development and integration of cycling, as a viable mode of transport, within the city.


A cross-sectional survey of functional status among elderly Hong Kong Chinese aged 70 years and over was carried out to estimate the current burden of disability. Two thousand and thirty-two subjects (999 men, 1033 women) were recruited by random sampling of the old age and disability allowance schemes covering over 90% of the elderly population, stratified by sex and 5-year age groups. Functional ability was administered using the Barthel Index. The duration of disability, if any, was also noted. The prevalence of disability for different activities of daily living varied from 0.8% to 26% (lowest for feeding and highest for climbing stairs and bathing). The prevalence was higher for women than men, and higher in the older age group for both sexes. Men in the 80+ age group had shorter duration of disability compared with those in the 70-79 age group, and compared with women. Using disability years (estimated number of elderly with disability in the population x median duration of disability) as an estimate of disability burden, the number ranges from approximately 19,000 (inability to feed) to 100,000 (inability to climb stairs). This estimate may be useful in the planning of service provisions for the formal and informal care sector.


The ground state densities of neutron-rich (11Be,15C) and proton-rich (9C,12N,23Al) exotic nuclei are investigated using a two-body nucleon density distribution (2BNDD) with two frequency shells model (TFSM). The structure of the valence one-neutron of 11Be is in pure (1p1/2) and of 15C in pure (1d5/2) configuration, while the structure of valence one-proton configuration is in 9C,12N are to be in a pure (1p1/2) and 23Al in a pure  (2s1/2) . For our studied nuclei, an efficient (2BNDD) operator for point nucleon system folded with two-body correlation operator's functions is  used to investigate nuclear matter density distributions, elastic electron scattering form factors, and root-mean square (rms) radii. The effect of the strong tensor force (TC) in nucleon-nucleon forces is taken into account in the correlation. The wave functions of a single particle harmonic oscillator are used with two different oscillator size parameters, βc and βv, the former for core (inner) orbits and the latter for valence (halo) orbits. The measured matter density distributions of these nuclei clearly show the long tail results. The plane wave born approximation (PWBA) is used to investigate the elastic electron scattering form factors for these exotic nuclei.


The Supreme Court of the United States consented in its Empagran decision that the foreign antitrust injury that is in a dependency relationship with anticompetitive effects (antitrust injury) in the U.S. is to be litigated before the U.S. courts.

Since this decision antitrust law litigation in an international context does not depend merely on anticompetitive effects in the U.S., but also on the relationship between anticompetitive effect and (foreign) private antitrust injury. This is something that was not present in pre-Empagran cases. The Supreme Court did not provide conditions on the basis of which the relationship between anticompetitive effects and private antitrust injury could be classified as one of dependency. This means that the Supreme Court left the determination of these conditions to lower U.S. courts.

The lower U.S. courts, instead of attempting to determine these conditions, have made foreign private antitrust injury even more difficult to litigate before the U.S. courts. There are three factors that contributed to this development in U.S. case law: the understanding of the Empagran litigation; the understanding of the nature of the international context, and U.S. courts taking a pro-active role in delivering their decisions for which the reasoning is difficult to understand. The greatest obstacle that post-Empagran U.S. courts have placed in front of private antitrust litigants is the requirement that instead of 'dependency connection' there should be 'direct causation' between anticompetitive effects in the U.S. and litigated (foreign) private antitrust injury.

This thesis considers the existing theoretical and practical problems of the current analytical framework under which antitrust violation is analysed in an international context. The thesis introduces the new legal concept of a 'transborder standard'. This is necessitated by the starting position of this thesis that a factual situation under adjudication cannot be only either 'domestic' or 'foreign', but can also be 'transborder'. The introduction of the transborder standard to the existing theoretical framework enables (and requires) the analysis of the factual situation under adjudication in its integrity, bearing in mind also the purpose of private antitrust law enforcement and the right of private parties to be compensated for suffered antitrust injury.

The transborder standard provides a framework to analyse antitrust claims brought before the U.S. courts by those private parties who satisfy their private antitrust injury outside the U.S. At the same time, the transborder standard does not enable private litigants to take advantage of simultaneous antitrust litigation before U.S. courts and the courts of non-U.S. countries.

'Transborder standard' is a new legal concept. Nevertheless, the existing system of U.S. antitrust law enforcement does support it and, consequently, the transborder standard can be directly applied.


Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystal films are of interest for new applications in thin film transistors and as transparent conductive oxides. Previous work has concentrated on achieving highly conductive, metallic films. This work focusses on the less explored insulating to semi-insulating regime, which enables obtaining deeper insights into the roles of surface states and defect states trapped at the nanocrystal interfaces. We examine the effects of various post-deposition treatments including controlled dosing with ultraviolet light, filling the voids between nanocrystals with a matrix material deposited by atomic layer deposition, and thermal annealing of the nanocrystal films. Both Mott and Efros–Shklovskii variable range hopping are observed depending on the carrier concentration in the nanocrystals. Using the above post-treatments to transition the films between the two conduction mechanisms enables determining the Fermi level density of states and the electron localization length. To interpret our results, we propose a model based on the assumption of nanocrystals consisting of quasi-neutral cores surrounded by shells depleted by surface OH trap states. The model suggests that the primary source of the increased conductivity in ZnO nanocrystal films based on post-treatments is an increase in the ability to tunnel between nanocrystals due to a reduction of the distance between the quasi-neutral nanocrystal cores.


The small-scale structure of the intergalactic medium (IGM) is fundamental to our understanding of cosmology and structure formation. Although the baryons trace dark matter fluctuations on megaparsec scales, on small scales ($\sim 100$ kpc), gas perturbations are regulated by hydrodynamics and they are thought to be suppressed by pressure below a characteristic \emph{filtering scale} $\lambda_J$, analogous to the classic Jeans scale. The value of this Jeans filtering scale is set by the interplay between pressure support and gravity across the cosmic history, and has fundamental cosmological implications. First it provides a thermal record of heat injected by ultraviolet photons during cosmic reionization events, and thus constraints the thermal and reionization history of the universe. Second, it determines the clumpiness of the IGM and the minimum mass for gravitational collapse from the IGM, playing a pivotal role in galaxy formation and reionization. In principle, the sign of Jeans smoothing could be probed by the redshifted \mlya\ absorption lines in the spectra of high-redshift quasars (The \mlya\ forest). Unfortunately, this is extremely challenging to do because the thermal Doppler broadening of \mlya\ lines along the observing direction is highly degenerate with pressure smoothing. In this work, I explicitly show what degeneracies hold among the thermal parameters of the IGM when only line-of-sight observations are possible. For this purpose, I devised a rigorous statistical algorithm based on Gaussian processes and Markov-Chain Monte Carlo methods, trained on a grid of semianalytical models of the IGM. I then introduce a novel method able to measure the Jeans scale by estimating the transverse coherence in the spectra of close quasar pairs (transverse separation $r_{\perp}< 1$ Mpc). This method is based on the phase differences of homologous Fourier modes in the \mlya\ forests of quasar pairs, and I prove that it is maximally sensitive to $\lambda_J$ and only weakly dependent on the other considered parameters. The available sample of quasar pairs is analyzed, after careful calibration of noise, resolution, and other possible systematics. Our new method applied to this dataset provides the first measurement of the filtering scale of the intergalactic medium.
A first comparison of our findings with hydrodynamical simulations suggests that the filtering scale predicted by the standard thermal models of the IGM is significantly higher than what we observe, motivating further theoretical studies to understand this discrepancy.


The current gain (b) of 4H-SiC BJTs as function of collector current (IC) has been investigated by DC and pulsed measurements and by device simulations. A measured monotonic increase of b with IC agrees well with simulations using a constant distribution of interface states at the 4H-SiC/SiO2 interface along the etched side-wall of the base-emitter junction. Simulations using only bulk recombination, on the other hand, are in poor agreement with the measurements. The interface states degrade the simulated current gain by combined effects of localized recombination and trapped charge that influence the surface potential. Additionally, bandgap narrowing has a significant impact by reducing the peak current gain by about 50 % in simulations.


Large aperture collimator which has been widely used for calibrating and testing various optical devices plays an essential role in correlative laboratories. As being the basic testing and calibration equipment, the large aperture collimator's accuracy should be much higher than the device under testing in order to ensure the accuracy of the measurement. However, the process of adjusting the collimator is extremely complicated due to the collimator's large aperture and long focal length. So it is difficult to ensure the measurement's quality and easy to cause the system being vulnerable to the surrounding environment. One of the most common problems is defocus. In order to solve the problem above, this issue presents a new type of autocollimator autofocusing system which uses pentaprism instead of using large-aperture plane mirror, semiconductor lasers as light source and CCD sensor as receiver. The system is smaller, lighter, and more convenient when using. The computer simulation shows that the autofocusing system's resolution could reach the accuracy of 40μm. If we use the relevant algorithms to execute the sub-pixel scanning, the resolution could reach the accuracy of 10μm. It shows that the system could satisfy the required testing precision of testing large aperture optical device.


While Humanities and Social Science scholars have a long history of trying to understand how people from different backgrounds get along (i.e. to be convivial), typically this work misses much of the work carried out in sociolinguistics and related areas. In building upon work on common ground, small talk, and conviviality, this paper examines how a group of Indonesian students living in Japan go about practicing conviviality. I show how repetition and tiny response tokens are used to build common ground. I argue that this practice is key to building convivial relations amongst this group and that this type of interactional work helps open the possibility of future interactions, some of which are tied with the need to build and maintain support networks in Japan.


In order to realize the performance test and analysis calculation of 250mmHe-Ne laser, the data collection and processing systems based on ARM STM3210 are designed. This paper expounds emphatically the design of real-time display control software, and introduces the function and key technique of system software. We define the file format to ensure the memory consistency of different experimental data so that the data could not be modified readily. The realization of different functional classes guarantees the reusability and reliability of code, meanwhile the double buffer technology eliminates the gleams phenomenon successfully when the computer screen refreshes.


51Cr-bleomycin was used for the scintigraphic detection of tumours and the assessment of the spread of the disease in 20 patients with various malignances: 7 with Hodgkin's lymphoma, 5 with other malignant lymphomas, 4 cases of cervix carcinoma and 4 other tumours. The scintigraphy was performed using a Toshiba GC 401 gamma camera coupled to an MDSI computer Trinary. Active foci were scored using a semiquantitative scale of 0 to 5. Results of these studies were compared with those of tests similarly carried out with 57Co-bleomycin (in 9 of the cases) and 67Ga-citrate (11 cases); they demonstrated that the properties of 51Cr-bleomycin for scintigraphic detection of neoplastic foci are similar to those of 57Co-bleomycin.


Objective To assess the effect of intrathecal midazolam with bupivacaine-fentanyl in elderly patients undergoing endourologic procedures. Materials and methods This prospective, randomized, double-blind study involved 60 ASA physical status II-III patients aged over 60 years scheduled for elective endoscopic urologic procedures under spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (5 mg/ml). They were randomized into one of three equal groups of 20 patients each: the first group, control group (group C), received 7.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% in a volume of 1.5 ml; the second group, fentanyl group (group F), received 7.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% in a volume of 1.5 ml and 10 mg fentanyl (0.1 ml); and the third group, fentanylmidazolam group (group FM), received 7.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% in a volume of 1.5 ml and 10 mg fentanyl (0.1 ml) plus 1.0 mg of midazolam (0.2 ml). Sensory and motor effects were assessed. Postoperative pain, sedation, and adverse effects were also recorded. Results The three studied groups were comparable in demographic and clinical characteristics. They were hemodynamically stable. There was no significant difference between the three groups in the onset of sensory (P = 0.721) and motor block (P = 0.342), duration of motor block (P = 0.286), and sedation score (P = 0.229). Duration of sensory block was prolonged in group F compared with the control group (P < 0.001) and prolonged more in group FM compared with the F group (P = 0.065). Time to first request of rescue analgesic was significantly longer in group F compared with the C group (P = 0.033) and in FM compared with the F group (P < 0.001). All patients reported excellent or good degree of satisfaction with anesthetic procedure (P = 0.547). Conclusion Adjuvant intrathecal midazolam resulted in intraoperative hemodynamic stability and safely potentiates postoperative analgesic effect of bupivacainefentanyl spinal anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing endourologic procedures.


As the development of the modern workshop, the demand for water supply and heating system is more and more important. This paper comes from the faw-volkswagen company's construction project about the automatic water supply system of one of its workshop. For many reasons, the conventional PID control can't satisfy the workshop's demands for the certain temperature, after a careful research of the system, we utilize the principle of fuzzy PID adaptive control to design a fuzzy PID controller, then put it into the water tank heater's controlling, through the practice, we find the controller has a good robust property and reached the practical production needs.


This document describes two algorithms, one for source address selection and one for destination address selection. The algorithms specify default behavior for all Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) implementations. They do not override choices made by applications or upper-layer protocols, nor do they preclude the development of more advanced mechanisms for address selection. The two algorithms share a common context, including an optional mechanism for allowing administrators to provide policy that can override the default behavior. In dual-stack implementations, the destination address selection algorithm can consider both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses -- depending on the available source addresses, the algorithm might prefer IPv6 addresses over IPv4 addresses, or vice versa.


In this paper the authors present the current research and development activities regarding automated testing of Integrated Modular Avionics controllers in the European research project SCARLETT. The authors describe the goals of the SCARLETT project and explain its background of Integrated Modular Avionics. Furthermore, they explain different levels of testing of components required for certification. A domain-specific modelling language designed for the IMA platform is presented. This language is used to create models from which tests of different levels can be generated automatically. The authors expect significant improvements in terms of effort to create and maintain test procedures compared to conventional test creation.


Background: It is approximated that about 50% of malaria infections are asymptomatic in areas where malaria is endemic. In these areas, transmission is intense and consistent over time. As a result, most adults who live in these endemic areas possess partial immunity to malaria due to recurrent infections. Infants and children unfortunately, usually do not acquire this partial immunity early in life until they are exposed to malaria infection for a long time. These asymptomatic individuals continue transmitting the disease to others and provide a long-lasting reservoir for the malaria vector. It has been noted that there has been a higher prevalence of haemoglobin S in highly malaria endemic areas, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. And it has been reported that haemoglobin AS heterozygote [HbAS; sickle-cell trait] protects against severe disease & death due to Plasmodium falciparum. The aim of the study was to establish the effects of Sickle cell genotypes on asymptomatic malaria infection among children in Nchelenge district.
Method: Malaria parasites were counted per 200 white blood cells [WBCs] on Giemsa-stained thick blood films, in determining parasitaemia & parasite density we calculated assuming a mean WBC count of 8000/μL. Malaria was defined as any parasitaemia plus fever. Samples from all participants with RDT positive, and blood smear negative and all positive blood smears [for parasite identification] were subjected to PCR. DNA was extracted from dried blood spots by Chelex DNA extraction, and submicroscopic infections were ascertained by nested PCR assays including commercial negative and positive controls. We extracted DNA using a QIAGEN kit and haemoglobin was typed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.
Results: Microscopically visible parasitaemia was present in 35.9% (83) of the children, at overall geometric mean parasite density (4435.4/μL; 95%CI, 3292.5-5975.1/ μL). By PCR, P. falciparum occurred in 89% (104/116) while 11% (12/116) were other species of malaria. The HbAS trait was present in 24.4% (56/230) of the children, while 71.7% (165/230) had a normal haemoglobin genotype (HbAA). HbSS occurred in 3.9% (9/230) of the children. Children with HbAS had reduced parasite densities as compared to those with HbAA.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our data showed that sickle cell trait (HbAS) protects against high parasitaemia, parasite density [P. falciparum] and anaemia in children, through the enhancement of the acquired and innate immunity, which inhibits parasite proliferation.


PURPOSE
To explore the effect of providing lymphedema information on breast cancer survivors' symptoms and practice of risk-reduction behaviors.

DESIGN
A cross-sectional design was used to obtain data from 136 breast-cancer survivors in New York City from August 2006 to May 2007. Descriptive statistics, t tests, chi-square tests, and correlations were calculated.

METHODS
Data were collected using a demographic and medical information interview tool, two questions regarding status of receiving lymphedema information, the Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire, and Lymphedema Risk-Reduction Behavior Checklist.

FINDINGS
Fifty-seven percent of the participants reported that they received lymphedema information. On average, participants had three lymphedema-related symptoms. Only 18% of participants were free of symptoms. Participants who received information reported significantly fewer symptoms (t=3.03; p<0.00) and practicing more risk-reduction behaviors (t=2.42; p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
Providing lymphedema information has an effect on symptom reduction and more risk-reduction behaviors being practiced among breast cancer survivors.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
In clinical practice, nurses and other healthcare professionals could consider taking the initiative to provide adequate and accurate information and engage breast-cancer survivors in supportive dialogues concerning lymphedema risk-reduction.


In recent years, relationships between high milk yield at dry off, higher prevalence for new intramammary infections, and stress were evaluated. Considering increasing milk yield, dry off methods need to be refined to ensure udder health and animal welfare, especially in high-yielding dairy cows. The present work evaluated the effect of a single cabergoline injection (Velactis, Ceva Santé Animale, Libourne, France) at dry off on udder pressure, milk leakage, and signs of udder pain after dry off. A total of 234 high-yielding (≥16 kg of milk/d) dairy cows was enrolled 7 d before and followed up until 14 d after dry off. Cows were dried off without preparation (i.e., no feed change or intermittent milking before dry off) and treated with a single i.m. injection of 5.6 mg of cabergoline (n = 115) or placebo (n = 119) after last milking. Udder characteristics were measured 4 d before (i.e., before and after milking) and 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, and 14 d after dry off. Udder pressure was evaluated utilizing a hand-held dynamometer. Milk leakage and signs of udder pain were noted as binary variables. Whereas udder pressure baseline values after last milking did not differ between treatment groups (0.541 ± 0.15 kg), cabergoline significantly reduced udder pressure in primiparous but not in multiparous cows after dry off. Differences between cabergoline- and placebo-treated primiparous cows could be evaluated until 3 d after dry off. The first day after dry off, udder pressure in placebo- and cabergoline-treated cows increased by 115% and 42.3%, respectively. Whereas pressure values in placebo cows were highest on the first day after dry off (1.16 ± 0.61 kg) and slowly decreased afterward, udder pressure in cows treated with cabergoline had a slower increase and peak only 2 d after dry off (0.94 ± 0.44 kg). Furthermore, cabergoline caused a reduction of milk leakage, a known factor for new intramammary infections. Only 11.3% of cows treated with cabergoline showed milk leakage compared with 21.0% placebo-treated cows. Additionally, cows with placebo treatment were 2.8 times as likely to show signs of udder pain compared with cows treated with cabergoline. An effect of cabergoline on udder pressure, milk leakage, and udder pain was limited to the first week after dry off. Our data provide evidence that a single injection of cabergoline reduces risk factors for udder health and animal welfare problems around dry off in high-yielding dairy cows with more than 16 kg of milk/d. Further research is warranted, however, to investigate if cabergoline at dry off can also be used to reduce new intramammary infection rates and improve animal welfare after dry off.


An approach to multiscale description of deformation and fracture of brittle porous materials on the basis of movable cellular automaton method was proposed. The material characterized by pore size distribution function having two maxima was considered. The core of the proposed approach consists in finding the automaton effective response function by means of direct numerical simulation of representative volume of the porous material. A hierarchical two-scale model of mechanical behavior of ceramics under compression and shear loading was developed. Zirconia based ceramics with pore size greater than the average grain size was considered. At the first scale of the model only small pores (corresponding to the first maximum of the pore size distribution function) were taking into account explicitly (by removing automata from the initial structure). The representative volume and effective elastic properties of the porous material at this scale were evaluated. At the second scale of the model, big pores were taking into account explicitly, the parameters of the matrix corresponded to the ones determined at the first scale. Simulation results showed that the proposed multiscale model allows qualitatively and quantitatively correct describing of deformation and fracture of brittle material with hierarchical porous structure.


We report on the investigation of contact metamorphism provoked by the emplacement of a shallow magma chamber during the Timanfaya eruption of Lanzarote from 1730 to 1736 AD. The study was carried out on metamorphic xenoliths from basaltic Timanfaya lavas, and shows how the primary basanitic magma was contaminated by sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Mineralogical and chemical studies allowed the definition of several xenolith types. Silica xenoliths (quartz, tridymite, cristobalite or a mixture of these, constituting more than 50 % of the xenolith) and calc-silicate xenoliths (wollastonite, sometimes the 2M type, diopside, forsterite or mixture of these, constituting more than 50 % of the xenolith) are the most frequent. Other minerals recognized were calcite, dolomite, augite, enstatite, hypersthene, spinel and scapolite. The mineralogy and some textures of the metamorphic forsteritic xenoliths are identical to those found in ultrabasic xenoliths (dunites) and point to a possible metamorphic origin for some of them. Major and trace elements showed a diversity of composition, controlled by the mineralogy. The REE composition of the metamorphic xenoliths is high, compared with the sedimentary xenoliths not affected by metamorphism. The mineral assemblages define metamorphic facies of low, medium and high grade, depending on the distance of the sedimentary rocks from the magma chamber border. The IGPETWIN-MIXING program was used to verify the contamination process, taking the xenoliths as representative of the sedimentary/metamorphic rocks that were melted. The results indicated that sedimentary/metamorphic rock contamination of a basanitic magma can produce tholeiitic compositions.


This revised edition updates and extends theory and research on nonuniversal developmental domains and related topics. New chapters include a summary of ten years of additional research on the transitions model, as well as introductions to new work on the development of expertise, creativity, and cultural organisms. In this second edition, the author argues that developmental science has transformed since the first edition, consistent with the proposed changes for the field introduced in the first volume. Efforts are also made in this edition to bring the work into closer contact with cognitive science, educational research, contextual frameworks, and applied fields.


The aim of this work is to enable inference of deep networks that retain high accuracy for the least possible model complexity, with the latter deduced from the data during inference. To this end, we revisit deep networks that comprise competing linear units, as opposed to nonlinear units that do not entail any form of (local) competition. In this context, our main technical innovation consists in an inferential setup that leverages solid arguments from Bayesian nonparametrics. We infer both the needed set of connections or locally competing sets of units, as well as the required floating-point precision for storing the network parameters. Specifically, we introduce auxiliary discrete latent variables representing which initial network components are actually needed for modeling the data at hand, and perform Bayesian inference over them by imposing appropriate stick-breaking priors. As we experimentally show using benchmark datasets, our approach yields networks with less computational footprint than the state-of-the-art, and with no compromises in predictive accuracy.


The aim of the article: to assess the dynamics of the population coverage of preventive inspections dentists. Material and methods: analytical, statistical, and direct observation. Results. Increase in the number of patients receiving artificial limbs, for example, in the North Caucasus Federal District (+21.8% from 2008 to 2009) And Far East (-30.1 % over the same period). Given that in the North Caucasus Federal District smallest number of patients received pros-theses, such a growth indicator may be due to the volume of supply in the region, taking into account the needs of the population. The sharp decline in the availability of prosthetic patients Far East against the background of dissonance between sanitized and in need of rehabilitation patients with sufficient personnel potential evidence of regional problems in dental care. Even more interesting is the distribution of the proportion of patients who received free dentures. In the North Caucasus Federal District, along with an increase in the total number of patients who received artificial limbs, sharply reduced the proportion of patients who received them free of charge (-64.9% from 2008 to 2009). In a number of countries have not produced any free prosthetics. Conclusion. Reduced the number of patients who received pros-theses, especially for free. The most unfavorable situation is observed in the North Caucasus Federal District (-64.9%), mainly due to the Chechen Republic and the Republic of Dagestan, where the figure is zero. The current situation in the field of dental care, requires a differentiated approach and to adequately address problems from a regional perspective.


Recently deep neural networks have received considerable attention due to their ability to extract and represent high-level abstractions in data sets. Deep neural networks such as fully-connected and convolutional neural networks have shown excellent performance on a wide range of recognition and classification tasks. However, their hardware implementations currently suffer from large silicon area and high power consumption due to the their high degree of complexity. The power/energy consumption of neural networks is dominated by memory accesses, the majority of which occur in fully-connected networks. In fact, they contain most of the deep neural network parameters. In this paper, we propose sparsely-connected networks, by showing that the number of connections in fully-connected networks can be reduced by up to 90% while improving the accuracy performance on three popular datasets (MNIST, CIFAR10 and SVHN). We then propose an efficient hardware architecture based on linear-feedback shift registers to reduce the memory requirements of the proposed sparsely-connected networks. The proposed architecture can save up to 90% of memory compared to the conventional implementations of fully-connected neural networks. Moreover, implementation results show up to 84% reduction in the energy consumption of a single neuron of the proposed sparsely-connected networks compared to a single neuron of fully-connected neural networks.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze factors that are related to whether registered nurses (RNs) work (WK) or do not work (NW) in nursing; and if the RN works, whether she works full- (FT) or part-time (PT).

DATA SOURCES
Secondary data from National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses 2000 (NSSRN), the InterStudy Competitive Edge Part III Regional Market Analysis (2001), and the Area Resource File (2002).

STUDY DESIGN
Using a cross-sectional design we tested the relationship between WK or NW and FT or PT; and demographic, job-related, and metropolitan statistical area (MSA)-level variables.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS
We combined the data sources noted above to produce the analytic sample of 25,471 female RNs.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Working in nursing is not independent of working FT or PT. Age (55 and older), other family income, and prior other work experience in health care are negatively related to working as an RN. The wage is not related to working as an RN, but negatively influences FT work. Age, children, minority status, student status, employment status, other income, and some job settings have a negative impact on working FT. Previous health care work has a positive effect on whether married RNs worked. Married RNs who are more dissatisfied are less likely to work FT. A greater number of market-level factors influence FT/PT than WK/NW behavior.

CONCLUSIONS
An important contribution of this study is demonstrating that MSA-level variables influence RN work behavior. The market environment seems to have little effect on whether a nurse works, but is influential on how much the nurse works, and has differential effects on married versus single nurses.


When determining the phase from the projected fringes by using continuous wavelet transform (CWT), selection of wavelet is an important step. A new wavelet for phase retrieval from the fringe pattern with the spatial carrier frequency in the x direction is presented. As a mother wavelet, zero order generalized Morse wavelet (GMW) is chosen because of the flexible spatial and frequency localization property, and it is exactly analytic. In this study, GMW method is explained and numerical simulations are carried out to show the validity of this technique for finding the phase distributions. Results for the Morlet and Paul wavelets are compared with the results of GMW analysis.


The local economic impact of a cultural event or facility derives from the money spent by its audience. It can be reliably measured - once it is understood what exactly is being measured - only by observing several methodological ground rules: use of an ad hoc local economic model; exclusion of certain kinds of expenditure; calculation of costs. After estimation, the findings require that caution be exercised when using them for justifying local government subsidies for a cultural activity. This note sets out the reasons underlying this attitude.


Mg 97.3 Zn 2.3 Y 0.4 alloy has been subjected to twin-roll casting (TRC) process. As-cast microstructure consists of α-Mg dendrite and icosahedral interdendritic phase. The icosahedral phase present in TRC alloy is found to be thermally unstable and transforms to H-phase and W-phase during subsequent thermo-mechanical treatment (TMT) at 400°C. It shows that the pre-heating condition has a significant effect on the microstructural evolution during TMT. The specimen pre-heated at 400°C for 30min shows elongated microstructure after TMT, while the specimen pre-heated at 400°C for 12 h shows equiaxed recrystallized structure after TMT. Such homogeneous microstructure of the specimen pre-heated at 400°C for 12 h results in better combinations of strength and ductility than the specimen pre-heated at 400°C for 30min.


Research aim was to test the tolerance of a range of maize hybrids to infectious pressure of the pathogen Fusarium graminearum in climatic conditions of Almaj Depression. Stage of research is being characteristic for partial interpretation of experimental data after the first experimental year, in preparation the doctoral thesis. Materials and methods. Experimental field was located in climatic conditions Almaj Depression. Technology was the standard applied to this area. The experience was bifactorial. First factor was the hybrid grown with six graduations, provenance hybrids was Monsanto with different vegetation periods, (DKC 3511, DKC 4626, DKC 4964, DKC 4983, DKC 5783 and DKC 5170). Factor B was the plant density with tw graduations (N 0, N 100 and N 200) all three doses were applied on a constant background elements of P 80 K 80. The novelty is relatively high, work providing important data for agricultural practice in the experimental area, taking in consideration the implications of fungus Fusarium in yield preservation during winter in normal farm conditions. Achievements stage in this field. In this work were carried out research including one of authors, known as the reference and possible reactions of the pathogen depending on local biocoenosis factors. Limits of the research are that data from the fungus Ustilago maydis are just after one year bonitation. Practical implications of the research consisted of playing a part of a complex study of strategy in the protection of maize reference experience. The originality of the work comes from the fact that data are relevant in view of uniformity of hybrid origin, these data are only part of the data submitted for interpretation in the preparation of the doctoral experience of the author. Importance of the paper became from bringing in front of the specialists of one of the topics in the experiences of the author's doctoral preparing, to evaluate the accuracy of techniques addressed. The relevant data, experimental results give an overview of pathogen behavior in relation to hybrids experienced by groups of precocity.


The five elements - governmental authorities, public discourse, corporate and market interests, citizens' associations and international agencies - may help in figuring out the complex and challenging purpose of the research work presented in this volume which is nothing less than the history of the governance of cultural and natural heritage in eleven countries, from its outset to the present.Speaking about governance is challenging. The term has been vastly used and misused. But today, when the feverish popularity of the concept is probably in decline, we rest with one solid conviction at least: that social, economic, cultural and institutional processes are governed not only through government (be it national or local) with its legislative, administrative and jurisdictional mechanisms, but through a larger array of different actors and factors. These include schools and universities, citizens' associations, public opinion, economic corporations, non-governmental organizations, learned societies, unions, media, international agencies, clubs, consultants etc. In fact, the reader is going to meet quite a few of these actors in this publication; they are the unavoidable characters involved in the story the authors have set out to tell.


New structures for efficient coupling of light from an antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) to integrated photodiode are proposed and analyzed. Both end-fire and leaky-wave types of coupling have been considered and it is found that high-coupling efficiencies can be achieved by exploiting the intrinsic properties of the ARROW structure without requiring additional non-IC compatible materials. The coupling structures were simulated using a simple ray optics model as well as the beam propagation method (BPM). Fabrication process conditions and measurement results for various coupling structures are presented.


A prominent class of nonlinear time series models are threshold autoregressive models. Recently work by Kapetanios (2000) has shown in a Monte Carlo setting that the superconsistency property of the threshold parameter estimates does not translate to superior performance in small samples. Another issue concerning inference for the threshold parameters relates to estimation of their standard errors. As the asymptotic distribution of the threshold parameters is neither normal nor nuisance parameter free, an outstanding issue is how to obtain standard errors and confidence intervals for them. This paper aims to address these issues. In particular, we suggest that using extraneous information on the location of the threshold parameters may lead to better estimates. The extraneous information comes in the form of moment conditions that relate residuals of standard threshold models to shocks driving other variables. Additionally the paper considers the problem of estimating standard errors and confidence intervals for threshold parameter estimates. We suggest use of the bootstrap for this problem.


This paper presents regional velocity field determined using time series from Polish Ground-Based Augmentation System (ASG-EUPOS). The system has been operating since mid-2008, so the velocities obtained through the processing of 3-year time series are supposed to be reliable from statistical point of view. The paper presents intraplate velocities (IPV) determined using geological model NUVEL-1A NNR and geological-geodetic APKIM2005 in comparison to geodetic determination (ITRF global velocities and ETRF frame).


The morphology of blood vessels in retinal fundus images is an important indicator of diseases like glaucoma, hypertension and diabetic retinopathy. The accuracy of retinal blood vessels segmentation affects the quality of retinal image analysis which is used in diagnosis methods in modern ophthalmology. Contrast enhancement is one of the crucial steps in any of retinal blood vessel segmentation approaches. The reliability of the segmentation depends on the consistency of the contrast over the image. This paper presents an assessment of the suitability of a recently invented spatially adaptive contrast enhancement technique for enhancing retinal fundus images for blood vessel segmentation. The enhancement technique was integrated with a variant of Tyler Coye algorithm, which has been improved with Hough line transformation based vessel reconstruction method. The proposed approach was evaluated on two public datasets STARE and DRIVE. The assessment was done by comparing the segmentation performance with five widely used contrast enhancement techniques based on wavelet transform, contrast limited histogram equalization, local normalization, linear un-sharp masking and contourlet transform. The results revealed that the assessed enhancement technique is well suited for the application and also outperforms all compared techniques.


The agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia affects normal grammatical language production, often occurs with apraxia of speech, and is associated with left frontal abnormalities on cross-sectional neuroimaging studies. We aimed to perform a detailed assessment of longitudinal change on structural and molecular neuroimaging to provide a complete picture of neurodegeneration in these patients, and to determine how patterns of progression compare to patients with isolated apraxia of speech (primary progressive apraxia of speech). We assessed longitudinal structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET in 11 agrammatic aphasia subjects, 20 primary progressive apraxia of speech subjects, and 62 age and gender-matched controls with two serial assessments. Rates of change in grey matter volume and hypometabolism, and white matter fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity and axial diffusivity were assessed at the voxel-level and for numerous regions of interest. The greatest rates of grey matter atrophy in agrammatic aphasia were observed in inferior, middle, and superior frontal gyri, premotor and motor cortices, as well as medial temporal lobe, insula, basal ganglia, and brainstem compared to controls. Longitudinal decline in metabolism was observed in the same regions, with additional findings in medial and lateral parietal lobe. Diffusion tensor imaging changes were prominent bilaterally in inferior and middle frontal white matter and superior longitudinal fasciculus, as well as right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, superior frontal and precentral white matter. More focal patterns of degeneration of motor and premotor cortex were observed in primary progressive apraxia of speech. Agrammatic aphasia showed greater rates of grey matter atrophy, decline in metabolism, and white matter degeneration compared to primary progressive apraxia of speech in the left frontal lobe, predominantly inferior and middle frontal grey and white matter. Correlations were also assessed between rates of change on neuroimaging and rates of clinical decline. Progression of aphasia correlated with rates of degeneration in frontal and temporal regions within the language network, while progression of parkinsonism and limb apraxia correlated with degeneration of motor cortex and brainstem. These findings demonstrate that disease progression in agrammatic aphasia is associated with widespread neurodegeneration throughout regions of the language network, as well as connecting white matter tracts, but also with progression to regions outside of the language network that are responsible for the development of motor symptoms. The fact that patterns of progression differed from primary progressive apraxia of speech supports the clinical distinction of these syndromes.


Epigenetics is increasingly recognised as an important molecular mechanism underlying phenotypic variation. To study DNA methylation in ecological and evolutionary contexts, epiRADseq is a cost-effective next-generation sequencing technique based on reduced representation sequencing of genomic regions surrounding non-/methylated sites. EpiRADseq for genome-wide methylation abundance and ddRADseq for genome-wide SNP genotyping follow very similar library and sequencing protocols, but to date these two types of dataset have been handled separately. Here we test the performance of using epiRADseq data to generate SNPs for population genomic analyses. We tested the robustness of using epiRADseq data for population genomics with two independent datasets: a newly generated single-end dataset for the European whitefish Coregonus lavaretus, and a re-analysis of publicly available, previously published paired-end data on corals. Using standard bioinformatic pipelines with a reference genome and without (i.e. de novo catalogue loci), we compared the number of SNPs retained, population genetic summary statistics, and population genetic structure between data drawn from ddRADseq and epiRADseq library preparations. We find that SNPs drawn from epiRADseq are similar in number to those drawn from ddRADseq, with a 55-83% of SNPs being identified by both methods. Genotyping error rate was <5% in both approaches. For summary statistics such as heterozygosity and nucleotide diversity, there is a strong correlation between methods (Spearman's rho > 0.88). Furthermore, identical patterns of population genetic structure were recovered using SNPs from epiRADseq and ddRADseq approaches. We show that SNPs obtained from epiRADseq are highly similar to those from ddRADseq and are equivalent for estimating genetic diversity and population structure. This finding is particularly relevant to researchers interested in genetics and epigenetics on the same individuals because using a single epigenomic approach to generate two datasets greatly reduces the time and financial costs compared to using these techniques separately. It also efficiently enables correction of epigenetic estimates with population genetic data. Many studies will benefit from a combinatorial approach with genetic and epigenetic markers and this demonstrates a single, efficient method to do so.


We report results on experimental and theoretical studies of structural and magnetic properties of FePt:B 2 O 3 nanocomposite films. It was found for films prepared by magnetron sputtering with subsequent annealing that lattice parameters a and c of fct FePt change with significantly different rates with increase of the B 2 O 3 fraction. As a consequence, fundamental magnetic properties change markedly, with the Curie temperature decreasing by 36% for 25% FePt volume fraction compared with the bulk value. Using an ab initio parametrization of magnetic interactions, we propose statistical model of thermal fluctuations in fct FePt, which explains these observations. Our modeling results demonstrate that the observed phenomena originate in the variation of the exchange interaction parameters with the changes in the cla ratio. We find that the main factor of this variation is the increase of the difference between the in-plane and interplane exchange interactions as c/a decreases from its bulk value due to stress exerted by the B 2 O 3 matrix.


Generative models of protein structure enable researchers to predict the behavior of proteins under different conditions. Continuous graphical models are powerful and efficient tools for modeling static and dynamic distributions, which can be used for learning generative models of molecular dynamics. In this thesis, we develop new and improved continuous graphical models, to be used in modeling of protein structure. We first present von Mises graphical models, and develop consistent and efficient algorithms for sparse structure learning and parameter estimation, and inference. We compare our model to sparse Gaussian graphical model and show it outperforms GGMs on synthetic and Engrailed protein molecular dynamics datasets. Next, we develop algorithms to estimate Mixture of von Mises graphical models using Expectation Maximization, and show that these models outperform Von Mises, Gaussian and mixture of Gaussian graphical models in terms of accuracy of prediction in imputation test of non-redundant protein structure datasets. We then use non-paranormal and nonparametric graphical models, which have extensive representation power, and compare several state of the art structure learning methods that can be used prior to nonparametric inference in reproducing kernel Hilbert space embedded graphical models. To be able to take advantage of the nonparametric models, we also propose feature space embedded belief propagation, and use random Fourier based feature approximation in our proposed feature belief propagation, to scale the inference algorithm to larger datasets. To improve the scalability further, we also show the integration of Coreset selection algorithm with the nonparametric inference, and show that the combined model scales to large datasets with very small adverse effect on the quality of predictions. Finally, we present time varying sparse Gaussian graphical models, to learn smoothly varying graphical models of molecular dynamics simulation data, and present results on CypA protein.