Real systems are often driven by switching reference signals which affect dynamics and/or equilibrium points. This technical note addresses the computation of upper bounds of the minimum commutation time ensuring stability for switching nonlinear systems. Specifically, we consider the cases of constant and variable equilibrium point of interest, for polynomial systems and for a class of non-polynomial systems. We hence propose upper bounds of the sought minimum commutation time by adopting homogeneous polynomial Lyapunov functions for the former case and polynomial Lyapunov functions for the latter one, which can be computed via linear matrix inequaltiy optimizations for given Lyapunov functions.


Smartphones with capabilities for wireless Internet and GPS have become increasingly common in recent years, and a consequence of this is that pervasive games have become more interesting from both an academical and a commercial point of view. Another area of interest is lifelong learning, which offers a more modern take on education compared to the traditional learning model. In this thesis we aim to discover whether or not pervasive gaming can help achieve lifelong learning. This is done by creating a prototype of a pervasive game in a lifelong learning context for Android, analyzing the effectiveness of the prototype, and using the experiences drawn from it to design a platform to run knowledge competitions. We achieved this by conducting a prestudy on the Android mobile phone operating system (including extension applications), the history of Trondheim, lifelong learning, pervasive games, and the use of pervasive games in a lifelong learning context. During the prestudy we found out that there are several external applications and features of Android that can be utilized to expand the social, spatial, and temporal expansions of pervasive games. We also found that, in theory, pervasive games proved to be a suitable platform to support lifelong learning. We then designed and developed a prototype on Android to run a puzzle race called "The Amazing City Game". The race consisted of completing different tasks related to the history of Trondheim, while traveling between many of the historical sites in the city. A demonstration race was conducted in early May with four groups of two students each, using the authors and supervisors of this thesis as group observers. At the end of the race, the participants filled out a survey. Using the observations from the race and the results from the survey we found that the prototype was perceived as fun and educational. However, construction of the race was challenging with many pitfalls concerning ambiguous tasks, use of language, and game balance. Finally, we have provided a possible design for a platform for running knowledge competitions. We used the experiences from the development of the prototype, and the results from the demonstration race to design a cleaner and more complete framework. This includes a refinement of the existing functionality and user interface, adding requirements, and providing an extended discussion on topics such as having an online community, possible server solutions, and security measures against cheating. We believe that the concept of puzzle races in a lifelong learning context is an interesting concept that could have positive effects if utilized in the real world.


Increased emphasis on the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classes has led to heightened research attention to educational practices affecting the outcomes of these students. Educational interventions, including homework, have been the focus of several studies, including those in which the opinions of educators and parents have been sampled through focus group interviews. The purpose of this study was to establish, through a national survey, the perceived effectiveness of several strategies for improving homework communication between parents, students, and teachers. Initially, principals were asked to randomly select two teachers from their schools for the survey. These nominated teachers then were mailed a survey on homework recommendations. A total of 639 general education teachers (50.5%) responded. The results indicated that these general education teachers perceived several common practices, as well as use of technology, to be highly effective for improving home-school communication about homework for students with disabilities. Among the most highly ranked recommendations were release and mutual planning time, assignment books and logs, parent attendance at meetings and daily monitoring of their child's homework, and use of telephone networks or answering machines to provide remote access to assignments. Several practice recommendations are discussed.


BACKGROUND
The present study aimed to calibrate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) using one 24-h recall (R24) associated with foodstuff replicas.

METHODS
Calibration was performed by linear regression. Of a probability sample of 150 individuals (>18 years) of the town of Bambui, 98 completed the study.

RESULTS
The mean age of the participants was 43.8 years and 63.3% were women. The calibration of the FFQ included sex for the estimation of iron, protein and zinc; and an interaction between sex and R24 was significant for vitamin A and cholesterol models. Age contributed to the vitamin C, polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins and zinc models, and an interaction between age and R24 was significant for protein and zinc.

CONCLUSIONS
Calibration coefficients and many interactions in linear regression models revealed important differences between dietary methods, indicating the complexity encountered when combining two methodologies for estimating food intake.


This work introduces an algebraic method of the calculation of an initial design of a two-element optical system composed of a thick afocal meniscus lens and a thin lens element, which can be formed, for example, by a cemented doublet. The third-order aberration theory is used to find the fundamental parameters of the starting configuration of a given optical system. The method gives results that make it possible to obtain a good starting design for further optimization of such imaging systems using optical design software. The proposed method is presented on two examples of finding the initial design parameters of the objective with an afocal meniscus lens and a cemented doublet.


A theoretical analysis was carried out to estimate the quasi-steady-state external mass transport by lattice, surface and gaseous diffusion in terms of the stereologically measurable microstructural parameters of a mixed powder compact. It was shown that the gaseous transport can be described by a single dimensionless quantity termed sublimation transport modulus. Using these equations, the relative importance of the alternate external transport modes can be evaluated. Experimental work determined the reaction isotherms for the formation of lead zirconate from yellow PbO and monoclinic zirconia between 710/sup 0/C to 810/sup 0/C for two zirconia size distributions. The larger zirconia showed diffusion controlled shrinking core kinetics up to about 90 percent reaction while the smaller zirconia indicated a diffusion controlled spherical growth of up to 85 percent reaction after an instantaneous nucleation at a limited number of sites. The difference was attributed to the differences in the mixing time and not to the particulate sizes. It was observed that for the same size range, a longer mixing operation gave a better dispersion of reactants which resulted in a higher nucleation site density required for a shrinking core type of product morphology and faster kinetics. A microprobe profile analysis of partially reacted particlesmore » confirmed that for the shorter mixing period, reaction resultedin a nucleation-growth-impingement type of morphology. The activation energy as calculated from the nucleation-growth model fit to the data was 138 Kcal/mole which is close to 131 Kcal/mole reported for Pb/sup 2 +/ diffusion in PbZrO/sub 3/. Approximate calculations show that the gaseous external mass flux of PbO was negligible compared to the lattice or surface diffusive flux.« less


Conclusions. The clinical presentation of otogenic dural sinus thrombosis (DST) as a complication of acute otitis media (AOM) can be masked by antibiotic treatment. Morning episodes of vomiting and/or headache, visual impairment and a history of AOM seem to be indicative of otogenic hydrocephalus. We therefore advocate that the MRI scans of patients with similar symptoms should be carefully studied to facilitate the early diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening complication. Objective. To describe the frequency, pathognomonic signs, clinical course and outcome of otogenic hydrocephalus and DST as complications of AOM in pediatric patients. Material and methods. We undertook a retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients (age 1–14 years) treated for otitis media and its complications at an academic medical center between 1999 and 2003. The main outcome measures were otologic and ophthalmologic findings and CT and MRI scans at the beginning of treatment and 3 months later. Results. We report on five cases with otogenic DST following AOM. All but one of them presented initially with diplopia caused by otogenic hydrocephalus. In four cases the otologic complaints had already disappeared by the time of MRI confirmation of the diagnosis. Only one child was referred with severe otologic symptoms. Management included systemic antibiotics, short-term heparin anticoagulation and surgical decompression. In our cases, even after intensive i.v. antibiotic treatment, only surgery led to a significant improvement in the clinical condition.


Amidst burgeoning attention for global value chains (GVCs) in international business (IB), this paper aims to identify a clear "missing link" in this literature and discusses implications for research and corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy-making and implementation.,The paper combines an overview of relevant literature from different (sub)disciplinary fields, with insights from practitioner and expert interviews and secondary data.,Because IB GVC research stems from a focus on lead firms and their producing suppliers, it lacks attention for intermediary actors that may significantly impact the organization of production in general, and firms' CSR commitments in particular. Import intermediaries are often "hidden" in GVCs. This paper indicates the emergence of GVC parallelism with "frontstage" chains managed by lead firms and increasingly exposed to public scrutiny following calls for transparency and CSR, and "backstage" ones in which buyers and intermediaries operate more opaquely.,This study points at salient yet little known practices and actors that influence the organization of production and the implementation of CSR policies in various ways, and therefore offers ground for reflection on the design of proper supply chain and CSR policies.,This study exposes a hitherto neglected category of actors in GVCs and broader IB research and discusses implications, relevance and areas for further investigation. An illustrative example explicates the importance of carefully considering this "missing link". The study emphasizes the need for further study into ways in which both lead firms and intermediaries deal with contradicting demands of implementing CSR policies and offering competitive prices with short lead times.


web is a huge repository of knowledge and numerous hyperlinks. Web also serves a broad diversity of user communities and global information service centers. Every day the knowledge in web page upwards rapidly. Web pages can be used to convey the knowledge to web users. Such voluminous size of the web makes an intricacy of web information retrieval, web content filtering and web structure mining. Hence, it is essential for proper categorization of web pages. This paper demonstrates the web page categorization problem as the multi classification task and provides a suitable solution using a supervised learning technique namely multilayer perceptron. The classification model is generated by learning the features that have been extracted from HTML structure and URL of the web page. Feature reduction techniques have been applied to select optimum features and a model is learned. The experimental results of the multilayer perceptron models before and after feature reduction has been evaluated and observed that the multilayer perceptron model with reduced features performs well. KeywordsMultilayer perceptron, Training, Web page.


Abstract Orchis militaris L. underwent a catastrophic decline in range and plant numbers in the British Isles around the end of the nineteenth century, and was long thought to be nationally extinct. A small number of colonies have been discovered since then, including one in Buckinghamshire, which has been recorded annually almost every year since its discovery in 1947. This paper presents an analysis of the demography and behaviour of this population using census data which have been collected annually from 1977 to 1995. Yew trees which shaded the site occupied by the orchids were removed in 1984 and 1989, and the growth of the herb layer has been strongly constrained by active management since 1989. Since the start of this period of intensive management, the annual gains and losses of plants in the population have become more pronounced, but in most years there has been a net gain in the number of plants. The number and proportion of the emergent plants which flower each year has increased considerably since 1986, and the age structure, which was dominated by older plants prior to 1984, has since become dominated by younger plants, reflecting the increased rate of recruitment and lack of a corresponding increase in mortality. Analyses are presented to show changes in behaviour in consecutive years between the pre-1984 and post-1986 management eras.


The LOX/Hydrocarbon Combustion Instability Investigation Program was structured to determine if the use of light hydrocarbon combustion fuels with liquid oxygen (LOX) produces combustion performance and stability behavior similar to the LOX/hydrogen propellant combination. In particular methane was investigated to determine if that fuel can be rated for combustion instability using the same techniques as previously used for LOX/hydrogen. These techniques included fuel temperature ramping and stability bomb tests. The hot fire program probed the combustion behavior of methane from ambient to subambient temperatures. Very interesting results were obtained from this program that have potential importance to future LOX/methane development programs. A very thorough and carefully reasoned documentation of the experimental data obtained is contained. The hot fire test logic and the associated tests are discussed. Subscale performance and stability rating testing was accomplished using 40,000 lb. thrust class hardware. Stability rating tests used both bombs and fuel temperature ramping techniques. The test program was successful in generating data for the evaluation of the methane stability characteristics relative to hydrogen and to anchor stability models. Data correlations, performance analysis, stability analyses, and key stability margin enhancement parameters are discussed.


is, as a foreword tells us, acceptable as a textbook in the universities and high schools of the German Democratic Republic. The second of these books, Dr. W. Bargmann's, is the second edition of a textbook on normal human microscopical anatomy and histology. Its resemblance to Goerttler's Lehrbuch in subject-matter, layout, and the use of illustrations is remarkable; even the same diagrams are reproduced from the literature in some cases. This may perhaps be traced to the fact that Dr. Bargmann was a pupil of von M6llendorff, presumably at a time when the latter was busy with an earlier edition of the Lehrbuch der Histologie. It is as little possible to criticize minutely Histologie und Mikroskopische Anatomie des Menschen as it is the Lehrbuch der Histologie. Dr. Bargmann, single-handed, has produced a monumental work of reference for the microscopical anatomist, lavishly illustrated by all convenient methods. That he has made an effort to reduce the size of his book is shown by the condensation of the two earlier parts into one volume in this edition. These two books are so similar in every way that the questions must inevitably arise of whom they are intended for and whether there is a genuine need for the two. It is easier to answer the second question than the first by noting the regularity with which the Lehrbuch der Histologie has presented new editions and that Dr. Bargmann's second edition appears but five years after his first. An audience for the books will be readily found in all those concerned with normal and pathological microscopy of human tissues. In an attempt to compare and contrast these two books and as some sort of aid to a prospective purchaser, it should be noted that Bargmann's book is larger, heavier, and more expensive than Goerttler's. The production of both is of a high order. I. A. B. CATHIE.


the unrestricted and in any provided the original work is properly cited. Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) has been considered as a promising solution for Smart Grid due to the significant advantages over traditional communication technologies. However, as a necessary function for monitoring, diagnosing, and controlling of remote electrical equipment, Quality of Service (QoS) is still a challenging problem in applying WSN in Smart Grid. This paper presents a comprehensive experimental study on optimization of multiobject QoS in cross-layers of WSN protocol. In PHY layer, a Link Quality Estimator is studied for the purpose of evaluating link quality under harsh Smart Grid environments. In MAC layer, a QoS Enhanced MAC algorithm is used to prevent disorderly contentions among nodes and to allocate more channel resources for critical traffic; in NWK layer, a routing algorithm is introduced for multiobject QoS optimization. All the algorithms are cooperated with each other in cross-layer manner to improve end-to-end reliability and latency. In comparison with other counterparts, the proposed algorithms achieve preferable performances. Finally, field experiments were conducted, the result of which showed that the proposed algorithms outperform the ZigBee protocol and the original Distribution Grid wireless communication technology in terms of the QoS performance of critical traffic.


Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of subtenon injection of Botulinum toxin A (Dysport) in acute 6th nerve palsy. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 28 patients with 6th nerve palsy of less than 3 months' duration without history of extraocular muscles abnormality. Ophthalmic examinations included visual acuity, degree of eye deviation, slitlamp biomicroscopy and funduscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 14 subjects received subtenon injection of 20 IU Dysport over the medial rectus muscle and 14 subjects served as controls who were followed without any injection. All patients were followed for at least 6 months. Distance esotropia of less than 10 prism diopters (PD) was defined as recovery. Results: The two groups were comparable regarding age and duration of the disease. The most frequent risk factor (42.9%) was diabetes mellitus. Mean duration to achieve recovery was 12.5+6.8 days in the treatment group and 63.5+26.4 days in the control group (P<0.001). At final follow up, all patients in the treatment group and 13 patients (92.9%) in the control group recovered completely (P= 0.71). Conclusion: Subtenon injection of Botulinum toxin A for acute 6th nerve palsy effectively reduces recovery time.


Abstract. Changing temperature regime has an important effect on the respiratory metabolism of Glomeris balcanica. A left skewing response of animals to increasing temperature is revealed and modeled. Acclimation from fluctuating to constant temperatures depresses metabolism through a three-step process. Short-term acclimation results in strongly depressed metabolism, mid-term acclimation induces metabolic recovery, whereas long-term acclimation results in an irreversible decline of metabolic activity. Heavy metal burdens of food do not affect the left skewing thermal response of animals, although they depress metabolic levels at the high temperature range, shorten tolerance ranges by shifting down the upper tolerance threshold, enlarge optimal temperature range (metabolic constancy) and stimulate the faster activation of the metabolic compensatory mechanism. Finally, no effect of short-term fasting on respiration was detected.


In this paper, we have demonstrated successfully a new approach for evaluating the hot-carrier reliability in submicron LDD MOSFET with various drain engineering. It was developed based on an efficient charge pumping measurement technique along with a new criterion. This new criterion is based on an understanding of the interface state (N/sub it/) distribution, instead of substrate current or impact ionization rate, for evaluating the hot-carrier reliability of drain-engineered devices. The position of the peak N/sub it/ distribution as well as the electric field distribution is critical to the device hot-carrier reliability. From the characterized N/sub it/ spatial distribution, we found that the shape of the interface state distribution is similar to that of the electric field. Also, to suppress the spacer-induced degradation, we should keep the peak values of interface state away from the spacer region. In our studied example, for conventional LDD device, sidewall spacer is the dominant damaged region since the interface state in this region causes an additional series resistance which leads to drain current degradation. LATID device can effectively reduce hot-carrier effect since most of the interface states are generated away from the gate edge toward the channel region such that the spacer-induced resistance effect is weaker than that of LDD devices.


Introduction. The article analyzes the development of Kalmykia's fishing industry between 1926 and 1932. Goals. The paper seeks to review the formation and development processes within the regional fishing industry during the NEP era, providing insight into local peculiarities thereof to be traced through documented collectivization and industrialization activities among seminomadic Kalmyks in the Lower Volga and Northern Caspian. Materials and Methods. The work employs a number of historical research methods, such as chronological and problem-chronological ones that made it possible to shed light on the topic mentioned above. The study involves quite diverse sources, namely: materials mentioning the development of fishing industry in the territory of Kalmyk Autonomous Oblast (including unrelated scholarly papers), administrative files and reports from different archives, field observations, etc. The main criteria the research rests on are accuracy and objectiveness. Results and Conclusions. The conducted analysis reveals certain practices and business models adopted during the shaping and infrastructure development of the autonomy, clarifies mechanisms and results of interaction between the central Government and regional authorities exercised throughout the process. The paper also illustrates all the stages passed and challenges faced by the newly reestablished ethnic region and its executives to create a sustainable fishing industry for further prosperity of the territory and its population.


We present Shallow MAC (ShMAC), a fixed-input-length message authentication code that performs most of the computation prior to the availability of the message. Specifically, ShMAC's message-dependent computation is much faster and smaller in hardware than the evaluation of a pseudorandom permutation (PRP) and can be implemented by a small shallow circuit, while its precomputation consists of one PRP evaluation. A main building block for ShMAC is the notion of strong differential uniformity (SDU), which we introduce and which may be of independent interest. We show an efficient SDU construction built from previously considered differentially uniform functions. Our main motivating application is a system architecture where a hardware-secured processor uses memory controlled by an adversary. We also present in technical detail a novel, efficient approach to encrypting and authenticating memory and discuss the associated tradeoffs, while paying special attention to minimizing hardware costs and the reduction of Dynamic Random Access Memory latency.


BACKGROUND
The results of studies examining food insecurity and obesity in adults are conflicting. Discrepancies could be due to the use of different instruments or to cultural factors that influence response patterns.

OBJECTIVE
The goal was to examine the relation of food insecurity to weight status in low-income Latino women.

DESIGN
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 559 low-income Latino women selected by convenience sampling. The survey included the 18-item US Household Food Security Scale, 2 items related to current and past food insufficiency, demographic information, and measured heights and weights. Data were collected between February and May 2001 in 6 California counties. The main outcomes were frequency of overweight and obesity, defined by a body mass index (in kg/m(2)) of 25-29.9 (overweight) and >30 (obese). Data analysis included analysis of variance, Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test, and logistic regression.

RESULTS
The prevalence of food insecurity was 50-60%, and that of obesity was 37.4%. Controlling for years spent in the United States, per capita income, and parity, food insecurity with hunger, measured by the 10-item adult scale of the Food Security Scale, was significantly related to obesity (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.14, 3.53). No interaction between years spent in the United States and current food insecurity was observed. Current food insufficiency, as measured by a single item, was not related to obesity. However, severe past food insufficiency was related to obesity in the US-born population only.

CONCLUSION
Food insecurity appears to be related to obesity in Latino women, but choice of instruments might influence the results.


The suggestion that blockade of the cardiac sympathetic nerves might be helpful in patients with angina pectoris has received some experimental support (Apthorp, Chamberlain, and Hayward, 1964; Hamer et al., 1964). The increased myocardial contractility during exercise is produced by stimulation of beta-adrenergic sympathetic fibres (Ahlquist, 1948) which are specifically blocked by pronethalol and propranolol (Dornhorst and Robinson, 1962; Black et al., 1964). These drugs have been shown to decrease myocardial contractility under a variety of circumstances, and it seems likely that the consequent reduction in myocardial work might be responsible for their beneficial effect in angina pectoris. In order to assess the mechanisms by which exercise tolerance is increased after beta-adrenergic blockade, we have undertaken a study of the effects of propranolol on cardiovascular function at rest and during exercise in a series of patients with ischvmic heart disease.


Sulprostone, a syntetic E2 analogue is given to increase uterine muscle tone and recommended for second –line treatment of atonic postpartum hemorrhage. Actually, his use in current clinical practice is increasing, specially after cesarean section; few clinical reports of side effects have been published and a recent large population-based study describe a low rates of severe side effects.
We present two cases of acute pulmonary edema in two patients after Cesarean section with sulprostone
administration directly into the myometrium.


Granger causality (GC) analysis and metabolic connectivity map (MCM) are two effective connectivity (EC) methods commonly used in functional brain researches. Although they have a common basis in central neurophysiology, their differences in depicting EC are not clear because of absenting data acquired simultaneously and exactly aligned. Integrated positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance image (PET/MR) technology makes this available. Using the "Monash rs-PET/MR" dataset obtained from the OpenNeuro database, we first conducted GC and MCM analysis of the brain dopamine reward circuit, a well-known system mainly consisting of the bilateral Orbital Frontal Cortex (OFC), Caudate (CAU), Nucleus Accumbens (NAc), Thalamus (THA) and Substantia Nigra (SN). Then, we validated their ability of describing EC to priori knowledge. The significance of each directed pathways within group were tested through one-sample t-test (for MCM) or Wilcoxcon test (for GC), the significance level was set at p<0.05 after FDR correction. Three types of connections were found: the cortico-nucleus (long-range), the nucleus-nucleus (neighborhood) and the symmetrical connections. GC revealed long-range connections including OFC-CAU and OFC-NAc; MCM revealed neighborhood connections including NAc-CAU, SN-THA, and THA-CAU, the symmetrical connections including the bilateral NAc, CAU, THA, as well as OFC-CAU. Thus, different patterns in directional networks of dopamine reward circuit revealed by GC and MCM. GC predominated at aspects of cortico-nucleus bidirected connections, while MCM of directed connections among close regions and symmetrical regions. This study implicates that research involving in effective connections should choose an appropriate analysis method according to the study purpose.


Many countries are experiencing persistent, weak medium-term growth and limited fiscal space. Against this background, economic policy agendas—in both advanced and developing economies—are focusing increasingly on structural reforms. While there is broad agreement on the economic benefits of structural reforms, the political-economy of reform is less settled. This is because reforms may generate gains only in the longer term while distributional effects may be sizable in the short run, and because governments may lack political capital to confront vocal interest groups. In these circumstances, politicians may hold back on reforms, fearing they will be penalized at the ballot box. The aim of this Staff Discussion Note is to examine whether the fear of a political cost associated with structural reforms is justified by the available evidence, and whether there are lessons from the data about how reform strategies might be designed to mitigate potential political costs. It provides a major addition to recent IMF analysis examining the output and employment effect of reforms


The symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) are rarely dangerous but sometimes are sufficiently annoying to warrant treatment. Researchers designed this


A Si/Ge heterojunction line tunnel field-effect transistor (LTFET) with a symmetric heteromaterial gate is proposed. Compared to single-material-gate LTFETs, the heteromaterial gate LTFET shows an off-state leakage current that is three orders of magnitude lower, and steeper subthreshold characteristics, without degradation in the on-state current. We reveal that these improvements are due to the induced local potential barrier, which arises from the energy-band profile modulation effect. Based on this novel structure, the impacts of the physical parameters of the gap region between the pocket and the drain, including the work-function mismatch between the pocket gate and the gap gate, the type of dopant, and the doping concentration, on the device performance are investigated. Simulation and theoretical calculation results indicate that the gap gate material and n-type doping level in the gap region should be optimized simultaneously to make this region fully depleted for further suppression of the off-state leakage current.


In today's cluster computing environment, MPI (Message Passing Interface) is the dominant programming paradigm due to its stability. However, MPI programmers are challenged by the nontrivial efforts of creating, dispatching, and synchronizing parallel tasks. Consequently, extensive studies have been done on automatic parallelization. Most of the current parallel compilers use a control-centric approach that faces challenges such as non- or sub-optimal data communication among processors and inability to fully exploit the processing power of the increasingly popular Multi-Core Multi-Processor (MCMP) clusters. In this dissertation, we tackle the above problems by developing a novel framework called APOP ( Automatic Pattern- and Object-based Parallelization). APOP performs parallelization using a data-centric approach and presents parallel tasks as objects. The synchronization among parallel tasks is enforced according to their inter-dependency, leading to a data-driven execution model. The parallel tasks are executed as threads on top of a runtime environment called ODDRE (Object-based Data-Driven Runtime Environment), exploiting thread-level parallelism. In APOP, past parallelization experiences are accumulated as templates and are used to guide future code parallelization through pattern matching. To evaluate the feasibility and advantages of APOP, we have designed and implemented a proof-of-concept parallelizer called PJava and compared the performance of its generated code to those of the handcrafted JOPI (a Java dialect of MPI) code and MPI-C code in the applications of LU factorization and matrix multiplication. The experimental results show that the PJava-generated code achieves better performance than the handcrafted JOPI code and tracks the performance pattern of the MPI-C code. In this research, we have also done an extensive study on the problem of parallelism granularity, in which we used a curve-fitting approach to choose the appropriate task size.


Program planning Is a crucial thing to be designed in order to provide a basic foundation for running an activity and to assess the progress of the job. A well designed program planning will play an Important role In providing a framework to the Implementation stage of the program. Extension as a non formal education conducted In the fisheries communities has an objective to help people to help themselves In terms of Improvement of the quality of life including better livelihoods, better business and better social environment. To achieve this objective, It Is clear that a strategic planning for the Improvement community should be established. People work with the community, such as extension workers, lecturers, researchers, trainers and non govermental organisation should have a holistic view about how should a program planning be constructed to face and to solve the complex Issue of fisheries community development.


Currently, the most important risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Europe is intravenous drug use. To establish a better insight into the epidemiology of hepatitis C among intravenous drug users (IVDUs) in western European countries a systematic review on the prevalence of hepatitis C markers and their determinants was performed. Reports were identified by searches on Medline and on the internet and by screening reference lists of selected papers. The prevalence rates of anti‐HCV in western European IVDUs reported in the 66 studies selected for analysis, ranged between 37 and 98%. No relation was found between prevalence rates and mean age, mean duration of intravenous drug use, geographical area, setting of the study, method of recruitment or the year(s) of collection of samples. Eleven studies concerning the prevalence of HCV‐RNA in hepatitis C‐infected IVDUs were selected for analysis. Prevalence rates ranged from 26 to 86%. Based on five studies, a statistically significant positive linear relation was found between the mean age of study population and the prevalence of HCV‐RNA. Our analysis revealed considerable variation in prevalence rates of hepatitis C markers among IVDUs in western Europe. We found no conclusive explanation for this variability. Further research investigating the dynamics of the hepatitis C epidemic in IVDUs is necessary.


In power electronics modules, heavy aluminium wires, i.e. wire diameters greater than 100 microns, are bonded to the active semiconductor devices and conductor metallization to form electric circuits of the power electronic module. Due to the high currents that may flow through these wires, a single connection usually contains several wires and thus, a large number of wires are used in a power electronics module. Under normal operation or test condition, a significant amount of stresses and strains induced in the wire and bonding interfaces, resulting in failure over time. In this paper, computer modelling techniques are used to analyse the effect of globtop design on the reliability of aluminium wirebonds under cyclic thermal-mechanical loading conditions. The results will show the sensitivity of the reliability of the wirebonds to the changes in the geometry and the material properties of the wirebond globtop.


Economic and safe management of operating nuclear power plants can be highly dependent on the structural integrity assessments for safety critical pressure vessels and piping components. In engineering fracture assessment procedures the full (3-D) residual stress field at a welded joint is usually simplified by considering a representative onedimensional profile through the wall-thickness of the stress tensor component acting normal to the crack face. The stress intensity factor, calculated from this estimated through-thickness stress profile, is used directly in the fracture assessment. Therefore, assessments of defects in welds can be highly sensitive to the through-thickness residual stress profiles assumed in the calculations. There is a need for reliable characterisation of residual stresses in welded structures such as in stainless steel girth welded pipes as there are a lot of discrepancies in the current methodologies used. For example, bounding residual profiles found in fitness for service assessment procedures have been based on examination of residual stress measurements, finite element weld simulation and expert judgment. This approach suffers from the drawback that the upper bound curve can increase as more measurements and data scatter are obtained. The consequence of this is that structural integrity assessments of defective plant can be over-conservative by a large margin, and may lead to unnecessary and costly repair or inspection.

This thesis illustrates how a neural network model, can be developed and applied to predict through-thickness residual stress profiles in austenitic stainless steel pipe girth welds for simplified fracture assessments. The model is validated by comparing predictions with new experimental measurements made using neutron diffraction and contour method. The new measurements were undertaken by fabricating six pipe girth welds with a range of wall-thickness, weld heat input and weld groove geometries. The robustness of the developed artificial neural network (ANN) approach is demonstrated by sensitivity studies in input variables and training data. The performance and suitability of the ANN approach is discussed by comparison with stress profiles recommended in defect assessment procedures. This is followed by an evaluation of whether the use of neural network bounding profiles can lead to non-conservative estimates of stress intensity factor in fracture assessments. The neural network approach shows sufficient potential to be developed into an alternative prediction tool for use in fracture assessment of welded components.


Until the early 1970's, the light poles on the highways were directly fixed to the concrete foundation with the help of a base plate and bolts. Increasing fatality rates during vehicular impact on steel or concrete poles installed on the U.S. highways concerned the highway authorities. Out of this consideration evolved the concept of breakaway supports. The breakaway supports are placed between light poles and foundations, are made up of an aluminum alloy which has a certain strength, are brittle and can be molded. Since these bases house the transformers, they are also called transformer bases (t-bases). Initially, the t-bases had a height of 20 inches that was based on the 1975 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standard. In 1990, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adopted a more stringent 1985 AASHTO light pole/t-base breakaway requirement, due to which t-bases of height 17 inches were manufactured. The new standard also required that the t-bases should be more fragile, but resist certain wind loads in addition to the breakaway requirements. Figure 1.1 shows an actual t-base installed in the field.


Summary Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are malignant mesenchymal tumours that originate from the interstitial pacemaker cells of Cajal. They are particularly rare, comprising only 5% of all GISTs, and often present at an advanced stage. Treatment for these tumours is still a topic of debate due to their low incidence and insidious location. A woman in her mid-70s presented with rectal bleeding and anal discomfort. A 4.5×4 cm anal GIST was diagnosed. A local excision was performed and the patient was further treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. At a 6-month follow-up, the MRI showed that she was disease free. Anorectal GISTs are unusual and tend to be aggressive. Surgical resection is the first-line treatment for primary, localised GISTs. However, the appropriate surgical technique for these tumours is still a topic of debate. Further studies are needed to fully understand the oncologic behaviour of these rare neoplasms.


From the structural characteristics of pores evolving from the vacancy, the structure-dependent nature of localized states, and the role of electronic states in the reaction, we elucidate size effects on the chemical reactivity of porous graphene using density functional theory. The coupling of conjugated π electrons of graphene with localized defect states allows for the reduction reaction or adsorption of exhaust gases on the edge atoms. The charge redistribution, ascertained from the coupling response, activates the weak C-C bond states at the corners, facilitating the dissociation of exhaust gas (e.g., NO). The size matching effect makes that the dissociation barrier of NO on the vacancy is smaller than 8.30 kcal/mol; whereas, larger pores only capture NO. Following the coupling-response mechanism, we propose the structural requirements for chemical applications of porous graphene: the shape and size of the pores are comparable in scale with those of purified molecules.


It is shown how the two treatments in a 2 × 2 crossover trial can be compared with respect to both mean response level and within-subject response variability. Various exact statistical inferences are described, including tests, confidence intervals, and certain decision rules to determine whether the target parameters are within given intervals of interest. These inferences are valid even with few subjects, and no distributional assumption is required about the between-subject variability. Certain general multi-step inferences based on stepwise tests and confidence intevals without multiplicity adjustment are also described that are of interest in this context. The inferences are easily implemented using available statistical software.


M-dwarf stars below a certain mass are convective from their cores to their photospheres. These fully convective objects are extremely numerous, very magnetically active, and the likely hosts of many exoplanets. Here we study, for the first time, dynamo action in simulations of stratified, rotating, fully convective M-dwarf stars. Importantly, we use new techniques to capture the correct full ball geometry down to the center of the star. We find surprising dynamo states in these systems, with the global-scale mean fields confined strongly to a single hemisphere, in contrast to prior stellar dynamo solutions. These hemispheric-dynamo stars are likely to have profoundly different interactions with their surroundings, with important implications for exoplanet habitability and stellar spindown.


purpose. To provide quantification of industryspecific structural shifts in the economy of Ukraine in the medium term per spective as a result of the structural policies application. Methodology. The methodological basis of the study is economic and mathematical modelling using the computable general equilibrium model GTAP (Global Trade Analysis Project). Methods of analysis and synthesis were used in systematization and generalization of modelling results. The study on the theoretical basis of the GTAP model was carried out using the system me thod. findings. The influence of structural policy instruments of the state on the dynamics of economic development in Ukraine is analyzed using the applied general equilibrium model GTAP. The essence and peculiarities of functioning of computable general equilibrium models, scope of their application in the analysis of structural changes in the economy are revealed. Using the GTAP model, the macroeconomic and sectorstructural effects of the implementation of a number of structural policy measures in Ukraine have been quantified, including: exemption from payment of import duties on innovative equipment for processing indus try manufacturers; preferential insurance and export crediting through an export credit agency; foreign trade facilitation; exemp tion of industrial park residents from payment of some direct taxes and fees (VAT, land tax, infrastructure levy). Positive eco nomic effect of the proposed measures in structural and macroeconomic dimensions is argued. The impact of domestic economy restructuring on the dynamics of socioeconomic development and general welfare of the population is estimated. Originality. A methodical approach to quantitative assessment of macroeconomic and sectoralstructural effects in the econo my of Ukraine in the medium term using the applied model of general equilibrium GTAP is proposed. It is revealed that in the medium term, the aggregate effect of the structural policy measures is 11.4 % of GDP growth, both due to intensification of busi ness activity as a whole and due to more efficient use of resources and factors of production in the more productive sectors of the national economy. Among the measures considered, the greatest structural effect is observed as a result of the development of a network of reallife industrial parks in Ukraine. At the same time, structural tariff policy has the lowest potential for economic growth, although it remains an important element in improving manufacturers' access to innovative equipment. practical value. The results obtained can be used as a scientific substantiation of reforms in the industrial and foreign trade policy of Ukraine, aimed at ensuring qualitative structural shifts in the domestic economy.


Variable selection in regression with very big numbers of variables is challenging both in terms of model specification and computation. We focus on genetic studies in the field of survival, and we present a Bayesian‐inspired penalized maximum likelihood approach appropriate for high‐dimensional problems. In particular, we employ a simple, efficient algorithm that seeks maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimates of regression coefficients. The latter are assigned a Laplace prior with a sharp mode at zero, and non‐zero posterior mode estimates correspond to significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Using the Laplace prior reflects a prior belief that only a small proportion of the SNPs significantly influence the response. The method is fast and can handle datasets arising from imputation or resequencing. We demonstrate the localization performance, power and false‐positive rates of our method in large simulation studies of dense‐SNP datasets and sequence data, and we compare the performance of our method to the univariate Cox regression and to a recently proposed stochastic search approach. In general, we find that our approach improves localization and power slightly, while the biggest advantage is in false‐positive counts and computing times. We also apply our method to a real prospective study, and we observe potential association between candidate ABC transporter genes and epilepsy treatment outcomes. Genet. Epidemiol. 34:689–701, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Act VIII of 1871 regulated the disciplinary responsibility of judges. Two categories of disciplinary offences were determined by the legislator. One group was the malfeasances, which were enumerated by the act itemised. If somebody committed a malfeasance, which was specifiedby this paragraph of the act, criminal procedure had to be started against him, consequently these actions were offences. The other group of disciplinary offences according to the act was infringements while in office. This category included actions when the judge failed in his duty, but did not want to cause damage purposely. Nevertheless all the actions were infringements while in office which impaired the prestige of court and confidence in court. We are not able to determine these infringements exactly on the basis of the act, therefore the author examined the documents of Appeal Court in Szeged, in which cases the disciplinary court stated facts of disciplinary offences.


To clarify the mechanisms involved in the ventilatory response to the inhalation of low concentrations of CO (0.18-0.22% in air), the roles of the arterial chemoreceptors and the forebrain structures have been investigated in unanesthetized adult cats. The ventilatory response was observed in conscious animals intact, after carotid denervation (CD), and after midcollicular decerebration. The results show that the initial small ventilatory depression was unaffected by CD but that the subsequent characteristic tachypnea was blunted after CD even after more prolonged exposure to CO. The CO tachypnea was not observed after decerebration, but a residual hyperventilation was noted with the higher concentration used. It may be concluded that carotid chemoreceptors do not mediate the CO tachypnea, which may then originate in suprapontine structures as shown by comparison of intact and decerebrate animals. The blunting of the tachypnea after CD may be caused by the relative hypercapnia observed in CD animals. The residual hyperventilation observed in decerebrate animals may be caused by central acidosis and/or some peripheral potentiation of chemoreceptor activity resulting from the decrease in arterial blood pressure that accompanied CO inhalation in decerebrate animals.


Part 1 Concrete - the construction material: benefits of concrete as a construction material, C.D. Pomeroy protection afforded by concrete, J.E. Kruger and B.G. Lunt inhomogeneities in concrete and its effects on degradation - a review of technology, P.C. Keijger some aspects concerning corrosion of reinforcement, C. Bob corrosion of concrete by sequestrating agents of detergents, J.P. Champs et al the effectiveness of a carbonated outer layer to concrete in the prevention of sulphate attack, G.T. Osborne carbonic acid water attack of Portland cement based matrices, Y. Ballim and M.G. Alexander. Part 2 Methods of protecting concrete - coatings and linings: methods of protecting concrete - coatings and linings, P.C. Hewlett surface treatments for the protection of concrete, M. Leeming surface coatings to protect concrete durability, R.N. Swamy and S. Tanikawa performance of high build coating materials for concrete structures for preventing corrosion damage, M. Yasui and M. Fukushima development and optimization of impregnation materials, H.R. Sasse and D. Honsinger prolonging the life of reinforced concrete structures by surface treatment, L.P. McGill and M. Humpage surface coatings - specification criteria, P.C. Harwood durability of surface treated concrete, P.A.M. Basheer can structures by waterproofed to inhibit ASR?, G.E. Blight evaluation of the resistance of concrete coatings against carbonation and water penetration, A.M. Garcia et al crack-bridging behaviour of protective coatings subjected to natural weathering, B. Schwamborn and M. Fiebrich fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) powder coating for the protection of reinforcing steel, K. McLeod and N. Woodman studies of the performance of fusion bonded epoxy coated reinforcement during the construction process, H. Davies protection of reinforced concrete elements against corrosion by polymer coatings, M.M. Kamal and A.E. Salama technical properties and durability of cement mortars with addition of asphalt emulsion, A.M. Grabiec and W. Lecki surface treatment of hydrated cement paste using "Xypex", B.S. Terro and D.C. Hughes surface coatings for improving performance of concrete under marine environments, T. Fukute and H. Hamada. Part 3 Protection of structural concrete. Part 4 Protection through design. Part 5 Protection through construction. Part 6 Impact current practice of the integrated European market.


Gout is rarely noted as a clinical problem in secondary polycythemia-- even if profound polycythemia exists, as in cyanotic congenital heart disease. A retrospective study of 81 patients with congenital heart disease was done to assess the incidence of hyperuricemia. Twenty of 46 patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease had serum levels of uric acid greater than 8 mg/dl. Thirteen of 16 (81%) cyanotic male patients more than 15 years old had serum levels greater than 8 mg/dl. For cyanotic patients, serum levels of uric acid were related directly to the degree of polycythemia (r = .44; P less than .02). Impaired renal function or drug therapy did not seem to account for the hyperuricemia. Because levels of uric acid greater than 10 mg/dl probably are nephropathic, many of these patients may be incurring subclinical uric acid nephropathy.


As part of the study "Potential and Limitation of Independent Living in Private Households in Germany" (MuG III, 2002-2005)--financed by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth--Heinemann & PartnerInnen c/o Institute of Gerontological Research (IGF e.V., Berlin) analysed arrangements of care of elderly people still living at home. Due to this purpose private and professional caregivers and the person in need of help and care were interviewed. These interviews were transformed into case studies, a selection is presented here. They underline, that not only the objective needs of care determine the way and the amount of help. A variety of individual factors play a dominant role in the care situation. The most significant one is the quality of the relationship among the involved persons.


Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected from 80 teeth in 20 periodontitis patients (13 RPP, 7 AP) before and 1 month, 7 months after treatment. Serum samples were taken at the same time. 12 healthy subjects (48 teeth) were chosen as the control group (H). The levels of IgG antibody to Bacteroides gingivalis was measured by ELISA. The relationship between serum and GCF specific antibodies was assessed. Before treatment, the mean ratio of antibody in GCF and serum (the GCF/Sr ratio) in both RPP and AP group was lower than 1, and significantly lower than that in H group. After treatment, the serum antibody titers greatly reduced while GCF antibody increased at 1 month after treatment and decreased at 7 months after treatment. The GCF/Sr ratio raised to greater than 1 in both RPP and AP. The elevation of GCF antibody may be associated with the lower antibody consumption caused by decreasing amount of B. gingivalis in pocket, and/or associated with the local antibody synthesis. It was suggested that the GCF/Sr ratio of antibody level might be used as a significant indicator in evaluation of treatment effectiveness.


Polar codes have emerged as important error correction codes due to their capacity-achieving property. Successive cancellation (SC) algorithm is viewed as a good candidate for hardware design of polar decoders due to its low complexity. However, for (n, k) polar codes, the long latency of SC algorithm of (2n-2) is a bottleneck for designing high-throughput polar decoder. In this paper, we present a novel reformulation for the last stage of SC decoding. The proposed reformulation leads to two benefits. First, critical path and hardware complexity in the last stage of SC algorithm is significantly reduced. Second, 2 bits can be decoded simultaneously instead of 1 bit. As a result, this new decoder, referred to as 2b-SC decoder, reduces latency from (2n-2) to (1.5n-2) without performance loss. Additionally, overlapped-scheduling, precomputation and look-ahead techniques are used to design two additional decoders referred to as 2b-SC-Overlapped-scheduling decoder and 2b-SC-Precomputation decoder, respectively. All three architectures offer significant advantages with respect to throughput and hardware efficiency. Compared to known prior least-latency SC decoder, the 2b-SC-Precomputation decoder has 25% less latency. Synthesis results show that the proposed (1024, 512) 2b-SC-Precomputation decoder can achieve at least 4 times increase in throughput and 40% increase in hardware efficiency.


SUMMARY Using simple running models, researchers have argued that swing-leg retraction can improve running robot performance. In this paper, we investigate whether this holds for a more realistic simulation model validated against a physical running robot. We find that swing-leg retraction can improve stability and disturbance rejection. Alternatively, swing-leg retraction can simultaneously reduce touchdown forces, slipping likelihood, and impact energy losses. Surprisingly, swing-leg retraction barely affected net energetic efficiency. The retraction rates at which these effects are the greatest are strongly model-dependent, suggesting that robot designers cannot always rely on simplified models to accurately predict such complex behaviors.


We used fluorescent speckle microscopy to probe the dynamics of the mitotic kinesin Eg5 in Xenopus extract spindles, and compared them to microtubule dynamics. We found significant populations of Eg5 that were static over several seconds while microtubules flux towards spindle poles. Eg5 dynamics are frozen by adenylimidodiphosphate. Bulk turnover experiments showed that Eg5 can exchange between the spindle and the extract with a half life of <55 s. Eg5 distribution in spindles was not perturbed by inhibition of its motor activity with monastrol, but was perturbed by inhibition of dynactin with p50 dynamitin. We interpret these data as revealing the existence of a static spindle matrix that promotes Eg5 targeting to spindles, and transient immobilization of Eg5 within spindles. We discuss alternative interpretations of the Eg5 dynamics we observe, ideas for the biochemical nature of a spindle matrix, and implications for Eg5 function.


This article is an analysis study of tone in a speech, and this analysis based on the theory by Michael McCarthy and Crystal. The article is aimed to know about kinds of tones, the dominant tones and the meaning of dominant tones in the speech. The writers found that this speech used five kinds of tones, namely Rise, Fall, Fall-rise, Rise-fall and level. The result showed all answer of the question. In this article we can know the meaning from the speaker in his speech, how is his feeling and his expression just from their tones in speaking that is Steve job's showed how Steve Job's is Encouragement, Urgency and Straight (positive face) because the dominant types of tone he used in his speech is Fall-rise. In the video showed. The writers suggests for the further writers can use other sources which are more than interesting from this one.


Background/Aims: The smoking rates and patterns in the North Korean population are not well known. More than 20,000 North Korean defectors have settled in South Korea; thus, we can estimate the current North Korean smoking situation using this group. Methods: All North Korean defectors spend their first 3 months in a South Korean facility learning to adapt to their new home. We retrospectively analyzed the results from a questionnaire conducted among North Korean male defectors in this facility from August 2012 to February 2014. Results: Of 272 men, 84.2% were current smokers, 12.5% were ex-smokers, and 3.3% were non-smokers. The mean age of this group was 35.9 ± 11.3 years, and smoking initiation occurred at a mean age of 18.2 ± 4.7 years. Among the subjects, 78.1% had a family member who smoked. Of the 221 current smokers, 67.4% responded that they intended to quit smoking. Fagerström test and Kano test for social nicotine dependence (KTSND) results for current smokers were 3.35 ± 2.26 and 13.76 ± 4.87, respectively. Question 9 on the KTSND (doctors exaggerate the ill effects of smoking) earned a significantly higher score relative to the other questions and a significantly higher score in current smokers compared with non-smokers. Conclusions: The smoking rate in North Korean male defectors was higher than that indicated previously. However, interest in smoking cessation was high and nicotine dependence was less severe than expected. Further investigation is needed to identify an efficient method for North Korean smokers to stop smoking.


Wave excitation by newborn interstellar pickup ions (PUIs) plays a significant role in theories that attempt to describe IBEX and Voyager observations in the solar wind and heliosheath. The same dynamic processes can be far-reaching and extend into the inner heliosphere to at least 1AU and likely to smaller heliocentric distances. While the high-resolution magnetic field measurements required to study these waves are not yet available in the heliosheath, we have studied a range of available observations and found evidence of waves due to interstellar PUIs using ACE (1998–2015 at 1 AU), Ulysses (1996–2006 at 2 to 5 AU, high and low latitudes) and Voyager (1978–1979 and 2 to 6 AU) observations. Efforts to extend the Voyager observations to 35 AU are ongoing. We have examined these data sets and report on observations of low-frequency waves that result from newborn interstellar pickup H+ and He+ ions. Although not as common as theory originally predicted, we presently have identified 524 independent occurrences. Our conclusion from studying these waves is that they are seen only when the ambient turbulence is sufficiently weak. The instability that generates these waves requires a slow accumulation of wave energy over several to tens of hours to achieve observable wave amplitudes. In regions where the turbulence is moderate to strong, the turbulence absorbs the wave energy before it can reach observable levels and transports the energy to the dissipation scales where it heats the background thermal particles. Only intervals with the weakest turbulence will permit energy accumulation over this time scale. These conditions are most often, but not exclusively, achieved in solar wind rarefaction regions.


Learning representation to model the meaning of text has been a core problem in NLP. The last several years have seen extensive interests on distributional approaches, in which text spans of different granularities are encoded as vectors of numerical values. If properly learned, such representation has showed to achieve the state-of-the-art performance on a wide range of NLP problems. In this tutorial, we will cover the fundamentals and the state-of-the-art research on neural network-based modeling for semantic composition, which aims to learn distributed representation for different granularities of text, e.g., phrases, sentences, or even documents, from their sub-component meaning representation, e.g., word embedding.


Leading policy makers and researchers of the National Academy of Engineering agreed that the teaching of STEM disciplines in the U.S. schools must be improved. "The focus on STEM education is closely related to concerns about U.S. competitiveness in the global economy and about the development of a workforce with the knowledge and skills to address technical and technological issues" [1]. Analyzing the academic success of engineering students, previous research [2] shows that even high-performance students after four years of college instruction still continue to hold significant misconceptions about scientific concepts and have incorrect interpretations of phenomena (like electricity, force, light). This paper is based on the dissertation research that focuses on the analysis of students' misconceptions about electricity. It represents a unique synthesis of methods from educational research and cognitive psychology applied to the population of Electrical Engineering Technology students. Misconceptions about electrical concepts of freshmen will be analyzed and compared to the misconceptions of seniors. The goals of this research target: (1) understanding how student mental models and misconceptions change with increasing levels of competency and expertise during their progression from freshmen to senior levels and (2) investigating the correlation between student academic success and their misconceptions.


Metabolic syndrome, which includes a series of metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and obesity, has become a catastrophic disease worldwide. Accordingly, probiotic intervention is a new strategy to alleviate metabolic syndrome, which can adjust the gut microbiota to a certain extent. The aim of the current work was to explore the alleviation of metabolic syndrome by Lactobacillus reuteri and L. rhamnosus. Two L. reuteri and two L. rhamnosus strains were administered to mice with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. All Lactobacillus strains tested significantly slowed weight gain in the mice. Among four strains, L. reuteri FGSZY33L6 and L. rhamnosus FJSYC4-1 showed the strongest ability to relieve blood glucose disorders, blood lipid disorders, tissue damage, and particularly gut microbiota disorders. Thus, our findings indicate that these strains can regulate the gut microbiota and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can induce satiety hormones, inhibit food intake and increase satiety, and thus improve metabolic syndrome.


Since ultra-wideband impulse waveform is directly related to communication system characteristics, so it is essential to select the suitable method to generate ultra-wideband impulse waveform. This paper uses Gaussian pulse and its derivatives to get the expected pulse signal, then it can get the power spectrum density by simulating Gaussian pulse and its derivatives, putting forward to get the optimized waveform by means of linear combination, which also meets the emission mask standard. Then according to specific modulation signal, by analyzing the DS-UWB power spectrum density, thus making conclusion that the final expression is only determined by spread spectrum code and the code length. When the length increases, the resulting waveform of power spectrum density turns to be more smoothy and subject to approximates to the Gaussian waveform of basic pulse Fourier Transform.


This workshop brought together researchers studying a variety of problems related to the homotopy theory of function spaces. Topics covered included: evaluation maps and Gottlieb groups, the classification of gauge groups and of other function space components, algebraic models for function spaces both in the rational and in the p-local settings, operads, configuration spaces, free and based loop spaces and infinite-dimensional Lie groups. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 55P48, 55P60, 55P62, 22E65. Introduction by the Organisers The study of function spaces from an algebraic topological point of view dates back, at least, to the 1950s. G. Whitehead posed the basic problem of classifying the path components of a function space up to homotopy type and obtained the first results on this problem as an early application of the Whitehead product. Subsequent work of Thom and Federer paved the way for the computation of algebraic invariants of function spaces. In the late 1960s, Gottlieb initiated the study of the evaluation map, the evaluation subgroups and, in particular, the Gottlieb groups of space. In the 1970s, Hansen, Moller, Sutherland and others studied the homotopy classification problem for the components of a function space with many complete results. An early, famous application of Sullivan's rational homotopy theory, the Vigue-Sullivan model for the free loop space of a manifold, led to a solution of the closed geodesic problem and showed the power of Sullivan's algebraic models for homotopy theory. The 1980s saw steady progress on function spaces, especially in the local settings. Following Sullivan's sketch, Haefliger described a model for the rational homotopy type of the space of sections of a nilpotent fibration. Felix, Halperin 2 Oberwolfach Report 19/2009 and Thomas obtained global results on the vanishing and dimension of rationalized Gottlieb groups. Brown, Peterson and L. Smith gave a second rational model for function spaces in terms of Lannes's division functor. Finally and notably, Miller published his celebrated proof of the Sullivan conjecture concerning the contractibility of certain functions spaces during this period, a major advance in homotopy theory. In recent years, the study of function spaces and related topics has expanded and accelerated. Whitehead's original classification problem is actively researched in the context of gauge groups. Gottlieb groups remain a challenging computation problem in the integral setting and, after rationalization, are the subject of a basic conjecture in rational homotopy theory. The study of the free loop space of a manifold has undergone a renaissance with the discovery of Chas-Sullivan string topology. Meanwhile, the further development of algebraic models for the rational and p-local homotopy theory of function spaces has opened the field to whole new types of questions, computations and, significantly, applications of function space techniques in other areas of homotopy theory. This workshop included 23 mathematicians with expertise and active research programs in these various areas. In addition to specialized talks, there were several invited survey talks on broad topics including Gottlieb groups, gauge groups and algebraic models for function spaces after localization. There were two extended problem sessions. Homotopy Theory of Function Spaces and Related Topics 3 Workshop: Homotopy Theory of Function Spaces and Related Topics


Objectives To find determining factors for persistent infarction signs in patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA), herein initial diffusion lesion size, visibility on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and location. Design Prospective cohort study of patients with clinical TIA receiving 3T-MRI within 72 hours of symptom onset and at 8-week follow-up. Setting Clinical workflow in a single tertiary stroke centre between February 2012 and June 2014. Participants 199 candidate patients were recruited, 64 patients were excluded due to non-TIA discharge diagnosis or no 8-week MRI. 122 patients completed the study. Primary outcome measures The primary outcome was visible persistent infarction defined as 8-week FLAIR hyperintensity or atrophy corresponding to the initial diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion. Results 50 patients showed 84 initial DWI lesions. 29 (35%) DWI lesions did not result in infarction signs on 8-week FLAIR. 26 (90%, P<0.0001) reversing lesions were located in the cortical grey matter (cGM). cGM location (vs any other location) strongly predicted no 8-week infarction sign development (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.17) or partial lesion area decrease (>30% of initial DWI-area, OR 14.10, 95% CI 3.61 to 54.72), adjusted for FLAIR-visibility, DWI-area, ADC-confirmation and time to scan (TTS) from symptom onset to baseline MRI. Acute FLAIR-visibility was a strong associated factor for persistent infarction signs (OR 33.06, 95% CI 2.94 to 1432.34). For cGM lesions area size was sole associated factor for persistent infarction signs with a 0.31 cm2 (area under the curve (AUC), 0.97) threshold. In eight (16%) DWI-positive patients, all lesions reversed fully. Conclusions 16% of DWI-positive patients and one-third of acute DWI lesions caused no persistent infarction signs, especially small cGM lesions were not followed by development of persistent infarction signs. Late MRI after TIA is likely to be less useful in the clinical setting, and it is dubious if the absence of old vascular lesions can be taken as evidence of no prior ischaemic attacks. Trial registration number NCT01531946; Results.


Background: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and aggressive malignancy commonly involving the abdomen and/or pelvic peritoneum. Despite aggressive therapy, the prognosis remains poor. Central nervous system relapse is rare in abdominal/pelvic primary DSRCT. Observation: We report a case of a 10-year-old female with a large pelvic DSRCT and involvement of the rectosigmoid colon and liver. Following treatment with chemotherapy, and cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy an initial response was noted. With progressive lower limb weakness, recurrence with perineural invasion in the lumbosacral nerve root involving the conus was noted 2.5 years from diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid showed tumor cells with a molecular confirmation. Conclusions: Perineural invasion and ascending paralysis secondary to primary abdominal DSRCT has not been previously reported to our knowledge. We recommend a high index of suspicion for early and accurate diagnosis of this rare presentation.


By applying the Dini expansion technique an analytical expression is derived for the coefficients of the multipole expansion of non-local coupling potentials. The method is illustrated with potentials and kernels arising in a reaction theory for 16O(16O, 12C)20Ne where the nuclei are described as composed of alpha and 12C clusters.


Abstract. The role aerosol chemical composition plays in Arctic
low-level cloud formation is still poorly understood. In this study we
address this issue by combining in situ observations of the chemical
characteristics of cloud residuals (dried liquid cloud droplets or ice
crystals) and aerosol particles from the Zeppelin Observatory in
Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard (approx. 480 m a.s.l.). These measurements were
part of the 1-year-long Ny-Ålesund Aerosol and Cloud Experiment
2019–2020 (NASCENT). To obtain the chemical composition of cloud residuals
at molecular level, we deployed a Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols
coupled to a Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (FIGAERO-CIMS) with
iodide as the reagent ion behind a ground-based counterflow virtual impactor
(GCVI). The station was enshrouded in clouds roughly 15 % of the time
during NASCENT, out of which we analyzed 14 cloud events between December
2019 and December 2020. During the entire year, the composition of the cloud
residuals shows contributions from oxygenated organic compounds, including
organonitrates, and traces of the biomass burning tracer levoglucosan. In
summer, methanesulfonic acid (MSA), an oxidation product of dimethyl sulfide
(DMS), shows large contributions to the sampled mass, indicating marine
natural sources of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and ice nucleating
particle (INP) mass during the sunlit part of the year. In addition, we
also find contributions of the inorganic acids nitric acid and sulfuric acid,
with outstanding high absolute signals of sulfuric acid in one cloud
residual sample in spring and one in late summer (21 May and 12 September 2020), probably caused by high anthropogenic sulfur emissions near the
Barents Sea and Kara Sea. During one particular cloud event, on 18 May 2020,
the air mass origin did not change before, during, or after the
cloud. We therefore chose it as a case study to investigate cloud impact on
aerosol physicochemical properties. We show that the overall chemical
composition of the organic aerosol particles was similar before, during, and
after the cloud, indicating that the particles had already undergone one or
several cycles of cloud processing before being measured as residuals at the
Zeppelin Observatory and/or that, on the timescales of the observed cloud event, cloud
processing of the organic fraction can be neglected. Meanwhile, there were on
average fewer particles but relatively more in the accumulation mode after
the cloud. Comparing the signals of sulfur-containing compounds of cloud
residuals with aerosols during cloud-free conditions, we find that sulfuric
acid had a higher relative contribution to the cloud residuals than to
aerosols during cloud-free conditions, but we did not observe an increase in
particulate MSA due to the cloud. Overall, the chemical composition,
especially of the organic fraction of the Arctic cloud residuals, reflected
the overall composition of the general aerosol population well. Our results
thus suggest that most aerosols can serve as seeds for low-level clouds in
the Arctic.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical effects of using an injectable calcium phosphate cement, Norian Skeletal Replacement System (SRS), which is replaced by the native remodeling process, to augment sliding hip screw fixation of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in a cadaver model.

DESIGN
Ten matched pairs of human cadaver femora were used. One randomly selected femur from each pair was designated as experimental, whereas the contralateral femur served as the control.

SETTING
Testing was performed in the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS
Femora with no radiographic evidence of pathology and with below-normal bone mineral density in the neck region were accepted into the study.

INTERVENTION
Three-part, intertrochanteric fractures were repaired by using a sliding hip screw and sideplate, without replacement of the posteromedial fragment. In the experimental side of each pair, SRS was used to grout the hip screw and to fill the posteromedial defect.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS
Femora were subjected to simulated single-leg stance loading to approximately one body weight in a servohydraulic testing machine. Measurements of stiffness, medial bone surface strain, hip screw displacement, and sideplate strain were made in fractured femora. Stiffness and medial bone surface strain baseline data were obtained in the intact bone before fracture creation as well.

RESULTS
Augmenting fixation with Norian SRS increased the fracture construct stiffness and minimized sliding hip screw displacement. It also maintained medial bone surface strain closer to the intact state and lowered sideplate strain relative to controls. However, there was no difference in the load to failure between SRS-augmented and control femora.

CONCLUSIONS
SRS augmentation of unstable, intertrochanteric fractures significantly improved overall stability, facilitated load transfer across the fracture, and decreased both shortening of the proximal femur and stress on the sliding hip screw.


CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2008 Abstracts

Abstract #36

Background: Anthracyclins are potent poisons for topoisomerase II, an indispensable enzyme for DNA replication, repair and transcription. Apoptosis is often the consequence of anthracycline induced DNA breaks but cancer cells may escape through activation of the cell survival pathway by Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). The aim of the present study was to determine the predictive value of the combination of the two biomarkers ( TOP2A and TIMP-1) for benefits observed with CEF compared to CMF in DBCG trial 89D. Material and Methods: The DBCG 89-D trial randomized 980 high-risk Danish breast cancer patients to nine series of CMF or CEF, without endocrine therapy. Overall CEF was superior to CMF in terms of DFS and OS (Ejlertsen et al, EJC 2007). TOP2A copy number changes were determined with the TOP2A FISH pharmDx™ Kit (Dako A/S, Glostrup) as described previously (Knoop et al, JCO 2005). TMAs were constructed and analyzed centrally for TIMP-1 expression using the anti-TIMP-1 monoclonal antibody VT7 (Sorensen et al, J. Hist. Cytochem. 2006). A combined marker (2T) for anthracycline sensitivity was constructed as follows: 2T non-responsive ( TOP2A normal and TIMP-1 positive) and 2T responsive ( TOP2A abnormal and/or TIMP-1 negative). Relationships between IDFS, OS and the 2T profile were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis. Results: The assessable 623 patients differed significantly (P<0.05) from the non-assessable patients with regard to menopausal status, tumor size, malignancy grade, ER and HER2 status. Among the 347 patients treated with CMF 150 (43%) had tumors with a 2T responsive profile, compared with 119 (43%) of the 276 patients treated with CEF. Among patients with a 2T responsive profile the Cox regression analysis showed that treatment with CEF was superior to CMF in terms of both invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) (adjusted hazard ratio 0.48; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.69; P<0.001) and overall survival (OS) (adjusted hazard ratio 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.77; P<0.001). In contrast, among patients with a 2T non-responsive profile, no significant difference between CEF and CMF was demonstrated in terms of IDFS (hazard ratio 1.18; 95% CI 0.87 to 1.60; P=0.29) or OS (hazard ratio 1.07; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.47; P=0.68). A highly significant 2T profile (responsive or non-responsive) versus treatment (CEF or CMF) interaction was detected in the Cox analysis by the Wald-test for both IDFS (P<0.001) and OS (P=0.004). Discussion: TOP2A aberrations and absence of TIMP-1 immunoreactivity are associated with clinical benefits from anthracycline-containing therapy in patients with early breast cancer. In combination the two biomarkers identify a substantial part of the patients (43%) and the use of the 2T profile seems advantageous compared to using either marker alone.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 36.


The recent widespread popularity of computational thinking (CT) has raised the need for a reliable method for assessing it. Recent CT tests focus on programming skills rather than the analytical ability and problem-solving processes in science, philosophy and other areas of knowledge. This poster presents the results (Test design) of an ongoing project that has developed a Psychometric Computational Thinking Test (PCTT) which has three phases: test design, test implementation and applying the test. In regards to the PCTT design, the reliability and validity of the test were based on content and construct validity which also includes its rating scales for its application. This work makes two contributions: (1) a standardized CT Test design incorporating psychometric techniques as well as computational techniques and (2) the inclusion of open-ended questions and their assessment with V of Aiken in order to validate responses.


Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Development of naturally occurring inexpensive and safe alternatives can be effective in suppressing colon related proliferations. Zingerone (4‐[4‐hydroxy‐3‐methylphenyl] butan‐2‐one), a polyphenolic alkanone of ginger, has massive pharmacological properties and thus can be used as promising candidate against various ailments. In the current study, we aimed at demonstrating the protective effect of zingerone against experimental colon carcinogenesis and elucidating its possible mechanism by studying inflammatory and Nrf‐2 signaling cascade. Four groups of animals (I‐IV) were made with six animals each. Group I (control) was given normal saline orally. Group II was given 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at the dose rate of 20 mg/kg body weight. Group III and IV were treated with DMH at the dose rate of 20 mg/kg body weight and also received oral treatment of zingerone at a dose rate of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for first 5 weeks and animals were euthanized after 16 weeks. Our results reveal that DMH treated rats exhibited elevated ROS and MDA levels, increased activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 and serum marker enzyme carcinoembreyonic antigen (CEA), increased no of aberrant crypts of foci (ACF), and elevated expression of inflammatory and proliferative proteins. Nrf‐2 was downregulated by DMH treatment. Treatment with zingerone to DMH treated rats, resulted in alterations in the activity of the cytochrome P450 2E1 and CEA. In addition, immunostaining of NF‐kB‐p65, COX‐2, iNOS, and PCNA, Ki‐67 was suppressed by zingerone. Furthermore, zingerone administration also attenuated the level of IL‐6 and TNF‐α and it also helps in preserving mucous layer. Thus, zingerone could be considered as a good chemopreventive agent in experimental model of colon carcinogenesis. Further studies are required to study other pathways involved in colon carcinogenesis and their modulation buy zingerone.


Hollow glass fibre reinforced plastics have a structural performance niche in a class of their own. They offer increased flexural rigidity compared to solid glass fibre reinforced plastics, they offset the need for thin sandwich construction which is both difficult and expensive, and they provide an opportunity to develop laminates with improved or tailored characteristics. An experimental hollow glass fibre manufacturing facility is in operation at the University of Bristol. The facility is capable of drawing precision hollow glass fibres of various diameters with varying degrees of hollowness under precise parameter control. Hollow borosilicate glass fibres have been manufactured from tubular preforms with a variety of internal and external diameters, which correspond to a range of hollowness values. In all cases, the resulting hollowness was reduced from that present in the preform state, regardless of drawing rate or furnace temperature. In fact, temperature has been demonstrated to be of paramount importance in controlling fibre hollowness due to the interaction between glass viscosity and surface tension effects. These results suggest that for a given temperature and draw rate there is a single condition where fibre hollowness is maximised and external diameter minimised.


Immunology. Why does it exist? Two words. Cure disease. People get diseases. "Test tubes" do not. People fund immunologists for solutions to their health problems. But, immunologists often study leukocytes in test tubes – the laboratory – away from diseases. Why? Because much can be learned from analyzing cellular biochemistry and behaviors in vitro that cannot be ascertained when leukocytes are in animals. At the same time, isolated leukocyte reactions often do not reflect how the immune system operates as a unit. So, it is critical to verify in vitro observations in vivo. Among leukocytes, macrophages are the central initiating and directing element in immune systems, and serve this role through four basic "SHIP" functions in vivo: Sample; Heal; Inhibit; and Present (antigen) (1–4). The polar-opposite functions of Heal (M2-type) and Inhibit (M1-type) can have profoundly different effects on host survival, and require unique and major changes in macrophage metabolism and physiology. In turn, macrophage populations are necessarily heterogeneous as they adapt to protect hosts in different ways: they exhibit "plasticity." Some have focused on measuring ever-expanding lists of cell surface or various other "markers" (mostly in vitro) to try and sub-type macrophages. But, the "heterogeneity" created by such studies can be "illusory" because there are many more markers than there are functions (e.g., M1/inhibit and M2/heal). Thus, it is important to focus on classifying macrophages by functions, such as SHIP, to navigate through a "sea of plasticity." And, thereby realize the enormous potential of macrophages/innate immunity for improving health.


Brain injury induces disruption of the blood-brain barrier, edema, and release of autodestructive factors that produce delayed neuronal damage. NAPSVIPQ (NAP), a femtomolar-acting peptide, is shown to be neuroprotective in a mouse model of closed head injury. NAP injection after injury reduced mortality and facilitated neurobehavioral recovery (P < 0.005). Edema was reduced by 70% in the NAP-treated mice (P < 0.01). Furthermore, in vivo magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated significant brain-tissue recovery in the NAP-treated animals. NAP treatment decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in the injured brain and was shown to protect pheochromocytoma (PC12 cells) against tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced toxicity. Thus, NAP provides significant amelioration from the complex array of injuries elicited by head trauma.


Abstract The paper describes the dynamic ice-structure interaction study of monopod platforms (fixed type) which are of considerable interest to the off-shore oil industry in cold regions. In view of the scantiness of continuous ice-force records, artificial-force records are generated from available small-scale field ice-force records using stochastic concepts. The method, based on the similarity between the fluctuating parts of randomly varying ice-force records and the seismic records uses a non-stationary random process obtained from filtering a shot noise through a second-order filter. The dynamic response analysis of a monopod structure located at Cook Inlet, Alaska, is carried out by hybridizing the relevant sub-routines of the computer programmes, SAP IV (Structural Analysis Programme) and EATSW (Earthquake response of Axisymmetric Tower Structures surrounded by Water). The work includes a study of the influence of soil properties on the frequencies and responses, and a comparison between the responses of fixed and elastically supported (by the soil foundation) monopod platforms.


Lanthanum fluoride (LaF3:Ce, Pr, Sm) synthesized by water soluble LaCl3 + CeCl3+ PrCl3 + SmCl3 and NH4F as starting materials in de-ionized water as solvent using microwave assisted technique. The structure of LaF3:Ce, Pr, Sm nanocrystals analyzed by XRD and TEM analysis is found to be in hexagonal structure and average crystalline particle size is 20 nm (JCPDS standard card (320483) of pure hexagonal LaF3 crystals). The absorption edge in UV spectra is found at 250 nm corresponding to energy of 4.9eV. It further shows a wide transparent window lying between 200 nm 800 nm. For LaF3; Ce, Pr, Sm nanocrystals emission of blue color (458 nm) has been observed with at an excitation wavelength of 254 nm. The measured relative second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of LaF3: Ce, Pr, Sm in de-ionized water with respect to KDP crystal is 0.186.


The following article from Artificial Organs, "Selective Cerebro-Myocardial Perfusion Under Mild Hypothermia During Primary Repair for Aortic Coarctation With Ventricular Septal Defect" by Huiwen Chen, Haifa Hong, Zhongqun Zhu and Jinfen Liu, published online on 2 November 2012 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor-in-Chief, Paul S. Malchesky, the International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed due to simultaneous publication of a substantially similar article, "Continuous Cerebral and Myocardial Perfusion During One-Stage Repair for Aortic Coarctation With Ventricular Septal Defect", by Huiwen Chen, Haifa Hong, Zhongqun Zhu and Jinfen Liu, in Pediatric Cardiology 7 November 2012 [Epub ahead of print].


Some approximate results for infinite capacity storage systems in which the input rate follows a birth and death process are given in this paper. In particular, an immigration-emigration process and an Ehrenfest process are considered. The almost-null-recurrent content distribution is derived when the demand rate is constant. Further, an approximation for the content distribution during a period of excessive over-supply is obtained for the cases of constant demand and demand proportional to the content. INFINITE CAPACITY STORAGE SYSTEMS INPUT RATE A BIRTH AND DEATH PROCESS;


As the use of medicinal plants increases, screening of their toxicity is crucial to guarantee the safety of the users. Hexane and acetone extracts of three South African plants, traditionally used for the management of opportunistic fungal infections in human immune deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients were assayed for toxicity to hatching and larval mortality of Artemia salina. Lowest percentage values of hatching success were observed in cysts incubated with hexane and acetone extracts of Arctotis arctotoides,respectively and were significantly lower (P 1 mg/ml were considered as non-toxic and may be further explored for development of plant-based pharmaceuticals. The hexane and acetone extracts of A. arctotoides and the hexane extract of Gasteria bicolor with LC50 values < 1 mg/ml have shown significant biological activity, indicative of the presence of potent cytotoxic components which warrant further investigation. The in vivo lethality of A. salina has been used as a convenient toxicological screening system, while the resistance to harmful effects by Artemia cysts made the hatchability assay less desirable than the lethality test.

 Key words: Medicinal plants, Artemia salina, hatchability assay, lethality test.


SIGNIFICANCE Acute retinal necrosis is a rare, sight-threatening condition typically found in immunocompromised patients and is most commonly caused by varicella zoster virus. Because of the poor prognosis and rapid progression of the disease course, prompt antiviral management is paramount. PURPOSE A case report of acute retinal necrosis in a patient with herpes virus infection after a cervical epidural corticosteroid injection was performed. Extensive laboratory work and frequent follow-ups are necessary for management. This case report outlines the clinical signs of acute retinal necrosis and discusses the appropriate referrals and treatment needed to improve prognosis. CASE REPORT A 63-year-old man presented to our eye clinic with symptoms of pain and light sensitivity. Examination revealed anterior uveitis, vitritis, optic disc edema, macular edema, vasculitis, and retinitis of the left eye. The serum antibody test results showed abnormal ranges for varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex virus type 1, and the patient was diagnosed with acute retinal necrosis. Treatment prescribed by a retina specialist included oral valacyclovir and later oral prednisolone, for which the patient responded well before developing the common complication of retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS The progressive nature of acute retinal necrosis is usually debilitating to vision, even when managed properly. Because prognosis is often poor, it is important to make proper diagnoses combined with a complete review of the patient's medical history and immune status to prevent further vision loss.


Firewall and intrusion detection systems are used by the purposes of preventing information loss and weakness on internet and providing security for web applications. However attacks to web applications do not only come from network layer. Web applications use Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and attacks come from this protocol to web pages. Tools used for providing security on network layer become inefficient for HTTP attacks. These attacks to web applications can be prevented by detection of HTTP. In this study, a hybrid web application firewall is developed by using proposed signature based detection and anomaly detection methods, to prevent attacks by detection of HTTP requests.


The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) HBD must be bound to the protein chaperone hsp90 in order to acquire the high affinity steroid binding conformation. Despite this crucial role of hsp90, its binding site in GR remains poorly defined. Large portions of the GR HBD have been implicated and no similarity has been established between steroid receptor HBDs and the catalytic domains of the protein kinases (e.g. pp60 src , Raf) that also form stable heterocomplexes with hsp90. Thus, it has been thought that some general property of the proteins, such as exposure of hydrophobic residues in partially denatured regions, determines the assembly of stable hsp90 heterocomplexes. In this work, we have studied fusion proteins containing glutathione S-transferase (GST) and very short amino-terminal truncations just before and at the beginning of the rat GR HBD that are otherwise intact to the carboxyl terminus. Overexpression in COS cells of the chimeras GST537C and GST547C was found to yield receptors that were bound to hsp90 and had wild-type steroid binding affinity. However, removal of 7 more amino acids to form GST554C resulted in a fusion protein that did not bind either hsp90 or steroid. Additional mutations revealed that the role of these 7 amino acids was neither to provide a spacer between protein domains nor to expose a protein surface by introducing a bend in the conserved α-helix. Instead, these observations support a model in which the sequence of the 7 amino acids directly or indirectly affects hsp90 binding to the GR HBD. Thus, a region of GR that has not been thought to be relevant for hsp90 binding is now seen to be of critical importance, and these data argue strongly against the commonly accepted model of receptor-hsp90 heterocomplex assembly in which the chaperone initially interacts nonspecifically with hydrophobic regions of the partially denatured HBD and subsequently assists its folding to the steroid binding confirmation.