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A solution of the Boltzmann equations in the presence of three components and inelastic collisions. A new algorithm for the solution of the system of three Boltzmann equations for three components in a mixture is developed. Binary collisions between molecules are taken into account assuming that these collisions are elastic or inelastic. The functionality testing of the algorithm is performed using a simple test problem of heat and mass transfer in the mixture of n-dodecane, p-dipropylbenzene and nitrogen between two infinite parallel walls. The mixture of n-dodecane and p-dipropylbenzene is chosen due to the fact that it can approximate realistic Diesel fuels reasonably well. It is concluded that the predictions of the new kinetic algorithm are qualitatively consistent with the predictions of more basic models of the phenomena for which it has been tested. The algorithm is ready for the analysis of a wider range of heat and mass transfer problems in which the contribution of three components in the mixture is essential. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | [
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Detection of nonlinearity in soil property prediction models based on near-infrared spectroscopy. Soil property analysis is indispensable in precision agriculture, an advanced field regarding site -specific management for crop production enhancement and environmental sustainability. Because of the difficulties in soil sample collection and measurement of soil properties, such as moisture content, total carbon, total nitrogen, electricity, and pH, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a useful technique to predict soil properties by using statistical learning methods. However, the prediction of soil properties without any knowledge about how different variables might influence their behavior is not adequate. Soil properties differ depending on location and environment. The variability within the same area could cause nonlinearity on a global scale. Therefore, to determine which method and strategy are suitable for this task, the detection of nonlinearity between MR spectroscopy and soil properties is the main purpose of this study. Various numerical tools and graphical methods were applied to this soil property dataset, such as variable selection, sample splitting, applicability domain evaluation, and residual inspection. Global nonlinearity for all five soil properties was confirmed, and the strength of such nonlinearities was found to be property dependent. | [
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Prominent binding of the dopamine D-3 agonist [H-3]PD 128907 in the caudate-putamen of the adult rat. We have analyzed the binding properties of the selective D-3 receptor agonist [H-3]PD 128907 in 120 days old rats. In tissue sections, we found high numbers of binding sites for [H-3]PD 128907 bath in the islands of Calleja and the caudate-putamen (B-max values being 500 and 1000 fmol/mg protein, respectively). The K-D values were higher in the caudate-putamen than in the islands of Calleja. Similar regional differences in B-max and K-D values were observed in membranes from the caudate-putamen and the subcortical limbic region. The distribution of [H-3]PD 128907 in adult rats is markedly different from that observed in young rats. Taken together, the present results suggest a prominent presence of D-3 receptors in the caudate-putamen of adult, but not young, rats. Hence, these findings may have important physiological, pathophysiological, and clinical implications. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. | [
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HIV treatment beliefs and sexual transmission risk behaviors among HIV positive men and women. People are living longer and healthier with HIV infection because of successful combination antiretroviral therapies. HIV treatment beliefs are often associated with sexual practices among people living with HIV/AIDS but these associations may depend on the HIV status of sex partners. In a sample of 158 HIV positive men and women who were receiving HIV treatments, we examined the association between HIV treatment beliefs, HIV transmission risk perceptions, medication adherence, viral load and engaging in unprotected intercourse with any sex partners and specifically with sex partners who were not HIV positive (non-concordant). Results showed having missed medications in the past two days and treatment-related beliefs were significantly associated with engaging in unprotected intercourse with all sex partners as well as non-concordant partners. However, multivariate models showed that only treatment beliefs were significantly associated with engaging in unprotected intercourse with non-concordant partners. These results extend past research by demonstrating that the HIV status of sex partners sets the context for whether prevention-related treatment beliefs are associated with HIV transmission risk behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS. | [
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Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in dogs and cats: a case-control study. Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in dogs and cats were investigated in an unmatched case-control study. A total of 197 animals from 150 veterinary practices across the United Kingdom was enrolled, including 105 MRSA cases and 92 controls with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) infection. The association of owners and veterinarian staff with the human healthcare sector (HCS) and animal-related characteristics such as signalment, antimicrobial and immunosuppressive therapy, and surgery were evaluated as putative risk factors using logistic regression. We found that significant risk factors for MRSA infection were the number of antimicrobial courses (p = 0.005), number of days admitted to veterinary clinics (p = 0.003) and having received surgical implants (p = 0.001). In addition, the odds of contact with humans which had been ill and admitted to hospital (p = 0.062) were higher in MRSA infected pets than in MSSA controls. The risk factors identified in this study highlight the need to increase vigilance towards identification of companion animal groups at risk and to advocate responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials in small animal practice. | [
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An Open-Source 7-DOF Wireless Human Arm Motion-Tracking System for Use in Robotics Research. To extend the choice of inertial motion-tracking systems freely available to researchers and educators, this paper presents an alternative open-source design of a wearable 7-DOF wireless human arm motion-tracking system. Unlike traditional inertial motion-capture systems, the presented system employs a hybrid combination of two inertial measurement units and one potentiometer for tracking a single arm. The sequence of three design phases described in the paper demonstrates how the general concept of a portable human arm motion-tracking system was transformed into an actual prototype, by employing a modular approach with independent wireless data transmission to a control PC for signal processing and visualization. Experimental results, together with an application case study on real-time robot-manipulator teleoperation, confirm the applicability of the developed arm motion-tracking system for facilitating robotics research. The presented arm-tracking system also has potential to be employed in mechatronic system design education and related research activities. The system CAD design models and program codes are publicly available online and can be used by robotics researchers and educators as a design platform to build their own arm-tracking solutions for research and educational purposes. | [
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Rank Test-Based Scattering Center Number Estimation in Extended Radar-Target Detection. This letter designs a source number estimator based on rank test method and applies it to solve the problem of extended target scattering center number estimation in radar detection. Considering the distribution difference between target and noise, the estimator is designed by combining the modified rank test with enumeration principle. The estimator is further improved by adding a secondary screening procedure. Performance of the estimator is assessed by comparison with a typical source number estimation scheme. Simulation results show the robust performance of the proposed estimator which approaches the optimal and is superior in low-density distribution scenarios. | [
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Study of a Benzoylperoxy Radical in the Gas Phase: Ultraviolet Spectrum and C6H5C(O)O-2 + HO2 Reaction between 295 and 357 K. This work reports the ultraviolet absorption spectrum and the kinetic determinations of the reactions 2C(6)H(5)C(O)O-2 -> products (I) and C6H5C(O)O-2 + HO2 C6H5C(O)O2H + O-2 (IIa), -> C6H5C(O)OH + O-3 (IIb), -> C6H5C(O)O + OH + O-2 (IIc). Experiments were performed using a laser photolysis technique coupled with UV-visible absorption detection over the pressure range of 80-120 Torr and the temperature range of 293-357 K. The UV spectrum was determined relative to the known cross section of the ethylperoxy radical C2H5O2 at 250 nm. Kinetic data were obtained by simulating the temporal behavior of the UV absorption at 245-260 nm. At room temperature, the rate constant value of reaction I (cm(3).molecule(-1) . s(-1)) was found to be k(I) = (1.5 +/- 0.6) x 10(-11). The Arrhenius expression for reaction II is (cm(3).molecule(-1) . s(-1)) k(II)(T) = (1.10 +/- 0.20) x 10(-11) exp(364 +/- 200/T). The branching ratios beta(O3) and beta(OH), respectively, of reactions IIb and IIc are evaluated at different temperatures; beta(O3) increases from 0.15 +/- 0.05 at room temperature to 0.40 +/- 0.05 at 357 K, whereas beta(OH) remains constant at 0.20 +/- 0.05. To confirm the mechanism of reaction II, a theoretical study was performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,pd) level of theory followed by CBS-QB3 energy calculations. | [
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There are plenty of places like home: Using relational representations in hierarchies for distance-based image understanding. Understanding images in terms of logical and hierarchical structures is crucial for many semantic tasks, including image retrieval, scene understanding and robotic vision. This paper combines robust feature extraction, qualitative spatial relations, relational instance-based learning and compositional hierarchies in one framework. For each layer in the hierarchy, qualitative spatial structures in images are detected, classified and then employed one layer up the hierarchy to obtain higher-level semantic structures. We apply a four-layer hierarchy to street view images and subsequently detect corners, windows, doors, and individual houses. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | [
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Kawasaki disease and immunisation: A systematic review. Background: Kawasaki disease is a complex and potentially serious condition. It has been observed in temporal relation to immunisation.Results: We identified twenty seven publications reporting a temporal association between immunisation and Kawasaki disease. We present a systematic review of data drawn from randomised controlled trials, observational studies, case series and reports, and reviews. Overall there was a lack of standardised case definitions, making data interpretation and comparability challenging.Conclusions: Although a temporal relationship between immunisation and Kawasaki disease is suggested, evidence for an increased risk or a causal association is lacking. Implementation of a standardised Kawasaki disease case definition would increase confidence in the findings and add value to future studies of pre- or post-licensure vaccine safety studies. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review using various reference sources to review the available evidence published in the literature. | [
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The Effect of Busulfan on Body Weight, Testis Weight and MDA Enzymes in Male Rats. Results: single dose of busulfan, induced its effects on body, testis weights and serum MDA levels. Body weight in experimental and control groups, was respectively, 297.40 gr and 301.00 gr, Body weight of rats in the experimental group than the control group was decreased, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Testicular weight in both control and experimental groups, respectively, were 1.45 gr and gr 0.960. Difference between the two groups was significant decreased (P>0.05). Comparison of serum MDA of control and experimental groups, were showed 3.81 +/- 1.5 and 6.9 +/- 1.1 nmol/lit. No difference between the two groups was significant increased (P>0.05).Objectives: Busulfan is one of the anti-cancer drugs, despite of the tremendous usefulness in biotechnology and therapy of chronic diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer and it can lead to impaired spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to seen body and testicular weight and serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) enzyme in rat was performed following the use of busulfan.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of busulfan can reduced body weight and testicular weight, and increased serum MDA and could be side effects in reproduction process.Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 20 adult male rats ranging in age from 6 to 8 weeks, Animals in the two group includes a control group and the experimental group that received 50 mg/kg busulfan as a single intra peritoneal injection and after 8 weeks, body and testis weight and serum MDA levels were measured. Then Data were analyzed with SPSS 16. P <0.05 was considered significant, and results were compared between the two groups. | [
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Recursive constrained state estimation using modified extended Kalman filter. The extended Kalman filter (EKF) remains the most preferred state estimator for solving both unconstrained and constrained state estimation problems in the field of Chemical Engineering. Given, the wide spread use of EKF, we have proposed a novel optimization free recursive formulation of the EKF, to handle elegantly bounds on the estimated state variables of a stochastic non-linear dynamic system. It is well known that in the EKF, the prior and posterior distributions are approximated to be a multivariate normal distribution. In the presence of bounds imposed on the state variables, the accuracy of the first two moments of the initial state distribution and prior distribution namely the means and covariance matrices, plays a significant role in the extended Kalman filter performance. Hence, in this paper, we propose two novel schemes to modify the prior and posterior distributions of the EKF in order to satisfy the bound constraints. In addition, the initial state distribution is also suitably modified in order to satisfy the bound constraints. The efficacy of the proposed state estimation schemes using the EKF is validated on two benchmark problems reported in the literature namely a simulated gas-phase reactor and an isothermal batch reactor involving constraints on estimated state variables. Extensive simulation studies show the effectiveness of the proposed optimization free recursive constrained state estimation schemes using extended Kalman filter. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | [
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Performance evaluation of inertial pumps used for sampling groundwater from small-diameter wells. Sampling water from small-diameter wells using narrow access tubes is a challenging problem in field research efforts. In this study, a simple, easy-to-use embedded inertial pump is used for sampling groundwater from small-diameter wells. Performance of the embedded inertial pumps with different designs was demonstrated at a high-resolution field tracer experiment site near Beijing, China. Tests on the effects of primary pump design variables (stroke frequency, amplitude and diameter of pump tube) and secondary variable (ball valve diameter, the distance between hollow cylinders, and slot depths) were conducted. A linear equation is set up to describe the relationship between flow rate and primary pump design variables. The data show that a motion frequency value of 1-4 Hz and amplitude around 20 cm could satisfy effective groundwater sampling for both manual and automotive operations. The ball valve diameter should be designed to accommodate the delivery tube and hollow cylinders, because it determines the overall effective cross-sectional area; higher sectional area implies higher flow rate. The distance between hollow cylinders is recommended as 1.5-2 times of ball valve diameter. The proposed pump design is a low-cost approach for sampling from multichannel wells, which are used for conducting three-dimensional tracer tests or groundwater monitoring that requires sampling at high temporal and spatial resolution. | [
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Ostomy Care During Hospital Stay for Ostomy Surgery and the United Ostomy Associations of America Patient Bill of Rights A Cross-sectional Study. The sample comprised 325 participants with an ostomy living in the United States. All participants underwent ostomy surgery in the United States.SUBJECTS AND SETTING:The study demonstrates that ostomy care at the hospital can improve. Receiving an ostomy is a life-changing operation, and the first line of support for ostomy patients is their provider. Future research should examine ostomy care from providers' perspectives and, prospectively, in order to test care measures on patient health outcomes.CONCLUSIONS:Forty percent (n = 127) of participants reported not being supervised changing their pouch before discharge. Forty-two percent (n = 137) reported receiving only hands-on instruction on how to care for their ostomy after surgery (no reading materials, nor video tutorial). Slightly more than half (52%; n = 170) reported not receiving support group information, and only 14% (n = 46) indicated participating in a discussion on intimacy concerns.RESULTS:Participants were recruited through a purposive, nonprobability sampling method based on the presence of an ostomy and the ability to read and understand English. Data were collected between summer 2017 and fall 2018 from ostomy support groups (online and in-person support groups). Respondents completed a self-administered online questionnaire, which included closed-ended and open-ended questions.DESIGN:Descriptive, quantitative study.METHODS:PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to determine whether ostomy patients are receiving ostomy care pre- and postoperatively in accordance with the United Ostomy Associations of America Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights. | [
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Strong convergence of inertial forward-backward methods for solving monotone inclusions. The paper presents four modifications of the inertial forward-backward splitting method for monotone inclusion problems in the framework of real Hilbert spaces. The advantages of our iterative schemes are that the single-valued operator is Lipschitz continuous monotone rather than cocoercive and the Lipschitz constant does not require to be known. The strong convergence of the suggested approaches is obtained under some standard and mild conditions. Finally, several numerical experiments in finite- and infinite-dimensional spaces are proposed to demonstrate the advantages of our algorithms over the existing related ones. | [
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Radiative transfer computations for optical beams. In this paper. we present a method for computing direct numerical simulations of narrow optical beam waves propagating and scattering in a plane-parallel medium. For these computations, we use Fourier and Chebyshev spectral methods for three-dimensional radiative transfer that also includes polar and azimuthal angle dependences. We treat anisotropic scattering with peaked forward scattering by using a Clenshaw-Curtis quadrature rule for the polar angle and an extended trapezoid rule for the azimuthal angle. To verify our results, we compare this spectral method to Monte Carlo simulations. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. | [
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Catalytic thermal degradation of Chlorella vulgaris: Evolving deep neural networks for optimization. The aim of this study is to identify the optimum thermal conversion of Chlorella vulgaris with neuro-evolutionary approach. A Progressive Depth Swarm-Evolution (PDSE) neuro-evolutionary approach is proposed to model the Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data of catalytic thermal degradation of Chlorella vulgaris. Results showed that the proposed method can generate predictions which are more accurate compared to other conventional approaches ( > 90% lower in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Bias Error (MBE)). In addition, Simulated Annealing is proposed to determine the optimal operating conditions for microalgae conversion from multiple trained ANN. The predicted optimum conditions were reaction temperature of 900.0 degrees C, heating rate of 5.0 degrees C/min with the presence of HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst to obtain 88.3% of Chlorella vulgaris conversion. | [
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Addressing an angelomorphic christological myth in Hebrews?. In this article, the hypothesis of a possible angelomorphic christology, as addressed by the author of Hebrews, is investigated. It is argued that when Jesus was proclaimed as \\'Son of God\\', he was probably identified by some of the early believers as an angel. Evidence of similar angelomorphic views held by certain groups in Jewish and early Christian apocalyptic circles at the time of the composition of Hebrews, is listed. The arguments in Hebrews 1 in particular are investigated against this background. It is concluded that, although no explicit polemic against a viewpoint of Jesus as an angel is found in the text, certain angelomorphic elements were applied to him. | [
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An approach to form deviation evaluation for CMM measurement of 2D curve contours. In this paper, a practical approach towards evaluating form deviations of 2D curve contour profiles based on discrete coordinate measurement data is proposed. Using this approach, the evaluation precision of the form deviation can be sufficiently guaranteed. The approach is easy and convenient for engineering applications. A practical evaluation example for a planar cam profile is also shown. All of the form deviations of the cam profile obtained by the minimum zone criterion (MZC) satisfy the geometrical condition of the MZC resolution and are obviously smaller than those obtained by the least square criterion. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. | [
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Centriole assembly requires both centriolar and pericentriolar material proteins. Centrioles organize pericentriolar material to form centrosomes and also template the formation of cilia. Despite the importance of centrioles in dividing and differentiated cells, their assembly remains poorly understood at a molecular level. Here, we develop a fluorescence microscopy-based assay for centriole assembly in the 1-cell stage C. elegans embryo. We use this assay to characterize SAS-6, a centriolar protein that we identified based on its requirement for centrosome duplication. We show that SAS-6, a member of a conserved metazoan protein family, is specifically required for new centriole assembly, a result we confirm by electron microscopy. We further use the centriole assembly assay to examine the roles of three pericentriolar material proteins: SPD-5, the kinase aurora-A, and gamma-tubulin. Our results suggest that the pericentriolar material promotes daughter centriole formation by concentrating gamma-tubulin around the parent centriole. Thus, both centriolar and pericentriolar material proteins contribute to centriole assembly. | [
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Minimizing the mean delay of quorum-based mutual exclusion schemes. Achieving mutual exclusion is one of the most fundamental problems in distributed computing. The use of coteries is a well-known approach to this problem. A coterie is a special set of pair-wise intersecting node groups called quorums. The communication delay incurred in a quorum-based mutual exclusion scheme depends critically on the coterie adopted, and thus it is important to find a coterie with small delay. Recently, two related measures called max-delay and mean-delay have been introduced. The former measure represents the largest delay among all nodes, while the latter is the arithmetic mean of the delays. In a previous paper, we have proposed a polynomial-time algorithm to find max-delay optimal coteries, but there has been no algorithm to find mean-delay optimal coteries. In this paper, the first algorithm that finds mean-delay optimal coteries in general topology networks is proposed. This algorithm employs the branch-and-bound method to effectively explore the search space. Although its running time can be exponential, it is shown that the algorithm is applicable to moderate-sized networks through experiments. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved. | [
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From bowel inflammation to the bone and joints: musculoskeletal examination in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Background One of the most important complications in inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are musculoskeletal manifestations that are reported in more than 50% of patients. Objectives In this study, we aimed to evaluate the musculoskeletal and radiologic manifestations in our IBD patients. Methods In this cross-sectional study on 96 mild-to-moderate IBD patients (76 UC, 18 CD and 2 undifferentiated IBD) with mean (SD) age of 39.28 (11.42) years, 44 (45.8%) were males and 52 were (54.2%) females. Patients were examined by an expert rheumatologist and their musculoskeletal symptoms were assessed. The musculoskeletal system was evaluated by Modified Schober test, Thoracic expansion (TE), Occiput to wall distance (OWD), and Patrick's or FABER test. Peripheral joints were also examined in all four extremities. Then patients were referred for pelvic and lumbosacral x-ray. Sacroiliitis grading was performed using the New York criteria. Results Inflammatory low back pain was reported in 5 (5.2%), enthesopathy in 6 (6.5%) and dactylitis in 1 (1.1%). Positive Schober test was recorded in 5 (5.2%) and Patrick test in 3 (3.1%). Forty-nine (51%) cases had normal imaging with no sacroiliitis, endplate sclerosis was seen in 33 cases (34.4%), grade 3 and grade 4 were seen in 10 cases (10.4%). Conclusions In the present study, 34.4% of the IBD patients had mild radiologic changes as endplate sclerosis and 95% had a normal physical examination. | [
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Atrial fibrillation: rate or rhythm control - individual patient management. The treatment of atrial fibrillation still remains challenging in everyday practice. Even after the introduction of catheter ablation, the decision-making process about the type of therapy became more complex. The recently published guidelines of the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the European Society of Cardiology clearly show therapeutic approaches for different types of atrial fibrillation. The fear of thromboembolism still forces the physician to restore sinus rhythm and achieve optimized anticoagulation. Based on large studies, we are able to decide for each patient individually whether oral anticoagulation or ASA is required. Future studies in a large cohort of patients are still necessary to clarify the value of interventional therapy in conjunction with antiarrhythmic drug therapy. These will provide patients with safe therapy and high quality of life despite presenting paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. | [
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Convenient synthesis of indenol[1,2-c]isoquinolines as constrained forms of 3-arylisoquinolines and docking study of a topoisomerase I inhibitor into DNA-topoisomerase I complex. 11-Hydroxyindeno[1,2-c]isoquinotines 12a-c were prepared as constrained forms of 3-arylisoquinolines through an intramolecular cyclization reaction. Among the synthesized compounds, the 11-butoxy analog 15I displayed potent in vitro cytotoxicity against four different tumor cell lines as well as topoisomerase I inhibitory activity. A FlexX docking study was performed to explain the topoisomerase I activity of 151. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | [
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Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) of Fused Silica (FS) Using Ceria Slurry Recycling. Due to its high optical permeability, excellent high temperature resistance, and chemical inertness, fused silica (FS) has been widely used in astronomical telescopes, laser systems, and optical communication. Based on the smooth surface polishing of fused silica using ceria slurry, the variations of polishing performance of fused silica in the recycling polishing were studied. Meanwhile, the variations of the ceria slurry characteristics in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of fused silica were investigated. The variations of the average size and the morphology of the abrasive ceria particles were measured. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement was used to evaluate the chemical state of the ceria slurry in different recycling polishing time. Then, elastic moduli via atomic force microscope (AFM) force curves measurement of the abrasive ceria particles were measured and analyzed. And the change of shear viscosity of the slurry was monitored. In addition, the relative removal mechanism of fused silica using ceria slurry recycling was discussed. (C) 2020 The Electrochemical Society (\\'ECS\\'). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited. | [
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International variation in dialysis discontinuation in patients with advanced kidney disease. BACKGROUND: Decisions about dialysis for advanced kidney disease are often strongly shaped by sociocultural and system-level factors rather than the priorities and values of individual patients. We examined international variation in the uptake of conservative approaches to the care of patients with advanced kidney disease, in particular discontinuation of dialysis. METHODS: We employed an observational cohort study design using data collected from patients maintained on long-term hemodialysis between 1996 and 2015 in facilities across 12 developed countries participating in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS). The main outcome was discontinuation of dialysis therapy. We analyzed the association between several patient characteristics and time to dialysis discontinuation by country and phase of study entry. RESULTS: A total of 259 343 DOPPS patients contributed data to the study, of whom 48 519 (18.7%) died during the study period. Of the decedents, 5808 (12.0%) discontinued dialysis before death. Rates of discontinuation were higher within the first few months after initiation of dialysis, among older adults, among those with a greater number of comorbidities and among those living in an institution. After adjustment for age, sex, dialysis duration, diabetes and dialysis era, rates of discontinuation were highest in Canada, the United States and Australia/New Zealand (33.8, 31.4 and 21.5 per 1000/yr, respectively) and lowest in Japan and Italy (< 0.1 per 1000/yr). Crude discontinuation rates were highest in dialysis facilities that were more likely to offer comprehensive conservative renal care to older adults. INTERPRETATION: We found persistent international variation in average rates of dialysis discontinuation not explained by differences in patient case-mix. These differences may reflect physician-, facility- and society-level differences in clinical practice. There may be opportunities for international cross-collaboration to improve support for patients with end-stage renal disease who prefer a more conservative approach. | [
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Wage centralization and the scope of firm-union bargaining: 'Efficient bargains' or 'labour demand'?. This paper focuses on the role that wage centralization may play regarding the endogenous determination of the scope of firm-union bargaining. Findings suggest that, as long as the alternative wage is sufficiently low, compliance with the centralized (minimum) wage deal is sustained by wage-takers (small inefficient employers and their employees), and 'labour demand' proves to be an equilibrium bargaining arrangement for wage-setters (large efficient employers and their workers' union). Otherwise, and also if union power is low enough, 'efficient bargains' may be unanimously chosen by the latter agents, as a strategic device to counter losses arising from wage-undercutting rivalry. | [
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Highly Selective, Defect-Induced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Acetaldehyde by the Nb-Doped TiO(2)( )Nanotube Array under Simulated Solar Illumination. The adsorption and activation of CO2 molecules on the surface of photocatalysts are critical steps to realize efficient solar energy-induced CO2 conversion to valuable chemicals. In this work, a defect engineering approach of a high-valence cation Nb-doping into TiO2 was developed, which effectively enhanced the adsorption and activation of CO2 molecules on the Nb-doped TiO2 surface. A highly ordered Nb-doped TiO2 nanotube array was prepared by anodization of the Ti-Nb alloy foil and subsequent annealing at 550 degrees C in air for 2 h for its crystallization. Our sample showed a superior photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance under simulated solar illumination. The main CO2 reduction product was a higher-energy compound of acetaldehyde, which could be easily transported and stored and used to produce various key chemicals as intermediates. The acetaldehyde production rate was over similar to 500 mu mol.g(-1).h(-1) with good stability for repeated long-time uses, and it also demonstrated a superior product selectivity to acetaldehyde of over 99%. Our work reveals that the Nb-doped TiO2 nanotube array could be a promising candidate with high efficiency and good product selectivity for the photocatalytic CO2 reduction with solar energy. | [
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Molecular dynamics simulation of replacement of CH4 in hydrate with CO2. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the mechanism of guest replacement of CH4 hydrate with CO2. The well-known OPLS-AA and TIP4P potential models are used for the interactions between guest-guest and water-water species, respectively. The simulations are performed on a combination of 4 x 4 x 4 unit cell replica of fully-occupied structure I hydrate and CO2 gas phase. The simulation results confirm that CH4 is released from its hydrate and enter into the gas phase by the replacement with CO2, which has been testified by in situ Raman spectroscopic experiments. Without the hydrate dissociation, CH4 molecules are difficult to run out of while CO2 to penetrate into the interior cages of the hydrate block because of the barrier of the cage walls constructed by hydrogen-bonding network of water. It is conjectured that the replacements of CH4 hydrate with CO2 will spend long time without the dissociation, or at least slightly melting of the hydrate crystals once time. The replacement process may be divided into three steps: the cages are broken firstly, then CH4 molecules run out of the cages and meanwhile CO2 molecules enter into the void cages and occupy them in stead. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | [
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Clustering based unit commitment with wind power uncertainty. Wind power generation is continuously increasing around the world, but due to uncertainty in wind power generation, the unit commitment problem has become complex. In this paper, scenario generation and reduction techniques are used to consider wind power uncertainty on system operation. Also, a new approach is developed for creating clusters of unit status associated with a probability of occurrence from an initial set of large wind power generation scenarios. And then a model of wind-hydro-thermal coordination problem along with the pumped storage plant is established. Combination of proposed weighted-improved crazy particle swarm optimization along with a pseudo code based algorithm and scenario analysis method is utilized to solve above problem. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method is tested on systems with and without pumped storage plant integration. The results are analyzed in detail, which demonstrate the model and the proposed method is practicable in solving the unit commitment. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | [
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Controlling the material removal and roughness of Inconel 718 in laser machining. Nickel alloys including Inconel 718 are considered as challenging materials for machining. Laser beam machining could be a promising choice to deal with such materials for simple to complex machining features. The machining accuracy is mainly dependent on the rate of material removal per laser scan. Because of the involvement of many laser parameters and complexity of the machining mechanism it is not always simple to achieve machining with desired accuracy. Actual machining depth extremely varies from very low to aggressively high values with reference to the designed depth. Thus, a research is needed to be carried out to control the process parameters to get actual material removal rate (MRRact) equals to the theoretical material removal rate (MRRth) with minimum surface roughness (SR) of the machined surfaces. In this study, five important laser parameters have been used to investigate their effects on MRR and SR. Statistical analysis are performed to identify the significant parameters with their strength of effects. Mathematical models have been developed and validated to predict the machining responses. Optimal set of laser parameters have also been proposed and confirmed to achieve the actual MRR close to the designed MRR (MRR% = 100.1%) with minimum surface roughness (R-a = 2.67 mu m). | [
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Cancer risk at sites other than the breast following augmentation mammoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Although excesses of cervical and vulvar cancer among implant patients might he attributable to lifestyle factors, reasons for excesses of respiratory and brain cancers were less apparent. Ann Epidemiol 2001;11:248-256. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.PURPOSE: There has been limited investigation of cancer risk other than breast cancer among patients with breast implants, despite some clinical and laboratory evidence suggesting links with certain cancer sites, including hematopoietic and connective tissue malignancies.RESULTS: A total of 359 malignancies was observed versus 295.95 expected based on general population rates, resulting in a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.4]. Individual malignancies for which incidence was significantly elevated inducted cancers of the stomach (SIR = 2.65), cervix (SIR = 3.18), vulva (SIR = 2.51), brain (SIR = 2.16), and leukemia (SIR = 2.19). No excess risks were observed for other hematopoietic malignancies, including multiple myeloma. The internal analyses, however, based on cancer rates derived among the comparison patients, showed no increased cancer risk among the implant patients [relative risk (RR) = 1.00, 95% CI 0.8-1.2], as well as no statistically significant elevations for most individual sites. Cervical cancer continued to be elevated (RR = 1.78), although to a lesser extent than in the external analyses, while the risk for respiratory cancers was higher (RR = 2.40). Non-significant elevations in risk persisted in this analysis for liver cancer (RR = 2.65), brain cancer (RR = 2.83), and leukemia (RR = 1.83). Many of the cancers showing excesses were defined on the basis of death certificates, requiring caution in interpretation. The histologies of the leukemias were quite varied, which makes a biologic relationship appear unlikely. However, respiratory cancers showed some evidence of increasing risk with follow-up time and both respiratory and brain cancers were elevated in the mortality analyses.METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 13,488 patients who received cosmetic breast implants at 18 plastic surgery practices in six geographic areas was conducted to assess long-term health effects. After an average of 12 years of follow-up, questionnaires were administered to subjects located and alive (78% of eligible population). Attempts were made to obtain death certificates for deceased subjects and medical verification for all reported cancers. Expected numbers of cancers were derived using general population cancer incidence rates and an internal comparison series of 3936 patients who received other types of plastic surgery at the same practices as the implant patients. | [
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A review on the role and impact of various additives as promoters/inhibitors for gas hydrate formation. Formerly, additives were only used to inhibit the formation of solid hydrates in pipelines and maintain a safe and economic fuel transportation. Recently, their role has reversed in newly found applications, where formation of gas hydrates is beneficial like, gas storage and carbon sequestration. A comprehensive review on the role of conventional and novel additives used to promote or inhibit the hydrate formation in different chemical processes is presented. These additives are classified based on their action mechanism i.e. thermodynamic and kinetic. The study aims to provide a complete outlook of chronological development with a special focus on the major issues, challenges, and future prospects/development of the different classes of additives in a promoter/inhibitor role. | [
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Quadrature demodulation with synchronous difference for interferometric fiber-optic gyroscopes. We propose a novel method of quadrature demodulation with synchronous difference for suppressing noise in interferometric fiber-optic gyroscopes (IFOGs). For an IFOG with sine wave phase modulation, an in-phase result and a quadrature result are obtained simultaneously by coherent detection. Eigenfrequency modulation is used and a phase shift of 45 degrees is set between the modulation signal and the reference signal, so that two results have the same expectation of amplitude but with opposite signs. A synchronous difference procedure is carried out for output, in which signals are added up and common noise between two results is eliminated. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that both short term noise and long term instability of the IFOG are reduced by this method. In experimental comparison with the traditional demodulation method on the same IFOG with a 1982 m fiber coil, this method reduces the bias drift from 0.040 degrees/h to 0.004 degrees/h. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America | [
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3-D Augmented Reality for MRI-Guided Surgery Using Integral Videography Autostereoscopic Image Overlay. A 3-D augmented reality navigation system using autostereoscopic images was developed for MRI-guided surgery. The 3-D images are created by employing an animated autostereoscopic image, integral videography (IV), which provides geometrically accurate 3-D spatial images and reproduces motion parallax without using any supplementary eyeglasses or tracking devices. The spatially projected 3-D images are superimposed onto the surgical area and viewed via a half-slivered mirror. A fast and accurate spatial image registration method was developed for intraoperative IV image-guided therapy. Preliminary experiments showed that the total system error in patient-to-image registration was 0.90 +/- 0.21 mm, and the procedure time for guiding a needle toward a target was shortened by 75%. An animal experiment was also conducted to evaluate the performance of the system. The feasibility studies showed that augmented reality of the image overlay system could increase the surgical instrument placement accuracy and reduce the procedure time as a result of intuitive 3-D viewing. | [
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ON SHORT TIME EXISTENCE FOR THE PLANAR NETWORK FLOW. We prove the existence of the flow by curvature of regular planar networks starting from an initial network which is non-regular. The proof relies on a monotonicity formula for expanding solutions and a local regularity result for the network flow in the spirit of B. White's local regularity theorem for mean curvature flow. We also show a pseudolocality theorem for mean curvature flow in any codimension, assuming only that the initial submanifold can be locally written as a graph with sufficiently small Lipschitz constant. | [
4,
23
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Elevated gatifloxacin and reduced rifampicin concentrations in a single-dose interaction study amongst healthy volunteers. Results: Modest but potentially important drug-drug interactions affecting gatifloxacin and rifampicin concentrations were detected. The elimination rate of gatifloxacin was reduced such that the AUC from 0 h to infinity was increased with a geometric mean ratio (GMR) [90% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.14 (1.10, 1.18). Conversely, the AUC from 0 h to infinity for rifampicin was reduced (GMR: 0.81, 90% CI: 0.81, 0.96) when rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide were given together with gatifloxacin.Conclusions: Studies in patients including pharmacokinetic evaluation at steady state, efficacy and toxicity are required to determine the importance of the interactions for use of the combination of gatifloxacin, rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide in the treatment of tuberculosis.Objectives: Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions were investigated between the fluoroquinolone gatifloxacin and a fixed dose combination (FDC) of rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide.Patients and methods: The single-dose pharmacokinetics of the four drugs was evaluated in an open-label three-way cross-over study amongst 22 healthy volunteers following administration of gatifloxacin, the FDC or the two products together. | [
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Non-periodic Tilings of R-n by Crosses. An n-dimensional cross consists of 2n+1 unit cubes: the \\'central\\' cube and reflections in all its faces. A tiling by crosses is called a Z-tiling if each cross is centered at a point with integer coordinates. Periodic tilings of a\\'e (n) by crosses have been constructed by several authors for all naN. No non-periodic tiling of a\\'e (n) by crosses has been found so far. We prove that if 2n+1 is not a prime, then the total number of non-periodic Z-tilings of a\\'e (n) by crosses is 2(N0) while the total number of periodic Z-tilings is only a\\'mu(0). In a sharp contrast to this result we show that any two tilings of a\\'e (n) ,n=2,3, by crosses are congruent. We conjecture that this is the case not only for n=2,3, but for all n where 2n+1 is a prime. | [
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Embedding occupational health and safety in the procurement and management of infrastructure projects: institutional logics at play in the context of new public management. The research explored the approaches used by government agencies (as client organizations) to drive occupational health and safety (OHS) performance improvements in publicly funded infrastructure construction projects in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 representatives of clients and contractors with direct and recent experience of delivering large public infrastructure projects. Interviews explored the procurement approaches taken, and the use of incentives and performance measurement. Data was subjected to inductive analysis to identify emergent concepts and themes relating to the way that New Public Management (NPM) influences the commercial management of infrastructure construction projects, with particular reference to OHS impacts. The concept of institutional logics was utilised as a theoretical frame to understand clients' behaviour in the commercial management of infrastructure projects. Client behaviour was consistent with elements of NPM and reflected a managerialist logic in the pursuit of efficiency, the use of targets, incentives and performance measurement. However, a strong professional service logic was also found to drive active client behaviour in relation to the management of OHS. Understanding the institutional logics driving client OHS practices is an important theoretical development that can stimulate reflexive practice which may create an impetus for change. | [
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Three-dimensional dosimetry of small megavoltage radiation fields using radiochromic gels and optical CT scanning. The dosimetry of small fields as used in stereotactic radiotherapy, radiosurgery and intensity-modulated radiation therapy can be challenging and inaccurate due to partial volume averaging effects and possible disruption of charged particle equilibrium. Consequently, there exists a need for an integrating, tissue equivalent dosimeter with high spatial resolution to avoid perturbing the radiation beam and artificially broadening the measured beam penumbra. In this work, radiochromic ferrous xylenol-orange (FX) and leuco crystal violet (LCV) micelle gels were used to measure relative dose factors (RDFs), percent depth dose profiles and relative lateral beam profiles of 6 MV x-ray pencil beams of diameter 28.1, 9.8 and 4.9 mm. The pencil beams were produced via stereotactic collimators mounted on a Varian 2100 EX linear accelerator. The gels were read using optical computed tomography (CT). Data sets were compared quantitatively with dosimetric measurements made with radiographic (Kodak EDR2) and radiochromic (GAFChromic((R)) EBT) film, respectively. Using a fast cone-beam optical CT scanner (Vista (TM)), corrections for diffusion in the FX gel data yielded RDFs that were comparable to those obtained by minimally diffusing LCV gels. Considering EBT film-measured RDF data as reference, cone-beam CT-scanned LCV gel data, corrected for scattered stray light, were found to be in agreement within 0.5% and -0.6% for the 9.8 and 4.9 mm diameter fields, respectively. The validity of the scattered stray light correction was confirmed by general agreement with RDF data obtained from the same LCV gel read out with a laser CT scanner that is less prone to the acceptance of scattered stray light. Percent depth dose profiles and lateral beam profiles were found to agree within experimental error for the FX gel corrected for diffusion), LCV gel (corrected for scattered stray light), and EBT and EDR2 films. The results from this study reveal that a three-dimensional dosimetry method utilizing optical CT-scanned radiochromic gels allows for the acquisition of a self-consistent volumetric data set in a single exposure, with sufficient spatial resolution to accurately characterize small fields. | [
2,
256
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Influence of microstructure on magnetic properties of nanocomposite RE5.5(Fe,Cr,M)(76.5)B-18 (RE = Nd, Tb; Cr >= 3 at %; M = Co, Si) magnetic materials. The microstructure and the magnetic properties of nanocomposite (Nd, Tb)(5.5)(Fe, Cr, M)(76.5)B-18 (M = Co, Si) magnetic materials have been investigated. The samples were prepared by splat cooling and subsequent fast annealing treatment between 700 and 800 degrees C in order to develop a nanocrystalline microstructure. Optimum magnetic properties are found in samples with 3 at % Cr. A higher Cr content results in an increase of the coercive field but also in a decrease of both remanence and saturation magnetization. The magnetic properties of splat cooled materials with 3 at % Cr can be improved by the substitution of Co or (Co, Si). Splat cooled flakes with 2.5 at % Co and 0.5 at % Si show a coercive field H-c of 551 kA/m and a remanence mu(0)M(r) of 0.91 T. After optimized annealing the magnetic materials consist of a homogeneous microstructure of Fe3B and (Nd, Tb)(2)Fe14B grains with a grain size in the range of 10-30 nm. The substitution of Co leads to a slight coarsening of the grain size. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(99)47108-7]. | [
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The Study on Evaluation and Improvement of Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Cancer by China's Hospice Program. This multicenter study evaluated the quality of life (QOL) of patients with advanced cancer and assessed the improvement in patients' QOL by hospice service program, using McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire-Hong Kong version (MQOL-HK) questionnaire in China's 32 hospice centers from March to June, 2012. Among 640 recruited cases, data of 630 patients were analyzed. Differences in patients' pre- and posthospice QOL were evaluated. Compared to prehospice results, patients' QOL scores improved significantly in physical, psychological, existential, and support domains after 3 weeks of hospice services. Some items were not thus classified primarily due to cross-cultural adaptation. The MQOL-HK questionnaire could effectively measure QOL in Chinese hospice patients and their QOL could be improved by hospice services. Psychological, existential, and support services should be emphasized during patients' initial 3 weeks of hospice admission. | [
2,
228
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Recommended Methods for Brain Processing and Quantitative Analysis in Rodent Developmental Neurotoxicity Studies. Neuropathology methods in rodent developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) studies have evolved with experience and changing regulatory guidance. This article emphasizes principles and methods to promote more standardized DNT neuropathology evaluation, particularly procurement of highly homologous brain sections and collection of the most reproducible morphometric measurements. To minimize bias, brains from all animals at all dose levels should be processed from brain weighing through paraffin embedding at one time using a counterbalanced design. Morphometric measurements should be anchored by distinct neuroanatomic landmarks that can be identified reliably on the faced block or in unstained sections and which address the region-specific circuitry of the measured area. Common test article-related qualitative changes in the developing brain include abnormal cell numbers (yielding altered regional size), displaced cells (ectopia and heterotopia), and/or aberrant differentiation (indicated by defective myelination or synaptogenesis), but rarely glial or inflammatory reactions. Inclusion of digital images in the DNT pathology raw data provides confidence that the quantitative analysis was done on anatomically matched (i.e., highly homologous) sections. Interpreting DNT neuropathology data and their presumptive correlation with neurobehavioral data requires an integrative weight-of-evidence approach including consideration of maternal toxicity, body weight, brain weight, and the pattern of findings across brain regions, doses, sexes, and ages. | [
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Genetic variation of Phyllostachys pubescens (Bambusoideae, Poaceae) in Taiwan based on DNA polymorphisms. Phyllostachys pubescens is an economically important bamboo species in Taiwan. It was introduced from mainland China probably around the middle of the eighteenth century by immigrants. The purpose of the present study is to identify clones and to study clonal distribution in Taiwan based on DNA polymorphisms. One hundred and seventy-six samples were collected around the island. Genomic DNA fragments were amplified using 13 RAPD primers, 3 microsatellite primers, and 1 minisatellite primer. The resulting amplification patterns were used for clone identification. Nine clones were identified from these samples. The relationship between these clones was studied using cluster analysis and principle co-ordinate analysis. The species is reproduced mainly by the rapid spreading of its rhizomes. The results of the present study revealed that its genetic variation is very limited. The center of variation is in Nantou County. The region around Nantou County consisted of all of the nine identified clones while the remaining regions generally consisted of only one common clone. This evidence indicated that the Nantou region might be the first area of successful introduction and that the cultivation later spread to other regions. | [
5,
73
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Thinking about low-probability events - An exemplar-cuing theory. The way people respond to the chance that an unlikely event will occur depends on how the event is described. We propose that people attach more weight to unlikely events when they can easily generate or imagine examples in which the event has occurred or will occur than when they cannot. We tested this idea in two experiments with mock jurors using written murder scenarios. The results suggested that jurors attach more weight to the defendant's claim that an incriminating DNA match is merely coincidental when it is easy for them to imagine other individuals whose DNA would also match than when it is not easy for them to imagine such individuals. We manipulated the difficulty of imagining such examples by varying the description of the DNA-match statistic. Some of the variations that influenced the jurors were normatively irrelevant. | [
1,
58
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Finite-Element Simulation of Polymer Flow and Extrudate Swell Through Hollow Profile Extrusion Die with the Multimode Differential Viscoelastic Model. Extrudate swell is a common phenomenon in polymer processing that can significantly influence the quality of final products. In this study, the viscoelastic flow patterns and the swell phenomenon of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) flowing through a hollow profile extrusion die are investigated by means of the finite element simulation. The mathematical model of three-dimensional viscoelastic flow and extrudate swell of the polymer melt obeying a multimode differential Phan-Thien and Tanner (mPTT) constitutive model is established. The rheological parameters of LDPE are obtained by fitting the material functions detected on a strain-controlled rheometer. A penalty method is introduced to solve the viscoelastic flow and extrudate swell problem with a decoupled algorithm. The computational stability is improved by using the discrete elasticviscous split stress (DEVSS) algorithm incorporating the inconsistent streamline-upwind scheme. A streamfacestreamline method is introduced to adjust the outlet free surface of the swelling extrudate. The design strategy of the hollow profile extrusion die is discussed. The essential flow characteristics and the mechanism of the swell phenomenon of polymer melt flowing through the hollow profile extrusion die are further investigated based on the proposed mathematical model and numerical scheme. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E1E19, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20265 | [
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Bacterial flagellar diversity and evolution: seek simplicity and distrust it?. Flagella are the chief organelles of motility in bacteria. In recent years, several new findings have illuminated the evolution of bacterial flagella, including cut-down versions of the organelle in Buchnera, a dispensable ATPase and structural evidence for homology between FliG (a component of the flagellar motor) and MgtE (a magnesium transporter). However, a fresh examination of the phylogenetic distribution of flagellar genes warns against a simplistic model of early flagellar evolution. | [
2,
39
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Induction and reversal of myotonic dystrophy type 1 pre-mRNA splicing defects by small molecules. The ability to control pre-mRNA splicing with small molecules could facilitate the development of therapeutics or cell-based circuits that control gene function. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is caused by the dysregulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing due to sequestration of muscleblind-like 1 protein (MBNL1) by(exp)anded, non-coding r(CUG) repeats (r(CUG)(exp)). Here we report two small molecules that induce or ameliorate alternative splicing dysregulation. A thiophene-containing small molecule (1) inhibits the interaction of MBNL1 with its natural pre-mRNA substrates. Compound (2), a substituted naphthyridine, binds r(CUG)(exp) and displaces MBNL1. Structural models show that 1 binds MBNL1 in the Zn-finger domain and that 2 interacts with UU loops in r(CUG)(exp). This study provides a structural framework for small molecules that target MBNL1 by mimicking r(CUG)(exp) and shows that targeting MBNL1 causes dysregulation of alternative splicing, suggesting that MBNL1 is thus not a suitable therapeutic target for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1. | [
2,
191
] |
A unified theory of transport barriers and of subneoclassical transport. \\'Subneoclassical'' heat fluxes are shown to be rigorous consequences of the revisited neoclassical theory published earlier [Phys. Plasmas 1, 619 (1994)]. Including finite Larmor radius and inertia effects, this theory also provides a nondegenerate ambipolarity constraint, which, together with the parallel momentum equation, defines unambiguously the radial electric field E-r and the parallel velocity U-parallel to,U-i. It is shown that the stationary solution of those equations features, under conditions that are discussed, highly sheared E-r profiles as observed in edge transport barriers. The operation regime is determined by a competition between nonlinear spin up of the rotation (which is interpreted! and momentum loss via charge exchange neutrals. The position of the transport barrier-near the last closed magnetic surface (LCMS)-is explained. The local threshold condition is analyzed, including the role of recycling neutrals and of the isotope mass. The width of the shear layer, as well as the predicted jumps and negative values of E-r in front of the LCMS, agrees with experimental data. The time-dependent equations have solutions propagating from the edge to the core; the time scale associated with the toroidal rotation scales as and is usually comparable to the neoclassical heat transport time scale. Although the theory is so far limited to the high collisionality regime, a clear physical interpretation of the results allows extrapolation to low collisionality plasmas. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1070-664X(99)03001-3]. | [
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Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas within the sphenoid sinus. Ectopic pituitary adenomas are defined by the presence of adenomatous pituitary tissue outside the sella and distinctly separate from the pituitary gland. Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas (EAPAs) are a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome. Detecting these radiologically can prove difficult, in part, due to their typically small size and unpredictable anatomical location. In ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, if, despite comprehensive testing, the source of excess ACTH remains occult (including negative work up for ectopic ACTH syndrome) thought should be given to the possibility of the patient harboring an EAPA. In most cases, ectopic ACTH pituitary adenomas within the sphenoid sinus will manifest with symptoms of hormonal excess, have an obvious sphenoid sinus mass on pre-operative imaging and will demonstrate resolution of hypercortisolism after surgical excision if located and removed. Twenty cases of EAPAs have been reported in the literature to date. This paper will review the current literature on all previously reported EAPAs within the sphenoid sinus in addition to the current case. | [
2,
99
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Quality Properties, Fatty Acid and Sterol Compositions of East Mediterranean Region Olive Oils. In this study, important physicochemical properties, fatty acid and sterol compositions of olive oils from the olives which harvested from Mersin (Buyuk Topak Ulak, Gemlik, Sari Ulak), Adana (Gemlik), Osmaniye (Gemlik) and Hatay (Gemlik, Kargaburun, Hasebi, Halhali) in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey have been investigated. Ripening index and oil yield analysis of the olives and free fatty acids, peroxide value, UV absorbance (K-232, K-270), fatty acid composition, sterol composition, erythrodiol+uvaol content, and total sterol analysis of the olive oil samples were carried out. The levels of free acidity in the olive oil samples ranged from 0.39% (Hatay Gemlik: HG3) to 2.23% (Mersin Gemlik: MG). Peroxide value ranged from 8.87 to 18.87 meq O-2/kg. As K-232 values in the oils fluctuated between 1.4370 and 2.3970, K-270 values varied between 0.1270 and 0.1990. The results showed that all Delta K values were lower than the maximum legal limit of 0.01. The main fatty acid in all oil samples was oleic acid, ranging from 58.72% (Hatay Hasebi: HHs) to 74.54% (Hatay Gemlik: HG2). Palmitic acid values were within the percentage of 12.83% (Hatay Kargaburun: HK) to 18.50% (HHs). Total sterol content varied from 720.41 mg/kg (Hatay Kargaburun: HK) to 4519.17 mg/kg (Buyuk Topak Ulak: BTU). The beta-sitosterol percentage of olive oils ranged from 76.12% (Adana Gemlik: AG) to 94.23% (Buyuk Topak Ulak: BTU). The results of this study indicated that variety significantly affect the quality indices, fatty acid and sterol compositions of olive oils significantly varied among v arieties. | [
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REPAIR OF UV DAMAGE IN ACTIVELY TRANSCRIBED RIBOSOMAL GENES. Repair of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) was measured in the individual strands of transcriptionally active ribosomal genes in mouse Friend erythroleukemia cells. Ribosomal genes (rDNA) are multicopied, but only a fraction is transcriptionally active (or transcriptionally ''poised''). Selective psoralen binding was used to separate the active fraction, which has an open chromatin structure, from inactive rDNA. EcoRI digestion was used to selectively release the active fraction from nuclei for DNA repair studies. UV dose response curves indicate there is no significant bias for CPD formation in either strand of both types of rDNA chromatin. More importantly, there was no evidence for transcription repair coupling in the individual strands of active and total rDNA. Indeed, over an 8 h period (one cell-cycle), repair of CPDs was almost nonexistent in either strand of active and total rDNA. Furthermore, the fraction of each chromatin structure remains constant during these repair times, suggesting that chromatin rearrangements observed during excision repair of nonnucleolar chromatin do not occur following UV damage of rDNA. However, CPDs are removed efficiently from the transcribed strand of the constitutively expressed c-abl gene (transcribed by Pol II), demonstrating that these cells are capable of transcription repair coupling. | [
2,
186
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Crystallization and spectroscopic studies of manganese malonate. The preparation of manganese malonate crystals by gel method and its spectroscopic studies are reported. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reveals the crystalline nature. The FTIR and FT Raman spectra of the crystals are recorded and the vibrational assignments are given with possible explanations. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is used to measure the bandgap (E (g)) of the material. | [
1,
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Brain bioenergetics in rats with acute hyperphenylalaninemia. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disorder of phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism caused by deficient phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) activity. The deficiency results in increased levels of Phe and its metabolites in fluids and tissues of patients. PKU patients present neurological signs and symptoms including hypomyelination and intellectual deficit. This study assessed brain bioenergetics at 1 h after acute Phe administration to induce hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in rats. Wistar rats were randomized in two groups: HPA animals received a single subcutaneous administration of Phe (5.2 mu mol/g) plus p-Cl-Phe (PAH inhibitor) (0.9 mu mol/g); control animals received a single injection of 0.9% NaCl. In cerebral cortex, HPA group showed lower mitochondrial mass, lower glycogen levels, as well as lower activities of complexes I-III and IV, ATP synthase and citrate synthase. Higher levels of free Pi and phospho-AMPK, and higher activities of LDH, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase were also reported in cerebral cortex of HPA animals. In striatum, HPA animals had higher LDH (pyruvate to lactate) and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities, and lower activities of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and complex IV, as well as lower phospho-AMPK immunocontent. In hippocampus, HPA rats had higher nIRNA expression for MFN1 and higher activities of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase, but decreased activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase and complexes I and IV. In conclusion, our data demonstrated impaired bioenergetics in cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus of HPA rats. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. | [
2,
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The Distributed Minimum Spanning Tree Problem. This article surveys the distributed minimum spanning tree (MST) problem, a central and one of the most studied problems in distributed computing. In this problem, we are given a network, represented as a weighted graph G = (v, E), and the nodes in the network communicate by message passing via the edges of G with the goal of constructing an MST of G in a distributed fashion, i.e., each node should identify the MST edges incident to itself. This article summarizes the long line of research in designing efficient distributed algorithms and showing lower bounds for the distributed MST problem, including the most recent developments which have focused on algorithms that are simultaneously round- and message-optimal. | [
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Spatial Variability of Microbial Communities and Salt Distributions Across a Latitudinal Aridity Gradient in the Atacama Desert. Over the past 150 million years, the Chilean Atacama Desert has been transformed into one of the most inhospitable landscapes by geophysical changes, which makes it an ideal Mars analog that has been explored for decades. However, a heavy rainfall that occurred in the Atacama in 2017 provides a unique opportunity to study the response of resident extremophiles to rapid environmental change associated with excessive water and salt shock. Here we combine mineral/salt composition measurements, amendment cell culture experiments, and next-generation sequencing analyses to study the variations in salts and microbial communities along a latitudinal aridity gradient of the Atacama Desert. In addition, we examine the reshuffling of Atacama microbiomes after the rainfall event. Analysis of microbial community composition revealed that soils within the southern arid desert were consistently dominated by Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Planctomycetes, and Acidobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. Intriguingly, the hyperarid microbial consortia exhibited a similar pattern to the more southern desert. Salts at the shallow subsurface were dissolved and leached down to a deeper layer, challenging indigenous microorganisms with the increasing osmotic stress. Microbial viability was found to change with aridity and rainfall events. This study sheds light on the structure of xerotolerant, halotolerant, and radioresistant microbiomes from the hyperarid northern desert to the less arid southern transition region, as well as their response to changes in water availability. | [
6,
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Semaphorin 5A and plexin-B3 regulate human glioma cell motility and morphology through Rac1 and the actin cytoskeleton. Semaphorins are implicated in glioma progression, although little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We have reported plexin-B3 expression in human gliomas, which upon stimulation by Sema5A causes significant inhibition of cell migration and invasion. The concomitant inactivation of Rac1 is of mechanistic importance because forced expression of constitutively active Rac1 abolishes these inhibitory effects. Furthermore, Sema5A induces prominent cell collapse and ramification of processes reminiscent of astrocytic morphology, which temporally associate with extensive disassembly of actin stress fibers and disruption of focal adhesions, followed by accumulation of actin patches in protrusions. Mechanistically, Sema5A induces transient protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation of fascin-1, which can reduce its actin-binding/bundling activities and temporally parallels its translocation from cell body to extending processes. PKC inhibition or fascin-1 knockdown is sufficient to abrogate Sema5A-induced morphological differentiation, whereas the process is hastened by forced expression of fascin-1. Intriguingly, Sema5A induces re-expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which when silenced restricts differentiation of glioma cells to bipolar instead of multipolar morphology. Therefore, we hypothesize complementary functions of fascin-1 and GFAP in the early and late phases of Sema5A-induced astrocytic differentiation of gliomas, respectively. In summary, Sema5A and plexin-B3 impede motility but promote differentiation of human gliomas. These effects are plausibly compromised in high-grade human astrocytomas in which Sema5A expression is markedly reduced, hence leading to infiltrative and anaplastic characteristics. This is evident by increased invasiveness of glioma cells when endogenous Sema5A is silenced. Therefore, Sema5A and plexin-B3 represent potential novel targets in counteracting glioma progression. Oncogene (2012) 31, 595-610; doi:10.1038/onc.2011.256; published online 27 June 2011 | [
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Structural investigations of nitrided Nb2O5 and Nb2O5-SiO2 sol-gel derived films. Sol-gel derived xNb(2)O(5)-(100 - X)SiO2 films (where x = 100, 80, 60, 50, 40, 20, 0 mol%) were nitrided at various temperatures (800 degrees C, 900 degrees C, 1000 degrees C, 1100 degrees C and 1200 degrees C). The structural transformations occurring in the films as a result of ammonolysis were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD results have shown that the temperatures below 1100 degrees C were too low to obtain a pure NbN phase in the samples. The AFM observations indicate that the formation of the NbN phase and the size of NbN grains are related to the silica content in the layer. NbN grains become more regular and larger as the niobium content increases. The maximum grain size of about 100 nm was observed for x=100. Preparation of the Nb2O5-SiO2 sol-gel derived layers and the subsequent nitridation is a promising method of inducing crystalline NbN in amorphous matrices. It follows from the XPS results that a small amount of Nb2O5 remains in the films after nitridation at 1200 degrees C and that nitrogen reacted not only with Nb2O5 but also with SiO2 (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. | [
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Statistical validation of the CLARA Simplified Planning Tool. The CLARA Simplified Planning Tool (CLARA-SPT) supports economic planning of water supply and sanitation system alternatives by applying life-cycle cost (LCC) principles. The cost functions used in the tool were developed based on standard designs, bills of quantities and a database of country-specific unit rates. In order to make reasonable economic comparison among system alternatives, the simulations of the tool should be able to predict costs of actual systems efficiently. In this paper, various statistical validation measures were employed to evaluate the simulation accuracy of the CLARA-SPT for eight water supply and nine sanitation technologies commonly implemented in Ethiopia. After evaluating the simulated outputs against observed cost data, appropriate corrective measures were introduced for technologies that did not replicate reality fairly. Costs of seven water supply and six sanitation technologies were able to be represented by the CLARA-SPT with good accuracy. Disinfection was however mimicked fairly. In addition, poor simulation accuracy was identified for three sanitation technologies (i. e. UDDT, Composting toilet and Faecal sludge collection). Therefore, the tool developers are advised to correct internal design assumptions of these three sanitation technologies to improve the simulation accuracy of the CLARA-SPT. | [
3,
220
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All-night EEG power spectral analysis of the cyclic alternating pattern components in young adult subjects. Methods: Sixteen normal healthy subjects were included in this study. Each subject underwent one poly somnographic night recording; sleep stages were scored following standard criteria. Subsequently, each CAP A phase was detected in all recordings, during NREM sleep, and classified into 3 subtypes (At, A2, and A3). The same channel used for the detection of CAP A phases (C3/A2 or C4A1) was subdivided into 2-s mini-epochs. For each mini-epoch, the corresponding CAP condition was determined and power spectra calculated in the frequency range 0.5-25 Hz. Average spectra were obtained for each CAP condition, separately in sleep stage 2 and SWS, for each subject. Finally, the first 6 h of sleep were subdivided into 4 periods of 90 min each and the same spectral analysis was performed for each period.Conclusions: CAP subtypes are characterized by clearly different spectra and also the same subtype shows a different power spectrum, during sleep stage 2 or SWS. This finding underlines a probable different functional meaning of the same CAP subtype during different sleep stages. We also found 3 clear peaks of difference between CAP subtypes and NCAP in the delta, alpha, and beta frequency ranges which might indicate the presence of 3 frequency components characterizing CAP subtypes, in different proportion in each of them. The B component of CAP differs from NCAP because of a decrease in power in the sigma frequency range. Significance: This study shows that A components of CAP might correspond to periods in which the very-slow delta activity of sleep groups a range of different EEG activities, including the sigma and beta bands, while the B phase of CAP might correspond to a period in which this activity is quiescent or inhibited. (c) 2005 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.Objective: To analyze in detail the frequency content of the different EEG components of the Cyclic Alternating Pattern (CAP), taking into account the ongoing EEG background and the nonCAP (NCAP) periods in the whole night polysomnographic recordings of normal young adults.Results: During sleep stage 2, CAP A subtypes differed from NCAP periods for all frequency bins between 0.5 and 25 Hz; this difference was most evident for the lowest frequencies. The B phase following A1 subtypes had a power spectrum significantly higher than that of NCAP, for frequencies between I and I I Hz. The B phase after A2 only differed from NCAP for a small but significant reduction in the sigma band power; this was evident also after A3 subtypes. During SWS, we found similar results. The comparison between the different CAP subtypes also disclosed significant differences related to the stage in which they occurred. Finally, a significant effect of the different sleep periods was found on the different CAP subtypes during sleep stage 2 and on NCAP in both sleep stage 2 and SWS. | [
2,
281
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Impact of business analytics and pi-shaped skills on innovative performance: Findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA. This paper proposes that the relationship between business analytics and innovative performance is somewhat more complex than originally thought, as firms still struggle to leverage the benefits of business analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities. To expand on the scholarship in this area of knowledge, our paper cross-fertilizes the literature by amalgamating business analytics capabilities with pi-shaped skills. We draw on resource orchestration theory to examine the effects of business analytics and pi-shaped skills on a firm's innovative performance, and the moderating role of pi-shaped skills. Field data (n = 450) were obtained from individuals with supervisory positions in large Saudi firms and SMEs and analyzed with PLS-SEM and fsQCA techniques. PLS-SEM results reveal that business analytics and pi-shaped skills are relevant antecedents for innovative performance. However, the expected moderating role of pi-shaped skills on the relationship between business analytics and innovative performance did not hold. FsQCA results reveal that business analytics and pi-shaped skills are sufficient but not necessary conditions for high innovative performance. This paper con-tributes not only to empirical evidence, but also to theory by furthering our understanding of the emergent pi-shaped skills concept. Our findings echo the need to expand inquiry into business analytics and skill sets capabilities for better innovative outputs. Implications for theory and practice are discussed. | [
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Mutational spectra of tamoxifen-induced mutations in the livers of lacl transgenic rats. Tamoxifen, an important drug in breast cancer treatment, causes liver cancer in rats. The standard range of in vitro tests have failed to show that ii causes DNA damage, but P-32-postlabelling and DNA-binding studies have shown that tamoxifen Forms DNA adducts in rat liver. In 1995 a transgenic rat (Big Blue(TM); Stratagene, la Jolla, CAI became available which harbours the bacterial lacl gene, thereby allowing the in vivo study of tamoxifen mutagenesis. Recently, we [Styles JA ei al. (1996): Toxicologist 30; 161] showed that tamoxifen caused an increase in the mutation frequency at the lcal gene in these transgenic rats. In this study, we report on our preliminary analysis of the mutational spectra of 33 control and 38 tamoxifen-induced mutant loci genes. Plasmid DNA containing the lacl gene was isolated from the mutant phages and its DNA sequence determined. In the control animal group, 81% of the mutant lacl genes were point mutations, whilst in the tamoxifen-treated group, 62% of the mutant lacl genes were point mutations. OF the tamoxifen-induced mutants, 43% were GC --> TA transversions and 70% of point mutations. In the control group, GC --> TA transversions were 19% of all mutations and 24% of point mutations. Thus, compared with control animals, tamoxifen treatment had significantly increased the proportion:of GC --> TA transversions. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc. | [
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Relationship between expression of gratitude by home-based care receivers and caregiver burden among family caregivers. Backgrounds: We focused on the frequency of \\'gratitude\\' expressed by home-based care receivers towards family caregivers before they were in the condition that needed care and investigated the relationship with caregiver burden. Methods: This cross-sectional online survey was completed by 700 family caregivers in Japan. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview. Caregivers with a score of <= 19 were defined as having mild caregiver burden, those with a score of 20 to 38 as having moderate, and those with a score of > 38 as having severe. Additionally, caregivers were asked, \\'How often did you get a 'thank you' from your care receiver before they were in a condition that needed care?\\' Answers were scored using a 11-point Likert scale. Answers with scores 0-2 were defined as low frequency of gratitude, 3-6 as middle, and 7-10 as high. Results: Among all caregivers, 233 (33.3%), 229 (32.7%) and 238 (34.0%) accounted for having mild, moderate and severe caregiver burden, respectively. High frequencies of gratitude of 48.9%, 43.7%, and 39.1%, respectively, were concluded with a significantly higher rate in the mild than in the severe caregiver burden group (p = 0.03). The results of multinominal logistic regression analysis, even after adjusting for several factors, show that high frequency of gratitude was significantly associated with caregiver burden (p < 0.01, OR: 0.48, 95%CI: 0.280.81). Conclusions: We found the frequency of gratitude from the care receiver before they were in the condition that needed care was substantially associated with caregiver burden. | [
2,
228
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Age, sex, and the ST amplitude in health and disease. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) from 1,338 apparently healthy adults were analyzed to calculate limits of normality of a variety of ECG measurements. A second set of ECGs from 503 healthy Chinese individuals was also available for comparison of selected normal ranges. It was found that the normal lit-nits of the ST amplitude in healthy individuals decrease with increasing age and, in general terms, are lower in women than in men, particularly in the precordial leads, For example, the upper limit of normal ST amplitude in V3 in a 25-year-old man is 0.31 mV but is only 0.11 mV in a woman of (lie same age. On the other hand, the age-dependent contribution to variation in the upper limit of normal of ST amplitude is effectively confined to men. The one exception to this appears to be the mean ST slope in V2, which decreases with increasing age in both men and women and is higher in the former compared to the latter. Recommended ECG related criteria, particularly in VI, for administration of thrombolytic therapy appear to be neither age nor sex dependent, which is a significant shortcoming given the foregoing information. | [
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Forming Microgears by Micro-FAST Technology. The use of microcomponents as well as intensive competition on manufacturing cost led to the requirement for cost-effective production of those components without much compromise on their final quality. To address this issue, a novel microforming technology, named as micro-field-activated sintering technology (Micro-FAST), was introduced for the fabrication of microcomponents, in which loose powders were pressed and sintered to form microgears via electroheating loop sintering and microforming. The whole process was realized in a Gleeble-1500D thermal simulation machine. A relative density of 98.7% was achieved after sintering microgears with eight teeth on it and 1.6 mm pitch diameter at 600 degrees C, heating rate of 50 degrees C/s, pressure of 100 MPa, and electroheating loop of five times. Being different from a conventional FAST process, the Micro-FAST process is of different characteristics largely due to the size effect. Effects of the external electric field, thermal field, and pressure field on the Micro-FAST densification process were analyzed. It was revealed that the deformation of the particles and fusion at the contact interfaces between particles are two important parameters to the densification of the green body and, hence, to the quality of the final component. | [
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The changing epidemiology of diphtheria in the vaccine era. The epidemic of diphtheria in the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union has drawn attention to our incomplete understanding of the epidemiology of diphtheria. Many unanswered questions remain concerning the reasons for a resurgence of diphtheria and for the shift in the age of patients and concerning the mechanisms for acquisition of immunity in adults through natural infection under unfavorable Living conditions. Other unanswered questions relate to the precise role of socioeconomic factors and hygiene conditions in the initiation, buildup, and spread of the epidemic. Important characteristics of the NIS epidemic can be used to help predict the spread of future diphtheria epidemics. These characteristics include a high proportion of infected adults, a progressive spread of disease from urban centers to rural areas, and transition from initial amplification of disease in groups with high rates of close contacts in focalized, well-distinguished outbreaks to a more generalized epidemic. | [
2,
38
] |
A class of optimal ternary cyclic codes and their duals. Cyclic codes are a subclass of linear codes and have applications in consumer electronics, data storage systems, and communication systems as they have efficient encoding and decoding algorithms. Let m = 2l + 1 for an integer l >= 1 and pi be a generator of GF(3(m))*. In this paper, a class of cyclic codes C-(u,C-v) over GF(3) with two nonzeros pi(u) and pi(v) is studied, where u = (3(m) + 1)/2, and v = 2 . 3(l) + 1 is the ternary Welch-type exponent. Based on a result on the non-existence of solutions to certain equation over GF(3(m)), the cyclic code C-(u,C-v) is shown to have minimal distance four, which is the best minimal distance for any linear code over GF(3) with length 3(m) - 1 and dimension 3(m) - 1 - 2m according to the Sphere Packing bound. The duals of this class of cyclic codes are also studied. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. | [
8,
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Dispersion analysis of Lamb waves and damage detection for aluminum structures using ridge in the time-scale domain. In this paper, the dispersion of Lamb waves in aluminum structures was systematically analyzed to differentiate the mode of each package in Lamb wave signals and localize damage. Piezoelectric transducers were bonded on the surfaces of aluminum structures, functioning as actuator and sensor to excite and acquire Lamb waves, respectively. Wavelet transform was applied to the acquired Lamb wave signals, in which the optimal mother wavelet was selected using the concept of Shannon entropy to obtain the most accurate location of each wave package. The ridge and contour of the Lamb wave signals in the time-scale domain were obtained to distinguish the mode of each wave package and pinpoint these packages for estimating the actual group velocities of dispersion curves and localizing damage. The proposed approach could help search the actual dispersion curves in the excitation frequency band by using only one Lamb wave signal. Ridges in the time-scale domain and the actual group velocities were further used to identify damage in the structures. Results demonstrate that the proposed approaches were effective in dispersion analysis, wave mode differentiation and damage localization. | [
9,
95
] |
A Pediatric Case of Thelaziasis in Korea. In the present study, we intended to report a clinical pediatric case of thelaziasis in Korea. In addition, we briefly reviewed the literature on pediatric cases of thelaziasis in Korea. In the present case, 3 whitish, thread-like eye-worms were detected in a 6-year-old-boy living in an urban area and contracted an ocular infection known as thelaziasis incidentally during ecological agritainment. This is the first report of pediatric thelaziasis in Seoul after 1995. | [
2,
231
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Directional convexity of level lines for functions convex in a given direction. Let K(phi) be the class of functions f(z) = z+a(2) z(2) +... which are holomorphic and convex in direction e(iphi) in the unit disk D, i.e. the domain f(D) is such that the intersection of f(D) and any straight line {w : w = w(o) + te(iphi), t is an element of R} is a connected or empty set. In this note we determine the radius r(psi,phi) of the biggest disk \\\\z\\\\ less than or equal to r(psi,phi) with the property that each function f is an element of K(psi) maps this disk onto the convex domain in the direction e(iphi). | [
4,
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A novel electrochemiluminescence glucose biosensor based on platinum nanoflowers/graphene oxide/glucose oxidase modified glassy carbon electrode. A novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor based on platinum nanoflowers (PtNFs)/graphene oxide (GO)/glucose oxidase (GODx) was discovered for glucose detection. PtNFs/GO was synthesized using a nontoxic, rapid, one-pot and template-free method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM techniques. The as-prepared PtNFs/GO with clean surface and multiporous structure was used to assemble GODx to form a glucose biosensor. Based on ECL results, the PtNFs/GO/GODx film-modified electrode displayed a high electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of glucose, which generated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to react with the luminol radicals thus enhanced the luminol ECL. Under the optimized conditions, two linear regions of ECL intensity to glucose concentration were valid in the range from 5 to 80 mu mol/L (r = 0.9957) and 80 to 1,000 mu mol/L (r = 0.9909) with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 2.8 mu mol/L. In order to verify the reliability, the thus-fabricated biosensor was applied to determine the glucose concentration in glucose injection, glucose functional drink, and blood serum. The results indicated that the proposed biosensor presented good characteristics in terms of high sensitivity and good reproducibility for glucose determination, promising the applicability of this sensor in practical analysis. | [
1,
44
] |
Disparities in Adverse Preconception Risk Factors Between Women with and Without Disabilities. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of select preconception health indicators among women with and without disabilities. Methods 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were used to estimate the prevalence of health behaviors, health status indicators, and preventive health care among non-pregnant women ages 18-44 years with (N = 8370) and without (N = 48,036) disabilities. Crude percentages were compared with Chi square statistics. Multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for socio-demographic factors. Results Women with disabilities were more likely than women without disabilities to currently smoke (30.5 vs. 14.5 %, p < 0.0001) and less likely to exercise in the past month (67.1 vs. 79.8 %, p < 0.0001). Heavy drinking was similar in the two groups (4.4 vs. 4.5 %, p = 0.9). Health status indicators were worse among women with disabilities, with 35.0 % reporting fair/poor health and 12.4 % reporting diabetes, compared with 6.7 and 5.6 %, respectively, among women with no disabilities (p < 0.0001 for both). Frequent mental distress, obesity, asthma, and lack of emotional support were also higher among women with disabilities compared with their non-disabled counterparts. Women with disabilities were more likely to receive some types of preventive care, (HIV), but less likely to receive others (recent dental cleaning, routine checkup). Disparities in health behaviors and health status indicators between the two groups remained after adjusting for socio-demographic factors. Conclusion Women with disabilities at reproductive age are more vulnerable to risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to their counterparts without disabilities. Our findings highlight the need for preconception health care for women with disabilities. | [
2,
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Numerical study on detection of heterogeneities in half space. The waves scattered by underground heterogeneities are studied by numerical simulation; and effects of the scattered waves on the surface wave velocity are analyzed. The results indicate that the location of a heterogeneity can not be effectively detected from variation of the phase velocity with the receiver position. Because energy of the scattered waves is small in the surface wave field, the scattered waves are not easily distinguished. When the source is taken as the center, and a group of receivers are symmetrically set along a measuring line, the scattered wave field can be obtained by comparing particle responses on two sides. The scattered Rayleigh waves dominate the scattered wave field, the locations of underground heterogeneities can be predicted by variation of traveling time of the scattered Rayleigh waves with the distance between the receiver and the source. Finally, the detection schemes are proposed. | [
7,
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Square principles with tail-end agreement. This paper investigates the principles , weakenings of which allow many clubs at each level but require them to agree on a tail-end. First, we prove that implies . Then, by forcing from a model with a measurable cardinal, we show that does not imply for regular , and does not imply . With a supercompact cardinal the former result can be extended to singular lambda, and the latter can be improved to show that does not imply for . | [
4,
15
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Effect of Doxorubicin on the Near-Infrared Optical Properties of Indocyanine Green. In recent years, chemo-photothermal therapy (chemo-PTT) has been extensively studied for the upgradation of cancer treatment. The combined therapeutic approach reduces the overall cytotoxicity and enhances the therapeutic effect against the cancerous cells. In chemo-PTT, Indocyanine green (ICG) dye, a near-infrared chromophore, is used for PTT in combination with doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapeutic drug. ICG and DOX work very efficiently in synergy against cancer. However, the effect of DOX on the optical properties of ICG has not been studied yet. Here, for the first time, we report the effect of DOX on the optical properties of ICG in detail. DOX interacts with ICG and induces the aggregation of ICG even at a low concentration. The coincubation of both the molecules causes H and J aggregations in ICG. However, the J aggregation becomes more prominent with an increasing DOX concentration. These findings suggest that the optical properties of ICG change upon incubation with the DOX, which might affect the efficacy of PTT. | [
2,
148
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Iron(III)(salen)Cl as an efficient catalyst for synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes. [Fe(III)(salen)]Cl (salen = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylimine)) is an efficient catalyst for the electrophilic substitution of indole with carbonyl compounds to afford the corresponding bis(indolyl)methanes in good yields in molten tetrabutylammonium bromide as an ionic liquid. Notable features of this new procedure are shorter reaction times, cleaner reaction profiles, and simple experimental and work-up procedures. | [
1,
304
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The president's playbook: White House strategies for lobbying Congress. In today's White House, implementing elaborate lobbying campaigns in support of the president's legislative initiatives is a familiar exercise. However, even as tales of presidential arm-twisting and deal making abound, still unclear are the general strategies by which presidents can build winning coalitions on Capitol Hill. Here I propose that presidents have available two basic options for influencing Congress: they can shift the distribution of preferences for roll-call votes, and they can censor the policy alternatives that make it that far. The first constitutes a vote-centered strategy, the second an agenda-centered strategy. After developing each within a framework that explains presidents' choices of lobbying targets and tactics, hypotheses are tested against corresponding data on the interactions between administration officials and U.S. Senators for three important issues in the 107(th) Congress. | [
3,
252
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The GPU on the simulation of cellular computing models. Membrane Computing is a discipline aiming to abstract formal computing models, called membrane systems or P systems, from the structure and functioning of the living cells as well as from the cooperation of cells in tissues, organs, and other higher order structures. This framework provides polynomial time solutions to NP-complete problems by trading space for time, and whose efficient simulation poses challenges in three different aspects: an intrinsic massively parallelism of P systems, an exponential computational workspace, and a non-intensive floating point nature. In this paper, we analyze the simulation of a family of recognizer P systems with active membranes that solves the Satisfiability problem in linear time on different instances of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). For an efficient handling of the exponential workspace created by the P systems computation, we enable different data policies to increase memory bandwidth and exploit data locality through tiling and dynamic queues. Parallelism inherent to the target P system is also managed to demonstrate that GPUs offer a valid alternative for high-performance computing at a considerably lower cost. Furthermore, scalability is demonstrated on the way to the largest problem size we were able to run, and considering the new hardware generation from Nvidia, Fermi, for a total speed-up exceeding four orders of magnitude when running our simulations on the Tesla S2050 server. | [
1,
212
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Optical Stimulation of Zebrafish Hair Cells Expressing Channelrhodopsin-2. Vertebrate hair cells are responsible for the high fidelity encoding of mechanical stimuli into trains of action potentials (spikes) in afferent neurons. Here, we generated a transgenic zebrafish line expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) under the control of the hair-cell specific myo6b promoter, in order to examine the role of the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel in sensory encoding in afferent neurons. We performed in vivo recordings from afferent neurons of the zebrafish lateral line while activating hair cells with either mechanical stimuli from a waterjet or optical stimuli from flashes of similar to 470-nm light. Comparison of the patterns of encoded spikes during 100-ms stimuli revealed no difference in mean first spike latency between the two modes of activation. However, there was a significant increase in the variability of first spike latency during optical stimulation as well as an increase in the mean number of spikes per stimulus. Next, we compared encoding of spikes during hair-cell stimulation at 10, 20, and 40-Hz. Consistent with the increased variability of first spike latency, we saw a significant decrease in the vector strength of phase-locked spiking during optical stimulation. These in vivo results support a physiological role for the MET channel in the high fidelity of first spike latency seen during encoding of mechanical sensory stimuli. Finally, we examined whether remote activation of hair cells via ChR2 activation was sufficient to elicit escape responses in free-swimming larvae. In transgenic larvae, 100-ms flashes of similar to 470-nm light resulted in escape responses that occurred concomitantly with field recordings indicating Mauthner cell activity. Altogether, the myo6b: ChR2 transgenic line provides a platform to investigate hair-cell function and sensory encoding, hair-cell sensory input to the Mauthner cell, and the ability to remotely evoke behavior in free-swimming zebrafish. | [
2,
122
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A Uniqueness Guarantee Timing Synchronization Algorithm for MB-OFDM Based UWB Systems. This paper presents a Polarity comparing and uniqueness guarantee (PCUG) timing synchronization estimation approach for MB-OFDM based UWB systems. Difference of the two cross correlation functions is computed, between a received symbol, the successive received symbol and predefined preamble sequence. It makes sense to propose polarity comparison and identification ideas to the scenario, for the result of cross correlation difference exceeding threshold is not always unique. If the polarity of the first exceeding threshold sample is different with that of predefined sequence, the current received sample is estimated to be the right timing point; otherwise the algorithm is put forward to find out a peak of correlation summation to figure out timing point. The proposed algorithm could make the uniqueness of timing index for sure. MSEs of PCUG are evidently lower than the reference algorithm. The total and exact synchronization probability could get as much as 98.98% and 95.92%. | [
8,
332
] |
Prolonged venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after transplantation restores functional integrity of severely injured lung allografts and prevents the development of pulmonary graft failure in a pig model. Methods: Left lung transplantation was performed on 16 pigs. Lungs from brain-dead animals were stored for 22 hours at 4 degrees C. Recipients in group A (n = 8) underwent transplantation without cardiopulmonary support followed by ventilation with 10 mL/kg body weight tidal volume. Animals in group B (n = 8) underwent transplantation during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which was continued for 22 hours, and received low-tidal-volume (5 mL/kg body weight) ventilation. One hour after transplantation, the right lung was excluded. Graft function was compared immediately after exclusion of the contralateral lung (time point 1), 1 hour later (time point 2), and 1 hour after discontinuation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (time point 3).Results: Four animals in group A did not reach time point 2; all died of pulmonary edema. All animals in group B survived, and at time point 3, the mean Pao(2) value was 323 +/- 129 mm Hg. At time point 2, oxygenation and lung compliance were higher in group B than in group A, whereas pulmonary artery pressure was lower. The same was true when comparing results of group B at time point 3 with results of group A at time point 2.Objective: Prolonged venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during transplantation provides reduction of pulmonary artery flow and allows for protective ventilation. This approach might have the potential to restore function of lungs that would be unsuitable for transplantation.Conclusions: Transplantation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with continued use for 24 hours restores function of damaged donor lungs. This could expand the donor pool through wider use of marginal donors. | [
2,
224
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Arthroscopic All-Inside Medial Meniscus Extrusion Reduction. Medial meniscus extrusion is commonly seen in patients who have medial meniscus posterior root tear. Extruded meniscus results in faster progression of knee arthrosis. Thus, it is important to reduce the extrusion as well as treat the cause of extrusion. This Technical Note describes an all-inside arthroscopic technique to reduce the meniscus extrusion. An additional medial portal has to be made along with the standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals. A double-loaded suture anchor is used to secure the extrusion of the meniscus in its native position. Thus, making a transosseous tibial tunnel is not required. It is easy to perform and is an efficient technique. | [
2,
226
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How to do comparative dynamics on the back of an envelope for open-loop Nash equilibria in differential game theory. The primal-dual comparative statics method of Samuelson (1965) and Silberberg (1974) is extended to cover the class of non-autonomous, finite horizon differential games in which a locally differentiable open-loop Nash equilibrium exists. In doing so, not only is a one-line proof of an envelope theorem provided but also the heretofore unknown intrinrsic comparative dynamics of open-loop Nash equilibria are uncovered. The intrinsic comparative dynamics are shown to be contained in a symmetric and negative semidefinite matrix that is subject to constraint. The results are applied to a canonical differential game in capital theory, and the resulting comparative dynamics are given an economic interpretation. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. | [
3,
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HONORING THE OUTERMOST: SATURN IN PICATRIX, MARSILIO FICINO, AND RENAISSANCE COSMOLOGY. This article explores how the planet Saturn was conceptualized in the premodern cosmology that influenced the Florentine Renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino (1433-1499), particularly in the Latin translations of Arabic astrological works from which he drew inspiration in the production of his medical guide and mirrorfor princes, the De vita libri tres (1489). It puts special attention on the secret role of the astro-magical treatise Picatrix in Ficino's intellectual development and on some of the astrological correspondences or significations between Saturn and the concepts over which that planet was believed to hold dominion (e.g., melancholy, scholarship, and others). The article traces out some of the changes in the perceptions of Saturn, from his ambivalent role as a chthonic Roman divinity and the ruler of an agricultural golden age to a largely malefic force of nature in Late Antiquity up to Abu Md.S9r, and returning again to an ambivalent role as a volitional spiritual entity and a ruler of duality and extremes in the minds of astrologers from al-Qurtubi (d. 964) to Ficino, who were also influenced by pseudo -Aristotelian, Aristotelian, Hermetic, and other pagan sources in constructing their knowledge of astral magic. | [
0,
127
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Salicinoyl Quinic Acids and Their Prostaglandin E-2 Production Inhibitory Activities from the Fruits of Casearia grewiifolia. Phytochemical investigation on the dried fruits of Casearia grewiifolia led to the identification of 10 new salicinoyl quinic acid derivatives (1-10), a new benzoyl quinic acid (11), and two known compounds (12 and 13). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by interpreting 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data including HMBC and EXSIDE along with a chemical method for sugar unit analysis. All isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) production in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCat keratinocytes. Of the isolates tested, compounds 6 and 12 were found to inhibit PGE(2) production with IC50 values of 20.5 and 28.8 mu M, respectively. | [
1,
59
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Migraine and headache in childhood and adolescence. In childhood and adolescence, migraine is the main, essential chronic headache. This diagnosis is extensively underestimated and misdiagnosed in the pediatric population. Lack of specific biologic marker and specific investigation or brain imaging often reduces these clinical entities to a psychologic illness. Migraine is schematically a severe headache evolving by stereotyped crises associated with marked digestive symptoms (nausea and vomiting); throbbing pain, sensitivity to sound, light (and sometimes odors) are usual symptoms; the attack is sometimes preceded by a visual or sensory aura. Attack treatments must be given at the early beginning of the crisis. If the oral route is not available when nausea or vomiting occurs, the rectal or nasal routes then have to be used. Nonpharmacologic treatments (biofeedback and interventions combining progressive muscle relaxation) have been shown to have good efficacy. Daily prophylactic pharmacologic treatments are prescribed in second line after failure of nonpharmacologic treatment. | [
2,
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Cross-National Study on Relations between Motivation for Science Courses, Pedagogy Courses and General Self-Efficacy. 1799 prospective elementary and prospective science teachers from six countries (Croatia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey) participate in the study about the level of motivation toward science courses, pedagogy courses and self-efficacy. The most important findings were that choosing educational career as the first choice of prospective teachers depends on country and study track. The highest percentage of prospective teachers who choose teaching career and will probably stay teachers is in participating institutions from Slovenia and Croatia and the lowest in Slovakia and Turkey with Czech Republic and Lithuania in between. The percentages are higher for prospective elementary teachers than for prospective science teachers. Motivation of prospective teachers' regarding to the science courses and pedagogy courses vary. Differences between countries are small but as a rule future science teachers are more motivated for science courses than for pedagogy/didactics courses and the opposite is true for elementary teachers. Differences on general self-efficacy beliefs vary within and between countries? On average values falls in the upper third range what can be predictor of good teaching. Correlation between students' motivation toward science courses, pedagogy courses and their self-efficacy beliefs is statistically significant but low, showing that good students are generally motivated for all courses but differences between motivation toward science and pedagogy exists and depends on study track. Conclusion of our study is that science teachers are better equipped to cope with problems than elementary teachers, but elementary teachers will most probably work at the working place they choose as their first will. | [
3,
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Template controlled synthesis of cluster-based porous coordination polymers: crystal structure, magnetism and adsorption. Two distinct template mediated coordination polymers, [Co-3(ina)(4)(N-3)(2)(CH3OH)(2)] with tri-nuclear nodes (1) and [Co-8(OH)(ina)(8)(N-3)8 center dot X] with dual tetra-nuclear cobalt nodes (2), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by utilizing the template agent of pentaerythritol. 1 shows a 2D layer comprised of linear tri-nuclear Co-II clusters, in which the central cobalt ion is inter-linked with two terminal ones via mixed bridges as syn syn carboxylates and end-on azide ions. In contrast, compound 2 exhibits a three-dimensional framework based on two kinds of six-connected tetra-nuclear cobalt clusters: square-planar node and cuboidal node. Both 1 and 2 might exhibit spin-canted magnetism. In addition, the activated sample of 2 exhibits the sorption ability of H-2 and CO2 molecules. | [
1,
140
] |
Deformation behavior of titanium nitride film prepared by plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition. Plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition WIND) provides a novel approach to fabricate high quality films by means of utilizing particle filtrated metal plasma and varying acceleration pulse voltages. In this work, investigation on plastic deformation of TiN films synthesized by PIED was performed by pulling the TiN film-coated stainless steel sheet samples, The surface morphology during the pulling was observed in situ by scanning electron microscopy. No delaminating. peeling or cracking were found on the coating surfaces. The structure of the films was identified by transmission electron microscopy and atom force microscopy. It is considered that the excellent deformation behavior of the TiN film was related with the nanocrystal Structure Of the films and the broader film/matrix interface achieved by the PIII process. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved. | [
6,
78
] |
A Powerful Variant-Set Association Test Based on Chi-Square Distribution. Detecting the association between a set of variants and a given phenotype has attracted a large amount of attention in the scientific community, although it is a difficult task. Recently, several related statistical approaches have been proposed in the literature; powerful statistical tests are still highly desired and yet to be developed in this area. In this paper, we propose a powerful test that combines information from each individual single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based on principal component analysis without relying on the eigenvalues associated with the principal components. We compare the proposed approach with some popular tests through a simulation study and real data applications. Our results show that, in general, the new test is more powerful than its competitors considered in this study; the gain in detecting power can be substantial in many situations. | [
2,
116
] |
Development of Machine Learning Models for Prediction of Osteoporosis from Clinical Health Examination Data. Osteoporosis is treatable but often overlooked in clinical practice. We aimed to construct prediction models with machine learning algorithms to serve as screening tools for osteoporosis in adults over fifty years old. Additionally, we also compared the performance of newly developed models with traditional prediction models. Data were acquired from community-dwelling participants enrolled in health checkup programs at a medical center in Taiwan. A total of 3053 men and 2929 women were included. Models were constructed for men and women separately with artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and logistic regression (LoR) to predict the presence of osteoporosis. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to compare the performance of the models. We achieved AUROC of 0.837, 0.840, 0.843, 0.821, 0.827 in men, and 0.781, 0.807, 0.811, 0.767, 0.772 in women, for ANN, SVM, RF, KNN, and LoR models, respectively. The ANN, SVM, RF, and LoR models in men, and the ANN, SVM, and RF models in women performed significantly better than the traditional Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) model. We have demonstrated that machine learning algorithms improve the performance of screening for osteoporosis. By incorporating the models in clinical practice, patients could potentially benefit from earlier diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. | [
2,
168
] |
Functional health status in children and adolescents after Fontan: comparison of generic and disease-specific assessments. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare associations between generic versus disease-specific functional health status assessments and patient and clinical characteristics for patients with severe congenital heart disease. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study involving 325 single ventricle patients, aged 10-18 years, after Fontan procedure. Enrolled patients underwent a medical history review, laboratory testing, and assessment of the functional health status by completion of the generic Child Report Child Health Questionnaire and the disease-specific Congenital Heart Adolescent and Teenage questionnaire. Correlated conceptually equivalent domains from both questionnaires were identified and their associations with patient and clinical variables were compared. Results: From the generic assessment, patients perceived marginally lower physical functioning (p = 0.05) but greater freedom from bodily pain compared with a normal population (p < 0.001). The equivalent physical functioning/limitations domain of the generic instrument, compared with the disease-specific instrument, had similar associations (higher multi-variable model R-2) with medical history variables (R-2 = 0.14 versus R-2 = 0.12, respectively) and stronger associations with exercise testing variables (R-2 = 0.22 versus R-2 = 0.06). Similarly, the corresponding freedom from bodily pain/symptoms domains from both questionnaires showed a greater association for the generic instrument with medical history variables (R-2 = 0.15 versus R-2 = 0.09, respectively) and non-cardiac conditions (R-2 = 0.13 versus R-2 = 0.06). The associations of each questionnaire with echocardiographic results, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging results, and serum brain natriuretic peptide levels were uniformly weak (R-2 range <0.01 to 0.04). Conclusions: Assessment of the physical functional health status using generic and disease-specific instruments yields few differences with regard to associations between conceptually similar domains and patient and clinical characteristics for adolescents after Fontan procedure. | [
2,
54
] |
Deep Learning Methods for Screening Pulmonary Tuberculosis Using Chest X-rays. Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial airborne disease, and is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, around 1.8 billion people are infected with TB and 1.6 million deaths were reported in 2018. More importantly, 95% of cases and deaths were from developing countries. Yet, TB is a completely curable disease through early diagnosis. To achieve this goal one of the key requirements is efficient utilisation of existing diagnostic technologies, among which chest X-ray is the first line of diagnostic tool used for screening for active TB. The presented deep learning pipeline consists of three different modern deep learning architectures, to generate, segment, and classify lung X-rays. Apart from this, image preprocessing, image augmentation, genetic algorithm based hyper parameter tuning, and model ensembling were used to improve the diagnostic process. We were able to achieve classification accuracy of 97.1% (Youden's index-0.941, sensitivity of 97.9%, specificity of 96.2%) which is a considerable improvement compared to the existing work in the literature. In our work, we present a highly accurate, automated TB screening system using chest X-rays, which would be helpful especially for low income countries with low access to qualified medical professionals. | [
2,
157
] |
Seismic-impedance inversion with fuzzy clustering constraints: an example from the Carlin Gold District, Nevada, USA. The seismic reflection method provides high-resolution data that are especially useful for discovering mineral deposits under deep cover. A hindrance to the wider adoption of the seismic reflection method in mineral exploration is that the data are often interpreted differently and independently of other geophysical data unless common earth models are used to link the methods during geological interpretation. Model-based inversion of post-stack seismic data allows rock units with common petrophysical properties to be identified and permits increased bandwidth to enhance the spatial resolution of the acoustic-impedance model. However, as seismic reflection data are naturally bandlimited, any inversion scheme depends upon an initial model, and must deal with non-unique solutions for the inversion. Both issues can be largely overcome by using constraints and integrating prior information. We exploit the abilities of fuzzy c-means clustering to constrain and to include prior information in the inversion. The use of a clustering constraint for petrophysical values pushes the inversion process to select models that are primarily composed of several discrete rock units and the fuzzy c-means algorithm allows some properties to overlap by varying degrees. Imposing the fuzzy clustering techniques in the inversion process allows solutions that are similar to the natural geologic patterns that often have a few rock units represented by distinct combinations of petrophysical characteristics. Our tests on synthetic models, with clear and distinct boundaries, show that our methodology effectively recovers the true model. Accurate model recovery can be obtained even when the data are highly contaminated by random noise, where the initial model is homogeneous, or there is minimal prior petrophysical information available. We demonstrate the abilities of fuzzy c-means clustering to constrain and to include prior information in the acoustic-impedance inversion of a challenging magnetotelluric/seismic data set from the Carlin Gold District, USA. Using fuzzy c-means guided inversion of magnetotelluric data to create a starting model for acoustic-impedance proved important in obtaining the best result. Our inversion results correlate with borehole data and provided a better basis for geological interpretation than the seismic reflection images alone. Low values of the acoustic impedance in the basement rocks were shown to be prospective by geochemical analysis of rock cores, as would be predicted for later gold mineralization in weak, decalcified rocks. | [
7,
277
] |
Hydrogen Storage and Electrochemical Properties of the Mg-free A(2)B(7)-type La1-xYxNi3.25Mn0.15Al0.1 Alloys with Superlattice Structure. The new Mg-free A(2)B(7)-type La1-xYxNi3.25Mn0.15Al0.1(x = 0-1.00) annealed alloys with superlattice structure were prepared by vacuum arc melting and heat treatment(950 degrees Cx10 h). The influences of Y element on the microstructure, hydrogen storage behavior and electrochemical performance of annealed alloys were investigated systematically. The results show that the main phase of all the annealed alloys is Ce2Ni7-type. With the increase of Y content, phase abundance of the Ce2Ni7-type phase increases firstly and then decreases, meanwhile the cell volumes decreases gradually. The x = 0-0.25 alloys are easy to form hydrogen. induced amorphization(HIA), resulting in the disappearance of the plateau of pressure. composition. temperature (PCT) curves. When x >= 0.50, the alloys can effectively avoid the HIA, the PCT curves obviously present an approximately single platform, the maximum hydrogen storage capacity and the plateau pressure of hydrogenation is in the range of 1.418%-1.48%(mass fraction) and 0.026-0.097 MPa, respectively. Therefore, the hydrogen storage performance has been greatly improved. The electrochemical measurement results show that the x = 0.50-0.85 alloys exhibit the high discharge capacity of 350.4-381 mA . h/g and the cyclic stability of 52%-85% after 100 cycles, and the alloy with x = 0.67-0.75 has good hydrogen storage and comprehensive electrochemical properties. The high rate discharge ability(HRD900) of the alloys is 64.5%-85.7% and reaction kinetics of the electrode is mainly controlled by the diffusion rate of the hydrogen atom in body phase of the alloys. | [
1,
134
] |
THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF A GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP FOR DIFFERENT REFRIGERANTS. In this study, thermodynamic analysis of heat pump system for residential heating is analyzed for alternative refrigerants for Isparta conditions. For this aim, the refrigerants are selected to be R22, R404A, R410A, R407C, R134A and R600. Using the thermodynamic properties of these refrigerants, performance parameters of the system such as COP, exergy efficiency and irreversibility rates are calculated. From the results the best refrigerant is found to be R600, followed by R22 and R134A. Additionally, a parametric study is carried out to determine how COP, exergy efficiency and irreversibility rate of the system vary with different condenser and evaporator temperatures. | [
9,
310
] |
Aging effects on sorbitol- and non-crystallizing sorbitol-plasticized tapioca starch films. The effect of aging on the properties of tapioca starch films plasticized with either sorbitol (S) or non-crystallizing sorbitol (NCS) was investigated in this study. Tapioca starch, plasticizer and deionized water were mixed, heated, cast on high-density polyethylene plates and dried at ambient conditions. The results showed that S was more effective in plasticizing fresh starch film than NCS. However, sorbitol crystallization was observed in S-plasticized starch film after one month of storage, while there was no crystallization observed in NCS-plasticized starch film after two months of storage. Mechanical properties of both S- and NCS-plasticized starch films changed significantly with time, but with less change in the NCS-plasticized films. Tensile strength, elastic modulus and toughness increased over time; conversely, elongation decreased. Additionally, the water vapor transmission rate decreased as storage time increased. The fact that mechanical properties of both S- and NCS-plasticized films changed is likely due to an increase in crystallinity of the starch in the films with time. | [
5,
108
] |
Quality management in oncology. Development, organization and perspectives for the national cancer plan. Based on a decision of the European Parliament, an initiative was started in Germany in 2008 to formulate a national cancer plan. Experts in the field of oncology and representatives of the self-governing organizations of the German healthcare system formulated objectives in 4 areas of action and 13 target areas. These are presented in the current state of development and classified into routine everyday healthcare. | [
2,
121
] |
A novel treatment for embolising carotid dissection. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of symptomatic carotid artery dissection post radical neck dissection, causing TCD detected microemboli and successfully treated with Tirofiban.INTRODUCTION: A rare but significant cause for stroke is sub-intimal carotid dissection and this mechanism accounts for approximately 2.5% of all strokes.(1) Dissection of the carotid artery is often caused by trauma to the face or neck.(2) Under 45 years old, it is the second leading cause of stroke.(3) Neurological symptoms can be lacking or subtle, therefore the condition may be overlooked but the pathological processed is believed to be attributed to thromboembolism.(4) Microemboli in the middle cerebral artery, are known as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke following a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and can be detected by transcranial Doppler examination (TCD).(5) The established treatment regime is antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation or both along with supportive therapy.(6) Current evidence suggests managing microemboli in both crescendo TIA's and post carotid endarterectomy improves outcome.(7) We have found the use of Tirofiban, a potent intravenous antiplatelet agent currently licensed for use in acute coronary syndrome, effective in the treatment of microemboli in this manner.(7)CONCLUSION: We believe further study into the use of Tirofiban in the treatment of microemboli after carotid dissection is indicated. (C) 2011 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. | [
2,
298
] |
Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by hydroxychloroquine: Mechanism of action and comparison with zidovudine. We have previously described the inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus serotype 1 (HIV-1) using the antimalarial hydroxychloroquine (HCC), a weak base that inhibits the posttranslational modification of glycoprotein 120 (gp120) in T cells and monocytes. The mechanism of inhibition of gp120 production was presumed to be the ability of HCQ to increase endosomal pH and therefore alter enzymes required for gp120 production. To further clarify this action, we have determined the effect of HCQ and its enantiomers on endosomal pH. Pretreatment of cells with HCQ and the levo- and dextro-enantiomers at concentrations demonstrated to suppress anti-HIV-1 activity increased endosomal pH to levels similar to increases seen with chloroquine and ammonium chloride, two other weak bases, and decreased gp120 production. The dextro- and levo-enantiomers suppressed HIV-1 replication to a similar extent and were no more toxic than racemic HCQ, We next compared the anti-HIV-1 effect of HCQ with zidovudine (ZDV) in both newly and chronically HIV-1-infected T-cell and monocytic cell lines (63 and 63(HIV)). HCQ suppressed HIV-1 replication in a dose-dependent manner in both recently and chronically infected T-cell and monocytic cell lines, In contrast, ZDV pretreatment had potent anti-HIV-1 activity in the newly infected T and monocytic cells but, not in chronically infected cells. An additive effect of HCQ with ZDV was observed in the newly infected T and monocytic cells but not in the chronically infected cells. Although the anti-HIV-1 effect of HCQ was less than that of ZDV, HCQ may still be potentially useful either as an alternative HIV-1 treatment or in combination with other anti-HIV-1 agents, especially in patients who have rheumatic manifestations of HIV-1 infection. | [
2,
128
] |
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