The second major difference is the degeneracy of the Lifshitz boundary. Unlike in AdS, Lifshitz does not have a conformal boundary; the metric on the boundary is degenerate. This degeneracy means the boundary domain of dependence collapses, due to the non-relativistic nature of the boundary. Since it is non-relativistic, the effective speed of light is infinite, so any point in the spacetime can be affected by any point at an earlier time, regardless of its location in space. In fact, since the boundary is non-relativistic, we expect a metric-complex instead of a boundary metric. This vielbein approach to defining the boundary has been successful for holographic renormalization in non-relativistic duals [37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46] . Of course, we can avoid these issues if we work at a cut-off. However, we expect that removing the cut-off will result in degeneration of the causal wedge; this is in fact the behavior we see in section 4. This paper is organized as follows. In the following section we collect conventions and simple observations about Lifshitz spacetimes that will be useful throughout our discussion. In section 3 we obtain partial success in the reconstruction of bulk curves via the differential entropy approach. We discuss the details of the relationship between curves that are not reconstructible and light rays that turn around in Lifshitz in appendix A. Section 4 studies the degeneration of the causal wedge, while in section 5 we construct the entanglement wedge. Section 6 contains discussion of our results and speculations about how to better reconstruct a spacetime dual to a Lifshitz field theory.

This vielbein approach to defining the boundary has been successful for holographic renormalization in non-relativistic duals.

This paper is organized as follows.


In Fig. 5 , we present two maps to provide a quick way of visualizing the spatial pattern of the wind speed and direction uncertainties. However, since we estimated the full distribution of both wind speed and direction, showing one single index for each location is extremely simplistic, compared to the amount of information that we can generate from each predicted location in the wind map. In fact, with the approach described in section 2.4 we can determine precisely the propagation of the estimation error to the full distribution of both wind speed and direction. An example of the kind of output we can produce for each single location at 1 Km of resolution is presented in Fig. 6 . One of the main issues when selecting a site for a wind energy project is a spatial assessment over large regions with regard to the investment risk, which includes the wind resources available, the financial risk, and the uncertainties related to construction and operations [78] . If one excludes the risks related to financial aspects, in addition to construction and maintenance failures, which are not addressed in this work, then an optimal pre-feasibility assessment of wind resources is critical and fundamental because it is subject to various uncertainties and can thus significantly impact the success of a project [79] . At small scale, the estimate of the uncertainties of the wind characteristics can be integrated into a GIS based model when quantifying the uncertainties in wind energy production and the impact of wake effect within a wind farms [80] . These uncertainties can be directly plugged into equations to estimate the potential energy output of wind farms located in these areas. This would allow planners to precisely estimate the amount of electricity available to produce plus the confidence intervals of their results.

One of the main issues when selecting a site for a wind energy project is a spatial assessment over large regions with regard to the investment risk, which includes the wind resources available, the financial risk, and the uncertainties related to construction and operations.

If one excludes the risks related to financial aspects, in addition to construction and maintenance failures, which are not addressed in this work, then an optimal pre-feasibility assessment of wind resources is critical and fundamental because it is subject to various uncertainties and can thus significantly impact the success of a project.

At small scale, the estimate of the uncertainties of the wind characteristics can be integrated into a GIS based model when quantifying the uncertainties in wind energy production and the impact of wake effect within a wind farms.


The need to commute to work and income also influence the choice of means of transport. Employed people choose a car nearly 3× more often than unemployed people, and entrepreneurs use a car in most cases (71%). Moreover, a small difference in public transport ticket price can cause a significant difference in price perception. However, several authors deny the importance of this factor (Beirão and Cabral 2007) .

However, several authors deny the importance of this factor.


To compete with the car, public transport must offer the quality of service desired by regular and potential users. It is important to understand the most important service attributes and what would make people switch to public transport (STIMULUS 1999) . Interviews were conducted with the aim of identifying the key aspects influencing individual respondents' attitudes and perceptions. However, as found, some facts depend on the city size, population structure, population density and distribution of resources and destinations. Therefore, the study was also based on statistical analysis In Ostrava (Figure 16 ), there are relatively few targets that are travelled to by all means of transport. In most cases, only one or two means of transport are dominant. The most significant flow exists between the centre and western parts of the city. Other significant flows of public transport (Figure 18 ) are heading to the city centre. These flows are accompanied by less numerous and more scattered routes travelled by car (Figure 17 ) and on foot (Figure 19 ). The most common targets in the city centre are shopping malls and parking areas related to car transport. The flow of car traffic is characterised by longer distances; the most significant flow comes from municipalities in suburbs in the south-west. The entire southern part of the city is visited by a combination of all the types of transport. However, there is a significant difference between the western part of the southern cities (dominated by public transport) and the eastern part with regard to the walking routes. An important target of the routes travelled by public transport is the industrial southern part of the city (where the large company Arcellor Mittal is located). The western part of the city is dominated by targets reached by public transport (the area of Technical University Ostrava) and car (the University Hospital).

It is important to understand the most important service attributes and what would make people switch to public transport.


Transport plays a crucial role in urban development by giving people access to employment, education, markets, recreation, health care, and other services, as well as reifying social contacts. In recent decades, the roles of transport and mobility of the population have increased, which are strongly linked to economic growth and technological progress (Bergstad et al. 2011) . In the past half-century, cars have become the dominant mode of transport, and the implications of this change are congestion and pollution. In many countries, the growing popularity of individual transport is reflected in a decrease in the volume of passengers carried by public transport and has also reduced the roles of walking, cycling and other alternative modes of transport. Moreover, mass production of cars has caused changes in employment distribution, shopping patterns, social interactions, manufacturing priorities and city planning. Door-to-door transport has the highest potential to meet residents' transport needs (Pucher 1999) . However, the car is more than a means of transport (Steg 2005) . Ownership of a car has also become an indicator of the standard of living and style of the population (Hiscock et al. 2002) .

In recent decades, the roles of transport and mobility of the population have increased, which are strongly linked to economic growth and technological progress.

Door-to-door transport has the highest potential to meet residents' transport needs.

However, the car is more than a means of transport.

Ownership of a car has also become an indicator of the standard of living and style of the population.


Temporal patterns in both cities (at this level of detail) are very similar and are not dependent on city size or city spatial structure. The spatial patterns of the car and public transport flows are similar in both cities. Because of the larger size of Ostrava city and its strong influence on its close surroundings, a more significant impact on suburbs is visible there than in Olomouc. Different patterns can be observed for walking and shopping routes. Walking flows are distributed among almost all the parts of Olomouc city; in Ostrava, only a few walking flows can be observed. The key findings indicate that public transport service should be designed with respect to the levels of service required by customers. People are focused on time, and they want fast, reliable service with high quality. In sparsely urbanised areas (still part of the compact urbanised area), there is the greatest potential to attract more passengers. In these parts of cities, over 40% of people use a car because it is faster, and public transport is not able to compete with individual transport. The connection should be as fast as possible without transfers with a stop within approximately 500 m. Now, people need more information than ever before because they have more possibilities. Passengers or potential passengers do not always have enough information regarding bus routes or changed timetables. They also need more information when travelling about delays and substitute transport (Zajickova 2015) . Additionally, prices should be reasonable in relation to people's salaries because even a small increase in price can cause a significant loss of attractiveness. The largest group of people that it is necessary to move to public transport is those aged 25-54. These people are the strictest in terms of expectations and demands of transport. They want a comfortable relaxed journey, preferably with a seat, in a not too crowded space, and a smooth ride without unpleasant odours. If public transport is not able to offer this possibility, then they use a car because they do not perceive public transport as a viable alternative.

They also need more information when travelling about delays and substitute transport.


However, it was found that the city size and spatial structure influence travel time and thus the proportions of pedestrian and car transport (Zhao et al. 2011) . For example, the proportion of pedestrian movements is two times higher in Olomouc than in Ostrava, which is twice as large in size. Conversely, the proportion of car travel is significantly lower in Olomouc. Olomouc is a more walkable city than Ostrava, which is reflected by its smaller size and the historical spatial structure with the clearly defined city centre. Additionally, the average distance of routes in Ostrava is approximately 59% longer than routes in Olomouc (5244 m; 2147 m, valid for all means of transport). Typical temporal patterns of behaviour are not dependent on city size and structure. Almost all the described sequences of daytime population behaviour are the same or similar in both cities. No significant difference was found.

However, it was found that the city size and spatial structure influence travel time and thus the proportions of pedestrian and car transport.

No significant difference was found.


The RUNX3 tumor suppressor gene encodes a transcription factor that regulates lineage-specific gene expression in developmental processes and is involved in the formation of multiple cancers. The expression level of RUNX3 can be a prognostic indicator in variety of malignancies [25] . Our previous study demonstrated that RUNX3 protein is mainly expressed in nucleus and cytoplasm of acinous cells and ductal cells in normal salivary gland, but only in cytoplasm of tumor cells in SACC. RUNX3 cytoplasmic expression levels may significantly affect prognosis [26] . The expression of RUNX3 protein could be a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of SACCs. In SACC cells, PIM1 may alter subcellular localization of RUNX3 by phosphorylation, which has been demonstrated in HEK 293 cells [27] . In addition, RUNX3 is the upstream regulator of p21 expression. It is clear that the tumor suppressor activity of RUNX3 is at least partly associated with its ability to induce p21 expression [28] .

The expression level of RUNX3 can be a prognostic indicator in variety of malignancies.

RUNX3 cytoplasmic expression levels may significantly affect prognosis.

In SACC cells, PIM1 may alter subcellular localization of RUNX3 by phosphorylation, which has been demonstrated in HEK 293 cells.

It is clear that the tumor suppressor activity of RUNX3 is at least partly associated with its ability to induce p21 expression.


UESPRIT is a simple and highly efficient method for estimating signal parameters based on the translational invariance geometry of an array. It has been proved that UESPRIT can gain higher accuracy in signal subspace estimations compared with MUSIC and ESPRIT [21, 22] . In recent years, it has been extended to the solutions of multidimensional cases. In our paper we use it to estimate the direction of arrival (DoA) and time of arrival (ToA).

It has been proved that UESPRIT can gain higher accuracy in signal subspace estimations compared with MUSIC and ESPRIT.


On the other hand, the northern part of the Mar Menor is characterised by its accumulation processes. The mud fi lling process is starting to be a problem for tourist activity. An appropriate estimation of sedimentary velocity may be 1.2 mm per year and 2.0 mm per year for the last 80,000 years [8] . Only by natural mechanisms, without human intervention, the system can fi ll itself for the next 6,000 to 8,000 years.

An appropriate estimation of sedimentary velocity may be 1.2 mm per year and 2.0 mm per year for the last 80,000 years.


This paper is a summary of the environmental impacts that have occurred in the geographical area of La Manga as a result of the urban development occurred after 1960 and that have been discussed primarily in a PhD research [4] . The transformation of soil that has occurred in the surroundings of Mar Menor in the last 50 years, as a result of tourism and agriculture will be analysed. This will be carried out using the GIS programs IDERM and Cartomur, created in the Region of Murcia for geospatial analysis and evaluation [5] .

This paper is a summary of the environmental impacts that have occurred in the geographical area of La Manga as a result of the urban development occurred after 1960 and that have been discussed primarily in a PhD research.

This will be carried out using the GIS programs IDERM and Cartomur, created in the Region of Murcia for geospatial analysis and evaluation.


The balance between the internal waters of the Mar Menor and the waters of the Mediterranean Sea is maintained by regulation actions of three of these communication channels that allow the water fl ow between them. These three channels are the 'gola of Marchamalo', the channel of 'Estacio' and the 'encañizada del Charco'. They are navigable and, historically, have been used for fi shing. The average water residence time inside the lagoon is 0.79 years [1] . Due to its location between land and sea, the Mar Menor lagoon is subject to an elevated rate of dynamic changes in the natural environment that result in high biological productivity and diversity.

The average water residence time inside the lagoon is 0.79 years.


This paper contributes to the literature by providing statistics description of the implementation of sustainability at a specific university in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of higher education institutions is at least two fold: (a) to transfer technical knowledge and professional skills to a new generation, in other words, to help students obtain the best possible academic outcomes (i.e., excellent grades); and (b) to reinforce students' values, principles, and moral development [39] . It is clear that there is no definitive understanding among faculty members about the concept of sustainability in higher education at the university were the survey was conducted. This research will work as an awareness tool in the developed world to work on the sustainability concept and educate the education students in this topic. Accordingly, the universities to which they belong should adapt a suitable approach to increase the awareness of this topic by developing a sustainability mission at the institutional or departmental level. This approach will lead to spreading and incorporating the sustainability concept at different colleges. Having a mission can help reduce conflicting faculty definitions regarding sustainability. Based on the stated analysis, it is necessary to start the processes of spreading the definition of sustainable development among faculty members by starting with specific courses. Once the meaning of sustainable development for the course is reached, and it is clear how the concept can be operationalized, the measurement instrument of the curriculum should be adapted to this.

The purpose of higher education institutions is at least two fold: (a) to transfer technical knowledge and professional skills to a new generation, in other words, to help students obtain the best possible academic outcomes (i.e., excellent grades); and (b) to reinforce students' values, principles, and moral development.


Educators should always consider material they already deliver and explore how making changes to its delivery might enhance sustainability skills in students. The curriculum should also be linked to informal learning through designing co-curricular activities which bridge the formal and informal spheres [39] . The benchmark university implements top-down approaches, which include creating missions, programs, and courses based on sustainability concepts, theory, or practice [40] . The top-down approach requires that faculty members demonstrate awareness and understanding of sustainability to design and apply their courses in the frame of the program curriculum. Since the top-down approach relies on the faculty members' knowledge about sustainability, in this study, we have designed a survey to explore how sustainability is treated in education with the predetermined sample of faculty members. Of the 41 responses, 14 responses were from female faculty members and 27 were from male faculty members. Out of these responses, 20 were from the engineering school, nine were from the computer science school, and 12 from the orientation, humanities, and business schools combined.

The curriculum should also be linked to informal learning through designing co-curricular activities which bridge the formal and informal spheres.

The benchmark university implements top-down approaches, which include creating missions, programs, and courses based on sustainability concepts, theory, or practice.


Although many efforts have been made in the above studies, there is still a gap in understandings of grinding temperature/heat as a dependence on process stochasticity. For analytical and numerical studies, most efforts have been made based on the assumption that the wheel-workpice contact area could be considered as a moving band heat source, while in reality this is the result of a large amount of discrete interactions between stochastically distributed grains and workpiece and therefore, the heat within the contact area should be discontinuous and non-uniform both along the feed and wheel width directions [1] . For experimental studies, up to now the thermocouple-based techniques have mainly been used to provide 1D macro-scale temperature data (i.e. temperature curve of a certain point beneath the ground surface vs. time) and no 2D/3D temperature maps with micro-scale (or grain-scale) details could be obtained, largely limiting deep understandings, while utilisation of heat-radiation-based measurement techniques have significant difficulties to observe the wheel-workpiece contact area from any angle when the wheel and workpiece are in contact.

For analytical and numerical studies, most efforts have been made based on the assumption that the wheel-workpice contact area could be considered as a moving band heat source, while in reality this is the result of a large amount of discrete interactions between stochastically distributed grains and workpiece and therefore, the heat within the contact area should be discontinuous and non-uniform both along the feed and wheel width directions.


Structures with uniform periodic spacing and repeated geometry are found in complex engineering systems. Examples include turbine blades, ship hull, aircraft fuselage, and oil pipelines with periodic supports [1] . The vibration characteristics of these periodic structures are highly sensitive to its mass distribution, stiffness distribution, and geometrical properties. Parametric uncertainties in structures which arise due to material defects, structural damage, or variations in material properties can break the symmetry of periodic structures. These uncertainties can drastically change and localize different vibration modes. Identification of severe mode localization in the design process can help prevent failure due to high cycle fatigue (HCF) in periodic structures such as turbine blades. Mode localizations are often directly detected by simple visual means, such as by looking at the animation of mode shapes given by a finite element software. Although a visual approach is physically intuitive, in some cases (e.g., complex geometry) the identification of mode localization can be subjective and may not be obvious. A numerical approach may provide a solution by removing or substantially reducing the need for a subjective opinion about the localization. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a numerical approach using the modal data toward achieving this objective. The proposed numerical approach can be used independently or in conjunction with the visual inspection of standard mode shape plots.

Examples include turbine blades, ship hull, aircraft fuselage, and oil pipelines with periodic supports.


In this paper, we consider the income drawdown option and investigate, by means of stochastic optimal control techniques, what should be the optimal investment allocation of the fund after retirement until the purchase of the annuity, given that the pensioner wishes to achieve a certain target when she buys the annuity. We assume here that the pensioner has no bequest motive and that the only reason for choosing the drawdown plan is the hope of being able to buy a better annuity in the future than the one which she could buy at retirement. It seems therefore a reasonable suggestion that the pensioner would have a certain "income target" in mind and attempt to pursue it when investing in the financial market. We deal with the bequest motive in a parallel paper (Gerrard, Haberman, Højgaard and Vigna, 2004) . In this work, we do not consider the impact that some additional pre-existing annuity (either a public pension or a private one) would have on the decision whether to annuitize or take the income drawdown option. Also, the choice of the target does not take into account the possibility of future unexpected inflation.

We deal with the bequest motive in a parallel paper.


To illustrate the performance of the proposed method, two databases with different characteristics have been chosen: Adult and Forest Fire [27] . In Adult we are going to develop two studies using different variables. Afterwards we shall carry out results analysis where we look at the behavior of the method.

To illustrate the performance of the proposed method, two databases with different characteristics have been chosen: Adult and Forest Fire.


The first study was with the real-world database Adult. It contains data of people that were interviewed in 1994, conducted by the Bureau of the Census for statistics. It was originally used to predict if the monetary entrance exceeded the 50 thousand american dollars a year. Ronny Kohaviy and Barry Becker transcribed the data from a public use microdata tape supplied by the Bureau of the Census [27] . This database consists of 32561 records with 15 attributes each one.

Ronny Kohaviy and Barry Becker transcribed the data from a public use microdata tape supplied by the Bureau of the Census.


The goals of knowledge discovery are defined by the intended use of the system. We can distinguish two types of goals: (1) verification and (2) discovery. If the goal is verification, the system is limited to verifying the user's hypothesis. If the goal is discovery, then the system autonomously finds new patterns. The discovery goal may be also divided into prediction (where the system finds patterns for predicting the future behavior of some entities), and description (where the system finds patterns for presentation to a user in a human-understandable form) [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] .

The discovery goal may be also divided into prediction (where the system finds patterns for predicting the future behavior of some entities), and description (where the system finds patterns for presentation to a user in a human-understandable form).


The particle swarm optimization algorithm, PSO, and MOEAs are both intelligent optimization algorithms. It was proposed by Eberhart and Kennedy in 1995 [6, 7] . It originates from sharing and exchanging of information in the process of searching food among the bird's individuals. Each individual can benefit from the discovery and flight experience of the others. PSO seems particularly suitable for multiobjective optimization mainly because of the high speed of convergence [8, 9] .

It was proposed by Eberhart and Kennedy in 1995.

PSO seems particularly suitable for multiobjective optimization mainly because of the high speed of convergence.


In this work, a compact circular ring UWB antenna with slotted ground has been presented for the applications of medical imaging and wall penetration. Design antenna achieves 2.4-10.4GHz UWB band with five resonant frequencies of 2.8, 4.5, 6.4, 8.2 and 9.4GHz, which attain 125% fractional bandwidth. The proposed antenna improves the fractional bandwidth, gain and directive radiation pattern when compared with existing reported work in literature [22] - [24] , [29] - [31] . Hence, the design antenna is useful for wall imaging and radar system.

The proposed antenna improves the fractional bandwidth, gain and directive radiation pattern when compared with existing reported work in literature.


Several UWB antennas are designed by different shapes of patch or radiating elements like square, circular, ring, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal [2] - [10] . To improve the bandwidth of antenna different defected ground planes are reported by several authors [11] [12] . Further, using different shapes of DGS or slots in ground and patch can also enhance the bandwidth, gain and directivity [13] - [15] . The comparative performance of different wideband antennas is reported by several authors with impedance bandwidth and gain characteristics due to their compact structure using DGS [16] - [19] .

Several UWB antennas are designed by different shapes of patch or radiating elements like square, circular, ring, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal.

To improve the bandwidth of antenna different defected ground planes are reported by several authors.

Further, using different shapes of DGS or slots in ground and patch can also enhance the bandwidth, gain and directivity.

The comparative performance of different wideband antennas is reported by several authors with impedance bandwidth and gain characteristics due to their compact structure using DGS.


The utility of various clinical and biochemical parameters in predicting pleurodesis outcome is still controversial. A better definition of the different characteristics of the patient would help to identify more precisely the population mostly benefiting from pleurodesis. These factors may allow clinicians to make better treatment decisions in a patient with recurrent MPE [5] .

These factors may allow clinicians to make better treatment decisions in a patient with recurrent MPE.


This paper seeks to discuss the main areas for consideration in the formal involvement of advance directives in mental health services. It will do this by first reporting the varieties of advance directives and their terminology currently described in the literature, and then looking at the main issues arising from this, namely their legal status and the breadth of their remit. Although passing For Evaluation Only. Copyright (c) by Foxit Software Company, 2004 -2007 Edited by Foxit PDF Editor reference will be made to potential impact on resources, this is not a major focus of the paper and has been discussed elsewhere (Halpern & Szmukler, 1997; Chan & Conacher, 1994; Brown, 1995) .

Although passing For Evaluation Only.

Copyright (c) by Foxit Software Company, 2004 -2007 Edited by Foxit PDF Editor reference will be made to potential impact on resources, this is not a major focus of the paper and has been discussed elsewhere.


In a pure research setting, issues of sample selection and covariates would be settled through theory development and testing. In an accountability setting, these issues must be addressed with consideration of stakeholder preferences and policy goals. While a national agenda moves toward requiring test-based accountability for TPPs, the process of developing a test-based metric in Texas illustrates that stakeholders have strong preferences about how TPP effects are calculated, and the policy implications of these choices are profound. Meanwhile, the Florida value-added accountability system, in which design elements were selected by legislative mandate instead of through stakeholder input, is facing stakeholder lawsuits questioning the measure's validity (O'Connor, 2013) . This study illustrates that stakeholders have profound and reasonable concerns about value-added modeling in a research setting and its application to accountability. We also illustrate how accountability classifications for individual programs can depend on decisions made in the process. Although not tested here, it is likely that other issues such as data quality and test characteristics are also influential in value-added results. The growing emphasis on including value-added measures in educational accountability requires that statistical expertise and political processes be connected so that (1) stakeholders can understand value-added measures and participate in their development, and (2) experts are sensitized to the policy implications of data limitations and analytic strategies.

Meanwhile, the Florida value-added accountability system, in which design elements were selected by legislative mandate instead of through stakeholder input, is facing stakeholder lawsuits questioning the measure's validity.


The results of the present study provide strong evidence for a recent radiation of extant Ephedra. Given the few clear morphological differences among species, it has been suggested that the lack of molecular divergence in Ephedra plastid genomes may be the result of hybridization and polyploidization, which appears to be rampant in the genus (Cutler, 1939; Ehrendorfer, 1976; Choudry, 1984; Wendt, 1993) . Plants with montane distribution also frequently exhibit rapid diversification, likely because of small-scale habitat heterogeneity (Bell & Donoghue, 2005; Hughes & Eastwood, 2006) .

Given the few clear morphological differences among species, it has been suggested that the lack of molecular divergence in Ephedra plastid genomes may be the result of hybridization and polyploidization, which appears to be rampant in the genus.

Plants with montane distribution also frequently exhibit rapid diversification, likely because of small-scale habitat heterogeneity.


Effective strategic change will make the firm's competences more in tune with the environmental conditions so as to achieve a higher level of competitive performance which, in turn, will be reflected in a better financial performance by the firm. Therefore, we hypothesise that the presence of outsiders on the boards of family firms will equate to better performances by those firms. In order to maintain competitive advantage, firms belonging to sectors which continuously experience changes in environmental conditions need dynamic capability and the ability to change strategy in line with evolution in internal capability and change in environmental conditions (Grant, 1996; Teece et al., 1997) . However, changes in environmental conditions can quickly lead to a lack of the knowledge, resources and competences needed to bring about change even in family firms which already include outsiders on the board. Owner-managers of such family firms might turn to the recruitment of outsiders (in addition to or to substitute those already on the boards) as a response to the firm's strategic requirements to integrate, build, and reconfigure internal and external competences in order to address rapidly changing environments. Consequently, we hypothesise that changes in the set of outside directors (addition/substitution of outsiders) on family firms' boards are associated with more strategic change in those firms. Finally, we hypothesise that there is a positive relationship between addition/substitution of outsiders and the performances of family firms.

In order to maintain competitive advantage, firms belonging to sectors which continuously experience changes in environmental conditions need dynamic capability and the ability to change strategy in line with evolution in internal capability and change in environmental conditions.


Last, aggregations may increase mating efÞciency by decreasing the distance to drone congregation areas. In the case of unrelated aggregations, the probability of mating with brothers also would be decreased (Oldroyd et al. 1995) . Mating with brothers results in diploid males and reduces brood viability (Page 1980) . Therefore, mechanisms that decrease the probability of mating with brothers should be selected for, such as multiple matings and unrelated aggregations.

In the case of unrelated aggregations, the probability of mating with brothers also would be decreased.

Mating with brothers results in diploid males and reduces brood viability.


Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), or inflammatory pseudotumor, is an uncommon, largely indolent mesenchymal neoplasm, primarily occurring in the thoracic and abdominal cavities of children and young adults [1] . Rare examples of its malignant variant, or inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (IMS), have been reported based on local recurrence and distant metastasis [1] [2] [3] . About 36-60% of IMT have been found to have anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 (ALK-1) gene rearrangement on chromosome 2p23 [4, 5] . There have been increasing reports on the treatment effects of ALK inhibitors on IMS [6] [7] [8] . Here we report a case of pulmonary IMS in an 18-year old female with multiple brain metastases as her initial presentation, whose tumors gained significant clinical response to sequential treatment with the first-, second-and third-generation ALK inhibitors (crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, and lorlatinib). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of IMS treated with all three generations of ALK inhibitors. It may provide valuable insight on the treatment of this rare and aggressive tumor.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), or inflammatory pseudotumor, is an uncommon, largely indolent mesenchymal neoplasm, primarily occurring in the thoracic and abdominal cavities of children and young adults.

Rare examples of its malignant variant, or inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (IMS), have been reported based on local recurrence and distant metastasis.

About 36-60% of IMT have been found to have anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 (ALK-1) gene rearrangement on chromosome 2p23.

There have been increasing reports on the treatment effects of ALK inhibitors on IMS.


In this paper we consider the case of tomography with extremely noisy data. Examples can easily be found, see for example electron microscopy, [5] . As a consequence the reconstructions are severely disturbed and methods from image analysis have to be applied to get the searched-for information. When diffusion is used to smooth the reconstruction one considers the noisy image as the initial value of a heat equation. The regularization parameter is the time where the process is stopped. We derive here a reconstruction kernel which starting from the data directly leads to the smoothed reconstruction for a prescribed stopping time. No further regularization for the inversion of the Radon transform is needed.

Examples can easily be found, see for example electron microscopy.


Alzheimer's, dementia or memory cafés are one example of supportive intervention both for people with dementia and their carers. They were first developed approximately 20 years ago in the Netherlands [17] . The first café in the United Kingdom (UK) was established in 2000 and since then many more have been set up [18] . Most cafés in the UK are provided by the voluntary sector and have a mixture of volunteer and paid staff who are variously known as managers, café organisers and volunteer coordinators. These staff organise activities, greet attendees, provide refreshments and generally offer support. The activities available vary but can include music, singing, quizzes, gardening and information provision. Cafés are usually subsidised but may ask attendees for a relatively small contribution towards their running costs. Frequency of meetings is variable but they typically meet once or twice a month. The attendees can suggest activities they would like to see at the cafés and some talk directly to the cafés coordinators about their needs. The cafés are often held in community halls or libraries making them relatively easy for people living with dementia and their carers to access.

They were first developed approximately 20 years ago in the Netherlands.

The first café in the United Kingdom (UK) was established in 2000 and since then many more have been set up.


As we mentioned above, obesity and insulin may contribute to the initiation and progression of a variety of tumors and are linked to low response to antitumor drugs. In our study, we administered insulin and 5-fluorouracil to cultured gastric cancer cell lines SGC7901, MKN45 and MKN28 in comparison with immortalized normal gastric mucosa cell line GES aiming to elucidate the effect of different levels of insulin on the proliferation and chemosensitivity of gastric cancer cells. We found that insulin could significantly promote the proliferation of gastric cancer cells compared with control mucosa cells. When added 5-fluorouracil, the three gastric cancer cell lines showed decreased chemotherapeutic responses when simultaneously administered insulin while the cell viability. This finding is coincident with Chen's study in colon cancer cell lines [10] .

This finding is coincident with Chen's study in colon cancer cell lines.


Though the knowledge about the relationship of obesity, insulin and cancer increases extensively, but the applications of experimental findings to clinic are scarce with regard to the complicated changes of metabolism in obesity and the vital functions of insulin in body. Moreover the direct impact of insulin on cancer chemoresistance is absent. In our follow-up study, we also found that the prognosis of obese cancer patients were poor. This was consistent with previous studies. In our study, we also found that the insulin-induced drug resistance to 5-fluorouracil correlated with the augment of P-glycoprotein in gastric cancer. In the experiments, we found that the expression of P-glycoprotein was obviously increased in gastric cancer tissues and with much higher expression in tissues from gastric cancer coupled with obesity. In vitro study of gastric cancer cell lines also showed higher P-glycoprotein under the condition of insulin, especially high insulin, than without insulin in treatment of 5-fluorouracil. The result implicated that insulin may cause the change of P-glycoprotein to impact the proliferation and chemosensitivity of gastric cancer cells. It is likely to have important clinical significance taking the increased population of gastric cancer coupled with obesity into consideration. In the past years, gastric cancer coupled with obesity was in the same managements as gastric cancer without obesity despite the limited efficacy of chemotherapy. If insulininduced decreased sensitivity to antitumor drugs can be ascribed to P-glycoprotein, the reversal of P-glycoproteinmediated resistance is likely to work in the treatment of those obese patients who are not sensitive to conventional anti-cancer regimens. The inhibitor of P-glycoprotein was previously used to improve the penetration in physiological barriers and the cytotoxic effect of cytotoxic drugs [35, 36] . In obese cancer patients, it may function via both improving the penetration of drugs to lesions or upregulate the sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs.

The inhibitor of P-glycoprotein was previously used to improve the penetration in physiological barriers and the cytotoxic effect of cytotoxic drugs.


PVA is the sole vinyl polymer that can be used as the carbon source and energy for the bacteria. It has a good biodegradability and an excellent film-forming ability. PVA is one polymer used as a component for preparing composite film by blending with some natural polymers. Starch/PVA films were prepared by adding four different cross-linking agents including borax, formaldehyde, epichlorohydrin, and ZnO [13] . Results showed that the borax cross-linked film showed the highest tensile strength and the epichlorohydrin cross-linked film revealed the highest flexibility. Compared to the uncross-linked films, the values of TS and EAB increased up by 160% and 80%, respectively. All the crosslinked films displayed lower moisture absorption than the uncross-linked films. Cellulose/PVA biocomposite films were prepared by dissolving in the ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The films showed the good optical transparency and thermal stabilities properties. And compared to cellulose films, the strain at break of composite films increased up from 24.7% to 30.6% [14] . Moreover, chitin and chitosan were also used to fabricate PVA composite films [15, 16] . The prepared -chitin nanofibers-PVA composite films showed high tensile strength (127 Mpa) and modulus (5.70 GPa), while EAB decreased to 4.40%. And the PVA/chitosan hydrogel thin films loaded silver nanoparticles revealed good mechanical and biocompatible properties. However, relatively fewer researches have been focused on PVA/xylan composite films [7, 8] .

Starch/PVA films were prepared by adding four different cross-linking agents including borax, formaldehyde, epichlorohydrin, and ZnO.

And compared to cellulose films, the strain at break of composite films increased up from 24.7% to 30.6%.

Moreover, chitin and chitosan were also used to fabricate PVA composite films.

However, relatively fewer researches have been focused on PVA/xylan composite films.


To improve the elasticity of films, plasticizers are usually added into polymer solution. It has been reported that nontoxic ammonium zirconium carbonate (AZC) can cross-link hydroxyl or carboxyl groups in water [17] . The mechanism and kinetics of AZC self-cross-linking and AZC-starch cocross-linking in aqueous solutions were studied [18] . The result showed that the gel strength exhibited a power law scaling with polymer concentrations. Composite films were prepared via hydrogen bonding of the hydroxyl groups of galactoglucomannan (GGM) and AZC [19] . Result showed that AZC had a positive impact on decreasing the water permeation property of the films. AZC could be used as a cross-linking agent in xylan-based films to decrease their water solubilities [20] .

It has been reported that nontoxic ammonium zirconium carbonate (AZC) can cross-link hydroxyl or carboxyl groups in water.

The mechanism and kinetics of AZC self-cross-linking and AZC-starch cocross-linking in aqueous solutions were studied.

Composite films were prepared via hydrogen bonding of the hydroxyl groups of galactoglucomannan (GGM) and AZC.

AZC could be used as a cross-linking agent in xylan-based films to decrease their water solubilities.


The pathway to the successful development of a DEMO reactor and ultimately to a power plant requires an effective strategy for the development and qualification of a number of key fusion components, including identification of critical R&D needs followed by numerical computations and experimental studies in non-fusion facilities prior to testing these components in the fusion environment [1] . Among these components, development of a reliable, low-cost and safe blanket system that provides self-sufficient tritium breeding and efficient conversion of the extracted fusion energy to electricity, while meeting all material, design and configuration limitations is among the most important but still challenging goals [2] . In this paper, we focus on the status and critical R&D needs of a particular blanket system called DCLL (dual-coolant lead-lithium) blanket since this concept promises a solution towards a high-temperature, high-efficiency blanket while using temperature-limited reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel as structural material [3] . In this concept, a high-temperature lead-lithium (PbLi) alloy flows slowly Fig. 1 . Schematic of DCLL blanket with poloidal PbLi channels, He-cooling channels and insulating SiC FCI [9] .

The pathway to the successful development of a DEMO reactor and ultimately to a power plant requires an effective strategy for the development and qualification of a number of key fusion components, including identification of critical R&D needs followed by numerical computations and experimental studies in non-fusion facilities prior to testing these components in the fusion environment.

Among these components, development of a reliable, low-cost and safe blanket system that provides self-sufficient tritium breeding and efficient conversion of the extracted fusion energy to electricity, while meeting all material, design and configuration limitations is among the most important but still challenging goals.

In this paper, we focus on the status and critical R&D needs of a particular blanket system called DCLL (dual-coolant lead-lithium) blanket since this concept promises a solution towards a high-temperature, high-efficiency blanket while using temperature-limited reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel as structural material.

Schematic of DCLL blanket with poloidal PbLi channels, He-cooling channels and insulating SiC FCI.


Using the above equations, in each RGB digital photograph, the R and G grayscale images were luminosity 120-normalized, as shown in Figure 1 . Figure 2 (a) was obtained by copying pixels in the target canopy frame and the standard rooftop in the R-and G-luminosity 120-normalized RGB photographs on the selected dates and pasting them in a single image. In the luminosity 120-normalized RGB photograph, the mean intensity values of R and G for the rooftop were 128 and 114, respectively. Then, from Figure 2 In the RGB image (Figure 2(a) ), changes in color were visible for the rooftop, despite the luminosity 120-normalization of the R and G grayscale images. This indicates that the intensity of B changed so significantly that the changes became visible to the human eye. Changes in the grayscale intensity of R, G, and RGB yellow for the rooftop, however, were difficult to perceive (Figures 2(b) , 2(c), and 2(d)). The grayscale images of R, G, and RGB yellow also indicate significant changes in the color profile of the pixels in the target canopy frame. On 8 and 11 December, the entire target canopy eventually became light-colored according to the R, G, and RGB yellow grayscale images (Figures 2(b) , 2(c), and 2(d)) due to late leaf senescence resulting from the rice farming practices [24] .

On 8 and 11 December, the entire target canopy eventually became light-colored according to the R, G, and RGB yellow grayscale images (Figures 2(b) , 2(c), and 2(d)) due to late leaf senescence resulting from the rice farming practices.


Designing a vehicle suspension system is all about balancing between optimum ride and handling. High speed cornering and uneven bump strikes at one side of a vehicle creates lateral acceleration that causes vehicle to roll. Massive roll angle may cause the outer side wheels of the track to lift off the road and reduces total grip induced by the vehicle. This might cause the vehicle to lose control. Excessive roll angle can be counteracted by installing anti-roll bar (ARB), a stabilizer bar that increases the vehicle roll stiffness without altering the main spring and damper properties. However, an anti-roll bar with high stiffness reduces ride comfort due to its inability to isolate high frequency vibration introduced by road excitation [1] . Also, when one side of the vehicle strikes a bump, a stiff ARB will transfer the force to the wheels at the other side of the track, causing all wheels to be excited and rigorous vibration will be experienced by the passengers. In this paper, the implementation of active system on passenger car's ARB is studied in order to reduce roll motion without compromising ride comfort.

However, an anti-roll bar with high stiffness reduces ride comfort due to its inability to isolate high frequency vibration introduced by road excitation.


Programming mobile robots to successfully operate in unstructured environments, including offices and homes, is tedious and difficult. Easing this programming burden seems necessary to realize many of the possible applications of mobile robot technology (Engleberger, 1989) . One promising avenue towards smarter and easier-to-program robots is to equip them with the ability to learn new concepts and behaviors. In particular, robots that have the capability of learning concepts could be programmed or instructed more readily than their non-learning counterparts. For example, a robot that could be trained to recognize landmarks, such as "doors" and "intersections", would enable a more flexible navigation system. Similarly, a recycling robot, which could be trained to find objects such as "trash cans" or "soda cans", could be adapted to new circumstances much more easily than non-learning robots (for example, new objects or containers could be easily accommodated by additional training).

Easing this programming burden seems necessary to realize many of the possible applications of mobile robot technology.


The experimental results presented here demonstrate that phenylglycine, which exists largely in the form of hydrogen-bonded dimers, can undergo a condensation reaction in ethanol-water solution to produce higher oligomers. The reaction occurs in a nonmonotonic fashion and is apparently linked with the oscillatory chiral conversion of amino acids reported previously [4] [5] [6] . The S-and Renantiomers appear to differ somewhat in their dynamics, a phenomenon that may arise from the presence of different amounts of trace impurities in the commercial samples. Our observations also suggest that there are two different dimeric aggregates, with one being more reactive with respect to peptidization than the other.

The reaction occurs in a nonmonotonic fashion and is apparently linked with the oscillatory chiral conversion of amino acids reported previously.


Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the most consumed vegetables in many parts of the world. Its worldwide production reaches 21 million metric tons, of which Portugal contributes with 95 thousand metric tons, ranking fifteen in FAO producing statistics (FAO, 2005) . Generally sold as whole, fresh-cut lettuce products had a great development due to the recent demand for ready-to-eat vegetables, in line with an increasing awareness for its bioactive properties, particularly regarding antioxidant activity. However, these products leave the industrials that deal with lettuce production/transformation with a large amount of residues and wastes (ex. leaves, stems, etc.), reaching up to 50% of the harvested material (Llorach et al., 2004) . In order to avoid environmental and hygienic problems associated with their disposal or inadequate use, the valorization of these byproducts is crucial.

Its worldwide production reaches 21 million metric tons, of which Portugal contributes with 95 thousand metric tons, ranking fifteen in FAO producing statistics.

However, these products leave the industrials that deal with lettuce production/transformation with a large amount of residues and wastes (ex. leaves, stems, etc.), reaching up to 50% of the harvested material.


The release profiles of calcium ion and potassium ion shown in Figure 3A ,B were found to be independent of crosslink density over the range of TEGDA concentration studied. This is in sharp contrast to the observation of a cross-linker dependence when calcium ions are made to partition into voids and transport by diffusion across similarly comprised hydrogels within a two-compartment cell [14] . The normalized composite release profiles, Figure 3C , indicate that the release profile is dependent only upon the identity of the cation. Further analysis using the Korsmeyer-Peppas model supported the cross-linker independent nature of the release profiles as the fitting parameters of the model remained constant over various cross-link densities. Because no correlation was observed between the cross-link density and the apparent diffusion coefficient, the average values of transport parameters for each ion were directly compared. The average effective diffusivity of potassium ion and calcium ion were (11.2 ± 6.2) × 10 −6 and (2.6 ± 1.2) × 10 −6 cm 2 /s, respectively (p = 0.011). These values indicate that potassium ions diffuse five times faster than calcium ions. However, the observed release profiles of potassium ion and calcium ion are reversed given these values as calcium ion is released more rapidly from the hydrogel than potassium ion. This cannot be explained by consideration of hydrodynamic radii as these values are 2.12 and 2.76 Å for potassium ion and calcium ion, respectively. Similarly, these observations cannot be explained by consideration of the charge densities (charge/hydrodynamic volume) as these are quite similar, being 0.0251 and 0.0227 Å −3 for potassium ion and calcium ion, respectively. This apparent contradiction may have its explanation in the value of the n parameter of the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The average value of n for potassium ion and calcium ion was determined to be 0.36 ± 0.05 and to be 0.24 ± 0.02, respectively (p = 0.0001). Both of these average n values are less than 0.5 indicating that the transport mechanism of potassium ion and calcium ion is non-Fickian. Electrostatic interactions such as ion-pair binding, virtual cross-linking and/or electromigration are potential sources of this non-Fickian behaviour. The total charge per unit volume within the hydrogels was initially 9.7 and 193.0 C/mL for potassium ion and calcium ion, respectively. Further support for this notion, that charge per unit volume plays the dominant role in the release rate, is demonstrated by calculation of Pearson correlation coefficients for the effect of the independent variables; TEGDA mol %, ion charge density, and charge per unit volume, on the dependent parameters, D eff and n, of the Korsmeyer-Peppas transport model, Table 6 . Finally, the First-Order model exhibited a high correlation to the experimental data. This indicates the release profile is dependent on the concentration, which is proportional to charge per unit volume. The Pearson correlation coefficients for charge per unit volume are negative for both parameters and have the largest absolute value indicating that charge per unit volume is the dominant independent variable in the system and has a negative correlation to the dependent variables.

This is in sharp contrast to the observation of a cross-linker dependence when calcium ions are made to partition into voids and transport by diffusion across similarly comprised hydrogels within a two-compartment cell.


In previous work, we have reported on the permeability of hydrogel membranes to Ca ++ as measured by time-lag technique when the hydrogel was cast as a film that was supported on a track-etch, nano-pore membrane of a cell culture insert [14] . The porous media model was found to adequately explain the cross-link density dependence of the partition/diffusion permeability of Ca ++ through the hydrogel layer. Ion diffusion in hydrogels is important in the design and application of wetting and disinfection agents for soft contact lenses, in controlling ocular drug delivery and in partitioning and concentration applications. Ion partitioning and rate of diffusion are influenced by ion and hydrogel charge, the hydrodynamic radius of the ion and the hydrogel mesh size. Ion partitioning depends upon the availability of suitably sized water-filled voids in the surface of the hydrogel that serve to de-solvate the ion and adsorb it into the hydrogel mesh. Diffusion depends upon the frequency of occurrence of such water-filled voids to support hindered diffusion through the polymer mesh. Apparent diffusivities of ions within hydrogels are thus expected to be reduced relative to their values in aqueous solution due to interaction with the polymer chains including hydrodynamic drag, electrostatic drag and physical obstruction that are best represented by the Brinkman-Effective-Medium model [16] .

In previous work, we have reported on the permeability of hydrogel membranes to Ca ++ as measured by time-lag technique when the hydrogel was cast as a film that was supported on a track-etch, nano-pore membrane of a cell culture insert.

Apparent diffusivities of ions within hydrogels are thus expected to be reduced relative to their values in aqueous solution due to interaction with the polymer chains including hydrodynamic drag, electrostatic drag and physical obstruction that are best represented by the Brinkman-Effective-Medium model.


Low literacy is a significant problem across the developed world. The OECD International Adult Literacy Survey reported 22% of adults in the USA and 23% of adults in the UK performed at the lowest level of a 5-point scale of functional literacy [1] . A recent UK study has highlighted the implications of low functional literacy for poor health literacy [2] .

The OECD International Adult Literacy Survey reported 22% of adults in the USA and 23% of adults in the UK performed at the lowest level of a 5-point scale of functional literacy.

A recent UK study has highlighted the implications of low functional literacy for poor health literacy.


Most of the respondents are males (52.3%), found in the age category of 41-55 (35.5%), as presented in Table 1 and Figure 1 . For verification of sampling accuracy, in Figures 1 and 2, age distributions for both the sample and the total population of Nikaia, according to the 2011 census, are provided [68] . The two bar-charts are comparable, with the exemption of the category of adults over 65, who were, in many cases, unwilling to take part in our survey. The mean sample age is 40.4. The appropriate sample size was rounded up at 400 persons. The proportion equation for variables expressed in percentages, gave lower sample size estimates. Face-to-face method was used to fill out the questionnaires. If the respondents were absent or refused, one more effort was made to capture their opinion. This mainly happened with senior respondents (>65), who were reluctant to respond to the questionnaire. In this case, we used the previous process to select new sampling units, thus our study better represents the views of citizens aged 18-65.

For verification of sampling accuracy, in Figures 1 and 2, age distributions for both the sample and the total population of Nikaia, according to the 2011 census, are provided.

The mean sample age is 40.4.


Concerning policy implications, in previous Greek studies, a positive public attitude was denoted [19, 21, 57] . It is noteworthy that the social acceptability and the perceived advantages of RES diffusion in the national energy mix stems from the adverse environmental and healthcare implications from the ongoing air pollution and ecosystems' deterioration caused by the overexploitation of the carbon-based fossil fuels. Our survey results suggest that the prolonged economic recession in the Greek economy motivated citizens to undertake market research for cost-effective energy choices, especially regarding their household expenses. Most of the respondents have installed water heaters while more than half of them have in-depth knowledge of solar energy systems followed by wind energy technologies. Environmental protection is outlined as the most important reason for installing RES technologies, followed by reduced oil dependency. On the other hand, the respondents reported that high installation costs and lack of information are dominant reasons for not installing any kind of RES technology. Willingness to pay for an expansion of 10% of RES into the current electricity mix was estimated at 26.5 euros/quarterly on the electricity bill, higher than previous Greek studies which ranged between 11-16 euros/quarterly [19, 51, [69] [70] [71] . Our higher estimate of WTP is attributed to respondents' perception upon the role of RES in improving the environmental quality, which plays a decisive role to the wider acceptability of green investments [17, 20, 25] . The results of WTP are comparable to other European countries like Spain and Slovenia. On the other hand, Japan and Australia are amongst the countries with the highest estimated WTP. According to previous studies, WTP was found to be related to income, age, education, and environmental awareness. By using a logit model, we discovered that WTP is positively related to education status, subsidies provided by the state, actions for RES expansion undertaken by the state and motivation by the socio-political framework. On the other hand, the perceived disadvantages of RES and institutional barriers negatively affected WTP.

Concerning policy implications, in previous Greek studies, a positive public attitude was denoted.

Willingness to pay for an expansion of 10% of RES into the current electricity mix was estimated at 26.5 euros/quarterly on the electricity bill, higher than previous Greek studies which ranged between 11-16 euros/quarterly.

Our higher estimate of WTP is attributed to respondents' perception upon the role of RES in improving the environmental quality, which plays a decisive role to the wider acceptability of green investments.


Contrarily, an important factor that inhibits the wider adoption of RES-based energy systems, apart from the high cost of infrastructure, is the lack of publicly shared information and the behavior of citizens against RES technological advancements [14] . This social behavior has mainly been observed in economically developing regions or countries. Lack of information was reported in residents of rural, suburban, and urban areas in the Chinese context [32] . Another study was deployed in the Malaysian context, about views and perceptions of the local population towards solar energy and the installation of photovoltaics; it was concluded that the Malaysians hardly understood the incentives and the wider socio-economic benefits derived, thus they were reluctant to invest in photovoltaics [33] . Additionally, in the Middle East and North Africa, the attribute of social opposition was reported among interviewed citizens, since they expressed a biased behavior, significantly distorting anything that tends to become socially acceptable [34] . On the other hand, a study about the social acceptance of small hydropower plants (SHP) in India revealed that SHP projects are regionally challenging forms that can be directly utilized in the Indian energy mix of production [35] .

Contrarily, an important factor that inhibits the wider adoption of RES-based energy systems, apart from the high cost of infrastructure, is the lack of publicly shared information and the behavior of citizens against RES technological advancements.

Lack of information was reported in residents of rural, suburban, and urban areas in the Chinese context.

Another study was deployed in the Malaysian context, about views and perceptions of the local population towards solar energy and the installation of photovoltaics; it was concluded that the Malaysians hardly understood the incentives and the wider socio-economic benefits derived, thus they were reluctant to invest in photovoltaics.

Additionally, in the Middle East and North Africa, the attribute of social opposition was reported among interviewed citizens, since they expressed a biased behavior, significantly distorting anything that tends to become socially acceptable.

On the other hand, a study about the social acceptance of small hydropower plants (SHP) in India revealed that SHP projects are regionally challenging forms that can be directly utilized in the Indian energy mix of production.


Moreover, since WTP was found to be associated with the role of the state, local stakeholders-such as municipality and local authorities, as well as private-owned investment companies-should take that into consideration for the implementation of a successful national environmental policy [28, 31] . The state must also ensure access to environmental information for citizens to stimulate investment desire and participation [19, 21, 57] . Citizens' active participation promotes the implementation of the renewable energy targets agreed upon by the national governments.

Moreover, since WTP was found to be associated with the role of the state, local stakeholders-such as municipality and local authorities, as well as private-owned investment companies-should take that into consideration for the implementation of a successful national environmental policy.

The state must also ensure access to environmental information for citizens to stimulate investment desire and participation.


Under an economic view, RES expansion in Greece can lead to benefits estimated to be 4.9 euros/MWh and 4.4 euros/MWh for electricity produced from solar p/v's and biomass power stations, respectively. Economic benefits of 1.9 euros/MWh and 1.8 euros/MWh were also attributed to wind farms and hydropower plants electricity production [49] . Furthermore, in a study accessing Greek households WTP for greener electricity, evidence of positive association was found with income, level of information, and awareness on green investments [19] . In a relevant empirical study about tourists' WTP for renewable energy in the island of Crete, in Greece, positive association was found between the respondents' age, information status about RES, and previous experience by using a logit model [50] . In a study concerning WTP for biofuels expansion at the area of Thrace, in northern Greece, most of the car owners who took part in the survey, were willing to use biofuels and accept an increased cost of 0.079 €/L [51] .

Economic benefits of 1.9 euros/MWh and 1.8 euros/MWh were also attributed to wind farms and hydropower plants electricity production.

Furthermore, in a study accessing Greek households WTP for greener electricity, evidence of positive association was found with income, level of information, and awareness on green investments.

In a relevant empirical study about tourists' WTP for renewable energy in the island of Crete, in Greece, positive association was found between the respondents' age, information status about RES, and previous experience by using a logit model.

In a study concerning WTP for biofuels expansion at the area of Thrace, in northern Greece, most of the car owners who took part in the survey, were willing to use biofuels and accept an increased cost of 0.079 €/L.


Apart from social acceptance, many studies focus on the economic amount a consumer is prepared to pay for further expansion of RES in their area of residence, which is defined as willingness to pay (WTP). For estimation of the economic value that an individual hypothetically assigns to a non-market good, such as WTP for renewable energy, the contingent valuation method (CVM), is commonly used [36] . In this method, the respondent is directly asked usually through a questionnaire survey, to state his preference [36] . A positive relation has already been identified between WTP, income, and level of information [37, 38] . In a study examining attitudes towards RES, Australian tourists were willing to pay 1-5% more for the existence of renewable energy systems within their accommodation units [39] . For the case of Sweden, by using binary logistic regression, it was found that people with increased environmental awareness are more likely to accept renewable energy [40] . Comparable results were proved, by a study on the factors influencing WTP for green electricity, noticing that a proactive attitude towards environmental issues can lead to a higher level of economic participation [41] . A study from China revealed that household income, knowledge of renewable energy, and education are positively associated with WTP, while age and perception of neighbors' non-participation have a negative impact on WTP [16] .

For estimation of the economic value that an individual hypothetically assigns to a non-market good, such as WTP for renewable energy, the contingent valuation method (CVM), is commonly used.

In this method, the respondent is directly asked usually through a questionnaire survey, to state his preference.

A positive relation has already been identified between WTP, income, and level of information.

In a study examining attitudes towards RES, Australian tourists were willing to pay 1-5% more for the existence of renewable energy systems within their accommodation units.

For the case of Sweden, by using binary logistic regression, it was found that people with increased environmental awareness are more likely to accept renewable energy.

Comparable results were proved, by a study on the factors influencing WTP for green electricity, noticing that a proactive attitude towards environmental issues can lead to a higher level of economic participation.

A study from China revealed that household income, knowledge of renewable energy, and education are positively associated with WTP, while age and perception of neighbors' non-participation have a negative impact on WTP.


The MPEG-4 standard permits operations on arbitrarily shaped video object planes (VOPs), such as transmitting, retrieving, downloading, storing and reusing [1] . The first step of all these operations is to segment video objects from the scene, which further needs to perform global motion compensation beforehand. GME plays an important role in these object-based applications.

The MPEG-4 standard permits operations on arbitrarily shaped video object planes (VOPs), such as transmitting, retrieving, downloading, storing and reusing.


ZnO is used in optical and photonic crystals, sensors, colloidal lithography, and catalyst support [4] . Great variety of colloid chemical methods and physical techniques are being used to synthesize zinc oxide particles with controlled size [5] . In pharmaceutical suspensions, when a solid active ingredient is dispersed in a liquid, the problems are related to agglomeration, flocculation (increase of particle size) and sedimentation: because of their high surface area, micro or nanoparticles form aggregates or agglomerates due to Van der Waals or other attractive forces [1] . Monitoring the presence of nanoparticles in dispersions having broad particle size distributions can be a problem for many measurement techniques because large particles or even aggregates of the smaller particles can mask the presence of the sought after nanoparticles [6] .

ZnO is used in optical and photonic crystals, sensors, colloidal lithography, and catalyst support.

Great variety of colloid chemical methods and physical techniques are being used to synthesize zinc oxide particles with controlled size.

In pharmaceutical suspensions, when a solid active ingredient is dispersed in a liquid, the problems are related to agglomeration, flocculation (increase of particle size) and sedimentation: because of their high surface area, micro or nanoparticles form aggregates or agglomerates due to Van der Waals or other attractive forces.

Monitoring the presence of nanoparticles in dispersions having broad particle size distributions can be a problem for many measurement techniques because large particles or even aggregates of the smaller particles can mask the presence of the sought after nanoparticles.


Unfortunately, for the variability of discharge and/or head drop, the efficiency of such plants is still limited, but a larger flexibility can be obtained by using a plant modulation [27] . In hydraulic regulation (HR) mode, turbine working conditions are limited in the surrounding of the Best Efficiency Point (BEP) by means of a by-pass conduit and of a pressure reducing valve in series with the turbine. Recent power electronics devices allow to regulate electrical voltage and frequency in order to vary the generator speeds, providing additional flexibility. The use of an electronic inverter substitutes the hydraulic and mechanical control mechanisms of HR. Despite the apparent interest, few papers deal with such electrical regulation (ER) [28] .

Unfortunately, for the variability of discharge and/or head drop, the efficiency of such plants is still limited, but a larger flexibility can be obtained by using a plant modulation.

Despite the apparent interest, few papers deal with such electrical regulation (ER).


We will first present our ideas on forest stability assuming a relatively constant climate and natural disturbance regime, such as that during the past 2 000-3 000 years in the Great Lakes region. During this time climate change has not been sufficient to change the range of the dominant species in the vicinity of our study sites (McAndrews, 1967; Webb, Cushing & Wright Jr., 1983; Davis, 1981) . Species such as hemlock and white pine have expanded their range on the western edge slightly during the last 3 000 years, but the vast majority of the landscape experienced little change until European settlement, which occurred in the northern Lakes area during the latter half of the 19th century. However, disturbance regime is a function of climate, and one of the major points of this paper will be to show that interaction between neighborhood effects and disturbance can lead to rapid and dramatic change in forest composition. Climate change in the future is likely to lead to both changes in the disturbance regime and in types of neighborhood effects, since tree migration may occur, changing the mixture of species at a given location. Thus, the types of sudden change precipitated by neighborhooddisturbance interaction are likely to occur more often if the climate changes. Taking the view that neighborhood effects are a major influence on forest dynamics will allow us to follow through with the logical consequences, and predict why some forests may have stable composition over time under a stable climate, but unstable composition under a changing climate, while other forest types are unstable regardless of climatic stability.

During this time climate change has not been sufficient to change the range of the dominant species in the vicinity of our study sites.


Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) provide economically viable technologies for a variety of applications [1] . Sensor networks enable the development of low-cost, low-power, and multifunctional sensors [2, 3] . A WSN is composed of a large number of sensor nodes and a base station. The nodes are densely spread in open environments without any infrastructure, and they observe and transmit information about sensed physical events. The base station collects the nodes' sensor readings [4] . The sensor nodes have the great disadvantage of risk of being captured and compromised due to their limited capabilities in terms of computation, communication, storage, and energy supply [5, 6] . In addition, they are defenseless against various offense patterns from malicious attackers. For a large-scale sensor network, it is impractical to observe and protect each individual node from physical or logical attack [6] .

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) provide economically viable technologies for a variety of applications.

Sensor networks enable the development of low-cost, low-power, and multifunctional sensors.

The base station collects the nodes' sensor readings.

The sensor nodes have the great disadvantage of risk of being captured and compromised due to their limited capabilities in terms of computation, communication, storage, and energy supply.

For a large-scale sensor network, it is impractical to observe and protect each individual node from physical or logical attack.


We first demonstrated that AML cells migrate toward and associate with MSCs in an ARC-dependent manner in vitro, then in vivo using a human extramedullary BM mouse model [30, 36] . This model allowed us to genetically modulate genes of interest in the human extramedullary microenvironment. Using this model, we showed that ARC in MSCs is required for full leukemia engraftment. The results strongly support the role of ARC in MSCs as a major regulator of microenvironmental interactions.

We first demonstrated that AML cells migrate toward and associate with MSCs in an ARC-dependent manner in vitro, then in vivo using a human extramedullary BM mouse model.


BM-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an essential structural and functional component of the BM microenvironment, and they are critical for hematopoiesis [1] . Within the context of leukemia, MSCs also play an essential role in protecting leukemia cells from chemotherapeutic agents [2] . Much of the interaction occurs through a wide range of adhesion molecules on www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget hematopoietic cells and their corresponding ligands secreted by BM stromal cells. While this system of communication is typically used between normal hematopoietic cells and BM stromal cells, it is hijacked by leukemic cells to enhance interactions that protect these cells from chemotherapy [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] .

BM-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an essential structural and functional component of the BM microenvironment, and they are critical for hematopoiesis.

Within the context of leukemia, MSCs also play an essential role in protecting leukemia cells from chemotherapeutic agents.

While this system of communication is typically used between normal hematopoietic cells and BM stromal cells, it is hijacked by leukemic cells to enhance interactions that protect these cells from chemotherapy.


Two different ways are proposed to modulate the symbols-nonregenerative NeMo and regenerative NeMo. They differ in the way that the newly received packet is processed. In the nonregenerative version, a node simply combines the incoming symbol with the local data. But the regenerative version demodulates the arrived symbol before combining it with the local data. Note that the modulation and demodulation of NeMo operate at the level of modulated symbols (called "modulation over modulation") and thus it can be independent from network layer. We formally prove that for both of these methods the symbol recovery is guaranteed at the sink and also carefully study all kinds of performance tradeoffs of them. Furthermore, we derive the upper bounds of the persistence curves with NeMo, which illustrate that our approach is more efficient than the existing Growth Codes (GCs) [13] . In addition, we propose solutions to several practical concerns such as packet header design and asynchronous node joins and failure.

Furthermore, we derive the upper bounds of the persistence curves with NeMo, which illustrate that our approach is more efficient than the existing Growth Codes (GCs).


Three enzymes can catalyze H 2 S formation: cystathionine β-synthase (CBS, EC 4.2.1.22), cystathionine γ-lyase (cystathionase, CSE, EC 4.4.1.1) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (MST, EC 2.8.1.2). H 2 S in the cardiovascular system is mainly produced by CSE, while in the brain CBS plays the most important role [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . MST contributes to a far lesser degree quantitatively, even if it is present in several tissues, including blood [7, 8] .

H 2 S in the cardiovascular system is mainly produced by CSE, while in the brain CBS plays the most important role.

MST contributes to a far lesser degree quantitatively, even if it is present in several tissues, including blood.


The obstruction to finding supergravity domain walls in five dimensions seems to be obtaining solutions where the real superpotential W changes sign [4, 5, 6, 7] . In supergravity theories W appears in the mass terms for the fermions. Domain walls that interpolate between regions in which W changes sign connect regions with positive fermion mass to those with negative fermion mass. In even dimensions the sign of a fermion mass term has no physical significance; it may be reversed by multiplying the fermion field by Γ D+1 . By contrast, in odd dimensions, Γ D+1 = ±1, and a fermion mass term breaks parity. Furthermore in odd dimensions there are two inequivalent irreducible representations of the Clifford algebra labelled by the sign of Γ D+1 . Theories with different signs for the Γ-matrices are rather like different superselection sectors and one would not expect that these two sectors could be realised in single connected spacetime. However a change in sign of all fermion masses may be effected by a change in sign of the Γ-matrices.

The obstruction to finding supergravity domain walls in five dimensions seems to be obtaining solutions where the real superpotential W changes sign.


Given the consistent relationship of religiosity to substance abuse and the possible heritable nature of both, shared genetics may help to explain the correlation. However, studies of molecular genetics examining relationships of religion to substance abuse are few (Beaver et al., 2009; Nilsson et al., 2007) . The current study, designed to address this gap in the literature, utilizes data from a large cohort of younger adults to explore relationships among common candidate genes, use of illicit drugs, and religious beliefs and behaviors. Data on common genetic polymorphisms, including those of the SLC6A4 gene, were collected from a subsample of approximately 2,500 individuals.

However, studies of molecular genetics examining relationships of religion to substance abuse are few.


How religious involvement as an important environmental factor relates to genotype is not clear. Some studies have found religiosity to interact with genetic risk, moderating the inherited tendency to bad outcomes (Beaver et al., 2009; Timberlake et al., 2006; Kendler & Myers, 2009) . Another question to consider, however, is to what extent religiosity is itself genetically determined. Several studies have isolated heritable components (Nilsson et al., 2007; Vance et al., 2010; Koenig et al., 2007) . In this vein, "effects" of religiosity on health could be partially or fully explained as resulting from a common underlying genetic substrate.

Some studies have found religiosity to interact with genetic risk, moderating the inherited tendency to bad outcomes.

Several studies have isolated heritable components.


Here we explore a design for an ultra-compact, Silicon-based, broadband, waveguide-integrated electrooptic switch. The device is formed by a three-waveguide DC involving transverse magnetic (TM) polarized light in the telecomm C-band wavelengths. This active section of the switch is based on the plasmonic MOS mode via tuning the carrier concentration of a thin indium-tinoxide (ITO) layer sandwiched using an electrical bias. We show that classically weak optical coupling (such as waveguide-to-waveguide) is strongly enhanced by a deepsubwavelength optical mode of hybridized plasmons [23] [24] [25] [26] . The switching functionality is achieved by the ITO's capability of changing its imaginary part of the complex refractive index by about two orders of magnitude, shifting the effective index of the optical mode and hence altering the modal overlap between the neighboring waveguides. The switch performance is characterized by a set of parameters relating to routing performance, power consumption, loss, and switching speed. We find that careful tuning of the optical mode overlap enables a compact (device length is about 5 µm) switch, with fJ/bit low power consumption while allowing for spectrally broadband operation.

We show that classically weak optical coupling (such as waveguide-to-waveguide) is strongly enhanced by a deepsubwavelength optical mode of hybridized plasmons.


Today's competitive educational market forces higher education institutions to adopt a customer-oriented strategy that differentiates their offerings from those of their competitors. Most of all, they need to understand their customers' needs, accommodate their preferences in developing their offerings, and thereby enhancing satisfaction by providing superior educational experiences (Keegan & Davidson, 2004) . This study provided empirical findings to incorporate the experience of control as an important antecedent for student satisfaction with higher education institutions. Also, providing a literature review from marketing, psychology, and education, this study demonstrated the importance of experience of control and the way that control is experienced among college students.

Most of all, they need to understand their customers' needs, accommodate their preferences in developing their offerings, and thereby enhancing satisfaction by providing superior educational experiences.


The grinding process requires a considerable amount of energy per unit volume to remove material. During the process, this energy is transformed into heat, which concentrates in the cutting region. High temperatures can cause several types of thermal damage to the workpiece, such as superficial burning, microstructural modifications, and surface and subsurface heating of the piece, which allows for superficial tempering and re-tempering of a material (in hardened steel machining) with the formation of non-softened martensite, generating undesirable residual tensile stresses and thus reducing the ultimate fatigue strength of the machined component. Moreover, uncontrolled thermal expansion and contraction of the workpiece during grinding contribute to errors in the dimension and shape of the final component, these phenomena leading mainly to errors in circularity. The grinding rates utilized today are limited by the maximum temperatures permissible in the grinding process. When these temperatures are exceeded, they may lead to deterioration of the workpiece dimensional quality. Thus, the sources giving rise to residual stress on the machined surface can be phase transformation, thermal stress due to irregular heating and cooling of the surface layer, and mechanical strain [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] . The present investigation aims at evaluate the performance of the MQL system compared to conventional cooling, applied in very small flow rates as an environmentally correct alternative to the cutting fluid utilized in cylindrical plunge grinding. The small amount of lubricant is pulverized in a compressed air flow, reducing the undesirable effects involved in using cutting fluids. The evaluation of the MQL technique in the grinding process consisted of analyzing the surface integrity (roughness, microstructure and microhardness).

Thus, the sources giving rise to residual stress on the machined surface can be phase transformation, thermal stress due to irregular heating and cooling of the surface layer, and mechanical strain.


To address the lack of training data, we propose a new method that learns the mapping from pixels to 3D shape without any supervised 2D-to-3D training data. To do so, we learn the mapping using only 2D facial features, automatically extracted with OpenPose [29] . To make this possible, our key observation is that multiple images of the same person provide strong constraints on 3D face shape because the shape remains constant although other things may change such as pose, lighting, and expression. FLAME factors pose and shape, allowing our model to learn what is constant (shape) and factor out what changes (pose and expression).

To do so, we learn the mapping using only 2D facial features, automatically extracted with OpenPose.


Computer-based examinations show a preference for spoken activities which are quite controlled (short question-answer activities) while face-to-face examinations tend to combine activities of different styles (personal interviews, topic discussions, role plays). In line with computer-based tests and computer-adaptive testing, the use of technology for the assessment of oral production should be carefully considered in the future as it could certainly make an interesting contribution in this area (Chapelle, 2008) . Oral performance is commonly assessed with reference to a number of pre-established criteria, and these can be characterised as analytical traits or as more global abilities. Despite this, test takers are frequently scored on the basis of the five spoken traits mentioned in the CEFR: range, accuracy, fluency, interaction and coherence. Speaking samples are marked by native English-speaking professionals according to a number of standardised scores and assessment statements which are ultimately linked to the six levels set out in the CEFR. Therefore, the analysis of these exams and the tasks included, together with the assessment criteria used, highlight the relevance of the CEFR and its impact on language tests. In spite of this, our preliminary survey has shown serious weaknesses and limitations in these spoken English tests. Firstly, it is not always clear which features of the grammar of spoken English are really under consideration; also, oral interaction, which is extremely important in oral communication, seems to be neglected.

In line with computer-based tests and computer-adaptive testing, the use of technology for the assessment of oral production should be carefully considered in the future as it could certainly make an interesting contribution in this area.


Although the tool has undergone many changes due to the shift from isolated to distributed environments, we have retained the v1 interface in order to minimise possible disruptions in the work of current v1 users who wish to adopt the newest version of the tool. Thus, we have added additional working modes that allow the collaboration of different medical teams, offering privacy and scalability factors for the development of medical applications. First, privacy refers to the willingness to keep data apart from a centralised case repository [8] . This is an important issue in medicine, where physicians exchange opinions or recommendations, for example, but rarely patient data.

First, privacy refers to the willingness to keep data apart from a centralised case repository.


In this paper we focus on the generalized Taylor series method (GTSM), which is based on the generalized Taylor series. The fractional derivative is defined in the sense of the modified Riemann-Liouville derivative [14] . From the given fractional differential equation, the GTSM provides a simple recurrence relation of the generalized Taylor series coefficients of the solution. We obtain recurrence relations of complex nonlinear functions such as the exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. The paper is organized as follows. Section 2 introduces some preliminary results from the fractional calculus that we will use. The basic idea and some properties of GTSM are presented in Section 3. We present the recurrence relations of complex nonlinear functions in Section 4. In Section 5, numerical results of several examples are demonstrated by using new recurrence relations. Finally, we give a conclusion in Section 6.

The fractional derivative is defined in the sense of the modified Riemann-Liouville derivative.

The paper is organized as follows.


Nowadays diverse medical techniques exist for direct examination and diagnose of pathologies. Laryngoscopy, electro myography, videokimography are most frequently used by medical specialists. But these methods possess a number of d isadvantages. Human vocal tract is hardly accessible for visual examination during phonation process and that makes it more problematic to identify pathology. Moreover, these diagnostic means may cause the patients feel much discomfort and distort the actual signal so that it may be lead to incorrect diagnosis as well [1] [2] [3] [4] .

Moreover, these diagnostic means may cause the patients feel much discomfort and distort the actual signal so that it may be lead to incorrect diagnosis as well.


P. conoideus fruit has been identified as a good source of carotenoids including α-and β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin [5] . Some study have reported that β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin content of P. conoideus oil ranging from, respectively, 123 to 2250 ng/mg and 5 to 90 ng/mg [3, 5, 10, 11] . Variation of reported value may be due to the difference of clone and origin of P. conoideus fruit, and/or methods of analysis used.

P. conoideus fruit has been identified as a good source of carotenoids including α-and β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin.

Some study have reported that β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin content of P. conoideus oil ranging from, respectively, 123 to 2250 ng/mg and 5 to 90 ng/mg.


In this paper, OCEAN (Observation-based Cooperation Enforcement in Ad hoc Network) was used in forbidding all kinds of indirect reputation information [1] . A node makes routing decisions based solely on direct observations of its neighboring nodes' exchanges with it. This eliminates most trust management complexity, albeit at a cost of less information with which to make decisions about node behavior [3] .

In this paper, OCEAN (Observation-based Cooperation Enforcement in Ad hoc Network) was used in forbidding all kinds of indirect reputation information.

This eliminates most trust management complexity, albeit at a cost of less information with which to make decisions about node behavior.


In fruit anatomy, there are several interesting features. For instance, the bundles show extensive secondary growth, producing tracheids much like those of the sec ondary xylem of stems; the bundles are of amphivasal nature; and bordered pits are present in the walls of the inner epidermis of the fruit wall. These features are un usual in general and indicative of the distinctness of Setchellanthus, which is further supported by evidence from wood anatomy (Carlquist & Miller, 1999) .

These features are un usual in general and indicative of the distinctness of Setchellanthus, which is further supported by evidence from wood anatomy.


Resveratrol caused no significant change in oxidative stress parameters in the treatment groups compared to the a-AMA + NS group. A possible explanation is that the protocol of this study might have involved a rather aggressive stress and the antioxidant capacity of these agents did not provide a significant antioxidant effect on this condition. Although the SOD and glutathione levels tended to decrease in the groups treated with resveratrol compared to a-AMA group, we did not find statistical significance. Studies have reported that the hepatotoxicity healing effects of resveratrol depend on its antioxidant effects. However, in these models, resveratrol was applied either before the administration of a toxic substance or else in a long-term manner for therapeutic purposes [40, 42] . As ours was a 48-hr protocol, the total resveratrol dosage we administered was lower than the dosages applied in other toxicity models in the literature. Therefore, in our experimental model, we think that resveratrol may have an antioxidant effect on a-AMA-induced hepatotoxicity. The changes in antioxidant parameters at the tissue level may be seen in a protocol better detected with longer protocols, exceeding 48 hr.

However, in these models, resveratrol was applied either before the administration of a toxic substance or else in a long-term manner for therapeutic purposes.


Caspases are fundamental components of the mammalian apoptotic machinery. Caspase 3 is a prototypical enzyme that becomes activated during apoptosis in a wide variety of tissues (Woo et al., 1998) . On the other hand, there is evidence of loss of caspase 3 protein expression in prostate cancer (Winter et al., 2001) . The quantification of immunoexpression of caspase 3 may constitute a good method for measuring apoptotic activity in prostate cancer and its precursors.

Caspase 3 is a prototypical enzyme that becomes activated during apoptosis in a wide variety of tissues.

On the other hand, there is evidence of loss of caspase 3 protein expression in prostate cancer.