Two more test cases were generated, both inspired by a biological model describing the process of vulval precursor cell fate determination in the development of the C. elegans nematode [20] . In one, (a simplification of) the different developmental steps were each synthesized separately, and the results were composed. This specification consists of 22 LSCs. Without composition, the synthesis of the entire system did not finish within 5 days, whereas the compositional approach obtains a running system in less than 3 minutes. The second specification focuses on the last developmental stage, and demonstrates the incremental nature of the specification process, while using compositional synthesis. This system was composed in 9.85 seconds, while the full non-compositional synthesis did not finish within 3 days. The latter example also acts as an example in which smart play-out may choose a superstep that is correct, but may lead to violations in future supersteps. The synthesized system, on the other hand, avoids such violations.

Two more test cases were generated, both inspired by a biological model describing the process of vulval precursor cell fate determination in the development of the C. elegans nematode.

This specification consists of 22 LSCs.


The last two centuries, which have been viewed as the age of modernity, have been essentially structured by varying historical processes. Significantly, gender and racial categories emerged during this period as two fundamental instruments for exploiting people and stratifying societies (Oyewunmi, 2004) . Euro centric attitude, being a hallmark of the ensuing modernity gave impetus to the creation and imposition of Eurocentric/American cultural hegemonies throughout the world. Consequently, male-gender privilege as an essential part of European ethos became enshrined in the culture of modernity. In the quest of comprehending African realities, and indeed, state of gender relations in Nigeria, this global context for knowledge production has become imperative.

Significantly, gender and racial categories emerged during this period as two fundamental instruments for exploiting people and stratifying societies.


The Alice string is an example of a wide class of systems of spontaneously broken symmetry where the unbroken symmetry is either a discrete group or a continuous group that contains components which are not connected to the identity. In the case of the Alice string, the unbroken gauge group is O(2) which is a continuous group with more than one connected components. In general, embedding of the unbroken group becomes space dependent inside the full symmetry group in the presence of vortices. The presence of discrete symmetry or disconnected components in the unbroken gauge group often makes some of the generators undefined globally [4] [5] [6] . In the case of the Alice string, the generator of unbroken U (1) group changes the sign after encircling once around the vortex. This shows a very interesting exotic phenomenon called the creation of "Cheshire charge", a charge which is lost after charged particles encircle the string once [7] [8] [9] . This allows all Sec. 3 we introduce an ansatz and boundary condition for a single Alice string. We expand BPS equations in the profile functions and solve the equations numerically. In Sec. 4 we discuss a symmetry structure of our Alice string. Section 5 is devoted to a summary and discussion.

The presence of discrete symmetry or disconnected components in the unbroken gauge group often makes some of the generators undefined globally.

This shows a very interesting exotic phenomenon called the creation of "Cheshire charge", a charge which is lost after charged particles encircle the string once.


The relevance of these values is indubitable if they are compared with other kind of losses in wind energy related to important technical problems. For instance, the authors have studied the effect of pitch misalignment and defective anemometers in wind turbines, and the order of magnitude of energy losses is quite similar [9, 67] . This comparative fact emphasizes the economical relevance of seasonal energy variations due to air density changes.

For instance, the authors have studied the effect of pitch misalignment and defective anemometers in wind turbines, and the order of magnitude of energy losses is quite similar.


Energy and environment are strongly related subjects that explain the patterns of the global crisis from the geopolitical viewpoint or from the perspective of climate change. Energy demand is remarkably increasing and this is affecting the environment, not only in a gradual trend, but also with the risk of rapid acceleration due to the permafrost collapse [1] . In 2014, the global primary energy consumption generated around 10,000 million tons of carbon by the combustion of fossil fuels. Many researchers recognize that renewable energy, especially solar energy and wind energy, can solve these immense challenges [2] .

Energy demand is remarkably increasing and this is affecting the environment, not only in a gradual trend, but also with the risk of rapid acceleration due to the permafrost collapse.

Many researchers recognize that renewable energy, especially solar energy and wind energy, can solve these immense challenges.


Moreover, new reanalysis outputs as ERA5 can be used in the future to develop similar studies in an European or even global scale, since it has recently presented very good results for wind energy estimation [72] . In this line, a recent study of the authors has shown great variations due to air density from winter to summer in Hywind-Scotland pilot wind farm using ERA5 [4] . The authors are developing further research to study also daily variations and extreme cases that can be related to short-term wind forecasting, which constitutes a relevant research line for wind-related industry [73] .

Moreover, new reanalysis outputs as ERA5 can be used in the future to develop similar studies in an European or even global scale, since it has recently presented very good results for wind energy estimation.

In this line, a recent study of the authors has shown great variations due to air density from winter to summer in Hywind-Scotland pilot wind farm using ERA5.

The authors are developing further research to study also daily variations and extreme cases that can be related to short-term wind forecasting, which constitutes a relevant research line for wind-related industry.


That is why we present a novel study for offshore wind energy with a general method to estimate the seasonal energy production variations due to air density. Although the method is applied around the Iberian Peninsula, it can be globally generalized for interesting offshore locations. Air density is a very recent topic of study in wind energy, although its variations are usually considered spatially and in terms of geographical elevation or position [10, 11] .

Air density is a very recent topic of study in wind energy, although its variations are usually considered spatially and in terms of geographical elevation or position.


For an effective blockade, several key positions in the active process are conceivable. The first possibility is to suppress the binding of the Shh ligand to its receptor, Ptch1. In addition to the HH antibody 5E1, roboticininin, a synthetically produced molecule is known to have an inhibitory effect on the secondary signaling cascade through extracellular binding to Shh [56, 57] . It is also likely to inhibit the function of the Shh ligand and thus prevent binding to the receptor Ptch1 [58] .

In addition to the HH antibody 5E1, roboticininin, a synthetically produced molecule is known to have an inhibitory effect on the secondary signaling cascade through extracellular binding to Shh.

It is also likely to inhibit the function of the Shh ligand and thus prevent binding to the receptor Ptch1.


In both markets mentioned, the equilibrium between the supply and demand sets the price. That is, basically, the decisions made by buyers and sellers, determine the equilibrium. But what do buyers and sellers base their buying and selling decisions on? All decisions are naturally based on the information that they have at hand or their perception of the market and factors of influence on it. This is the basis for EMH (efficient-market hypothesis) which states that prices already reflect all known information and instantly change to reflect new information. There are three types for this hypothesis, weak, semistrong and strong, depending on the strength of the impact of the new or hidden information on the market prices, with strong EMH being the theory whereby it is believed that all information regardless of how new or hidden to the public they are, are instantly reflected in the market. The other famous theory at the other end of the spectrum would be the random walk theory whereby all market movements are considered as completely random events, and that stock market dealings are complete acts of gambling (Fama, 1965) .

The other famous theory at the other end of the spectrum would be the random walk theory whereby all market movements are considered as completely random events, and that stock market dealings are complete acts of gambling.


Technical analysts or chartists, look at the movement characteristics that are observed on the charts only. In the technical analysis graphs are analysed and patterns of movement over short and long periods of time are determined and classified, these patterns are used for predicting reoccurring natures in the movement. Technical analysis due to its straightforwardness and easiness of use with computer programs is very popular (Chaigusin et al., 2008; Lee, 2004) . Despite the fact that it works on many occasions, on its own, it lacks the ability to bring in much meaning in market movements.

Technical analysis due to its straightforwardness and easiness of use with computer programs is very popular.


The DECS trial was a double-blind, randomised, multi-centre study in the Netherlands, comparing high-dose dexamethasone with placebo in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The design and primary study results have been described in detail [6] . Briefly, 4494 patients were randomly allocated to receive a single intravenous dose of either 1 mg.kg À1 dexamethasone, or placebo following the induction of anaesthesia for cardiac surgery, using a computer-generated 1:1 randomisation scheme, which was stratified to participating centre and in blocks of 40. Ampoules of dexamethasone and placebo, each assigned a unique study number, were identical and contained an equal volume (5 ml) of a 20 mg.ml À1 dexamethasone solution, or saline, respectively. Patients, caregivers, and re-searchers were unaware of study group assignment. Patients aged 18 or over, who were referred for elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass, were eligible for inclusion. We report the long-term (12-month) effects of intra-operative dexamethasone on major adverse events, and on health-related quality of life at 30 days and 12 months postoperatively. We also report the results of a cost effectiveness analysis of the intervention.

The design and primary study results have been described in detail.


It seems that the cooling demand in the EU 27 has a tendency to increase, and almost all individual cooling systems (excluding district cooling (DC)) are utilizing electricity now [16] . This demonstrates the need to shift to non-electric cooling systems (i.e., DC networks). Therefore, the thermal energy and electric power has to be linked to make use of RES efficiently. In this situation, polygeneration should have an opportunity to play its role [17] .

It seems that the cooling demand in the EU 27 has a tendency to increase, and almost all individual cooling systems (excluding district cooling (DC)) are utilizing electricity now.

In this situation, polygeneration should have an opportunity to play its role.


One of the most significant problem in image retrieval and pattern recognition is rotation invariant pattern representation. This arises from the fact that in many real world applications images should be considered to be the same even if they are rotated. Many types of moment and transform have been proposed for feature extraction and invariant image representation. Among them are Zernike Moments (ZMs), which is often mentioned together with Pseudo-Zernike Moments (PZMs) and orthogonal Fourier-Mellin moments These moments are popular and are used in many real world applications like character recognition and multi-spectral texture analysis [15] . But computations of their kernels involve a number of factorial terms and suffer from numerical instability. However, Polar Harmonic Transforms (PHTs) have no numerical instability.

Among them are Zernike Moments (ZMs), which is often mentioned together with Pseudo-Zernike Moments (PZMs) and orthogonal Fourier-Mellin moments These moments are popular and are used in many real world applications like character recognition and multi-spectral texture analysis.


In this calculation, we neglected shear broadening as the range resolution is high and the shear contribution probably small compared to the other effects (Strelnikova and Rapp, 2011) . We neglected also wave broadening, which would allow for high-frequency gravity waves. Still, the observed spectral width should exceed the contribution of shear and wave broadening and is therefore an indicator of strong turbulence. The analysis presented here should be expanded in future to include shear and beam broadening effects, which might have a significant contribution in weak turbulence measurements.

In this calculation, we neglected shear broadening as the range resolution is high and the shear contribution probably small compared to the other effects.


National and organizational culture research have emerged as two separate research streams with little overlap even though they both focus on defining the value of what distinguish one group from another group. Culture is a critical variable in explaining how social groups and individuals interact with IT [23] . It is very difficult to capture the cultural features of a particular organization, how it changes and what makes it change. There are a number of different perspectives on culture from a narrower management centric approach to a wider anthropological approach. Culture provides us with directions but also prevents us from seeing. Organizational culture is not only positive in the way it fulfills people's needs for meaning and guidance but also leads to restrictions of consciousness and closure of mind. Culture is not only a provider of clues for understanding social integration and guiding behavior but also a tool for developing sensitivity towards conflict and differentiation [3] .

Culture is a critical variable in explaining how social groups and individuals interact with IT.

Culture is not only a provider of clues for understanding social integration and guiding behavior but also a tool for developing sensitivity towards conflict and differentiation.


This study investigates social media network in terms of collaborative group learning and how students and academics perceive social media in the context of Malaysian Higher Education. To this end, knowledge of the way university students employ social media will assist higher learning institutions to bring about effective decision making regarding technology adoption in this field (Corrin et al., 2010) . A social media refers to a portable web tool that can be accessed via platform that is independent of web-browsers and that stresses on social activities for collaborative, communicative, community and creative work (Joosten, 2012) .

To this end, knowledge of the way university students employ social media will assist higher learning institutions to bring about effective decision making regarding technology adoption in this field.

A social media refers to a portable web tool that can be accessed via platform that is independent of web-browsers and that stresses on social activities for collaborative, communicative, community and creative work.


Little attention has been paid to the toxigenic potential of CNS though some investigators emphasize that they could produce toxic shock syndrome toxin alone or in combination with staphylococcal enterotoxins [5, 6, 7] . The important role of CNS as pathogens has been recognized only recently, and specific factors involved in pathogenesis are now under exploration [8, 5, 9] . Modern species identification is another prerequisite for such attempts in CNS and it relies mostly on the 16S rRNA gene, rpoB, groEL, hsp60, femA, tuf, gap, sodA, rpoB, dnaJ, and kat genes [10, 11, 12] .

Little attention has been paid to the toxigenic potential of CNS though some investigators emphasize that they could produce toxic shock syndrome toxin alone or in combination with staphylococcal enterotoxins.

The important role of CNS as pathogens has been recognized only recently, and specific factors involved in pathogenesis are now under exploration.

Modern species identification is another prerequisite for such attempts in CNS and it relies mostly on the 16S rRNA gene, rpoB, groEL, hsp60, femA, tuf, gap, sodA, rpoB, dnaJ, and kat genes.


Reports are scarce and limited information is available on the diversity, genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of both CNS and CPS in milk and milk products. Camel milk plays an important role in the diet of nomads in the arid and semiarid lands of East Africa where 10.5 million of the world's estimated 24.2 million camel population is found [13] . S. aureus, a CPS, has been ranked as either the most or second most frequent bacterium isolated from udder infections in camels but CNS are also incriminated as a major bacterium causing mastitis in the camel [14, 15] . Staphylococci are therefore of great clinical and epidemiological importance not only in camel milk but also in other environmental and food matrices through cross-contamination and potential transfer of virulence determinants. Taking this into account, CNS and CPS from raw and fermented camel milk were identified and further characterized for their pathogenic potential.

Camel milk plays an important role in the diet of nomads in the arid and semiarid lands of East Africa where 10.5 million of the world's estimated 24.2 million camel population is found.

S. aureus, a CPS, has been ranked as either the most or second most frequent bacterium isolated from udder infections in camels but CNS are also incriminated as a major bacterium causing mastitis in the camel.


However, in all state-of-the-art bearingless slice motors, the permanent magnets that excite the air gap bias flux are located in the rotor system [4] . Thus, the rotor cross-section of bearingless slice motors bears a strong similarity to rotors of brushless permanent magnet synchronous machines. Especially in high-temperature or high-speed applications, and in disposable devices (where the rotor must be replaced frequently), permanent magnet-free rotors offer advantages. Using a magnetless rotor reduces manufacturing costs (rare-earth magnetic materials have increased significantly in price in recent years) and enhances thermal and mechanical robustness. Initial studies on bearingless slice motors without magnetic material in the rotor, also called bearingless reluctance slice motors, have already been published [11] . Using permanent magnets in the stator inherently demands a rotor with salient poles to influence the linked permanent magnetic flux of the stator coils for torque generation. Thereby the permanent magnetic air gap flux can either be homopolar or heteropolar. Only two homopolar bearingless slice motor designs without permanent magnets in the rotor have reportedly been built [12, 13] . Results showed that force generation was comparable with standard slice motor systems, but that torque generation was reduced by principle, as the permanent magnetic field and flux linkage only varies but does not change its direction. Heteropolar drives do not feature this drawback in torque generation. There are three possible design variants of this kind: the flux reversal, doubly salient, and flux-switching permanent magnet machine [14] . This paper focuses on the bearingless flux-switching motor, as it appears to be a promising approach for development of slice motor systems.

However, in all state-of-the-art bearingless slice motors, the permanent magnets that excite the air gap bias flux are located in the rotor system.

Initial studies on bearingless slice motors without magnetic material in the rotor, also called bearingless reluctance slice motors, have already been published.

Only two homopolar bearingless slice motor designs without permanent magnets in the rotor have reportedly been built.

There are three possible design variants of this kind: the flux reversal, doubly salient, and flux-switching permanent magnet machine.


The observed global properties of the universe can be remarkably well described by the ΛCDM model in conjunction with simple initial conditions for the primordial density fluctuation spectrum. In its simplest form the model is geometrically flat and represented by nontrivial values for six key parameters: the baryon density, the dark matter density, the Hubble parameter, the amplitude and spectral index of primordial adiabatic scalar fluctuations, and the optical depth to reionisation. No single additional parameter provides a substantially better fit to currently available data, a situation summarised by Max Tegmark's dictum, "vanilla rules ok" [1] .

No single additional parameter provides a substantially better fit to currently available data, a situation summarised by Max Tegmark's dictum, "vanilla rules ok".


Another extension invokes a nonstandard radiation density, traditionally parameterised by the effective number N eff of neutrino species, with N 0 eff = 3.046 being the standard value [2] . This tradition dates back to the time before LEP at CERN measured the number of ordinary neutrino species to be 3 and big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) provided the only significant upper limit on the number of particle families. Today, constraining N eff with cosmological data is primarily a consistency test of standard particle physics with concordance cosmology and of concordance cosmology with itself because one can compare the radiation density allowed by BBN with that implied by precision cosmological data which probe physics at different epochs.

Another extension invokes a nonstandard radiation density, traditionally parameterised by the effective number N eff of neutrino species, with N 0 eff = 3.046 being the standard value.


In the context of a microgrid environment, distributed electric energy storage systems (DEESS) are presented as an option to enable the optimisation of resources, by providing the capability of effectively balancing supply and demand (EPRI 2010) . However, a methodology is needed to provide the decision maker (DM) with information on the associated impacts, both *Corresponding author. Email: jagoncalves@gmail.com economic and technical, of possible DEESS management schemes, for choosing the best location of storage devices. This paper presents one such methodology, based on genetic algorithms (GA), taking into consideration the desired operating profile of the storage units to provide a specific energy service, using only publicly available data from the energy sector.

In the context of a microgrid environment, distributed electric energy storage systems (DEESS) are presented as an option to enable the optimisation of resources, by providing the capability of effectively balancing supply and demand.


Many authors identify numerous challenges in cost estimations and uncertainty analyses in complex projects [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . We want to show that it is possible to handle at least some of these challenges through a systematic approach to the process and by choosing the right analytical method and tools and performing the analysis well. We will use the case Decommissioning of Barsebäck to show how some of the challenges in early cost estimation and uncertainty analyses can be handled in complex cases. We also identify some challenges that still need development of new practice for complex systems. The main focus is on the analytical process itself, with the assumption that a high quality process will give high quality results.

Many authors identify numerous challenges in cost estimations and uncertainty analyses in complex projects.


The process of decommissioning the Barsebäck nuclear power plant is for sure a complex system, including high degrees of all four types of complexity. In such a case, it is challenging to develop analytical methods, processes and tools that are sufficiently precise to give reliable answers, yet simple enough to be practical in use. With respect to project analyses and modelling, there is a need to reduce the complexity to be able to handle the information. At the same time, the aim is to develop a good model, and get as realistic results as possible. This means we want to make the issues in question sufficiently simple so that they can be understood and assessed, while at the same time making the models and assumptions upon which analyses are based sufficiently precise. This is a known dilemma [2] . For the Barsebäck case, we applied an approach previously well proven in traditional infrastructure projects to do cost estimation under uncertainty.

This is a known dilemma.


Experiences and literature confirms that it is hard to identify opportunities. If you do not ask for opportunities during the identification of uncertainties, the group would mainly focus on risks. The positive side of uncertainty has to be on the agenda. Risk and opportunities may be seen as two sides of a coin (not one without the other), but in the discussion you need to split them apart to focus clearly on both risks and opportunities. In the case of decommissioning Barsebäck we pinpointed the opportunities in particular, as a separate part of the brainstorming process. In this case, important opportunities were identified. The most important one was the possibility to find a solution for safe interim storage while waiting for the SFR to be finished. This option could give opportunities to start decommissioning earlier and hereby earlier access to the site for new purposes (added value for the community), and in addition a decrease in the expected costs of around 15% (added value for the owner). It would also reduce the total project time and thus reduce some of the contextual uncertainties. This opportunity gave two different future scenarios, so the group chose to handle them as two alterative projects. It would intuitively seem a better choice to go for an interim solution than the planned case waiting for SFR to be finished. Further planning is needed to establish if this is a real option, but in fact, we were able to identify significant opportunities, by addressing them properly. When it comes to the level of calculated uncertainty, it seems like the level of standard deviation from the analysis tends to be unrealistically low in all uncertainty analyses. The level of uncertainty is dependent on maturity of the project, its complexity; the timespan from the analysis is performed until the project is finished etc. For the Barsebäck project, which we would say is at a level of Feasibility study and planning, the calculated standard deviation was above 20%, whereas comparing with analysis of 100 Norwegian infrastructure projects resulting in a calculated standard deviation between 6%-12% [5] . The results from Barsebäck are much higher uncertainty than the Norwegian cases, however of course the right level of uncertainty we do not know. We achieved this through a systematically way of addressing uncertainties, by systematically making sure all consequences of uncertainty is expressed through the input and by including correlation between items that are correlated. Our advice is also to choose the extreme estimates from the different group members as input in triple estimates.

For the Barsebäck project, which we would say is at a level of Feasibility study and planning, the calculated standard deviation was above 20%, whereas comparing with analysis of 100 Norwegian infrastructure projects resulting in a calculated standard deviation between 6%-12%.


MATE transporters are responsible for the excretion of xenobiotic organic cations in the kidney and liver. MATE1 encoded by SLC47A1 is also expressed in other tissues and is involved in the renal accumulation and nephrotoxicity of platinum agents [42] . The expression of SLC47A1 gene and that of its transcript was downregulated in A2780/AF-R cells compared with A2780 cells. This data may explain the reduced cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin in A2780/AF-R cells and suggests a potential role of MATE1 also in auranofin transport and resistance.

MATE1 encoded by SLC47A1 is also expressed in other tissues and is involved in the renal accumulation and nephrotoxicity of platinum agents.


An ongoing challenge of modern physics is to determine the nature of dark matter, which forms the bulk of the matter in the universe. Many astrophysical and cosmological observations, including CMB, large scale structure, galactic rotation curves, and beyond, are consistent with the presence of stable, cold dark matter [2] . Furthermore, there is currently little evidence on large scales in favor of modifications of gravity (in fact there is primarily only counter-evidence). On galactic scales, the agreement between cold dark matter and observations is not as clear; for instance, the presence of cores at the centers of galaxies is non-trivial to explain in the dark matter framework [3] . Nevertheless the idea that there is one (or more) new particles that comprises the dark matter is a perfectly reasonable possibility within the framework of particle physics, especially since the Standard Model of particle physics has various short comings, including the strong CP problem. However, the identity of the dark matter particle/s remains elusive. In the event that dark matter is not directly detected on earth, it is crucial to determine astrophysical signatures that can distinguish between different dark matter candidates.

Many astrophysical and cosmological observations, including CMB, large scale structure, galactic rotation curves, and beyond, are consistent with the presence of stable, cold dark matter.

On galactic scales, the agreement between cold dark matter and observations is not as clear; for instance, the presence of cores at the centers of galaxies is non-trivial to explain in the dark matter framework.


At the last step of the construction, some of the moduli of the bubbles have to be fixed so as to remove closed time-like curves (CTC's). This step has a simple, physical interpretation: The ambi-polar base metric typically arises because one has used both positive and negative geometric charges (e.g. GH charges) that tend to attract one another and would cause the space to collapse if they were not stabilized in some manner. If one seeks BPS solutions without including any physical stabilizing mechanism, the instability will manifest itself through the appearance of closed time-like curves (CTC's). On the other hand, a flux threading a cycle tends to cause that cycle to expand. Hence, by distributing fluxes on the space one can balance the attraction of the geometric charges against the expansion caused by fluxes. The bubbles thus settle down at a size where the attractive and expansion forces cancel and the result is a stable BPS solution free of CTC's. One generically finds that the sizes of the bubbles are set in terms of the fluxes threading them. Other bubble moduli, like orientations, remain free. The equations that express this balance of fluxes and bubble sizes are called the "bubble equations" [1, 11] .

The equations that express this balance of fluxes and bubble sizes are called the "bubble equations".


In traditional UWB communication, the space information is only differentiated by the distance between transmitter and receiver, which has been revealed by IEEE UWB channel modeling suitable for the frequencies within 3.1 GHz-10.6 GHz [16] . However, it is very difficult to analyze TR UWB communication roundly and deeply using those previous technologies because one of the most important potentials of TR UWB communication is to utilized space information to realize perfectly the concept of Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA). Many challenges are encountered in the study of TR communication. TR mirror is presented based on reciprocity theorem and applied into underwater acoustic communication firstly [17] . Some efforts have been carried out to investigate TR electromagnetic wave [18] . Based on existing studies, we can draw a conclusion that one has only an abecedarian understanding on TR UWB communication and a deeper understanding in TR electromagnetism is needed to exploit the application potential in wireless communication. To avoid timeconsuming and expensive experiments, numerical simulation based on computational electromagnetics methods is an alternative approach to study TR electromagnetic wave for UWB wireless signal transmission.

In traditional UWB communication, the space information is only differentiated by the distance between transmitter and receiver, which has been revealed by IEEE UWB channel modeling suitable for the frequencies within 3.1 GHz-10.6 GHz.

TR mirror is presented based on reciprocity theorem and applied into underwater acoustic communication firstly.

Some efforts have been carried out to investigate TR electromagnetic wave.


To date, photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is widely recognized as a robust biomedical imaging method that combines the high optical contrast and the high acoustic resolution in a single imaging technique [11, 12] . Interestingly, PAT has been non-invasively applied in the reconstruction of the structural and functional information of adult zebrafish [2, 4, 14] . In addition, PAT is concerned with an inverse problem, in which the absorption distributions of biological tissues can be reconstructed by using the recorded acoustic signals along the tissue surfaces. Very specifically, a high-frequency ultrasonic transducer is essential for imaging of the adult zebrafish with increased regional resolution.

To date, photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is widely recognized as a robust biomedical imaging method that combines the high optical contrast and the high acoustic resolution in a single imaging technique.

Interestingly, PAT has been non-invasively applied in the reconstruction of the structural and functional information of adult zebrafish.


In particular, compared to an unfocused high-frequency transducer, a focused high-frequency ultrasonic transducer provides a narrower ultrasonic beam around the focal zone, which is able to further improve the resolution of photoacoustic (PA) imaging [13, 15] . However, it is expected that the PA imaging sensitivity for the adult zebrafish may be influenced when PA signals are acquired by using the high-frequency focused ultrasound transducer. In this study, we examine and compare the PA imaging results from adult zebrafish based on high-frequency focused and unfocused ultrasound transducers. It is expected that the imaging results from combined focused and unfocused transducers can provide a more comprehensive and accurate characterization of the imaging volumes of adult zebrafish.

In particular, compared to an unfocused high-frequency transducer, a focused high-frequency ultrasonic transducer provides a narrower ultrasonic beam around the focal zone, which is able to further improve the resolution of photoacoustic (PA) imaging.


In this study, we analyse the aggregate daily high and low stock price data of the most traded shares on the Brazilian stock market from 1986 to 2014. The Corwin-Schultz measures of asymmetric information are stationary and can be forecast using single-equation dynamic modelling (Granger, 1981) . The aggregate data are obtained from the weighted average of the firm-level Ibovespa components' data for the second quarter of 2014.

The Corwin-Schultz measures of asymmetric information are stationary and can be forecast using single-equation dynamic modelling.


Cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) are epithelial tumors arising from biliary trees with features of cholangiocyte differentitation [1] . CCA accounts for about 3% of total gastrointestinal malignancies (10 to 15% of all primary hepatobiliary cancers) with an increasing incidence over the last decade [2] . Patients with CCA have unfavorable prognosis, i.e., median survival of 24 months after the diagnosis. The surgical resection in early stages remains the only curative option for CCA, which is achieved for only 30% of the patients [3] . The current standard chemoregimen for CCA -the combined use of gemcitabine and cisplatin -has a limited improvement on the survival compared to the use of gemcitabine alone (e.g., 11.7-vs-8.1 months) [4] . According to the Two classes of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma defined by relative abundance of mutations and copy number alterations location in the biliary tree, CCAs are categorized into intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) as those arising in the hepatic parenchyma and extrahepatic CCA such as perihilar and distal CCAs. ICC cases comprise about 10% of the total CCA cases and they are often diagnosed at a later stage due to anatomic locations [5] . Some of the effective treatment options such as the neoadjuvant chemoradiation with the liver transplantation can be considered only for a limited subtype such as prehilar CCA highlighting a pressing need to advance targeted therapeutics for ICC [6] .

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) are epithelial tumors arising from biliary trees with features of cholangiocyte differentitation.

CCA accounts for about 3% of total gastrointestinal malignancies (10 to 15% of all primary hepatobiliary cancers) with an increasing incidence over the last decade.

The surgical resection in early stages remains the only curative option for CCA, which is achieved for only 30% of the patients.

The current standard chemoregimen for CCA -the combined use of gemcitabine and cisplatin -has a limited improvement on the survival compared to the use of gemcitabine alone (e.g., 11.7-vs-8.1 months).

ICC cases comprise about 10% of the total CCA cases and they are often diagnosed at a later stage due to anatomic locations.

Some of the effective treatment options such as the neoadjuvant chemoradiation with the liver transplantation can be considered only for a limited subtype such as prehilar CCA highlighting a pressing need to advance targeted therapeutics for ICC.


Laser-Induced Incandescence (LII) is a promising and widely known technology in science for studying soot in flames and aerosols and particles of other materials [1] . Its capability to measure different aerosol parameters simultaneously with high accuracies, and it ability to meet legally mandated limits, makes it of high interest for measuring soot concentrations in automotive exhausts [2] . Given by the fast nature of the LII process, single measurements are very short (few 100 ns). Thus, transient events, like fast changes in engine load and the thereby occurring short and high soot emissions, can be resolved with high accuracy. The limits to this are set by the repetition rate of the laser and the dynamics of the detectors and electronics used. LII is stimulated by a short, some ns long, laser pulse with an energy density of about 3-4 mJ/mm². While laser systems capable of producing this kind of pulses with a high frequency are nowadays commercially available, such laser systems are usually big, bulky devices that have to be operated under controlled conditions and maintained with care. CTR developed a super-compact laser measuring just a few cm that is capable of producing pulses suitable for LII excitation. Furthermore, having initially been developed as a laser spark plug, and tested recently for use as a laser ignition system (LIS) for the main and upper stage engines of ESA's Ariane 6 launch vehicle, this device is very robust and easy in operation [3] .

Laser-Induced Incandescence (LII) is a promising and widely known technology in science for studying soot in flames and aerosols and particles of other materials.

Its capability to measure different aerosol parameters simultaneously with high accuracies, and it ability to meet legally mandated limits, makes it of high interest for measuring soot concentrations in automotive exhausts.

Furthermore, having initially been developed as a laser spark plug, and tested recently for use as a laser ignition system (LIS) for the main and upper stage engines of ESA's Ariane 6 launch vehicle, this device is very robust and easy in operation.


In this study, we focus on wind energy to examine the economics of integrating large-scale wind energy into an existing electrical grid, emphasizing in particular the costs associated with intermittency. Two approaches to estimating the indirect costs of wind variability can be identified. First, some researchers have focused on the costs of additional system reserves required to cover the increased variability of wind (Gross et al. 2003 (Gross et al. , 2006 Kennedy 2005) . When wind generating capacity is installed on a large scale, greater system balancing reserves are required than would be the case if an equivalent amount of thermal or hydro capacity were installed, even after adjusting for the lower capacity factors associated with wind. If wind farms are placed over a large geographic area, then, for the same installed wind power capacity, the output would be smoother than if it were to come from a wind farm at a single site. Therefore, to overcome variability, it is necessary to locate wind farms across as large a geographic areas as possible and integrate their combined output into a large grid. Doing so will reduce the costs of wind power generation.

First, some researchers have focused on the costs of additional system reserves required to cover the increased variability of wind.


Because of their ubiquity, fossil fuels have become the backbone of industrial economies, while the electricity supply infrastructure is their spinal cord. Burning of fossil fuels emits gases contributing to global climate change and local pollution, while dependence on oil and gas raises issues concerning supply security. For these reasons, countries seek renewable sources of energy, including in particular wind, solar and tidal forms that suffer from intermittency in supply that cannot easily be overcome through storage. Yet, wind is now the fastest growing renewable energy source for generating electricity (van Kooten and Timilsina 2009) .

Yet, wind is now the fastest growing renewable energy source for generating electricity.


The combination of a slightly soluble drug in water with a water-soluble matrix results in a rapid-release drug formulation (e.g. solid dispersion of ibuprofen/PEG 4000 or ibuprofen/PEG 8000, to increase the dissolution rate of the drug) ). Another example is described to obtain solid dispersions of ibuprofen in Poloxamer 407 in order to increase the solubility and consequently the dissolution rate of this drug . Moreover, the combination of a water soluble drug with a slightly water soluble matrix sustains the drug release from the matrix. The characteristics of drug release can be altered by changing the ratio between the drug and excipient (Ford, Rubinstein, 1978) .

The characteristics of drug release can be altered by changing the ratio between the drug and excipient.


However, industrial applications are often limited by a lack of stability throughout the operational process and difficulty recovering and reusing the enzyme. Maintaining their structural stability during any biochemical reaction is extremely challenging. These obstacles can often be overcome by stabilizing the enzyme; immobilization of enzymes onto solid supports enables direct retrieval and is a reasonable approach for achieving this goal. Therefore, the commercial application of biocatalysts depends on the development of effective methods of immobilization and new support materials. The challenge is to build catalysts that retain the functional properties of enzymes but are robust enough to withstand harsh process conditions [4] [5] [6] [7] 10] .

The challenge is to build catalysts that retain the functional properties of enzymes but are robust enough to withstand harsh process conditions.


In recent decades, biotechnology and nanotechnology have achieved an important synergy with major advances in research, leading to efforts in nanobiocatalysis. The main advantage of nanobiocatalysts is the high surface/volume ratio of nanomaterials, which enhances exposure of the biocatalyst. In this sense, the design and application of nanostructured materials represents an important area of growing interest. Nanobiocatalysis is a promising and exciting field for understanding and developing new biotransformations by encompassing complex molecular interactions at the atomic level between the environment and all components of the reaction [1] [2] [3] 7, 8, 10] . In this review, we describe some recent advances in nanobiocatalysis. We will first analyze nanostructured materials and also discuss some recent immobilization methods. Finally, we will mention applications of nanobiocatalysts in bioelectronics, bioconversion systems, and proteomic analysis.

Nanobiocatalysis is a promising and exciting field for understanding and developing new biotransformations by encompassing complex molecular interactions at the atomic level between the environment and all components of the reaction.


Enzymes are natural biocatalysts that catalyze chemical reactions. They have advantages over inorganic catalysts such as high specificity, high reaction rate under mild reaction conditions of pH and temperature, low energy consumption, water solubility, biodegradability, few side reactions, and nontoxicity [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . Consequently, enzymes have been regarded as ideal catalysts for industrial applications, and biocatalysis is becoming one of the leading and most powerful tools of biotechnology, having a profound industrial and social impact in areas such as health, food, and pharmaceutical production; bioenergy such as sustainable fuel production and production of biofuel cells; bioremediation; the textile industry; and chemical transformation processes. In recent years, advances in biocatalysis have allowed enzymatic processes to be performed in organic solvents and aqueous media. Furthermore, enzymes play an important role in the latest "white biotechnology" trends, including green chemistry and sustainable energy [1, [7] [8] [9] [10] .

They have advantages over inorganic catalysts such as high specificity, high reaction rate under mild reaction conditions of pH and temperature, low energy consumption, water solubility, biodegradability, few side reactions, and nontoxicity.

Furthermore, enzymes play an important role in the latest "white biotechnology" trends, including green chemistry and sustainable energy.


The Nijenhuis torsion was originally introduced by Albert Nijenhuis in 1951 [2] . In our terms he proved that if a Nijenhuis operator is semisimple with real eigenvalues and gl−regular, then there exists a local coordinate system x 1 , ..., x n such that R is in a diagonal form. Moreover, the ith eigenvalue depends only on the ith coordinate.

The Nijenhuis torsion was originally introduced by Albert Nijenhuis in 1951.


Digg, which launched in 2004, is arguably one of the most popular and active of social news sites. Digg's functionality is exceedingly simple: users submit links to stories they find online, and other users rate them by voting on them. Each day Digg selects a handful of stories to feature on its front page. Although the exact formula for how a story is selected for the front page is secret, so as to prevent users from "gaming the system" to promote advertising or spam, it appears to take into account the number of votes a story receives [5] . The front page, therefore, does not depend on the decisions of a few editors, but emerges from the opinions of large number of users. This type of collective decision making, called 'wisdom of crowds', can be extremely effective, outperforming special-purpose algorithms [8] .

Although the exact formula for how a story is selected for the front page is secret, so as to prevent users from "gaming the system" to promote advertising or spam, it appears to take into account the number of votes a story receives.

This type of collective decision making, called 'wisdom of crowds', can be extremely effective, outperforming special-purpose algorithms.


In traditional clustered VLIW processors, the notion of clustering is applied to minimize the complexity of the register files (datapath clusters) [36] , [37] . In recent years, this notion has also been applied to minimize the complexity of the front end (instruction fetch) in the form of multiVLIWs [38] , [39] . However, in such multi-VLIWs, an instruction cluster (L0 cluster) is always synonymous with a datapath cluster. In contrast, we differentiate between an instruction cluster and a datapath cluster. In a datapath cluster, the functional units derive "data" from a single register file. In an instruction cluster, the functional units derive "instructions" from a single L0 buffer. Even though, in both cases, the main aim of partitioning is to reduce energy (power) consumption, the principle of partitioning is different and the decisions can be taken independently.

In traditional clustered VLIW processors, the notion of clustering is applied to minimize the complexity of the register files (datapath clusters).

In recent years, this notion has also been applied to minimize the complexity of the front end (instruction fetch) in the form of multiVLIWs.


In an attempt to provide reliable kinetic parameters for complex chemical reactions, researchers have extensively used isoconversional methods; they offer the possibility of describing their temperature dependence using the isoconversional rates without assuming a specific reaction model [14] . Isoconversional methods assume that the reaction rate is temperature-dependent only at constant conversion (α); using multiple heating programs (e.g., different heating rates) such a method can describe the process in a wide temperature range and "has been used broadly and fruitfully because it presents a fortunate compromise between the single-step Arrhenius kinetic treatments and the prevalent occurrence of processes whose kinetics are multi-step and/or non-Arrhenius" [15] . Thus, for example, Vyazovkin argued that both the variability of the frequency factor (A) and the ambiguity in interpreting the best-fit mathematical function (f(α)) lead to the conclusion that "the most informative part of the triplet [A, f(α) and Eα] appears to be the experimental value of Eα" [16] .

In an attempt to provide reliable kinetic parameters for complex chemical reactions, researchers have extensively used isoconversional methods; they offer the possibility of describing their temperature dependence using the isoconversional rates without assuming a specific reaction model.

Isoconversional methods assume that the reaction rate is temperature-dependent only at constant conversion (α); using multiple heating programs (e.g., different heating rates) such a method can describe the process in a wide temperature range and "has been used broadly and fruitfully because it presents a fortunate compromise between the single-step Arrhenius kinetic treatments and the prevalent occurrence of processes whose kinetics are multi-step and/or non-Arrhenius".

Thus, for example, Vyazovkin argued that both the variability of the frequency factor (A) and the ambiguity in interpreting the best-fit mathematical function (f(α)) lead to the conclusion that "the most informative part of the triplet [A, f(α) and Eα] appears to be the experimental value of Eα".


The purpose of the present paper now is to investigate the structure of the generalized (off-diagonal) quark-quark correlator for a hadron, where for simplicity the analysis is restricted to a spin-0 hadron. This correlator is parameterized in terms of objects which we call generalized parton correlation functions (GPCFs). They depend on the full 4-momentum of the quark and, in addition, contain information on the momentum transfer to the hadron. Both the GPDs as well as the TMDs appear as two different limiting cases of the GPCFs. In other words, this means that the GPCFs can be considered as mother distributions of GPDs and TMDs [24, 25, 4] . The GPCFs also have a direct connection to the so-called Wigner distributions -the quantum mechanical analogues of classical phase space distributions -of the hadron-parton system [24, 25, 4] .

In other words, this means that the GPCFs can be considered as mother distributions of GPDs and TMDs.

The GPCFs also have a direct connection to the so-called Wigner distributions -the quantum mechanical analogues of classical phase space distributions -of the hadron-parton system.


Manipulation of dietary electrolyte balance has been proposed as a way to improve the performance of birds fed low crude protein diets. The dietary electrolyte balance varies with the protein diet, where the growth of animals fed low protein diets decreases when the dietary electrolyte balance is amended by adding Na and K (Murakami et al., 2003) . Many studies have been directed to the development of simplified electrolyte balance expressions, in order to identify the critical ratios of electrolytes for use in feed formulations (Vieites et al., 2004) .

The dietary electrolyte balance varies with the protein diet, where the growth of animals fed low protein diets decreases when the dietary electrolyte balance is amended by adding Na and K.

Many studies have been directed to the development of simplified electrolyte balance expressions, in order to identify the critical ratios of electrolytes for use in feed formulations.


The potassium involvement in the processes of amino acids absorption may also contribute to the increase in albumen weight, due to a greater availability of nutrients for the synthesis of egg components such as albumen and eggshell (Nelson & Cox, 2000) . In the mechanism of active transport of sodium and potassium pump, when sodium is pumped against its concentration gradient; potassium, amino acids and glucose enter the cell both by active transport and passive diffusion, favoring the albumen development by the deposition of solids which consist primarily of protein. Significant effect was observed (P<0.05) for yolk percentage, which behaved in decreasing linear way to increasing potassium levels in the diet. The variations observed for egg constituents have indicated that the yolk proportion is inversely related to variations in proportions of albumen and shell. This is because when obtaining the proportion of egg constituents (%), each portion is related to the egg weight and variation in one of the constituents implies change in proportion of the other, and this variation cannot be directly proportional. Thus, potassium addition at the level of 7.96 g/kg increased the albumen percentage, making the yolk proportion decrease in relation to the egg weight.

The potassium involvement in the processes of amino acids absorption may also contribute to the increase in albumen weight, due to a greater availability of nutrients for the synthesis of egg components such as albumen and eggshell.


Recently, we have demonstrated the fabrication of a TFC membrane tailored for FO operation in a lab-scale setting, exhibiting flux and selectivity performance superior to commercially available FO membranes [17] . This structure was achieved through rational modifications of the membrane casting procedure. The resulting TFC membrane comprises a PA active layer fabricated via interfacial polymerization on top of a porous polysulfone support layer. The modified fabrication procedures allowed the formation of a highly porous support of a finger-like morphology, consisting of macrovoids that span most of the support layer thickness. These macrovoids reduce the resistance to diffusion compared to denser morphologies [17] . In addition, it was proposed that having a thin layer with a sponge-like morphology at the top of the support layer is beneficial to the design of high performance FO membranes [17, 18] . The sponge-like layer facilitates the formation of an integral PA active layer, resulting in membranes with higher intrinsic water permeability and improved selectivity [14] . Therefore, the optimal support layer structure reduces ICP without compromising the integrity of the PA active layer [17] . This desired membrane structure was created by using a mixed solvent system and low polymer casting solution concentration during the phase separation step of support layer fabrication [17] .

Recently, we have demonstrated the fabrication of a TFC membrane tailored for FO operation in a lab-scale setting, exhibiting flux and selectivity performance superior to commercially available FO membranes.

These macrovoids reduce the resistance to diffusion compared to denser morphologies.

In addition, it was proposed that having a thin layer with a sponge-like morphology at the top of the support layer is beneficial to the design of high performance FO membranes.

The sponge-like layer facilitates the formation of an integral PA active layer, resulting in membranes with higher intrinsic water permeability and improved selectivity.

Therefore, the optimal support layer structure reduces ICP without compromising the integrity of the PA active layer.

This desired membrane structure was created by using a mixed solvent system and low polymer casting solution concentration during the phase separation step of support layer fabrication.


Numerous efforts have been made to understand the membrane structure formation mechanism during phase separation. Although theories attempting to quantify or qualify the phenomenon are still being debated, it is accepted that the thermodynamic state and kinetic properties of the system, as well as how they vary during processing, govern the structure formation pathway, and thus, the resulting morphology of a membrane made by phase separation [17] [18] [19] . This pathway depends on the temperature, the composition of the casting solution, the composition of the nonsolvent bath, and the surrounding atmosphere. By systematically varying some of these parameters, it is possible to understand how the processing conditions affect the final membrane structure.

Although theories attempting to quantify or qualify the phenomenon are still being debated, it is accepted that the thermodynamic state and kinetic properties of the system, as well as how they vary during processing, govern the structure formation pathway, and thus, the resulting morphology of a membrane made by phase separation.


Thus far, one of the major obstacles to the implementation of FO has been the lack of a membrane designed specifically for the process. Such a membrane should reject dissolved solutes, produce high permeate fluxes, be compatible with the selected draw solution, and withstand the mechanical stresses generated during operation. No commercially available membrane currently possesses all of these required characteristics. For example, commercial asymmetric cellulose triacetate membranes are chemically stable only in a small pH window between 4 and 6 [14, 15] . The commercial standard for reverse osmosis (RO) desalination of seawater, thin-film composite (TFC) polyamide (PA) membranes, generate low water fluxes when used in FO, as a result of internal concentration polarization (ICP).

For example, commercial asymmetric cellulose triacetate membranes are chemically stable only in a small pH window between 4 and 6.


During membrane support fabrication by a nonsolvent induced phase separation process, nonsolvent permeates into the film of polymer solution while solvent leaves the film. As a result of this exchange, the composition of the polymer film changes until the stability limit is reached, where the solution phase separates into a polymer-rich and a polymer-poor phase. These two phases eventually form the polymer matrix and pores, respectively [14, 17] .

These two phases eventually form the polymer matrix and pores, respectively.


The aim of this study was to investigate during induction of anaesthesia in children whether an early reduction of the sevoflurane concentration from 8% to 4% immediately after the loss of consciousness (LOC) affects the incidence of epileptiform EEG activity. We hypothesized that no epileptiform potentials would occur. EEGs with sharp transients occur typically when high endtidal sevoflurane concentrations are present [10] . By minimizing the application time of 8% sevoflurane, higher endtidal sevoflurane concentrations should be avoided.

EEGs with sharp transients occur typically when high endtidal sevoflurane concentrations are present.


Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, neurodegenerative disorder resulting in progressive motor skill deterioration, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances [1] . HD is caused by a triplet repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene that results in production of a mutant protein that accumulates in the striatum of the basal ganglia, leading to progressive neuronal dysfunction and death [2] . Current treatment for HD is focused on symptomatic management, though there are several potential disease-modifying therapeutic agents in development that could possibly modify the course of HD by decreasing the amount of mutant HTT protein in the brain. Reduction of mutant and total HTT protein in the central nervous system has been suggested to improve HD-related symptoms in several animal models. An antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting HTT pre-mRNA is currently being tested in human clinical trials [3] [4] [5] [6] .

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, neurodegenerative disorder resulting in progressive motor skill deterioration, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances.

HD is caused by a triplet repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene that results in production of a mutant protein that accumulates in the striatum of the basal ganglia, leading to progressive neuronal dysfunction and death.

An antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting HTT pre-mRNA is currently being tested in human clinical trials.


Paradoxically, the empirical evidence suggests that immigrants being EU or non-EU domiciled add higher fiscal contribution by working longer hours, paying consistent taxes, and bringing skills which UK may lack (Rowthorn, 2008; Liebig and Mo, 2013; Dustmann and Frattini, 2014) . This suggests that UK provides a rich social and economic environment in which the migrants (human capital) flourish and ultimately add value to the exchequer. It is thus surprising that there is no stark evidence that presents substantive evidence on the thriving capabilities of human capital in Europe at times of socio-economic distress 1 .

Paradoxically, the empirical evidence suggests that immigrants being EU or non-EU domiciled add higher fiscal contribution by working longer hours, paying consistent taxes, and bringing skills which UK may lack.


Several studies have investigated manipulability and dexterity for the design and control of redundant manipulators [5, 9, 21, 23, 24, 38, 42] . Bipedal robots, and the human body, can be modeled as a set of serial redundant manipulators such as legs, arms, and head, all connected together at the trunk. The end of each of these manipulators can be considered as an end effector. So, analysis performed on the manipulability of manipulators can be extended to bipeds (either robots or humans). However, in the case of bipedal walking, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on manipulability. For example, the profile of manipulability of the swing foot over the gait cycle has not been studied. The kinematic manipulability of the swing foot indicates the set of velocities that can be achieved by the tip of the swing foot. Manipulability can directly influence possible step directions and foot placement possibilities, and consequently may be of great interest in the study of stability and maneuverability of walking [1, 36] .

Several studies have investigated manipulability and dexterity for the design and control of redundant manipulators.

Manipulability can directly influence possible step directions and foot placement possibilities, and consequently may be of great interest in the study of stability and maneuverability of walking.


As claw proportions determine closing power and, perhaps, mating success, it is of interest to elucidate factors that influence the degree of expression of leptochely or brachychely during claw growth. For instance, with energy limitation, original claws of the sand fiddler crab, U. pugilator, may exhibit reduced development of teeth and tubercles and a more slender build with concomitantly reduced muscle mass (McLain and Pratt, 2010) . It is also of interest to determine if simple morphological indices permit the distinction of regenerated from original claws when leptochelous and brachychelous conditions are extremes of a developmental continuum.

For instance, with energy limitation, original claws of the sand fiddler crab, U. pugilator, may exhibit reduced development of teeth and tubercles and a more slender build with concomitantly reduced muscle mass.


Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the main cause of dementia in the elderly (especially people ˃65 years-old). Although the definite causes of AD remain unknown, low levels of acetylcholine (ACh), the inflammation of neurons, Tau-protein aggregation and β-amyloid (Aβ) deposits are thought to play definitive roles in this disease [1] . There are currently two major hypotheses regarding AD, including (1) the cholinergic hypothesis, and (2) the amyloid hypothesis. AD drug therapy is based on the cholinergic hypothesis. The cholinergic hypothesis includes the following four acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors: tacrine, rivastigmine, galanthamine and donepezil [2, 3] . However, these AChE inhibitors have side effects, including hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal tract excitement and hallucination. Therefore, the identification of new and better AChE inhibitors remains an important goal.

Although the definite causes of AD remain unknown, low levels of acetylcholine (ACh), the inflammation of neurons, Tau-protein aggregation and β-amyloid (Aβ) deposits are thought to play definitive roles in this disease.

The cholinergic hypothesis includes the following four acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors: tacrine, rivastigmine, galanthamine and donepezil.


Cork is formed by the activity of the phellogen and involves several steps, from the proliferation and reprogramming of the phellogen derivatives, through extensive deposition of suberin and waxes, towards an irreversible program of cell death (Pereira 2007) . Appropriate DNA methylation patterns which are established and maintained by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are essential for correct development and tissue differentiation (Cao et al. 2000; Finnegan and Kovac 2000; Huang et al. 2010; Wada 2005) . To study the involvement of DNA methylation in this process, we first characterized the structure of the four types of DNA methyltransferases (QsDNMTs) and one associated protein, DMAP1, in Q. suber.

Cork is formed by the activity of the phellogen and involves several steps, from the proliferation and reprogramming of the phellogen derivatives, through extensive deposition of suberin and waxes, towards an irreversible program of cell death.

Appropriate DNA methylation patterns which are established and maintained by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are essential for correct development and tissue differentiation.


Fluoxetine hydrochloride, (±)-N-methyl-3-Phenyl-3-[(α, α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)] propylamine hydrochloride (Figure 1) , is an antidepressant drug used for the handling of unipolar mental depression. Fluoxetine (FLX) is the most widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant drug [1] . FXT has been shown to have comparable efficacy to tricyclic antidepressants but with fewer cardiovascular and anticholinergic side effects [2, 3] . It is also effective in treatment of the obsessive compulsive disorders [4] . Fluoxetine is extensively metabolized by N-demethylation in liver into its active metabolite norfluoxetine [5] . It is well absorbed after oral administration, and it takes 6 -8 hours to reach the plasma peak.

Fluoxetine (FLX) is the most widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant drug.

FXT has been shown to have comparable efficacy to tricyclic antidepressants but with fewer cardiovascular and anticholinergic side effects.

It is also effective in treatment of the obsessive compulsive disorders.

Fluoxetine is extensively metabolized by N-demethylation in liver into its active metabolite norfluoxetine.


With IL-2 added after 5 days there was little effect on background proliferation and we were able to see a proliferative response to KLH at levels from 0.1 to 10 μg/ml (peaking at 1 μg) that was not observable in the absence of IL-2. Enhancement by IL-2 was also seen with the recall antigen PPD, the magnitude of the effect being similar to that for KLH when the response in the absence of IL-2 was low. It is of course well known that the proliferative response to PPD is a T cell response and this appears also to be the case for KLH [9] . Moreover, the T cell nature of these responses is further supported by the finding in preliminary experiments of inhibition of the KLH and PPD responses by antibodies against co-stimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2 [10] . It seems then that IL-2 enhancement can play a vital role where T cell proliferation is otherwise too low for assay purposes.

It is of course well known that the proliferative response to PPD is a T cell response and this appears also to be the case for KLH.

Moreover, the T cell nature of these responses is further supported by the finding in preliminary experiments of inhibition of the KLH and PPD responses by antibodies against co-stimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2.


Scramjet engines are expected to be a promising candidate of the propulsion unit for future space transportation systems. The internal flow path features some complex flow phenomena. Different types of irreversible processes are involved, such as shocks and shock-induced boundary layer separations [1] . The boundary layer might be separated by strong shock waves, which are always associated with some types of losses, including drag increase and pressure recovery losses. The separations near the inlet throat can possibly trigger the inlet unstart and promote engine stall. In particular, the flow control of shock-induced separations within a hypersonic inlet has been identified to be critical for achieving the desired flow performances.

Different types of irreversible processes are involved, such as shocks and shock-induced boundary layer separations.


Proper design of the bleed system is of great importance for the performance of scramjet engine. Note that the boundary layer bleed can increase the total pressure recovery and stabilize the flow, which tends to improve scramjet engine performance. Conversely, the gain in total pressure recovery is achieved at the expense of a captured mass flow loss, which tends to reduce scramjet thrust under stable engine operations. Previous research indicates that the scramjet engine thrust margin is severely limited. Any technique should be employed prudently if one attempts to maintain the engine thrust as high as possible. Hence, research has been devoted to the bleed configuration optimization, which generally maximizes the total pressure or minimizes the mass flow loss. Schulte proposed certain favorable schemes for the bleed configuration [24] . A position of the bleed slot directly upstream of the shock impingement location was identified to be the most effective. Tam studied the effects and performance of different bleed configurations in a scramjet isolator [26] . Nevertheless, the question has not been addressed as of yet to answer how the bleed affects the scramjet engine thrust via changes in total pressure and mass flow loss. Researchers are still considering which aspect they should focus in bleed system designs regarding engine thrust. Therefore, a clear understanding of the impact of boundary layer bleed on scramjet thrust is of critical importance to refine this control technique.

Schulte proposed certain favorable schemes for the bleed configuration.

Tam studied the effects and performance of different bleed configurations in a scramjet isolator.


The study of friction has also been enhanced by advancements to traditional experimental methods, such as the linear reciprocating tribometer. These advancements include the ability to vary and stabilize temperature over a wide range (from 190 to 450 K), and to modify and control of atmospheric conditions during tribological experiments. For example, figure 1 depicts the rotating pin-on-disk tribometer and nitrogen gas lines used to study friction at cryogenic temperatures. Such controls have led to much greater control of experimental uncertainties and thus to greater precision in the experimental measurements [6] . Taken together, these instrumental developments and the enabled measurements have provided new insights into friction.

Such controls have led to much greater control of experimental uncertainties and thus to greater precision in the experimental measurements.


In this chapter, we will describe the evolution of the vertebrate forebrain and the functioning of the described regulatory circuits in somewhat more detail. Thereafter, the putative role of the habenula in initiating addiction and causing relapse after abstinence is depicted. The described model also explains the mood and anxiety symptoms that accompany the addictive process. We will start with a brief description of the mechanism of the emotional process [11, 12] .

We will start with a brief description of the mechanism of the emotional process.


Studying the evolution of the vertebrate's forebrain offers interesting clues about the mechanism of addiction. In lampreys, motor activity is regulated by a striatum, which can be considered to be the forerunner of the nuclear amygdala. The lamprey's striatum contains a quite modern extrapyramidal system ( Figure 5 ). The activity of this striatum is regulated by dopaminergic fibres coming from the forerunner of the VTA in the midbrain. The activity of the VTA is in turn regulated by the habenula, with a connectivity that is very well conserved during the evolution into finally humans. During this evolution, the basal ganglia developed in a modular fashion with the addition of new layers on the dorsal side of the basal ganglia once new functions developed (Figure 6 ). The evolution of the ventral part of the basal ganglia is less certain, but these structures also became connected with parts of the (limbic) neocortex via the diencephalon. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish extrapyramidal and limbic CSTC circuits, which regulate the magnitude of reward-seeking and misery-fleeing behaviours. Motivation to express these two behaviours is regulated by the NAcbC and NAcbS, respectively. In turn, the VTA determines the activity of NAcb, and the locus coeruleus only of the NAcbS (Figure 3) . Directly and indirectly, the upper raphe nuclei also determine the activity of both parts of the NAcb [57] . As part of a dorsal pathway, the lateral habenula controls the activity of the VTA and the medial habenula the activity of locus coeruleus and raphe nuclei. The activity of both lateral and medial habenula is controlled by the amygdala and hippocampus. Via a ventral route, the prefrontal cortex also influences the activity of the VTA. We hypothesize that this ventral route is involved in maintaining substance abuse, while the dorsal route is primarily involved in initiating addiction and causing relapse into dependence after using illicit drugs after a period of abstinence.

Directly and indirectly, the upper raphe nuclei also determine the activity of both parts of the NAcb.


Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) offer many advantages over conventional vehicles. PEVs reduce dependence on oil, decrease greenhouse gas and toxic emissions, and are energy efficient. It has been suggested that widespread adoption of PEVs will be necessary for California to meet its goal of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2050 [1] .

It has been suggested that widespread adoption of PEVs will be necessary for California to meet its goal of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2050.


Potential benefits of loads providing ancillary services are several -optimal electricity prices, market efficiency, enhanced reliability, greater flexibility, etc. PEVs have the ability to be controlled very quickly without much effect on their typical charging operation. Aggregator based controls and communications with smarter controls on the electric vehiclescan hence ensure that they are well within the optimal efficiency range and provide grid benefits. Different response times that can suit different products in the power markets can hence be ensured by the fleet of responsive EVs. With advanced controls, responses of fleet of EVs can also be coordinated to be automated rather than negotiations-based leading to better response times. Voltage regulation, which is a local phenomenon, can be considered as one of the promising services that fleet of PEVs can provide. Additionally, energy market and reserves, if coordinated well, can also be suitable avenues for fleet of EVs to participate. Market constructs and policies need to be flexible enough to allow these entrants to be compensated suitably [9] .

Market constructs and policies need to be flexible enough to allow these entrants to be compensated suitably.


It has been shown that ROS generation in culture medium, which is used for assisted reproductive techniques, is greater than such in follicular fluid, which damages oocyte plasma membrane [20] . ROS can damage gametes and therefore embryos through DNA and RNA fragmentation, membrane lipid peroxidation [21] . This provides reasons for modifying in vitro fertilization protocols with the purpose to reduce ROS generation.

It has been shown that ROS generation in culture medium, which is used for assisted reproductive techniques, is greater than such in follicular fluid, which damages oocyte plasma membrane.

ROS can damage gametes and therefore embryos through DNA and RNA fragmentation, membrane lipid peroxidation.


Oocyte maturation and cumulus development are interrelated [26, 27] . Optimal expansion of the cumulus mass is essential for cytoplasmic oocyte maturation [28] . It is generally known that oocyte maturation includes both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation.The poor developmental competence of oocytes can be caused by insufficient cytoplasmic maturation, even if nuclear maturation is normal [29] [30] [31] [32] . Thus, disorders in cumulus expansion can negatively affect oocyte maturation. As a result, the number of mature eggs leaving follicles decreases dramatically [23] . Usually, the deficiency of cytoplasmic maturation during in vitro fertilization results in impaired ability of oocyte to form male pronucleus and to develop into blastocysta [33, 34] .

Oocyte maturation and cumulus development are interrelated.

Optimal expansion of the cumulus mass is essential for cytoplasmic oocyte maturation.

The poor developmental competence of oocytes can be caused by insufficient cytoplasmic maturation, even if nuclear maturation is normal.

As a result, the number of mature eggs leaving follicles decreases dramatically.

Usually, the deficiency of cytoplasmic maturation during in vitro fertilization results in impaired ability of oocyte to form male pronucleus and to develop into blastocysta.


In this paper, we propose an algebraic framework for describing symmetries among site-graphs. This framework is abstract enough so that all the kinds of symmetries that we have mentioned so far can be dealt with in a uniform setting. Indeed, circular permutations and homogeneous symmetries (in which the same permutation is applied with the sites of all the agents of a given connected component) can easily be defined as subgroups of another (simpler) group of symmetries. Then, we show that our notion of symmetry is compatible with the single pushout construction, which we use as a foundation of the operational semantics of Kappa [8] . We give sufficient conditions for a model to be symmetric with respect to a given group of symmetries, and give extra-assumptions so that these symmetries induce forward bisimulations or even back and forth bisimulations over the Markov chain that is induced by this model.

Then, we show that our notion of symmetry is compatible with the single pushout construction, which we use as a foundation of the operational semantics of Kappa.


Recent work by one of the authors showed that in order to observe a constant dark energy density throughout the universe as measured by WMAP, the graviton mass must depend on the local density of matter (Tajmar, 2006) . This would enable us to investigate the effect of a cosmological constant not only on the scale of the universe but also in a laboratory environment. The effect of a non-zero photon mass is illustrated by a superconductor. According to quantum field theory, gauge symmetry breaking in a superconductor leads to a massive photon where its wavelength is observed as the penetration depth. Using Proca equations and the massive photon, it is straightforward to show two basic effects that characterize a superconductor: shielding of electromagnetic fields inside the superconductor (Meissner-Ochsenfeld effect) and the generation of a magnetic field due to a rotating superconductor (London moment) (de Matos and Tajmar, 2005) . Note that the London moment is generated in addition to the usual magnetic field in standard Maxwell theory such as the one resulting from a flowing current. One quickly realizes the difference as the London moment does not depend on the magnetic permeability of vacuum µ 0 which is usually common to all classical magnetic phenomenons. Although the field originates from the massive photon which is present only in the interior of the superconductor, the London moment is also measured outside of the superconductor due to the quantization of the canonical moment.

Recent work by one of the authors showed that in order to observe a constant dark energy density throughout the universe as measured by WMAP, the graviton mass must depend on the local density of matter.

Using Proca equations and the massive photon, it is straightforward to show two basic effects that characterize a superconductor: shielding of electromagnetic fields inside the superconductor (Meissner-Ochsenfeld effect) and the generation of a magnetic field due to a rotating superconductor (London moment).


Increased concern for the security of oil supply and the negative impact of fossil fuels on the environment, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, has put pressure on society to find renewable alternatives [1] . Bioenergy from renewable resources is already today a viable alternative to fossil fuels; however, to meet the increasing need for bioenergy several raw materials have to be considered. Lignocellulose is the most abundant organic material on earth and is therefore a promising raw material for bioenergy production [2] .

Increased concern for the security of oil supply and the negative impact of fossil fuels on the environment, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, has put pressure on society to find renewable alternatives.

Lignocellulose is the most abundant organic material on earth and is therefore a promising raw material for bioenergy production.


Substitution of fossil fuels by crop biomass requires the right selection of plant species with high site suitability, an ecologically benign farming system and high yields [16] . The yield of bioenergy is limited by land and to maximize gain the energy inputs must be minimized [17] . Some crops, especially cereals like winter rye (Secale cereale L.) and crucifers like oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) are strongly dependent on soil nitrogen (N) availability and therefore their cultivation is expensive from a fossil energy point of view [16] . However, in areas with high levels of animal manure, a crop with high N demand is important to include in the rotation to limit N leaching [18] . Introduction of a higher extent of legumes like faba bean (Viciafaba L.) benefits the farming system via biological N 2 -fixation inputs and by its effect as a break crop for rotational cereal diseases, potentially reducing the need for pesticides [19, 20] .

Substitution of fossil fuels by crop biomass requires the right selection of plant species with high site suitability, an ecologically benign farming system and high yields.

The yield of bioenergy is limited by land and to maximize gain the energy inputs must be minimized.

Some crops, especially cereals like winter rye (Secale cereale L.) and crucifers like oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) are strongly dependent on soil nitrogen (N) availability and therefore their cultivation is expensive from a fossil energy point of view.

However, in areas with high levels of animal manure, a crop with high N demand is important to include in the rotation to limit N leaching.

Introduction of a higher extent of legumes like faba bean (Viciafaba L.) benefits the farming system via biological N 2 -fixation inputs and by its effect as a break crop for rotational cereal diseases, potentially reducing the need for pesticides.


An alternative, or in some processes a secondary production, to bioethanol production is the production of biogas. Biogas consists mainly of methane and carbon dioxide, and is the product after anaerobic digestion of a wide range of biomass resource like e.g. organic fraction of municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, industrial effluents, fruit and vegetable solid waste, leaves, grasses, woods, terrestrial weeds, aquatic biomass [9] . Pretreatment techniques have been evaluated for biogas production, but are not always used. The available pretreatment methods for biogas production can be divided into five groups: alkali or acid treatment, predigestion, thermochemical, ultrasonic and ensilage of feed [10] . In biogas production, usually 7-9% solids are inoculated with e.g. digested sludge from a running biogas plant, municipal digester or animal manure [10] . Suitable raw materials for biogas production have a high content of available carbohydrates, obviously, but also a high raw material N content increases gas production [11] . Faba bean, as an atmospheric N 2 -fixing leguminous species, have a higher straw N content than rye and oilseed rape, with oilseed rape usually having higher N content than cereals like rye [12, 13] .

Biogas consists mainly of methane and carbon dioxide, and is the product after anaerobic digestion of a wide range of biomass resource like e.g. organic fraction of municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, industrial effluents, fruit and vegetable solid waste, leaves, grasses, woods, terrestrial weeds, aquatic biomass.

The available pretreatment methods for biogas production can be divided into five groups: alkali or acid treatment, predigestion, thermochemical, ultrasonic and ensilage of feed.

In biogas production, usually 7-9% solids are inoculated with e.g. digested sludge from a running biogas plant, municipal digester or animal manure.

Suitable raw materials for biogas production have a high content of available carbohydrates, obviously, but also a high raw material N content increases gas production.

Faba bean, as an atmospheric N 2 -fixing leguminous species, have a higher straw N content than rye and oilseed rape, with oilseed rape usually having higher N content than cereals like rye.


Greenhouses are considered as complex processes. In fact, they are nonlinear, multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems which present time-varying behaviors, and they are subject to relevant disturbances depending generally on meteorological conditions. All these make it difficult to describe a greenhouse with analytic models and to control them with classical controllers [6] [7] .

All these make it difficult to describe a greenhouse with analytic models and to control them with classical controllers.


The consumption of low calorie and reduced calorie foods has been a growing trend in modern societies, as people are more concerned with keeping a healthy lifestyle. Following this trend, the launching of new products in the diet/light segment is growing fast to attend this demand of "healthy foods" and, at the same time, offer new foods, with pleasant tastes, aromas and textures. According to the Brazilian Association of the Dietetic and Special Foods´ Industry (ABIAD), the market of diet/light food in Brazil has grown from US$ 160 million in 1990 to US$ 3,000.00 million in 2003. This Association also reported that 20% of the Brazilian housewives are concerned with their familiesh ealth and, in about 35% of the Brazilian households, some diet/light food is consumed (ABIAD, 2004) .

This Association also reported that 20% of the Brazilian housewives are concerned with their familiesh ealth and, in about 35% of the Brazilian households, some diet/light food is consumed.


The LBC performed by cytocentrifugations exist since the 1970s and have been developed for the automated reading of cervical cancer cytology. Preliminary studies show that they significantly reduce the cost of LBC [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] . In Central Europe, the LBC performed by cytocentrifugation consist mainly in the Papspin ® system (ThermoShandon Inc, Pittsburgh, the USA), in the CytoSCREEN ® system (Seroa, Monaco, Monaco) and in the Turbitec ® system (Labonord, Templemars, France). These last two techniques use the Hettich cytocentrifuge (Andreas Hettich Corp, Tuttligen, Germany).

Preliminary studies show that they significantly reduce the cost of LBC.


The most immediate practical consequence of the present work is that, with proper mechanical and feedback design, very large oscillation amplitudes and, thus, signal-to-noise ratios may be achieved, thereby relaxing the constraints on the design of the analog front-end of the electronic circuitry. Another practical consequence is that, as mentioned in section 5, the softening nonlinearity can be used to compensate for the hardening nonlinearity to achieve large oscillation amplitudes together with good frequency stability [18] . The analysis of the closed-loop system when phase-delay is present in the feedback loop is the subject of ongoing work. Furthermore, an ASIC implementing the electrostatic actuation and detection scheme described in this paper has been developed and should soon be tested.

Another practical consequence is that, as mentioned in section 5, the softening nonlinearity can be used to compensate for the hardening nonlinearity to achieve large oscillation amplitudes together with good frequency stability.


Owing to the intimate anatomical relation to prostate, it is our believe that this rectal wall thinning (or perforations) together with thermic injury at site of polypectomy should be given enough time to heal with adequate scare, otherwise it well predispose to laceration followed by perforation/necrosis in this site during or after operative manipulations. Postoperative rectal bleeding remains the cardinal sign for diagnosis. However care should be taken to exclude merely secondary haemorrhage due to clot dissolution in these cases which may manifest itself days to weeks after coloscopy (0.3-6.1%) [2] [3] .

However care should be taken to exclude merely secondary haemorrhage due to clot dissolution in these cases which may manifest itself days to weeks after coloscopy (0.3-6.1%).


For a network of interconnected dynamical systems it is often desired that some property of each subsystem approaches a single common value across the network. For example, in a group of autonomous vehicles this property might be a common heading angle or a shared communication frequency. Designing a controller that ensures that a common value will be found is called the consensus control problem [1] . Achieving consensus with distributed controllers that can access only local information is called the distributed consensus control problem. Related topics include rendezvous, synchronization, flocking, and cyclic pursuit [1] . These topics arise in a broad variety of important applications, including cooperative control of unmanned air vehicles, microsatellite clusters, mobile robots, and congestion control in communication networks.

Designing a controller that ensures that a common value will be found is called the consensus control problem.

Related topics include rendezvous, synchronization, flocking, and cyclic pursuit.


Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) provides simultaneously spatial and high resolution spectral data and helps to classify/recognize the materials that are challenging to discriminate with conventional imaging techniques [1] . However, it suffers from the curse of dimensionality. For instance, the curse of dimensionality causes increase in cost of storage, transmission, and processing of hyperspectral images. To overcome such challenges, dimensionality reduction techniques have been applied to hyperspectral data in the existing literature [2] . In general, HSI has spectral redundancy in many spectral channels. For this reason, dimension reduction or compression is possible and even necessary, especially for these bands.

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) provides simultaneously spatial and high resolution spectral data and helps to classify/recognize the materials that are challenging to discriminate with conventional imaging techniques.

To overcome such challenges, dimensionality reduction techniques have been applied to hyperspectral data in the existing literature.


In this paper we report a detailed experimental study of the compound laser modes (CLMs) of two mutually delay-coupled SLs. We focus on the locking region in dependence of the detuning and the coupling phase between the lasers. Furthermore, we employ advanced methods from the bifurcation theory of delay differential equations (DDEs), in particular, numerical continuation of the CLMs with the package DDE-BIFTOOL [19] . The combination of experimental and theoretical techniques allows us to explain the observed dynamics, in particular, mode jumps and multistability leading to hysteresis loops. Hence, this paper proofs the existence of the CLMs experimentally as well as theoretically which lays the foundation for further studies of the dynamics of delay coupled SLs. Moreover, the good agreement between experiment and advanced bifurcation techniques shows the power of these techniques and opens the possibility to explain even complicated dynamics on a fundamental level. In turn this allows one to provide insight into the behavior of optical system. This is of importance because of the increasing interest in, e.g., multi-section devices.

Furthermore, we employ advanced methods from the bifurcation theory of delay differential equations (DDEs), in particular, numerical continuation of the CLMs with the package DDE-BIFTOOL.


One of the most widely employed phases of the M41S family is the hexagonal MCM-41. Several studies have been devoted to the determination of the structural features of this material and its analogues [1] [2] [3] . It is now well established that, while their channel system is regular at the nanometric scale, the microscopic structure exhibits no appreciable order. Nonetheless, the short-range degree of disorder is still a matter of discussion. Indeed, it is difficult to obtain, from the usual characterization techniques, detailed information at the atomic scale, and to devise models suitable to perform "realistic" computational simulations of the formation processes.

Several studies have been devoted to the determination of the structural features of this material and its analogues.


The spirit of this paper is summarized in Figure 1 . Basic terminology and background results related to iterated function systems appear in Section 2. In Section 3 we establish the existence of fractal functions whose graphs are the attractors of a general class of IFS, which we call an interpolation IFS. An analytic fractal function is a fractal function whose graph is the attractor of an analytic interpolation IFS. This includes the popular case of affine fractal interpolation functions [1] . An analytic function is a special case of an analytic fractal function, as proved in Section 4. Fractal continuation, the main topic of this paper, is introduced in Section 5. The fractal continuation of an analytic function is the usual analytic continuation. In general, however, a fractal function defined on a compact domain, has infinitely many continuations, this set of continuations having a fascinating geometric structure as demonstrated by the examples that are also contained in Section 5. The graph of a given fractal function can be the attractor of many distinct analytic IFSs. We conjecture that the set of fractal continuations of a function whose graph is the attractor of an analytic interpolation IFS is independent of the particular IFS. Some cases of this uniqueness result are proved in Section 6.

This includes the popular case of affine fractal interpolation functions.


To introduce the main ideas, define a fractal function as a continuous function f : I → R M −1 , where I ⊂ R is a compact interval whose graph G(f ) is the attractor of a IFS for the form in eqaution (1 ) . A slightly more restrictive definition will be given in Section 3. If W is an analytic IFS, then f is called an analytic fractal function.

To introduce the main ideas, define a fractal function as a continuous function f : I → R M −1 , where I ⊂ R is a compact interval whose graph G(f ) is the attractor of a IFS for the form in eqaution.