Historically a 2-cm proximal margin was perceived to be important in the surgical management of penile cancer. This resulted in surgery that was radical and at times morbid [3] . With centralisation of penile cancer services in the UK, the opportunity for more in depth research into this rare disease has grown, and with it we have seen the evolution and evaluation of organ-sparing surgery (OSS) in the management of penile cancer [2, 4] .

This resulted in surgery that was radical and at times morbid.

With centralisation of penile cancer services in the UK, the opportunity for more in depth research into this rare disease has grown, and with it we have seen the evolution and evaluation of organ-sparing surgery (OSS) in the management of penile cancer.


We hypothesize that an important factor our simple model omits is the merger of ASes. Statistical mechanics shows that highly variable size distributions can also result from coalescence processes (as in the formation of raindrops or polymer aggregates [6] ). To understand the merger process and estimate a corresponding rate, we develop a heuristic and apply it to examinations of BGP table collections over two one-year periods. Adding mergers to our growth model complicates the analysis considerably. Currently we have solved only the most tractable version of this model, in which mergers occur with a rate proportional to the number of ASes present, in a manner independent of the sizes of the ASes merging. This initial model exhibits improved agreement with data with respect to small to medium sized ASes, but predicts large AS sizes less well, compared to the pure growth model. More importantly, it points to the need for analysis of more realistic merger processes (such as those that account for the relative sizes of the ASes being merged).

Statistical mechanics shows that highly variable size distributions can also result from coalescence processes (as in the formation of raindrops or polymer aggregates).


Yet, it appears that effective new technologies transfer practices (i.e., the management of the tools used to transfer emerging technology from the technology providers to technology users) and especially successful commercialisation processes (i.e., the start-up of a spin-off venture) have not the expected performance (Markham, 2002) . The basic reason for this dismal outcome is multilateral. Effort to take the scientific and technological knowledge outside the laboratory of the technology developer and driving it into the marketplace is considered a complicated process (Allen, 2003) . It involves several players ranging from technology providers and technology users (industries and SMEs) to investors and brokers and requires positive socio-economic environment. It needs innovation policies (a set of legislative measures, funding programmes and other incentives) to encourage the use of the research results for the benefit of businesses and the society in general.

Yet, it appears that effective new technologies transfer practices (i.e., the management of the tools used to transfer emerging technology from the technology providers to technology users) and especially successful commercialisation processes (i.e., the start-up of a spin-off venture) have not the expected performance.

Effort to take the scientific and technological knowledge outside the laboratory of the technology developer and driving it into the marketplace is considered a complicated process.


The normal operation of a solid armature railgun necessarily involves melting and loss of aluminum from the armature. This is evident from the coating of solidified aluminum that is left on rails practically from the starting position of the armature. Excessive or uneven Toss of aluminum from the armature is not desirable because it can lead to arcing contact. However, there is reason to believe that some loss of aluminum, sufficient to maintain a stable, liquid film interface, has several benefits: it provides an uniform, low-voltage electrical contact between rail and armature, it reduces the frictional drag force between armature and rail, and there is evidence to suggest that it suppresses the onset of gouging by several hundred meters per second [1] .

However, there is reason to believe that some loss of aluminum, sufficient to maintain a stable, liquid film interface, has several benefits: it provides an uniform, low-voltage electrical contact between rail and armature, it reduces the frictional drag force between armature and rail, and there is evidence to suggest that it suppresses the onset of gouging by several hundred meters per second.


The importance of mechanical heating or "melt lubrication" as a wear mechanism in railguns was demonstrated in a series of tests conducted at the Institute for Advanced Technology in 1997 [8] . The tests measured the wear rate of 7075 aluminum alloy in high-speed sliding contact with ETP copper. In these tests, small sliders were accelerated from rest to 2200 m/s while maintaining a steady contact pressure throughout most of the launch. Pressures ranged from 6.5 ksi to 21.8 ksi. Even though the tests were conducted using a railgun, they measured purely mechanical (frictional and viscous) components of wear by electrically isolating the sliders from the current path. The tests found that, at pressures typical of armature/rail contact, wear due to mechanical heating was comparable to the wear rate measured in-armatures.

The importance of mechanical heating or "melt lubrication" as a wear mechanism in railguns was demonstrated in a series of tests conducted at the Institute for Advanced Technology in 1997.


There are several processes by which aluminum is removed from the armature. Most armature wear models to date have focused on "current melt wave" behavior, whereby intense skin-effect heating leads to localized melting and loss of aluminum at the perimeter of the rail/armature interface [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] . When the armature is moving faster than 700 to 1000 m/s, however, the root cause of wear is not obvious, since at this point mechanical (viscous heat generation) and electrical heating are both potentially significant.

Most armature wear models to date have focused on "current melt wave" behavior, whereby intense skin-effect heating leads to localized melting and loss of aluminum at the perimeter of the rail/armature interface.


Range-wide studies in other European temperate forest trees indicate similar longitudinal patterns of variation. Multivariate statistics of allele frequencies showed that spruce populations were arranged from Central Europe to the Ural mountains along a continental gradient (Lagercrantz & Ryman, 1990) . Principal components analysis based on allele frequencies of three loci revealed a longitudinal type of variation in European beech (Comps et al., 1991) . There are two evolutionary hypotheses to account for the existing clinal variation in allele frequencies.

Multivariate statistics of allele frequencies showed that spruce populations were arranged from Central Europe to the Ural mountains along a continental gradient.

Principal components analysis based on allele frequencies of three loci revealed a longitudinal type of variation in European beech.


This reconciliation offers interesting theoretical insights into CLT by introducing the notion that the same feature (e.g., price) can be viewed as being relatively concrete or abstract (and therefore figure in either low-or high-level construals) depending on the salient judgment goal. We ran a supplementary study to validate this thesis, using a classification task that has been widely used in previous CLT work to assess construal level. Participants in one such study were presented with a variety of objects (e.g., camera, brush, shoes, sunglasses) relating to an activity (e.g., camping), which was described as taking place in the upcoming weekend (near future) or 1 year later (distant future). Next, they were asked to classify all the objects into as many different groups as they wished. Supporting the intuitive notion that abstract, high-level construals should be broader and therefore consist of fewer categories than concrete, low-level construals, participants in the distant scenario were found to use fewer categories to classify the objects (Liberman, Sagristano, and Trope 2002) .

Supporting the intuitive notion that abstract, high-level construals should be broader and therefore consist of fewer categories than concrete, low-level construals, participants in the distant scenario were found to use fewer categories to classify the objects.


Experiment 5 also served to rule out two alternative explanations for the findings obtained earlier (experiments 1A and 2) regarding the influence of the self-other dimension on the relative influence of price versus attributes on quality assessments. The first such alternative account has to do with the possibility of a self-serving bias. Namely, the influence of attributes (price) on quality judgments in the self (other) condition could have been heightened because individuals believe that it is more rational to rely on attributes and that it is only others who will follow the less rational route of relying on the price heuristic (Pronin 2009; Pronin, Gilovich, and Ross 2004) . However, this alternative account would have predicted a similar pattern even in experiment 5: that a reversal was obtained when attribute information was presented in a relatively more abstract manner is instead consistent with our construal-based conceptualization.

Namely, the influence of attributes (price) on quality judgments in the self (other) condition could have been heightened because individuals believe that it is more rational to rely on attributes and that it is only others who will follow the less rational route of relying on the price heuristic.


Second, we simultaneously sought to make the price information more concrete by increasing precision (e.g., HK$5,199 instead of HK$5,000); the greater detail involved in the more precise figure should enhance concreteness (Alba and Chattopadhyay 1985) . Viewed in another way, the more precise number involves narrower categories: the figure of 5,000 is specified at the broad level of thousands, whereas the 5,199 figure additionally involves the narrower category of hundreds. Note that the changes in both configuration and price information were targeted at a common goal, which was to enhance the relative abstraction of the configuration information vis-à-vis the price information; we were not concerned here with the extent to which each specific induction satisfied this goal.

Second, we simultaneously sought to make the price information more concrete by increasing precision (e.g., HK$5,199 instead of HK$5,000); the greater detail involved in the more precise figure should enhance concreteness.


The second statistical aspect of the radar problem stems from a reflective properties of radar targets. If the radar cross section of an aircraft, or other complex target structures, is observed as a function of aspect angle, the resulting pattern is characterized by rapid fluctuations in amplitude with minute changes in aspect angle. In a typical radar situation, the target is observed many times. The aspect angle at a particular time will govern its observed radar cross section. Since many targets have relative motion with respect to the radar, aspect angle changes on successive observations alter the radio frequency phase relationships, thereby modifying the radar cross section. This change may be a slow variation and occur on a scanto-scan basis (on successive antenna scans across a target) or it may be on a pulse-to-pulse basis (on successive sweeps). Because the exact nature of the change is difficult to predict, a statistical description is often adopted to characterize the target radar cross section [1, [6] [7] [8] .

Because the exact nature of the change is difficult to predict, a statistical description is often adopted to characterize the target radar cross section.


Radar is basically a means of gathering information about distant objects, or targets, by sending electromagnetic waves at them and analyzing the echoes. There are two aspects to the radar statistical problem. The first is concerned with the background noise, which is random in character. In the absence of this background noise, detection poses no difficulty which means that however small the reflected signal from a target, it may be detected with sufficient gain in the receiver. Background noise interference, however, imposes a limit on the minimum detectable signal. The question of target existence is, in fact, a choice of deciding between noise alone or signal-plusnoise. Random noise interference arises from many sources including radiation from the external environment and internal thermal noise. Generally, this noise is wideband with a white or nearly flat spectral density. In addition, there is another major background noise source, which is referred to as a clutter. This type of noise represents the aggregate radar return from a collection of many small scatterers, e.g., ground return, sea return, reflection from rain, chaff, and decay clouds. Detection and estimation in a clutter environment is a major problem in modern radar [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] .

Detection and estimation in a clutter environment is a major problem in modern radar.


Three families of radar cross section fluctuation models have been used to characterize most target populations of interest; namely chisquare family, Rice family, and the log-normal family. The χ 2 models are used to represent complex targets, such as aircraft, and have the characteristics that the distribution is more concentrated about the mean as the value of its defined parameter is increased. As special cases of these models, Swerling's versions are derived. This Swerling representation of fluctuating targets brackets the majority of the actual radar targets. In SWI case, the echo pulses received from a target on any one scan are of constant amplitude throughout the entire scan, but are independent (uncorrelated) from scan to scan. A target echo fluctuation of this type is called scan-to-scan fluctuation. It is also known as slow fluctuations. SWII case has the same behavior as SWI except that the fluctuations are independent from pulse to pulse rather than from scan to scan. It is sometimes called fast fluctuations. As in case SWI, the radar cross section is assumed to be constant within a scan and independent from scan to scan; but with a probability density function different to that representing SWI. This probability density function is representative of targets that can be modeled as one scatterer together with a number of small scatterers. Finally, SWIV is characterized by fluctuation from pulse to pulse with the same probability density function as in SWIII [1, [4] [5] [6] . The major form of CFAR has been the CA technique. It uses the maximum likelihood estimate of the noise power to set the adaptive threshold. Although the presence of interferers inside the reference window leads to an overestimate of the actual noise power and this in turn gives rise to a masking of legitimate targets, it is still of major importance because it is the optimum CFAR processor when the background noise is homogeneous and the reference cells contain independently, identically, and exponentially distributed observations [7, [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] .

It is also known as slow fluctuations.

Finally, SWIV is characterized by fluctuation from pulse to pulse with the same probability density function as in SWIII.

Although the presence of interferers inside the reference window leads to an overestimate of the actual noise power and this in turn gives rise to a masking of legitimate targets, it is still of major importance because it is the optimum CFAR processor when the background noise is homogeneous and the reference cells contain independently, identically, and exponentially distributed observations.


Model predictive control (MPC) is widely used in many advanced process control systems [1] [2] [3] . The ability of MPC in constraint handling is well known, and this capability makes it more effective in real applications [4] . MPC is a model-based control strategy and model complexity substantially increases its computational burden, which is a key deterrent factor in many practical applications. However, many industrial processes can be sufficiently described by first-order plus dead time (FOPDT) models [5] . Hence, this model is used to analyse the MPC closed-loop behaviour and leads to effective tuning formulas.

Model predictive control (MPC) is widely used in many advanced process control systems.

The ability of MPC in constraint handling is well known, and this capability makes it more effective in real applications.

However, many industrial processes can be sufficiently described by first-order plus dead time (FOPDT) models.


Researchers in most FDG-PET studies of patients with LE have described mesiotemporal hypermetabolism [11] . In contrast, the authors of other reports have described mesiotemporal hypometabolism in patients with LE even several months after symptom onset [11, 12] . The variability in LE imaging data may be due to different autoimmunological mechanisms mediated by a particular autoantibody type [13] . In our patient, hypometabolism was found approximately 2 years before he died.

Researchers in most FDG-PET studies of patients with LE have described mesiotemporal hypermetabolism.

In contrast, the authors of other reports have described mesiotemporal hypometabolism in patients with LE even several months after symptom onset.

The variability in LE imaging data may be due to different autoimmunological mechanisms mediated by a particular autoantibody type.


In recent years, various kinds of intelligent algorithms have been applied to transformer fault diagnosis. Support vector machine (SVM) uses hyperplane in high-dimensional kernel feature space to realize classification, which has global optimum and strong generalization ability [4] . At present, SVM has been widely used in the transformer fault diagnosis field [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] . However, for samples with uneven state distribution, the hyperplane model of SVM is difficult to classify accurately. In addition, SVM has value classification [33] . Unlike traditional SVM classification, HSSVM replaces the hyperplane by a hypersphere. The hypersphere not only separates the target sample in the sphere from the abnormal sample outside the sphere, but also requires the radius as small as possible. The training process of the hypersphere is actually to solve a convex quadratic programming problem.

Support vector machine (SVM) uses hyperplane in high-dimensional kernel feature space to realize classification, which has global optimum and strong generalization ability.

At present, SVM has been widely used in the transformer fault diagnosis field.

In addition, SVM has value classification.


As the equipment for transferring electric energy, power transformers occupy an important position in the power system. Their operation state is directly related to the security and stability of the power system [1] . Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is one of the most effective measures to monitor the safe operation of oil-immersed transformers, which can detect the latent faults in the equipment as early as possible [2] . However, the mechanism of transformer fault gas generation is complex, and the mapping relationship between dissolved gas and fault types is relatively vague, which makes it difficult for transformer fault diagnosis [3] .

Their operation state is directly related to the security and stability of the power system.

Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is one of the most effective measures to monitor the safe operation of oil-immersed transformers, which can detect the latent faults in the equipment as early as possible.

However, the mechanism of transformer fault gas generation is complex, and the mapping relationship between dissolved gas and fault types is relatively vague, which makes it difficult for transformer fault diagnosis.


The number of new cases of prostate cancer detected by PSA screening is increasing every year; in particular, the number of low-risk cases with an indication for surgery. Radical prostatectomy is the gold standard therapy for prostate cancer in low-risk patients. The purpose of radical prostatectomy is to remove the whole cancerous prostate. However, positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy were detected in 14-26 % of cases [2] [3] [4] [5] . A histologically positive surgical margin is a major risk factor for biochemical recurrence and disease progression after radical prostatectomy. It was shown that positive surgical margins were associated with a 2.6-fold [20] .

However, positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy were detected in 14-26 % of cases.

It was shown that positive surgical margins were associated with a 2.6-fold.


With environmental pollution becoming serious, various disease outbreaks caused by some pathogens are threatening human life. Therefore, the control of the growth of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungi, is a severe task for the survival of human beings. For inhibiting pathogen infections, a variety of disinfection agents are produced. Among them, antimicrobial polymers have become increasingly important as an alternative to existing biocides. Compared with conventional low-molecular-weight biocides, antimicrobial polymers have advantages such as enhanced antimicrobial activity, efficiency and selectivity, reduced residual toxicity and microbe resistance, and prolonged stability [1] [2] [3] . Traditionally, incorporation of the antimicrobial agents into polymers is achieved by coating drug agents on the surface of polymers or physically entrapping the active agent within a polymer matrix [4] . However, majority of the antimicrobial agents steadily permeates out from the polymer matrices, giving rise to poisonous influences on the human body [5, 6] . Polymerization of monomers possessing antimicrobial activity would eliminate the biocide-releasing problem, presenting long-term durability and environmentally friendly performance [7, 8] .

Compared with conventional low-molecular-weight biocides, antimicrobial polymers have advantages such as enhanced antimicrobial activity, efficiency and selectivity, reduced residual toxicity and microbe resistance, and prolonged stability.

Traditionally, incorporation of the antimicrobial agents into polymers is achieved by coating drug agents on the surface of polymers or physically entrapping the active agent within a polymer matrix.

However, majority of the antimicrobial agents steadily permeates out from the polymer matrices, giving rise to poisonous influences on the human body.

Polymerization of monomers possessing antimicrobial activity would eliminate the biocide-releasing problem, presenting long-term durability and environmentally friendly performance.


Quaternions are very e¢ cient for analyzing situations where rotations in R 3 are involved. A quaternion is a 4-tuple, which is a more concise representation than a rotation matrix. Its geometric meaning is also more obvious as the rotation axis and angle can be trivially recovered. The quaternion algebra to be introduced will also allow us to easily compose rotations. This is because quaternion composition takes merely sixteen multiplications and twelve additions [27] . So quaternionic approach is a very important method for obtaining surfaces. For example in recent years several authors used this method for obtaining canal surfaces and constant slope surfaces [11, 15, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] .

This is because quaternion composition takes merely sixteen multiplications and twelve additions.

For example in recent years several authors used this method for obtaining canal surfaces and constant slope surfaces.


The survey process of indoor scenes can be addressed from two different perspectives. On the one hand, data can be acquired in a static way by placing the sensor in different positions [18, 19] . Data must be combined and registered in the same coordinate system to obtain the complete model of the scene. On the other hand, the use of mobile mapping systems enables the collection of 3D data continuously [20, 21] . These systems are based on the 3D positioning of the sensor together with 2D laser scanning.

On the one hand, data can be acquired in a static way by placing the sensor in different positions.

On the other hand, the use of mobile mapping systems enables the collection of 3D data continuously.


A growing public awareness of the rising level of greenhouse gas emissions, the need to tackle fuel security and achieve reductions in emissions, has resulted in significant efforts to adopt renewable energy technologies in suburban environments [1e3] . These efforts aim to reduce the energetic demand of urban centres, and smallsize renewable energy systems represent an interesting solution for sustainable (and reduced) energy in new building design [4] . The integration of wind turbines into the built environment poses challenges due to the low energy yield resulting from low mean wind speeds in urban areas as well as environmental impacts [5] . There have been some very public failures of small wind turbines in the built environment, notably in situations where the turbines have been mounted on top of the buildings [6e8] . Despite these problems, local governments and businesses continue to install SWTs on their rooftops as a dynamic, visible sign of support for renewable energy. It is thus vital to make the installations safe and to optimise performance to avoid them becoming bad advertisements for wind energy and renewable energy in general. To accomplish this, it is important to know the inflow wind conditions for SWTs in urban areas.

These efforts aim to reduce the energetic demand of urban centres, and smallsize renewable energy systems represent an interesting solution for sustainable (and reduced) energy in new building design.

The integration of wind turbines into the built environment poses challenges due to the low energy yield resulting from low mean wind speeds in urban areas as well as environmental impacts.


Wind resource assessments for utility-scale wind projects typically involve lengthy and costly measurement campaigns. For small wind turbines application particularly rooftop applications, conventional site assessment methods are not always useful due to the small-scale of the projects. Firstly, compared to utility-scale or community-scale wind projects, small-scale urban rooftop projects do not typically have access to large amounts of fiscal resources for the resource assessment phase of a project and thus investment in measurement equipment usually is limited. In addition, for urban environments, the traditional methods for wind energy site assessment are technically limited; the complex geometry can result to the situation where the resource varies substantially within a small area, thus a meteorological mast installed at a single location may not be a sufficiently good indicator of the overall resource within a complex environment. Further, remote sensing technologies such as LiDAR are typically designed to work at 40 m or above and many small-scale urban rooftop projects are designed for deployment at lower heights. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques can be a reliable alternative for less expensive and faster resource assessments of rooftop small wind turbine applications, and additionally provide physical insight to the governing flow mechanisms. Already, for modelling wind flows over complex rural terrains, modern CFD tools have proved essential [12] .

Already, for modelling wind flows over complex rural terrains, modern CFD tools have proved essential.


This morphology, however, seems to have some ecological costs. The less-protected space between ribs in columnar cacti allows the attack of predators such as goats that seek the parenchyma as a source of food, or the excavation by woodpeckers that nest in the giant stems (McAuliffe & Hendricks, 1988; Merlin, 1999) . Additionally, the longitudinal arrangement of vascular bundles seems to eventually encounter mechanical limitations as the plants grow in size. Very frequently, giant columnar cacti break or fall under their own weight (Zavala-Hurtado & Díaz-Solís, 1995) .

The less-protected space between ribs in columnar cacti allows the attack of predators such as goats that seek the parenchyma as a source of food, or the excavation by woodpeckers that nest in the giant stems.

Very frequently, giant columnar cacti break or fall under their own weight.


The evolution of stem succulence imply the need to support large masses of nonspecialized parenchyma mechanically sustained by a limited amount of vascular bundles organized in a specific biomechanical configuration (Altesor et al., 1994) . It may be hypothesized that selection for a certain biomechanical configuration and, ultimately, for a given internal distribution of the vascular bundles, also implies the selection for a given phyllotactic arrangement. In this case, the way the areoles are arranged externally may reflect how the support tissues are distributed inside the plant.

The evolution of stem succulence imply the need to support large masses of nonspecialized parenchyma mechanically sustained by a limited amount of vascular bundles organized in a specific biomechanical configuration.


Compared with fiber felts and nonwovens, the acoustic absorption properties of woven fabrics are relatively poor due to the thinner thickness. However, the appearance of woven fabric is artistically pleasing and has been generally used for indoor and automobile decorations [4] . The acoustic absorption phenomena of woven fabrics have been studied for a long time. The acoustic wave attenuation mechanism could be mainly attributed to the internal viscothermal dissipative effects, the flow distortion effects, resonant effects, and bending vibration of the fabric [5] .

However, the appearance of woven fabric is artistically pleasing and has been generally used for indoor and automobile decorations.

The acoustic wave attenuation mechanism could be mainly attributed to the internal viscothermal dissipative effects, the flow distortion effects, resonant effects, and bending vibration of the fabric.


Corduroy fabric has enjoyed interest due to its applications extended to home furnishing, such as curtains and carpets, etc. The structure of corduroy fabric consists of two sets of filling yarns and warp yarns. The warp yarns should be strong enough and high evenness to subject the high forces in weaving. The first set is configured with the warp yarns, which is the so-called ground fabric, thus provide the integrity of the structure. The second set of filling yarns forms the floats, and the cutting of the pile is normally done after weaving on a specific machine fitted with circular knives and followed brushing [14, 15] . Considering the special structure and cut pile filling of corduroy fabric, it has potential to improve the acoustic absorption properties. The raised rib on the surface of corduroy fabric is similar with nonwoven, and the ground fabric is woven structure. Therefore, corduroy fabric could be seen as multilayer acoustic absorber consisting of woven and nonwoven fabrics. This compound structure is benefit to the attenuation of acoustic waves. However, to the best of the author's knowledge, the acoustical analysis of corduroy fabric has not been reported.

The second set of filling yarns forms the floats, and the cutting of the pile is normally done after weaving on a specific machine fitted with circular knives and followed brushing.


One of such SCPE was a composite of PVA and Sodium Salicylate (SS), which is the subject of the present study. Among the polymers, PVA was especially attractive and was chosen as a polymer host since it is stable both thermally and environmentally, nontoxic, water soluble, and has good filmforming capacity [5] . Literature survey revealed that the ion transport studies of PVA doped with sodium salt polymer composite were scarce. In the present study, the structural, vibrational, thermal stability, and electrical studies of PVA polymer complexed with SS at different weight percent ratios were carried out by XRD, FTIR, TGA, and AC impedance measurements, respectively.

Among the polymers, PVA was especially attractive and was chosen as a polymer host since it is stable both thermally and environmentally, nontoxic, water soluble, and has good filmforming capacity.


Monolithic zirconia restorations are not preferred when the esthetic function is the priority. However, these systems are beneficial in the case of fixed dental prostheses supported by pathological attrition or severely damaged teeth (FDPs). Adhesive bonding of monolithic restorations is beneficial in various clinical situations, such as excessive unloading forces, compromised mechanical retention, and limited space for adequate tooth preparation [22] . Furthermore, the resin bonding of zirconia restorations is advocated for improving the fracture strength of restorations [22, 23] .

Adhesive bonding of monolithic restorations is beneficial in various clinical situations, such as excessive unloading forces, compromised mechanical retention, and limited space for adequate tooth preparation.

Furthermore, the resin bonding of zirconia restorations is advocated for improving the fracture strength of restorations.


Unlike thermosets, thermoplastics can be healed by molecular re-entanglement processes. Re-entanglements across the (broken) surfaces of thermoplastics are typically triggered by heat. The temperature, at least locally, should be higher than the glass (T g ) or melting temperature (T m ) depending whether the actual polymer is of amorphous or semicrystalline nature. This is also the basic principle of thermoplastics welding. Healing by re-entanglement in amorphous polymers was already performed in the 1980s, pioneered by the group of Kausch [3, 4] . Interestingly, already at this time fracture mechanical treatise was used to quantify the healing efficiency, which remained the dominant tool until now [5] .

Healing by re-entanglement in amorphous polymers was already performed in the 1980s, pioneered by the group of Kausch.

Interestingly, already at this time fracture mechanical treatise was used to quantify the healing efficiency, which remained the dominant tool until now.


Both amorphous and semicrystalline thermoplastics are often used for the toughening of thermosetting resins. Their use started when it was recognized that the first-generation tougheners, namely liquid functional rubbers, prominently reduce the T g and stiffness of the corresponding thermosets, especially those of the epoxy resins (EP). Nonetheless, the development and working principle of liquid rubber and thermoplastics as toughening modifiers of EP are essentially the same. Both of them are soluble initially and undergo a reaction-(curing) induced phase separation. The resulting morphology may be very different. Considering just the amount of the modifier the morphology is varying between different disperse and continuous structures. It is the right place to mention that a co-continuous morphology composed of thermoplastic and thermoset phases, is termed to as semiinterpenetrating network (semi-IPN). Many different thermoplastics have been tried as potential tougheners in EP [6] . The preferred morphology was micron-scale dispersion of the thermoplastic phase in the EP matrix. This is usually achieved with a thermoplastic content of less than 15 wt%. In this case, the thermoplastic particle act as stress concentrators, induce cavitation/debonding (depending on the interfacial adhesion) which are supporting the shear deformation of the EP which is the major energy absorption mechanism.

Many different thermoplastics have been tried as potential tougheners in EP.


We found low levels of vitamin D in nearly all of the healthy control group, which was much higher than that seen in other studies [4, 5, 21] . Also, somewhat more surprising was the higher level of serum 25OHD in the FM group than in the healthy subjects. One possibility seems plausible. As FM patients have more pain, they are more likely to consume vitamin D supplements, which are easily accessible as the over the counter medications. Such self-treatment may be easily ignored by patients during the time of recall for this study.

We found low levels of vitamin D in nearly all of the healthy control group, which was much higher than that seen in other studies.

One possibility seems plausible.


Duplex stainless steels (DSSs) are the materials of choice for the offshore gas and oil, petrochemical and chemical industries. This is mainly due to their good combination of high strength, good weldability and excellent corrosion-resistance in chloric environments [1] . To increase the cost-effectiveness of DSSs, a cost-saving lean DSS with reduced expensive alloying components (nickel and molybdenum) and increased manganese and nitrogen has been developed and widely used.

This is mainly due to their good combination of high strength, good weldability and excellent corrosion-resistance in chloric environments.


The techniques, tools and procedures introduced in the previous section will now be applied to our experimental setup of the Rijke tube. The experiments are performed at an ambient temperature of 296  1K, with a relative humidity of 73  1% such that the acoustic damping remains within required limits [38] . The exponential decay rate of the system is determined for a given frequency as follows.

The experiments are performed at an ambient temperature of 296  1K, with a relative humidity of 73  1% such that the acoustic damping remains within required limits.


We wish to estimate f , and in particular we are interested in the family of functions {f (·, s) : s ∈ S}. The motivation for this interest comes from studies of human development. When t represents age, f (·, s) is the mean, as a function of age, of the quantity measured by y at point s. In the specific example that motivated this work, S is a set of locations in the brain, and y(s) denotes fractional anisotropy (FA), a measure of white matter integrity, at location s. Thus f (t, s) denotes the mean FA for that location at age t, and the function f (·, s) is what neuroscientists often refer to as the "developmental trajectory" of FA at location s. As a brief example of the scientific meaning of such trajectories, suppose that for given s, f (t, s) characteristically increases with t up to some point t s ≡ arg max t f (t, s), then decreases. Then the peak age t s can provide information about typical maturation for location s, and can be compared between diagnostic groups to study the links between psychiatric disorders and brain development (Shaw et al., 2007) .

Then the peak age t s can provide information about typical maturation for location s, and can be compared between diagnostic groups to study the links between psychiatric disorders and brain development.


The choice of wastewater treatment method depends on the treatment performance and economic component. Due to the treatment of industrial effluents requiring costly physical or physicochemical pretreatment, electrochemical is becoming a new alternative for the wastewater treatment and is replacing the traditional processes. The electrochemical wastewater treatment technology can be regarded as environmentally compatible, versatile, safe, because the electrons play the role of a clean reagent, without additional chemicals [5] [6] [7] [8] .

The electrochemical wastewater treatment technology can be regarded as environmentally compatible, versatile, safe, because the electrons play the role of a clean reagent, without additional chemicals.


The effect of initial concentration of 4-CP on the oxidation process for both potential ranges of water decomposition and stabilization, and expressed by the cyclic scanning is shown as example for BDD electrode in Figure 2 . It is obvious that increasing initial concentration decreased the rate of 4-CP oxidation due to faster electrode fouling. On the other hand, it is known that increasing the bulk solution concentration should increase the rate of 4-CP oxidation if the process is mass transfer controlled [12] . From Figure 2 it can be see that no significant electrode fouling occurred at BDD electrode for the oxidation of 1mM 4-CP under both potential ranges of water decomposition and stabilization.

On the other hand, it is known that increasing the bulk solution concentration should increase the rate of 4-CP oxidation if the process is mass transfer controlled.


The chemoprevention principles are built on the concepts of field of cancerization and multistep carcinogenesis. Field cancerization is characterized by diffuse injury of an epithelial surface as the result of long-term carcinogenic exposure [19] . Genetic alteration throughout the respiratory epithelium is the result of exposure to the carcinogens in cigarettes and to radon or other long-term carcinogenic insults. This 'preconditioned' epithelium can give rise to cancer at multiple points. Studies of the airways of lung cancer patients show that extensive hyperplasia and dysplasia occur throughout the bronchial epithelium, accompanied by aneuploidy. These multiple lesions are not usually genetically distinct from the patient's tumor and presumably arise independently. These findings support the idea that the entire upper aerodigestive Contributing factors to the genetic predisposition associated with increased lung cancer risk are polymorphisms in enzymes that affect carcinogen activation (P450) and detoxification (glutathione S-transferase), DNA repair genes, inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene and activation of dominant oncogenes. The interaction of host susceptibility and exposure to carcinogens leads to variation in cancer susceptibility and presentation.

Field cancerization is characterized by diffuse injury of an epithelial surface as the result of long-term carcinogenic exposure.


Due to their overall reliability and high power-to-weight ratios, hydraulic actuators see widespread use in a variety of demanding applications ranging from manufacturing and construction to robotics and aerospace. Yet, control system development for hydraulic servos remains a challenging and active area of fluid power research. One of the difficulties that must be overcome by the controller is the nonlinear nature of the system functions. The square-root relationship between pressure and flow in the servovalve, for example, makes the valve flow sensitive to the magnitude of the load. Another important issue that needs to be considered as part of the control system development is how to cope with variations in the system parameters that inevitably occur during the operation of the actuator. For example, the output pressure of the hydraulic supply pump can vary with changes in the demand for fluid, especially when a number of actuators are operated from a common supply (Pannett, Chawdhry, & Burrows, 1999) . The effective bulk modulus of the hydraulic fluid can be influenced by changes in the fluid temperature or if the oil becomes contaminated (Yu, Chen, & Lu, 1994) . The actuator viscous damping can also change at different locations in the stroke (Bonchis, Corke, & Rye, 1999) .

For example, the output pressure of the hydraulic supply pump can vary with changes in the demand for fluid, especially when a number of actuators are operated from a common supply.

The effective bulk modulus of the hydraulic fluid can be influenced by changes in the fluid temperature or if the oil becomes contaminated.

The actuator viscous damping can also change at different locations in the stroke.


It is desirable for science museum visitors to enjoy science rather than study it. In the case of young visitors, they just need to recognize how the science entertains them; then, the youngs will be willing to major in science and devote themselves to the subject in the future (She, 1995; Kim et al., 2012) . It can be said that the most important function of science museums is to interest children and adolescents, which is why every science museum aims to present pleasing exhibits with amusing explanation signs (Boisvert & Slez, 1995; Rennie & McClafferty, 1995) .

In the case of young visitors, they just need to recognize how the science entertains them; then, the youngs will be willing to major in science and devote themselves to the subject in the future.

It can be said that the most important function of science museums is to interest children and adolescents, which is why every science museum aims to present pleasing exhibits with amusing explanation signs.


In the last decade, authors grew interested in using comic strips to make complex scientific knowledge enjoyable and easy to understand (Rota & Izquierdo, 2003) . The comics relate the knowledge to everyday happenings to make scientific concepts familiar to readers. This connection of knowledge to the reader's prior experience improves comprehension and remembrance (Alesandrini, 1984) . The comic strips' two sources of information, which are visual and verbal, produce a synergistic effect in learning (Liu, 2004) .

In the last decade, authors grew interested in using comic strips to make complex scientific knowledge enjoyable and easy to understand.

This connection of knowledge to the reader's prior experience improves comprehension and remembrance.

The comic strips' two sources of information, which are visual and verbal, produce a synergistic effect in learning.


A strong point of the comic strips is that they can be easily upgraded in quality and quantity. As mentioned, museums can display the strips temporarily to assess visitor reactions, then amending or updating as appropriate. Their electronic displays can be changed even more easily (Sung et al., 2010) . Additionally, the comic strips can be redrawn by professional cartoonists (Table 2) . Comic strips do not cost as much as ordinary exhibits, but they offer a superior return on investment.

Their electronic displays can be changed even more easily.


The displayed comic strips can be revised on the basis of visitor criticism. For example, when the present study was launched, we felt that four-framed comic strips would be perfect for science museums. It was thought that one frame would be insufficient to tell a story but that more than four would be boring. However, on the questionnaire, some volunteers wished more frames, so we recognized that long comics were a choice (Kim et al., 2017) . Similarly, upcoming requirements from readers will improve the comics (Table 2) .

However, on the questionnaire, some volunteers wished more frames, so we recognized that long comics were a choice.


One solution could be entertaining comic strips that are related to the exhibits. The museum visitors would pay attention to the comic strips, which are known to be beneficial in learning new and complex science concepts (Mathewson, 1999) . After enjoying the humor in the strips, readers will be more interested in the exhibits and explanation signs.

The museum visitors would pay attention to the comic strips, which are known to be beneficial in learning new and complex science concepts.


Physical and chemical properties of the adsorbents N 2 adsorption-desorption measurements indicate that amino-modified ordered mesoporous silica materials possess good mesopore structure ordering and a relatively narrow pore size distribution. In addition, modified MCM-48 materials have a lower BET surface area compared to MCM-48 materials (Fig. 1) . Different BET surface areas are a result of the different pore volumes. The lower values of composite compared with pure MCM-48 are mainly attributed to the presence of the dense amine group. From the nitrogen sorption isotherms of mesoporous silica before and after modification, it can be seen that their isotherms are similar to the shape of type IV [39] . Table 1 shows textural properties of modified and calcined MCM-48 mesoporous materials including BET surface area, average pore diameter and pore volume. Large pore diameter and pore volume and high surface area of the samples indicate that the samples have mesoporous structure.

From the nitrogen sorption isotherms of mesoporous silica before and after modification, it can be seen that their isotherms are similar to the shape of type IV.


Mud snails consumed U. lactuca in the absence of alternative food sources during the 7-day incubation period. The difference in %N of macroalgal tissue between our treatments was smaller than intended (0.96% N vs. 1.3% N; t ϭ 3.46, P ϭ 0.014), probably due to higher than expected growth rates in the N-enriched algae during the experiment. It is likely that the N content of the macroalgae in the high-N treatment fluctuated during the day in response to the pulsed nutrient addition and rapid growth rates. Nonetheless, grazing on U. lactuca by the mud snails was significantly higher on the N-enriched algae (consumption of 0.085 Ϯ 0.03 g ww vs. net growth 0.018 Ϯ 0.019 g ww for N-poor algae; t ϭ 10.86, P ϭ 0.017). Our results therefore represent conservative estimates of the effect of algal N content on herbivory, and we would expect a greater difference in grazing intensity with the higher N content that was observed in the U. lactuca in the field (up to 4% N) (Giannotti 1999) .

Our results therefore represent conservative estimates of the effect of algal N content on herbivory, and we would expect a greater difference in grazing intensity with the higher N content that was observed in the U. lactuca in the field (up to 4% N).


Snails in the tidal creek microcosms with U. lactuca were exposed to prolonged periods of anoxia (Fig.  3a) . Even though there was no water exchange in the microcosms, these periods of anoxia were of similar duration and magnitude as those that occurred in the field (Giannotti 1999) . Diurnal measurements of DO showed that creek microcosms containing algae and snails remained anoxic, whereas lagoon microcosms showed an increase in DO during the day due to macroalgal photosynthesis. In the lagoon microcosms, DO production was similar regardless of whether algae were present alone or with snails (Fig. 3, a and b) . However, in the creek cores, benthic respiration coupled with macroalgal respiration at night clearly exceeded macroalgal production of oxygen during the day and resulted in DO levels that were consistently below those cores containing U. lactuca only (Fig. 3b) or snails with no algae (Fig. 3c) . This prolonged anoxia resulted in 4 snail deaths (out of 12) within the first 48 h of experimentation and illustrates the severity of the physicochemical conditions associated with the macroalgal mat. We did not replace the snails because this loss represented a true response to conditions of the experiment; however, snails that expired during the experiment were omitted from data presentations and statistical analyses.

Even though there was no water exchange in the microcosms, these periods of anoxia were of similar duration and magnitude as those that occurred in the field.


The fresh technological development reveals a beginning decade, in which complete economical closeness has emerged. Conventional organizational management is no longer assessed a suitable approach in this extensively competitive mass market place. Consequently, firms need to compete for their survival by continual advancement as well as by innovation to cover and capture the market benefits. In other terminologies, businesses require creativeness to get chances for continued existence. Disagreement to creativeness is similar to pursue and result in disintegrate organizations (Leavy, 1998) .

Disagreement to creativeness is similar to pursue and result in disintegrate organizations.


The need for alternative fuel, which can solve the problems of finite nature of fossil fuels and their environmental concerns, is imperative. About 98% of carbon emissions result from fossil fuel combustion [1] . The continued and increasing use of diesel derived from fossil oil intensifies air pollution and magnifies the global warming problem caused by CO 2 and other particulate matters [2] . Biodiesel, which is renewable in nature, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly with higher octane number than diesel, is the most promising candidate. It can be defined as the alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids derived from renewable feedstock like vegetable oils or animal fats, obtained by transesterifying oil or fat with an alcohol [3] .

About 98% of carbon emissions result from fossil fuel combustion.

The continued and increasing use of diesel derived from fossil oil intensifies air pollution and magnifies the global warming problem caused by CO 2 and other particulate matters.

It can be defined as the alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids derived from renewable feedstock like vegetable oils or animal fats, obtained by transesterifying oil or fat with an alcohol.


The analysis of the seed oil showed that it has a moisture content of 0.09%, specific gravity of 0.88, and kinematic viscosity of 31.39 mm 2 /s. The acid value of the oil was 0.50 mg KOH/g oil, while the iodine value was 108 g I 2 /100 g oil. Whereas the saponification value and the peroxide value of the oil were 190 mg KOH/g oil and 7.80 meq O 2 /kg oil, respectively, its higher heating value and cetane number were 40.02 MJ/kg and 50.73, respectively. These results are within earlier reported values in the literature [14, 27] .

These results are within earlier reported values in the literature.


UDEC is a numerical program based on the distinct element method for discontinuous modelling [12] . When used to model brickwork structures, the bricks are represented as an assemblage of rigid or deformable distinct blocks which may take any arbitrary geometry. Rigid blocks do not change their geometry as a result of the applied loading and are mainly used when the behaviour of the system is dominated by the mortar joints. Deformable blocks are internally discretised into finite difference triangular zones and each element responds according to a prescribed linear or non-linear stress-strain law. Mortar joints are represented by zero thickness interfaces between adjacent blocks. In DEM, the unknowns are solved explicitly by the differential equations of Newton's Second law of motion at all bricks and the force-displacement law at all contacts. The force-displacement law is used to find the contact forces from known displacements while Newton's second law gives the motion of the blocks resulting from the known forces acting on them [7] . Convergence to static solutions is obtained by means of adaptive damping, as in the classical dynamic relaxation methods [13, 17] . Large displacements and rotations between the blocks, including their complete detachment, are also allowed with the sequential contact detection and update as the calculation progresses.

UDEC is a numerical program based on the distinct element method for discontinuous modelling.

The force-displacement law is used to find the contact forces from known displacements while Newton's second law gives the motion of the blocks resulting from the known forces acting on them.

Convergence to static solutions is obtained by means of adaptive damping, as in the classical dynamic relaxation methods.


Gestational trophoblastic neoplasms (GTNs) are a group of highly malignant carcinomas, including invasive hydatidiform mole (IHM), choriocarcinoma (CC) and placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT). Because of its particularity, studies on GTNs usually exclude PSTTs. Approximately 60% of GTNs occur secondary to a hydatidiform mole, 30% occur after abortion, and 10% appear after full-term pregnancy or ectopic gestation [1] . The GTN morbidity varies, with greater morbidity in Asia than in Europe or the USA. GTN morbidity is influenced by the natural population and the patient's medical condition and educational background. Studies in the last 10 years have indicated that the morbidity associated with GTNs has been declining [2, 3] . Before the development of efficient chemotherapeutics, surgery was the major treatment strategy, with a high mortality rate of 80%-90% [4, 5] . In the 1950s, efficient chemotherapeutics were developed, including single agent methotrexate (MTX), single agent 5-Fu and the combination of 5-Fu and Act-D. Since, these chemotherapeutic regimens have been used extensively worldwide [6, 7, 8] . The cure rate after chemotherapy alone is over 90% in non-metastatic cases and averages 80%-90% overall [9] . The high sensitivity to chemotherapy and the high sensitivity and high specificity of β-HCG neoplasia monitoring have enabled GTNs to be associated with the best prognosis among all types of malignancies [10, 11, 12] .

Approximately 60% of GTNs occur secondary to a hydatidiform mole, 30% occur after abortion, and 10% appear after full-term pregnancy or ectopic gestation.

Studies in the last 10 years have indicated that the morbidity associated with GTNs has been declining.

Before the development of efficient chemotherapeutics, surgery was the major treatment strategy, with a high mortality rate of 80%-90%.

In the 1950s, efficient chemotherapeutics were developed, including single agent methotrexate (MTX), single agent 5-Fu and the combination of 5-Fu and Act-D. Since, these chemotherapeutic regimens have been used extensively worldwide.

The cure rate after chemotherapy alone is over 90% in non-metastatic cases and averages 80%-90% overall.

The high sensitivity to chemotherapy and the high sensitivity and high specificity of β-HCG neoplasia monitoring have enabled GTNs to be associated with the best prognosis among all types of malignancies.


In the present study we compare the preferences of adult females of the six sibling species to oviposit (O.S.P.'s) on five genotypes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and correlate these O.S.P.'s with the larval capability to utilize these yeasts. The five yeast genotypes differ in their sterol contents and are known to support differentially the development of Drosophila species (Bos et al., 1976) . Additionally we measure the female preferences for standard food components like sugar and yeast. These comparisons are discussed in relation to genetic distances of the species and niche differentiation.

The five yeast genotypes differ in their sterol contents and are known to support differentially the development of Drosophila species.


Although the activity of both C. unicinctus and E. sexcinctus did not differ between seasons, the activity of C. unicinctus changed on a monthly timescale and was significantly related to the biomass of arthropods. A larger number of captures of C. unicinctus occurred during months of decreased arthropod biomass, suggesting that the naked-tailed armadillo was more active under conditions of food limitation. This finding indicates that when food abundance is low, individuals of C. unicinctus probably traverse larger areas and spend more time foraging in order to supply their energetic and nutritional requirements, as predicted by optimal foraging theory (Schoener 1971) .

This finding indicates that when food abundance is low, individuals of C. unicinctus probably traverse larger areas and spend more time foraging in order to supply their energetic and nutritional requirements, as predicted by optimal foraging theory.


Pelvic floor disorders (PFD), including urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), affect almost a quarter of all adult women living in the United States [1] . These disorders are associated with considerable social, quality of life (QoL), and financial burdens [2] . As the prevalence of PFDs increases with older age and the general population in the USA is aging, estimates suggest that the prevalence of these disorders will increase substantially in the near future [3] .

Pelvic floor disorders (PFD), including urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), affect almost a quarter of all adult women living in the United States.

These disorders are associated with considerable social, quality of life (QoL), and financial burdens.

As the prevalence of PFDs increases with older age and the general population in the USA is aging, estimates suggest that the prevalence of these disorders will increase substantially in the near future.


One may have noticed that we do not explicitly discuss race. We do not for two reasons. First, race is embedded in the measures already. Because we implement a social identity strategy, our measures require respondents to compare themselves with others. They must compare their social group with other social groups. When respondents compare their social group to immigrants, race is a part of that calculus. More to the point, respondents are asked to compare their social group with Hispanics. Including a measure of social comparison with Hispanics was important to do because Hispanics are considered the face of immigration in the United States (Brader et al. 2008) . Second, this investigation is not alone in not discussing race explicitly. Most studies on American public opinion do not discuss race probably because America is very diverse and the types of immigrants coming to the United States is very diverse. Race is incorporated in our analysis, most likely embedded in the cultural concerns of the respondents.

We do not for two reasons.

Including a measure of social comparison with Hispanics was important to do because Hispanics are considered the face of immigration in the United States.


There are reasons to believe that our investigation of the United States will yield the same results in Canada. The United States and Canada are known as countries of immigrants . Both the United States and Canada each year accept large numbers of immigrants (Harell et al. 2012) .

Both the United States and Canada each year accept large numbers of immigrants.


However, there are also reasons to believe that our investigation of the United States will not yield the same results in Canada. Attitudes toward immigration in the United States tend to be more hostile while attitudes in Canada are more favorable (Harell et al. 2012) . Our literature view of the United States is replete with studies that examine immigration as sources of cultural and economic threats. These same threats are present in Canada, but to a much lesser extent. Of course, the differences in perspectives on immigration between the United States and Canada are owed to Canada's policy of multiculturalism which yields supportive attitudes toward immigration and immigrants ). Other differences between the United States and Canada are the regions of the world where most of the immigrants originate. Canada accepts more immigrants from Asia, the Middle East, and China while the United States accepts more from Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, Canada and the United States have different immigration systems. This difference leads to differences in the socioeconomic status of the immigrants arriving in each country (Harell et al. 2012) .

Attitudes toward immigration in the United States tend to be more hostile while attitudes in Canada are more favorable.

This difference leads to differences in the socioeconomic status of the immigrants arriving in each country.


Hemodynamics is thought to play a very important role in the initiation, growth, and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Therefore, accurate hemodynamic information would be very useful for understanding pathogenesis of aneurysms. To obtain hemodynamic information, we need time-resolved three-dimensional (3D) and three-directional flow velocity data set (3D velocity vector fields) of the vascular structure. We can generate 3D streamlines, 3D particle traces, or 3D pathlines using information of 3D velocity vector fields to visualize the blood flow [1] . Wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) are important biological parameters affecting the vascular wall [2, 3] . WSS is a dynamic frictional force induced by a viscous fluid moving across a surface of solid material and is defined as the multiplication of fluid viscosity and shearing velocity of the neighboring vascular wall. OSI shows the degree of the fluctuation of the WSS during cardiac cycle. WSS and OSI can be calculated using flow velocities near the wall.

We can generate 3D streamlines, 3D particle traces, or 3D pathlines using information of 3D velocity vector fields to visualize the blood flow.

Wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) are important biological parameters affecting the vascular wall.


While objective assessment tools can be useful in measuring a biologic response to treatment of conditions such as OAB, they do not reflect whether these changes correspond to noticeable improvements in patients' daily lives. For this reason, PROs-encompassing HRQoL (as reported here) as well as symptom bother (such as assessment of urgency), patient satisfaction, and patient adherence-have become increasingly important in clinical trials of treatments for symptom-based conditions such as OAB, as they provide a more comprehensive method of monitoring treatment benefits than traditional objective clinical outcomes [32] . The International Continence Society has recommended that therapeutic interventions aimed at improving the symptoms of OAB should also be assessed for their effects on HRQoL [33] .

For this reason, PROs-encompassing HRQoL (as reported here) as well as symptom bother (such as assessment of urgency), patient satisfaction, and patient adherence-have become increasingly important in clinical trials of treatments for symptom-based conditions such as OAB, as they provide a more comprehensive method of monitoring treatment benefits than traditional objective clinical outcomes.

The International Continence Society has recommended that therapeutic interventions aimed at improving the symptoms of OAB should also be assessed for their effects on HRQoL.


For sufficiently large N the probability distribution for the walks is asymptotically Gaussian. This allows one to compute the partition function explicitly as a perturbation in 't Hooft coupling λ and 1/N. In particular we compute the zero coupling and one-loop correction to the Hagedorn value of temperature and chemical potential. The result which seems to be obtained at almost no cost matches perfectly the known results of Pólya enumeration theorem [18] .

The result which seems to be obtained at almost no cost matches perfectly the known results of Pólya enumeration theorem.


Another "hot topic" is the extension of the AdS/CFT correspondence to a finite temperature [13] . This extension allows one to identify the confinement / deconfinement phase transition in the gauge theory with the Hagedorn transition on the string side. In this context it is interesting to consider a nonzero temperature on the space of composite SYM operators as well [14] . Since the composite operators in N = 4 SYM are identified through AdS/CFT correspondence with the quantum states in string theory this corresponds to thermal strings on AdS 5 × S 5 [13] . On the other hand, since the dilatations in a conformal theory can be identified with time evolution this should be equivalent to SYM itself at finite temperature. Indeed, the analysis shows that this is qualitatively compatible with the results of thermal Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions [15, 16] .

Another "hot topic" is the extension of the AdS/CFT correspondence to a finite temperature.

In this context it is interesting to consider a nonzero temperature on the space of composite SYM operators as well.

Since the composite operators in N = 4 SYM are identified through AdS/CFT correspondence with the quantum states in string theory this corresponds to thermal strings on AdS 5 × S 5.

Indeed, the analysis shows that this is qualitatively compatible with the results of thermal Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions.


Cell encapsulation is a strategy to entrap the live cells within a semipermeable membrane [1] . It can be made simple and in large numbers while the loaded cells still have useful biological activity [2] . Encapsulation can prevent the contact between the cells and their surface antigens with the host's immune system components, while allowing the diffusion of nutrients and metabolites like hormones [3] .

Cell encapsulation is a strategy to entrap the live cells within a semipermeable membrane.

It can be made simple and in large numbers while the loaded cells still have useful biological activity.

Encapsulation can prevent the contact between the cells and their surface antigens with the host's immune system components, while allowing the diffusion of nutrients and metabolites like hormones.


The non-zero masses of neutrinos and mixing between flavors have been well established by neutrino oscillation experiments and provide evidence for physics beyond the standard model (SM) [1] . The most compelling way of explaining the smallness of the neutrino masses is the "seesaw" mechanism, which can be realized in several different schemes [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] . In the simplest model, the SM neutrino mass is given by m ν ≈ y 2 ν v 2 /m N , where y ν is a Yukawa coupling of ν to the Higgs field, v is the Higgs vacuum expectation value in the SM, and m N is the mass of a new heavy neutrino state (N). In this scheme, N is a Majorana particle (which is its own antiparticle), so processes that violate lepton number conservation by two units are possible.

The non-zero masses of neutrinos and mixing between flavors have been well established by neutrino oscillation experiments and provide evidence for physics beyond the standard model (SM).

The most compelling way of explaining the smallness of the neutrino masses is the "seesaw" mechanism, which can be realized in several different schemes.


At the AS site, being a central city zone, the RAF values for Na, Mg, Sc, Ca, V, Cr, Co, Fe, Zn, Br, Sb, Sr, Ba, La, Ce, Hf, W, Th, U, and Pb were higher than one. The increase of Fe, Cr, Sc, Th, and U content is an indication of the input of terrigenous dust to the moss [23] . Some elements found in moss from this site, such as Ca, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Br, Sb, and Ba, are characteristic for the road traffic [11] . The RAF values for Pb were higher than one at TTP and AS sites. The main source of Pb emissions is the use of leaded gasoline combustion [18] . Negative RAF values were obtained for the physiologically active elements such as Cl (TPP and BG), K and the alkali elements as Rb (at all sites). The behaviour of Rb in plants is similar to that of K and Cl indicates the damage of the moss cell membrane due to the impact of air pollutants [4] . The loss of K from the exposed moss tissue was also noticed in the other studies employing moss bags [4, 16] . Negative RAF values may also result from the uncertainty of the measurement method. In Table 2 , negative RAF values were assumed to be RAF = 0.

The increase of Fe, Cr, Sc, Th, and U content is an indication of the input of terrigenous dust to the moss.

Some elements found in moss from this site, such as Ca, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Br, Sb, and Ba, are characteristic for the road traffic.

The main source of Pb emissions is the use of leaded gasoline combustion.

The behaviour of Rb in plants is similar to that of K and Cl indicates the damage of the moss cell membrane due to the impact of air pollutants.

The loss of K from the exposed moss tissue was also noticed in the other studies employing moss bags.


Cancer therapy and diagnostics are still scientific challenges because of the difficulty in achieving a targeted drug delivery or an accurate surgical resection of the whole tumor tissue [1] . Recent reports point to multifunctional nanoparticles as promising tools for simultaneous cancer therapy and diagnostics, that is, theranostics [2, 3] . Among the numerous developed colloidal systems, polymeric matrixes offer new possibilities to covalently bind bioactive surface molecules in order to target a specific cell type or to evade the reticuloendothelial system [4, 5] . In this regard, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) is a recognized monomer that can react with alcohol or amine groups, producing polyurethane-urea nanoparticles (PUR NPs) [4] . These polymeric NPs are a focus of growing interest because of their synthetic versatility, excellent mechanical properties, and high biocompatibility [6] . To date, many strategies for targeting NPs to cancer cells have been tested, including specific antibodies, proteins, or peptides [7] . Most of these strategies are aimed at binding to a cell surface target that is only upregulated in a specific type of cancer. However, cancer cells display an array of common traits to allow their permanent growth and spreading, such as angiogenesis promotion, release of matrix-degrading enzymes, and high expression of receptors and carriers for nutrients [8] . Namely, biotin receptors have been found to be highly active and overexpressed in cancer cells [9, 10] . Moreover, emerging evidence points to the participation of biotin in cell signaling, gene expression, and chromatin structure in cell proliferation [11] . Cells accumulate biotin through both the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter and monocarboxylate transporter 1. These transporters, along with other biotin-binding proteins, drive biotin to compartments involved in metabolism, cell growth, and division. The activity of certain factors in cell signaling pathways, such as biotinyl-AMP, Sp1 and Sp3, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and receptor tyrosine kinases is dependent on biotin supply [11] . Therefore, surface coating of PUR NPs with biotin, as we show in the present study, represents a novel strategy to obtain a targeted carrier for different cancer cells and can be useful for biomedical diagnostic or therapeutic drug delivery to solid tumors. Furthermore, it is well known that nanoparticles under 200 nm have the additional advantage of accumulating in the tumor environment because of the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) [12] . The EPR effect describes the phenomenon of accumulation of molecules with a very small size (typically liposomes, NPs, and macromolecular drugs) in the tumor microenvironment because of the unique anatomy of tumor vessels. Hence, the EPR effect is an additional aid to the transport and distribution of the NPs inside tumor tissue.

Cancer therapy and diagnostics are still scientific challenges because of the difficulty in achieving a targeted drug delivery or an accurate surgical resection of the whole tumor tissue.

Recent reports point to multifunctional nanoparticles as promising tools for simultaneous cancer therapy and diagnostics, that is, theranostics.

Among the numerous developed colloidal systems, polymeric matrixes offer new possibilities to covalently bind bioactive surface molecules in order to target a specific cell type or to evade the reticuloendothelial system.

In this regard, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) is a recognized monomer that can react with alcohol or amine groups, producing polyurethane-urea nanoparticles (PUR NPs).

These polymeric NPs are a focus of growing interest because of their synthetic versatility, excellent mechanical properties, and high biocompatibility.

To date, many strategies for targeting NPs to cancer cells have been tested, including specific antibodies, proteins, or peptides.

However, cancer cells display an array of common traits to allow their permanent growth and spreading, such as angiogenesis promotion, release of matrix-degrading enzymes, and high expression of receptors and carriers for nutrients.

Namely, biotin receptors have been found to be highly active and overexpressed in cancer cells.

Moreover, emerging evidence points to the participation of biotin in cell signaling, gene expression, and chromatin structure in cell proliferation.

The activity of certain factors in cell signaling pathways, such as biotinyl-AMP, Sp1 and Sp3, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and receptor tyrosine kinases is dependent on biotin supply.

Furthermore, it is well known that nanoparticles under 200 nm have the additional advantage of accumulating in the tumor environment because of the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR).


Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and primary cause of death in patients with liver cirrhosis [13] . Curative therapies can only be offered to roughly 30% of patients, and these therapies are complicated by high recurrence rates and harsh side effects [13] . Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. An expert panel from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases has suggested that new therapies for HCC should include the combination of drugs affecting different signaling pathways or the use of multi-target approaches for molecular therapy [14] . In this context, tyrosine kinase receptors are highaffinity cell surface receptors for many polypeptide growth factors, cytokines, and hormones. These receptors have a critical role in the development and progression of many types of cancer and are being used as therapeutic candidates for multi-target drug therapy in HCC [15] . Therefore the use of drugs with multiple antitumor effects appears to be a promising approach for the treatment of HCC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and primary cause of death in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Curative therapies can only be offered to roughly 30% of patients, and these therapies are complicated by high recurrence rates and harsh side effects.

An expert panel from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases has suggested that new therapies for HCC should include the combination of drugs affecting different signaling pathways or the use of multi-target approaches for molecular therapy.

These receptors have a critical role in the development and progression of many types of cancer and are being used as therapeutic candidates for multi-target drug therapy in HCC.


Answering to these issues becomes problematic when economic theory assumes that ppp and uip are stationary relations while they are empirically nonstationary both in the short and medium-long run such as a span of 20-25 years (Rogo¤ (1996) . Rogo¤ refers to this problem as "The Puchasing Power Parity Puzzle" and talks about "the embarrassment of not being able to reject the random walk model" for the ppp while other authors doubt about the usefulness of ppp and uip 1 . This paper is aimed to show that the ppp and uip relations are indeed extremely interesting when they are jointly modelled and we should not be embarrassed when we deal with "random walk" parity conditions. Indeed, just because ppp and uip behave in a nonstationary way, we may investigate the cointegration relations between the two parities i.e. the stationary long run relations between pseudo random walks (the ppp and the uip) that share common trends.

Answering to these issues becomes problematic when economic theory assumes that ppp and uip are stationary relations while they are empirically nonstationary both in the short and medium-long run such as a span of 20-25 years.


The use of effluents in agriculture is a viable alternative in areas where water is scarce or when there is intense competition for its use. The best way to apply effluents from the public health and environmental points of view is by means of microirrigation (Bucks et al., 1979) . Surface drip irrigation (DI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) are two types of microirrigation systems. Surface drip irrigation uses emitters and lateral lines laid on the soil surface or attached above-ground on a trellis or tree while subsurface drip irrigation emitters are buried below the soil surface. The main advantages of these drip irrigation systems are that they increase water use efficiency, minimize salinity hazard to plants, improve chemical application, decrease energy requirements and improve cultural practices (Ayars et al., 2007) . Additionally, SDI systems diminish human exposure to effluents and also vandalism potential, but have a higher initial investment cost and need careful and consistent operation, maintenance and management (Lamm and Camp, 2007) .

The best way to apply effluents from the public health and environmental points of view is by means of microirrigation.

The main advantages of these drip irrigation systems are that they increase water use efficiency, minimize salinity hazard to plants, improve chemical application, decrease energy requirements and improve cultural practices.

Additionally, SDI systems diminish human exposure to effluents and also vandalism potential, but have a higher initial investment cost and need careful and consistent operation, maintenance and management.


In order to conduct studies into protecting natural seawater ecosystems, studies of oils are also necessary. The information about the influence of oil presence on the light field transformation in the water column allow to complete the data to improve the operational models using in remote tracking the natural constituents of marine water (CDOM, phytoplankton or chlorophyll). Studies on petroleum substances indicate that they demonstrate fluorescence as well as significant absorbance in an area where chlorophyll or CDOM strongly absorbs light radiation [21, 22, 28] .

Studies on petroleum substances indicate that they demonstrate fluorescence as well as significant absorbance in an area where chlorophyll or CDOM strongly absorbs light radiation.


On the other hand, if the entire area of EEMs are considered in respect to their similarities, the concentration of oil influences the similarity ratio S ab (Eq. (2)) in low concentrations, whereas in higher concentrations the similarity ratio is independent of oil concentration ( Figure 5 ). The similarity ratio S ab between the fluorescence spectra of the two oil solutions for the considered concentration of oils is given by Eq. (2) (as used in the paper [17] ). In this formula, the indexes "ij" refer to relative columns and rows in tables representing spectra "a" and "b", the quantities w a ij , w b ij refer, respectively, to normalised elements of EEM matrix of reference oil solution "a" and compared solution "b".

The similarity ratio S ab between the fluorescence spectra of the two oil solutions for the considered concentration of oils is given by Eq. (2) (as used in the paper).


The here presented spectral features of crude oils based on Petrobaltic and Romashkino crude oils will facilitate a quick and easy oil pollution determination in natural waters. Moreover, this knowledge is also essential for changes in CDOM or chlorophyll monitoring in surface seawater threatened by the presence of oil substances. In the future, the data could be used for modelling the upward/downward light fluxes in the water column as well as upward fluxes above the sea surface or help to expand knowledge of fluorescence to aid the search for an effective fluorosensor to detect oil pollution suspended in a water column [30] .

In the future, the data could be used for modelling the upward/downward light fluxes in the water column as well as upward fluxes above the sea surface or help to expand knowledge of fluorescence to aid the search for an effective fluorosensor to detect oil pollution suspended in a water column.


In our laboratory, the work is in process to evaluate the possibility of the use of synthetic calcium phosphates for wastewater pollution management. Our previous study has shown that the synthesized calcium phosphates can remove the reactive dye; Reactive Yellow 4, from aqueous solutions [10] . The aim of the present study was to determine the mechanism of interaction for the removal of an azo reactive dye, Reactive Yellow 4 (CI) from aqueous solutions by synthesized Apatitic Tricalcium Phosphate (PTCa).

Our previous study has shown that the synthesized calcium phosphates can remove the reactive dye; Reactive Yellow 4, from aqueous solutions.


When P. stratiotes was grown in 50% and 100% effluent, the concentrations of Cd were 0.30 and 0.34 ppm, respectively and the plants survived after 7-9 and 2-3 days, respectively of exposing to grow these (Table III, IV) . The present finding lies within the normal range in plant material (Pendias, 1984) . The concentration of Cd was recorded 0.28 and 0.42 ppm, respectively in plant sample when E. crassipes and S. cucullata were grown in 100% effluent water and the plants died within 6-7 and 7-8 days, respectively of exposures (Table III, IV) . These values was comparatively high than the value of plants grown in 50% and control water and was within the normal range in plant material (Pendias, 1984) .

The present finding lies within the normal range in plant material.

These values was comparatively high than the value of plants grown in 50% and control water and was within the normal range in plant material.


The perturbation theory relies on the similarity between the WGM wave function and a wave function of a particle in quantum mechanics [12] . The radial component of the WGM wave function follows a second-order differential equation that can be recast into a onedimensional Schrödinger equation with a local potential minimum on an otherwise sloping potential that results from the centrifugal force of the circular WGM orbital. This local minimum creates a temporarily bound state for the WGM photon. The eigenvalue of the quasi-normal state is a linear function of k 2 , where =2 / k is the wavelength in vacuum. The perturbation modifies the potential, which changes the eigenvalue, leading to a resonance shift.

The perturbation theory relies on the similarity between the WGM wave function and a wave function of a particle in quantum mechanics.


The real strength of the variational method will be manifested when it is applied to a nontrivial WGM. Examples for a WGM in a spherical resonator include the effects of a particle adsorbed onto the surface and a tapered fiber touching the sphere placed for introducing light into the WGM orbit. The variational method should also be useful for a WGM supported on nonspherical resonators [14, 15] .

The variational method should also be useful for a WGM supported on nonspherical resonators.


The Kidney is the organ that has numerous physiological functions. Its role is to maintain the homeostatic balance of body fluids and electrolytes. Kidneys are vital regulators of glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and erythropoiesis. Patients with kidney diseases have significant morbidity and mortality [13, 14] .

Patients with kidney diseases have significant morbidity and mortality.


The study of microdistribution allows us to define which biological factors helped D. villosus, directly or indirectly, to establish dense populations in the colonized ecosystem. The niche breadth of the species was 0.64, showing an ability to colonize a wide range of substratum types. This large niche breadth shows that the composition of a river's substratum mosaic may not prevent the establishment of D. villosus, this species being present in almost all types of substrata, except sand. Based on these mesohabitat preferences, a river with mainly cobble as a substratum and tree roots along the banks may well harbour extremely dense D. villosus populations. This species has an aggregated distribution, which is common in aquatic macroinvertebrates, and may be influenced by both abiotic (i.e. substratum type) and biotic (competition, predation) factors (Murphy et al. 1998) .

This species has an aggregated distribution, which is common in aquatic macroinvertebrates, and may be influenced by both abiotic (i.e. substratum type) and biotic (competition, predation) factors.


A key factor in the polymer composite deposition AM process is the flow-induced fiber orientation within the printed composite (cf. Figure 1 ) since material properties of solidified parts depend on the fiber alignment within the printed bead [5] . Therefore, the prediction of fiber orientation during the A key factor in the polymer composite deposition AM process is the flow-induced fiber orientation within the printed composite (c.f. Figure 1 ) since material properties of solidified parts depend on the fiber alignment within the printed bead [5] . Therefore, the prediction of fiber orientation during the polymer extrusion process, and the subsequent evaluation of mechanical properties in the short fiber polymer composite extrudate is of great importance.

Figure 1 ) since material properties of solidified parts depend on the fiber alignment within the printed bead.


The field drying rate of alfalfa after cutting plays a major role in the ability to harvest a high-quality crop. Fast drying reduces losses and improves alfalfa quality. The plant continues to respire until it reaches about 40% moisture (w.b.), losing valuable carbohydrates during respiration. Respiration can result in DM losses of 5 to 10% (Rotz and Muck, 1994) . Fast drying reduces the exposure to inclement weather. Rain during field curing can leach soluble nutrients from the plant, resulting in DM losses that range from 5 to 30%, depending upon rainfall intensity (Rotz and Muck, 1994) . Finally, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause green color bleaching, reducing the commercial value of baled hay.

Respiration can result in DM losses of 5 to 10%.

Rain during field curing can leach soluble nutrients from the plant, resulting in DM losses that range from 5 to 30%, depending upon rainfall intensity.


Either rolls or impellers are used for conditioning. Rolls condition the stem by crimping or crushing the stem. A crimping device passes the crop between intermeshing, non-contacting rolls, which bend and crack the stem at intervals. A crushing device passes the crop through intermeshing rolls with small clearances, intermittently flattening the stem. In either case, plant moisture evaporates more easily from these breaks in the epidermis. Impeller conditioners use rotating fingers to abrade the plant cuticle and to intermittently crack the stem. Comparisons between impeller and roll designs show varied affects with a slight trend toward faster drying of alfalfa with rolls and slightly faster drying of grass with impeller conditioning (Rotz and Sprott, 1984; Greenlees et al., 2000) .

Comparisons between impeller and roll designs show varied affects with a slight trend toward faster drying of alfalfa with rolls and slightly faster drying of grass with impeller conditioning.


Step 3: the entire octR molecule was MM-optimized; Go to Step 2. Iterations continued until convergence. The 3D structures of models obtained were compared to those available in PDB using the VAST tool [13] .

Iterations continued until convergence.

The 3D structures of models obtained were compared to those available in PDB using the VAST tool.


Partial privatization may lead to improvements in firm performance if the managerial view of privatization holds. This view emphasizes the monitoring and disciplining roles of stock markets and the consequent benefits of improved managerial incentives even when the privatization is only partial (Holmstrom and Tirole, 1993) . On the other hand a political view of privatization opines that there may not be any performance gains from partial privatization if the government retains control of the firms after privatization. In such a situation political interference would continue to hamper the performance of state-owned firms and the privatization would not yield any benefits (Shleifer and Vishny, 1997) . Which of these two effects would ultimately dominate in the case of partially privatized firms is not clear from the theoretical literature. There are other benefits of privatization such as improved access to external resources as creditors might perceive a privatized firm to be more credit-worthy than a state-owned firm that would receive political protection in case it defaults. Privatized firms 2 would in general face lower costs of raising funds and are expected to potentially benefit from foreign direct investment and associated transfer of technology.

This view emphasizes the monitoring and disciplining roles of stock markets and the consequent benefits of improved managerial incentives even when the privatization is only partial.

In such a situation political interference would continue to hamper the performance of state-owned firms and the privatization would not yield any benefits.


The main purpose of this study is to establish and apply a reliability model of gear contact fatigue problem with respect to surface pitting for wind turbine drive train under stochastic dynamic conditions, considering the effect of inspection. The main benefit of this method is that uncertainty of design parameters could be considered explicitly and hence the effect of uncertainty on project costs could be estimated [13] . In addition, it is also useful for rational and optimal planning of operation (services, inspections, etc.) and maintenance (including repair and exchange) for offshore wind turbines.

The main benefit of this method is that uncertainty of design parameters could be considered explicitly and hence the effect of uncertainty on project costs could be estimated.


The previous researches used Fuzzy AHP with traditional Delphi Method for the multicriteria inventory classification. But some weaknesses have been exposed, traditional Delphi Method needs repetitive surveys to allow forecasting values to converge which requires much more time and cost (Ishikawa et al., 1993) . Furthermore, in many real situations, experts' judgments cannot be properly reflected in quantitative terms. Some ambiguity will result due to the differences in the meanings and interpretations of the expert's opinions (Gupta, 2010) . To remove the uncertainties and vagueness of decision making, the concept of fuzzy set theory and Delphi Method are combined to generate Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). Therefore the main objective of this research is to develop an improved multi-criteria inventory classification model through integrating fuzzy Delphi method with fuzzy AHP.

But some weaknesses have been exposed, traditional Delphi Method needs repetitive surveys to allow forecasting values to converge which requires much more time and cost.

Some ambiguity will result due to the differences in the meanings and interpretations of the expert's opinions.


Inventory has been looked at as a major cost and source of uncertainty due to the volatility within the commodity market and demand for the value-added product. Inventory is held by manufacturing companies for a number of reasons, such as to allow for flexible production schedules and to take advantage of economies of scale when ordering stock (Nahmias, 2004) . The efficient management of inventory systems is therefore a crucial element in the operation of any production or manufacturing company (Chase et al., 2006) . Classification of inventory is a crucial element in the operation of any production company (Björnfot and Torjussen, 2012) . Because of the huge number of inventory items in many companies, great attention is directed to inventory classification into the different classes, which consequently require the application of different management tools and policies. ABC inventory management deals with classification of the items in an inventory in decreasing order of annual dollar volume. The ABC classification process is an analysis of a range of items, such as finished products or customers into three categories: A-outstandingly important; B-of average importance; C-relatively unimportant as a basis for a control scheme. Each category can and sometimes should be handled in a different way, with more attention being devoted to category A, less to B, and less to C (Muller, 2003) .

Inventory is held by manufacturing companies for a number of reasons, such as to allow for flexible production schedules and to take advantage of economies of scale when ordering stock.

The efficient management of inventory systems is therefore a crucial element in the operation of any production or manufacturing company.

Classification of inventory is a crucial element in the operation of any production company.

Each category can and sometimes should be handled in a different way, with more attention being devoted to category A, less to B, and less to C.


The WEP, however, is rendered particularly transparent. It is a geometric symmetry, valid only in the limit in which the metric is independent of x 4 = l, that is the limit where the mass of a test particle is negligible compared to other terms such as the mass of the source. New techniques to measure departures from the WEP are technically challenging [28] [29] [30] . But if the 4D world is part of one with 5 or more dimensions, violations of the WEP must exist.

New techniques to measure departures from the WEP are technically challenging.


The key question then becomes how to pick landmark values. Although our experiments show that even fairly naive approaches for selecting landmarks can perform quite well, we instead appeal to the body of work on feature discretization that has already been well-studied within machine learning [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] . Learning methods such as C4.5 would normally have to consider a large number of possible tests on each numerical feature, in the worst case one between each consecutive pair of values that a feature takes on. These discretization methods instead use a variety of heuristic means to identify a more modest-and hence more tractable-subset of tests to consider during the learning process. Our approach is thus to apply such methods to identify a set of landmark values for each numerical feature and create two possible tokens for each landmark value, exactly one of which is assigned to each example for each landmark. The result is a "bag of words" representation for each example that can then be used by text-classification methods.

Although our experiments show that even fairly naive approaches for selecting landmarks can perform quite well, we instead appeal to the body of work on feature discretization that has already been well-studied within machine learning.