The extinction phase revealed that the differences in defensive freezing between CHF and CLF rats disappeared after re-extinction training. This finding is consistent with other reports that showed that re-extinction effectively reduces conditioned fear responses in rodents [13] . Moreover, other reports suggested that the BLA, which is crucial for fear extinction, is not directly recruited in re-extinction processes [15] - [23] . The cellular processes that regulate re-extinction are believed to be NMDA receptor-independent [14] . The alternative compensatory mechanisms that are involved in re-extinction are not fully understood, although findings indicate a primary role for the medial prefrontal cortex in this type of learning [26] . Although driven by processes distinct from fear extinction, re-extinction effectively mitigated the differences between the CHF and CLF lines. Further studies that utilize CHF and CLF lines with similar initial levels of freezing (e.g., after robust fear conditioning reacquisition) are necessary to fully investigate the genetic and neural differences in fear extinction and re-extinction patterns in the Carioca lines.

This finding is consistent with other reports that showed that re-extinction effectively reduces conditioned fear responses in rodents.

Moreover, other reports suggested that the BLA, which is crucial for fear extinction, is not directly recruited in re-extinction processes.

The cellular processes that regulate re-extinction are believed to be NMDA receptor-independent.

The alternative compensatory mechanisms that are involved in re-extinction are not fully understood, although findings indicate a primary role for the medial prefrontal cortex in this type of learning.


Fear extinction has been shown to be mediated by specific neuronal circuits that are integrated in well-defined neural circuitry, including the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus [6] - [11] . Moreover, fear extinction requires many of the same cellular processes as memory reconsolidation, such as protein synthesis (protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase) and the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and β-adrenergic receptors [8] - [12] . Interestingly, recent findings indicated that a second extinction procedure after fear reacquisition, defined as re-extinction, is not mediated by the same cellular processes as fear extinction [13] . NMDA receptor activation is critically involved in fear extinction, whereas re-extinction learning appears to involve a transition to NMDA-independent circuitry [14] [15] .

Fear extinction has been shown to be mediated by specific neuronal circuits that are integrated in well-defined neural circuitry, including the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus.

Moreover, fear extinction requires many of the same cellular processes as memory reconsolidation, such as protein synthesis (protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase) and the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and β-adrenergic receptors.

Interestingly, recent findings indicated that a second extinction procedure after fear reacquisition, defined as re-extinction, is not mediated by the same cellular processes as fear extinction.

NMDA receptor activation is critically involved in fear extinction, whereas re-extinction learning appears to involve a transition to NMDA-independent circuitry.


To answer these questions, some generalizations may be helpful. The ability to make generalizations depends on the number of supersymmetries. Basically, the more supersymmetries the theory possesses, the more solvable the theory is. The N = 3 supersymmetric theories were constructed for all gauge groups and all matters. Among them, the A M quiver gauge theories with the gauge group M +1 a=1 U(N) ka (having the vanishing total level a k a = 0) and pairs of the bifundamental matters cyclically connecting two adjacent factors U(N) a and U(N) a+1 were proposed. It was found that when the levels are expressed as k a = (k/2)(s a − s a−1 ) with s a = ±1, the theories have enhanced N = 4 supersymmetries [12] .

It was found that when the levels are expressed as k a = (k/2)(s a − s a−1 ) with s a = ±1, the theories have enhanced N = 4 supersymmetries.


In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the generalized logistic curve proved its superiority in modelling growth pattern dynamics [15] [16] [17] [18] . Its "S-shaped" elegant mathematical form and adjustable parameters make it naturally suitable for building speed-density relationship models. In 2011, a research group led by Daiheng Ni proposed a logistic model of the equilibrium speed-density relationship [19] . In their work, a five-parameter logistic model was analyzed in detail, and a three-parameter logistic model was developed based on this analysis. This three-parameter logistic model has proven to be precise enough in traffic streams without large speed gaps between small vehicles and heavy vehicles (mainly in western countries where heavy vehicles have better dynamic characteristics).

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the generalized logistic curve proved its superiority in modelling growth pattern dynamics.

In 2011, a research group led by Daiheng Ni proposed a logistic model of the equilibrium speed-density relationship.


The movement of a vessel partially filled with a fluid can cause the fluid motion to undergo extremely complex motions. Moreover, the fluid motion, comprising waves sloshing back and forth along the fluid free-surface, produce forces and moments on the vessel, which if the vessel is free to move, can cause unintended vessel motion which could be stabilizing or destabilizing. A simple example of such unintended motion can be found in the article 'walking with coffee' which examines the spilling of coffee while walking (Mayer and Krechetnikov, 2012) . A more dramatic example of a destabilizing fluid motion is the dynamics of trapped seawater on the deck of Alaskan king crab boats. They have been observed to capsize when the trapped water sloshes backwards and forwards creating unintended moments enhancing the roll motion of the boat (Dillingham, 1981; Caglayan and Storch, 1982; Adee and Caglayan, 1982) . Therefore, the ability to identify destabilizing motions in coupled fluid-vessel interactions is of great practical importance. Examples where this coupling is important are terrestrial and maritime fluid transportation, space transport, fuel tanks under earthquake excitement and industrial applications such as tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) (Ikeda and Nakagawa, 1997; Frandsen, 2005) .

A simple example of such unintended motion can be found in the article 'walking with coffee' which examines the spilling of coffee while walking.

They have been observed to capsize when the trapped water sloshes backwards and forwards creating unintended moments enhancing the roll motion of the boat.

Examples where this coupling is important are terrestrial and maritime fluid transportation, space transport, fuel tanks under earthquake excitement and industrial applications such as tuned liquid dampers (TLDs).


Especially since the outbreak of the global financial crisis, central banks have employed a large variety of macroprudential instruments to strongly differing degrees (Cerutti et al., 2017) . These instruments were often introduced without much prior empirical evidence on their potential effects. The main aim of this study is to provide robust inference on the medium to long-run effects of reserve requirements, one of the most widespread macroprudential measures, on credit growth and economic growth. In order to ensure robustness to model specification, we use Bayesian model averaging techniques in order to quantify the role played by reserve requirements. Our main interest lies in quantifying the real growth effects of reserve requirements as a regulatory (macroprudential policy) tool during normal and stress times.

Especially since the outbreak of the global financial crisis, central banks have employed a large variety of macroprudential instruments to strongly differing degrees.


The main objective of macroprudential policy is to promote the resilience of the financial system (Schoenmaker, 2014) . This is important because financial risk taking may not always be beneficial for economic growth. On the one hand, financial risk taking has been found to have -on average -a positive effect on growth by mitigating financial bottlenecks (Rancière et al., 2008) . On the other, this may not be true to the same extent for countries with strong and sound institutions or for extremely high levels of risk.

The main objective of macroprudential policy is to promote the resilience of the financial system.

On the one hand, financial risk taking has been found to have -on average -a positive effect on growth by mitigating financial bottlenecks.


A variety of theoretical papers have evaluated costs and benefits of regulation. Statements on the most efficient approach usually depend on the setup of the economy and modelled frictions (Jeanne and Korinek, 2013; Benigno et al., 2013) . The assessment of the effects of macroprudential instruments in empirical studies has -in comparison -not kept pace. The first generation of empirical studies on macroprudential instruments and their effects uses aggregate measures in international panel studies, for example by creating simple indices identifying the legal existence of these instruments (Borio and Shim, 2007; Cerutti et al., 2017) . The focus of these studies -influenced by the recent financial crisis -has mostly been on measuring the effect on credit growth and house prices. Due to the use of variables based on legal existence, the intensity of an instrument is never a factor in these studies. This problem is addressed in a second group of studies, which employ either microeconomic or time-series analysis to identify the effects of the strengthening of one instrument in a single country (Tovar et al., 2012; Arregui et al., 2013; Camors and Peydro, 2014) . In general, single-country studies confirm the evidence on credit and house price growth found in the first group of studies mentioned above.

Statements on the most efficient approach usually depend on the setup of the economy and modelled frictions.

The first generation of empirical studies on macroprudential instruments and their effects uses aggregate measures in international panel studies, for example by creating simple indices identifying the legal existence of these instruments.

This problem is addressed in a second group of studies, which employ either microeconomic or time-series analysis to identify the effects of the strengthening of one instrument in a single country.


Amongst other regions in the world, there has been a significant expansion of aquaculture in Mediterranean countries because of the encouraging EU policy measures and the socioeconomic benefits deriving from the growth of fish stocks and exploitation of the food provision ecosystem service [64] . Hence, a deeper knowledge on assessment useful for existing and to-be-planned aquaculture planting will be of key relevance. With regard to operation services based on EO data, namely Copernicus services, the toolbox could be considered as a prodrome of an additional CMEMS core service or a downstreaming one.

Amongst other regions in the world, there has been a significant expansion of aquaculture in Mediterranean countries because of the encouraging EU policy measures and the socioeconomic benefits deriving from the growth of fish stocks and exploitation of the food provision ecosystem service.


As might be expected, because the harvest model depends mostly on temperature, harvest gradient is consistent with that showed by SST values. Nevertheless, it has to be mentioned that the Finfish InVEST model for potential fish harvest estimations was originally designed for salmon in the cold waters of the North Pacific [62] . In the northern Adriatic, warmer temperatures may occasionally be a limiting factor for fish growth (depending on species) and this could violate one of the assumptions of the growth model, which is that fish are experiencing temperatures that are on the ascending side of their thermal response curve (i.e., that growth increases with temperature).

Nevertheless, it has to be mentioned that the Finfish InVEST model for potential fish harvest estimations was originally designed for salmon in the cold waters of the North Pacific.


The growing demand for (bio)chemical information in the different economic sectors or in the environment and the public concern on health and quality are clearly driving for new trends in analytical methodologies. Electrochemical (bio)sensors are a clear option for a fast, simple, and cheap gathering of information, although sensors alone cannot solve all the existing situations. In the last decade, a new trend in the sensor field has appeared which is to couple multidimensional sensor information with advanced computer processing strategies; this approach, known as electronic tongue, can take profit of electrochemical sensors and biosensors from the potentiometric and voltammetric families, among others [29] . In perspective, electronic tongues can be one of the clearest benefits of the application of chemometrics in (bio)sensor research. One of the clearest fields of application for electronic tongues can be the food field, where the automated sensory control of fabrication batches and detection of production defects can be an irreplaceable contribution, 24/7. Examining the progress trend, the field seems to be now mature, and perhaps a more complete commercial dissemination is the only event still to observe. Some research lines that seem to be active for the next years are the increase in complexity of new electronic tongues, with higher number of sensors, or with more complex information generated, for example, incorporating the dynamic dimension or other additional dimensions in the signal. Therefore, the multiway processing in electronic tongues will be a must. Also, the use of hybrid electronic tongues, joining in their array sensors from different nature, and in demand for special data treatment approaches too, in this case that may be named data fusion. Finally, the irruption of electronic tongues into the biotechnological field seems a natural trail of progress, where the progressive incorporation of biosensors of different kinds in the operation of electronic tongues is already an initiated trend.

In the last decade, a new trend in the sensor field has appeared which is to couple multidimensional sensor information with advanced computer processing strategies; this approach, known as electronic tongue, can take profit of electrochemical sensors and biosensors from the potentiometric and voltammetric families, among others.


Perceptual / transparent encryption Means we want consumers to be able to view a preview version of the video but in a lower quality while preventing them from seeing a full version. As an Example: This can be used in a pay per view scheme where a lower quality preview version is available from the outset to attract the viewers interest, q.v., [11] . The difference between sufficient and transparent is the fact that there is no minimum quality requirement for sufficient encryption. Encryption schemes which can do sufficient encryption cannot necessarily ensure a certain quality and are thus unable to provide transparent encryption.

As an Example: This can be used in a pay per view scheme where a lower quality preview version is available from the outset to attract the viewers interest, q.v..


The claim of visual security metrics (security metrics for brevity) is usually the ability to assess the functionality of an encryption method based on the output of the encryption of visual data. In particular, the evaluation of an encryption method is only based on the visual output (i.e., the ciphertext), which is either an image or video. While such metrics are often created in conjunction with a specific encryption method and tested, if at all, only for this encryption method, the claim to perform as a security metric is usually universal. Furthermore, regular image quality metrics, such as the frequently used PSNR and SSIM, are also utilized in literature to evaluate encryption methods, [1] [2] [3] [4] .

Furthermore, regular image quality metrics, such as the frequently used PSNR and SSIM, are also utilized in literature to evaluate encryption methods.


Sufficient encryption Means we do not require full security, just enough security to prevent abuse of the data. The content must not be consumable due to high distortion (e.g., for DRM systems) by destroying visual quality to a degree which prevents a pleasant viewing experience or destroys the commercial value. This implicitly refers to message quality security (MQ), which requires that an adversary cannot reconstruct a higher quality version of the encrypted material than specified for the application scenario [10] .

This implicitly refers to message quality security (MQ), which requires that an adversary cannot reconstruct a higher quality version of the encrypted material than specified for the application scenario.


Reliable prediction of climate change scenarios requires a thorough understanding the carbon-climate feedbacks in the earth system, and accurately estimating current sources and sinks of carbon is of prime importance. While it is impossible to measure these sources and sinks directly everywhere around the globe, we may estimate these using the "top-down" approach employing atmospheric observations in combination with knowledge of atmospheric transport and prior knowledge of the fluxes by inverse modelling. The inverse modelling scheme exploits the fact that the spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric trace gases like CO 2 contain information about the exchange processes between the atmosphere and the surface of the earth. Unfortunately, the estimates of surface fluxes using this approach are prone to large uncertainties that can largely be attributed to imperfections in the transport models and insufficient data coverage by the observation network (Gerbig et al., 2003) .

Unfortunately, the estimates of surface fluxes using this approach are prone to large uncertainties that can largely be attributed to imperfections in the transport models and insufficient data coverage by the observation network.


Vascularization plays an important role in the process of osteogenesis, both in development and during repair. Osteogenesis is characterized by invasion of capillaries into the mesenchymal zone and the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into mature osteoblasts, which deposit bone matrix and lead to the formation of bone [16] . Diffusion limits oxygen and nutrition supply to a maximum range of 200 m into a given matrix [17] . Cells cannot survive in the large constructs without vascularization after they are transferred in vivo environment. TEB, an alternative to autologous bone, allogenic and xenogenic bone grafts may overcome their shortcomings such as limited availability for harvest, donor-site morbidity, and disease transmission [2, 3] . It has become technically feasible to repair small sized bone defects in clinical practice, but it still remains challenging for reconstruction of large volume defects [18] .

Osteogenesis is characterized by invasion of capillaries into the mesenchymal zone and the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into mature osteoblasts, which deposit bone matrix and lead to the formation of bone.

Diffusion limits oxygen and nutrition supply to a maximum range of 200 m into a given matrix.

TEB, an alternative to autologous bone, allogenic and xenogenic bone grafts may overcome their shortcomings such as limited availability for harvest, donor-site morbidity, and disease transmission.

It has become technically feasible to repair small sized bone defects in clinical practice, but it still remains challenging for reconstruction of large volume defects.


A new type of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/poly(Llactic acid) (nHAC/PLA) composite, similar to the natural bone in main composition and in hierarchical microstructure, has been fabricated before [12] [13] [14] [15] . It possesses a porous microstructure with a pore size of about 100-300 m and a porosity of about 80% like cancellous bone. The cell culture and the implant experiment demonstrated that it was bioactive and could repair some small bone defects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether vascularized nHAC/PLA composites could be prefabricated in vivo.

A new type of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/poly(Llactic acid) (nHAC/PLA) composite, similar to the natural bone in main composition and in hierarchical microstructure, has been fabricated before.


Reconstruction of large bone defects poses a major challenge to orthopedists. Despite the development of numerous biological and synthetic bone substitutes, vascularized and nonvascularized autologous bone grafts remain the gold standard for osteogenic bone replacement [1] . The shortcomings and complications of autologous bone grafting including fibula, scapula, or iliac crest restrict its application [2] . Allogenic and xenogenic bone grafts are risk of disease transmission [3] . Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are promising therapeutic strategies for the repairment or replacement of diseased or injured tissues and organs [4] . Tissue-engineered bone (TEB) represents a promising approach to overcome these problems and is becoming an increasingly popular choice for repairing bone defects. Significant progress has been made toward scaffold materials for structural support with desired osteogenesis and angiogenesis abilities [5] . However, repair of bone defects over 30 mm using tissueengineering methods is a difficult clinical problem now [6] .

Despite the development of numerous biological and synthetic bone substitutes, vascularized and nonvascularized autologous bone grafts remain the gold standard for osteogenic bone replacement.

The shortcomings and complications of autologous bone grafting including fibula, scapula, or iliac crest restrict its application.

Allogenic and xenogenic bone grafts are risk of disease transmission.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are promising therapeutic strategies for the repairment or replacement of diseased or injured tissues and organs.

Significant progress has been made toward scaffold materials for structural support with desired osteogenesis and angiogenesis abilities.

However, repair of bone defects over 30 mm using tissueengineering methods is a difficult clinical problem now.


In the past decade, researchers have gained important insights into the role of bone marrow derived cells in adult neovascularization. A subset of bone marrow derived cells, called endothelial progenitor cells, has been of particular interest, as these cells were suggested to home to sites of neovascularization and neoendothelialization and differentiate into endothelial cells in situ, a process referred to as postnatal vasculogenesis [28] . In this study, it was confirmed that the vascularization of nHAC/PLA composites with AV bundle could be significantly enhanced by autologous bone marrow in the middle and later phases. Meanwhile, there was no risk of rejection by autografting. So it was an ideal method to prefabricate a vascularized nHAC/PLA composite with the combination of AV bundle and autologous bone marrow.

A subset of bone marrow derived cells, called endothelial progenitor cells, has been of particular interest, as these cells were suggested to home to sites of neovascularization and neoendothelialization and differentiate into endothelial cells in situ, a process referred to as postnatal vasculogenesis.


The nHAC/PLA composite fabricated before, as one of TEBs, has been demonstrated that it was similar to the natural bone in main composition and in hierarchical microstructure [12] . Previous studies showed that it was bioactive and could repair some small bone defects [15] . However, there was no experiment about its ability of vascularization for repairing large defects so far. In this study, we first demonstrated that the nHAC/PLA composite could be vascularized in vivo.

The nHAC/PLA composite fabricated before, as one of TEBs, has been demonstrated that it was similar to the natural bone in main composition and in hierarchical microstructure.

Previous studies showed that it was bioactive and could repair some small bone defects.


In conclusion, nHAC/PLA composites, implanted intramuscularly with AV bundles, had been shown to generate new vascular networks for prefabrication of large bone substitutes. The vascularization was better in combination with autologous bone marrow than without it and was more suitable for the microsurgery transplanting. Osteoinduction of microstructured calcium phosphate materials and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) has been shown in soft tissues by concentrating more proteins to differentiate inducible cells to osteogenic cells [29] [30] [31] . In the future, the osteoinduction of nHAC/PLA composites in soft tissues should be investigated to decide the possibility of ectopic fabrication of large volume vascularized TEB in combination with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) or osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1).

Osteoinduction of microstructured calcium phosphate materials and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) has been shown in soft tissues by concentrating more proteins to differentiate inducible cells to osteogenic cells.


At present, there are three methods to achieve the vascularization of tissue: incorporation of angioinductive growth factors, endothelial cells coculture, and surgical techniques [7] . The vessels of a construct by incorporating endothelial cells are not mature and stable [19] . Delivery of angiogenic factors can only enhance the formation of new vessels [20, 21] . Recently, surgical angiogenesis, utilizing preexisting blood vessels as a vascular carrier and to incorporate artificial materials and cells into them to regenerate nutrient vessels, has become a promising method to establish a functional vascular network.

At present, there are three methods to achieve the vascularization of tissue: incorporation of angioinductive growth factors, endothelial cells coculture, and surgical techniques.

The vessels of a construct by incorporating endothelial cells are not mature and stable.

Delivery of angiogenic factors can only enhance the formation of new vessels.


From the enzyme immobilization view point, several materials with different geometries have been employed though using different strategies and reviewed elsewhere [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] . However, each of them has their own advantages and limitations. In earlier studies, many immobilized enzymes have been developed for different applications such as dye degradation and detoxification, silver removal, dehairing, biofuel production and fine chemicals [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44] [45] [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] [51] [52] . However, difficulty in recycling, instability and marginal shelf-life suppress most of the above-mentioned applications at large scale. In this context, MOFs is an excellent candidate for bio-immobilization as they have a great number of functionalities, as discussed above [53] [54] [55] . The problems mentioned above can be addressed by the use of the solid substrate for immobilization. In this context, MOFs are the latest support for enzyme immobilization as it can enhance loading of biomolecules and increase their efficiency. A great number of applications have been explored, in the last decade, using MOFs as a substrate for the immobilization of enzymes, DNA, proteins, and drugs. The availability of multiple approaches such as diffusion toward pores, in situ entrapment and surface functionalization to the developed enzyme-MOFs system also broadened its applications, recycling, and stability on MOFs support. In the same way, it also opens a new way of easy washing, separation, and purification of the enzyme. The present review discusses the various immobilization strategies used to develop enzyme-MOF bio-catalytic system. Several features that render MOFs as multipurpose support matrices for bio-immobilization are also discussed. Also, the potential applications of MOFs-immobilized bio-catalyst for catalysis, sensing and detection, and protein digestion along with an outlook in terms of upcoming challenges and prospects are presented.

From the enzyme immobilization view point, several materials with different geometries have been employed though using different strategies and reviewed elsewhere.

In earlier studies, many immobilized enzymes have been developed for different applications such as dye degradation and detoxification, silver removal, dehairing, biofuel production and fine chemicals.

In this context, MOFs is an excellent candidate for bio-immobilization as they have a great number of functionalities, as discussed above.


MOFs have unique characteristics and functionalities such as structural diversity, high surface area, high porosity, crystallinity, adjustable topography, ordered structure, electronic transduction, optical and multiple affinity (hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity) [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . Overview of MOF synthesis, properties, and applications is shown in Fig. 1 . Many factors control the structure and crystal of MOFs. Firstly, the microemulsion is a spontaneous mixture formed in the presence of a surfactant and co-surfactant (low molecular weight alcohol), hydrophobic part and water. If water act as the dispersed phase and organic material as the continuous phase, it formed spontaneous mixture reverse micro-emulsion. At the start, Fig. 1 -A schematic overview of MOF synthesis, properties, and applications.

MOFs have unique characteristics and functionalities such as structural diversity, high surface area, high porosity, crystallinity, adjustable topography, ordered structure, electronic transduction, optical and multiple affinity (hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity).


The final issue with the survey method is that it examines engagement and universal drivers of it (things that almost all of us are motivated by) at the group-level. There is a growing body of new research showing that a large amount of employee engagement is driven by individual motivators not captured by this group survey method (Gignac and Palmer, 2011 (Palmer, 2011) . Indeed this research is confirming that one person's definition of an effective boss can be someone else's worst nightmare. We hypothesise that a manager's EI may be an underlying attribute that helps them both identify individual drivers of engagement, like the leadership style that works best for an individual and, subsequently, adopt that leadership style in the management of them. Indeed, previously, we have shown that up to 53 per cent of an individual's engagement score can be accounted for by the ''fit'' between desired and experienced leadership. That is, working for a boss who demonstrates the type of leadership style they find motivating (Gignac and Palmer, 2011) . Complementing a company wide engagement survey initiative with an EI development program for managers may equip managers to better identify and facilitate engagement at an individual level.

There is a growing body of new research showing that a large amount of employee engagement is driven by individual motivators not captured by this group survey method.

That is, working for a boss who demonstrates the type of leadership style they find motivating.


This study showed that a significant percentage of the respondents have a basic first degree qualification and a few years of clinical experience ranging between 1 and 11 years, and these may be contributory factors to the poor level of knowledge observed in this study. Contrarily, a significant percentage reported that they sought for knowledge on pharmacotherapy while a significant number of respondents were working in a university teaching hospital; if so, this was not a true reflection of the poor level of knowledge observed about active ingredients, adverse reactions, contraindications, risks, mechanism of action of how NSAIDs relieve pain, and dominant ions of topical drugs used for iontophoresis. However, most respondents actively sought for information to update their knowledge from seminars offered by drug companies and from journal articles, although they also noted that in the past 6 months they mostly used instructions from medication packets. This varied from previous findings in Australia, where physiotherapists mostly updated their knowledge between 1 and 5 years, and their most common source of information was the Monthly Index of Medical Specialties and medical practitioners [9, 22] . This study suggests that there is need for continuing professional development seminars on the quality use of topical medicines. Academic curriculum should also be reviewed to include topical pharmacotherapy for undergraduate physiotherapy students. The results of this study showed that the overall mean score of the sampled physiotherapists reflects that they have a poor knowledge of the active ingredients in topical medications which they frequently use. Majority of the respondents opined that there was no risk associated with the use of topical medications in physiotherapy practice. This supports the previous findings that physiotherapists lack knowledge on topical medications, which have similar risks as oral medications [9] . This is corroborated by the findings that the use of topical methyl salicylate ointments in cardiac disease patients receiving anticoagulation therapy could portend: a risk of bleeding manifestation, bruises in the skin, and gastrointestinal bleeding [23] .

This varied from previous findings in Australia, where physiotherapists mostly updated their knowledge between 1 and 5 years, and their most common source of information was the Monthly Index of Medical Specialties and medical practitioners.

This supports the previous findings that physiotherapists lack knowledge on topical medications, which have similar risks as oral medications.

This is corroborated by the findings that the use of topical methyl salicylate ointments in cardiac disease patients receiving anticoagulation therapy could portend: a risk of bleeding manifestation, bruises in the skin, and gastrointestinal bleeding.


High performance carbon fiber-reinforced composites are manufactured by the consolidation at high temperature of laminates made up of prepreg plies with different fiber orientation. Consolidation is normally carried out in an autoclave because the high hydrostatic pressure (>0.7 MPa) ensures full compaction of the laminate, leading to a maximum fiber volume fraction and negligible porosity and, thus, to optimum mechanical properties. Autoclave processing has, however, major drawbacks from the industrial viewpoint (long processing time, limited production rate and component size, high capital investment) and there is an enormous interest in optimizing out-of-autoclave processing routes so high performance composites can be processed at higher rates and lower cost [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] .

Autoclave processing has, however, major drawbacks from the industrial viewpoint (long processing time, limited production rate and component size, high capital investment) and there is an enormous interest in optimizing out-of-autoclave processing routes so high performance composites can be processed at higher rates and lower cost.


To cope with this problem, hierarchical control theory applied to microgrids can be used, thus providing functionalities defined in the different control levels [5] , [6] . This way, hierarchical control can realize power sharing performance among PV voltage source inverters (VSIs), while injecting dispatched power to grid. Deploying hierarchical control strategies on PV plant may improve the capacity of the microgrid regarding power flow control, while increasing reliability of supply electrical power to local critical loads on device level [7] .

To cope with this problem, hierarchical control theory applied to microgrids can be used, thus providing functionalities defined in the different control levels.

Deploying hierarchical control strategies on PV plant may improve the capacity of the microgrid regarding power flow control, while increasing reliability of supply electrical power to local critical loads on device level.


Furthermore, inertia of hydraulic turbines and generators, decided by their dimension and weight, is an inherent property of a rotating device which could increase damping performance [8] . However, power-electronics-based microgrid may be sensitive to oscillations resulting from network disturbances due to absence of physical inertias. In addition, the multiple parameters of the hierarchical control need to be designed respecting trade-offs and bandwidth.

Furthermore, inertia of hydraulic turbines and generators, decided by their dimension and weight, is an inherent property of a rotating device which could increase damping performance.


In this work, we have provided a condition on the parameters of a biochemical network to have multiple steady states, extending previous results and concepts of CRNT. The applicability to large scale systems is limited by the computational capability of the symbolic solvers to obtain the matrix expressions in Section 4. In a future work, it will be shown how the condition can be systematically checked numerically through the parameter space by means of interval methods (Csendes and Pal, 2008) .

In a future work, it will be shown how the condition can be systematically checked numerically through the parameter space by means of interval methods.


The aforementioned modeling simplification leading to a quasistatic rate-independent system, which reflects certain well-motivated asymptotics, brings serious questions and difficulties. This is because the class of reasonably general solutions is very wide if the governing energy is not convex (as necessary here) and involves solutions of a very different nature, some of which are physically not relevant [3, 4] . In particular, to avoid the unwanted effects of unrealistically easy damage under subcritical stress, one cannot require energy conservation and thus cannot consider so-called energetic solutions [5] . This concept is, however, occasionally used for damage with plasticity in purely mathematically-focused literature [6] [7] [8] . This is related to the discussion on whether energy or stress is responsible for governing the evolution of rate-independent systems [9] .

This is because the class of reasonably general solutions is very wide if the governing energy is not convex (as necessary here) and involves solutions of a very different nature, some of which are physically not relevant.

In particular, to avoid the unwanted effects of unrealistically easy damage under subcritical stress, one cannot require energy conservation and thus cannot consider so-called energetic solutions.

This concept is, however, occasionally used for damage with plasticity in purely mathematically-focused literature.

This is related to the discussion on whether energy or stress is responsible for governing the evolution of rate-independent systems.


Second, the ␤3 and ␤4 subunits were detected in immunoprecipitates with anti-␤2 subunit specific antibody and was the first indication that perhaps all three subunits coexisted in a single oligomer. To establish that the cerebellum contained the ␤2, ␤3, and ␤4 subunits as part of a receptor that binds acetylcholine in a nicotine-dependent manner, we performed immunodepletion experiments with antibodies against the three ␤ subunits and with an anti-␣4 subunit antibody. The ␣4 subunit was considered a likely partner in view of its general codistribution with the ␤2 subunit (Nef et al., 1988) . Also, our transfection experiments indicated that the ␣4 subunit was the only ␣ subunit that could form a receptor with all three subunits (data not shown). Although antibodies against the ␣4, ␤2, ␤3, and ␤4 subunits depleted extracts of at least 75% of the ligand-binding activity from cerebellar extracts, this effect was observable only when much of the ligand-binding activity was suppressed by addition of ␣-bungarotoxin and -bungarotoxin to the extract. On this basis, we concluded that the cerebellum contains a low abundance of a receptor composed of the ␣4, ␤2, ␤3, and ␤4 subunits. The results underscore the possibility that certain subtypes of nicotinic receptor may represent a very small proportion of the population of nicotinic receptors in a given tissue, and may explain why these types of receptor have been undetected until now.

The ␣4 subunit was considered a likely partner in view of its general codistribution with the ␤2 subunit.


T ESTING is probably the most important approach to verification and validation but is typically manual, error prone and expensive. There has thus been much interest in automating software testing, one of the most promising approaches (called model-based testing (MBT)) being to base automation on a model. Many MBT methods take as input a state-based model expressed as a (possibly non-deterministic) finite state machine (FSM). While the tester might not produce an FSM, a tool might map a model to an FSM. There has thus been significant interest in testing from an FSM [1] , [2] , [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] . Industrial experience has shown that the use of MBT can significantly reduce the cost of testing [11] .

There has thus been significant interest in testing from an FSM.

Industrial experience has shown that the use of MBT can significantly reduce the cost of testing.


The heat release rate is widely adopted to quantify the fire hazard. In compartment fires, it is largely dependent on the conditions of the openings. In typical building fires with vertical opening, the heat release rates can be predicted using the opening factors [1] . However, in compartments in which the only opening locates at the ceiling, like ships and basements, there are no similar factors capable of describing the ventilation conditions for such circumstances. Fire heat release rates are thus difficult to estimate. In addition, complex interactions between the bi-directional vent flows and the inside environment make the burning unsteady. In this way, it is important to find an effective method to predict the heat release rates in the ceiling vented compartment fires for the purpose of better understanding the fire characteristics.

In typical building fires with vertical opening, the heat release rates can be predicted using the opening factors.


In each stand, one to four sample trees were studied, totaling 42 trees over the whole study (Table 2 ). Based on the diameter distribution trees with mean diameter, diameter in the upper and lower quartile was chosen. Only one tree with mean diameter was sampled in some stands as the owner did not accept more felled trees. Most of the stands had been used earlier for a study of biomass [2] . The felled stems were examined for visible damage or decay. Disks were cut from the felled stems at 1%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% of tree height and at 1.3 m (DBH) and 4.0 m. (Figure 2 ). In the laboratory, the diameter under bark for the disks and the diameter of false heartwood were measured. The disks were cross-callipered as the pattern of discoloration was irregular. The percentage area of FHW by stem area for all disks at the section heights was calculated. Estimation of total volume and volume of FHW in stems in the first 50% of the stem height was made. The volume of the sections 1.3 m, 10%, 30% and 50% of stem height was calculated by multiplying the stem and FHW area on the middle of each section by the length of the sections and added together.

Most of the stands had been used earlier for a study of biomass.


Similarly to retention and re-enrollment, there are other model parameters that are uncertain, yet could impact the projected cost and benefits of treatment programs. Therefore, we additionally performed a sensitivity analysis of 17 model parameters relevant to ART program implementation. Consistent with our study of dropout and re-initiation, the most sensitive parameters were the probability of linking to ART under current levels of testing/linkage, and the proportion reachable by expanded healthcare access with expanded levels testing/linkage. Differences in these key assumptions could partially explain the variability in predictions made by different models of ART scale-up [5] . In this analysis, we will show the impact of these uncertainties on the output of a single model: EMOD-HIV. The same analysis may yield different magnitudes of impact in different models, and may not be feasible to perform in all types of models. Nonetheless, the analysis will provide a sense of the magnitude of uncertainty in program cost and impact that policy-makers could anticipate in the face of uncertain future programmatic changes.

Differences in these key assumptions could partially explain the variability in predictions made by different models of ART scale-up.


In 1975, Mazo limit was found, which can achieve a signaling rate higher than Nyquist rate by about 25% through reducing the symbol interval or subcarrier spacing, which are fasterthan-Nyquist (FTN) and SEFDM [6] . Although FTN and SEFDM will lead to considerable Inter Symbol Interference (ISI) and Inter Carrier Interference (ICI), SNR penalty can be eliminated effectively through maximum likelihood (ML) estimation. By upgrading OFDM to SEFDM system, one can achieve about 25% SE enhancement without sacrificing the OSNR margin.

In 1975, Mazo limit was found, which can achieve a signaling rate higher than Nyquist rate by about 25% through reducing the symbol interval or subcarrier spacing, which are fasterthan-Nyquist (FTN) and SEFDM.


In recent years, frequency domain compressing is one effective solution to increase the SE of optical communication systems. For example, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique is proposed to replace the DWDM system to increase the SE further. In addition, due to the flexibility and capability of compensating for chromatic dispersion (CD) of fiber link, direct-detection (DD) OFDM (DD-OFDM) system is widely adopted in SR-ONs. Recently, there have been several studies on improving the SE of DD-OFDM systems. For example, optical fast than OFDM is proposed to reduce the channel spacing to half of the symbol rate per carrier for binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) or M-ary ASK systems [3] . Direct detection virtual single-side-band OFDM and single side band OFDM systems are proposed to save the electrical bandwidth by reducing the frequency gap between the optical carrier and data spectrum [4] , [5] .

For example, optical fast than OFDM is proposed to reduce the channel spacing to half of the symbol rate per carrier for binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) or M-ary ASK systems.

Direct detection virtual single-side-band OFDM and single side band OFDM systems are proposed to save the electrical bandwidth by reducing the frequency gap between the optical carrier and data spectrum.


In the design of pressurized water reactor (PWR), the reactor coolant pump (RCP) is one of the important components in the nuclear steam supply system (NSSS). The RCP forces the coolant through the reactor core and steam generator to maintain a balance of heat transfer in a coolant loop. The operating conditions of the RCP have an important influence on the coolant mass flow rate and thermal behavior of NSSS. For instant, in accident conditions with loss of power supply, the RCP ensures coolant circulation in the coast-down to permit a smooth transition to the natural circulation mode [1] .

For instant, in accident conditions with loss of power supply, the RCP ensures coolant circulation in the coast-down to permit a smooth transition to the natural circulation mode.


Investigation of flow transients in reactor coolant system due to the RCP coast-down is not only important in the safety analysis, but also in normal operations of VVER as well as Western PWR reactors due to decrease of coolant flow through the core. For PWR, such as KWU PWR design, one RCP trip did not make reactor trip, instead operation is continued at reduced power [2] . However, in Westinghouse design, if a RCP trips at power levels greater than 10 −4 % of nominal power, a reactor trip will occur [3] . Thus, operation with one or two RCPs switched off is a noticeable feature of VVER nuclear power plant (NPP).

For PWR, such as KWU PWR design, one RCP trip did not make reactor trip, instead operation is continued at reduced power.

However, in Westinghouse design, if a RCP trips at power levels greater than 10 −4 % of nominal power, a reactor trip will occur.


Where programmes are delivered with well-defined procedures, protocols and curricula it is easier to compare the way programmes are implemented. For example, the Prenatal Early Intervention Program, which involved nurses in home visiting families with new babies over a set period of time, specified clear procedures for the home visits. The Incredible Years model required those delivering treatments to use a manual with a prescribed curriculum. The task of the evaluator is to evaluate the efficacy of the programme -that is to determine if it is being implemented in the way prescribed -and then set comparisons of impact against variations in programme delivery. But in more complex interventions, such as Head Start, where a range of targets were prescribed and treatments were delivered in diverse ways, the variables were more difficult to manage when trying to compare programmes . The evaluation of Early Head Start (for 0-3-year-olds) and Head Start (for 3-year-olds upwards) used the programmes' progression through Head Start Program Performance Standards, which emphasised the centrality of children's development and stressed programme quality through adherence to the standards, as one way of comparing programmes. But evaluators of Early Head Start also divided programmes into early, late and incomplete implementers (based on the principle that length of treatment would predict impact) and center-based, homebased or mixed approach (based on the principle that different configurations of services would predict different impacts) (Love et al, 2002) .

But evaluators of Early Head Start also divided programmes into early, late and incomplete implementers (based on the principle that length of treatment would predict impact) and center-based, homebased or mixed approach (based on the principle that different configurations of services would predict different impacts).


The Swedvasc annual report 2014 showed that the total proportion of rAAA operations conducted with EVAR in Sweden was 39 % in 2013 [3] . In our study, the total rate of EVAR among operated patients (men and women) during the 5-year period was 27 %, with more performed in the latter period. The largest randomized trial comparing EVAR first strategy versus OR first for rAAA found that women have greater survival benefit from EVAR relatively to OR than men [26] .

The Swedvasc annual report 2014 showed that the total proportion of rAAA operations conducted with EVAR in Sweden was 39 % in 2013.

The largest randomized trial comparing EVAR first strategy versus OR first for rAAA found that women have greater survival benefit from EVAR relatively to OR than men.


Statistical process control (SPC) is a well-established technique for ensuring process quality, thereby being used in manufacturing and production industries. Particularly, SPC tools were successfully used for monitoring a manufacturing process subjected to tool wear [9, 10] . For monitoring tool wear, SPC tools allowed distinguishing two sources of variation; one was natural variability, and the other was special causes such as improperly adjusted tools, operator errors, and inferior raw materials. In SPC, measured output data (e.g., surface roughness) were analyzed with control charts such as the average x-bar chart and a range chart. Measured data from a process without special causes were placed between the upper and the lower control limits on the average x-bar chart. If some data were found beside the control limits, a process was considered to be instable, said to be out of control. Thus, it was possible to detect a process that became out of control.

Particularly, SPC tools were successfully used for monitoring a manufacturing process subjected to tool wear.


For monitoring the state of a cutting tool, acoustic emission signals were measured and analyzed with SPC tools [11] . SPC tools were used for predicting the formation of voids and defects in friction stir welding [12] . Variance of process forces was found to be correlated to the formation of defects in friction stir welds. SPC was used for detecting faults in a bearing [13] [14] [15] . Parameters indicating the state of a bearing were measured and analyzed with SPC tools. The parameters included vibration, stator current noise, and bearing housing temperature. A set of vibration data measured in a rolling element ball bearing was evaluated with SPC control tools [13] . Instead of vibration, stator current noise was monitored for detecting in situ bearing faults [14] . Housing temperature of a sliding bearing was determined in dry friction conditions [15] . Change of housing temperature in the course of a test was used for identifying the state of bearing condition. However, it is necessary to exclude the variance of housing temperature that arises from the change of room temperature.

For monitoring the state of a cutting tool, acoustic emission signals were measured and analyzed with SPC tools.

SPC tools were used for predicting the formation of voids and defects in friction stir welding.

SPC was used for detecting faults in a bearing.

A set of vibration data measured in a rolling element ball bearing was evaluated with SPC control tools.

Instead of vibration, stator current noise was monitored for detecting in situ bearing faults.

Housing temperature of a sliding bearing was determined in dry friction conditions.


A fretting test was conducted at the displacement amplitude of 0.2 mm, a normal force of 49 N, and a frequency of 1 Hz. The test was terminated at the friction of 25 N; it was identified from the previous studies that the kinetic friction between an AISI 52100 steel ball and a high strength steel plate was about 25 N at a normal force of 49 N [8] . During a test, a frictional force and the relative displacement between a ball and a plate were recorded.

The test was terminated at the friction of 25 N; it was identified from the previous studies that the kinetic friction between an AISI 52100 steel ball and a high strength steel plate was about 25 N at a normal force of 49 N.


Coatings 2017, 7, 48 4 of 10 Figure 3 shows a fretting loop with respect to number of cycles. All fretting loops were quasi-rectangular shaped. Frictional force peaks were observed in the loops found at the 750th and 800th cycles due to ploughing effect. Figure 4 shows the evolution of a slip ratio for an electro-deposited coating at the displacement amplitude of 0.2 mm. A slip ratio was defined as the ratio of an actual sliding distance to a total displacement. The actual sliding distance was determined when a frictional force was zero on a fretting loop. It was identified that the transition between a reciprocal sliding regime and a fretting regime (gross slip) was observed at a slip ratio of 0.95 [16] . As shown in Figure 4 , all slip ratios remained lower than 0.95, ensuring that a test was completed within a gross slip regime.

It was identified that the transition between a reciprocal sliding regime and a fretting regime (gross slip) was observed at a slip ratio of 0.95.


Electro-deposited coatings are widely used for automotive components because they maintain high corrosion resistance. Electro-deposited coatings are often applied to frictional contacts such as automotive seat sliding rails. In the previous studies with epoxy-based electro-deposited coatings, there were difficulties in determining the durability of the coating with the criteria described above; the coating was found to fail earlier than the critical values proposed by the criteria [8] . Thus, an adequate method is needed for determining the fretting lifetime of electro-deposited coatings.

In the previous studies with epoxy-based electro-deposited coatings, there were difficulties in determining the durability of the coating with the criteria described above; the coating was found to fail earlier than the critical values proposed by the criteria.


The proposed switching distribution method is applied to the 13-level inverter which consists of three series cascaded 5-level H-bridges on each inverter phase (see Figure 1) . The H-bridges use a neutral point clamping approach to get 5-level phase voltages in place of the 3-level phase voltages commonly obtained with standard H-bridges. The inverter is controlled by Phase Disposition PD PWM [13, 14] .

The inverter is controlled by Phase Disposition PD PWM.


Bing too spotted the potential of ''computational copyright law'' to digital rights management. He explored the potential usefulness of the approach in the context of e-governance and e-democracy. In such a setting, he envisaged the use of a DRMlike technology to enable governmental organization to improve their communication with citizens, releasing information through semi-autonomous or fully autonomous ambient intelligence (Abie et al. 2004) . For autonomous systems to handle digital objects in a copyright-compliant manner, they require to carry information about their copyright status in a machine-readable form-something Bing briefly discussed under the heading ''copymarks'' (Bing 2004) .

In such a setting, he envisaged the use of a DRMlike technology to enable governmental organization to improve their communication with citizens, releasing information through semi-autonomous or fully autonomous ambient intelligence.

For autonomous systems to handle digital objects in a copyright-compliant manner, they require to carry information about their copyright status in a machine-readable form-something Bing briefly discussed under the heading ''copymarks''.


Increasing the value of wind generation through the improvement of prediction systems' performance is one of the priorities in wind energy research needs for the coming years [1] . Today, most of the existing wind power prediction methods provide end-users with point forecasts [2] . The parameters of the models involved are commonly obtained with minimum least square estimation. If denoting by p t+k the measured power value at time t + k, p t+k can actually be seen as a realization of a random variable P t+k which summarizes the potential power production values at that time. In parallel, writep t+k|t a point forecast issued at time t for lead time t + k, based on a given model, its parameters, and the available information on the process up to time t (i.e. including various measurements and meteorological forecasts). The point forecastp t+k|t then corresponds to the conditional expectation of P t+k , which is a single summary statistics for this random variable.

Increasing the value of wind generation through the improvement of prediction systems' performance is one of the priorities in wind energy research needs for the coming years.

Today, most of the existing wind power prediction methods provide end-users with point forecasts.


Graphene is a promising material for a wide range of nanotechnological applications [1] [2] [3] . If we focus on the optoelectronic applications, functional graphene circuits using plasmonic modes form an interesting developing field [4] . In this paper, we describe the coupling of graphene plasmons between a semi-infinite sheet and a nanoribbon, which gives deep reflection dips at certain resonant wavelengths. The useful phenomenon of critical coupling leading to zero reflection from these cavities can be engineered. Furthermore, by tuning the gate voltage on graphene the resonant wavelength is adjusted. The width of the ribbon (only 75 nm or smaller) and the confinement of the plasmon mode (<50 mm) lead to ultrasmall, tunable optoelectronic circuits.

Graphene is a promising material for a wide range of nanotechnological applications.

If we focus on the optoelectronic applications, functional graphene circuits using plasmonic modes form an interesting developing field.


We operate in the range ω 2 to 3 × 10 14 rad∕s and E F 0.2 to 1 eV (Fermi energies up to E F 1 − 2 eV have been reported [20] ). The doping level can be employed to tune graphene. Note that optical properties of graphene are anisotropic [21, 22] . We employed ε ⊥ −3.8 − 0.70i in the direction normal to the surface of graphene. Nevertheless, this parameter has negligible influence on the results.

We operate in the range ω 2 to 3 × 10 14 rad∕s and E F 0.2 to 1 eV (Fermi energies up to E F 1 − 2 eV have been reported).

Note that optical properties of graphene are anisotropic.


The simulations are performed with COMSOL, a commercial finite-element-based software package. Graphene is modeled as a thin layer of 0.5 nm thickness and its optical parameters are defined via the relative permittivity: ε ∥ ω; E F 1 iσω; E F ∕ε 0 ωt, where t is the thickness of the graphene sheet, E F the Fermi energy, ω the angular frequency, and σω; E F the optical surface conductivity (S∕m 2 ) computed by the Kubo-Greenwood formula [18, 19] . The scattering lifetime of electrons in graphene is fixed to τ g 10 −12 s.

Graphene is modeled as a thin layer of 0.5 nm thickness and its optical parameters are defined via the relative permittivity: ε ∥ ω; E F 1 iσω; E F ∕ε 0 ωt, where t is the thickness of the graphene sheet, E F the Fermi energy, ω the angular frequency, and σω; E F the optical surface conductivity (S∕m 2 ) computed by the Kubo-Greenwood formula.


Several bird species use plumage characteristics as status signals. One of our expectations was that males with more exuberant blue-black plumage would dominate males with less exuberant plumage. Our results suggest, however, that none of the plumage structural coloration components are associated with dominance status. It is possible that plumage traits function strongly in intersexual contexts but are not used in male-male contests. A recent study of the blue-black grassquit found that coccidian oocyst count was negatively correlated to the percentage of blue-black plumage coverage, which suggests that parasite infestation affects this sexually selected trait; furthermore, less infected individuals displayed more exuberant plumage (Costa and Macedo 2005) . Because in our study we treated all males for endoparasitic infestations, they possibly exhibited healthier plumage than if they had not been medicated. This treatment may have concealed the statussignaling capacity of this sexually selected trait, resulting in a higher frequency of aggressive acts to settle competitive contests than would have occurred otherwise. Two recent studies with blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) agree with our results that structurally based UV plumage does not signal social status (Korsten et al. 2007; Vedder et al. 2008) . Both studies suggest that UV plumage might be a signal used only in mate choice, as an attractiveness enhancer.

A recent study of the blue-black grassquit found that coccidian oocyst count was negatively correlated to the percentage of blue-black plumage coverage, which suggests that parasite infestation affects this sexually selected trait; furthermore, less infected individuals displayed more exuberant plumage.

Two recent studies with blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) agree with our results that structurally based UV plumage does not signal social status.


Retting is a native method prevalent along the coast of Kerala since ages as an indigenous practice for the processing of coconut husk. The extensive backwaters provide facilities for retting in 357 villages along the coastal belt of the state and the average production of coir fibre is reported to be 30,000 metric tonnes/year [1] . The continued and intensive exploitation of these backwaters for retting of coconut husk has caused deleterious effect on the fishery resources of the state and several backwaters have transformed into hot spots of pollution (Fig. 1 ). This has led to a clash between the coir industry on the one hand and the fishing industry on the other, along the coastal belt of the state.

The extensive backwaters provide facilities for retting in 357 villages along the coastal belt of the state and the average production of coir fibre is reported to be 30,000 metric tonnes/year.


Many measurement systems of today are statically calibrated with evaluation of the measurement uncertainty (MU) according to the GUM method [1] . When timedependent signals are measured, the non-perfect dynamic response of the system generates additional errors. Only if the response time of the system is much shorter than the time scale of signal variation, dynamic effects will be negligible. In contrast to static calibration, dynamic calibration yields a characterization but not generally an accurate prediction of the maximum measurement error in the time domain. This characterization is often made in the frequency domain in terms of the complex-valued transfer function of the measurement system [2] [3] [4] .

Many measurement systems of today are statically calibrated with evaluation of the measurement uncertainty (MU) according to the GUM method.

This characterization is often made in the frequency domain in terms of the complex-valued transfer function of the measurement system.


To understand the underlying mechanism of miR-338-mediated inhibition of proliferation, we identified CDK4, a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase family, as a candidate target gene. CDK4 usually work with Cyclin D to regulate the cell cycle in G1/S stage. Aberrant activation of CDK4 was closely associated with various kinds of carcinomas. CDK4 expression is significantly upregulated in lung cancer tissues and function as an important element for cell proliferation [35, 36] . In breast cancer, inhibition of CDK4 can induce G1 arrest [37] . These observations suggest that inhibition of CDK4 might be beneficial for cancer treatment. An increasing body of clinical trials targeting CDK4 has been launched. However, the role of CDK4 in liver fibrosis remains largely unknown. In this study, Luciferase reporter assay showed that there was a combination of miR-338 and CDK4. Hence, we deduced that miR-338-3p inhibited HSCs' activation and proliferation likely through silencing CDK4. Our data indicated that restoring CDK4 expression could partially rescue miR-338-inhibited cell activation and proliferation.

CDK4 expression is significantly upregulated in lung cancer tissues and function as an important element for cell proliferation.

In breast cancer, inhibition of CDK4 can induce G1 arrest.


Hepatic involvement of sarcoidosis was described in 11.5% of 736 patients in the ACCESS study [3] . Hepatic granulomas due to sarcoidosis were recognized most commonly as multiple and small nodules with less than 1.0 cm diameter. Liver involvement ranges from asymptomatic incidental granulomas to portal hypertension from granulomas in the portal triad, usually with relative preserved liver function [4] . Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level may be elevated in 70% of patients with sarcoidosis and is elevated in almost all patients with hepatic sarcoidosis. In general, in 20-40% of patients with sarcoidosis, ALP and γ-GTP levels are elevated, but in those with hepatic sarcoidosis the levels are usually much higher [5] .

Hepatic involvement of sarcoidosis was described in 11.5% of 736 patients in the ACCESS study.

Liver involvement ranges from asymptomatic incidental granulomas to portal hypertension from granulomas in the portal triad, usually with relative preserved liver function.

In general, in 20-40% of patients with sarcoidosis, ALP and γ-GTP levels are elevated, but in those with hepatic sarcoidosis the levels are usually much higher.


In the PSO, the particles in the multi-dimensional searching space have no size and quality that we can think of them as individuals with its own position and velocity in the population. These particles fly and search in the solution space and adjust their position and speed through the experience they have gained in flight and communication with their peers [21] . Every particle adjusts constantly their speed and position of the flight according to the optimal value found by it and the optimal value found by the entire population of all the particles during the iterative process, and eventually produces a positive feedback mechanism of group optimization. An adaptability function need to be designed when use PSO algorithm and get close to the optimal region on the basis of the adaptive value and ultimately find the optimal solution in the solution space.

These particles fly and search in the solution space and adjust their position and speed through the experience they have gained in flight and communication with their peers.


Actinomycete, as a pathogen of human and animal, had been studied widely before [20] . But up to now, the research work on actinomycetes as a source for discovery of novel drug leads is very few in the world. In order to get much more unknown actinomycetes for discovering new bioactive metabolites, 31 species of animal which contain primate, mammality, birds, amphibian and insect; perissodactyla, artiodactyla and ruminant; carnivore, herbivorous and omnivorous, were selected. The actionmycetes in the feces samples of these animals were isolated, cultivated and identified. Anti-microbial activities, enzyme activity, and synthesis genes of five antibiotics of some selected strains were determined. Some results are reported here.

Actinomycete, as a pathogen of human and animal, had been studied widely before.

Some results are reported here.


Recently our understanding of the underlying M2-brane field theory has vastly improved [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] . This theory may be understood in terms of an N = 6 Chern-Simons-matter theory in which the level, k, emerges from a Z k orbifold. That is, if one takes the compactifying manifold to be S 7 /Z k , where the Z k acts on the Hopf fiber, then for k > 2 the supersymmetry is broken to N = 6 and the R-symmetry is broken from SO(8) to SO (6) .

Recently our understanding of the underlying M2-brane field theory has vastly improved.

That is, if one takes the compactifying manifold to be S 7 /Z k , where the Z k acts on the Hopf fiber, then for k > 2 the supersymmetry is broken to N = 6 and the R-symmetry is broken from SO(8) to SO.


Referring to previous studies, Cressman interpolation (hereafter abbreviated as CI) is preferred for the adjoint 2 Mathematical Problems in Engineering model due to easy accessibility. Although the adjoint model with the CI leads to satisfying results in general, the reconstructed IC field is unsmooth around the independent points [18] . Therefore, a more reasonable interpolation method needs to be found to combine with the adjoint method.

Although the adjoint model with the CI leads to satisfying results in general, the reconstructed IC field is unsmooth around the independent points.


With the proliferation of wireless network technology, various means of wireless communication will be available to mobile users and applications to support our daily life everywhere in the forthcoming future. Wireless communications, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) have heterogeneous characteristics in terms of the availability, capacity, delay, connectivity, and cost. Furthermore, most characteristics dynamically change due to instability of wireless communication and competition among users and applications for wireless network resources. The suitable wireless network for each networked application may be different due to different QoS requirement, i.e. low delay in VoIP, low cost in e-mail, and large bandwidth in video streaming. Therefore, it is necessary for a node, that is, equipment where networked applications are running, to choose a wireless network resource dynamically to use for each of applications taking into account the condition of wireless networks and QoS requirements of applications. For example, a VoIP application running on a smartphone requires one-way end-to-end delay of lower than 150 ms for interactive communication [1] . Therefore, it is better to assign a cellular or DSRC network, which provides an application with a connection with small delay and jitter, to a VoIP application. On the other hand, an e-mail application can tolerate delay, while the volume of traffic is large. Therefore, a Wi-Fi or WiMAX network is appropriate for an e-mail application, because those networks can provide an application with high-speed connection for lower cost than a cellular network.

For example, a VoIP application running on a smartphone requires one-way end-to-end delay of lower than 150 ms for interactive communication.


Given that a high ZTT value reflects IgG levels, the present findings suggest the possibility that chronic inflammation exists as an underlying factor. Chronic inflammation is well known to be a cause of normocytic normochromic anemia [16, 17] . Given that CRP fluctuates even over short periods of time, inflammation observed with a high CRP value does not necessarily indicate that the inflammation is chronic. As the correlation between CRP and ZTT was weak (R = 0.12, P = 0.02), if chronic inflammation is indeed a cause of increased frequency of anemia among institutionalized persons, further studies assessing this possibility are required.

Chronic inflammation is well known to be a cause of normocytic normochromic anemia.


Milling is an intermittent machining process and hence the generated heat presents a cyclic variation [3] . This heating cycle leads to temperature variations that affect the tool life and work piece quality [4] . The main heating sources are the primary shear zone at the tool -work piece interface, the tool-chip interface and the contact of clearance face with machined surface. Approximately 80% from the generated heat is transferred to the chip while only (the remaining) 10-20 % are transferred in the work piece or tool material [5] .

Milling is an intermittent machining process and hence the generated heat presents a cyclic variation.

This heating cycle leads to temperature variations that affect the tool life and work piece quality.

Approximately 80% from the generated heat is transferred to the chip while only (the remaining) 10-20 % are transferred in the work piece or tool material.


Through-the-wall radars image the targets behind the wall by transmitting short pulses and processing the signal returns from the wall and targets. Several effective throughthe-wall beamformers that take into account the wall reflection, bending, and delay effects have been proposed for imaging of targets behind walls. Most of these algorithms are carried out in the frequency domain, such as the delay-andsum beamforming (DSBF) and the linear inverse scattering algorithms [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] . Both algorithms have an upper limit on the downrange and crossrange resolutions. The downrange resolution is restricted to c/2B, where c is the speed of light and B is the bandwidth of the signal, whereas the crossrange resolution is restricted to the diffraction tomography limit, which is related to the antenna array aperture size [10] . In order to achieve high resolution in both downrange and crossrange, an ultrawideband signal should be transmitted, and a long antenna array aperture should be synthesized. This results in a large amount of space-time/space-frequency data, long data acquisition time, and large storage and memory requirements. Reduction of the data volume is important in TWRI applications, as it accelerates processing and, subsequently, allows prompt actionable intelligence. It also relaxes constraints on system aperture and bandwidth and creates different design and deployment paradigms, which are more flexible than those underlying conventional SAR operations. It is also noted that data reduction and fast acquisition ease the requirement of slow target motion and/or stationarity, which could be necessary to avoid image smearing and imaged target displacements [11] .

Most of these algorithms are carried out in the frequency domain, such as the delay-andsum beamforming (DSBF) and the linear inverse scattering algorithms.

The downrange resolution is restricted to c/2B, where c is the speed of light and B is the bandwidth of the signal, whereas the crossrange resolution is restricted to the diffraction tomography limit, which is related to the antenna array aperture size.

It is also noted that data reduction and fast acquisition ease the requirement of slow target motion and/or stationarity, which could be necessary to avoid image smearing and imaged target displacements.


The current results also showed that crocin pretreatment decreased the expression levels of miR-34a and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. As mentioned earlier, the level of Nrf2 expression decreased following hepatic IR injury. This level increased by crocin pretreatment. Our findings are in agreement with an in vitro study which showed that crocin increases the expression and activity of Nrf2 in Hela cells [58] . Recently, in one study, authors have shown that crocin pretreatment protects the gastric mucosa against IR-induced injury through upregulating the mRNA expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in rats [59] . The present results also showed that the activity of all studied antioxidant enzymes [SOD, CAT, and GPx] increased after crocin pretreatment. These findings together suggest that the promotion of Nrf2 by crocin decreased IRinduced ROS accumulation which led to downregulating the expression of miR-34a.

Our findings are in agreement with an in vitro study which showed that crocin increases the expression and activity of Nrf2 in Hela cells.

Recently, in one study, authors have shown that crocin pretreatment protects the gastric mucosa against IR-induced injury through upregulating the mRNA expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes in rats.


Evidences have shown that the function, stability, binding affinity, and integrity of microRNAs may be modified by ROS [26] . The redox status has also been shown to regulate the cleavage of microRNAs. Under the condition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a transmembrane endoplasmic kinaseendoribonuclease cleaves precursor of miR-34a which in turn causes apoptosis by upregulating the apoptotic protein caspase 2 [27, 28] .

Evidences have shown that the function, stability, binding affinity, and integrity of microRNAs may be modified by ROS.

Under the condition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a transmembrane endoplasmic kinaseendoribonuclease cleaves precursor of miR-34a which in turn causes apoptosis by upregulating the apoptotic protein caspase 2.


To support the learning activities contained in the student worksheet based on cases or problems, analysis is needed based on Problem Based Learning. Problem Based Learning is learning that uses real-life (authentic) open-ended problems to be solved by students to develop thinking skills, problem solving skills, social skills, skills for independent learning, and building or gain new knowledge. Based on this, what is meant by Student Worksheet based on Problem Based Learning is a student guide used to share information and discuss to find solutions to problem solving. From here students are required to be c ritical in solving problems. In PBL, teachers coach students with suggestions for further study or inquiry butdo not assign predetermined learning activities. Instead, students pursue their own prob-lem solutions by clarifying a problem, posing necessary questions, researching thesequestions, and producing a product that displays their thinking. These activities are gen-erally conducted in collaborative learning groups that often solve the same problem indifferent ways and arrive at different answers (Mergendoller, Maxwell & Bellisimo, 2006) .

These activities are gen-erally conducted in collaborative learning groups that often solve the same problem indifferent ways and arrive at different answers.


The objective of this research work is to develop MATLAB computer program for the algorithms of the artificial neural networks based Monte Carlo simulation and test it on existing running data of a crude oil distillation column in a Refinery. Also to compare the computed results with the real data of the running crude oil distillation column of the Refinery using only artificial neural networks (ANN) and artificial neural networks based Monte Carlo (ANNBMC) simulation separately. The results obtained when only artificial neural networks model was used for expert system design and control of the examined crude oil distillation column of the refinery had been presented elsewhere [25] .

The results obtained when only artificial neural networks model was used for expert system design and control of the examined crude oil distillation column of the refinery had been presented elsewhere.


Liver fibrosis, a common pathological outcome of numerous chronic liver diseases, is characterized by intrahepatic connective tissue proliferation which results in a diffuse and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver [1] . Advanced fibrosis can lead to hepatic lobular reconstruction and formation of fibrous septa and pseudolobules or nodules and then develop into liver cirrhosis, which is a kind of serious and incurable liver disease. Therefore, attenuating or reversing hepatic fibrosis is a crucial strategy for preventing liver cirrhosis. Currently, two main strategies are used for hepatic fibrosis treatment, eliminating pathogenic factors such as antivirus treatment and abstinence of drinking and decreasing synthesis and deposition of ECM in liver tissues. However, glucocorticoids, widely used as treatment of autoimmune or alcoholic liver diseases in clinic, have many adverse reactions; silymarin and other drugs, used as hepatic protective agents in patients with liver disease, still need large randomized controlled clinical studies to determine whether they can decrease the incidence of hepatic fibrosis and improve patients' prognosis with long-term use. Currently, there are few approaches for treatment of liver fibrosis, and it is quite necessary to find and study some novel antifibrotic drugs.

Liver fibrosis, a common pathological outcome of numerous chronic liver diseases, is characterized by intrahepatic connective tissue proliferation which results in a diffuse and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver.


In the summers of 2 cold years, Age-0 pollock were patchily distributed at scales ranging from a few meters to a few tens of kilometers. These aggregations were hierarchically nested, with high-density aggregations nested in lower density features at increasingly larger spatial scales. This has important implications for the analysis of these data as non-stationarity is a key property of hierarchical patch systems (e.g. the probability of a spatial process is unequal throughout space). Thus, the results from global analyses of spatial structure (variograms, correlograms, spectral analyses, wavelets, and fractals) are highly confounded, such that large-scale patterns mask nested small-scale patterns (Fauchald et al. 2000) .

Thus, the results from global analyses of spatial structure (variograms, correlograms, spectral analyses, wavelets, and fractals) are highly confounded, such that large-scale patterns mask nested small-scale patterns.


In this paper we describe the dataset for aromatic model evaluation that was obtained in the two EXACT campaigns and we present results of the evaluation of aromatic mechanisms of the MCMv3. Measures of model performance are discussed and trends within the set of aromatics are analysed. Based on results from the evaluation experiments, results from the kinetic workpackages of the EXACT project and newly available literature data the aromatic mechanisms were updated to the version MCMv3.1. The performance of these mechanisms is also compared to the evaluation experiments. A detailed discussion of the mechanism development itself is presented in a companion publication (Bloss et al., 2005) .

A detailed discussion of the mechanism development itself is presented in a companion publication.


Photochemical mechanisms are used in air quality modelling to assess the importance of the emission of air pollutants on the formation of ozone. They are applied, for example, for the calculation of photochemical ozone creation potentials (POCP) for VOC that assist policy makers in defining realistic and cost-efficient pollution control strategies (Derwent et al., 1996) . Thus, a detailed understanding of the oxidation mechanisms of aromatics in the atmosphere is a prerequisite for assessing the impact of aromatic emissions on air quality.

They are applied, for example, for the calculation of photochemical ozone creation potentials (POCP) for VOC that assist policy makers in defining realistic and cost-efficient pollution control strategies.


In remote and rural areas of Europe and North America NO x concentrations are usually lower than 10 ppb (Finlayson-Pitts and Pitts, 1999) . To test the model performance under these conditions a new experimental modus was employed: over the whole course of the experiment a NO/NO 2 /HONO mixture was injected into the chamber controlled by a feedback system that kept the NO x concentration at about 9 ppb. These NO x replacement runs were only carried out for toluene and 1,3,5-TMB.

In remote and rural areas of Europe and North America NO x concentrations are usually lower than 10 ppb.


Asynchronous logic has been advocated as a means of reducing power consumption in a number of situations [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . Such circuits typically switch (and consume switching power) only when required or when their inputs change. The power dissipated by the clock tree of a synchronous circuit is eliminated in asynchronous ones. The clock is replaced by local handshake signals, which typically require less power than the clock tree. Since switching power is proportional to the operating frequency, the circuit dissipates less power when the required throughput is reduced. Adaptive supply voltage can be lowered when speed is not required. Since power depends quadratically on voltage, the combination of slow-down and adaptive supply yields a cubic power saving with the reduction of speed. In addition, leakage power, which becomes more significant in newer process technology, can also be managed by reducing the supply voltage. It is easier to vary supply voltage in an asynchronous circuit, since there is no need to coordinate simultaneous variation of the clock frequency.

Asynchronous logic has been advocated as a means of reducing power consumption in a number of situations.


This paper proposes to employ standard commercial logic synthesis tools to synthesize a large digital system into a synchronous circuit, and to convert the result into a corresponding asynchronous circuit ] 16 [ . The conversion process replaces clocked registers by asynchronous ones and inserts the necessary handshake signals among those registers, without changing the combinational logic. The asynchronous registers result in a Doubly Latched Asynchronous Pipeline (DLAP) [17] . This process enables an easy combination of asynchronous blocks with synchronous ones, thus enabling mixed-timed designs and GALS SoCs. This method can also benefit GALS SoCs in simplifying adaptive speed modules: Whereas synchronous modules require adjusting both clock frequency and supply voltage in order to reduce power consumption, converted asynchronous modules automatically adapt their speed and only require voltage adjustment. A somewhat different method, named desynchronization, has recently been developed [18] . Section 2 presents the DLAP architecture and registers. The conversion algorithm is explained and demonstrated in Section 3 and analyzed in Section 4.

The asynchronous registers result in a Doubly Latched Asynchronous Pipeline (DLAP).

A somewhat different method, named desynchronization, has recently been developed.


Results of weight variation hardness, thickness, Friability, disintegration time and wetting time for all formulations were present within pharmacopeial limits as shown in Table 2 . Formulations based on solid dispersions exhibited better hardness results as compared to physical mixture [23] . Friability of all the formulations was less than 0.8 % which suggested that tablets had good mechanical strength. Statistically results of friability were tested by using one way ANOVA. Results of ANOVA between the groups show pvalue of 0.025 which was less than 0.05 indicating significance. Disintegration time for FDT's generally considered good if it is < 1 min (Table 3 ) [14] . Rapid uptake of water can cause swelling which ultimately produce bursting effect. This results in fast release of drug into the surrounding environment and hence solubility of loaded drug was enhanced. Similar to wetting time it was also lowest for F4 formulation [24] .

Formulations based on solid dispersions exhibited better hardness results as compared to physical mixture.

Disintegration time for FDT's generally considered good if it is < 1 min (Table 3 ).

Similar to wetting time it was also lowest for F4 formulation.


F1 -F15 were prepared by slight modification of already used method [13] . Solution of drug was prepared in methanol while β-cyclodextrin and superdisintegrants were dissolved in water. Predetermined amounts of drug, β-cyclodextrin and superdisintegrants were weighed on an electronic weighing balance and dissolved in respective solvents. Both solutions were sonicated until clear solution was formed. These solutions were mixed and placed on hot plate stirrer to evaporate the solvent. Prepared solid dispersions were freeze dried for 24 h in lyophilizer (Alpha 1-4 LD Germany). All of these formulations were compressed into FDT's using 8 mm round flat beveled edge punches on a 10 station rotary tableting machine. A total of 15 formulations were prepared by varying concentration of carrier and superdisintegrants using these three different approaches as shown in Table 1 [13] .

F1 -F15 were prepared by slight modification of already used method.

A total of 15 formulations were prepared by varying concentration of carrier and superdisintegrants using these three different approaches as shown in Table 1.


Various superdisintegrants like kyron T134, crospovidone, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium etc., along with hydrophilic carriers such as β-cyclodextrin etc., are used to enhance solubility and consequently, patient compliance [11] [12] [13] [14] . Rosuvastatin calcium (RST), belongs to BCS class II drugs having low solubility and high permeability. It is poorly water-soluble 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is an early and rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. It is a potent lipid-lower ingredient used as hypolipidemic agent [15] .

Various superdisintegrants like kyron T134, crospovidone, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium etc., along with hydrophilic carriers such as β-cyclodextrin etc., are used to enhance solubility and consequently, patient compliance.

It is a potent lipid-lower ingredient used as hypolipidemic agent.


An important constraint on the evolution of the martian atmosphere is the partitioning of the martian CO 2 inventory between the atmosphere and the surface. When the solar and thermal energy that arrives at the surface of Mars is low enough, the resulting surface temperature can be below the sublimation temperature of CO 2 (Leighton and Murray, 1966) . The atmosphere then completely deposits its CO 2 onto the surface, which is sometimes called ''atmospheric collapse'', until the atmosphere achieves a thermodynamic balance between the atmosphere and surface reservoirs of CO 2 (Leighton and Murray, 1966; Gierasch and Toon, 1973; McKay et al., 1991; Haberle et al., 1994; Nakamura and Tajika, 2002) . Thus, three martian climates are possible: a climate free of surface CO 2 ice, a climate with CO 2 surface ice in thermodynamic balance with the atmosphere (a ''collapsed atmosphere''), and a transitional climate undergoing atmospheric collapse.

When the solar and thermal energy that arrives at the surface of Mars is low enough, the resulting surface temperature can be below the sublimation temperature of CO 2.

The atmosphere then completely deposits its CO 2 onto the surface, which is sometimes called ''atmospheric collapse'', until the atmosphere achieves a thermodynamic balance between the atmosphere and surface reservoirs of CO 2.


Of particular interest, from the radiometric point of view, is the possibility of developing absolute light sources with sub-shot-noise performances, since, the shotnoise level becomes a serious limitation to the uncertainty reduction in measurements performed in the few-photon regime. Probing and imaging delicate systems using small number of photons with true and significant sensitivity improvement would be extraordinarily important, for instance in biological and biochemical investigation [16] . Even more, there are biological effects which are triggered by a single photon, like the retina photo-transduction [17] . Thus, the quantum measurement strategy presented here, can be considered the precursors also of a potentially brand new metrological research field, namely quantum photometry.

Probing and imaging delicate systems using small number of photons with true and significant sensitivity improvement would be extraordinarily important, for instance in biological and biochemical investigation.

Even more, there are biological effects which are triggered by a single photon, like the retina photo-transduction.


Screen printing is a well known and well-established method for making low cost electronic circuitry. A clear disadvantage however is that it is not possible to manufacture pitches / line spacings below roughly 150 µm. Several novel technologies are and have been under development worldwide to manufacture low cost fine pitch electronic circuitry [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] . At the Holst Centre, a technology called 'embedded circuitry' has been developed [2] . The process consists of direct laser writing of grooves in a foil according to the required pattern and then filling these again with conductive screen printing paste using a screen printer squeegee. It was shown previously that with this technology it is possible to manufacturing conductive lines having a minimum width of 10 µm at a line spacing of 25 µm. Using novel nano-Ag filled conductive pastes it was found to be possible to achieve resistances equivalent to around 3x bulk Ag.

Several novel technologies are and have been under development worldwide to manufacture low cost fine pitch electronic circuitry.

At the Holst Centre, a technology called 'embedded circuitry' has been developed.


Housing wealth is an important component of total household wealth. Households can spend or choose to save resources gained from moving from a bigger into a smaller house. Empirically, housing wealth and consumption are following the common trend, which happens for two reasons. Namely, the first reason is that some third factor drives both variables, and the second reason is that there is a direct effect from one variable to another (Iacoviello, 2011) . In this paper, the latter approach is used, so it is assumed that there is a direct housing wealth effect on consumer spending. Studies based on time series data, panel data or household level data confirm that borrowing from housing wealth reflects on consumption (Iacoviello, 2011) .

Namely, the first reason is that some third factor drives both variables, and the second reason is that there is a direct effect from one variable to another.

Studies based on time series data, panel data or household level data confirm that borrowing from housing wealth reflects on consumption.


Furthermore, housing wealth has several special features that complicate its measurement and greatly affect the implementation of the research about that wealth, since houses are both assets and durable goods. In addition, housing wealth is often used as collateral in financial transactions. Moreover, favourable taxation policies allow that households in many countries replace a mortgage loan with consumer loan or to invest in real estate instead of some other form of property. Additionally, transaction costs and penalties for early repayment of mortgages make the housing wealth much less liquid than some other forms of wealth. Partly because of that, real estate generally has the largest share in the portfolio of household and mortgage loans are the largest item of their debts. Since real estate is often used as collateral, relatively small changes in the price of real estate can have a huge impact on the net worth of the household sector and encourage non-repayment of mortgage loans. Besides, large amounts of mortgage loans entail sensitivity of households to changes in interest rates (Bucks, Pence, 2005) .

Besides, large amounts of mortgage loans entail sensitivity of households to changes in interest rates.