The latest novel advanced technologies potential for biodiesel production are using plasma technology. The most review studies on previous works of literature were only focused on the conventional homogeneous and heterogeneous method for biodiesel production [1, 4, 25, 38, 46, 48, 49, 50] . Only a few researchers have focused on the advanced technologies for producing biodiesel especially about utilization of plasma processing [64] [65] [66] . The potential of the plasma technology is the utilization of high energetic electrons due to a collision between the high energetic electrons and the reaction mixtures. The high energetic electron is supplied from a high voltage power supply through high voltage electrode [66] . Therefore, this paper aims to study the overview advanced biodiesel production technologies, including plasma, ultrasound, and microwave, as well as in comparison to conventional homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. This technology has developed for both non-catalytic and catalytic plasma. The advantages of this plasma electrocatalysis system only require very short time reaction, does not need a catalyst, does not form soap, and does not produce glycerol as a by-product. However, the main reaction mechanisms were difficult to be controlled during the plasma process due to the action of high energetic electrons [66] . This study gives a contribution on mapping all biodiesel production researches from recent novel technology (plasma, microwave, and ultrasound) to conventional heterogeneous and homogeneous processes. The basic scientific features, advantages, and disadvantages, and potentials of the technologies are highlighted. The main target of advanced technology development in biodiesel production are lower reaction time economically, a small amount of catalyst needed, and economical equipment and operating conditions.

The most review studies on previous works of literature were only focused on the conventional homogeneous and heterogeneous method for biodiesel production.

Only a few researchers have focused on the advanced technologies for producing biodiesel especially about utilization of plasma processing.

The high energetic electron is supplied from a high voltage power supply through high voltage electrode.

However, the main reaction mechanisms were difficult to be controlled during the plasma process due to the action of high energetic electrons.


In addition to representing the human plaques, rabbits have high plasma LDL, VLDL, and other important plasma components, such as CRP [40] [41] [42] . Plasma free CHOL and triglycerides were elevated in 1% CHOL + injury rabbits (Table 3) , as were all the lipoprotein subfractions HDL, LDL, VLDL (Additional file 1: Table S2 ). The AST to ALT ratio, heightened in the 1% CHOL + injury rabbits (Table 3) , is a clinically valuable marker of liver dysfunction [37, 38] . An increase in the AST to ALT ratio was observed in the 1% CHOL fed rabbits without injury group (Additional file 1: Table S1 ), but to a lesser degree that did not reach statistical significance. A study of 70 patients with NASH revealed mean AST to ALT ratios of 0.7, 0.9, and 1.4 for subjects with no fibrosis, mild fibrosis, or cirrhosis, respectively [38] . In a larger clinical cohort, patients with no liver fibrosis and diabetes had a mean AST to ALT ratio of 0.78, and this was elevated to 0.98 (n = 204) in diabetic patients with advanced fibrosis (n = 142). Advanced fibrosis in the study was defined via histological diagnosis of either bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis [43] . GGT is also relevant to liver function, is responsible for the extracellular catabolism of the antioxidant glutathione, and is suspected to be important beyond liver damage in chronic subclinical inflammation and systemic oxidative demand [44] [45] [46] .

In addition to representing the human plaques, rabbits have high plasma LDL, VLDL, and other important plasma components, such as CRP.

The AST to ALT ratio, heightened in the 1% CHOL + injury rabbits (Table 3) , is a clinically valuable marker of liver dysfunction.

A study of 70 patients with NASH revealed mean AST to ALT ratios of 0.7, 0.9, and 1.4 for subjects with no fibrosis, mild fibrosis, or cirrhosis, respectively.

Advanced fibrosis in the study was defined via histological diagnosis of either bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis.

GGT is also relevant to liver function, is responsible for the extracellular catabolism of the antioxidant glutathione, and is suspected to be important beyond liver damage in chronic subclinical inflammation and systemic oxidative demand.


Although the KV and the Everglades represent case studies in which it was possible to transform governance for improved management in response to crisis, it is clear that other regions have been less successful at this. Despite the obvious need to transform to a more sustainable trajectory, many SESs either do so too late, in which case significant degradation and loss of utility from the system have already occurred, or they fail to seize windows of opportunity when they arise. In the NHLD, which is in a backloop, changes are happening rapidly (Peterson et al. 2003a) . These changes include a growing local population as more people move into the area, mounting conflicts over resources, increasing withdrawals of ecosystem services, and more species invasions and habitat degradation. If the actors of the SES are not able to step in and transform it into a new and very different adaptive cycle and trajectory, the system will move further down an unsustainable trajectory toward the degradation of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the loss of services as a consequence. In contrast, the GBC represents an example of an SES that missed a critical opportunity for transformation and now faces an uncertain future. Confronted with a crisis of increasingly saline groundwater during the mid-1970s, the GBC community put in place many of the building blocks we consider essential to prepare the system for transformation. However, when more radical transformation would have been possible, they opted instead to invest in adaptability, devising strategies to maintain the current production and social systems while attempting to minimize their impacts on local ecosystems.

In the NHLD, which is in a backloop, changes are happening rapidly.


Poly(D,L-Lactide) (PD,L-LA) is well known to be a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer available from renewable resources. In the beginning, it was mainly used for medical applications due to its high fabrication costs but now PD,L-LA polymers have finally found a commercial application in single use disposal items due to its low price compared with other biodegradable polymers. However, its brittle nature reduces its use to very limited applications and its poor melt strength limits specific processes such as film blowing or foaming [1] .

However, its brittle nature reduces its use to very limited applications and its poor melt strength limits specific processes such as film blowing or foaming.


Reactive extrusion of polyesters and epoxies as reactive agent has been extensively studied and the reactions are well established. Both polyester end groups (i.e. carboxyl and hydroxyl groups) can react with epoxy functional groups via ring-opening reactions, creating covalent bonds with hydroxyl groups [20] . However, a higher reactivity of epoxy towards the carboxyl groups compared to hydroxyl groups was reported in the literature [21] . This is due to the Table 2 . Nomenclature used for all processed samples in the study strong polarization of the hydroxyl groups of carboxylic acid [22] . Since a polyfunctional SAmfE was used in this work (functionality f n $ 12) and based on previous works dealing with reactions between polyesters and epoxies, a variety of different polymer topologies may be obtained, as shown in Figure 3 . In a first step, PD,L-LA carboxyl groups open SAmfE 3.1. Reactive modification process monitoring 3.1.1. Lab-scale mixing: internal mixer As a first step, the effect of SAmfE addition on both PD,L-LA grades viscosity was evaluated in an internal mixing process as shown in Figure 4 . The torque versus time was monitored over a prolonged time (35 minutes) in order to follow the evolution of the reaction.

Both polyester end groups (i.e. carboxyl and hydroxyl groups) can react with epoxy functional groups via ring-opening reactions, creating covalent bonds with hydroxyl groups.

However, a higher reactivity of epoxy towards the carboxyl groups compared to hydroxyl groups was reported in the literature.

This is due to the Table 2 .

Nomenclature used for all processed samples in the study strong polarization of the hydroxyl groups of carboxylic acid.


Biometric authentication technology is beginning to mature and the technology is finding application in both commercial and public sector environments. The International Biometrics Group predicts that the biometrics market will see steady growth and will double in size over the next 5 years [3] . There are a number of trends that underscore this increasing uptake of biometrics. Firstly, there is an international trend towards secure user identification. There are now several large-scale, public facing implementations of biometric systems, including the US-VISIT scheme and the proposed identity card scheme in the United Kingdom. Secondly, the increase of computer security incidents and the need to safeguard information will contribute to an increased usage of biometric technology [4, 5] . Finally, biometric technology is often described as a positive development for the public at large [6] . According to some authors, the benefits of biometrics will eventually lead to the technology being used in almost every application that requires personal authentication [7] .

The International Biometrics Group predicts that the biometrics market will see steady growth and will double in size over the next 5 years.

Secondly, the increase of computer security incidents and the need to safeguard information will contribute to an increased usage of biometric technology.

Finally, biometric technology is often described as a positive development for the public at large.

According to some authors, the benefits of biometrics will eventually lead to the technology being used in almost every application that requires personal authentication.


As information and communication technologies (ICT) become ever more pervasive in modern life, the security of these systems has become an increasingly important issue. Authenticating legitimate users of computing systems is a necessary process with a number of unique challenges. User authentication falls into three different categories; knowledge-based authentication, token-based authentication and biometrics [1] . Knowledge-based authentication, such as passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) rely on non-obvious information to confirm the legitimacy of an individual. Token-based authentication relies on the presence of a physical object to authenticate users. In contrast, biometric authentication technologies measure physical, behavioural or anatomical characteristics of the user to verify identity. The attraction of using biometrics is that the characteristics used to authenticate people cannot be lost, forgotten or readily stolen [2] . Biometrics have the potential to confirm the presence of the actual user, rather than just their password or identity token and are therefore seen as more secure than other forms of authentication.

User authentication falls into three different categories; knowledge-based authentication, token-based authentication and biometrics.

The attraction of using biometrics is that the characteristics used to authenticate people cannot be lost, forgotten or readily stolen.


During the precipitation of Sb 2 S 3 , the conditional electrode potential equals E 0 = E 0 + 0.06 Pksp, and therefore a reaction of Sb 3+ and S 2− with high rate rather than primary rate is done. As Sb 2 S 3 is a narrow band gap semiconductor (Eg is 1.7 ev for bulk), with decreasing diameter to nanoscale, novel optical properties may be observed [18] . The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of synthesized antimony sulfide, shown in Figure 5 , has an excitation peak at 348 nm ( Figure 5(a) ), and the emission peak can be observed at 450, 500 nm ( Figure 5(b) ). The UV/Vis spectrum (prepared by dispersion of Sb 2 S 3 products in ethanol) shows an absorption band at 215 nm with band gap around 2.50 ev which indicates a blue-shift phenomenon, as commonly observed for nanomaterials ( Figure 6 ).

As Sb 2 S 3 is a narrow band gap semiconductor (Eg is 1.7 ev for bulk), with decreasing diameter to nanoscale, novel optical properties may be observed.


The analysis of solvable groups of local diffeomorphisms is a valuable tool to describe solvable groups of real analytic difffeomorphisms of compact manifolds. Ghys uses this strategy to prove that solvable groups of real analytic diffeomorphisms of S 1 and nilpotent groups of real analytic diffeomorphisms of S 2 are metabelian, i.e. their first derived groups are commutative [7] . In the same spirit Cantat and Cerveau study analytic actions of mapping class groups on surfaces [4] .

Ghys uses this strategy to prove that solvable groups of real analytic diffeomorphisms of S 1 and nilpotent groups of real analytic diffeomorphisms of S 2 are metabelian, i.e. their first derived groups are commutative.

In the same spirit Cantat and Cerveau study analytic actions of mapping class groups on surfaces.


To understand the perspective of coachees, a qualitative approach was selected as the methodological design for the study. Qualitative research is appropriate under conditions that warrant the exploration of a topic (Creswell, 2013) . In this case, the perspectives of coachees involved in coaching relationships has been understudied; as a research team, we hoped to illuminate the authentic experiences and viewpoints of participants through in-depth interviews and open-ended survey questions. Furthermore, the qualitative approach provided an opportunity to empower the coachee participants. The qualitative process allowed the voices of the participants to be heard; the views and perceptions of teachers, providers, and families is often neglected in the study of the implementation of early childhood programming.

Qualitative research is appropriate under conditions that warrant the exploration of a topic.


Biogas from anaerobic digestion is a well-known source of renewable energy which can be used for many purposes such as electricity generation, heating or fueling vehicles. In the past decades, many countries have developed a variety of biogas systems using different substrates such as maize, perennial grasses, livestock manure, food wastes and agro-industrial wastewater. Nevertheless, one obstacle in biogas utilization is the poor quality of biogas due to its undesirable components like carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, water and ammonia which can cause corrosion and damage to machineries, reduces the system lifetime and increases maintenance costs [1] .

Nevertheless, one obstacle in biogas utilization is the poor quality of biogas due to its undesirable components like carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, water and ammonia which can cause corrosion and damage to machineries, reduces the system lifetime and increases maintenance costs.


Technologies to upgrade biogas quality are classified into physical, chemical and biological methods [2] . The commonly used technology are water absorption, polyethylene glycol absorption, carbon molecular sieving and membrane separation which are popular in Europe, USA and Canada [3] . However these methods require high investment and operational costs, making it not affordable for farmers in developing countries.

Technologies to upgrade biogas quality are classified into physical, chemical and biological methods.

The commonly used technology are water absorption, polyethylene glycol absorption, carbon molecular sieving and membrane separation which are popular in Europe, USA and Canada.


Another alternative technology to upgrade biogas is the in-situ methane enrichment which is carried out by continuously stripping carbon dioxide from the effluent and recirculating the effluent back to the digester. This method shifts the carbonic equilibrium in the digester towards the liquid phase, so carbon dioxide in the biogas dissolves more in water and hence increases the methane proportion in the gas phase [1] . In the similar manner, hydrogen sulfide, which is also very soluble in water, can be removed simultaneously. The main advantage of the in-situ methane enrichment is the significantly lower capital and operational costs compared to conventional biogas upgrading techniques [4] .

This method shifts the carbonic equilibrium in the digester towards the liquid phase, so carbon dioxide in the biogas dissolves more in water and hence increases the methane proportion in the gas phase.

The main advantage of the in-situ methane enrichment is the significantly lower capital and operational costs compared to conventional biogas upgrading techniques.


HA, Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 , is the major mineral component of human bone and other calcified tissues [1] . Thus, due to the similarity with bone composition and its ability to bond strongly with human hard tissue, the synthesis of HA (a bioceramic material) is of great interest for several clinical applications in the biomedical field [2, 3] . Synthetic HA is a versatile inorganic material that also exhibits desirable properties such as biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity. In medicine and dentistry, due to its bioactive properties, HA has been successfully used for bone reconstructions and as coatings for dental implants; also, the structure is similar to the human bone mineral component. However, various sources of infections exist in these biomedical interventions, including environment surfaces and surgical equipment as well as microorganisms present in body tissues. Hence, the risk of infectious complications is high and may lead to failures which entail the need for subsequent surgery and medical costs in addition to the pain and suffering of patients. Candida albicans is among the most frequently isolated microorganisms from human infections, mainly in immunocompromised patients [4] [5] [6] . Although C. albicans is an eukaryotic commensal microorganism of human mucosal surfaces, when there is impairment of the host immunity, it can cause serious superficial and deep infections [4] . In general, the in vivo colonization of tissues and surfaces by microorganisms is related to biofilm formation. Biofilmassociated C. albicans cells are more resistant to antifungals commonly used compared to cells grown in planktonic form [5] . Therefore, the synthesis of HA with antifungal properties against planktonic and biofilm cells would be an important strategy to inhibit fungal colonization and, consequently, the incidence of surgical infections.

HA, Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 , is the major mineral component of human bone and other calcified tissues.

Thus, due to the similarity with bone composition and its ability to bond strongly with human hard tissue, the synthesis of HA (a bioceramic material) is of great interest for several clinical applications in the biomedical field.

Candida albicans is among the most frequently isolated microorganisms from human infections, mainly in immunocompromised patients.

Although C. albicans is an eukaryotic commensal microorganism of human mucosal surfaces, when there is impairment of the host immunity, it can cause serious superficial and deep infections.

Biofilmassociated C. albicans cells are more resistant to antifungals commonly used compared to cells grown in planktonic form.


Disorders in surfaces and interfaces occur in HA@Ag synthesized by the HTMW method and create disordered sites [38] . This fact induces restructuring at the intermediate range which results in structural and electronic alterations to both the surface and interface. Disordered sites yield a local lattice distortion that is propagated along the overall material which pushes the surrounding clusters away from their ideal positions. Thus, complex clusters (disordered clusters) must move for these properties to occur which changes the electronic distribution along the network of these polar clusters [39] . This electronic structure may dictate the biological activity and plays a major role in determining the reactivity and stability of the cluster.

Disorders in surfaces and interfaces occur in HA@Ag synthesized by the HTMW method and create disordered sites.

Thus, complex clusters (disordered clusters) must move for these properties to occur which changes the electronic distribution along the network of these polar clusters.


As mentioned earlier in the literature, the purpose of this work is to compensate the lack of information on the prediction of the surface roughness values when Super Austenitic Stainless Steel (SASS) is machined. To the best of our knowledge, machinability assessment of AL6XN SASS alloy due to surface texture analysis using an optical profilometer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) has not been studied in machining field. Therefore, this paper aim is to evaluate and analyse the surface roughness and the microstructure of the machined surfaces relating to the cutting parameters when SASS alloy-AL6XN is machined. Alicona Infinite Focus (AIF) 3D optical profilometer considered a new technique to evaluate the surface roughness, which was used in this research. The Alicona profilometer is a noncontact imager instrument measuring the roughness based on a focus variation process. The benefit of using an optical imager is measuring the roughness values precisely without causing any surface damage compared to the conventional contact measurements. Studies have been conducted on predicting the surface roughness values during machining of various materials using noncontact and contact instruments and the results confirmed that accurate roughness values were gained when the noncontact measurements were executed [11] [12] [13] . The outputs from this paper can be applied as a pretest condition by a machinery manufacturer. This helps to improve the machinist awareness about selecting the cutting parameters as well as the cutting direction to minimise the surface roughness to a certain extent.

Studies have been conducted on predicting the surface roughness values during machining of various materials using noncontact and contact instruments and the results confirmed that accurate roughness values were gained when the noncontact measurements were executed.


Verbal fluency tasks require the subject to produce as many words as he can within a given time (one or two minutes) based on a given criteria, which can be a semantic category (e.g. animals) or a letter (e.g. words that begin with "p"). These two types of fluency may not be equivalent in terms of mental processes and resources. Some authors highlighted the fact that category fluency specifically assesses the semantic memory and semantic retrieval while phonemic fluency is rather linked with executive abilities (i.e. mental flexibility and inhibition). Possibly because in phonemic fluency, subjects are only given a letter and they have to search in many categories to find words that match with the instruction [1] . These assumptions are supported by data suggesting that verbal fluency tasks are strongly linked with left frontal cortex activation but also to a lesser extent with left temporal cortex activation (mainly in the context of the category fluency) [2] . Verbal fluency tasks may also be analyzed by considering two indexes revealing two main strategies during task resolution. The first index is the cluster which implies the production of two or more words of a semantic (e.g. domestic animals for the animal criterion) or phonemic (e.g. two or more words beginning with the syllable "po" for the "beginning with a p" criterion) subcategory. Clustering requires a research into one phonemic or semantic subcategory while switching (and switches) reveals the fact of changing from a subcategory to another when the first one is exhausted. As different types of verbal fluency seem to require different abilities, clusters and switches also involve specific competences. Clustering is supposed to involve the use of semantic categories stored in semantic memory and/or a phonemic analysis. These categories can be evaluated by calculating the size of clusters or by interpreting mistakes, which can reflect some inhibition disorders. At a different level, switches involve mental flexibility [3] .

Possibly because in phonemic fluency, subjects are only given a letter and they have to search in many categories to find words that match with the instruction.

These assumptions are supported by data suggesting that verbal fluency tasks are strongly linked with left frontal cortex activation but also to a lesser extent with left temporal cortex activation (mainly in the context of the category fluency).

At a different level, switches involve mental flexibility.


The production of edible oil has been in practice in Nigeria for centuries, and it remains an essential ingredient in much of the southwest of the country cuisine. It uses are also found in animal feed, for medicinal purposes, and for certain technical applications. Its enormous demand for various purposes has made the industry very important. According to the vegetable oil producers, Nigeria is selfsuficient in edible oil requirement. Statistics show that the country produces altogether 500,000 metric tonnes of edible oil annually made up of 320,000 metric tonnes from the organized sector while the remaining 180,000 metric tonnes come from small-scale producers in the unorganized sector [1] . Total demand of refined edible oil in Nigeria is put at 250,000 metric tonnes annually [1] . By this statistics, the country is supposed to export about 250,000 metric tonnes of edible oil to neighboring West African countries annually. The vegetable oil industry has played a significant role in the national economy generating business worth more than 10 billion naira for transportation and allied sectors. It has provided over 25,000 direct employments and indirect employment for more than one million farming families. Altogether, the industry is believed to have direct effect on the lives of more than six million Nigerians [1] . However, the Nigerian edible oil refineries are facing more challenges today than ever before as a result of increased competitiveness and varying energy demand. In addition, high cost of production, the epileptic supply of electrical energy supply from the national grid, inadequate production and distribution of petroleum products and the growing concern over global warming have created complex and sometimes conflicting challenges for industrial operations. The industries must operate a system that runs effectively in order to survive in today's highly competitive world market. Hence, the Nigerian industries are seeking cost effective energy saving technology and practices that will minimize energy use while maintaining or increasing product quality and quantity.

Statistics show that the country produces altogether 500,000 metric tonnes of edible oil annually made up of 320,000 metric tonnes from the organized sector while the remaining 180,000 metric tonnes come from small-scale producers in the unorganized sector.

Total demand of refined edible oil in Nigeria is put at 250,000 metric tonnes annually.

Altogether, the industry is believed to have direct effect on the lives of more than six million Nigerians.


Southern Africa has approximately 650 species of dung beetles, of which paracoprid (tunnelling) dung beetles comprise about 70 percent (Davis et al., 2008) . They bury dung in tunnels excavated beneath dung pads that range from 10 to 103 cm in depth depending on the species (Edwards and Aschenborn, 1987) . The dung is utilised as a medium for feeding and reproduction. Beetles either feed on the dung fluids or use the whole dung as food provisions for their larvae. Dung is buried in a chamber at the end of the burrow and either simply packed where it can be fed on or an egg is laid in it, or made into a ball onto which an egg is laid (Fincher, 1981) . Beetle larvae remain in the soil from a few weeks to months before emerging as adults (Halffter and Edmonds, 1982) . During peak activity in the summer months (October to February), the beetles may bury entire dung pads within a few hours leaving no trace behind except excavated soil in their wake (Waterhouse, 1974) . Beetles compact the soil on the tunnel sides and in their brood chambers, and leave a lightly packed back-fill of soil behind them as the tunnel progresses. Thus the only soil at the surface is that generated to initiate the excavation (Halffter and Edmonds, 1982) . The amount of soil brought to the surface is proportional to the size of the beetle. High numbers of beetles are involved with more than 7000 individuals counted in a single elephant dung pat in the Kruger National Park in South Africa (Waterhouse, 1974) .

Southern Africa has approximately 650 species of dung beetles, of which paracoprid (tunnelling) dung beetles comprise about 70 percent.

They bury dung in tunnels excavated beneath dung pads that range from 10 to 103 cm in depth depending on the species.

Dung is buried in a chamber at the end of the burrow and either simply packed where it can be fed on or an egg is laid in it, or made into a ball onto which an egg is laid.

Beetle larvae remain in the soil from a few weeks to months before emerging as adults.

During peak activity in the summer months (October to February), the beetles may bury entire dung pads within a few hours leaving no trace behind except excavated soil in their wake.

Thus the only soil at the surface is that generated to initiate the excavation.

High numbers of beetles are involved with more than 7000 individuals counted in a single elephant dung pat in the Kruger National Park in South Africa.


CT perfusion (CTP) imaging is one of techniques used to assess cerebral circulation in acute stroke patients. Similarly to MR perfusion (MRP), CTP is widely applied for assess− ing perfusion abnormalities of stroke patients, including candidates for thrombolytic therapy [1] . Perfusion−weighted computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) techniques, in contrast to those of MR and CT angiography, which detect bulk vessel flow, are sensitive to microscopic, tissue−level blood flow [2] .

Similarly to MR perfusion (MRP), CTP is widely applied for assess− ing perfusion abnormalities of stroke patients, including candidates for thrombolytic therapy.

Perfusion−weighted computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) techniques, in contrast to those of MR and CT angiography, which detect bulk vessel flow, are sensitive to microscopic, tissue−level blood flow.


Reported clinical outcomes regarding the efficacy of highdose ascorbate as a therapeutic agent are conflicting. The absence of benefit from studies of oral ascorbate is predictable and expected [11] [12] [13] . Considering the difference in route of administration, the decision was made to conduct a phase I trial to determine the safety and tolerability of pharmacological ascorbate when administered concomitantly with gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer patients. Given the recent preclinical study indicating that ascorbate has the potential to improve antitumor therapy, plasma levels of at least 20 mM were targeted [9] . Primary objectives of this study were to characterize the toxicity profile associated with IV ascorbate and the dose effect on plasma ascorbate levels when given twice weekly with gemcitabine to patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

The absence of benefit from studies of oral ascorbate is predictable and expected.

Given the recent preclinical study indicating that ascorbate has the potential to improve antitumor therapy, plasma levels of at least 20 mM were targeted.


In the context of GM estimate application some problems can arise. The bandwidth and the kernel order infl uence the quality of the estimate, and therefore both parameters are suitable to optimize. In the case of bandwidth several methods are suitable to use for the robustness of results. Further, because of the asymptotical character of kernel estimates, the sample size belongs to the next infl uencing factor. We can say that the resultant estimates are better for a bigger sample size than for a small sample size. A bigger sample size is usually a sample with more than 50-70 measurements. Another limitation of the application on real data is the assumption that the data fi le is random. Unfortunately macroeconomic data of transitive economy do not often satisfy this assumption. If, for practical reasons or from the economic theory point of view, it is not possible to make any data transformation leading to the satisfaction of random assumption, then it is necessary to keep this fact in mind in the case of parameter optimization and therefore to use several criteria. Especially in the case of autocorrelation in the data set the optimum bandwidth could cause the undersmoothing of the resultant estimate. Edge effects also belong to potential problems of the kernel estimates. The refl exion technique or edge kernels can be used for their correction (Poměnková, 2005 and 2008) .

The refl exion technique or edge kernels can be used for their correction.


Of the management options for prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy are the most widely accepted treatments for patients with early stage disease who require intervention. The main curative form of treatment for localized prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy [6] . It is reasonable to offer radical prostatectomy for the cure of localized prostate cancer. However, for nearly 66% of men undergoing prostatectomy, the preoperative clinical stage underestimates the extent of disease, and the positive margin rate may be as high as 30% to 60% [7] . The first use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in prostate cancer was for the palliation of metastatic disease [8] . The rationale for NHT evolved from the need to decrease the high positive margin rate following radical prostatectomy and to reduce the clinical recurrence rate. The development of safe, potent, and reversible agents for NHT provided a well-tolerated method for inducing prostate cancer cell death and tumor regression before radical prostatectomy. There is no consensus in the medical literature, however, as to whether radical prostatectomy after NHT is of greater, equal, of lesser difficulty than radical prostatectomy in patients who have not received NHT [9] .

The main curative form of treatment for localized prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy.

However, for nearly 66% of men undergoing prostatectomy, the preoperative clinical stage underestimates the extent of disease, and the positive margin rate may be as high as 30% to 60%.

The first use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in prostate cancer was for the palliation of metastatic disease.

There is no consensus in the medical literature, however, as to whether radical prostatectomy after NHT is of greater, equal, of lesser difficulty than radical prostatectomy in patients who have not received NHT.


One of the attempts to unify general relativity with the quantum description of the microscopic cosmos has led to string theory [22, 23, 24, 25] . One of its main features is the existence of 10 or 26 space dimensions which is larger than the commonly experienced three space dimensions [26] . These extra dimensions are assumed to be compactified and are consequently too small to be observed.

One of the attempts to unify general relativity with the quantum description of the microscopic cosmos has led to string theory.

One of its main features is the existence of 10 or 26 space dimensions which is larger than the commonly experienced three space dimensions.


Independent emission of single particles yields a Poissonian P n . Deviations from this shape, therefore, reveal correlations. These correlations are predominantly short range in rapidity, attributed to cluster decays, and reflect local conservation of quantum numbers in the hadronisation process. In hadron-hadron interactions, additional large long-range rapidity correlations are observed, whose magnitude increases with √ s [6] . In contrast, in e + e − annihilations such long-range correlations are much weaker and practically absent in two-and three-jet event samples [7] .

In hadron-hadron interactions, additional large long-range rapidity correlations are observed, whose magnitude increases with √ s.

In contrast, in e + e − annihilations such long-range correlations are much weaker and practically absent in two-and three-jet event samples.


Because the constrained problem is mostly concerned with the necessity of operation and maintenance in the industry, there is a growing need to optimize the acoustical performance within a fixed space. Yet the need to investigate the optimal muffler design under space constraints is rarely tackled. In previous papers, the shape optimizations of simple-expansion mufflers were discussed (Yeh et al., 2003; Chang et al., 2004; 2005; Yeh et al., 2006) . In dealing with a venting noise emitted from the side, side inlet/outlet mufflers have been frequently used. To greatly increase the acoustical performance within a fixed space, a new acoustical mechanism of multi-chamber mufflers hybridized with reverse-flow perforated tubes arrived at by using the novel scheme of simulated annealing (SA) is presented.

In previous papers, the shape optimizations of simple-expansion mufflers were discussed.


The skin panel structures of supersonic (1.3 < M < 5.0) and hypersonic (5.0 < M < 10) flight vehicles, such as launch vehicles, guided weapons, and fighter planes, are subjected to combined aerodynamic, thermal, and acoustic loads [1] . The thermal loads due to aerodynamic heating cause thermal buckling and postbuckling of the panel, which result in a sudden change in vehicle configuration. Additionally, acoustic loads due to engine noise in high-speed flights may induce random vibrations of the panel structures. When these loads are applied simultaneously, the dynamic behavior of the skin panels becomes very complex and may result in serious damage, such as fatigue failure, of the panels of high-speed flight vehicles. Particularly, under the action of combined thermal and acoustic loads, the snap-through response of the panel structures exerts a highly important effect on the fatigue of the skin panels of high-speed vehicles.

The skin panel structures of supersonic (1.3 < M < 5.0) and hypersonic (5.0 < M < 10) flight vehicles, such as launch vehicles, guided weapons, and fighter planes, are subjected to combined aerodynamic, thermal, and acoustic loads.


Most of the work involved in delivering the performance targets has been delegated to nurses [5] . Nurses are also increasingly undertaking roles that have been the sole domain of doctors, such as prescribing. This role delegation has been particularly evident in the management of patients with stable chronic conditions that does not require extensive input from GPs and are the main disease areas incentivised in the new contract.

Most of the work involved in delivering the performance targets has been delegated to nurses.


Study sites.-We conducted our study in Toledo, Ohio (41u399560N, 83u340319W), a city with a population of 295,614 that covers roughly 208 km 2 (United States Census Bureau 2006 Bureau -2008 . We sampled spiders in three urban habitat types: community gardens (gardens), vacant lots (lots), and forest fragments (forests). We established four replicate sites of each habitat type distributed throughout the city for a total of 12 study sites (Fig. 1) . Study sites were located between 0.5-13.1 km apart, with no significant difference in the mean distance between gardens (5.8 6 1.9 km (SE)), lots (3.9 6 0.8 km) and forests (7.7 6 1.1 km) (F 2,15 5 2.0, P 5 0.18). Sites were chosen to be as similar as possible in terms of the surrounding landscape condition and the habitat extent (e.g. patch size). The forest fragments were located within Toledo City Parks, and ranged from 30,750-85,000 m 2 . Gardens were all facilitated by an urban gardening outreach program, Toledo Grows of the Toledo Botanical Garden, had been in vegetable production for at least five years prior to the study, and were between 420-2688 m 2 . The vacant lots ranged in size from 1299-8262 m 2 , were all managed (and owned) by the city of Toledo and were vacant for at least nine years prior to the study. Vacant lots are a significant habitat type in Toledo, with more than 1000 vacant lots distributed throughout the city (Uno et al. 2010) .

Vacant lots are a significant habitat type in Toledo, with more than 1000 vacant lots distributed throughout the city.


The experience documented here demonstrates the potential of AIC as an open-ended process of stakeholder engagement and action research that can enable collective action and contribute to improvements in natural resource governance, even amidst ongoing resource conflict. It also suggests a strong case for continued efforts to adapt the AIC approach and to learn from its application in a range of other contexts. As a single case study, this does not establish the broad applicability of the approach, but it does serve as a proof of concept (Flyvbjerg 2006) . A followon initiative has further developed the application of AIC in the Tonle Sap, including efforts to address the challenges of enforcement and explore the potential for community-based commercial production in the postreform period. It has also adapted the approach in Lake Kariba in Zambia and Lake Victoria in Uganda , demonstrating its viability in other socio-political environments.

As a single case study, this does not establish the broad applicability of the approach, but it does serve as a proof of concept.


In the current study, we examined the effect of relatedness, diet, and alteration of the microbiota, on female's mating propensity and male's mating investment, and resultant consequences on the fitness of the mating couple; we measured mating propensity as whether females mated or not, and male mating investment as male sperm transfer. We measured female mating propensity, male sperm transfer, and female resulting egg production in no choice mating tests, when mating occurred with a related (sister, brother) or an unrelated partner, that developed on the same or different food, and whose microbiota was intact or altered via streptomycin, in a fully factorial design (Figure 1) . We hypothesized that any difference in behavior due to diet or microbiota manipulations might result from changes in the CHC (cuticular hydrocarbon) profile through olfactory cues that are used during mating in many insects, including D. melanogaster (Ferveur, 2005) . Using two subsamples of virgin females reared under each treatment, we performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to examine whether relatedness and diet, in the presence of an intact or altered microbiota, affected CHC profiles.

We hypothesized that any difference in behavior due to diet or microbiota manipulations might result from changes in the CHC (cuticular hydrocarbon) profile through olfactory cues that are used during mating in many insects, including D. melanogaster.


However, as previously indicated by Eq. (24), for smaller values of k (k ∼ few ×100ω) including zero, we find a suppression due to collisions only in the case of normal mass hierarchy, not in the inverted mass hierarchy. Results for the k = 0 homogeneous modes have been obtained both analytically, through Eq. (24) and numerically via diagonalization of the 6 × 6 matrix appearing in Eq. (20) . Figure 3 shows the numerical results for the homogeneous mode for various values of the incoherent scattering strength parameter c 1 ; it agrees with Eq. (24) at high precision for all values of c 1 considered in this work.

Results for the k = 0 homogeneous modes have been obtained both analytically, through Eq. (24) and numerically via diagonalization of the 6 × 6 matrix appearing in Eq..


Instability does not imply, of course, the persistence of inhomogeneity for all times. Eventually, incoherent collisions may in fact drive the system toward homogeneity. In this case, the associated transient inhomogeneity is associated with entropy generation. And, if sufficiently large, this added entropy may effect the evolution of the light element nucleosynthesis in early universe. This is a question that can only be addressed with detailed numerical simulations; such a code is currently under development [9, 40, 41] .

This is a question that can only be addressed with detailed numerical simulations; such a code is currently under development.


The study area comprises the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, located in the southern Central Corridor of the Atlantic Forest, which has about 4.8 million ha. The annual mean temperature in the region is between 16-25 °C and the annual precipitation, between 900-2,100 mm. The elevation can reach 2,800 m in some sites (Hijmans et al. 2005) . The area has a high level of species diversity, even after suffering intense devastation that reduced its original forest cover to about 5 % (Fonseca 1985) .

The elevation can reach 2,800 m in some sites.

The area has a high level of species diversity, even after suffering intense devastation that reduced its original forest cover to about 5 %.


The etiology of calcific tendinitis is not yet completely clear. Some feel that the calcification is a result of local tissue hypoxia, while others believe that it is a result of trauma [1, 2] . The symptoms of ACT are not thought to be a result of the calcification itself, but rather the rupture of a calcific deposit into the adjacent soft tissue [2] . The presence of the calcific material in the soft tissues results in an acute inflammatory response causing localized pain, edema, and occasionally erythema. In the case that we present, the diagnosis was not made until the patient underwent operative exploration. The patient's pre-existing carpal tunnel syndrome, recent EMG, and broad constellation of symptoms confounded the clinical picture making a proper diagnosis difficult. Imaging studies, while diagnostic for a calcific deposit in the carpal tunnel was suggestive of ACT, but the severity of the patient's symptoms along with confirmed median neuropathy made non-operative treatment difficult.

Some feel that the calcification is a result of local tissue hypoxia, while others believe that it is a result of trauma.

The symptoms of ACT are not thought to be a result of the calcification itself, but rather the rupture of a calcific deposit into the adjacent soft tissue.


Sulfur compounds in fossil fuels oxidize to SO x species and cause different air pollution problems. The majority of sulfur-containing hydrocarbons in liquid fuels are converted to sulfur-free compounds and H 2 S by catalytic hydrodesulphurization (HDS) reactions during the fuel processing. Although the HDS process is the best known technology for desulfurization of liquid fuels, it cannot efficiently remove thiophenic compounds (TC) including dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT), and benzothiophene (BT) to meet the new environmental regulations of 15-30 ppm sulfur in the processed fuels [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] . Reactivity studies of BT, DBT and their alkylated homologues in HDS reactions over Co, Mo/Al 2 O 3 , Ni, Mo/Al 2 O 3 and sulfide Co, Mo/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalysts indicate that the alkyl group substituents, especially in positions subject to steric hindrance effects (e.g., 4 and 6 in the 4,6-DMDBT molecule) significantly reduce the reactivity of TC in HDS reactions [2] [3] [4] .

Although the HDS process is the best known technology for desulfurization of liquid fuels, it cannot efficiently remove thiophenic compounds (TC) including dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT), and benzothiophene (BT) to meet the new environmental regulations of 15-30 ppm sulfur in the processed fuels.

Reactivity studies of BT, DBT and their alkylated homologues in HDS reactions over Co, Mo/Al 2 O 3 , Ni, Mo/Al 2 O 3 and sulfide Co, Mo/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalysts indicate that the alkyl group substituents, especially in positions subject to steric hindrance effects (e.g., 4 and 6 in the 4,6-DMDBT molecule) significantly reduce the reactivity of TC in HDS reactions.


Nevertheless, such approaches do not allow model uncertainties to be taken into account. It should be noted that model uncertainties can only be modeled by using a nonparametric approach. Recently, such a nonparametric model of random uncertainties has been introduced for linear dynamical system [13, 14] .

Recently, such a nonparametric model of random uncertainties has been introduced for linear dynamical system.


This study included the small number of ADLs. However, the ADLs in this study have been considered as typical activities in the field of the evaluation of fall detection algorithms [5, 7] . Interestingly, the developed algorithm showed better performance of the fall detection with the relatively good sensitivity and specificity than that of the previous studies. Nevertheless, further studies would be required to confirm whether the developed algorithm would be useful to the other activities.

However, the ADLs in this study have been considered as typical activities in the field of the evaluation of fall detection algorithms.


Most power was shown at lower frequency components, especially lower than 5 Hz (over 82% on average) as shown in Figure 1 (for four different ADLs) and Figure 2 (for three types of falls). The power was dramatically changed during falls, but not during ADLs in the frequency band. The normalized power signals during ADLs and falls are shown in Figures 3 and 4 , respectively. The peak power at each frequency component was delayed around 2 ms after the fall impact due to the impact absorption by the soft foam mattress. However, it seems negligible because the purpose of this study was to detect a fall prior to impact. Interestingly, the normalized power values were less than the threshold during falls but not during ADLs. This difference showed a possibility that the developed STFT-based algorithm would be applied for fall detection. Table 1 shows the performance of the developed algorithm. The specificity of 1-3 Hz frequency components was the best (100%), but the sensitivity was low (<80%). The results at 5 Hz showed the low performance with the sensitivity of 65.8% and the specificity of 83.9%. Although the specificity of 4 Hz component was rather smaller than 100% (97.1%), it showed the best sensitivity (96.9%) compared with the other frequency components. These imply that 4 Hz frequency component would be appropriate for the fall detection with the relatively good sensitivity and specificity. This is also supported by the previous study where the results of fast Fourier transform of acceleration signals obtained during a fall showed a considerable power at the frequency band ranged at 3-4 Hz [11] .

This is also supported by the previous study where the results of fast Fourier transform of acceleration signals obtained during a fall showed a considerable power at the frequency band ranged at 3-4 Hz.


Within this article, one method and specific application of trans-disciplinary research in the field of sustainable agricultural development is described. Within the context of Belgian agriculture, three individual research projects have been combined and clustered into a trans-disciplinary platform. It is described how a method was developed to reflect the diversity, complexity and dynamics of sustainable processes and to take the knowledge of people involved and their interests at stake into account (Hirsch Hadorn et al., 2006; Walz et al., 2007) . Furthermore, it will be demonstrated that this clustering method has lead to new insights, supplementary to results of individual research actions.

It is described how a method was developed to reflect the diversity, complexity and dynamics of sustainable processes and to take the knowledge of people involved and their interests at stake into account.


This study has identified characteristic changes in the obesity rate by grade of disability. The odds ratio of the obesity rate was low in the case of severe disabilities (grades 1, 2, and 3) but higher in the case of mild disabilities (grades 4, 5, and 6), confirming vulnerability to obesity in the case of those with mild disabilities. It was found that even in the case of those with the same disability type, the influence on obesity rate varies, depending on the extent of restrictions on physical and dietary activities as well as differences in energy metabolism in accordance with grade of disability. In the case of people with severe disabilities, they tend to exert more energy during physical activities due to activity impairment caused by combinations of problems in vision, hearing, and static sense, and have difficulties in eating due to lowered cognitive function and a weakened state of consciousness [22] [23] [24] . In other words, people with severe disability show low obesity rates because of decreased calorie intake due to restrictions on physical activities and increased consumption of energy during physical activities. On the other hand, people with mild disabilities show high obesity rates because they maintain dietary activities with relatively few restrictions on physical activities and consume less energy during physical activities due to metabolism adjusted to disability. The reason why the odds ratio of the obesity rate is higher in the case of those with mild disabilities appears to be that there is a qualitative change in energy metabolism in addition to a quantitative decrease in physical activities due to physical disability. However, it is notable that the odds ratio of the obesity rate among people with lower-limb disability or spinal cord injury is lower in the case of grade 4 or milder disabilities while the odds ratio of the obesity rate among people with upper-limb disability tends to be higher as the degree of disability becomes milder. This appears to be because, in the case of people with lowerlimb disability or spinal cord injury, while maintaining abilities for dietary activities regardless of grade of disability, those with grade 4 or milder disabilities tend to recover abilities for physical activity. In contrast, those with upper-limb disability, tend to recover abilities for dietary activities as the degree of disability is milder.

In the case of people with severe disabilities, they tend to exert more energy during physical activities due to activity impairment caused by combinations of problems in vision, hearing, and static sense, and have difficulties in eating due to lowered cognitive function and a weakened state of consciousness.


On the other hand, the obesity rates of people with lowerlimb disability or spinal cord injury were significantly higher than those of the people without disabilities. People with lower-limb disability maintain physical functions for eating but their physical activities are restricted in many ways. People with spinal cord injury, who are mostly wheelchair-bound in daily living, also have low-level abilities to perform physical activities, with weaker muscle strength and flexibility than people without disabilities [19] . Even in the case of acquired disabilities, it was observed that most people with spinal cord injury are noticeably weaker than people without disabilities of the same gender and the same age groups in terms of muscle strength, flexibility, cardiopulmonary functioning, and so forth, which may indicate lower energy metabolism due to disability [7] . In other words, people with lower-limb disability or spinal cord injury are more vulnerable to obesity since their overall physical activity is largely restricted, together with low energy metabolism, while they more or less maintain physical functions for eating. High obesity rates of those with lowerlimb disability and wheelchair-bound people with spinal cord injury have already been reported in many studies, supporting the results of this study [20, 21] .

People with spinal cord injury, who are mostly wheelchair-bound in daily living, also have low-level abilities to perform physical activities, with weaker muscle strength and flexibility than people without disabilities.

Even in the case of acquired disabilities, it was observed that most people with spinal cord injury are noticeably weaker than people without disabilities of the same gender and the same age groups in terms of muscle strength, flexibility, cardiopulmonary functioning, and so forth, which may indicate lower energy metabolism due to disability.

High obesity rates of those with lowerlimb disability and wheelchair-bound people with spinal cord injury have already been reported in many studies, supporting the results of this study.


The findings should be interpreted within the limitations of the study, which used a convenience sample and an analogue design. Studies that have simulated counseling situations have several limitations (Kim & Atkinson, 2002; Wang & Kim, 2010) . First, this design may limit the external validity of the findings to actual real counseling settings. The analogue may not capture or adequately invoke important dynamics and processes that occur in actual counseling or therapy situations. Second, most of the participants were not in acute distress, so the motivation to selfdisclose may have been lower than that found for actual clients. Third, the experimental match effects may have been somewhat muted because participants only received information from the counselor and could not engage in an actual interaction. However, it could be argued that concerns about shame and face loss may actually be more salient within actual counseling situations. In vivo psychotherapy and counseling involve individuals who are in great distress, and many are ambivalent or unfamiliar with psychotherapy. Under these conditions, interpersonal issues such as face concern may have more substantial effects on self-disclosure. Moreover, analogue research designs are appropriate and useful when examining issues on which previous research has been quite limited (Heppner, Kivlighan, & Wampold, 2008) .

Studies that have simulated counseling situations have several limitations.

Moreover, analogue research designs are appropriate and useful when examining issues on which previous research has been quite limited.


In section 2 we briefly review the harmonic superspace construction of the ADHM sigma model [4] . In section 3 we concentrate on its infrared limit and generalize it to include a nontrivial space-time background. Then we study the conditions for the massless theory to possess off-shell (4, 4) supersymmetry. In section 4 we derive the component action and discuss further problems. In the concluding section we compare our results with various facts about (4,4) sigma models known in the literature.

In section 2 we briefly review the harmonic superspace construction of the ADHM sigma model.

Then we study the conditions for the massless theory to possess off-shell supersymmetry.


Among the different remediation techniques, bioremediation is the most advantageous due to its cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness [6] [7] . This has led to screening for various microorganisms with high crude oil degrading efficiency. Actinobacteria have been reported as useful microbes in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with crude oil and derivatives [8] - [10] . A wide variety of microbes initiate biodegradation of polyaromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons by co-metabolism using extracellular and intracellular enzymes of which peroxidases play a crucial role [11] [12] . Enzymes involved in the degradation of PAHs are oxygenase, dehydrogenase and lignolytic enzymes comprising peroxidases and laccases [13] . Peroxidases (POXs) have been considered useful in the degradation of organic pollutants, especially, poly aromatic hydrocarbons [14] - [16] . Peroxidases are redox enzymes which are found in all forms of life where they play diverse roles. It is quite surprising that peroxidases isolated from fungi and plants have been extensively studied while actinobacterial peroxidases have been unexplored despite their diverse metabolic capabilities which represent large resource for biocatalysis [17] .

Among the different remediation techniques, bioremediation is the most advantageous due to its cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness.

Actinobacteria have been reported as useful microbes in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with crude oil and derivatives.

A wide variety of microbes initiate biodegradation of polyaromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons by co-metabolism using extracellular and intracellular enzymes of which peroxidases play a crucial role.

Enzymes involved in the degradation of PAHs are oxygenase, dehydrogenase and lignolytic enzymes comprising peroxidases and laccases.

Peroxidases (POXs) have been considered useful in the degradation of organic pollutants, especially, poly aromatic hydrocarbons.

It is quite surprising that peroxidases isolated from fungi and plants have been extensively studied while actinobacterial peroxidases have been unexplored despite their diverse metabolic capabilities which represent large resource for biocatalysis.


The periodontal disease is one of the main causes of a permanent tooth lossof adult patients. It is assumed that this problem affects from 16.7% to 98.9% of the adult population [1] [2] [3] . The development of periodontal disease contributes to the creation of bone defects and loss of attachment. Consequentially, efficiency of the periodontal support is reduced and the ability to resist occlusal forces and those forces generated by the tongue, lips and buccal muscles is diminished. In 30% to 50% of periodontally compromised patients this leads to pathologic teeth migration [4, 5] . In such cases interdisciplinary periodontal -orthodontic treatment is necessary [6] . It is however important not to forget that periodontal tissues under the influence of inflammatory processes react to orthodontic forces differently than the tissues of healthy patients [7, 8] . Despite the current knowledge of this fact, there is still a lack of an unequivocal therapeutic management algorithm. Furthermore, data from literature which shows changes in the periodontium influenced by orthodontic forces can sometimes even be contradictory [9, 10] . As a result, the strategy of orthodontic treatment for periodontally compromised patients is still predominantly dependant on doctors experience instead of scientific evidence. The lack of objective records has prompted the authors to undertake proper studies. Their aim was the simulation of bone tissue remodeling within a bone defect with the utilization of the finite element method (FEM), and thus the elaboration of an application which enables the evaluation of orthodontic forces which positively influence periodontium in vivo.

It is assumed that this problem affects from 16.7% to 98.9% of the adult population.

In 30% to 50% of periodontally compromised patients this leads to pathologic teeth migration.

In such cases interdisciplinary periodontal -orthodontic treatment is necessary.

It is however important not to forget that periodontal tissues under the influence of inflammatory processes react to orthodontic forces differently than the tissues of healthy patients.

Furthermore, data from literature which shows changes in the periodontium influenced by orthodontic forces can sometimes even be contradictory.


The cycle breakdown of BLAST (Figure 3) shows that, for some queries, there are a significant number of stalls due to branch mispredictions. We present some experiments and a preliminary analysis of the problem in this section and hope to provide a solution to the problem in future. To find out the reason for these mispredictions, we simulated an idealized hardware for branch prediction using an instrumentation tool called PIN [28] . Itanium-2 stores branch prediction information associated with each instruction cache line. It uses a 4-bit local history to select a 2-bit saturating counter from a 16K-entry pattern history table. These are the structures used for direct branches that represent almost all types of dynamic branch instructions found in BLAST. The simulated hardware stores m-bit saturation counter for all n-bit local patterns for a particular branch. We used the query nt.1 for the blastn mode as this query has a significant amount of branch mispredictions. From simulation and performance counter information, we found that a significant portion of branch mispredictions occur due to one branch. In most cases when the branch is mispredicted, it is not-taken while the counters are saturated at taken. From the results of simulations, we concluded that the pattern of branch outcomes is such, that it is difficult to predict the not-taken branches using branch histories.

To find out the reason for these mispredictions, we simulated an idealized hardware for branch prediction using an instrumentation tool called PIN.


Compositional data, which belong to a simplex, are ubiquitous in scientific disciplines such as geology, economics and genomics. This paper is motivated by microbiome and metagenomic research, where relative abundances of hundreds to thousands of bacterial taxa on a few tens or hundreds of individuals are available for analysis (The Human Microbiome Project Consortium, 2012) . Due to varying amounts of DNA-generating material across different samples, sequencing read counts are often normalized to relative abundances; the resulting data are therefore compositional (Li, 2015) . One fundamental problem in microbiome data analysis is to test whether two populations have the same microbiome composition, which can be viewed as a two-sample testing problem for high-dimensional compositional data. Since the components of a composition must sum to unity, directly applying standard multivariate statistical methods c 2017 Biometrika Trust intended for unconstrained data to compositional data may result in inappropriate or misleading inferences (Aitchison, 2003) .

This paper is motivated by microbiome and metagenomic research, where relative abundances of hundreds to thousands of bacterial taxa on a few tens or hundreds of individuals are available for analysis.

Due to varying amounts of DNA-generating material across different samples, sequencing read counts are often normalized to relative abundances; the resulting data are therefore compositional.

Since the components of a composition must sum to unity, directly applying standard multivariate statistical methods c 2017 Biometrika Trust intended for unconstrained data to compositional data may result in inappropriate or misleading inferences.


The ever-increasing competition on the global economic market and growing expectations of customers force manufacturing companies to meet orders in the exact time and quantity as stipulated in a contract [1] . This means that manufacturing plants need to satisfy their customers demands neither too late nor too soon, due to the fact that early production incurs inventory holding costs while late production causes either lost sales or backlogs [2, 3] . Excessive inventories can also lead to poor cash flows necessitating financing to cover operational costs, while stock-outs can lead to customer service problems and to the eventual loss of business [4] .

The ever-increasing competition on the global economic market and growing expectations of customers force manufacturing companies to meet orders in the exact time and quantity as stipulated in a contract.

This means that manufacturing plants need to satisfy their customers demands neither too late nor too soon, due to the fact that early production incurs inventory holding costs while late production causes either lost sales or backlogs.

Excessive inventories can also lead to poor cash flows necessitating financing to cover operational costs, while stock-outs can lead to customer service problems and to the eventual loss of business.


Nanocrystalline Zr 2 Co 11 -based materials are promising candidates for the development of rare-earth-free permanent magnets due to their good intrinsic magnetic properties with strong uniaxial anisotropy (11 Merg cm −3 ) and high Curie temperature (>500 ∘ C) [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] . The rhombohedral Zr 2 Co 11 phase is identified to be responsible for the magnetic hardness in rapidly quenched alloys as discussed elsewhere [6] [7] [8] [9] . The coercivity and maximum energy product of Zr 2 Co 11 -based nanocrystalline materials also were efficiently enhanced by the introduction of Mo element [10, 11] . The investigation of the magnetic microstructure and property relationship is important for the understanding of these improvements and, more generally, for the development of high-performance magnets. So far, how element additions affect magnetic microstructure and what is the correlation of magnetic microstructure and magnetism are still unclear.

Nanocrystalline Zr 2 Co 11 -based materials are promising candidates for the development of rare-earth-free permanent magnets due to their good intrinsic magnetic properties with strong uniaxial anisotropy (11 Merg cm −3 ) and high Curie temperature (>500 ∘ C).

The rhombohedral Zr 2 Co 11 phase is identified to be responsible for the magnetic hardness in rapidly quenched alloys as discussed elsewhere.

The coercivity and maximum energy product of Zr 2 Co 11 -based nanocrystalline materials also were efficiently enhanced by the introduction of Mo element.


It is well known that shock absorber unit plays a significant role in an aircraft landing gear. Complicated design requirements for this unit need to be considered at the design stage of an aircraft. Specifically, under landing touchdown condition, the greatest energy dissipation requirement for the shock absorber is determined, as well as its general performance [1] . For this case, the shock absorber is required to dissipate all the impact energy without causing the aircraft to rebound, with the greatest energy absorption efficiency and the minimum gear load which represents passenger/crew comfort [2] . Nowadays, passive oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers are widely used in aircraft [3] .

Specifically, under landing touchdown condition, the greatest energy dissipation requirement for the shock absorber is determined, as well as its general performance.

For this case, the shock absorber is required to dissipate all the impact energy without causing the aircraft to rebound, with the greatest energy absorption efficiency and the minimum gear load which represents passenger/crew comfort.

Nowadays, passive oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers are widely used in aircraft.


In real-time systems it is crucial to prove that the execution of a task meets its deadline in all execution situations, including the worst-case. This proof needs an estimation of the worst-case execution time (WCET) of any task in the system. WCET estimates have to be safe, i.e. larger than or equal to any possible execution time. Moreover, they have to be tight, i.e. as close as possible to the actual worst-case execution time, to correctly dimension the resources required by the system. WCET estimation methods have to account for all possible flows in a program and determine the longest execution path (so-called high-level analysis). They also have to account for the hardware the program is running on, through a low-level analysis. A number of static analysis methods have been designed in the last two decades at both levels, mainly for unicore processors [26] .

A number of static analysis methods have been designed in the last two decades at both levels, mainly for unicore processors.


Two performance metrics are used to evaluate our proposal. The first one is the hit ratio along the worst-case execution path in the L1 and L2 cache (noted HR L1 and HR L2 ). The worstcase execution path (WCEP) used to compute HR L1 and HR L2 is evaluated from the frequency of basic blocks returned by the Implicit Path Enumeration Technique (IPET) WCET computation. The second metric is the number of cycles per instruction due to L2 miss (NCPI 3 ) along the WCEP. This second metric is complementary to the first one and quantifies the impact in cycles of the proposed bypass scheme. No comparisons with measured values are given, because generating the worst-case interference for the shared L2 cache is extremely difficult to achieve due to the impact of the tasks timing and scheduling on the actual interferences for the shared L2 cache [27] .

No comparisons with measured values are given, because generating the worst-case interference for the shared L2 cache is extremely difficult to achieve due to the impact of the tasks timing and scheduling on the actual interferences for the shared L2 cache.


In the current era, information spreads rapidly and this makes it easy to access the information. Development of information technologies surely has a great contribution on this. Information technologies making a rapid progress especially at the end of twentieth century started to assert itself in educational field in addition to all fields (Şahin, & Akçay, 2011) . Integration of technology with lectures has become inevitable for effective training. It became important for educators to use information technologies whose effects started to be seen especially on educationtraining activities applied in educational environment and structure of educational system, effectively. In this respect, it is important for educators to adopt technology, to follow closely and to exhibit a positive attitude towards technology to use developing technology in classroom. Therefore, to reveal the attitudes of educators towards educational technologies in education is important and necessary in terms of ensuring required conditions for efficient use of new technologies in education (Pala, 2006) .

Information technologies making a rapid progress especially at the end of twentieth century started to assert itself in educational field in addition to all fields.

Therefore, to reveal the attitudes of educators towards educational technologies in education is important and necessary in terms of ensuring required conditions for efficient use of new technologies in education.


Concept of innovativeness includes characteristics of adopters and reactions given against innovations (Goldsmith & Foxall, 2003) . Individuals accept an innovation earlier or later, they open change more or less and they take more or less risk due to their characteristics. In addition, individuals are separated into 5 different groups and dominant characteristics of each category are defined in these models. These categories are named as Innovators, Early Adopter, Early Majority, Late Majority and Laggards (Rogers, 2003) .

Concept of innovativeness includes characteristics of adopters and reactions given against innovations.

These categories are named as Innovators, Early Adopter, Early Majority, Late Majority and Laggards.


The derivation of the organic content of stones from two possible sources has been a complicating factor in studies attempting to assess the role of matrix macromolecules in stone formation, since they can arise just as easily from the incorporation into CaOx crystals of components normally present in urine, as from constituents of plasma or structural material of cells released secondarily to tissue injury [30] . The simplest means of overcoming the inability to distinguish between the dual origin of matrix macromolecules is to study the organic components of CaOx crystals freshly precipitated from human urine, an approach that has facilitated the study of macromolecules which may regulate the crucial crystal formation phase of stone formation [30] . Although we cannot exclude completely the possibility that the H1 and H2 we observed in the stones may have been derived from haematuria, the likelihood is mitigated by the fact that they are also commonly present in healthy male and female urine free of blood and in CaOx crystals precipitated from them [31] .

The derivation of the organic content of stones from two possible sources has been a complicating factor in studies attempting to assess the role of matrix macromolecules in stone formation, since they can arise just as easily from the incorporation into CaOx crystals of components normally present in urine, as from constituents of plasma or structural material of cells released secondarily to tissue injury.

The simplest means of overcoming the inability to distinguish between the dual origin of matrix macromolecules is to study the organic components of CaOx crystals freshly precipitated from human urine, an approach that has facilitated the study of macromolecules which may regulate the crucial crystal formation phase of stone formation.

Although we cannot exclude completely the possibility that the H1 and H2 we observed in the stones may have been derived from haematuria, the likelihood is mitigated by the fact that they are also commonly present in healthy male and female urine free of blood and in CaOx crystals precipitated from them.


IαI is a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of approximately 200 kDa circulating at a concentration of approximately 240 mg\l in mammalian plasma [3] . The intact protein has a complex structure which reflects its extraordinarily diverse genetic origins ( Figure 1 ). It Key words : bikunin, calcium stones, inter-α-inhibitor, kidney, urolithiasis.

IαI is a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of approximately 200 kDa circulating at a concentration of approximately 240 mg\l in mammalian plasma.


A global symmetry G is said to be a 0-form symmetry if it acts on local operators. If G acts on operators of spacetime dimension q, then G is a q-form symmetry [4] . A famous example is SU (N ) Yang-Mills theory, which enjoys a 1-form Z C N center symmetry that acts on Wilson line operators. Recently, it has been realized that gauging the 1-form discrete symmetries can also be obstructed due to the existence of 't Hooft anomalies, which can provide more handles to study the phases of gauge theories [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] . In particular, non trivial constraints can be imposed on the vacua of gauge theories (including their number) that enjoy both 0-and 1-form discrete symmetries upon gauging the latter.

If G acts on operators of spacetime dimension q, then G is a q-form symmetry.

Recently, it has been realized that gauging the 1-form discrete symmetries can also be obstructed due to the existence of 't Hooft anomalies, which can provide more handles to study the phases of gauge theories.


One of the most popular techniques used for opinion mining is that of supervised machine learning, for which, many different lexical, syntactic and knowledge-based feature representations have been explored in the literature (Dave et al., 2003; Gamon, 2004; Matsumoto et al., 2005; Ng et al., 2006) . However, the use of syntactic features for opinion mining has achieved varied results. In our work, we show that by altering syntactic dependency relation triples in a particular way (namely, "backing off" only the head word in a dependency relation to its part-of-speech tag), they generalize better and yield a significant improvement on the task of identifying opinions from product reviews. In effect, this work demonstrates a better way to utilize syntactic dependency relations for opinion mining.

One of the most popular techniques used for opinion mining is that of supervised machine learning, for which, many different lexical, syntactic and knowledge-based feature representations have been explored in the literature.


There was a trend for higher plasma levels of adiponectin with AJC supplementation. Adiponectin is the most abundant peptide secreted by adipocytes and is a key hormone in the inter-relationship between adiposity, insulin resistance and inflammation [22] . Circulating adiponectin levels are inversely related to body fat percentage [23] . Adiponectin increases the sensitivity to insulin through activating AMP kinase, promoting glucose uptake by muscles via intracellular translocation of the GLUT4 transporters and by reducing gluconeogenesis by inhibiting the hepatic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, which inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids and stimulates their oxidation [22] . Our data support results from an earlier study, which demonstrates that chokeberry extract elevated plasma adiponectin in rats fed a high-fructose diet when compared with the control group [11] .

Adiponectin is the most abundant peptide secreted by adipocytes and is a key hormone in the inter-relationship between adiposity, insulin resistance and inflammation.

Circulating adiponectin levels are inversely related to body fat percentage.

Adiponectin increases the sensitivity to insulin through activating AMP kinase, promoting glucose uptake by muscles via intracellular translocation of the GLUT4 transporters and by reducing gluconeogenesis by inhibiting the hepatic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, which inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids and stimulates their oxidation.

Our data support results from an earlier study, which demonstrates that chokeberry extract elevated plasma adiponectin in rats fed a high-fructose diet when compared with the control group.


To manufacture complex composite parts and structures, Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) processes are among the best candidates because they offer a good compromise in terms of repeatability, production rates, low-energy consumption and low final cost. The first step of these processes consists of draping a dry preform before the liquid resin is injected. This preforming is a challenging phase, and the physical mechanisms are complex and far from being fully understood [1] . Lack of understanding of these mechanisms hampers the control of the manufacturing process and the development of composite materials. In addition, the increasing use of materials with low environmental effects (Biomaterials) and complex weaving architectures (interlock, 3D fabrics) makes this process more difficult.

This preforming is a challenging phase, and the physical mechanisms are complex and far from being fully understood.


The effect of deviating the use of plug loads and lighting showed a rather high impact, both for static and dynamic normalisation. The dynamic normalisation showed that a reduction of heat gains from plug loads and lighting by 7.7 kWh/m 2 a resulted in an increased heating demand of 5.5 kWh/m 2 a. This corresponds well to the share of internal loads assumed to affect heating or cooling, given by Boverket, of 70% [22] . In this case, the static normalisation resulted in an adjustment of energy demand by 5.4 kWh/m 2 a (70% of 7.7 kWh/m 2 a). Based on a SCOP of 3, the adjustment for energy use for GSHP was 1.8 kWh/m 2 a. The result did not differ between yearly or monthly adjustments since the adjustment was in absolute values. The dynamic normalisation, which used the ratio between simulations for step 2 and step 3 as an adjustment factor, resulted in a lower adjustment compared to the static normalisation. The adjustment of energy use for GSHP was 1.4 kWh/m 2 a and 1.0 kWh/m 2 a, for yearly and monthly normalisation, respectively. This indicates that an adjustment of energy use due to deviating internal loads may give a more accurate result conducted in absolute values.

This corresponds well to the share of internal loads assumed to affect heating or cooling, given by Boverket, of 70%.


The segregation of the pressure can be conveniently performed using a Chorin-Temam projection scheme [18] [19] [20] . This splitting procedure works conveniently for incompressible flows. Nevertheless, we will introduce pressure segregation via a simple static condensation procedure. This static condensation will explain the Chorin-Teman projection as a particular case and will allow generalizing the Chorin-Temam scheme for fluid-structure interaction problems.

The segregation of the pressure can be conveniently performed using a Chorin-Temam projection scheme.


In order to place chaos communication in context, a simplified block diagram of a typical traditional digital communication system that transmits binary data is presented in Fig. 1 . Each block in the transmission chain performs a unique function, with modulation and demodulation being the only essential steps; all other processing steps are design options that can be used to address application specific needs [5] . The incoming digital data is first compressed by the source coding block such that bandwidth is not wasted by transmitting redundant information. The encryption block re-codes the data in order to enhance transmission security. The channel encoding performs further transformations on the input data to minimize the degradation of the information bearing signal due to channel impairments. It takes into account the particular modulation scheme that is used and the characteristics of the channel through which transmission is to take place. Modulation impresses the data onto an analog radio-frequency (or optical frequency) carrier resulting in waveforms compatible with the transmission channel. Finally, for multiple-access applications, this signal may be combined with other signals (not shown) before it is transmitted through the physical channel, e.g. send through an optical fiber or radiated from an antenna. Each block in the receiver chain performs the inverse operation to that of the transmitter chain. The advantage of digital communications over traditional analog techniques is the excellent and independent control over security, bandwidth utilization, and error rate.

Each block in the transmission chain performs a unique function, with modulation and demodulation being the only essential steps; all other processing steps are design options that can be used to address application specific needs.


Based on the published literature on the oxidation behavior of HEAs, it is evident that they tend to oxidize in a similar manner compared to simple alloys based on the same elements. However, there are few publications that attempt to systematically correlate the oxidation behavior of HEAs with existing oxide formation models [6, 7, 15] . There is also lack of understanding of the influence of annealing on the active oxidation mechanisms, as most published results emphasize as-cast alloys. This work investigates the microstructures and oxidation behaviors of three AlCoCrFeNi based HEAs with various Al contents. This particular alloy system is ideal for a fundamental oxidation study since it contains both Al and Cr, which are known to produce protective Cr 2 O 3 and/or Al 2 O 3 scales [30] . Additionally, the AlCoCrFeNi system is one of the most thoroughly investigated to date [1, 4, 10, 14, [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] . This paper will systematically report the influence of annealing on the microstructures and active oxidation mechanisms. The results will be discussed relative to existing oxide formation models developed for model Ni-Cr-Al alloys [30] .

However, there are few publications that attempt to systematically correlate the oxidation behavior of HEAs with existing oxide formation models.

This particular alloy system is ideal for a fundamental oxidation study since it contains both Al and Cr, which are known to produce protective Cr 2 O 3 and/or Al 2 O 3 scales.

Additionally, the AlCoCrFeNi system is one of the most thoroughly investigated to date.

The results will be discussed relative to existing oxide formation models developed for model Ni-Cr-Al alloys.


In recent years the market for fresh-cut or minimally processed and chilled ready-to-eat products has grown in response to evolving consumer demand and a trend toward healthier foods (Lamikanra, 2002) . The major problem is that the shelf life of these commodities is very short, usually not exceeding one to three days. Fruit processing promotes their faster physiological deterioration and biochemical changes, also microbial spoilage of the final product, which may result in a degradation of its colour, texture and flavour, even when only slight processing operations are used (O'Beirne et al., 2003) . The visual appearance and colour are the main characteristics that attract consumer attention and affect their choice (Barrett et al., 2010) .

In recent years the market for fresh-cut or minimally processed and chilled ready-to-eat products has grown in response to evolving consumer demand and a trend toward healthier foods.

Fruit processing promotes their faster physiological deterioration and biochemical changes, also microbial spoilage of the final product, which may result in a degradation of its colour, texture and flavour, even when only slight processing operations are used.

The visual appearance and colour are the main characteristics that attract consumer attention and affect their choice.


Inorganic silica-based supports often are used for immobilization of enzymatic active substances; and some commercially available heterogeneous biocatalysts are prepared using silica or silicates. For example, the glucose isomerase-active biocatalyst Optisweet ® is prepared by cross-linking of S. rubiginosus adsorbed on the commercial silica. Another example is the lipase-active biocatalyst Lipozyme ® TL IM prepared by immobilization of recombinant Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase on aerosil. Silica-based supports may be divided into the following groups: (i) commercial granulated mesoporous silica and glasses; (ii) natural minerals-clay, diatomite, zeolites; and (iii) modern silica material synthesized using various silanes and sol-gel techniques. Many recent scientific publications are devoted to encapsulation (entrapment) of enzymes into synthetic silica-based supports (iii) [6] .

Many recent scientific publications are devoted to encapsulation (entrapment) of enzymes into synthetic silica-based supports (iii).


Immobilization by adsorption/adhesion of enzymatic active substances on inorganic supports has a high commercial potential but some enzymes and microorganisms are poorly fixed on solid surfaces because of their natural peculiarities. For example, Arthrobacter nicotianae cells producing glucose isomerase did not adhere on the surfaces of the majority of macroporous inorganic supports such as foam-like ceramics, foamed carbon, vermiculite, corundum, CNFs-or coke-coated minerals; the observed adhesion was less than 0.1 mg of dry-weight cells per 1 g of adsorbent [10] . The maximal adhesion of A. nicotianae, 1.6 mg/g, was observed on the Sapropel type macroporous carbon-mineral supports [11] . Thus, the immobilization by adhesion of whole non-growing A. nicotianae cells is not suitable for preparing GI-active biocatalysts. Thus, research and development of a universal, simple and inexpensive method of immobilization of various enzymatic active substances, including microorganisms of different taxonomy, was in demand. Entrapping (or immuring, or embedding) inside silica-based matrices seemed the most appropriate and attractive method for preparing highly active and stable heterogeneous biocatalysts. A peculiar universal method of immobilization was first developed for the non-adhered A. nicotianae cells and described in papers published in 2009-2010 [12] [13] [14] .

For example, Arthrobacter nicotianae cells producing glucose isomerase did not adhere on the surfaces of the majority of macroporous inorganic supports such as foam-like ceramics, foamed carbon, vermiculite, corundum, CNFs-or coke-coated minerals; the observed adhesion was less than 0.1 mg of dry-weight cells per 1 g of adsorbent.

The maximal adhesion of A. nicotianae, 1.6 mg/g, was observed on the Sapropel type macroporous carbon-mineral supports.

A peculiar universal method of immobilization was first developed for the non-adhered A. nicotianae cells and described in papers published in 2009-2010.


Obviously, the inorganic supports are selected for the heterogeneous biocatalyst preparation due to their availability and relatively low cost as well as high mechanical strength and durability of biocatalysts granules in the reaction media. The main role is to improve noticeably the operating parameters both of down-stream processes using the traditional continuous packed-bed reactors and periodic processes using the batch stirred-tank reactors [7] . Novel types of reactors-a rotor inertial reactor and an immersed vortex reactor, were specially designed for the heterogeneous biocatalysts in order to enhance of the process productivity [8, 9] .

The main role is to improve noticeably the operating parameters both of down-stream processes using the traditional continuous packed-bed reactors and periodic processes using the batch stirred-tank reactors.

Novel types of reactors-a rotor inertial reactor and an immersed vortex reactor, were specially designed for the heterogeneous biocatalysts in order to enhance of the process productivity.


Three native ash species, European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), narrow-leafed ash (F. angustifolia Vahl) and manna ash (F. ornus L.) occur on the territory of Slovakia. Ashes compose an important part of Slovak forests, and they are often planted as ornamental trees in the urban greenery. Although Fraxinus has relatively low representation in our forests (1.6%), ash wood remains industrially important (Anonymous 2015) . This woody plant is sensitive to climatic fluctuations, especially to late frosts.

Although Fraxinus has relatively low representation in our forests (1.6%), ash wood remains industrially important.


A total of 30 fungal taxa (15 Deuteromycetes, 14 Ascomycetes, and 1 Basidiomycetes) were identified on branches and leaves of F. angustifolia, F. excelsior, and F. ornus. The data overview and the frequency of the recorded fungi was given in Table 1 . Twenty-three of the fungal taxa had never been recorded on Fraxinus in Slovakia. The novel taxa were marked with an asterisk (*) in Table 1 (Lizoň & Bacigálová 1998) . The present paper documents the occurrence of these fungal species for the first time in Slovakia.

The novel taxa were marked with an asterisk (*) in Table 1.


Electroweak (EW) corrections may be important for dark matter annihilation for two reasons . First, the radiation of a vector boson can lift the helicity suppression of cross sections for Majorana fermion dark matter annihilating into light fermions [13] [14] [15] [16] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] . Moreover, the emission and decay of electroweak gauge bosons from the primary annihilation products alter the spectrum and composition of the secondary flux. In particular, the gauge boson decay will lead to a secondary flux which includes all stable SM particles (e + , e − , ν,ν, γ, p,p), irrespective of the model-specific composition of the primary annihilation products.

First, the radiation of a vector boson can lift the helicity suppression of cross sections for Majorana fermion dark matter annihilating into light fermions.


While it is not clear how brimonidine suppresses the TGF-β-induced ECM production in the cells, according to our immunofluorescence results, brimonidine does not seem to influence the activity of SMAD2/3, which are the receptor-regulated transcription factors that initiate the intracellular TGF-β signaling. Alpha adrenergic system is involved in tissue fibrosis and remodeling via modulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway [18] . Brimonidine may play its anti-fibrotic role via similar molecular cross-talk. To confirm the anti-fibrotic effects of brimonidine and to determine its precise mechanism, further in vivo as well as in vitro experiments are needed and are currently underway. In the future, the effects of brimonidine could also be confirmed by a human clinical trial. While it is not clear how brimonidine suppresses the TGF-β-induced ECM production in the cells, according to our immunofluorescence results, brimonidine does not seem to influence the activity of SMAD2/3, which are the receptor-regulated transcription factors that initiate the intracellular TGF-β signaling. It also does not have any significant effect on TGF-β-induced transdifferentiation of Tenon's fibroblasts to myofibroblasts (Additional file 1). Alpha adrenergic system is involved in tissue fibrosis and remodeling via modulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway [18] . Brimonidine may play its anti-fibrotic role via similar molecular cross-talk. To confirm the anti-fibrotic effects of brimonidine and to determine its precise mechanism, further in vivo as well as in vitro experiments are needed and are currently underway. In the future, the effects of brimonidine could also be confirmed by a human clinical trial.

Alpha adrenergic system is involved in tissue fibrosis and remodeling via modulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway.


A traditional marine turtle ®shery still exists in the Cayman Islands. The open season for the ®shery occurs between 1 November and 30 April. There are 25 individuals with the right to apply for a marine turtle ®shing license, 13 of which are current. No individual ®shermen may take more than six turtles per season, and each turtle must weigh more than 120 lbs (54.5 kg) if a green turtle, or more than 80 lbs (36.4 kg) if a loggerhead or hawksbill turtle (Cayman Islands Government, 1996) . The laws governing the ®shery were implemented in 1986. Estimates made by marine enforcement of®cers and marine turtle ®shermen suggest that since 1986 approximately 10 adult turtles are taken legally and more than 10 are taken illegally per year. The illegally harvested turtles include all post-pelagic size classes and not predominantly adults.

No individual ®shermen may take more than six turtles per season, and each turtle must weigh more than 120 lbs (54.5 kg) if a green turtle, or more than 80 lbs (36.4 kg) if a loggerhead or hawksbill turtle.