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Barramundi, or Asian seabass Lates calcarifer, is a commercially important food fish with a wide geographic distribution in the Indo-West Pacific region. Despite its economic significance, particularly in Taiwan, information on the sources of fertilized eggs, fry and stock management practices remains largely unavailable. To ensure sustainable exploitation and effective selective breeding programs, assessing the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of barramundi is crucial. This study investigated the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of three cultured populations (Chiayi A, Chiayi B, and Tainan) and one wild-caught population in Taiwan using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b and eight microsatellite loci as genetic markers. The analysis of haplotype network revealed that all populations shared an ancestral haplotype, yet each population had its own unique haplotype. Notably, the wild and cultured populations showed the largest genetic distance. However, overall, the genetic distances among all populations were small and similar. This finding suggests potential gene exchange, possibly through broodstock exchange practices between farms. The valuable genetic information obtained from this study holds the potential to improve aquaculture programs through targeted breeding initiatives and inform the development of sustainable management policies for barramundi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present advancements in a finite element method for computing the physical properties of magnetic microcalorimeters (MMCs). Utilizing the COMSOL package, we conducted 3D simulations of a meander-shaped Nb coil with a realistic geometry. The resulting magnetic field distribution showed good agreement with a previous 2D simulation and revealed non-negligible differences at the side edge of the sensor material. Employing the simulation results, we calculated the MMC properties and compared them with previous measurements. Our calculated values closely align with the measured values for the sensor magnetization, the pulse heights from alpha detection, and the coil inductance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we provide sufficient conditions for the functions ψ and ϕ to be the approximate duals in the Hardy space H p (R) for all 0 < p ≤ 1 . Based on these conditions, we obtain the wavelet series expansion in the Hardy space H p (R) with the approximate duals. The important properties of our approach include the following: (i) our results work for any 0 < p ≤ 1 ; (ii) we do not assume that the functions ψ and ϕ are exact duals; (iii) we provide a tractable bound for the operator norm of the associated wavelet frame operator so that it is possible to check the suitability of the functions ψ and ϕ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the development of a heat flow model utilizing a scintillating crystal for heat and light detection. By analyzing the measured light signals from α - and β / γ -induced events in a CaMoO 4 crystal, we describe the time-dependent behavior of the scintillation emission and the subsequent generation of delayed phonons in the crystal. The phonon detection channel model incorporates both prompt and delayed generation of a thermal phonons; these are absorbed in a phonon collector film on the crystal surface or converted into a thermal phonon distribution in the crystal. A reasonable agreement is observed in the comparison between the measured signals and the simulated signals derived from the model study. We attribute the observed pulse shape discrimination to the presence of the delayed phonons associated with the scintillation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in agriculture and plays an important role in supplying high quality proteins for humans. Genetic improvement for important traits is essential for increasing aquaculture production. The aquaculture of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) has become important in Southeast Asia and Australia and has expanded to other countries. In Singapore, a breeding program was initiated in 2004, aimed at improving growth rates, high omega-3 content, and disease resistance within Asian seabass populations. Many genomic resources have been developed to achieve these goals. The breeding program was established with a broodstock of 549 broodfish collected from the wilds of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Through four generations of family-based selection, utilizing a combination of conventional selective breeding, molecular parentage analysis, marker-assisted selection, and genomic selection techniques, three distinct elite lines of Asian seabass were successfully established. Each line consisted of approximately 200 broodfish. These lines were selected for growth, higher omega-3 content, and disease resistance, respectively. These traits have been improved without dramatically reducing genetic variation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the methodologies adopted and status of the genetic improvement of the above-mentioned traits. Concurrently, certain gaps in the existing body of research have been identified. In the future, additional traits related to the ability to use feeds with reduced fishmeal, as well as adaptation to climate change and resistance against emerging diseases should be included in the breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental time-resolved particle-image velocimetry study was conducted on wavy cylinders possessing wavelength (λ) and amplitude (a) combinations that are significantly different from earlier studies at ReDm = 2700. Results show that vortex formation length increases as the wavelength decreases from λ/Dm = 2.4 to 1.2, but decreases when the latter decreases to λ/Dm = 0.6. Amplitude increments lead to significant vortex formation length growths and reductions at the saddles/nodes of λ/Dm = 2.4 and 1.2 wavy cylinders, respectively. In contrast, λ/Dm = 0.6 wavy cylinders produce significantly shorter vortex formation lengths like a baseline cylinder, regardless of amplitude. Regular reversed flow "lobes" are observed for λ/Dm = 2.4 and 1.2 wavy cylinders, but not λ/Dm = 0.6 ones, which lead to variations in the spanwise vortex formation lengths. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis shows that only a/Dm = 0.4, λ/Dm = 0.6 wavy cylinder has the same vortex-shedding frequency as the baseline cylinder. Other POD results also demonstrate that the vortex-shedding behaviour between λ/Dm = 0.6 wavy and baseline cylinder is very similar. The present study shows that there exists a minimal wavelength below which that coherent streamwise vortices will not be produced and wake control benefits of wavy cylinders will be considerably reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes the National Financial Well-Being Survey (NFWS) from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to investigate the profiles of American consumers who experience mistreatment or a type of fraud in financial services (compromised accounts). An integrative consumer vulnerability framework was used as the theoretical framework to examine how disadvantaged consumer characteristics and vulnerable consumer characteristics are associated with mistreatment and compromised accounts. Consumers in vulnerable states, due to low financial capability, cognitive decline, material hardships, financial shocks, and more exposure to various financial services, were more likely to report experiencing mistreatment and having their financial accounts compromised. Consumers from higher socio-economic status were more likely to have been victims of mistreatment and compromised accounts in financial services. These findings offer implications for consumer financial education and protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides comprehensive investigation of natural zeolites for ammonium removal from greywater and its recovery by using air stripping technique. The combination of air stripping method during regeneration phase of natural zeolites aims in saving excess regenerant solutions as well as obtaining ammonium recovery. Theoretical attributes such as adsorption isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamics were elucidated. To seek for optimized parameters in batch test, quadratic equation was derived from RSM (Response Surface Methodology) (p-value < 0.01 and R2 ≈ 0.99) and it was further found that the interaction of zeolite loading and contact time had stronger effect on ammonium removal. In the column experiment, Thomas model predicted the breakthrough curve of ammonium adsorption with R2 ≥ 0.92. Additionally, the ammonium desorption experiment showed that the application of concentrated recycling brine solution with the combination of air stripping technique enabled up to 97% ammonium recovery within 3 h. In our conceptual design approach, dimensions of working bed and operational parameters could be estimated based on the characteristics of natural zeolites, greywater, and treatment objectives. Breakthrough curve estimation for scale-up condition based on experimental data fitting Thomas model was well constructed under specific criterion (constant ratio of bed height/column diameter and linear velocity). Competitively, unit process which combines natural zeolites and air stripping technique for ammonium removal and recovery can be adaptable for greywater treatment purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Thermal Model Improvement in Phonon Detection Channels Using a Scintillating Crystal" published in the Journal of Low Temperature Physics. The correction addresses several errors in the original article, including incorrect terms and subscripts. The corrected version of the article can be found online. The document also includes contact information for the author. [Extracted from the article]

Slope instability occurrences as damaging shallow-landslides in the residual soil around mountains has been widely studied with geophysical, geotechnical and hydrogeological techniques but relating soil electrical resistivity to hydraulic conductivity for characterisation of lithology inducing of these landslides is not common. In this study, we used Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) data and Hydraulic Conductivity (HC) data obtained from soil samples collected within 1–4.5 m depth in the borehole to assess the characteristics of soil that can induce landslide in the study location. The HC data were derived empirically from Beyer, Kozeny-Carman and Slitcher formula which were validated with HC obtained from laboratory experiment. The Empirical Derived Hydraulic Conductivities (EDHC) were correlated with the soil resistivity. The result shows a strong correlation between soil resistivity and HC with regression values of R2 = 0.9702, R2 = 0.9153 and R2 = 0.9232 for Beyer, Kozeny-Carman and Slitcher formula, respectively. The ERT model revealed a possible sliding surface between two contrasting resistive top material and underneath conductive materials at about 4 m depth. The HC assessment result corroborated the ERT model result because high and low-HC values were obtained in the borehole soil samples within 0–4 m and > 4 m depths from EDHC, respectively. The low-HC zone below 4 m depth was responsible for the occurrences of the shallow-landslides in the study. Key points: Relationship between soil electrical resistivity and hydraulic conductivity were examined for assessment of lithology inducing shallow-landslide. Soil electrical resistivity delineated a boundary between two contrasting resistive and conductive lithologies at 4 m depth. Strong correlation ranged between R2 = 0.9153 to 0.9702 were observed between soil resistivity and hydraulic conductivity for the soil samples examined. The conductive lithology with low hydraulic conductivity below 4 m depth was responsible for the occurrences of the shallow-landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a simple small-scale experiment to measure the beta decay spectrum of 3 H. The aim of this research is to investigate the presence of sterile neutrinos in the keV region. Tritium nuclei were embedded in a 1 × 1 × 1 cm 3 LiF crystal from the 6 Li(n, α ) 3 H reaction. The energy of the beta electrons absorbed in the LiF crystal was measured with a magnetic microcalorimeter at 40 mK. We report a new method of sample preparation, experiments, and analysis of 3 H beta measurements. The spectrum of a 10-hour measurement agrees well with the expected spectrum of 3 H beta decay. The analysis results indicate that this method can be used to search for keV-scale sterile neutrinos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a two-stage temperature control system for a long-term stable measurement of AMoRE neutrinoless double beta decay experiment using a dilution refrigerator. The first-stage control was made with a standard PID system using an AC bridge with a ruthenium oxide thermometer as the main thermometer of the mixing chamber plate. The second-stage control was obtained with a magnetic microcalorimeter (MMC) that is configured as a sensitive thermometer for a detector tower, the main experiment. Under single-stage temperature control on the temperature of the mixing chamber plate only with the RuO2 thermometer, the MMC recorded temperature stability of the detector plate of 9 μK rms over 100 min. Under two-stage temperature control, with the first-stage of the mixing chamber plate at 11 mK via the RuO2 thermometer and the second-stage of the detector plate at 12 mK via the MMC, the MMC recorded a temperature stability of 0.5 μK rms over 100 min. Moreover, the heat channels of the AMoRE experiment obtained considerable improvement in energy resolutions when switching from single-stage (RuO2) to two-stage (RuO2 + MMC) control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amperometric nitrite sensor is reported based on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with copper(II)-benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (Cu-BDC) frameworks and iron(III) oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs). First, copper(I) oxide (Cu2O) nanocubes were synthesized, followed by a solvothermal reaction between Cu2O and H2BDC to form square plate-like Cu-BDC frameworks. Then, Fe2O3 NPs were electrodeposited on Cu-BDC frameworks using a potentiostatic method. The Fe2O3@Cu-BDC nanocomposite benefits from high conductivity and large active surface area, offering excellent electrocatalytic activity for nitrite oxidation. Under optimal amperometric conditions (0.55 V vs. Ag/AgCl), the sensor has a linear range of 1 to 2000 µM with a detection limit of 0.074 µM (S/N = 3) and sensitivity of 220.59 µA mM−1 cm−2. The sensor also provides good selectivity and reproducibility (RSD = 1.91%, n = 5). Furthermore, the sensor exhibits long-term stability, retaining 91.4% of its original current after 4 weeks of storage at room temperature. Finally, assessing nitrite in tap and mineral water samples revealed that the Fe2O3@Cu-BDC/SPCE has a promising prospect in amperometric nitrite detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of microstructure and processing parameters on the mechanical behavior of extruded Mg-Y2x-Znx alloys containing different volume fractions of the long-period stacking order (LPSO) phase is evaluated using in situ diffraction experiments. The Mg-LPSO extruded alloys exhibit a microstructure consisting of a mixture of fine dynamically recrystallized α-Mg grains, highly oriented non-recrystallized coarse α-Mg grains with the basal plane parallel to the extrusion direction, and particles of the LPSO phase elongated in the extrusion direction. The volume fraction of dynamically recrystallized α-Mg grain areas tends to increase as the volume fraction of the LPSO phase and the processing stress increase. In situ diffraction experiments have allowed the understanding of the elastic–plastic behavior of non-DRXed and DRXed grains, and their individual contribution to the macroscopic deformation of magnesium alloys containing LPSO phases and, consequently, the reverse tension–compression asymmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollutant dispersion by a tall-building cluster within a low-rise neighbourhood of Beijing is investigated using both full-scale Large-Eddy Simulation and water flume experiments at 1:2400 model-to-full scale with Particle Image Velocimetry and Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence. The Large-Eddy Simulation and flume results of this realistic test case agree remarkably well despite differences in the inflow conditions and scale. Tall buildings have strong influence on the local flow and the development of the rooftop shear layer which dominates vertical momentum and scalar fluxes. Additional measurements using tall-buildings-only models at both 1:2400 and 1:4800 scales indicates the rooftop shear layer is insensitive to the scale. The relatively thicker incoming boundary layer affects the Reynolds stresses, the relative size of the pollutant source affects the concentration statistics and the relative laser-sheet thickness affects the spatially averaged results of the measured flow field. Low-rise buildings around the tall building cluster cause minor but non-negligible offsets in the peak magnitude and vertical location, and have a similar influence on the velocity and concentration statistics as the scale choice. These observations are generally applicable to pollutant dispersion of realistic tall building clusters in cities. The consistency between simulations and water tunnel experiments indicates the suitability of both methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha oil-based polyurethane acylate gel polymer electrolyte was mixed with different concentrations of tetrabutylammonium iodide salt (TBAI). The temperature dependences of ionic conductivity, dielectric modulus and relaxation time were studied in the range of 298 to 393 K. The highest ionic conductivity of (1.88 ± 0.020) × 10–4 Scm−1 at 298 K was achieved when the gel contained 30 wt% of TBAI and 2.06 wt% of I2. Furthermore, the study found that conductivity-temperature dependence followed the Vogel-Tammann Fulcher equation. From that, it could be clearly observed that 30 wt% TBAI indicated the lowest activation energy of 6.947 kJ mol−1. By using the fitting method on the Nyquist plot, the number density, mobility and diffusion coefficient of the charge carrier were determined. The charge properties were analysed using the dielectric permittivity, modulus and dissipation factor. Apart from this, the stoke drag and capacitance were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative rainbow schlieren study was conducted on an over-expanded jet at nozzle pressure ratio of 2.8, based on two different schlieren set-ups: the standard z-type and a single-mirror schlieren set-up. The technique used a single, weak focal-length lens placed in the field of view of the system to provide the calibration information required for the extraction of the quantitative data. In the case of the single-mirror set-up, the calibration image required further post-processing procedures to take into account the double refraction experienced by the light. Density gradients were calculated using Abel transform and compared to validated reference data. Results indicate that the single-mirror set-up is able to improve prediction of the density gradient field as compared to the standard z-type schlieren, due to its inherent property of higher sensitivity. The study has shown that the single-mirror set-up performs on average better than the standard z-type system, yielding an overall averaged error of ± 20%, with localized values as low as ± 5% where the shock cell structure is clearly defined, with respect to the validated reference data. At the same time, both systems perform poorly in regions where the flow structure displays poor image contrast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development of an online stress monitoring technique based on Lamb-wave measurements and a convolutional neural network (CNN) for metallic plate-like structures under static and dynamic loadings. Monitoring stress levels in structural components is crucial because stress concentrations and stress redistribution can be precursors of structural damage and failure. Moreover, the stress variations owing to dynamic loadings are directly related to the fatigue life of a structure. First, an aluminum plate specimen is fabricated, and piezoelectric transducers are installed on the specimen. Different levels of static loading are applied to the specimen with a hydraulic loading machine, and the ultrasonic responses are obtained at each loading level. The applied loads (ground truths) are measured by a load cell built into the loading machine. Then, a CNN is designed and trained by defining the Lamb-wave time responses as the input and the measured stress levels as the output. The performance of the trained CNN is evaluated using the blind test data obtained from various static and constant-amplitude cyclic loading conditions. The uniqueness of this study lies in (1) the automated stress estimation without feature extraction and (2) the stress monitoring capability under constant-amplitude cyclic loadings up to a frequency of 5 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cupper (Cu) nanorod arrays were synthesized using AAO-assisted electrochemical deposition process and using a potentiostat. The Cu nanorods-AAO congregation was calcined inside a conventional furnace under an adapted environment. Subsequently, the AAO template was subjected to wet chemical etching to generate an unique feature of free-standing aligned CuO nanorods onto Si substrate. Schottky contact electrodes were used to fabricate high performance a free-standing CuO nanorods NIR photodetector based on metal–semiconductor-metal. The electrical performance and photoelectric response demonstrated that a self-powered NIR photodetector has an excellent sensitivity up to 805 nm with NIR laser diode source. This work exhibited that the response and recovery time were rapid, with 0.030 s and 0.035 s, respectively. Compared to other NIR photodetectors reported in the literature, our photodetector demonstrated shorter response and recovery times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop the technology for CO2 sequestration, the free and immobilized carbonic anhydrase treatment was performed. The amount of dissolved CO2 was increased by 3-fold after enzyme treatment of 5 ppm, and the amount of calcium carbonate increased linearly as the CaCl2 was increased to 100 mM. To immobilize the carbonic anhydrase, an aluminum oxide carrier surface was functionalized with octadecyltrichlorosilane, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoroctyltriethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropyl triethoxysilane, chlorotrimethylsilane 3-cyanopropyltrichlorosilane or 3-glycidyloxypropyltriethoxysilane. The best effect among these substances was revealed with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane; the efficacy of the immobilized carbonic anhydrase was at over 99%, and even when it was repeatedly used up to 40 times, the efficacy of the immobilized enzyme was more than 80%. The optimal conditions for the immobilized enzyme were 60oC and pH 7.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates the photodetection characteristics of graphene/p-silicon (Gr/p-Si) heterojunction photodetector having Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) as cladding layer. The graphene film was deposited on copper (Cu) by using the atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition method, whereas the PMMA layer was deposited on the Gr/Cu by the spin coating technique. The fabricated heterojunction was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The photodetection characteristics of the heterojunction photodetector were assessed through a current–voltage digital source system (Keithley 2400). The results showed that the addition of PMMA/Gr layer to Gr/p-Si enhanced the photodetection performance of the device upon the incident of light emitting diodes with various wavelengths (395 nm, 405 nm, 470 nm, 605 nm, 625 nm, 880 nm and 940 nm). Among all these wavelengths, light emitting diodes with 470 and 395 nm wavelengths were found to display better photodetection performance. For the 470 nm illumination case, the quantum efficiency and responsivity of the fabricated device were increased by ∼ 7 times, the sensitivity was increased by ∼ 12 times whereas the current gain was increased by ∼ 6 times. The enhancement of quantum efficiency and responsivity is attributed to the use of a PMMA/Gr layer that increased the light absorption, reduced the light reflectivity, changed the graphene band structures and decreased the device dark current. For the case of 395 nm illumination at 5 V, the gain was ∼ 9, the responsivity was ∼ 5.052 A/W and the quantum efficiency was ∼ 15.86 W/A while the sensitivity at 4 V was 650%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), reconstructed images are inherently degraded, restricting its image performance, due mainly to imperfections in the imaging process resulting from detector resolution, noise, X-ray tube's focal spot, and reconstruction procedure as well. Thus, the recovery of CBCT images from their degraded version is essential for improving image quality. In this study, we investigated a compressed-sensing (CS)-based blind deconvolution method to solve the blurring problem in CBCT where both the image to be recovered and the blur kernel (or point-spread function) of the imaging system are simultaneously recursively identified. We implemented the proposed algorithm and performed a systematic simulation and experiment to demonstrate the feasibility of using the algorithm for image deblurring in dental CBCT. In the experiment, we used a commercially available dental CBCT system that consisted of an X-ray tube, which was operated at 90 kVp and 5 mA, and a CMOS flat-panel detector with a 200-μm pixel size. The image characteristics were quantitatively investigated in terms of the image intensity, the root-mean-square error, the contrast-to-noise ratio, and the noise power spectrum. The results indicate that our proposed method effectively reduced the image blur in dental CBCT, excluding repetitious measurement of the system's blur kernel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In common radiography, image contrast is often limited due mainly to scattered x-rays and noise, decreasing the quantitative usefulness of x-ray images. Several scatter reduction methods based on software correction schemes have been extensively investigated in an attempt to overcome these difficulties, most of which are based on measurement, mathematical-physical modeling, or a combination of both. However, those methods require special equipment, system geometry, and extra manual work to measure scatter characteristics. In this study, we investigated a new software scheme for scatter correction based on a simple radiographic scattering model where the intensity of the scattered x-rays was directly estimated from a single x-ray image using a weighted l1-norm contextual regularization framework. We implemented the proposed algorithm and performed a systematic simulation and experiment to demonstrate its viability. We also conducted some clinical image studies using patient's image data of breast and L-spine to verify the clinical effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Our results indicate that the degradation of image characteristics by scattered x-rays and noise was effectively recovered by using the proposed software scheme, thus improving radiographic visibility considerably. Graphical abstract The schematic illustrations of scatter suppression methods by using a an antiscatter grid and b a scatter estimation algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The gene encoding 1,4-β-endoglucanase KRICT PC-001 (1.722 bp; 573 aa) was revealed by a full-length sequence analysis of the bacterium Paenibacillus terrae HPL-003 (KCTC 11987BP) isolated from the soil on Gara Mountain in Korea (CP003107). The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated as 62 kDa by SDS-PAGE analysis. Endoglucanase KRICT PC-001 contains a catalytic domain of the glycosyl hydrolase family 5 (GH5) and a carbohydrate-binding module X2 (CBM X2). The soluble fraction of the recombinant protein was overexpressed with the pGEX-fusion vector in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and purified using glutathione S-transferase column. The recombinant protein was digested with Factor Xa and eluted from a benzamidine column. Carboxymethyl cellulose was used as a substrate for the enzyme activity analysis. Endoglucanase KRICT PC-001 exhibited a maximum specific activity of 589 U/mg of protein at a temperature of 50°C and pH 5.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil palm industry generates biomass amounting to millions of tonnes per year. Currently they are converted to liquid or gaseous fuels to produce electricity as a replacement for natural gas. This contributes to substantial reduction in energy costs and is more environmentally friendly. Other applications of the fibre rich biomass includes the manufacture of paper and pulp, fibreboard, acoustics control and blankets for horticulture. The present study attempts to produce composite foam made from natural rubber latex and oil palm trunk fibre. Physical and chemical properties of the foam were evaluated to explore potential application of the composite foam. The oil palm trunk fibre increased the density and hardness of the composite foam at a 20 % fibre loading. However, no reinforcement effect was observed between the fibre and the natural rubber latex foam. The composite foam showed increased water absorbency and decreased oil absorbency capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to obtain a time-independent vortex solution of a nonlinear differential equation describing two-dimensional flow is investigated. In the usual way, starting from the Navier-Stokes equation the vortex equation is derived by taking a curl operation. After rearranging the equation of the vortex, we get a continuity equation or a divergence-free equation: $$\partial _1V_1+\partial _2V_2=0$$ . Additional irrotationality of $$V_1$$ and $$V_2$$ leads us to the Cauchy-Riemann condition satisfied by a newly introduced stream function $$\Psi$$ and velocity potential $$\Phi$$ . As a result, if we know $$V_1$$ and $$V_2$$ or a combination of two, the differential equation is mapped to a lower-order partial differential equation. This differential equation is the one satisfied by the stream function $$\psi$$ where the vorticity vector $$\omega$$ is given by $$-(\partial _1^2+\partial _2^2) \psi$$ . A simple solution is discussed for the two different limits of viscosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cosmological application of the low energy effective action of string theory with perfect fluid type matter (satisfying $$p=\gamma \rho $$ ) is reconsidered. First, its isotropic and anisotropic spacetime cosmological solutions are obtained for general $$\gamma $$ . The scale factor duality is applied and checked for our model as well as in the presence of $$\gamma $$ of which possible extension to nonvanishing $$\gamma $$ is pioneered before. The asymptotic behavior of the solutions is investigated because of the complexity of the solutions. Second, as a quantization, we apply the canonical quantization and the corresponding Wheeler-De Witt equation is constructed for this scalar-tensor theory. By solving the Wheeler-De Witt equation the wave function is found for general value of $$\gamma $$ . On the basis of its wave function, the tunneling rate turns out to be just the ratio of norms of the wave function for pre- and post-big-bang phases. This result shows that the rate grows as $$\gamma $$ gets value close to a specific value. This resolves the undetermined value for the behavior of the scale factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare venous thrombotic event. We review our local experience in the management of CVT in comparison to other venous thromboembolism (VTE) with specific focus on risk factors for thrombotic recurrence. Retrospective evaluation of consecutive CVT presentations from January 2005 to June 2015, at two major tertiary hospitals in Northeast Melbourne, Australia. This population was compared to a separate audit of 1003 consecutive patients with DVT and PE. Fifty-two patients (30 female, 22 male) with a median age of 40 (18-83) years, presented with 53 episodes of CVT. Twenty-nine episodes (55 %) were associated with an underlying risk factor, with hormonal risk factors in females being most common. The median duration of anticoagulation was 6 months with 11 receiving life-long anticoagulation. Eighty-one percent had residual thrombosis on repeat imaging, which was not associated with recurrence at the same or distant site. Nine (17 %) had CVT-related haemorrhagic transformation with two resultant CVT-related deaths (RR 22.5; p = 0.04). All three VTE recurrences occured in males with unprovoked events (RR 18.2; p = 0.05) who were subsequently diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Compared to the non-cancer VTE population, non-cancer CVT patients were younger, had similar rate of provoked events and VTE recurrence, although with significantly higher rate of MPN diagnosis (RR 9.30 (2.29-37.76); p = 0.002) CVT is a rare thrombotic disorder. All recurrences in this audit occurred in male patients with unprovoked events and subsequent diagnosis of MPN, suggesting further evaluation for MPN may be warranted in patients with unprovoked CVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One factor that determines the quality of an automobile's appearance is its appearance integrity, which means that the degree to which an automobile's physical appearance coincides with its mechanical quality. The painting process of an automobile can cause the permanent deformation of its hood, which lowers its appearace integrity. The painting process is comprised of the dipping process and the oven process. In the dipping process, pressure caused by the flow of fluid can cause the deformation of the automobile hood; in the oven process, the thermal deformation of sealers can cause the deformation of the hood. In an effort to increase automobiles᾿appearance integrity, this study identifies the major causes of deformation and predicts the types of deformation occurring in each process. The numerical model of a hood is established using the stiffness scanning method and analysis, and deformation in the dipping process is confirmed using Finite Elements Method (FEM). Sealers are hypothesized as the main reason for deformation in the oven process, so a study of the sealers is conducted to predict the deformation occurring after the oven process. Further, through a thermal property experiment and viscosity test, we are able to deduce the properties of sealers that cause deformation. This study also examines the effects of hood deformation in the oven process using numerical analysis and compares the degree of deformation caused by pressure and heat. The results show that the absolute value of deformation in the dipping process is greater than that in the oven process. Moreover, it is shown that deformation can occur bi-directionally in the oven process, and the quantity of mastic sealer does affect the degree of deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

See Toh's report on 'Statistical Designed Experiments in Rubber Compounding' filled the gap in the literature on this technique, detailing specific experimental work on full factorial design, fractional factorial design, and rotatable central composite design for rubber product manufacturing. In the latex technology area, Ng, et al.2 gives specific details on the use of design of experiment (DOX) in latex compounding. Despite these authors' efforts in promoting the use of DOX adoption of their techniques has not been encouraging. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the authors described the detailed steps in DOX practice, and describe how R statistical computing language and environment allow wider adoption by practitioners. Emphasis has been placed on graphical presentation and wider scope involving equipment, latex types, and compounding ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to predict monthly columnar ozone in Peninsular Malaysia based on concentrations of several atmospheric gases. Data pertaining to five atmospheric gases (CO, O, CH, NO, and HO vapor) were retrieved by satellite scanning imaging absorption spectrometry for atmospheric chartography from 2003 to 2008 and used to develop a model to predict columnar ozone in Peninsular Malaysia. Analyses of the northeast monsoon (NEM) and the southwest monsoon (SWM) seasons were conducted separately. Based on the Pearson correlation matrices, columnar ozone was negatively correlated with HO vapor but positively correlated with CO and NO during both the NEM and SWM seasons from 2003 to 2008. This result was expected because NO is a precursor of ozone. Therefore, an increase in columnar ozone concentration is associated with an increase in NO but a decrease in HO vapor. In the NEM season, columnar ozone was negatively correlated with HO (-0.847), NO (0.754), and CO (0.477); columnar ozone was also negatively but weakly correlated with CH (-0.035). In the SWM season, columnar ozone was highly positively correlated with NO (0.855), CO (0.572), and CH (0.321) and also highly negatively correlated with HO (-0.832). Both multiple regression and principal component analyses were used to predict the columnar ozone value in Peninsular Malaysia. We obtained the best-fitting regression equations for the columnar ozone data using four independent variables. Our results show approximately the same R value (≈ 0.83) for both the NEM and SWM seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few articles have evaluated vertebral artery ostium stents using multislice computed tomography (CT). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 64- and 16-slice CT for detecting significant in-stent restenosis after vertebral artery ostium stenting, and to identify factors affecting the accurate diagnosis by CT. Methods: We reviewed 57 stents scanned using 64-slice CT and 34 stents using 16-slice CT. The accuracy of CT for diagnosing significant in-stent restenosis (≥ 50 % diameter narrowing) was calculated using conventional angiography as a reference standard. Possible factors influencing the diagnostic performance of CT were analyzed, such as CT scanner, image quality, and stent characteristics. Results: With 64-slice CT, 46 (80.7 %) of 57 stents were classified as evaluable, while with 16-slice CT, 28 (82.3 %) of 34 stents were classified as evaluable. No stents with diameters ≤ 2.75 mm were evaluable. The respective results for 64- versus 16-slice CT were sensitivity 87.5 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 47.3-99.7 %) versus 100 % (95 % CI 15.8-100.0 %), specificity 94.7 % (95 % CI 82.3 %-99.4 %) versus 96.2 % (95 % CI 80.4-99.9 %). Factors reducing the accurate diagnosis were those associated with poor image quality, a diameter ≤ 2.75 mm, and drug-eluting stent type ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: 64-slice and 16-slice CT scans are adequate in stents with diameters > 2.75 mm for the evaluation of in-stent restenosis after stent implantation in the vertebral artery ostium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this randomised phase III trial was to evaluate whether the addition of simvastatin, a synthetic 3-hydroxy-3methyglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, to XELIRI/FOLFIRI chemotherapy regimens confers a clinical benefit to patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer.Methods: We undertook a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial of 269 patients previously treated for metastatic colorectal cancer and enrolled in 5 centres in South Korea. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of the following groups: FOLFIRI/XELIRI plus simvastatin (40 mg) or FOLFIRI/XELIRI plus placebo. The FOLFIRI regimen consisted of irinotecan at 180 mg m(-2) as a 90-min infusion, leucovorin at 200 mg m(-2) as a 2-h infusion, and a bolus injection of 5-FU 400 mg m(-2) followed by a 46-h continuous infusion of 5-FU at 2400 mg m(-2). The XELIRI regimen consisted of irinotecan at 250 mg m(-2) as a 90-min infusion with capecitabine 1000 mg m(-2) twice daily for 14 days. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included response rate, duration of response, overall survival (OS), time to progression, and toxicity.Results: Between April 2010 and July 2013, 269 patients were enrolled and assigned to treatment groups (134 simvastatin, 135 placebo). The median PFS was 5.9 months (95% CI, 4.5-7.3) in the XELIRI/FOLFIRI plus simvastatin group and 7.0 months (95% CI, 5.4-8.6) in the XELIRI/FOLFIRI plus placebo group (P=0.937). No significant difference was observed between the two groups with respect to OS (median, 15.9 months (simvastatin) vs 19.9 months (placebo), P=0.826). Grade⩾3 nausea and anorexia were noted slightly more often in patients in the simvastatin arm compared with with the placebo arm (4.5% vs 0.7%, 3.0% vs 0%, respectively).Conclusions: The addition of 40 mg simvastatin to the XELIRI/FOLFIRI regimens did not improve PFS in patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer nor did it increase toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positive roles of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in osteoblast differentiation and bone mineral density (BMD) maintenance have been clearly demonstrated in both animal experiments and clinical investigations. CXXC finger protein 5 (CXXC5), a recently identified negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, showed altered cellular localization and function, which were dependent on the cell type in previous studies. However, the in vivo function of CXXC5 has not been clearly investigated yet. Here, we characterized CXXC5 as a negative regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Deficiency of CXXC5 resulted in elevated BMD in mice without any severe gross developmental abnormalities. CXXC5 exerted a negative-feedback effect on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via Wnt-dependent binding to Dishevelled (Dvl) during osteoblast differentiation. Suppression of the Dvl-CXXC5 interaction using a competitor peptide resulted in the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and osteoblast differentiation, and accelerated thickness growth of ex vivo-cultured calvariae. Overall, CXXC5 is a negative-feedback regulator induced by Wnt/β-catenin signaling that inhibits osteoblast differentiation and bone formation via interaction with Dvl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prediction at a regional scale of groundwater productivity potential mapping in an area is subjected to uncertainties that must be efficiently managed for enhancing decision making. This study explored the potential of a GIS-based Dempster-Shafer theory (DST) model as a spatial prediction model to offer solution to this problem. Seven criteria/factors regarded as positive indicators to the existence of promising groundwater reservoir in a given study area were selected and weighted in a probability-based DST approach to compute degrees of belief functions component indexes. The results of the computed belief function indexes values were processed in GIS environment to generate belief functions maps among which the uncertainty index map established uncertainty result of relatively low range of <1 to 9 % prediction in the area. The belief index map which provides concrete support for the existence of promising aquifers in the area was modeled to produce the groundwater potential zones prediction (GPZP) map. A developed mathematical model based on the relationship between the estimated Belief index values and borehole yield data established the influences of diverse rock type's properties on the aquifer productivity in the area. The effect of coherence of criteria on the efficiency of DST model as a prediction model was also examined. The GPZP map produced was found to be 85.71 % accurate. The results of the examination of the effect of coherence of the criteria revealed that the ability of the DST model to produce accurate prediction is dependent on the exhaustiveness of the set of criteria used. The obtained results illustrate the usefulness of knowledge-driven DST model in GIS-based predictive mapping of groundwater potential zones. The results also show the capability of DST model in managing uncertainty associated with the predictive potential zones in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research on the fear-avoidance model (FAM) of chronic pain suggests that the personality traits of neuroticism and negative affect (NA) influence pain catastrophizing. However, the mechanisms of their influence on pain catastrophizing remain unclear. Purpose: This study examined four possible models of relationships between neuroticism, NA, and pain catastrophizing within the FAM framework using structural equation modeling. Method: A total of 401 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain completed measures of neuroticism, NA, three core FAM components (pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, and pain anxiety), and adjustment outcomes (pain-related disability and depression). Results: Regression analyses refuted the possibility that neuroticism and NA moderated each other's effect on pain catastrophic thoughts ( p > 0.05). Results of structural equation modeling (SEM) evidenced superior data-model fit for the collapsed models in which neuroticism and NA were two secondary traits underlying a latent construct, negative emotion (disability: comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.93; depression: CFI = 0.91). Conclusion: The results offer preliminary evidence that patients presenting with more neurotic symptom and heightened NA probably elicit more catastrophic thoughts about pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method to determine antibiotics using a lab-built drop-type chemiluminescence (DCL) system is introduced. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with amine groups were used for the extraction of antibiotics from a pretreated sample solution by magnetic separation. Detection is achieved with an antibody specific against enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin and a secondary horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labelled antibody. The enzyme is capable of catalyzing the luminol reaction, which can be read out with the DCL device. For application, the DCL system was used to determine enrofloxacin and its metabolite in chicken meat. The obtained detection limits were 0.039 pmol/mL (~0.12 ng/mL) and 0.022 pmol/mL for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, respectively, which are about 10 times better than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method is presented for automatic prostate boundary detection in ultrasound images taken transurethrally or transrectally. This is one of the stages in the implementation of a robotic procedure for prostate surgery performed by a robot known as the robot for urology (UROBOT). Unlike most edge detection methods, which detect object edges by means of either a spatial filter (such as Sobel, Laplacian or something of that nature) or a texture descriptor (local signal-to-noise ratio, joint probability density function etc.), this new approach employs a technique called radial bas-relief (RBR) to outline the prostate boundary area automatically. The results show that the RBR method works well in the detection of the prostate boundary in ultrasound images. It can also be useful for boundary detection problems in medical images where the object boundary is hard to detect using traditional edge detection algorithms, such as ultrasound of the uterus and kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A groundwater vulnerability prediction modeling, based on geographic information system-based ordered weighted average (OWA)-DRASTIC approach, is investigated in southern part of Perak, Malaysia. The proposed approach is a mix of curiosity that allows the uses of different decision strategies for the purpose of quantifying level of risk in vulnerability prediction. Seven pollution potential factors based on DRASTIC model theory were individual evaluated. Their results were model using OWA generic model. The OWA model integrates a pair-wise comparison method and quantifier-guided OWA aggregation operators to form a groundwater pollution potential mapping method that incorporates different decision strategies. With OWA operators, ANDness, ORness, and Trade-off parameters were calculated as a function of fuzzy (linguistic) quantifiers. The calculated parameters lies between the aggregations that uses 'AND' operator (which requires all the criteria to be satisfied) and OR operator (which requires at least one criterion to be satisfied). The model results in multiple groundwater vulnerability prediction scenarios, which apply different decision strategies and provide users with the flexibility to select one of them based on the level of risk controls in decision-making process. The risk adverse model associated with OWA AND operator was selected for groundwater vulnerability prediction map in the area. The results showed that predominant portions of the area belonged to the no vulnerable zones. The model was validated with groundwater quality data, and results show a strong relationship between the groundwater vulnerability model and pH, NO, Ca, Fe, and Zn concentrations whose correlation coefficients are 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.69, and 0.91, respectively. The results obtained confirmed that the methodology hold significant potential to support the complexity of decision making in evaluating groundwater pollution potential mapping in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the fear-avoidance model (FAM) of chronic pain, pain-related fear is one of the most prominent predictors of negative adjustment outcomes. While existing data point to the effects of anxiety sensitivity, pain hypervigilance, and pain catastrophizing on pain-related fear, the nature of their multivariate relationships remains unclear. This study explored the possible mediating role of pain hypervigilance in the relationship of anxiety sensitivity and pain catastrophizing with pain-related fear, and their effects on quality of life (QoL) outcomes within the FAM framework. Methods: A sample of 401 Chinese patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain completed the standardized measures assessing the FAM components and QoL. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate six hypothesized models. Results: Results of SEM showed adequate data-model fit [comparative fit indexes (CFIs) ranging from 0.92 to 0.94] on models which specified pain hypervigilance as mediator of anxiety sensitivity and pain catastrophizing with pain-related fear on two QoL outcomes (QoL-Physical and QoL-Mental). Results consistent with net suppression effects of pain catastrophizing on anxiety sensitivity were found in SEM when both anxiety sensitivity and pain catastrophizing were included in the same full model to predict QoL-Physical (CFI = 0.95; Sobel z = 8.06, p < 0.001) and QoL-Mental (CFI = 0.93; Sobel z = 8.31, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These cross-sectional analyses gave results consistent with pain hypervigilance, mediating the relationship of pain catastrophic cognition and anxiety sensitivity with pain-related fear. The net suppression effects of pain catastrophizing point to anxiety sensitivity, enhancing the effect of pain catastrophic cognition on pain hypervigilance. These findings elucidate how the interdependence of dispositional factors might influence pain adjustment and functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide detailed mechanisms of Ahnak-mediated potentiation of transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) signaling, which leads to a negative regulation of cell growth. We show that Smad3 interacts with Ahnak through MH2 domain and that Ahnak stimulates Smad3 localization into nucleus leading to potentiating TGFß-induced transcriptional activity of R-Smad. Moreover, overexpression of Ahnak resulted in growth retardation and cell cycle arrest through downregulation of c-Myc and cyclin D1/D2. We describe results from analyses of Ahnak-/- mouse model expressing middle T antigen in a mammary gland-specific manner (MMTVT9/+Ahnak-/-), which showed significantly progressed hyperplasia of mammary glands compared with MM7VT9/+Ahnak+/+. Finally, we screened multiple human breast cancer tissues and showed that the expression of Ahnak in cancer tissues is lower than that in control tissues by 50%. Taken together, these data indicate that Ahnak mediates a negative regulation of cell growth and acts as novel tumor suppressor through potentiation of TGFß signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]