International Society of Automation

Vulvar pain occurring in the absence of an underlying recognizable disease has become an increasingly common clinical problem. Members of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) astutely recognized this idiopathic vulvar pain as a unique entity in 1976 and, at that time, used the term burning vulva syndrome to identify it. Subsequently, the ISSVD renamed the disorder vulvodynia and suggested that two clinically distinctive subsets, dysesthetic vulvodynia and vestibulitis, might exist. However, recent studies have failed to confirm an inflammatory pathogenesis for vestibulitis, and in 1999 that term was deleted from the ISSVD classification. In 2003, at the 17th World Congress, the ISSVD reestablished vulvodynia as the preferred term for vulvar pain occurring in the absence of an underlying recognizable disease and, from a standpoint of classification, identified generalized and localized subsets. The ISSVD further noted that in either subset, pain could occur spontaneously and/or could develop as a result of physical provocation. The purpose of this recommended nosology is to further communication among the various specialties that care for women with vulvodynia and to assist in the formulation of studies regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of the disorder.

A Brain Cancer Detection and Classification System has been designed and developed. The system uses computer based procedures to detect tumor blocks or lesions and classify the type of tumor using Artificial Neural Network in MRI images of different patients with Astrocytoma type of brain tumors. The image processing techniques such as histogram equalization, image segmentation, image enhancement, morphological operations and feature extraction have been developed for detection of the brain tumor in the MRI images of the cancer affected patients. The extraction of texture features in the detected tumor has been achieved by using Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM). These features are compared with the stored features in the Knowledge Base. Finally a Neuro Fuzzy Classifier has been developed to recognize different types of brain cancers. The whole system has been tested in two phases firstly Learning/Training Phase and secondly Recognition/Testing Phase. The known MRI images of affected brain cancer patients obtained from Radiology Department of Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) were used to train the system. The unknown samples of brain cancer affected MRI images are also obtained from TMH and were used to test the system. The system was found efficient in classification of these samples and responds any abnormality.

Objective: Anxiety measurement tools have been developed for major health-threatening diseases such as SARS and MERS. There is no specific measurement tool for measuring the anxiety caused by Corona. The purpose of this study was to validate the Corona-related Anxiety Scale in the Iranian sample. Method: The research method was a descriptive correlational.308 individuals participated in the study through online recall. An 18-item Corona-related anxiety inventory was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed by using Guttman's λ2 and Cronbach's alpha internal consistency method. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using Lisrel-8.8 software was used to evaluate the tool construct validity. To standardize the raw scores, they were converted to standard T scores and percentile rank using Jmetrik-4.1.1 software and were prepared as normative tables. Findings: The Guttman's λ2 value for the whole questionnaire was obtained as (λ = 0.922), Cronbach's alpha coefficient for psychological symptoms as (α = 0.879), physical symptoms as (α = 0.861), and for the whole questionnaire as (α= 0.919). The data of this research fit the two-factor model properly. Standard scores tables were plotted, and the range of scores of the questionnaire factors and total score of Corona-related anxiety severity was divided into three domains: mild, moderate, and severe. Conclusion: Corona-related anxiety inventory has good validity in preliminary validation and can be used as a valid and scientific tool for measuring Corona-related anxiety.

This article presents effective tractable equations for rotational compliance (stiffness) of a simple monolithic flexure hinge with circular (radius R and crosspiece thickness t), elliptical [at semiaxis ax, ay, elliptical ratio ε (=ax/ay)] and other cross sections. These equations and the method by inverse conformal mapping of circular approximating contour used to derive them are different from the known and widely used theoretical equations originally derived in 1965 by Paros and Weisbord for circular notch hinges. Later it was found that the circular hinge represents the worst case error between known theoretical and finite element models. The conformal mapping equations data presented in this article are likely to be much closer (within less than 10%) to the finite element analysis and experimental data than other theoretical equations. In particular this is the case for circular notch hinges at relative thickness β(=t/2R) in the range 0.01 to 0.3 and for elliptical hinges at the elliptical ratio ε=1 to 10. The derived general equation is common for all types of notch hinges whose profiles can be approximated by two shifted contiguous circles and includes material parameters with Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. The latter is totally omitted in known theoretical solutions by other authors. New tractable equations are derived from the general equation on the basis of trigonometric functions’ simplified series expansion in certain ranges of hinge crosspiece relative thickness. The corresponding graphs are presented. Experimental data were received by holographic interference and autocollimator measurement.

In this paper, we investigate existence of long-run and short-run equilibrium relationships among the Borsa Istanbul Industrial Index (SINAI), real effective exchange rate (REER), Dollar Index (DXY) and Euro/Turkish Lira exchange rate in Turkey. Applying ARDL cointegration analysis on monthly data for the 2005:01–2013:12 period, we find that the SINAI Index is positively related to the Dollar Index and Euro/TL exchange rate. But, there is no meaningful relationship between real effective exchange rate and SINAI. The results of vector error correction model reveal that the SINAI is positively related to the real effective exchange rate while SINAI is negatively related to the Dollar Index and Euro/TL exchange rate in a statistically significant way

Distribution of bacteria influential on the algal growth during the process of development and decay of Gymnodinium nagasakiense red tide and their effects on the growth of G. nagasakiense and Skeletonema costatum were investigated in Uranouchi Inlet, Kochi. Seawater samples collected around red tide period of G. nagasakiense were filtered through either 0.8μm or 0.2μm filters. Into these filtrates were inoculated axenic cultures of G. nagasakiense or S. costatum. After in-cubation, cell numbers of G. nagasakiense or S. costatum in 0.8μm-filtrates were counted and were compared with those in 0.2μm-filtrates to estimate the bacterial effect on the growth of the two algae. During the time of the development of G. nagasakiense red tide when diatoms were still predominated, natual bacteria were stimulative for both G. nagasakiense and S. costatum. The stimulative effect for S. costatum, however, solely decreased just before the peak of G. nagasakiense red tide, while that for G. nagasakiense was still kept. On the contrary, bacterial effects for both two algae were inhibitory in the decline process of G. nagasakiense bloom. These results indicate that natual communities of bacteria in 0.8μm-filtrates had significant effects on the growth of specific algal species and suggested that they play an important role on the development and decay of algal bloom, in addition to the succession of species predominating.

This study was conducted to develop a dry type of pellet with a high palatability and acceptabili-ty for yellowtail in order to reduce aquaculture wastes and the occurrence of various fish diseases due to raw fish feeding as well as to improve the quality of the cultured fish. After several feeding trials a completely new type of dry pellet (soft-dry) with a high palatability was succesfully produced by a twin extruder. This pellet contained 8-12% moisture but softer than ordinary hard pellets. Its dietary value was compared by feeding juvenile yellowtail weighing 340g on average with moist pellets prepared by mixing sardine and mash in a ratio of 8:2 or soft-dry for about 4 months in net cages (8 × 8 × 8m). Fish fed the moist pellets grew up to about 980g, while the average body weight of fish fed soft-dry was 1180g, quite higher than those on moist pellets. The average feed gain ratio on dry matter basis during 4 months feeding was 1.50 for soft-dry and 1.79 for the moist pellet, respectively. The survival rate was more than 85% in both the groups. Thus, the newly developed soft-dry pellet has been found to have a nutritional quality superior to the moist pellet.

A brief account of the concept of working memory is presented, followed by a more detailed description of one sub-component of the system, namely the phonological loop. The question of the functional significance of this component of working memory is discussed. Evidence suggests a minor role in language comprehension, together with a much more substantial role in the capacity to acquire novel phonological, and possibly grammatical forms. It is suggested that the phonological loop has evolved as a mechanism for language acquisition.

BACKGROUND: The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is being assessed as an alternative model organism as part of an interagency effort to develop better means to test potentially toxic substances. As part of this effort, assays that use the COPAS Biosort flow sorting technology to record optical measurements (time of flight (TOF) and extinction (EXT)) of individual nematodes under various chemical exposure conditions are being developed. A mathematical model has been created that uses Biosort data to quantitatively and qualitatively describe C. elegans growth, and link changes in growth rates to biological events. Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide known to cause developmental delays and malformations in mammals, was used as a model toxicant to test the applicability of the growth model for in vivo toxicological testing. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: L1 larval nematodes were exposed to a range of sub-lethal chlorpyrifos concentrations (0-75 microM) and measured every 12 h. In the absence of toxicant, C. elegans matured from L1s to gravid adults by 60 h. A mathematical model was used to estimate nematode size distributions at various times. Mathematical modeling of the distributions allowed the number of measured nematodes and log(EXT) and log(TOF) growth rates to be estimated. The model revealed three distinct growth phases. The points at which estimated growth rates changed (change points) were constant across the ten chlorpyrifos concentrations. Concentration response curves with respect to several model-estimated quantities (numbers of measured nematodes, mean log(TOF) and log(EXT), growth rates, and time to reach change points) showed a significant decrease in C. elegans growth with increasing chlorpyrifos concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Effects of chlorpyrifos on C. elegans growth and development were mathematically modeled. Statistical tests confirmed a significant concentration effect on several model endpoints. This confirmed that chlorpyrifos affects C. elegans development in a concentration dependent manner. The most noticeable effect on growth occurred during early larval stages: L2 and L3. This study supports the utility of the C. elegans growth assay and mathematical modeling in determining the effects of potentially toxic substances in an alternative model organism using high-throughput technologies.

Large-scale red tides of Heterocapsa sp. (Dinophyceae) occurred in Ago Bay during the summer and autumn of 1992. The seawater was discolored to yellow brown, and the maximum cell density was 87, 420 cells/ml. The summer red tide occurred from mid to late August, and the autumn red tide from late October to late November. Water temperatures and the salinities were 23.8 to 26.9 °C and 33.2 to 33.4 during the summer red tide, and 16.9 to 22.2 °C and 30.5 to 32.2 during the autumn red tide. Thus, Heterocapsa sp. can form red tides over a wide range of water temperature. The autumn red tide developed slowly as compared to the summer one. This may be due in part to the lower water temperature in autumn. Both red tides were preceded by heavy rainfall and/or vertical mixing of the seawater associated with a typhoon. It is suggested that these physical events promoted and supported the growth of this species. The red tides caused mass mortality of pearl oysters (Pinctada fucata); however, mortalities of cultured and feral fish were not observed. During the red tides, pearl oysters closed their shells tightly and died despite the high concentration of dissolved oxygen. This is the first report of Heterocapsa sp. red tides causing mass mortaliy of pearl oysters in Japan.

ВНЕШНИЕ ТРУДОВЫЕ МИГРАЦИИ УКРАИНЦЕВ: МАСШТАБЫ

The black tiger prawn Penaeus monodon is cultured in barckish water ponds for better growth rate by farmers despite being a marine species. This study on the free amino acid (FAA) variation in the hemolymph and muscle of the prawn in different salinities revealed that the composition of FAA in the hemolymph of 30‰ acclimatized prawns was similar to that in the muscle, indicating this is indeed a physiologically marine-adapted species. The composition of FAA in the muscle from prawns acclimatized to different salinities were similar to each other. The very high concentration of FAA which belong to essential amino acids in the hemolymph of 15‰ acclimatized prawns suggested that these FAA could be more available for tissue to take up at this salinity. Significant amounts of urea were found in the hemolymph of 45‰ acclimatized prawns, suggesting that urea was purposely kept as an inexpensive osmolite. The ability to use urea to adapt to a high salinity environment in invertebrates might have developed long before sharks and rays adapted urea as an osmolite.

The growth and feed efficiency responses of red sea bream fingerlings to ω3 fatty acids were determined by supplementing a corn oil diet and a lauric acid diet with linolenic acid and/or ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The fish fed a linolenic acid supplement showed poor growth and feed efficiency even at a 3 or 4% level, in comparison with those fed the control diet YR-1 of pollack residual oil. PUFA fed at a 2% level supported excellent growth and feed efficiency as did the pollack residual oil.

ABSTRACT We propose a local projections (LPs)‐based difference‐in‐differences (DiD) approach that subsumes many of the recent solutions proposed in the literature to address possible biases arising from negative weighting. We combine LPs with a flexible “clean control” condition to define appropriate sets of treated and control units. Our proposed LP‐DiD estimator can be implemented with various weighting and normalization schemes for different target estimands, can be extended to include covariates or accommodate nonabsorbing treatment, and is simple and fast to implement. A simulation and two empirical applications demonstrate that the LP‐DiD estimator performs well in common applied settings.

AbstractIn this paper it is argued that rhetorical insight can be used to deepen a dialectical analysis of argumentative discourse and to justify the dialectical reconstructions. After a discussion of the dialectical and rhetorical aspects of argumentative confrontation, an explanation is given of the rhetorical rationales for defining the disagreement space. Then, some strategic moves are identified in confrontation episodes in the public discussion on fox hunting in Great Britain that are instrumental for this purpose.

Carbonation of concrete is one of the most important factors for durabilityc of concrete structures. Although there are some formulae to predict the carbonation speed, quite few experimental studies have been reported concerning the influence of environmental moisture and temperature on the carbonation speed, so far. In this paper, a parametric study was performed to investigate the influence of environmental moisture and temperature on the carbonation speed of mortar. While accelerated carbonation tests were carried out, water cement ratio, relative humidity and temperature were changed. In the moisture condition of 40-50 % RH, the carbonation was mostly accelerated. The higher the temperature, the faster the speed of carbonation became. Temperature increased proportionally in the tested range from 15°C to 37.5°C. Finally carbonation speed of concrete was estimated all over Japan on the basis of the mean values of climate data (relative humidity and temperature) in each region reported by Japan Meteorological Agency.

The changes in the rigor mortis of fish body and the breaking strength of the muscle were com-pared using tilapia. During ice storage, the rigor index measured by the modified Cutting's method reached maximum 9h after death and the full rigor lasted for 4 days, while the breaking strength of the muscle became maximum 3h after death, then decreased continuously for 24h and then did not change. This result strongly suggested that both changes should be clearly distingu-ished. Therefore, we proposed that the change of the apparent rigor of fish body is expressed as “pre-, in and post-rigor” and that the change of the texture of fish muscle is expressed as “tough and weak”. The weakening of muscle may be explained not as a proteolytic breakdown of myofibrils but as a decomposition of the muscle structure, because no proteolytic reaction was detected by the examination of TCA-soluble material and by the analysis on SDS-PAGE.

The bio-economy of the natural population of Strongylocentrotus intermedius, based on the census of the sea urchin and the seaweeds by means of quadrat work, was studied at the rocky shoal of Ikantai, southern Hokkaido. The balance sheet of population metabolism expressed as a unit of dry matter or of nitrogen for the echinoid population was that of the credit side of the balance, where 60.7g/m2/yr or 1.1g-nitrogen/m2/yr was initial biomass; 43.1g/m2/yr or 1.3g-nitrogen/m2/yr was population growth; 46.4g/m2/yr or 0.9g-nitrogen/m2/yr was immigration; and only 0.14g/m2/yr or 0.003g-nitrogen/m2/yr was recruitment. This sum total was divided into the following way on the debit side of the balance, loss of population due to emigration and natural mortality was 72.6g/m2/yr or 1.6g-nitrogen/m2/yr; gametes ejected were 2.9g/m2/yr or 0.2g-nitrogen/m2/yr; and final biomass was 51.3g/m2/yr or 0.9g-nitrogen/m2/yr. Since the population growth of the sea urchin has been sponsored by 412.4g/m2/yr or 8.0g-nitrogen/m2/yr of Laminaria angustata and by 12.2g/m2/yr or 0.5g-nitrogen/m2/ /yr of Ulva pertusa, growth coefficient was about 10% in dry matter and production efficiency was about 4% in dry matter. The annual food consumption of the echinoid population corresponds to about half of the annual growth (production) of the seaweed community.

An in vitro experiment was undertaken to investigate the physiological role of estrogen on the neuromechanism, especially the release of eggs induced by serotonin, in the ovary of the scallop Patinopecten yessoensis. Estradiol-17β(E2) had no direct action on the release of eggs from the ovarian pieces, whereas preincubation with E2 accelerated the release of eggs induced by incuba- tion with 10-7M and 10-6M serotonin (5-HT), depending upon the E2 concentration. In ad-dition, the accelerating effect of E2 was inhibited with aspirin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and ac-tinomycin D (RNA synthesis inhibitor). Therefore, it was suggested that prostaglandin (PG), functioning as a neuromodulator on the 5-HT action in the spawning of the scallop, is one of the factors which cause the promoting effect of E2 on 5-HT action, together with the induction of a protein formation via a genomic action, and that E2 may enhance the sensitivity to external stimuli in egg release with the progressing maturity of the scallop.