Counting generalized Reed-Solomon codes

In this article we count the number of generalized Reed-Solomon (GRS) codes of dimension k and length n, including the codes coming from a non-degenerate conic plus nucleus. We compare our results with known formulae for the number of 3-dimensional MDS codes of length n=6,7,8,9

Rings of geometries II

AbstractLinear spaces are investigated using the general theory of “Rings of Geometries I.” By defining geometries and ring structures in several different ways, formulae for linear spaces embedded in finite projective and affine planes are obtained. Several “fundamental theorems” of counting in finite projective planes are proved which show why configurations with at least three points per line and at least three lines through every point are important. These theorems are illustrated by finding the formulae for the number of k-arcs in a projective plane of order q for all k ⩽ 8 and also by finding a formula for the number of blocking sets. A quick proof that a projective plane of order 6 does not exist follows from the formula for the number of 7-arcs in such a plane

The non-classical 10-arc of PG(4, 9)

AbstractIt is shown that PG(4,9) contains a non-classical 10-arc. It is the first example of a (q + 1)-arc of PG(n, q), (q ood, 2⩽n⩽q −2), which is not a normal rational curve. Various properties of the arc are also derived

Concentration of white blood cells from whole blood by dual centrifugo-pneumatic siphoning with density gradient medium

Due to the pervasiveness of HIV infections in developing countries there exists a need for a low-cost, user-friendly point-of-care device which can be used to monitor the concentration of T-lymphocytes in the patient’s blood expressing the CD4+ epitope. As a first step towards developing a microfluidic “lab-on-a-disc” platform with this aim we present the concentration of white blood cells from whole blood using a density medium in conjunction with centrifugo-pneumatic siphon valves [1]. Two such valves are actuated simultaneously, removing the bulk of plasma through the upper valve and the bulk of WBCs through the lower valve while leaving the vast majority of red blood cells in the centrifugal chamber

Longitudinal assessment of age-related change in the dental pulp chamber and age estimation using dental radiographs

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on September 28, 2007)Vita.Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2007.This dissertation presents a new and practical method of adult age estimation with successful tests of its validity and repeatability. Six qualitative criteria evident in oral radiographs were developed from 37 subjects represented on three occasions each. Age was estimated from averaged criterion scores by reduced major axis (Model II) regression incorporating longitudinal information for prediction with cross-sectional data. Spearman correlation of scores to known age was r[subscript s] = 0.82, for 45 subjects aged 17 to 86 years in an independent test set. Mean error of estimated age was 0.08 years (SD 8.3 years). In contrast, longitudinal premolar pulp chamber sizes typically showed Pearson correlations to age of r [almost equal to] -0.50, with no pattern of association by premolar type, sex, or trend over time useful in age estimation. Eleven raters with experience in skeletal analysis ranging from student to professional showed the qualitative method to be independently repeatable using only a written rubric and graphic examples. Raters' scores had Spearman correlations to age of 0.70 [less than] r[subscript s] [less than] 0.85, and a mean error of 0.91 years (SD 13.7 years), in a sample of 20 subjects selected for approximately equal distribution by age and sex. Oral radiography is noninvasive, commonly available to archaeologists and routine in forensic identifications. This qualitative method is applicable in adults through age 90, and may be incorporated into existing protocols to advance assessment of population distribution and individual age.Includes bibliographical reference

Soluble pre-fibrillar tau and β-amyloid species emerge in early human Alzheimer’s disease and track disease progression and cognitive decline

Acknowledgments We would like to gratefully acknowledge all donors and their families for the tissue provided for this study. Human tissue samples were supplied by the Brains for Dementia Research programme, jointly funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Medical Research Council, and sourced from the MRC London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank, the Manchester Brain Bank, the South West Dementia Brain Bank (SWDBB), the Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource and the Oxford Brain Bank. The Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource and Oxford Brain Bank are also supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Units. The South West Dementia Brain Bank (SWDBB) receives additional support from BRACE (Bristol Research into Alzheimer’s and Care of the Elderly). Alz-50, CP13, MC-1 and PHF-1 antibodies were gifted from Dr. Peter Davies and brain lystates from BACE1−/−mice were obtained from Prof Mike Ashford. The work presented here was funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK (Grant refs: ARUKPPG2014A-21 and ARUK-NSG2015-1 to BP and DK and NIH/NIA grants NIH/NINDS R01 NS082730 and R01 AG044372 to NK)Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Reclaiming social work? an evaluation of systemic units as an approach to delivering children’s services

This report presents the findings of an evaluation of the systemic unit model as an approach to the delivery of Children‘s Social Services. The systemic unit model has sometimes been referred to as the ―Hackney Model‖ or ―Reclaiming Social Work‖ (Cross et al, 2010; Munro, 2011a; Trowler and Goodman, 2012). The evaluation is an in-depth comparative description of practice and the factors shaping it in three local authorities. One of the authorities used the systemic unit model; the other two authorities differed but both had a more conventional model for the structure of services. This involved individual allocation to social workers who received supervision from a line manager