Abstract The notion of the Urysohn d-width measures to what extent a metric space can be approximated by a d-dimensional simplicial complex. We investigate how local Urysohn width bounds on a Riemannian manifold affect its global width. We bound the 1-width of a Riemannian manifold in terms of its first homology and the supremal width of its unit balls. Answering a question of Larry Guth, we give examples of n-manifolds of considerable (n-1){(n-1)}-width in which all unit balls have arbitrarily small 1-width. We also give examples of topologically simple manifolds that are locally nearly low-dimensional.


Much of the controversy surrounding the Warren Court centered on its willingness to "federalize" rules of criminal procedure. Before 1961, states were for the most part left free to operate their criminal justice systems according to locally established procedures. The Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause was used to reverse convictions in which state proceedings had been clearly unfair1 but only in rare instances were rules of general applicability established.2There were, however, justices on the Court Justice Black being the most prominent among these-who urged a different, more active course. In particular these justices argued that the Bill of Rights delineated requirements of fundamental fairness and that the Fourteenth Amendment intended to make these applicable against state action. Then almost abruptly in I9613 the Supreme Court abandoned its reticence and in a series of cases lasting until 1968 found virtually all of the procedural guarantees of the Bill of Rights to be required by the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause.4


Sepsis is a syndrome with high mortality, which seriously threatens human health. During the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), some severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients with multiple organ dysfunction developed characteristics typical of sepsis and met the diagnostic criteria for sepsis. Timely detection of cytokine storm and appropriate regulation of inflammatory response may be significant in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of specific interleukin (IL)-1 inhibitors, specific IL-6 inhibitors, and GM-CSF blockades in the treatment of COVID-19 (at the edge of sepsis) patients through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methodology: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Clinical Key, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang Database using proper keywords such as "SARS-CoV-2," "Corona Virus Disease 2019," "COVID-19," "anakinra," "tocilizumab," "siltuximab," "sarilumab," "mavrilimumab," "lenzilumab," and related words for publications released until August 22, 2021. Other available resources were also used to identify relevant articles. The present systematic review was performed based on PRISMA protocol. Results: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 43 articles were included in the final review. The meta-analysis results showed that tocilizumab could reduce the mortality of patients with COVID-19 (at the edge of sepsis) [randomized controlled trials, RCTs: odds ratio (OR) 0.71, 95%CI: 0.52–0.97, low-certainty evidence; non-RCTs: risk ratio (RR) 0.68, 95%CI: 0.55–0.84, very low-certainty evidence) as was anakinra (non-RCTs: RR 0.47, 95%CI: 0.34–0.66, very low-certainty evidence). Sarilumab might reduce the mortality of patients with COVID-19 (at the edge of sepsis), but there was no statistical significance (OR 0.65, 95%CI: 0.36–1.2, low-certainty evidence). For safety outcomes, whether tocilizumab had an impact on serious adverse events (SAEs) was very uncertain (RCTs: OR 0.87, 95%CI: 0.38–2.0, low-certainty evidence; non-RCTs 1.18, 95%CI: 0.83–1.68, very low-certainty evidence) as was on secondary infections (RCTs: OR 0.71, 95%CI: 0.06–8.75, low-certainty evidence; non-RCTs: RR 1.15, 95%CI: 0.89–1.49, very low-certainty evidence). Conclusions: This systematic review showed that tocilizumab, sarilumab, and anakinra could reduce the mortality of people with COVID-19 (at the edge of sepsis), and tocilizumab did not significantly affect SAEs and secondary infections. The current evidence of the studies on patients treated with siltuximab, mavrilimumab, and lenzilumab is insufficient. In order to establish evidence with stronger quality, high-quality studies are needed. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/), identifier CRD42020226545


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to take a series of snapshots of perceived organizational culture over time, analyze the longitudinal pattern of its change, examine the relationship between organizational culture and organizational performance and verify if the relationship remains consistent, regardless of the flow of time.

Design/methodology/approach
Competing values framework and balanced scorecard are employed to look at organizational culture and its link with organizational performance; the panel data with more than 400 Korean firms from three biennial waves (2011, 2013 and 2015) are analyzed for a macro-level longitudinal examination.

Findings
Findings include that clan and market cultures were more prevalent than adhocracy and hierarchy cultures, and clan culture significantly decreased over time (H1); adhocracy, clan and market cultures had a consistently positive relationship with all the performance variables over the years and demonstrated a stronger impact in that order (H2).

Research limitations/implications
The results call for continued research on organizational culture in a longitudinal and cross-sectional nature, and a more comprehensive culture framework for today's organizations.

Practical implications
Suggestions include that leaders should engage in bilateral communications and network building for successful organization development and change, and take a comprehensive, long-range approach in conducting cultural assessments.

Originality/value
The current study addresses a lack of empirical support and a single organization, point-of-time perspective in organizational culture research by examining organizational culture and performance with a macro-level longitudinal approach.


Software components restructuring is quiet difficult technique for software maintenance and development. Different Clustering techniques have been used to solve this problem. Here in this paper the Densitybased spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) is used with single linkage method to solve software complexity and to group related software components. DBSCAN forms clusters by grouping points that are closely packed together i.e. points with many nearby neighbors, marking as outliers points that lie alone in low-density regions (whose nearest neighbors are too far away). DBSCAN is one of the most common clustering algorithms and also most cited in scientific literature. DBSCAN reduces the time complexity by finding the clusters with the shortest distance and makes feasible for huge data. This paper presents the framework for DBSCAN shown by flow charts which specifies the similarity measures between the two clusters. The experimental results is shown in comparison with fuzzy clustering. DBSCAN achieve a consistent and compatible clustering quality.


Efficient file systems hold one of the keys to highperformance I/O systems. Today's file systems perform a static layout of file data, aiming to preserve the directory structure of the file system and optimizing for sequential access to entire files. In this paper, we re-examine the existing state-of-the-art in file system design and find it severely lacking in an important aspect, application awareness. We argue that for optimal performance, file systems must self-optimize by adapting data layout to accommodate the dynamism in application access patterns. We present the design and implementation of an automated data layout reconfigurator which is at the heart of such a self-optimizing file system. Preliminary studies using file system traces indicate significant I/O performance gains when compared to a state-of-the-art ext3 file system.


This chapter examines patterns of mobility and exchange over time in the Southern Andes, the area now recognized as northeastern Argentina, southeastern Bolivia, northern Chile and southern Peru. These patterns persisted through the traffic of colonial exchange and the mercantile flows of nineteenth-century nation-states, including indigenous and Creole merchants and traders. Caravans, animal driving, cattle herding, and markets all enabled an autonomous exchange of products and social connections. Rural practices of resource mobilization analyzed in this chapter enabled communication along age-old routes of circulation and brought together distinct ecological environments, forging a space of exchange that surpassed limitations imposed by the nation state.


The incidence rate of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has increased steadily over the last decades, and environmental factors are suspected to influence the onset of ASD on the basis of genetic factors. Therefore, we first reviewed the literature on the effects of environmental pollution on the development of ASD, and second, we examined the impact of social environmental factors on two patients with ASD who were followed-up for 13 years by one of the authors. There was serious concern that both air pollution and mercury exposure would affect ASD. During the clinical course of the two patients in this study, ASD symptoms and\or adaptation levels fluctuated several times, and involvement of social environmental factors were noted. Required support should include offering an optimal environment for a long period of time and comprehensive medical, educational, and local community support.


In the Mid-Loire valley, in France, Vitis vinifera (cv. chenin) is a multifaceted variety, cultivated for the elaboration of dry, sparkling and sweet white wines. Within the "Coteaux du Layon" area, a network of terroir-based experimental plots has been established to study grape composition and wine flavour, according to the terroir of origin, the harvesting date , and the development of Botrytis cinerea before and after the normal maturity stage. Results obtained during the last 5 years (19962000) show that the combination of soil physical properties and the mesoclimate (terroir effect) has a strong effect on must composition, the date of infection and on the kinetics of development of B. cinerea . At maturity stage, shallow soils on schisteous slopes facing S-W (Rock type) produced the richest musts, while deep sandy/clayish soils on plateaux (Weathered type) induced the more precoci0ous and highest levels of B. cinerea. For the production of sweet wines, an over-ripening period is needed in order to concentrate sugars and develop new aromas, through noble rot and natural dessication. Noble rot developed earlier and reached higher levels on Weathered type soils, but was always accompanied by a high proportion of grey rot. On the Rock type, the noble rot developed later, reached lower levels, and was often accompanied by natural dessication. Vineyards planted on the latter soils enable, no matter the vintage, the production of dessert type wine, with subtle aromas originated through noble rot and natural dessication in the post-maturity stage. Vineyards on the Weathered type are able to produce sweet wines only in good vintages ; otherwise, grapes will have to be harvested earlier for the elaboration of dry or sparkling wines. Key-words : Vitis vinifera , chenin, terroir, soil, climate, B. cinerea , wine types


Dense aggregations of echinoderms on the sea bed have been described from various parts of the world. Reese (1966) considered that such an aggregation 'is a response to one or more essential environmental factors such as food or substratum, and does not reflect social behaviour per se' Observations by Warner (1969, 1971) and by Brun (1969) suggested that, in aggregations of the brittle-star Ophiothrix fragilis, individuals may respond to conspecifics rather than solely to food or the substratum. On an apparently uniform substratum, some areas are covered with a dense bed of brittle-stars while other adjacent areas are devoid of brittle-stars. Warner (1971) pointed out that the aggregations are advantageous to the species so it seems possible that the animals might aggregate actively rather than coming to a suitable feeding area by chance. The aims in this study were to investigate the responses shown by Ophiothrix fragilis to its physical surroundings, to some of the other organisms living near it and, especially, to conspecifics. The animals studied are in dense aggregations off Berry Head in Southern England and all observations were made underwater in the natural habitat.


Abstract : This report discusses one aspect of enabling people to communicate in natural language with computers. The central focus of this work is a study on how one could build robust natural language processing systems that can detect and recover from miscommunication. The study of miscommunication is a necessary task within such a context since any computer capable of communicating with humans in natural language must be tolerant of the complex, imprecise, or ill-devised utterances that people often use. This goal first required an inquiry into how people communicate and how they recover from problems in communication. This led to the development of techniques for avoiding failures of reference that were employed in the reference identification component of a natural language understanding program. The traditional approaches to reference identification in previous natural language systems were found to be less elaborate than people's real behavior. To model a listener's behavior, a new component was added to the traditional reference identification mechanism to resolve difficulties in a speaker's description. Keywords: Artificial intelligence, computational linguistics, natural language understanding, knowledge representation, miscommunication, discourse, KL-ONE.


The location of the national capital is frequently contentious in domestic politics. Almost 30% of countries house their capitals outside of their largest city and 11 countries have relocated their capitals since 1960. This paper argues that locating the capital outside of the largest urban center may reduce civil conflict by limiting the ability of any single faction to dominate the government. When the government is less afraid of large urban populations in the capital, it is better able to appease multiple factions. Cross-national evidence supports this argument in that locating the capital outside of a major city is associated with a significant reduction in both violent and non-violent civil conflict.


Aim: To evaluate whether the synonymous mutant rs2515641 could affect Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) expression and the response to acetaminophen (APAP) or triptolide (TP) treatment. Materials & methods: HepG2 cells were transfected with lentiviral vector containing either CYP2E1-1263C or CYP2E1-1263T. Some of these recombinant cells were then treated with APAP or TP. CYP2E1 gene expression was detected by PCR and western blot. Results: CYP2E1 gene expression decreased significantly both in mRNA and protein level after rs2515641 mutation, indicating that this polymorphism can affect both transcription and translation. Furthermore, rs2515641 mutation dramatically changes the response of CYP2E1 expression to APAP or TP treatment. Conclusion: Rs2515641 significantly changes CYP2E1 expression and function, which would be expected to affect drug disposition and response.


Federated learning (FL) and split learning (SL) are state-of-the-art distributed machine learning techniques to enable machine learning training without accessing raw data on clients or end devices. However, their comparative training performance under real-world resource-restricted Internet of Things (IoT) device settings remains barely studied. This work provides empirical comparisons of FL and SL in real-world IoT settings regarding (i) learning performance with heterogeneous data distributions and (ii) on-device execution overhead. Our analyses in this work demonstrate that the learning performance of SL is better than FL under an imbalanced data distribution but worse than FL under an extreme non-IID data distribution. Recently, FL and SL are combined to form splitfed learning (SFL) to leverage each of their benefits (e.g., parallel training of FL and lightweight on-device computation requirement of SL). Our work considers FL, SL, and SFL, and mounts them on Raspberry Pi devices to evaluate their performance, including training time, communication overhead, power consumption, and memory usage with resource-restricted IoT devices. Besides evaluations, we apply two optimizations. First, we generalize SFL by carefully examining the possibility of a hybrid type of model training at the server-side. The generalized SFL merges sequential (dependent) and parallel (independent) processes of model training and thus is beneficial to a system with a large scale of IoT devices, specifically at the server-side operations. Second, we propose pragmatic techniques to substantially reduce the communication overhead by up to four times for the SL and (generalized) SFL.


Moskowitz (2000) and Glode (2011), among others, document that US mutual funds achieve higher alphas in recessions compared to non-recessions. Kacpercyk et al (2014) provide a different result that those US funds that perform well in recessions also perform well in non-recessions. We show that the smart money algorithm can be used to identify these funds, particularly small funds, and that the expenses they charge are not too high. This simple algorithm, based on past flows is consistent with Berk and Green (2004) and Berk and Binsbergen (2015) in that flows are indicative of managerial skill and that in equilibrium, after-expense alphas should be equal to zero.


Both Adobe Flash Platform runtimes—Flash Player and AIR—include built-in security and privacy features to provide strong protection for your data and privacy, whether you use these Adobe products on your desktop system or mobile device. Adobe constantly advances these protections to incorporate the latest developments in the industry and stay ahead of the continually evolving threat landscape. To help ensure that potentially malicious activities do not infiltrate your network or its systems, Flash Player includes customizable user and administrative controls. Additionally, developer controls and guidelines for both Flash Player and AIR enable application authors to protect their customers' systems, from the first line of code to the last. For more information on these controls, go to the Flash Platform Developer Center in the Adobe Developer Connection. Through advanced desktop updating tools, Adobe helps ensure that you have the most current runtime with the latest protections. Plus, our tight relationships and integration with mobile platform vendors, platforms, and update processes help keep your Adobe software current wherever you are and on whatever mobile platform you choose to use. Adobe Flash Player interprets a series of instructions stored in a binary format known as SWF. The SWF files are typically hosted on a server and downloaded via web protocols to be displayed on the client computer using Flash Player when requested. SWF file content can be viewed in a consistent manner across a broad range of platforms, browsers, and devices. SWF files typically consist of two components: multimedia content and ActionScript® instructions. ActionScript is the programming language of the Adobe Flash Platform. It is also a European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) standard. Originally developed as a way for developers to program interactivity, ActionScript enables efficient programming of Flash Platform applications for everything from simple animations to complex, data-rich, interactive interfaces. Flash Player also provides a set of underlying capabilities that allows developers to author media and applications that adhere to best practices for security and privacy with respect to the application user, the client computer, the host server, and the respective data. Adobe AIR Adobe AIR enables developers to author applications using HTML, JavaScript, or ActionScript in either Adobe Flash Builder® or Flash Professional software. AIR applications run as standalone client applications outside the typical constraints of a web browser and, therefore, have greater access to the device and its operating system, just like other natively installed applications. Adobe AIR applications adhere …


Atp13a2 (Park9) gene encodes a transmembrane lysosomal P5‐type ATPase (ATP13A2), and its missense or truncation mutations leads to lysosomal dysfunction and consequently results in neuronal death in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Nevertheless, the roles of ATP13A2 in the biological features of astrocytes, especially in the regulation of PD‐related neuroinflammation, have not been investigated.


The utility model relates to an environment-friendly toothbrush, which comprises a brush head, a brush handle and a sucker. Coarse brush hair is arranged on one side of the brush head. Fine brush hair is arranged on the other side of the brush head. The coarse brush hair and the fine brush hair are fixed on the brush head by an injection molding machine. A user can use the coarse brush hair to brush teeth in the morning and can use the fine brush hair to brush the teeth at night. The brush handle is connected with the brush head by a screw thread. When the toothbrush needs to be replaced, only the brush head is screwed out from the joint of the brush handle and the brush head to replace and the brush handle can be used continuously. The tail part of the brush handle is provided with the sucker. The sucker surface is vertical to the brush handle. After brushing the teeth, the user can use the sucker on the tail part of the brush handle to suck the toothbrush on planes, such as a tabletop, a wall surface and the like. The environment-friendly toothbrush has the advantages of simple structure, convenience and practicality.


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
E-selectin participates in leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and the inflammatory processes that follow focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. The temporal and topographical patterns of microvascular E-selectin presentation after experimental focal cerebral ischemia are relevant to microvascular reactivity to ischemia.

METHODS
The upregulation and fate of E-selectin antigen during 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion (n = 4) and 3 hours of occlusion with reperfusion (1 hour, n = 4; 4 hours, n = 6; 24 hours, n = 6) were evaluated in the nonhuman primate. E-selectin and E:P-selectin immunoreactivities were semiquantitated with the use of computerized light microscopy video imaging and laser confocal microscopy.

RESULTS
Three patterns of microvascular E-selectin expression, defined by the antibody E-1E4, were confirmed by complete elimination of E-1E4 binding after incubation with soluble recombinant human E-selectin: (1) Low immunoperoxidase intensity was observed in ischemic microvessels at 2 hours of occlusion extending to 4 hours of reperfusion (E-selectin/laminin = 0.32 +/- 0.10). (2) A significant fraction of ischemic microvessels displayed high-intensity E-selectin signal by 24 hours of reperfusion (0.61 +/- 0.17) compared with control and nonischemic tissues (2P < .003). (3) In the contralateral nonischemic basal ganglia and other nonischemic tissues, low but significant E-selectin levels appeared by 24 hours of reperfusion (2P = .0005). The latter were further confirmed by an E:P-selectin immunoprobe.

CONCLUSIONS
E-selectin antigen is distinctively and significantly upregulated in nonhuman primate brain after focal ischemia and reperfusion. The late appearance of E-selectin in nonischemic cerebral tissues suggests stimulation by transferable factors generated during brain injury.


The development of a microcomputer assessment system to assist staff who work with developmentally disabled persons is described with respect to establishing its reliability (internal, interrater, and intrarater), validity, utility, and cost effectiveness. Using the system, in less than one hour, nonprofessionals generated an in-depth, comprehensive individualized 5-10 page behavioral assessment which required one quarter the cost of traditional assessments and was judged superior in quality by administrators, client advocates, and direct care staff. From its origins as an infant cottage industry in the late 1970s, the microcomputer field has grown to a multibillion dollar industry, en compassing some of the largest companies in the U.S., and accounting for sales in excess of 15 billion dollars annually. Applications of microcomputers have attracted the attention of professionals who work in the field of de velopmental disabilities and resulted in nu merous reports and studies (Gardner, 1985; Vieweg & Hile, 1985). Yet to date almost all the applications have been directed at clients (e.g., Colby, 1973; Lally, 1981; Stoddard, 1982) and only a few at staff (e.g., Smith & Wells, 1983; Stancin, Reuter, Dunn, & Bick en, 1984) despite the fact that the potential benefits may be far greater when technolog ical innovations are directed at providers (cf., Gardner, 1971; 1982). Moreover, those re ports of staff applications have been largely descriptive, with little hard data. Thus, we know that microcomputers can be used to as sist staff who work with developmentally dis abled persons, but what we don't know is how effective this process is, and whether it is any more or less reliable, valid, useful, or cost ef fective than the procedures which are cur rently in use.


The increasing awareness about sustainability leads companies to consider the sustainability factors, namely environmental, social, and governance (ESG hereafter), in every decision they make and in every step they take. In this study, how the ESG news about companies trading in BIST are perceived by the market is examined using the stock returns of these companies with the event study methodology. While the results show that only about 10% of negative ESG news about companies cause abnormal returns, they also present that the rate of news that causes negative abnormal returns in ESG news is twice as much as the percentage of news that causes positive abnormal returns. It would be fair to say that investors still consider only the future financial performances of the companies as the main indicator in their investing decisions for some BIST companies in Turkey, and that despite the increasing awareness of sustainability and ESG literacy, news about sustainability has not yet had a major impact on abnormal returns.


Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may have a negative effect on bone tissue, by increasing the risk of fractures in epileptic patients compared to the general population. Many investigations have shown lower bone mineral density and a higher risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients taking traditional and novel AEDs. Multidrug therapy and the duration of AED intake are associated with the most significant risk for lower bone mineral density. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of action of different AEDs on bone tissue remain little studied.


Graphene nanomaterials functionalized with oxygen groups [graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO)] are either doped with element nitrogen or nitrogen-containing aromatic moieties followed by the investigation of electrochemical properties that generally show enhanced electroanalytical performance. We studied structural, morphological, and physical–chemical properties using correlative techniques. While we attribute their improved properties promoted simultaneously by topologically interconnected mesoporous network morphology, the presence of heteroatom species, and lattice vibrational structure, the complex interpretation requires the need to supplement the experimental observations with theoretical calculations for further insights. The complex interplay of pore size and redox properties revealing distinctive supercapacitive (ion-adsorption controlled) and pseudocapacitive (diffusion-controlled) energy storage mechanistic contributions arises from the combined effects of oxygen and nitrogen functional groups, most likely located on the basal plane and at the pore edge plane sites. The density functional theory calculations provided band structure and electron transfer from Mulliken and Hirshfeld population analyses helping discern the nature of various functional groups in diverse graphene. Interestingly, while quaternary (N—Q) and pyridinic-N-oxides (N—O) on the basal planes show enhanced capacitance due to positive charge and thus an improved electron transfer at higher current loads identified in nitrogen-doped aerogel (AG/nitrogenated) and GO-derived rGO by chemical and electrochemical properties, the other important functional groups affecting the energy storage are pyridinic (N-6) and pyrrolic (N-5) nitrogen groups on the edge of the rGO nanosheet in association with carboxylic (—COOH) and quinone (C=O) functional groups in nitrogenated functional graphene/graphene aerogel and rGO coated polyaniline, contributing to a pseudocapacitive character.


This master essay deals with the changes in the use of and the abandonment of the Avebury monument and the change of the surrounding landscape during the late Neolitihic, about 3000 B.C, and into t ...


The generation of reduced-order models (ROM) for the evaluation of unsteady and nonlinear aerodynamic loads are investigated. The ROM considered is an indicial theory based on the convolution of step functions with the derivative of the input signal. The step functions are directly calculated using the results of RANS simulations and a grid movement tool. Results are reported for a two dimensional airfoil and a UCAV configuration. Wind tunnel data are first used to validate the prediction of static and unsteady coefficients at both low and high angles of attack, with good agreement obtained for all cases. The generation of the aerodynamic models is described. The focus of the paper shifts to assess the validity of studied ROMs with respect to new maneuvres. This is accomplished by comparison of the model output with time-accurate CFD simulations. The results show that the ROMs can accurately model the unsteady loads in response to slow and fast pitch and plunge motions.


We introduce a new variational method in order to derive results concerning existence and nodal properties of solutions to superlinear equations, and we focus on applications to the equation where h is a Caratheodory function which is odd in u. In the particular case where h is radially symmetric, we prove, for given n 2 N, the existence of a solution having precisely n nodal domains, whereas some results also pertain to a nonsymmetric nonlinearity.


The construction of Trans-Siberian Railway brought a remarkable change to the economic society of Russian east area,which stimulated emigration to the east area and brought about a high tide of emigration for two times.With the construction of the railway,the settlements in the east area increased substantially.The authorities of the railway made a try at construction of social infrastructure in the area.


FRANK COCKETT, The Maltese penguin: storiesfrom the backgroundfog of war 1942-1943, London, SG Books, 1990, pp. 105, illus. (1-85463-049-0). Frank Cockett, MS, FRCS shares his war experiences while stationed as an RAF medical officer in the Maltese Islands for a year in the aftermath of the seige of the Islands in October 1942 and during the preparation for the Sicily invasion. Written in a highly individual style, these memoirs recreate the atmosphere of stress, starvation, camaraderie, and heroism of those times as seen through the eyes of a young, recently qualified doctor. The book is a tribute to the herosim ofthe observers based on the Islands and the Fleet AirArm pilots who with their attacks on the Mediterranean shipping lines became such a thorn in the Axis side. It deals little with the medical aspects of the conflict except for some personal anecdotes of the author.


theory of psychoanalysis. Both broke away from traditional notions by emphasizing the supreme importance and creative potential of childhood sexuality. This paper will ex amine the parallels between Klee's and Freud's transformative enterprises; it will explore the complex manner in which Klee linked his own childhood and sexuality to his creative process and will examine the connections to Freud's theories on child


lt is essential that the medical students should have a thorough basic training in biology with emphasis on human aspects. Medicine is one of the most important applied of biology. Biology gives information for tomorrow's doctors about their future patients. about human relationship to other living organisms. ln very branched medical curriculum medical students merely pick up isolated facts on human being anatomy, physiology, histology etc. But biology gives a general scheme that shows students how all these facts are related and how all details in the human body work together to hold up status qua. Biology tries to answer the question "What is man?" and shows how any particular event in the ontogenesis of an individual (embryonic development, growth, illnesses) represents the human being as a whole system. Biology gives an understandingof the unity of life on Earth. Doctors, like all of us, but may be more so, are responsible for ourplanet's future. Why? Becausewith all the deep similarities (e.g. genetic code, similar cell structure. chemical components) as well as


Customer data analytics refers to the systematic study of the company's customer information that helps make key business decisions. By market segmentation and predictive analysis, we can identify and retain the profitable customers, locate sites for a successful business and understand customer relationship management. Analysing user intentionality towards products is crucial for retargeting. Predictive models give a numerical measure which is linked with each client for their propensity to churn and the result is in terms of probability. This information proves to be very useful in developing marketing campaigns aimed at customer retention. The research in this work is based on the empirical results obtained by making regression models on consumer retail data sets. Random Forest algorithm is one of the best algorithms that is used today for this purpose. In this paper, an attempt has been made to improve the accuracy of the model through introduction of a metric- growth variable- associated with predictor variables. It is also discussed how coverage or accuracy of the Random Forest model can be improved by careful selection of the variables being used to build the model and looking at the data from different perspectives and summarizing the relationships identified. Experimental results clearly indicate the enhancement in Random Forest model in terms of accuracy.


This article provides an overview with supporting archival documentation on the historiography (the history of historical coverage) of the extensive and often fierce fighting which took place in the Rzhev region from October 1941 through February 1943. These military operations included heavy fighting during the German Wehrmacht's advance on Moscow in October 1941, during the Red Army's Moscow counteroffensive during the winter of 1941–42, and during Red Army offensives in from July through early September 1942 and November and December 1942 (the latter Operations Mars). Largely because this fighting involved failed Red Army operations, to protect the reputation of the Red Army as a whole and the army's specific forces and generals who conducted these operations, the Soviet and Russian governments and historians writing the official histories have long concealed much of this fighting from public view. 1"Rzhevskaia bitva: ideologiia vmesto statistiki," translated by Dr. Harold S. Orenstein, Leavenworth, Kansas.


followving causes : (1) pr-eniatal damlage to tile brain, (2) intracraniial lhaemiiorrhage at birth, and (3) inflammatory. injury to the brain after birth-for example, polioencephalitis or syphilis. It is thle relative frequency of the first two that is in dispute. Jamiies Collier' has done much to convince medical opinioii-inceltiding, we believe, the majority of the neurologists-tliat the dam-<age ill mlost cases is done before birth. He attributes the lesion to " primary neuroilie degenerationi." Somne physicians, niotably Hector Cameron,2 are still uinconiviniced, alnd regard intracranial lhaemiiorrhage as b)einlg a commion cause of this condition.


Experiments were conducted to assess and evaluate the effects of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) cover cropping and notill practice on corn (Zea Mays) yield, surface runoff and soil erosion. The experimental site was a grassland with a uniform slope of 10% and low fertile clay loam surface soils located at the Soil and Water Conservation Station, Brgy. Baligatan, Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines. There were 3 treatments, namely; fallow + till (F+T), fallow + no-till (F+NT), and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) + no-till (PP+NT). Pigeon pea was grown during the period of February to May, 2008, then cut and mulched on the soil surface before corn planting. After corn harvest in September, the second corn cropping was conducted during the period of November, 2008 and February, 2009. Organic matter content in the PP+NT treatment increased significantly during the experimental period unlike that for the other treatments. PP+NT also led to a lower maximum soil temperature at a depth of 5 cm compared with the other two treatments. PP+NT also led to a soil water depletion behavior in deeper soil horizons during the lull period probably due to deep root penetration and active photosynthesis during the maturation period. The 20 hill-based corn yield for PP+NT was improved by almost 1 t ha-1 compared with that for F+T, although the values were not statistically significant, probably due to the nutrient contribution from pigeon pea biomass. PP+NT also contributed to reducing soil runoff and soil erosion, particularly during peak rainfall events. Hence, pigeon pea cover cropping in combination with no-till, with proper management, was found to be effective in ensuring sustainable corn production in sloping lands by improving crop yield, minimizing soil erosion and nutrient loss.


Abstract : This report presents an overview of Arctic oceanography and meteorology in addition to acoustic properties of the Arctic Ocean relevant to sonar system performance. Acoustic modeling techniques appropriate to ice- covered ocean areas are also discussed. Environmental-acoustic data are identified which can support sonar performance modeling efforts. Keywords: Sea ice; Underice reverberation; Ocean bottom; Water masses; Ambient noise; Acoustic data; Acoustic velocity; Underwater sound transmission; Transmission loss.


X-ray microanalysis and electron diffraction made on granular metallic deposits of the gingival lamina propria, inducing partial periodontal tattoos, demonstrated that these deposits consisted of crystalline particles combining silver, sulphur and selenium. The role of selenium precipitating of silver and other metals as well as its role in detoxication are discussed.


IJMM 2017; 11(1): 58-66 Background and Aim: Ganoderma lucidum is a main source of ganoderic acid. This metabolite has pharmaceutical effects such as cancer treatment. However, due to low yields and high prices, clinical application is difficult. Stimulants such as elicitor and mechanical shocks can be used to increase the produce of ganoderic acid effectively. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound on the production of this medicine.


OBJECTIVE: To evoke some remarkable aspects of Professor Carlos Manuel Ramirez Corria life (February 24 of 1903– March 27 of 1977). DEVELOPMENT: Professor Carlos Manuel Ramirez Corria, the first president of Cuban Society of Neurology and Neurosurgery, generate various projects related with family, sciences, education, social development and politics. He guided Cuban neurosurgery to creep, and in 1947 it began to run with the foundation of the first neurosurgery service in the "Calixto Garcia" Hospital. Also he promotes stereotaxic, neuroendoscopy, reduced access surgery, and models for neurosurgery training. CONCLUSIONS: A teacher like Ramirez Corria must live between us because we repeat the anecdotes related with him and the influence in our capacity of thinking, in our perspective of life, in the way of our work.


An integrative introduction to the sciences and an introduction to scientific writing can provide a strong foundation for broadly trained STEM majors to explore the interconnectedness of STEM disciplines and prepare them for scientific research. These goals have been accomplished through a sequence of two first-year courses, STEM 101: Integrative STEM Freshman Seminar and STEM 105: Inquiry Seminar. In STEM 101, students define the STEM disciplines, see the interconnectedness of the disciplines, learn scientific ethics, and develop team-building skills as they complete a group project that explores the nature and process of science. In STEM 105, students learn about and then engage in a variety of forms of scientific communication as they develop and present an independent research proposal.


I.- Obesity as a growing health problem: the global epidemic and the cases of Europe and Spain. II. Determining factors of obesity and prevention strategies. III. Food Safety, Law and Obesity. IV. Public actions to fight against obesity. - 1. International level. - 2. European Union. - 3. National level: the case of Spain


Upgrading apparatus and method of the speech codec is disclosed. Obtains a first energy of the decoded signal by the core codec, after obtaining the second energy of the decoded signal by the low-band speech quality enhancement mode, the first energy is smaller than the first threshold set in advance , or the first energy is less than the value obtained by multiplying the second threshold value which is preset to a second energy, reducing the quantization error of the silent section by scaling the magnitude of the decoded signal.


After an of a general nature, provide the subject in question with a brief historical framework the geothermal knowledge accumulated in the Mediterranean up until end of Middle Ages, the paper the investigations made and the ideas expressed. as well as the main technological innovations achieved at Larderello the heginning of the Renaissance until the end of the last century. The description of the natural manifestations, the hypotheses made their formation and evolution in time. and the theories proposed by numerous authors on the formation of the Larderello field and an the nature of the hydrothermal products. altogether constitute a set of very stimulating ideas. These indicate that the understanding of the geothermal phenomena and the technological development achieved at Larderello had already reached. by the beginning the present a high level of scientific and applied importance. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The description of the principle natural manifestations and the formulation of the first explicative hypotheses on their presence in various localities of the Mediterranean area date hack many centuries before Christian era. From then onwards throughout Antiquity, the presence of hot springs and the occurrence of many manifestations directly or indirectly controlled by the terrestrial heat (fumaroles, active volcanoes, hydruthermal mineralizations. eanhquakes, called the attention numerous Greek and Latin writers, who with them i n in terms light of the and cosmogonical theories of their time (Cataldi Chiellini, 1995: this Volume). I t thus came to form progressive accretion. throughout the nearly thousand years preceding the Middle Ages, a first hut very imponant nucleus of scientific knowledge on the geothermal phenomena and on the modalities in which terrestrial heat manifests itself at the surface. This first constituted the basis for the more advanced development the scientific understanding o f geothermal energy. which was take place from the first centuries of the second millennium onwards. reality. the use of natural heat for balneotherapy. and the exploitation of hydrothermal products for a wide range of practical applications. had reached in Antiquity i ts in the period maximum splendor of the Roman century A.D.): bur al l these uses a fast decline from the VI century A.D. onwards, following Fall of Rome. The utilization of eanh energy and hydrothermal products then into a lung period of lethargy which lasted up until after beginning of the second to describe on the origin of geothermal phenomena also disappeared during this period. Therefore. there a gap of some seven centuries. from Fall of the Roman Empire until the of the century. during which no literature can he found with the description of geothermal phenomena use of terrestrial throughout the Mediterranean area. An awakening of interest the practical utilization of natural heat and hydrothermal products started to in the Mediterranean area during the first decades of the century. This awakening place just in the area of whrre the existence of conspicuous hydmthermal deposits associated with the natural manifestations began to from the heginning the an objective of domination by the city states that were forming in Tuacany at the time (Burgassi, 1987; Cataldi Along with a renewed practical interest, from same period a new literary flowering began take place fur the manifestations in question. Numerous Italian and foreign authors began in tu write about these manifestations from the onwards: authors make of a religious nature, others to give phenomenological and interpretative and others to illustrate the therapeutic properties of the waters and muds of the area under discussion. 'To all these authors would bring us the theme paper. We therefore the interested reader the two papers cited and to bibliography contained However. just to point out the importance of the of scientific knowledge of Larderello field, we cannot fail t o In his of this author a huge explosive phenomenon which took place in a a natural boiling water: plural situated to the area under detailed description leads think that phenomenon question was a "phreatic explosion'' This introduction no to deal (yet concisely) with the scientific contribution given the understanding geothermal energy authors of the Antiquity and of the first f i v e of this millennium. I t has the only scope of supplying the readers of this paper w i l t a brief of historical hackground grothermal energy in the period preceding that under examination, and therefore serves underline the of knowledge of the area in question takes i t s in antiquity of history. 2. XVI AND CENTURIES The first author who the heginning of the X V I century dealt systematically with the natural and the hydrothermal products the Larderellu area was the German


One way to address the NP = co − NP question is to consider the length of proofs of tautologies in various proof systems. In this work we consider proof systems defined by appropriate classes of automata. In general, starting from a given class of automata we can define a corresponding proof system in a natural way. An interesting new proof system that we consider is based on the class of push down automata. We present an exponential lower bound for oblivious read-once branching programs which implies that the new proof system based on push down automata is, in a certain sense, more powerful than oblivious regular resolution.


In the 1st series of experiments, male and female rats were gonadectomized at 10 days of age and simultaneously given subcutaneous syngenesio-or autotransplants of an ovary. At 25 days of age a group of the rats were subjected to stressful stimuli by making a subcutaneous croton oil pouch. Another group of the rats not exposed to stress served as controls. When they were sacrificed at 35 days of age, corpora lutea (CL) were never found in the ovarian grafts in both the control and stressed female rats. On the contrary, in 7 out of 12 stressed male hosts the grafts contained well developed CL, although those in the control animals invariably lacked them. In the 2nd series of experiments, male rats were orchidectomized on the day after birth, all the other procedures being similar to those in the preceding series. At sacrifice, CL were encountered in the ovarian grafts in 6 out of 11 control rats. However, in 10 similar rats exposed to stressful stimuli, CL were formed in only one animal. These and the writer's previous findings seem to indicate that an increase in the release of GTH, LH in particular, following exposure to stressful stimuli is in some way associated with the male pattern of GTH secretion.


Background: N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) is the methylation of RNA adenosines that participates in multiple biological processes, such as facilitating translation of host genes via the reader protein YTHDF1. The core writer protein of m 6 A in humans is METTL3.
 Methods: We utilized YTHDF1 target genes and normal or si- METTL3 NGS (next-generation sequencing) data from HeLa cells generated by a previous work and collected known human oncogenes from a website. We evaluated the translation capability of these m 6 A genes or oncogenes by comparing their mRNA lengths and codon usage bias. Additionally, we calculated the translation efficiency of all genes expressed in the normal or si- METTL3 HeLa cells using NGS data.
 Results: The m 6 A genes are enriched in oncogenes compared to the non-m 6 A genes. We observed significantly longer mRNA lengths for the m 6 A genes, especially for the oncogenes. We also observed stronger codon usage bias for the m 6 A genes than for the non-m 6 A genes. We provided evidence that the longer mRNA lengths and stronger codon bias were unfavorable for translation. However, this disadvantage was compensated by m 6 A modification because the m 6 A genes but not the non-m 6 A genes showed higher translation efficiencies in normal cells than in si- METTL3 cells.
 Conclusions: HeLa cells compensate for genes unfavorable for translation by m 6 A modification and enhance their translation efficiency. This compensation could originally have been designed for oncogenes, since we observed enrichment of m 6 A genes in the oncogenes. If oncogenes modified by m 6 A obtain higher translation efficiencies and eventually facilitate cancer cell proliferation, then this strategy may be used by cancers for rapid cell growth.


describes with great clarity and deceptive simplicity the underlying concept of the subject and its techniques for the collection and interpretation of data in population studies. Practical advice is given on how to plan and conduct surveys, how to assess disease rates, prognosis and aetiology in such a way that valid conclusions may be drawn. The use of screening and the evaluation of definitive measures are considered. Many of the propositions in the text are illustrated by simple examples taken from the literature which make no demands on the mathematical abilities of the reader. It was surely unconscious humour which led the authors to criticize a paper on hang-gliding accidents because of problems with the 'floating numerator'. Stephen Lock, the Editor of the B.M.J., in his foreword rightly states that 'Few things are more dispiriting for a medical editor than having to reject a paper based on a good idea but with irremediable flaws in the methods used'. An appreciation of the principles enunciated in this book are surely a prerequisite for the conduct of many aspects of medical research. It deserves to be read by all postgraduates involved in academic work and particularly by those with an interest in community medicine.


.............................................................................................................................. 1 DECLARATION ....................................................................................................................... 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ......................................................................................................... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................... 5 LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................... 9 LIST OF FIGURES AND GRAPHS ..................................................................................... 10 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................. 11 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS .................................................................................................... 12 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 13 1.


Energy is an important support of the development of the national economy. Getting dynamic information of the total energy consumption, conveniently and accurately, has important reference significance(s) for making energy policy, rationally. Using DMSP/ OLS nighttime lights data, this paper simulates the spatiotemporal pattern of energy consumption among the cities of Chinese mainland from 1995 to 2009, in a prefecture-level city scale; the application of spatial autocorrelation method reveals the spatial and temporal characteristics of the energy consumption in Chinese mainland during the study period. The results show that: simulating energy consumption among prefecture- level cities in China based on DMSP/OLS Nighttime Light is feasible. DMSP/OLS nighttime lights data can reflect the spatial and temporal dynamics of energy consumption more reliably. The energy consumption of most cities is lower in Chinese mainland from 1995 to 2009. Lower and middle intensity energy consumption area accounted for 72.66% of the country's total area. High intensity energy consumption areas are mainly located in the eastern part of China. There is a significant spatial aggregation in energy consumption in China(Moran's I index over the years is greater than 0.4). There is a "high-high" aggregation and a "low-low" aggregation phenomenon of energy consumption among prefecture-level cities in China.


The accessibility intended as a measure of connectivity between place of residence and place of work through the transport system, determines the configuration of the Local Labour Markets (LLM). The aim of this paper is the analysis of the location accessibility and the mobility conditions of LLM in Tenerife. Making use of the information about the


The apparent position numerical solution (APNS) method, which is based on the solution of the heat transfer equation for a spherical geometry, is commonly used in thermal treatment calculations to accurately predict the temperature history of products in containers of arbitrary shapes. This is accomplished by finding the 'apparent position' within a sphere that represents the actual temperature profile at the slowest heating and cooling points of a canned food container of arbitrary geometry. The APNS method provides a good temperature prediction during the late heating sterilization stage of processes that have approximately constant heating temperatures or those that have heating temperatures experiencing small deviations. However, the agreement between the temperature predicted by the APNS method and the actual temperature of the product at a given location is not good in the initial stage of the process cooling phase. An equation able to calculate differences between the temperature at any location of a cylindrical container and that predicted by the APNS method was derived from the heat transfer equations governing the thermal process. By incorporating the calculated temperature differences into the APNS method, during the cooling phase, a better agreement between the actual and predicted temperatures was obtained for several process conditions.


We consider level-dependent volatility estimation for jump diffusion models and propose a range-based threshold spot volatility estimator with high frequency discrete observations. Under some weak conditions, the consistency and asymptotic normality of our estimator are provided. By our theoretical inferences, we find that the precision of our statistic is five times greater than that of pure threshold estimator.


Over a one-year period, the gills of Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio were examined for the presence of monogemean parasites. Three monogeneans were found: quadriacanthus sp, macrogyrodactylus sp and dactylogyrus sp. The prevalence of monogeniasis was 56% and 57.5 % in Clarias gariepinus and Cyprinus carpio respectively. Grossly, the lesions developed were congested or pale colored gills which covered by hypersecreation of mucous. Histopathological examination showed crosssections from one or more parasites in-between the gill filaments. PAS positive parasitic elements were detected. Moreover, fusion of secondary gill lamellae and mononuclear cellular infiltration were also noticed.. Treatment trials showed that Metriphonate, Mirazid, Fresh minced garlic, Potassium Permanganate, Mebendazole and Cupper sulphate were effective in treating monogeniasis


Cosite HF interference on shipboard is becoming more acute because of emerging requirements that call for simultaneous transmissions with antijam and frequency-hopping formats. The authors quantify several interferers and suggest ways to improve transmission. They include self-steering, low-level filters, linearized transmitters, intermod cancellation, improved transmitter-antenna coupling, time-disciplined data transmission and the exploitation of other new HF hardware developments. The poor frequency agility found in present shipboard HF systems can be improved by employing low-level, self-steering filters and the dedication of a power amplifier to each of three antennas. Reduction of radiated IM (intermodulation) can be accomplished by predistortion techniques. Shipboard IM into receivers from local transmitters can be reduced by partial cancellation. New hardware offers adaptive modems and dual diversity for improved performance.<<ETX>>


Thorough reforms which along with our country education for all-around development and the new turn elementary education curriculum,the high school newcurriculum reforms will certainly to have the profound influence to the student college entrance examination.Since this article in has unified 2003 the Chongqing Junior middle school thought politics curriculum to reform in the practice foundation,soon reforms some situations to this September in the high school new curriculum which possibly appears to carry on the analysis,provides some beneficial references bythe time tothe newturn middle school thought political lesson educational reformand the development.


The tangled arguments around the names of jatamansi drug plants are examined and the correct synonymies and typifications for Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. and V. jatamansi Jones (both Caprifoliaceae s.l.) are provided. The conservation status of the former, and the need for further work on the subject, is briefly discussed.


I have not been the editor-in-chief for very long, but for over the past year, one of the most pleasant surprises has been the high quality of the manuscripts that have been received covering many thematic areas focused on the fundamentals of hydraulic engineering and waterways, sediment transport, watershed sedimentation, computational hydraulics, and sensor technology. These papers that integrate science across several of the traditional disciplines in the Journal are welcomed. But, submissions of new manuscripts that present innovative concepts and approaches are also encouraged. Because hydraulic infrastructure is vital to maintaining the nation's economy, understanding its resilience, as well as improving its design and performance, it is the centerpiece of the work of a hydraulic engineer. The Journal must be the leading interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary journal for the hydraulics community by integrating field, laboratory, and numerical investigations that support the effective design of the critical infrastructure. This is an area that I would like to grow, so I am challenging readers to advance the state-of-the-art and report the findings in the Journal. As part of the natural evolution of the community's Journal to address new thematic areas that researchers will face in the years ahead, a new international team has been established. In the past year, 13 new associate editors (AEs) have begun a 4-year term of service: (1) James Fox, University of Kentucky; (2) Philippe Frey, IRSTEA Grenoble; (3) Mohamed Ghidaoui, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; (4) Abdul Khan, Clemson University; (5) Eddy Langendoen, USDA–Agricultural Research Service (ARS); (6) Xiaofeng Liu, Penn State; (7) Gregory Pasternack, University of California, Davis; (8) Jose Rodriguez, University of Newcastle; (9) Luca Solari, University di Firenze; (10) Thorsten Stoesser, Cardiff University; (11) Kyle Strom, Virginia Tech; (12) Blake Tullis, Utah State University; and (13) Daniel Wren, USDA–ARS. This new team of AEs brings a high level of expertise, as well as a lot of energy. But as the new crop of AEs is welcomed, we have not forgotten those who have contributed their time and efforts over the years but are currently stepping down. First and foremost, we would like to pay tribute to the distinguished service of Professor Terry Sturm, the previous editor-in-chief of the Journal. Many in the community recognize and appreciate the effort and commitment that Professor Sturm has put towards the Journal, and I am asking that the entire community thank Professor Sturm, once more, for excellent work. I would also like to thank the following professors and former AEs for their service to the Journal, as well as their efforts and dedication to the engineering community at large: (1) Panos Diplas with Lehigh University, (2) Ana Maria da Silva of Queen's University, and (3) Andrea Marion from University of Padua. The editorial board sincerely wishes them continued success for the future. With the expanded team of AEs, it is our hope to spend more time communicating with the authors and reviewers. The review process is so critical to the success of the Journal, as well as serving the academic and practitioner communities. The mission of the editor and the AEs is not only to render publishing decisions, but also to help the authors with expressing their writing and research clearly and succinctly. As former Editor-in-Chief James Liggett said, "The value of a referee lies far less in the yes or no judgment of the overall paper than in the service rendered by pointing out flaws that would bother or mislead most other readers." In that sense, I must recognize now, and will continue to recognize, the contributions of the conscientious and very helpful reviewers. The quality of the reviews received is invigorating and it is part of the success story of achieving the highest impact factor (1.75) of all ASCE journals and one of the highest in the area of water resources and engineering. The quality of the Journal in general depends on the quality of the reviews as much as on the quality of the submitted paper. With this in mind, the Journal implemented 10 important changes to the submission process and the handling of papers, as follows: 1. The authors should follow more closely the formatting guidelines provided in the authors' guide available on the Journal's website. This is an important step for sustaining high quality and, at the same time, helping the reviewers as they go through the manuscript. Manuscripts that are not in accordance with the formatting guidelines will be returned back to the authors without review through Editorial Manager. 2. Authors are encouraged to provide names of knowledgeable and experienced referees during the submission process. This will expand the editorial board's refereeing database and alleviate some of the pressure that current referees are experiencing with the multiple reviews they are asked to provide. 3. Authors are also encouraged to provide the most updated and recent references on their topic, usually from the last 10 or 15 years. The fact of the matter is that several papers submitted to the journal have very few references to other Journal publications relevant to their topic of interest. This must be changed! There is a wealth of knowledge in the ASCE Library. 4. Authors must pay special attention to the discussion section of the papers. Too often, discussion sections turn into simple description sections of result trends (e.g., they are too high, too low, and so on). Authors should please refrain from merely describing the results. Instead, use this section to offer more insight into the results and concisely convey the emphasis of the research reported in the paper. For example, explain why is this particular result too high, or too low, and so on. 5. Revisions must be completed within 45 days of receiving the comments. If the authors are unable to meet this deadline, then they are encouraged to indicate the original manuscript number in their letter to the editor so that the paper can make it back to the originally assigned AE. This will help expedite the reviewing process. 6. Authors who submit papers to the Journal will be encouraged to share their data either through university repository, thirdparty site, such as Dryad or Figshare, by request, and so on. 7. The Journal already enjoys the submission of several highquality academic manuscripts; however, the Journal also encourages receiving papers from so-called practical engineers. The focus of these practical papers can be on everyday problems in engineering, the development of a new technique, or a new understanding of site-specific problem areas.


Abstract Purpose: To understand children and parents' views of the effectiveness and acceptability of intensive dysarthria therapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two children with cerebral palsy and dysarthria joined a pilot RCT comparing intensive therapy and usual care. Children (n = 11) allocated to dysarthria therapy comprising three 40-minute sessions per week for six weeks and their parents (n = 11) were interviewed two weeks before and six weeks after therapy. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results: Analysis revealed five themes: Motivations, My new voice; The new me; I can do more; Success rooted in therapy design. Children had received little therapy for speech and were keen to improve intelligibility. Overall, therapy was viewed as effective. Participants described changes in children's speech production, which they associated with increased speech intelligibility. Children were described as more confident following the therapy, to have more successful conversations, with a wider range of partners in more environments, thereby increasing their social participation. The programme was viewed as acceptable, despite its intensity, due to the short term commitment and wider benefits for the child. Parents valued the organised structure and individualisation of the programme and inclusion in the therapy process. Conclusion: Families found the intervention acceptable and effective. A definitive trial of its clinical effectiveness is warranted. Implications for rehabilitation Children with cerebral palsy who have dysarthria and their parents reported that intensive speech therapy focussing on creating a stronger voice and a steady speech rate increased the clarity of children's voice and the intelligibility of their speech. Therapy may have additional benefits for children's self-confidence and social participation. The programme of therapy comprising three sessions per week for six weeks was seen as manageable by families in view of the results achieved.


Since this early Irish tale is found as an inset in the "Voyage of Bran" (VB), Meyer and Nutt in their edition of the latter work (2 vols. 1897) included all the texts known to them on the Mongän theme. Since then no new material of significance for our purpose has been published. We can identify two types of the conception story, an early one found in isolation, op. cit., I p. 42f. (Ml), and a textually later one occurring as introduction to a romantic tale about Mongän and his wife, Dubh-Lacha Läimhgheal, op. cit., I p. 58f. (M2). The former is a version of the literary and serious kind, with an eye to verisimilitude and historicity: the latter is part of a folkish and comic tale Nutt uses the word "märchenhaft" having little regard for naturalism and credibility like all its kind. Our tale has its counterparts in Pwyll I and the Birth of Arthur, but in treating of the origin of the Conception of Mongän it does not follow that I must deal concurrently with those also, as my arguments are of such a nature that they are not vitiated by any revelation in regard to the mutual relationship of the three. An analysis of the content of this short tale will show clearly that it is a borrowing of the well-known legend of the Birth of Hercules, in which the authors have omitted or subdued only the more fantastic and the more inexplicable elements especially inexplicable when removed from their setting. For our discus-


The Albert Formation (Horton Group, Mississippian) of the Moncton Basin in New Brunswick is currently divided into three lithostratigraphic units, two of which are the Frederick Brook Member and interfingering – overlying Hiram Brook Member. These units are interpreted to represent a complex interbedding of lacustrine shale (Frederick Brook Member) with deltaic and lacustrine shoreline sandbodies (Hiram Brook Member). Such sandbodies, some of which are up to 30m thick, have been the successful target for oil and gas exploration in the province. However, the understanding of the original largescale geometries of these sandstone reservoir rocks remains limited. This is because the Formation has undergone extensive deformation, and its present-day surface exposure is very patchy. Therefore, analogue studies can be a potentially useful tool to improve our understanding of the reservoir. Greiner, in 1962, first noted the "remarkable resemblances" of the Albert Formation to the Eocene lacustrine formations of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. For instance, the stratigraphic succession in northeastern Uinta Basin of Utah includes a thick, fine-grained siltstone and oil-shale interval (Green River Formation), overlain by a mixed fine-coarse grained siltstone-sandstone and locally evaporitic unit (Uinta Formation). Interpretation of basal Uinta Formation strata (potentially analogous to the basal Hiram Brook Member) and the nature of its contact with underlying shale and oil shale of the Green River Formation (Frederick Brook Member equivalent) is also complicated by deformation. The extensive and high quality outcrops in the Uinta Basin permits identification of a localized nature to the deformation at the Green River – Uinta Formation contact. At the meter scale, beds have been dewatered and folded, with large flame structures also punctuating the contact. At the decameter scale, domal and diapiric mudstone structures are common. These structures, which were originally interpreted to represent delta-front clinoforms, appear to be more indicative of flat-lying sheetflood deposits that have been subsequently dewatered and tilted after loading and diapirism, suggesting that Lake Uinta at the time of oil shale deposition subsequently experienced a major base-level fall before any of the observed coarser grained units were deposited. Such an interpretation may be applied as a working model for further investigation of the Albert Formation.


Purpose We aimed to investigate the prevalence of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVHs) and the clinical–radiological correlation in transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of TIA patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 24 h of symptom onset. Two independent neuroradiologists investigated the presence of FVHs, large-artery severe stenosis or occlusion (LASO) in magnetic resonance angiograms, and the nature of factors associated with FVH. Results A total of 207 patients were enrolled in this study. FVHs were detected in 42 (20.3%) patients, in whom atrial fibrillation (AF) was confirmed in 25 (59.5%) cases and LASO was confirmed in 30 (71.4%) cases. The corresponding figures were 33 (20.0%) and 10 (6.1%), respectively, for the 165 FVH-negative patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that time from symptom onset to MRI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.82, 95% CI 0.76–0.97, p = 0.042), previous stroke (OR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.58–6.74, p = 0.002), AF (OR = 5.83, 95% CI 2.24–9.46, p < 0.001), and LASO (OR = 4.28, 95% CI 2.96–10.28, p < 0.001) were independently associated with FVH. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of FVH for predicting LASO were 0.75 and 0.93, respectively, and the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 0.71, 0.94, and 0.89, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.839. FVH-positive TIA patients with LASO had less AF (14 [46.7%] versus 11 [91.7%], p = 0.019) and longer times from symptom onset to MRI (6.8 ± 2.8 h versus 4.8 ± 1.3 h, p = 0.004) than those without LASO. Conclusion The presence of FVH could be an important marker in TIA patients. Many factors, including LASO, AF, and time from symptom onset to MRI, are associated with the detection of FVH.


Rationale: Bronchoscopic cryotherapy has been considered as one of the optional interventions for unresectable malignant central airway obstruction (CAO). And it provides high safety and effectiveness in airway patency re-establishment. This report describes the interventional bronchoscopic cryotherapy for a patient with CAO caused by squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. We display a series of dramatic change of chest radiographs before and after the intervention. Patient concerns: A 70-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma of the middle third of the esophagus (initial staging, pT2N0M0; stage IIB; in January 2017) underwent Video-assisted esophagectomy and reconstruction with a gastric conduit via a substernal route. Following Chest computed tomography and positron emission tomography revealed disease progression with paratracheal metastases. Progressive dyspnea and chest pain lasted for a month, and he was admitted to the ER. Diagnoses: Blood gas analysis revealed type I respiratory failure (pH, 7.445; PaO2, 69.4 mmHg; PaCO2, 40.6 mmHg). Other laboratory data were grossly normal. Chest radiography revealed a total left lung collapse. Chest CT identified a tumor blocking the left mainstem bronchus with the consolidation of the left lung. Interventions: Dexamethasone and epinephrine inhalation were administered for initial symptom relief. Bronchoscopy performed 4 days after admission revealed a huge tumor completely occluding the left mainstem bronchus orifice. The occlusion was completely resolved following cryotherapy. Then, the first course of palliative chemotherapy with cisplatin plus fluorouracil, followed by the second course a month later, was administered. Outcomes: The latest chest radiograph showed a patent airway. The patient's condition remained stable for at least the following 2 months. Lessons: Malignant CAO is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Several acceptable bronchoscopy techniques exist for treatment. Cryotherapy has high safety and effectiveness in airway patency re-establishment.


Population geneticists recently have devoted much attention to the topic of gametic disequilibrium. The analysis of multiple-locus genotypic distributions can provide a sensitive measure of selection, genetic drift, and other factors that influence the genetic structure of populations. This approach is more informative than a series of single-locus tests, because gametic disequilibrium decays asymptotically, even between unlinked loci. Most students of gametic disequilibrium in natural populations (reviewed by Hedrick et al., 1978) have invoked selection as a factor maintaining disequilibrium, but the multiple-locus structure of populations also is affected by nonselective historical events such as changes in population size and colonization, with associated founder effects (Smouse and Neel, 1977; Selander and Foltz, 1981). Although the consequences of small population size for gametic disequilibrium have been studied extensively on a theoretical level (Hill, 1977; Cockerham and Weir, 1977, and references therein), the subject has received relatively little attention from those concerned with natural populations. Much of the research on gametic disequilibrium has involved predominantly self-fertilizing grasses, such as Avena barbata and Hordeum vulgare (Allard et al., 1972; Hamrick and Allard, 1972; Weir et al., 1972, 1974). By reducing the proportion of multiple-locus heterozygotes in a population, self-fertilization retards the decay of gametic disequilibrium between neutral loci in a manner similar to that of linkage. In fact, self-fertilization is in some sense a more powerful agent than linkage in this regard, because it affects all loci in the genome. However, the occurrence of frequent self-fertilization in a


In the present study, commercial chopped glass fibres were heat treated at 300°C, 450°C, 500°C and 600°C to imitate a composite thermal recycling process. The heat treated fibres were extrusion compounded and injection moulded with polypropylene to form composites. The heat treatment increased the susceptibility of the fibres to length degradation during the melt processing particularly at higher conditioning temperatures. Comparison with the Cox model revealed that the stiffness of the composite was affected by the reduced fibre length. The reduced fibre length did not significantly contribute to the reduction of the tensile strength and the impact strength. These properties were deteriorated by other factors such as the strength degradation of the glass fibres and the reduced fibre matrix interaction. Thus a post treatment which recovers the fibre strength and optimizes the fibre-matrix interface will be essential to produce thermally recycled glass fibre composites with high mechanical properties.


The Solar UV Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SUSIM) aboard the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) has been measuring the solar spectral irradiance from 115 nm to 410 nm daily since October 1991. The primary difficulty in maintaining the calibration of these long-term measurements is the correct accounting of degradation in the instrument's responsivity. Accordingly, SUSIM was equipped with redundant optical elements and four stable deuterium lamps, any one of which can replace the sun in the optical path. Periodic calibration of the responsivity of the daily used optical paths is accomplished by comparison of the solar signals from these paths with the solar signals from redundant optical paths containing less-frequently used elements which, in turn, are calibrated using the lamps. Measurements of optical responsivity changes during the first 6.3 years of the SUSIM UARS mission are presented in this paper. The degradation is found to be almost entirely dependent on UV exposure. Consequently, most of the measured degradation takes place in optical elements which precede dispersion. Of these, degradation of transmission elements is strong and has a wavelength dependence similar to that of the lens on the calibration lamps on which contaminant layers apparently also form. The time dependence of the degradation also appears to follow a particular functional form for most wavelengths. Degradation in reflective elements is more moderate and, for some wavelengths, has been observed to reverse, i.e. to increase in responsivity. As an example, the standard channel responsivity at Lyman-(alpha) has increased from its minimum by a factor of more than three.


Dust in the atmosphere and snow on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) remarkably influence the Asian climate, which can influence snow cover by changing radiative forcing. In this study, we investigated the spatial and temporal distributions of dust and snow cover over the TP from 2009 to 2018 and estimated the relative contributions of atmospheric dust and dust-on-snow to the change in snow cover over the northern TP through the use of reanalysis datasets and satellite retrievals. The results show that the high and low centers of aerosol and dust aerosol optical depth (AOD) are roughly similar. Dust concentrations over the TP generally decrease from north to south and from west to east, showing decreasing trends in the winter half-year (December to May). The correlation coefficients between the dust concentration and snow cover over the northern TP are −0.6 in spring. Dust in the atmosphere and on snow over the TP could significantly influence snow cover by changing the radiative forcing, and the influence of dust deposited on snow is greater than that in the atmosphere. Atmospheric dust reduces the surface net solar radiation by −3.84 W m−2 by absorbing shortwave radiation, decreasing the surface temperature by −2.27°C, and finally increasing the snow cover by 1.04%. However, dust deposited on snow can decrease the surface albedo by −0.004 by reducing the surface optical properties, induce surface warming at 0.42°C, and reduce snow cover by −2.00% by rapid snowmelt in the northern TP.


The reassigned spectrogram is a powerful tool for analysing non-stationary signals, and in an ideal setting it gives perfect time and frequency localisation. A method very well suited for oscillating transient signals is the matched window reassignment, which requires a matching window, i.e. the envelope of the transient, to be known or estimated beforehand. This paper proposes a novel method for estimating the envelope of noisy transients, using a non-parametric and computationally efficient approach. The estimated envelopes are used to calculate the matched window reassignment, obtaining estimates of the time-frequency centre of the transients. The reassignment using the estimated envelopes is shown to give good estimates of the time-frequency centres, and good localisation in time and frequency. The novel envelope estimation approach is illustrated on measured marine biosonar data.


We report the effect of pressure varying from 0 to 1500 bar on the magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles synthesized from Fe(OH)₂ suspension using a high pressure homogenizer without any dispersing agent and oxidant. The observed X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that all the synthesized nanoparticles had the inverse spinel structure of magnetite. It was found from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and XRD analysis that the average size of the synthesized magnetite particles could be controlled by the pressure of the high pressure homogenizer. The average particle size was found to range from 21 to 26 nm and decrease with increasing pressure. Magnetic hysteresis measurements performed at room temperature using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed the appearance of a superparamagnetic behavior in the magnetite nanoparticles synthesized at a pressure of 1500 bar.


In this study, a broadband Radio Frequency (RF) energy harvester implementation is presented. The system uses a broadband discone antenna, which can operate efficiently in a broad frequency spectrum, including LTE, DCS 1800 and UMTS 2100 cellular frequency bands. The system is able to harvest energy from various electromagnetic field sources, thus has the potential to efficiently charge a storage energy element in a short time. The prototype broadband RF energy harvester was tested in the laboratory and also in a typical urban environment.


Objective:To explore the differences in gene expression between coccoid and spiral Helicobacter pylori(H .pylori). Methods:Three H.pylori strains,one type strain NCTC11637 and two clinical isolates,were converted from spiral to coccoid form by exposure to metronidazole. RNA from spiral and coccoid H.pylori ,which were equal in germ amount , were extracted. We used RT-PCR to amplify 25 genes of H.pylori . These genes can be classified into three kinds: virulence gene including kat?aphA?rdxA?frxA?cysS?ureB?glmM? cagA?vacA?fldA?iceA1?hpaA?fliD?napA?oipA?alpAB?babB?hopZ;house-keeping gene including scoB?atpD?glnA?recA;;outmembrane protein gene including hopW?hopX. RT-PCR products were quantified by molecular photography system. Results and Conclusion:RNA extracted from coccoid H.pylori was less than that extracted from spiral form with equal germ amount. There were 25?20?19 genes RT-PCR products detected in NCTC 11637?F44?F49 both spiral and coccoid forms respectively. The results of quantification assay showed the expression level of the genes investigated in coccoid H.pylori is lower than that in spiral forms.This results suggest that the lower pathogenicity of coccoid H.pylori is related to its lower gene expression. The changes of gene expression level are not commensurate in three H.pylori strains and in different genes. The expression had changed a lot among these genes: napA? scoB? recA and fliD in all of the three H.pylori strains . The expression of following genes, ureC?oipA?glnA,had lessly changed in these three strains.


Objective To explore the relationship between emotionfocused coping styles and mental health of junior high school students. Methods A total of 95 junior high school students were measured repeatedly with an interval of 5 months with the Coping Style Scale of Middle School Students and Mental Health Inventory of Middle School Students,and the data were analyzed with the crosslagged regression analysis method. Results The four emotionfocused coping styles were all positively correlated with the total average score of mental health in both measurements.The scores of emotionfocused coping styles of subjects in the high mental disorder group were significantly higher than those in the low mental disorder group.The crosslagged analysis indicated that the mental health condition could reasonably predict emotionfocused coping styles whereas emotionfocused coping styles could not predict mental health.Conclusions Sometimes mental health may be the cause of coping styles which are influenced by many factors.


The invention concerns an audio-visual system interactive between a local scene and a remote scene. It comprises: a system for filming the local scene including several shooting devices (1) each provided with a field of view ( alpha ), means for arranging (13) said shooting devices so that the field of view of one shooting device should be adjacent to the next shooting device field of view and means for simultaneously controlling (14) the shots, and a system for restoring the image of the remote scene comprising at least a restoring device itself including a display screen whereon the image of the remote scene is formed.


This research was conducted because understanding and readiness for swimming learning are still problematic. Hypnotherapy methods are assumed to be the factors that influence the understanding and readiness of swimming learning of students in higher education. This study aims to determine the effect of using hypnotherapy methods on the understanding and readiness of swimming lessons in higher education. This research uses the quantitative correlation method. The population is 150 students who take swimming lessons in higher education, and a sample of 50 students who were selected using purposive random sampling. The questionnaire is an effective data collection method to test the variables to be measured and the answers expected by the respondents. The questionnaire applies a Likert scale by providing an opportunity to answer each item. Data were analyzed using regression analysis. The results showed that (1) there was an increase in students' understanding of swimming lessons using hypnotherapy methods, (2) there was an increase in student readiness in swimming lessons using hypnotherapy methods.


This paper mainly introduces the conventional engine test technology,introduces on the sensor in engine test,measurement equipment,test project,communication mode with briefly analysis,and presents the engine detection technology application situation,development trend.


Motivation and self-concept count among the educationally most relevant factors and the evaluation of many educational interventions requires their valid measurement. The present large-scale nationally representative study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of a shortened version of the Students' Approaches to Learning questionnaire measuring ten distinct motivational and self-concept constructs. The study drew a nationally representative sample (final N = 6,209) from a population of 11 – 12-year-old Czech students. The assessment of construct validity indicated that (1) the structural relations between the constructs, (2) the specific predictive relations to achievement and grades, as well as (3) the distinct differences in constructs' latent means between genders and students of the academic and mainstream track were mostly consistent with theory-derived predictions. The data showed that the nomological network of the measure maps relatively well onto the observed relations. Although not intended for individual assessment, the measure allows for psychometrically sound group inferences in relatively diverse student populations.


Background Distal-ulna stump (DUS) instability often occurs when performing a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthroplasty. Recent studies suggest that the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM) reinforces the triangular fibrocartilage complex, providing additional stability to the DRUJ. The aim of this study was to determine whether the DIOM stabilizes the ulnar stump. Methods Twenty fresh-frozen random forearms were dissected. The presence of a distal oblique bundle (DOB) was recorded and measured. The radius was fixed to a vise and the ulna kept free. The DRUJ was fixed with a lag screw. A bone slice was removed by transverse ulna osteotomies 10 and 15 mm proximal to the DRUJ. A 10-N force was applied to the ulna in dorsal and volar directions. Displacements were measured. The DIOM was then transected, and maneuvers and measurements were repeated and compared. Results A distinct distal membrane was present in 70% and a cord-like DOB in 30%. The mean length was 29 mm. Its origin was proximal to the sigmoid notch; its insertion was on the distal third of the ulna, at its lateral border. This attachment is comprised between 39 and 48 mm proximal to the ulnocarpal joint. Initial displacements averaged 22 mm dorsally and 13 mm volarly. After DIOM transection, ulnar translocation increased to 31 mm dorsally and 19 mm volarly. Conclusion In DRUJ arthroplasties, the DIOM does not appear to be a stabilizer of the DUS beneath a useful threshold. Its retaining effect occurs only after an initial 22-mm dorsal displacement, which we consider not clinically admissible. Therefore, in DRUJ arthroplasties, some augmentation might be advisable.


Objective:To investigate the inherent relation between SchE, β-AP(β-amyloid protein) and Alzheimer disease(AD) in rats with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM).Methods: Type-2 diabetic rats were induced by High-fat and high-caloric diet and a very small dose of streptozotocin (STZ) though intravenous injection. All rats were treated for 8 weeks. When OGTT test became abnormal, serum and brain tissue of rats were collected.β-AP , AchE, BchE, FBG, FINS were determined. Results: The serum level of AchE, BchE, β-AP,FBG,FINS in DM group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The level of β-AP in the brain tissue was increased and the activity of AchE, BchE was decreased. Conclusions: Rats with type-2 DM has a tendency of over-expression of serum AchE,BchE and β-AP. And the over-expression of β-AP may be related to the development of AD.


A guilty pleasure is something that affords pleasure while being held in low regard. Since there are more opportunities to experience worthwhile pleasures than one can experience in a finite life, it would be better to avoid guilty pleasures. Worse still, many guilty pleasures are thought to be corrupting in some way. In fact, many so-called guilty pleasures can contribute to a good life, because they are sources of pleasure and because they do not actually merit guilt. Taking pornography as a case study, I argue that in the absence of compelling evidence for its harmfulness, pornography can contribute to well-being by promoting autonomy, social recognition, knowledge and flourishing personal relationships. The case of pornography demonstrates an argumentative strategy for defending many so-called guilty pleasures as worthwhile elements of a flourishing life.


Primary zinc-air batteries based upon the use of plastic cell trays in a prismatic, stackable configuration, which overcomes the capacity limitation of zinc-air button cells and the rate limitations of currently available industrial zinc-air batteries, were developed. A series of experiments was conducted on subscale prototype cells to test the elements of the design basis and to optimize electrode formulations. The cell designs were finalized based on the experimental work, and cells were built and tested both as individual cells and as five-cell batteries. The prismatic cells and batteries built and tested performed well with respect to the program goals. Specific energies in access of 440 Wh/kg were achieved with the 200-Ah cell design.<<ETX>>


Reactions of calixarenes with methylaminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal and formalin gave Mannich bases with the calixarene platform. It was found by dielcometric titration that calix[4]resorcinols with acetal groups in the aminomethyl fragment form head-to-head supra-molecular aggregates in chloroform at low concentrations.


The paper presents the estimation of physico-chemical parameters of seawater samples collected from 28 stations between
7˚ 50'and 13˚N and between 70˚ and 75˚ E on board FORV Sagar Sampda in February, 1987. Water samples drawn
from selected depths of 0, IW, 200,300, and 500111 were analyzed for dissolved oxygen and nutrients(phosphate, nitrate and
nitrite). In general, lower concentration of nutrients was recorded at surface and lOO m depth at all stations. Higher concentrations of nutrient components were encountered at deeper depths with low valuc5 of dissolved oxygen. Lowest
nutrient values at surface and highest at bottom (5M) n ~ ) recorded, in microgram-at/l, were PO,-1': 0.14-7.17; NO,-NO. 08
27.35 and NO,-N: Trace - 1.48 except with 1.65 microgram-at/l at 3(!0 m. I'robable factors governing the distribution of
analyzed parameters in Lakshadweep waters arc discussed.


The relationship between the arts and the sciences is discussed from the standpoint of a scientist and passionate art lover. The two playgrounds of human creativity have much in common and have cross-fertilized each other over centuries. An active involvement in an artistic discipline
 can stimulate scientific creativity by direct analogy and by emotional and intellectual experience. The excitement of a scientist for the arts is exemplified by the author's adventures in Tibetan painting. The scientific study of Tibetan thangkas is discussed by examples from the author's
 collection. The analysis of pigments and the dating of the paintings are covered. In addition, some background information on the historical and iconographic context is given.


The paper recommends an effective approach to estimate probability of buffer overflow in wireless communication networks. The buffer overflow probability in queuing systems is defined as a rare event and can be estimated using rare event simulation with Markov chains. Two-node queuing networks are considered in this paper; and an event of buffer overflow at the second node is studied. Two efficient rare event simulation algorithms, based on the importance sampling and cross-entropy methods, are developed and applied to accelerate the overflow probability simulation with Markov chain modelling. Numerical examples and simulation results are provided.


Dr. John McMasters, was a man possessed. A man possessed with a fascination for paleontology and biomechanics of flight, with a thirst for knowledge, with a love of airplanes and with a passion for teaching. In this presentation we will attempt to follow in John's footsteps and perhaps peek somewhat beyond, in order to get a glimpse of insights and observations of some fascinating aspects of birds, bugs and flying seeds, of inspired aerodynamic concepts, as well visions of past, present and future aircraft developments and further opportunities for aerodynamic innovations. We will present an interesting view of the contrasting evolution-of-flight driving forces between nature and commercial aircraft. We will explore many of nature's fascinating flying things and show similarities between Nature's creations and Man's inventions. We will look at nature related sources and opportunities for future innovative developments where bionics, bio-mimicry, neo-bionic, non-bionic, pseudo-mimicry and cybernetics concepts of innovation are introduced and discussed. The importance of learning to see and not just look, and learning to listen and not just hear, and achieving understanding and not just knowledge, and learning to wonder why and then conceive how it might apply, will be offered as key success elements for advancing our state of the art and science. Our hope that we can in some way kindle the flame of awe and excitement that John must have had. "The entire spectrum of natural fliers continues to offer a rich and promising source of inspiration and ideas for aeronautical engineers".