Syzygium alternifolium (SA) is a plant widely used in folk medicine. The current study was carried out to characterize the anti-Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and anti-gastric cancer activity of S. alternifolium fruit extracts. S. alternifolium total phenolics (SATP) and S. alternifolium aqueous extract (SAAE) were used to examine anti-H. pylori and H. pylori urease inhibitory activity. The anti-gastric cancer activity of these extracts was also evaluated using an MTT cell viability assay followed by cell cycle progression analysis. The in vitro results showed that both extracts have dose-dependent anti-H. pylori and anti-gastric cancer activity. SATP has significant anti-H. pylori activity against the Hp26695 and HpP12 strains with MIC50 values of 148±20 and 141±30 μg/ml, respectively, while SAAE has moderate activity compared to the antibiotic amoxicillin. SATP showed significant urease activity with an IC50 of 98±6.4 μg/ml, while SAAE showed a moderate effect compared with positive control. Moreover, SATP showed significant inhibition of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell growth by inhibiting the G2/M phase of the cell cycle with an IC50 of 77.9±0.2 μg/ml, while SAAE exhibited moderate inhibition compared with normal control. Reverse phase UV-HPLC analysis indicated the presence of the phenolic compounds cinnamic, gallic, ferulic and vanillic acid in these extracts. The results suggest that SATP and SAAE extracted from S. alternifolium have significant anti-H. pylori and anti-gastric cancer activity and offer protection against gastritis. Hence, these extracts are recommended for patients with gastrointestinal cancer.


There is a large body of literature analyzing the relationship between objective economic conditions and voting behavior, but there is very little evidence of how perceived economic insecurity impacts on political preferences. Using seventeen years of household panel data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, we examine whether job loss fears impact on individuals' party identification. Consistent with the deprivation theory, we find strong and robust evidence that subjective job loss fears foster affinity for parties at the far right-wing of the political spectrum. The effects are broadly comparable in direction and magnitude with the ones from objective unemployment and being out of the labor force. However, our empirical estimates do not suggest that job loss fears result in people withdrawing their support from political parties altogether or increasingly identify with extremist left-wing parties.


We report experimental studies of spatial optical solitons in a nonlinear glass waveguide. Spatial solitons are self-trapped beams that propagate without diffraction. We demonstrate the formation of spatial solitons, and we investigate interactions between them. At high intensities two-photon absorption is observed to lead to the breakup of solitons. A beam propagation method is used to simulate the experimental conditions numerically, and the results agree well with experiment.


We study equilibrium configurations of swarming biological organisms subject to exogenous and pairwise endogenous forces. Beginning with a discrete dynamical model, we derive a variational description of the corresponding continuum population density. Equilibrium solutions are extrema of an energy functional and satisfy a Fredholm integral equation. We find conditions for the extrema to be local minimizers, global minimizers, and minimizers with respect to infinitesimal Lagrangian displacements of mass. In one spatial dimension, for a variety of exogenous forces, endogenous forces, and domain configurations, we find exact analytical expressions for the equilibria. These agree closely with numerical simulations of the underlying discrete model. The exact solutions provide a sampling of the wide variety of equilibrium configurations possible within our general swarm modeling framework. The equilibria typically are compactly supported and may contain δ-concentrations or jump discontinuities at the edge of the support. We apply our methods to a model of locust swarms, which in nature are observed to consist of a concentrated population on the ground separated from an airborne group. Our model can reproduce this configuration; quasi-two-dimensionality of the model plays a critical role.


Wireless ad hoc networks are suitable and sometimes the only solution for several applications. Many applications, particularly those in military and critical civilian domains (such as battlefield surveillance and emergency rescue) require that ad hoc networks be secure and stable. In fact, security is one of the main barriers to the extensive use of ad hoc networks in many operations. The primary objective of this dissertation is to propose protocols which will protect ad hoc networks from wormhole attacks - one of the most devastating security attacks - and to improve network stability. Protocols that depend solely on cryptography techniques such as authentication and encryption can prevent/detect several types of security attacks; however, they will not be able to detect or prevent a wormhole attack. This attack on routing in ad hoc networks is also considered to be the main threat against neighborhood discovery protocols. Most of the proposed mechanisms designed to defend against this type of attack are based on location information or time measurements, or require additional hardware or a central entity. Other protocols that relied on connectivity or neighborhood information cannot successfully detect all of the various types and cases of wormhole attacks. In the first part of this dissertation, we present a simple, yet effective protocol to detect wormhole attacks along routes in ad hoc networks. The protocol is evaluated using analysis and simulations. In the second part, we present a secure neighbor creation protocol that can securely discover the neighbors of a node in ad hoc networks, and detect and remove wormhole links, if they exist. The proposed protocols do not require any location information, time synchronization, or special hardware to detect wormhole attacks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first protocol that makes use of cooperation rules between honest nodes. Use of such rules will reduce the overhead associated with the number of checks to be performed in order to detect wormholes and to create a secure neighborhood. This is also the first protocol, to our knowledge, that addresses the complete removal of bogus links without removing legal links.


This paper addresses multimedia end user system design for content distribution over heterogeneous networks and terminals, with particular focus on end-to-end quality of service (QoS) control. A multimedia terminal comprising content-related metadata processor, usage environment characteristics provider, end user QoS monitor and H.264psilas extension scalable video coding (SVC) audio-visual player in coordination under a terminal middleware, has been conceived and implemented. This end user terminal enables end-to-end QoS control for content adaptation solution both in semantic and physical approaches to maximize end userpsilas perceptual experience and minimize resources. Such design approach illustrates a possible architecture for next generation multimedia end user terminal supporting MPEG-21 and H.264psilas extension SVC codec standards.


Gracillaria corticata , a red alga, has been tested for its ability to remove malachite green (MG) from aqueous phase. The surface morphology of G. corticata is studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The analytical evidence from FTIR spectra confirms the involvement of amine group in the biosorption of malachite green. The effects of biosorbent concentration, initial p H, temperature, adsorption time and initial dye concentration are studied for the biosorption of MG using G. corticata . At various initial MG concentrations (20 - 100 mg/L), batch sorption equilibriumhave been attained within 1 h. However the equilibrium is slow as the time progresses. Kinetics of MG biosorptionhas beenanalyzed using pseudo second order model. The experimental data is also analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. Out of which, Langmuir model describes the isotherm data with high coefficient of determination (R 2 = 0.996). So, based on Langmuir model the maximum dye uptake of 76.92 mg/g is reported at p H 10.0 and temperature 303K. Different thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH ° , ΔG ° , ΔS ° are evaluated and it is found that the present system is spontaneous, endothermic and increased randomness in nature. Thus, the investigation has proved Gracillaria biomass to be an effective low cost, eco-friendly biosorbent for the treatment of dye-bearing wastewater.


With the rapid proliferation of wireless networks and mobile computing applications, Quality of Service (QoS) for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) has received increased attention. Security is a critical aspect of QoS provisioning in the MANET environment. Without protection from a security mechanism, attacks on QoS signaling system could result in QoS routing malfunction, interference of resource reservation, or even failure of QoS provision.
Due to the characteristics of the MANETs, such as rapid topology change and limited communication and computation capacity, the conventional security measures cannot be applied and new security techniques are necessary. However, little research has been done on this topic. In this dissertation, the security issues will be addressed for MANET QoS systems.
The major contributions of this research are: (a) design of an authentication mechanism for ad hoc networks; (b) design of a security mechanism to prevent and detect attacks on the QoS signaling system; (c) design of an intrusion detection mechanism for bandwidth reservation to detect QoS attacks and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. These three mechanisms are evaluated through simulation.


Why learn project management the hard way? Absolute Beginner's Guide to Project Management, Second Edition will have you managing projects in no time! Here's a small sample of what you'll learn:i¾ Key concepts and fundamentals behind best-practice project management techniques The mindset and skill set of effective project managers Project techniques that work in any industry, with any tools The common elements of successful projects Lessons from failed projects The value and importance of project leadership versus project management How to manage growing project trends and tough project types that first-time project managers are likely to encounter How to make better use of Microsoft Project How to respond when project reality does not match textbook scenarios Expert insight on key project management concepts and topics i¾ You've just been handed your department's biggest project. Absolute Beginner's Guide to Project Management will show you exactly where to starti¾–and walk you step by step through your entire project! Expert project manager Gregory Horine shows you exactly what works and what doesn't, drawing on the field's proven best practices. Understand your role as a project manager...gain the skills and discover the personal qualities of great project managers...learn how to organize, estimate, and schedule projects effectively...manage deliverables, issues, changes, risks, quality, vendors, communications, and expectations...make the most of technology...manage virtual teams...avoid the problems that trip up new project managers! This new edition jumpstarts your project management expertise even faster, with all-new insights on Microsoft Project, challenging project situations and intriguing project management topics of the day.


by Tarlach McGonagle is an extract from the publication IRIS plus 2013-2 " Open Journalism ". The entire publication as a printed version can be purchased from the European Audiovisual Observatory. For further information and order possibilities, please open hyperlinks: IRIS plus series IRIS plus 2013-2 Foreword Publish and be damned? The Duke of Wellington's famous phrase could be used to describe the challenges for regulators dealing with the complex legal issues surrounding open journalism. In the age of Internet and the smart phone, we are ALL potentially journalists capable of generating copy, sound and images. From the rise of blogs which allowed private individuals to publish content on their own platform, to the opening of comments sections at the end of newspaper articles, to the inclusion of user generated films in news reports, the " professional " media have come to absorb user generated content as a supplementary source of content. Nowadays the media actively recruit these " open journalists " in order to tap into an additional source of copy. Clearly, this practice brings with it a new array of societal and consequently legal questions. They are only partly covered by the existing legal frameworks, which were designed for media services with less important user input and less inventive media reach out. The field of open journalism and " user generated news " is multi-faceted and its potential regulatory needs warrant first of all some stock taking. To disclose and locate such needs is the goal of the Lead Article of this IRIS plus. The article analyses the impact that resorting to user-generated content has on news-making processes and highlights possible legal consequences. Among others, the article distinguishes different kinds of user-generated content and possible definitions and it looks into how they are or rather might be handled – on a European level – in the jurisprudence on freedom of expression and information as well as in the context of general regulation. It also illustrates why user-generated-content becomes such a " special animal " when offered as part of the news in audiovisual media and how this form of open journalism is capable of generating even more issues concerning media freedom and news-making processes. Open journalism is, however, not only an issue with regard to news reporting in audiovisual media. The issue also broadens out to cover the right to freedom of expression and information online as such. …


The significant retreat of Alpine glaciers over the 20th century is a strong indicator of climatic warming. Many are well on track to their complete distinction in the course of the 21st century. The Morteratschgletscher in the Engadine (Switzerland) is a typical example of a large valley glacier with a detailed record of front variations dating back to the end of the Little Ice Age. It currently has a length of about 7 km and a surface area of 16 km2 and may already have lost up to 40% of its ice volume since 1860. We have consistently measured mass balance, ice thickness, and surface velocity over a 6-year period since 2001. Mass balance and velocity measurements were performed at about 20 locations in the ablation zone and supplemented with shallow ice core and pit measurements in a saddle area at 3670 m elevation and below one of the surrounding summits at 3750 m. In addition, the ice thickness was measured with two radar systems in around 250 individual locations and along several km of continuous transects. These data will serve as input in a coupled three-dimensional glacier/ mass balance model to better understand the observed retreat since the 19th century and to be able to make predictions about its future evolution. The mass balance model considers a parameterisation for the surface energy fluxes, an albedo which decreases exponentially with snow depth as well as the shading effect of the surrounding mountains. It was calibrated with the observations between 2001 and 2006 using meteorological data from surrounding synoptic stations. The ice flow model considers both longitudinal and transverse stress gradients in the force balance in addition to the usual terms of the shallow-ice approximation. The poster will show the reconstructed glacier geometry and mass balance evolution obtained from the field programme. First results on the validation of the flow model with the observed velocity data and on the modelling of the surface mass balance model will also be shown.


Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to identify and isolate permeabilized dopaminergic nerve terminals from rat striatum based on immunofluorescent labeling of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Striatal synaptosomes were permeabilized by fixation with modified Zamboni fluid. A highly fluorescent subpopulation of particles was detected by FACS following sequential incubation with a monoclonal antibody to TH (LNC 1) and a fluorescein-conjugated secondary antibody. After correcting for nonsynaptosomal particles present in the synaptosomal fraction, analysis of these data suggested that approximately 12–15% of striatal synaptosomes were dopaminergic, consistent with previous estimates. Specific labelling by LNC 1 was decreased if synaptosomes were prepared from rats that had received intraventricular injections of 6-hydroxydopamine. The decrease in labeling was highly correlated with the extent of the lesion as determined by measurement of striatal dopamine levels, suggesting that LNC 1-labeled synaptosomes were derived from nigrostriatal dopamine terminals. In order to verify that LNC 1-labeled synaptosomes were enriched for TH, equal numbers of labeled and control synaptosomes were isolated by FACS and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. LNC 1-labeled synaptosomes were shown by Western blot techniques to be enriched 6-fold for TH compared with control synaptosomes, suggesting that the labeled population consisted almost entirely of dopaminergic synaptosomes.


Genetically modified plants can have unintended effects on herbivores, even when the transgene is not explicitly devised for pest protection. These effects may lead to altered ecological relationships in areas where transgenic plants are deployed. We tested several genetically‐modified hybrid aspen clone INRA 717‐IB4 [Populus tremula L. ×P. alba L. (Salicaceae)] lines expressing transgenic constructs with altered gibberellic acid expression for their effects on a polyphagous insect, Polydrusus sericeus (Schaller) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Longevity, egg production, and leaf consumption were measured in laboratory assays. Only male longevity was negatively affected by foliage from genetically modified trees, and in no case was oviposition or leaf consumption significantly altered. The importance of males in population dynamics varies among species, but we do not have evidence it is a major driver in this system. Contrary to our hypothesis of increased performance on modified foliage, adult P. sericeus were rarely affected by GM foliage, suggesting that not all genetic modifications that alter secondary metabolism in plants will necessarily have a strong effect on specific insect‐plant relations, supporting the view that evaluations continue to require case by case analysis.


This study investigated research skills, ICT application and sustainable library development. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study was 142 librarians working in the university libraries of twelve universities in South-west, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique and total enumeration sampling technique were employed for the study. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaire. Six research questions were raised and three hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using Pearson-Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The findings of the study revealed that: sustainable library development was primary to librarians; librarians exhibited high need for research skills that would enable them to perform optimally on their job; development of research skills had enormous consequences on research performance of librarians; and ICT was a necessity in ensuring sustainable library development. Hypotheses tested revealed that there was significant relationship between research skill and sustainable library development; between ICT application and sustainable library development; and the joint influence of research skills and ICT application was not significant on sustainable library development. It was recommended that librarians should maintain high level of research skills and ICT application towards ensuring sustainable library development.


2-Ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol triacrylate was polymerized in the presence of squarylium dye and various onium salts. The onium salts under study are commercially available or may be easily synthesized and are characterized by light absorption properties below 300 nm and generate phenyl radicals upon blue light exposure. Due to these interesting properties the triacrylate polymerization can be efficiently carried out with or without the presence of any additional photoinitiator. The chemical mechanisms are investigated by steady state photolysis and nanosecond laser flash photolysis experiments. The new photoinitiators yielded a higher visible light photoinitiating polymerization effect than the commercial photoinitiator: camphorquinone/ethyl p-(dimethylamino)benzoate and camphorquinone/N-methyldiethanolamine under experimental conditions.


This article examines the research question "How do entrepreneurs experience self-stigma when their venture fails?" This question was addressed using a qualitative methodology with the aim of building theory. Rich descriptions from narratives of 12 New Zealand entrepreneurs illustrate selfstigmatisation in relation to entrepreneurial failure and its impact. The findings are grouped into two key patterns: "negative effects of self-stigmatisation" and "positive effects of self-stigmatisation". Table 2 and 3 provided a detailed representation of these two patterns.


Kirramyces destructans was first described in 1996 from north Sumatra, Indonesia, where it caused severe leaf and shoot blight on Eucalyptus grandis in nurseries and young plantations. Since then it has been reported in nurseries and plantations in Vietnam, Thailand and China, with its host range extending to include E. camaldulensis and E. urophylla. K. destructans has also been reported from native E. urophylla in East Timor and was considered a significant biosecurity threat to Australia's native eucalypt forests and plantations. A study on the population diversity of K. destructans isolates throughout south-east Asia in which 8 gene regions were sequenced (four nuclear genes, one mitochondrial gene and three microsatellite markers) detected very low nucleotide polymorphism. This genetic uniformity is indicative of an introduced population which has subsequently spread throughout Asia via human-mediated movement of germplasm. Surveys of sentinel plantings in northern Australia revealed a complex of Kirramyces spp. among which K. destructans was detected. The same gene regions and markers were sequenced as for the Asian study and diversity among the K. destructans isolates in Australia was found to be much greater than that in Asia. We believe that K. destructans is native to Australia where is resides symptomlessly within the native vegetation. The disease is only expressed when non-endemic eucalypts are planted. As such the pathogen is a major encumbrance to the establishment of commercial eucalypt plantations in Northern Australia. The disease has not been observed in native ecosystems, but the effect of inoculum build up within plantations on adjacent native eucalypt remnants is not known.


The author of the Letter of James accuses his readers (Jas 4,1-4) of being responsible for war, murder and adultery. How are we to explain this charge? This paper shows that the material in Jas 1,13-21; 2,8-11 and 4,1-4 is closely akin to the teknon section in Did 3,1-6. The teknon section belonged to the Jewish Two Ways tradition which, for the most part, is covered by the first six chapters of the Didache. Interestingly, Did 3,1-6 exhibits close affinity with the ethical principles of a particular stream of Rabbinic tradition found in early Derekh Erets treatises. James 4,1-4 should be considered a further development of the warnings in Did 3,1-6.


Abstract This study examines the vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience of urban poor households living in the riverine communities of the three flood prone areas in Metro Manila, namely, (1) Pasig-Marikina River basin, (2) West Mangahan, and (3) the KAMANAVA area (Kalookan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela). Based on a survey of 300 urban poor households in 14 communities located in these flood basins, the study found that the environmental-ecological vulnerability of the low-lying flood prone areas interacts strongly with the social vulnerability of urban poor households, highlighting the effects of climate related changes (sea level rise, increased typhoons, intensity of monsoon rains, floods and tidal/storm surges) on this vulnerable population. Most of the households have low-incomes, live in slum/squatter settlements and do not have adequate access to potable water, electricity, health, sewage and sanitation facilities. About two-thirds of them suffered losses (e.g., income, work, health/sickness, household appliances/things, housing damage) from typhoons, floods, and tidal/storm surges but only a small portion of them obtained help from formal institutions (e.g., local government units or LGUs, charitable agencies) and informal support networks (relatives/neighbors/friends). Of these, a third of these households appeared more vulnerable and consistently incurred higher losses (e.g., income and workdays) and intense inconveniences (e.g., water source buried by floods, toilets blocked and overflowed with wastes/large worms to their floors) compared to their neighbors. Both urban poor households and their local governments have formulated adaptation strategies in response to the increasing effects of climate change. Few of the local governments built river barriers, improved their drainage systems, installed water diversion techniques (e.g., "bombastic") and disaster warning systems and increased the capacity of their officials to assist during evacuations. Meanwhile, some urban poor households have adapted to a "water-based lifestyle" (e.g., raising the floors/increasing the number of floors of their homes, building makeshift bridges among households in swampy areas, building Styrofoam boats for transport, etc.). But on the whole, both the urban poor residents and the formal institutions (LGUs, national agencies) need resources and capability building to increase their capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change.


Much of the growth in trade among the industrialised countries, and more recently among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, has taken the form of intra-industry trade (IIT). Australia has historically had one of the lowest shares of IIT among OECD countries. This paper examines how Australia's IIT has changed in the 1980s in response to the process of trade liberalisation and completion of the CER pact with New Zealand. Towards this end, IIT indexes are estimated for Australia's multilateral and trans-Tasman trade for 1981 and 1991 for 132 industries using data at the 3 and 4-digit level of the SITC. The results point to a sharp increase in the share of IIT for both multilateral and trans-Tasman trade. We also find that the industries that had undergone the largest reductions in protection levels had also increased their shares of IIT quite considerably. These findings suggest that the short to medium run adjustment costs associated with trade liberalisation are likely to be lower than expected as a result of increased intra-industry specialisation. If IIT continues to grow in response to the on-going process of internationalisation of the Australian economy, then Australia's prospects for expanding its share in world trade, and particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, are likely to be significantly boosted.


For the ITER-like wall project at JET the present main chamber CFC tiles will be exchanged with Be tiles and in parallel a fully tungsten-clad divertor will be prepared. Therefore three R&D programmes were initiated: Be coatings on Inconel as well as Be erosion markers were developed for the first wall of the main chamber. High heat flux screening and cyclic loading tests carried out on the Be coatings on Inconel showed excellent performance, above the required power and energy density. For the divertor a conceptual design for a bulk W horizontal target plate was investigated, with the emphasis on minimizing electromagnetic forces. The design consisted of stacks of W lamellae of 6 mm width that were insulated in the toroidal direction. High heat flux tests of a test module were performed with an electron beam at an absorbed power density up to 9 MW m−2 for more than 150 pulses and finally with increasing power loads leading to surface temperatures in excess of 3000 °C. No macroscopic failure occurred during the test while SEM showed the development of micro-cracks on the loaded surface. For all other divertor parts R&D was performed to provide the technology to coat the 2-directional CFC material used at JET with thin tungsten coatings. The W-coated CFC tiles were subjected to heat loads with power densities ranging up to 23.5 MW m−2 and exposed to cyclic heat loading for 200 pulses at 10.5 MW m−2. All coatings developed cracks perpendicular to the CFC fibres due to the stronger contraction of the coating upon cool-down after the heat pulses.


CONTEXT
Interventions targeting maternal obesity are a healthcare and public health priority.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of the methodological designs implemented in dietary intervention trials for obesity in pregnancy.

DATA SOURCES
A systematic review of the literature, consistent with PRISMA guidelines, was performed as part of the International Weight Management in Pregnancy collaboration.

STUDY SELECTION
Thirteen randomized controlled trials, which aimed to modify diet and physical activity in overweight and obese pregnant women, were identified.

DATA SYNTHESIS
There was significant variability in the content, delivery, and dietary assessment methods of the dietary interventions examined. A number of studies demonstrated improved dietary behavior in response to diet and/or lifestyle interventions. Nine studies reduced gestational weight gain.

CONCLUSION
This review reveals large methodological variability in dietary interventions to control gestational weight gain and improve clinical outcomes in overweight and obese pregnant women. This lack of consensus limits the ability to develop clinical guidelines and apply the evidence in clinical practice.


Diamond nanoparticles that host bright luminescent centers are attracting attention for applications in bio-labeling and bio-sensing. Beyond their unsurpassed photostability, diamond can host multiple color centers, from the blue to the near infra-red spectral range. While nanodiamonds hosting nitrogen vacancy defects have been widely employed as bio-imaging probes, production and fabrication of nanodiamonds with other color centers is a challenge. In this work, a large scale production of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) containing a near infrared (NIR) color center – namely the silicon vacancy (SiV) defect, is reported. More importantly, a concept of application of different color centers for multi-color bio-imaging to investigate intercellular processes is demonstrated. Furthermore, two types of FNDs within cells can be easily resolved by their specific spectral properties, where data shows that SiV FNDs initially dispersed throughout the cell interior while NV FNDs localized in a close proximity to nucleus. The reported results are the first demonstration of multi-color labeling with FNDs that can pave the way for the wide-ranging use of FNDs in applications, including bio-sensing, bio-imaging and drug delivery applications.


Defining the corridors in America that are most appropriate for high-speed rail service is critical to the long-term success of America's high-speed rail program. This paper offers one mechanism for assessing which potential high-speed rail corridors will have the greatest ridership demand based on population size, economic activity, transit connections, existing travel markets and urban spatial form and density. The authors evaluate 27,000 city pairs in the nation to create an index of city pairs with the greatest demand for high-speed rail service. The paper provides a list of the top 50 city pairs, which are primarily concentrated in the Northeast, California, and the Midwest, and provides recommendations for phasing corridor development in the nation's megaregions.


T. terrestris commonly known as Gokshura, Gokharu or Puncture vine belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae, widely distributed
throughout India and traditionally it is used for treatment of many infectious diseases. Present study was designed to evaluate the
effect of T. terrestris dry fruit extract in diabetes induced cognitive dysfunction. Diabetes was induced by Streptozotocin &
Nicotinamide (STZ-NA, i.p. route). Animals were divided into 7 groups for comparing the activity of T. terrestris (150 & 300mg)
against standard (Glibenclamide) & control groups. Blood glucose was measured by glucometer. Learning & memory was tested
using Morris water maze. Time taken to reach the platform (escape latencies) by animals was noted from day 1 to 8. Probe trial was
conducted on day 9 to record the time spent in the different quadrants. Glucose levels were significantly reduced in test and
standard groups when compared to diabetic controls. T.terrestris and glibenclamide treated groups had decreased escape latencies
in learning phase. During probe trial, test and standard treated groups spent significantly more time in the target quadrant with less
entries into other quadrants on day 9 compared to untreated diabetic controls. Our findings confirmed that learning and memory
was impaired in diabetic controls. This displays the link between hyperglycemia and cognitive deficit. T.terrestris treatment (150 &
300mg) along with having hypoglycemic effects in diabetic rats, revealed improvement in learning & memory. Glibenclamide treated
group also showed equal improvement in learning and memory as it was observed by their performance during task. Hence,
controlling the blood glucose levels in diabetes can delay cognitive impairment.


In 2011 OVE began using the DEM and the self-evaluation system as a way to assess the evaluability of the Bank's portfolio by validating the DEMs of a sample of projects. The first exercise was used as pilot to set the standards OVE would use and to inform the Board and Management of the new approach. Since the DEM's criteria and process had just been revised in early 2011, OVE also used this pilot exercise to assess the DEM as an evaluability tool. The main findings of the first validation exercise were that OVE's evaluability scores were similar to Management's scores for sovereign-guaranteed (SG) operations, while OVE was unable to validate the scores of non-sovereign-guaranteed (NSG) projects. OVE recommended a full revision of the NSG DEM, and some refinements in the SG DEM. Management has worked on OVE's recommendations; as a result, a few changes will be implemented in the SG DEM in January 2013, and a new DEM is being developed for NSG projects. Since the NSG DEM is under development, OVE will wait until the new instrument is implemented to include NSG projects in the evaluability review exercises and be able to describe the evaluability of the Bank's overall portfolio. The new tool is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2013.


Objectives:

To update the 2006 systematic review of the comparative benefits and harms of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) strategies and non-ESA strategies to manage anemia in patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation for malignancy (excluding myelodysplastic syndrome and acute leukemia), including the impact of alternative thresholds for initiating treatment and optimal duration of therapy.
Data sources:

Literature searches were updated in electronic databases (n=3), conference proceedings (n=3), and Food and Drug Administration transcripts. Multiple sources (n=13) were searched for potential gray literature. A primary source for current survival evidence was a recently published individual patient data meta-analysis. In that meta-analysis, patient data were obtained from investigators for studies enrolling more than 50 patients per arm. Because those data constitute the most currently available data for this update, as well as the source for on-study (active treatment) mortality data, we limited inclusion in the current report to studies enrolling more than 50 patients per arm to avoid potential differential endpoint ascertainment in smaller studies.
Review methods:

Title and abstract screening was performed by one or two (to resolve uncertainty) reviewers; potentially included publications were reviewed in full text. Two or three (to resolve disagreements) reviewers assessed trial quality. Results were independently verified and pooled for outcomes of interest. The balance of benefits and harms was examined in a decision model.
Results:

We evaluated evidence from 5 trials directly comparing darbepoetin with epoetin, 41 trials comparing epoetin with control, and 8 trials comparing darbepoetin with control; 5 trials evaluated early versus late (delay until Hb ≤9 to 11 g/dL) treatment. Trials varied according to duration, tumor types, cancer therapy, trial quality, iron supplementation, baseline hemoglobin, ESA dosing frequency (and therefore amount per dose), and dose escalation.

ESAs decreased the risk of transfusion (pooled relative risk [RR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53 to 0.64; I2 = 51%; 38 trials) without evidence of meaningful difference between epoetin and darbepoetin. Thromboembolic event rates were higher in ESA-treated patients (pooled RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.74; I2 = 0%; 37 trials) without difference between epoetin and darbepoetin. In 14 trials reporting the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Fatigue subscale, the most common patient-reported outcome, scores decreased by −0.6 in control arms (95% CI, −6.4 to 5.2; I2 = 0%) and increased by 2.1 in ESA arms (95% CI, −3.9 to 8.1; I2 = 0%). There were fewer thromboembolic and on-study mortality adverse events when ESA treatment was delayed until baseline Hb was less than 10 g/dL, in keeping with current treatment practice, but the difference in effect from early treatment was not significant, and the evidence was limited and insufficient for conclusions. No evidence informed optimal duration of therapy.

Mortality was increased during the on-study period (pooled hazard ratio [HR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.31; I2 = 0%; 37 trials). There was one additional death for every 59 treated patients when the control arm on-study mortality was 10 percent and one additional death for every 588 treated patients when the control-arm on-study mortality was 1 percent. A cohort decision model yielded a consistent result—greater loss of life-years when control arm on-study mortality was higher. There was no discernible increase in mortality with ESA use over the longest available followup (pooled HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.10; I2 = 38%; 44 trials), but many trials did not include an overall survival endpoint and potential time-dependent confounding was not considered.
Conclusions:

Results of this update were consistent with the 2006 review. ESAs reduced the need for transfusions and increased the risk of thromboembolism. FACT-Fatigue scores were better with ESA use but the magnitude was less than the minimal clinically important difference. An increase in mortality accompanied the use of ESAs. An important unanswered question is whether dosing practices and overall ESA exposure might influence harms.


Mayonnaise is semi-solid stable emulsion of vegetable oil, egg yolk or whole egg, vinegar or lemon juice, salt seasonings and sugars and dextrose. Oil is used in mayonnaise as energy source and for smooth texture. Mayonnaise was prepared by using different concentrations of corn oil (235 ml, 240ml, 245 ml, 250 ml and 255 ml).Firstly all the ingredients were weighed by using the electrical balance. Eggs and vinegar was cooled at 10-13 c. After washing and cleaning. Eggs were not shelled. spices and eggs were blended for 2 minutes. Pouring of oil was started drop by drop at first and then remaining oil was added. Packaging was done in already hygienically cleaned bottles. The product was stores under controllable conditions. During the storage period the product was analyzed for moisture, crude protein, total ash, crude fat, and acidity. The sensory evaluation of the product was also made when stored under controlled conditions. The result of the investigation was statistically analyzed and interpreted. The present project was carried out to study the effect of corn oil on the different quality characteristics of mayonnaise. Different concentrations of corn oil were used to prepare mayonnaise samples. The mayonnaise samples were prepared by using 235 ml, 240 ml, 245 ml, 250 ml and 255 ml of corn oil. Theses samples were tested for chemical properties like moisture, crude protein, crude fat, total ash, peroxide value and acidity. Among the sensory characteristics it was evaluated for its taste, texture, flavor and overall acceptability during 40 days of storage period. The test was made after 10 days interval up to 40 days. Among chemical characteristics the effect of different oil concentration was non significant for fat and acidity. While as sensory characteristics were concerned color, flavor, taste, texture and overall acceptability decreased by increasing oil concentration. The last result was shown by the mayonnaise sample prepared by using 235 ml of corn oil. The concentration of 235 ml of corn oil showed good quality attributes especially with respect to its sensory evaluation such as color, taste, texture, flavor and overacceptibility of mayonnaise. Mayonnaise prepared by using 235 ml of corn oil also showed good emulsion stability than others.


How strong are strategic complementarities in price setting across firms? In this paper, we provide a direct empirical estimate of firm price responses to changes in prices of their competitors. We develop a general framework and an empirical identification strategy to estimate the elasticities of a firm's price response to both its own cost shocks and to the price changes of its competitors. Our approach takes advantage of a new micro-level dataset for the Belgian manufacturing sector, which contains detailed information on firm domestic prices, marginal costs, and competitor prices. The rare features of these data enable us to construct instrumental variables to address the simultaneity of price setting by competing firms. We find strong evidence of strategic complementarities, with a typical firm adjusting its price with an elasticity of 35% in response to the price changes of its competitors and with an elasticity of 65% in response to its own cost shocks. Furthermore, we find substantial heterogeneity in these elasticities across firms, with small firms showing no strategic complementarities and a complete cost pass-through, while large firms responding to their cost shocks and competitor price changes with roughly equal elasticities of around 50%. We show, using a tightly calibrated quantitative model, that these findings have important implications for shaping the response of domestic prices to international shocks.


This paper presents a structure of a simulator for multiple robot system. For wide compatibility, the simulator uses IPC(Inter Process Communication) library based on TCP-IP. It consists of the four units: communication, robot control, kinematic design, and driver for real robot operation. Implemented in the simulator are seven kinds of URC robots. By providing only the link parameters, a new robot can be added. Also, a user can generate a working environment consisting of walls. The real robots and virtual robots can operate in parallel. It is used for verification of collision avoidance algorithms in an environment with multiple heterogeneous robots. These examples show that the simulator is useful and indispensable for verification of algorithms especially for complicated multiple robot systems.


A workshop talk in Pollok House, Glasgow; the second in a series of three workshops which were part of the residential research project Cabinet Interventions. The workshops were for an audience of other participating artists, invited guests, the staff of Pollok House and visiting public.

The other artists presenting at this workshop were Alan Currall and Sarah Forrest.

Together with the photographer Tine Bek, I documented every portrait of a woman currently on view in the National Trust for Scotland property Pollok House, Glasgow. Three photographs were taken of each portrait; one in context; one of the face; and one of a close up of the cheek. This talk looked at these portraits individually, as well as explored their power when viewed collectively, mapping out their movement across Europe and Scotland from the 15th Century to the present day. A detail of the apple of each cheek of the fifty-two portraits was projected; a gesture that revealed a perspective both intimate and universal simultaneously. The title of this talk was taken from the book, Early Modern Habsburg Women, Transnational Contexts, Cultural Conflicts, Dynastic Continuities, edited by Anne J. Cruz & Maria Galli Stampino which was key to contextualising my research and the history of the women portrayed in some of the portraits present in Pollok House.

Invited attendees to the workshops were: Participating artists Alan Currall, Sarah Forrest, Shauna McMullan, Jim Harold, Ruth Barker, Jasper Coppes, Shona Macnaughton, Duncan Marquiss, Susan Brind, Joanna Peace; project co-ordinator, Grace Johnston; documentary photographer, Tine Bek; National Trust for Scotland (NTS) Property Manager, Karen Cornfield; NTS Education Officer, Dr. Joseph Murray; NTS regional curator, Emma Inglis; curator, researcher and writer Tiffany Boyle; artist, curator and lecturer James N Hutchinson and artists and researchers Miek Zwamborn & Ruther Emmelkamp (Knockvologan Studies, Isle of Mull). The workshops were also freely accessible to the visiting public.


We assessed the importance of temperature, salinity, and predation for the size structure of zooplankton and provided insight into the future ecological structure and function of shallow lakes in a warmer climate. Artificial plants were introduced in eight comparable coastal shallow brackish lakes located at two contrasting temperatures: cold‐temperate and Mediterranean climate region. Zooplankton, fish, and macroinvertebrates were sampled within the plants and at open‐water habitats. The fish communities of these brackish lakes were characterized by small‐sized individuals, highly associated with submerged plants. Overall, higher densities of small planktivorous fish were recorded in the Mediterranean compared to the cold‐temperate region, likely reflecting temperature‐related differences as have been observed in freshwater lakes. Our results suggest that fish predation is the major control of zooplankton size structure in brackish lakes, since fish density was related to a decrease in mean body size and density of zooplankton and this was reflected in a unimodal shaped biomass‐size spectrum with dominance of small sizes and low size diversity. Salinity might play a more indirect role by shaping zooplankton communities toward more salt‐tolerant species. In a global‐warming perspective, these results suggest that changes in the trophic structure of shallow lakes in temperate regions might be expected as a result of the warmer temperatures and the potentially associated increases in salinity. The decrease in the density of large‐bodied zooplankton might reduce the grazing on phytoplankton and thus the chances of maintaining the clear water state in these ecosystems.


The aim of this research is to develop a thorough understanding of the change of ownership and property rights in the context of China in transition, with all the political and social implications that the process entails.
This study aims both to understand and challenge the basic theoretical underpinnings of conventional property rights theory, to examine what the received wisdom of the private property rights perspective offers and to discover to what extent it is applicable in the Chinese transitional context. Through an extensive literature review, this research argues that the mainstream property-rights school fails to consider the institutional and organisational context of the societies in which economic institutions operate.
This study evaluates the basic and most widely believed paradigm of institutional change - that of the Washington property rights school - and challenges it with empirical evidence. This study evaluates different models of institutional change and generates an original institutional approach to the change of property rights in the context of China-in-transition. Research for this PhD adopts an institutional methodological approach in an empirical study of the change of property rights and ownership of high-tech spin-off enterprises in China. This research is micro in approach providing a bird's - eye view of the evolution of property rights and ownership of Chinese enterprises in the context of transition through multiple case studies of high-tech spin-offs.
The research identifies the strong presence of the state associated with the evolution of high-tech spin-offs in transitional China, the process of which has also been characterised by fuzzy property rights and public entrepreneurship as two key stepping stones of development. The research findings indicate that the appropriate structure of property rights over productive assets is a dependent variable as opposed to an explanatory variable, as suggested by the property-rights school


The results of laboratory tests and geotechnical view on sands hydrophobized by alkoxysilane emulsions are presented. For the soils subjected to this process, very low permeability and no capillary elevation was observed. Laboratory tests also indicate that other physical and mechanical properties of hydrophobized sands remain nearly untouched, i.e., the considered hydrophobisation process does not reduce the strength of soils. Properly composed alkoxysilane emulsions can also solidify in pores to produce a stabilizing silicate binder. The filtration barriers in ground and soil stabilization are thus considered as possible applications of the hydrophobized soils. The process of treatment of granular soils with alkoxysilanes is neutral for the environment and the cost of implementation of the method is relatively low.


This paper argues that no good reasons have been put forward for why all the costs of investment management, both visible and hidden, should not ultimately be fully disclosed. They are after all genuine costs borne by the investor. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that hidden costs are at least as high as visible costs, if not much higher. Full transparency could be introduced in stages.


OBJECTIVE--To determine the prevalence of subclinical deficits in cognitive and motor function in low birthweight infants. DESIGN--Children of birth weight < or = 2000 g born to mothers resident in Merseyside in 1980-1 assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), the Neale analysis of reading ability, and the Stott-Moyes-Henderson test of motor impairment (TOMI). Children attending normal schools assessed with controls matched for age, sex, and class in school. Children attending special schools were assessed unmatched. SUBJECTS--233 matched index case-control pairs attending normal primary schools and 46 unmatched children attending special schools. SETTING--Primary and special schools. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--IQ score, reading age in months, and TOMI score. RESULTS: Index cases when compared with controls had a lower WISC score (mean IQ difference 8.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.8 to 10.7), a lower reading age (mean difference 6.5 months; 95% CI 4.0 to 9.0), and poorer motor performance as shown by the TOMI score (mean difference 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8). Of the children attending special schools, 23/46 (50%) had a WISC score < or = 50. CONCLUSIONS--Low birthweight children have significant subclinical deficits of cognitive and motor function and extra resources, especially in education, may be required to meet their needs.


Purpose of reviewSudden occurrence of subcutaneous or submucosal swelling, the so-called angioedema, is an established and potentially life-threatening condition. Several forms of angioedema show a great variety of tissue localizations and different underlying mechanisms such as genetic mutations, allergic reactions and nonallergic reactions exist. Unfortunately, angioedema is often unrecognized and/or incorrectly treated. To change this situation, a better understanding of angioedema and possible therapeutic approaches appears necessary. Recent findingsRecent investigations have shed new light on the pathomechanism of nonallergic drug-induced angioedema and new therapeutic options targeting the kallikrein–kinin system have become available for patients in clinical trials. Furthermore, extensive clinical evaluations of commonly used inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin system have provided reliable data on the incidence of angioedema induced by these drugs. Accordingly, several thousand patients worldwide experience severe fatal attacks although timely medical care would have saved their lives. SummaryCurrent data suggest that the nonapetide bradykinin plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of most forms of nonallergic angioedema, while histamine acts as the main biogenic mediator in allergic angioedema. Thus, correct diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Standard antiallergic drugs such as glucocorticoids and antihistamines are most probably ineffective in nonallergic angioedema forms.


The atmospheric dispersion and subsequent deposition of corn (Zea mays L.) pollen emitted from plants in two 18-m diameter plots were studied in 39 tests at Brookhaven National Laboratory to compare the spread of this large pollen to that of smaller pollens studied previously. Concentrations were measured by wind-impaction samplers mounted at four heights (0.5 to 4.6 m) and at five distances from the source on 20-degree radii. Deposition was measured by greased microscope slides on the ground. Data were analyzed in terms of current meteorological dispersion theory. Normalized centerline concentrations, crosswind integrated concentrations, plume widths and heights, and mass flux are presented as functions of distance and compared to similar data from ragweed (Ambrosia) and timothy (Phleum pratense) sources of comparable size. Normalized centerline and crosswind integrated deposition and velocity of deposition are also presented as functions of distance and are compared to ragweed and timothy pollen data. The study shows that corn pollen is not transported as far by the wind as smaller pollens, does not disperse as widely in either the horizontal or the vertical direction and settles to earth more quickly, much of it within the source itself. The dispersion of corn pollen is influenced by its large size and rapid settling rate. At 60 m from the source in the downwind direction, concentrations average about 1% of those at 1 m. Width of the pollen plume at 60 m is less than that of smaller pollens under similar conditions. The rate of settling opposes the rate of upward dispersion so that the height of the pollen plume does not increase continuously with downwind distance. At 60 m from the source concentrations integrated in the crosswind direction average from 3 to 6% of those at 1 m. The total amount of pollen remaining airborne at 60 m is 5% of that at 1 m. Total deposition within the source plot is greater than that outside. Deposition per unit area at 60 m downwind is only 0.2% of that near the source. Crosswind integrated deposition at 60 m varies from 0.5 to 0.8% of that at 1 m. The velocity of deposition at 32 m from the source averages about 33 cm/sec.


The presentation outlines the growth of family-led decision-making practice in child welfare administrations over the last 15 years and locates the development within modern social policy objectives such as the right to participate, the right to social inclusion and the pursuit of practices that support independence and promote service effectiveness. The practice philosophy is described and key contrasts are drawn with professionally led decision-making constructs. Mainstreaming the approach is impeded by an uncertain mandate for the practice, compounded by worker concerns about safety and the difficult context within which statutory social work is practiced. The family group conference is a decision model at odds with the dominant professional and managerial paradigm and is thus a challenge to current power alliances in child welfare. The presentation traverses what might need to happen if the family group conference is to become the mainstream decision model in statutory child protection


Successful housing and breeding of exotic animals or plants often requires an environment that is quite different to the ambient conditions present. The current study approached the problem of sub-optimal water temperatures experienced by Central African Bream (Tilapia) housed within a South African greenhouse during winter months. A theoretical and experimental study of fundamental heat and mass transfer processes relevant to an aquacultural greenhouse was conducted. Experimental results were generally in agreement with those of previous researchers; while evaporation tests were found to concur particularly well with an analytical equation developed. The experimental results were used to develop a simple glass greenhouse model to evaluate the expected thermal behaviour during the coldest time of the year. Manipulation of the model revealed that water has the ability to absorb large quantities of solar radiation and regulate temperature fluctuations within such a system, and that the appropriate use of thermal insulation during both the night and day can maintain acceptable water temperatures for extended periods of time. With the conclusions drawn from the experimentation and modelling done, an optimised conceptual greenhouse design was presented, along with associated guidelines and principles for attaining the required water temperatures, and consequently providing the exotic fish specie with a healthy environment.


In this work, a novel and selective polypyrrole (PPy) electropolymerized molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor (PPy-MIP) for halofuginone (HFG) determination was developed. The imprinted film was fabricated by electropolymerization of pyrrole (Py) in the presence of halofuginone (HFG) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. The electrochemical sensor exhibits a remarkable sensitivity, which might be due to the plenty of cavities for binding HFG through π–π stacking between aromatic rings and hydrogen bonds between nitrogen and oxygen-containing groups of HFG and PPy. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to characterize the constructed sensor. The effects of pH, the monomer concentration, the number of cycles for the electropolymerization, and the scan rate for the sensor preparation were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the DPV peak current was linear to the HFG concentration in the range from 7.5 × 10−9 to 1.0 × 10−5 M, with a detection limit of 2.5 × 10−9 M. The prepared sensor also showed acceptable storage stability, reproducibility and regeneration capacity. The electrochemical sensor was applied to determine HFG in chicken meat samples with satisfactory results.


PURPOSE
In this study we evaluate the short term reproducibility of Diffusion Weighted MR Imaging (DW-MRI) of the prostate by analyzing variation in ADC maps.

METHODS
14 patients with biopsy proven prostate cancer were evaluated under an IRB-approved protocol. Each patient underwent two, identical DW-MRI scans with the patient remaining on the table and only automatic shimming with tuning and matching between acquisitions. ADC maps were generated using a least squares fit. The prostate and ROIs within cancer lesions were delineated on each scan per patient by two radiologists using the b-0 images and a rigid local registration was performed using multiple radiologist-defined landmarks throughout the prostate on each of the two scans. The absolute and percentage differences in ADC per voxel were calculated. For each patient the prostate was divided into equally spaced sextants and the voxel-based variation in each sextant was compared.

RESULTS
The absolute difference in ADC per voxel within the prostate ranged from 1.13×10-9 to 1.91×10∼-3 mm2 /sec (mean and standard deviation percentage difference 10.35% ± 10.91%). The largest variation is seen in the posterior apex (mean 11.46%, median 8.02%, standard deviation 11.73%) although we were not able to demonstrate statistical significance in the difference in variation between sextants. Cancer ROIs showed a mean, median and standard deviation in ADC difference of 13.36%, 6.90% and 14.48%, respectively.

CONCLUSION
DW-MRI has strong potential to become a powerful quantitative imaging biomarker for prostate cancer. It is imperative to know the reproducibility of the imaging method when utilizing DW-MRI in the clinic or developing new approaches for its use. Our data demonstrates that ADC variation within the prostate is modest, on the order of 10%, similar to other abdominal tissues, and the variation appears to be highest in the apex region of the prostate.


A newly identified subclass of the heterotrimeric GTP binding regulatory protein family, Gq, has been found to be expressed in a diverse range of cell types. We investigated the potential role of this protein in growth factor signal transduction pathways and its potential relationship to the function of other G alpha subclasses. Recent biochemical studies have suggested that Gq regulates the beta 1 isozyme of phospholipase C (PLC beta 1), an effector for some growth factors. By microinjection of inhibitory antibodies specific to distinct G alpha subunits into living cells, we have determined that G alpha q transduces bradykinin- and thrombin-stimulated intracellular calcium transients which are likely to be mediated by PLC beta 1. Moreover, we found that G alpha q function is required for the mitogenic action of both of these growth factors. These results indicate that both thrombin and bradykinin utilize Gq to couple to increases in intracellular calcium, and that Gq is a necessary component of the mitogenic action of these factors. While microinjection of antibodies against G alpha i2 did not abolish calcium transients stimulated by either of these factors, such microinjection prevented DNA synthesis in response to thrombin but not to bradykinin. These data suggest that thrombin- induced mitogenesis requires both Gq and Gi2, whereas bradykinin needs only the former. Thus, different growth factors operating upon the same cell type use overlapping yet distinct sets of G alpha subtypes in mitogenic signal transduction pathways. The direct identification of the coupling of both a pertussis toxin sensitive and insensitive G protein subtype in the mitogenic pathways utilized by thrombin offers an in vivo biochemical clarification of previous results obtained by pharmacologic studies.


Progress in classification of Chelicerata has been thwarted especially by two factors, viz., the concept of mites as one monophyletic group, and the opinion that this group consists of species with a highly modified plan of construction and without any trace of true segmentation. The only characters which are generally shared by all groups of mites refer to the presence of a gnathosoma (i.e. the cone-shaped, movable structure comprizing the mouthparts), and the occurrence of a larva with only three pairs of legs (the last-mentioned character is also found in Ricinulei). A comparative morphological study of the gnathosoma (Van der Hammen, 1970b, 1972) has, however, demonstrated that two fundamentally different types can be distinguished, which must be the result of parallel evolution. Two groups of mites (Actinotrichida and Anactinotrichida) are now distinguished, each characterized by a great number of special characters, for instance, with reference to chaetotaxy, sternal structure, leg segmentation, respiratory organs, etc. (Van der Hammen, 1972: 275-277). In each of the two groups, very primitive, segmented representatives are known (Van der Hammen, 1966, 1969, 1970a), some of which can be characterized as living fossils and which are very important for our knowledge of primitive Chelicerata. The two groups of mites differ in their affinities with other groups of Chelicerata. Because of this, a revaluation of chelicerate affinities, and a new study of phylogeny and classification were indispensable. It might be useful to recall in this connection that, according to recent investigations by Mrs. Manton (1972, 1973) and Anderson (1973), Arthropods do not constitute a monophyletic group. On the contrary, at least three phyla should now be distinguished, viz., Crustacea, Chelicerata and


The interactions of insects and fire on the health and restoration of longleaf pines in Louisiana were investigated. Insects found to be economically and ecologically important were considered, primarily bark beetles and weevils. First, insect populations in an area of fire exclusion of the Palustris Experimental Forest within the Kisatchie National Forest were quantified using baited flight intercept and pitfall traps. The possible influence of temperature and precipitation on insect abundance also was studied. Insects were most abundant during March and April and with correlating temperatures from 10 – 20 °C. Precipitation was not found to have an effect on insect abundance. Second, the roles of fire and insects and tree health were examined. As an indicator of tree health, 24-hour resin production was sampled from trees in the study area. Insects responded differentially to prescribed fire by season and feeding guild. Dormant season burns attracted significantly more root feeding than bark feeding insects. Growing season burns attracted significantly fewer insects than dormant season burns. Last, a portable propane burner was utilized to conduct semi-controlled burning of trees, simulating dormant and growing season burns of long and short duration of low and high intensity, respectively. Trees subjected to non-traditional prescriptions (high intensity dormant season fires and low intensity growing season fires) produced significantly less resin than trees burned under traditional prescriptions (low intensity dormant season fires and high intensity growing season fires). Overall, my research indicated that longleaf pine should be managed with prescribed burning during the growing season for stand maintenance. Growing season burns minimize


The endocannabinoid system is an endogenous signaling system which acts in the regulation of energetic homeostasis and of the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and in many another mechanism. CB1 receptor, one of the receptors involved in the endocannabinoid system, belongs to a superfamily of G-protein activated receptors, was shown to be an effective target to develop drugs with a therapeutic action on obesity rationally. Rimonabant is the first antagonist of this receptor drawn up to treat obesity. Furthermore, several other cannabinoid-1 receptor blockers have been planned to deal with this and other conditions such as schizophrenia, type II diabetes, alcoholism, smoking and Alzheimer's disease. However, many studies have been demonstrating the most frequent spontaneous reports of depression and fatal and non-fatal behavior. Despite some beneficial properties of CB1 receptors antagonist, also some disadvantages may be considered and the scientific community still needs to have caution.


Classics in Game Theory assembles in one sourcebook the basic contributions to the field that followed on the publication of Theory of Games and Economic Behavior by John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern (Princeton, 1944). The theory of games, first given a rigorous formulation by von Neumann in a in 1928, is a subfield of mathematics and economics that models situations in which individuals compete and cooperate with each other. In the "heroic era" of research that began in the late 1940s, the foundations of the current theory were laid; it is these fundamental contributions that are collected in this volume. In the last fifteen years, game theory has become the dominant model in economic theory and has made significant contributions to political science, biology, and international security studies. The central role of game theory in economic theory was recognized by the award of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science in 1994 to the pioneering game theorists John C. Harsanyi, John Nash, and Reinhard Selten. The fundamental works for which they were honored are all included in this volume.Harold Kuhn, himself a major contributor to game theory for his reformulation of extensive games, has chosen eighteen essays that constitute the core of game theory as it exists today. Drawn from a variety of sources, they will be an invaluable tool for researchers in game theory and for a broad group of students of economics, political science, and biology.


In a diverse design practice such as Perkins+Will, we have found recent trends in interior design that reach across market sectors that appear to link aspects of environmental design to improvements in productivity, health and learning capacity. Several common attributes or trends are found to occur in all project types, regardless of the particular functionalities of the spaces under consideration. Are there actually metrics that will link these attributes to improved performance or health? Does research within any particular market sector relating to the discrete parameters for success within that project type support the importance of these attributes in a high performance interior?


This paper presents an adjustment-based modeling framework for timing analysis under variability. Instead of building a complex model (such as polynomial one) directly between the circuit timing and parameter variability, we propose to build a model that adjusts an approximate variation-aware timing into an accurate one. The idea is that it is easier to build a model that adjusts an approximate estimate into an accurate one. In addition, it is more efficient to obtain an approximate circuit timing model. The combination of these two observations makes the use of an adjustment-based model a better choice for statistical static timing analysis with high dimension of parameter variability (e.g., at sign-off stage). It can also be used at the postsilicon stage to predict the circuit timing from a smaller subcircuit. To build the adjustment model, we use a simulation-driven approach based on Gaussian Process. Combined with the intelligent sampling, we show that an adjustment-based model can more effectively capture the nonlinearity of the circuit timing with respect to parameter variability compared to polynomial models. Simulation results show that with 42 independent device and interconnect parameter variations, our proposed adjustment-based model obtained using 200 circuit timing samples can achieve much higher accuracy than quadratic model obtained using 2000 samples.


In the current contribution, we discuss the application and potential of the versatile para-fluoro-thiol reaction in the context of synthesis and modification of polymers and materials made thereof. General reaction parameters such as solvent, temperature, and activator are reviewed. In addition, orthogonality towards some important ligation methods is examined. A brief description of the applications in which the PFTR was employed is finally provided. We postulate that the PFTR will come to be increasingly considered as a powerful complement to well-established coupling methodologies, due to the generally high selectivity of pentafluorophenyl moieties towards thiols under mild, metal-free conditions.


An acoustic target sensor and ranging system automatically detects military targets and provides a munition firing signal at the appropriate target position and time. An amplitude-doppler circuit is utilized to predict the time of closest approach to a munition by a target by measuring the time interval between zero crossings of the second and third derivatives of the received acoustic wave amplitude function. The circuit produces a firing signal by logically ANDing the closest point of approach signal it develops with a signal that indicates when target range is within specified limits. The circuit is realized by means of conventional electronic zero crossing detectors, an up-down counter, dividers, sample and hold devices and voltage comparators. The acoustic target signal is obtained from an omni-directional microphone the output of which is amplified and rectified.


We introduce and discuss two novel second-order consensus networks with state-dependent couplings of Cucker-Smale type. The first scheme models flocking to synchronization over a network of agents where the alignment of the agent's states occurs over a non-trivial limit orbit that is generated by the internal dynamics of each individual agent. The second scheme models the speed alignment of a group of agents which avoid approaching each other closer than a prescribed distance. While seemingly different, both of these systems can be analyzed using the same mathematical methods. We rigorously analyze both examples and reveal their striking similarities. We arrive at sufficient conditions that relate the initial configurations and the systems' parameters that give rise to a collective common behavior. Simulation examples are presented to support our theoretical conclusions.


: »Einige Bemerkungen zur Modellierung aus der Sicht der Informatik«. One of the basic tasks of computer science is to rewrite models derived from other scientific disciplines so that they can be represented and processed on computers. If such a reconstruction process is only partially successful or fails entirely, the modification of the initial model becomes an interdisciplinary research task. The modelling task is to be seen as an application of knowledge representation and processing. We distinguish between aiming at models of something or models for some purpose. Modelling of given domains starts with the construction of a formal ontology. To support issues such as modularity and interoperability, in particular in a web-based environment, the idea of reference ontologies came up. For object-based research in the humanities, the Conceptual Reference Model (CRM) by ICOM/CIDOC is such a reference ontology which has become an ISO standard.


We demonstrate a dual-operation-mode liquid crystal (LC) lens, which is fabricated with the silica nanoparticle-doped (SND) hybrid-aligned nematic (HAN) LC cell. With AC voltage, the cell behaves as a conventional LC lens. The response time of the SND HAN LC lens is faster than that of the conventional LC lens, which is fabricated using the pristine HAN LC cell. This is because that the doped silica nanoparticles may decrease the dielectric relaxation time constant of the cell. The addition of the silica nanoparticles also increases the viscosity of the LC host, suppresses the backflow motion of the LCs and then decreases the response time of the SND LC lens. With DC voltage, the electrophoretic motion of the doped silica nanoparticles and the agglomerate silica networks on the substrate surface cause the SND HAN LC cell to function as a bistable LC lens.


Objective Do differences in neurological assessments exists in a cohort of intercollegiate soccer players with varied concussion histories after an acute bout of soccer heading? Design Pre-posttest. Setting Soccer turf field and clinic. Participants 67 female collegiate soccer athletes (age=19.1 ± 0.9 yr.; mass=60.5 ± 5.0 kg; height=165.3 ± 5.9 cm). Based on their concussion history subjects were assigned to either the control/simulated heading [G1-17], control/heading [G2-22] 1–2 previous concussion/heading [G3-19], and 3 or more concussion/heading [G4-9] groups. Interventions Concussion symptoms (SX), BESS errors, ImPACT NP test scores were derived prior to and immediately after a bout of heading (15 total headers/15 minutes @ 12 m/s). Subjects returned to the clinic for post-testing immediately after heading. Outcome measures SX, BESS and NP scores pre and post ROT and LIN heading. Main results G3 (3.9±4.4) and G4 (5.1±6.0) demonstrated higher SX pre-heading compared to G1 (1.9±2.4) and G2 (3.2±3.7). Excluding G1, all groups showed elevated SX post-heading. There was a significant (p=.05) time by group interaction for SX whereby SX in G4 (7.8±7.1; 95% CI=4.9 – 10.7) were significantly (p=0.03) higher post-heading than G1 (2.0±2.5; 95% CI=−0.02 – 4.2). Conclusions Subjects in G4 had elevated SX at baseline, and those SX appear to be greatly exaggerated immediately following an acute bout of heading. Clinicians should carefully monitor soccer players who have experienced multiple concussions and be cognizant that they may develop concussion-like symptoms, especially after acute bouts of heading. Limitations in soccer heading should also be considered for this group of soccer athletes. Competing interests None.


There are a large class of problems, from search and rescue to environmental monitoring, that can benefit from teams of mobile robots in environments where there is no existing infrastructure for inter-agent communication. We seek to address the problems necessary for a team of small, low-power, low-cost robots to deploy in such a way that they can dynamically provide their own multi-hop communication network. To do so, we formulate a situational awareness problem statement that specifies both the physical task and end-toend communication rates that must be maintained. In pursuit of a solution to this problem, we address topics ranging from the modeling of point-to-point wireless communication to mobility control for connectivity maintenance. Since our focus is on developing solutions to these problems that can be experimentally verified, we also detail the design and implantation of a decentralized testbed for multi-robot research. Experiments on this testbed allow us to determine data-driven models for point-to-point wireless channel prediction, test relative signal-strength-based localization methods, and to verify that our algorithms for mobility control maintain the desired instantaneous rates when routing through the wireless network. The tools we develop are integral to the fielding of teams of robots with robust wireless network capabilities. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Electrical & Systems Engineering First Advisor Vijay Kumar


BACKGROUND Asthma outbreaks due to the inhalation of soybean dust released from handling of soybean in the city harbour occurred in Barcelona, Spain from 1981 to 1987. The installation of bag filters in the responsible silo was followed by a substantial reduction of airborne soybean dust released into the atmosphere and the disappearance of asthma outbreaks. A study was undertaken to assess the relevant outcomes in asthma patients affected by soybean epidemic asthma eight years after this environmental intervention. METHODS A repeat case-control study was performed in 1995 on a population of subjects with epidemic and non-epidemic asthma previously assessed in 1989. The same protocol was used in both surveys to collect data from patients via a questionnaire and respiratory function, skin and laboratory tests were performed under blinded conditions with regard to epidemic and non-epidemic status. Environmental soybean allergen in pollution filters was measured by means of a RAST inhibition technique. RESULTS During 1995 and 1996 the 24 hour mean airborne levels of soybean allergen on a sample of 39 unloading days (range 31–269 U/m3) were systematically below the lowest level ever detected during an epidemic day (1500 U/m3). Measurable levels of serum IgE antibodies against soybean were still present in 55% of patients with epidemic asthma compared with 6.0% of those with non-epidemic asthma (p<0.05). These proportions were almost identical to those observed in 1989. The proportion of patients with soybean asthma with symptoms in 1989 who reported the absence of symptoms in 1995 was similar to the control subjects, so most of the relative risks (RRs) of improvement were near to 1. The only statistically significant differences between the two groups were a smaller proportion of patients with epidemic asthma showing improvement in terms of being woken up by attacks of coughing (RR improvement 0.47; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.99) and the need for treatment at the emergency room (RR improvement 0.63; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.96). CONCLUSIONS Eight years after a large reduction in the levels of airborne soybean allergen half of the former soybean epidemic asthma patients were still sensitised to soybean. These results indicate an initial improvement in soybean epidemic asthma in the two years following the intervention with no further improvement in subsequent years.


The HAPEX-MOBILHY (Hydrologic-Atmospheric Pilot Experiment - Modelisation du Bilan Hydrique) regional evapotranspiration experiment was conducted in the south-west of France during the spring and summer of 1986. The measurement systems included: a) neutron probe monitoring of soil moisture content; b) energy balance stations; c) masts to measure profiles of humidity, temperature and wind; d) Bowen ration station; e) eddy correlation station above a forest canopy; f) weighing lysimeter; g) atmospheric soundings with balloons for temperature, humidity and pressure profiles; h) stream gaging and water table monitoring; i) aircraft equipment with remote sensing instrumentation; j) aircraft equipped with water vapor flux measuring instrumentation; and k) LANDSAT and SPOT satellites. This paper focuses on the ground-based measurement systems and the differences in time and spatial scales involved. A description of measurement techniques and comparisons of results for particular systems are given.


Dempster–Shafer data fusion can enhance travel time estimation for motorists and traffic managers. In this paper, travel time data from inductive loop road sensors and toll collection stations are merged through Dempster–Shafer inference to generate an improved estimate of travel time. The technique captures travel time data from the two sources and combines them by using Dempster's rule and belief values (also called probability mass) calculated from a confusion matrix. The most probable travel time over the monitored road section is selected as that with the largest belief. A case study is provided to illustrate application of the fusion technique with data gathered on winter Saturdays for 2 years: 2003 data are used to compute the confusion matrices and belief values, and 2004 data are used for validation.


Security is still a major concern in Cloud computing, especially the detection of nefarious use or abuse of cloud instances. One reason for this, is the ever-growing complexity and dynamic of the underlying system design and architecture. To be able to detect misuse of cloud instances, this work presents an anomaly detection system for Infrastructure as a Service Clouds. It is based on Cloud customers' usage behaviour analysis. Neural networks are used to analyse and learn the normal usage behaviour of Cloud customers, to then detect anomalies which could originate from a cloud security incident caused by an overtaken virtual machine. It increases transparency for Cloud customers about the security of their Cloud instances and supports the Cloud provider to detect misuse of their infrastructure. A simulation environment and an anomaly detection prototype get presented. Experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed system.


The discovery of hypothalamic hormones was briefly reviewed. The development of new hormonal methods for the therapy of various cancers based on analogues of hypothalmic hormones is then presented. My group isolated luteininzing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), also known as Gn-RH, from pig hypothalmi, elucidated its amino acid sequence, and synthesized it in 1971. The interest in medical applications of LH-RH led to the synthesis of LH-RH analogues by various groups. LH-RH agonists substituted in positions 6 or 10 including Decapeptyl, Leuprolide and Zoladex are much more active than LH-RH and on continuous administration produce inhibition of pituitary and gonads. Chronic administration of LH-RH agonists is being utilized for the treatment of prostate and breast cancer. Octapeptide analogues of somatostatin have various applications in Oncology. In 1980 we developed a new endocrine therapy for advanced prostate cancer based on agonists of LH-RH, which is now preferred by 70-90% of prostate cancer patients for primary treatment. LH-RH antagonists such as Cetrorelix can be used for therapy of BPH. On the basis of the presence of specific receptors for hypothalamic peptides on human cancers, we developed targeted cytotoxic analogues of LH-RH, somatostatin, and bombesin/GRP linked to doxorubicin or 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin. These analogues inhibit the growth of experimental human prostate, breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer, renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic, colorectal and gastric cancers, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-SCLC, brain tumors, melanomas, and lymphomas. Cytotoxic LH-RH analogues are now in clinical trials. Recently we demonstrated that growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) also serves as an autocrine growth factor in many cancers. Antagonistic analogues of GH-RH synthesized in our laboratory inhibit the growth of diverse tumors. The discovery of LH-RH and somatostatin has led to clinical use of their analogues in the field of cancer treatment and GH-RH antagonists also show a great promise.


Widespread school closures occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because closures are costly and damaging, many jurisdictions have since reopened schools with control measures in place. Early evidence indicated that schools were low risk and children were unlikely to be very infectious, but it is becoming clear that children and youth can acquire and transmit COVID-19 in school settings and that transmission clusters and outbreaks can be large. We describe the contrasting literature on school transmission, and argue that the apparent discrepancy can be reconciled by heterogeneity, or "overdispersion" in transmission, with many exposures yielding little to no risk of onward transmission, but some unfortunate exposures causing sizeable onward transmission. In addition, respiratory viral loads are as high in children and youth as in adults, pre- and asymptomatic transmission occur, and the possibility of aerosol transmission has been established. We use a stochastic individual-based model to find the implications of these combined observations for cluster sizes and control measures. We consider both individual and environment/activity contributions to the transmission rate, as both are known to contribute to variability in transmission. We find that even small heterogeneities in these contributions result in highly variable transmission cluster sizes in the classroom setting, with clusters ranging from 1 to 20 individuals in a class of 25. None of the mitigation protocols we modeled, initiated by a positive test in a symptomatic individual, are able to prevent large transmission clusters unless the transmission rate is low (in which case large clusters do not occur in any case). Among the measures we modeled, only rapid universal monitoring (for example by regular, onsite, pooled testing) accomplished this prevention. We suggest approaches and the rationale for mitigating these larger clusters, even if they are expected to be rare.


Rapid change in higher education (HE) has lead to a reappraisal and debate about the role and 'mission' of the university and the university teacher. In the diversification of the HE sector, it is possible to see a shift away from the 'advancement of knowledge' as the primary purpose of the HE sector as a whole. This article focuses on a particular dimension of this change referred to as the 'vocationalisation' of HE and evident in the growing role of work-based learning (WBL) in the academy. In particular, foundation degrees provide a context for examining the role of WBL and the university in professional development. Analysis of interviews with 19 students on, or progressing from a foundation degree for teaching assistants reveals how they construct their learning and the relationship between work-based and academic learning. The author concludes that notions of 'equivalence' between work-based and academic learning are flawed and fail to recognise HE's distinctive contribution to professional learning, and argues for recognition of the distinctive contributions that both WBL and 'academic' learning make to professional development.


This paper examines how the understanding of the prospectivity of the Liberia-Sierra Leone Basin has developed over the last 40 years largely due to improvements in seismic data over this period. A series of basins developed between major transform fault zones associated with the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean from the early Cretaceous onward. The Liberia-Sierra Leone Basin forms part of the West African Transform Margin that extends from Sierra Leone to Benin. Early hydrocarbon exploration (1972–1985) was targeted at shelfal structural synrift traps of Lower Cretaceous age. None of the wells drilled in this period was regarded as a discovery. In 2001, a new regional 2D seismic survey allowed a new play, deepwater Upper Cretaceous channel fans, to be identified. More recent 3D seismic using the latest data acquisition and processing technologies, including AVO, has enabled drillable prospects to be identified. Wells drilled in 2009–2010 offshore Sierra Leone have established that a working hydrocarbo...


In this work we combine two distinct machine learning methodologies, sequential Monte Carlo and Bayesian experimental design, and apply them to the problem of inferring the dynamical parameters of a quantum system. We design the algorithm with practicality in mind by including parameters that control trade-offs between the requirements on computational and experimental resources. The algorithm can be implemented online (during experimental data collection), avoiding the need for storage and post-processing. Most importantly, our algorithm is capable of learning Hamiltonian parameters even when the parameters change from experiment-to-experiment, and also when additional noise processes are present and unknown. The algorithm also numerically estimates the Cramer–Rao lower bound, certifying its own performance.


Editor's Note: The issue of recruiting and retaining child welfare workers is important to APHSA members. As a result, the APHSA Board of Directors has convened a task force to address the issue. Under the direction of APHSA's Board Task Forte on Human Services Workforce Preparation, Recruitment, and Retention, APHSA staff has formed a partnership with the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) and the Alliance for Children and Families to gather data about the scope and nature of workforce problems in child welfare agencies. Using a common questionnaire, the three organizations surveyed their public members (APHSA) and private members (CWLA and the Alliance) in late 2000. APHSA's preliminary findings are expected to be presented at APHSA's spring meeting of the National Council of State Human Service Administrators in Bethesda, Maryland. Child welfare agencies throughout the United States are challenged to recruit and retain competent staff (Alwon & Reitz, 2000). Frontline staff and supervisors need knowledge and skills to deal with the complexities of child welfare practice--working with children and families who have multiple problems; dealing with multiple systems, including the courts, mental health, schools, and substance abuse providers; and providing a range of direct counseling, therapeutic, and case management services. The need for well-trained, competent staff who will remain on the job for a reasonable period of time is further reinforced by efforts to implement the provisions of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997. ASFA places renewed emphasis on staff abilities. Staff need to work "quicker" and "smarter" to ensure timely decision-making and to address safety, permanence, and well-being for each child who enters the child welfare system. They need to have the value base and ethical standards to effectively implement such practices as concurrent planning and family group decision-making. With more than one-half of the states involved in child welfare class action lawsuits, a frequent antidote is to require that child welfare staff have better training (Jenkins, 1994). For example, to settle a long-standing class action lawsuit in Illinois, the Department of Children and Family Services sought accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children (COA) for its public agency and all its private providers. Under COA standards, all child welfare supervisors must have a graduate degree in social work or a related field. To meet this standard, the state sent more than 140 supervisors to graduate school to get their master's in social work. As further evidence of the need for competent staff, research on child welfare practice also indicates that agencies may encounter the following benefits if they hire staff with social work degrees: * Agencies have lower rates of turnover if some positions require a graduate degree in social work; * Staff with undergraduate and graduate social work degrees are better able to make permanency plans for children who are in foster care for at least two years (Albers, Rittner & Reilly, 1993); * Staff with graduate social work degrees are better able to deal with the complexity of problems faced in child welfare practice; and * Staff with social work degrees are rated higher on quality assurance measures (Dhooper, Royse & Wolfe, 1990). Reconnecting Social Work Education and Child Welfare To meet policy and judicial demands and to improve practice, child welfare agencies at the state and local levels have reconnected with social work education programs to * Develop staff training strategies for current staff, * Encourage social work students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to pursue careers in child welfare, * Provide opportunities for current child welfare staff to return to school to get graduate social work degrees, and * Undertake collaborative research, program development, evaluation, and planning efforts. …


Our present theory for the elemental particles in nature, the Standard Model, consists of 6 leptons and 6 quarks, plus the 4 bosons which mediate the electromagnetic, weak, and strong forces. The theory has several free parameters which must be constrained by experiment before it is entirely predictive. In Nature quarks never appear alone; only bound states of strongly coupled valence quarks (and/or anti-quarks) are detected. Consequently, the parameters governing quark flavor mixing are difficult to constrain by experiment, which measures properties of the bound states. Numerical simulations are needed to connect the theory of how quarks and gluons interact, quantum chromodynamics (formulated on a spacetime lattice), to the physically observed properties. Recent theory innovations and computer developments have allowed us finally to do lattice QCD simulations with realistic parameters. This paper describes the exciting progress using lattice QCD simulations to determine fundamental parameters of the Standard Model.


In recent years, as pressures for accountability have increased in higher education, some members of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) community may worry that the inquiry-based, improvement-focused practices they advocate could be put at risk by easy-to-administer, one-size-fits-all forms of assessment, quality assurance, and administrative control. But while acknowledging both real and perceived tensions between these two movements, we also examine some of the ways and settings in which they are converging, featuring a number of international examples in which external quality and assessment mandates have been employed to support SoTL-like work. We look, too, at the roles that scholars of teaching and learning can play as mediators and brokers between the two movements, helping to translate accountability requirements into opportunities for improvement. In short we argue that these two movements present opportunities for each other. SoTL can contribute to what is, or should be, the central goal of accountability: ensuring and improving the quality of student learning. The accountability movement, for its part, can provide a new context for integrating and valuing SoTL as a force for positive change on campuses and beyond. Taken together, the two approaches can make meaningful contributions to higher learning today. The paper concludes with recommendations to the SoTL community for building bridges between the two movements.


We study and solve the ground-state problem of a microscopic model for a family of orbitally degenerate quantum magnets. The orbital degrees of freedom are assumed to have a directional character and are represented by static Potts-like variables. In the limit of vanishing Hund's coupling, the ground-state manifold of such a model is spanned by the hard-core dimer (spin singlet) coverings of the lattice. The extensive degeneracy of dimer coverings is lifted at a finite Hund's coupling through an order-out-of-disorder mechanism by virtual triplet excitations. The relevance of our results to several experimentally studied systems is discussed.