A machine for building ribosomes The ribosome is a very large protein and RNA complex responsible for the difficult process of synthesizing proteins. Construction of the ribosome itself involves several molecular machines and an army of helper proteins and RNAs. Chaker-Margot et al. determined the structure of one of those machines, the yeast small subunit processome. The structure reveals how the processome helps in the maturation of individual domains of the ribosome and suggests that the mechanism involves a molecular motor to drive conformational changes. Science, this issue p. 10.1126/science.aal1880 The structure of one of the molecular machines that helps build the ribosome reveals how it partitions ribosomal RNA domains. INTRODUCTION The eukaryotic ribosome is assembled through an intricate process that involves in excess of 250 nonribosomal proteins and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) that later gives rise to the small ribosomal subunit is initially transcribed as a long precursor, the 35S pre-rRNA, which also contains a 5′ external transcribed spacer (5′ ETS). Ribosome biogenesis factors assemble cotranscriptionally on nascent pre-rRNA and coordinate the folding and cleavage of the 35S pre-rRNA, forming large terminal knobs, which can be observed in Miller spreads. The identity of these large terminal structures, referred to as small and large subunit processomes, remained elusive for decades. Recent studies revealed that the small subunit (SSU) processome is a large ribonucleoprotein particle composed of approximately 70 nonribosomal proteins, pre-rRNA, and the U3 snoRNA. It organizes the assembly of the eukaryotic small ribosomal subunit at the early stages by coordinating the folding and modification of nascent pre-rRNA. In addition, the SSU processome facilitates the cleavage of the precursor RNA at distinct sites in the 5′ ETS (A0 and A1) and the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1; A2) to give rise to the mature SSU. RATIONALE For decades, a lack of structural information has precluded a mechanistic understanding of early ribosome biogenesis. Mean- while, important genetic and biochemical insights into eukaryotic ribosome assembly have been obtained by using the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To bridge this gap of knowledge, we sought to determine the structure of the SSU processome from S. cerevisiae in order to elucidate the architecture of the functional core of this particle. RESULTS Here, we present the cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the yeast SSU processome at 5.1-Å resolution. We describe the organization of the 5′ ETS and its role, together with the U3 snoRNA, in providing a structural blueprint for the entire particle. This very 5′ end of the pre-rRNA folds into several helices that coordinate the recruitment of large ribosome biogenesis complexes, such as UtpA and UtpB, to the SSU processome. UtpA, UtpB, and the U3 snoRNA, which pairs at two sites with the base 5′ ETS, bridge the A0-cleaved 5′ ETS with the 18S precursor RNA. In conjunction with many other essential ribosome biogenesis factors, this structure forms an intertwined RNA-protein assembly platform for the 18S rRNA. This platform guarantees the spatial segregation of 18S rRNA domains, facilitating the recruitment of enzymes and other assembly factors required for their maturation. Several large helical repeat proteins mediate long-range interactions between distant domains of the SSU processome. We discovered structural similarities between the subcomplexes UtpA and UtpB, such as a conserved helical tetramerization domain, that suggest that these complexes share a common evolutionary origin. The strategic placement of the 135-kDa guanosine triphosphatase Bms1 at the center of the particle near long architectural helices suggests a mechanism for mediating conformational changes within this giant particle. These motions could facilitate subsequent cleavage reactions and rearrangements required in the maturation of the small ribosomal subunit. CONCLUSION The architecture of the yeast SSU processome allows us to rationalize a wealth of biochemical and genetic data available for the model organism S. cerevisiae. Most notably, it sheds light on the central role of the 5′ ETS and the U3 snoRNA in initiating and organizing SSU processome assembly. In addition, the structural information allows us to contextualize biochemical data on SSU processome assembly as a function of transcription. Proteins that bind within the 5′ ETS are located at the base of the SSU processome structure, whereas factors associated with 18S rRNA domains form the core of the particle. Last, proteins recruited only after 18S rRNA completion form the outer tier of the structure. This study provides an improved structural framework for a mechanistic understanding of eukaryotic ribosome assembly in S. cerevisiae. Targeted functional studies will now be possible to further elucidate the individual roles of many ribosome assembly factors in the model organism for ribosome biogenesis. Architecture of the S. cerevisiae SSU processome. Front view of the segmented cryo-EM density map of the complete particle, with color-coded protein and RNA elements (left), and an outline of a 10-Å low-pass filtered map, with only RNA elements shown in full color (right). The small subunit (SSU) processome, a large ribonucleoprotein particle, organizes the assembly of the eukaryotic small ribosomal subunit by coordinating the folding, cleavage, and modification of nascent pre–ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Here, we present the cryo–electron microscopy structure of the yeast SSU processome at 5.1-angstrom resolution. The structure reveals how large ribosome biogenesis complexes assist the 5′ external transcribed spacer and U3 small nucleolar RNA in providing an intertwined RNA-protein assembly platform for the separate maturation of 18S rRNA domains. The strategic placement of a molecular motor at the center of the particle further suggests a mechanism for mediating conformational changes within this giant particle. This study provides a structural framework for a mechanistic understanding of eukaryotic ribosome assembly in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae.


The effect of elevated pCO2 on the metabolism of a coral reef community dominated by macroalgae has been investigated utilizing the large 2650 m3 coral reef mesocosm at the Biosphere‐2 facility near Tucson, Arizona. The carbonate chemistry of the water was manipulated to simulate present‐day and a doubled CO2 future condition. Each experiment consisted of a 1–2 month preconditioning period followed by a 7–9 day observational period. The pCO2 was 404 ± 63 μatm during the present‐day pCO2 experiment and 658 ± 59 μatm during the elevated pCO2 experiment. Nutrient levels were low and typical of natural reefs waters (NO3− 0.5–0.9 μM, NH4+ 0.4 μM, PO43− 0.07–0.09 μM). The temperature and salinity of the water were held constant at 26.5 ± 0.2°C and 34.4 ± 0.2 ppt. Photosynthetically available irradiance was 10 ± 2 during the present‐day experiment and 7.4 ± 0.5 mol photons m−2 d−1 during the elevated pCO2 experiment. The primary producer biomass in the mesocosm was dominated by four species of macroalgae; Haptilon cubense, Amphiroa fragillisima, Gelidiopsis intricata and Chondria dasyphylla. Algal biomass was 10.4 mol C m−2 during the present‐day and 8.7 mol C m−2 and during the elevated pCO2 experiments. As previously observed, the increase in pCO2 resulted in a decrease in calcification from 0.041 ± 0.007 to 0.006 ± 0.003 mol CaCO3 m−2 d−1. Net community production (NCP) and dark respiration did not change in response to elevated pCO2. Light respiration measured by a new radiocarbon isotope dilution method exceeded dark respiration by a factor of 1.2 ± 0.3 to 2.1 ± 0.4 on a daily basis and by 2.2 ± 0.6 to 3.9 ± 0.8 on an hourly basis. The 1.8‐fold increase with increasing pCO2 indicates that the enhanced respiration in the light was not due to photorespiration. Gross production (GPP) computed as the sum of NCP plus daily respiration (light + dark) increased significantly (0.24 ± 0.03 vs. 0.32 ± 0.04 mol C m−2 d−1). However, the conventional calculation of GPP based on the assumption that respiration in the light proceeds at the same rate as the dark underestimated the true rate of GPP by 41–100% and completely missed the increased rate of carbon cycling due to elevated pCO2. We conclude that under natural, undisturbed, nutrient‐limited conditions elevated CO2 depresses calcification, stimulates the rate of turnover of organic carbon, particularly in the light, but has no effect on net organic production. The hypothesis that an increase pCO2 would produce an increase in net production that would counterbalance the effect of decreasing saturation state on calcification is not supported by these data.


North Eastern Ethiopia is a major sorghum-growing region. A total of 415 sorghum landraces were sampled to represent the range of agro-ecologies (three altitude ranges) as well as spatial heterogeneity, that is, 4 zones: North Welo, South Welo, Oromiya and North Shewa with each zone containing 2 to 5 districts. The landraces were genotyped with simple sequence repeats (SSR) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. High genetic diversity was observed among the landraces for both marker systems. STRUCTURE analysis revealed 4 clusters of genetically differentiated groups of landraces. Cluster analysis revealed a close relationship between landraces along geographic proximity with genetic distance between landraces increasing with an increase in geographic distance. The grouping of landraces based on districts was influenced by clinal trend and geographic proximity. The F ST statistics showed significant geographic differentiation among landraces at various levels of predefined geographic origin but a large portion of the variation was among landraces within rather than between predefined populations. The landraces from North Shewa were predominantly in one cluster, and landraces from this area also exhibited the greatest allelic diversity and the highest number of private alleles. There was low variation among the highland Zengada landraces, but these landraces were quite strongly differentiated and fell into one population cluster. The low to moderate genetic differentiation between landraces from various geographic origins could be attributed to gene flow across the region as a consequence of seed exchange among farmers. Keywords: Differentiation, diversity, landraces, simple sequence repeats (SSR), sorghum


This paper analyzes the complex effects and risks of social protection programmes in Ghana and Kenya on poor people's human wellbeing, voice and empowerment and interactions with the social protection regulatory framework and policy instruments. For this purpose, it adopts a comprehensive Inclusive Development framework to systematically explore the complex effects of cash transfers and health insurance at the individual, household and community level. The findings highlight the positive provisionary and preventive effects of social protection, but also illustrate that the poorest are still excluded and that promotive effects, in the form of enhanced productivity, manifest themselves mainly for the people who are less resource poor. They can build more effectively upon an existing asset base, capabilities, power and social relations to counter the exclusionary mechanisms of the system, address inequity concerns and offset the transaction costs of accessing and benefitting from social protection. The inclusive development framework enables to lay these complex effects and interactions bear, and points to areas that require more longitudinal and mixed methodology research.


Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been synthesized by a facile green method, in which the nanoparticles are yielded in just a few minutes with long-term stability. Silver ions are reduced by means of Abrus precatorius leaf extract (LE), which acts as both reductant and stabilizer concurrently for Ag NPs preparation. The bio-reduced Ag NPs were appropriately characterized. The colorless reaction mixture turned yellow and displayed UV–Vis spectra with surface plasmon resonance at 420 nm typical for Ag NPs. The crystalline nature of NPs was evidenced by both XRD and SAED patterns. The results demonstrate the formation of crystalline Ag NPs with fcc structure having an average crystallite size of 12 nm from XRD profile. Obtained Ag NPs exhibited photoluminescence with Ex of 370 nm. Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the role of different functional groups in the Ag NPs formation. Antimicrobial activity was carried out against different test pathogens, in which more inhibitory activity was showed towards Pseudomonas spp. and Penicillium spp. with respect to antibacterial and antifungal properties.


Procedures to estimate low flow statistics at ungauged sites and their relation to hydrogeology are presented. The discussion is based on an example of a Danish chalk catchment of 242 km 2 , within which the climatic variation is small compared to the physiographical variation. The spatial and temporal variation of streamflow was studied using synchronous discharge measurements and the application of a numerical model. The synchronous discharge measurements showed the runoff is unequally distributed within the catchment and depends primarily on the regional hydrogeology, but also on the lithology of the valley deposits. The numerical model was used to obtain an understanding of the hydrogeological effect on the temporal variation of the runoff from small subcatchments. This was not possible from the discharge measurements because of the high uncertainty of estimating the difference in flow between two nearby gauging stations. The temporal variation was found to be strongly related to the hydraulic gradient along the river. A knowledge of catchment processes and variability of runoff from modelling studies is shown to assist in low flow estimation.


In this article we study the stability of an overlapping operator-splitting methods based on iterative methods. We discuss the overlapping iterative Operator Splitting method in the context of decoupling the stiff and non-stiff operators. In the context of stabilisation the stiff operators, we present the overlapping ideas as extension to the standard iterative operator splitting method. The efficiency of considering the overlapping method instead of the standard method whole domain in the is discussed. We apply our theoretical results on model problems in stiff parabolic partial differential equations.


This paper analyses institutional reforms and political participation, most notably indirect and direct elections of residential committees (RC), in China's urban neighbourhoods and communities (shequ). It shows that these elections at present are not meaningful to the majority of city dwellers as the RCs have little decision-making power and no revenues generated by a collective economy as in most of China's villages. RCs are primarily important to those weaker strata of society who depend on the state to be provided with social services and financial support - tasks that the RCs are forced to assume on behalf of higher government authorities. Nevertheless, the author finds that as limited the significance of - and knowledge about - RC elections in the daily lives of China's urban dwellers still are, they still have some influence on political awareness and participation. For instance, they make people voice more opinions in their shequ, which may be a good starting point for more direct interference in local political affairs soon to come. The paper emphasizes that RC elections have been introduced in order to enhance regime legitimacy but suggests that they may spur democratization by the rise of accountability as a conditioning factor of this legitimacy and by electoral 'habituation' as a transition to full democratic commitment. Whilst 'security first, participation second' seems to be the order of the day and the 'freedom of politics' is still more important than a concern for RC elections and shequ affairs, it remains to be seen if those elections may not soon trigger off a meaningful drive for political participation in China's cities.


Executive Summary The proliferation of instructional technology in the past decade, particularly in higher education settings, is having a profound impact on how teaching and learning now occurs, and is transforming the means by which institutions reach and support an emerging worldwide market across time and distance. Yet, relatively little attention has been given to the dimension of distance education leadership. What has been the contribution of past leaders in establishing this field? Is there a unique role for current and aspiring leaders to play in this arena? Has research and experience provided useful data to guide "best practices? What constitutes effective leadership for distance education in the new century? These issues and questions are addressed in this assessment of distance education leadership. ********** A new role for the professoriate in the new century has been recognized and encouraged, especially as technology-assisted instruction has proliferated and changed the means by which faculty and students interact, as well as the manner in which educational entities must now do business to meet the demands of a digitized society. The literature describing the rapid evolution of distance education delivery systems over the past twenty years, particularly in higher education venues, has frequently categorized this phenomenon in three stages, from correspondence education, to technology-assisted education and, more recently, networked education. Although all three remain, with variants on each of these models, one theme which is consistent is that we are witnessing dramatic changes in how instruction is designed and delivered across time and space. As this dynamic becomes more frequent and more pervasive, faculty have been admonished to be more receptive and adaptive to opportunities for playing exciting new roles in the distance education arena. But it seems we have not yet paid adequate attention to new roles required of leaders within those institutions. Schools and colleges in this new era need leaders who have reflected on their experiences and internalized understandings about their own capacity to lead. This should apply no less to those in leadership roles in distance education within those institutions. Certainly, considerable attention has been given in recent years to various aspects of leadership in higher education, and the corpus of material in this domain is now quite substantial. We have benefited from useful inquiry and insight into, for example, how higher education leaders might adopt practices from their counterparts in business and industry; how administrators and faculty might work more collaboratively in what often seems to be an increasingly acrimonious environment; and we have finally recognized the important contributions of women academic leaders. Yet, a conspicuous lacuna remains: leadership as it applies to the fastest growing phenomenon in higher education- the proliferation of instructional technology, most notably evidenced in online courses that allow teaching and learning to occur over time and space. The intended purpose here is to better understand the role and impact of distance education leadership in higher education settings; offer insights and suggestions for "Best Practices" to those involved in, or aspiring to leadership roles; and generate increased interest in the study and practice of distance education leadership. For our purposes, leadership in distance education, as distinct from managerial functions in a variety of settings, is defined as a set of attitudes and behaviors that create conditions for innovative change, that enable individuals and organizations to share a vision and move in its direction, and that contribute to the management and operationalization of ideas. It is possible to play a leadership role without necessarily being an expert in the field. A university president or elected public official (e. …


Construction principles and an optical layout have been developed for solid-state diode-pumped lasers based on a two-waveguide slab active element with conductive cooling that allows scaling of the power in the kilowatt range. Prototypes of a two-waveguide diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser with a mean radiation power of up to 1000 W have been investigated. The possibility is discussed of using slab elements made from heat-strengthened neodymium glass to create powerful pulsed-periodic slab lasers.


Modern First Amendment jurisprudence is deeply paradoxical. On one hand, freedom of speech is said to promote fundamental values such as individual self-fulfillment, democratic deliberation, and the search for truth. At the same time, however, many leading decisions protect speech that appears to undermine these values by attacking the dignity and personality of others or their status as full and equal members of the community. In this Article, I explore where this Jekyll-and-Hyde quality of First Amendment jurisprudence comes from. I argue that the American free speech tradition consists of two very different strands: a liberal humanist view that emphasizes the positive values promoted by free speech, and a darker vision that is rooted in the jurisprudence of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. Holmes understands free speech as part of a struggle for power between different social groups - a struggle that ultimately can be resolved only by force. After sketching the liberal humanist view, I trace the development of Holmes's position, which is grounded in his Darwinian understanding of human life and in his deeper view that all phenomena in the universe are governed by force. Next, I evaluate the Holmesian approach and discuss its implications for a wide range of contemporary issues, from hate speech and pornography to the Citizens United decision on electoral advertising by corporations. I conclude that Holmes's view does not provide an adequate rationale for free speech, and that it undermines the liberal humanist principles that should be regarded as central to the First Amendment.


ABSTRACT. Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) is a migratory shorebird that is listed as endangered in Canada and the U.S. Great Lakes and as threatened throughout the rest of its breeding and winter range. We undertook a comprehensive molecular-genetic investigation to (1) address subspecific taxonomy, (2) characterize population genetic structure, and (3) infer past bottlenecks and demographic processes in this species. Analyses included individuals from 23 U.S. states and Canadian provinces and were based on mitochondrial DNA sequences (580 base pairs, n = 245) and 8 nuclear microsatellite loci (n = 229). Our findings provide support for separate Atlantic and Interior subspecies (C. m. melodus and C. m. circumcinctus, respectively). Birds from the Great Lakes region were allied with the Interior subspecies and should be referred to as C. m. circumcinctus. Population genetic analyses illustrated stronger genetic structure among Atlantic than among Interior birds, which may reflect reduced natal- and breeding-site fidelity of Interior individuals. Furthermore, analyses suggested that Interior birds previously experienced genetic bottlenecks, whereas there was no evidence of such patterns in the Atlantic subspecies. We interpret these results in light of 25 years of range-wide census data. Overall, differences between Interior and Atlantic Piping Plovers may reflect differences in spatiotemporal stability of nesting habitat between regions.


Graphene-based materials exhibit remarkable electronic, optical, and mechanical properties, which has resulted in both high scientific interest and huge potential for a variety of applications. Furthermore, the family of graphene-based materials is growing because of developments in preparation methods. Raman spectroscopy is a versatile tool to identify and characterize the chemical and physical properties of these materials, both at the laboratory and mass-production scale. This technique is so important that most of the papers published concerning these materials contain at least one Raman spectrum. Thus, here, we systematically review the developments in Raman spectroscopy of graphene-based materials from both fundamental research and practical (i.e., device applications) perspectives. We describe the essential Raman scattering processes of the entire first- and second-order modes in intrinsic graphene. Furthermore, the shear, layer-breathing, G and 2D modes of multilayer graphene with different stacking orders are discussed. Techniques to determine the number of graphene layers, to probe resonance Raman spectra of monolayer and multilayer graphenes and to obtain Raman images of graphene-based materials are also presented. The extensive capabilities of Raman spectroscopy for the investigation of the fundamental properties of graphene under external perturbations are described, which have also been extended to other graphene-based materials, such as graphene quantum dots, carbon dots, graphene oxide, nanoribbons, chemical vapor deposition-grown and SiC epitaxially grown graphene flakes, composites, and graphene-based van der Waals heterostructures. These fundamental properties have been used to probe the states, effects, and mechanisms of graphene materials present in the related heterostructures and devices. We hope that this review will be beneficial in all the aspects of graphene investigations, from basic research to material synthesis and device applications.


Background: The last comprehensive list of lichenised, lichenicolous and allied fungi reported from South Africa was published in 1950. A checklist is important to provide basic information on the extent of the diversity, and to provide the most recent name and classification. Objective: To present a list of all the lichenised, lichenicolous and allied fungi reported from South Africa. Methods: The list presented is entirely literature based and no attempt has been made to check the report of any taxa or their status by checking the specimens upon which they are based. Firstly, all taxa that were not reported from within the modern boundaries of South Africa were excluded. Next, the  Recent literature on lichens database was searched for literature on South African lichens since 1945 and all references checked for new species or new reports, which were then added to the list. These names were then checked against Index Fungorum to ensure that the most current name was being used. Finally, the list was rationalised by excluding all synonyms and dubious infraspecific taxa. Results: The current list includes 1750 taxa in 260 genera from mainland South Africa, with an additional 100 species and 23 genera from the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands, which are treated separately. The replacement name  Verrucaria dagolavii Fryday is proposed for  Verrucaria umbilicata Ovstedal. Conclusion: It is estimated that, when fully explored, the lichen biota of South Africa will consist of somewhere between 2500 and 3000 taxa.


Who participates in the Community of Practice of the design of digital technology? Cultural studies scholars traditionally focus on human elements as the key actants and meaning-makers in the design of technology. Even Actor-Network Theory, which attributes causal power to non-human material objects, stops short of crediting objects with interpretive power and meaning-making ability. However, recent theoretical approaches coming out of Speculative Realism, New Materialism, and Non-Human Ethnography are posing challenges to this anthropocentric model of meaning-making.


Corporate contributions to health and human services have declined from a high of 42.0 percent of total corporate giving in 1972 to 25.3 percent in 1994. At the same time, "strategic philanthropy" has become the state of the art in corporate contributions management. Strategic philanthropy is defined in this article as the process by which contributions are targeted to meet both business objectives and recipient needs. This concept represents the integration of philanthropy into the overall strategic planning of the corporation. This article describes a national survey of corporate philanthropy programs that examined the activities that characterize the strategic management of corporate philanthropy. Results suggest that corporations do not frequently evaluate their philanthropy programs. Social work professionals may use this information to increase their opportunities to provide evaluative input and to increase corporate funding of health and human services.


Towards a 3D European energy system - decarbonised, digital and decentralised The European energy system is going through a profound transformation as two trends reshape it - decarbonisation and digitalisation. Based on strong public policies, decarbonisation is changing the European energy mix, while innovation in digital technologies is enabling disruptive change in the way energy systems are operated. Digitalisation can be an important catalyst for decarbonisation. Digital technologies, such as smart meters, give consumers more control over their energy use and offer benefits from additional services. Energy suppliers, meanwhile, can optimise their operations and develop new offers. System operators can benefit from increased availability of real-time data to manage their grids more efficiently and to integrate an increasing amount of variable renewables into the system. The extent to which energy is already going digital is illustrated by the share of patents in which energy and IT appear on the same patent application. This share has boomed since 2006, outpacing traditional patents in IT and energy taken individually (Figure 1). Figure 1 - Share of IT and energy tech in total patents, EU28, index=1995 Source - Bruegel based on PATSTAT. Increasing digitalisation also enables the European energy system to become more decentralised, with greater interaction between services (electricity, heat, transport, data) that used to be largely separate. In this context, the European energy industry must quickly rethink its strategies in order to adapt to, and make the best of, the new reality. The future of oil and gas companies Oil and gas companies are the biggest part of the European energy industry. Their total market capitalisation exceeds that of utilities by about 50 percent, and their traditional business models mean they are most at risk from decarbonisation. To fully unleash the transformation of these companies, even stronger policy signals are needed, such as a meaningful carbon pricing. Otherwise, oil and gas companies might decide to continue in a business-as-usual mode, at best just refocusing their activities on gas. Over the last few years, leading European oil and gas companies have often pledged to commit to new energy solutions. However, these companies have yet to translate declarations into action, as only sporadic sizeable investments have been made so far (Figure 2). Stronger policies could push European oil and gas companies into the new energy solutions territory in a more assertive way. Figure 2 - European oil and gas companies' investments in new energy solutions Source - Bruegel based on Bloomberg. The future of electricity utilities Since 2008, electricity utilities have experienced a deep crisis because of the rapid emergence of new market and policy conditions that have put pressure on their traditional business models. The rise of renewable energy and weak electricity demand have led to significant overcapacity and significant losses of traditional energy businesses. In the future, strong decarbonisation policies, improved energy efficiency favoured by technological development, the rise of distributed generation and new developments in demand response and storage capacities will put even more pressure on conventional generation assets. In such a complex situation, utilities must decide whether to defend their existing business models or to become drivers of the energy transition. Electricity utilities might bet on convincing policymakers that their coal and gas units are indispensable (Figure 3) to keep the lights on and thereby secure new policy-driven cash flows for their plants. Corresponding capacity mechanisms have already been implemented in several EU countries. Figure 3 - Leading European utilities' generation portfolios - still a lot of coal and gas Source - Bruegel based on Bloomberg. Alternatively, electricity utilities might bet on deep decarbonisation and build up significant renewable generation capacity, invest in networks and divest from fossil fuels. For this to become a general trend, clearer policy signals are needed. Returns from the network business and renewables are indeed largely policy driven. Regulators explicitly decide on the rate of return for electricity networks and policymakers decide on the remuneration schemes for renewables. A change in regulations can cost regulated businesses billions of euros. Therefore, understanding and managing the political environment is probably more important for the success of renewables and network electricity companies than good internal management or efficient supply chains. Setting the right policies - the need for a high-level platform to discuss the future of energy Considering the complexity of the energy transition, we consider that partial fixes to the current EU energy regulatory system are not sufficient to provide the appropriate long-term regulatory stability to the energy industry.


Vegetation in saline areas of Fars region was contemplated, for this reason; soil consider reports were set up in 31 focuses in the region, having recognized saline zones, vegetation of them was examined. Saline areas were significant accounting for 10.1% of whole area, which located in south and southeast of province and had moderate winter and very hot summer with rainfall of 100-200 millimeters. Largest saline area was in lands of class II followed by those in class III. Such plants as stragalus sp and tamarix sp were found in all saline areas of Fars while some species like Holtemia persica were found in few areas. By and large, plants of saline ranges of Fars are critical and merit examine for soil conservation, sustenance and medication applications, modern application and above all as fields and to deliver meat.


The Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP) has been designed as a method to compare a set of benchmark geoengineering interventions across modelling groups within the World Climate Research Program (WCRP) Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). While we agree with the objectives of GeoMIP, this paper describes how the present experimental design could be extended by adding a simple control component. Using a model predictive control framework we show this control provides an automated solution for the problem of balancing radiative forcings within a climate model as required by the G1 and G2 GeoMIP scenarios. By automating this process, the control removes the need for trial‐and‐error model run iterations as suggested by the present guidelines. In addition, the control allows for some further standardization of the experimental conditions, potentially making inference of the side effects of geoengineering more straightforward. Finally, the control provides an interesting analogue for geoengineering deployment governed by a policy agent acting under conditions of uncertainty over the effectiveness of the technology. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society


The Rainbow Family of Living Light is an intentional society devoted to achieving world peace through spiritual healing. A loose association of spiritual seekers that explicitly rejects all forms of leadership and imposed authority, it represents an interesting example of an anarchist and communal society. Rainbow Family events regularly draw thousands of people. These take place all over the world. While some participants may question the label, it can be described as one of the biggest and most geographically diverse New Age groups on the planet. As such, it is a very important factor in shaping the entire present day New Age movement. I conducted fieldwork with the Rainbow Family between the autumns of 1998 and 2002, traveling with the nomadic group throughout the United States. The Rainbow Family rejects any sort of official membership, accepting anyone who attends its events as an equal participant. Spending extended periods of time in the field, I became immersed in this alternative society. The distinction between ethnographic researcher and informants was highly problematic under such circumstances. This made me acutely aware of the issues surrounding fieldwork and anthropological authority. My own work began to seem quite similar to the spiritual seeking of other participants. As such, I began to consider the commonalities between anthropology and the spirituality encountered within the Rainbow Family. The spiritual discourses produced by Rainbow Family participants are uniquely eclectic and ludic in tone. In a setting explicitly championing individual freedom rather than coercion, there is no sense of spiritual orthodoxy. The ways in which spiritual discourses are treated by the Rainbow Family display interesting attitudes towards truth, authority, and reality. These attitudes are reminiscent of epistemological orientations within postmodernist anthropology. Rainbow Family participants find noteworthy solutions to the apparent ontological dilemmas postmodernism presents. It is my hope that looking at the Rainbow Family of Living Light will suggest a viable way for anthropology to productively deal with its current crisis of identity.


Pig farming currently occupies a prominent place in the southern states of the Brazil, owning approximately 50% of the national squad, estimated at 42 million pig heads. However, the swine activity contributes significantly to the generation of environmental impacts on the environment. Recently, the greatest need for animal protein has exerted pressures on the current animal production system and one of the alternatives has been to the use of veterinary medicines, which have several uses ranging from therapeutic use, preventive in the treatment of various diseases and as growth promoters. Its indiscriminate and uncontrolled use is currently endangering the environmental balance of producing sites through effluent contamination. Many producers have been using contaminated slurry as a biofertilizer. In this sense, further studies on techniques and processes of treatment of organic effluents contaminated by veterinary drugs are necessary. Alternative low-cost and environmentally viable treatment systems are needs to minimize the entry into the environment of these contaminants. Therefore, the composting process that can defined as a process of aerobic microbial decomposition of organic matter and nutrient recycling can be an alternative for the treatment of effluents contaminated by veterinary drugs.


As education plays such a vital role in economic competitiveness, it is no surprise that the focus for many governments is to invest in educational initiatives. Innovation in pedagogy, refined curriculum and much research into the science of teaching and learning is hoped to promote a knowledge economy. In recent years the Irish education systems have been particularly proactive in the area of technology education. Four new subjects were drafted at Senior Cycle level, all with a common philosophy grounded in design and technology. This clear shift in focus from the traditional craft based subjects to a more creative design-based suite of subjects has brought with it an unprecedented need for continuous professional development. This paper focuses on the shift in skill set from teaching in a predefined drawing mode to that of a conceptual mode that fosters creativity. As technical sketching is a fundamental building block of all design-based activities, it formed the core of this study. Focusing on the learning process under the descriptors of presage, process and product, enabled a linear exploration of an otherwise complex dynamic learning experience. Although the perception of innate ability restricts the level of application of many teachers in terms of sketching, it proved a valuable attribute as a comparative criterion when selecting contributors. The study included participants that subjectively claimed an average standard of sketching capabilities and a polar group with a prerequisite mindset governed by the phrase "I cannot sketch". All participants completed a purpose designed five-week course of study. The course included much psychomotor skill development, however the significant value of the course content centred on the cognitive development that progressed from knowledge acquisition to synthesis. The paper concludes by highlighting the value of 'Process' based education over the traditional 'Product' approach and presents empirical evidence that illustrate enhanced cognitive capabilities of the participants. The use of pre and post intervention data and qualitative commentary validates the suggestion that there is a greater cognitive value to sketching than the completed composition.


ABSTRACT Since the inception of a Kuomintang-led governance in 1949, recreation and tourism geography in Taiwan has evolved to meet the conditions of the times. Its development represents a unique case periphery to the core Anglo-American international discipline and therefore it is worthwhile investigating how geography studies can adapt to unique circumstances through the application of a number of theoretical paradigms. To illustrate the case of Taiwan's recreation and tourism geography development, 318 articles were found in the Chinese Geographical Society's (2008), Centennial Table of Contents/Index of Chinese Geographical Writings (Mainland, 1911–1949; Taiwan, 1949 to present). These articles have been categorized by date of publication, distinguished by five historical periods ranging from 1946 to 2016. They have also been identified by geography studies paradigms, including regional studies, positivism and spatial science, behavioural; humanistic, radical, cultural turn, and applied geography. This review of recreation and tourism geography literature in Taiwan takes an interpretive approach to exploring how its research reflects active responses to unique local social-political and economic challenges of the times. It also illustrates how geographers may, at times, counter dominant development policies and it also demonstrates how the discipline can be highly localized and subject to academic agendas.


This paper examines the age and gender dimensions of income distribution and fiscal incidence in New Zealand using Household Expenditure Survey (HES) data for 2010 and a non-behavioural micro-simulation model. Since many fiscal policies are likely to have quite different incidences across age groups and genders, and with population ageing changing the age and gender composition of the voting population in many countries, age/gender dimensions of fiscal incidence become increasingly relevant. While this single 'age distribution snapshot' cannot fully capture lifecycle incidences, it avoids the complex and uncertain assumptions implicit in the latter and is an important component of lifetime redistribution calculations. We explore alternative methods of intra-family allocation of resources including 'unequal share' assumptions based on recent research into how families allocate their spending. Our evidence, which in general is not highly sensitive to sharing assumptions, suggests a strong 'life cycle' aspect to fiscal incidence whereby net tax liabilities are low, and generally negative, at younger and older ages but positive during much of the 'working age' period. Women, on average, are found to have a systematically and persistently lower net fiscal liability than men, most pronounced at older ages when greater female longevity exercises a strong influence. Nevertheless, considerable heterogeneity of fiscal incidence for both men and women is observed with the distributions of various fiscal incidence measures showing substantial overlap.


This
  one-‐year
  ethnographic
  study
  explored
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  immigrant
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  women enrolled
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  knowledges
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Max J. Friedlander (1867-1958). Art and Connoisseurship, a Life dedicated to Early Netherlandish Painting, aims to elucidate the life and work of Max Friedlander on the basis of a number of themes, especially his connoisseurship and its meaning for the exploration of early Netherlandish painting. Already during his career connoisseurship was judged as unscientific and consequently was therefore unfit to be called a methodology. In spite of the criticism, Friedlander stood by connoisseurship as a manner of approach by which solid academic results could be achieved. The core question of this dissertation is to what extent and in what manner Friedlander contributed to art historical questions that determined the discourse in his time and how he resisted the arguments of other protagonists. Chapter 1 is dedicated to Friedlander's personality and his relationship with his superior, Wilhelm Bode, with whom he formed a seamless partnership. This is presented on the basis of two cases: the purchase in 1898 of seven seventeenth-century Dutch and Flemish paintings from the Hope collection and the acquisition in 1902 of a painting by Geertgen tot Sint Jans. Chapter 2 explores more thoroughly the essence of connoisseurship and the manner in which Friedlander tried to express this, in particular in the publications devoted entirely to the various aspects of connoisseurship. Chapters 3 and 4 are devoted to the shadowy side of the practice of connoisseurship. In the first place in relation to the phenomenon of forgery. Contemporaries of note are in this respect the Bruges collector Emile Renders, who in close cooperation with the restorer Jef Van der Veken within a short time amassed an impressive collection of Flemish primitives. Secondly, attention is devoted to the so-called expertise industry. While Friedlander recognised all too well the dark side of it, he nevertheless got into trouble. This eventually led to his emigration to the Netherlands, as described in chapter 5. Friedlander's significance for the research on early Netherlandish painting will be illustrated on the basis of three case studies. Chapter 6 deals with Friedlander's research on the Antwerp Mannerists. Friedlander was the first to make an attempt to distinguish artistic personalities in the mass of paintings that were produced in Antwerp workshops around 1520. The artistic personalities that he distinguished are still being acknowledged. Chapter 7 illustrates the question regarding the relationship between the Master of Flemalle and Rogier van der Weyden. Although Friedlander formulated an entirely plausible hypothesis, he nevertheless allowed himself to be persuaded by the views of Emile Renders, who considered the oeuvre of the Master of Flemalle as early work by Rogier van der Weyden. Chapter 8 focuses on the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers and in particular on the attempts to distinguish the hand of Hubert and Jan. Friedlander was sceptical from the outset about these attempts. This was cleverly used by Renders to deny the existence of Hubert. Friedlander tolerated Renders' hostile attitude towards other scholars, due to the fact that his approach might offer a solution to the question.


OpenSKOS software implements a web-service-based approach to management and use of vocabularies based on SKOS design principles. This paper motivates and describes the most recent developments in the software. These developments include migrating from a relational MySQL database to a triplestore and corresponding changes in the software. Also, relation management has been extended so that user-defined relations can be added and used along with SKOS-specified relations. This transfer ensures smooth upgrade of the OpenSKOS-based projects and reusing those parts of the software that have preserved their relevance.


Mobile agents are an increasingly popular paradigm, and in recent years there has been a proliferation of mobile-agent systems. These systems are, however, largely incompatible with each other. In particular, agents cannot migrate to a host that runs a different mobile-agent system. Prior approaches to interoperability have tried to force agents to use a common API, and so far none have succeeded. Our goal, summarized in the catch phrase ``Write Once, Move Anywhere,'''' led to our efforts to develop mechanisms that support dynamic runtime interoperability of mobile-agent systems. This paper describes the Grid Mobile-Agent System, which allows agents to migrate to different mobile-agent systems.


In 2007, the United Arab Emirates ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as a response to its position as the second largest producer of GHG emissions in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). By accepting the UNFCCC, the UAE, as a newly industrialised nation, acknowledged the threat of global warming on its own fragile environment. As a direct result of the ratification the UAE developed national and state targets to convert its overreliance on CO2 producing fossil fuels to a diversified energy mix reliant on renewable energy (RE). In response to these energy targets the UAE has initiated a number of large-scale RE solar projects and financed numerous Research and Development (R & D) initiatives. By reinventing itself as a 'Green Economy', the UAE is progressing toward a more diversified energy generation mix. Therefore one of the aims of this paper is to examine the success of government policies that foster a continued progression from the UAE's current oil reliance to Renewable Energy powered future. The other aim is to analyse whether or not the UAE community will accept a transformation from a dependence on oil to RE as a future energy source. The methodology used to evaluate this aim is a qualitative approach, utilising an extensive literature review and a survey involving 20 UAE citizens who live and work in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The translated, written results from the questionnaire were compared to the literature review and the resulting data analysed. The results of the comparative analysis show that the UAE will not be replacing its fossil fuel generation with a majority RE mix now or in the near future.


Addington Brook in Christchurch, receives stormwater runoff from a 246 ha catchment of mixed industrial/commercial/residential land use. Instream water quality monitoring has shown elevated suspended solids, metal and nutrient concentrations along the brook, which is thought to be a major contributor of these pollutants to the Ōtākaro/Avon River and downstream estuary. Water quality and flow data from four different sites in Addington Brook during storm events were analysed to a) evaluate the performance of an inline, 18-year-old stormwater treatment pond in the upper catchment, b) evaluate spatial and temporal relationships between rainfall, instream flow and pollutant concentrations along the stream that could help prioritise mitigation strategies in different areas of the catchment, and c) evaluate the ability of the Modelled Estimates of Discharges for Urban Stormwater Assessment (MEDUSA) pollutant load model to predict pollutant source contributions. The pond performance analysis revealed significant (p 0.0001-0.04) removal of dissolved metals, solids and nutrients, demonstrating the ongoing effectiveness of pond systems for removing dissolved pollutants. However, discharge of untreated stormwater downstream of the ponds resulted in higher pollutant concentrations in the lower catchment. Pollutant rates of up to 5.2 g/min zinc (Zn), 0.2 g/min copper (Cu), 53 mg/min lead (Pb), 25 kg/min total suspended solids (TSS), 121 g/min total nitrogen and 28 g/min total phosphorus were measured where the brook converges with the Ōtākaro/Avon River. Dissolved Zn concentrations (by an order of magnitude), and to a lesser extent dissolved Cu, consistently exceeded the relevant guidelines for healthy urban waterways at all sampling sites, substantiating an earlier study that used MEDUSA to identify sources of high solids and metal loads in this catchment. The similarity of measured pollutant loads to the MEDUSA-predicted loads indicates that MEDUSA is effective at predicting the amount and origin of dissolved Zn and dissolved Cu in the catchment.


Abstract Braun, R. D., Lanzen, J. L., Turnage, J. A., Rosner, G. and Dewhirst, M. W. Effects of the Interaction between Carbogen and Nicotinamide on R3230 Ac Tumor Blood Flow in Fischer 344 Rats. Radiat. Res. 155, 724–733 (2001). The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are interactions between carbogen breathing and various doses of nicotinamide at the level of the tumor arteriole that might contribute to the improvement in tumor blood flow and pO2 that is often seen with this combination treatment. R3230 adenocarcinomas were implanted and grown to 4–5 mm in dorsal skin flap window chambers in F344 rats. Saline or 65, 200 or 500 mg/kg nicotinamide was injected i.p. while the rat breathed air through a face mask. After 20 min, either the breathing gas was switched to carbogen for 60 min or the animal remained on air. Measured end points included diameter of tumor arterioles, tumor perfusion, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate. None of the measured parameters were affected by injection of saline or nicotinamide, except at the highest nicotinamide dose (500 mg/kg). Mean arterial blood pressure showed a median decrease of 25% when 500 mg/kg nicotinamide was given. Diameter of tumor arterioles decreased significantly from 5–15 min after 500 mg/kg nicotinamide was given but was back to baseline by 20 min. Blood flow decreased significantly 5–20 min after administration of 500 mg/kg nicotinamide compared to the baseline prior to injection. Carbogen breathing resulted in a small increase in mean arterial blood pressure in all groups. There was a transient decrease in the diameter of tumor arterioles and blood flow during the first 5 min of carbogen breathing that was statistically significant in several groups. In the group injected with 500 mg/kg nicotinamide, the diameter of tumor arterioles increased by about 10% during the first 25 min of carbogen breathing, and blood flow increased by a median of 75% over the level prior to carbogen breathing up to 40 min after carbogen breathing. The increase in flow in this group was most likely caused by the concomitant arteriolar vasodilation. Thus there was direct evidence for an interaction between carbogen breathing and nicotinamide, but only at the dose of 500 mg/kg nicotinamide. Since this dose yields plasma levels of nicotinamide that are higher than can be tolerated clinically, it is uncertain whether these changes in arteriolar diameter and blood flow would occur in human tumors.


China-ASEAN Relations : Economic and Legal Dimensions, edited by John Wong, Zou Keyuan and Zeng Huaqun. Singapore: World Scientific, 2006. x + 337 pp. US$75.00/£41.00 (hardcover). This book is based on papers from a December 2004 conference in Singapore on "new dimensions in the China-ASEAN relations". All but two of the fifteen contributors are from the two convening institutions, the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, "hub of China studies in Singapore", and the Economic Law Institute of Xiamen University, "hub of Southeast Asian studies and international economic law". The book examines the overall legal and economic framework of regional integration, as well as five key topics in China-ASEAN relations: non-traditional security issues (epidemic prevention and anti-piracy cooperation), trade and investment patterns, regional economic development (in Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar), the South China Sea (fisheries resource management, joint hydrocarbon resource development, and shipping safety) and regional (Korean and Japanese) perspectives on ASEAN-China relations. John Wong's paper details the critical issue of how to regulate the increasing competition between China and ASEAN countries in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and in exporting manufactured products to the same thirdcountry markets. He sees the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) as a key step in "New-Age economic integration" in East Asia. Zeng Lingliang's paper describes the legal documents and agreements for bilateral relations between China and ASEAN countries, but notes that there are few hard-law institutions to enforce or implement the objectives embodied in these documents. Lai Hongyi examines the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak in early 2003. Initially, China "failed miserably" to counter the epidemic, but from April 2003 onwards it took vigorous counter-measures with ASEAN. When an outbreak of avian flu hit Southeast Asia and some Chinese provinces in 2004, China and ASEAN were ready to respond with joint pandemic disease control efforts. Several papers address the central issues of trade and investment. Zeng Huaqun compares the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement with WTO rules, and details the different legal rights and obligations of the three ASEAN countries who are not WTO members (Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam). Jiangyu Wang regards CAFTA as a series of parallel bilateral obligations between China and ten individual ASEAN countries. The proliferation of bilateral free trade agreements could complicate enforcement and dispute settlement under CAFTA. Are China and ASEAN competing for FDI? Chen Huiping maintains that CAFTA is expected to increase intra-regional trade and intra-regional FDI flows. However, he also notes the difficulties that must first be overcome: for example, complicated and inconsistent investment policies of central and local governments Chen Wen examines China's FDI inflow, its "round-tripping" investment, the recent decrease in FDI to ASEAN, and Chinese outward direct investment in ASEAN countries. He finds no consistent or obvious evidence that China's growth has squeezed out FDI inflow to ASEAN. However, competition for FDI between China and ASEAN does exist and will increase. He suggests that ASEAN economies should improve their investment environment and expedite regional economic integration within ASEAN to attract more FDI from China as well as from other countries. …


A helical PM gear for a passenger car gear box was manufactured by pressing, sintering and selective surface densification using transverse rolling. The evolution of gear properties in terms of microstructure, geometry, surface roughness and DIN-quality is monitored at each step of the processing sequence. The geometry of the PM gear is compared to a conventional wrought steel gear being currently used in the gear box. It is shown that PM gears can be manufactured well within the DIN "quality 8" tolerance fields. Furthermore it is demonstrated that alignment and profile errors can be reduced in the sequence of processing. While wrought gears have less alignment and profile errors, PM gears are superior in terms of run-out and pitch errors as well as surface roughness. These investigations were carried out as a part of a project funded by the European Community under the "Competitive and Sustainable Growth" Program (Project No.: GRD1-1999-10674).


Abstract Intercalation of the tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) complex cation into a layered silicate (magadiite; the ideal formula for which is Na2Si14O29·nH2O) was investigated. Since the complex cation did not intercalate by a direct ion exchange reaction with the interlayer Na ions in an aqueous medium, dodecyltrimethylammonium exchanged magadiite was used as a precursor. Depending on the loading of the complex cations and the solvents employed for the reactions, two types of tris(2,2'-bipyridine)mthenium(II)-magadiite intercalation compounds formed. One has a basal spacing of ~2.9 nm due to a large amount of the dodecyltrimethylammonium ions which remained in the interlayer space of magadiite and coexisted with the intercalated tris(2,2'- bipyridine) ruthenium(II) complex cations. The other has a basal spacing of ~2.0 nm because the intercalated tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium(II) complex ions form a monolayer in the interlayer space of magadiite.


The outbreak of plague at Marseilles in 1719 caused British authorities great alarm. French efforts to check the spread of the disease were uncertain of success and there was concern that commercial connexions might provide a means by which the dreaded disease could again bring devastation as in the seventeenth century. The terror plague provoked, however, might equally have been directed toward the smallpox epidemics that were occurring with increasing frequency. But there, too, the realization that commerce might be commensurate with contagion was part of a complicated fabric of disease, political factors, religious sensibilities about divine providence, and the defence of profits in an economic climate that was proving difficult for many of the established chartered companies. Thus the Bubble Act of 1720 that tried to prevent a recurrence of the innumerable frauds which had haunted traders and aristocrats alike, and the Quarantine Act of 1721 that endeavoured to control the spread of plague both represented a deliberate act of government intervention. Quarantine is by definition an act of authority, and in the early eighteenth century it explicitly altered the conditions of trade. In a much wider sense, before 1750 there appears to have developed an incipient notion of public health that had the potential to transform trade as well as the conditions of mortal and disfiguring diseases. And in a world terrified by plague, in which smallpox stalked aristocratic families and the slaves of the African Company alike, it fell to the learned Fellows of the Royal Society to form the critical if sometimes tenuous association between the world of traders and politicians.


An understanding of ecological and evolutionary responses to global environmental change requires both a robust measurement of the change that is occurring and a mechanistic framework for understanding the drivers of that change. Such a requirement provides a challenge because biological monitoring is often ad hoc, and mechanistic experiments are often performed under highly simplified conditions. This study integrates multiple datasets to evaluate our current knowledge of the measurement and mechanism of phenological shifts in a key pollinator taxon: the hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae). First, two large, complementary and independent monitoring datasets are used to test for trends in phenology: an ad hoc national recording scheme containing >620,000 records, and a standardised monitoring scheme with consistent methods over 30 years. Results show that ad hoc and standardised recording data give quantitatively the same value for phenological advance in hoverflies (ca. 12 days°C-1 on average at the beginning of the flight period), supporting the value of biological recording for the measurement of global ecological change. While the end of the flight period appears static in ad hoc recording, the standardised dataset suggests a similar advance as in the beginning of the flight period. Second, an extensive traits dataset and a novel database of laboratory-derived developmental data on Syrphidae (153 published studies) are used to test for mechanistic patterns in phenological shifts. The only species trait that influenced phenology was voltinism, where species with more generations per year exhibit stronger phenological advances. We demonstrate considerable variation in the laboratory-derived sensitivity to temperature but this does not match field-derived measures of phenology. The results demonstrate that, as for many taxa, we have a strong understanding of the patterns of global ecological change but that we currently lack a detailed mechanistic understanding of those processes despite extensive research into the fundamental biology of some taxonomic groups.


Considerations about return are a persistent dimension of identity work in migrant populations. The question of where and what constitutes 'home' for migrants is central to understanding processes of integration, sustained transnational ties, and return considerations, because reflections about 'home' are reflective of belonging. Based on analysis of migrants' and descendants reflections about the possibility of return migration, this paper asks: how is 'home' located in the transnational social field, and in which ways do the mutually overlapping spatial, temporal, emotional and rational dimensions of home matter? The paper draws on semi-structured interviews and focus groups with a total of 75 migrants and descendants from Pakistan and Poland living in Norway. Data from the two migrant groups with distinct migration histories are combined. Perhaps surprisingly, more similarities than differences are found between the two groups, with regard to their reflections about belonging. Considerations about return are found to be revealing of changing perspectives on home. For many there is an inherent ambivalence, reflected in home being located here, or there, or both, or neither. However, both migrants' and descendants exert agency in their own ways of locating 'home' and managing the spatial, temporal, emotional and rational dimen-


Millimeter and submillimeter-wave observations provide important informations for the studies of atmospheric chemistry and of astrochemistry (molecular clouds, stars formation, galactic study, comets and cosmology). But, these observations depend strongly on instrumentation techniques and on the site quality. New techniques or higher detector performances result in unprecedented observations and sometimes, the observational needs drive developments of new detector technologies, for example, superconducting junctions (SIS mixers) because its high sensitivity in heterodyne detection in the millimeter and submillimeter wave range (100 GHz - 700 GHz), HEB (Hot Electron Bolometer) mixers which are being developed by several groups for application in THz observations. For the sub-millimetre wavelengths heterodyne receivers, the local oscillator (LO) is still a critical element. So far, solid state fundamental sources are not often powerful enough for most of the applications at millimetre or sub-millimetre waveleng : large efforts using new planar components (HBV) and integrated circuits or new technics (laser mixing) are now in progress in few groups. The new large projects as SOFIA, ISS, FIRST, ALMA,…for astronomy ; SMILES, EOS-MLS,…for aeronomy and other projects for the planetary science, will profit of the new technologies.


We study exact active learning of binary and multiclass classifiers with margin. Given an $n$-point set $X \subset \mathbb{R}^m$, we want to learn any unknown classifier on $X$ whose classes have finite strong convex hull margin, a new notion extending the SVM margin. In the standard active learning setting, where only label queries are allowed, learning a classifier with strong convex hull margin $\gamma$ requires in the worst case $\Omega\big(1+\frac{1}{\gamma}\big)^{(m-1)/2}$ queries. On the other hand, using the more powerful seed queries (a variant of equivalence queries), the target classifier could be learned in $O(m \log n)$ queries via Littlestone's Halving algorithm; however, Halving is computationally inefficient. In this work we show that, by carefully combining the two types of queries, a binary classifier can be learned in time $\operatorname{poly}(n+m)$ using only $O(m^2 \log n)$ label queries and $O\big(m \log \frac{m}{\gamma}\big)$ seed queries; the result extends to $k$-class classifiers at the price of a $k!k^2$ multiplicative overhead. Similar results hold when the input points have bounded bit complexity, or when only one class has strong convex hull margin against the rest. We complement the upper bounds by showing that in the worst case any algorithm needs $\Omega\big(k m \log \frac{1}{\gamma}\big)$ seed and label queries to learn a $k$-class classifier with strong convex hull margin $\gamma$.


A special type of double-layer antireflection coating for infrared optical materials is described. This coating has two unusual features: the total optical thickness of the double layer is less than one-quarter wavelength; and the film with the higher index of refraction is on the outside. The reduction in reflectance in the low reflecting region is similar to that of a single-layer coating. Measured values of transmittance are given for coatings on Si and Ge. An interesting point in one of the examples is the use of a Ge film in the antireflection coating for Ge. The coatings are very durable.


While there is little dissent in the scientific community that climate change directly correlates to human-caused greenhouse-gas emissions, action to reduce those emissions has not followed from the United States and many other governments around the world. Meanwhile, climate changes are already underway, and will continue to some degree even if emissions are drastically curtailed, thanks to emissions already in the atmosphere. Some countries and states are making their own plans to adapt to expected impacts including higher sea levels, more intense rainfall, droughts, heat waves, and loss of water supplies—and to reduce their local emissions. In this Global Forum, three experts highlight efforts by national and local governments in planning for 2100 and beyond. From the Netherlands, Arthur Mynett (2011); from Bangladesh, Saleemul Huq (2011); and from California, Martha Krebs. Over the months of January and February, this forum will continue at www.thebulletin.org.


This study is concerned with the water coning phenomenon that takes place around production wells of hydrocarbon reservoirs. In this paper, the development of artificial neural networks to predict the water saturation buildup around vertical and horizontal wells with a good level of accuracy is described. In the development of expert systems, it is assumed that water encroachment originates from an active aquifer which is located under the hydrocarbon reservoir (reservoir with bottom water drive). A high-fidelity numerical model is utilized in generating training data sets that are used in structuring and training the artificial neural networks. The artificial expert systems that are developed in this paper are universal and are capable of predicting the change of water saturation around the wellbore as a function of time and the prediction process is faster than a reservoir simulator and requires less data, which saves time and effort. With the help of these models, it will be possible to predict the position of high water saturation zones around the wellbore ahead of time so that remedial actions such as closing the perforations that produce the water can be implemented on a timely basis.

 Key words: Bottom water drive, water coning, neural network, water saturation, vertical well, horizontal well.


This paper focusses on how technologies can enhance the impact of institutional public policies addressing informality. Today, an increasing number of governments are promoting the application of new technologies to simplify and facilitate the transition from the informal to the formal economy. These "e-formality policies", as in some cases, are related to e-government initiatives. It analyses some emerging public policies or public-sector practices and tools where technologies have already been implemented directly or indirectly for the transition to formality. This raises the questions if these policy innovations will transform the way formalization policies will be implemented in the future.


Introduction Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) play a critical role in the repair of the heart following MI, but aberrant remodelling can lead to fibrosis and heart failure. We have previously demonstrated that interleukin-1 (IL-1), a key proinflammatory cytokine released following MI, is a potent modulator of CF function. The aim of this study was to develop a mouse model with fibroblast-specific ablation of IL-1 signalling through deletion of Myd88. Methods We generated a mouse line with tamoxifen-inducible Cre-recombinase under control of the fibroblast-specific Col1a2 promoter, and loxP sites flanking exon 3 of the Myd88 gene, an essential component of the IL-1 receptor signalling complex. Mice were administered tamoxifen (75–100 mg/kg; i.p; 5 days) to induce Myd88 deletion. DNA was obtained from ear notches and RNA from cultured CF. Myd88 DNA deletion efficiency and mRNA expression levels were determined by real-time RT-PCR. All data are expressed as mean±SEM %GAPDH. Results Tamoxifen induced a 32% reduction in Myd88 DNA (Cre- 0.172±0.017 (n=7) vs. Cre+ 0.117±0.015 (n=9); P=0.049) and a 63% reduction in CF Myd88 mRNA expression (Cre- 1.64±0.27 (n=4) vs. Cre+ 0.60±0.25 (n=4); P=0.023). Expression of DDR2 mRNA, a fibroblast marker, was unaffected (Cre- 0.91±0.06 vs. Cre+ 0.77±0.10; P=0.279) indicating the specificity of Myd88 deletion. Increasing tamoxifen dose (100 mg/kg) did not enhance deletion efficiency. Conclusions We have successfully reduced expression of Myd88 in CF from tamoxifen-treated Cre+ animals. To obtain greater deletion efficiency we propose using a PGK-Cre line to globally delete one Myd88 allele in the germline prior to tamoxifen-induced ablation in CF.


I am going to undertake my dissertation project on the fundamental significance of how imperative it is to a have an effective communication network which free-flows directly from the Project Manager (PM) through to each of the other various professionals during the lifecycle of a project. This documentation will also indicate how communication flows in the Construction Industry (CI) commencing from the clients initial Design Stage right up to the Hand Over phase of the project and my main intentions are going to be obtaining as much information on how stress can impact the performance of a PM and the influence it will partake during a project. (Walker, 2015) states that…" The list of activities tends to stress the inanimate parts of a project…which can only achieved by working through people. A vital important part of project managers is therefore concerned with listening and talking with the members of the project team." Therefore the PM is a vital component of having a practicable chance of finishing the project to the available budget, permitted quality and agreed timeframe because the project will be vulnerable if they are stressed which will interrupt the easy flow of vital data to other professionals, reduce the level of effective communication and danger their well-being. So it is vastly significant to try and identify how this can be resolved, establish if they can be any means of fulfilling the gap of work overload and most importantly deduct the level of work related stress to the PM to allow a vigorous project.
For us to determine the true impact of how stress affects the performance of the PM during tasks, we first need to outline what stress is discretely and the (Health and Safety Executive, 2007) states that…"Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them. There is a clear distinction between pressure, which can create a 'buzz' and be a motivating factor, and stress, which can occur when this pressure becomes excessive". This openly indicates that individuals are open to finite amount of pressure whether if it is personal or work-related but will struggle and be not capable of keeping current with boundless altitudes of pressure if it is consistently applied to them. So it is highly essential for any individual whether employer or employee to be scheduled to undertake a certain amount of tasks or activities at a time because (Lazarus, 1966) also states that…"Stress arises when individuals perceive that they cannot adequately cope with the demands being made on them or with threats to their wellbeing".
This sentence relates with (Health and Safety Executive, 2007) and indicates that the nature of stress itself is ought to make individuals minds contemplate that their intended activities or duties are a lot to accomplish which could then result in their characters breaking down and become depressed. This will manifestly result in immensely affecting the individuals well-being as they may react differently such as; beginning to have sleepless nights, devouring less opinions throughout verdicts, labouring dangerous working environment and a lot of extra hours to be up to date with the workload, having vague anticipations when communication with others and most importantly being unhappy with their occupation. However, stress itself is generally becoming an escalating key worry in the construction business as the industry is beginning to boom up from the last recession which is therefor commercially rising the amount of tasks for diverse professionals to embark on during a project, reducing the possibility of Sub-contractors to undertake big projects cause of the scope of work and work fulfilment heights is being decreased due to the amount of workload of data which is being transferred during the projects lifecycle.
I personally intend to reduce or eliminate the high levels of stress that occurs to the PM in the CI as workplace stress will acquire a negative influence on the health and well-being of not just a PM but any employee, as well as obtaining a destructive impact on output and incomes. Although they are a reasonable amount of Stress Management toolkits provided by the (Health and Safety Executive, n.d.) on their website, work related stress remains a huge matter for the PM as they are sometimes bombarded with an overload of vast amount of diverse information to gather and notify other operatives during projects. This will risk achieving the projects objectives of not only erecting the scheme to the agreed quality, but to the arranged time and available budget as well because they will be high reliance on the type of data being passed over. In view of all the above data, there is a convincing need to investigate and embark on a study to recognise the obstacles on why work related stress continues to impact the performance of a PM.


Anime Studies: Media-Specific Approaches to Neon Genesis Evangelion aims at advancing the study of anime, understood as largely TV-based genre fiction rendered in cel, or cel-look, animation with a strong affinity to participatory cultures and media convergence. Taking Neon Genesis Evangelion (Shin Seiki Evangerion) as a case study, this volume acknowledges anime as a media form with clearly recognizable aesthetic properties, (sub)cultural affordances and situated discourses. First broadcast in Japan in 1995-96, Neon Genesis Evangelion became an epoch-making anime, and later franchise. The initial series used already available conventions, visual resources and narrative tropes typical of anime in general and the mecha (or giant-robot) genre in particular, but at the same time it subverted and reinterpreted them in a highly innovative and as such standard-setting way. Investigating anime through Neon Genesis Evangelion this volume takes a broadly understood media-aesthetic and media-cultural perspective, which pertains to medium in the narrow sense of technology, techniques, materials, and semiotics, but also mediality and mediations related to practices and institutions of production, circulation, and consumption. In no way intended to be exhaustive, this volume attests to the emergence of anime studies as a field in its own right, including but not prioritizing expertise in film studies and Japanese studies, and with due regard to the most widely shared critical publications in Japanese and English language. Thus, the volume provides an introduction to studies of anime, a field that necessarily interrelates media-specific and transmedial aspects. In Anime Studies: Media-Specific Approaches to Neon Genesis Evangelion, anime is addressed from a transnational and transdisciplinary stance. The disciplinary and methodological perspectives taken by the individual chapters range from audio-visual culture, narratology, performance and genre theory to fandom studies and gender studies. In its first part, the book focuses on textual analysis and media form in the narrow sense with regard to filmic media, bank footage, voice acting and musical score, and then it broadens the scope to consider subcultural discourse, franchising, manga and video game adaptations, as well as critical and affective user engagement.


Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) modulates cell growth through IGF-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Reports suggest that the serum levels of IGFBP3 are associated with various cancers and that IGFBP3 expression is significantly decreased in cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant lung cancer cells. Based on these findings, we investigated whether Igfbp3 deficiency accelerates mouse lung tumorigenesis and if expression of IGFBP3 enhances CDDP response by focusing on the IGF1 signaling cascade. To this end, an Igfbp3-null mouse model was generated in combination with KrasG12D to compare the tumor burden. Then, IGF-dependent signaling was assessed after expressing wild-type or a mutant IGFBP3 without IGF binding capacity in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Finally, the treatment response to CDDP chemotherapy was evaluated under conditions of IGFBP3 overexpression. Igfbp3-null mice had increased lung tumor burden (>2-fold) and only half of human lung cancer cells survived after expression of IGFBP3, which corresponded to increased cleaved caspase-3 (10-fold), inactivation of IGF1 and MAPK signaling. In addition, overexpression of IGFBP3 increased susceptibility to CDDP treatment in lung cancer cells. These results, for the first time, demonstrate that IGFBP3 mediates lung cancer progression in a KrasG12D mouse model. Furthermore, overexpression of IGFBP3 induced apoptosis and enhanced cisplatin response in vitro and confirmed that the suppression is in part by blocking IGF1 signaling. Implications: These findings reveal that IGFBP3 is effective in lung cancer cells with high IGF1 signaling activity and imply that relevant biomarkers are essential in selecting lung cancer patients for IGF1-targeted therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 15(7); 896–904. ©2017 AACR.


This paper reports on a novel fiber design that has an inherently flattened effective Raman gain spectrum. Simulations show that gain-flattened broad-band Raman amplification, using a single pump, can be achieved in any wavelength band by suitably choosing the fiber parameters and the pump wavelength. The fiber also has a high negative dispersion coefficient-(380-515) ps/km/spl middot/nm over the operating range of wavelengths-and the shape of the dispersion curve is such that the total link dispersion can be not only compensated but also flattened. Hence, the designed fiber can serve as a lossless, broad-band, dispersion-flattening, and dispersion-compensating module for the S band, wherein lossless operation is achieved using inherently gain-flattened single-pump Raman amplification. The performance characteristics of such a module was modeled taking into account wavelength-dependent splice loss as well as background loss, and it has been shown through simulations that lossless operation with /spl plusmn/0.2-dB gain ripple is achievable over (1480-1511) nm using a single pump. Moreover, dispersion compensation for five spans of transmission in a 10-Gb/s system, over this 32-nm bandwidth in the S band, should be attainable using the proposed design.


BACKGROUND
Iatrogenic acute dissection of the ascending aorta following coronary angiography and percutaneous intervention is rare. This complication, if not managed urgently, can have critical results.

CASE REPORT
We present the case of a 70 year-old woman who was treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the right coronary artery (RCA) for acute inferior myocardial infarction; however, the procedure was complicated by anterograde dissection of the RCA with a simultaneous retrograde propagation to the proximal part of the ascending aorta. Successful stenting of the entry point was able to heal the RCA and restrict the retrograde propagation to the ascending aorta. The aortic dissection was monitored by means of computerised tomography and the dissection repaired itself spontaneously within a day.

CONCLUSION
Treatment of the aorta coronary dissection (ACD) by urgent osteal stenting is a less invasive treatment compared with surgical treatment in appropriate cases. We demonstrated that immediate osteal stenting should be performed in ACD.


Retinal images are comprised of light returning from tissues that are directly backscattering, or polarization-preserving, and multiply scattering, or depolarizing. By analyzing the polarization content of retinal images, pathological structures in age-related macular degeneration, macular hole, diabetes, and glaucoma are revealed in a non-invasive manner.


Analysts of university–industry interaction sometimes measure it through numbers of university–industry co-publications (UICs), because of their relative availability and international comparability. However, we do not know whether UICs correspond to another measure of interaction: university funding from firms. We propose a conceptual model on four types of relationships between UICs and university funding from firms, emphasizing the interactive nature of their relation, e.g. not only funding can lead to UICs, but also UICs can signal competences that motivate funding. We test the model with UIC and income data from the Polytechnic University of Valencia at individual level: around 6–7% of researchers participating in projects with firms were authors of UICs published in 2008–11; and around 27% of those UIC authors were participating in projects with firms during that period. Overall, we do not find evidence of any significant positive correlation between UIC output and university funding from the business sector in general. The one exception is a minority of authors who participate in business-funded projects, where we find a positive association of current UICs and business funding.


In this paper, two probabilistic prognosis updating schemes are compared. One is based on the classical Bayesian approach and the other is based on newly developed maximum relative entropy (MRE) approach. The algorithm performance of the two models is evaluated using a set of recently developed prognostics-based metrics. Various uncertainties from measurements, modeling, and parameter estimations are integrated into the prognosis framework as random input variables for fatigue damage of materials. Measures of response variables are then used to update the statistical distributions of random variables and the prognosis results are updated using posterior distributions. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique is employed to provide the posterior samples for model updating in the framework. Experimental data are used to demonstrate the operation of the proposed probabilistic prognosis methodology. A set of prognostics-based metrics are employed to quantitatively evaluate the prognosis performance and compare the proposed entropy method with the classical Bayesian updating algorithm. In particular, model accuracy, precision, robustness and convergence are rigorously evaluated in addition to the qualitative visual comparison. Following this, potential development and improvement for the prognostics-based metrics are discussed in detail.


Theory predicts that a strongly injection-locked spin-torque oscillator (STO) should show a characteristic ringing frequency both on its approach to the locked state and under the influence of thermal noise. While experiments have so far failed to detect such ringing, we here show numerically and analytically how current modulation of injection-locked STOs can excite the ringing frequency in a resonant manner, and hence increase the experimental sensitivity. The complexity of such dynamics leads to a nonlinear resonance, which can even unlock the STO as a function of the modulation strength. The results presented here offer a plausible method for experimentally measuring the ringing frequency of STOs. Moreover, the onset of unlocking also provides a measure for the maximum modulation strength that can be applied to phase-locked STOs.


With the resources provided by communication technologies, E-learning has been employed in multiple universities, as well as in wide range of training centers and schools. This book presents a structured collection of chapters, dealing with the subject and stressing the importance of E-learning. It shows the evolution of Elearning, with discussion about tools, methodologies, improvements and new possibilities for long-distance learning. The book is divided into three sections and their respective chapters refer to three macro areas. The first section of the book covers methodologies and tools applied for E-learning, considering collaborative methodologies and specific environments. The second section is about E-learning assessment, highlighting studies about E-learning features and evaluations for different methodologies. The last section deals with the new developments in E-learning, emphasizing subjects like knowledge building in virtual environments, new proposals for architectures in tutoring systems, and case studies. and


This study was conducted to determine if the phenomenon of binaural interference occurs in normal hearing children. To investigate the possible presence of binaural interference, comparisons of the participants' right, left, and binaural performance was measured for word recognition test scores and speech-in-noise test scores. To provide evidence of the possible breakdown within the auditory system associated with binaural interference, sub-cortical and cortical tests were used within the test battery. Tonal and speech masking level difference tests (MLDs) were used as sub-cortical tasks. The pitch pattern sequence [motor (MPPS) and verbal (VPPS) response] tests were used as cortical tasks. Normative data was developed for the masking level difference tests and pitch pattern sequence tests.


A bacterial system that uses RNA to edit DNA is harnessed for engineering mammalian genomes. [Also see Reports by Cong et al. and Mali et al.] Gene therapy is the holy grail of human medicine. Many diseases are caused by a defective gene, sometimes with a mutation as subtle as a single-nucleotide variation. Before restoration of such a mutation in a patient's genome can take place, the target nucleotide sequence has to be cleaved at a single position, out of 3 billion possibilities. This degree of precise surgery requires an enzyme with highly selective target recognition. Successful editing of eukaryotic genomes has been accomplished with DNA nucleases designed to bear a unique site that binds to a specific DNA sequence. A major drawback of these protein-guided systems to "engineer" genomes, however, is that each new target sequence requires laboriously adjusting the specificity of the nuclease's DNA binding site. On pages 819 and 823 of this issue, Cong et al. (1) and Mali et al. (2) describe efficient genome editing in human cells based on an RNA-guided system.


ICT opens up many new opportunities for higher-value products and services, of which Personal Health System (PHS) is just one of the possibilities. PHS for remote management of diseases, treatment and rehabilitation, outside hospitals and care centers is based on closed-loop approaches and integrates wearable, portable or implantable devices into a subsystem coupled with appropriate platforms and services. This article discusses such subsystem that we called mHealth Console and puts an accent on gathering and analysis, interpretation and use of the multiparametric data, in conjunction with established or newly created medical knowledge, for shared patient-doctor decision support systems. After discussing business motivation for remote provisioning of healthcare services in Section1, the paper continues by describing a framework for ICT deployment on Section 2. The proposed service delivery architecture is based on Over the Top (OTT) delivery principles and enables perspective mHealth provider to reach service users (e.g. patients, health insurance, health providers, employers, pharmacies etc ) irrespective of their locations and type of physical connectivity in that location. The Section 3 continues by offering a detailed functional architecture for mHealth Console and Portal, description of signalling message flows for different SIP and DLNA based use cases. The article concludes that mHealth system is a powerful ICT based solution that process comprehensive sensor data, both environmental and behavioral, and is critical component enabling provision of monitoring and rehabilitation services to the patients. The features of the proposed solution such as independent communication session initiation, seamless and automated exchange of stored and real time information and use of devices of affordable price, makes the proposed architecture a viable solution for seamless delivery of mHealth services.


Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a number of significant strategic and operational roles in the construction sector. However, a number of studies have highlighted a series of challenges within this sector, from value- proposition aversion (regarding ICT expenditure), through to lack of awareness (capability), and inability to 'measure' tangible outcomes (benefits) associated with ICT deployment. Given these issues, and also acknowledging the levels of nested fragmentation that exists in sectoral disciplines – especially within small to medium enterprises (SMEs); this paper presents a chronology of interrelated factors peculiar to the sector which has directly/indirectly influenced this slow (low) technology adopter positioning of these organisations. This paper argues that there is a need to break the status quo use of ICT by SMEs, and a need to realise the benefits garnered in other sectors as a means of not only enhancing the existing business, but also creating new innovation opportunities (especially in the early adopter S curve). Using a scenario thinking approach, this research presents a framework which highlights the causal "deficits" associated with low ICT penetration in the sector. This framework also identifies the key forces that influence and impact upon ICT usage in the construction sector, especially the interplay of key pivotal forces (through the competing push-pull continuum). A series of different scenarios for ICT uptake, adoption and diffusion are envisioned. These were developed with the help of industry experts in order to embed relevance and establish priorities against tangible indicators. This framework presents a future state ICT vision for SME's, one which places direct emphasis on SMEs' perspectives (operational and strategic) and future business aspirations.


This is a document from the Charles B. Moore Collection. It is a list of Democratic candidates for the 1844 election in the state of Tennessee. A handwritten note on the side details that this election was Charles B. Moore's first time voting. The candidates listed in this document includes those who ran for senate seats and for congress.