PRACTICE BULLETIN no. 7 CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING WHETHER COLLATERAL FOR A LOAN HAS BEEN IN-SUBSTANCE FORECLOSED Accounting standards have produced several approaches to assessing whether collateral for a loan has been in-substance foreclosed. C. Harril Whitehurst, Jr., CPA, a partner of BDO Seidman, Richmond, Virginia, and a member of the American Institute of CPAs savings and loan associations committee, discusses how the AICPA practice bulletin on the subject addresses the issue. Last year, the American Institute of CPAs accounting standards executive committee (AcSEC) undertook a project to examine how losses on loans collateralized by real estate and on certain real estate owned were being determined under current guidance. The project was undertaken because there is diverse guidance in the authoritative accounting literature. This diversity has focused primarily on the difference between guidance for savings and loans and that for banks. AcSEC, therefore, formed a task force to address three issues that are related to the recording of losses on collateralized loans: 1. How to determine whether collateral for a loan has been in-substance foreclosed. 2. If collateral for a loan has not been in-substance foreclosed, whether lenders should discount estimated cash flows from collateral to determine if a loss is recorded. 3. If collateral has been foreclosed or in-substance foreclosed, how such assets should be reported--in particular, whether discounting should be used in determining their value. The task force drafted a proposed statement of position addressing these three issues. However, AcSEC then decided it was not desirable for them to resolve the issues dealing with discounting; they thought the Financial Accounting Standards Board should deal with the discounting issues. AcSEC, however, did reach a conclusion on the in-substance foreclosure issue and issued a new practice bulletin no. 7, Criteria for Determining Whether Collateral for a Loan Has Been In-Substance Foreclosed,. Paragraphs 34 and 84 of FASB Statement no. 15, Accounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled Debt Restructurings, raise the issue of in-substance foreclosure. They require loss recognition based on the fair value of the collateral that is in-substance foreclosed. However, they do not provide specific criteria for what constitutes in-substance foreclosure. The only authoritative guidance previously available was the Securities and Exchange Commission's Financial Reporting Release no. 28, issued in December 1986, which provides, among other things, specific criteria for determining whether an in-substance foreclosure has occurred. The SEC issued FRR no. 28 because it recognized registrants needed additional guidance on this issue to ensure consistent reporting. However, this release applies only to public companies reporting to the SEC. The new practice bulletin no. 7 begins discussion of the in-substance foreclosure issue by indicating a creditor should determine if an in-substance foreclosure has occurred when it is probable the creditor will not receive all the promised payments on the collateralized loan. This determination must be made before evaluating the allowance for loan loss under FASB Statement no. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, because, if an in-substance foreclosure has taken place, the reporting of the asset would change from that for a loan receivable to that for the collateral. AcSEC concluded in the practice bulletin the criteria for determining if an in-substance foreclosure has taken place should be the same as those in FRR no. 28. The criteria, all of which must be met, are: * The debtor has little or no equity in the collateral, considering its fair value. (Fair value is defined in paragraph 13 of FASB Statement no. 15 as "the amount that the debtor could reasonably expect to receive . . . in a current sale between a willing buyer and a willing seller, that is, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. …


A more
in-depth analysis of RISC shows that its reported performance for
1024- and 2048-bit fingerprints does not extend to many other
fingerprint types of the same size. While faster than chemfp's BitBound for the atypically sparse Morgan circular fingerprints, its
performance is comparable to BitBound for other types with similar
density, and significantly slower as bit densities increase above
around 0.1. This analysis uses 23 different combinations of fingerprint types and sizes from RDKit, OpenEye, and Open Babel. The fingerprints were generated using randomly selected structures from ChEMBL 24.


Ideals of reconciliation are treated by most contemporary philosophical discourses as bankrupt and chimeric or even as suspect of totalitarianism and terror. Largely associated with eschatological narratives of a supposedly prospective undifferentiated social unity, such ideals are charged with a violent revocation of singularity and heterogeneity for the sake of totality and homogeneity. Hence postmodernist critiques of utopianism are by now well-worn and widely accepted dimension of a broader incredulity toward meta-narratives. However, I argue that the sedimentation of those critiques in a polemics that exaggerates the significance that conflict and radical difference may have for justice, has led to extreme positions. Even the mention of the term "consensus" suffices to trigger postmodernist or poststructuralist attacks on grounds of foundationalism, universalism, totalitarianism, and pacification regardless of how the term is reformulated or meant. Attacks of that sort are justified only to a very limited extent as reactions to a growing tendency in applied politics to consider agreement the ultimate answer to world problems, thus hypocritically glossing over issues of power and uneven positioning of the parties expected to agree. But such attacks are not justified when they tend to treat the notion of agreement or consensus as necessarily derivative from foundationalism and conservative universalism. Conversely, dissent and conflict may generate fresh outlooks and just stances to unassimilated alterity but in their inflated and non-nuanced form they may work against peaceful coexistence or the very acceptance and appreciation of otherness. When dissent and conflict signify a commitment to critique and wield new and as yet unknown ideas they may take the form of controversy. But in their exaggerated emphasis they may lead to a sterile or even violent negativity; too many expectations from the inflated tropes of dissent and conflict reify them and blunt their critique of stasis. Thought through, in the end, what is thus accomplished is an affirmation of the modernist assumption of an essentially polemic humanity always motivated by a narrow conception of private interest blocking possibilities for genuine concern for the other. A proneness to antagonism (either intrinsic to politics understood as social coordination of individual interest-never stable and always varying-or intrinsic to anthropology understood as biological preprogramming of the self toward closure) functions as the ultimate justification of radical human division. Contra an unqualified celebration of polemics such as the one we often encounter in postmodern discourse, I argue that identity and alterity within humankind need not be separated by impermeable boundaries, political or onto-anthropological. When present and felt, obstacles to reconciliation of the I and the Other can be unveiled as contingent and surmountable, especially since the constitution of the I and the Other is itself a mutable and unpredictable process. However, there has been a variety of essentialist approaches to conflict treating it as just one of the many manifestations of an inescapable authoritarian ontology. Even moves that have been otherwise characterized as anti-essentialist, since they have targeted particular versions of foundationalism, appear reluctant to break with conflict's alleged transcendence. The kind of essentialism that interprets contingent obstacles as ahistorical anthropological limits of cultural hospitability functions as the ultimate justification of the existence of those obstacles and the vehicle of their consolidation in the sphere of political practice. If human beings are essentially closed unities, competing with one another materially and symbolically for their survival and power respectively, any attempt at crossing some such onto-anthropological boundaries appears either a futile task or, at best, a short-term compromise. …


Older adults are frequently prescribed atypical antipsychotic drugs and may be at a risk for kidney-related adverse events. This population-based retrospective cohort study examined the 90-day risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the potential reasons for AKI in 96,471 matched pairs of older adults who received and who did not receive a new atypical antipsychotic drug prescription from 2003 to 2011 in Ontario. Atypical antipsychotic drug use was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization with AKI (relative risk (RR) 2.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.85–2.29]). The drug use was also associated with potential reasons for AKI including hypotension (RR 2.16 [95% CI 1.81–2.57]), acute urinary retention (RR 2.15 [95% CI 1.78–2.60]), and neuroleptic malignant syndrome/rhabdomyolysis (RR 1.44 [95% CI 1.06–1.96]). Residual confounding is unlikely to explain the observed associations entirely. This knowledge informs prescribing practice and may help identify a drug-induced reason for AKI.


During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of online instruction through different mobile applications has become more common in education all over the world. Therefore, this research investigated the potential effects of using WeChat-based online instruction on Iranian EFL learners' vocabulary knowledge. To achieve this objective, 44 Iranian intermediate subjects were picked out among 67 students based on the findings of the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). The subjects were then randomly divided into two equal groups: experimental and control. After assigning the subjects to two groups, they were pretested by a vocabulary test. Then, the experimental group received vocabulary instruction using WeChat application, while the control group received a conventional vocabulary instruction. After the instruction, a vocabulary posttest was given to both groups to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. The gathered data were analyzed through independent samples t-test, one-way ANCOVA, and paired samples t-test. The outcomes attained in this research demonstrated that there was a significant difference between the posttests of both groups in favor of the experimental group. Eventually, the conclusions and the pedagogical implications of this study were explicated.


Extracted from text ... 4 August 2006 Moneyweb's PERSONAL FINANCE
RETIREMENT
IF you have been employed in a
corporate for most of your working
life, retirement is something that is
fairly certain, and comes in a structured
manner. The company stipulates
the retirement date. Your payout
from your pension fund is
determined by the rules of the fund.
For the fortunate few, the company
may supplement your pension with
a lump-sum gratuity. Normally the
company arranges a farewell party,
and if you have faithfully served
your company for many years, you
will probably receive the traditional
gold watch.
Not so if you are ..


This study examined the relationship among farming households' technical efficiency, dietary diversity and farm income in Kwara state, Nigeria. Respondents were randomly sampled from among the National Special Programe for food security (NSPFS) beneficiaries and non benficiaies across the 3 geo-political zones in the study area. Stochastic frontier model was used to estimate the respondents' technical efficiency while the dietary diversity score and farm income were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to assess the level of relationship among the indicators. The study revealed a significant linear relationship among households' dietary diversity, farm income and technical efficiency. While technical efficiency was inversely related to farm income (r = -0.278, p = 0.01) and dietary diversity (r = -0.206, p = 0.05) on one hand, dietary diversity was positively related to farm income (r = 0.307, p = 0.05). The study has two important implications; first, increasing farm income may be of relevance if the goal of enhancing food security is pursued and benefits of technical efficiency growth may not necessarily translate into enhanced farm income and dietary diversity. This study therefore suggests the provision of infrastructures that would enable the farmers to access the benefits of improved technical efficiency.


Despite many years of implementations, issues surrounding the success or failure of information systems are still shrouded in mystery. In a quest to improve business outcomes from such systems an IS analyst should have a key role to play. Organisational IS can be seen as a composition of indi-vidual and organisational learning processes, and as such is in a constant state of change. Knowledge as an individual sense-making process is a shifting sand of lessons learnt, experiential practices, active reflection and is therefore historically unique. Even when the balance of individual competencies, skills and attributes would seem to have been sufficient for the task at hand failure can still result from the combination of factors within that particular project. Organisational sense-making activities suffer from irrationalities of action, skilled incompetence's and a plethora of organisational defence mechanisms. Within the information systems field, contextual analysis is an initiative focused on addressing issues of organ-isational information systems. Such systems are 'community' initiated, where system development or change activity is mentored by the analyst through the developmental mechanism of continual learning and communication. (Less)


In this study we investigate how the basal ganglia (BG) may process the behavioural relevance of environmental cues by recording local field potentials (LFPs) in the subthalamic nucleus of patients with Parkinson's disease who had undergone implantation of electrodes for deep brain stimulation. Fourteen patients were recorded as they performed a paradigm dissociating warning cue presentation from programming related to execution of specific tasks. Target and non‐target warning cues of differing behavioural relevance were contrasted, and we evaluated if warning cue‐evoked activities varied according to whether the eventual task to be performed was motor or cognitive and whether patients were receiving or withdrawn from dopaminergic therapy. Warning cues evoked a complex temporal sequence of activities with three epochs over the 760 ms following the onset of the warning cue. In contrast to the initial evoked LFP, evoked activities over two later periods were significantly influenced by behavioural relevance and by treatment state. The early activity was likely related to the initial orientating of attention induced by a novel target, while the delayed responses in our paradigm may reflect processing related to the non‐motor resource implications of cues. The results suggest that the BG are intimately involved in the evaluation of changes in the environment and of their behavioural significance. The latter process is partly modulated by dopamine. Weakness in this function might contribute to the behavioural impairment that can follow BG lesions and surgery.


The blood is a complex fluid that contains, in addition to water, cells, macro-molecules and a large number of smaller molecules. The physical properties of the blood are therefore the result of non-linear interactions of its constituents, which are influenced by the local flow field conditions. Hence, the local blood viscosity is a function of the local concentration of the blood constituents and the local flow field itself. This study considers the flow of blood-like fluids in generalised 90-degree bifurcating pipes and patient-specific arterial bifurcations relevant to the large aortic branches in humans. It is shown that the Red Blood Cell (RBC) distribution in the region of bifurcations may lead to large changes in the viscosity, with implications on the concentrations of the various cells in the blood plasma. This in turn implies that the flow in the near wall regions is more difficult to estimate and predict than that under the assumption of a homogeneous fluid. The rheological properties of blood are complex and are difficult to measure, since the results depend on the measuring equipment and the inherent flow conditions. We attempt to model the viscosity of water containing different volume fractions of non-deforming RBC-like particles in tubes. The apparent viscosities of the mixtures obtained from these model experiments have been compared to the predictions of the different rheological models found in the literature. The same rheological models have also been used in the different simulations, where the local RBC concentration and local shear rate are used in the viscosity models. The flow simulations account for the non-linearity due to coupling between the flow and fluid rheology. Furthermore, from a physiological perspective, it is shown that oscillatory wall shear stresses are affected by changes in RBC concentration in the regions of the bifurcation associated with atherogenesis. The intrinsic shear thinning rheological property of the blood, in conjunction with stagnation in separated flows, may be responsible for elevated temporal wall shear stress gradients (TWSSG) influencing endothelial cell behaviour, which has been postulated to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis. The blood-like fluid properties along with variations in the RBC concentration could also lead to variations in the developing flow structures in the larger arteries that could influence the work the heart has to bear.


The failure of peg penetration into the soil leads to seed abortion in peanut. Knowledge of genes involved in these processes is comparatively deficient. Here, we used RNA-seq to gain insights into transcriptomes of aerial and subterranean pods. More than 2 million transcript reads with an average length of 396 bp were generated from one aerial (AP) and two subterranean (SP1 and SP2) pod libraries using pyrosequencing technology. After assembly, sets of 49 632, 49 952 and 50 494 from a total of 74 974 transcript assembly contigs (TACs) were identified in AP, SP1 and SP2, respectively. A clear linear relationship in the gene expression level was observed between these data sets. In brief, 2194 differentially expressed TACs with a 99.0% true-positive rate were identified, among which 859 and 1068 TACs were up-regulated in aerial and subterranean pods, respectively. Functional analysis showed that putative function based on similarity with proteins catalogued in UniProt and gene ontology term classification could be determined for 59 342 (79.2%) and 42 955 (57.3%) TACs, respectively. A total of 2968 TACs were mapped to 174 KEGG pathways, of which 168 were shared by aerial and subterranean transcriptomes. TACs involved in photosynthesis were significantly up-regulated and enriched in the aerial pod. In addition, two senescence-associated genes were identified as significantly up-regulated in the aerial pod, which potentially contribute to embryo abortion in aerial pods, and in turn, to cessation of swelling. The data set generated in this study provides evidence for some functional genes as robust candidates underlying aerial and subterranean pod development and contributes to an elucidation of the evolutionary implications resulting from fruit development under light and dark conditions.


Increasingly, women and minorities are entering fields where white male power is firmly entrenched. The spaces they come to occupy are not empty or neutral, but are imbued with history and meaning. This groundbreaking book interrogates the pernicious, subtle but nonetheless widely held view that certain bodies are naturally entitled to certain spaces, while others are not.Drawing on case studies from within the nation state, including Westminster and Whitehall, the art world, academia and everyday life, this book uncovers the hidden processes that undermine female and/or racialized bodies in spaces marked by masculinity and whiteness. How are positions of authority racialized and gendered? How do people manage their femininity and/or blackness while in a predominantly white male context? How do spaces become naturalized or normalized, and what does it mean when they are disrupted?Answering these questions and many more, this book is the first to examine the meaning of diversity in organizations in its absolute complexity. It argues that a thorough engagement with difference requires a rigorous investigation of how institutional cultures become normative. It is only when we see and name this invisible central point of reference, which is so often taken for granted, that we can we truly unsettle long established links. Uniting social, cultural and political theory, and engaging with a range of substantive material from a variety of institutions, this book is a timely contribution to wide-reaching debates on race, gender and space.


Ultrashort laser pulses have thus far been used in two distinct modes. In the time domain, the pulses have allowed probing and manipulation of dynamics on a subpicosecond time scale. More recently, phase stabilization has produced optical frequency combs with absolute frequency reference across a broad bandwidth. Here we combine these two applications in a spectroscopic study of rubidium atoms. A wide-bandwidth, phase-stabilized femtosecond laser is used to monitor the real-time dynamic evolution of population transfer. Coherent pulse accumulation and quantum interference effects are observed and well modeled by theory. At the same time, the narrow linewidth of individual comb lines permits a precise and efficient determination of the global energy-level structure, providing a direct connection among the optical, terahertz, and radio-frequency domains. The mechanical action of the optical frequency comb on the atomic sample is explored and controlled, leading to precision spectroscopy with an appreciable reduction in systematic errors.


The development of advanced reaction models to predict pollutant emissions in aero-engine combustors usually relies on surrogate formulations of a specific jet fuel for mimicking its chemical composition. 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene is one of the suitable components to represent aromatics species in those surrogates. However, a comprehensive reaction model for 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene combustion requires a mechanism to describe the m-xylene oxidation.
 In this work, the development of a chemical kinetic mechanism for describing the m-xylene combustion in a wide parameter range (i.e. temperature, pressure, and fuel equivalence ratios) is presented. The m-xylene reaction sub-model was developed based on existing reaction mechanisms of similar species such as toluene and reaction pathways adapted from literature. The sub-model was integrated into an existing detailed mechanism that contains the kinetics of a wide range of n-paraffins, iso-paraffins, cyclo-paraffins, and aromatics.
 Simulation results for m-xylene were validated against experimental data available in literature. Results show that the presented m-xylene mechanism correctly predicts ignition delay times at different pressures and temperatures as well as laminar burning velocities at atmospheric pressure and various fuel equivalence ratios. At high pressure, some deviations of the calculated laminar burning velocity and the measured values are obtained at stoichiometric to rich equivalence ratios. Additionally, the model predicts reasonably well concentration profiles of major and intermediate species at different temperatures and atmospheric pressure.


Aquatic organisms were monitored for their ability to incorporate trifluoroacetate (TFA), an atmospheric breakdown product of HFC and HCFC refrigerants containing a trifluoromethyl moiety. Because of the structural similarity of TFA to acetate, a biochemical intermediate and microbial nutrient, we suspected that organisms might use the fluorinated compound to synthesize biomolecules such as lipids and acetylated proteins. We exposed aquatic organisms (microbial communities, oligochaetes, macroinvertebrates, Callitriche sp., Lemna sp., and Impatiens capensis) to radioactive TFA ([14C]F3COOH) and examined them for distribution of radiolabel in different classes of biomolecules. The most label was found in oligochaetes and I. capensis leaves at 3 and 6 μg/g (as TFA), respectively, with the greatest proportion found in the protein fraction for each sample type. Aerobic microorganisms incorporated only a small fraction of the label (a few nanograms per gram as TFA), and the greatest proportion of label occurre...


The long-lived Andean subduction zone underwent several flat
slab episodes and is therefore ideal to study the consequences of a
complete cycle of slab flattening and steepening on the upper plate
deformation pattern. In the modern Peruvian forearc (15°–17°S),
slab flattening caused a Paleogene (52–30 Ma) landward migration
of volcanic activity. Combining structural geology and a source-to-sink
thermochronological study, we show that the flat slab period is
contemporaneous with uplift accommodated by large-scale crustal
extension in the forearc. In this light, we argue that the study area
is an ancient analog to the modern Mexican and northern Peruvian
forearcs located above modern flat slab segments and currently undergoing
widespread extension.


Short food supply chains are now recognized marketing channels in French agriculture and are adopted widely by some sectors. This article is part of the growing body of studies on short food supply chains by proposing a study of the dynamics of the adoption of retail selling. The analysis relies on the FADN database for the years 2006 to 2012 and considers farms continuously operating over this period. Descriptive statistics are complemented by a two-step Heckman selection model that considers the duration of retail selling adoption, conditioned by the fact that farmers decide at first to adopt or not such marketing strategy. The analysis identifies that the adoption of such strategy is quite stable over the years. The econometric results confirm the link between the farmer's level of education, the use of workforce, phytosanitary products and the adoption of short marketing channels. They highlight the relationship between the reduction of workforce and phytosanitary products, the implementation of a sound financial situation, as well as sectorial peculiarities in the duration of adoption of retail selling. By contributing to a deeper understanding of short marketing modes, these results reflect the emergence of a specific model of farms centered on the use of short food supply chains.


Microgeneration (MG) comes in various forms, ranging from solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines, small hydro to solar water heating and among others. The governments in Europe see MG as a real alternative in reducing carbon emission and improving supply efficiency and security. Incentives for MGs are therefore on the rise, along with the number of units connected to the HV/LV distribution networks. These incentives typically bear no relation to the impact that MGs would have on the infrastructure network and on the generation supply. These un-directed incentives could bring unnecessary burdens to the energy system rather than help. Therefore, it is desirable to develop cost-effective incentives for MGs that can reflect the potential benefits/costs brought by MGs. Investment deferral is considered to be one of the most important benefits brought by integrating MGs into the distribution network. In this paper, the investment deferral is evaluated and quantified by connecting MGs at various locations and at differing penetration and concentration levels. This paper aims to achieve three goals: 1) to propose a method to assess investment deferral resulting from MGs for the EHV (Extra High Voltage) network; 2) to investigate how investment deferral varies with different MG allocation approaches in the network; 3) to suggest a more effective allocation approach which can bring more benefits to network investment deferral when the same quantity of MGs is connected. All the analyses are carried out on a subset of a practical system in the UK.


To determine the accuracy of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), Cockcroft-Gault (CG), and chronic kidney disease epidemiology (CKD-EPI) formulas in potential kidney donors compared with 24-h urine creatinine clearance, we studied 207 potential live kidney donors in our center. There were 126 (60.9%) males and 81 (39.1%) females. Male:female ratio was 1.6:1. The age of the donors ranged from 18-58 years, with mean age of 35.30 ± 9.23 years and most of the individuals were below 40 years of age. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated and venous blood samples were obtained for the measurement of serum creatinine and every study participant was instructed to collect 24-h urine. GFR was calculated based on 24-h urine creatinine clearance and the formulas. The accuracy of GFR estimation formula was taken as positive if the GFR calculated by the formulas and urine creatinine clearance fell between 90-120 mL/min/1.73 m(2). The accuracy of the MDRD formula was 48.8% and the CG formula was 41.5% whereas the accuracy of the CKD-EPI formula was 78.2%. The accuracy of the eGFR using the MDRD formula was significantly higher in males than females (57.9% vs. 33.3% P = 0.001), while there was no statistically significant difference in the eGFR between them in case of the use of the CG and the CKD-EPI formulas. BMI and obesity had no effect on the accuracy of eGFR by the use of the different formulas. The performance of GFR estimation formulas was sub optimal and these either underestimated and/or over-estimated the GFR in healthy subjects. CKD-EPI is closer to 24 -h urinary creatinine clearance in the calculation of eGFR. However, none of the eGFR formulas can be used in renal transplant donors because of their low accuracy, and 24-h urine creatinine clearance should be used for evaluation of the GFR in this population.


We have demonstrated a compact, robust device for simultaneous absolute frequency stabilization of three diode lasers whose carrier frequencies can be chosen freely relative to the reference. A rigid ULE multicavity block is employed, and, for each laser, the sideband locking technique is applied. A small lock error, computer control of frequency offset, wide range of frequency offset, simple construction, and robust operation are the useful features of the system. One concrete application is as a stabilization unit for the cooling and trapping lasers of a neutral-atom lattice clock. The device significantly supports and improves the clock's operation. The laser with the most stringent requirements imposed by this application is stabilized to a line width of 70 Hz, and a residual frequency drift less than 0.5 Hz/s. The carrier optical frequency can be tuned over 350 MHz while in lock.


Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(6;9)(p22;q34) is a distinct entity accounting for 1-2% of AML cases. A substantial proportion of these patients have a concomitant FLT3-ITD. While outcomes are dismal with intensive chemotherapy, limited evidence suggests allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) may improve survival if performed early during first complete remission. We report on a cohort of 178 patients with t(6;9)(p22;q34) within an international, multicenter collaboration. Median age was 46 years (range: 16-76), AML was de novo in 88%, FLT3-ITD was present in 62%, and additional cytogenetic abnormalities in 21%. Complete remission was achieved in 81% (n=144), including 14 patients who received high-dose cytarabine after initial induction failure. With a median follow up of 5.43 years, estimated overall survival at five years was 38% (95%CI: 31-47%). Allo-HCT was performed in 117 (66%) patients, including 89 in first complete remission. Allo-HCT in first complete remission was associated with higher 5-year relapse-free and overall survival as compared to consolidation chemotherapy: 45% (95%CI: 35-59%) and 53% (95%CI: 42-66%) versus 7% (95%CI: 3-19%) and 23% (95%CI: 13-38%), respectively. For patients undergoing allo-HCT, there was no difference in overall survival rates at five years according to whether it was performed in first [53% (95%CI: 42-66%)], or second [58% (95%CI: 31-100%); n=10] complete remission or with active disease/relapse [54% (95%CI: 34-84%); n=18] (P=0.67). Neither FLT3-ITD nor additional chromosomal abnormalities impacted survival. In conclusion, outcomes of t(6;9)(p22;q34) AML are poor with chemotherapy, and can be substantially improved with allo-HCT.


Next-generation sequencing has yet to be widely adopted for HIV. The difficulty of accurately reconstructing the consensus sequence of a quasispecies from reads (short fragments of DNA) in the presence of rapid between- and within-host evolution may have presented a barrier. In particular, mapping (aligning) reads to a reference sequence leads to biased loss of information; this bias can distort epidemiological and evolutionary conclusions. De novo assembly avoids this bias by effectively aligning the reads to themselves, producing a set of sequences called contigs. However contigs provide only a partial summary of the reads, misassembly may result in their having an incorrect structure, and no information is available at parts of the genome where contigs could not be assembled. To address these problems we developed the tool shiver to preprocess reads for quality and contamination, then map them to a reference tailored to the sample using corrected contigs supplemented with existing reference sequences. Run with two commands per sample, it can easily be used for large heterogeneous data sets. We use shiver to reconstruct the consensus sequence and minority variant information from paired-end short-read data produced with the Illumina platform, for 65 existing publicly available samples and 50 new samples. We show the systematic superiority of mapping to shiver's constructed reference over mapping the same reads to the standard reference HXB2: an average of 29 bases per sample are called differently, of which 98.5% are supported by higher coverage. We also provide a practical guide to working with imperfect contigs.


N-Alkylated derivatives of 1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (tach) are versatile, facially coordinating ligands. We present the syntheses and full characterization of two new complexes of the [(R(3)tach)ReO(3)](+) type. In these complexes, the tach ligand is readily substituted by bi- and tridentate ligands; hence, they can be considered as sources of the [ReO(3)](+) motif for Re(VII) complexes.


Characteristics of relationship itself play an important role in determining well-being of individuals who participate in the relationship. We used efficacy expectations mutually shared between close friends or romantic partners as a characteristic of relationship and investigated its impact on their life satisfaction. In Study 1, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 137 pairs of close same-sex friends to test whether the efficacy expectations shared between friends are associated with levels of life satisfaction. In Study 2, we conducted a longitudinal study among 114 heterosexual romantic couples to test predictive validity of the efficacy expectations shared between couples predict levels of life satisfaction 2 month later. In both studies we found a consistent result that as degrees of the efficacy expectations shared between individuals in a relationship increased, the degree of their life satisfaction also increased. Underlying mechanisms that explain how characteristics of relationship itself increase life satisfaction are discussed.


Abstract Objective: To compare the mortality of British vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Design: Analysis of original data from two prospective studies each including a large proportion of vegetarians – the Oxford Vegetarian Study and the Health Food Shoppers Study. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) compared with the population of England and Wales were calculated from deaths before age 90 for vegetarians and non-vegetarians in each study. Death rate ratios (DRRs) for vegetarians compared with non-vegetarians within each study were calculated for each of 14 major causes of death. Setting: UK. Subjects: Twenty-one thousand men and women aged 16–89 years at recruitment, including more than 8000 vegetarians. Results: SMRs for all causes of death were significantly below the reference level of 100 in both studies: 52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 49–56) based on 1131 deaths in the Oxford Vegetarian Study and 59 (57–61) based on 2346 deaths in the Health Food Shoppers Study. For all causes of death, the DRR for vegetarians compared with non-vegetarians was close to one in both studies: 1.01 (95% CI 0.89–1.14) in the Oxford Vegetarian Study, 1.03 (0.95–1.13) in the Health Food Shoppers Study. Conclusions: British vegetarians have low mortality compared with the general population. Their death rates are similar to those of comparable non-vegetarians, suggesting that much of this benefit may be attributed to non-dietary lifestyle factors such as a low prevalence of smoking and a generally high socio-economic status, or to aspects of the diet other than the avoidance of meat and fish.


The advancements in high performance computing (HPC) have enabled the large-scale implementation of neuromorphic learning models and pushed the research on computational intelligence into a new era. Those bio-inspired models are constructed on top of unified building blocks, i.e. neurons, and have revealed potentials for learning of complex information. Two major challenges remain in neuromorphic computing. Firstly, sophisticated structuring methods are needed to determine the connectivity of the neurons in order to model various problems accurately. Secondly, the models need to adapt to nontraditional architectures for improved computation speed and energy efficiency. In this thesis, we address these two problems and apply our techniques to different cognitive applications. This thesis first presents the self-structured confabulation network for anomaly detection. Among the machine learning applications, unsupervised detection of the anomalous streams is especially challenging because it requires both detection accuracy and real-time performance. Designing a computing framework that harnesses the growing computing power of the multicore systems while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity to the anomalies is an urgent research need. We present AnRAD (Anomaly Recognition And Detection), a bio-inspired detection framework that performs probabilistic inferences. We leverage the mutual information between the features and develop a self-structuring procedure that learns a succinct confabulation network from the unlabeled data. This network is capable of fast incremental learning, which continuously refines the knowledge base from the data streams. Compared to several existing anomaly detection methods, the proposed approach provides competitive detection accuracy as well as the insight to reason the decision making. Furthermore, we exploit the massive parallel structure of the AnRAD framework. Our implementation of the recall algorithms on the graphic processing unit (GPU) and the Xeon Phi co-processor both obtain substantial speedups over the sequential implementation on general-purpose microprocessor (GPP). The implementation enables real-time service to concurrent data streams with diversified contexts, and can be applied to large problems with multiple local patterns. Experimental results demonstrate high computing performance and memory efficiency. For vehicle abnormal behavior detection, the framework is able to monitor up to 16000 vehicles and their interactions in real-time with a single commodity co-processor, and uses less than 0.2ms for each testing subject. While adapting our streaming anomaly detection model to mobile devices or unmanned systems, the key challenge is to deliver required performance under the stringent power constraint. To address the paradox between performance and power consumption, braininspired hardware, such as the IBM Neurosynaptic System, has been developed to enable low power implementation of neural models. As a follow-up to the AnRAD framework, we proposed to port the detection network to the TrueNorth architecture. Implementing inference based anomaly detection on a neurosynaptic processor is not straightforward due to hardware limitations. A design flow and the supporting component library are developed to flexibly map the learned detection networks to the neurosynaptic cores. Instead of the popular rate code, burst code is adopted in the design, which represents numerical value using the phase of a burst of spike trains. This does not only reduce the hardware complexity, but also increases the result's accuracy. A Corelet library, NeoInfer-TN, is implemented for basic operations in burst code and two-phase pipelines are constructed based on the library components. The design can be configured for different tradeoffs between detection accuracy, hardware resource consumptions, throughput and energy. We evaluate the system using network intrusion detection data streams. The results show higher detection rate than some conventional approaches and real-time performance, with only 50mW power consumption. Overall, it achieves 10 operations per Joule. In addition to the modeling and implementation of unsupervised anomaly detection, we also investigate a supervised learning model based on neural networks and deep fragment embedding and apply it to text-image retrieval. The study aims at bridging the gap between image and natural language. It continues to improve the bidirectional retrieval performance across the modalities. Unlike existing works that target at single sentence densely describing the image objects, we elevate the topic to associating deep image representations with noisy texts that are only loosely correlated. Based on text-image fragment embedding, our model employs a sequential configuration, connects two embedding stages together. The first stage learns the relevancy of the text fragments, and the second stage uses the filtered output from the first one to improve the matching results. The model also integrates multiple convolutional neural networks (CNN) to construct the image fragments, in which rich context information such as human faces can be extracted to increase the alignment accuracy. The proposed method is evaluated with both synthetic dataset and real-world dataset collected from picture news website. The results show up to 50% ranking performance improvement over the comparison models. NEUROMORPHIC LEARNING SYSTEMS FOR SUPERVISED AND UNSUPERVISED APPLICATIONS


Brazil, Argentina and Israel all used price controls as part of disinflation programs in 1985-1986. In each case they were intended to break an "inertial" component of inflation. This paper focuses on a specific mechanism through which inflation inertia can emerge: the interaction between lack of credibility of government monetary policy announcements and the price setting behavior of forward looking firms. We show that this interaction can lead to inertia extending well beyond the price setting period; that is important since the price setting period is likely to be short in high inflation economies. We develop an open economy macromodel in which firms set prices before uncertainty about government monetary policy is resolved. Lack of credibility is then shown to lead to output losses during a disinflation program. We demonstrate the effects of price controls and show that their temporary use can be defended on welfare grounds. The paper analyzes asset price behavior during disinflation programs with and without price controls and the influence of credibility problems. We discuss nominal and real interest rates, the stock market and exchange rates. Finally we show that if past government policy has any information content about future government policy, cheating on current announcements of tight policy buys current employment gains during the price control period at the cost of higher inflation afterwards. Sustaining low inflation after the price control period thus requires restrictive monetary policy during the price control period.


Introduction: Despite all improvement in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, the management in relapsed or refractory disease is still controversial. The use of multiple chemotherapeutic agents will induce more toxicity and morbidity in patients. Fludarabin- containing therapy (FLAG and FLANG) mostly has been used in the treatment of relapsed or refractory AML patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the response of treatment in 40 adult leukemia patients treated with these regimens from October 2007 to December 2011 in our center. They took FLAG (fludarabine, cytarabine, GCSF) and FLANG (fludarabine, cytarabine, mitoxantrone) according to the approved protocol. They were taken packed cells or platelets as needed and antibiotics in cases of established or highly suspicious infections. After these therapies, 12 patients with suitable donor made ready for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and one patient without donor underwent autologous HSCT. Results: The median age of patients was 29.5 (range: 16- 50) years old. The male to female ratio was 30:10. The patients were diagnosed with ALL (15, 37.5%) and AML (25, 62.5%). The most common subtype of leukemia was ALL- L2 and AML- M4. The most common disease treated was AML-M4. Two patients had secondary leukemia (breast cancer and MDS). Except two patients which treated with FLAG regimen, others received FLANG. Most patients were primary refractory (18, 45%), first relapse (17, 42.5%) or second relapse (5, 12.5%) before this treatment. Thirteen patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after FLANG. Four patients received FLANG as relapse treatment after transplantation. Pulmonary aspergillus infection occurred in 13 patients and aspergillus sinusitis in two after FLANG/ FLAG treatment. White blood cells and platelet recovery observed in 30 patients with a median time of 20 days after treatment. Treatment resulted in complete response (n=19), partial response (n=1) and no response (n=11) in patients. Early death (before 60 days) after treatment occurred in 9 (22.5%) patients. The most common causes of death were primary disease (relapse) (24, 60%) and infection (5, 12.5%). The one- year overall survival was 21.4% (SE: 7.1%). Among the survivors, only 5 patients received transplantation and 5 patients are alive without transplantation. Conclusion: The study shows that refractory and relapsed leukemia patients can achieve complete remission with FLAG/ FLANG treatment. The side effects include serious fungal infections and sepsis. Moreover, high mortality during these treatments was observed.


Precise control over the electrical conductivity of semiconductor nanowires is a crucial prerequisite for implementation of these nanostructures into novel electronic and optoelectronic devices. Advances in our understanding of doping mechanisms in nanowires and their influence on electron mobility and radiative efficiency are urgently required. Here, we investigate the electronic properties of n-type modulation doped GaAs/AlGaAs nanowires via optical pump terahertz (THz) probe spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy over the temperature range 5 K-300 K. We directly determine an ionization energy of 6.7 ± 0.5 meV (T = 52 K) for the Si donors within the AlGaAs shell that create the modulation doping structure. We further elucidate the temperature dependence of the electron mobility, photoconductivity lifetime and radiative efficiency, and determine the charge-carrier scattering mechanisms that limit electron mobility. We show that below the donor ionization temperature, charge scattering is limited by interactions with interfaces, leading to an excellent electron mobility of 4360 ± 380 cm2 V-1 s-1 at 5 K. Above the ionization temperature, polar scattering via longitudinal optical (LO) phonons dominates, leading to a room temperature mobility of 2220 ± 130 cm2 V-1 s-1. In addition, we show that the Si donors effectively passivate interfacial trap states in the nanowires, leading to prolonged photoconductivity lifetimes with increasing temperature, accompanied by an enhanced radiative efficiency that exceeds 10% at room temperature.


This paper surveys the recent literature on CEO compensation. The rapid rise in CEO pay over the past 30 years has sparked an intense debate about the nature of the pay-setting process. Many view the high level of CEO compensation as the result of powerful managers setting their own pay. Others interpret high pay as the result of optimal contracting in a competitive market for managerial talent. We describe and discuss the empirical evidence on the evolution of CEO pay and on the relationship between pay and firm performance since the 1930s. Our review suggests that both managerial power and competitive market forces are important determinants of CEO pay, but that neither approach is fully consistent with the available evidence. We briefly discuss promising directions for future research.


This document provides a set of "torture tests" for implementers of
the Signaling Compression (SigComp) protocol. The torture tests check
each of the SigComp Universal Decompressor Virtual Machine
instructions in turn, focusing in particular on the boundary and error
cases that are not generally encountered when running well-behaved
compression algorithms. Tests are also provided for other SigComp
entities such as the dispatcher and the state handler. This memo
provides information for the Internet community.


Previous commentators on the prologue to the gamma version of the Roman de Renart have dealt with it brilliantly but selectively, thereby omitting certain features of interest. After a brief initial look at authorial tone in the other families – alpha, beta and composite – we focus on the author's effort to "cyclify" the gamma version and, especially, on how we read the gamma version's two exemplary tales. A diverse set of new problems arises in regard to the prologue: how the pastiche or parody of the chansons de geste in the Renart mock epic may have been received by the medieval public, why Ysengrin keeps coming back for more punishment, why escharsetez 'stinginess' receives so much emphasis in the list of sins, and what lies hidden in the mysterious name Aucupre. The focusing device of the present study is tonality.


Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system, affecting women of childbearing age. Little is known about the possible association between mode of delivery and the risk of MS in offspring. Delivery represents a unique event in a woman's lifetime, with complex mechanisms controlling human parturition. Concurrent with the trend of increasing numbers of caesarean deliveries (CD), there has been an increasing frequency of autoimmune diseases such as MS. Several theories have emerged suggesting that environmental influences are contributing to this phenomenon. The data available in literature seem reassuring for women with MS, suggesting that the disease is not associated with adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes. On the other hand, there is little information in the literature regarding the role of mode of delivery in predicting the post-partum disease activity, pregnancy, and birth outcomes in women with MS. The aim of our review is to provide a brief summary of the available data on the role of mode of delivery in MS, and the eventual correlation with disease outcome.


The paper continues the publication with the same title and is devoted to the development of currency and financial cooperation between Russia and China. This part of the study contains the main proposals for stimulating of local currency settlements for the analyzed countries and "recipes" for creating new world economic order. In the first part of the work the special attention is paid to the processes of payment systems' conjugation, development of digital currencies and the idea of creating a collective currency in the Eurasian economic space. The second part is devoted to systemic reforms of the global financial and economic system.


Wildlife conservation is losing ground in the U.S. for many reasons. The net effect is declines in species and habitat. To address this trend, the wildlife conservation institution (i.e., all customs, practices, organizations and agencies, policies, and laws with respect to wildlife) must adapt to contemporary social–ecological conditions. Adaptation could be supported by clear guidelines reflecting contemporary expectations for wildlife governance. We combine elements of public trust thinking and good governance to produce a broad set of wildlife governance principles. These principles represent guidance for ecologically and socially responsible wildlife conservation. They address persistent, systemic problems and, if adopted, will bring the institution into line with modern expectations for governance of public natural resources. Implementation will require changes in values, objectives, and processes of the wildlife conservation institution. These changes may be difficult, but promise improved wildlife conservation outcomes and increased support for conservation. We introduce challenges and opportunities associated with the principles, and encourage dialogue about them among scientists, practitioners, and other leaders in U.S. wildlife conservation. The principles alone will not change the course of conservation for the better, but may be necessary for such change to occur.


Community colleges currently enroll about 44% of the undergraduate students in the United States and are rapidly expanding. It is of critical importance to obtain direct evidence of student learning to see if students receive adequate training at community colleges. This study investigated the 10-year trends of community college students' (n = 46,403) performance in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking, as assessed by the ETS® Proficiency Profile (EPP), an assessment of college-level learning outcomes. Results showed that community college students caught up with and significantly outperformed students from liberal arts colleges by the end of the 10-year period and made significant improvement in critical-thinking skills. An increasing gender gap was observed in mathematics at community colleges. Prevalent ethnic minority and English as a second language (ESL) gaps were noted but gaps between ESL and non-ESL students and between Hispanic and White students were decreasing. Additionally, Asian students at community colleges showed an overall decline in performance. Findings from this study provide significant implications for community college leaders, researchers, and policymakers.


A method of binary mixed solvent-based solvent demulsification dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water samples. A binary mixed solvent of methylene chloride and n-hexane (v/v = 1 : 1) which has a lower density than water was used as the extraction solvent, obtaining satisfactory extraction efficiencies for PAHs, and also allowing convenient operation. Acetonitrile as the dispersive solvent was injected into the water sample solution to form an emulsion. The extraction can be completed in 5 min and ethanol was used as the demulsification solvent to bring about successful phase separation without centrifugation. Coupled with GC-MS/MS analysis, the method was simple, sensitive, accurate and suitable for batch analysis of PAHs in water samples. Good linearity was obtained within the linear range for 16 PAH compounds, with determination coefficients from 0.9980 to 0.9998. This method can be used to effectively evaluate the situation of PAH pollution in water intended for human consumption and environmental water, the method detection limits (MDLs) of which were 2.1 to 13.6 ng L−1 and only 20 mL of water samples were used for analysis. The proposed method was applied to determine PAHs in actual water samples including tap water, and the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Jinjiang river in Chengdu city. Meanwhile, spiked samples and procedural blanks were used for quality control measurements according to ISO/TS 13530-2009 to guarantee the accuracy of this method. The average spiked recoveries of PAHs were in the range of 85.0–104% with RSDs in the range of 5.8–10.9%. Naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene were predominantly measured, and PAH pollution was found at the total concentrations of 0.162–0.206 μg L−1 in the Jinjiang river of Chengdu city of P. R. China. Considering their toxicity, attention should be paid to water pollution by PAHs and necessary monitoring should be done.


The optimal treatment of minimally displaced or nondisplaced fractures of the scaphoid is unclear. Traditionally, management of these fractures has been unpredictable with a significant risk of nonunion when treated conservatively. This study examined the results from 32 patients who underwent percutaneous screw fixation using a 3.0-mm AO/ASIF cannulated screw for a nondisplaced or minimally displaced fracture of the scaphoid waist. Eighteen patients were available for final follow up (average 3.2 years) including administration of the DASH questionnaire, a physical examination, and final radiographs. Sixteen (89%) healed successfully after the index procedure. There were two complications consisting of nonunions, both of which required revision open reduction and internal fixation for fracture union. These also went on to heal, resulting in an ultimate union rate of 100%. No significant differences were found between operative and nonoperative extremities with regard to radial-ulnar deviation arc of motion, grip, or pinch strength. The average DASH score was 7.4, indicating no disability. Percutaneous fixation of acute, nondisplaced scaphoid fractures with 3.0-mm AO/ASIF cannulated screw is a safe, effective technique that minimizes the need for long-term wrist immobilization, allows an expeditious return to vocational activity, and results in reliable rates of union.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the occurrence of osteopenia and the prognostic factors of bone mass in a pediatric group with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS
The following parameters were analyzed in a group of 23 patients with type 1 diabetes aged 10.9 -/+ 2.9 years: bone mineral density, serum C peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum phosphorus and calciuria. Clinical variables included age, weight, height, body mass index, pubertal stage, insulin doses, duration of diabetes and calcium intake. Bone mineral density was evaluated in the lumbar spine and the results were expressed in deviation standard score by age and sex. Calcium intake was calculated based on feeding report, body mass index was calculated using the Quetelet formula and pubertal stage was defined according to the Tanner-Whitehouse criteria. Simple linear regression was used to analyze correlations between variables and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare groups.

RESULTS
Average bone mineral density was normal (-0.75 -/+ 1.01 SD). However we verified that 39.1% of the patients had osteopenia. When comparing data of osteopenic patients (n = 9) to non-osteopenic patients (n =1 4), we observed that C peptide of osteopenic group was higher than that of non-osteopenic group (0.56 -/+ 0.18 vs 0.29 -/+ 0.20; p < 0.05). Body mass index and C peptide correlated with bone mineral density. Duration of diabetes was inversely correlated with C peptide (p < 0.01) and directly correlated with insulin doses (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION
Osteopenia occurred in 39.1% of the patients with type 1 diabetes. The presence of osteopenia was related to higher levels of C peptide.


Music Makes Me: Fred Astaire and Jazz. By Todd Decker. Berkeley: Uni - versity of California Press, 2011. [xii, 375 p. ISBN 9780520268906. $29.95.] Music examples, illustrations, bibliography, index. For most, any mention of Fred Astaire conjures up an image of an impressive dancer who happened to sing popular songs on occasion. However, Todd Decker asks us to consider Astaire from another perspective. In Music Makes Me: Fred Astaire and Jazz, he examines Astaire's use of jazz and his contributions to the world of jazz. Since Astaire was working at a time when jazz and popular music were so intertwined as to be indistinguishable, this project is no small order. Decker lays out how Astaire contributed to jazz by detailing how he focused on jazz throughout his career, how he worked with jazz artists, and how he reflected jazz styles in his dancing. This is his first book, though a second book, Show Boat: Performing Race in an American Musical (Oxford University Press, Broadway Legacies series), is expected in 2012. Decker convincingly portrays Astaire as a performer whose main activity was not just dance and song, but who was dedicated specifically to jazz dance and music; so specifically, in fact, that if jazz were removed from Astaire's repertoire, little would remain. It is perhaps a correct assumption that fans of neither Astaire nor jazz consider him a jazz artist. While the first group may be happy to add jazz to Astaire's list of accomplishments after reading Decker's book, the second may remain reluctant. Decker's work is divided into three parts. Part 1, "Astaire among Others," includes two chapters. The first, "There's a Differ - ence and Astaire Is It," compares him to other dancers and singers who were active during his career. The second, "I am a creator," situates him within the music-makers of the movie industry, detailing his creative collaborations with popular song makers. In part 2, "Astaire at the Studios," Decker details how Astaire functioned and prioritized jazz within the studio system. Perhaps most interesting about this part is the glimpse afforded into the inner workings of the studio system and how Astaire was able to excel and even challenge the unwritten rules of this strict community. Chapter 3, "I Play with the Very Best Bands," looks at the settings of Astaire's films, situating many of them in jazz-like arenas (as opposed to other dancer-singers of the time, who preferred theatrical backgrounds to Astaire's nightclubs and dance bands). Chapter 4, "Tell Them to Let It Swing," details the ways in which his love of jazz influenced how screenwriters wrote lines for him. This chapter relies as much on his purging of jazz terms from his scripts as it does on their addition, and is perhaps the most problematic, though Decker navigates well the difficult motivations for purging or using the terms. Chapter 5 " 'Fixing up' Tunes," shows how Astaire oversaw the arranging of the music he danced to in order in ensure its relationship to jazz and its suitability for the type of dancing he preferred. Part 3, "Astaire in Jazz and Popular Music," consists of the last four chapters. Chapter 6, "Keep Time with the Time and the Times" details how Astaire's long career kept current with trends in music and dance. Chapter 7, "Jazz Means the Blues," talks less about the many elements that make up the blues and more about just the blues form in Astaire's output. Chapter 8, "Something That'll Send Me," breaks down three of Astaire's most interesting routines. This is the most enjoyable chapter and the one in which Decker's close readings are at their best. The ninth and final chapter, "You Play and I'll Dance," details Astaire's use of black musicians in his films and other routines, and again, Decker's close readings reveal a layer of understanding that readers will find valuable. …


Title: A methodology to identify, quantify and verify the cost benefits of energy and process improvement opportunities in a Ferro-metal production plant. Author: G.J. (Cobus) Martins. Promoter: Prof L.J. Grobler. School: Mechanical and Materials Engineering. Degree: Master of Engineering. South Africa has an energy intensive economy with a high dependency on local mining and base metal industries. Furnace plants, which form part of the metal industry, are energy intensive as a result of the actual melting processes which require a great amount of energy. The high electricity and energy usage translates into high operating costs for these plants which in turn reduces the profitability of the plants. South Africa's ferrochrome industry supplies about 60% of the world's ferrochrome demand and holds around 80% of the world's chrome reserves. This makes South Africa one of the key ferrochrome producers in the world. There is however a need to reduce the cost of production of these plants to ensure competitiveness and profitability within the world market. This dissertation starts by providing an introduction to the problem and then defining the objective and scope of the study. The need for a methodology to identify, quantify and verify energy and process improvement opportunities in Ferro-metal production plants is highlighted. This need exists because there is a lack of adequate methods for an integrated approach. Three main barriers to energy projects were identified in this study, namely: institutional, technological and financial barriers. The opportunities for energy management and process improvements are investigated, including opportunities to overcome the barriers identified in the study. A methodology, which is developed to incorporate both increased production and energy efficiency scenarios, is then provided. The methodology is firstly aimed at identifying possible opportunities and then quantifying them in terms of financial benefits for the plant. This is necessary to establish whether it will be worth while to explore the opportunities further. Benchmarking is also included in the methodology as this helps to track the performance of the plant over time. A process was developed to enable accurate measurement and verification of energy related projects in order to evaluate the effectiveness or success of implemented projects. This process is necessary to enhance the credibility of energy related projects by providing an accurate and transparent evaluation of the project's performance. This in turn provides the stakeholders with invaluable information regarding their investments in energy projects. The developed methodology was applied to a case study of a Ferro-metal production plant in order to evaluate the methodology. The case study revealed that the methodology can successfully identify and quantify potential opportunities. The no-cost and low-cost opportunities identified, showed a maximum possible annual saving of up to R925,500 depending on the specific options implemented. Load control opportunities in peak periods revealed an estimated annual cost saving of up to R3,767,400 per year. A possible estimated annual energy consumption saving worth R22,629,900 was identified by a Cusum analysis. This analysis was also used to examine the benefit of a production gain instead of energy efficiency which showed a possible increase in production of 60,300 tomes per year. The measurement and verification process was then used to determine the impact that an upgrade of a fumace, aimed at increasing production, had on the actual performance of the fumace. The verification process showed an increase in production worth over R3million and an energy saving of over Rlmillion as a direct result of the upgrade. The process showed that the upgrade did indeed achieve a production gain and therefore the upgrade is considered to be a success.


This article looks at two areas of merger control under EC Law where the principles of causation are applied and, in our view, misapplied. The article traces the development of the concept of the counterfactual in antitrust law. It then draws on this analysis in considering the operation of the failing firm defense, and in particular the standard of proof employed by the Commission when analyzing the counterfactual in relation to the failing firm defense. We argue that the Commission employs an excessively high standard of proof, and that this standard of proof contributes to the drawing of the failing firm defense too narrowly, through a misapplication of the principles of causation. We then proceed to contrast and prefer the approach of the UK Competition Commission in recent cases. In the final part of the article we consider scenarios where two or more mergers are contemplated in the same market at the same time, in cases of both parallel and overlapping mergers. In these complicated scenarios, which require prospective, multifaceted analysis, we set out in detail how, despite inherent difficulties, a similarly rigorous application of the principles of causation produces coherent results.


The allosuppressor mutation, sal6-1, enhances the efficiency of all tested translational suppressors, including codon-specific tRNA suppressors as well as codon-nonspecific omnipotent suppressors. The SAL6 gene has now been cloned by complementation of the increased suppression efficiency and cold sensitivity caused by sal6-1 in the presence of the omnipotent suppressor sup45. Physical analysis maps SAL6 to chromosome XVI between TPK2 and spt14. The SAL6 gene encodes a very basic 549-amino acid protein whose C-terminal catalytic region of 265 residues is 63% identical to serine/threonine PP1 phosphatases, and 66% identical to yeast PPZ1 and PPZ2 phosphatases. The unusual 235 residue N-terminal extension found in SAL6, like those in the PPZ proteins, is serine-rich. The sal6-1 mutation is a frameshift at amino acid position 271 which destroys the presumed phosphatase catalytic domain of the protein. Disruptions of the entire SAL6 gene are viable, cause a slight growth defect on glycerol medium, and produce allosuppressor phenotypes in suppressor strain backgrounds. The role of the serine-rich N terminus is unclear, since sal6 phenotypes are fully complemented by a SAL6 allele that contains an in-frame deletion of most of this region. High copy number plasmids containing wild-type SAL6 cause antisuppressor phenotypes in suppressor strains. These results suggest that the accuracy of protein synthesis is affected by the levels of phosphorylation of the target(s) of SAL6.


ABSTRACT:For the Amazonian Yine people, Christian denominationalism provides an important means for organizing social life. Denominations in this context are not, however, to be understood as clearly bounded entities. Simultaneously with forming and renewing denominational boundaries, the Yine continuously cross, dissolve, and redefine them. This article attempts to understand the denominational dynamics among the Yine people, and in particular their back and forth movement between Evangelicalism, Catholicism, and Pentecostalism, without viewing their denominational allegiances as subordinate to other forms of social organization or as something religiously insincere. Seeking inspiration from the ethnography of personhood and humanity in Amazonia, it suggests that denominations among the Yine can be understood to exist as unstable forms of belonging, as "thickenings" of different kinds of Christian moral relations to sociality, that take place on a continuum pictured not as a line but rather as a space. At the more general level the article shows how Christian vernacular denominationalism is likely to not be based on dogmatic differences but to be rather something that comes to be in practice. Furthermore, the article makes explicit how denominational boundaries are not always of the one and the same kind everywhere but vary between denominations.


"Diligent Typist" has a simple but powerful narrative by masking a MacBook backlit keyboard image. In a small office where there is a MacBook, a laptop desk, a chair, 4-channel speakers and a projected screen, the screen loops a simple keys' march on a MacBook keyboard from left to right. The computer commands viewers to press a letter on the keyboard in alphabetical order. When they press the same key that the computer commands, viewers contribute to making the big letter image with busy typing sounds. Each key sacrifices its own entity to show a big letter like Mass Performance.


Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) aims to preserve the sternal integrity and improve postoperative outcomes. In low risk patients, this technique can be achieved with comparable mortality to the conventional approach and there is evidence of possible reduction in intensive care and hospital length of stay, transfusion requirement, renal dysfunction, improved respiratory function and increased patient satisfaction. In this review, we aim to asses if these benefits can be transferred to the high risk patient groups. We therefore, discuss the available evidence for the following high risk groups: elderly patients, re-operative surgery, poor lung function, pulmonary hypertension, obesity, concomitant procedures and high risk score cohorts.


The relentless exploitation of the earth's resources and technologys boundless growth are a matter of urgent concern. When did this race towards the limitless begin? The Greeks, who shaped the basis of Western thinking, lived in mortal fear of humanity's hidden hunger for the infinite and referred to it as hubris, the one true sin in their moral code. Whoever desired or possessed too much was implacably punished by nemesis, yet the Greeks themselves were to pioneer an unprecedented level of ambition that began to reverse that tabu. If it is true that no culture can truly repudiate its origins, and that gods who are no longer potent can vanish but still leave behind a body of myth which coninues to live and assert itself in modernized garb, then our concern with the limits of growth reflects something more than an awareness of new technological problems - it also brings to light a psychic wound a a feeling of guilt which are infinitely more ancient.


We present optimal parallel solutions to reporting paths between pairs of nodes in an n-node tree. Our algorithms are deterministic and designed to run on an exclusive read exclusive write parallel random-access machine (EREW PRAM). In particular, we provide a, simple optimal parallel algorithm for pre-processing the input tree such that the path queries can be answered efficiently. Our algorithm for preprocessing runs in O(log n) time using O(n/log n) processors. Using the preprocessing, we can report paths between k node pairs in O(log n + log k) time using O(k + (n + S)/log n) processors on an EREW PRAM, where S is the size of the output. In particular, we can report the path between a single pair of distinct nodes in O(log n) time using O(L/log n) processors, where L denotes the length of the path.


The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the VO2 max values of college soccer players at the University of New Mexico to data available from other collegiate teams. These values are beneficial for athletes, trainers, and coaches alike. Performance in athletics has improved significantly over the past 20 years as demonstrated by faster times and increased fitness levels. This is due to multiple factors including changes in nutrition, coaching, and equipment. Methods used in this study include a review of the literature specific for collegiate soccer athletes that were published after the year 2000. In addition, data from athletes from men's and women's soccer teams at the University of New Mexico are included in our results. VO2 max values were obtained using a maximal exercise test performed on a treadmill. The compilation of a table from the gathered data on VO2max values of collegiate soccer players specific for gender and level of competition will be of significant value for training personnel and athletes involved in soccer and collegiate athletics. We have provided the first normative VO2 max values compiled from an extensive literature search as well as providing data we obtained from athletes at the University of New Mexico.


Sick sinus syndrome is a generalised abnormality of cardiac impulse formation that may be caused either by an intrinsic disease of the sinus node, which makes it unable to perform its pacemaking function, or by extrinsic factors. It commonly affects elderly persons. While the syndrome can have many causes, it usually is idiopathic. Abnormalities encompassed by this syndrome include sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest or exit block, combinations of sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodal conduction disturbances and atrial tachyarrhythmias. Diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome can be dificult because of its nonspecific symptoms and elusive findings on an electrocardiogram or a Holter monitor. Here, we present the perioperative management of an elderly patient with sick sinus syndrome with seminoma of undescended testis posted for exploratory laparotomy.


GIS (Geographical Information System) is a set of hardware, software and procedures that allow editing, managing, analyzing, modeling, presentation and display geographically referenced data in order to solve complex problems of planning and resource management [4]. The state as the owner of the mineral resources for a long time did not have a digital overview of mineral deposits and the corresponding tax base, by each holder of mining rights is obliged to pay annually. It was therefore necessary to establish an appropriate information system. Development life cycle of information system consists of six main development phases; strategic planning, system analysis, system design, system construction, implementation, commissioning and testing, operation and maintenance [1]. These stages are described below and explained in more detail. The final result is a Web GIS application of mineral deposits in Slovenia, which allows a more consistent records and system checks for imposing tax on holders of mining rights. Mentioned GIS application is currently being upgraded. Upgrade aims to support automation of the direct capture of data in the field. The result of upgrade will be mobile web GIS application.


In this paper, we propose to solve the knapsack problem with setups by combining mixed linear relaxation and local branching. The problem with setups can be seen as a generalization of 0–1 knapsack problem, where items belong to disjoint classes (or families) and can be selected only if the corresponding class is activated. The selection of a class involves setup costs and resource consumptions thus affecting both the objective function and the capacity constraint. The mixed linear relaxation can be viewed as driving problem, where it is solved by using a special blackbox solver while the local branching tries to enhance the solutions provided by adding a series of invalid / valid constraints. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on benchmark instances of the literature and new large-scale instances. Its provided results are compared to those reached by the Cplex solver and the best methods available in the literature. New results have been reached.


This paper recognizes that women's participation in higher education is very low. Women's marginalization in higher education stems from the traditional patriarchal tendencies, customary law and colonialism. The paper discusses the opportunities and challenges that female students face in trying to access distance education in Zimbabwe. Female students are under-represented at ZOU, the sole open and distance learning institution in Zimbabwe. The female student population is worsened by the fact that a larger proportion of them than male students drop out. The reasons for this are multiple but revolve around women's multiple roles of home keeper, wife and mother. The paper focuses on Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Regions in order to compare a rural and an urban set up. Data was collected from ZOU students and lecturers through in-depth interviews. It is hoped the paper will bring to the fore the various challenges that female students encounter and finally emerge with some possible intervention strategies that could help increase the number of female students' participation in distance education. The Gender approach to development (GAD) will also guide this study. GAD analysis highlights the incentives and constraints associated with the work of women and men and highlights differences in their roles, workloads, access to resources and decision making opportunities, the impact of interventions on them and the implications for planning and implementation. The gender approach to development advocates for the lessening of social inequalities between men and women. Gender as a policy criterion has been found to reduce poverty, raises farm efficiency and improves natural resources management (Ellis, 2000). It also emphasises participatory approaches as a tool to empower women through their articulation of their needs, rights and capabilities. Communities should be encouraged to embrace the gender approach when focusing on development issues in communities. Once women are empowered and have the social and economic resources the quality of life of their households improves. If women therefore contribute so much to the social well-being of families in particular and communities in general it is therefore necessary for policy makers to develop policies that enable communities to improve women's access to resources like distance education.


Nature-based solutions (NbS) have been positioned and implemented in urban areas as solutions for enhancing urban resilience in the face of a wide range of urban challenges. However, there is a lack of recommendations of optimal NbS and appropriate typologies fitting to different contexts and urban design. The analytical frameworks for NbS implementation and impact evaluation, that integrate NbS into local policy frameworks, socio-economic transition pathways, and spatial planning, remain fragmented. In this article, the NbS concept and its related terminologies are first discussed. Second, the types of NbS implemented in Europe are reviewed and their benefits over time are explored, prior to categorizing them and highlighting the key methods, criteria, and indicators to identify and assess the NbS's impacts, co-benefits, and trade-offs. The latter involved a review of the websites of 52 projects and some relevant publications funded by EU Research and Innovation programs and other relevant publications. The results show that there is a shared understanding that the NbS concept encompasses benefits of restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems, carbon neutrality, improved environmental quality, health and well-being, and evidence for such benefits. This study also shows that most NbS-related projects and activities in Europe use hybrid approaches, with NbS typically developed, tested, or implemented to target specific types of environmental–social–economic challenges. The results of this study indicate that NbS as a holistic concept would be beneficial in the context of climate action and sustainable solutions to enhance ecosystem resilience and adaptive capacity within cities. As such, this article provides a snapshot of the role of NbS in urban sustainability development, a guide to the state-of-the-art, and key messages and recommendations of this rapidly emerging and evolving field.


Beginning with an attempt to define "colonial times" and the "colonial past," this article examines the question of indigenous remembrance or remembrances of the past in the Pacific region—a subject that lies at the heart of the collaboration between disciplines of history and anthropology. The situations of the two main French colonies in the region—New Caledonia and French Polynesia—are quite different. What is similar is that, in both cases, indigenous peoples do not seem very interested in the period of first contact with Western navigators, and both tend to cast the evangelical work of nineteenth-century missionaries in a positive light. But colonial experiences in the two places are given distinctly different representations. New Caledonia has a violent past, with opposition between Kanak groups and French settlers as well as between some groups of Kanak. For this reason, it is necessary for work of remembrance to take place before a strong path toward the future, in the spirit of the Matignon and Nouméa accords, can be developed. In French Polynesia, on the other hand, the colonial wars of the nineteenth century have only recently begun to be a subject of public interest, but the period of nuclear tests (1966–1996) is still fresh in the collective memory. This period is the main reason for the tension in French Polynesia's relations with the French State, which, for members of the independence movement (and others), makes it impossible to forget and difficult to forgive.


According to traditional Chinese belief, oolong tea is effective in the control of body weight. Few controlled studies, however, have been conducted to measure the impact of tea on energy expenditure (EE) of humans. A randomized cross-over design was used to compare 24-h EE of 12 men consuming each of four treatments: 1) water, 2) full-strength tea (daily allotment brewed from 15 g of tea), 3) half-strength tea (brewed from 7.5 g tea) and 4) water containing 270 mg caffeine, equivalent to the concentration in the full-strength tea treatment. Subjects refrained from consuming caffeine or flavonoids for 4 d prior to the study. Tea was brewed each morning; beverages were consumed at room temperature as five 300 mL servings. Subjects received each treatment for 3 d; on the third day, EE was measured by indirect calorimetry in a room calorimeter. For the 3 d, subjects consumed a typical American diet. Energy content of the diet was tailored to each subject's needs as determined from a preliminary measure of 24-h EE by calorimetry. Relative to the water treatment, EE was significantly increased 2.9 and 3.4% for the full-strength tea and caffeinated water treatments, respectively. This increase over water alone represented an additional expenditure of 281 and 331 kJ/d for subjects treated with full-strength tea and caffeinated water, respectively. In addition, fat oxidation was significantly higher (12%) when subjects consumed the full-strength tea rather than water.


BACKGROUND
The short-term results of open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular distal humeral fractures are good to excellent in approximately 75% of patients, but the long-term results have been less well studied. This investigation addressed the long-term clinical and radiographic results of surgical treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures (AO Type C) as assessed with use of standardized outcome measures.

METHODS
Thirty patients were evaluated at an average of nineteen years (range, twelve to thirty years) after open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture of the distal part of the humerus to assess the range of elbow motion and the functional outcome. Twenty patients had an olecranon osteotomy, and all had fixation with plates and/or screws and/or Kirschner wires. No ulnar nerve was transposed.

RESULTS
Excluding one elbow salvaged with an arthrodesis and counted as a poor result, the average final flexion arc was 106 degrees and the average pronation-supination arc was 165 degrees. The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 96 points, with an average satisfaction score of 8.8 points on a 0 to 10-point visual analog scale. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 7 points, and the average Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) score was 91 points. Including the patient with the arthrodesis, the final categorical ratings were nineteen excellent results, seven good results, one fair result, and three poor results. The presence of arthrosis did not appear to correlate with pain or predict disability or function. Subsequent procedures were performed in twelve patients (40%).

CONCLUSIONS
The long-term results of open reduction and internal fixation of AO-Type-C fractures of the distal part of the humerus are similar to those reported in the short term, suggesting that the results are durable. Functional ratings and perceived disability were predicated more on pain than on functional impairment and did not correlate with radiographic signs of arthrosis.


This study revised the spider genus Oxyopes Latreille, 1804 in Taiwan and delineated the species boundaries based on morphological and molecular characters. A total of seven Oxyopes spiders were recognized, including two newly described species, O. hasta sp. nov. and O. taiwanensis sp. nov. Oxyopes fujianicus Song Zhu 1993 from Yilan County, Nantou County, and Kaohsuing City, and O. striagatus Song 1999 from New Taipei City, Taichung City, Nantou County, and Kaohsiung City were recorded for the first time in Taiwan. An identification key and a distributional map of Taiwanese Oxyopes species were provided. Partial COI sequences were obtained for molecular phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies, and DNA barcoding gap analysis supported morphologically defined species. However, molecular species delimitation based on Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), PID (Liberal), and generalized mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC) were incongruent in species assignment. The results showed that the interspecific genetic divergence between O. sertatus and O. taiwanensis was relatively low (1.28 ± 0.43%), and the intraspecific genetic divergence of O. striagatus was relatively high (1.69 ± 0.35%). Ecological data, additional samples and genetic loci are required to further examine the level of reproductive isolation and patterns of population genetic structure in Taiwanese Oxyopes.


In this paper the method of conjugate gradient is presented for the solution of operator equations arising in electromagnetics. The particular problem to which the conjugate gradient method has been applied is the electromagnetic scattering from arbitrary oriented wire antennas. With this iterative technique, it is possible to solve electromagnetic problems involving electrically large structures without storing any matrices as is conventionally done in the method of moments. The basic difference between the proposed method and the matrix methods (Rayleigh-Ritz, Galerkin's, method of moments) for the same expansion functions is that for the iterative technique we are solving a least squares problem. Hence, as the order of the approximation is increased, the proposed technique guarantees a monotonic convergence for the residuals AI-Y, whereas matrix methods, in general, do not yield monotonic convergence. The conjugate gradient method converges for any initial guess; however, a good one may significantly lower the computation time. Also, explicit error formulas are given for the rate of convergence. Numerical results are presented for electromagnetic scattering from arbitrary oriented thin-wire antennas.


This paper studies public goods provision in an experiment in which contributors repeatedly interact with rent-extracting administrators. Our main result is that the presence of an administrator reduces contributions but only because rent extraction lowers the MPCR. Analysing the dynamic interactions between the contributors and the administrator, we demonstrate that rent-extraction and cooperation shocks trigger short-run adjustments in the agents' behaviour. However, shocks do not have permanent effects. This explains the long-run resilience of cooperation to rent extraction. We also show that cooperative attitudes and trust are traits that explain permanent differences in the short-run volatility of public goods provision.


An Integrated Perspective on Insight 2 The present study on insight is based on an integration of Kaplan and Simon's (1990) information processing theory of insight, a cognitive style theory, and achievement motivation theory. The style theory is the Assimilator (rule oriented, familiarity seeking) Explorer (novelty seeking, explorative) styles (Kaufmann, 1979). Our hypothesis was that the effectiveness of two types of search constraints (prior experience and solution hints) for solving insight problems is moderated by both cognitive style and achievement needs, and depending on optimal levels of achievement motivation for different task conditions. We tested the hypothesis in a randomized experiment in which three levels of achievement needs and one type of search constraint (solution hints were available or not available) were experimentally manipulated. In addition participants completed a cognitive style test, a measure of prior problem-solving experience (the second type of search constraint), and controls for intelligence. There were 476 participants (the mean age was 18.4 years). Results revealed two similar and significant three-way interactions between styles, achievement needs, and the two types of search constraints. The pattern of interaction supported the idea that stylistic competence for the task characteristics (with and without search constraints available), when combined with manipulated achievement needs, predicted performance in counterintuitive ways but in line with the classic achievement motivation theory. With appropriate stylistic competence for the task characteristics elevated achievement needs led to poorer performance. With less appropriate stylistic competence, performance improved with increasing motivation. Implications for information processing theory are discussed.


Modal dispersion (MD) in a multimode fiber may be considered as a generalized form of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in single mode fibers. Using this analogy, we extend the formalism developed for PMD to characterize MD in fibers with multiple spatial modes. We introduce a MD vector defined in a D-dimensional extended Stokes space whose square length is the sum of the square group delays of the generalized principal states. For strong mode coupling, the MD vector undertakes a D-dimensional isotropic random walk, so that the distribution of its length is a chi distribution with D degrees of freedom. We also characterize the largest differential group delay, that is the difference between the delays of the fastest and the slowest principal states, and show that it too is very well approximated by a chi distribution, although in general with a smaller number of degrees of freedom. Finally, we study the spectral properties of MD in terms of the frequency autocorrelation functions of the MD vector, of the square modulus of the MD vector, and of the largest differential group delay. The analytical results are supported by extensive numerical simulations.


In this compelling and cogently argued book, Tom Wessels demonstrates how our current path toward progress, based on continual economic expansion and inefficient use of resources, runs absolutely contrary to three foundational scientific laws that govern all complex natural systems. It is a myth, he contends, that progress depends on a growing economy. Wessels explains his theory with his three Laws of Sustainability: the law of limits to growth, the second law of thermodynamics, which exposes the dangers of increased energy consumption, and the law of self-organization, which results in the marvelous diversity of such highly evolved systems as the human body and complex ecosystems. These laws, scientifically proven to sustain life in its myriad forms, have been cast aside since the eighteenth century, first by western economists, political pragmatists, and governments attracted by the idea of unlimited growth, and more recently by a global economy dominated by large corporations, in which consolidation and oversimplification create large-scale inefficiencies in material and energy usage. Wessels makes scientific theory readily accessible by offering examples of how the Laws of Sustainability function in the complex systems we can observe in the natural world around us. He shows how systems such as forests can be templates for developing sustainable economic practices that will allow true progress. Demonstrating that all environmental problems have their source in the Myth of Progress's disregard for the Laws of Sustainability, he concludes with an impassioned argument for cultural change.


Binary decision diagram (BDD) is a modern data structure proved to be compact in representation and efficient in manipulation of Boolean formulas. Using binary decision diagram in network reliability analysis has already been investigated by some researchers. In this paper we show how an exact algorithm for network reliability can be improved and implemented efficiently using CUDD - Colorado University decision diagram.