We have proposed and theoretically verified an optical regenerator using a single semi-reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (SR-SOA). To explain the operation characteristics and the operation condition of the proposed opticalregenerator, the simplified gain model for the SR-SOA is introduced and confirmed by comparing the result of the SOA simulation based on the transfer matrix method (TMM). The simulation results show that both extinction ratio (ER) enhancement and signal amplification can be achieved in the proposed regenerator.


OBJECTIVE
The authors conducted a prospective cohort study to estimate the risk of incident mild cognitive impairment in cognitively normal elderly (aged ≥70 years) individuals with or without neuropsychiatric symptoms at baseline. The research was conducted in the setting of the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.

METHOD
A classification of normal cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia was adjudicated by an expert consensus panel based on published criteria. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed using Cox proportional hazards model, with age as a time scale. Baseline Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire data were available for 1,587 cognitively normal persons who underwent at least one follow-up visit.

RESULTS
The cohort was followed to incident mild cognitive impairment (N=365) or censoring variables (N=179) for a median of 5 years. Agitation (hazard ratio=3.06, 95% CI=1.89-4.93), apathy (hazard ratio=2.26, 95% CI=1.49-3.41), anxiety (hazard ratio=1.87, 95% CI=1.28-2.73), irritability (hazard ratio=1.84, 95% CI=1.31-2.58), and depression (hazard ratio=1.63, 95% CI=1.23-2.16), observed initially, increased risk for later mild cognitive impairment. Delusion and hallucination did not. A secondary analysis, limited in significance by the small number of study participants, showed that euphoria, disinhibition, and nighttime behaviors were significant predictors of nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment but not amnestic mild cognitive impairment. By contrast, depression predicted amnestic mild cognitive impairment (hazard ratio=1.74, 95% CI=1.22-2.47) but not nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS
An increased incidence of mild cognitive impairment was observed in community-dwelling elderly adults who had nonpsychotic psychiatric symptoms at baseline. These baseline psychiatric symptoms were of similar or greater magnitude as biomarkers (genetic and structural MRI) in increasing the risk of incident mild cognitive impairment.


To assess the influence of carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) intakes on cognitive and physical performances, we carried out an ecological protocol simulating the load variations of a biking race. Eight well-trained athletes completed an outdoor mountain biking time-trial race (TT) (19.6 ± 0.40 km length; 81 min ± 15 min) interspersed with three 10 min varied-load cycling exercises while performing a Simon task and a Critical Flicker Fusion task in laboratory. A splitted drink of 1150 ml of either 7% CHO-E solution (fructose 89%, maltodextrin 11%) or placebo (PL) was administered. Results suggest that the TT induces a decrease of cortical arousal (p = 0.28) and an impairment of efficiency (p < .001) during a decision-making task in the PL condition, while the reverse was observed with CHO-E ingestions. Furthermore, a better accuracy (p = .05) and a lower perceived effort (p = .05) were also observed with CHO-E intakes whatever the TT duration. As a conclusion, ingestion of a 7% CHO-E solution during a pro-longed outdoor TT decreases perceived effort and restricts exercise-induced cognitive performance impairment. CHO-E ingestion appears to be an effective means of delaying the central nervous system fatigue during high-intensity intermittent exercise per-formed in an ecological context.


The Silver Studio was a commercial design practice, founded by Arthur Silver in 1880. Between 1880 and 1963, the Studio completed more than 20,000 schemes for furnishing fabrics, wallpapers, tablecloths, rugs and carpets. Silver Studio designs were sold to a range of manufacturers around Britain and abroad, often becoming anonymised in the process. After it closed, the contents of the Silver Studio -artwork, record books, photographs, correspondence and so on - were given to Hornsey College of Art, which became part of what is now Middlesex University. This material is now the focal collection of the Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture (MoDA), Middlesex University. In 2008, the Silver Studio Collection was awarded Designated Status by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), in recognition of its quality and importance as a national resource. The Designation Scheme identifies the pre-eminent collections of national and international importance held in England's non-national museums, libraries and archives, based on their quality and significance.


In this paper an OFDMA-based wireless ad hoc network is considered. In addition to the potential of being a source and/or a destination, each node is assumed to be capable of decoding and forwarding its received packets to other nodes in the network. The goal is to determine the optimal data routes, subchannel schedules, and power allocations that maximize a weighted sum rate of the data communicated over the network. Two instances of this problem are considered. In the first instance, each subchannel is exclusively used on one of the links, whereas in the second instance subchannels are allowed to be time shared by multiple links. The first problem gives rise to an NP-hard mixed integer optimization problem that is difficult to solve. In contrast, using a change of variables, the second problem is cast in a convex form, which is amenable to highly efficient interior point solvers. Simulation results suggest that the gain in the weighted sum rate achieved by the relaxation in the second problem over that achieved by the original mixed integer problem is negligible for small networks, and increases with the size of the network.


Since it first appeared in the New World in 2004, the palm red mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, has spread to many countries, from Florida (USA) to the northern part of Brazil. In this region, this mite has been recorded on several different hosts, but it has been most harmful to coconut. For different reasons, the chemical control of this pest is not feasible, and biological control has been considered an important measure to be pursued. The objective of this paper is to provide details about an effort to determine potential natural enemies of R. indica from La Reunion, for their possible introduction in northern Brazil. The only natural enemy consistently found in association with R. indica was identified as the phytoseiid Amblyseius largoensis Muma. A colony of this species was established with specimens collected from different parts of the island. This colony was introduced to Brazil, where subsequent assessments should indicate whether or not it should be released in the field.


In the absence of a national price for carbon, a number of other market-based instruments aimed at incentivising the transition to renewable and cleaner energy have been developed and are now operating in Australia. These include the NSW Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme, the Renewable Energy Target and the National Carbon Offset Scheme. The design of the deferred Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme included specific taxation rules aimed at scheme transactions but these other certificate-based markets have been left to operate under the general taxation rules. This article provides a detailed technical analysis of the taxation consequences that arise from transactions under the nominated schemes and considers taxpayers who participate in the following ways: those which undertake qualifying activities that give rise to the generation of offsets; those who acquire offsets to meet compliance liabilities; and those who voluntarily seek carbon neutral status. In order to provide a context for this discussion, the article also includes a description of the basic operation of each scheme so that the relevant transactions may be identified. The similarity in design features across the schemes highlights the conclusion that substantially similar taxation issues are raised by each of the schemes. Particular emphasis is placed on forestry offsets and the new Carbon Farming Initiative is also briefly discussed.


Screening constants for model structures of linear and twisted conformers of N-(ω-carboxyalkyl)- N-methylmorpholinium inner salts (MMBn) and N-(ω-carboxyalkyl)-N-methylpiperidinium inner salts (MPBn) with the alkyl spacer (n) containing 1-5 methylene groups calculated by the GIAO/B3LYP/6- 31+G(d, p) are reported and analyzed. Linear correlations between the experimental 1H and 13C chemical shifts and computed absolute shielding constants have been obtained. These results suggest that in solution twisted conformers dominate. The linear correlations between the calculated 15N absolute shielding constants for MMBn and MPBn suggest that the two kinds of betaines have similar structures.


In recent years, the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) or Multidrug Resistance (MDR) and viral infections have become serious health issues, globally. Finally, after decades of negligence, the AMR/MDR and viral infection issues have now captured a worldwide attention of the global leaders, public health community, legalization authorities, academia, research-based organizations, and medicinal sector of the modern world, alike. Aiming to resolve these issues, various methodological approaches have been exploited, in the past several years. Among them, biomaterials-based therapeutic hydrogels are of supreme interests for an enhanced and efficient delivery in the current biomedical sector. Depending on the regulatory authorities and practices, the antibiotics consumption was expedited than ever before driven by rising and increasing access, across the globe. Though the emergence of AMR/MDR in microorganisms and emergence/reemergence of viral infections are considered as a natural phenomenon, however, these concerning issues have been driven by those mentioned above faulty human behavior. In this context, many scientists, around the globe, are working at wider spectrum to resolve this problematic issue, efficiently. A proper understanding of biological mechanisms is essential to combat this global threat to the living beings. In this review, an effort has been made to highlight the potent features of materials based hydrogels possessing antimicrobial and antiviral potentialities. The information is also given on the potential research activities, and possible mechanisms of actions of hydrogels are discussed with a closeup look at the future recommendations.


Although cliques are often referenced in sporting circles, they have received little attention in the group dynamics literature. This is surprising given their potential influence on group-related processes that could ultimately influence team functioning (e.g., Carron & Eys, 2012). The present study examined competitive athletes' perceptions of cliques using semistructured interviews with 18 (nine female, nine male) intercollegiate athletes (Mage = 20.9, SD = 1.6) from nine sport teams. Athletes described the formation of cliques as an inevitable and variable process that was influenced by a number of antecedents (e.g., age/tenure, proximity, similarity) and ultimately shaped individual and group outcomes such as isolation, performance, and sport adherence. Further, athletes described positive consequences that emerged when existing cliques exhibited more inclusive behaviors and advanced some areas of focus for the management of cliques within sport teams. Results are discussed from both theoretical and ...


Abstract Following extensive Late Triassic coral-constructed reefs and the aftermath of the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, Early Jurassic buildups are rare and constructed primarily by bivalves. The Pliensbachian exhibits a radiation of aberrant pterioid bivalves, the "Lithiotis" bivalves, which include: Lithiotis problematica, Cochlearites loppianus, Gervilleioperna sp., Mytiloperna sp., and Lithioperna scutata. These large bivalves are ubiquitous in shallow, nearshore tropical waters and restricted to the Early Jurassic recovery interval. Field and thin-section observations indicate a strong zonation of "Lithiotis" bivalves in shallow nearshore environments. Gervilleioperna and Mytiloperna are restricted to tidal-flat and inner-platform facies. Lithioperna scutata is found throughout the lagoonal subtidal facies and even in some low-oxygen environments. Lithiotis and Cochlearites construct buildups in subtidal facies, and both taxa exhibit discordant valves—one valve is converted into a pedestal, the other is an opercular valve. The largest buildups attain lengths over 60 m and thicknesses of 3–5 m. It is proposed that the reef-building bivalves Lithiotis problematica and Cochlearites loppianus filled the relatively empty ecological niche of reef-building during the Early Jurassic (Lias), only to be replaced by their predecessors, the scleractinian corals, by the Middle Jurassic. The other "Lithiotis" bivalves (Lithioperna scutata, Mytiloperna, and Gervilleioperna sp.) lived in restricted lagoonal environments with possible fluctuating salinity on Early Jurassic (Liassic) carbonate shelves. Lithiotis and Cochlearites, in contrast to many oysters, do not orient their commissure planes in a single direction. Instead, these two buildup-constructing genera radiate out from a central bouquet, possibly maximizing exposure to light rather than current. Due to their growth habit, extensive calcification, presumed oligotrophic environment, and pseudocoloniality, these two genera may have harbored photosymbionts. Severe environmental changes and associated unusual seawater chemistry of the protracted Early Jurassic recovery may have led to suppressed coral-reef growth and the rapid radiation of reef-building bivalves.


This article presents the work of the University of Kent section of the Late Antique Ostia Project, which since 2008 has studied the evolution of public space in the central area of the city, in conjunction with the Humboldt University of Berlin. This research has sought to detect and document Late Antique remains within a clearance-excavated classical site using minimally invasive methods. It has demonstrated that Ostia saw a level of investment in secular public buildings that surpassed other cities in Italy outside of Rome. Thus, Russell Meiggs' view that the construction of Portus led to the demise of Ostia, in terms of its political and economic vitality, now seems unlikely. Until the mid fifth century, Ostia was still significant as a center of political representation that followed the urban fashions of the age, which now came from the eastern Mediterranean rather than from Rome. English summaries of the work of the Berlin team are provided by its director, Axel Gering; that work is published in greater detail in a parallel report in Römische Mitteilungen.


Extracted from text ... Letters to the Editor
SA Fam Pract 2004;46(2) 4
MIDLEVEL MEDICAL WORKER PROGRAMME
To the editor: The debate on the issue of midlevel
medical workers is important. I confess that I have
doubts about the planned midlevel medical worker. I
am not sure this is the best solution for the problems
of health care in rural areas in South Africa. It seems
like an admission of defeat. I am very concerned about
the rate at which the programme is being pushed,
without the intense thought and negotiation around it
that there should be, and without us exploring different
solutions to ..


A turbulent two-phase flow model using kinetic theory of granularflows for the particle phase is developed and implmented in afinite element code. The model can be used for engineeringapplications. However, in this thesis it is used to investigateturbulent gas-particle flows through numerical simulations. The feedback from the particles on the turbulence and the meanflow of the gas in a vertical channel flow is studied. In particular,the influence of the particle response time, particle volumefraction and particle diameter on the preferential concentration ofthe particles near the walls, caused by the turbophoretic effect isexplored. The study shows that when particle feedback is includedthe accumulation of particles near the walls decreases. It is also foundthat even at low volume fractions particles can have a significant impacton the turbulence and the mean flow of the gas. The effect of particles on a developing turbulent vertical upward pipeflow is also studied. The development length is found to substantiallyincrease compared to an unladen flow. To understand what governs thedevelopment length a simple estimation was derived, showing that itincreases with decreasing particle diameters in accordance with themodel simulations. A model for the fluctuating particle velocity in turbulentgas-particle flow is derived using a set of stochastic differentialequations taking into account particle-particle collisions. Themodel shows that the particle fluctuating velocity increases whenparticle-particle collisions become more important and that increasingparticle response times reduces the fluctuating velocity. The modelcan also be used for an expansion of the deterministic model for theparticle kinetic energy.


We propose what we believe is a novel method for enabling the complete suppression of noise due to Rayleigh scattering in sodium laser guide star systems by means of selective discrimination between Rayleigh and fluorescence signals based on polarization properties. We show that, contrary to the nearly 100% polarized Rayleigh scattering, fluorescence from the D(2) sodium line is strongly depolarized under excitation by a modeless laser. This offers the possibility of completely cancelling the effects of the Rayleigh scattering background while preserving the fluorescence signal to about 40% of its maximal value, leading to an improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio by several orders of magnitude. Both theoretical and experimental data confirm this new proposal.


Poverty measurement and analysis are needed to identify the poor, the nature and extent of poverty and its determinants, and to assess the impact of policies and programmes on the poor. The government of Sri Lanka has been spending huge sums of money for poverty alleviation and social welfare since its independence. Yet, poverty is still severe and widespread in Sri Lanka, especially in the estate and rural areas .The objective of this study is to find out and analyze the significant determinants of the incidence of poverty in the estate sector where the highest level of chronic poverty and unemployment exist. The national and regional poverty survey data and other official socio economic cross sectional data from selected provinces were used to analyze the extent of poverty in plantation sector in which 89 Divisional Secretariat from provinces such as Subaragamuva, Central and Uva were considered for the analysis. The econometric model were fitted and estimated in this study. Furthermore, Log transformation was conducted and heteroskedasticity problem was detected with the use of statistical software. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis clearly indicates that, variables such as industrial employment, education, access to market and infrastructure significantly and negatively affect the poverty incidence of the estate sector. Also, agricultural employment has a negative impact but not significant. The R2 of 0.82 explains the statistical fitness of the model and the Prob (F-statistics) also confirms it. Analysis with the Durbin–Watson stat confirms that, there is no auto correlation between the variables. The results emphasize the need for adapting policies for regional infrastructural improvement as well as market and educational development in the plantation sector.


Geochemical reactions and seismic activity lead to changes in the temperature and composition of volcanic gases. Laser spectroscopy enables online, in situ monitoring of volcanoes. In combination with fiber optic sensors, it may one day serve as the basis for a new type of eruption warning system.


Testing SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) near real-time systems is challenging, as it involves complex interactions and the simulation of the supervised and controlled environment. Model-driven testing techniques can help to achieve clarity about the inner workings of the system and facilitate test construction, but these models are currently disconnected from those of the environmental simulation, leading to a paradigm break. This paper presents a strategy to remedy this situation. To this end, it leverages Modelica and the Eclipse Modeling Framework. Modelica is an object-oriented mathematical modeling language for component-oriented modeling of complex physical systems. It is an open standard and implementation, and provides a rendering of its input language in Ecore, the meta-language of the Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF). It also offers convenient visual editors, whose notation via the Modelica ML profile is consistent with the SysML standard, a restricted version of UML The strategy presented here leverages EMF as a common basis for model-driven development, reusing Modelica's powerful simulation features in integration with a custom-designed testing process. With this tooling, a test engineer can model all aspects of a SCADA test within one workbench and enjoy full traceability between the proprietary test model, and its surrounding environment simulation.


Four tillage systems (conventional, chisel, ridge-plant, and no-till) in continuous corn (Zea mays L.) were compared with respect to surface runoff losses of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethyl-amino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine), alachlor [2-chloro-2′6′-diethyl-N(methoxymethyl) acetanilide] and chlorpyrifos [O,O-diethyl-O-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl) phosphorothioate]. A modified Purdue sprinkling infiltrometer was used to apply simulated rainfalls of 136 and 73 mm during the 1983 and 1984 growing seasons to 1.35-m² test areas on a Griswold silt loam (Typic Argiudoll). Conservation tillage (CT) systems (chisel, ridge-plant, and no-till) reduced both runoff and soil loss; however, pesticide concentrations in runoff water and sediment for these systems were at times greater than for the conventional (moldboard plow) system. Reduced runoff volumes and erosion with CT systems offset higher pesticide concentrations resulting in few significant tillage treatment differences with respect to total pesticide loss. Maximum loss of active ingredient averaged over all tillage systems was 5.8, 4.0, and 0.2% for atrazine, alachlor, and chlorpyrifos, respectively, when high-intensity simulated rainfall was applied within 7 d of pesticide application.


Supine sleeping positions for infants lead to a decrease in Sudden infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but inadequate time spent in prone position may lead to developmental problems during infancy. This cross-sectional developmental study was an attempt to determine whether the back to sleep campaign had an effect on the development of babies in South Africa. One hundred and twenty six week old infants were evaluated at a community centre in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, Free State to determine differences in motor development between infants who spent more than 30 minutes awake in a prone position and infants who spent less than 30 minutes. Comparisons with regard to their gross motor development and postures were made. There was a significant difference between the two groups with regard to their gross motor development, the prone infants being more advanced than those who were never, or only short periods, in the prone position. It therefore seems that exclusive use of the supine position may lead to problems with motor development and parents must be encouraged to place their babies in the prone position during waking hours.


Malaysia has 2.4 million ha of peat and this type of soil is very poor in phosphorus and needs P application. As there are various sources of P fertilizer in the Malaysian market, it is crucial for growers to apply the most effective source for their crops. In this research, two sources of phosphate rocks available in the local fertilizer market from Christmas Island (CIPR) and Morocco (MPR) at four rates were evaluated for maximum yields of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) from oil palm grown on peat soils in Sarawak, Malaysia. The CIPR and MPR at the rates of 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 g plam-1 year-1 were applied annually. FFB ha-1, average weight bunch-1 and leaf and soil nutrient concentrations were determined. Results showed that MPR treatments produced higher available soil P than CIPR treatments by average of 87% and also higher leaf P concentrations (up to 0.185%). Pearson's correlation indicated that available soil P was negatively correlated with K, Mg, B, Cu and Zn but positively correlated with Ca. In addition, P concentrations in leaves were positively correlated with Ca, Mg, B and Zn but were negatively correlated with K and Cu. Correlation of yield parameters and leaf nutrient concentrations revealed that bunch weights were negatively correlated with leaf P concentrations, Mg and B, whilst the total yield was negatively correlated with Mg and B. Maximum yields were obtained at CIPR-2000 and CIPR-1000 treatments. By interpolation maximum yields in MPR would be attained at MPR-750 treatment.


3D Games frameworks usually have some type of Character Animation System based on a low level layer for animations and a high level layer related with the behavior and intelligence of characters. The low level is responsible for providing a way of obtaining animations and to play them correctly and suitable according to the needs of the high level. This paper presents the implementation of the low level layer of the Guff Framework. This system provides functionalities for obtaining animations based on the Doom3's MD5 models and the possibility of a fine tune post-design configuration stage, which allows game designers to set groups of animations for supplying the high level animation system, animationto-animation transitions and animations properties such as uniformity, evolution, and timing. Finally, a first approach to a high level animation system, based in a very simple finite state machine, is developed to show how the low level animation system can support the high level animation system.


In addition to ventilation practices, the application of water via sprays is the most economical and popular means of combating respirable dust in an underground coal mine. Due to a noticeable increase in black lung among coal miners and new dust regulations, surfactants or wetting agents have been used to aid in dust suppression. The surfactant facilitates the wetting process by lowering the surface tension and allowing the hydrophobic coal dust to come into contact with the water. One of the most straightforward and effective benchtop tests is a simple wetting test. Although there are variations of this type of test, principle and technique remain the same. A known amount of dust was placed on the surface of a solution and the time it takes for all the dust to fall through the interface would be the wetting rate. This investigation examined the specific density of the bulk dust and concentration of a surfactant in solution and their effects on the wetting rate. It was found that both factors were significant in determining the wetting rate. It was seen that the surfactant had a more significant effect on the dust which consisted mostly of coal particle when compared to a dust with a higher non-coal mineral content. Additionally, full-scale tests were conducted to determine the effect of the surfactant at a constant concentration. During the field implementation, the surfactant was pumped through the mines spray water to the cutter heads of the continuous miner. A large number of uncontrollable variables present during the implementation, made determining the effects difficult, and the resulting impact from the surfactant inconclusive. Further long-term testing would be needed while accounting for all of the identified variables. Significantly higher concentration was however found when using the continuous personal dust monitor as opposed to the older personal dust samples when left in the same environment. Additionally, a very significant drop in dust concentrations was observed when the miner operators were allowed to activate the scrubbers. Investigation of Coal Dust Remediation using a Surfactant in an Aqueous Solution


The paper provides a agent-based model, which describes distribution of informative messages, containing links to informational resources in the Internet. The results of modeling have been confirmed by studying a real network of Twitter microblogs. The paper describes stages of building a corporate system of monitoring network informational resources, the content of which is determined by links in microblogs. The advantages of such approach are set forth. Key-words: Social network, Modeling, Informational resources monitoring, Multiagent system, Information distribution


This paper argues that, contrary to his own claims, Callon's work amounts to a defence of the economists' model of a framed and abstracted market against empirical evidence that contemporary exchange rarely if ever works according to the laws of the market. I start with an example from an Indian village, which shows how other societies also try to frame particular genres of exchange to protect themselves from other varieties of exchange. But both there and within capitalism the frame is precisely a moral system of how exchange ought to be carried out. I then use the example of car purchasing to suggest the highly entangled world of actual exchange within capitalism both between the exchange partners and also between consumers and commerce more generally. Indeed, the actual case studies in Callon's The Laws of the Markets seem to support this conclusion rather than the model put forward in his own introduction and conclusion. These studies, as others cited here, suggest the centrality of entanglements also for higher-level exchanges, such as stock markets and corporate take-overs, and not just for shoppers or other individual actors. As an alternative to Callon I briefly summarize an argument published elsewhere, called 'virtualism', in which I examine the increasing ability of economists and other agents of abstract models such as audit and consultancy to transform the world into closer approximations of their theories and models. I suggest this provides a more fruitful way of understanding the growth and power of abstraction in the contemporary economy.


The goal of modern implantology is fine and fast osseointegration which is a major factor influencing the success of dental implantation, and its largely depend on the implant surface. High-quality osseointegration stand for an accelerated healing process, high stability, and durability of the dental implant. Aim: To evaluate the effect of composite material coating which includes ceramic nano hydroxyapatite and magnesium chloride on the bond strength at bone implant interface and tissue reaction. Methods: In in vitro study, a plate of Cp-Ti was coated with hydroxyapatite and MgCl2 by electrophoretic deposition coating technique. Coating procedure was performed using different proportion of hydroxyapatite and MgCl2 and different coating time at fixed voltage. Then analysis of coated surface was performed. The tibia of white male New Zealand rabbits were chosen as implantation sites of 40 screws for in vivo study. Torque removal test was performed to measure bond strength between implant and bone after 2 and 4 weeks healing periods. Results: The results of Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy shows that 1.9% of Mg and 32.4% Ca contain on Ti substrate. Optical microscope examination showed that 2 minutes is the suitable time used for coating screws at 30 V. Analysis of surface roughness in nanoscale was 86.89 nm and grain size 128 nm while scanning electron microscope showed numerous agglomerations of small spherical particles between 5 nm and 100 nm of hydroxyapatite. The torque mean value at bone-implant interface in coated implants was significantly higher than the uncoated implants at 2nd and 4th week. In histological analysis, there was an interdigitating of well-developed bone close opposing threads of coated implants after 2 and 4 weeks implantation. Coating Cp-Ti screws with mixture of hydroxyapatite and MgCl2 was efficient in increasing bone bonding strength to dental implant at bone implant interface than uncoated implant, which was demonstrated by higher torque removal force and increase in bone formation around screw with time.


Objectives The aim of this study was to develop a new "basketball specific field test" that determines the maximal oxygen uptake indirectly and to determine reliability and validity of the test for measuring aerobic power. Methods A total of 1.5 mile (2240 m) -aerobic endurance test on a basketball court including the side steps on the three-point line and running on the side-line was designed to be completed as soon as possible. Healthy, 15 years old, 11 male basketball players' (training background is 5.18 years, body mass 84.4 kg, height 190.3 cm) participated. Results Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) levels measured directly in the laboratory as gold standard test showed a significant negative correlation with the duration of basketball-specific field test (r = −0.705, p = 0.015). The regression analysis through a new "basketball-specific field test" proved moderate validity (r = 0.390), then regression formula was developed to estimate VO2max level: VO2max = 122.617 – 5.461 x [basketball-specific field test duration (min)]. Reliability was evaluated by test-retest method, there was no difference between duration of a new "basketball specific field test" (p > 0.05) repeated at intervals and it showed high reliability (% CV: 8.81 and ICC: 0.90). Conclusions A new "basketball specific field test", which proved reliability and validity to measure aerobic power indirectly, may be considered to help coaches and athletes by means of its properties which ensure easy and practical application by using simple basketball-specific movements in basketball courts, not to require expensive equipment and specialist staff, and not to have any health risks.


The stated purpose of intellectual property protection is to stimulate innovation. The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) requires all Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to enact national laws conferring minimum standards of intellectual property protection by certain deadlines. Critics of the Agreement fear that such action is inconsistent with ensuring access to medicines in the developing world. A WHO convened meeting on intellectual property rights and vaccines in developing countries, on which this paper is based, found no evidence that TRIPS has stimulated innovation in developing market vaccine development (where markets are weak) or that protection of intellectual property rights has had a negative effect on access to vaccines. However, access to future vaccines in the developing world could be threatened by compliance with TRIPS. The management of such threats requires adherence of all countries to the Doha Declaration on TRIPS, and the protections guaranteed by the Agreement itself, vigilance on TRIPS-plus elements of free trade agreements, developing frameworks for licensing and technology transfer, and promoting innovative vaccine development in developing countries. The role of international organizations in defining best practices, dissemination of information, and monitoring TRIPS impact will be crucial to ensuring optimal access to priority new vaccines for the developing world.


Organizational change modifies the relationship between the organization and its environment. Using a methodology based on literature revision and analysis, we point out that the growing social importance of networks is related to the shrinking of hierarchy and to organizational knowledge creation. The network response to present challenges has certain virtues: flexibility, smaller costs, and its capacity to diminish the probability of error in decision making. Knowledge use could be characterized as a chain starting with the social capital that shapes the available resources for organizational knowledge. These resources are the networks and the know-how. Networks and know-how are the dynamic delimiters of knowledge creation. The chain closes at this point: knowledge usage is the seed of social capital. Networks are simultaneously social performance instruments and depots of social accumulated knowledge.


Walking 10,000 steps daily is associated with beneficial health outcomes. Recent systematic reviews have suggested that pedometers may be an effective motivational tool to promote walking. The aim of this study was to study the effectiveness of a 10-week, pedometer-based walking intervention to improve physical activity, body composition and metabolic health indices in a sample of suburban community-dwelling adults not meeting current physical activity recommendations. After screening, 34 overweight/obese individuals (mean age: 46 ± 8 years, mean BMI: 28.3 ± 4.2 kg/m 2 ) were accepted into the walking program conducted by the Health Promotion Community Centre, Bangi. Subjects were instructed to increase their steps by 3000 steps daily above their baseline values for 10 weeks. Daily step count, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, as well as blood pressure, fasting glucose and lipids were evaluated at baseline and following the 10-week intervention. Thirty-one participants completed the program with 100% adherence. The average daily steps recorded during the 10-week intervention was 9693 ± 2196 steps per day. Mean daily steps increased from 8679 ± 2567 steps in Week 1 to 10,766 ± 3200 steps in Week 10 (p=0.040). Overall, there were reductions in body weight (-1.13%, p=0.010), waist circumference (-3.5%, p=0.001) and BMI (-1.41%, p=0.008) as well as fasting blood glucose (-8.5%, p=0.003) and systolic blood pressure (-4.8%, p=0.007) following the intervention. The findings of this study demonstrated that a goal-driven, pedometer-based walking intervention for 10 weeks resulted in a modest reduction in body weight and improved metabolic health outcomes in overweight/obese, community-dwelling adults.  DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2019-1701-04


Academics concerned with nonreligion will be familiar with the history of the field: although Colin Campbell's book, Toward a Sociology of Irreligion, was published in 1971, nonreligion (including atheism) subsequently became a topic for theological, philosophical, and historical research, and has only relatively recently (in the early 2000s) resurfaced as a topic for sociological consideration. Cimino and Smith were amongst the first academics to take up the sociological study of nonreligion. Based on over a decade of sociological inquiry, Atheist Awakening presents a picture of atheism in the contemporary United States. As their title indicates, Cimino and Smith suggest that there has been an "awakening" amongst atheists. They argue that the increased visibility of atheism over the last ten years is due only in small part to an increase in the proportion of nonreligious people. Rather, nonreligious people have been "mobilised", or encouraged think of their atheism as an important aspect of their identity (p. 2–3). Approaching atheism as a social movement, Atheist Awakening is largely concerned with the formation of collective atheist identities in the US. Cimino and Smith observe that atheists in America portray themselves as a subculture, standing in contrast to, and resisting, the perceived norm of religiosity in the US (p. 10). The authors identify two techniques deployed in the construction of this collective identity: the use of identity politics, and the use of minority discourses (p. 10). Using identity politics, atheists appropriate arguments from the civil rights and gay rights movements. Perhaps the most obvious example is the use of the phrase "coming out", borrowed from the gay rights movement, to describe the process of disclosing one's atheism. By "minority discourses", Cimino and Smith refer to the tendency of atheists in the US to emphasise that they are few in number. The collective atheist identity described by Cimino and Smith is a response to the wider socio-political context in which it forms. The authors point out that American atheists position themselves in opposition to evangelical Protestants (p. 33). Atheists might, for example, attempt to debunk literalist readings of the Bible, held by some evangelical Protestants. Whether or not these efforts succeed in convincing others, they nevertheless enhance public awareness of atheism. This exemplifies a recurring theme in the book: the idea that non-believers and believers exist in symbiotic relationships, such that the behaviour and activities of one group form a resource for the other. Perhaps wary of painting an overly homogenous picture of the atheist movement, much of Cimino and Smith's fourth chapter is concerned with describing internal differences within the atheist movement. Some individuals and groups support greater ritualisation, others disagree; some are only concerned with the influence of religion in the public sphere, others find religion in the private sphere equally problematic. The chapter reads as an attempt to acknowledge this diversity of opinion, peppered with cautionary remarks that hint of the authors' wish to avoid exaggerating these internal differences. Both authors and readers might find Luther Gerlach's SPIN model of social movements useful to understand intra-movement dynamics. According to Gerlach, social movements are segmented and polycentric: they are composed of different groups, with different visions and different leadership. They are also integrated networks: the segments interact through structural, personal, and ideological ties, and segments can unite if necessary (Gerlach, 1987, p. 115). Pointing out that ". . .the world's largest atheist community...is just a click away. . ." (p. 85), Cimino and Smith devote most of their third chapter to the role of the Internet in the "awakening". Although many of their respondents spoke about the Internet, Cimino and Smith arguably overstate the role of the Internet in new atheist movements. Readers might do well to remember that the Internet is now part of the wider social context in which all groups (religious or otherwise) operate, and is not necessarily a distinguishing feature of the atheist movement. Given their emphasis on the formation of community and collective identity, it is surprising that Cimino and Smith engage only briefly with the academic literature on imagined communities (cf. Anderson, 1983). Although they focus the US, there are indications, both in their own work and in the work of others, of a transatlantic circulation of ideas concerning atheism and secularism (cf. Catto & Eccles, 2013). This suggests that atheists from far flung geographical locations might come to believe that they share aspects of their identity, despite never meeting in person. Remembering that Cimino and Smith BOOK REVIEW


During the endoscopic sinus and skull base training surgeries, the haptic perception of tool-tissue interaction and even transitions and ruptures in the tissues are fundamental which should be taken into account in a robotic control scheme. However, this problem is extremely complex given the nature and the variety of tissues involved in an ESS procedures. In this article, ex-vivo indentation and relaxation experiments associated with an offline model estimation of the interaction between tissues and a surgical tool are presented. The estimated parameters of the modified Kelvin-Voigt model are then used to provide a realistic tool-tissue interaction dynamic model. Finally, the principle of a virtual reality simulation scheme that would allow better haptic discrimination of tool-tissue interaction is proposed and illustrated.


Background Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma. An association between POAG and the subsequent risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) was unclear. Objective To investigate the association between POAG (including normal-tension glaucoma) and the subsequent risk of AD or PD 8 years following a diagnosis of POAG. Methods We performed a retrospective, propensity-score-matched analysis of a population-based cohort consisting of patients with and without POAG aged 60 years and older. Control patients without POAG were propensity-score matched to POAG patients based on their baseline characteristics. Results The incidence rates and confidence intervals (CIs) of AD among the patients with and without POAG were 2.85 (95% CI: 2.19–3.70) and 1.98 (95% CI: 1.68–2.31) per 1000 person-years, respectively. The incidence rates of PD among the POAG and non-POAG cohorts were 4.36 (95% CI: 3.52–5.39) and 4.37 (95% CI: 3.92–4.86) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Kaplan-Meier failure curves showed that the POAG patients had a higher risk of AD than the control patients did (log-rank test, P = .0189). However, the cumulative PD hazard ratios for the POAG and non-POAG patients did not differ significantly (log-rank test, P = .9953). Conclusion In elderly patients, POAG is a significant predictor of AD, but POAG is not a predictor of PD.


Gain and phase dynamics in InAs/GaAs quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifiers are investigated. It is shown that gain recovery is dominated by fast processes, whereas phase recovery is dominated by slow processes. Relative strengths and time constants of the underlying processes are measured. We find that operation at high bias currents optimizes the performance for nonlinear cross-gain signal processing if a low chirp is required.


An essential guide to understanding the Cisco IOS architecture In-depth coverage of Cisco's IOS Software architecture provides crucial information to: Prevent network problems and optimize performance through more efficient design and configuration Isolate and resolve network problems more quickly and easily Apply the appropriate packet switching method, such as process switching, fast switching, optimum switching, or Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF) Understand the hardware architecture, packet buffering, and packet switching processes for shared memory routers (Cisco 1600, 2500, 3600, 4000, 4500, and 4700 series) Understand the hardware architecture, packet buffering, and packet switching processes for the Cisco 7200 series routers Understand the hardware architecture, packet buffering, and packet switching processes for the Cisco 7500 series routers Understand the hardware architecture, packet buffering, and packet switching processes for the Cisco GSR 12000 series routers Further your knowledge of how IOS Software implements Quality of Service (QoS) Inside Cisco IOS Software Architecture offers crucial and hard-to-find information on Cisco's Internetwork Operating System (IOS) Software. IOS Software provides the means by which networking professionals configure and manage Cisco networking devices. Beyond understanding the Cisco IOS command set, comprehending what happens inside Cisco routers will help you as a network designer or engineer to perform your job more effectively. By understanding the internal operations of IOS Software, you will be able to take architectural considerations into account when designing networks and isolate problems more easily when troubleshooting networks. Inside Cisco IOS Software Architecture provides essential information on the internal aspects of IOS Software at this level, and it is an invaluable resource for better understanding the intricacies of IOS Software and how it affects your network. Inide Cisco IOS Software Architecture begins with an overview of operating system concepts and the IOS Software infrastructure, including processes, memory management, CPU scheduling, packet buffers, and device drivers, as well as a discussion of packet switching architecture with detailed coverage of the various platform-independent switching methods, including process switching, fast switching, optimum switching, and Cisco Express Forwarding (CEF). The book then delves into the intricate details of the design and operation of platform-specific features, including the 1600, 2500, 4x00, 3600, 7200, 7500, and GSR Cisco routers. Finally, an overview of IOS Quality of Service (QoS) is provided, including descriptions of several QoS methods, such as priority queuing, custom queuing, weighted fair queuing, and modified deficit round robin.


Knowledge of the physical state and morphology of internally mixed organic/inorganic aerosol particles is still largely uncertain. To obtain more detailed information on liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and morphology of the particles, we investigated complex mixtures of atmospherically relevant dicarboxylic acids containing 5, 6, and 7 carbon atoms (C5, C6 and C7) having oxygen-to-carbon atomic ratios (O:C) of 0.80, 0.67, and 0.57, respectively, mixed with ammonium sulfate (AS). With micrometer-sized particles of C5/AS/H_2O, C6/AS/H_2O and C7/AS/H_2O as model systems deposited on a hydrophobically coated substrate, laboratory experiments were conducted for various organic-to-inorganic dry mass ratios (OIR) using optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. When exposed to cycles of relative humidity (RH), each system showed significantly different phase transitions. While the C5/AS/H_2O particles showed no LLPS with OIR = 2:1, 1:1 and 1:4 down to 20% RH, the C6/AS/H_2O and C7/AS/H_2O particles exhibit LLPS upon drying at RH 50 to 85% and ~90%, respectively, via spinodal decomposition, growth of a second phase from the particle surface or nucleation-and-growth mechanisms depending on the OIR. This suggests that LLPS commonly occurs within the range of O:C < 0.7 in tropospheric organic/inorganic aerosols. To support the comparison and interpretation of the experimentally observed phase transitions, thermodynamic equilibrium calculations were performed with the AIOMFAC model. For the C7/AS/H_2O and C6/AS/H_2O systems, the calculated phase diagrams agree well with the observations while for the C5/AS/H_2O system LLPS is predicted by the model at RH below 60% and higher AS concentration, but was not observed in the experiments. Both core-shell structures and partially engulfed structures were observed for the investigated particles, suggesting that such morphologies might also exist in tropospheric aerosols.


Urban design decision support tools aimed at achieving desired outcomes – such as reduction of greenhouse gas emissions – must respond to the inherent complexity of urban systems, and the inherent uncertainties within measurement and inventory methods. Moreover, they must accommodate the epistemological limitations of all models, arising from their dynamic relationship with the often self-modifying phenomena they are intended to model. Drawing on methodologies from other fields, we present here the outline of a methodology that meets that requirement, exploiting the capacity for iteration, empirical evaluation, and collaborative refinement over time. We show how this methodology is suitable for application in a new generation of decision support tools for urban design.


Biocrust restoration is an emerging field relevant to management of rangelands. Manual dispersal of biocrust is an effective approach, though there are few examples of biocrust restoration greater than a square meter, in part because specialized machinery has yet to be developed or adapted for dispersal across larger areas. Restoration with vascular plants is now conducted using a variety of equipment for work at small to large scales. We investigated the potential of two tractor draft implements, a rangeland seed drill and imprinter, to establish moss. We assessed three treatments: moss passed through a seed drill, manually broadcasted over imprinted soil, and manually broadcasted onto unaltered soil. We conducted these treatments at two sites that differed in management histories and vegetative cover. To use the seed drill to disperse moss we needed to amend moss materials to prevent jamming, which reduced application rate. Imprinted treatments established the most cover, a result we attribute to creation of favorable microsites for establishment. Broadcast methods established a comparable number of moss colonies to broadcast‐over‐imprinted soil, but less cover. Drill treatments were not effective by any metric, likely due to burial of moss. Final differences between our highest cover treatment and controls were positive, but small: 2.38% in imprinted versus 0.44% in controls. However, moss cover in imprinted areas increased during our two‐year experiment at this site, while controls did not. Future work should focus on integrating biocrust and vascular plant treatments and identifying equipment to efficiently achieve these goals.


Abuse of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine can lead to a syndrome indistinguishable from schizophrenia. In animals, repetitive exposure to this N-methyl-d-aspartate–receptor antagonist induces the dysfunction of a subset of cortical fast-spiking inhibitory interneurons, with loss of expression of parvalbumin and the γ-aminobutyric acid–producing enzyme GAD67. We show here that exposure of mice to ketamine induced a persistent increase in brain superoxide due to activation in neurons of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Decreasing superoxide production prevented the effects of ketamine on inhibitory interneurons in the prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that NADPH oxidase may represent a novel target for the treatment of ketamine-induced psychosis.


Genz, Stephanie. (2009). Postfemininities in Popular Culture. London, England: Palgrave MacMillan, 2009. 1+218 pp. $90.00 (hardcover). ISBN-13: 978-0-230-55150-3. Western culture popularly understands feminism and femininity as opposites. The concepts are interconnected, yet society often portrays them as incompatible, forcing women to choose between feminist and feminine identities. Challenging this false duality, St6phanie Genz argues that for many women lived experience is a complicated patchwork and integration of feminism and femininity. Genz's 2009 book, Postfemininities in Popular Culture, begins to develop the terminology and theoretical constructs with which to describe, contextualize, and critique the lived experiences of these conflicted identities. Drawing on current postfeminist scholarship, including work by Dow, Inness, McRobbie, Gill, and Whelehan, Genz argues that the conflicting but intertwined concepts of feminism and femininity can be reunited and that postfeminist entertainment performs the first stumbling attempts at expressing these new postfemininities. While Genz uses the terms feminism and femininity in a traditional manner, her definitions for postfeminism and postfemininity are technical. Genz defines postfeminism as theory, entertainment, and/or practice occurring after second-wave feminism and harboring "within itself the threat of backlash as well as the potential for innovation" (24). Then, arguing that second-wave feminism significantly changed the feminine landscape, Genz coins postfemininity to "depict the paradoxes of contemporary femininity," referencing both "traditional narratives of feminine passivity" and the more "progressive scripts" of women's empowerment (17). Just as postfeminism is simultaneously liberal and conservative, postfemininity is both traditional and progressive, expressing the "manifold layers" of feminine experience (17). Organized into two parts, with several chapters each, Postfemininities in Popular Culture explores the constructions of femininity, first within prominent feminist writings and then in popular culture. By putting feminist theory and popular culture into direct conversation, Genz provides a representational history of femininity from the 1960s to the present. Analyzing feminist writings in the first part of the book, Genz explores four historical stages of feminist thought: (1) liberal feminism, exemplified by Friedan's The Feminine Mystique; (2) radical feminism, exemplified by Millet's Sexual Politics; (3) the 1980s' backlash, exemplified by Friedan's reactionary work, The Second Stage; and finally (4) girl power in the 1990s, exemplified by third-wave feminism's focus on girls, media, and consumer culture. This first section successfully demonstrates the different configurations of gender and femininity that these feminist theories entail. Genz's work carefully argues that feminism has a fluctuating relationship with femininity, and that different feminist theories alternately renounce, embrace, or attempt to redefine femininity. The second part explores media portrayals of femininity. Again, Genz works historically, tracing the popular representations of women from the 1960s to the present. …


The aim of this paper is to present the key elements and content of a business transfer ecosystem and examine the supportiveness of such a system in five European countries. A business transfer comprises a change of ownership of any firm or business from one person/legal entity to another person/legal entity with the aim of assuring the continued existence and commercial activity of the enterprise - when more than 50 % of the assets or shares are transferred (see e.g. Sten 2006; Van Teeffelen 2012). This definition includes both family successions and transfers to external buyers.The study also seeks to demonstrate a research gap regarding the necessity of an evidence-based design for business transfer ecosystems in fostering enterprise continuity. The study is based on a multiple case study involving five country cases. Data shows that there is a considerable variety regarding forms of business discontinuity, which is in line with former research. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor survey, e.g., in Croatia only 0,83% of all business exits are based on opportunities to sell compared to 5,3% in Sweden. In Finland 15% of all exits are caused by none-profitable businesses vs. 56% in Spain; and financing difficulties is a reason for 24% of exits in Croatia and only for 2,7% in Sweden (Singer et al., 2014). The analysis further shows that business transfer ecosystems are very country specific. The different ecosystems studied are in different stages of development, ranging from highly developed infrastructure to practically none at all. The level of the business transfer infrastructure (e.g. advisory services, financing) varies, as does the complexity of relevant legislation. There are also similarities; in all countries the potential for business transfers is highest among micro firms, and none of the studied countries has a public database for business transfers. As the different stages of the life cycle of a firm (birth, growth, maturity, exit) are not evenly covered as regards statistical monitoring, the exit phase is susceptible to assumption-based approaches regarding the development of related ecosystems. The study's findings contribute to the general awareness that a business transfer represents a phase in the firm's life cycle that offers different possible strategic decisions. In sum, business transfers can be seen as an essential element of enterprise continuity and development.


PETER LILLBACK: Let me start with a word of prayer.
Lord, thank you for the joy of meeting with Dr. Waltke, for the opportunity to have this conversation that we hope will be useful for your people globally as they think about Old Testament studies. Thank you for his faithful labors over many years and his impact on so many. We ask now that you will continue to bless him and his wife and the ministry that continues in his service. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of now meeting with him. We give it all to you, and we pray we would glorify and edify your people as we seek to lift your name above all things. We pray this in Jesus's name. Amen.


Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) was first reported in the UK in 1996. Here, we report the first Turkish case of vCJD. A 47-year-old man, who has never lived outside of Turkey and had had no transfusion, was admitted to the University Hospital with speech disorder, cognitive decline and ataxia following depression, irritability, and personality change. The immunoassay of the 14-3-3 protein in the cerebrospinal fluid was negative. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed high-signal lesions involving the bilateral caudate and lentiform nucleus on T2- and diffusion-weighted imaging. The patient developed akinetic mutism 10 months after disease onset. The clinical presentation and neuroimaging findings were compatible with the vCJD cases reported since 1996 and met the World Health Organization's case definition for probable vCJD.


A critical issue on ballistic materials, in addition to the impact resistance is weight. One class of fibers that combines a good weight/impact resistant ratio is aramid fibers. The usage of aramid fibers into bulletproof vests takes the advantage of such good properties. However, the high cost of these fibers is a disadvantage and these vests cannot be discarded without proper treatment, thus a recycling procedure is urgent. This paper investigates new applications for aramid fabrics from discarded bulletproof vests and its application as ballistic shield. The new ballistic composite material is a hybrid laminate, where recycled aramid fibers are consolidated by epoxy resin and a shear thickening fluid (STF) reinforcement. The aramid fibers from bulletproof vests have an areal density of approximately 300 g/m2 (12.6 oz./yd2) and were intercalated to form a symmetric and balanced laminate. The epoxy system is an amine-cured bisphenol-A-diglycidyl ether epoxy resin from Barracudatec Inc., while the nano-reinforcements are colloidal silica and powder of organically modified montmorillonite nanoclay (Cloisite 30B). As this research deals with two different levels of analysis, i.e. the first one on nanoscale and the second one on macro scale, the experimental investigation must be divided in two different time frames. At nanoscale, the nanostructures are investigated by SEM and FTIR. At macro scale, ballistic tests are based on the NIJ Standard–0101.04. Two types of ammunition are considered, i.e. 9 mm Full Metal Jacketed (FMJ) and 357 Magnum Jacketed Soft Point (JSP). The results demonstrated a significant enhancement (close to 25%) in ballistic penetration resistance due to the addition of shear thickening fluid to the recycled fabric, without any loss in material flexibility. Moreover, the new system can be applied to shield and patrol cars protection system at low cost with the same efficiency of the new aramid fibers.


ABSTRACT Deep-water habitats are among the least studied but most vulnerable environments. By-catch data from deep-water fisheries in Latin America are limited, and detailed reports on associated molluscs are scarce. This study provides information on deep-water shelled molluscs collected between 2010 and 2011 by commercial shrimp trawling fisheries along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica at depths from 112 to 271 m. Twenty-six species were identified, 23 gastropods and three bivalves. Our data extend the depth range of 14 species, and Homalopoma cf. grippii is reported for the first time for Costa Rica. The most common species were the gastropods Fusinus spectrum, Polystira nobilis and Solenosteira gatesi. Only one species (Sinum debile) was captured below 250 m. The catch of molluscs per unit effort was influenced by depth, but not by seasonality or geographic area. It is speculated that these long-lasting bottom-trawling activities have caused negative effects on species diversity and mollusc biomass. Nevertheless, a monitoring program is recommended to assess possible impacts of this type of fishery on mollusc diversity and biomass.


This study determined the effect of two teaching methods (demonstration and discussion) on student's retention of Agricultural Science knowledge in secondary schools of Bauchi metropolis. The study was guided by two research questions based on the specific objectives and three null hypotheses, tested at 0.05 level of significance. The pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design was employed. All the students from three intact SS II classes were used; one class each from three randomly selected schools. A 20 item multiple choice achievement test was administered to the two treatment groups before and after the treatment and the scores so obtained were analyzed by mean, standard deviation and t-test. The findings revealed that both the two teaching methods have significant effect on student's retention of Agricultural Science knowledge. Demonstration method was found to be more effective in making the students to remember Agricultural Science knowledge. It was therefore recommended that the demonstration method be used with confidence to teach Agriculture Science in Bauchi State secondary schools.

 Key words: Teaching methods, student's retention, Agricultural Science, secondary schools.


This paper presents a case study that explores the impact of a software development project on a Small to Medium Enterprise in the United Kingdom as a means of delivering improved understanding of data in the retail sector. In this paper, the link between the actions undertaken by management in retail and the relationship with the environment provided by IT systems is considered. Many retailers in the United Kingdom make use of sensor devices to understand the behavior of their customers. As retail outlets grow over a period of time, the diversity of sensor devices may change as new devices are installed. Equally, outlets that are operated within retail groups will collect and store data locally. As a consequence, management within the retail sector face a number of challenges to understand the operation of individual outlets and the holistic performance of retail chains. As a result, both the IT systems and also the working practices employed to complete the day to day tasks essential to meet the needs of a retailer's customers rapidly become unfit for purpose. The case study considered in this paper reviews the requisite practices adopted by a service provider in the business intelligence sector, and the positive impact that the company realized through the re-engineering of both IT systems and business workflows. The underlying reasons for this inefficiency were analysed and, through the agile software engineering methodology, a solution was designed to resolve these issues.


Video surveillance is the process of monitoring the behavior of people and objects within public places, e.g. airports and traffic intersections, by means of visual aids (cameras) usually for safety and security purposes. As the amount of video data gathered daily by surveillance cameras increases, the need for automatic systems to detect and recognize suspicious activities performed by people and objects is also increasing.
The first part of the thesis describes a framework for modeling and recognition of events from surveillance video. Our framework is based on deterministic inference using Petri nets. Events can be composed by combining primitive events and previously defined events by spatial, temporal and logical relations. We provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to formulate such event models. Our approach automatically maps each of these models into a set of Petri net filters that represent the components of the event. Lower-level video processing modules, e.g. background subtraction, tracking and classification, are used to detect the occurrence of primitive events. These primitive events are then filtered by Petri nets filters to recognize composite events of interest. Our framework is general enough and we have applied it to many surveillance domains.
In the second part of the thesis, we address the problem of detecting carried objects. Detecting carried objects is the main step to solve the problem of left object detection. We present two approaches to the left object detection problem. Both approaches poses the problem as a classification problem. For both approaches, we trained SVM classifiers [19] on a laboratory database that contains examples of people seen with and without two common objects, namely backpacks and suitcases. We used a boosting technique, AdaBoost [20], to select the most discriminative features used by the SVMs and to enhance the performance of the classifiers. We give recognition results for each approach and then compare both approaches and describe the advantages of each one. We also compare the performance of both approaches on real world videos captured at the Munich airport.


Bioindicators of oxidative stress were examined in prebreeding and breeding adult and chick Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri) and in prebreeding adult Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia) in San Francisco Bay, California. Highest total mercury (THg) concentrations (mean ± standard error; µg/g dry wt) in liver (17.7 ± 1.7), kidney (20.5 ± 1.9), and brain (3.0 ± 0.3) occurred in breeding adult Forster's terns. The THg concentrations in liver were significantly correlated with hepatic depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH), increased oxidized glutathione (GSSG):GSH ratio, and decreased hepatic gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity in adults of both tern species. Prefledging Forster's tern chicks with one‐fourth the hepatic THg concentration of breeding adults exhibited effects similar to adults. Total mercury–related renal GSSG increased in adults and chicks. In brains of prebreeding adults, THg was correlated with a small increase in glucose‐6–phosphate dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PDH) activity, suggestive of a compensatory response. Brain THg concentrations were highest in breeding adult Forster's terns and brain tissue exhibited increased lipid peroxidation as thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, loss of protein bound thiols (PBSH), and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, GSSG reductase (GSSGrd), and G‐6‐PDH. In brains of Forster's tern chicks there was a decrease in total reduced thiols and PBSH. Multiple indicator responses also pointed to greater oxidative stress in breeding Forster's terns relative to prebreeding terns, attributable to the physiological stress of reproduction. Some biondicators also were related to age and species, including thiol concentrations. Enzymes GGT, G‐6‐PDH, and GSSGred activities were related to species. Our results indicate that THg concentrations induced oxidative stress in terns, and suggest that histopathological, immunological, and behavioral effects may occur in terns as reported in other species. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:920–929. © 2010 SETAC


This study analyses the economic and political consequences of introducing a tax on the carbon content of imported goods at EU borders and whether such a tax would be compatible with WTO rules. The major findings are: 1. A CO2 border tax or import tariff would increase global welfare; 2. Such a carbon import tariff can be made to be compatible with WTO rules; 3. There are no insurmountable practical obstacles to introducing such a tariff; 4. The equity concerns of the UNFCCC could be taken into account by rebating the proceeds of the tariff to those countries manifestly unable to shoulder the burden themselves.


Since trauma arises from an inescapable stressful event that overwhelms people's coping mechanisms, it is uncertain to what degree the results of laboratory studies of ordinary events are relevant to the understanding of traumatic memories. This paper reviews the literature on differences between recollections of stressful and of traumatic events. It then reviews the evidence implicating dissociation as the central pathogenic mechanism that gives rise to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A systematic exploratory study of 46 subjects with PTSD indicated that traumatic memories were retrieved, at least initially, in the form of dissociated mental imprints of sensory and affective elements of the traumatic experience: as visual, olfactory, affective, auditory, and kinesthetic experiences. Over time, subjects reported the gradual emergence of a personal narrative that can be properly referred to as "explicit memory." The implications of these findings for understanding the nature of traumatic memories are discussed.


The first case was reported in 1837 by Magnus. The syndrome was described by Foix Chavany et Marie in 1926 1) , and called SFMC by Weller (1993). His literature review of 62 SFMC allowed the differentiation of five clinical types: the classical and most common form associated with cerebrovascular disease, a subacute form caused by central nervous system infections, a developmental form, a reversible form in children with epilepsy and a rare type associated with neurodegenerative disorders .


The first broadly applicable metal-free enantioselective method for boron conjugate addition (BCA) to α,β-unsaturated carbonyls is presented. The C-B bond forming reactions are promoted in the presence of 2.5-7.5 mol % of a readily accessible C(1)-symmetric chiral imidazolinium salt, which is converted, in situ, to the catalytically active diastereo- and enantiomerically pure N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) by the common organic base 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (dbu). In addition to the commercially available bis(pinacolato)diboron [B(2)(pin)(2)], and in contrast to reactions with the less sterically demanding achiral NHCs, the presence of MeOH is required for high efficiency. Acyclic and cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones, as well as acyclic esters, Weinreb amides, and aldehydes, can serve as suitable substrates; the desired β-boryl carbonyls are isolated in up to 94% yield and >98:2 enantiomer ratio (er). Transformations are often carried out at ambient temperature. In certain cases, such as when the relatively less reactive unsaturated amides are used, elevated temperatures are required (50-66 °C); nonetheless, reactions remain highly enantioselective. The utility of the NHC-catalyzed method is demonstrated through comparison with the alternative Cu-catalyzed protocols; in cases involving a polyfunctional substrate, unique profiles in chemoselectivity are exhibited by the metal-free approach (e.g., conjugate addition vs reaction with an alkyne, allene, or aldehyde).


Enterprise Architecture has been developed in order to optimize the alignment between business needs
and the (rapidly changing) possibilities of information technology. But do organizations indeed benefit
from the application of Enterprise Architecture according to those who are in any way involved in
architecture?
To answer this question, a model has been developed (the Enterprise Architecture Value Framework)
to organize the benefits of Enterprise Architecture. Based on this model, a survey has been conducted
among the various types of stakeholders of Enterprise Architecture, such as architects, project
managers, developers and business or IT managers. In the survey the respondents were asked to what
extent they perceive various benefits of Enterprise Architecture in their organization. The results of
this survey (with 287 fully completed responses) are analyzed and presented in this paper. In all
categories of the framework benefits are perceived, though to different extent. Very few benefits are
perceived in relation to the external orientation of the organization.
Few statistically significant correlations were found in relation to the background of the respondents:
the overall view on benefits of Enterprise Architecture appeared independent of the role of the
respondents, the economic sector and the number of years of experience with architecture.


Background: Heat stroke is a life-threatening disease, but there is currently no biomarker to accurately assess prognosis.

Objective: To study whether serum procalcitonin (PCT) is an effective biomarker for evaluating the prognosis for patients with heat stroke.

Method: Clinical data for 61 patients with heat stroke were retrospectively collected and analyzed. PCT, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score (MODS) were calculated within the first 24 hours of admission to the ICU. The ability of PCT, APACHE II score, and MODS score to predict prognosis was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses.

Result: There was no statistical difference in the PCT value on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (PCT1) between the survivors and non-survivors (3.27 [95% CI 0.15-13.55] vs 0.45 [95% CI 0.13-2.04], p=0.369). ROC curve analysis showed that AUC of APACHE II score and MODS score were 0.932 (95% CI 0.861-1.000), p<0.001 and 0.857 (95% CI 0.744- 0.970), p<0.001, respectively. The AUC of PCT1 was 0.599 (95% CI 0.353-0.846), p=0.370. The dynamic trend of PCT was also not statistically different between the survivor and non-survivor group (p=0.138).

Conclusion: PCT and its dynamic trend do not provide a good assessment of the prognosis for patients with heat stroke. An increase in PCT levels at ICU admission is not an indicator of bacterial infection, which should be confirmed by larger future studies.


Author(s): Florez, Ida Rose | Abstract: The Arizona English Language Learners Assessment (AZELLA) is used by the Arizona Department of Education to determine which children should receive English support services. AZELLA results are used to determine if children are either proficient in English or have English language skills in one of four pre-proficient categories (pre-emergent, emergent, basic, intermediate). Children who test at or above the proficient cut score in English are placed in mainstream classes without English language support. Children who obtain scores below the proficient cut scores receive English language support services in state-mandated Structured English Immersion classes. Whenever tests are used to make high-stakes decisions, especially about vulnerable populations (e.g., children), it is the test developers' responsibility to ensure the instrument yields fair and valid results. When cut scores are used as the primary interpretation of the test they are key to establishing the test's validity. This validation study found that cut scores for the AZELLA are of questionable validity. The procedure used to set the cut scores is criticized by national measurement experts as ineffective and obsolete. Further, the test developers do not adequately establish the expertise of the judges used to set the cut scores. Evidence from the cut-score-setting process indicates judges did not come to consensus at the kindergarten level. Analysis of empirical evidence suggests cut scores over-identify kindergarten children and under-identify older children. Finally, the test developers rejected 85% of the cut scores recommended by the standard-setting judges, setting cut scores higher than recommended for kindergarten and lower than recommended for older children, without describing their process or rationale.Also available at http://civilrightsproject.ucla.edu


TABLE OF CONTENTS I. From Abu Ghraib Prison to Enron Corporation ........ 1443 II. Cognitive Dissonance and Related Phenomena ....... 1444 A. Festinger's Theory of Cognitive Dissonance 1444 B. Zimbardo's Prison Simulation: Role-Playing and the Dissonance Phenomenon 1445 C. Small Steps: How Cognitive Dissonance Works to Induce Behavior Gradually 1446 D. Entrapment in Escalation: From the Dollar Auction to the Concorde Fallacy 1447 E. Implications of Dissonance-Related Phenomena for the Law 1449 III. Persuasion Toward Wrongdoing 1452 A. Conformity and Group Influences: Asch's Experiments 1452 B. Authority as a Factor in Persuasion 1455 IV. The Necessity of Enforcement 1457 A. Bottom-Up Enforcement and Top-Down Enforcement 1458 B. Designing Avenues for Automatic Enforcement at the Time Regulations Are Promulgated 1460 C. Implications of These Conclusions for the Examples That Began This Article 1462 V. Conclusion 1464 The year was 2000. The City of Los Angeles had discovered widespread corruption in its police department. About seventy officers were under investigation, and hundreds of convictions were likely to be overturned because of official misconduct.1 Citizens reading their newspapers must have wondered: "What can we do so that these abuses will never happen again?" And that question led to a more basic puzzle: Why had things turned out so badly at the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), in the first place? "The lines between right and wrong became fuzzy and indistinct," former officer Rafael Perez explained at his sentencing hearing.2 "The 'us against them' ethos of the overzealous cop began to consume me."3 With his voice quavering, Perez added: To do our job fairly was not enough. My job became an intoxicant that I lusted after. I can only say I succumbed to the seductress of power. Used wrongfully, it is a power that can bend the will of a man to satisfy a lustful moment. It can open locked vaults to facilitate theft. It can even subvert justice to hand down a lifetime behind bars.4 But even with all of his candor, Perez's explanation remained incomplete. His testimony did not shed any light upon the mechanism by which he and his fellow officers were induced to "succumb to the seductress of power." It did not show how to distinguish dangerous situations, in which bad behavior was likely to develop, from cases in which officers did not abuse their authority. Perez's testimony also did not tell us how to minimize the likelihood of similar misconduct in the future. I. FROM ABU GHRAIB PRISON TO ENRON CORPORATION Obviously, the LAPD is not the only organization in which good people sometimes go bad. At Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, American jailers photographed each other committing acts of abuse against detainees, thereby subjecting themselves to prosecution and losing credibility for the United States.5 At Enron Corporation, executives tolerated and committed pervasive acts of fraud that lost billions of dollars for shareholders.6 Observers wondered how individuals in these cases had gone so far wrong. In fact, the questions raised by the Los Angeles experience are raised by countless other events in which ordinary people, who otherwise seem unlikely to become criminals, do in fact engage in criminal activity. …


There are two well-established gender gaps in education. First, females tend to have higher educational attainment and achievement than males and this is particularly the case for children from less advantaged backgrounds. Second, there are large differences in the fields of specialization chosen by males and females in college and even prior to college and females disproportionately enter less highly paid fields. This review article begins with these stylized facts and then moves on to describe evidence for the role of various factors in affecting educational achievement by gender. Gender differences in non-cognitive traits, behaviour, and interests have been shown to relate to differences in educational outcomes; however, this evidence cannot generally be given a causal interpretation. In contrast, the literature has been creative in estimating causal impacts of a wide range of factors using experimental and quasi-experimental variation. While the approaches are compelling, the findings vary widely across studies and are often contradictory. This may partly reflect methodological differences across studies but also may result from substantial true heterogeneity across educational systems and time periods. The review concludes by evaluating what factors are most responsible for the two central gender gaps, whether there is a role for policy to reduce these gender differences, and what the findings imply about the capacity for policy to tackle these gaps.


Foresight professionals and the futures field as a whole faces a series of challenges in communicating about the future. Simply presenting data and having a "rational" discussion is not enough to shape perceptions about the future and move people to action. The rapid evolution of digital media technology and the emergence of transmedia storytelling present foresight professionals with a powerful new approach for communicating about the future. Transmedia storytelling is the use of multiple media-graphic novels, video clips on YouTube, blogs, Twitter, and enhanced e-books, for example-to tell one or more related stories set within a common storyworld. This article outlines some of the key principles of transmedia storytelling in order to provide a basic framework that foresight professionals can use when designing transmedia projects.


Development of greenfield-type fields with a gas cap and oil rims on the shelf of Sakhalin Island is always associated with a high level of geological and technological risks.
 To assess the investment attractiveness of the projects, it is necessary to provide an in-depth elaboration of the concept, considering many uncertainties of both the geological structure and the development strategy and the subsea construction scenarios.
 A modern approach to risk assessment involves the mathematical modelling arrangement of the entire chain of technological processes from the interpretation of seismic data to the calculation of the material balance of the installations for the preparation of produced products.
 Integrated modelling at the current stage of technological development allows exploring many combinations of uncertainties in terms of the impact on the final hydrocarbon production profile and, accordingly, the economic indicators of the project.
 Possibilities of integrated modeling today are not limited to conceptual field design development. The result was the creation of an effective production planning tool for one of the most promising offshore fields of Sakhalin Island.


The cross in early medieval England was so ubiquitous as to become invisible to the modern eye: it played an innovative role in Anglo-Saxon culture, evident in art, architecture, material culture, literature, ritual, medicine, and popular practice. The essays in this volume move us from the place of the cross in the origins of Anglo-Saxon England and the Anglo-Saxon church, to its place in the expansion of the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms both within and beyond England. They reach back to the sources, both material and textual, of Early Christian Rome and Jerusalem, and forward to the visionary cross of the Last Judgement. Perhaps most importantly, throughout they challenge existing notions of the development of Anglo-Saxon sculpture, the patronage and audiences of Anglo-Saxon texts, the use of sources, physical and cultural geography and the Anglo-Saxon imagination. In doing so they make important contributions not only to our understanding of Anglo-Saxon England and the place of the cross within it, but also to our understanding of the place of Anglo-Saxon England within the medieval world. Catherine E. Karkov is Professor of Art at Miami University. Sarah L. Keefer is Professor of English at Trent University. Karen L. Jolly is Associate Professor of History at the University of Hawaii Manoa. Contributors include: Ian Wood, Elizabeth Coatsworth, Alexander R. Rumble, Inge B. Milfull, Karen Louise Jolly, David F. Johnson, Karolyn Kinane, Jane Roberts, Calvin B. Kendall, Elaine Treharne, Nicholas J. Higham.


Crypto-Assets (CA) are digital instruments aimed to serve as mediums of exchange that rely on decentralized control and boast the (yet to prove) promise of a revolution in Finance. Their meteoric rise entails both opportunities and perils. Rewards are uncertain; risks, much more tractable. We propose the design of a cross border framework to put CA on a level regulatory playing field with other competing financial instruments and activities. That involves keeping close scrutiny of CA linkages with the real economy and the existing conventional financial infrastructure, and bringing CA under the normal anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) standards. Risks borne by users and investors --- and possible systemic risk --- deserve thorough examination while giving technology space to develop its genuine potential.


This note describes the development of South Korea's social security system over the past several decades. The system is split into three main branches: social insurance, intended to achieve universal coverage, and social services and public aid that address the needs of the poor and vulnerable. The major programs included in the system are the National Pension, National Health Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Child Care, and the National Basic Livelihood Security System. The report provides an overview of the social security system in general, the basic elements of the social insurance pillar, and details on how social services and public aid programs operate in the South Korean context.


Cognitive developmental robotics (CDR) aims to provide new understanding of how human's higher cognitive functions develop by means of a synthetic approach that developmentally constructs cognitive functions. The core idea of CDR is "physical embodiment" that enables information structuring through interactions with the environment, including other agents. The idea is shaped based on the hypothesized development model of human cognitive functions from body representation to social behavior. Along with the model, studies of CDR and related works are introduced, and discussion on the model and future issues are argued.


Basin strata onlapping pelagic carbonate platform margins in the Central Apennines commonly dip considerably (as much as 20°–30°) toward the basin when platform strata (Calcare Massiccio) are retrodeformed to horizontal in order to undo the tilting related to Apenninic compressional tectonics. These angular relationships are commonly ascribed to normal drag associated with synsedimentary faulting. We show that such angular relationships are fully consistent with results of numerical simulations that aim at modeling first-order geometric features associated with sedimentation and compaction of deposits onlapping the escarpment at the margin of basins. Therefore, growth of an underlying normal fault is not generally required to generate them. This conclusion is also supported by field investigations of the contacts at pelagic carbonate platform margins and by paleoescarpment analysis, which strongly suggest post–early Liassic tectonic quiescence.


Abstract This article considers the role and place of 'New' Pentecostals (Neo-Pentecostals) in modern social, cultural and political processes in Russia and their attempts to contribute to creating a new 'national idea' for postsoviet Russian society. I look at the context of current debate on the latter subject: socialists call for a reproduction of the Soviet experience; others call for building an 'Orthodox Russia'; others support a 'conservative synthesis' which looks back at previous experience of state-building with a multiconfessional and multiethnic character and involves building a religious and moral basis on Orthodoxy and other 'traditional religions'; yet others support the liberal model and the integration of Russia into the western world. In this context I consider various aspects of Pentecostal participation: their current practical activities (charitable activity and support for democracy and human rights); the building of a theocratic (Christian) state; the study of the Russian religious heritage and an attempt to synthesise Orthodox and Protestant (Evangelical) traditions; and prayer for the country in the apocalyptic perspective.


Theoretical models of the Kuznets Curve have been purely analytical with little contribution towards an understanding of the timing of the process and the presence of additional mechanisms affecting its timing. This paper proposes an agent-based version of Acemoglu and Robinson's model of the Kuznets Curve. In extending their analytical framework we include heterogeneity of agents' income and a mating mechanism that together represent elements of social mobility. These two simple changes proved to be enough to shed light on the length and timing before high inequality implies regime change. Thus, this work may contribute to an effective empirical assessment of the Kuznets curve as it explicitly considers the time dimension of the process and the effects of considering social dynamics.


Extracted from text ... SA Fam Pract 2005;47(6) 14
CPD
Introduction
Children with joint disease frequently
present with relatively non-specific
symptoms, such as aches, limps,
pains in joints and limbs, fever and
rashes. Correct diagnosis rests on
the careful interpretation of symptoms
and signs and a knowledgeable
understanding of the differential
diagnosis.
Rheumatic conditions - those joint
diseases mediated by autoimmuneinduced
inflammatory changes - tend
to be chronic or recurrent. The time
required to make a correct diagnosis
of these conditions provides space
to rule out infectious causes of arthritis,
to investigate the child for other
potentially serious conditions and to
identify those children ..


Autophagy is an intracellular recycling mechanism that helps cells to survive against environmental stress and nutritional starvation. We have recently shown that prostate cancers undergo metabolic stress and caspase-independent cell death following exposure to arginine deiminase (ADI, an enzyme that degrades arginine in tissue). The aims of our current investigation into the application of ADI as a novel cancer therapy are to identify the components mediating tumor cell death, and to determine the role of autophagy (stimulated by ADI and/or rapamycin) on cell death. Using advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques including 3D deconvolution and superresolution structured-illumination microscopy (SIM), we show that prostate tumor cells that are killed after exposure to ADI for extended periods, exhibit a morphology that is distinct from caspase-dependent apoptosis; and that autophagosomes forming as a result of ADI stimulation contain DAPI-stained nuclear material. Fluorescence imaging (as well as cryo-electron microscopy) show a breakdown of both the inner and outer nuclear membranes at the interface between the cell nucleus and aggregated autophagolysosomes. Finally, the addition of N-acetyl cysteine (or NAC, a scavenger for reactive oxygen species) effectively abolishes the appearance of autophagolysosomes containing nuclear material. We hope to continue this research to understand the processes that govern the survival or death of these tumor cells, in order to develop methods to improve the efficacy of cancer pharmacotherapy.


We present a study exploring the nature and properties of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) and its connection to the atomic gas content in the interstellar medium (ISM) of galaxies as traced by the H i 21 cm line. Our sample includes 45 low-z (0.026–0.049) galaxies from the GALEX Arecibo SDSS Survey (Galaxy Evolution Explorer/Arecibo/Sloan Digital Sky Survey). Their CGM was probed via absorption in the spectra of background quasi-stellar objects at impact parameters of 63–231 kpc. The spectra were obtained with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. We detected neutral hydrogen (Lyα absorption lines) in the CGM of 92% of the galaxies. We find that the radial profile of the CGM as traced by the Lyα equivalent width can be fit as an exponential with a scale length of roughly the virial radius of the dark matter halo. We found no correlation between the orientation of the sightline relative to the galaxy's major axis and the Lyα equivalent width. The velocity spread of the circumgalactic gas is consistent with that seen in the atomic gas in the ISM. We find a strong correlation (99.8% confidence) between the gas fraction (M(H i)/M⋆) and the impact-parameter-corrected Lyα equivalent width. This is stronger than the analogous correlation between corrected Lyα equivalent width and specific star formation rate (SFR)/M⋆ (97.5% confidence). These results imply a physical connection between the H i disk and the CGM, which is on scales an order of magnitude larger. This is consistent with the picture in which the H i disk is nourished by accretion of gas from the CGM.


Abstract Objectives. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with high mortality. Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was designed over 30 years ago to measure the impact of pre-existing comorbidities on long-term survival of the patient. We wanted to re-evaluate the performance of CCI and its components in modern setting. Design. This is a retrospective study of 1576 consecutive patients undergoing invasive evaluation and treated for ACS in single tertiary center between 2015–2016. Mortality was analyzed in timeframes of 1, 6 and 24 months. CCI-scores were retrieved from written medical records and complimented with data from electronic sources. The performance of CCI and its components was compared to the GRACE-score measuring patients' status upon hospital admission. Results. Population mean age at baseline was 69.3 (SD 11.8) years and 69.1% of the patients were male (n = 1089). Most of the components of CCI associated significantly with mortality at all timeframes despite adjusting for age but only diabetes and congestive heart failure associated with mortality at all time points after adjusting for GRACE-score. CCI associated with mortality [GRACE adjusted HR-values of single unit increase of CCI after 1, 6 and 24-month follow-up: 1.12(95% CI:1.00–1.25), 1.17(1.07–1.29) and 1.24(1.16–1.33)]. CCI performed modestly with its AUC-values ranging between 0.755 and 0.784, with prognostic performance increasing with longer follow-up. Adding components of CCI did not significantly improve risk prediction over GRACE-score. Conclusions. In conclusion, CCI or its individual components measuring the impact of comorbidities on overall mortality does not provide any significant value compared to GRACE–score during up to 2 years of follow-up.