The racial and gender composition of faculty at historically White South African universities does not reflect the distribution of Blacks and women in the larger society. While historically White universities have invested some effort to diversify the racial composition of their students, they have not shown similar enthusiasm for faculty recruitment and employment programmes. This article examines policies and programmes at the University of Cape Town, an English-language university, and the University of Stellenbosch, an Afrikaans-language university, that have been implemented to diversify the racial composition of their faculty. The article specifically assesses two case studies, the Equal Opportunity Employment Policy at the University of Cape Town, and the Staff Broadening Policy at the University of Stellenbosch, to determine their underlying assumptions, their overall objectives, and their effectiveness in recruiting and retaining Black academics. The article concludes with an examination of affirmative action and its relevance in addressing the vestiges of past discrimination in the South African higher education sector. This concluding discussion draws on US literature on affirmative action and insights that may be drawn from the US experience.


Peculiarities of the burn wound course and the cicatricial tissue formation are shown. Clinical efficacy of application of cream Karipaine and gel Karipaine Ultra was proved, witnessed by improvement of the cell to tissue interaction as well as the connective tissue metabolism and the cicatricial tissue reconstruction.


In this paper a millimeter-wave (MMW) Gilbert-cell up-conversion mixer using standard 130-nm CMOS technology is presented. This mixer has a power conversion gain of better than 2 dB and has the highest reported OP1dB of -5.6 dBm when driven with a LO power of 0 dBm. The LO to RF isolation is better than 37 dB for LO from 57 to 65 GHz. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first CMOS Gilbert-cell up-conversion mixer operating in 60-GHz frequency band using fundamental LO. Integration of this mixer to a direct up-conversion transmitter has also been demonstrated in this paper. The 60 GHz transmitter achieves an OP1dB of 2 dBm and LO to RF isolation of more than 27 dB from 57 to 65 GHz.


In situ Raman spectroscopy has been used to reveal the molecular behavior of isotactic polypropylene during melting and crystallization. The 400 cm–1 band assigned to C–C–C bending shows a blue-shift during heating, suggesting an increase in conformational disorder, whereas the 1330 cm–1 band assigned to CH2 twisting shows a red-shift owing to an increase in the interchain distance. We suggest that interchain expansion proceeds even in the melt state, while the chain conformation becomes sufficiently disordered at the melting point. During the cooling process, the peak shifts at given temperatures are essentially the same as those during heating, except for the supercooled region where the peak shifts show obvious hystereses. By extrapolating the linear correlation between the peak shift of the 400 cm–1 band and the characteristic length along the chain axis, the critical stem size for crystallization is estimated to be ∼2.4 nm.


Deep laceration of the forearm often involves rupture to multiple tendons and nerves. Misdiagnosis of the extent of soft tissue involvement may result in subsequent functional impairment of the hand. Physical examination of suspected tendon or nerve damage, either from open or closed injuries, can be difficult. The outcome may vary depending on the clinician's experience and possibly result in missed or false‐positive results. With the advances in current ultrasound (US) systems and their widespread availability, the affected tendons and nerves can be accurately depicted to provide crucial information used in formulating a treatment strategy.


Abstract Silicon is a high-energy density anode material for lithium-ion batteries, but it possesses shortcomings such as poor electronic conductivity, interfacial instability and mechanical fracturing that hinder its battery cycling. Carbon coating has been an important strategy for stabilizing silicon anodes, but the effects of the silicon surface properties on carbon coating morphology and the consequent silicon cycling stability have not been clearly elucidated. Herein, we find that thermal oxidation of the silicon anodes followed by chemical vapor deposition of carbonaceous precursors leads to a well-ordered graphene coating, whereas disordered graphite coating is formed on the native silicon surface. Graphene-coated silicon exhibits superior cycling performance, retaining a discharge capacity of ~1300 mAh g^−1 after 300 cycles, whereas the disordered graphite-coated silicon suffers continuous degradation, retaining only ~ 600 mAh g^−1 after 300 cycles. Cryogenic electron microscopy reveals the mechanism behind the difference in cycling stabilities; graphene coated silicon is able to withstand the large mechanical strains induced during extended cycling, whereas disordered graphite coating is ruptured, exposing silicon surfaces to the electrolyte, leading to extensive buildup of SEI and poor cycling performance. Characterization of the silicon surface reveals that thermal treatment yields an oxygen-rich surface layer, which is hypothesized to play a decisive role in dictating the carbon coating. This work highlights the effect of silicon surface properties on carbon coating microstructure, and presents thermal treatment as a facile avenue to attain graphene coating on silicon anodes. Impact statement Lithium-ion batteries have become an indispensable element of modern society, powering our mobile devices, electric vehicles, and the grid. For longer-ranged vehicles and longer-running devices, higher-energy density batteries are in demand. Silicon is a promising next-generation anode material, as it offers a capacity of 3570 mAh/g, 10 times that of the current state-of-the-art graphite anode material. However, the adoption of Si anodes is hindered by mechanical fracturing due to volume expansion, poor electrical conductivity, and interfacial instability in contact with the electrolyte. Carbon coating on Si particles plays an integral role in improving these features. The quality of carbon has a critical impact on the performance of the coating: Graphene, compared to disordered carbon, has been suggested to provide superior electrical conductivity, interphase stability, and mechanical integrity. This study deploys cryogenic electron microscopy to reveal the mechanism behind the improved electrochemical performance of graphene-coated silicon. Graphical abstract


Establishing a proper environment and synchronizing all the activities among the science park's stakeholders as well as facilitating the communication among them would enrich the academic environment toward establishing a successful eco-system. Information-intensive university search plays an important role in making a successful eco-system that can positively empower the inter-disciplines and cooperative potential of the university management, academic staff members, researchers and students. This can be achieved through adaptive, personalized, context-aware information dissemination program tool. This paper presents a novel application of smart location-based services for developing a smart university Geographic Information System (GIS) solution based on mobile and wireless network technologies. The proposed approach allows users to conduct search at the university campus based on GIS as well as supporting the regular search to identify researchers and departmental Information content, activities, projects, services, tools, knowledge, events, etc. It allows users to select among three search options that are; keyword-based search, location-based search, and user profile-based search. The novel approach described in this paper combines users mobility, including their location, with the adaptive user profile or selected keyword search to determine researchers and departments profiles, and displaying the relevant result on user's terminals dynamically. The user mobile location is determined according to the IP sub-netting at the university campus as an alternative to Global Positioning System (GPS) solution in order to provide an easy and flexible solution for establishing a social and professional network among university researchers and stakeholders.


Highly optimized nickel cobalt mixed oxide has been derived from zeolite imidazole frameworks. While the pure cobalt oxide gives only 178.7 F g-1 as the specific capacitance at a current density of 1 A g-1 , the optimized Ni:Co 1:1 has given an extremely high and unprecedented specific capacitance of 1931 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 , with a capacitance retention of 69.5% after 5000 cycles in a three electrode test. This optimized Ni:Co 1:1 mixed oxide is further used to make a composite of nickel cobalt mixed oxide/graphene 3D hydrogel for enhancing the electrochemical performance by virtue of a continuous and porous graphene conductive network. The electrode made from GNi:Co 1:1 successfully achieves an even higher specific capacitance of 2870.8 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and also shows a significant improvement in the cyclic stability with 81% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor is also assembled using a pure graphene 3D hydrogel as the negative electrode and the GNi:Co 1:1 as the positive electrode. With a potential window of 1.5 V and binder free electrodes, the capacitor gives a high specific energy density of 50.2 Wh kg-1 at a high power density of 750 W kg-1 .


The principles which have been prevailing so far for designing communication systems rely on Shannon's source and channel coding separation theorem. This theorem states that source and channel optimum performance bounds can be approached as close as desired by designing independently the source and channel coding strategies. However, this theorem holds only under asymptotic conditions, where both codes are allowed infinite length and complexity. If the design of the system is constrained in terms of delay and complexity, if the sources are not stationary, or if the channels are nonergodic, separate design and optimization of the source and channel coders can be largely suboptimal. For practical systems, joint source-channel (de)coding may reduce the end-to-end distortion. It is one of the aspects covered by the term cross-layer design, meaning a rethinking of the layer separation principle. This article focuses on recent developments of joint source-channel turbo coding and decoding techniques, which are described in the framework of normal factor graphs. The scope is restricted to lossless compression and discrete-valued sources. The presented techniques can be applied to the quantized values of a lossy source codec but the quantizer itself and its impact are not considered.


Students in higher education have been shown to have difficulties in developing their critical thinking skills, such as analysis and problem solving, reasoning and argumentation. Open-ended tasks offer opportunities for students to develop their own interpretations of various sources, to critically analyse domain-specific knowledge and utilize that knowledge in their argumentation. This study focuses on the ability of new Master's students (n=37) to utilize pharmaceutical knowledge from different sources in producing written arguments and counter-arguments in the context of open-ended assignment task. The data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The results showed that there was substantial variation in how students analysed and processed pharmaceutical knowledge as well as how they utilized that knowledge in their argumentation. While some students were able to provide comprehensive analysis of the different sources, others superficially analysed and processed the sources and struggled to generate convincing arguments. Students' written responses were typically one-sided: only a few students provided counter-arguments associated with the pharmaceutical problem-solving situation presented in the task. Understanding the nature of the challenges in argumentation and knowledge processing encountered by pharmacy students can help pharmacy educators to modify their pedagogical practices to better support students' learning.


Optical distortion is one of the optical aberrations of optical systems that do not affect image sharpness. Thus, it can be beneficial to correct optical distortion computationally rather than optically. Computational correction versus optical correction will generally yields lighter optical systems. This is of great importance for head-mounted displays where the weight of the viewer needs to be minimized for efficient performance, safety, and optimum duration of usage. We shall describe in this paper, one method of computational correction that consists in warping polygon vertices. It is the case, however, that the algorithms given can be easily rewritten to handle pixels rather than vertices warpings.


Ethambutol (EMB) has been used as an antimycobacterial agent against tuberculosis since 1961, and its principal side effect is toxic optic neuropathy, which can be seen in up to 6% of patients.1,2

Through the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT), we can document evidence of reversible changes in nerve-fibre layer (NFL) secondary to EMB-induced optic neuropathy.

A 70-year-old man weighing 70 kg, who was being treated for Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex pneumonia, initially presented with a 3-month history of gradual, painless loss of vision in both eyes. He had received EMB treatment for 7 months at 2 g/day (29 mg/kg/day). His visual complaints began 7 months after initiation of EMB treatment, and continued to worsen up to his presentation to our clinic. Before EMB treatment, his best-corrected vision was 20/30 OU (with mild nuclear sclerotic cataracts), but with normal subjective colour and contrast sensitivity.

Our patient underwent a full neuro-ophthalmological examination, which included an assessment of colour vision using the eight-plate Ishihara Color Vision Test, Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 30-2 (SITA Fast test, Humphrey-Zeiss Medical Systems, …


To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for treating depression in China, the electronic medical database from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was searched using Chinese and the date is set, from 1st January 1994 to 1st August 2008. The 18 studies that met the entry criteria along with 1,260 randomized patients were included in this review. All studies with words like "randomization" or "quasi-randomization" in their abstracts were included, whether they used blinding or not. The results showed that the Chinese medicine treated group did not decrease the scores of the self-rating depression scale (-1.02, 95% CI -2.16 approximately 0.12, p = 0.08) and the scores of the Hamilton depression scale (-0.45, 95% CI -0.98 approximately 0.08, p = 0.10). The results showed there is no evidence to support that traditional Chinese medicine for depression has improved, which may be due to the low quality in all the trials. Therefore, more qualified, randomized controlled clinical trials are warranted to assure its efficacy.


The author studied nummulites from the group Nummulites laevigatus s.l., which were divided in two separate groups Nummulites laevigatus-brongniarti and Nummulites planulatus-puschi. The revision of some nummulites of these groups was made. The new species Nummulites hagni from lower Lutetian beds in Turkey was described. Nummulites hagni is the transitional form between Nummulites aff. praelaevigatus from the profile in Campo and Nummulites britannicus.


Two sets of Ga-doped ZnO powders were synthesized via solid-state and Pechini routes with a substitution rate varying from 0 to 4 mol %. The gallium solubility limit is strongly dependent on the synthesis history. Indeed, a low temperature annealing allows incorporating about 1.5 mol % (X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductive coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), optical properties) whereas under 0.1% of dopant is introduced after thermal treatment at high temperature: 1500 degrees C (from XRD and pellets conductivity). The incorporation of gallium leads to an anisotropic distortion of the zincite crystal lattice (a and c parameters increase and decrease, respectively, versus the Ga content leading to a decrease of the c/a ratio) which can be explained from the valence bond model. XRD analysis, chemical titration by ICP, and conductivity measurements (on pellets obtained at high temperature) allow determining accurately the maximum Ga content in the zincite. The optical properties (IR absorption efficiency) linked to electron carriers are directly correlated to the gallium rate introduced in ZnO oxide; nevertheless, the non linear correlation between these two parameters tends to show that the concentration of charge carriers in the system is not equal to the amount of Ga(3+) atoms inserted per ZnO volume unit. A saturation regime is observed and was here explained once again on the basis of the valence band model by the increase of inhibiting p type defects with the increase of (n-type donors) Ga(3+) concentration.


We have conducted molecular dynamics simulations to study the frictional properties of alkanethiols on Au(111) surfaces, under various loading and shearing conditions. For alkanethiols we find the film responds to increased loading initially by increasing the tilt and then by deformation of individual molecules. We find strong evidence of the friction coefficient being dependent on the number of carbon atoms in the molecule being odd or even. Odd alkanethiols show consistently higher friction coefficient. The structural origin of this odd-even effect observed under various sliding velocities has been discussed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME


Abstract. Mobile lidar point clouds are commonly used for 3d mapping of road environments as they provide a rich, highly detailed geometric representation of objects on and around the road. However, raw lidar point clouds lack semantic information about the type of objects, which is necessary for various applications. Existing methods for the classification of objects in mobile lidar data, including state of the art deep learning methods, achieve relatively low accuracies, and a primary reason for this under-performance is the inadequacy of available 3d training samples to sufficiently train deep networks. In this paper, we propose a generative model for creating synthetic 3d point segments that can aid in improving the classification performance of mobile lidar point clouds. We train a 3d Adversarial Autoencoder (3dAAE) to generate synthetic point segments that exhibit a high resemblance to and share similar geometric features with real point segments. We evaluate the performance of a PointNet-like classifier trained with and without the synthetic point segments. The evaluation results support our hypothesis that training a classifier with training data augmented with synthetic samples leads to significant improvement in the classification performance. Specifically, our model achieves an F1 score of 0.94 for vehicles and pedestrians and 1.00 for traffic signs.


There is a great need for the development of vaccines for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we developed two modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) based vaccines which express either a membrane anchored full-length spike protein (MVA/S) stabilized in a prefusion state or the S1 region of the spike (MVA/S1) which forms trimers and is secreted. Both immunogens contained the receptor-binding domain (RBD) which is a known target of antibody-mediated neutralization. Following immunizations with MVA/S or MVA/S1, both spike protein recombinants induced strong IgG antibodies to purified full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The MVA/S induced a robust antibody response to purified RBD, S1 and S2 whereas MVA/S1 induced an antibody response to the S1 region outside of the RBD region. Both vaccines induced an antibody response in the lung and that was associated with induction of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue. MVA/S but not MVA/S1 vaccinated mice generated robust neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 that strongly correlated with RBD antibody binding titers. Mechanistically, S1 binding to ACE-2 was strong but reduced following prolonged pre-incubation at room temperature suggesting confirmation changes in RBD with time. These results demonstrate MVA/S is a potential vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection.


Introduction To determine the relative contributions of various amounts and intensities of exercise alone to a combined lifestyle intervention on health-related quality of life (HrQoL) measures. Research design and methods Participants (n=162) were sedentary, overweight/obese, with pre-diabetes, and randomized to one of four 6-month interventions: (1) high amount/moderate intensity exercise–energy expenditure of 16 kcal/kg of body weight/week (KKW) at 50% oxygen consumption (V̇O2) reserve; (2) high/vigorous–16 KKW at 75% V̇O2 reserve; (3) low/moderate–10 KKW at 50% V̇O2 reserve; (4) low/moderate plus diet–10 KKW at 50% V̇O2 reserve plus a calorically restricted diet. The 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36) and Satisfaction with Physical Function and Appearance (SPF/SPA) survey were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Analyses of covariance determined differences in change scores among groups (p<0.05). Paired t-tests determined significant pre-intervention versus post-intervention scores within groups (p<0.05). Results Across the intervention, all groups (p<0.05) improved the physical component, SPF, and SPA scores. Only the low/moderate/diet group (p<0.001) significantly improved the mental component score. The high/vigorous group achieved 84.5% of the low/moderate/diet group effect for change in physical component score, and the low/moderate group achieved 83.7% of the low/moderate/diet group effect for change in mental component score. Conclusions In general, a low amount of moderate intensity exercise combined with diet was the most effective intervention for improving HrQoL. Of the exercise-only interventions, vigorous intensity exercise provided the greatest impact on changes in physical function. On the other hand, low amounts of moderate intensity exercise provided the greatest impact on mental well-being, potentially being a more attainable exercise dose for previously sedentary individuals with pre-diabetes to achieve.


- In the Catholic tradition, ex votos can be considered texts that channel the cultural memory of a group, not only through specific mechanisms of material object production but also through their organization and the pragmatic modalities of their fru-ition. Besides their devotional positioning and function, ex votos are also subjected to operations of relocation and remediation that influence their meaning. The practice of offering ex votos as signs of gratitude for the intervention of supernatural helpers in crucial moments of an individual's or community's life has a long history in the Catholic tradition and can be considered a key part of a strategy to collectively process and make sense of crisis events; at the same time, modern and contemporary culture displays a growing tendency to relocate ex votos to museums, thus shifting the meaning and value of these artifacts from the traditional field of devotion to that of history, culture and art. Based on a semiotic reflection on the content, form and pragmatics of ex votos, this paper presents a transdisciplinary inquiry into the relocation of ex votos (mainly through musealization) and remediation in art and literature, in particular by examining Dino Buzzati's collection of fictional ex votos ( I miracoli di Val Morel , 1971).


The authors have performed the realistic tight-binding band calculations for Fe/Cr/Fe sandwiches by taking into account the interface randomness within the coherent potential approximation. It is shown that the interface randomness yields significant modifications in electronic and magnetic structures near the interface. Magnitudes of local magnetic moments on Cr and Fe atoms near the interface become larger by increasing the degree of the interface randomness. They discuss the implications of their calculation for the magnetoresistance recently observed in Fe/Cr multilayers.


Background Although biomechanical factors of the knee joint like muscle strength, proprioceptive accuracy and laxity play an important role in knee osteoarthritis (OA), only limited evidence exists on associations with specific tissue abnormalities. Furthermore, findings from physical examination have never been studied in relation to tissue abnormalities of the knee joint. Objectives To explore associations between tissue abnormalities assessed by conventional radiography and high resolution MRI, biomechanical factors and physical examination findings in patients with knee OA. Methods Explorative cross-sectional study in 105 patients with knee OA. Knees were imaged using radiography and 3.0 Tesla MRI. Multivariable regression analyses were used to explore associations between tissue abnormalities, visualised by radiography or MRI, biomechanical factors (quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength, proprioceptive accuracy and varus-valgus laxity) and physical examination findings (bony tenderness, crepitus, bony enlargement and palpable warmth). Results MRI based synovitis, MRI based cartilage loss and radiographic based joint space narrowing were found to be associated with quadriceps weakness. Radiographic features (joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation) were related to varus-valgus laxity. Multiple tissue abnormalities, but only those detected by MRI, were associated with physical examination findings (crepitus and palpable warmth). Neither MRI features nor radiographic features were found to be associated with hamstrings muscle strength, proprioceptive accuracy, bony tenderness and bony enlargement. Conclusions In conclusion, a discordance between tissue abnormalities, biomechanical factors and physical examination findings in knee OA was observed, for both conventional radiography and high resolution MRI. Relevant new findings include a highly significant association between MRI based synovitis and quadriceps weakness and a superiority of MRI over conventional radiography in association with physical examination findings. Disclosure of Interest None Declared


The existence of a system for assessing the activities of development banks is a necessary condition for a significant contribution of banks to economic development. The article deals with the experience of evaluating the effectiveness of projects and activities of development banks on the examples of the German development Bank, the Asian development Bank and the African development Bank. It has been revealed, that development banks for the evaluation of projects, their activities apply financial and socio-economic indicators, which are used to improve the work of development banks. The basic requirements for the evaluation of projects and activities of development banks have been formulated. The practical experience of the German development Bank, the Asian development Bank and the African development Bank can be used by Vnesheconombank, which is confirmed by scientific studies of Russian authors.


The recent progress in the sequencing of entire genomes has identified many novel genes, many of which have no further description. Knowledge of gene expression pattern is one facet of a gene's description which can lead to functional insights. The work presented ere aimed to describe the patterns of expression of novel genes identified by genome sequencing of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
Gene 5' ends were used to generate translational fusions to the lacZ reporter gene, and the resultant tacZfusion expression pattern observed in Sim. 45 fusions were made, of which 24 were active. The observed patterns of expression, even when the responsible gene was not homologous to a functionally characterised gene, suggested functional possibilities for many °enes. The lacZ fusion for the gene ZK637.8 exhibited expression specific to the gut lineage in early embryos suggesting that it may be involved in developmental processes. The promoter region of ZK637.8 was subject to further investigation and a region necessary for embryonic expression was identified.
The data, plasmids and nematode strains generated by this pioject represent a resource which will be valuable to the C.elegms research community as a whole. Two means of allowing public access to the data were developed; one utilising the internet, the other incorporating the data into the widely used C.elegans database, ACeDB.


A continuous configuration-interaction approach for condensates in a ring is introduced. In its simplest form this approach utilizes for attractive condensates the Gross-Pitaevskii symmetry-broken solution and arrives at a ground state of correct symmetry. Furthermore, the energy found is lower than the Gross-Pitaevskii one and, with increasing number of particles and/or strength of inter-particle interaction, is even lower than that accessed by tractable diagonalization of the many-body Hamiltonian. Implications also to excited states are briefly discussed.


Speaker adaptation techniques are generally used to reduce speaker differences in speech recognition. In this work, we focus on the features fitted to a linear regression‐based speaker adaptation. These are obtained by feature transformation based on independent component analysis (ICA), and the feature transformation matrices are estimated from the training data and adaptation data. Since the adaptation data is not sufficient to reliably estimate the ICA‐based feature transformation matrix, it is necessary to adjust the ICA‐based feature transformation matrix estimated from a new speaker utterance. To cope with this problem, we propose a smoothing method through a linear interpolation between the speaker‐independent (SI) feature transformation matrix and the speaker‐dependent (SD) feature transformation matrix. From our experiments, we observed that the proposed method is more effective in the mismatched case. In the mismatched case, the adaptation performance is improved because the smoothed feature transformation matrix makes speaker adaptation using noisy speech more robust.


This study examines the practice environment for nurse practitioners (NPs) in New Mexico and assesses whether the future supply of NPs will be adequate to meet the health care needs of a varied population in a sparsely populated state with a relatively low average standard of living, yet one that offers a broad scope of practice authority for its NPs. The study's models forecast decreasing numbers of New Mexico NPs between the ages of 40 and 60 in the state's metropolitan counties. These decreases are not offset by gains in other age brackets. Thus, over time, the state's metro areas may not maintain their 2013 NP-to-insured and NP-to-senior population ratios. In contrast, the study's models forecast improving ratios in nonmetropolitan counties. The future need for NPs in New Mexico and similarly situated states may therefore be greatest in fast-growing urban areas, where the number of newly insured individuals with primary care needs is likely to be high.


Background To investigate the association between serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and the presence as well as severity of diabetes retinopathy (DR) in Chinese adult patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2012 to November 2018. DR was assessed using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria. Vision-threatening DR (VTDR) was diagnosed if subjects had severe non-proliferative DR (NPDR), proliferative DR (PDR), or clinically significant macular edema (CSME). Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to explore the associations. Results Among the 2696 participants, the overall prevalence of DR was 25.1%, of which the prevalence of mild NPDR, moderate NPDR, and VTDR was 10.8%, 4.5%, and 9.9%, respectively. Serum CA125 level was significantly higher in participants with DR and increased with the severity of DR (P = 0.013). After accounting for age, gender, smoking, drinking, duration of diabetes, anti-diabetic agents use, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, weight, hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose levels, CA125 level was significantly associated with subjects in any-severity DR (odds ratio [OR] 1.006 [95% confidence interval CI: 1.002–1.010], P = 0.006) and VTDR (1.008 [1.003–1.013], P = 0.001). When CA125 was treated as categorized variables, the prevalence of VTDR might increase as improving CA125 quartiles (P value for trend = 0.017). Conclusion In this study, serum CA125 level was associated with the presence and severity of DR in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Further prospective studies should be warranted to validate the feasible role of CA125 as well as other biomarkers.


Advertisements and other marketing communications extensively discuss food and nutrition, tobacco, alcohol, and prescription drugs. In addition to mass media advertising and public service announcements (PSAs), messages are placed on product labels and in television shows and social media. Research indicates that these health-related communications can have significant and measurable effects on consumer cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. Some messages enhance health by discouraging unhealthy or risky consumption; others do the opposite. While many messages have their intended effects, other messages are discounted or even counterproductive. The specific effects often depend on message content and/or execution in combination with consumer characteristics. Therefore, it is important to tailor the communications to the target consumers, and to test for intended and unintended effects.


It is a very rare anomaly in which all three coronary arteries arise from single ostium. The incidence of single coronary artery ranges from 0,02 % to 0,04 % (1) In this anomaly, while some types of this anomaly has no clinical importance, some other types may cause ischaemia and sudden death. In this case report, we present a hypertensive patient who has acute coronary syndrome with single coronary arising from right sinus of Valsalva.


Objective. To evaluate the role of computed tomography in the assessment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) severity. Design and methods. We included 41 patients. Chest dual-energy CT-computed tomographic angiography was performed according to the standard protocol and in some cases Dual Energy mode was used. The patients were divided into 2 groups: with proximal and distal types of pulmonary artery lesions. Results. Quanadli index and Score index showed a significant negative correlation with the value of cardiac output (CO) (r = –0,591, p < 0,05; r = –0,531, p < 0,001, respectively), mixed venous blood saturation (SvO2) (r = –0,457, p = 0,065; r = –0,595, p < 0,001, respectively). For the Score index, significant negative correlations were established with both the CO value: r = –0,531, p < 0,001, the SvO2 r = –0,595, p < 0,001, and with the N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) value (r = –0,537, p = 0,003). Correlations are also found in the analysis within the compared groups. The Quanadli index correlated with the mean pressure in the pulmonary artery in the group with the proximal type of lesion (r = 0,825, p = 0,012). Pulmonary artery aneurysms were detected in 39 % (n = 16) patients. There was a positive correlation between the presence of a pulmonary artery aneurysm and the functional class of CTEPH (r = 0,526, p = 0,007) in patients with the distal lesion. Conclusions. Quanadli and Score indices are promising tools for CTEPH severity assessment.


The properties of cardiac muscle are anisotropic, and the degree of anisotropy may be different in the intracellular and extracellular spaces. In the electrical bidomain model, such "unequal anisotropy ratios" of the conductivity lead to unanticipated behavior. In the mechanical bidomain model, unequal anisotropy ratios of the mechanical moduli might also result in unanticipated behavior. In this study, mathematical modeling based on the mechanical bidomain model is used to calculate the distribution of mechanotransduction in cardiac tissue when it is stretched. This analysis demonstrates that unexpected phenomena arise when the mechanical anisotropy ratios are unequal.


ABSTRACT Background: Final waste disposal site in Jatibarang represent accumulative site of various waste from various activities in Semarang city and its surroundings. It may become an environmental contamination sources, such as air, water, land contamination, and also in living organism. The contamination substance that generally exists in the waste disposal site is toxic substance, such as lead (Pb). The disposal site in Jatibarang is used as pasturing site for beef cattle. The beef cattle consumed the organic disposal and leachate as food sources. By consuming the organic disposal and leachate from the area, the cattle may be contaminated from toxic substance (for example, Lead) that can be distributed to all part of the body of the cattle. If human being consume the meat of cattle, the body maybe contaminated by toxic substance. It may couse an adverse effect since it is accumulated in the body. Lead (Pb) may cause erythrocytes, and kidney degenerative, disorder on reproduction system, nerve system, stimulate cancer and IQ degradation. The objective of this  research was  to analyze the risk of toxic substance contamination from lead on beef cattle at  waste disposal site Jatibarang Semarang. Methods: This Study was a survey research with a cross sectional approach. Total sample of beef cattle (41, 6 samples) were taken from disposal site and  3 samples of leachate were taken from waste disposal site Jatibarang Semarang. Data were analysed using AAS for  laboratorium examination and also observation of the site. The data obtained was  analyzed by partial correlation analysis (to know the correlation between independent variable and dependent variable) Results: Analysis showed that there was significant correlation between Pb concentration in waste and Pb concentration in cattle urine  p = 0,865 r = 0,0281 old disposal (unorganic disposal that has been serapped by the cattle) p = 0,427 r = 0,1309, leachate (cattle drinking water) p = 1,000 r = 0,0001, cattle's weight p = 0,0001 r = 0,8114, cattle's age p = 0,0001 r = 0,7049.The conclusion of this  research is that independent variable such as Pb has in waste correlation  in waste with risk contamination of lead in beef cattle at waste disposal site Jatibarang. Keywords: lead contamination, beef cattle, final waste disposal site


This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of DSSim DSSim stands for Similarity based on Dempster-Shafer, our ontology alignment system. The authors participated several years in the annual evaluation defined by the Ontology Alignment Initiative OAEI. Each year their DSSim was evolved and participated in more difficult tracks defined by the Ontology Alignment Initiative. In fact, DSSim obtained exceptional results in the OAEI-2008 Evaluation. In this evaluation OAEI-2008, DSSim participated on all given tracks namely, benchmark, anatomy, fao, directory, mldirectory, library, very large crosslingual resources and conference. The challenges presented by each track were addressed by the DSSim team.


There is currently no consensus definition of osteopenia and osteoporosis in children according to bone mineral density (BMD) values measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA); interpretation of BMD measures must take into account the child's weight and pubertal status. In children, primary forms of osteoporosis--juvenile idiopathic osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta--are rare; on the other hand, the frequency of secondary osteoporosis is increasing. Fractures, especially of the forearm, are frequent in children. During the peak growth period, bone growth and mineralization are dissociated; in consequence temporary bone fragility promotes fractures. Several recent studies show that children with fractures have reduced BMD and that the occurrence of fractures in children may constitute a risk factor for osteoporosis and fracture during adulthood. In cases of secondary osteoporosis, close monitoring of the causal disease is the key element of treatment; there are very few controlled studies of the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis in children.


This report covers the progress made during FY 78 in the various tasks of the Waste Management Technical Support Project which the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory is conducting for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The project's goal is to develop a technical base to be used by the NRC in developing regulations and regulatory guides for the disposal of radioactive waste in deep geologic repositories. The report covers primarily the ongoing work of Task I: Waste Form Performance and Task II: Site Suitability. Results from these and other tasks are summarized and referenced. All analyses and conclusions are preliminary and do not reflect NRC positions. 25 figures, 14 tables.


Background: Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is a newly proposed concept and is hallmarked by more long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), calling for accurate prognostic biomarkers for initial risk stratification.Methods: Data-independent acquisition liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (DIA LC-MS/MS) quantitative proteomics was performed on 38 patients with CCS; 19 in the CCS events group and 19 in the non-events group as the controls. We also developed a machine-learning-based pipeline to identify proteins as potential biomarkers and validated the target proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in an independent prospective cohort (n = 352).Results: Fifty-seven differentially expressed proteins were identified by quantitative proteomics and three final biomarkers were preliminarily selected from the machine-learning-based pipeline. Further validation with the prospective cohort showed that endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) levels at admission were significantly higher in the CCS events group than they were in the non-events group, whereas the carboxypeptidase B2 (CPB2) level was similar in the two groups. A correlation analysis showed that CETP was positively related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride, and EPCR was positively related to fibrinogen. In the Cox survival analysis, EPCR and CETP were independent risk factors for MACEs. The cumulative risk duration of patients with high EPCR and CETP levels was significantly shorter than that of patients with low EPCR and CETP levels. We constructed a new prognostic model by combining the Framingham coronary heart disease (CHD) risk model with EPCR and CETP levels. This new model significantly improved the C-statistics for MACE prediction compared with that of the Framingham CHD risk model alone (AUC 0.732 vs. 0.684, p<0.05).Conclusions: Plasma proteomics was used to find biomarkers of predicting MACEs in patients with CCS. EPCR and CETP were identified as promising prognostic biomarkers for CCS. The Framingham CHD risk model combined with EPCR and CETP levels was shown to be a high-performance prognostic model for CCS.


We extract the mass spectra of triply heavy charm-beauty baryons using Hypercentral constituent quark model. The first order correction is also added to the potential term of Hamiltonian. The radial and orbital excited state masses are also determined. Moreover, the Regge trajectories and magnetic moments are also given for these baryons.


We show that the joint distribution of the degrees of a random graph can be accurately approximated by several simpler models derived from a set of independent binomial distributions. On the one hand we consider the distribution of degree sequences of random graphs with n vertices and 1 2 m edges. For a wide range of values of m, this distribution is almost everywhere in close correspondence with the conditional distribution {(X1, . . . ,Xn) | ∑ Xi = m} where X1, . . . ,Xn are independent random variables, each having the same binomial distribution as the degree of one vertex. We also consider random graphs with n vertices and edge probability p. For a wide range of functions p = p(n), the distribution of the degree sequence can be approximated by {(X1, . . . ,Xn) | ∑ Xi is even}, where X1, . . . ,Xn are independent random variables each having the distribution Binom(n − 1, p′), where p′ is itself a random variable with a particular truncated normal distribution. To facilitate computations, we demonstrate techniques by which statistics in this model can be inferred from those in a simple model of independent binomial random variables. Where they apply, the accuracy of our method is sufficient to determine asymptotically all probabilities greater than n−k for any fixed k. In this first paper, we use the geometric mean of the degrees as a tutorial example. In the second paper, we will determine the asymptotic distribution of the t-th largest degree for all functions t = t(n) as n →∞.


By adopting both quantitative and qualitative methods, this paper , with the types of bilingual identities (Yongwei B & Yihong G,2006) serving as the framework, examines the characteristics of Chinese college English learners' bilingual identity changes. It is found that instrumental bilingual identity penetrates through L2 learning process, additive and productive bilingual identity are dominant types among L2 English learners; the bilingual identity construction of EFL learners may assume the following process: instrumental bilingual identity, subtractive and split bilingual identity, additive and productive bilingual identity. The study indicates the conflicts and integration of bilingual identities experienced by L2 English learners in China.


Pilot-aided adaptive prediction channel estimation is proposed for coherent detection in a frequencynonselective fading channel. It is an extension of the conventional weighted multi-slot averaging (WMSA) channel estimation and consists of 3 steps. A block of Np pilot symbols is periodically transmitted, each pilot block being followed by Nd data symbols to form a data slot. In the first step, the instantaneous channel gain is estimated by coherent addition of Np pilot symbols. Using the K past and K future estimated instantaneous channel gains, the second step predicts the instantaneous channel gains at the end and beginning of data slot of interest by a forward predictor and a backward predictor, respectively. The tap-weights of forward prediction and backward prediction are adaptively updated using the normalized least mean square (NLMS) algorithm. Finally, in the third step, the instantaneous channel gain at each data symbol position within the data slot of interest is estimated by simple averaging or linear interpolation using the two adaptively predicted instantaneous channel gains. The computer simulation confirms that the proposed adaptive prediction channel estimation achieves better bit error rate (BER) performance than the conventional WMSA channel estimation in a fast fading channel and/or in the presence of frequency offset between a transmitter and a receiver. key words: fading channel, channel estimation, pilot symbol,


The time evolution of driven two-level systems in the far-off-resonance regime is studied analytically. We obtain a general first-order perturbative expression for the time-dependent density operator which is applicable regardless of the coupling strength value. In the strong-field regime, our perturbative expansion remains valid even when the far-off-resonance condition is not fulfilled. We find that, in the absence of dissipation, driven two-level systems exhibit coherent population trapping in a certain region of parameter space, a property which, in the particular case of a symmetric double-well potential, implies the well known localization of the system in one of the two wells. Finally, we show how the high-order harmonic generation that this kind of system displays can be obtained as a straightforward application of our formulation.


Medical laboratory tests are becoming more reliable with increased specificity and sensitivity, leading to their use as definitive diagnostic tests for many medical conditions. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests are convenient, sensitive, and standardly used for rapid detection and quantification of antigens or patient antibodies against specific antigens. However, based upon the specificity and sensitivity of an ELISA test, the results may not be definitive for a specific disease but merely suggestive, due to potential cross-reactivity of antigens and antibodies. Here, we present a case of a 15-year-old male who presented with fever, nausea, and right upper quadrant pain. Computed tomography scan showed an 18-cm liver mass with cystic features. Biopsy results confirmed a diagnosis of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver; however, the clinical picture was complicated by positive ELISA results for Echinococcus, Entamoeba histolytica, and histoplasmosis. Due to the absence of travel and positive ELISA result for three different infectious agents, we hypothesize that tumor molecular mimicry might have led to false-positive ELISA results in the absence of infection in this case, demonstrating a limitation of ELISA serology. Critical appraisal of all possible evidence to ensure alignment when assigning the final diagnosis is essential for optimal patient outcomes.


PURPOSE
This study sought to identify the factors predictive of the short-term outcome in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed medical records from September 1985 to December 1998 for all infants born with CDH and managed at National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH). Coexisting pathology and measures of respiratory function were analyzed to determine the prognostic factors.

RESULTS
A total of 32 infants with CDH were managed at NTUH over the past 13 years. The investigated factors associated with poor prognosis in CDH included congenital heart disease, chromosomal abnormality, pneumothorax, and preoperative parameters including arterial partial carbon dioxide pressure greater than 40 mmHg, arterial partial oxygen pressure less than 100 mmHg, alveolo-arterial partial oxygen pressure greater than 610 mmHg, and oxygen index (OI) greater than 0.4. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that only an OI greater than 0.4 and pneumothorax were significant indicators of poor prognosis. When the incidence of pneumothorax was compared between patients who received ventilation using a conventional mechanical ventilator or high-frequency oscillatory ventilator (HFOV), a trend toward a lower incidence of pneumothorax in those using HFOV for initial stabilization was found (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS
An OI greater than 0.4 before surgery and pneumothorax are poor prognostic indicators in infants with CDH. A high OI is reflective of the severity of pulmonary dysfunction in infants. Pneumothorax further compromises the dysfunction of a hypoplastic lung in infants with CDH. The results of this study show the importance of avoiding iatrogenic pneumothorax during management of infants with CDH.


The reversible photoisomerization of azobenzene has been utilized to construct a plethora of systems in which optical, electronic, catalytic, and other properties can be controlled by light. However, owing to azobenzene's hydrophobic nature, most of these examples have been realized only in organic solvents, and systems operating in water are relatively scarce. Here, we show that by coadsorbing the inherently hydrophobic azobenzenes with water-solubilizing ligands on the same nanoparticulate platforms, it is possible to render them essentially water-soluble. To this end, we developed a modified nanoparticle functionalization procedure allowing us to precisely fine-tune the amount of azobenzene on the functionalized nanoparticles. Molecular dynamics simulations helped us to identify two distinct supramolecular architectures (depending on the length of the background ligand) on these nanoparticles, which can explain their excellent aqueous solubilities. Azobenzenes adsorbed on these water-soluble nanoparticles exhibit highly reversible photoisomerization upon exposure to UV and visible light. Importantly, the mixed-monolayer approach allowed us to systematically investigate how the background ligand affects the switching properties of azobenzene. We found that the nature of the background ligand has a profound effect on the kinetics of azobenzene switching. For example, a hydroxy-terminated background ligand is capable of accelerating the back-isomerization reaction by more than 6000-fold. These results pave the way toward the development of novel light-responsive nanomaterials operating in aqueous media and, in the long run, in biological environments.


We study the phase retrieval problem, which solves quadratic system of equations, i.e., recovers a vector $\boldsymbol{x}\in \mathbb{R}^n$ from its magnitude measurements $y_i=|\langle \boldsymbol{a}_i, \boldsymbol{x}\rangle|, i=1,..., m$. We develop a gradient-like algorithm (referred to as RWF representing reshaped Wirtinger flow) by minimizing a nonconvex nonsmooth loss function. In comparison with existing nonconvex Wirtinger flow (WF) algorithm \cite{candes2015phase}, although the loss function becomes nonsmooth, it involves only the second power of variable and hence reduces the complexity. We show that for random Gaussian measurements, RWF enjoys geometric convergence to a global optimal point as long as the number $m$ of measurements is on the order of $n$, the dimension of the unknown $\boldsymbol{x}$. This improves the sample complexity of WF, and achieves the same sample complexity as truncated Wirtinger flow (TWF) \cite{chen2015solving}, but without truncation in gradient loop. Furthermore, RWF costs less computationally than WF, and runs faster numerically than both WF and TWF. We further develop the incremental (stochastic) reshaped Wirtinger flow (IRWF) and show that IRWF converges linearly to the true signal. We further establish performance guarantee of an existing Kaczmarz method for the phase retrieval problem based on its connection to IRWF. We also empirically demonstrate that IRWF outperforms existing ITWF algorithm (stochastic version of TWF) as well as other batch algorithms.


We considered GEANT4 version 4.9.4 with different Electromagnetic Physics Package for calculation of response functions of detectors based on semi-insulating materials. Computer simulations with GEANT4 packages were run in order to determine the energy deposition of gamma-quanta in detectors of specified composition (HgI2 and TlBr) at various energies from 0.026 to 3 MeV. The uncertainty in these predictions is estimated by comparison of their results with EGSnrc simulations. A general good agreement is found for EGSnrc and GEANT4 with Penelope 2008 model of LowEnergy Electromagnetic package.


Many of today's law students experience a triple-threat. They suffer from the solo status that accompanies being a member of an underrepresented group, the stereotype threat that accompanies being a member of a stereotyped group, and the challenges that attend lacking a background in the law before beginning law school. But today's law schools often fail to create safe environments, teach foundational content and skills, or take basic steps toward providing instruction that ensures students from all backgrounds are empowered to thrive. While much has been written about improving legal education and about the failure of current pedagogies to provide a sound education to students experiencing this triple-threat, little has been written about approaches that ensure that these students succeed. This article is an attempt to identify an initial pathway forward. It builds off of research regarding legal pedagogy, inclusive pedagogy, and the results of eleven in-depth-interviews with "transformative professors" who UC Berkeley Law students identified as being skilled at creating safe spaces and ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds succeed academically. This rich data can inform professors and institutions across the state and country in their efforts to provide a legal education that, instead of simply benefiting the most privileged, provides a transformative education to all.We have used the term "safe" to describe techniques and environments that allay stereotype threat and solo status and allow students from underrepresented backgrounds to focus on learning.


Imperceptible to the human senses, California's tectonic plates deform every day at a rate comparable to the growth of fingernails.

Convection in the mantle under the Earth's solid crust forces continental-size "tectonic plates" to move slowly in different directions. Where plates meet, the motion between them is accommodated by slow deformation, but when the crust is no longer strong enough to withstand the stress buildup, it breaks as an earthquake at weak points we call "faults."


From the literature, we construct a sample of 25 Seyfert 2 galaxies (S2s) with a broad line region (BLR) detected in near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and 29 with NIR BLRs which were not detected. We find no significant difference between the nuclei luminosity (extinction-corrected [OIII] 5007) and infrared color f60/f25 between the two populations, suggesting that the non-detections of NIR BLRs could not be due to low AGN luminosity or contamination from the host galaxy. As expected, we find significantly lower X-ray obscurations in Seyfert 2s with NIR BLR detection, supporting the unification scheme. However, such a scheme was challenged by the detection of NIR BLRs in heavily X-ray obscured sources, especially in six of them with Compton-thick X-ray obscuration. The discrepancy could be solved by the clumpy torus model and we propose a toy model demonstrating that IR-thin X-ray-thick S2s could be viewed at intermediate inclinations and compared with those IR-thick X-ray-thick S2s. We note that two of the IR-thin X-ray-thick S2s (NGC 1386 and NGC 7674) experienced X-ray transitions, i.e. from Compton-thin to Compton-thick appearance or vice versa based on previous X-ray observations, suggesting that X-ray transitions could be common in this special class of objects.


In this paper, robust adaptive control with dynamic control allocation is proposed for the positioning of marine vessels equipped with a thruster assisted mooring system, in the presence of parametric uncertainties, unknown disturbances and input nonlinearities. Using neural network approximation and variable structure based techniques in combination with backstepping and Lyapunov synthesis, the positioning control is developed to handle the uncertainties, input saturation and dead-zone characteristics of the mooring lines and thrusters. Full state feedback with all states measurable and output feedback using high gain observer to estimate unmeasurable states are considered. Dynamic control allocation is presented for actuation of the position mooring system. Under the proposed robust adaptive control, semi-global uniform boundedness of the closed-loop signals are guaranteed. Numerical simulations are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed control.


Gunshot wounds are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries in developed countries, whereas in undeveloped and developing countries, this likelihood is much more. However, the weapon and injury characteristics are very different between those two groups of countries. The aim of this study was to review our experience with gunshot wound-caused spinal cord injury during our struggle with terrorism, to examine surgical and medical complications, and to determine the difference between civilian and military gunshot wounds. One hundred five male patients (mean, 25 years of age) were examined according to completeness, spinal and nonspinal injuries, American Spinal Injury Association classification, motor and pinprick scores, surgical and nonsurgical interventions, surgical complications, and spinal cord injury-related medical complications. This study has shown that the likelihood of completeness was higher in gunshot wounds with high velocity weapons. Because of their higher wounding capacity, the difference between vertebral and neurological levels was not very different as it was on the other etiologies. Fortunately, spinal cord injury-related medical complications were less than expected.


Abstract This article investigates the earliest Hebrew rendition of a Shakespearean comedy, Judah Elkind's מוסר סוררה musar sorera 'The Education of the Rebellious Woman' (The Taming of the Shrew), which was translated directly from the English source text and published in Berditchev in 1892. Elkind's translation is the only comedy among a small group of pioneering Shakespeare renditions conducted in late nineteenth-century Eastern Europe by adherents of the Jewish Enlightenment movement. It was rooted in a strongly ideological initiative to establish a modern European-style literature in Hebrew and reflecting Jewish cultural values at a time when the language was still primarily a written medium on the cusp of its large-scale revernacularisation in Palestine. The article examines the ways in which Elkind's employment of a Judaising translation technique drawing heavily on romantic imagery from prominent biblical intertexts, particularly the Book of Ruth and the Song of Songs, affects the Petruchio and Katherine plotline in the target text. Elkind's use of carefully selected biblical names for the main characters and his conscious insertion of biblical verses well known in Jewish tradition for their romantic connotations serve to transform Petruchio and Katherine into Peretz and Hoglah, the heroes of a distinctly Jewish love story which offers a unique and intriguing perspective on the translation of Shakespearean comedy.


The paper summarizes seven years of records of the reproductive history of two wild prides of lions (Panthera leo L.) in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. These records are analyzed to demonstrate ways in which lion reproduction is influenced by their social group and by changes in that group.

Females gave birth at any time of year; they did so sooner if their previous litter died. Females synchronized births with other pride members. Takeover of the pride by new males resulted in a drop in the birth rate. Most cubs died, before two years old. Birth synchrony resulted in better cub survival. The arrival of new males resulted in an increase in cub mortality. Females came into oestrus synchronously with other pride members. Males had a much longer effective reproductive life if they had male companions.

The proximate causes of these features of lion reproduction are considered, and the evolution of aspects of the organization of reproduction in lions is discussed.


Childhood sexual abuse can lead to a lifetime of negative health outcomes and disorders. These outcomes include problems of substance use, other high-risk behaviors, and psychological and biological disorders with increasing rates of morbidity and mortality, thus making this relationship a significant public health issue. This literature review focuses on the relationship of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) to substance use disorders and problem use in women. The rate of substance use and abuse among women is significantly higher in CSA victims than in the general population. However, this relationship is very complex due to various other factors found to play a role in this relationship. Literature on third factors (e.g., PTSD, neurobiological disorders, poor social outcomes, depression, other forms of abuse, and family and environmental factors), are examined for their possible role in this relationship and their implications for treatment of childhood sexual abuse and substance use.


BACKGROUND: Several storage techniques have been developed to extend the post-harvest shelf life of horticultural products. One method involves the use of edible or biodegradable coatings. Such coatings are made of biological materials that are used to coat fresh products, providing a semi-permeable barrier to water vapour and gases, e.g. O2 and CO2. The influence of starch concentration, glycerol content and pH on the carbon dioxide permeability (CO2P) and mechanical properties of gelatine‐starch edible films were evaluated. RESULTS: Results showed that increments in the starch concentration and pH resulted in higher CO2 Pv alues. Film puncture strength increased when the starch concentration decreased and the maximum resistance value (32.6 N) was obtained at pH 6. Deformation was mainly affected by glycerol and starch content. Some films were chosen in order to evaluate their effect, as coatings, in the post-harvest shelf life of avocados (Persea americana Mill c.v. Hass). Fruits were immersed in the coating solutions, air dried and stored at two temperatures. Changes in colour, weight loss and pulp firmness were determined in fruits stored at 6 ◦ C. In addition, respiration rate was measured in avocados kept at 20 ◦ C. CONCLUSION: The application of gelatine‐starch coatings delayed the ripening process of avocados, as indicated by a better pulp firmness and retention of skin colour, and lower weight loss of coated fruits in comparison with control avocados. The coatings also resulted in a delayed respiratory climacteric pattern, by 3days, for coated fruits.  2007 Society of Chemical Industry


A methodology for the monitoring of power system security, developed with emphasis on the efficient processing of large amounts of data gathered through communication channels in real time, is presented. The approach is based on the adaptive pattern recognition concept and its implementation on parallel distributed computational architectures of artificial neural networks. Clusterwise continuous associative maps are established through data self-organization encompassing a variety of system operating regimes and topological configurations of the transmission network. Accurate and very fast information retrieval characterizes the real-time behavior of the distributed information processing system.<<ETX>>


Continuous Delivery (CD) has today become an essential part of software development for a reliable and automated quality assurance process. However, the challenge of introducing CD starts with setting up a CD pipeline and providing the necessary infrastructure for it, which may take a considerable amount of time and require expertise knowledge. This complex and costly implementation will also require maintenance once in use. The expertise required for CD is not always available in smaller teams making the QA process suffer. That is, why this master thesis has researched how software development teams can setup and maintain CD without needing expertise with a Self-Service. By look into usability, maintainability and cost aspects, a requirement specification for a Minimum Viable Product was set. A proof-of-concept design of a service was drawn up and validated with a small team by testing Software as a Service tools. (Less)


AbstractIn this study, the effect of adding 5–12.5 wt% CuO to TiO2 on photocatalytic properties of the nano-composite TiO2/CuO was investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, SEM, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and DRS. BET-specific surface area of the TiO2/CuO composites was lower than that of the pure TiO2. Incorporation of CuO into TiO2 shifted absorption spectra to the visible region. As the CuO content increased from 0 to 12.5%, a clear decrease in optical band gap from 2.95 to 2.30 eV was observed. The photocatalytic performance was determined by methyl orange degradation and cyanide photo-oxidation under ultraviolet irradiation. However, the excessive incorporation of CuO did not improve any ability of TiO2 to degrade MeO and cyanide. The highest rate of photocatalytic degradation was found in TiO2–7.5% CuO. The rate constants of the dye degradation reaction using TiO2 and TiO2–7.5% CuO catalysts were 0.0107 and 0.0151 min−1, respectively. Corresponding results for cyanide...


The conformation of glycine has been a subject of extensive research for the past several years. As glycine exists in zwitterionic form in liquids and solids, the experimental observations of its neutral conformation are very limited. The complexes of glycine are simple prototypes to study the conformational properties of glycine. We have investigated the high-pressure behavior of glycine lithium sulfate (GLS), a semiorganic complex of glycine using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT)-based first principles calculations. Our Raman studies and DFT calculations suggest formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond at higher pressures. Subsequent to a structural transformation to a new high-pressure phase at ∼9 GPa, the observed spectral changes in the Raman spectra above 14 GPa indicate possible conformational change of glycine from zwitterionic to neutral form. At pressures above 18 GPa, the characteristic features in the Raman spectra and the X-ray diffraction patterns suggest transformation to a hydrogen-bond-assisted polymeric phase with intermediate range order.


SUMMARY Within an appetitive context, Manduca sexta, a nectivorous nocturnal hawkmoth, can be attracted by a range of stimuli including floral volatiles and visual display, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Several studies on this and other flower-visiting insects have shown how olfactory and visual stimulation play (or do not play) a role in attraction and feeding. Nevertheless, these studies have consistently manipulated stimuli in a `presence–absence' manner. Here, we experimentally decoupled the presentation of both stimuli spatially and temporally in a wind tunnel, rather than entirely eliminating either one, and found that the decision-making process based on these stimuli is more flexible and complex than previously asserted. Manduca sexta was most responsive when both cues were present and emanated from the same source. When stimuli were spatially separated, responsiveness levels were comparable to those elicited by a single stimulus. However, transient olfactory stimulation either before or after visually guided approach (temporal decoupling) enhanced responsiveness to an odorless visual target. Additionally, searching times were increased by either a transient olfactory stimulation before take-off or by having the flower model spatially separated from the odor source tracked by the moths. Finally, in a dual-choice experiment, moths showed a strong bias for the visual display over the odor plume, suggesting the former to be the ultimate indicator of a nectar source. Our manipulation of floral cues shows that the feeding behavior of M. sexta, and probably of other nectivorous insects, is based not only on the sensory stimulation per se but also on the temporal and spatial pattern in which these stimuli are perceived.


The practice of national courts in Europe with regard to enforcement immunity is far from uniform. Nevertheless, certain common principles have emerged over the last decades. Absolute immunity from enforcement measures has been largely abandoned and almost all jurisdictions have adopted a restrictive approach to enforcement immunity in one or another form. Enforcement measures are usually permitted in case of waiver or with regard to earmarked property. In practice, the most important exception from immunity concerns non-governmental property. Here it is primarily the purpose of the property against which enforcement measures are sought that determines whether or not immunity will be granted. This article surveys the judicial practice in Europe, focusing on the case-law of the last 50 years, in order to permit an assessment of whether various recent codifications, most importantly the 2004 United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and Their Property, actually codify such practice or depart from it.


The object detection is used in almost every realworld application such as autonomous traversal, visual system, face detection and even more. This paper aims at applying object detection technique to assist visually impaired people. It helps visually impaired people to know about the objects around them to enable them to walk free. A prototype has been implemented on a Raspberry PI 3 using OpenCV libraries, and satisfactory performance is achieved. In this paper, detailed review has been carried out on object detection using region – conventionaal neural network (RCNN) based learning systems for a real-world application. This paper explores the various process of detecting objects using various object detections methods and walks through detection including a deep neural network for SSD implemented using Caffe model.


Solid organ transplant recipients depend on multiple immunosuppressive drugs, given in combination, to prevent rejection of their allografts. These patients often require many other therapeutic agents to treat underlying illnesses or concurrent diseases. Whenever a new medication is administered to a transplant patient, the potential exists for increasing or decreasing the tissue concentrations of immunosuppressive agents. This can lead to serious complications, such as over-immunosuppression and infection, under-immunosuppression and acute rejection, or additive toxicities, including nephrotoxicity. New immunosuppressants are under development and in clinical use, such as FK506, deoxyspergualin, OG 37-325, rapamycin, brequinar, and mycophenolate mofetil, thereby creating the possibility of many new drug-drug interactions.


This invited paper gives an overview of road safety statistics and a summary of advanced driver assistance systems that have recently been deployed. The science and technology behind popular automotive vision systems, such as traffic sign recognition, is briefly explained and the processing requirements of vision algorithms are presented in the context of automotive environment. There are many opportunities in front of the semiconductors industry to help improve the safety of roads around the world and to contribute to the future in which all cars will be autonomous vehicles.


Background: Portable ultrasound machines are highly valuable in ICUs, where a patient's condition might not permit shifting the patient to the USG department for imaging. Traditionally central lines are put blindly using anatomical landmarks, which often result in complications such as difficulty in access, misplaced lines, pneumothorax, bleeding from inadvertent arterial punctures, etc. Ultrasonography provides "real time" imaging, i.e., the needle can be visualized entering the vein. Aims: We performed a study to compare USG guided central venous cannulation (CVC) and conventional anatomical landmark approach to CVC, in terms of ease of cannulation, time consumed, and associated complications. Settings and Design: The study was performed in a 16-bed open ICU. Eighty patients were randomly divided in two groups. Materials and Methods: The right internal jugular vein (IJV) was cannulated in all. In Group I, a portable ultrasound machine was used during cannulation. The vessels were visualized in the transverse section with the internal carotid artery (ICA) identified as a circular pulsatile structure, while the IJV as a lateral, oval nonpulsatile structure). The needle was inserted perpendicular to the skin under visualization on the US screen. Central venous line was then inserted by the Seldinger technique. In Group II, CVC was performed by the conventional landmark approach. The parameters studied included time for insertion, attempts required, and complications encountered. Statistical Analysis: The database of all parameters was analyzed using SPSS software version 10.5. Results: The mean time to successful insertion was 145 and 176.4 sec in groups I and II, respectively (p = 0.00). An average of 1.2 attempts per cannulation was required for group I, while 1.53 for group II (p = 0.03): 10% witnessed arterial puncture and 2.5% pneumothorax in group I and none in group II. Conclusion: USG-guided CVC is thus easier, quicker, and safer than landmark approach.


The elementary composition of fly ash particles in the size range of 0.03-1.64 mm were studied in a 7 MW moving-grate boiler fired with moist sawmill residues together with varying admixtures of elementary sulphur. Size segregated elementary analysis showed that the main elements were K, S, Cl and Zn and that there were no enrichment of any of these elements in any size fraction. When a sulphur admixture of 0.25 % was used the concentration of S increased, and the particles were almost completely depleted of Cl. Sulphur admixture had no significant effect on the concentration or distribution of the trace elements analysed.


Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neuronal loss in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex that is manifested by progressive memory impairment and cognitive decline. Autosomal-dominant, familial forms of AD (FAD) are caused by mutations in genes encoding amyloid precursor protein, presenilin-1 (PS1), and presenilin 2. Although it is established that expression of mutant PS1 variants leads to increased production of highly fibrillogenic amyloidβ42 (Aβ42) peptides that deposit in the brains of patients with AD, the mechanism(s) by which Aβ deposition and expression of mutant genes induce lamina- and region-specific vulnerability of neuronal populations is not known. We have examined the hypothesis that expression of transgene-encoded FAD-linked mutant PS1 variants in entorhinal cortex neurons exacerbates the vulnerability of these cells to lesion-induced neuronal loss. To test this notion, we transected the perforant pathway (PP) of transgenic mice harboring either wild-type human PS1 (PS1HWT) or the FAD-linked mutant PS1ΔE9 variant and examined neuronal survival in layer II of the entorhinal cortex (ECL2). Remarkably, PP transections lead to marked reductions in the numbers of ECL2 neurons in the ECL2 of mice expressing mutant PS1, compared with ECL2 neurons in PP-lesioned PS1HWT mice. Finally, and in contrast to studies in nontransgenic mice and in mice expressing PS1HWT, ECL2 neurons that express mutant PS1 and the calcium binding protein calbindin-D28k in ECL2 are also susceptible to lesion-induced neuronal loss. We conclude that expression of FAD-linked mutant PS1 variants enhances the vulnerability of neurons in the entorhinal cortex to PP lesion-induced cytotoxicity.


Metronidazole is an antimicrobial agent widely used for the treatment of trichomoniasis, giardiasis, amebiasis, and anaerobic bacterial infections. It has been reported that metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity is associated with responsible lesions on brain MRI. We report 2 patients with metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity, who had no responsible lesions on brain MRI for their neurological deficits. The pathogenic mechanisms are discussed. J Korean Neurol Assoc 24(6):581-584, 2006


A pH sensor fabricated on a single chip by an unmodified, commercial 0.6-/spl mu/m CMOS process is presented. The sensor comprises a circuit for making differential measurements between an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) and a reference FET (REFET). The ISFET has a floating-gate structure and uses the silicon nitride passivation layer as a pH-sensitive insulator. As fabricated, it has a large threshold voltage that is postulated to be caused by a trapped charge on the floating gate. Ultraviolet radiation and bulk-substrate biasing is used to permanently modify the threshold voltage so that the ISFET can be used in a battery-operated circuit. A novel post-processing method using a single layer of photoresist is used to define the sensing areas and to provide robust encapsulation for the chip. The complete circuit, operating from a single 3-V supply, provides an output voltage proportional to pH and can be powered down when not required.


Ever since the May 18 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been working closely with scientists from universities and government agencies to assess the impact of the explosive geologic event. Instrument-laden NASA aircraft, balloons, and spacecraft all have contributed important data. Mount St. Helens is undoubtedly the best documented volcanic eruption in history.

Shortly after the eruption began, a high-flying U-2 aircraft from NASA's Ames Research Center, Mountain View, California, was dispatched to sample the air within 185 km (100 miles) of the volcano. Back on the ground, scientists working with NASA's Aerosol Climatic Effects Program used the data that was collected on particulate matter to study the potential climatic effects of the ash blown into the upper reaches of the atmosphere by the violent explosion. Repeated U-2 flights, days after the eruption, continued to track the volcanic dust cloud and to photograph the devastation wrought upon the mountain by its self-destructive blast.


Far from being "memoryless", the phenomenal appearance of an ambiguous display depends in complex ways on the recent history of similar perceptions. Given several possible appearances, the continued dominance of one appearance mitigates against its renewed dominance at a later time. This "negative priming" effect is likely caused by neural adaptation. At the same time, continued dominance of one appearance mitigates in favor of its renewed dominance when stimulation resumes after an interruption. This "positive priming" effect may reflect some kind of neural facilitation. We have used a multi-stable, kinetic depth display to disentangle these positive and negative priming effects. We report that negative priming builds up and decays in seconds, whereas positive priming builds up in seconds and decays in minutes. Moreover, unambiguous displays induce negative, but not positive, priming. This difference, together with their disparate time-courses of recovery, render the two effects cleanly dissociable.


Tamoxifen is a commonly prescribed drug in both early and metastatic breast cancer. Prospective studies in Asian populations demonstrated that tamoxifen‐related liver steatosis occurred in more than 30% of the patients within 2 years after start of treatment. No well‐designed prospective studies on potential tamoxifen‐related liver steatosis have been conducted in Caucasian patients so far. Therefore, our prospective study aimed to assess the incidence of tamoxifen‐related liver steatosis for a period of 2 years in a population of Caucasian breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen. Patients with an indication for adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen were included in this study. Data were collected at 3 months (T1) and at 2 years (T2) after start of tamoxifen treatment (follow‐up period of 21 months). For the quantification of liver steatosis, patients underwent liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography with simultaneous controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) determination using the FibroScan. A total of 95 Caucasian breast cancer patients were included in this evaluation. Liver steatosis was observed in 46 of 95 (48%) and 48 of 95 (51%) of the patients at T1 and T2, respectively. No clinically relevant increase in liver steatosis was observed during the treatment period of 2 years with tamoxifen (median CAP = 243 ± 49 dB/m (T1) and 253 ± 55 dB/m (T2), respectively; p = 0.038). Conclusion: In this prospective longitudinal study in Caucasian breast cancer patients, no clinically relevant alterations in liver steatosis in terms of CAP values and liver/lipid parameters were observed after 2 years of tamoxifen treatment. This study therefore demonstrates an absence of tamoxifen‐related adverse events such as steatosis and (early) development of fibrosis or cirrhosis during a treatment period of at least 2 years.


The practical adhesion of Cu/Ta to high-temperature fluorinated polyimides (FPIs) was initially good but failed after the reliability test involving treatment under the FPI curing condition five times (T5). But a thin layer (40 nm) of TaN greatly improved the reliability of the Cu/Ta-to-FPI adhesion. Both CF4 and in situ Ar plasma treatments of FPIs prior to metal deposition enhanced the metal-to-FPI adhesion strength. CF4 plasma enriches the FPI surface with fluorine atoms and most of fluorine is bound to carbon as CF3, CF2, and CF. Ar plasma first destroys CF3 and then C=O groups of the FPIs to yield a polar surface. The locus of failure by a 90° peel test was found to be within the Ar-plasma-modified FPI layer but it moved toward the bulk of FPI, i.e. away from the metal-polymer interface, after the T5 reliability test. The locus of failure in the case of weak adhesion where no plasma treatment was done on FPI films was in the near-interface region within the FPI layer, and the failure seemed to occur ...


"Whole System Working" is an approach that enables people to find sustainable solutions to local problems. It is also a theoretical approach to organizational development that views groups of people who share a common purpose as a "living system". Based on King's Fund work over four years with health agencies and their local partners in housing, local government, the independent sector, transport, and local people, this book describes the founding principles which characterize the approach, gives examples of its application in practice, and answers common questions.


In this paper we generalize some B.F. Skubenko and autor results on the asymptotic distribution of integer indefinite binary quadratic forms obtained with the discrete ergodic method.


This paper reports on an investigation into learning through discussions by undergraduate social work students. Second-year students studying psychology for social work experienced discussions began with face-to-face tutorials, and then continued for some time after online. This study used closed-ended questionnaires to investigate what students thought they were learning through discussions (their concepts), and how they engaged in the discussions face-to-face and online (their approaches). Significant associations were found among students' concepts of discussions, approaches and levels of achievement. The results suggest that students who do not understand how discussions can help them to interrogate, reflect on and revise their ideas tended not to approach either face-to-face or online discussions in ways likely to improve their understanding or their levels of achievement. This type of insight is critical for teacher/designers wishing to create university experiences in which discussion is used to promote learning. DOI: 10.1080/09687760601130057


The anomaly of specific heat at the phase transitions was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the anisotropy of linear thermal expansion was studied by dilatometry on monocrystals of pyridinium tetrafluoroborate [C5 NH6 ]+ BF4 - . The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the phase transitions was studied by the methods of pressure dilatometry and pressure DTA. We found that the temperature of ferroelectric phase transition at T 1 = 238 K as well as the temperature of non-ferroelectric phase transition at T 2 = 204 K increase with pressure. The thermodynamic parameters determined on the basis of the calorimetric measurements are consistent with those obtained from the Ehrenfest relationship for second order phase transitions. The pressure experiments allowed us to construct the p -T phase diagram up to 300 MPa. We estimated the uniaxial pressure dependence of the phase transition temperature. The mechanism of both phase transitions is proposed.


We have developed an innovative strategy for the formation of angular carbocycles via a gold(I)-catalyzed dehydro Diels-Alder reaction. This transformation provides rapid access to a variety of complex angular cores in excellent diastereoselectivities and high yields. The usefulness of this AuI -catalyzed cycloaddition was further demonstrated by accomplishing a 11-steps total synthesis of (±)-magellanine.


Heat stress in farm animals, such as cattle and buffalo during summer and post-summer seasons is a problem for livestock producers. The effect of heat stress becomes pronounced when heat stress is accompanied with ambient humidity impairing the immune status, growth, production and reproductive performance of animals. Increase in HSP70 levels from cell cultures in presence of different stressors often does not reflect the physiological adaptability of animals governing thermal regulation. In this study we directly compared the effect of different heat stress conditions with the immune status and HSP70 expression patterns from buffalo lymphocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Murrah buffalo calves were exposed to induced heat stress with two experimental treatments: hot-dry (42 °C with existing relative humidity) or hot humid (35 °C with 70% relative humidity) condition in psychometric chamber, 4 h daily for 12 days and compared with control animals maintained in an experimental shed under natural conditions. There was >200-fold increase in serum-HSP70 levels in both heat stress conditions compared with control. Furthermore, the immune status of the calves failed to activate the level of HSP70 expression in serum lymphocytes. Lymphocytes cultured in vitro at higher temperature exert 2.5-fold increase in HSP70 concentration. This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate more complex expression pattern of buffalo serum-HSP70 level as a thermo adaptive response compared with in vitro treated cells. Results from this study indicate that serum-HSP70 levels could be used as a sensitive biomarker for heat stress management in large farm animals.


According to United Nations population statistics 2017, the world population is 7.6 billion and is growing rapidily alomost 11 billion by end of 21 century with a 70% chance of continued growth, this rapid increasing population have created low standards of living in cities. Smart Cities are facing pressures associated with due innovations and globalization to improve their citizens life. Computational intelligence is the study of adaptive mechanism to facilitate intelligent behavior in changing and complex environments. Traffic congestion and monitoring has become one of the critical issues in big cities. The adaptive mechanism of computational intelligence in changing the behavior of complex environments of smart city is very effective. The developing framework and services for smart-city requires sound infrastructure, latest current technology adoption. A framework model with the integration of cloud-data, social network (SN) services that is collecting stream data with smart sensors in the context of smart cities is proposed. The adaptive mechanism of computational intelligence in changing thebehavior of complex environments of smart city is very effective. A radical framework that enables the analysis of big-data sets stemming from Social Networking (SN) sites. Smart cities understanding is a broad concept only city transportation sector is focused in this article. Fuzzy logic modeling techniques are used in many fields i.e. medical, engineering. business and computing related problems. To solve various traffic management issues in cities a detailed analysis of fuzzy logic system is proposed. This paper presents an analysis of the results achieved using Fuzzy Logic System (FLS) for smart cities. The results are verified using MATLAB Simulation.


Infusion of mianserin to anesthetized guinea-pigs induced electrocardiographic changes (auriculo-ventricular and intraventricular conduction lenghthening, bradycardia, QRS axis and T axis rotations) quite identical to those induced by imipramine. However they appeared later and mianserin produced cardiac arrest at higher dose (133 mg/kg) than did imipramine (73 mg/kg). In vitro, increasing concentrations of mianserin suppressed the electrical response of stimulated, isolated ventricular heart strips, but this suppression was obtained by a higher concentration (172 micrograms/ml) than with imipramine (80 micrograms/ml). Transmembrane potentials were not affected by a 5 or 10 micrograms/ml mianserin or a 5 micrograms/ml imipramine perfusion. With 20 micrograms/ml mianserin or 10 micrograms/ml imipramine, only a reduced duration of the action potential was obtained. With 50 micrograms/ml mianserin or 20 micrograms/ml imipramine, the resting potential was reduced. However, with imipramine only it was preceded by a decrease in the maximal velocity of depolarisation. These results show that mianserin induces transmembrane permeability changes which appear to differ from and to be less marked than those induced by imipramine. Molar sodium bicarbonate reversed in vivo and in vitro the electrophysiologic changes elicited either by mianserin or by imipramine, but with mianserin the transient improvement was followed by an aggravation of the cardiac troubles.


Considerable debate exists over whether the public holds the governor accountable for the state's economy. Part of the controversy stems from weak design and limitations in data, but part also from weakness in theory. We argue that voters recognize the limitations of state governments to affect the state economy and that they judge their governors on the state's unemployment situation relative to the unemployment situation of the national economy. To test this theory we use the Official State Job Approval Ratings (JAR) database. Our analysis finds that citizens grade the governor's job performance consistent with our theory: no matter the level of unemployment in the state, when state unemployment is lower than the national average, governors are rewarded; when it is higher than the national average, governors are punished with lower approval levels.


We review a true random number generator which internally exploits a pipeline analog-to-digital converter modified to operate in chaotic mode. Contrarily to other true random number generators it is not based on the explicit observation of noisy physical quantities, freeing the designer from subtle technology-dependent details. In ideal conditions the model can be formally proven to deliver perfectly uncorrelated output sequences by itself. Here we thoroughly investigate the effects of implementation errors and we introduce a data-postprocessing methodology suitable for their compensation and for assuring robust behavior.


Many glycans show remarkably discontinuous distribution across evolutionary lineages. These differences play major roles when organisms belonging to different lineages interact as host-pathogen or host-symbiont. Certain lineage-specific glycans have become important signals for multicellular host organisms, which use them as molecular signatures of their pathogens and symbionts through recognition by a toolkit of innate defense molecules. In turn, pathogens have evolved to exploit host lineage-specific glycans and are constantly shaping the glycomes of their hosts. These interactions take place in the face of numerous critical endogenous functions played by glycans within host organisms. Whether due to simple evolutionary divergence or adaptive changes under natural selection resulting from endogenous functional requirements, once different lineages elaborate on differential glycomes these mutual differences provide opportunities for host exploitation and/or pathogen defense between lineages. Such phylogenetic molecular recognition mechanisms will augment and likely contribute to the maintenance of lineage-specific differences in glycan repertoires.


HALSTED'S radical mastectomy has been condemned by some as incapable of curing cancer. McKinnon, 1 for instance, has urged surgeons to reappraise their results from mastectomy after the pathologist has eliminated all "borderline cancer" from the surgical series. Accordingly, a group of pathologists, comprising Pinkerton,* Orrahood, Blumenthal, Wyatt, and Rice, eliminated from 100 surgical cases originally diagnosed as "carcinoma" 6 as "borderline cancer" with a 7th as lympho-sarcoma, and then substituted for the 7 cases eliminated the next 7 successive cases of verified infiltrative carcinoma. There resulted 100 cases which represented successive private patients at Jewish Hospital who had all undergone radical mastectomy of Halsted's type by Fischel † or Keyes from 1928 to 1944 ‡; 34 of the 100 patients had also had postoperative irradiation and some of them had received hormones. Ten-year follow-ups were available on 90 of the 100 patients, and Fischel's 10 unfollowed patients were classified


This project is a study of the wastescape - a network of waste - of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack in Odisha, India. The study incorporates key locations, e.g. landfills, urban wastelands and waste warehouses; major actors in the formal and informal waste sector; and flows of waste through economic and social systems.Drawing from the studies, multiple interventions within the wastescape are proposed for improvement of the economic, ecologic and social situation.An important aspect of the project is the development of an approach for how to, as architects, work with big, complex, contingent networks; how to map and understand such a system; and how to determine where to intervene.To improve the existing wastescape, interventions must consciously and holistically address multiple scales; levels of formal-informal; and phases within the waste cycle.The study includes a vast amount of possible interventions. Some of the interventions are further detailed to show feasibility; impact on the wastescape; and synergies with other interventions within the wastescape.