In 1994 the Consultative Committee for Photometry and Radiometry (CCPR) decided to start an international comparison of cryogenic radiometers. The BIPM acted as pilot laboratory. Following the publication of the results of this comparison in 2000, the Istituto Elettrotecnico Nazionale (IEN, Italy) expressed the wish to repeat the comparison. The report describes the results of this subsequent bilateral comparison between the BIPM and the IEN. The comparison was carried out by using silicon trap detectors as transfer instruments, to be calibrated at a number of laser wavelengths at the IEN and the BIPM. The results obtained by the IEN in the subsequent comparison are in much better agreement with the BIPM results than in the previous comparison. The BIPM providing a link to the previous large-scale comparison, this leads also to a considerably better agreement between the IEN and the other participants of the first comparison. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by CCPR, according to the provisions of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).


Purpose
The mechanisms through which superiors' leadership styles and subordinates' internal cognitions affect subordinates' actual behaviour and attitudes are relatively unexplored in most contexts. This paper aims to bridge the gap by exploring the mediating effect of teachers' cognitions (psychological empowerment) in the relationship between principals' leadership style (empowering leadership) and teachers' behaviour (job crafting) and attitudes (work alienation and organizational commitment).

Design/methodology/approach
Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used on data obtained from 624 teachers of primary classes in Indian private schools.

Findings
Psychological empowerment partially mediates the relationship between empowering leadership and job crafting and job crafting partially mediates the relationship between empowering leadership and work alienation and affective commitment. Work alienation partially mediates the relationship between job crafting and affective commitment. Empowering leadership has a direct effect on job crafting.

Research limitations/implications
Due to the lack of longitudinal data, causality cannot be established. Also, there are concerns about the factor structure of scales.

Practical implications
Principals demonstrating empowering leadership can help teachers become more proactive and feel more empowered, less alienated and more committed. More proactive teachers and less alienated teachers are more likely to engage in self-initiated professional development and collaboration, thereby improving the teaching-learning process. Though this study was done in the school context, it is believed that the findings can plausibly apply to managers/leaders who work with complex, ambiguous work and knowledge workers.

Originality/value
First, the study extends the research on job crafting by studying the relationship between leadership style (empowering leadership) and job crafting. Second, the identification of the mechanisms through which leaders (principals) can help subordinates (teachers) find meaning in work (reduction in alienation) and develop commitment is an original contribution.


We present a systematic study of the dijet suppression at RHIC using the VNI/BMS parton cascade. We examine the modification of the dijet asymmetry Aj and the within-cone transverse energy distribution (jet-shape) along with partonic fragmentation distributions z and jt in terms of: q̂; the path length of leading and sub-leading jets; cuts on the jet energy distributions; jet cone angle and the jet-medium interaction mechanism. We find that Aj is most sensitive to q̂ and relatively insensitive to the nature of the jet-medium interaction mechanism. The jet profile is dominated by q̂ and the nature of the interaction mechanism. The partonic fragmentation distributions clearly show the jet modification and differentiate between elastic and radiative+elastic modes.


The agroecosystem of the oasis of Comondu is a rich ecological and cultural landscape closely linked to the presence of water in an arid environment. The permanence of populations, from the Indian period to the present is an example explicit of sustainability. However, this socio-ecological system has become unbalanced by external socioeconomic and environmental conditions. The agroecosystem of the Oasis of Comondu goes to his decline and demise. Our overall objective is to assess the sustainability of this socioecological system with the framework of integrated assessment of sustainability with dynamic models. The aim of this paper is to present this new approach and show the first steps in this research: participative construction of a conceptual model of our system under study. We have identified the main variables and relationships, and historical processes that have influenced its dynamics. The conceptual model resulting from this interaction includes social, economic and productive subsystems. The general dynamic of Comondu system is largely under the control of climatic and socio-economic external variables, such as hurricanes, rainfall, the socio-political relocation, government assistance and the external agricultural intensification.


This paper investigates the causes of India's poor performance in different crop insurance schemes. It specifically delves into key reasons for failure of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), an improved version of the earlier crop insurance scheme-mNAIS (modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme). The paper finds how Karnataka's 'Samrakshane' platform, an e-governance portal, has solved some problems in implementation of the crop insurance scheme and draws takeaways from it for other states to follow. I argue that to offer adequate and timely support to farmers against crop loss, it is necessary that the states use technology solutions. Though the Centre assures financial grant for any technology that will be used for the scheme, not many states have taken the initiative. Unless, states put in place the framework for an online platform and make compulsory the use of smart phones in crop cutting experiments (CCE) and bring in transparency in the process, it is hard to make the scheme appealing to a larger section of farmers. While it may be difficult for other states to replicate what Karnataka, is doing entirely, they can at least equip their primary agriculture officers with a smart phone for crop cutting experiments. This can reduce the time taken for collecting yield data and ensure faster claim settlement. However, if one measures success by the number of farmers (especially the non-loanee peasants) covered under the insurance scheme, even Karnataka can't boast of having achieved much. The paper also identifies the challenges before Karnataka in reaching out to non-loanee farmers and suggests ways to improve reach.


is a broad topic of relevance to all psychiatrists. Colleagues who dismiss molecular and animal models of human ills, perhaps sniggering that we are really quite different to 'cells' and 'rats', are missing out on some inventive and often beautiful science; just as those reductionists who triumphantly state that consciousness is an illusion neglect many other productions of that organ which most interests us. Having said that, one has to ask who reads – let alone buys – a book as intimidating as this one in scope and size? And how on earth does one review it? For this is an awesome book. Weighing in at 3.4 kg (7.5 pounds, over half a stone) even in paperback, it contains 87 (yes!) chapters written by about 200 contributors, and is more or less equally divided into sections on basic neuroscience, clinical research methods, psychosis, mood disorder, anxiety, substance misuse, dementia, child psychiatry and 'special topic areas'. The last 65 pages or so are a rather thorough index. Once I felt up to my Herculean test, I wrestled with this truly magisterial tome for about 7 days using all the spare time available. Reader, you will not be surprised to learn that I did not read every one of what must be more than 100 000 words, but I swear I turned every page. I even read many chapters in full. And it was worth it! Not only do I feel virtuous, slightly ecstatic and a bit stronger, I am much better informed. Genetics, molecular biology and brain imaging get particularly thorough coverage in what are almost entirely very well-written, fairly accessible, concise summaries of hard-won neuroscientific knowledge. There are plenty of excellent clinical descriptions and therapeutics as well. Some of the chapters are wee gems – I particularly liked those on brain development, signal transduction, epigenetics, too many of the child chapters to single out, and those on the neurobiology of social attachment and resilience. I will be suggesting this book to all students and trainees up to the task of heaving it around as an unrivalled introduction to what is known about the pathophysiology of just about every type of problem we might see in psychiatric practice. It also incorporates psychosocial aspects of biology relevant to psychiatry well; certainly much better treatment than biology usually gets in psychosocial tracts. It is therefore easy to see why this book is now in its third edition – although equally mysterious why it has taken 2 years to release the softback edition. It probably contains too much on brain scanning, particularly as we know so little about the biology of imaging findings. I also think – a counsel of perfection this – we could do with even more synthesising and even better incorporation of the impact of the environment on neurobiology. Such changes would make the next version of what was my constant companion for a week, and should be a trusted reference resource for a while yet, if not quite a timeless friend, even better. It may even have to be a bit bigger.


Children friendly masjid is a concept of masjid design that welcomes children and their families. Masjid is one of the important institutions to know and love Allah SWT, gain knowledge, empower, and unite the ummah. However, the current masjid design may have overlooked on the needs of children and their family as can be seen from several masjid design guidelines such as the Garis Panduan dan Peraturan bagi Perancangan Bangunan 2015 from Jabatan Perdana Menteri (JPM), Deraf Garis Panduan Perancangan Masjid dan Surau 2011 from Jabatan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa Semenanjung Malaysia (JPBD), and the Architecture and Asset Management of Masjid from Malaysian Standard (MS2577:2014). The implication of these guidelines possibly causes the current design of masjid that might be less children friendly. Hence, it could lead to the discouragement for this group of people in coming to the masjid. Muslim youth can be shaped with good morality if they become close and familiar to masjid at the earliest stage. This study aims to identify the holistic design approach of masjid that addresses the needs of families with young children mainly. Taking the Masjid Al-Ridhuan (MAR), Hulu Kelang as the case study site, the spatial arrangement of the masjid, the behavior of children and their space utilization, and the perspective from the parents and children regarding the needs on spaces at the masjid are being identified by applying methods such as site inventory, observation, and a semi-structured interview. The finding indicates that MAR demonstrates some criteria for a children friendly environment. This study offers new insights into formulating new design approach and guideline towards children friendly masjid (CFM).


How do the perceived motives of donor states shape recipient attitudes toward foreign aid in a conflict zone? This research note evaluates the impact of two frames that characterize the motives of foreign powers involved in a civil conflict in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. These frames portray foreign actors as providing aid either to alleviate suffering during conflict (humanitarian frame) or to increase their power and influence in the recipient country (political influence frame). We demonstrate how framing impacts attitudes toward foreign assistance from the European Union and the Russian government among potential aid recipients in the Donbas. The results show that frames impact support for foreign aid from the European Union but have no effect on views of Russian aid. Counter to conventional expectations, aid provided for geopolitical, strategic reasons may be viewed as a positive, stabilizing force—even more than foreign aid provided for humanitarian reasons.


Understanding the temporal changes of the Earth's magnetic field intensity is one of the main goals of modern palaeomagnetism. For most palaeointensity methods to yield reliable results, the magnetic minerals must obey a set of rules. One of these rules is the additivity of partial thermal (TRM) or anhysteretic remanent magnetizations (ARM). Additivity was previously shown for partial TRM in single-domain particles and more generally for ARMs. Additivity between these two low-field remanences, however, has not been investigated, yet. This paper presents a series of rock magnetic experiments on natural low Ti titanomagnetites (Curie temperature between 534 °C and 561 °C) examining the effects of high temperatures on alternating field (AF) demagnetization and acquisition of an ARM. One of our sample sets comes from a borehole drilled through the impact melt sheet of the Manicouagan crater (Canada), the other from the Rocche Rosse lava flow on the island of Lipari (Italy). Hysteresis parameters indicate the magnetic carriers in the pseudo-single-domain range showing no evidence for oxidation. Thermal demagnetization at 300 °C and 500 °C before AF demagnetization shifts the coercivity spectra towards higher fields. AF demagnetization experiments at 500 °C show a significant (by a factor between 1.4 and >7.6) reduction in median destructive field and a shift towards lower coercivities. A linear relationship was found between the peak magnetic field required to demagnetize a fraction of a full TRM of a sample at a specific temperature and the one necessary to demagnetize the same fraction at room temperature after heating to that temperature. The comparison of full ARM and partial TRM at successively higher temperatures with a hybrid hTARM reveals that combined additivity between the two kinds of remanences is fulfilled. These results open the possibility to demagnetize highly coercive minerals, such as hematite and goethite, which is often not achievable at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the additivity of TRM and ARM remanences may be used to develop novel hybrid TRM/ARM palaeointensity methods for samples, where heating is problematic (e.g. in meteorites).


Recently many variants of electroencephalogramevoked responses have been studied as potential diagnostic aids in the detection and evaluation of hepatic encephalopathy. This study assesses the value of the auditory P300 event—related potential — a slow component of the auditory evoked response — as a tool in this field. Twenty‐one nonencephalopathic and 12 encephalopathic (grade 1/2) cirrhotic patients and 26 controls were assessed clinically and psychometrically. Electroencephalogram spectral analysis and visual evoked response recordings were also conducted. An auditory P300 wave was elicited using the standard two‐tone discrimination paradigm. The latency and amplitude of this wave were measured. The latency of the P300 was found to be significantly increased in the encephalopathic patients compared with both nonencephalopathic cirrhotic and control groups (p < 0.05). Amplitude of the wave was decreased in both nonencephalopathic and encephalopathic patients, but this was not statistically significant. This study suggests that the latency of the P300 is a good marker of grades 1 and 2 clinical hepatic encephalopathy. The delays in the P300 latency may indicate that encephalopathic patients have a deterioration of their stimulus evaluation abilities. (HEPATOLOGY 1990;12:688–694).


Permian-Jurassic rifting of northwest Australia resulted in the development of a passive continental margin flanking the northeast Indian Ocean. On this margin, a relatively thin synrift to postrift sedimentary sequence was deposited on the southern Exmouth Plateau. A sequence stratigraphy analysis of the Early Cretaceous sedimentary succession on the southern Exmouth Plateau was derived from a synthesis of extensive industry and ODP (Ocean Drilling Project) seismic stratigraphy, wireline logs, lithostratigraphy, and biostratigraphy. Results indicate that during breakup, the southern Exmouth Plateau was a transform margin. Between the Tithonian and Valanginian a continental slope/margin system deposited over 1,500 m of clastic sediments in less than 15 m.y., over a 300-km-wide depositional wedge. Over the plateau, wireline log sequences correlate rapidly deposited progradational sets of seismic clinoforms and cored sandstone intervals of turbidite deposition. Intervals of slower deposition occupy condensed sections of thin glauconitic limestones and belemnite-rich mudstones. The high density and quality of regional seismic and stratigraphic data, the proximity to previously published and dated sequence boundaries, and the continuous ODP core allows the Exmouth Plateau to be used as a test for the concept of global sea level cycles. Southern clastic supply decreased into the Aptian-Cenomanian and cyclic deposition ofmore » deep-water mudstones continued during subsidence of the earlier shelf margin wedge. Between the Albian and Cenomanian, deposition gradually became dominated by pelagic carbonates.« less


The in vitro susceptibilities of 50 strains of Salmonella spp., 80 strains of Shigella spp., and 50 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, 14 Yersinia enterocolitica, 6 Aeromonas hydrophila, 4 Plesiomonas shigelloides, 9 Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and 30 Campylobacter jejuni strains that were recently isolated from worldwide sources were determined for 10 antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial agents tested included ampicillin, bicozamycin, doxycycline, enoxacin (CI-919), erythromycin, furazolidone, amdinocillin, norfloxacin, trimethoprim, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Ampicillin resistance occurred frequently in strains of Salmonella and Shigella spp. and enterotoxigenic E. coli strains. The most active agents against all of the bacteria tested were enoxacin and norfloxacin. Furazolidone and amdinocillin were also highly active against the majority of strains. Trimethoprim and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were inhibitory at low concentrations against all test except C. jejuni isolates. The in vitro results of this study confirm the high prevalence of bacterial resistance to ampicillin. However, this work also identifies four antimicrobial agents, enoxacin, furazolidone, norfloxacin, and amdinocillin, that would be appropriate for further testing in clinical trials.


As the global economy undergoes a major transformation, the inadequacy of labour relations theories dating back to Fordism, especially the systemic analysis model (Dunlop, 1958) and the strategic model (Kochan, Katz and McKersie, 1986), in which only three actors—union, employer and State—share the stage is becoming increasingly obvious. A good example is provided by companies offering information technology services to businesses, where new means of regulation emerge and illustrate the need to incorporate new actors and new issues if we are to account for its contemporary complexity. A survey of 88 professionals has revealed regulation practices that call into question the traditional boundaries of the industrial relations system from two points of view: that of the three main actors, by bringing the customer and work teams onto the stage, and that of the distinction between the contexts and the system itself.


SUMMARY Surgical closure of nasal septal perforation is one of the most challenging procedures in nasal surgery. During the last decade, many endoscopic repair techniques have been described with a success of post-operative repair between 76.4% and 100%. The advantages of this approach are its minimal invasiveness (with no external scars), optimal exposure of the operative field (with better visibility of structures) and good control of perforation margins. The drawbacks are that it is time-consuming and can be difficult to perform, requiring years of endoscopic experience. In this review, all the relevant literature published in which repair was completely made endoscopically is overviewed, comparing the success rates, diameter of the perforation and materials used for the repair.


Histone H3 mutations are frequently found in diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), which include diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas and thalamic gliomas. These tumors have dismal prognoses. Recent evidence suggests that one reason for the poor prognoses is that O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter frequently lacks methylation in DMGs. This review compares the epigenetic changes brought about by histone mutations to those by isocitrate dehydrogenase-mutant gliomas, which frequently have methylated MGMT promoters and are known to be sensitive to temozolomide.


© The Systematics Association 2011. Modelling the impacts of climate change on biodiversity in a phylogenetic context combines the disparate disciplines of phylogenetics, geographic information systems, niche ecology and climate change research. Each subject has its own approach, literature and data. The strength of an integrative research, known as 'phyloclimatic modelling', is that it provides novel insights into the possible interactions of life and climate over millions of years. However, the risk is that problems associated with each subject area might be compounded if analyses are not conducted with care. The continuous development of analytical approaches and the steady increase in data availability have off ered new opportunities for data combination. Modelling techniques and output for climate, ecological niche modelling, phylogeny reconstruction and temporal calibration are becoming stronger, and the reliability of results is quantifiable. In contrast, there is still a desperate lack of fundamental data on organismal distribution and on fossil history of lineages. When theories of taxonomic delimitation change, there are subsequent changes in organismal names. The is creates difficulty for name-based data retrieval, but techniques are being developed to reduce this problem. Improvements in theory, associated tools and data availability will broaden the applicability of phyloclimatic modelling.


The planthopper Hyalesthes obsoletus is the vector of Bois noir disease of grapevine and diseases of other plants associated with stolbur phytoplasma. The polyphagous vector acquires the pathogen while feeding on the roots of herbaceous reservoir plants. Occasional feeding of adults on grapevine causes infection and subsequent development of Bois noir symptoms. H. obsoletus is a xerothermic species that prefers sparse vegetation on open soil. The herbaceous host plants considerably influence distribution and density of H. obsoletus as well as the levels of infestation of vector populations. Since specific strains of the Bois noir phytoplasma occur in different host plants and the vector populations are adapted to their particular hosts, too, there are different epidemic cycles of the disease in the field. Control strategies for H. obsoletus focus on cultural practices like soil cultivation, weed control and green cover. Management and biological control of wireworm populations in Europe: current possibilities and future perspectives Lorenzo Furlan Department of Agronomy, Entomology, University of Padova, Agripolis, via Romea 16,Legnaro PD; Italy E-mail: email@example.com Abstract: To achieve a rational protection of sensitive crops from wireworm attacks in the framework of biological control, an overall strategy, taking into consideration all the To achieve a rational protection of sensitive crops from wireworm attacks in the framework of biological control, an overall strategy, taking into consideration all the information available, should be implemented. The strategy should be divided into 2 phases: 1) precise Agriotes population monitoring and damage prediction; 2) Agriotes population management which should be divided into: A) agronomic strategies: altering rotation, tillage timing, irrigation timing according to the life cycle of each Agriotes species, etc.; B) application of biological tools. The most effective biological control strategy is planting the sensitive crops where no high wireworm populations are present. Currently, it is possible to predict wireworm population levels with reliable results and low costs using the pheromone traps suitable for monitoring all the most important Agriotes species in Europe and then select the fields without any risk of wireworm damage to plant sensitive crops. When planting of a sensitive crop has to be done in fields with high wireworm populations regardless the risk for plant stand, the available tools on the market considered active against wireworms are limited. An assay carried out in 2006 to evaluate products available in the Italian market showed that currently only the biocidal defatted seed meals have a potential to reduce wireworm populations and to protect the crop. Biofumigation caused by the biocidal defatted seed meals proved to be as effective as the chemical treatment.


The effects of organic (manure, cover crop) and mineral fertilisers on total yield, soil phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) dynamics and soil pH changes were studied over 10 years. Five field crops (spring barley, red clover, winter wheat, field pea, potato) were grown organically and conventionally in rotation. The total yield of the five crops fertilized similarly was 24–25% higher in conventionally fertilised treatments than in organic treatments. The higher yielding conventionally fertilised treatments (annual total yield 29.0–29.8 t ha–1) removed 12–18 kg ha–1 P and 45–73 kg ha–1 K per year, which was respectively 28–35% and 28–40% higher than organic treatments. The soil became more acidic in the conventional system (pH 5.4–5.9 versus 5.9-6.3). The highest annual P and K uptake was by potato, followed by winter wheat. Use of winter cover crops and composted cattle manure in the organic system did not maintain the levels of P and K in the soil at baseline.


• In the contemporary process of teaching fine arts, children's own creative expression and art appreciation are used to encourage learners towards both perception and reception; consequently, the evaluation and internalization of works of art play an equally important role. In a qualitative empirical research study that takes the form of a case study, we studied the response of children to works of art and their demonstrated communication skills in this. The results have shown that children respond to works of art on multiple levels. With non-standardized narrative group interviews, we observed children's associations. Children perceived and internalized the given artworks and also put their emotions into words. The study has shown that systematic development of art appreciation among pre-school children can have a positive impact on their communication skills.


SK-Hep1 cells serve as a cell model of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatocyte biology. However, SK-Hep1 cells are markedly different from normal hepatocytes and other hepatocellular carcinoma cells in their gene expression and protein levels. Furthermore, endothelial-specific makers and morphological characteristics are found in SK-Hep1 cells, indicating an endothelial origin. To confirm their cell phenotype, we investigated and compared the surface ultrastructure, endothelial function, and molecular markers of SK-Hep1 cells in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that SK-Hep1 cells expressed endothelial-specific makers and exhibited the endothelial function of endocytosis and tubular formation. Capillary-like structures with CD31 expression were also observed in SK-Hep1 allografts in nude mice. Moreover, SK-Hep1 cells possessed fenestrae without diaphragms, consistent with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, as seen by electron microscopy. In conclusion, SK-Hep1 cells would be better considered a cell model for liver sinusoidal endothelial cells instead of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.


Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory therapy is widely used to treat hypertension. With long-term use, it is now being shown to have a beneficial effect on renal function and proteinuria in patients with renal insufficiency. When hypertensive patients with renal insufficiency are treated with enalapril, glomerular filtration rate is maintained, effective renal plasma flow is increased, and microalbuminuria and gross proteinuria are reduced. These beneficial renal changes with enalapril therapy differ from those of most other conventional antihypertensive medications. Clinical awareness of potential problems with hyperkalemia and increasing azotemia, particularly in the setting of salt/volume depletion, is important to assure optimal patient management. When these problems occur, they are nearly always reversible by correcting salt/volume status and/or interrupting enalapril therapy.


Children experience good and bad days in their performance. Although this phenomenon is well-known to teachers, parents, and students it has not been investigated empirically. We examined whether children's working memory performance varies systematically from day to day and to which extent fluctuations at faster timescales (i.e., occasions, moments) contribute to daily WM fluctuations in the school context. In an ambulatory assessment study, Grade 3 and Grade 4 students (8 to 11 years old; N = 110) completed WM tasks on smartphones 3 times a day in school and at home for 4 weeks. Results showed substantial within-person fluctuations in children's daily WM performance. Across task conditions, day-to-day, occasion-to-occasion, and moment-to-moment variability accounted for roughly the same extent of observed day-to-day variability with large individual differences in the amount of reliable fluctuations at the different timescales. Grade 3 students were more variable than were Grade 4 students at the faster timescales, more variable WM performance at all timescales was related to lower school achievement, and more day-to-day variability was associated with lower fluid intelligence. These findings build the foundation for research on the antecedents and consequences of children's fluctuating cognitive resources. Theories about cognitive development and learning should consider performance fluctuations across and within days to understand the processes underlying long-term changes. Educational practice may be informed by the substantial WM fluctuations at all timescales and adopt interventions that increase children's attentional focus and self-regulation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)


Current models for predicting outcomes are limited by biases inherent in a priori hypothesis generation. Knowledge discovery algorithms generate models directly from databases, minimizing such limitations. Our objective was to generate a mortality model from a PICU database utilizing knowledge discovery techniques. The database contained 5067 records with 192 clinically relevant variables. It was randomly split into training (75%) and validation (25%) groups. We used decision tree induction to generate a mortality model from the training data, and validated its performance on the validation data. The original PRISM algorithm was used for comparison. The decision tree model contained 25 variables and predicted 53/88 deaths; 29 correctly (Sens:33%, Spec:98%, PPV:54%). PRISM predicted 27/88 deaths correctly (Sens:30%, Spec:98%, PPV:51%). Performance difference between models was not significant. We conclude that knowledge discovery algorithms can generate a mortality model from a PICU database, helping establish validity of such tools in the clinical medical domain.


The authors present a case report of multiple renal ruptures after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) with holmium laser. Multiple renal ruptures following flexible ureterorenoscopy have not been reported so far. The etiology remains unclear. We like to share this case to make urologists aware of this unusual complication and discuss possible causes and therapeutic approaches.


The project X-TEAM D2D (Extended ATM for Door-to-Door Travel) has been funded by SESAR JU in 2020 and completed its activities in 2022, pursuing and accomplishing the definition, development and initial assessment of a Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the seamless integration of ATM and air transport into an overall intermodal network, including other available transportation means (surface, water), to support the door-to-door connectivity, in up to 4 hours, between any location in Europe. The project addressed the ATM and air transport, including Urban Air Mobility (UAM), integration in the overall transport network serving urban and extended urban (up to regional level) mobility, specifically identifying and considering the transportation and passengers service scenarios expected for the near, medium and long-term future, i.e. for the project baseline (2025), intermediate (2035) and final (2050) time horizons. In this paper, the main outcomes from the project activities are summarized, with particular emphasis on the studies about the definition of future scenarios and use cases for the integration of the vertical transport with the surface transport towards integrated intermodal transport system and about identification of the barriers towards this goal. In addition, an outline is provided on the specific ConOps for the integration of ATM in intermodal transport infrastructure (i.e. the part of the overall ConOps devoted to integration of different transportation means) and on the specific ConOps for the integration of ATM in intermodal service to passengers (i.e. the specific component of the ConOps devoted to design of a unique service to passengers). Finally, the main outcomes are summarized from the validation of the proposed ConOps through dedicated simulations.


BACKGROUND
Since the 1980's, thanks to the introduction of new techniques and methods for the study of thyroid function, new light has been shed on certain aspects of thyroid disease that constitute the basis for surgical therapy. Multinodular goiter is a disorder affecting the entire gland, even when alterations mostly or exclusively involve a single lobe. The functional deficit resulting from partial or subtotal resection has a hypertophic/hyperplastic effect on the remaining parenchyma. Partial resections often lead to postoperative hypothyroidism, usually of a subclinical nature, which implies difficult management by means of replacement therapy.

METHODS
The authors report a series of 58 patients who underwent partial thyroidectomy to treat benign thyroid disease at the 2nd Surgical Department of the University of Florence during the period 1975-1985.

RESULTS
Of these patients, operated on more than 15 years ago, 36.2% - the majority of whom (87.5%) have constantly been on substitutive therapy using L-thyroxin - currently shows no alteration of the remaining parenchyma. Conversely, in 60.3% of the patients there was evidence of nodular/pseudonodular alterations; in this group, only 40% of the patients were on substitutive therapy. There seems to be no doubt that, with few exceptions, disease involving an apparently circumscribed area of the thyroid in reality affects the entire parenchyma.

CONCLUSIONS
Total thyroidectomy, therefore, represents the most appropriate treatment for multinodular goiter, even when the disease is limited to one lobe, thereby providing a cure for the disease and at the same time a state of euthyroidism easily achieved with the proper therapy.


It is likely that all stars are born in clusters, but most clusters are not bound and disperse. None of the many protoclusters in our Galaxy are likely to develop into long-lived bound clusters. The Super Star Clusters (SSCs) seen in starburst galaxies are more massive and compact and have better chances of survival. The birth and early development of SSCs takes place deep in molecular clouds, and during this crucial stage the embedded clusters are invisible to optical or UV observations but are studied via the radio-infared supernebulae (RISN) they excite. We review observations of embedded clusters and identify RISN within 10 Mpc whose exciting clusters have a million solar masses or more in volumes of a few cubic parsecs and which are likely to not only survive as bound clusters, but to evolve into objects as massive and compact as Galactic globulars. These clusters are distinguished by very high star formation efficiency eta, at least a factor of 10 higher than the few percent seen in the Galaxy, probably due to violent disturbances their host galaxies have undergone. We review recent observations of the kinematics of the ionized gas in RISN showing outflows through low-density channels in the ambient molecular cloud; this may protect the cloud from feedback by the embedded HII region.


Although LiFePO4-based chemistry has been extensively studied and developed in the last decade due to its promise for the next generation of Li-ion battery applications, the impact of ambient air exposure and the concomitant aging mechanism is still a controversial matter. In the present study, we describe quantitatively the aging process in terms of the successive phase formation, distribution and iron local environments. Formation and growth of a disordered ferric phosphate phase are directly observed for the first time from the surface of particles toward the core, preceding the crystallization of tavorite LiFePO4(OH) as observed through the combination of amorphous phase quantification by XRD, and by Mossbauer and Electron Energy Loss spectroscopies. Structural and electrochemical characterization prove that the amorphous ferric phosphate formed in the early aging stage exhibits already tavorite composition and structure at the local scale and shed light on a crucial step of the aging mechanism. Based on the correlation we establish here between the amounts of Fe(III) and hydroxyls groups present in aged samples and specific capacity of the corresponding electrodes, we show that the degradation of active material upon storage and the electrochemical performance can be predicted easily through simple TGA measurements.


Conflicting data have appeared in the literature regarding serum cholinesterase and blood pressure. The studies reported here were undertaken to establish or refute the existence of a direct relationship between these two factors. Two types of studies were performed. First, serum cholinesterase activity was measured in 63 unselected hypertensive patients. Second, a selected group of seven hypertensive patients and three healthy subjects was studied writh a variety of drugs known to influence either blood pressure or serum cholinesterase. Results indicate that no direct relationship exists between blood pressure and serum cholinesterase and that fluctuations in these two factors


Coincident measurements of projectile energy loss and kinetic electron emission yield for grazing scattering of 150 eV/amu to some keV/amu neutral hydrogen and helium atoms from an atomically clean and flat Al(111) surface allow us to correlate electron emission and inelastic interaction mechanisms at a metal surface. Our data show evidence for a threshold behavior of kinetic electron emission which is interpreted by energy transfer in binary encounters of projectiles in the electron selvage of a quasi-free electron gas. Contributions of electron emission to projectile energy loss are found to be negligibly small.


To solve the serious environmental problem and huge resource waste of plastic pollution, we report a tandem catalytic conversion of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) into naphtha, the key feedstock for renewable plastic production. Using β zeolite and silicalite-1-encapsulated Pt nanoparticles (Pt@S-1), a naphtha yield of 89.5% is obtained with 96.8% selectivity of C5-C9 hydrocarbons at 250 °C. The acid sites crack long-chain LDPE into olefin intermediates, which diffuse within the channels of Pt@S-1 to encounter Pt nanoparticles. The hydrogenation over confined metal matches cracking steps by selectively shipping the olefins with right size, and the rapid diffusion boosts the formation of narrow-distributed alkanes. A conceptual upgrading indicates it is suitable for closing the plastic loop, with a significant energy saving of 15% and 30% reduced greenhouse gas emissions.


Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening arrhythmia, whose occurrence precedes the development of myocardial arrhythmogenic substrate resulting from either chronic or acute pathophysiological conditions. The authors' previous and current studies suggest that downregulated and/or heterogeneously distributed cell-to-cell coupling protein - connexin-43 (Cx43) - facilitates the development of malignant arrhythmias. It was hypothesized that VF itself deteriorates Cx43, and may hamper cardioversion into sinus rhythm. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether myocardial expression and the phosphorylated status of Cx43 is altered due to VF and during sinus rhythm restoration. Experiments were performed using 10-month-old male and female Wistar rats. Isolated Langendorff-mode-perfused rat hearts were subjected to the following events: basal condition, electrically induced VF lasting 2 min, electrically induced VF lasting 10 min, and sustained VF followed by spontaneous sinus rhythm restoration due to transient stop perfusion. The hearts were snap frozen at each event; ventricular tissue was sent for Cx43 immunoblotting using rabbit antiCx43 polyclonal antibody to detect phosphorylated (P-Cx43) as well as unphosphorylated (noP-Cx43) forms of Cx43, and mouse antiCx43 monoclonal antibody to detect noP-Cx43 only. Compared with basal conditions, total Cx43 expression did not change during experiments in either male or female rat hearts. However, P-Cx43 and the ratio of P-Cx43 to total Cx43 decreased significantly due to VF lasting 2 min and 10 min in male rat hearts only. In parallel, there was a significant increase in noP-Cx43 due to VF lasting 2 min and 10 min in male rat hearts only. Surprisingly, an enhancement of noP-Cx43 linked with suppression of P-Cx43 was detected during stop perfusion-induced termination of VF lasting 2 min, followed by sinus rhythm restoration in both male and female rat hearts. Sinus rhythm was not restored after 10 min of VF, which caused pronounced Cx43 dephosphorylation. In conclusion, there is a downregulation of Cx43 due to sustaining of VF, and it occurs earlier in male rat hearts compared with female rat hearts. It appears that transient no-flow-related inhibition of cell-to-cell coupling, as indicated by an increase in nonP-Cx43, can terminate VF followed by sinus rhythm restoration depending on the degree of previous Cx43 downregulation.


A survey of the gastropod Nucella lapillus around the south-west peninsula of England has revealed that the incidence of 'imposex', the induction of male sex characters in the female, is widespread, that all populations are affected to some degree and that the phenomenon is most prevalent along the south (Channel) coast. Populations close to centres of boating and shipping activity show the highest degrees of imposex, especially those within the vicinities of the Helford, Fal, Salcombe and Dart estuaries and in Plymouth Sound and Tor Bay. Within Plymouth Sound the degree of imposex increased markedly between 1969 and 1985, coinciding with the introduction and increasing usage of antifouling paints containing tributyltin (TBT) compounds.


Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC

Cancer is inextricably linked with aneuploidy. Aneuploidy can arise for a number of reasons, including the deregulation of DNA and centrosome replication. Mechanisms have evolved that are designed to ensure that DNA is replicated only once per cell cycle. The initiation of DNA replication is a key target of these mechanisms, which includes regulating Cdc6, Cdt1 and Cyclin dependent kinases (Cdks). Although the regulatory mechanisms of Cdc6 and Cdt1 are known, the role of Cdk1 in particular is less clear. One potential target for Cdk1 regulation is the Dbf4-Cdc7 kinase (DDK), which acts as a licensing factor for DNA replication. DDK performs an essential and critical step in initiating DNA replication. As such, it is a target for novel cancer therapeutic drugs currently in clinical trials. Even so, the regulatory mechanisms dictating DDK function in human cells remains poorly understood.

A site-directed mutagenesis approach was undertaken to determine the in vivo function of Cdk-dependent phosphorylation sites on the primary Cdc7 sequence. Using over-expressed Cdc7 in human cells (HEK293T), the functional significance of Cdc7 phosphorylation was determined; both the lack of phosphorylation and constitutive phosphorylation of Cdc7 was analyzed. We found that Cdc7, the catalytic subunit of the DDK, is a target of Cdk1. Cdc7 is phosphorylated in G2/M phase by Cdk1. Phosphorylation of Cdc7 removes the catalytic subunit of DDK from origins of replication and chromatin with the assistance of the nuclear export factor CRM1, which relocates Cdc7 to the microtubule cytoskeleton. Finally, the Cdk1-dependent removal of Cdc7 from chromatin prevents the cell from initiating DNA replication, indicating that Cdc7 is a target of Cdk1-dependent inhibition of DNA re-replication.

We conclude that (1) Cdk1 phosphorylates Cdc7 in vivo. (2) Cdk1 dependent phosphorylation of Cdc7 regulates chromatin binding and DNA replication and (3) pCdc7 is associated with the nuclear export factor CRM1 in G2/M phase, suggesting a mechanism that couples the down-regulation of Cdc7 function at the end of S phase through nuclear localization and chromatin association. Taken together, our data provides key insight into the functional understanding of DDK.

Citation Format: James Knockleby, Byung Ju Kim, Hoyun Lee. Cdk1 prevents DNA rereplication in G2/M by phosphorylating and facilitating the removal of Cdc7 from chromatin at the end of S phase. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 575. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-575


AIM
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows studying the content of many metabolites in neural tissue in vivo. There are numerous studies devoted to the MRS data analysis in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their results are contradictory. Thus, it is rational to compare the data obtained with MRS and positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which allows evaluating the brain functional state. In this paper, the authors compared MRS data in AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with the cerebral glucose metabolism changes according to FDG PET.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Multivoxel proton MRS of the supraventricular area was performed in patients with AD (n=16) and MCI (n=14). The following metabolites ratios were evaluated: NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, NAA/Cho (NAA - N-acetylaspartate, Cr - creatine, Cho - choline). All patients underwent neurological examination, assessment of cognitive status and PET with FDG.

RESULTS
A decrease in NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios in the supraventricular white matter and medial cortex in both hemispheres was observed in AD patients. In the MCI group, NAA/Cr ratio were decreased only in left white matter adjusting to the parietal cortex. Positive correlations of NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios with cognitive status, as well as the cerebral glucose metabolism rate according to the PET data in frontal, parietal, temporal and cingulate cortex were revealed.

CONCLUSION
The decrease in the NAA/Cr ratio in the supraventricular white matter and the medial cortex in AD and the correlation of this index with the results of cognitive tests and cerebral glucose metabolism suggest that it can be of diagnostic significance, reflecting the severity of cognitive impairment. In this case, the NAA/Cr ratio should be evaluated taking into account the changes in concentrations of both metabolites (NAA and Cr) in dementia.


As increasing amounts of complex health information become available via the Internet, providers frequently advise that it is important for health consumers to carefully consider the source of lay information, as well as discuss the clinical information they find with their healthcare provider. Beyond clinical indicators and standards, however, there exist few evaluative frameworks for assessing health information, especially within peer-to-peer networks. Traditional methods of analyzing online discussion content, such as keyword examination or network structure analysis, have proven largely unsatisfactory for unstructured health data analysis. Using a disease-specific illustration, this study proposes a theoretical framework that is broad enough to encompass a variety of poorly understood healthcare domains, and provides one example of an often misunderstood and ambiguous disease that lends itself to online patient-centered discussion, which can serve to supplement traditional clinical information exchange.


This report describes the first patient in Cyprus to be infected with a vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, as well as the microbiological characteristics of a cluster of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus isolates from the intensive care unit where the index case was hospitalised. All isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecalis, belonged to the same clone, and contained the vanA gene cluster. Transfer of glycopeptide resistance to a susceptible strain of E. faecalis could not be detected.


Auditory, haptic, and visual stimuli provide alerts, notifications, and information for a wide variety of applications ranging from virtual reality to wearable and hand-held devices. Response times to these stimuli have been used to assess motor control and design human-computer interaction systems. In this study, we investigate human response times to 26 combinations of auditory, haptic, and visual stimuli at three levels (high, low, and of 0. We developed an iOS app that presents these stimuli in random intervals and records response times on an iPhone 11. We conducted a user study with 20 participants and found that response time decreased with more types and higher levels of stimuli. The low visual condition had the slowest mean response time (mean ± standard deviation, $528\pm 105$ ms) and the condition with high levels of audio, haptic, and visual stimuli had the fastest mean response time ($320\pm 43$ ms). This work quantifies response times to multi-modal stimuli, identifies interactions between different stimuli types and levels, and introduces an app-based method that can be widely distributed to measure response time. Understanding preferences and response times for stimuli can provide insight into designing devices for human-machine interaction.


GdBa2Cu3O7-δ bulk superconductors are a route to higher magnetic fields in rotating machines. Here, we examine the resistance of pulse-field magnetized bulks to the demagnetization fields they may experience in such a system. The bulks were magnetized at 77 K, after which several thousand cycles of AC field were applied. Subsequently, the decay of the trapped field was characterized. We found that the decay per cycle decreases with frequency and is, normalized to the initial trapped field, largest at the edge of the bulk. At 77 K, the reduction in trapped field proved significant (25% in the center for 150 mT (peak) AC field at 6 Hz), however, reducing below 1% when lowering the temperature to 60 K. We explain this observation as being due to increased flux pinning strength at low temperatures. When applying an AC field, we found a temperature rise that increased with applied field amplitude and frequency. However, when applying an AC field of amplitude 45 mT with a frequency of 48 Hz, we found an increase of the bulk temperature of only 100 mK. Therefore, we conclude that the temperature rise within the analyzed AC field frequency and amplitude range does not contribute significantly to the decay of trapped field.


This paper considers the use of an adaptive feedforward controller for both a speed control system and a positioning system with a DC servo motor. The parameters of the feedforward controller are adjusted by an adaptation algorithm, the objective of which is to make the feedforward controller a dynamic inverse of the plant. Moreover, an adaptive disturbance compensator is used, and its parameter is adjusted by the algorithm. The error between the desired output and actual output is used as the adaptation error signal as well as the input to the nonadaptive feedback controller. After the adaptive process is completed, the input to the motor is no longer supplied by the feedback controller but by the feedforward controller. The stability of the proposed adaptive control systems is analyzed and experimentally verified.


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Abstract : It is important to resolve the issue of whether extra information can help assign the probability for failure of a pilot or Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in some phase of flight training. This assigned probability for failure could be based simply on empirical data gathered over some relatively long period of time. However, if scores from selection tests, personality tests, vision exams, psychomotor tests, and the like could serve as cogent information about the probability for failure, then the probability for failure could be revised upwards or downwards based on an individual's standing on these variables. In addition, it would be interesting to find out if candidates could "trade off' high scores on one class of tests for low scores on a different class of tests, but still achieve the same level of performance. Here, level of performance is defined as the probability for failure. This brings us into contact with the idea of isoperformance. In this analysis, we examine two classes of predictor variables where candidates might trade off high scores for low scores, yet still achieve the same level of performance. The first class consists of cognitive information processing variables. Scores for the final academic grade from Aviation Pre-Flight Indoctrination (API) will serve as an example of this class. The second class consists of personality variables. We will use scores from the Pilot Biographical Inventory (PBI), a subcomponent of the Aviation Selection Test Battery, as a surrogate for scores on personality tests to be administered in future research on isoperformance.


Two numerical algorithms based on dual-Petrov-Galerkin method are developed for solving the integrated forms of high odd-order boundary value problems (BVPs) governed by homogeneous and nonhomogeneous boundary conditions. Two different choices of trial functions and test functions which satisfy the underlying boundary conditions of the differential equations and the dual boundary conditions are used for this purpose. These choices lead to linear systems with specially structured matrices that can be efficiently inverted, hence greatly reducing the cost. The various matrix systems resulting from these discretizations are carefully investigated, especially their complexities and their condition numbers. Numerical results are given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms, and some comparisons with some other methods are made.


In this paper we present the development, implementation and testing of a compact system for diagnosis and control of actuators based on metallic shape memory alloys (SMA). Using NiTi-SMA, very compact, cost-effective and lightweight actuation systems can be realized. In applications where the SMA is activated by internal Joule heating or its condition is diagnosed by the self-sensing of its electrical resistance, an electrical system capable of reliably measuring very small resistance changes (< 1 ohm) without affecting the phase-state of the SMA is required. In addition, the system must offer the possibility to evaluate the nonlinear, hysteresis-afflicted behavior of the SMA and to handle this difficulty, e.g. utilizing a model-based control. This paper presents a simple compact and adaptive system based on a microcontroller that meets these requirements. Detailed functional tests were carried out with the system to establish a correlation between the change in electrical resistance in the range < 200 mOhm and the current strain state of the actuator. For this purpose, a first series of tests was performed, with the SMA wires working against a constant load. In a second tests series, the SMA wires worked against springs of different stiffness. The use of a microcontroller enables simple implementation of different control strategies. The control system for the non-linear resistance change utilizes a fuzzy logic which divides the control algorithm into three regimes. In the regime of the martensitic phase transformation a PI-controller is used. The state of actuators with an absolute electrical resistance < 1 Ohm and a resistance change < 200 mohm associated with the phase transformation can be precisely measured and controlled with an accuracy < 10 mohm. The system can be configured with little effort for different tasks and shape memory systems of different sizes. Furthermore, it is possible to implement more complex control algorithms up to model-based controllers.


Routing is a critical function in adhoc network which claim special attention and support extended by the trustable neighbor nodes. The peril of Gratuitous detour on routing process in ad hoc network is manifold which culminates in the deterioration of network performance amounting to deplorable network behavior. Routing in ad hoc network is a cooperative process as it requires periodic assistance from the intermediate nodes to route the packets to the far off nodes that are beyond the direct wireless transmission range. The role of intermediate nodes in routing is crucial and it mandates special attention and support from the sender node and as well the good Samaritan neighboring nodes. This paper advocates the creation of two lists namely PFL and SFL backed by Dominant Pruning Method. The misbehaving middle node exhibiting Gratuitous Detour (GD) has to be curtailed by performing a cardinality operation on the route cache (storing the intermediate nodes enroute to the destination) of the nodes in PFL and SFL. The sender node stringent process of recruiting the genuine intermediate nodes in both the list is echoed periodically by performing a cardinal operation to restrain the occurrence of GD which manifest by projecting a non existent node or concealing an existent node. The result of the cardinal operation approves the truth that the nodes in Route cache (Buffered Route Path) are genuine or not. The proposed solution demands a heavy pay from the M 3 N whose intention is either to disrupt the optimal routing process by hiding a potential peer after launching a blackmail or DoS attack on it. The ulterior motive of the Malicious Misbehaving Middle (M 3 N) in projecting the non existent nodes (Longer Virtual Route) to evade the role of routing intermediary is also effectively thwarted. Suitable graph have been simulated to study the effect of mobility and no. of misbehaving nodes on the Sender Node Probing Latency Index (SNPLI).


We study the use of robust optimization (RO) in approximating joint chance-constrained programs (CCP), in situations where only limited data, or Monte Carlo samples, are available in inferring the underlying probability distributions. We introduce a procedure to construct uncertainty set in the RO problem that translates into provable statistical guarantees for the joint CCP. This procedure relies on learning the high probability region of the data and controlling the region's size via a reformulation as quantile estimation. We show some encouraging numerical results.


SUMMARY

The processes of plant domestication and evolution are considered to have different objectives and are therefore treated as different. However, they are not independent. The dependence is discussed in terms of a contribution of the results of domestication to evolution and a contribution of knowledge about the included mechanisms. Reproductive isolation can be developed in the framework of domestication, and cultigens such as Triticum aestivum, Solanum tuberosum, Coffea arabica and Vicia faba are treated as species in the evolutionary sense. Newly obtained character combinations as a result of plant breeding can be transferred to natural populations by means of hybridization. Several methods for analysing the rate of gene flow are discussed. The study of the occurrence of horizontal gene transfer in nature is stimulated by the development of the technique of genetic modification in biotechnologic research. Presumed cases of transfer of genetic material between unrelated Angiosperms are based on phylogenetic inconsistencies between gene trees and species trees, although evidence on the vector involved in nature is not available.


BACKGROUND
Since October 2016, German patients are entitled to get a medication list if using at least 3 drugs. The patient's individual attitude to a medication list is supposed to be relevant for its use und acceptance.

STUDY AIM
Because there is little known about those attitudes, this study examined which potential benefits patients see in possessing a medication list, and why certain patients might not use it.

METHOD
In a qualitative survey, 375 citizens of the Rhein-Neckar region were interviewed by using a semi-standardized guide. A content analysis of the interviews was done.

RESULTS
Most citizens described medication lists as having private and economic benefits such as for health care or safe drug use. But often, they combine potential benefits with requirements such as age, number of prescribed drugs, or health status. Unsatisfied individual needs, excessive demands or an attitude of rejection are possible reasons for non-use.

CONCLUSION
For successful implementation of the medication list, the individual attitude of patients should be assessed to be able to provide tailored information and assistance. The views of citizens about a medication list agree with the aims of the so-called German E-Health Act, but differ particularly with regard to named requirements and prioritisation.


Objectives: According to the new Chemical Control Act from the Korean Ministry of Environment (2014-259), workers handling hazardous chemicals should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). However the act simply states in basic phrases that every worker handling one or more of the 69 listed chemicals should wear PPE and does not consider the unique hazard characteristics of chemicals and work types. The main purpose of this study is to provide basic data to revise the act to suit particular work processes and situations. Methods: The hazard rank of the substances was classified based on hazardous characteristics such as LC50 and vapor pressure using matrix analysis. The workplace exposure risk of the substances was also determined through a matrix analysis based on the previously determined hazard ranks and the demands of manual handling together with the likelihood of accident frequency of the operation combined with the exposure of workers during spill accidents. Results: To meet the demands for developing subsequent guidelines for the risk-based application of PPE in hazardous workplaces, this study sorted the 69 listed chemicals into five hazardous categories based on their LC50 and vapor pressures, and also assigned exposure categories according to exposure vulnerability for various types of work which are frequently performed throughout the life cycle of the chemicals. Conclusion: In the next study, an exposure risk matrix will be produced using the hazard rank of chemicals and workplace exposure risk, and then PPE will be selected to suit the categories of the exposure risk matrix.


Competing in an innovation-driven economy, firms are striving for innovation success in order to stay in a competitive edge. Employee innovative work behavior (IWB) is considered as a source and strategic factor driving organization to become more innovative and, hence to better perform. A number of literatures confirm the effect of leadership on employee performance. Likewise, it is assumed in this study that employee innovative work behavior should also be effected from the leadership of their team leaders. A transformational leader transforms how employees work and innovate. This transformation motivates employees to strive for the collective goals of becoming innovative organization. This study explore the effect of transformational leadership on employee?s work behavior and was carried out on a purposively selected sample of 260 IT employees working in a service provider company in Thailand. While employee?s work behavior was measured using 11-items measure based on the framework developed by De Jong and Den Hartog (2010), transformational leadership was measured in four dimensions; (1) idealized influence, (2) inspirational motivation, (3) intellectual stimulation behavior, and (4) individualized consideration, according to the framework proposed by Bass and Avolio (1990). Factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were carried out. The result suggests that transformational leadership has positive effect on innovative work behavior and could explain employee work behavior up to 26.7%.


A family of recent successful approaches to few-shot learning relies on learning an embedding space in which predictions are made by computing similarities between examples. This corresponds to combining information between support and query examples at a very late stage of the prediction pipeline. Inspired by this observation, we hypothesize that there may be benefits to combining the information at various levels of abstraction along the pipeline. We present an architecture called Cross-Modulation Networks which allows support and query examples to interact throughout the feature extraction process via a feature-wise modulation mechanism. We adapt the Matching Networks architecture to take advantage of these interactions and show encouraging initial results on miniImageNet in the 5-way, 1-shot setting, where we close the gap with state-of-the-art.


Abstract Glycyl-tRNA synthetases (GlyRSs) have different oligomeric structures depending on the organisms. While a dimeric α2 GlyRS species is present in archaea, eukaryotes and some eubacteria, a heterotetrameric α2β2 GlyRS species is found in most eubacteria. Here, we present the crystal structure of heterotetrameric α2β2 GlyRS, consisting of the full-length α and β subunits, from Lactobacillus plantarum (LpGlyRS), gram-positive lactic bacteria. The α2β2LpGlyRS adopts the same X-shaped structure as the recently reported Escherichia coli α2β2 GlyRS. A tRNA docking model onto LpGlyRS suggests that the α and β subunits of LpGlyRS together recognize the L-shaped tRNA structure. The α and β subunits of LpGlyRS together interact with the 3′-end and the acceptor region of tRNAGly, and the C-terminal domain of the β subunit interacts with the anticodon region of tRNAGly. The biochemical analysis using tRNA variants showed that in addition to the previously defined determinants G1C72 and C2G71 base pairs, C35, C36 and U73 in eubacterial tRNAGly, the identification of bases at positions 4 and 69 in tRNAGly is required for efficient glycylation by LpGlyRS. In this case, the combination of a purine base at Position 4 and a pyrimidine base at Position 69 in tRNAGly is preferred.


In this paper, we propose a new projection operator for the redundancy framework based on a task function defined as the norm of the usual error. This projection operator allows performing secondary tasks even when the main task is full rank. To ensure the convergence of the system, a switching strategy is then defined to switch from the new projection operator to the classical one before the norm of the total error reaches zero. An adaptive gain is also defined to slow down the convergence of the main task. It allows the secondary tasks to be active for longer. The experimental results obtained show the agreement with the analytical study and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed projection operator with respect to the classical one.


Three components of teachers' professional capital are human capital, social capital, and decisional capital according to Hargreaves and Fullan (2012). These three aspects of professional capital are meant to be part and parcel of developing the teaching profession. In this article, the author focusses on professional capital as a framework by putting the emphasis on the decisional aspect. In this study, the decisional capital is not only found at the micro level of education: the classroom and school level. Beyond that, a teacher also needs to make professional decisions that will affect her/his professional growth and trajectory. To illustrate this professional path through the lens of decisional capital, the author outlines the narrative of decision-making of an Indonesian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher. The findings of the study shed light on the Indonesian teacher's journey to becoming an English teacher and how the journey has been marked by her decisions regarding her career and her engagement with the professional communities in Indonesia.


In titration experiments with NaOH, we have determined the full phase diagram of charged colloidal spheres in dependence on the particle density n, the particle effective charge Z(eff) and the concentration of screening electrolyte c using microscopy, light and ultrasmall angle x-ray scattering (USAXS). For sufficiently large n, the system crystallizes upon increasing Z(eff) at constant c and melts upon increasing c at only slightly altered Z(eff). In contrast to earlier work, equilibrium phase boundaries are consistent with a universal melting line prediction from computer simulation, if the elasticity effective charge is used. This charge accounts for both counterion condensation and many-body effects.


INTRODUCTION
Recently, thyrotoxicosis has been described as a risk factor for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in some reported cases. We present a case of CVT associated to a subacute De Quervain's thyroiditis in a young female who was an heterozygous carrier for the G20210A mutation of the prothrombin gene.

CASE REPORT
A 42-year-old female with irrelevant past medical history developed a thrombosis of the superior sagital and right transverse sinus in the initial phase of a subacute thyroiditis. Diagnosis was made by thyroid radioactive iodine uptake, and cerebral computerized tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance angiography. Treatment with aspirin and corticosteroids was started until thyroid function was normalized. When CVT diagnosis was made, the patient was treated with anticoagulation. Two months later, magnetic resonance imaging showed resolution of the CVT. The patient was diagnosed as an heterozygous carrier for the G20210A mutation of the prothrombin gene by genetic studies.

CONCLUSIONS
Subacute thyroiditis might act as a risk factor for CVT, increasing the thrombotic risk in the presence of other acquired or hereditary prothrombotic factors, such as the G20210A mutation of the prothrombin gene in our patient.


Purpose of review To review the recent advances on ureteric reconstruction and replacement, in particular, ileal ureteric replacement and laparoscopic and robotic-assisted ureteral reconstruction. Recent findings Recently, the ureteric replacement with bowel has been carefully assessed by several authors, and the results are quite impressive. Also, very recent studies on laparoscopic and robotic-assisted ureteral repair have been published. Outcomes appear very promising, allowing for a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay for the patient. Summary Today, we can conclude that the field of ureteric reconstruction and replacement is still evolving. Old techniques are supported by an increasing degree of evidence, and new, more minimally invasive surgical strategies emerge. Clearly, there are some disadvantages as well as difficulties to overcome with the new techniques; however, recent studies appear to present promising results.


Interest in and the use of escape rooms (ERs) for educational purposes have increased recently (Taraldsen et al, 2020; Veldkamp et al, 2020). There are many benefits to using ERs in education, including improved engagement and motivation (Buchner et al, 2022; Taraldsen et al, 2020; Veldkamp et al, 2020). However, findings concerning the impact of the use of ERs on students' actual learning are mixed (Veldkamp et al, 2020). This study aims to investigate this impact by exploring a case in which a digital ER was implemented in a blended online course. This ER was designed to be used in a business course including more than 150 business undergraduate students distributed across 15 campuses. The specific learning objective of the escape room was to enhance students' understanding of the most important concepts of the course in preparation for the midterm examination. The authors compare students' performance across two different sections of the same course, i.e., a control section and another section in which the ER was implemented. In addition, the authors administered a survey to comprehend students' ER perception. Results show that while students had a positive perception of the use of the digital educational ER, its usage did not affect their performance on the midterm examination.


Room temperature ionic liquids are attractive to numerous applications and particularly, to renewable energy devices. As solvent free electrolytes, they demonstrate a paramount connection between the material morphology and Coulombic interactions: the electrode/RTIL interface is believed to be a product of both polarization and spatiotemporal bulk properties. Yet, theoretical studies have dealt almost exclusively with independent models of morphology and electrokinetics. Introduction of a distinct Cahn-Hilliard-Poisson type mean-field framework for pure molten salts (i.e., in the absence of any neutral component), allows a systematic coupling between morphological evolution and the electrokinetic phenomena, such as transient currents. Specifically, linear analysis shows that spatially periodic patterns form via a finite wavenumber instability and numerical simulations demonstrate that while labyrinthine type patterns develop in the bulk, lamellar structures are favored near charged surfaces. The results demonstrate a qualitative phenomenology that is observed empirically and thus, provide a physically consistent methodology to incorporate phase separation properties into an electrochemical framework.


INTRODUCTIONInformation is very important in any society it is a veritable tool in the realization of individual, corporate and societal objectives or goal. Goldfrab (2006) opined that information is a valuable resource required in any society; thus acquiring and using information are critical and important activities. Users of information use it for different reasons. Some use it for health; others use it for advancement in knowledge, others for politics. Issa (1997) cited Muhammed, (1994) opined that it is a vital resource which provides impetus for a nation social, cultural, spiritual, political, economic, scientific and technological advancement greater socio-political equity; efficient governance, power and fellowship. Thus, one can rightly infer from above that information has always played an important role in human life; hence a basic human need.Information means different things to different people, some it may be in form of news on radio or television, and the print media, to some it may be a medical report which may be used for taking health decision, to an investor, financial report of an organization as a vital information to decide whether to stake ones investment in such or to divest, to some is the stock analysis and daily trading in the stock market. To law enforcement agents information to them is a tool to carry out thorough investigation and absence of the timely and up-to-date information and lead to loss of life and properties. Information is now accepted as an important factor in the sustained development of any society because it reduces uncertainty, and enhances awareness of possible actions to take to solve problems. Lack of information is argued to act as a barrier to development because of importance of information provision in "capacity building" and "empowering communities" (Apata and Ogunrewo, 2010) cited Wakelin & Simelane, (1995) and Adimorah, (1995)Information needs, accessibility, utilization is being dictated by circumstances man finds himself. The environment that people interact with from the cradle of civilization portends serious challenges to man in the process of achieving his daily goals and objectives in the areas of economic, social, cultural and spiritual wellbeing. Information itself is not mobile but needs a vehicle of dissemination from one man to another and from one distance to another. Issa (1997) affirmed that information has to be widely disseminated regardless of whether one is an urban or rural inhabitant. The medium of this dissemination could be called a channel. Channels of information communication are interpersonal man to man through signals, signs, beckoning, language, eye contact, town criers most especially in the primitive days and in villages. Advancement in technology has made it possible for human being to communicate easily irrespective of geographical location through the aid of telephones, telegram, fax, radiophone, television, e-mail, telex, internet, intranet, computer etc.Popoola (2009) asserts that information is a critical economic resource when utilised is capable of increasing the knowledge state of an individual in decision making. Information is a processed data that assists individuals and managers in taking the right decisions to enhance and improve job productivity amidst the above listed information products and services. This study intends to lay emphasis on the place of transistor radio among other channels of information dissemination in Ado- Ekiti, NigeriaSTATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMAdvent of radio have tremendously transformed the way information is disseminated, prior to its invention, people most especially in primitive Africa society had their peculiar way of disseminating information such as the use of town criers and assembling people in strategic locations in the village such as market square to disseminate information to them. In primitive Yoruba society, different signs and objects were used to disseminate information. …


A pilot intervention study was conducted in human volunteers (n = 4) to establish the bioavailability of urolithins, which are the terminal end-products of ellagitannin metabolism by the gastrointestinal microflora. Biospecimens (blood, feces, and urine) along with urolithins purified therefrom were analyzed for their antioxidant capacity in a range of in vitro assays. Urolithin metabolites were identified and quantitated in the biospecimens by negative ion mode HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. The data in this pilot study show that the metabolism of ellagitannins in the four volunteers gave rise to a diverse profile and a highly variable concentration of urolithins in urine. The concentration of glucuronidated urolithins in blood and urine did not correlate with antioxidant capacity. However, the antioxidant capacity of urine, but not plasma biospecimens, was highly correlated with uric acid concentration. The antioxidant capacity of fecal extracts correlated positively with the concentration of urolithin D in both the DPPH and FRAP assays, but not in the ORAC assay, which was entirely consistent with the in vitro assays for pure urolithin D.


Abstract: We examined the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary divergence of Phrynocephalus versicolor Strauch 1876, as well as the genetic diversity and population structure in Mongolia using mtDNA variation. Phrynocephalus is one of the most diverse genera within the Agamidae family, with confusing or controversial taxonomy. This resulted in several independent suggestions for subspecies designations within Phrynocephalus versicolor. As the most dominant and abundant reptilian species in the Mongolian Gobi Desert, Phrynocephalus versicolor is ecologically important within the food chain of the ecological system it inhabits. We used 77 samples from 9 populations of P. versicolor in central and southern Mongolia. We amplified and sequenced 522–base pair (bp) –long fragment of the ND2 gene and recorded moderate levels of sequence diversity (Hd = 0.74 ± 0.023, π = 0.035 defined by 97 polymorphic sites). We conducted phylogenetic analyses using of Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and median-joining (MJ) network analysis that resulted in four well-supported clades (A, B, C, D) among our Mongolian samples. All of these clades, except Clade A, were population specific. The genetic distance values (mean Fst = 0.768), and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) also showed greater genetic distances between these clades. We ran a time-calibrated phylogenetic analysis using a strict molecular clock model with a single fossil calibration. The estimated divergence times in this study were comparable with previous findings, for example, 1.8 million years ago (mya) (1.31–2.94) for the node (Bayesian posterior probability [BPP] > 1.0 and bootstrap > 98) from which Clade A and B originated. In conclusion, our findings showed that there are at least three genetically distinct subspecies, namely P. v. versicolor, P. v. kulagini, and P. v. hispidus, with one previously unknown clade/lineage.


Summary

Research objective of this study was to clarify how the initial stage of high-pressure induced aggregation of β-lactoglobulin takes place. For this purpose a special simulation method was developed. Distinctive features of this approach are: the lowest resolution model of protein particles, the local interaction potential and the abandonment of the continuous simulation of particle trajectories. Relatively short molecular dynamics trajectories are used only in order to find the average time step between the collisions. Results of particle collisions that occur with some probability, are separately ('statically') modelled using a random variable. This allows the analysis of the process which takes place within 102–103 s real-time, with an existing probability of successful collision of 10−10–10−11. Modelling results confirm that at the initial stage of aggregation of 0.5–2% solutions with a neutral pH-value only dimers as well as trimers arise due to SH/S–S interaction. In addition it was shown that aggregation follows the general principles of the reaction-limited aggregation of colloids. The proposed approach could further be used in research projects examining the aggregation of β-lactoglobulin or similar systems.


Several Sorghum species are allelopathic, producing phytotoxins such as sorgoleone and its analogues. Sorgoleone accounts for much of this phytotoxicity, representing up to 90% (w/w) of the content of Sorghum bicolor root exudates. Previous and ongoing studies suggest that the biosynthetic pathway for this compound involves a polyketide synthase activity utilizing atypical long chain fatty acyl-CoA starter units, resulting in the addition of a quinone head via iterative extender unit condensations. An expressed sequence tag (EST) study was performed using random sequences from a Sorghum bicolor root hair-specific cDNA library, and highly expressed candidate sequences representing all of the putative enzyme classes required for the sorgoleone biosynthetic pathway were identified.


Robustness and reliability are two essential network parameters to be given priority in Industrial Wireless Sensor Network. But at the same time it is difficult to achieve gain in these performance metrics. Since in industries these networks are used for monitoring, control and automation processes, therefore, it also requires robust communication with minimum delay. Considering the need of high QoS in Industrial WSN, protocols and standards were developed to fulfil the requirement of reliable data communication in harsh environment. In year 2007, HART community designed a Wireless HART standard for efficient industrial communication. This standard gain high reputation soon after its implementation and still being used as a universal solution for industries. In 2009, another standard ISA100.11a was developed, it also gives promised results but fails to eliminate WHART. Both these standards are still competing in industry and the results of these standards are more reliable in comparison to other wireless industrial protocols that exists.


Human clinical observations and in vivo studies have shown that the amphiphilic drug perhexiline maleate is responsible for lipidosis storage disorders. When the drug was incubated in vivo with rat brain homogenates, the ouabain-sensitive (Na+,K+)-ATPase and the Mg++-ATPase activities were inhibited. 50% inhibition occurred at the drug concentrations 5.10(-5) M for (Na+,K+)-ATPase and at 10(-4) M for Mg++-ATPase, respectively. Kinetic studies performed on rat brain homogenates showed a mixed type inhibition of these enzymes by perhexiline maleate. The effect of other lysosomotropic drugs (imipramine, chlorpromazine, thioridazine and tamoxifen) on (Na+,K+)-ATPase and on Mg++-ATPase activities was found to be similar to that induced by perhexiline maleate. These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of perhexiline maleate on (Na+,K+)-ATPase and Mg++-ATPase may be a common feature shared by the lysosomotropic drugs.


IT outsourcing is a great chance for technological and economical growth of developing countries. Natural outsourcing vendors are small and medium enterprises. To obtain higher competitiveness in that sector, skilled engineers are required. Academic environment doesn't provide students with enough experience with real-life problems. We discuss the state of students' knowledge in Croatia as demonstrated on the software engineering course which tries to place students in an environment similar to an industrial one.


A VLSI two-layer channel router designed to find solutions which minimize both wiring area and number of vias simultaneously is presented. The method, called topological channel routing, analyzes the topological relationship of wires before the wires are mapped onto the channel. A unique layout design rule called an interleaving mesh is used. The interleaving mesh prohibits long wires on one layer from overlapping with wires on the other layer, and thus has smaller crosstalk of signals because of smaller capacitive couplings between those wires on different layers. Experimental results show that the algorithm generates very good solutions. For example, a height of 41 for Deutsch's Difficult Example without any parallel overlaps of wires has been obtained and simultaneously, with a via count of 186, which is one of the best results ever reported in the literature. >


With the rapid development of computer and optical technique, as a powerful measuring method in hydrodynamics, flow visualization technique is able to get much flow field information in practical engineering. It also has an important meaning to projects and environmental areas. The image processing is the key to flow visualization for gaining flow field information. In terms of the PIV principles, the algorithm of PIV based on Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) is studied, and the image mosaic program based on genetic algorithm has been compiled. The flow field of seabuckthorn flexible dam has been calculated and analyzed by using those methods as above-mentioned, and in the meanwhile, the application of flow visualization technique to measure the outdoor flow field has been studied exploringly, which proves that it is feasible to apply this technique to measure the large-scale outdoor flow field.


The architecture of component-based applications can easily contain hundreds of components with a complex structure. Such structure is created from various types of relations between these components. However, component architects and assemblers need to study more than just simple structure in order to be able to analyze these applications. Many details might be necessary to check to ensure compatibility and re-usability of existing components. Thus, comprehensible visualization of structure is important for the maintenance and evolution of these complex systems. AIVA is the implementation of an approach that is able to visualize these structures comprehensibly while making details easy to reach. It combines various interactive techniques to achieve this goal. This paper describes the possibilities of AIVA as they are implemented, while briefly discussing the theory behind such functionality.


Introduction: relations between smoking habits & psychological stress (PS) are proven. So far no systematic data was collected whether these results apply to patients with COPD, and if there are indications as a negative predictor for tobacco dehabituation in context of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).

Objectives: The aim of this research was to determine whether there is a difference in PS between smokers & ex-smokers and between smokers who refrained from smoking during PR and those who continued.

Methods: From Feb13-Jan14 353 patients with COPD were screened via PHQ-9 & GAD-7 in terms of symptoms of depression & anxiety and interviewed towards their smoking habits at admission (T0) & dismissal (T1).

Results: At T0 37.7% of the participants were smokers; at T1 the % dropped to 18% (51.9% refrained from smoking). A sig. higher PS, in terms of higher test scores in PHQ-9 & GAD-7, at T0 was observed in both groups in comparison to T1. No differences between smokers & ex-smokers were found regarding PS at T0 & T1. Patients who refrained from smoking during PR as well as those who were still smoking showed sig. lower scores in PHQ-9 & GAD-7 at T1 in comparison to T0. No difference between those who refrained from smoking during PR and those who still smoked were found at T0 & T1.

![Figure][1]

Conclusions: A sig. reduction of PS within 3 weeks PR was shown. In contradiction to results found in literature, no difference between PS & smoking habits were found.

 [1]: pending:yes


Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) belong to highly abundant resulting in sexually transmitted virus infections, and cause cervical cancer holding place 4 among most common cancer types in women. In 2012, there were registered 266,000 death cases and 528,000 new cases. At present, three HPV prophylactic vaccines were generated worldwide: bivalent Cervarix, quadrivalent Gardasil and nonavalent Gardasil-9. Examining such vaccines uncovered that they are able to induce anti-HPV antibody production against viral antigens lacked in vaccine formula. The mechanism of such cross-neutralizing antibodies recognizing antigens derived from various HPV pathogenic types remains unknown. In our study we attempted to uncover putative basis underlying cross-reactive interaction between vaccine-induced antibodies and non-vaccine antigens by bioinformatical approaches, that might allow optimize generation of future candidate vaccines and obtain more effective polyvalent immunobiological preparations against HPV. We used amino acid sequences of L1 coat protein of four top high-risk oncogenic HPV types (16, 18, 31 and 45) in the study. Work sequences were retrieved from the International Data Base of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) and aligned by using Clustal Omega' and BioEdit software. A search and analysis of distinct antigenic determinant (epitopes) were performed by using software suite BepiPred-2.0: Sequential B-Cell Epitope Predictor, DiscoTope 2.0 Server, and SYFPEITHI. Bioinformatics data revealed pronounced potential of cross-neutralizing vaccine-induced antibodies and non-vaccines antigens derived from high-risk pathogenic types HPV 16, 18, 31 and 45 owing to the similarity in antigenic determinants (epitopes). Common linear determinants for T and B cells were found in all four types of L1 protein counterparts. In addition, similar three-dimensional B cell determinants were discovered in HPV16 L1 and HPV18 L1. Antigenic determinants derived from HPV16 L1 and HPV31 L1 exhibited most close similarity. Hence, while immunizing with HPV16 L1, a more pronounced and moderate cross-reactive antibodies interacting with HPV31 L1 as well as HPV18 L1 and HPV45 L1 antigens, respectively, should be expected. Inversely, immunization with HPV18 L1might elicit active and less efficient cross-neutralizing response with HPV45 L1 as well as HPV16 L1 and HPV31 L1, respectively.


I investigate the Poisson-sigma model on the classical and quantum level. First I show how the interaction can be obtained by a deformation of the classical master equation of an Abelian BF theory in two dimensions. On the classical level this model includes various known two-dimensional field theories, in particular the Yang–Mills theory. On the quantum level the perturbation expansion of the path integral in the covariant gauge yields the Kontsevich deformation formula. Finally I perform the calculation of the path integral in a general gauge, and demonstrate how the derived partition function reduces in the special case of a linear Poisson structure to the familiar form of 2D Yang–Mills theory.


The static correlations and diffusive dynamics of hard ellipses are investigated in the isotropic and nematic phases by Monte Carlo simulation. In particular, an enhancement of the translational diffusion with respect to the rotational diffusion is observed at an onset concentration φ_{on} within the isotropic phase, which is explained in terms of the formation of unstable nematic-like regions with a mean lifetime that exceeds the characteristic time of diffusion at φ_{on}. The relevance to the onset of spatially heterogeneous dynamics in supercooled glass-forming liquids is discussed.


The way populations respond to selection can be altered when populations are acclimated prior to selection. To examine this possibility, the responses of replicate lines of Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans to selection for increased resistance to cold were compared. Flies were selected without hardening or after they had been hardened by holding them at 4°C for one hour. The selection response in both species was much greater when flies were not cold‐hardened. Cold resistance in both sets of selected lines reached a plateau after a few generations. Surprisingly, continued selection for increased resistance resulted in decreasing levels of resistance. This decrease was no longer evident after selection had been relaxed for a generation, suggesting cross‐generation effects. The magnitude of the cross‐generation effects increased with additional generations of selection. Cross‐generation effects were also detected for fitness components. Relaxing selection for a generation increased fecundity, weight, viability, and development time. Comparisons of relaxed lines and control lines indicated that only fecundity was influenced by selection. Both sets of selected lines had a lower fecundity than control lines. Crosses between control and selected lines and among replicate selected lines indicated that this decrease in fecundity was not associated with inbreeding. The direct and correlated responses to selection for cold resistance can therefore be influenced by acclimation and cross‐generation effects.


In recent years, natural materials are becoming a valid alternative to traditional sound absorbers due to reduced production costs and environmental protection. This study explores alternative usage of sheep wool as a construction material with improved sound absorbing properties beyond its traditional application as a sound absorber in textile industry or using of waste wool in the textile industry as a raw material. The aim of this study was to obtain materials with improved sound-absorbing properties using sheep wool as a raw material. Seven materials were obtained by hot pressing (60 ÷ 80 °C and 0.05 ÷ 6 MPa) of wool fibers and one by cold pressing. Results showed that by simply hot pressing the wool, a different product was obtained, which could be processed and easily manipulated. The obtained materials had very good sound absorption properties, with acoustic absorption coefficient values of over 0.7 for the frequency range of 800 ÷ 3150 Hz. The results prove that sheep wool has a comparable sound absorption performance to mineral wool or recycled polyurethane foam.