Recently different hemostatic agents have been developed, but most of them are ineffective in severe bleeding and expensive or cause safety concerns. In this study, we fabricated duck's feet collagen-based porous sponges and investigated its use as a hemostatic agent. We determined the sponge's physical and biological characteristics and compared with Avitene via scanning electron microscope analysis, water-uptake abilities and porosity test, and cytotoxicity assay. The duck's feet collagen/silk sponge showed a larger interconnected porous structure compared to others sponges. The duck's feet collagen/silk sponge also exhibited significantly higher porosity than Avitene. Hemostatic properties of the sponges were evaluated by whole blood clotting and rat femoral artery hemorrhage experiment. The addition of silk to duck's feet collagen showed better blood clotting ability than Avitene in vitro. However, rat femoral artery hemorrhage test showed a similar hemostatic property between the duck's feet collagen-based sponges and Avitene. We suggest that duck's feet collagen-based sponge can be effectively used for hemostatic applications.


Exchange rate and central bank intervention is an important topic in the exchange rate
determination [1-4]. Exchange rates are volatile after the breakdown of the Bretton
Woods system of fixed exchange rate in the year 1973. Central banks especially those
in economies adopted a managed exchange rate regime actively intervene in the
exchange rate market to maintain their exchange rates and to reduce their exchange
rate volatility, which can affect international trade, financial flow and economic growth.
Central bank intervention in the exchange rate market may want to accrue international
reserves to enhance the fundamental of the economy [5]. There are two important
issues related to the exchange rate intervention, namely the effectiveness of central
bank intervention and the success of central bank in maintaining the exchange rate and
in reducing exchange rate volatility [1,4,6]. In general, the literature of exchange rate
and central bank intervention is inconclusive on the impact of central bank intervention.
Most studies conclude that central bank intervention tends to increase exchange rate
volatility.


BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a common and costly chronic disease that increasingly affects minority populations; however, there is little evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness and costs of culturally appropriate disease management programs. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical outcomes and costs of Project Dulce, a combined stepped-care diabetes nurse case management program and culturally oriented peer-led self-empowerment training program. METHODS: Pre—post clinical outcome and cost analysis of Project Dulce participants were compared with a cohort of historical controls over a one-year period. Subjects included 348 persons with diabetes with coverage under County Medical Services who were receiving services in community health centers in San Diego, CA. Generalized regression models were used to estimate changes in clinical outcomes (hemoglobin [Hb] A1c, blood pressure, cholesterol level) and costs associated with participation in Project Dulce. RESULTS: Project Dulce participants had significant reductions in HbA1c (0.8%; p < 0.001), systolic (5.4 mm Hg; p = 0.001) and diastolic (8.0 mm Hg; p < 0.001) blood pressure, total cholesterol (28.1 mg/dL; p < 0.001), and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (15.6 mg/dL; p < 0.001). Expenditures for pharmacy ($3157 Dulce vs $1618 control) and disease management ($507 Dulce) increased. Total costs were higher during the first year of disease management ($5711 Dulce vs $4365 control; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Project Dulce was effective in improving clinical outcomes for control of diabetes and related conditions in a medically indigent, culturally diverse population. Our finding of reduced hospital expenditures, although statistically insignificant, is clinically and economically important and suggests that intervention might provide an immediate benefit to a high-risk population.


Manufacturing Execution Systems are essential elements for vertical integration in modern automation systems because they provide the link between the centralized enterprise level and the distributed shop floor. Existing centralized MES implementations can however not properly cope with an unpredictable order flow, changes on the shop floor, or the increasing complexity of both. Distribution of the MES functionalities would allow shifting the decision making process from the enterprise down to the field level, resulting in a more flexible manufacturing system. This paper investigates how and to which extent MES functionalities can actually be distributed in different approaches with varying degree of organization and shows what affects system behavior with respect to flexibility and optimization.


The aim of this paper is to present a new algorithm for tracking objects through image processing. A real time analysis of a scene is performed. The motion estimation of all blocks in a sequence of images of a scene is computed and the motion vectors that show the direction and the distance of all blocks are generated. The motion vector of the largest moving object is generated from the collection of the motion vectors computed.


The evaluation of photosynthetic pigments composition is an essential task in agricultural studies. This is due to the fact that pigments composition could well represent the plant characteristics such as age and varieties. It could also describe the plant conditions, for example, nutrient deficiency, senescence, and responses under stress. Pigment role as light absorber makes it visually colorful. This colorful appearance provides benefits to the researcher on conducting a nondestructive analysis through a plant color digital image. In this research, a multispectral digital image was used to analyze three main photosynthetic pigments, i.e., chlorophyll, carotenoid, and anthocyanin in a plant leaf. Moreover, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model was developed to deliver a real-time analysis system. Input of the system is a plant leaf multispectral digital image, and the output is a content prediction of the pigments. It is proven that the CNN model could well recognize the relationship pattern between leaf digital image and pigments content. The best CNN architecture was found on ShallowNet model using Adaptive Moment Estimation (Adam) optimizer, batch size 30 and trained with 15 epoch. It performs satisfying prediction with MSE 0.0037 for in sample and 0.0060 for out sample prediction (actual data range -0.1 up to 2.2).


Microorganisms which can resist high concentration of toxic heavy metals are often considered as effective tools of bioremediation from such pollutants. In the present study, sediment samples from Vembanad Lake were screened for the presence of halophilic bacteria that are tolerant to heavy metals. A total of 35 bacterial strains belonging to different genera such as Alcaligenes, Vibrio, Kurthia, Staphylococcus and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 21 sediment samples during February to April, 2008. The salt tolerance and optimum salt concentrations of the isolates revealed that most of them were moderate halophiles followed by halotolerant and extremely halotolerant groups. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against cadmium and lead for each isolate revealed that the isolates showed higher MIC against lead than cadmium. Based on the resistance limit concentration, most of them were more tolerant to lead than cadmium at all the three salt concentrations tested. Heavy metal removal efficiency of selected isolates showed a maximum reduction of 37 and 99% against cadmium and lead respectively. The study reveals the future prospects of halophilic microorganisms in the field of bioremediation.


Attribute-based filters can be involved in analysis and processing of images by considering attributes of various kinds (quantitative, qualitative, structural). Despite their potential usefulness, they are quite infrequently considered in the development of real applications. A cause of this underuse is probably the difficulty to determine correct parameters for non-scalar attributes in a fast and efficient fashion. This paper proposes a general definition of vector-attribute filters for grey-level images and describes some solutions to perform detection tasks using vector-attributes and parameters determined from a learning set. Based on these elements, an interactive segmentation method for dermatological application has been developed.


Grain sorghum is grown in environments of highly variable water supply, both within
and between seasons. This variability, coupled with associated genotype-by-environment
(GxE) interactions, results in unclear definition of both target environment(s) and
traits that may be used as selection criteria, causing slow progress in breeding for
drought resistance. This paper reviews new approaches to characterize environments
in terms of the incidence of water deficits and to assess the value of traits for improvement
of drought resistance. Sorghum simulation models are powerful tools to characterize
types of environmental challenges and their frequency of occurrence at different
locations. Models also are being used to assess hypotheses about trait action and their
value, and to develop optimal combinations of traits for different environmental challenges.
Further research involving physiologists, agronomists, and plant breeders using
integrated systems analysis will realize the potential of these approaches and improve
the efficiency of selection in drought-prone environments.


Music performance anxiety is a problem that affects musicians, potentially generating psychological and physiological symptoms that may sometimes be debilitating, and in many situations interfering with the quality of their performances. The present study aims to quantitativelyanalyze the levels of music performance anxiety of classical music teachers, singers and instrumentalists who are professionally active either on mainland Portugal and or in its autonomous regions. We carried out aquestionnaire survey in which professional musicians and students (n=188) participated voluntarily. The results revealed that 86.7% of the musicians reported suffering from this problem. Respondents also reported recourse to drugs, alcohol and psychotropic substances to deal with the problem.
We conclude that music performance anxiety afflicts most musicians and that it would be highly pertinent to carry out further research in order to better grasp the extent and depth of this problem.


Transilial bone biopsy after tetracycline labeling coupled with histomorphometry has become an indispensable tool in the clinical research of metabolic bone disease, especially in evaluating the long-term safety and efficacy of therapeutic agents proposed for treatment of bone disease. It is probably not necessary for the majority of patients who seek medical care for bone diseases such as osteoporosis. It is particularly useful in the management of patients with end-stage renal disease who develop symptomatic bone disease because it may be the only means of deciding on proper treatment. The biopsy can be performed safely by nearly any clinician after brief training. Tetracycline labeling must be accomplished before the biopsy, and the specimen must be handled carefully to avoid removal of the mineral or disturbing the label. Embedding, sectioning, staining, and analysis must be performed without removal of the mineral. The difficulty of this methodology has limited its availability. Nevertheless, it can be applied in most situations in which there is clear benefit to patient management.


The subject of intimate violence and abuse has piqued the interest of different groups of people, including psychologists, scholars, and human rights activists over the past 45 years. Even though the epidemiological literature has consistently shown that at least one out of every three people who experience intimate partner violence is a male partner, current initiatives have chosen to ignore this fact. Instead, the phenomenon has been described by most of its advocates as a gender-cockeyed social issue, with a man penned in an "offender"position and a woman in that of a "helpless victim". Consequently, the exploited man and the abusing woman have been overly overlooked in the therapeutic processes, academic research, and legislative domain. This analytical paper, therefore, is an attempt to counter this position by showing how abuse and violence to intimate male partners happen and the milieu that gave rise to the misconceptions which have led to this unfortunate standpoint. Findings demonstrate that intimate male partners from all walks of life and backgrounds experience abuse and violence of some sort, particularly those relating to non-physical, unlike most women. The paper recommends abnegating the current unilateral narrative and rhetoric of domestic abuse and violence.


Investigation is made and data given for the rising generation from III and IV class trained for the specialty "operator-power technician". Studies are carried out on a number of properties of the Central Nervous Activity and the analyzers, some functions of attention, as well as specific personal characteristics of 44 professionally suitable and 21 professionally unsuitable schoolchildren. The results of the comparative analysis of the experimental material, and the received correlation relation of the incidences with the external criteria "success in the mastering of the profession" give grounds to accept that the high versatility of the basic nervous processes, the capacity for concentration, resistance and swiftness in switching the attention, the low personal uneasiness and expressed emotional stability are of professional importance and determine the possibility for success in mastering the profession "operator-power technician".


Many artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have been approved for malaria treatment, yet reports indicate that some ACTs pose reversible testicular toxicity; however there is no comparative study of these ACTs on the testes in a curative malarial model. We investigated the ameliorative activity of six ACTs on Plasmodium berghei (PB) induced perturbations in testicular antioxidants, serum testosterone levels, sperm motility and the testes microanatomy. Forty male Swiss mice were divided into 8 groups of 5 each: Group 1 normal control (NC), uninfected and untreated, received placebo; group 2 was parasitized non-treated (PNT), while groups 3 - 8 received PB inoculum intraperitoneally. Initial parasitemia was established after 72 hours. Groups 3 - 8 thereafter received oral therapeutic doses of artesunate/amodiaquine (PBAA), artesunate/mefloquine (PBAM), artesunate/sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (PBASP), artemisinin-piperaquine (PBAP), dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine (PBDP) and artemether/lumefantrine (PBAL) per kg body weight respectively. Final parasitemia was performed 24 hours after last treatment, and animals euthanized. Result for parasitemia level was significantly (p < 0.05) declined in ACT-treated groups, except PBASP compared with PNT. Enzymatic antioxidants were significantly (p < 0.0001) altered in ACT-treated groups compared to PNT. Non-enzymatic antioxidants were significantly (p < 0.0001) increased in PBDP compared to NC and PNT. Progressive sperm motility significantly (p < 0.0001) declined in PNT, PBASP, PBAP and PBDP groups compared to NC. Testosterone showed decreasing trend in PBAP compared to PNT, and severe testicular distortions were demonstrated in PNT, PBASP, PBAP and PBDP. This study concludes that therapeutic doses of AA, AM and AL moderately protects against the deleterious effects of Plasmodium berghei-induced testicular toxicity in Swiss mice.


In the previous reporting period, we showed that, when many users run the same software, such as an operating system, the majority of field software failures are rediscoveries of known problems. This clearly shows that the number of faults identified in a software system is not the only important factor; rediscoveries can seriously degrade software dependability. The effects of rediscoveries are: 1) more failures than the number of faults, 2") wasted service resources due to repeated data collection and^ diagnosis of the same problem, and 3) being unable to provide / service to users until diagnosis is complete even if a solution./ already exists. To address the second and third effects, we developed symptom-based diagnosis of rediscovered software failures and showed that the majority of rediscoveries can be automatically diagnosed based on symptoms, such as procedure call trace and problem detection location.


As the indications for the nonoperative management (NOM) of hepatic injury have expanded, the incidence of complications of NOM has increased. Among such complications, arterioportal fistula (APF) formation is rare, although dangerous, due to the potential for portal hypertension. Embolization is performed in APF patients with clinical signs suggestive of portal hypertension. Meanwhile, no indications for treatment have been established in APF patients without symptoms, as the natural history of posttraumatic APF is not well understood. We herein report the case of a 35-year-old female with severe hepatic injury (Grade IV on the Organ Injury Scale of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma) due to a traffic accident. Her hemodynamic state remained stable, and an enhanced CT scan obtained on admission showed no extravasation of contrast medium, pseudoaneurysm formation, or APF; therefore, NOM was selected. Although the patient's physical condition was stable, an enhanced CT scan obtained 13 days after the injury showed APF in segment 8 of the liver. Although embolization was considered, the APF was not accompanied by portal dilatation suggestive of portal hypertension; hence, strict observation was selected. Consequently, follow-up CT performed on day 58 after the injury revealed spontaneous closure of the APF.


OBJECTIVE
To compare three immunoassays for total prostate specific antigen (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), free-to-total PSA ratio (f/tPSA), and the f/tPSA thresholds for optimal differentiation between benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer in 141 consecutive patients referred for prostatic disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study included 43 patients with prostate cancer and 98 with BPH, all confirmed histologically. PSA levels were assessed using the following assay kits just before histological analysis of the prostate; Hybritech (Tandem-R PSA, normal values, NV, < 4 ng/mL, and Tandem-R free PSA), Cis Bio (PSA-RIACT, NV < 2.5 ng/mL and fPSA-RIACT) and Immunocorp (PSA-IRMA, NV < 4 ng/mL and Free PSA-IRMA). The results were assessed to determine the sensitivity, specificity and threshold values of the different assays to differentiate patients with BPH and cancer.

RESULTS
The mean tPSA and f/tPSA ratio were statistically different in assays with different NVs. The mean fPSA values differed significantly between the Hybritech and Cis Bio, between the Hybritech and Immunocorp but not between the Cis Bio and Immunocorp assays. With receiver operator curve analysis, there were no statistically significant differences among the three immunoassays in f/tPSA (0.72 for Hybritech, 0.73 for Cis Bio and 0.64 for Immunocorp) or between the tPSA and fPSA curves for each manufacturer. With the sensitivity fixed at 90%, different f/tPSA thresholds were defined (0.22, 0.34 and 0.25 for Hybritech, Cis Bio and Immunocorp, respectively). The specificities (i.e. the percentage of unnecessary biopsies spared) were 22%, 21% and 31%, respectively (not significantly different).

CONCLUSION
Each immunoassay could be used to distinguish prostate cancer and BPH at different f/tPSA thresholds, with 21-30% of unnecessary biopsies spared. There was no difference in overall performance among the different assays. Further studies are needed to better define the exact use of the f/tPSA ratio in the routine diagnosis of prostate cancer.


We used multielectrode arrays to measure the response of populations of neurons in primate middle temporal area to the transparent motion of two superimposed dot fields moving in different directions. The shape of the population response was well predicted by the sum of the responses to the constituent fields. However, the population response profile for transparent dot fields was similar to that for coherent plaid motion and hence an unreliable cue to transparency. We then used single-unit recording to characterize component and pattern cells from their response to drifting plaids. Unlike for plaids, component cells responded to the average direction of superimposed dot fields, whereas pattern cells could signal the constituent motions. This observation provides support for a strong prediction of the Simoncelli and Heeger (1998) model of motion analysis in area middle temporal, and suggests that pattern cells have a special status in the processing of superimposed dot fields.


Resistance to cytotoxic drugs is a significant problem of systemic treatment of cancers. Apart from drug inactivation, changes in target enzymes and proteins, increased DNA repair and suppression of apoptosis, an important mechanism of resistance is an active drug efflux from cancer cells. Drug efflux across the cell membrane is caused by transport proteins such as ABC proteins (ATP-binding cassette). This review focuses on the ABCC protein subfamily, whose members are responsible for multidrug cross-resistance of cancer cells to cytotoxic agents. The authors discuss the structure of ABCC proteins, their physiological function and diseases provoked by mutations of respective genes, their expression in many different malignancies and its connection with resistance to anticancer drugs, as well as methods of reversion of such resistance.


: In order to promote convenient strategies for the utilization of wood wastes from aucoumea klaineana pierre (okoume) timber industry, various chemical analysis were carried out on samples from different origins. Total extractives content of the bark, sapwood and heartwood of okoume were evaluated. thermogravimetric analyses were performed and the stiasny number was calculated. it was found that the bark was richer in fatty acid of high molecular weight while the sapwood was rich in fatty acid of low molecular weight. the condensed tannins content varied according to the origin and the part of the tree. these new findings should be useful for green okoume based tannin adhesives.


In this talk the pomeron conjecture is reviewed and constituent gluon models are derived. In a simple two-gluon glueball spectrum the pomeron trajectory and the daughter trajectories are computed. The open problems of two-gluon glueballs are discussed, including transversality and Yang's theorem, the spin tensor interactions, the structure of the string and decays. The related systems of charmed hybrids and of the gluelump are also addressed. To conclude, different aspects of glueballs that could be measured at PANDA are highlighted.


A cerebral vasodilatory capacity map, consisting of a 99mTc-DTPA-HSA SPECT image obtained after acetazolamide injection minus the baseline image, was produced in a patient with moyamoya disease. The map demonstrated diminished capacity in the posterior region of the right cerebral hemisphere. Subsequently, cerebral infarction occurred in the corresponding area. This observation suggests that regions of low vasodilatory capacity identified by cerebral vasodilatory capacity mapping may be at high risk of ischemic stroke.


Plasmapheresis is a general term involving extracorporeal plasma separation by centrifugation or primary membrane plasma separator (MPS). Further plasma processing can be accomplished by the use of secondary membrane plasma fractionation (PF), as in double filtration plasmapheresis, also called cascade filtration, low-density lipoprotein pheresis, thermofiltration, and cryofiltration apheresis. Otherwise, the separated plasma is replaced by colloid solution as in plasma exchange (PE). PE is used, unselectively, to treat patients with immunological, neurological, hematological, renal, and metabolic disorders. Secondary PF may be a more selective alternative. In general, the primary MPS and secondary PF are safe, effective, and biocompatible. The advantages of the primary MPS include its simplicity to use with blood pumps and no observed white blood cell or platelet loss, compared with centrifugation. The disadvantages are lack of versatility, the need to monitor transmembrane pressure to prevent hemolysis, and possible biocompatibility issues such as use of polyvinyl alcohol membranes. The advantages of secondary PF, compared with PE, include selective removal of macromolecules according to molecular weight and filter pore size. No deficiency syndromes or sepsis are observed, nor is replacement solution required. More than 1 plasma volume may be processed, and it is less expensive than PE. Cryofiltration apheresis, using the cryoglobulin filter, selectively removes cryoproteins and is a specific treatment for cryoprecipitate-induced diseases. The disadvantages of PF include biocompatibility, especially with concomitant ACE inhibitor use, and membrane plugging. An important disadvantage is that most PFs are investigational in the United States. This article reviews the availability, safety, efficacy, and biocompatibility of primary MPSs and secondary PF in the United States.


Introduction This chapter concerns Neogene (Miocene and Pliocene) insectivores from The Netherlands. The same biogeographical and tectonical realm, i.e. the southeastern part of the North Sea Basin, also has several sites in the western part of Germany, but these localities are discussed in the chapter on Germany (Ziegler et al., 2005). Most of the region concerned was covered by (often shallow) seas during most of the Neogene. A late Miocene coastline can be reconstructed as running in a SW- NE direction from Antwerp (Belgium), Liessel (The Netherlands, province of Noord-Brabant), Uedem/Kevelaer (Germany, Land Nordrhein-Westfalen), to Miste/Winterswijk (The Netherlands, province of Gelderland) by the finds of glauconitic greensand-deposits containing shells and the skeletons of (beached?) whales (e.g. Hampe, 1996; Bol, 2000; Peters & Monteiro, 2005, and literature therein). No continental deposits are to be expected northwest if this line. Only during Late Pliocene and Pleistocene times the coastline recedes in a northwestern direction, in times leaving the North Sea more or less dry during climate-induced regressions (e.g., during the Late Weichselian). As far as I can reconstruct, the oldest fossil insectivores from The Netherlands were found in the late 1830's after a well was drilled in the town of Gorinchem (Schreuder, 1941). There, some postcranials and a fragmentary mandible of Desmana were brought to light from a depth of 109 m. The remains were originally described as Viverra [= Galerix] exilis (Harting, 1853), but were recognized as a desman by Schreuder (1941). Since that time, Neogene fossils from The Netherlands were restricted for a long period


The aim of this work was to fabricate a new heterogeneous catalyst as zinc ferrite (ZF) supported on gamma-alumina (γ-Al2O3) for the conversion of cyclic ethers to the corresponding, more valuable lactones, using a solvent-free method and O2 as an oxidant. Hence, the ZF@γ-Al2O3 catalyst was prepared using a deposition–coprecipitation method, then characterized using TEM, SEM, EDS, TGA, FTIR, XRD, ICP, XPS, and BET surface area, and further applied for aerobic oxidation of cyclic ethers. The structural analysis indicated spherical, uniform ZF particles of 24 nm dispersed on the alumina support. Importantly, the incorporation of ZF into the support influenced its texture, i.e., the surface area and pore size were reduced while the pore diameter was increased. The product identification indicated lactone compound as the major product for saturated cyclic ether oxidation. For THF as a model reaction, it was found that the supported catalyst was 3.2 times more potent towards the oxidation of cyclic ethers than the unsupported one. Furthermore, the low reactivity of the six-membered ethers can be tackled by optimizing the oxidant pressure and the reaction time. In the case of unsaturated ethers, deep oxidation and polymerization reactions were competitive oxidations. Furthermore, it was found that the supported catalyst maintained good stability and catalytic activity, even after four cycles.


Author(s): Kuo, Shou-Jen | Advisor(s): Alexander, Michael; Lucia, Amanda | Abstract: This dissertation aims to isolate some of the basic study frameworks of describing and understanding how 'religion' is currently practiced by many Chinese Americans in the United States. I rely on insights into Chinese American religiosity gained through ethnographic field research and participant observation at Hsi Lai Temple (HLT) in Southern California, a Chinese Buddhist monastery established in late 1980s by the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order headquartered in Taiwan. The resulting work provides a variety of practical frameworks for scholars to examine how religion is woven into the fabric of the Chinese American community at large, and how Humanistic Buddhism, which has been highlighted as a modern formation of Chinese Buddhism to serve and benefit the living in this world here and now, shapes and structures individuals' daily lives.This dissertation concludes that HLT offers a themed "hyperreality" environment for raising followers of Humanistic Buddhism among the Chinese American community in Southern California. In the process of making people believe in Humanistic Buddhism, HLT fabricates its own world of credibility by utilizing a broad and deep reservoir of Chinese religio-cultural matters as the source to facilitate the construction of a ritualized mechanism deployed on HLT ground with the blueprint of the Pure Land of Humanistic Buddhism in the present. By bodily situating themselves in the HLT world, Chinese American visitors become religious in the traditional sense of Chinese Buddhism. The evidence from studying traditional Chinese religio-cultural frameworks of the HLT spatial organization and ritualized activity programs and the psychological state of lay visitors at HLT in this research demonstrates that the Chinese spiritual elements of their inherited religious traditions in symbolic forms and meanings are explicitly displayed to, rather than purposefully withheld from, the general public in reinventing people's religiousness in American society. Studying these religious experiences and mentalities provides an insightful opportunity for understanding how Chinese Americans in the twentieth-first century are developing identities and moral guidance in their daily lives in the United States.


iAbstract Background: Measuring nursing students' competencies in spiritual care and their development is important and the application of a reliable and valid instrument is recommended in the literature. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of Spiritual Care Competence Scale (SCCS) among nursing students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 nursing students in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2011. Spiritual Care Competence Scale by Van Leeuwen et al, 2009 was translated into Persian and back-translated, then pilot study was performed to determine the cultural sensitivity. Construct validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency was estimated by Cronbach's alpha and the average inter-item correlation. In addition, the test-retest reliability of the scale was determined in 20 subjects within two weeks. Findings: The order of the factors was entirely consistent with those extracted previously during the psychometric assessment of the English version of the scale. The cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.77 for the total scale and ranged from 0.65 to 0.85 for subscales. The inter-item correlations was statistically significant in all questions (P<0.05). The test-retest indicated that the translated scale and its subscales are reliable. Exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation yielded six factors with eigen values more than 1 that explained 63.18% of the variance. The subscales showed good homogeneity with average inter-item correlations more than 0.35 and a good test–retest reliability. The CFA of the six-factor model based on the EFA represented an acceptable fit. Conclusion: With regard to the results, the SCCS can be used for research, educational and practical purposes to assess paramedics' competency specially nurses' competencies qualified for spiritual care. The psychometric quality of the scale was satisfactory. Methodological limitations should be taken into account in any further development of the spiritual care competence scale.


The genus Pinguicula L. (Lentibulariaceae, Butterworts) consists of some 50 species (Casper 1966) which are present on all continents except Australia and all but the extreme north-west of Africa. In Europe, 12 species were described by Casper (1972). Nine species (including two newly described by Blanca et al . 1999) occur on the Iberian peninsula, of which five are endemics. In the British Isles today there are just three species (i) P. vulgaris , (ii) P. grandiflora and (iii) P. lusitanica , and a fourth, P. alpina (iv), existed in Scotland at a very limited number of sites in the nineteenth century, and finally became extinct around 1900‡. In common with those in Spain, the representatives of the genus in the British Isles belong to the three subgenera into which it has been subdivided (Casper 1966), subgenus Pinguicula Casper for (i) and (ii), subgenus Isoloba Barnhart for (iii) and Micranthus Casper for (iv). The species are herbaceous, relatively short-lived perennials (although occasionally behaving as annuals) and of rosette habit whilst in active growth, some overwintering as hibernacula. Many reproduce vegetatively by means of bulbils and/or epiphyllous buds which later take root. Unlike members of the other two genera ( Genlisea and Utricularia ) in the family, all species of Pinguicula bear true roots, which are either fibrous, tufted, and often ephemeral, or, as in P. alpina , swollen and perennial. The leaves, which in most species lie appressed to the ground, are occasionally heterophyllous and the later formed ones may be larger and semi-erect (whereby the plant can tolerate more shaded conditions). The leaves are adapted for insectivory and bear glands of two types (stalked and sessile) on the upper surfaces. The stalked glands carry permanent mucilaginous droplets giving the characteristic greasy feel, and the generic name is derived from the Latin pinguis fatty or greasy to the touch. The gland secretions can trap and digest prey, and the glands then absorb the products of digestion (Heslop-Harrison & Knox 1971; Heslop-Harrison 1978; Heslop-Harrison & HeslopHarrison 1980, 1981), as first reported by Darwin (1875). Most species are confined to wet, relatively open sites and do not withstand much competition from other plants. Cladistic analyses have shown the ordinal classification of the family Lentibulariaceae to be placed accurately in the Lamiales (APG 1998), and the phylogenetic relationships of the genera Pinguicula , and Genlisea , inferred from rps16 and trnL-F sequence data, have been made in relation to molecular systematic studies (Jobson et al . 2003). Sequence analyses in most of the European species of Pinguicula have been made using the internal-transcribed (ITS) R DNA region by A. Schmidt (1998), and from these results he has proposed a phylogenetic tree for the species. The only DNA C -value recorded for the genus is for the American P. primuliflora , which was estimated to have a 1C DNA amount of 0.68 pg (= 669 Mbp) (Hanson et al . 2001).


The adoption of reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) in wireless networks can enhance the spectrum- and energy-efficiency by controlling the propagation environment. Although the RIS does not consume any transmit power, the circuit power of the RIS cannot be ignored, especially when the number of reflecting elements is large. In this paper, we propose the joint design of beamforming vectors at the base station, active RIS set, and phase-shift matrices at the active RISs to minimize the network power consumption, including the RIS circuit power consumption, while taking into account each user's target data rate requirement and each reflecting element's constant modulus constraint. However, the formulated problem is a mixed-integer quadratic programming (MIQP) problem, which is NP-hard. To this end, we present an alternating optimization method, which alternately solves second order cone programming (SOCP) and MIQP problems to update the optimization variables. Specifically, the MIQP problem is further transformed into a semidefinite programming problem by applying binary relaxation and semidefinite relaxation. Finally, an efficient algorithm is developed to solve the problem. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm significantly reduces the network power consumption and reveal the importance of taking into account the RIS circuit power consumption.


This essay responds to Jonathan Bate's call for a "Global Warming Criticism" by reconsidering strains of Romantic utopianism in relation to current perspectives on a changing climate. The relation between melancholy and utopian literature—exemplified in the "poeticall commonwealth" of social engineering offered by "Democritus to the Reader" in Robert Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy—assumes a new form in the Romantic era by incorporating both a historiography of human perfectibility and a Hippocratic climatology of collective temperaments. A renewed emphasis on the relation between physical environment and moral character (inherited most directly from Montesquieu) conjoins with a scientifically endorsed historical optimism (articulated most completely by Condorcet) to give new life to the perennial utopian dream of the banishment of melancholy. In the medical writings of Pierre-Jean-Georges Cabanis and in the poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley, climate change is coordinate with social harmony and moral perfection, a tragically misguided vision stemming from an emphasis on humanity's liberation from contingency. But dissenting views from Thomas Malthus and John Keats use the language of melancholy itself to critique dreams of absolute felicity and climatic engineering. They thus provide a more useful model of Romantic climatology for current environmental concerns.


We present evidence that differences in soil seedbank persistence among pioneer plants in the cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica, are influenced by differences in seed chemical defense. We used extracted seed chemicals from Bocconia frutescens (Papaveraceae), Guettarda poasana (Rubiaceae), Phytolacca rivinoides (Phytolaccaceae), Urera elata (Urticaceae), Cecropia polyphlebia (Cecropiaceae), and Witheringia meiantha (Solanaceae) to assess seed chemical defense in two ways: (1) a plant pathogen inhibition assay using Pythium irregulare; and (2) a brine shrimp toxicity assay using Artemia salina. The combined performance of each species in the two assays positively correlated with seedbank persistence. In the pathogen assay, mycelium growth was reduced when Pythium was cultured on media containing seed extracts from the three species with the greatest seed longevity in the soil (i.e., Bocconia, Guettarda, and Phytolacca). Bocconia, the most persistent species, was the only species that contained chemicals toxic to brine shrimp, an indication of defense against arthropods. We focused on Bocconia defense by isolating the chemicals toxic to brine shrimp and identified them as dihydrosanguinarine, dihydrochelirubine, and dihydrochelerthrine. We found these alkaloids in Bocconia seeds at much higher concentrations (∼50 mg/g seed material) than in leaves. These chemicals are likely responsible for the exceptional longevity of Bocconia seeds in the soil. Phytolacca and Guettarda seeds also remain viable in the soil for long periods probably due to antipathogen chemicals detected in our analyses. In contrast, the species that do not persist (i.e., Urera, Cecropia, and Witheringia) lacked seed defensive chemicals in our assays.


We have investigated the relationship between plasma endothelin (ET) concentrations and several clinical characteristics in 31 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). ET levels were also measured in 10 age-matched healthy subjects, 9 patients with unstable angina, and 20 patients with chronic heart disease. In patients with MI, although no significant relationship was observed between plasma ET concentrations and measured hemodynamic parameters, plasma levels were higher in patients with pulmonary congestion than in those without this complication (1.61 +/- 0.29 vs 1.21 +/- 0.33 fmol/ml; p < 0.01). No significant difference in plasma ET levels was found between cardiac and peripheral sampling sites (pulmonary artery; 1.07 +/- 0.28, right atrium; 1.02 +/- 0.28, peripheral artery; 1.12 +/- 0.23, peripheral vein; 1.14 +/- 0.38 fmol/ml: N.S.), or among patients with uncomplicated MI, unstable angina (1.00 +/- 0.32 fmol/ml), and healthy subjects (1.01 +/- 0.29 fmol/ml). Increased level were observed in patients with decompensated heart failure due to chronic heart disease, but were not found in patients without pulmonary congestion (1.62 +/- 0.60 vs 1.11 +/- fmol/ml; p < 0.01). These observations suggest that plasma ET concentrations are elevated in the presence of congestive heart failure or severe ventricular depression, but are not persistently increased by myocardial ischemia per se.


Problem: There are strong forces from for instance politicians, who want to allow third party access to the district heating market, as has already been done in the electricity and gas markets. But what would be the consequences of a third party access to the district heating market? Will it create a competitive market, and will it be able to put any pressure on the prices? What will be the consequences for the current monopoly holder? Purpose: The purpose is to investigate the impact of allowing third party access to a local district heating market Methods: The questions raised have been answered with a case study at the district heating system in Helsingborg. Qualitative interviews have been carried out with employees at the energy company Oresundskraft in Helsingborg and with people with key competences within the appropriate authorities, organisations and other companies. In addition to this, secondary data from books, articles, government nvestigations etc. have been used in the study. Due to uncertainties in some areas, scenario analysis has been applied in the analysis. Conclusions: Although the district heating distribution network in Helsingborg is one of the largest in Sweden, we can not see that it is large enough to create conditions for competition neither on the market nor on the production side with third party access. The price will continue to be set according to the alternative price for the customer even with third party access. Existing industrial surplus heat producers will however get the possibility to sell their heat direct to the end user. With current conditions, there will be no change in profit to mention for the existing surplus heat producers if they choose to sell direct to end customer in comparison the supplier model of today. Since no competition will be created in one of the larger distribution networks in Sweden, this implies that there will be no competition worth mentioning in the majority of the district heating systems in Sweden. Thanks to the third party access, the industrial surplus heat will get the possibility of connecting to the local district heating systems, and thereby give the surplus heat producers the possibility to sell off the surplus heat. If the alternative is to get nothing at all for the surplus heat, our calculations show that the economical gain generated by the sold surplus heat is large enough that it motivates to connect it to the district heating distribution network even if it results in large initial investments.


We present some fixed point results for mappings which satisfy Hardy-Rogers rational type, quasicontraction type, weak contraction type and generalized f type cyclic conditions in 0-complete partial metric spaces. Pre- sented results generalize or improve many existing fixed point theorems in the literature. To demonstrate our results, we give throughout the paper some examples. One of the possible applications of our results to well-posed and limit shadowing property of fixed point problems is also presented.


In this work, we introduce a new method to reduce the microscopic mean-field theory to a classical macroscopic dynamics during the initial stage of fusion reactions. We show that TDHF (Time-dependent Hartree-Fock) could be a useful tool to gain information on fusion barriers as well as on one-body dissipation effects. We apply the mean-field theory to the case of head-on reaction between $^{16}$O and $^{16,22,24,28}$O in order to quantify the effect of neutron skin on fusion. We show that the determination of fusion barrier requires, in addition to a precise knowledge of the relative distance between the center of mass of the two fusing nuclei, the introduction of an additional collective coordinate that explicitly breaks the neutron-proton symmetry. In this context, we estimate the position, height and diffuseness of the barrier as well as the one-body friction and show that a global enhancement of the fusion cross-section is expected in neutron rich nuclei.


A lane detection algorithm under complex road conditions is proposed in this paper, which will be helpful to improve the accuracy and stability of lane detection. In the image preprocessing stage, a rapid temporal blur algorithm is employed to connect the dashed lanes. Besides, based on the traditional gamma correction method, a new specific method combined with the tangent function is designed to achieve a good threshold segmentation effect in all pixel of the image. In the lane detection period, the detection algorithm based on Hough transform and heuristic search is applied to the straight lane and curved lane respectively, and then the two parts are fitted by B-spline into a smooth curve. Experimental results show that the lane detection algorithm under complex road condition proposed by this paper has a good performance of real-time capability and robustness.


OCT in a 74-year-old woman highlights how an angiographic coronary fenestration can be acquired through calcific nodule atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. We demonstrate how tandem anatomic and physiologic assessment can be used to diagnose, functionally evaluate, and effectively treat this rare finding.


The existence of cryptocurrency has attracted controvercies world wide. Many people, including Indonesian, had benefit from cryptocurrency, meanwhile there were also more people suffered lost from "investment" in cryptocurrency. The aim of this research was to make clear the legal status of cryptocurrency in Indonesia. This research was a normative legal research. It conducted literature review to obtain the required data. Data obtained and used in this research were secondary data, which consisted of primary, secondary and tertiary legal documents. Data obtained from literature review were analysed using normative comparative method with qualitative approach. The result proved that as currency, the existence of cryptocurrency for payment was legally prohibited. The involvement of Indonesian citizen in the "investment" in form of crytocurrency can be treated as against public policy even though the issuance of such cryptocurrency was subject to foreign applicable laws.


Based on the light microscopical and immunocytochemical findings in two cases of pneumatosis intestinalis, a new theory is advanced on the morphogenesis of the cysts that can be observed in this disease. The cavities identifiable in both cases in the submucosa of the small intestine and of the colon, respectively, were partially lined by histiocytes and foreign-body giant cells. Most of the lumina found in the subserosa of the stomach, small intestine and colon had an identical aspect. In addition, there were numerous true cysts here with a narrow, single-layered cells seam, showing the immunocytochemical characteristics of the mesothelium, but not the capillary endothelia. Thus, contrary to previous assumptions, pneumatosis interstinalis apparently does not develop from cystic dilatation of gas-filled lymph vessels that shrink and disappear in the process of an inflammatory foreign body reaction. Rather, the disease initially seems to manifest itself through gas-filled pseudocysts partially bordered by histiocytes and foreign-body giant cells, which become secondarily mesothelialized in the subserosa. Lymph vessels would thus not have significance for the morphogenesis of this disease.


This research paper is aimed at finding the types of reading question in the textbook "Bright"for the seven grade student of Juior High School. The writer applies descriptive study as the type of this research. The data are collected by using document analysis technique. The data are the materials in the English textbook "Bright". The writer uses descriptive analysis as the technique for
analyzing data, the steps are: (1) collecting the data in the "Bright" textbook, (2) tabulating the data into the table to find the types of reading text questions on the
Bright textbook, (3) analyzing the data. The result of this study shows that there are five types of question in the English textbook "Bright". There are question of literal comprehension, question involving reorganization or reinterpretatin, question of inference, question of evaluation, and question of personal response. The dominan question is question of literal comprehension.


The rate constant of the self-decomposition of O(2)NOO(-) was determined to be 1.35 +/- 0.03 s(-)(1) at 25 degrees C. The decomposition rate constant of O(2)NOO(-) in the presence of C(NO(2))(4), CuSO(4), SOD, and Fe(CN)(6)(4)(-) was found to be 2.4 +/- 0.2 s(-)(1), independent of the concentration of these substrates. The oxidation yields of C(NO(2))(3)(-) and ferricyanide were measured to be 47 +/- 5 and 83 +/- 9% of added peroxynitrate, respectively, where the latter decreased to 54 +/- 6% in the presence of SOD. We therefore suggest that ca. 50% of O(2)NOO(-) homolyses into O(2)(*)(-) and (*)NO(2) (k = 1.05 +/- 0.23 s(-)(1)). The equilibrium constant of the homolysis of O(2)NOO(-) into (*)NO(2) and O(2)(*)(-) and the reduction potential of the couple O(2)NOOH,H(+)/NO(3)(-) were calculated to be 2.3 x 10(-)(10) M and 1.83 V, respectively.


Tuberculosis is a serious infection that affects many people worldwide, with a recent increasing prevalence especially in high-risk patients, such as HIV infection, intravenous drug abuse, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive therapy, malignancies, end-stage renal disease, and and/or with multiple comorbidities. Although the incidence of Cutaneous Tuberculosis (CTB) is rare, it should be considered in patients presenting with atypical skin lesions suggestive of an underlying infectious etiology. Most often TB is an airborne transmissible disease with skin manifestations presenting as a result of hematogenous spread or direct extension from a latent or active foci of infection. However, primary inoculation may occur as a direct introduction of the mycobacterium into the skin or mucosa of a susceptible individual by trauma or injury. Although rare, it is important for clinicians to recognize the many clinical variants of CTB to prevent missed or delayed diagnoses.  It is imperative that physicians have a high index of suspicion in order to quickly and effectively diagnose and treat these substantially morbid skin conditions. We report here a case with atypical presentation that we saw in our Out Patient Department (OPD). The aim of this communication is to bring to attention this often overlooked, but definitely curable clinical entity. This case report demonstrates the importance of a proper history and physical examination as well as diligent laboratory and diagnostic testing in determining the etiology of a suspicious and treatment-resistant skin lesion. Prompt consideration leads to a swift diagnosis and proper treatment resulting in high patient satisfaction.


This paper presents an analysis of the issues emerging for the development of Virtual NewcastleGateshead (VNG), a project which is exploring the creation of a three-dimensional computer model for two adjacent cities, Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead, in the north eastern region of the UK. It builds upon previous research into virtual city modelling which examined the role played by academia in the development of city models and describes a strategic approach focused on developing a regional virtual model which supports particular organisational aims. It adopts a case study methodology to present a systematic analysis of discussions over a two-year period, 2007 to date, between key stakeholders. The paper analyses requirements, benefits and issues emerging if academic institutions are to extend their existing roles as research providers and city model builders, and consider a hosting role in the development of regional city models.


This paper on China's part of a comprehensive private hospital management at present, medical resources and marketing strategy of comparative study, analysis of the private hospitals want to in the fierce market competition in the future and the masses of the health service level is improved form, private hospitals must break the constraints of the bottleneck in its development to enhance the core competitiveness their own, in order to play its proper role in the medical market.


The tribological properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) filled with two kinds of carbon black filler were examined. Different types of Semi-Reinforcing Furnace (SRF), and High Abrasion Furnace (HAF) blacks were used as filler material to test the influence of carbon black particle size on the friction and wear of NBR. Results from tribological tests using a ball on disk method showed that the smaller HAF particles were more effective for reducing the wear of NBR during frictional sliding. The hardness, elastic modulus at 100% elongation, and elongation at break were measured to examine the correlation between the effects of carbon black on the mechanical and tribological properties of the NBR specimens. The wear tracks of the NBR specimens were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The wear tracks for NBR with different ratios of SRF and HAF showed clearly different abrasion patterns. Mechanisms for the friction and wear behavior of NBR with different sizes of carbon black filler were proposed using evidence from wear track observation, as well as the mechanical and tribological test results.


To evaluate the effects of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor transplantation combined with adipose-derived stem cells-transdifferentiated motoneuron delivery on spinal cord contusion injury, we developed rat models of spinal cord contusion injury, 7 days later, injected adipose-derived stem cells-transdifferentiated motoneurons into the epicenter, rostral and caudal regions of the impact site and simultaneously transplanted glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-gelfoam complex into the myelin sheath. Motoneuron-like cell transplantation combined with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor delivery reduced cavity formations and increased cell density in the transplantation site. The combined therapy exhibited superior promoting effects on recovery of motor function to transplantation of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, adipose-derived stem cells or motoneurons alone. These findings suggest that motoneuron-like cell transplantation combined with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor delivery holds a great promise for repair of spinal cord injury.


Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) recruitment to vascular endothelium during acute inflammation involves cooperation between selectins, G-proteins, and beta2-integrins. LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) affinity correlates with specific adhesion functions because a shift from low to intermediate affinity supports rolling on ICAM-1, whereas high affinity is associated with shear-resistant leukocyte arrest. We imaged PMN adhesion on cytokine-inflamed endothelium in a parallel-plate flow chamber to define the dynamics of beta2-integrin function during recruitment and transmigration. After arrest on inflamed endothelium, high-affinity LFA-1 aligned along the uropod-pseudopod major axis, which was essential for efficient neutrophil polarization and subsequent transmigration. An allosteric small molecule inhibitor targeted to the I-domain stabilized LFA-1 in an intermediate-affinity conformation, which supported neutrophil rolling but inhibited cell polarization and abrogated transmigration. We conclude that a shift in LFA-1 from intermediate to high affinity during the transition from rolling to arrest provides the contact-mediated signaling and guidance necessary for PMN transmigration on inflamed endothelium.


Aggregate modeling can approximate the convex hull of local matrices to nonlinear dynamics for any given accuracy. The authors use aggregate models to extend sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability of linear differential inclusions to nonlinear dynamics. An example illustrates the applicability of the proposed criteria to the analysis of nonlinear biochemical reaction chains.Copyright © 2008 by ASME


Using the closed orbit theory, the photodetachment cross section of H− near a dielectric surface has been derived and calculated. The results show that the dielectric surface has great influence on the photodetachment process of negative ion near the ionization threshold. Above the ionization threshold, the photodetachment cross section starts to oscillate. With the increase of the energy, the oscillating amplitude decreases and the oscillating frequency increases. The oscillation in the photodetachment cross section of H− in the presence of a dielectric surface is either larger or smaller than the photodetachment of H− without the surface. As the photon energy is larger than the critical value Epc, the oscillatory structure disappeared and the cross section approaches to the case of the photodetachment of H− without any external fields. For a given detached-electron energy, the photodetachment cross section becomes decreased with the increase of the ion-surface distance. Besides, the dielectric constant has great influence on the photodetachment of H−. With the increase of the dielectric constant, the oscillation in the cross section becomes increased. As the dielectric constant increases to infinity, the cross section is the same as the photodetachment of H− near a metal surface. This study provides a new understanding on the photodetachment process of H− in the presence of a dielectric surface.


This arrangement comprises a controllable attenuation circuit of the voice signal received, a pulse-duration modulator which produces pulses the duration of which is modulated by the voice signal supplied by the controllable attenuation circuit, an overshoot detection circuit which produces from the modulated pulses a compression pulse each time it is detected that the amplitude of the modulated voice signal reaches a certain threshold, the compression signal produced by the said overshoot detection circuit being applied in the attenuation circuit to an integrating circuit which produces the attenuation control signal. The amplifier of the loudspeaker receives the modulated signal.


Intersection crashes account for 1.72 million crashes per year in the United States. In 2004 stop-sign and traffic signal violations accounted for approximately 302,000 crashes resulting in 163,000 functional lifeyears lost and $7.9 billion of economic loss [1]. The objective of the Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance System for Violations (CICAS-V) project was to design, develop, and test a prototype system to prevent crashes by predicting stop-sign and signalcontrolled intersection violations and warning the violating driver. The intersection portion of the system consists of a signal controller capable of exporting signal phase and timing information, a local global positioning system (GPS), and Roadside Equipment (RSE) that includes computing, memory, and Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) radio. The vehicle portion of the system includes onboard equipment for computing and 5.9 GHz DSRC radio connected to the vehicle controller area network (CAN), positioning, and the Driver-Vehicle Interface (DVI). The intersection sends the signal phase and timing, positioning corrections, and a small map (< 1 kb) to the vehicle. The vehicle receives this information and, based on speed and distance to the stop location, predicts whether or not the driver will violate. If a violation is predicted, the driver is warned via a visual/auditory/haptic brake pulse DVI. The system was installed in the vehicles of five Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota. Intersections were equipped in California, Michigan, and Virginia. Tests of the system included both onroad and test-track evaluations. System performance was excellent and recommendations were made for continuing with a large field operational test (FOT). The system can be installed at any intersection with sufficient positioning coverage and in any vehicle with an electronic stability system. This system constitutes the first FOT-ready Vehicle Infrastructure Integration safety application


Seasonal snow cover is closely related to regional climate and hydrological processes. In this study, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily snow cover products from 2001 to 2018 were applied to analyze the snow cover variation in northern Xinjiang, China. As cloud obscuration causes significant spatiotemporal discontinuities in the binary snow cover extent (SCE), we propose a conditional probability interpolation method based on a space-time cube (STCPI) to remove clouds completely after combining Terra and Aqua data. First, the conditional probability that the central pixel and every neighboring pixel in a space-time cube of 5 × 5 × 5 with the same snow condition is counted. Then the snow probability of the cloud pixels reclassified as snow is calculated based on the space-time cube. Finally, the snow condition of the cloud pixels can be recovered by snow probability. The validation experiments with the cloud assumption indicate that STCPI can remove clouds completely and achieve an overall accuracy of 97.44% under different cloud fractions. The generated daily cloud-free MODIS SCE products have a high agreement with the Landsat–8 OLI image, for which the overall accuracy is 90.34%. The snow cover variation in northern Xinjiang, China, from 2001 to 2018 was investigated based on the snow cover area (SCA) and snow cover days (SCD). The results show that the interannual change of SCA gradually decreases as the elevation increases, and the SCD and elevation have a positive correlation. Furthermore, the interannual SCD variation shows that the area of increase is higher than that of decrease during the 18 years.


In deep learning, large language models are typically trained on data from a corpus as representative of current knowledge. However, natural language is not an ideal form for the reliable communication of concepts. Instead, formal logical statements are preferable since they are subject to verifiability, reliability, and applicability. Another reason for this preference is that natural language is not designed for an efficient and reliable flow of information and knowledge, but is instead designed as an evolutionary adaptation as formed from a prior set of natural constraints. As a formally structured language, logical statements are also more interpretable. They may be informally constructed in the form of a natural language statement, but a formalized logical statement is expected to follow a stricter set of rules, such as with the use of symbols for representing the logic-based operators that connect multiple simple statements and form verifiable propositions.


Objective: To develop an understanding of the current system and future development of training and education within a large UK ambulance trust, based upon the experiences, beliefs, and opinions of stakeholders. Methods: This was a qualitative naturalistic inquiry using an interpretative constructivist approach for 44 interviews with a range of ambulance staff. Stakeholder views on training and education were analysed and compared using the constant comparison method. Results: Key emergent themes included: issues around prescribed programme entry levels and methods; the desire for a higher education curriculum with a balance between theory and practice; valid and reliable assessment methods; development of a supportive mentorship framework; an emphasis on self directed professional development with a focus on deskilling issues; and development of interprofessional collaborative links. Conclusion: This thematic review suggests that this UK ambulance service is in a transition stage, with significant organisational, professional, and cultural challenges. The dichotomies, boundaries, and development issues are part of the development of an emerging profession for which it is essential that the educational agenda is addressed.


Vertical distributions of atmospheric aerosol particles were measured nine times up to 5200 m a.s.l. using an aircraft over Syowa Station, East Antarctica during September–December 2004. Measurements were made for number concentrations of condensation nuclei (CN, Dp>10 nm), number–size distribution larger than 0.3 μm diameter, air temperature, humidity, and GPS position. During spring, the vertical profile of CN concentration showed large variability (100–1000 cm), but it was mostly constant in summer. Vertical profiles of number–size distribution larger than 0.3 μm showed a systematic shift at altitudes greater than 4000 m. Both concentrations of aerosol number for Dp>0.3 μm and integrated volume between 0.3 and 1.0 μm showed constantly lower values at altitudes greater than 4000 m. These data suggest that the shift of aerosol parameters results from depletion of coarse particles such as sea salts. Maximum concentrations of the volume and CN were obtained respectively from the profiles on 7 October and 29 November 2004. These events are interpreted as sources and transport processes based on synoptic meteorological data, an ocean color index produced by SeaWiFS, and backward air trajectory analysis. key words: aerosol particles, vertical distribution, size distribution, condensation nuclei


American Entomologist • Fall 2013 I had the privilege to give the Founders' Memorial Lecture honoring Dr. Leo Dale Newsom in December of 2000 at the joint meeting of the Entomological Societies of America and Canada in Montreal. For most of my professional life, I shared with Dale Newsom both an interest in soybean IPM and the belief that "integration" was the key factor in the IPM concept; those topics were the focus of my original presentation. Much has changed in soybean IPM in the intervening 12 years since that event, and integration still remains a remote goal in IPM teaching, research, and extension. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of Dale Newsom's death. By rekindling the message conveyed in that lecture, I hope to reassert principles that, in my view, remain critical for the future of IPM, and, in so doing, provide a more lasting tribute to this admirable entomologist. In the historical path of a branch of science, technology, or the humanities, there are moments when a new finding, invention, idea, or worldview brings about a qualitative leap. Andrew Grove, former CEO of the Intel Corporation, called these occurrences "strategic inflection points," further describing them as "those moments when new circumstances alter the way the world works, as if the current of history goes through a transistor and our oscilloscopes blip" (Grove 1996). During the lifetime of Dr. Leo Dale Newsom, crop protection was transformed by two such inflection points: the discovery of DDT and the rise of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). DDT, as a single discovery, was a tactical weapon that drastically changed the fight against insect pests in the second half of the 20 century. IPM as an idea, a process, and a collection of technological advances was a significant strategic inflection point in the agricultural sciences of the fourth quarter of the century (Kogan 1998, Kogan and McGrath 1994). Newsom was an active participant in the early days and throughout the expansion of those two strategic inflection points in crop protection's history. When DDT began to be used for peacetime applications in 1946, Newsom was a graduate student at Cornell University. He tested the new insecticide in agricultural pest control and was one of the first to call attention to DDT's destruction of natural enemies. When the concept of Integration and Integrity in IPM


Sixteen years of observations of black hole transients with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer, complemented by other X-ray observatories and ground-based optical/infrared/radio telescopes have given us a clear view of the complex phenomenology associated with their bright outbursts. This has led to the definition of a small number of spectral/timing states which are separated by marked transitions in observables. The association of these states and their transitions to changes in the radio emission from relativistic radio jets completes the picture and have led to the study of the connection between accretion and ejection. A good number of fundamental questions are still unanswered, but the existing picture provides a good framework on which to base theoretical studies. We discuss the current observational standpoint, with emphasis onto the spectral and timing evolution during outbursts, as well as the prospects for future missions such as ASTROSAT (2012) and LOFT (>2020 if selected).


A case report on acquired posterior choanal stenosis after nasal polypotomy is presented. A 84-year-old male was treated by transnasal endoscopic surgery for acquired bilateral choanal stenosis arising after nasal polypotomy performed in his youth. An intranasal silicone stent was placed to allow nasal breathing, to maintain the newly constructed lumen, and to avoid restenosis of the choana. No adverse postoperative complication occurred. Acquired posterior choanal stenosis, a rare complication after nasal polypotomy, can be successfully treated by transnasal endoscopic surgery.


We evaluated direct relationships and associations among clinical pharmacy services, pharmacist staffing, and drug costs in United States hospitals. A database was constructed from the 1992 American Hospital Association's Abridged Guide to the Health Care Field and the 1992 National Clinical Pharmacy Services database. Multiple regression analysis, controlling for severity of illness, was employed to determine the associations. The study population consisted of 934 hospitals. Four clinical pharmacy services were associated with lower drug costs: in‐service education, $77,879.19 ± $56,203.42 (a total of $48,518,735.37 for the 623 hospitals offering this service, p=0.016); drug information, $430,579.84 ± $299,232.76 ($90,852,346.24 for the 211 hospitals offering this service, p=0.015); drug protocol management, $137,333.67 ± $98,617.83 ($45,045,443.76 for the 328 hospitals offering this service, p=0.049); and admission drug histories, $213,388.21 ± $201,537.85 ($5,548,093.46 for the 26 hospitals offering this service, p=0.011). As staffing increased for hospital pharmacy administrators (p<0.0001), dispensing pharmacists (p<0.0001), and pharmacy technicians (p<0.0001), drug costs increased. As staffing increased for clinical pharmacists, drug costs decreased (p=0.018). The results of this study show that increased staff levels of clinical pharmacists and some clinical pharmacy services are associated with reduced hospital drug costs.


This paper shows how and why the Solow growth accounting framework is useful for linking entrepreneurship capital to economic growth. The knowledge filter impedes the spillover of knowledge for commercialization, thereby weakening the impact of knowledge investments on economic growth. By serving as a conduit for knowledge spillovers, entrepreneurship is the missing link between investments in new knowledge and economic growth. Entrepreneurship is an important mechanism permeating the knowledge filter to facilitate the spillover of knowledge and ultimately generate economic growth. The emergence of entrepreneurship policy to promote economic growth is interpreted as an attempt to promote entrepreneurship capital, or the capacity of an economy to generate the start-up and growth of new firms.


Context: Large numbers of US adults are vaccinated, but COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy remains high. Health centers funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have played a major role in COVID-19 vaccinations and have the potential to vaccinate even larger numbers of people. Objective: To identify U.S. counties with low COVID-19 vaccination rates and high rates of vaccine hesitancy, explore the characteristics of these counties and health center presence in these areas, and identify priority health centers for targeted vaccine outreach. Study Design: Cross-sectional geospatial analysis of county-level COVID-19 vaccination rates and COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. Bivariate Local Moran's I using GeoDa software to identify clusters of counties with low COVID-19 vaccination rates and high rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to overlay health centers with county-level data. Setting or Dataset: U.S. counties; vaccine hesitancy data from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE); vaccination rates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and data on Health Center Program awardees from the HRSA. Population studied: U.S. Counties (n=2,825) for which data on COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are available; and HRSA-funded health centers, excluding Puerto Rico and Pacific Islands (n=1,559). Outcome Measures: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and COVID-19 vaccination rates. Results: We identified 219 counties that are part of clusters of high rates of vaccine hesitancy and low COVID-19 vaccination rates. In general, these counties have higher rates of poverty, larger percentages of black and Hispanic populations, and are located in the Southeast (Alabama, Georgia) and West Virginia. Sixty health center awardees are located within these counties, serving almost 700,000 patients. Conclusions: While almost one-half of US adults have been vaccinated, younger adults have much lower rates of vaccination and large numbers are still unvaccinated. Further, vaccine rates vary by race and ethnicity, with less than one-fifth of Hispanic and black adults having been vaccinated. Targeting areas with high rates of vaccine hesitancy and low vaccination rates supports strategic planning, optimizes finite resources, and better assists health centers in creating culturally competent outreach addressing vaccine hesitancy.


Major League Baseball faced increased competition from radio broadcasts and improvements in motion pictures during the 1920s and 1930s. The "Roaring Twenties" were followed by the Great Depression. As social norms changed, some owners fought for the right to stage home games on Sundays. Owners put an increased emphasis on promoting home runs, eventually allowed radio broadcasts, and added lights to their stadiums. We include variables for these changes, to estimate the effects upon both home attendance and owners' net income between 1920 and 1941. Team performance, home runs, number of Sundays a team had home games, the installation of lighting, and radio broadcasts of games, all raised attendance while increases in the unemployment rate reduced it. Of these, the number of Sundays on which a team had home games, radio broadcasts, and the unemployment rate had no effect on real net income. All the other variables that raised attendance also raised real net income. JEL Classifications: L83, N82.


Abstract The robustness of the t linear mixed model (tLMM) has been proved and exploited in many applications. Various publications emerged with the aim of proving superiority with respect to traditional linear mixed models, extending to more general settings and proposing more efficient estimation methods. However, little attention has been paid to the mathematical properties of the model itself and to the evaluation of the proposed estimation methods. In this paper we perform an in-depth analysis of the tLMM, evaluating a direct maximum likelihood estimation method via an intensive simulation study and investigating some identifiability properties. The theoretical findings are illustrated through an application to a dataset collected from a sleep trial.


A semiparametric model is proposed in which a parametric filtering of a nonstationary time series, incorporating fractionally differencing with short memory correction, removes correlation but leaves a nonparametric deterministic trend. Estimates of the memory parameter and other dependence parameters are proposed, and shown to be consistent and asymptotically normally distributed with parametric rate. Tests with standard asymptotics for I(1) and other hypotheses are thereby justified. Estimation of the trend function is also considered. We include a Monte Carlo study of finite-sample performance.


The transverse pattern of the field that propagates in a fiber supporting multiple modes can always be described as a superposition of the patterns of the individual fiber modes. Yet, the use of other bases is often found to be more convenient, with the most famous example being that of linearly polarized modes in weakly guiding fibers. The nonlinear propagation equations contain coefficients that involve overlap integrals between the lateral profiles of multiple propagation modes. A fundamental question that has been raised in this context is whether it is legitimate to compute these coefficients from the overlap integrals between elements of alternative bases for the field representation. In this paper, we show that the answer to this question is positive in the most general sense. This result is significant in the context of space-division multiplexed transmission in multi-mode and multi-core fibers.The transverse pattern of the field that propagates in a fiber supporting multiple modes can always be described as a superposition of the patterns of the individual fiber modes. Yet, the use of other bases is often found to be more convenient, with the most famous example being that of linearly polarized modes in weakly guiding fibers. The nonlinear propagation equations contain coefficients that involve overlap integrals between the lateral profiles of multiple propagation modes. A fundamental question that has been raised in this context is whether it is legitimate to compute these coefficients from the overlap integrals between elements of alternative bases for the field representation. In this paper, we show that the answer to this question is positive in the most general sense. This result is significant in the context of space-division multiplexed transmission in multi-mode and multi-core fibers.


The paper applies the improved mesh refinement algorithm to the multi-objective reentry trajectory optimization problem with multiple path and terminal constraints for the three-degree-of-freedom model of a hypersonic vehicle X-33. The trajectory optimization problem is disrcetized into the nonlinear programming problem (NLP) on dyadic grids by Runge-Kutta method. The simulation results show that the computational efficiency is high. The path and terminal constraints are well satisfied, and the precision of this trajectory optimization is high. It has also been demonstrated that the proposed algorithm has sufficient robustness for state perturbations.


Purpose : In ultra-acute stroke treatment, our hospital revised the manual by inducing a single call activation system and promoting multidisciplinary cooperation. Clinical laboratory technologists perform emergent carotid ultrasonography. We investigated the effect of the revised manual. Methods : We compared the therapeutic time before and after induction of the revised manual. In addition, we conducted questionnaires with doctors and clinical laboratory technologists. Results : We investigated 36 cases before the induction of the revised manual and 24 patients after. Door-to-nee-dle time was significantly shortened after induction of the revised manual (71.02min vs. 33.33min). According to questionnaires, emergent carotid ultrasonography by clinical laboratory technologists reduced the burden on doctors and assisted in policy decisions for therapy because the results of carotid ultrasonography suggested the etiologies. The revised manual revealed that clinical laboratory technologists were not experienced enough with the emergent situation to perform ultrasonography precisely. In addition, the system of holiday/night time should be discussed. Conclusions : The revised manual and routinized emergent carotid ultrasonography by clinical laboratory technologists improved the quality of ultra-acute stroke treatment. Moreover, for the clinical laboratory technologists, it becomes a valuable multidisciplinary cooperation.


We present simulations of ATSR-2 optical data using a combined orbit and scan model and model atmospheres. The atmospheric profiles are taken from LOWTRAN, but we have converted these into a form suitable for a discrete ordinates radiative transfer code. All scattering processes are taken into account. The major approximations used are that the atmosphere is plane parallel, and that polarization is not taken into account. We also assume cloud-free conditions. We simulate ATSR-2 observations over the Earth with a constant atmosphere, and different types of reflecting ground in order to see what the implications are for retrieving ground reflectances. We find that in the winter months, surface reflectance estimation will be difficult except at low latitudes. In the northern winter, the ATSR-2 forward scan sees large reflectances from aerosols in the atmosphere. These are not seen in the southern winter, but at 55" S, the Sun is more than 80" from the zenith point at ATSR-2 crossing times, and the atmosphere is still bright. We also examine the results from two simple reflectance retrieval algorithms and their region of validity. First, we look at a simulated retrieval for a Lambertian reflectance covering the globe at all times of year. Then, we look at a simulated retrieval of a BRDF at a particular location using pairs of overpasses over a period of one year. We predict that the simple algorithms work well for ATSR-2 Sudsensor configurations except in the far northern and southern winters. The failure in the southern winter might be avoided if the RayleigNaerosol interaction is taken into account. We also predict that the forward scan data for the northern winter is unlikely to be useful for land surface studies, but might be useful for aerosol sounding, provided this is restricted to areas where there is no snow or frost. In our study of the BRDF at one location, we found that if certain types of model BRDF are used, Sun synchronous orbits will severely limit the kinds of information that can be estimated.


Cystic adenomatoid malformation is a rare pulmonary hamartomatous lesion, of an unknown etiology. Report a singular case of CAM of one newborn, with marked respiratory distress. Using different method (chest X-ray, Multidetector row CT associated at multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstructions), we obtained an accurate diagnosis of site and nature, critical for a correct therapeutic approach.


Until 2011, the Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Romania includes 273 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) 13,21% from the country surface, designated by the M.O. no. 1964/2007 (5), as a result of the implementation of Habitats Directive no. 92/43/CEE and 108 Bird Special Protected Areas declared by the Government Decision no. 1284/2007 regarding the declaration of bird special protected areas as an integrant part of the European Ecological Network Natura 2000 in Romania. The total surface of the sites Natura 2000 (pSAC + SPA Bird Special Protected Areas) represents 17,84% of the country surface. Partially, some of these sites are superposed, being designated both as SAC and SPA, and a part of them is superposed too over the protected natural areas of national interest (national parks, natural parks and reservations). SACs represent 13,21 % of the country surface, and SPAs represent 11, 89% of the country surface (7). From the total of the natural grassland habitats whose conservation necessitates identifying the special areas of conservation, 37% of them are priority habitats, meaning they are in danger to disappear in their natural area, or they have a reduced natural area, or they constitute representative samples with typical characteristics for one or more biogeographical region. Mainly, the present paper intends to approach the legal aspects concerning the management way of the protected natural areas comprising natural grassland habitats, the realization of their management plans and regulations, and to analyze the measures imposed by these last in order to assure the favourable conservation status and the sustainable development of the natural grassland habitats, considering that Romania is into an incipient stadium under these aspects."The main causes contributing to grassland and hayfield degradation are: overgrazing, non-grazing, land clearing and arson of Pinus mugo woods, the conversion of the grasslands into arable lands, changing of land usage, the absence of a coherent management and other causes. Also, a special threat is constituted by the precarious state of the local agricultural economy. The traditional agricultural non-profitable methods, the massive emigration of population out of the rural medium led to abandonment of the marginal lands and to intensification of exploitation of the lands easy of access. All the problems and their solving must be introduced within the management plans of the protected natural areas and the authorities of local public administration must respect the obligations stipulated by the law in this field (1)".


The temperature effect on the polyelectrolyte expansion of sodium lignosulfonate (SL) was studied in the range of 20 to 38 °C. A narrow molecular-weight distribution fraction of sodium lignosulfonate was first obtained by gel column chromatography, which was suitable for the hydrodynamic radius (Rh) measurement by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Dynamic light scattering experiments showed that the hydrodynamic radius of sodium lignosulfonate decreased with increasing temperature. Using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), it was found that the adsorbed sodium lignosulfonate film lost water with increasing temperature and reabsorbed water with decreasing temperature. Surface tension and contact angle experiments showed that there were more hydrophobic groups on the surface of the sodium lignosulfonate molecule as the temperature increased. It can be concluded that the sodium lignosulfonate molecule shrank and became more hydrophobic with increasing temperature. Analysis suggests that the decreasing of the hydrogen-bond interactions between the sodium lignosulfonate molecule and water molecules with increasing temperature is the primary reason for the molecular conformation change of sodium lignosulfonate.


The NOAA National Water Model (NWM), maintained and executed by the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Office of Water Prediction, provides operational hydrological guidance throughout the Contiguous United States. Based on the WRF-Hydro model architecture developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the NWM was recently modified for semi-arid domains, by permitting it to explicitly resolve infiltration from ephemeral channels into the underlying channel bed as an added model sink term. To analyze the added value of channel infiltration in semi-arid environments, we calibrated NWM v2.1 (with the channel infiltration function) to 56 independent basins in the western CONUS, following identical calibration methods as the pre-operational NWM v2.1 (not including channel infiltration). Calibration of the model consists of two parts, including 1) calibration of channel infiltration only with other parameters set to the calibrated parameters used for pre-operational NWM v2.1 and 2) calibration of all parameters including channel infiltration with settings otherwise equivalent to the calibration of NWM v2.1. The calibrated channel-infiltration enhanced NWM improves predictive skill compared to the control NWM in 85% of evaluated basins, for the calibration period. The current NWM settings for physical processes and the biases of the calibration scheme limit model performance in semi-arid environments. To explore whether channel infiltration paired with an alternative calibration scheme could address these limitations, NWM v2.1 was calibrated with a new objective function in selected basins. We found that this updated objective function could ameliorate model biases in some semi-arid environments.


An atomic force microscope (AFM) in liquid was developed. The specially designed AFM probe was composed of a tip attached to a cantilever, a cantilever-tip pedestal, a circular Plexiglas window, and a scanner which is made up of three perpendicular tube piezos. When the instrument works, the liquid level is between the upper and lower surface of the window, and a circular meniscus is established around the Plexiglas window, preventing the tip from being affected or destroyed by surface tension of the liquid. In this setup, the cantilever tip and the sample are completely immersed in fluid. Meanwhile, during the cantilever-tip scanning over the sample during measurement, this system has no restriction on the sample's size and weight and has a high scanning speed, which can be up to 40lines∕s or 10s for a 400×400pixel image. Some experiments were carried out on the system to demonstrate the elegant performance. The results show that the AFM (i) enables the whole canitlever tip to dive into the fluid; (ii) t...


The time-compression curve obtained from a laboratory one-dimensional consolidation test generally consists of three parts, namely initial compression, primary consolidation, and secondary compression. While the initial compression occurs immediately after the application of a load increment, the primary consolidation and the secondary compression are time-dependent. It is not known whether both primary consolidation and secondary compression occur concurrently or if the secondary compression begins after the end of primary consolidation, as assumed in general practice. This paper examines this aspect based on the pore water pressure measured at the base of the sample during consolidation. It was observed that the beginning of secondary compression strongly depends on the load increment ratio (LIR). For the inorganic soils tested, the secondary compression begins practically after the end of primary consolidation. When a small LIR of 0.2 is adopted, the secondary compression starts as early as about 55 % of the primary consolidation is over. For the organic soil tested, the secondary compression begins much earlier, compared to the inorganic soils even at a higher load increment ratio. The secondary compression-time relationship can be well represented by a hyperbolic model. The method adopted in this article is capable of separating the primary consolidation and secondary compression from time-compression data once the pore water pressure at the base of the sample is known.


Background/Aim: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has become an emergency condition for global public health. Oxygen saturation has important role for diagnosing the patient in the hospital. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker for the viral inflammatory reaction to confirm the viral or bacterial infection. The D-dimer is also known as biomarker for severity and prognosis of COVID-19. The aim of the study was to investigate the risk factors of mortality in COVID-19 patients based on oxygen saturation, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and D-dimer. Methods: Data has been obtained from confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Abdul Wahab Sjahranie Hospital from October until November 2020. They were collected and analysed with Chi-squared test by SPSS 22.0 software. Results: There were 60 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in this study, 48 (80 %) patients survived and 12 (20 %) deceased. Peripheral oxygen saturation < 90 % had 13 (21.7 %) and ≥ 90 % had 47 (78.3 %) patients. There were 13 (21.7 %) patients with NLR value < 3.13 and ≥ 3.13 47 (78.3 %) patients. D-dimer value less than 0.5 had 9 (15 %) and ≥ 0.5 had 51 (85 %) patients. The results of statistical analysis have showed that there were relationship between oxygen saturation (p = 0.002) and survival rate of COVID patients. Conclusion: According to the research that has been conducted, there was correlation between oxygen saturation and mortality of COVID-19 patient. It could be used as biomarker to improve the management of COVID-19 patients.


We present and evaluate λ-blocks, a novel framework to write data processing programs in a descriptive manner. The main idea behind this framework is to separate the semantics of a program from its implementation. For that purpose, we define a data schema, able to describe, parameterize, compose, and link together blocks of code, storing a directed graph which represents the data transformations. Along this data schema lies an execution engine, able to read such a program, give feedback on potential errors, and finally execute it. In our reference implementation, a computation graph is described in YAML, linking together vertices of Python code blocks defined in separate libraries. The advantages of this approach are manyfold: faster, less error-prone programming; reuse of code blocks; computation graph manipulations; mixing of different specialized libraries; and finally middleware for potential front-ends (such as graphical interfaces) and back-ends (other execution engines). The main goal of λ-blocks is to bring complex data processing computations to non-specialists, by providing a simple abstraction over large-scale data processing systems. Our contributions lie within a description of the schema, and an analysis of the reference execution engine. For that purpose we describe λ-blocks' internals and its main abstractions (blocks and topologies), and evaluate the framework performances. We measured the framework overhead to have a maximum value of 50 ms, a negligible amount compared to the average duration of data processing jobs.


The potential of gender bias within the DSM personality disorders has long been a concern of scholars and clinicians. Over the past three decades, research findings utilizing the case vignette methodology have repeatedly indicated a gender bias within the histrionic diagnosis. The current study replicates these findings using a novel case vignette, but extends them to investigate the potential for gender biases within an alternative dimensional model of personality—the Five-Factor Model (FFM). One hundred and forty-one practicing clinicians rated either a male or a female version of a case vignette in terms of either the FFM or the personality disorders from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). The results supported the concern of gender bias, with the female case less likely to be diagnosed as antisocial and the male case less likely to be diagnosed as histrionic. However, when the FFM conceptualizations of these two disorders were compared, no significant differences were noted. The results indicate that the FFM may be less prone to gender bias than the current DSM nomenclature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Cellular genetic information is encoded in DNA. The passage of this information from DNA to proteins is regulated at multiple levels and each level gives cells the chance to control the structure and function of their components. Transcriptional regulation is an important part of this multi-level process. By using feedback loops as part of transcriptional gene networks, cells can tune the level and stability of gene expression. In the first half of my thesis, I will discuss how isogenic cells can be re-programmed to have varying levels of memory associated with previous growth conditions and how genetic noise limits the stability of this cellular memory. Noise in gene expression, through the phenotypic heterogeneity it promotes, has the potential to be a mechanism implemented by cells to cope with the uncertainties in environmental conditions. By randomly expressing multiple phenotypes, each fit to a certain environment, cells can survive unexpected changes in the extracellular environment. In this way, a population can hedge its bets against environmental uncertainty. Depending on how often the cells choose to display various phenotypes, the population can range from being highly diverse (heterogenenous) to being less diverse (homogenenous). In the second half of my thesis, I will discuss how the degree of phenotypic diversity for an isogenic population of cells can be tuned by re-engineering a gene network. I will present results from experiments which test the effect of noise-induced diversity on population fitness in the presence of fluctuating environments. The results demonstrate that for an optimum population growth in fluctuating environments, cells need to match the rates of inter-phenotypic switching to the frequency of environmental changes. Thesis Supervisor: Alexander van Oudenaarden Title: Associate Professor