Abstract Metal contamination of soil is a serious environmental problem due to mining and use of synthetic products (e.g. pesticides, paints, batteries, and industrial wastes), which are serious threat to human life. The current research is aimed at the remediation of soil contaminated with lead (II) and chromium (VI) using indigenous fungal strains through the comparative study of bioleaching and chemical leaching methods. The removal efficiencies of Pb (II) and Cr (VI) in bioleaching were higher than chemical leaching, where 99% Cr (VI) and 36% Pb (II) were removed by Aspergillus flavus (F3) in bioleaching through the production of approximately 332 mg L-1 malic acid, 213 mg L-1 succinic acid, and 35 mg L-1 citric acid. The removal efficiencies in chemical leaching were 21.30% for Pb (II) and 1.92% for Cr (VI) by malic acid, 29.30% for Pb (II) and 72% for Cr (VI) by succinic acid, 22.21% for Pb (II) and 60.70% for Cr (VI) by citric acid, and 2.20% for Pb (II) and 2.47% for Cr (VI) by oxalic acid. The sequential extraction procedure for Pb (II) and Cr (VI) before and after bioleaching showed that Pb (II) and Cr (VI) mostly bound to stable fractions after bioleaching. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) helped to identify the characteristic changes in the morphology and elemental composition of A. flavus (F3) biomass before and after bioleaching, whereas Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that fungal biomass contain hydroxyl, carboxyl, fatty acids, and amine groups on its surface. The results implied that the fungal strain A. flavus (F3) can be used to remediate soils contaminated with Pb (II) and Cr (VI).


CTX-M β-lactamases are one of the fastest growing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) families found in Escherichia coli rendering this organism extremely difficult to treat with β-lactam antibiotics. Although they are grouped in class A β-lactamases, the CTX-M family possesses low sequence identity with other enzymes. In addition, they have high hydrolytic activity against oxyimino-cephalosporins, despite having smaller active sites compared to other ESBLs in class A. Similar to most class A enzymes, most of the CTX-M β-lactamases can be inhibited by the clinical inhibitors (clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam), but the prevalence of inhibitor resistance is an emerging clinical threat. Thus, the mechanistic details of inhibition pathways are needed for new inhibitor development. Here, we use Raman microscopy to study the CTX-M-9 inactivation reaction with the three commercially available inhibitors and compare these findings to the analysis of the S130G variant. Characterization of the reactions in CTX-M-9 single crystals and solution show the formation of a unique cross-linked species, probably involving Ser70 and Ser130, with subsequent hydrolysis leading to an acrylate species linked to Ser130. In solution, a major population of this species is seen at 25 ms after mixing. Support for this finding comes from the CTX-M-9 S130G variant that reacts with clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam in solution, but lacks the characteristic spectroscopic signature for the Ser130-linked species. Understanding the mechanism of inactivation of this clinically important ESBL-type class A lactamase permits us to approach the challenge of inhibitor resistance using knowledge of the bridging species in the inactivation pathway.


Education, of course, is allied with the child labour; where the increase of one is the decrease of other. Both, education and protection from child labour, are the basic rights of all children without any sort of discrimination.  Contemporary literature shows drastic increase in child labour all over the world. All this is even in the presence of international conventions regarding child rights, specifically, the UNCRC 1989 – a legal document globally ratified. Owing to this fact, the international law, related to children rights, faces threat in this regard. Islamic Law, on the other hand, too, provides a comprehensive legal mechanism and structure for children rights.  Comparatively to other legal spectrum, Islamic law is more effective in term of its jurisprudential approach to children rights. Pakistan, being an Islamic country,  remained under the administrative control of the Great Britain and, therefore, follow a plural law – a mixture of Islamic and conventional law.  This study, thus, probes the International Law, Islamic Law and Pakistani Law in connection to child education and child labour.   Finding shows, with solid evidences, that Islamic law offers a comprehensive mechanism for children rights – protecting these both at strategic and operational levels.  Content analysis technique, being an important research tool of qualitative method, has been followed for the investigation of the issue.


The layer structures of single and double delta-doped lattice-matched MOCVD-grown modulation-doped field effect transistors (MODFETs) have been characterized by photoluminescence (PL), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) techniques. MODFET devices are processed and their dc and RF results are reported. At a drain-source bias of 1.25 V, a single delta-doped 0.15 µm MODFET device shows an fT of 118 GHz and fmax of 265 GHz. Similarly, a double delta-doped 0.15 µm MODFET gives an fT of 135 GHz and fmax of 140 GHz. The extracted physical parameters of the MODFETs from PL and XRD techniques show excellent correlation with that of the grown devices.


Twenty-four families with at least one patient with congenital cataract in each were studied. In eleven families (45%), the etiology was genetically determined (mendelian or chromosomal) and in the rest, it was not established. Bender's test was done to six patients which had more errors than expected for their chronological age; this suggests the importance of an early diagnosis of cataracts in order to correct and/or rehabilitate the eye lesions which are affecting the psychomotor development. Finally, family studies are needed for genetic counselling.


We present laboratory studies of scaled occulting starshades for the New Worlds Observer (NWO). A deep reactive ion etched silicon starshade has been fabricated by NIST, designed to cover the same number of Fresnel zones as in the proposed mission. The broadband shadow is mapped with a photometer in a dark vacuum tunnel fed by a heliostat at HAO. CCD images provide direct contrast measurements of different features around the starshade. Preliminary measurements reach 5x10 suppression in the center of the shadow at the focal plane. The twodimensional structure of the starshade diffraction pattern is compared to that produced by the Fresnel integral.


We present a case of a 71-year-old man with an advanced melanoma of the right colon. The final diagnosis was determined based on histopathological examination of the material collected during urgent laparotomy performed due to ileus. Although we considered the tumor to be a disseminated primary melanoma of the colon, the possibility of unknown primary origin could not be excluded. Palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy reduced symptoms associated with the disease and prolonged patient's survival.


Introduction At the national medical research center of оncology N.N. Blokhin preclinical toxicological studies of a lyophilized dosage form of a drug based on acadesin, a new antitumor drug, were conducted. The aim of the study to study the subchronic toxicity of the drug on the basis of acadesine in rats to evaluate its toxicity. Materials and methods The study was conducted on 40 noninbred male mongrel rats. The drug was administered intraperitoneal daily 15-fold in total doses of 750, 1150 and 2300 mg/kg. Clinical and laboratory tests were performed during the entire observation period (30 days). The pathomorphological study was performed on the 1 st and 30 th day of observation. Results It was found that the drug based on acadesin, when applied repeatedly to rats in all the studied doses, did not cause changes in the indicators of peripheral blood of animals, morphological changes in all the studied organs and tissues of animals (except the kidneys), functional changes in the state of the liver, heart, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. However, morphologically revealed changes in the kidneys when using the drug in the total dose of 1150 mg/kg on the 1 st and 30 th day of observation, and in the total dose of 2300 mg/kg only on the 30 th day of observation. Conclusion The detected toxic effect of the drug based on acadesin on the kidneys of rats is dose-dependent. When using the drug in the course of the course at a total dose of 750 mg/kg, which is 60 times higher than the single therapeutic dose for rats (12.5 mg/kg), toxic manifestations were completely absent during the entire period of observation. This allowed us to recommend a drug based on acadesin for further research.


Child-Computer Interaction (CCI) research is focused on cultivating, nurturing, and nudging children towards technology use and design. Recently, ethical aspects related to technology have come to the forefront, including the inherent limitations of technology, particularly related to Artificial intelligence (AI). Further, AI has a known diversity problem where age-inclusion can be sometimes forgotten. While various global and national policy frameworks on Children and AI are being developed, the approaches are child-centered but not child-led, restricting children from affecting their own digital futures. Further still, there is little discussion with children on the limitations, inherent biases, and lack of diversity in current design and development of AI. As AI evolves to mimic human-like cognition, emotions, conversations, and decision-making, its impact on children and their futures should be critically examined for, with, and by children. To this end, we invite NordiCHI conference participants and their children to critically examine the challenges towards AI, where all participants consider and reimagine alternative technology presents and futures. This workshop contributes to the ongoing work on Children and AI by including children as equal partners and empowering them to consider present and future challenges as experts of their own lives, with diverse interests, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.


A quantum spin magnet NH4CuCl3 is a three dimensional dimer system, which shows a two-stepped magnetization plateaus at M = 1/4 and 3/4. In order to investigate the spatial configuration of field-induced triplons under high-field, Cu-NMR study has been performed in the field region between the first and the second plateau. It has been found that the same numbers of the differently-oriented two dimers in a unit cell remain unoccupied by triplons. This gives a strong restriction to the model to describe the plateaus in this system.


In today's electrical drives, the use of more than three-phases to implement the electrical machine stator winding is a frequently adopted provision to enhance system power rating and fault tolerance. In VSI-fed electrical machines, multi-phase windings are adopted in both their symmetrical structures (with n equally distributed phases, supplied by a single n-phase inverter) and in their multiple three-phase arrangements (with two or more displaced three-phase windings, each supplied by an inverter). On the other hand, in CSI drives, based on synchronous motors and Load Commutated Inverters (LCIs), the only multi-phase topology practically used consists of two three-phase windings, displaced by 30 electrical degrees, each fed by an LCI. This paper investigates an alternative, symmetrical multiphase LCI drive topology based on a five-phase motor supplied by a five-phase inverter. Both the motor and the inverter are accurately modeled in the Matlab/Simulink environment to study their combined behavior through numeric simulations, both in normal and faulty operating conditions. Simulation results are presented in order to highlight the pros and contras of the proposed topology with respect to the existing ones, taking performance and fault-tolerance features into account.


This work analyzes the model of procreation described by Delaney for Turkish peasants in rural Anatolia and provides ethnographic evidence to document existence of such a model elsewhere in Europe and the Mediterranean. A model of procreation is a symbolic system embodying a series of interrelated notions about procreation. The definition of each particular element implies taking into account the entire model. Models of procreation are simultaneously conceptual explaining reality and moral explaining proper behavior. The recommended methodology involves analyzing the relationship between the procreative model and the concepts of gender marriage and family. Delaney described a monogenetic model of procreation observed in Anatolia in which men are considered to plant the seed while women are regarded as a kind of field which nourishes what has been planted. Delaney states that the "field" is a space enclosed and protected by the proprietor who must be assured that the seed is his. Evidence from Portugal Spain Italy and Greece is advanced to support the suggestion that such a model of procreation is more adequate for explaining concepts of man/woman marriage procreation family unmarriedness concepts of honor and shame and concepts of evil eye and witchcraft than are the commonly used analytical categories of sex and sexuality. Among one group of Portuguese fishermen the definition of a man depends entirely on marriage and fatherhood. Females are considered women at menarche because they are eligible for maternity but their status becomes more ambiguous at menopause. Marriage procreation and family are conceptualized in this procreative model as stages of a single process which culminates in formation of a family.


This paper describes the design, implemental ion and performance of a power distributed amplifier with a minimum gain of 5dB , input and output VSWR less than 1.5:1, and greater than 22dBm of 1dB compressed power over the 2 to 18GHz band. This amplifier makes use of several circuit design advances to improve both bandwidth and power capability and measures 1.0mm by 1.4mm (1.4 sq. mm).


Data on atrial fibrillation (AF) epidemiology and AF influence on the risk of cardiovascular complications are presented. Principles and tactics of AF therapy are discussed in accordance to evidence based medicine and European society of cardiology Guidelines. Algorithms for choice (on the basis of risk stratification) of different antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulants are described. Perspectives in improvement of efficacy and safety of AF therapy are reviewed


This study describes the development of an human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor DNA cationic-lipid complexed autologous tumour cell vaccine (hGM-CSF CLDC ATCV) and its implementation, following a chemotherapy treatment protocol, in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial in pet dogs with naturally occurring lymphoma. We hypothesized that the use of this vaccine would result in an antitumour immune response leading to improved first remission duration and overall survival in dogs with B-cell lymphoma when compared with chemotherapy alone. Immune stimulation generated by hGM-CSF CLDC ATCV was assessed by means of surrogate in vivo analysis (delayed-type hypersensitivity [DTH]) as well as an ex vivo cellular assay (lymphocyte proliferation assay). The vaccine approach considered in the current report did not result in clinically improved outcomes. A small measure of immunomodulation was documented by DTH and several modifications to the approach are suggested. This report illustrates the feasibility of clinical trials with vaccine strategies using companion animals with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.


This study provides new evidence on the impact of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) on a variety of infant health outcomes by using the most recent South Carolina Vital Statistics data (2004-2012). To account for non-random WIC participation, the study relies on a maternal-fixed effects estimation, due to the availability of unique maternally link data. The results indicate that WIC participation substantially decreases the probability of low birth weight, prematurity, and the probability of being admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Additionally, addressing gestational bias and accounting for the length of gestation, WIC participation reduces the probability of delivering a low weight infant and a small for gestation (SGA) infant by 5% among black mothers.


Article 24 (1) of the 1945 Constitution States after the third amendment, "the judicial power shall be independent in administering justice so as to uphold the law and equality." The Indonesian Constitutional Court is one of the performers of the independent judicial power who plays a significant role in the enforcement of the constitution and the principle of the state based on the law by its authority and obligations as determined by the 1945 Constitution. This paper intends to study the Indonesian Constitutional Court to find out whether the Constitutional Court in exercising its constitutional authority can be independent. Also, this article will examine not just institutional independence but also judges independence to understand current issues related to the role of ethics and conduct of judges. The independence of the Indonesian Constitutional Court supported by the 1945 Constitution after the amendments from 1999 until 2002, and further stipulated in Law. However, it can be said that this institution has ups and downs of public trust due to corruption cases conducted by constitutional justices. Also, in several political instances showed efforts of political institutions to limit the authority of the Constitutional Court. In its experiences, the Constitutional Court succeeded in convincing the parties through its decisions and strengthening institutional independence against the influence that tried to destabilize its institutions. The Council of Ethics of Constitutional Judges that maintains the values and behavior of judges also continuously works and efficient enough in overseeing the ethics and conduct of judges. The decision of the Ethics Council may also be accepted as a proportional decision.


Background Regular physical activity is inversely associated with risk of coronary heart disease, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Active commuting is an environmental friendly way to achieve the recommended 30 min of daily physical activity. The aim of this study was to explore the relative contribution of markers from different potential mediating pathways on the association between active commuting and risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in a general population. Design Prospective incident nested case-control study. Methods Commuting habits, traditional risk factors and biomarkers were assessed at baseline and compared in 204 MI cases and 327 matched controls. Results Car commuting was significantly associated with MI risk, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio: 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-2.99). When potential mediators were included in the model, the risk was substantially attenuated. Among the traditional risk factors, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio seemed to be the largest mediator (26.0%), followed by body mass index (18.7%). The inflammatory and haemostatic markers similarly dampened the effect, with tissue plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 complex and IL-6 explaining 33.6 and 27.6% of MI risk, respectively. Combined, the potential mediators investigated seemed to explain 40.1% of MI risk related to car commuting. Conclusion Overall, the traditional, inflammatory and haemostatic markers seemed to explain a substantial proportion of the reduction in MI risk related to active commuting in this study population. The predominant effect of the inflammatory and haemostatic markers supports the hypothesis that regular physical activity may work through additional biological mechanisms to reduce coronary risk beyond traditional risk factors. However, these findings need to be confirmed in larger studies.


The Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) promotes basic and applied research to understand how drivers and processes of global change present challenges and opportunities in mountain social-ecological systems. It convenes a global network that collectively generates and synthesizes knowledge on global change in mountains that also supports decisions and actions to enable sustainable development. Building on the considerable social and intellectual wealth fostered by the MRI over its past 20-plus years of existence, we outline future directions aimed at supporting and further developing the network as well as our flagship and community-led activities aimed at linking and scaling interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research efforts within and across mountain regions worldwide.


The post-war poetry has often been divided in several groups added to the updated anthologies. In 1962 Poetes universitaris valencians appeared and a group of young writers were added to the already known ones from the sixties. The anthology and the writers' developement are reviewed in this paper.


Two lines of human colonic carcinoma cells have different sensitivities to 5-fluorouracil and 1-(2-chlorethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea (methyl-CCNU). The growth of the BE line is 50% inhibited by 330 microM 5-fluorouracil and 15 microM methyl-CCNU, and the HT-29 line is 50% inhibited by 85 and 140 microM, respectively. On cloning, 50% of BE cells are killed by 500 microM 5-fluorouracil and 6 microM methyl-CCNU, and the HT-29 cells are killed by 250 and 120 microM respectively. When the drugs were combined, there were additive effects which occurred in cell growth of both lines and killing of BE cells. Synergism occurred in killing HT-29 cells when a low concentration of 5-fluorouracil was combined with methyl-CCNU. The synergism did not increase with increasing concentrations of 5-fluorouracil. Both drugs caused growth delay of spheroids (HT-29 cells), an effect that was additive when the drugs were combined. Growth inhibition of both lines in monolayer culture by 5-fluorouracil was more sensitive than was cell killing or inhibition of spheroid growth but, with methyl-CCNU, killing of BE cells was more sensitive than was growth inhibition. HT-29 cells showed similar sensitivity to methyl-CCNU in all three systems. The type and sensitivity of drug effect seen in vitro depends on the particular drug used, the cell line tested, and the parameter measured.


This paper describes Transis, a communication subsystem for high availability. Transis is a transport layer that supports reliable multicast services. The main novelty is in the eficient implementation using broadcast. The basis of Transis is automatic maintenance of dynamic membership. The membership algorithm is symmetrical, operates within the regular pow of messages, and overcomes partitions and re-merging. The higher layer provides various multicast services


The need for China to survive and to compete in the rapidly globalising world economy has never been so compelling as in the past decade. Reforming state-owned enterprises (SOEs) has thus been at the top of the Chinese government's agenda since the mid-1990s. This has led to the emergence of new patterns of enterprise ownership and consequently new employment relations which are distinctively different from those in the traditional SOEs. This paper explores the ways key elements of employment relations may have changed as a result of ownership change; why the trade unions have failed to perform adequately, and what the impact has been on workers of the new form of employment relations. In this paper, the term employment relations is used to include a broad range of issues which fall within the scope of analysis of both traditional fields of industrial relations and human resource management. In particular, aspects of employment relations such as recruitment, pay, training, work reorganisation and the role of the trade unions are explored.


This study aims to reflect on the process of adoption of the preprints publication model, briefly delimiting its history and current use by the national and the international scientific community. Departing from the literature and a consultation of preprint repositories, this reflection intends to highlight the main challenges that preprint implementation will face in the Nursing area, along with its specificities. While considering its benefits for scientific dissemination, this study points out the difficulties that may arise from the implementation of mostly north-American science models in a peripheral country such as Brazil. This work intends to contribute to an important theoretical discussion, which should precede the significant changes expected from the adoption of such a model in the Brazilian scientific context.


This chapter discusses how Renaissance stories of the golem of Prague, of Paracelsus's homunculus, and of a talking brass head built by a natural philosopher in Robert Greene's play Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay show the fears and hopes embedded in that culture's reactions to human invention—as well as an ambivalence to the idea of slavery, for intelligent objects are almost uniformly proxies for indentured servants. Moreover, the tales examined in this chapter about artificial servants foreshadow our modern ambivalence about our innate technological abilities. The power of their technological promise is countervailed by fears that these products of our own ingenuity will overwhelm us.


YS-121 [2-(4-chloro-6-(2,3-dimethylphenylamino)pyrimidin-2-ylthio)octanoic acid] is the result of target-oriented structural derivatization of pirinixic acid. It is a potent dual PPARα/γ-agonist, as well as a potent dual 5-LO/mPGES-1-inhibitor. Additionally, recent studies showed an anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo. Because of its interference with many targets, YS-121 is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Ongoing preclinical studies will thus necessitate huge amounts of YS-121. To cope with those requirements, we have optimized the synthesis of YS-121. Surprisingly, we isolated and characterized byproducts during the resulting from nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions by different tertiary alkylamines at a heteroaromatic halide. These amines should actually serve as assisting bases, because of their low nucleophilicity. This astonishing fact was not described in former publications concerning that type of reaction and, therefore, might be useful for further reaction improvement in general. Furthermore, we could develop a proposal for the mechanism of that byproduct formation.


The class of optimal nonlinear finite-dimensional recursive filters found by Beneš is extended to include cases in which the drift in the state propagation equation is a general linear function plus the gradient of a scalar potential. It is shown that if the state space is one dimensional, then the deterministic systems underlying the Beneš filter fall into five classes, depending on the asymptotic behaviour of the state at large times. Only two of these classes can be obtained using the Kalman filter. It is shown that an arbitrary deterministic trajectory can be approximated at small times to an accuracy of O(t5) by a trajectory for which the Beneš filter is appropriate. The Beneš construction is the starting point for the development of new finite-dimensional recursive approximations to the optimal filter. One of the new filters is applied to a simple tracking problem taken from computer vision, and its performance compared with that of the extended Kalman filter.


The importance of media criminology as a disciplinary field and form of analysis is incontrovertible. But how to undertake such analysis is less than straightforward. The purpose of this book is to map out what we see as the constituent elements of such an endeavour. We start by outlining the theoretical foundations of the book in Chapters 2 and 3. These chapters provide extended discussions of framing theory, practice and analysis, and lay out the basic conceptual repertoire of media criminology (as we understand the term). The second part explores faming effects and media practices by examining issues pertaining to police, courts and the media; victims and offenders; and prisons and innovative justice. Chapters 4, 5 and 6 focus on mediated accounts of criminal justice institutions and stakeholders, and the implications of these for understanding and interpreting what happens within these particular social contexts. Part three examines the politics of mediated representation in Chapters 7, 8 and 9, which deal with particular population groups. These include young people (in particular, young people as offenders), groups subjected to racial vilification in and through media, and institutions and people of power who largely seem to escape the hazards of negative media attention. The final part of the book, audiences, industries and technologies, comprises Chapters 10 and 11, which consider the status and dynamics of crime as entertainment (specifically, through the lens of the 'CSI effect'), and the complex issues associated with knowledge production and consumption as mediated in and by cyberspace. The book concludes with a few overarching observations and suggestions for future research in Chapter 12. The chapters have been designed to stand alone as critical interventions and discussions within their respective fields and in terms of their relationship to the media-crime nexus. Despite this, in writing each of the sections, we have been motivated by a core set of concerns and aims; many of which are elaborated in Chapter 2, and which we return to at different moments throughout the book. These concerns and aims principally include the desire to promote a more integrated and interdisciplinary approach towards the practice of media criminology. We wish to express a more nuanced and applied understanding of 'media' and media practices and, in doing so, encourage readers to upturn and expose some of the potentially hidden intricacies and complexities of the relationship between media and crime in the contemporary mediascape. This includes, but by no means is limited to, a broader and potentially more productive conceptualisation of 'media' and 'media effects'; recognition of the fragmentation of the traditional categories of 'producers' and 'audiences' with the emergence of media actors'; and an appreciation of the increasing importance and centrality of the 'visual' within media criminology and mediated representations of crime.


There is a critical need to understand the effect of the growth parameters on the characteristics of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in order to optimize the process for the production of CNTs with specific characteristics that will exhibit enhanced functionality for the application. Floating Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition (FCCVD) is a promising method to produce high yield bulk CNTs. Effects of parameters namely flow rate of ethylene and argon, reaction temperature and weight of ferrocene on CNTs grown by FCCVD were investigated. The growth of CNTs began with the vaporization of an amount of ferrocene at 150 °C under argon ambient followed by exposure to ethylene at different temperatures. Properties of CNTs such as crystallinity and diameter were determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy and Raman Spectroscopy. Temperature of 800 °C and 850 °C are found to be suitable for CNTs growth with the temperature of 850 °C producing bigger diameter CNTs. Low flow rate of eth...


In this work was identified the physical, compositional and physicochemical properties of Andean Lupin seed (Lupinus mutabilis) grown in the Andes of Narino. The proximal composition analyses were performed to the whole seed, cotyledons and seed coat. In addition, it was determined the content of minerals and their elemental composition. It was established quantitatively the content of alkaloids and its compositional profile. Physical properties were determined such as the size and shape. Physicochemical properties were determined as water holding capacity and pH. The nutritional components of the seed are less with the values reported in the literature, for seeds from elsewhere. It presents a variation in the profile of alkaloids being the alkaloid spartein second major presence. The seed hidratation achieves an increasing of 1.72 times its original size. It can be suggested that protein has hydrophilic affinity as evidenced by the high water retention capacity. The identification of these properties allows recognize the potential use of this natural resource.


A clear gap with respect to the potential biological properties of wheat flavonoids exists in the available literature. This information is crucial for breeding programs aiming to produce new varieties presenting improved health benefits. Accordingly, advanced breeding lines of whole durum wheat were evaluated in this contribution. The highest recovery of phenolics was achieved using aqueous acetone (50:50, v/v), as verified by multi-response optimization, thus showing that phenolics could be largely underestimated by employing an inappropriate extraction. The concentration of derivatives of apigenin, the main phenolics present, ranged from 63.5 to 80.7%, as evaluated by LC–ESI-QTOF-MS. Phenolics from the breeding line 98 exhibited the highest ability in scavenging peroxyl radicals, reducing power as well as in terms of inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity, a key enzyme regulating the absorption of triacylglycerols. In contrast, none of the samples exhibited a significant anti-diabetic potential. Despite their high concentration compared to that of phenolic acids, results of this work do not support a significant antioxidant and pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect of durum wheat flavonoids. Therefore, breeding programs and animal and/or human trials related to the effect of durum wheat flavonoids on oxidative stress and absorption of triacylglycerols are discouraged at this point.


Introduction. In connection with the diversity of the ethnic composition of the population of the Southern Urals, when assessing the state of mental health of residents of territories exposed to radiation, it becomes important to take into account ethnic characteristics. Objective: to study the clinical-psychopathological, psychological and psychophysiological characteristics of persons belonging to various ethnic groups of the population of the Southern Urals exposed to radiation. Materials and Methods. The examination of 157 persons born in 1957 and older, living in radiation-contaminated areas, in settlements located in the Techa river basin has been carried out. The study sample is divided into two groups, comparable in terms of sex and age: group 1 (n=90) incudes persons of the Slavic language group, group 2 (n=67) includes representatives of the Turkic language group. Methods used: clinicalpsychopathological, experimental-psychological (Asthenic State Scale, Subjective Asthenia Scale, Simple VisualMotor Reaction, Mental Status Brief Scale, Memorization Curve), methods of statistical processing of materials. Results and Discussion. According to the results of clinical examination, organic asthenic and organic cognitive disorders are most often diagnosed in both groups. Sleep disorders, cognitive impairments, and asthenia prevail in the clinical-psychopathological syndrome structure. The results of clinical-psychopathological and psychological diagnostics demonstrate a decrease in the functional state of the central nervous system, a deterioration in cognitive functions in most of the subjects of both groups. In the 2nd group (persons of Turkic language group), manifestations of physical asthenia (p=0.033) and a reduced volume of direct information retrieval (p=0.008) are statistically significantly more common. In group 1 (persons of Slavic language group), there are statistically significantly more frequent complaints of difficulty concentrating (p=0.040) and anxiety-phobic symptoms (p=0.049). Conclusion. In the long-term period after radiation exposure, residents of the South Urals of different ethnicity do not reveal significant differences in the clinical-psychopathological syndrome structure and clinical manifestations of mental disorders.


This book is the classic source of empirical information on the patterns of occupational achievement in American society. Based on an unusually comprehensive set of data, it is renowned for its pioneering methods of statistical analysis as well as for its far-reaching conclusions about social stratification and occupational mobility in the United States. The American Occupational Structure received the Sorokin Award of the American Sociological Association in recognition of its significant contribution to the social sciences.


Importance Multiligament knee injuries are rare, but can lead to significant functional limitations. Surgery has been shown to improve outcomes, however, there remains considerable debate regarding the optimal timing of surgery. Objective We aimed to determine whether early surgery in the setting of a multiligamentous knee injury was associated with superior functional outcomes when compared with surgery on a delayed basis. Evidence review A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed databases was conducted up to March 2018. We identified studies with a sample size greater than 10 that included subjects with an injury to at least two of the four major knee ligaments and compared outcomes between early and delayed surgery. We assessed the methodological quality of each included study using the Newstead-Ottawa Scale. Findings We identified 11 eligible studies, including a total of 320 patients (195 early and 125 delayed). The mean time to surgery among patients treated early was 11.2 days in comparison to 294.8 days for the delayed group. Early surgery was found to have a statistically significantly higher Lysholm score (p<0.0001) and Meyers rating (p=0.02) when compared with delayed surgery. No statistically significant differences in International Knee Documentation Committee, Tegner Activity Scale, total arc of motion, loss of extension or loss of flexion were demonstrated between early and delayed surgery. Early surgery was noted to have a statistically significantly higher odds of requiring a manipulation under anaesthesia or arthrolysis (p=0.04), however, subsequent subgroup analysis showed no difference between early and delayed surgery when only studies employing an early range of motion protocol were pooled. Conclusions and relevance Based on the current body of literature, which primarily consists of level IV evidence, early surgery in the setting of multiligament knee injury may provide better functional outcomes without compromising range of motion when using early postoperative mobilisation protocols. Further studies of higher quality are required to corroborate these findings. Level of evidence Level IV, systematic review.


By means of virtual screening of small molecules databases it is possible to identify new potential inhibitors against a target of interest. Molecular docking is a computer simulation procedure to predict the conformation of a receptor-ligand complex. Each docking program makes use of one or more specific search algorithms, which are the methods used to predict the possible conformations of a binary complex. In the present review we describe several molecular-docking search algorithms, and the programs which apply such methodologies. We also discuss how virtual screening can be optimized, describing methods that may increase accuracy of the simulation process, with relatively fast docking algorithms.


Abstract Many natural surface-environment samples, such as soils and marine and lacustrine sediments, are complex mixtures involving several mineral phases (both petrogenic and authigenic), several amorphous and nanoparticulate inorganic phases (usually authigenic or pedogenic), and a heterogeneous amorphous component of "organic matter" (OM). The main inorganic amorphous and crystalline components are often operationally separated and quantified by various selective or sequential chemical extraction methods that are subject to various artifacts and that can be significantly affected by the presence of OM. Here we develop a general method of absolute quantification based on powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD) measurements that are obtained using standard θ-θ or θ-2θ type diffractometers. The method does not require calibration or the use of standards and does not require instrument parameter determinations but relies instead on exact normalization conditions that we prove. In particular, we develop a .general integrated intensity formula. (GIIF) for X-ray diffraction. All relevant sampleradiation interaction phenomena are considered, including polarization, mass absorption, Compton scattering, and resonance absorption re-emission. We show that the mole fraction of any given phase (crystalline, amorphous, quasicrystalline, or nanophase) is exactly given by the collection sphere integrated intensity of the resolved phase-specific contribution to the Compton corrected and electron unit normalized diffraction pattern, T(θ), divided by the wavevector (q) integrated average squared atomic form factor of the phase. Electron unit calibration is achieved by a global normalization that directly gives the product A⊥Io of the effective cross sectional area (A⊥) of the incident (and outgoing) beam and the effective incident beam intensity (Io), including counter efficiency, beam path losses, etc. The problem of incomplete collection sphere integration (including the q = 0 region) is resolved by showing that all the results hold for a given Bragg angle range of measurement for a sufficiently large range. We evaluate the accuracy of the method by application to synthetic binary amorphous-crystalline mixtures of (1) a rock standard, that provides an assembly of crystalline phases, (2) a certified OM standard, and (3) a synthetic inorganic amorphous phase (silica gel). We expect that the method will be particularly useful in surface sediment and environmental geochemistry applications.


Blast furnace slag has modification with different modifying agents, such as iron ore waste rock, fly ash, and the mixture (each 50%). The modifying effect is evaluated from five aspects: acidity coefficient Mk, viscosity coefficient Mη, hydrogen ion index pH of slag, molten slag viscosity, and slag mineral composition. The study shows that modification slag can be used as raw material and meets the requirements for the preparation of slag wool, but they exhibit different modifying effects to different modifying agents. By means of burden calculation, slag parameter calculation and parameter linear regression analysis, the effects of modifying agent were compared as follows, iron ore waste rock is the best modifying agent, mixture is the next and fly ash is the worst.


This paper represents a new approach that can recover the control points for wide variety of 3rd order Bezier curves. In this regards, the two stage approximation learning algorithm is adopted with some modifications. At 1st stage our key feature is segmentation of the curve which can determine intermediate points of the wide variety of curves. In this respect, an efficient recursive algorithm is used to find out the height of the curve (h) with less iteration. The proposed approach introduced horizontal segmentation rather than vertical segmentation. Different height (H), where the 2nd and 3rd control point are assumed, and also the step-size (∂), at which the control points are moved toward the actual direction, are used to find out the exact location of the control points. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposing method can recover control points for wide variety of curves with minimum error level and less iteration. Wide variety of curve shapes are used to test the proposing approach and results are presented to prove its effectiveness


Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt of tomato and limits the crop production, and antagonistic microorganisms use to suppress the disease, of which Trichoderma and Pseudomonas species are the most effective agents to control bacterial wilt. In the present study, attempt was made to isolate these two microorganisms to evaluate their effectiveness to control R. solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt disease of tomato under greenhouse conditions. Thus R. solanacearum, Pseudomonas and Trichoderma spp. were isolated from wilted and healthy tomato plants grown from farmer's field in Ziway and Meki, Oromia Ethiopia. The virulence of the pathogen and the antagonistic effect of the bacteria and fungi were evaluated against R. solanacearum in vitro and in vivo condition. Based on the in vitro results the best two isolates were selected to show their antagonistic effect under greenhouse condition in single and combined designs. The result showed the pathogenicity test of the isolates were evaluated under greenhouse condition, and isolate AAURS1 showed highest virulence (75%) followed by isolate APPRCRS2 with pathogenicity of 50%. With regard to antagonism test, isolates AAURB20 and AAUTR23 showed the highest inhibition against R. solanacearum with inhibition zone of 16 and 15 mm, respectively. Among the treatments co-inoculation was more effective and reduced disease incidence by 13.33% and increased the bio-control efficacy by 72.22% when compared with individual treatment and negative control. The isolates significantly increased the plant height and dry weight by 72.33 cm and 12.18 g, respectively. Thus, the combined use of the biocontrol agents significantly reduced the incidence of tomato bacterial wilt disease. However, their performance should be evaluated using other yield parameters under field conditions to produce healthy tomato seedling to minimize the use of chemicals and reduce  environmental pollution.

 Key words: Biocontrol, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia solanacearum, Trichoderma.


This article summarizes the objectives and structure of a
seminar with the same title, held from August 22nd to 26th, 2010, at
Schloss Dagstuhl, Germany. The seminar brought together researchers
and policy-makers from quite diverse communities, to make progress towards
an integrated framework for understanding insider threats and
their interaction with organizations and policies. During the seminar, social
and organizational factors relevant to insider threats, were discussed,
as well as urgent questions in four areas: synthesizing social science and
technical research, metrics and assurance, language formulations and ontology,
and the threats facing intangible systems. This report gives an
overview of the discussions and presentations during the week, as well as
the outcome of these discussions.


Much of the current programming effort for conventional computers is spent in planning the allocation of primary and secondary memory during the execution of a program. Virtual memory systems were introduced in order to free the programmer from much of the time-consuming and routine work associated with memory management. However, when a program requires more memory locations than are available in a particular virtual memory, the virtual memory must be managed by using virtual access methods. For these applications, the virtual memory advantage of increased programmer productivity is sharply reduced.


Guillain-Barré syndrome and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) appeared simultaneously in a 35-year-old woman. During the course of the Guillain-Barré syndrome, the presence of IgA aggregates and a decrease in complement components were noted in the cerebrospinal fluid. These abnormalities disappeared when the neurologic syndrome remitted. This suggests the responsibility of IgA immune complexes, characteristic of HSP, in the occurrence of the associated Guillain-Barré syndrome.


Agaricomycetous mushrooms are widely utilized as a source of food and or traditional medicine in the world as they exhibit both nutritional and pharmaceutical properties. In order to establish the optimal culture conditions of the 2 Coprinopsis, 2 Leucoagaricus, and 1 Leucocoprinus mushroom, we evaluated the optimum culture medium, pH condition, aeration, illumination, and temperature requirements for the luxuriant mycelial growth of these wild mushrooms. The fruiting body and mycelial biomass production were also carried out in this study to measure mushrooms' biological efficiency. Among commercially-available culture media, malt extract agar (MEA) was found to be the most suitable for the 4 mushrooms (except C. cinerea ), followed by potato dextrose agar (PDA) for 3 mushrooms ( C. cinerea, C. verticillata, L. cretaceous ). Potato sucrose gulaman (local crude agar) or PSG and corn grit decoction gulaman or CGDG were also found favorable for the growth of Coprinopsis verticilatta and Leucoagaricus americanus, respectively. In terms of pH requirement, L. americanus (pH 5) and Leucoagaricus meleagris (pH 5-6) favored slightly acidic, while the other three mushrooms showed a wide range of pH requirements. C. verticillata and L. meleagris favored sealed condition, while Coprinopsis cinerea favored unsealed condition. However, L. americanus and Leucocoprinus cretaceous showed efficient mycelia growth in both sealed and unsealed conditions. Dark condition were found to be favorable for mycelial growth of both C. cinerea and L. cretaceous, whereas lighted condition was found appropriate for L. americanus mycelia. However, illumination was found to be not important factor for C. verticillata and L. meleagris . All evaluated mushrooms grew best at room temperature conditions (30-32ºC), but C. cinerea, L. meleagris, and L. cretaceous could also thrive at lower temperatures (23-25ºC). Three mushrooms namely, L. amaericanus , L. meleagris, and L. cretaceous successfully produced fruiting bodies in fruiting bags containing rice straw and sawdust at a 7:3 ratio by volume with biological efficiencies (BE) of 5.75%, 5.75%, and 2.3%, respectively. However, the mycelia of C. cinerea and C. verticillata were mass-produced in potato broth in submerged cultivation with 18.18% and 23.86% BE, respectively . Generally, the optimum culture condition for both mycelial growth and fruiting body production were found to be species-dependent.


The frequency estimation technique with guaranteed finite time of convergence to a given accuracy of identification is presented. The approach for a high frequency noise rejection is proposed. The possibility of switching algorithm introduction for estimation quality improvement is discussed. The proposed solution has order three, that is smaller than in other existent solutions. The dimension of modified robust frequency estimator that can reject the additional measuring noise is equal four. Efficiency of the approach is demonstrated on examples of computer simulation.


Thul et al. (2020) called attention to problems that arise when
 chronometric experiments implementing specific factorial designs are analysed with the generalized additive mixed model (GAMM),
 using factor smooths to capture trial-to-trial dependencies. From a series of simulations incorporating such dependencies, they
 conclude that GAMMs are inappropriate for between-subject designs. They argue that in addition GAMMs come with too many modeling
 possibilities, and advise using the linear mixed model (LMM) instead. As
 clarified by the title of their paper, their conclusion is: "Using GAMMs to model trial-by-trial fluctuations in experimental
 data: More risks but hardly any benefit".
 We address the questions raised by Thul et al. (2020), who clearly
 demonstrated that problems can indeed arise when using factor smooths in combination with factorial designs. We show that the
 problem does not arise when using by-smooths. Furthermore, we have traced a bug in the implementation of factor smooths in the
 mgcv package, which will have been removed from version 1.8–36 onwards.
 To illustrate that GAMMs now produce correct estimates, we report simulation studies implementing different
 by-subject longitudinal effects. The maximal LMM emerges as slightly conservative compared to GAMMs, and GAMMs provide estimated
 coefficients that can be less variable across simulation runs. We also discuss two datasets where time-varying effects interact
 with numerical predictors in a theoretically informative way.


Abstract This paper examined and discussed the nature of problems boarding schools in Botswana experience. The focus was on the boys' side of boarding. The paper argued that if the recreational facilities in boarding schools were not provided in sufficient quantities, students would seek other means which are not necessarily approved by school rules to keep themselves from boredom. Equally contributing to students' behaviour problem in boarding institutions is the multicultural composition of boarding students and the general poor calibre of boarding staff that have a duty of care to the students under their stewardship. The poor conditions at boarding schools and lack of close supervision, the paper concludes, encourage students to misbehave.


Dynamic loss is an essential parameter to consider for the design of high temperature superconducting (HTS) synchronous machine windings. For aerospace electric propulsion systems, the fundamental frequency component and harmonics in electric machines can attain kHz level because of the high rotating speed. However, for HTS coated conductors (CC), the existing definition of dynamic loss only considers the HTS layer, the validity of which at high frequencies is questionable. Besides, the variation of dynamic loss and magnetization loss under skin effect due to high frequency is still unknown. Additionally, the influence of shielding effects among distinct turns on the dynamic loss of HTS stacks and coils remains unclear. In response to the above concerns, by use of the H-formulation based numerical multilayer modelling method which considers all layers of a CC, the frequency dependence of dynamic loss and magnetization loss of HTS CCs, stacks and coils over a wide range up to 20 kHz has been investigated. Results show that the existing definition of the dynamic region is no longer valid at kHz level, which shrinks rapidly with increasing frequency and magnetization loss plays a progressively important role due to skin effect. Meanwhile, the shielding effect in HTS stacks and coils can enhance the significance of dynamic loss. This paper clarifies the characteristics of dynamic loss and magnetization loss of HTS CCs, stacks, and coils over a wide frequency band, which can serve as a useful reference for accurate loss controlling of machine windings in future aerospace HTS propulsion systems.


We have investigated the flow of dry granular materials through vertical channels in the regime of dense slow flow using video imaging of the particles adjacent to a transparent wall. Using an image processing technique based on particle tracking velocimetry, the video movies were analysed to obtain the velocities of individual particles. Experiments were conducted in two- and three-dimensional channels. In the latter, glass beads and mustard seeds were used as model granular materials, and their translational velocities were measured. In the former, aluminium disks with a dark diametral stripe were used and their translational velocities and spin were measured. Experiments in the three-dimensional channels were conducted for a range of the channel width W, and for smooth and rough sidewalls. As in earlier studies, we find that shearing takes place predominantly in thin layers adjacent to the walls, while the rest of the material appears to move as a plug. However, there are large velocity fluctuations even in the plug, where the macroscopic deformation rate is negligibly small. The thickness of the shear layer, scaled by the particle diameter dp, increases weakly with W/dp. The experimental data for the velocity field are in good agreement with the Cosserat plasticity model proposed recently. We also measured the mean spin of the particles in the two-dimensional channel, and its deviation from half the vorticity. There is a clear, measurable deviation, which too is in qualitative agreement with the Cosserat plasticity model. The statistics of particle velocity and spin fluctuations in the two-dimensional channel were analysed by determining their probability distribution function, and their spatial and temporal correlation. They were all found to be broadly similar to previous observations for three-dimensional channels, but some differences are evident. The spatial correlation of the velocity fluctuations are much stronger in the two-dimensional channel, implying a pronounced solid-like motion superimposed over an uncorrelated fluid-like motion. The strong spatial correlation over large distances has led us to propose a mechanism for the production of velocity fluctuations in the absence of a macroscopic deformation rate.


Objectives: MSM comprise ∼30% of new HIV infections in Israel, a country with mixed Jewish and Arab populations. We molecularly characterized HIV-1 in the Arab and Jewish MSM (AMSM, JMSM) populations to reveal possible interethnical connections. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: All Israeli-born, HIV-1-infected MSM diagnosed between 2005 and 2016 (n = 1143) were cross-matched with the National Civil Registry to identify religion (Jews/Muslims/Christians). Transmitted drug-resistance mutations (TDRM) and HIV-1 subtypes were determined on the first partial protease and reverse transcriptase sequences from treatment-naive patients and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Results: Among MSM, 6.4% (73/1143) were Arabs and 93.6% (1070/1143) were Jews. Interestingly, a higher proportion of Arabs was identified among non-MSM (19%, 46/247 versus 6.4%, 73/1143, P < 0.01). Subtype analysis of 62 HIV-1 AMSM and 440 randomly selected HIV-1 JMSM sequences revealed 80.6, 8.1, 4.8 and 6.5% of AMSM and 82.3, 9.5, 4.1 and 4.1% of JMSM had B, A, C and non-A/B/C, respectively. Overall, 13.1% (66/502) had TDRM; reverse transcriptase-K103N/S, M184 V, T215S and protease-L90M were the most common. TDRM prevalence was not significantly higher in JMSM compared to AMSM (P = 0.1) and no temporal changes were observed in their frequency. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated AMSM and JMSM clusters including L90M, K103N/S or T215S TDRM. Conclusion: Intermingling of AMSM and JMSM HIV-1 in clusters of HIV-1 sequences suggest interethnical sexual contacts among these MSM. Interventions aiming to prevent HIV-transmission in MSM should similarly address both populations groups. The high TDRM frequency requires continuation of resistance testing.


This study aimed to investigate gender-specific differences in internal and external motivation, intention to stay in business and growth aspirations of small business entrepreneurs in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. Furthermore, it aimed at determining if motivation and intention to stay in business predict business growth aspirations. The study adopted a descriptive, single-sample, cross-sectional design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 298 male and female small business entrepreneurs. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and regression analysis. Only one significant difference was observed between males and females and the study variables. Male entrepreneurs displayed a statistically significant higher mean compared to females, indicating that they were more motivated by external factors such as enjoying the direct benefits of higher status and influence in the community, rising to a higher position and proving that they were successful in business. Additionally, it was found that the intention to stay in business was the main predictor of business growth aspiration in both groups. The findings of this study contrast with some prior studies, which indicated that differences exist between male and female entrepreneurs. However, the practical implication of the higher external motivation of males to prove their status, influence, success, and the position may explain why they generally perform better than females. The study provides insights for policymakers in tailoring support for male and female entrepreneurs and provides the impetus for further investigation. The study proved that similarities between male and female entrepreneurs do exist. However, in this study, a notable difference, that males valued external motivation higher, is still present. This increased external motivation to create wealth may explain the greater number of male-run businesses.


This paper builds on the research that was previously presented and defended at a conference and adds to the depth of glide characteristics and aerodynamics. The basic assumed theory of low speed flight is used as the starting point and determined if this holds true for low speed. Traditionally, flight has always been about achieving faster and high flight operations. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are not typically designed to fly fast, the construction and power units are limiting, added to the lack of complexity in propulsion systems prevents high speeds in most cases. Here, aerodynamic data for Ice on leading edge and top surfaces were analysed, the characteristics obtained and thus the limitations. Furthermore, the influences of this to for unmanned aerial vehicles when subjected to surface environmental conditions such as ice on the leading edge and upper surface. Tested in a wind tunnel to see how theory compares with practice at various speed including take-off, landing and operational applications where head winds substantially alter parameters and this is data used to determine glide paths for landing. It also recommends design and operational changes to limited situations.


The fast affine projection (FAP) algorithm is a relatively new type of adaptive filter which is reported to have complexity comparable with the least mean square (LMS) algorithm but with performance matching that of recursive least squares (RLS) techniques. This paper compares the error performance of the FAP and LMS algorithms when applied to the task of acoustic echo cancellation using both real and simulated data. The results confirm that the convergence of the FAP algorithm is faster than that of LMS but that care must be taken with respect to the stability of the FAP algorithm which can diverge with certain types of input signal or with unsuitable update parameters.


Does second-language (L2) syntactic influence on first-language (L1) reflect long-term changes to L1 syntax or occur only as a result of retrieval difficulties during time-constrained tasks? To evaluate L2 influence on L1 representation of animacy constraints (an element at the syntax–semantics interface) and word order (narrow syntax), we asked Korean–English bilingual speakers to judge sentences for grammaticality under both speeded and unspeeded conditions (Study 1) and to choose the more acceptable sentence of pairs that contained one grammatical and one ungrammatical sentence (Study 2). We found evidence for L2 influence on L1 animacy constraints in all cases and potential L2 influence on L1 word order in Study 1. These results indicate that L2 influence on L1 syntax can be observed even in conditions that reduce retrieval difficulty, implicating changes to underlying L1 representations. They also support the notion of greater susceptibility to change at the syntax–semantics interface.


Summary Ecosystems are the result of a delicate balance between centripetal forces that push economic activities toward integration, and centrifugal forces that pull economic activities out onto the market. Ecosystems evolve when these forces change. For example, technological complementarities—the main source of centripetal force—are dynamic and may be commoditized, generalized, or standardized over time. Management and coordination also change: for example, open innovation practices enable firms to move innovation activities from the in-house R&D lab out into the ecosystem. This article discusses how such dynamics in technologies and management lead to ecosystem evolution.


Unlike other tissues, bone marrow (BM) seldom displays fibrosis after injury, suggesting a possible suppressive mechanism against secondary myelofibrosis in BM tissues. We investigated if fibrosis-related factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), were expressed in BM tissues in vivo. We attempted immunohistochemical studies on specimens of 16 BM aspiration materials with normal hematological findings and 21 BM tissues from autopsy cases who had succumbed to acute heart failure or cerebrovascular diseases without any BM injuries. Identification of immunohistochemically reactive MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in BM tissue samples revealed for the first time that MMP-2 was localized in the myeloid cells, erythroblasts and megakaryocytes, MMP-9 in the myeloid cells and megakaryocytes. In addition, expression of TIMP-2 in the megakaryocytes as well as in the histiocytes within the stroma was verified. In the non-pathological condition, MMP/TIMP expressions were not encountered in BM stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, reticulum cells on adipocytes, except for TIMP-2 identification in stromal histiocytes. It is highly possible that these MMP and TIMP expressions in the BM hematopoietic cells and stromal histiocytes are significantly associated with suppression or induction of myelofibrosis.


The method of specificity differentiation (SPD) as applied to immunofluorescence has been used to distinguish oncogenic herpesviruses from each other and from several non‐oncogenic herpesviruses of primates. The method is capable of distinguishing viruses as closely related as Herpesvirus simplex types 1 and 2. The method will be of value in epidemiological studies for identifying viruses in wild and captive primate populations.


The main topic of process management is a permanent improving of individual processes and improving of relationships among individual parts of the process maps. The consistent following of customer relationship management (CRM) is often the only way of obtaining information in developing strategies and one of the important concepts theirs quality improvement processes. The paper deals with the partial results of the survey of 40 customers and shows the possible directions of changes in business strategies and business processes of the company.


Abstract Research and development projects on materials for applications exposed to high temperatures and radiation include comprehensive mechanical and metallographic examinations as well as analysis methods based on electron microscopy investigations using SEM (scanning electron microscope) and TEM (transmission electron microscope). In addition to 2D EDS and EBSD analyses in the μm range, the imaging 3D analysis method has become more and more important in the past few years. Particularly, the combination of SEM images with simultaneously obtained EDS and EBSD data during 3D analyses is a test method which complements previous material testing and produces clear results since much larger data sets are used in order to determine the composition of a material and the phases present in its microstructure. Since 2014, our institute has been working with a workstation (FIB/SEM) from the company Zeiss, a crossbeam AURIGA 40 with 3D analysis. This paper will present unparalleled results of the investigations carried out on the structural and high-temperature material 12Cr0.36Ta steel, nanocrystalline tungsten and intermetallic NiAl-Cr alloys using the above-mentioned 3D technique.


The article considers the objective necessity of state regulation and support of innovative agroindustrial business in the conditions of a market environment, integration, globalization of economic processes and intensification of competition in the domestic and foreign markets. A retrospective analysis of the support of business entities in the regions of Ukraine has been carried out. A significant variability of the level of its support in the dynamics and regions has been revealed. It showed the absence of a proper system of regulation and business support. We have explored the leading global experience of effective support; an overall assessment of total agricultural support (TSE); Producer Support (PSE) and Consumers (GSSE) according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) methodology. The advantages, prospects and drawbacks of the current key agricultural support models in the context of the use of agricultural practices in Ukraine are considered in this research.


In this review, we evaluated several studies in the literature to analyze the benefits and deleterious effects of the use of monoclonal antibodies (MABs)-based proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels lead to an increase in the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Statins are the cornerstones of hypercholesterolemia treatment, but the patient response may often vary, and additional therapies may be needed to control the increased LDL-C levels. MABs bind to PCSK9 receptors, causing a reduction in LDL-C levels. MAB-based PCSK9 inhibitors such as alirocumab and evolocumab have been approved for use in hypercholesterolemia in combination with statins. Studies have suggested that both alirocumab and evolocumab are effective in lowering LDL-C levels, have favorable side effect profiles, and can be administered at convenient dosing intervals; however, further double-blind, randomized trials evaluating the long-term safety and efficacy of both the agents could assist with clinical decision-making.


The success of captive broodstock programs depends on high in-culture survival, appropriate development of the reproductive system, and the behavior and survival of cultured salmon after release, either as adults or juveniles. Continuing captive broodstock research designed to improve technology is being conducted to cover all major life history stages of Pacific salmon. Current velocity in rearing vessels had little if any effect on reproductive behavior of captively reared steelhead. However, males and females reared in high velocity vessels participated a greater number of spawning events than siblings reared in low velocity tanks. Observations of nesting females and associated males in a natural stream (Hamma Hamma River) were consistent with those observed in a controlled spawning channel. DNA pedigree analyses did not reveal significant differences in the numbers of fry produced by steelhead reared in high and low velocity vessels. To determine the critical period(s) for imprinting for sockeye salmon, juvenile salmon are being exposed to known odorants at key developmental stages. Subsequently they will be tested for development of long-term memories of these odorants. In 2002-2003, the efficacy of EOG analysis for assessing imprinting was demonstrated and will be applied in these and other behavioral and molecular tools inmore » the current work plan. Results of these experiments will be important to determine the critical periods for imprinting for the offspring of captively-reared fish destined for release into natal rivers or lakes. By early August, the oocytes of all of Rapid River Hatchery chinook salmon females returning from the ocean had advanced to the tertiary yolk globule stage; whereas, only some of the captively reared Lemhi River females sampled had advanced to this stage, and the degree of advancement was not dependent on rearing temperature. The mean spawning time of captive Lemhi River females was 3-4 weeks after that of the Rapid River fish. Captive Lemhi River females produced smaller and fewer eggs than the Rapid River females; however, relative fecundity was higher than that of the Rapid River fish. Female coho salmon that ceased or slowed oocyte development in the spring had lower body growth from the previous August onward compared with females that continued oocyte growth. This indicates that growth during the late summer and fall, one year prior to spawning, can determine the decision to mature the following spring. Therefore it is important to maintain the growth of broodstock during the summer/fall period to ensure the continuation of ovary development in the subsequent spring. A combined whole cell vaccine of Renogen with killed R. salmoninarum strain MT239 may be effective in reducing the occurrence of BKD during the period immediately after seawater transfer, but not in yearling seawater-adapted chinook salmon. Control of BKD is likely to require an integrated disease management plan, utilizing three components, namely broodstock segregation, antibiotics, and vaccination. Vaccine results incorporated with antibiotic treatment will be used to work toward an integrated disease management plan to help to reduce the cycle of BKD transmission in the captive stocks to increase survival safely. Patterns of estimated survival in one chinook salmon stock (Grovers Creek)were generally consistent with inbreeding depression: progeny of fish that were full siblings (approximate increment in F of 0.25) survived to return at much lower rates than did progeny of fish that were half siblings (F {approx} 0.125) or unrelated individuals (F {approx} 0). Growth at sea of Grovers Creek Hatchery stock study fish was lower than that of UWH stock fish. Among the inbreeding groups alone, no clear differences in growth were detectable. However, preliminary results suggest the general pattern of growth was opposite that expected if inbreeding depression reduced growth: the highest growth was in progeny of related parents.« less


Water is a resource of great importance for human development and survival, but the problem of quantity and quality is a matter of worldwide concern. The objective of this study was to present the situation of families suffering from water scarcity, through the report of the women residing in the settlement Laranjeira I, located on the edge of the Pantanal of Caceres - MT. To the data collection a descriptive qualitative approach was adopted, with an exploratory character. As a research method, a case study was carried out using a structured questionnaire, a semi-structured interview proposed by Kaufmann, conversation wheels and field diary records. The sample had 20 families. As far as water supply is concerned, 70% of households have as their main source of water the mines (springs) that are obtained by gravity, pumps, buckets and other containers. All families interviewed claimed to use alternative sources such as the springs for collecting water for human consumption and storing the water in gallons and pet bottles. Through the lines it was possible to verify that little progress was made in the process of obtaining water, however some families were able to acquire water in their lots through the drilling of wells. The familyis use a motorcycle, a car, a bicycle as a means of locomotion for the collection of water. In Laranjeiras Settlement I was also found that many families sometimes longed for the desire to leave the settlement because of the lack of water. Conflicts have also been observed among residents of the water-related settlement, where families compete for mines and use strategies such as the installation of various pipes that bring water to homes. It was also possible to identify that the families adopted adaptation measures to overcome the lack of water, such as the collection and collection of rainwater. Finally, this reality of the studied community evidences the need for structural transformations and actions that aim to increase access to water supply systems. Addressing those excluded from access requires acknowledging the highly vulnerable situation in which this part of the population is inserted and considering the multiple dimensions and diversity of challenges for the effectiveness of sectoral actions, such as interventions in water supply for human consumption.


Physicochemical and potentially toxic metals statuses of surface water samples collected around the Yauri abattoir were examined. Health risk assessment of the toxicant via ingestion was interpreted by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ). The mean concentration values for total dissolved solid (TDS), total suspended solid (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), phosphate, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were 1026.78, 565.22, 5.0, 8.89 and 484.64 mg/L respectively. The values are above those obtained for the control water sample as well as those of international safe limits for water. The values of pH (6.6), sulphate (86.91 mg/L), nitrate (41.45 mg/L) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (903.30 mg/L) fell within world health organization maximum permissible limits for drinking water. The mean concentrations of Co (6.93 mg/L), Cu (14.45 mg/L), Fe (64.16 mg/L), and Zn (37.14 mg/L) were above both the control and WHO, EU and EPA safe limits for metals in water. On the other hand Cd (11.47 mg/L), Ni (35.49 mg/L), and Pb (41.94 mg/L) had a mean concentration values which are higher than the international standard limits and control water sample. The calculated values of HQ show that Cd, Co, Cu and Ni were of high risk, Fe with a medium and Pb and Zn are of low risk. Correlation coefficients revealed general positive and significant correlations between the pairs of metals in water. The results of this study showed some levels of pollution of the stream water indicating that the activities at the abattoir were contributing to the pollution load of water in the area.


The system of two charged conducting spheres connected by a long wire is often used as an example to explain the effect of a sharp point on a conductor. In fact, there is charge on the wire. The result of the example is inappropriate. In order to improve this example, the model of two contacting spheres is considered.


The technological advances and ubiquitous use of Internet-access devices in recent years are changing the trajectory of language learning. Combining technology and project-based learning as a teaching method can help students gain knowledge and develop skills that help them solve problems and become responsible and autonomous in their learning. The development and sharing of project-based activities for classroom use is now becoming an important issue. In response to the need, this paper introduces the phases of planning and implementing a book trailer activity as an instruction model as part of the curriculum for use in an advanced Korean language class. A book trailer is a video that introduces a book and used in the classroom can help students exercise language, interaction, and complex thinking skills. Through the project learners highlight the story using their imaginations in a persuasive manner. The paper also discusses the results of implementation of the activity with learner responses on the benefits of the project. The results of the learners'' responses suggest that after this activity they better understood the content of the books, felt more confident in reading Korean literature, and were able to understand new vocabulary and grammar in the context.
(University of Toronto)


(p. 75). By combining ethnohistorical evidence with artistic images from Mayan stellae, ceramic vases, and a cave painting at Naj Tunich, she concludes that "the sexual dimension of Maya life is more plainly visible" in the cave paintings but obscured in public art where sexual themes are expressed "in a highly metaphorical manner" (p. 85). She helps us to understand some of the masterpieces of Maya art, such as those from Yaxchilan that are concerned with bloodletting, and, in her opinion, with "the male ruler's fertility" (p. 81).


Background Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) results in an increased burden of psoriasis and impairs both quality of life and an individual's functional capacity. The relationship between nail involvement and PsA in psoriasis is not fully characterized. Aim To evaluate the frequency and characteristics of nail involvement in psoriatic patients and to assess the relationship with joint involvement. Methods A total of 197 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis were consecutively invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. The patients are divided into two groups: those with and those without psoriatic arthritis. Results 69.5% of psoriatic (137 out of 197) patients had nail involvement. The most common nail abnormality was onycholysis, followed by pitting and oil droplet changes. Nail involvement was more common in patients with psoriatic arthritis (82.1% versus 57.8%, p=0.001). Conclusion Nail involvement is commonly associated with PsA. Onycholysis, splinter hemorrhage, and oil drop were significantly more common in the PsA group as opposed to patients with just skin findings. In general, psoriatic patients with arthritis had more severe disease.


RATIONALE
Accelerated arterial stiffening is a major complication of diabetes mellitus with no specific therapy available to date.

OBJECTIVE
The present study investigates the role of the osteogenic transcription factor runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) as a potential mediator and therapeutic target of aortic fibrosis and aortic stiffening in diabetes mellitus.

METHODS AND RESULTS
Using a murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (db/db mice), we identify progressive structural aortic stiffening that precedes the onset of arterial hypertension. At the same time, Runx2 is aberrantly upregulated in the medial layer of db/db aortae, as well as in thoracic aortic samples from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Vascular smooth muscle cell-specific overexpression of Runx2 in transgenic mice increases expression of its target genes, Col1a1 and Col1a2, leading to medial fibrosis and aortic stiffening. Interestingly, increased Runx2 expression per se is not sufficient to induce aortic calcification. Using in vivo and in vitro approaches, we further demonstrate that expression of Runx2 in diabetes mellitus is regulated via a redox-sensitive pathway that involves a direct interaction of NF-κB with the Runx2 promoter.

CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, this study highlights Runx2 as a previously unrecognized inducer of vascular fibrosis in the setting of diabetes mellitus, promoting arterial stiffness irrespective of calcification.


CD8+ T cell responses control lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in H-2b mice. Although antigen-specific responses against LCMV infection are well studied, we found that up to one third of the CD8+CD44hi response to LCMV in H-2b mice was not accounted for by known epitopes. We screened peptides predicted to bind MHC Class I, and overlapping 15-mer peptides spanning the complete LCMV proteome for their capacity to induce interferon-γ (IFNγ) production from CD8+ T cells derived from LCMV-infected H-2b mice. We identified thirteen novel epitopes. These together with the 7 previously known epitopes account for the total CD8+CD44hi response, diminishing the possible role for bystander T cell activation. Strikingly, 9 out of the 13 new epitopes were derived from the viral L polymerase, which, until now, was not recognized as a target of the cellular response induced by LCMV infection. The L epitopes induced significant levels of in vivo cytotoxicity and conferred protection against LCMV challenge. Interestingly, protection from viral challenge was best correlated with the cytolytic potential of CD8+ T cells, whereas IFNγ production and peptide avidity appear to play a lesser role. Taken together, these findings illustrate that the LCMV-specific CD8+T cell response is more complex than previously appreciated.


We address the problem of object segmentation in image sequences where no a-priori knowledge of objects is assumed. We take advantage of robots' ability to move, gathering multiple images of the scene. Our approach starts by extracting edges, uses a polar domain representation and performs integration over time based on a simple dilation operation. The proposed system can be used for providing reliable initial segmentation of unknown objects in scenes of varying complexity, allowing for recognition, categorization or physical interaction with the objects. The experimental evaluation on both self-captured and a publicly available dataset shows the efficiency and stability of the proposed method.


PURPOSE
To evaluate the response of patients who underwent both skin and in vitro allergy testing, both of which are accepted methods.

DATA SOURCES
Retrospective review of the case notes of 100 patients evaluated by both testing methods for allergic disease.

CONCLUSIONS
A total of 62 patients (62%) tested positive to at least one of the tested allergens via the in vitro method. A total of 65 patients (65%) tested positive to at least one allergen via the skin-testing method. The most frequently elicited allergic response from the in vitro method was to white oak. Indoor mold and dust most frequently elicited response via skin testing.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Both in vitro and in vivo allergy testing have limitations. Practitioners should be aware of these when establishing a treatment plan based on the results of differing allergy testing methods. Due to differing responses to skin and in vitro testing methods, it may be prudent to perform both tests to obtain a definitive diagnosis for the allergic patient.


The physical realization oflogical elements in terms ofvalve, transistor and magnetic core circuits is considered next, followed by control and logical circuits in greater detail than previously. A chapter is devoted to storage and a further two to input and output peripheral equipment. These provide excellent coverage for a comparatively short volume. The final two chapters describe Hypothac in more detail and consider programming techniques with reference to that machine.


Collective Demobilization in Cameroon: Between
Post-authoritarian Regime and Extrovert Activism There is no denying that collective mobilization in
Cameroon around the political and economic problems in the country,
presided by the same chief of state, Paul Biya, since 1982, is very weak. A
"post-authoritarian" regime and the strong political extroversion largely
explain the dearth of social movements. The successive triumphs of the single
party and its intimacy with the state apparatus have led to the domination of
a power wielded by instilling fear. This negative assessment of power
struggles between the authorities and any mobilized actors is coupled with a
low level of autonomy in selecting and formulating causes to defend. The
extroversion of collective action in fact leads to importing causes that are not
specific to Cameroon. But appropriation of these causes in political or
symbolic terms is prohibited in the post-authoritarian space: The restriction
of political time to the here and now and the monopolization of political
utterance constitute obstacles that are difficult to overcome to formulate
common causes. Lastly, the state's obstruction of external collective actors
prevents those who have mobilized from getting involved in public action.
Furthermore, they must compete with international actors implicated in
political reforms without challenging power relations.


AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA

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Nonmelanoma skin cancer comprising of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most prevalent malignancy in Caucasian. Cutaneous SCC is a life threatening malignancy as it has the potential to metastasize and its incidence is increasing each year in the United States. It is clear that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVB) leads to genetic changes in skin cells producing initiated cells, but prolonged UVB exposure may also lead to changes in the microenvironment that in turn contributes to carcinogenesis. Osteopontin (OPN) is a matricellular protein that has been shown to be elevated in several cancer types. We have recently shown that OPN is highly expressed in both actinic keratoses (precursor to SCC) and human cutaneous SCC. We therefore tested whether UVB-induces increase secretion of the OPN in an animal model and whether OPN contributes to photocarcinogenesis. The dorsal skins of female OPN null and wild-type mice in 129S6/SvEv genetic background were subjected to 200 mJ/cm2 of UVB for 43 weeks. Our short term studies of UVB-treated 129/SvEv mice indicate that OPN was induced as early as 24 h after UVB exposure. Further, the percent of mice with tumors and the number of tumors per mouse were higher in 129S6/SvEv mice than OPN null mice on the same genetic background. TUNEL analyses of UVB treated dorsal skin revealed that 2.5-fold more apoptotic basal cells were present in the OPN null than wild-type mice. These data confirm and extend our findings in the two-stage skin chemical carcinogenesis model by indicating that induced expression of OPN during carcinogenesis provides an altered microenvironment for the increased transformation of initiated cells.


List of Figures. List on the Contributors. Preface. Introducing ION: The International Organization Network. How ION Works. Blackwell Handbook of Global Management: A Guide to Managing Global Complexity: The Process. Part I: Introduction: Understanding People and Context:. 1. Globalization: Hercules Meets Buddha: Henry W. Lane, Martha L. Maznevski, Mark Mendenhall. 2. People in Global Organizations: Culture, Personality and Social. Dynamics -- Mary Yoko Brannen, Carolina Gomez, Mark F. Peterson, Laurence Romani, Lilach Sagiv. Part II: Global Competencies:. 3. Global Competencies: An Introduction: Alan Bird, Joyce S. Osland. 4. The Crucial Yet Illusive Global Mindset: Nakiye Boyacigiller, Schon Beechler, Sully Taylor, Orly Levy. 5. Interpersonal Skills:. Part A. Mindful Communication: David C. Thomas, Joyce S. Osland. Part B. Creating and Building Trust: Ellen Whitener, Guenter Stahl. 6. The System Level Skills of Gobal Competency:. Part A. Boundary Spanning: Schon Beechler, Mikael Sondergaard, Edwin Miller, Alan Bird. Part B. Building Community Through Change: Joyce S. Osland, Alan Bird. Part C. Ethical Decision--Making: Jeanne McNett, Mikael Sondergaard. Part III: Teaming and Leading:. 7. Leading in a Global Context: Vision in Complexity: Deanne N. den Hartog. 8. Designing and Forming Global Teams: Julia C. Gluesing, Cristina B. Gibson. 9. Effective Team Processes for Global Teams: Sue Canney Davison, Bjorn Z. Ekelund. 10. Performance Management in Global Teams: Bradley L. Kirkman, Deanne N. Den Hartog. Part IV: Executing Strategic Initiatives Globally:. 11. Managing Knowledge in Global Organizations: Tatiana Kostova, Nicholas Athanassiou, Iris Berdrow. 12. External Sourcing of Knowledge in the International Firm: Julian Birkinshaw. 13. Seeking Global Advantage With Information Management and Information Technology Capabilities: Donald A. Marchand. 14. Global Account Management: New Structures, New Tasks: Julian Birkinshaw, Joseph J. DiStefano. 15. Barriers and Bonds to Knowledge Transfer in Global Alliances and Mergers: Henry W. Lane, Danna Greenberg, Iris Berdrow. 16. Managing Complexity in the Global Innovation Process: A Networks and Social Capital Solution: Edward F. McDonough III, Francis C. Spital, Nicholas Athanassiou. Part V: Special Issues in Developing and Transitioning Economies:. Introduction: Joyce S. Osland, Sue Canney Davison. 17. The Developing World: Towards a Managerial Understanding: Betty Jane Punnett. 18. Leadership and Teamwork in the Developing Country Context: Zeynep Aycan. 19. Gaining Legitimacy: Management's Challenge in Developing and Transitioning Economies: Daniel J. McCarthy Sheila M. Puffer. 20. Management in Action in Developing Economies: Terence Jackson. Index


Six men and six women tracked stimuli that demanded responses of unequal probability. The control-display relation was directionally incompatible. Half the subjects used their non-preferred hand. Many large directional errors occurred in early practice and these were amended after a mean delay of 0·24 sec. With continued practice, small errors persisted mainly in responses of low probability but the mean amendment time fell to 0·11 sec. These errors provided new, highly sensitive measures that revealed differences in performance associated with sex, hand preference and probability (P < 0·01).

The results are compatible with hypotheses that the speed, direction and extent of movement are determined by negative proprioceptive feedback and integral-error control (Gibbs, 1954).


Included in this bibliography are recent articles on United States labor and employment law. An attempt has been made to provide full and complete bibliographical data. Readers are encouraged to submit additional titles for possible inclusion in the future. Americans with Disabilities Act Sheila R. Foster, Causation in Antidiscrimination Law: Beyond Intent Versus Impact, 41 HOuS. L. REV. 1469 (2005). Michael D. Reisman, Note, Traveling "To the Farthest Reaches of the ADA," 26 CARDoZo L. REV. 2121 (2005). Kelly Cahill Timmons, Accommodating Misconduct Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 57 FLA. L. REV. 187 (2005).


Since 1996 we have performed gene diagnosis of hereditary antithrombin deficiency and factor VII deficiency. We studied twenty-three patients with antithrombin deficiency and identified eighteen distinct gene mutations including single nucleotide substitutions, small nucleotide deletions, a small nucleotide insertion, and whole gene deletions. In two patients, however, we couldn't find out any mutations. We studied three patients with factor VII deficiency and identified three missense mutations. Two patients were homozygous for the mutation, respectively. Unexpectedly one patient was heterozygous for a missense mutation in the EGF domain though her plasma level of factor VII was reduced to 7% of normal. These results revealed that the genetic backgrounds and molecular mechanisms of antithrombin deficiency and factor VII deficiency were highly heterogeneous.


A 6 and 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine optimal feeding rate for parrot fish Oplegnathus fasciatus during the low temperature season. To estimate the optimal feeding rate calculated by weight growth rate, one year (mean body weight: 62.7 g) and the two year old parrot fish (mean body weight: 344.7 g) were stocked under low water temperature conditions. The optimal feeding rates in low water temperature condition of 15℃ were calculated as 1.61% of body weight (90% of satiation level) for the one year of 62 g, and calculated as 0.28% of body weight (80% of satiation level) for the two years old fish.


We have studied the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide using a catalytic system consisting of palladium supported on silica bifunctionalized with sulfonic acid groups and bromide in the absence of acid and halide promoters in solution. Catalysts with several bromide substituents were employed in the catalyst synthesis. The prepared samples were characterized by TXRF, XPS, and hydrogen peroxide decomposition. Catalysts characterization indicated the presence of only palladium (II) species in all of the samples, with similar values for surface and bulk of Pd/Br atomic ratio. The catalysts were tested via direct synthesis, and all samples were able to produce hydrogen peroxide at 313 K and 5.0 MPa. The hydrogen peroxide yield and selectivity changed with the Pd/Br ratio. A decrease in the Pd/Br ratio increases the final hydrogen peroxide concentration, and the selectivity for H2O2 reaches a maximum at a Pd/Br ratio around 0.16 and then decreases. However, the maximum hydrogen peroxide concentration and selectivity occur at slightly different Pd/Br ratios, i.e., resp. 0.4 vs. 0.16.


Direct georeferencing has become widespread in the field of digital aerial photogrammetry; as a result, the boresight calibration has become an essential component of the procedure to calculating exterior orientation parameters of aerial photographs accurately. During this procedure, a reference is used for the height of the geoid model, and the calibration results can appear different depending on the geoid model. The exterior orientation parameters calculated through direct georeferencing during boresight calibration may have varied values according to the corresponding geoid model. With that in mind, the effects of the geoid model on the boresight calibration were analyzed through three different cases. The geoid models used in the experiments were EGM96, EGM08, and KNGeoid14, and, through boresight calibration, the datum shift and boresight angle for each model was computed. After calculating the exterior orientation of each case, the GCP (Ground Control Point) was verified using the DPW (Digital Photogrammetry Workstation). In each case, results in the boresight calibration acquired through the geoid model demonstrated a difference in the Z datum, the exterior orientation heights Z, and the rotation Ω and Φ. After utilizing the DPW in each case and comparing it to the GCP, the difference in accuracy in accordance with the geoid model was found to be within 3cm, and it was concluded that the geoid model did not have a significant impact on boresight calibration.


The paper analyses a case study of time lag in processing market-sensitive information with intraday data. On February 2011, the Italian Parliament approved the so called Milleproroghe decree issued by the Government, which included, among others, a new important rule for banks transforming the deferred tax assets into tax credits. Although information on the approval of the law had been available since February 8, on February 15 the market took twelve minutes to react to the news and almost an hour to fully absorb it. This delay created significant arbitrage opportunities that can be explained with traders' inability to process immediately technical and complex matters. Failure to comply with these cognitive limitations prevents traders from incorporating promptly new information in market prices.