Relaxation labeling processes have been widely used in many different domains including image processing, pattern recognition, and artificial intelligence. They are iterative procedures that aim at reducing local ambiguities and achieving global consistency through a parallel exploitation of contextual information, which is quantitatively expressed in terms of a set of "compatibility coefficients." The problem of determining compatibility coefficients has received a considerable attention in the past and many heuristic, statistical-based methods have been suggested. In this paper, the authors propose a rather different viewpoint to solve this problem: they derive them attempting to optimize the performance of the relaxation algorithm over a sample of training data; no statistical interpretation is given: compatibility coefficients are simply interpreted as real numbers, for which performance is optimal. Experimental results over a novel application of relaxation are given, which prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach. >


1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolin-3-amine derivatives have been synthesized by the reaction between substituted phenyl pyrazolones and 3-amino-1H-pyrazolo [3,4-b] quinoline. The novel compound structures have been established on the basis of their substituted phenyl pyrazolones derivatives. All the azo compounds were characterized by their percentage yield, melting point, elemental analysis, UV visible spectra, IR spectra, NMR spectra and dyeing performance on nylon, wool, silk and polyester fibers. All the synthesized dyes gave moderate to excellent fastness properties on each fiber.


To understand the status of job satisfaction of vocational college teachers,vocational college teachers seekingscientific evidence of measures to enhance job satisfaction of vocational college teachers,the article investigated 293 of three vocational College teachers by useng of "Higher Institute of Teacher Job Satisfaction Questionnaire" in one central province.The survey found that: the degree of job overall satisfaction of vocational college teachers are higher,the job satisfaction rank form high to low are the human relations,work itself,school climate,professional development,management system,working environment,pay and benefits;the same time,the vocational college teachers be existing a certain degree of job burnout,the burnout levels increase with age increasing,and most teachers are not good at effectively deal with job burnout.


PURPOSE
The aims of this study were to examine the plasma dopamine response to a controlled bout of short-duration high-intensity exercise and investigate the magnitude of the plasma dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine (EPI) responses to this exercise after induced alkalosis.

METHODS
Eight male subjects were given in randomized order either; PLAC 0.3 g.kg(-1) body mass CaCO3 + 1 g NaCl, 0.3CIT 0.3 g.kg(-1) or 0.5CIT 0.5 g.kg(-1) body mass tri-sodium citrate in 500 mL water. One hour after ingestion subjects performed a 2-min cycle test at a workload calculated to elicit 110% VO(2max). Plasma catecholamines were measured using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

RESULTS
Antecubital venous blood pH and blood base excess (BBE) were significantly increased after ingestion of sodium citrate compared with placebo (P < 0.05). All postexercise sodium citrate blood pH and BBE values were significantly greater than placebo (P < 0.05). High-intensity exercise did not affect resting plasma DA concentrations. Peak plasma NE and EPI concentrations occurred immediately postexercise [NE PLAC 4.6 +/- 2.1 ES = 1.2, 0.3CIT 4.2 +/- 1.8 ES = 1.5, 0.5CIT 4.6 +/- 2.2 nmol.L(-1) ES = 1.2; EPI PLAC 0.6 +/- 0.3 ES = 1.3, 0.3CIT 0.5 +/- 0.2 ES = 1.3, 0.5CIT 0.5 +/- 0.3 nmol.L(-1) ES = 0.8] and were still elevated 5 min postexercise (P < 0.05). The magnitude of the plasma dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine response to exercise was unaltered with either 0.3CIT or 0.5CIT.

CONCLUSION
This study has demonstrated that performance of a controlled bout of high-intensity exercise did not alter the plasma dopamine concentration. In addition, alterations in blood alkalosis did not influence the magnitude of the plasma dopamine, norepinephrine or epinephrine responses to exercise.


—Pyrolysis-free gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine the gas phase composition of inclusions in phenocrysts from basalts and rhyolites of Men'shii Brat Volcano (Medvezh'ya caldera, Iturup Island). Among more than 300 compounds detected in the inclusions, hydrocarbons are predominant (52–92 rel.%). These hydrocarbons (C1–C17) are alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ethers and esters, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids as well as sulfonated, nitrogenated, and halogenated organic compounds. Inorganic substances, which are predominantly CO2, H2O, SO2, and N2, are present in subordinate amounts. The organic compounds are interpreted as products of abiogenic synthesis of hydrocarbons in magmatic gases. This fundamentally new information on the composition of magmatic fluid suggests that mantle and crustal magmas can transport hydrocarbon substance.


This study investigated the value of a member's online social capital, in the social networking platform LinkedIn, in the following areas: member's subject matter proficiency, member's firm's problem solving ability, and member's firm's innovation process. The analytical framework used the concepts of social networks and online social networks (OSNs); social network ties; social capital and online social capital; knowledge and novel knowledge; communities of practice (CoPs); problem solving; and innovation. Quantitative methods were used, involving analysis of data collected from a sample of LinkedIn members residing in South Africa. It was apparent from the analysis that knowledge acquired on LinkedIn, relating to a member's subject matter proficiency, benefited the member's firm. It was also evident that this knowledge contributed to the firm's problem solving process. The data did not, however, confirm or refute the proposition that knowledge acquired by members on LinkedIn contributed to their firms' innovation. An overall observation from the data was that members did not perceive substantial value from the knowledge available on LinkedIn. The authors therefore recommend that greater initiative be taken by members and firms to adopt open networking approaches, using online social networks such as LinkedIn, starting with attitudinal and policy considerations on the part of firms.


Using rich and extensive data collected from police Inspectors over an extended period (2011–2014), this study explores two research questions that seek to (1) define extreme work in policing and (2) understand how it is maintained and reproduced. For some, by definition, the work of the emergency services is understood to be extreme, but the urgent and dangerous elements of policing form only a small part of an Inspector's job and for these incidents they are well-trained in advance and well-cared for afterwards. When police Inspectors describe their work in times of austerity, it is not the emergency aspects that they experience as extreme work. Rather, it is the intensity of work over long hours above contract, which are both involuntary and unrewarded. In seeking to understand what drives extreme work and why it is accepted, especially when it is not preferred, not paid for and has detrimental effects on health and wellbeing, we uncover a process of institutional maintenance through which over-work: (1) is intensified via the extra demands imposed by austerity; (2) is maintained through work practices, a strong professional identity and a masculine police culture; but (3) is not 'normalized' in the sense of being embraced or celebrated by police Inspectors.


We design an experiment to examine the causal effect of legal institutional quality on informal norms of cooperation, and study the interaction of institutions and culture in sustaining economic exchange. 346 subjects in Italy and Kosovo play a market game under different and randomly allocated institutional treatments, which generate different incentives to behave honestly, preceded and followed by a non-contractible and non-enforceable trust game. Significant increases in individual trust and trustworthiness follow exposure to 'better' institutions. A reduction by one percentage point in the probability of facing a dishonest partner in the market game, which is induced by the quality of legal institutions, increases trust by 7 to 11%, and trustworthiness by 13 to 19%. This suggests that moral norms of cooperative behavior can follow improvements in formal institutional quality. Cultural origin, initial trust and trustworthiness influence opportunistic behavior in markets, but only in the absence of strong formal institutions.


High-harmonic generation from crystalline solids has become one of the most active fields in the ultrafast phenomena. Electrons driven by strong and slow field are expected to be free particles in the sense of particles obeying band dispersion like the parabolic dispersion in the vacuum, because kinetic energy part of the Hamiltonian dominates compared to interelectron interaction. The band dispersion is potentially encoded in the high-harmonic spectra through the free particle motion. Since band dispersion is a key ingredient to understand how electrons respond to perturbations in a matter, measuring and describing band dispersion has been a central issue in condensed matter physics. The high-harmonic spectroscopy is a promising candidate to reveal band structure by all-optical procedure [1–3].


A straightforward and cost-effective synthesis of 5-aryl-3-alkylsulfonyl-phenols by a sequential scaffold derivatization strategy has been developed. The procedure is suitable for parallel synthesis of small libraries around the biphenyl privileged core having an unusual 1,3,5-substitution pattern. The synthesis is exemplified by a pilot library of 30 compounds.


Introduction: This study was performed to clarify the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism on the risk of insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Six genotype models and the mean difference (MD)/standardized mean difference (SMD) were applied to evaluate the effects of ACE I/D polymorphism on insulin resistance and PCOS risk. Results: Thirteen studies with 3,212 PCOS patients and 2,314 controls were collected. In the pooled analysis and Caucasian subgroup, the ACE I/D polymorphism was significantly associated with PCOS risk, even after removing the non-Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) studies. Moreover, the positive effect of ACE I/D polymorphism in PCOS was mainly presented in Caucasians (removing non-HWE, DD + DI vs. II: odds ratio [OR] = 2.15, p = 0.017; DD vs. DI + II: OR = 2.64, p = 0.007; DD vs. DI: OR = 2.48, p = 0.014; DD vs. II: OR = 3.31, p = 0.005; D vs. I: OR = 2.02, p = 0.005) compared to Asians. Interestingly, only in Asians was the ACE I/D polymorphism significantly correlated to insulin levels (DI vs. II: SMD = 0.19, 95% CI = (0.03, 0.35), p = 0.023) and HOMA-IR (DI vs. II: MD = 0.50, 95% CI = (0.05, 0.95), p = 0.031). Conclusions: The D allele of the ACE I/D polymorphism promotes PCOS development. Moreover, the ACE I/D polymorphism was also associated with insulin-resistant PCOS, especially among Asians.


A simple procedure for making ceramic Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O superconductors is described. Samples of various compositions have been characterised by resistivity, susceptibility, X-ray diffraction, SEM and EDAX measurements. As examples, a 2122 sample had zero resistance at 113 K and a 2223 may have a new phase with a critical temperature well above 125 K.


Dr. H. I. Drever said that the author had kindly shown him his specimens and given access to his recorded results. The speaker had also examined this remarkable and important intrusion for about two hours last summer in the company of Mr. R. Johnston. Its two most significant characteristics seemed to be the evenness of the lower bands and the concentration of a feldspathic facies almost, if not actually, at the upper margin. These two phenomena had no near counterpart in any ultrabasic sill previously recorded. The author's investigation was amply justified, and the speaker considered that a further, and even more detailed, investigation would be justified and rewarding. Exceptional petrological problems such as this one were most likely to yield observational data of critical and fundamental significance. Such exceptions would improve the rule by revealing its limitations or by defining its limits more accurately. The rule in the present instance was the well-established petrological principle of crystal settling. The author had invoked this principle in an explanation that demanded a dominantly upward consolidation of the sill. In such a small sill, visibly connected with a feeder dyke below, it would be expected that consolidation of the feldspathic peridotite would be relatively more rapid in a downward than in an upward direction. If this were true, another explanation must be sought for the concentration of pegmatitic material so near to the top. The speaker was familiar with the micropetrography of pegmatitic bands similar to those described in the paper, and


This article identifies some of the earliest known examples of juvenile justice for African American juvenile delinquents in 19th century New York City and Philadelphia. It extends our understanding and raises questions about the quality and type of reform African American youth accused of crime received in these cities and the early purposes of juvenile reformatories in urban American. Warwick was a funny kind of place. It was a jail in disguise. (Brown, 1965, p. 138) This passage is taken from the late Claude Brown's semiautobiographical classic, Manchild in the Promise Land (1965). It illustrates his perception of one of New York State's reform schools for juvenile delinquents. Growing up in slum Harlem during the 1940s and 1950s, Warwick was the third reform school Claude Brown entered before the age of 16. At age eight, Brown was first sent to the city's Youth House for stealing and gang activity. Three years later-and for the same reasons-he was ordered by a city court judge to attend Wiltwyck, a school for emotionally troubled boys cofounded by former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. These schools had a specific purpose: they were part of a long history in New York to offer sanctuary, reform, and education to juvenile delinquents in the hope of transforming them from deviants into future productive citizens. Despite their intent, Brown believed that the reform schools he attended failed miserably in their mission. Instead of reforming juvenile offenders, they toughened and prepared them-especially its African American and Hispanic American offenders-for a life of continued delinquency and eventual prison. Brown died on February 2, 2002 at the age of 64. His classic on the African American experience in post-Depression Harlem sold more than four million copies and served as one perspective of the high rates of juvenile delinquency in the most impoverished areas of Harlem. In the wake of his death, however, Brown's literary account has added significance. For researchers it provides a glimpse into the history and issues concerning juvenile justice for African American youth delinquents not just in New York, but also elsewhere in the nation. In an age where juvenile delinquency is disproportionately high among African American children, his account helps historicize the issue, and the types of social and educational reforms African American juvenile offenders were offered. Juvenile delinquency is defined as the antisocial behavior of a minor, not more than 18 years of age, which is in violation of the general welfare of people in a larger society. Juvenile justice-state-sanctioned social reforms for children accused and found guilty of crime-seeks to address this antisocial behavior and has a long history in the United States. It owes much of its origin to concerned citizens of New York City. As early as 1825, juvenile reformatories, sometimes called "Houses of Refuge" or "Almshouses" were initially established in New York City (Pierce, 1969). They were founded, primarily, to avoid placing children accused and found guilty of crime in adult jails, and secondly, to provide a sanctuary for youth offenders to obtain the necessary skills for reform and selfsufficiency. Juvenile reformatories in 19' century urban America, however, appeared to be quite different from Brown's recollections and contemporary data. For instance, evidence indicates that they were not disproportionately populated with African American youth (Frey, 1981; Pierce, 1969). In fact, much of the evidence available on the earliest examples of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice in the United States makes very little mention of African American children, or the course of action such reformatories took with regard to African American juvenile delinquents (Pierce, 1969). Conceptually, little is known of the types of social and educational reforms available to African American children accused and found guilty of crime in 191 century urban America, or whether juvenile justice measures applied to them in the same way as Whites, for example. …


Here we provide new technology for generating human peptidergic nociceptive sensory neurons in a straightforward and efficient way. The cellular source, human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC), consists of multipotent somatic stem cells that reside in the bulge of hair follicles. hEPI-NCSC and primary sensory neurons have a common origin, the embryonic neural crest. For directed differentiation, hEPI-NCSC were exposed to pertinent growth factors and small molecules in order to modulate master signalling networks involved in differentiation of neural crest cells into postmitotic peptidergic sensory neurons during embryonic development. The neuronal populations were homogenous in regard to antibody marker expression. Cells were immunoreactive for essential master regulatory genes, including NGN1/2, SOX10, and BRN3a among others, and for the pain-mediating genes substance P (SP), calcitonin gene related protein (CGRP) and the TRPV1 channel. Approximately 30% of total cells responded to capsaicin, indicating that they expressed an active TRPV1 channel. In summary, hEPI-NCSC are a biologically relevant and easily available source of somatic stem cells for generating human peptidergic nociceptive neurons without the need for genetic manipulation and cell purification. As no analgesics exist that specifically target TRPV1, a ready supply of high-quality human peptidergic nociceptive sensory neurons could open the way for new approaches, in a biologically relevant cellular context, to drug discovery and patient-specific disease modelling that is aimed at pain control, and as such is highly desirable.


Tropospheric delays are considered to be one of the main performance limitations for Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar technology when applied to ground deformation monitoring. In this study, we evaluate the performance of ERA-Interim global atmospheric reanalysis on estimating the tropospheric delay on Sentinel-1 InSAR observations. The results are validated by four D-InSAR interferograms with small temporal/perpendicular baselines computed from Sentinel-1 observations. Based on the study, we concluded that the ERA-Interim global atmospheric reanalysis has relatively better performance in the regions with significant topography and stable atmospheric conditions.


In the article the results of theoretical and experimental researches of the stressed state of structure of frame and body of tank models 15-440 and 15-1597 are presented.


The problem of the passage of the neutral massless particle with anomalous magnetic moment through the external electromagnetic field is considered both in pseudoclassical and quantum mechanics. The quantum description uses the hamiltonian in the Foldy– Wouthuysen representation, obtained from the pseudoclassical hamiltonian of the massive charged particle with anomalous magnetic moment in interaction with the external electromagnetic field using Weyl quantization scheme.


Legacy Contact is a Facebook feature that allows account holders to choose someone to manage their profile after they have died. This study evaluates the Legacy Contact setup process, and asks how users form and communicate expectations about what an active post-mortem manager's responsibilities would be. We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with adult Facebook account holders in the US who either configured their own settings or were chosen for future delegation by someone else. We found that account holders chose the Facebook Friend they felt closest to, and that selection was often reciprocated. Both account holders and legacy contacts felt confident that they had communicated (or could communicate) well about the legacy contact's responsibilities, but their expectations did not align with the actual functionality of the Legacy Contact system. We argue that the misalignment of user expectations and system functionality indicates a failed setup process. Our findings suggest that post-mortem management systems require a setup process that is fundamentally different from the quick-clickthrough standards of everyday interaction design. The ramifications of a post-mortem manager's expectations not being met during a time of grief, points to the urgent need for a setup process that prompts thoughtfulness and deliberation, and forms accurate expectations for account holders and future post-mortem managers alike.


Purpose
In the hybrid knowledge-sharing platform where paid and nonpaid ("free") knowledge activities coexist, users' free knowledge contribution may be influenced by financial factors. From the perspective of opportunity cost, this study investigates the direct effect of how the amount of monetary income from users' contribution to paid knowledge activities influences their free knowledge contribution behavior in the future. Further, this study aims to verify the interaction effect of financial and nonfinancial factors (i.e. the experience of free knowledge contribution and social recognition) on free knowledge contribution.

Design/methodology/approach
Objective data was collected from a hybrid knowledge-sharing platform in China and then analyzed by using zero-inflated negative binomial regression model.

Findings
Results show that the amount of monetary income that knowledge suppliers gain from paid knowledge contribution negatively influences their free knowledge contribution. Experience of free knowledge contribution strengthens the negatively main effect, while social recognition has the weakening moderating role.

Originality/value
Although some studies have explored and verified the positive spillover effect of financial incentives on free knowledge contribution, the quantity dimension is ignored. This study examines the hindering influence of the quantity of monetary income from the perspective of opportunity cost. By taking the characteristic of knowledge suppliers and platforms as moderators, this study deepens the understanding of the influence of monetary income on free knowledge contribution in the hybrid knowledge-sharing platform.


This study focuses on the effects offinancial determinants on the cash holdings in corporations. Cash holdings were as dependent variable and leverage, dividends, return on equity, asset liquidity and firm size was considered as independent variables. Multivariate regression was used to test the research model. The information needs has collected from listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange. The Study sample consisted of 50 firms for the five -year period of 2009-2013.The results showed, there is significant relationship between leverage and liquidity and cash holdings and there is no relationship between other variables and cash holdings.


We reduce a one-dimensional model of an active segment (AS), which is used, for instance, in the description of contraction-driven cell motility, to a zero-dimensional model of an active particle (AP) characterized by two internal degrees of freedom: position and polarity. Both models give rise to hysteretic force-velocity relations showing that an active agent can support two opposite polarities under the same external force and that it can maintain the same polarity while being dragged by external forces with opposite orientations. This double bistability results in a rich dynamic repertoire which we illustrate by studying static, stalled, motile, and periodically repolarizing regimes displayed by an active agent confined in a viscoelastic environment. We show that the AS and AP models can be calibrated to generate quantitatively similar dynamic responses.


The evaluation of feet support reaction has been made by podography technique in 37 patients with dysplastic coxarthrosis (at the age of 8-17 years, mean – 12.0±2.5 years). The registered types of compensatory feet reactions in patients with dysplastic coxarthrosis have no specific diagnosis and differently manifest themselves in all patients. The number of the registered types of compensatory reactions determines the decompensation degree of locomotor stereotype. Degree I – asymmetry of limb weight-bearing with respect to age-related standard, the area of center-of-pressure trajectory is increased. Degree II – additionally: the decrease of pace of walking, asymmetry of the time-related parameters of stride cycle >10%, asymmetry of back push >20% due to its decrease for the limb involved. Degree III – additionally: the decrease of the length of center-of-pressure trajectory for the limb involved, the force parameters of stride cycle are decreased with respect to age-related standard for both involved and intact limbs, there is no damper fall in the involved limb. Degree IV – additionally: the decrease of the length of center-of-pressure trajectory for involved limb and intact one with asymmetry >5 %, there is no damper fall in both involved and intact limbs, the increase of the double-support walking period duration, back/front push parameter ratio is below 1.0.


Robot manipulation through teleoperation requires some ability from a human operator. This requirement is stronger when the tridimensional scene is observed through a 2D monitor. This paper describes a telemanipulation aiding system based on the superposition of a position correction component to the manual orders given by the human operator, through his gestures. This correction will enable the slave arm to move quicker when it is far from the target, while moving slower and more precisely when it operates close to the target, thus, the system behaves as if an external attraction force appear around the possible objects to be manipulated. Copyright 2002 IFAC


Hierarchy has properties of symmetry and scale. All that is related to hierarchy provides important perspectives on many other domains. The primary focus here is on renowned psychoanalyst Ignacio Matte Blanco's Bi-Logic. Bi-Logic relates to the two modes of being, respectively symmetry and asymmetry in thought and reasoning and brain processes, in unconscious and in conscious modes of being. Some further consequences and implications are noted. These include relevance and potential in social sciences; in qualitative as well as quantitative literary analysis, and content analytics of text, speech, visual recording, and so on; in security and forensics; and in the contemporary theme of research and development relating to Big Data analytics.


A person's level of knowledge is influenced by internal factors (e.g., age, education, occupation, experience) and external factors (e.g., environment, socioeconomic, information). The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of the people of Pesanggrahan Village, Batu City about the use of chlorpheniramine maleate and factors that influence it. This was quantitative research with a descriptive approach, using a questionnaire that has been tested and shown to be valid and reliable. There were 100 respondents. The results showed that more than half of the public (52%) had a level of knowledge about the use of chlorpheniramine maleate that was in the low category, which was influenced by three factors: education (p < 0.001), occupation (p = 0.006), and environment/socialization (p = 0.010). The multivariate analysis showed that knowledge about using chlorpheniramine maleate in those aged 46-65 years and in those aged > 65 years was over 2,000 times better than the level of those aged 18-25 years. It was found that the respondents with a secondary education had a knowledge level of 32.06 times better than the primary education group. In conclusion, the level of public knowledge about the use of chlorpheniramine maleate in this population was generally low, which was influenced by the level of education, occupation, and environment/socialization of the community.
Keywords: knowledge level, drug use, chlorpheniramine maleate


The total occlusion of the left main coronary artery is rarely observed (approximately 0.05% of coronary angiographic studies). We have tried to draw the clinical and pathophysiological outline of this condition, starting from our experience and reviewing the published reports. A hard selection, principally by the high mortality in patients with left main coronary stenosis, limits the number of those who present total occlusion. These subjects show a remarkable variability in their clinical presentation. It is not possible to find out a significant correlation with a single risk factor, clinical manifestation or electrocardiographic picture. Therefore, these patients cannot be distinguished from other subjects affected by severe atherosclerotic ischemic heart disease. The angiographic finding of a dominant right coronary artery is most frequent. A rich collateral circulation to the left coronary is usually observed. From a pathophysiological point of view, the efficiency of coronary collateral circulation is confirmed by the significant correlation of its extent with the left ventricular function. An important role is also played by the rate of progression of left main stenosis in total occlusion and by the presence of right coronary lesions. Even if statistical evidence is still lacking, surgical treatment is unanimously indicated and achieves satisfying results. The use of nonsurgical recanalization techniques, such as intracoronary thrombolysis and transluminal angioplasty, may be lifesaving in those patients in whom left main coronary occlusion suddenly occurs.


The lumazine synthase/riboflavin synthase complex of Bacillus subtilis consists of an icosahedral capsid of 60 beta subunits enclosing a triplet of alpha subunits. An X-ray structure of 0.32 nm resolution has been obtained for the icosahedral capsid of the native alpha 3 beta 60 complex [Ladenstein, R., Schneider, M., Huber, R., Bartunik, H. D., Wilson, K., Schott, K. & Bacher, A. (1988) J. Mol. Biol. 203, 1045-1070]. beta subunits were isolated after denaturation of the alpha 3 beta 60 complex and were subsequently reconstituted in a ligand-driven reaction yielding artifactual, hollow beta 60 capsids with icosahedral symmetry. Hexagonal crystals (space group P6(3)22) of the reconstituted capsids diffracted X-rays to a resolution of 0.32 nm. Crystallographic intensity data were obtained using synchrotron radiation. Freeze-etched electron-microscopic images and rotation function calculations showed that the hexagonal crystal forms of the artifactual beta 60 capsids and the native alpha 3 beta 60 complex are isomorphous. Orientation and translation parameters of the beta-subunit model were refined by XPLOR rigid-body refinement. The electron-density map was improved by cyclic icosahedral averaging and phase extension from 0.5-0.32 nm resolution. The beta-subunit structure was partially refined by energy minimization and crystallographic refinement (XPLOR) assuming strict icosahedral symmetry (final R factor 30.9% for data at 0.8-0.32 nm resolution). The topology and chain folding of the beta subunits in the artifactual beta 60 capsid are similar to the native alpha 3 beta 60 enzyme. Structural features of the substrate-binding site and the binding of the substrate-analogous ligand 5-nitro-6-ribitylamino-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione are discussed. Ligand binding occurs at the pentamer interfaces and includes van der Waals' interactions and hydrogen bonding. The binding pocket shows a hydrophobic region which accomodates the pyrimidinedione ring and a hydrophilic region to which the ribityl side chain binds. Most amino acid residues involved in the active site are conserved as shown by sequence comparisons with the putative lumazine-synthase genes of Escherichia coli and Photobacterium leiognathi. In the final electron-density map, a residual density feature was tentatively assigned to a bound phosphate ion which mimics the binding of the second substrate, 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone 4-phosphate. This putative phosphate-binding site involves a highly conserved amino acid sequence containing three basic residues.


Purpose: This paper explores the role of professional collaboration and agency during the global COVID-19 pandemic and possible lessons for the future from the perspective of a teacher, leader and postgraduate researcher. Design/methodology/approach: This essay explores the complex role of collaboration and agency in responding to the challenges arising during the global COVID-19 pandemic utilizing research as well as the author's lived experience. Findings: The author finds that through a renewed emphasis on effective professional collaboration and agency, not only are there opportunities to embed lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is also scope to work towards education systems that reflect the complex global socio-political contexts communities may find themselves in and the evolving needs that result from them. Originality/value: This paper offers insights into the work of teachers and school leaders, the increasing complexity of their roles over time, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering what this might mean for the future.


In the late nineteenth century two forms of non-cash payments existed on the Louisiana cotton plantations Lakeview and Theoda: non-cash payments associated with sharecropping, and payments in token money, which could only be redeemed at the company store. Such payments seem to confirm the reputation of the U.S. South as being economically and socially less developed than the Northern states after the American Civil War. The one-crop economy, sharecropping, and token money have been linked to the lack of economic development of Southern agriculture, and to 're-enslavement'. This study analyses non-cash payments on Lakeview and Theoda in the same way as similar practices in the Netherlands have been analyzed. It suggests a reinterpretation of the historical economic literature, in which non-cash payments in post-emancipation Southern U.S. agriculture are described as a pre-modern and re-enslaving method. 1 This contribution was created thanks to the Stichting Professor Van Winter Fonds – research project Truck system in transatlantic perspective: Louisiana and the Netherlands, ca. 1865-1920. I would like to thank Karel Davids, Hans Krabbendam, Ronald Kroeze, Jan Lucassen, Damian Pargas, Charles Postel, Wybren Verstegen, Jaco Zuijderduijn, and the referees of this journal for their comments and additions to earlier drafts of this article. I would also like to thank Michael Strange for her language editing. AUP – 156 x 234 – 3B2-APP flow Pag. 0123 123 VOL. 11, NO. 3, 2014


Prior to the COVID-19 shock, the key challenge facing policymakers in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia region was how to generate strong, sustainable, job-rich, inclusive growth. Post-COVID-19, this challenge has only grown given the additional reduction in fiscal space due to the crisis and the increased need to support the recovery. The sizable state-owned enterprise (SOE) footprint in the region, together with its cost to the government, call for revisiting the SOE sector to help open fiscal space and look for growth opportunities.


A novel UV-curable hyperbranched polyurethane acrylate (FHBPUA) with excellent flexibility is successfully synthesized based on a reaction of hydroxyl terminated hyperbranched polyurethane (regarded as core) with flexible semiadduct urethane monoacrylate (regarded as arms). The structure and property of FHBPUA is firstly analyzed and then utilized as functional additives to ameliorate the UV-curing and mechanical properties of epoxy acrylate resin. The degree of branching of FHBPUA turns out to be 0.82. Its thermal decomposition process consists of three different stages, and the glass transition temperature is around 65 °C. The freestanding FHBPUA film (~30 μm thickness) can be UV-cured within 3 s, and its flexibility is up to 1 mm. With the increase of FHBPUA content to 10 wt %, the UV-curing time of UV1000 film decreases from 6 to 3 s, flexibility strikingly increases from 10 to 1 mm, and adhesive force also improves from 5 to 3 grades, meanwhile its glossiness is not influenced by FHBPUA. In addition, a certain amount of FHBPUA can improve the tensile strength and elongation at break of UV1000 film. This novel FHBPUA can be used not only to develop flexible UV-curable freestanding films but also as functional additives to perfect other UV-curable compositions like coatings, inks and 3D printed parts.


A patient is discussed who originally presented with retroperitoneal fibrosis, and subsequently developed both pituitary fibrosis and testicular fibrosis. Replacement of testicular tissue by fibrosis has not previously been described in this condition, while we have only been able to find a single previous report of pituitary fibrosis. Fibrous replacement of testis and pituitary should be considered as a further manifestation of the midline fibrosing syndrome.


Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections continue to impose high morbidity threats to hospitalized patients worldwide, limiting therapeutic options to last-resort antibiotics like colistin. However, the dynamic genomic landscape of colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae (COLR-Kp) invoked ardent exploration of underlying molecular signatures for therapeutic propositions/designs. We unveiled the structural impact of the widespread and emerging PmrB mutations involved in colistin resistance (COLR) in K. pneumoniae. In the present study, clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae expressed variable susceptibilities to colistin (>0.5 μg/mL for resistant and ≤0.25 μg/mL for susceptible) despite mutations such as T157P, G207D and T246A. The protein sequences extracted from in-house sequenced genomes were used to model mutant PmrB proteins and analyze the underlying structural alterations. The mutations were contrasted based on molecular dynamics simulation trajectories, free-energy landscapes and structural flexibility profiles. The altered backbone flexibilities can be an essential factor for mutant selection by COLR K. pneumoniae and can provide clues to deal with emerging mutants. Furthermore, PmrB having high druggability confidence (>0.99), was explored as a potential target for 1396 virtually screened FDA-approved drug candidates. Among the top-10 compounds (scores >70), amphotericin B was found to be potential candidate with high affinity (Binding energy <-8 kcal/mol) and stable interactions (RMSF <0.7 Å) against PmrB druggable pockets, despite the mutations, which encourages future adjunct therapeutic research against COLR-Kp.


SUMMARY In this paper, we propose a novel type of serial robot with minimal actuation. The robot is a serial rigid structure consisting of multiple links connected by passive joints and of movable actuators. The novelty of this robot is that the actuators travel over the links to a given joint and adjust the relative angle between the two adjacent links. The joints passively preserve their angles until one of the actuators moves them again. This actuation can be applied to any serial robot with two or more links. This unique configuration enables the robot to undergo the same wide range of motions typically associated with hyper-redundant robots but with much fewer actuators. The robot is modular and its size and geometry can be easily changed. We describe the robot's mechanical design and kinematics in detail and demonstrate its capabilities for obstacle avoidance with some simulated examples. In addition, we show how an experimental robot fitted with a single mobile actuator can maneuver through a confined space to reach its target.


Objectives: To assess the effects of orthodontic treatment for Class III incisors in children and adolescents.
Design: A Cochrane systematic review.
Method: The following databases were searched up to 7th January 2013: Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE via OVID.
Selection criteria: All randomised controlled trials of orthodontic treatments to correct Class III incisors. Trials were eligible for inclusion in the review if they recruited children and/or adolescents (aged 16 or less) receiving orthodontic treatment to correct Class III incisors. Trials including patients with a cleft lip and/or palate or other cranio-facial deformity/syndrome were excluded as were trials that had recruited less than 80% children or adolescents or patients who had previously received surgical orthognathic treatment. Active interventions included: orthodontic braces, chin cups, facemasks, reverse headgear, bone-anchored appliances or any other intra or extra-oral appliance aiming to correct Class III incisors. Controls included: No treatment, delayed treatment, other active intervention.
Types of Outcome Measures - Primary: Prominence of the lower front teeth (measured in mm or by any index of malocclusion). Secondary: Relationship between upper and lower jaw; psychosocial measures; patient satisfaction; jaw joint problems. Adverse effects: Health of the gums; damage to the teeth e.g. tooth decay. Outcomes were recorded at all ages reported. The results were reported according to the most common endpoints. Adverse effects were recorded and the results reported in descriptive terms.
Data collection and analysis: The titles and abstracts of the search results were examined to exclude obviously irrelevant reports. Full text reports of potentially eligible studies were examined for compliance with the eligibility criteria. Screening of references, data extraction and assessment of the risk of bias of included studies, was performed independently and in duplicate by two review authors. The mean differences, with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated for continuous data. Meta-analysis was only used when studies of similar comparisons were reporting comparable outcome measures. A fixed-effect model was used. I2 statistics were used as measures of statistical heterogeneity.
Results: Seven randomised controlled trials were included in this review. Of these, four reported on the use of a facemask, two on the chin cup, one on the tandem traction bow appliance and one on mandibular headgear. One study reported on both the chin cup and mandibular headgear appliances. Three trials (n=155) reported ANB differences immediately after treatment with a facemask when compared to an untreated control. The pooled data, for ANB difference, showed a statistically significant mean difference of 3.93 degrees (95%CI 3.46 to 4.39; P<0.0001) in favour of the facemask. There was significant heterogeneity between these studies (I2=82%). One well designed trial, with a low risk of bias, reported outcomes of the use of the facemask compared to an untreated control at 3 years' follow-up. This showed that improvements in overjet and ANB were still present at 3 years. However, there was no evidence of improved self-concept. The remaining trials each evaluated a different comparison and reported different outcomes so no meta-analysis was possible.
Conclusions: There is some evidence that the use of a facemask, to correct prominent lower front teeth in children, is effective when compared to no treatment on a short term basis. However, in view of the general poor quality of the included trials, these results should be interpreted with caution. Further randomised controlled trials, with long follow-up, are required.


We analyse the transport properties of a coupled double quantum dot (DQD) device with one of the dots (QD1) coupled to metallic leads and the other (QD2) embedded in an Aharonov–Bhom (A-B) ring by means of the slave-boson mean-field theory. It is found that in this system, the Kondo resonance and the Fano interference exist simultaneously, the enhancing Kondo effect and the increasing hopping of the QD2-Ring destroy the localized electron state in the QD2 for the QD1-leads, and accordingly, the Fano interference between the DQD-leads and the QD1-leads are suppressed. Under some conditions, the Fano interference can be quenched fully and the single Kondo resonance of the QD1-leads comes into being. Moreover, when the magnetic flux of the A-B ring is zero, the influence of the parity of the A-B ring on the transport properties is very weak, but this influence becomes more obvious with non-zero magnetic flux. Thus this model may be a candidate for future device applications.


This research was conducted in Afro-alpine vegetation of Abohoy Gara Mountain in northern Ethiopia with the aim of analyzing floristic composition along elevational gradients, threats and conservation methods. Data were collected from 53 quadrats (15 m x 15 m) laid at 100 m interval along parallel vertical transects spaced at 500m to each other to record shrubs and trees, whereas 1 m x 1 m plots were used to record herbs. Cover abundance data were used to do community analysis using R version 3.1.2 software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to determine significant level of species richness; abundance and Shannon diversity index along elevational gradient, whereas pearson's correlation test was applied to check the relationship between environmental variables with species richness, species abundance and Shannon diversity index (H') using SPSS v20. Ninety-seven plant species composed of 82 genera under 40 families were recorded. The mean number of plant species showed significant difference along elevational gradient (P < 0.05). Besides, significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation of elevation with the plant richness, abundance as well as Shannon diversity index had been observed. Based on dominant species, a total of five plant communities were identified. The maximum plant diversity occurred in community type III (3.79), whereas the least plant diversity occurred in community type IV and community type V. Vegetation cover and species composition of Abohoy Gara Mountain is being endangered by agricultural expansion, over grazing and logging of wood for construction material. Hence, it needs application of complementary on-site and offsite conservation approaches. This calls for further joint management of the Abohoy Gara Mountain by the local people and administrative bodies in the overall conservation actions that can save and rehabilitate the plant resources and their habitats.


The measurement principle of particle image velocimetry (PIV) is based on cross-correlation analysis of flow images. By using the cross-correlation property and fast algorithm of the Fourier transform, the analysis in PIV can be implemented easily and quickly. The Hartley transform is an integral transform similar to the Fourier transform and has most of the characteristics of the Fourier transform. The Hartley transform also has some better properties and a faster algorithm than the Fourier transform. The cross-correlation property of the Hartley transform based on separable kernels is presented in detail and the application to PIV analysis is introduced. The advantage of the Hartley transform can be shown from the comparison of numbers of operations in theory and computation time in practice.


The Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is a signaling adaptor associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. STING is activated by cytosolic DNA sensors to stimulate IFN type I expression (IFN-I). Recent reports revealed that DNA sensing to activate STING in dendritic cells (DCs) that engulfed dying tumor cells impeded growth of immunogenic tumors and potentiated responses to therapy. Consistent with these findings, synthetic STING agonists enhanced tumor regression. Paradoxically, Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) grew slower in STING-deficient mice, revealing that STING is required for optimal LLC growth. Mechanistically, STING ablation abolished upregulation of the immunoregulatory enzyme, indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) in DCs located in tumor draining lymph nodes during LLC growth. Also, expression of the regulatory cytokine IL-10 and infiltration of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into the tumor microenvironment (TME) was diminished in mice lacking STING. In contrast, STING was not required for optimal growth of LLC tumors expressing neo-antigens, revealing a pivotal role for tumor antigenicity in influencing responses to DNA in the TME. These findings support the hypothesis that DNA from dying cells are sensed in the TME to activate STING, which induces dominant regulatory responses via IDO when tumor antigenicity is low and dominant immunogenic responses when tumor antigenicity is enhanced. Thus, cytosolic DNA sensing to activate STING has dichotomous roles in the TME, and tumor antigenicity is a pivotal factor influencing immune responses to DNA at sites of chronic inflammation associated with tumor growth.


The present study was aimed to determine the relationship between parents' defense mechanisms and personal supportive factors with coming-to-terms in students. The study used a correlational method; and the statistical population consisted of all students of BA and upper levels, who referred to Tehran's national library during the first half of 2013, from whom 90 individuals were selected as the sample   of the study, using random sampling method. They completed Andrews' et al (1993) defense styles questionnaire, Zimet's et al Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Britani Hermandz's Coming-to-Terms behaviors (2008). Frequency, mean, deviation, standard, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multivariate regression analysis were used in order to analyze data. Results showed that there is a relationship between parents' developed defense mechanisms, underdeveloped defense mechanisms, and neurotic defense mechanisms, and personal supportive factors with students' coming-to-terms behaviors. From predictor variables, personal supportive play a have a greater share in the expression of students' coming-to-terms behaviors. Finally, it can be concluded that considering the role of defense mechanisms in mental health, and considering the fact that different defense mechanisms affect individuals' stressful emotions in various ways, clinical experts and consultants can help patients to develop defense mechanisms and review personal and social supportive factors, following which we can expect them to better face this negative emotion and come to terms with it.


Abstract The potential for using Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Sounder radiance measurements to monitor total atmospheric ozone is examined. A statistical regression using GOES Sounder spectral bands 1–15 radiances allows estimation of total atmospheric ozone. Hourly GOES ozone products have been generated since May 1998. GOES ozone estimates are compared with Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) ozone measurements from the Earth Probe satellite and ground-based Dobson spectrometer ozone observations. Results show that the percentage root-mean-square (rms) difference between instantaneous TOMS and GOES ozone estimates ranges from 4% to 7%. Also, daily comparisons for 1998 between GOES ozone values and ground-based observations at Bismarck, North Dakota; Wallops Island, Virginia; and Nashville, Tennessee, show that the rms difference is approximately 21 Dobson units. Given the hourly measurements and high-spatial density provided by the GOES Sounder, GOES ozone estimates and a...


We have recently observed a case of autoimmune neutropenia and thrombocytopenia of a fifteen-year-old girl. Prednisone was first given, leading to complete remission of thrombocytopenia, but without effect on neutrophil count. Severe thrombocytopenia recurred, however, after repeated upper respiratory infection and the high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (HDIVIgG) at a dosage of 0.4 g/kg/day was administered for 5 days. There was almost no increase in platelet count, but the neutrophil count became normalized. Prior to splenectomy, HDIVIgG therapy was again performed at a dosage of 0.6g/kg/day. Both platelets and neutrophils were dramatically increased. These observations may help us to understand the mechanism of action of HDIVIgG.


Implementation methodologies of Informational Systems have contributed to the development and growth of the sector and the maximization of the benefits both for the creation and the operation of Informational Systems, when it comes to scope, time, financial and other resources and at the same time when it comes to quality and effectiveness.
Based on these particular methodologies, we implemented a down-order implementation of a Presentational & Promotional Information System for Organizations, which had specific limitations on available resources and implementation timeframes.
Since the implementation was completed within the planned timetable and the operational period started right after, the project's management is deemed effective, unlike many similar projects suffering from the lack of efforts to meet the requirements - technical, time, financial, but also of any other kind - and resulting in unsuccessful completion of projects.
Although Presentational & Promotional Information System for Organizations usually have a life span of less than three years, we believe that the project will be operational possibly for even twice, due to the technologies and ways of implementation.


This article explores the connection between violence, manhood and state formation in sixteenth-century Sweden. It argues that this period, which experienced the Lutheran Reformation and the establishment of a permanent state organization, also saw a shift in masculine ideals. R. W. Connell's concept of hegemonic masculinity will serve as a starting point for discussing the conflict between the traditional norms of the ruling aristocracy and the instrumental violence employed by the servants of the king. Judging by the testimony of the time, the process of state formation seems to have triggered a mentality of ruthless self-assertion among the Swedish elites. During the initial phase, when a monopoly of violence had to be asserted by any means, this fiercely uncontrollable masculinity became a vital asset for the leaders of the state. However, as the Swedish quest for empire gained momentum, the aggressive forms of manhood were pushed towards the peripheries of the realm while a rational, calculating masculinity reasserted its dominance at the centre.


The total neutral hydrogen mass of galaxy cluster,
MHI
is measured using spectra taken by a 7 meter single dish radio telescope at Jodrell Bank Observatory. This have been done by using a concept introduced by R. A. Bettye which is make use of small single radio telescope for findings MHI
as a whole. MHI
is calculated by using simple relationship involving parameter distance of the object from the observer, D and radiated flux of continuum radio source,
S
ν. A262 is chosen as our test subject since it is compatible with the capability of our instrument. It is a spiral rich galaxy cluster and a fragment of Pisces in the Perseus supercluster, located approximately at 62 – 77 Mpc. It is a part of Local Group
Supercluster that is centered at giant elliptical galaxy, NGC 708, and it is also called 'cluster dominant' because of its strongly X-ray source concentrated. A262 is chosen as our candidate in this study because of its relatively low redshift, z = 0.0156, observed in 21 cm emission as their tracer. We calculate MHI
of A262 according to some analysis from previous studies. Preliminary detection of A262 showed some degree of success.


It is common to use the damage mechanics to study the deformation of fractured rock mass. The geometric damage tensor is always used to describe the effect of distributed joints on mechanical properties of rock mass. The disadvantages of the traditional determination method about geometric damage is that the natural section of rock mass, mining section and the measurement section are not perpendicular to each other. In this paper, a method combining with the probability theory and field scale line method is adopted to determine the geometric damage tensor. This method is convenient and fast. The solution of initial damage in damage evolution equation can be settled with this method. An effective proof is provided for the later analysis of damage stress of fractured rock mass.


Paleomagnetic study of intrusive rocks in the Oregon Coast Range shows clockwise rotation of the range relative to North America of 51.5° ± 30.0° since late Eocene–early Oligocene time, 44.5° ± 17.0° since middle Oligocene time, and possibly 32.0° ± 26.5° since middle Miocene time. The simplest interpretation of paleomagnetic data currently available for the Coast Range indicates that it rotated steadily at a rate of about 1.5°/m.y. for approximately the period 50 to 20 m.y. B.P. Events since the middle Miocene are entirely unresolved.


The chewing of areca nut is closely associated with human diseases such as oral submucous fibrosis and immune related diseases. Recent studies have focused on the pharmacological and toxicological effects of areca nut chewing, and have largely overlooked the effects on intestinal microbiota. In this study, we sought to understand how different methods of areca consumption affect intestinal microflora composition. A total of 60 male and 60 female Kunming mice were each randomly divided into six groups and fed different areca preparations to mimic different areca nut chewing habits. The preparations included fresh areca fruit; areca fruit with betel leaf or cured tobacco; brined areca; smoked brined areca; and a control. The fecal microbiota of mice in the 12 groups was compared after 28 days of oral gavage administration. To determine the composition and diversity of the fecal microbiota, we performed high‐throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. In both male and female mice, the diversity and abundance of the intestinal microbiota of the experimental groups were higher than those in the control groups. Furthermore, different areca preparations had different effects on the diversity, abundance, and composition of the intestinal flora of Kunming mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The chewing of areca nuts in various forms is widespread in Asia and other areas. This manuscript first explores the effects of different areca nut chewing habits on the gut microbiota of mice. We then further clarify the impact of different areca nut chewing habits on intestinal health and provide a new direction for areca nut research. In addition, our findings will increase public understanding of areca nut usage and provide guidance for the areca nut industry.


With oil exploration occurring at increasing distances from the shore, the use of DP vessels becomes economically attractive for oil transfer and transportation. This operation has some peculiarities, such as the possibility to arbitrarily set the DP vessel heading.Setting the correct yaw angle brings advantages to the vessel such as reducing the fuel consumption and minimizing the DP system output. However, it is not trivial to calculate the optimum heading, due to uncertainties at wave and current estimation. Moreover, these factors are not constant along time, and to keep the optimum position, the system must adapt with the changes.A method to update the heading Set-Point based on the theory of Zero Power Control was developed, which has advantages over other weathervane control methods, such as an effective control of all horizontal movements and the possibility to control any reference-point, not only points located the vessel bow.A fully non-linear dynamic simulator was then used to carry out a complete analysis of the controller.Copyright © 2012 by ASME


IN ONE OF the discussion groups at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) 1962 Institute on "The Medical School and the Practicing Profession" a university surgeon complained bitterly about welfare patients being transferred from care at his hospital to a prepaid group practice program. He pointed out that such patients were essential to the teaching of surgery. When asked if his hospital was prepared to render as complete care as the prepaid group, he became indignant. His institution is world-renowned; society not only owes him the patients needed for teaching but also should so organize the care of these patients that the hospital takes responsibility only for their important lesions. There should be enough patients requiring a gastric resection each week to keep the surgical residents busy, but not more than that. When these same patients come back with varicose veins or hemorrhoids, he would have them referred to


Doxycyclin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, utilized in the treatment of juvenile periodontitis. Bone minerals are essentially calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA), which is compositionally similar to tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and structurally similar to stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA). The CDHA is more soluble and more efficient in inducing bone like apatite than HA. The CDHA powder of Ca/P ratio 1.61 was prepared by microwave processing The CDHA microspheres of desired morphology were formed by liquid immiscibility effect using CDHA/gelatin suspension and oil as liquids. The phase analysis and morphology of the CDHA microspheres were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) method,surface area measurements (BET) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The release profiles were studied by UV spectroscopy at a pH of 7.4. All the microspheres exhibit similar release profiles with an initial gradual increase reaching a maximum value and then nearly a constant release profile as indicated below. However, the amount of drug release was found to vary with the initial gelatin concentration used for the microsphere preparation. An optimium release of 80% has been observed.


Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the productivity and production components of two cultivars of corn for different types of fertilization and row spacings on irrigated farming system. Study Design: It was adopted a randomized block design at 3 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment with four replications, the treatments consisted of three fertilization (OF Organic Fertilization; OMF – Organomineral Fertilization and MF Mineral Fertilization), two cultivars of corn (Bras 3010 and Potiguar) and two row spacings (80 cm and 50 cm). Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out from June to October 2013, at Fazenda Experimental Rafael Fernandes, in the community of Alagoinha, belonging to the Federal Rural University of Semi-Arido (UFERSA), lying 20 km from the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Methodology: The organic fertilization (OF) was performed as minimum recommendation corresponding to 10 t ha -1 of bovine manure. The organomineral fertilization (OMF) was made by Original Research Article Alves et al.; JEAI, 30(1): 1-10, 2019; Article no.JEAI.46528 2 applying 50% of the recommended amount of manure recommended in organic fertilization (OF), 5 t ha -1 , and 50% of the recommendation of mineral fertilizer (MF). The mineral fertilization (MF) was performed based on the parameters observed in the soil analysis and recommendation for the corn crop in the region due to an expected maximum productivity. Results: The study showed that the mineral fertilization (MF) provided an increase in the productivity components of both evaluated, the hybrid variety Bras 3010 and Potiguar. The OMF did not show significant differences regarding the MF in production components of corn cultivars evaluated. Conclusion: Components of production and productivity of corn cultivars were incremented when using the spacing of 80 cm between rows. The variety Potiguar corn had higher grain productivity compared with the Bras 3010 hybrid when used the organic fertilization.


In recent years, several direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have become available for use in Europe and other regions in indications related to prophylaxis and treatment of venous and arterial thromboembolism. They include the oral direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa®, Boehringer Ingelheim) and the oral direct FXa inhibitors rivaroxaban (Xarelto®, Bayer HealthCare), apixaban (Eliquis®, Bristol‐Myers Squibb), and edoxaban (Lixiana®/Savaysa®, Daiichi‐Sankyo). The new compounds have a predictable dose response and few drug–drug interactions (unlike vitamin k antagonists), and they do not require parenteral administration (unlike heparins). However, they accumulate in patients with renal impairment, lack widely available monitoring tests for measuring its anticoagulant activity, and no specific antidotes for neutralization in case of overdose and/or severe bleeding are currently available. In this review, we describe the pharmacology of the DOAC, the efficacy, and safety data from pivotal studies that support their currently approved indications and discuss the postmarketing experience available. We also summarize practical recommendations to ensure an appropriate use of the DOAC according to existing data. Finally, we discuss relevant ongoing studies and future perspectives.


ObjectivesHelicobacter pylori cytotoxin-associated gene pathogenicity island (cag-PAI) is one of the strain-specific genes (they do not exist in all strains). cag-PAI is involved in inducing inflammation, ulceration, and carcinogenesis. This study aimed to detect and characterize cagA and cagE virulence genes among H. pylori strains from Sudanese patients with gastric discomfort.ResultOut of 288 gastric biopsies screened for the presence of H. pylori, 34% (98/288) were positive, cagA gene was present in 41% (40/98) of specimens, mostly in patients with gastritis 72.5% (29/40), followed by duodenal ulcer 15% (6/40), esophagitis 5% (2/40), and 7.5% (3/40) in patients diagnosed normal by endoscopy. cagE gene was present in 39% (38/98) of specimens, the majority 73.7% (28/38) were from patients with gastritis, 10.5% (4/38) duodenal ulcer, 5.3% (2/38) esophagitis, 2.6% (1/38) gastric ulcer, and 7.9% (3/38) were diagnosed as normal. The cagA and cagE protein sequences have synonymous amino acid variations.


The heat transfer coefficient (HTC) is one of the key parameters that should be known at the stage of the bearing chamber design. This ensures safe temperature conditions for the lubrication oil and reliable operation of the gas turbine engine. The temperature gradient method is commonly used in experimental practice to determinate the HTC. The accuracy of the HTC determination is sensitive to changing of the bearing chamber operating conditions and should be analyzed at the stage of experimental studies planning. This paper presents a study on the accuracy of HTC determination when the external cooling of the bearing chamber is used to obtain the temperature difference sufficient for measurement. Three ways to reduce the relative error of the HTC determination in the bearing chamber were analyzed: i) decreasing the temperature measurement error; ii) decreasing the temperature of external cooling medium; iii) increasing the external heat transfer coefficient and contribution of wall thermal resistance optimization. For different operating conditions of the bearing chamber, the temperature of the outer wall that ensures the specified accuracy of the experimental HTC and the required parameters of the cooling medium were determined and recommended for practical implementation.


The liver and intestine have complementary and coordinated roles in lipoprotein metabolism. Despite their highly specialized functions, assembly and secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL; apoB-100-containing VLDL in the liver and apoB-48-containing chylomicrons in the intestine) are regulated by many of the same hormonal, inflammatory, nutritional, and metabolic factors. Furthermore, lipoprotein metabolism in these two organs may be affected in a similar fashion by certain disorders. In insulin resistance, for example, overproduction of TRL by both liver and intestine is a prominent component of and underlies other features of a complex dyslipidemia and increased risk of atherosclerosis. The intestine is gaining increasing recognition for its importance in affecting whole body lipid homeostasis, in part through its interaction with the liver. This review aims to integrate recent advances in our understanding of these processes and attempts to provide insight into the factors that coordinate lipid homeostasis in these two organs in health and disease.


: The results of examinations of 60 outpatients with suspected glaucoma show that the qualitative program with fast screening of the 30-degree field enables a prompt decision to be made as to whether the visual fields of such patients are normal or pathologic.


In this paper, we present a conjecture concerning the classicality of a genus two overconvergent Siegel cusp eigenform whose associated Galois representation happens to be geometric, and more precisely, given by the Tate module of an abelian surface. This con- jecture is inspired by the Fontaine-Mazur conjecture. It generalizes known results in the genus one case, due to Kisin, Buzzard-Taylor and Buzzard. The main difference in the genus two case is the com- plexity of the arithmetic geometry involved. This is why most of the paper consists in recalling (mostly with proofs) old and new results on the bad reduction of parahoric type Siegel varieties, with some consequences on their rigid geometry. Our conjecture would imply, in certain cases, a conjecture posed by H. Yoshida in 1980 on the modularity of abelian surfaces defined over the rationals.


Received: Revised: Accepted: July 21, 2013 September 17, 2013 September 18, 2013 A 2-year-old, intact female Pekingese was presented with a 2-month history of progressive tonic-clonic seizures and left side head tilt. The dog was diagnosed as intracranial arachnoid cyst (IAC) that was located in the quadrigeminal cisterna based on the physical, neurological examinations and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Medical management using corticosteroids, diuretics, and anticonvulsants was initiated and long term follow-up (6 years) was made. Serial MRI demonstrated elevated occipital lobe compression rate (8%) during the followup periods. This case report first describes long term follow-up of the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic outcome of IAC in a dog. ©2013 PVJ. All rights reserved


The study area of central Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica is a typical example of a granulite facies Precambrian terrane that was exposed to substantial polymetamorphism during the late Neoproterozoic/early Palaeozoic. Fluid inclusion studies from typical representatives of the charnockite-anorthosite suite of rocks, associated gneisses and syenitic intrusives give new constraints on both peak metamorphic conditions and post-peak metamorphic processes during retrograde uplift. Detailed petrographical studies were supported by Electron Microprobe techniques and combined with microthermometry and Raman spectrometry data.Three distinct fluid phases, either consisting of CO2±N2, H2O-salt or CO2±N2±H2O- salt were differentiated. All fluid inclusion types are hosted by plagioclase, quartz and garnet and display textural relationships indicative for a primary (metamorphic or magmatic) origin. The CO2±N2 fluid is most abundant, and it is assumed that it played an important role during metamorphic charnockite formation and anorthosite emplacement. However, evidence of post-entrapment change reveals that a largenumber of inclusions were subjected to profound reequilibration processes that resulted in a modification of original fluid properties, often accompanied by the partial to complete loss of an aqueous component.An important indicator for the residual character of some CO2±N2 fluid inclusions was the frequent observation of sheet silicate and carbonate microcrystals that were produced by a micro-chemical reaction of an originally CO2-H2O±N2 fluid with its plagioclase host. These observations from the anorthosite complex were used to model the fluid-host interaction with consideration of different original fluid compositions. Compared to an actual fluid inclusion it is obvious, that volume estimations of solid phases can be used as a starting point to reverse the retrograde reaction and recalculate the compositional and volumetrical properties of the original fluid. Isochores for an unmodified inclusion can thus be reconstructed, leading to a more realistic estimation of P-T conditions during earlier metamorphic stages or fluid capturing.Although CO2±N2 inclusions detected within the anorthosite body and associated shear zones reveal a large range in densities, isochoric calculations for the highest density inclusions are in accordance with independent P-T data for near peak- metamorphic conditions. This again illustrates that metamorphic minerals (plagioclase and garnet) are able to preserve the original metamorphic fluid, as substantial reequilibration processes do not take place uniformly within single crystals. A detailedfluid inclusion study can thus provide valuable constraints on the P-T conditions acting during different stages of fluid entrapment and reequilibration.A selection of representative isochores from the different basement lithologies have been correlated with P-T constraints based on mineral-equilibria data available from other studies. The gradual decrease in fluid densities best fits a clockwise P-T path and mineral-fluid equilibration during near isothermal decompression is postulated for the post-peak-metamorphic and retrograde development of the rocks exposed in central Dronning Maud Land.


Matched filtering of biphase coded radar signals create unwanted sidelobes which may mask some of the desired information. This paper presents a new approach for pulse compression using recurrent neural network (RNN). The 13-bit and 35-bit barker codes are used as input signal codes to RNN. The pulse radar detection system is simulated using RNN. The results of the simulation are compared with the results obtained from the simulation of pulse radar detection using Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) network. The number of input layer neurons is same as the length of the signal code and three hidden neurons are taken in the present systems. The Simulation results show that RNN yields better signal-to-sidelobe ratio (SSR) and doppler shift performance than neural network (NN) and some traditional algorithms like auto correlation function (ACF) algorithm. It is also observed that RNN based system converges faster as compared to the MLP based system. Hence the proposed RNN provides an efficient means for pulse radar detection. Keywords—RNN, pulse compression, ACF, SSR, biphase code.


Let M be a finite set, P be a stochastic matrix and U = {(Zn)} be the family of all finite Markov chains (MC) (Zn) defined by M , P , and all possible initial distributions. The behavior of a MC (Zn) is a classical result of probability theory derived in the 1930s by A. N. Kolmogorov and W. Doeblin. If a stochastic matrix P is replaced by a sequence of stochastic matrices (Pn) and transitions at moment n are defined by Pn, then U becomes a family of nonhomogeneous MCs. There are numerous results concerning the behavior of such MCs given some specific properties of the sequence (Pn). But what if there are no assumptions about sequence (Pn)? Is it possible to say something about the behavior of the family U? The surprising answer to this question is Yes. Such behavior is described by a theorem which we call a decompositionseparation (DS) theorem, and which was initiated by a small paper of A. N. Kolmogorov (1936) and formulated and proved in a few stages in a series of papers including D. Blackwell (1945), H. Cohn (1971, 1989), and I. Sonin


Calcific tendonitis of the rotator cuff is due to carbonated apatite deposits in the shoulder tendons. During the evolution of the disease, an acute inflammatory episode may occur leading to the disappearance of the calcification. Although hydroxyapatite crystals-induced inflammation has been previously studied with synthetic crystals, no data are available with calcifications extracted from patients suffering from calcific tendinopathy. The objective of the study was to explore the inflammatory properties of human calcifications and the pathways involved.The objective of the study was to explore the inflammatory properties of human calcifications and the pathways involved.Human calcifications were obtained from patients treated for their shoulder pain related to a calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff. Calcifications were extracted by ultrasound-guided lavage and aspiration as previously described [1]. Human calcifications and synthetic hydroxyapatite (sHA) were used in vitro to stimulate human monocytes and macrophages, the human myeloid cell line THP-1 and human tenocytes. The release of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 by cells was quantified by ELISA. Gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by quantitative PCR. NF-kB activation and NLRP3 involvement was assessed in THP-1 cells using a NF-kB inhibitor and a Caspase 1 inhibitor. The inflammatory properties were then assessed in vivo using a mouse air pouch model. The membrane thickness and infiltrate were assessed 6 and 24 hours after the injection of human calcifications or synthetic hydroxyapatite using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes infiltrates were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Total RNA was extracted from the membranes and expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFβ was quantified by PCR.Human calcifications were able to induce a significant release of IL-1β when incubated with monocytes, macrophages and THP-1 only if they were first primed with LPS (lipopolysaccharide) for monocytes and macrophages or PMA (Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) for THP-1. No IL-1β was detected in tenocytes' supernatants. Stimulation of THP-1 by human calcifications led to similar levels of IL-1β when compared to synthetic hydroxyapatite although these levels were significantly inferior in monocytes and macrophages. IL-6 and IL-8 levels were not increased in the supernatants after crystal stimulation. Patient's crystals enhanced mRNA expression of pro-IL-1β, as well as IL-18, NF-kB and TGFβ when IL-6 and TNFα expression were not. IL-1β production was reduced by the inhibition NF-kB as well as Caspase 1 indicating the role of NLRP3 inflammasome. In vivo, injection of human calcifications or synthetic hydroxyapatite in air pouch led to significant increase in membrane thickness with an infiltrate mainly composed of macrophages. Significant overexpression of IL-1β was only observed in the synthetic hydroxyapatite group.As synthetic hydroxyapatite, human calcifications were able to induce an inflammatory response resulting in the production of IL-1β after NF-kB activation and through NLRP3 inflammasome. In some experiments, IL-1β induction was lower with human calcifications compared to synthetic apatite. Differences in size, shape and protein content may explain this observation.[1]Darrieutort-Laffite C, Arnolfo P, Garraud T, Adrait A, Couté Y, Louarn G, et al. Rotator Cuff Tenocytes Differentiate into Hypertrophic Chondrocyte-Like Cells to Produce Calcium Deposits in an Alkaline Phosphatase-Dependent Manner. J Clin Med. 2019 Sep 26;8(10):1544. doi: 10.3390/jcm8101544.Fondation Arthritis, Recherche et Rhumatismes and French Society for Rheumatology for their financial supportNone declared


A 34-year-old pregnant woman was diagnosed with pneumonia at another hospital in her 26th week of pregnancy. Antibiotics were administered, but they were not effective. She was then introduced and admitted to our hospital. Lung cancer was suspected from her chest-CT scan on admission. Caesarian section was performed on the day after admission at 33 weeks of gestation. Adenocarcinoma of the lung was diagnosed based on the results of a right-axillary lymph node biopsy performed simultaneously with the caesarian section. On the 8th day after admission, we began to administer gefitinib. We expected positive results from gefitinib, because the patient fitted the optimal profile: female, never smoker, adenocarcinoma histology. Her respiratory condition had worsened dramatically after her caesarian section, so she was given noninvasive positive pressure ventilation from the 13th day after admission. Disseminated intravascular coagulation progressed, and her chest X-ray showed bilateral extensive infiltration. Moreover, tests showed that her tumor was negative for epidermal growth factor recepter mutation, so we judged that gefitinib was not effective for her. Although her performance status was very poor, she and her family strongly desired further chemotherapy. We thus began to administer gemcitabine, but her respiratory condition deteriorated further, and she died on the 17th day after admission. Lung cancer combined with pregnancy is a very rare situation, so we report this case with some references.


The purpose of this study is to detect the mismatch between text script and voice-over. For this, we present a novel utterance verification (UV) method, which calculates the degree of correspondence between a voice-over and the phoneme sequence of a script. We found that the phoneme recognition probabilities of exaggerated voice-overs decrease compared to ordinary utterances, but their rankings do not demonstrate any significant change. The proposed method, therefore, uses the recognition ranking of each phoneme segment corresponding to a phoneme sequence for measuring the confidence of a voice-over utterance for its corresponding script. The experimental results show that the proposed UV method outperforms a state-of-the-art approach using cross modal attention used for detecting mismatch between speech and transcription.


The influence of the cerebellum removal on the action of vestibular system on locomotor activity was not sufficient for the initiation of locomotor rhythmic activity and did not change its timing although vestibular effects on locomotor activity were preserved. The dynamics of vestibulo-spinal influences in experimental animals were the same as in animals with intact cerebellum. The intactness of cerebello-vestibular connexions seem not to be necessary for actualization of the vestibular system effects on locomotor activity.


In this paper, an actively tunable rasorber with broadband RCS reduction and low infrared emissivity is proposed. The rasorber can achieve flexible control of the peak of the transmission frequency and make the platform invisible in multiple spectrum. Based on the combination of varactor diodes and bandpass frequency-selective surface (FSS), the transmission window can be continuously tuned from 1.8 to 4.5 GHz. The designed rasorber has more than 10 dB RCS reduction from 5.4 to 14.1 GHz. Furthermore, an infrared low emissivity layer based on ITO resistance film is added above the rasorber, and the average infrared emissivity of the measured surface is 0.33. The experimental and simulation results are in good agreement. This work is expected to be applied to frequency hopping secure communication and ultra-wideband, multi-spectrum stealth.


A consistent force field for the description of interatomic interactions within silicas, aluminophosphates, and zeolites 1 is presented. The derivation of parameters is based both on a fit to the potential-energy surface of small clusters, as determined by ab initio quantum-chemical methods, and on fitting of experimental data on alpha-quartz. It is shown that both types of data are essential for the development of an accurate and transferable force field. The accuracy and transferability of the force field is assessed by comparing force-field predictions for the structure and elastic properties of a dozen different systems with experiment. Results obtained with the present approach compare favorably with those obtained with force fields used in the literature. Moreover, the introduction of additional chemical elements into the force field does not seriously affect the accuracy, making these force fields a valuable tool for the modeling of chemically complex zeolites


This paper focuses on whether it is appropriate in Italy to introduce increased tax benefits to the rate of return of contributions made into supplementary pension funds. We will review the role of private pensions in the pension system known as the "three-pillar system" and the pension system known as notional defined contribution (NDC) system. Afterwards we will outline the reasons for, and presumed effectiveness of, tax incentives, based on various theories including the traditional life cycle hypothesis, the altruistic or precautionary saving theory and the behavioural approach. These three theories are compared using the results of numerous empirical studies. In conclusion we will stress that, especially in public NDC systems (as in Italy), the private pillars develop on the lines of the dominating theory, deemed optimal. However, tax incentives alone cannot make up for the lack of optimality. Referring to the behavioural approach, we will highlight the potential effectiveness of widespread dissemination of information on the characteristics of private pension accumulation instruments and the public manager's crucial role as supporter and guarantor in this respect.


the many objections brought forward against these hypotheses. Danbolt and Brandt (1938) have described a case of sarcoid-like cutaneous tuberculosis caused by the avian tubercle bacillus, but they do not regard this case as one of the sarcoidosis of Boeck, "as this disease is in our opinion scarcely ever caused by tuberculosis." That "'there is no convincing evidence that sarcoidosis is a manifestation of tuberculosis" (Scott, 1938) seems to be the only possible critical attituide to-day.-I am, etc.,


Fasciolosis is a common parasitic disease affecting cattle and other ruminants, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. The disease is widely distributed and can cause extensive economic losses to the farmers and the national economy. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis in commercial cattle farms of Tilottama Municipality, Rupandehi district, Nepal. A total of 270 fresh faecal samples were collected purposively from the study area with different ages, sex, stages, and breeds for faecal examination (sedimentation method) to diagnose eggs of Fasciola in the collected samples. The obtained data were coded and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2016. The overall prevalence of fasciolosis in cattle was found 15.56%. Age and sex wise prevalence was found statistically significant (P<0.05) while stage and breed wise prevalence was insignificant (P>0.05). Therefore, fasciolosis is prevalent moderately among cattle in Tillottoma municipality, which necessitates the study of detailed epidemiology of the disease and effective control strategies against it in order to prevent huge economic losses.


The present study addressed the relationship between the parameters of saccharin drinking behaviour and locomotor activity in an open field environment and long-term alcohol self-administration. In a 22-day initiation phase, male Wistar rats were presented with increasing concentrations of ethanol (2-8%, v/v) in a choice with water. The rats were then given the choice between water and two ethanol solutions (8 and 16%). Every 28 days, ethanol was withdrawn for 5 days. The ethanol intake and the transient increase in ethanol consumption after each of six deprivation episodes (alcohol deprivation effect) was monitored and correlated with parameters of the subsequent saccharin drinking and open field tests. The total ethanol intake (g/kg/24 h) as well as the consumption of 16% ethanol were stable over time. However, the magnitude of the alcohol deprivation effect increased with the repeated deprivation episodes. None of the parameters measured in the open field or the saccharin drinking tests correlated with either ethanol consumption or the alcohol deprivation effect. These results suggest that (1) repeated episodes of ethanol deprivation may increase the magnitude of the alcohol deprivation effect, (2) neither saccharin drinking nor locomotor activity correlates with long-term ethanol drinking behaviour in rats.


Although the EU's CO2 Emissions Trading Scheme is now by far the world's largest, the US has the distinction of having provided the seedbed for public policy experiments with emissions trading. Various forms of trading were introduced into the Clean Air Act in the 1970s; but a widely recognized success, the lead-in-gasoline phase-down program, did not occur until the mid-1980s. Soon thereafter proposals were put forward both for a national cap-and-trade program to control acid rain precursor emissions and for a similar program (RECLAIM) in the Los Angeles air basin to deal with persistent local pollution. The Northeastern NOx Budget Program followed in the late 1990s, as well as several other local programs, among them the Chicago VOC (volatile organic compounds) program. Finally, mercury trading and a significant tightening of both the existing SO2 and NOx caps under the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) are in the offing. Most of the programs implemented to date have been considered successful, but not all.


A national survey conducted by the Food Policy Institute demonstrates the lack of knowledge and awareness most Americans have of genetically modified foods. The paper provides insight into public perceptions of food biotechnology's risks and benefits and a preliminary examination of consumers' stated preferences for genetically modified functional foods.


I study the bias of actuarially fair measures commonly used to evaluate the impact of a social security system on the well-being of individuals. I investigate how the magnitude of this bias is affected by different features of a pay-as-you-go social security system. Social security affects an individual's welfare in ways other than through its direct effect on her lifetime income. It influences labor and savings decisions and hence factor prices, affecting labor income and the return to savings. Although social security can provide insurance against risk, it can also push borrowing-constrained individuals further away from their optimal consumption paths. I show that, by ignoring these features, actuarially fair measures can grossly misevaluate the impact of social security on the well-being of an individual.


Garden design evolved hugely during the Georgian period – as symbols of wealth and stature, the landed aristocracy had been using gardens for decades. Yet during the eighteenth century, society began to homogenise, and the urban elite also started demanding landscapes that would reflect their positions. The gardens of the aristocracy and the gentry were different in appearance, use and meaning, despite broad similarities in form. Underlying this was the importance of place, of the landscape itself and its raw material. Contemporaries often referred to the need to consult the 'genius of the place' when creating a new designed landscape, as the place where the garden was located was critical in determining its appearance. Genius loci - soil type, topography, water supply - all influenced landscape design in this period. The approach taken in this book blends landscape and garden history to make new insights into landscape and design in the eighteenth century. Spooner's own research presents little-known sites alongside those which are more well known, and explores the complexity of the story of landscape design in the Georgian period which is usually oversimplified and reduced to the story of a few 'great men'.


The stability of earthen structures is governed by field uncertainties arising from material properties, environment loading, and slope geometry. This research devised a systematic approach to capture the effects of field uncertainties on the stability of natural and manmade slopes. New design charts were developed by incrementally changing slope geometry and randomly generating shear strength parameters. Subset simulation was used to determine the safe range of soil properties for various slopes. The charts were applied to three published case studies with distinct triggering mechanisms resulting from complex field settings. All of the investigated slopes were found to be stable (factor of safety (FOS) > 1.0) under the reported geometry and shear strength parameters while assuming no water table. The effects of soil properties' variation and environmental conditions on fluctuating water table were captured through history matching. Results indicated three distinct failure mechanisms: foundation settlement of a glacial moraine till (Vernon, British Columbia) due to an increased pore water pressure during construction of the compacted fill (FOS = 1.45 without berms and 2.24 with berms); instability in the natural cut (FOS = 0.98) comprising layered glacio-lacustrine clays (Labret, Saskatchewan) due to saturation of the entire slope resulting from a long duration rainfall; and collapse of a compacted fill (FOS = 0.98) on a glacial moraine till (Hamelin Creek, Alberta) due to soil saturation arising from thawing of a frozen layer in the slope. This validation illustrates that the new approach fully captures environmental loading (resulting in water table variation in the slope) and partly captures construction practice and site geology via soil properties.


Problem statement : Usually, we want to represent the final computer aided drawings in a detailed characterization of the design geometry. In some cases, the final design is corrupted with additional geometry parameters, which are not part of the problem, and lack of dimensions. We need an automatic approach to resolve this issue. Approach : Here, we develop a toolkit, which integrates SIEMENS NX8 and C ++ , to improve the characterization process for 2D geometries. Results : We applied the tool to several different 2D cross-sections and proved that we were able to removal the unwanted parts from the geometry and apply the proper dimensions and constraints to the geometry. Conclusion : This makes the 2D geometry characterization process faster and user-friendly.


When developers test modern web applications that use JavaScript, challenging issues lie in their event-driven, asynchronous, and dynamic features. Many researchers have assessed the adequacy of test cases with code coverage criteria; however, in this paper, we show that the code coverage-based approach possibly misses some faults in the applications. We propose a mutation analysis approach for estimating the faultfinding capability of test cases. We assume that developers can find overlooked fault instances and improve the test cases with the estimated capability. To create a set of faulty programs, i.e., mutants, we classify the JavaScript features in web applications and then define a comprehensive set of mutation operators. We conducted a case study on a real-world application and found that our approach supported the improvement of test cases to expose hand-seeded faults by an extra ten percent. Keywords-JavaScript; Mutation Analysis and Testing; Web Applications; Test Criteria


Renewable resources are becoming more and more obtainable and affordable due to the development of technology and the enactment of government policies. Electric utilities are required to deliver reliable power to customers and must operate utility grids within strict voltage limits. As renewable energy becomes a larger player amongst the resources supplying energy to these grids, issues begin arising due to the intermittent nature of these resources. The output from solar power aligns reasonably well daytime consumption on the electricity grid, reducing the need for new coal power stations. However, high penetration photovoltaic (PV), can lead to voltage instability due to intermittencies related to cloud cover. If the PV power is injected into a power system directly on a large scale, it may produce issues related to dispatchability, reliability and stability. It is desirable to select a smoothing storage algorithm that would filter out the highest rate transitions, but would still be fast enough to avoid significant lag with respect to current power production. For traditional testing, a moving average algorithm was used. For comparison, the author has tested two other algorithms. The results are being compared, showing that the dual moving average smoothing algorithm has merits in improving smoothness.