The cave of Theopetra is located on the northeast side of a limestone rock formation, 3 km south of Kalambaka (21°40′46′′E, 39°40′51′′N), in Thessaly, central Greece. It is a unique prehistoric site for Greece, as the Middle and Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods are present here, bridging the Pleistocene with the Holocene. Several alternations of the climate during the Pleistocene are recognized in its stratigraphy. Among the most striking finds, two human skeletons, one from the Upper Paleolithic period after the Last Glacial Maximum and one from the Mesolithic period, should be emphasized, while in a deep Middle Paleolithic layer, the oldest human footprints, with remains of fire, were uncovered. During the 13 years of excavation, evidence of human activity suitable for radiocarbon dating was collected, such as charcoal samples from hearths and bones from the two human skeletons. The use of proportional counters for the measurement of 14C in combination with the recent improvement of the calibration curve has enabled the production of high-precision reliable ages. Sixty 14C-dated samples, originating from 19 pits and from depths ranging from 0.10 m to 4.20 m, have already provided an absolute time framework for the use of the cave. The earliest limit of human presence probably exceeds 48,000 BP and the latest reaches World War II. Within these limits the 14C dating of samples from consecutive layers, in combination with the archaeological data, permits the resolution of successive anthropogenic and environmental events.


This study explores poor people or negative ownership class phenomena as result of exploitative ideology by using power including exploitation of natural resource and placement of population as cheap labor. This study explores poor people or negative ownership class phenomena as result of exploitative ideology by using power, including exploitation of natural resource and placement of human resources as cheaper labor. Although many studies about Indonesian nationalism were conducted previously, but generally the study of nationalism in relation to the poor people class in Indonesia are not the main focus of the study.This article using qualitative research method. In order to compare different phenomena in various periods, this article uses historical comparative research method. There were five levels in historical comparative research. First, is conceptualizing the object of inquiry. Second is locating the evidence. Third is evaluating quality of evidence. Fourth is organizing evidence. Fifth is syntesizing. An open interviewed was conducted with stakeholders whose directly involved in many cases within several political party bodies such as Partai Nasional Indonesia (PNI), Partai Demokrasi Indonesia (PDI). Data was analyzed by social, cultural, and political interpretation. It can be concluded tht in national politic constellation, the phenomena of poor class produce a defense term for their group, known as 'marhaen' and 'wong cilik'. Nevertheless, nationalism practice in Indonesia as represented by PNI, PDI, dan PDI Perjuangan, have not yet succedeed to freed poor people from social aleniation in political power contestation, the ownership of capital, or in relations between state and government. This nation still struggled to build competitive political and economical power in order to reate a social transformation.


Purpouse Rheumatological disorders, usually affect women during reproductive ages and have an impact on their reproductive wishes. We aim to assess the differences between SLE and other diseases for fertility and pregnancy evolution in a group of patients followed in a specific consult for planning and management of pregnancy. Methods Retrospective study in a cohort of patients with rheumatological disorders who want to get pregnant. Fertility exam to the couple was done. Data about sterility (never conception) and infertility (miscarriages), assisted reproduction, preterm delivery and also adverse pregnancy outcomes (disease flares, preeclampsia) were compared in 3 groups: SLE, connective tissue disease non-SLE (Sjögren's Syndrome, MCTD) and chronic arthritis (CA) including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SPA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Results 60 women (25 SLE, 9 connective tissue diseases non-SLE, 26 CA) were evaluated for pregnancy planning. All of them were in remission and were taking safe pharmacological treatment for the pregnancy. Fifty percent presented advanced maternal age (>35 years old) at the time of evaluation (8 SLE, 2 CTD no SLE and 15 CA). Until now, 48 patients have finished their pregnancy (18 SLE, 8 CTD non-SLE and 22 CA); in the others pregnancy is still on going. Data collected is showed in table. Sterility and fertility were similar in both, SLE and CA, and comparable with healthy women of the same age. Preeclampsia and an increased risk of preterm delivery were more frequent in the outcome of patients with SLE (p>0.05), however patients with CA showed basically joint inflammation (p>0.05). Antiphospholipid antibodies were not associated with higher rates of either fetal or maternal complications in this group of patient, probably because treatment with aspirin and LMWH was started at the beginning of conception. All neonates whose mothers were anti Ro positive (16 women) had positive anti Ro serum determination, however only four of them presented with atrioventricular block (AVB). Conclusion In our group of patients, SLE showed comparable results of fertility with healthy women of the same age, probably because disease was in completed remission and they never use cyclophosphamide. Pregnancy planning help ensure better outcomes in these patientsAbstract PS4:85 Table 1


ln this thesis, a study was conducted to analysis nutrition profile of fermented fish meal and the growth was tested on ornamental gourami, Trichogaster trichopterus. Nutrition profile of fermented fish meal was carried out on ornamental gourami by using three replicate namely replicate 1, replicate 2 and replicate 3. Three controls were set up for three treatments. For every treatment and control consist 5 ornamental fish. Fermented fish meal was fermented in 23 weeks given 3% of body weight two times daily in 4 weeks. Every 7 days, body weight of ornamental gourami was weigh and record. Body weight was used to calculate specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio. Survival rate also determined. From this study, ornamental gourami show increase in weight gain. Feed conversion ratio also decrease until week 4 (p >0.05). Survival rate at end of study is 5%. Application to this study is too applied in commercial fish farming as alternative to commercial fish pellet. Further researches to increase specific growth rate to promote growth rate of ornamental gourami in short term.


Strain, magnetization, dielectric relaxation, and unpolarized and polarized neutron diffraction measurements were performed to study the magnetic and structural properties of spinel Co_{1-x}V_{2+x}O_{4}. The strain measurement indicates that, upon cooling, ΔL/L in the order of ∼10^{-4} starts increasing below T_{C}, becomes maximum at T_{max}, and then decreases and changes its sign at T^{*}. Neutron measurements indicate that a collinear ferrimagnetic order develops below T_{C} and upon further cooling noncollinear ferrimagnetic ordering occurs below T_{max}. At low temperatures, the dielectric constant exhibits a frequency dependence, indicating slow dynamics. These results indicate the existence of an orbital glassy state at low temperatures in this nearly metallic frustrated magnet.


Animal research provides meaningful insight into animals' skills and abilities, further enhancing our care for and understanding of them. However, performing authentic animal research in an undergraduate class is difficult because of cost and limited resources. One solution to this challenge is citizen science. Citizen science is a form of research conducted by members of the public who perform experiments and gather information for researchers, allowing for wide-scale data collection with minimal cost associations. Thus, an experiment using the citizen science approach was performed in Animal Bioscience 360 at the University of Saskatchewan to determine if there were cognitive differences in groups of dogs. Teams of two students performed cognition tests on their own dogs and tested four aspects of cognitive ability: memory, object permanence, perspective-taking, and response to human cues. Together, the class tested 42 dogs and uploaded the experimental data to Excel. Students developed hypotheses to test whether dogs differing in age, gender, breed, obedience training, or household status had different cognitive profiles. There were no significant differences in cognition except that dogs living in single-dog households yawned significantly more often in response to human yawning than multi-dog households (P ≤ 0.05). The citizen science approach provided 61 students with an authentic research experience and improved their writing and numeracy skills. Undergraduate research experience assists in practical skill development, improved academic performance, and degree completion. Citizen science enhances participants' knowledge of the research area and provides a level of transparency toward scientific research.


Essential Tremor (ET) is the most frequent movement disorder in adults. Upper-limb exoskeletons are a promising solution to alleviate ET symptoms. We propose a novel wrist exoskeleton for tremor damping. The TuMove exoskeleton is light-weight, portable, easy to use, and designed for ADLs and activities requiring hand dexterity. We validated the effectiveness of our exoskeleton by inducing forearm tremors using TENS on 5 healthy subjects. Our results show that wrist ranges are generally kept in most of the ROM needed in ADLs. The damping system reduced more than 30% of the tremor's angular velocity during drinking and pouring tasks. Furthermore, the completion time of the Archimedes spiral was decreased by 2.76 seconds (13.0%) and for the 9-Hole-Peg-Test by 2.77 seconds (11.8 %), indicating a performance improvement in dexterity tasks.


The more than 30 years since the inception of the High Efficiency Particulate Air filters (HEPA) provide an incredible story. The filter's application to nuclear air cleaning and reciprocal effect on nuclear programme upon its development is even more interesting. The HEPA filter provided the capacity needed to intercept extremely small particulate matter in the airstreams of nuclear plants and laboratories. When some of the particulate matter potentially might be plutonium or other alpha radiation bearing particles in the air exhausted to the environment, the critical importance of the filter becomes obvious. From a crude and weak initial concept, the HEPA filter has developed into the backbone of particulate air cleaning for nuclear ends and has become most essential to environmental cleaning for other industrial pursuits as well. In the nuclear industry, High Efficiency Particulate Air filters (HEPA) were the need for the containment of radioactive aerosols within the nuclear facilities. Air filtration theory has been very important in the development of HEPA filters. The early air filtration theories model air filters as the air flow around single fibres and the particle capture by these single fibres. The single fibre theories included the interference effect of neighbouring fibres by using cell flow models. Equations were derived to describe particle capture efficiency as function of system variables (air flow temperature and pressure), particle variables (size, density...) and filter characteristics (fibre diameter, fibre volume fraction, filter thickness...).


Background Microorganisms capable of surviving within macrophages are rare, but represent very successful pathogens. One of them is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) whose resistance to early mechanisms of macrophage killing and failure of its phagosomes to fuse with lysosomes causes tuberculosis (TB) disease in humans. Thus, defining the mechanisms of phagosome maturation arrest and identifying mycobacterial factors responsible for it are key to rational design of novel drugs for the treatment of TB. Previous studies have shown that Mtb and the related vaccine strain, M. bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), disrupt the normal function of host Rab5 and Rab7, two small GTPases that are instrumental in the control of phagosome fusion with early endosomes and late endosomes/lysosomes respectively. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we show that recombinant Mtb nucleoside diphosphate kinase (Ndk) exhibits GTPase activating protein (GAP) activity towards Rab5 and Rab7. Then, using a model of latex bead phagosomes, we demonstrated that Ndk inhibits phagosome maturation and fusion with lysosomes in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Maturation arrest of phagosomes containing Ndk-beads was associated with the inactivation of both Rab5 and Rab7 as evidenced by the lack of recruitment of their respective effectors EEA1 (early endosome antigen 1) and RILP (Rab7-interacting lysosomal protein). Consistent with these findings, macrophage infection with an Ndk knocked-down BCG strain resulted in increased fusion of its phagosome with lysosomes along with decreased survival of the mutant. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that mycobacterial Ndk is a putative virulence factor that inhibits phagosome maturation and promotes survival of mycobacteria within the macrophage.


EM4 is one of the probiotics known in the market. EM4 (Effective Microorganisms) is a brownish liquid and smells sweet and sour (fresh). EM4 contains a mixture of several living microorganisms such as photosynthetic bacteria (Rhodopseudomonas sp), lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus sp), Actinomycetes sp. and fermentation fungi. EM4 is able to maintain environmental quality by increasing DO so that the water becomes clean and there is no need to replace it repeatedly because water quality is maintained. EM4 is also known to increase protein levels in feed (Rachmawati, 2006). The use of tilapia in this study is as a test organism which is suspected to be easily applied to the addition of EM4 probiotics, because this fish is easily maintained and has a high appetite. Purpose and Use This study aims to determine the optimal optimal concentration of EM4 probiotics on the growth of tilapia (O. niloticus) seeds and as a reference research on the use of EM4 in pellet feeds against other fish growth. The method used in this research is simple random sampling and complete random design, the data were analyzed using analysis of variance and ANO calculations, and continued with LSD test. The results obtained there are significant differences between control and EM4 use, the higher the dose (20% dose) results in better growth. The fermentation ability produced by EM4 probiotics can increase the protein content of pellet feed and increase the appetite of fish through the resulting flavour.


Because of the serious non-linearity and coupling among state variables caused by the complex energy conversion process in ultrasonic motor, the motion control strategy of ultrasonic motor still need to be studied in detail to obtain better performance. As a kind of special control method, the low-frequency PWM control strategy can make the on-line optimum control easier, and may be an effective means to realize high performance motion control using ultrasonic motor. But this kind of strategy has not been studied in detail until now. This paper analyzes the difference among three low-frequency PWM control methods in details, works out the principle of selection among these methods.


The equilibrium-phase relations between copper mattes and spinel-saturated iron silicate slags were investigated at 1250°C and p SO 2 of 0.25 atm. The experiments were conducted in synthesized spinel crucibles (Fe 3 O 4 ) in controlled CO-CO 2 -SO 2 -Ar gas mixtures using a high-temperature isothermal equilibration/quenching technique. The equilibrium-phase compositions were characterized using an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer. The compositions of matte and slag were displayed as a function of matte grade or oxygen partial pressure. The present results obtained at spinel saturation in the matte-slag equilibrium system were compared with observations in the literature. This study improves the experimental thermodynamic data on the matte-slag-spinel-gas equilibria systems.


Henri Lehmann, of the Musee de 1'Homme, has p r e pared an excellent and useful summary of New World high cultures that is both concise and up-to-date. It is in no way an interpretative work, however, but an outline of the major cultural achievements in the Americas written for the benefit of the interested nonspecialist. As such, it is one of the few satisfactory works of its kind yet to appear. Prior to its publication only art historians had successfully attempted such an outline, with Keleman's great Medieval American Art the outstanding example. In an interesting introduction the author outlines the history of archaeological work in the area, and the significant early man and pre-agricultural finds. He then examines in turn the Mesoamerican, Circumcaribbean, and Andean culture areas. Special emphasis is placed on ethnographic evidence. There is little suppression of detail for easy reading, and a large number of sites are referred to by name. Perhaps the weakest section of the book is that on the Maya. Lehmann has evidently relied heavily on Morley, for he uses the latter's division of Maya history into "Pre-Maya," "Old Empire," and "New Empire." This scheme has been shown long since to be untenable. Although the exact tribal identity of the Formative peoples of the area is not known, it is highly probably that they uiere Maya. Moreover, many typical Maya culture traits probably reached high levels of development during the Formative, for example, temple construction, burial customs, the calendar, and so on. Beyond the fact that the Maya "empires" were even less of a reality than the Holy Roman, the cultural manifestations of these "empires" have been shown (through work in the Puuc sites) to have been in large part contemporaneous. South American cultures, especially the Peruvian, are presented in more and better detail, and there is a very fine summary of both Chimu and Inca ethnography. Lehmann's statement on Paracas Necropolis ("It cannot be said that it is older than Nazca; in any case it belongs to the Classic Epoch.") is somewhat indefensible for several radiocarbon dates place Paracas Necropolis earlier than Nazca. Cultures of other areas are briefly discussed as "Irradiations of the Great Cultures," but this section, including Anasazi-Pueblo and Diaguito, is relatively sketchy. It would have been pertinent to present some of the Mesoamerican elements in Mississippian culture. The maps are a little too simplified, but the chronological table is excellent and seems to be generally in accord with the latest radiocarbon dates. The illustrations are confined to a relatively few line drawings. Some of the major problems of Old World Culture history have been solved by considering Eurasia as a unit, rather than compartmentalizing it. It is probable that this approach will eventually be profitable in the New World. Spinden's Archaic Hypothesis becomes more a vital issue as research continues, with the fascinating Tlatilco-Chavin similarities as yet unexplained, and the old issue of New World autochtonous development versus diffusion from Asia and/or Oceania still unresolved. These types of problems are the really important ones faced by Americanists. Lehmann's book provides excellent groundwork in the form of summary material, but a really thorough interpretive work has yet to be written.


The performance of multichannel coherent maximum-likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) reception in the presence of co-channel interference is limited by the channel estimation accuracy. An adaptive channel estimation approach is developed which improves the performance through interference cancellation. Significant performance gains (up to 8 dB) are demonstrated for the Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service (D-AMPS) (IS-136) digital cellular system.


Although not adequately studied in the research on youth work, food is and has been an integral element of youth centres. This article examines what characterizes youth centres as foodscapes and explores which aspects of youth centres support the food-related learning of young people. We merge the traditions of youth work research, food education and learning. The data of the study consist of two rounds of focus group interviews (N = 14) conducted with young people aged 13 to 17. The data are qualitatively analysed using the five aspects meal model, which was developed to analyse foodscapes. The results of this study suggest that when youth centres, as foodscapes, are based on the active participation of young people and offer them opportunities to have an influence on the activities and work with peers, it is easier for young people to be inspired and learn.


Background Rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria can cause variety of clinical syndromes including catheter related blood stream infections (BSI). Methods We reviewed medical records of patients with blood cultures positive for Mycobacterium mucogenicum (MM) from 2008–2013. We defined 4 at-risk groups: Stem cell transplant recipients (SCT); patients with hematologic malignancy; patients with solid tumors and other's (patient's on treatment with tumor necrotic factor inhibitors). Descriptive analysis was performed, as well as comparative analysis of neutropenic patients (absolute neutrophil count ≤1000 /μL) with non-neutropenic patients. Results 39 patients with MM bacteremia were identified. There were 27 SCT recipients (24 Allogeneic; 3 Autologous). 4 patients had hematologic malignancy and 4 patients had solid tumors. Others included 4 patients. At time of diagnosis, 12 were neutropenic, and 27 were non-neutropenic. No significant difference was noted in age (p=0.41) or gender (p=1.00) or rates of pure vs. mixed mycobacterial BSI (p=1.00) or more than single blood culture positivity (p=1.00) between these two groups.The predominant clinical feature was fever with mean temperature of 38 degrees C (range 37.8–40.1). There was a significant difference in presence of fever at the time of bacteremia (92% vs. 42%; p=0.005) between the neutropenic and non-neutropenic group. Central venous catheter (CVC) was present at time of bacteremia in 33 cases (P=0.15); there was no significant difference for presence of CVC between these two groups (100% vs. 78%). Median duration of antibiotic treatment was 42 days (p=0.44). All patients were treated with >1 antibiotic. Most used regimen involved clarithomycin and amikacin (n=16).While there were 15 deaths; none were attributed to MM BSI. No significant survival difference was seen at 3 years between the neutropenic and non-neutropenic group (62% vs. 56%; p=0.75). Conclusions MM is a rare cause of CVC-associated bacteremia. In our study MM BSI was seen in immune compromised patients, predominantly in SCT recipients. BSI resolved in all patients with CVC removal and combination antimicrobial treatment. None of the patients suffered a relapse.


Abstract The Lévy flight distribution optimization algorithm is a recently developed meta-heuristic. In this study, the Lévy flight distribution optimization algorithm and the Taguchi method are hybridized to solve the shape optimization problem, which is the final step in developing optimum structural components. The new method is termed the hybrid Lévy flight distribution and Taguchi (HLFD-T) algorithm. Geometric dimensions are used as design variables in the optimization, and the problem is aimed at mass minimization. The constraint in the problem is the maximum stress value. The well-known Kriging meta-modeling approach and a specifically developed hybrid approach have been coupled in this paper to find the component's optimal geometry. The results show that the proposed hybrid algorithm (HLFD-T) has more robust features than the ant lion algorithm, the whale algorithm, and the Lévy flight distribution optimization algorithm for obtaining an optimal component geometry.


A hitherto‐unknown atavistic muscle in the dog initiated a review of the literature on the homologies and nomenclature of the forelimb flexors in carnivores and man. A consequence is that we recommend a revision of the nomenclature in the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (Ithaca, New York, 1983) so that it is in agreement with the Nomina Anatomica (Wilkins, Baltimore, 1983). This revision mainly consists of the incorporation of the terms M. palmaris longus and Mm. flexores breves manus.


An interest in the possible cancer causing ability of neutrons began soon after their discovery. Early use of neutrons from radioactive sources and from cyclotrons led to a need to define risk for such exposures. This need was soon followed by a more tangible need to define risk to the general population of high LET radiation from nuclear fall out and use of the Atomic bomb and possible use of the H-bomb. Neutrons were soon found to be very effective cell killing agents compared to conventional ionizing radiation. However High LET radiation sources and neutrons in particular, come in many different energies and from many types of sources. I will survey the differences between different energy neutrons and conventional types of radiation, particularly with respect to the dose rate of exposures and the influence of repair or lack thereof and more recently the effect of cell cycle distribution on the carcinogenic outcome. I will illustrate these ideas with examples of carcinogenicity studies and mutation studies from my own laboratory and in some cases from the work of others. Lastly I will introduce some possible avenues for molecular studies of neutron effects that might answer such vexing questions as the real risk at very low doses, is repair error free or error prone, do neutrons cause genetic instability for many cell generations after exposure, and others? There remain many questions about the biology of neutron action that require answers if we are to protect the ever increasing number of people exposed to them because of their growing use in medicine, in the military and in commercial industry.


ABSTRACT This study investigated a problem withinthe theoretical structure of cognitive development proposed by Jean 'Piaget, and used the concepts of classification and projective spatial relationships to investigate the nature of attainment and sequencing of three corresponding logical and infralogical groupings according to the models proposed by Piaget. Three classification and three logico-mathematically corresponding projective geometry (perspective) tasks were administered in a randomized order through individual interviews to 108 children born during the years 1962, 1963 and 1964. Subjects were chosen randomly to provide six equal groups of 18 according to birth year and sex. The oral presentations and responses were tape-recorded and transcribed. Silent responses were verbalized by the interviewer\to facilitate transcription. Data were analyzed by using a test for scalibility; a chi-square one-sample test was used to test for', differences in performance (age level, sex, between each age level on the projective spatial relationship tasks). The results indicate that cognitive processes undergo continuous development with growing differentiation and coordination until the processes become completely functional when the concrete operational period merget with the beginnings of formal operational thought at possibly/thirteen or fourteen years of age: two or three years later than the transitional period suggested by Piaget. The reason for the age difference in performance on the upper level of the concrete operational tasks is not clear. (Author/BR)


1. What is Abnormal Psychology? 2. Theoretical Perspectives and Methods of Treatment. 3. Classification and Assessment of Abnormal Behavior. 4. Stress, Psychological Factors, and Health. 5. Anxiety Disorders. 6. Dissociative and Somatoform Disorders. 7. Mood Disorders and Suicide. 8. Personality Disorders. 9. Substance Abuse and Dependence. 10. Eating Disorders and Sleep Disorders. 11. Gender Identity Disorder, Paraphilias, and Sexual Dysfunctions. 12. Schizophrenia. 13. Abnormal Behavior in Childhood and Adolescence. 14. Abnormal Psychology and Society. Glossary. References. Photo Credits. Name Index. Subject Index.


Social virtual worlds (SVWs) have become increasingly important environments for social interaction, especially for the younger generations. For SVWs to be economically sustainable, attracting new users and retaining the existing ones existing users is a paramount issue. This calls for understanding of the reasons why people engage in social virtual worlds. This study investigates the motives for continuously engagement in SVWs and develops a research model grounded on the decomposed theory of planned behavior. The model is empirically tested with a data collected from Canadian active Habbo goers using PLS. Surprisingly, perceived behavioral control and subjective norm were found more important determinants of continuous use intention than attitude. The results indicated that hedonic motives were the main determinant of attitude. However, altogether only 21.9 % of attitude was explained by utilitarian, hedonic and social outcomes. As a result, the study revealed that rather relying on generic items in measuring attitude and the beliefs regarding the utilitarian and social outcomes, the characteristics of SVW context should be reflected in the operationalisations of the constructs.


A method for determining time integrated concentrations of 212Pb and 212Bi in the air is proposed. It employs solid state nuclear track detectors covered with an absorber and placed around a rotating filter. Results from experiments carried out in an artificial 220Rn atmosphere have been presented. They reveal that the method works within the range of integrated concentrations for indoor measurements. The experimental error was about 7% for 212Pb and 23% for 212Bi. Possibilities for improving the accuracy have been discussed.


Modelling of multi-wavelength metasurfaces relies on adjusting the phase of indi-vidual nanoresonators at several wavelengths.The traditional procedure neglects thenear-field coupling between the nanoresonators, which dramatically reduces the over-all diffraction efficiency, bandwidth, numerical aperture and device diameter.Anotheralternative design strategy is to combine a numerical optimization technique with full-wave simulations to mitigate this problem and optimize the entire metasurface at once.Here, we present a global multiobjective optimization technique that utilizes statisticallearning method to optimize RGB spherical metalenses at the visible wavelengths. Theoptimization procedure, coupled to a high-order full-wave solver, accounts for the nearfield coupling between the resonators. High numerical aperture RGB lenses(NA= 0.47and NA= 0.56) of 8μm and 10μm diameters are optimized with numerical average1
focusing efficiencies of 55% and 45%, with an average focusing error smaller than 6%for the RGB colors. The fabricated and experimentally characterized devices present44.16% and 31.5% respective efficiencies. The reported performances represent thehighest focusing efficiencies for highNA >0.5 RGB metalenses obtained so far. Theintegration of multi-wavelength metasurfaces in portable and wearable electronic de-vices requires high performances to offer a variety of applications ranging from classicalimaging to virtual and augmented reality.


Background Antiphospholipid antibodies in SLE may be affected by disease activity and treatment, but past studies have been conflicting. We investigated the association of titers of antiphospholipid antibodies with disease activity and therapy. Methods 943 SLE patients, who had at least 10 quarterly visits for testing for each anticardiolipin isotype (IgG, IgM and IgA) and dRVVT, were included in the study. Disease activity was measured with both the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Physician Global Assessment (PGA). Treatment was recorded at every visit. Results aCL IgG >40 and aCL IgA were not associated with disease activity. Hydroxychloroquine reduced the levels of all antibodies, except for IgA aCL. Prednisone reduced aCL IgG but not aCL IgM, aCL IgA >40 or dRVVT (seconds prolongation). Conclusion High titer aCL were not affected by disease activity. Thus these patients are more like 'primary' antiphospholipid patients. Hydroxychloroquine use was associated with reduced lupus anticoagulant (by seconds of prolongation) and reduced titers for most of the isotypes of anticardiolipin. Prednisone did not reduce the seconds of dRVVT prolongation. Anticardiolipin IgA seemed the most resistant to therapy.


Summary

1
Habitat loss is a leading cause of global amphibian declines. Forest removal is a particularly significant threat because an estimated 82% of amphibians rely on forests for part of their lives.

2
Biphasic amphibians rely on suitable terrestrial habitat to support their post-metamorphic growth and survival and also to maintain appropriate habitat and landscape connectivity.

3
We created 4 replicate, 16-ha experimental arrays in the southeastern USA to examine the effects of forest removal on migratory movements of adult biphasic amphibians. Each array contained four forest-harvesting treatments that included an unharvested control, a partially harvested stand, a clearcut with coarse woody debris retained, and a clearcut with coarse woody debris removed.

4
Some amphibian species emigrated from wetlands in significantly greater numbers through forest controls compared with harvested treatments. Also, salamanders were generally more sensitive to forest removal than were frogs, with a significantly greater proportion of salamanders migrating through forested habitat compared to frogs.

5
For several species, individuals were significantly more likely to avoid clearcuts when emigrating compared to immigrating. Individuals that emigrated into clearcut treatments were more likely to reverse direction and return to wetlands in some species.

6
Synthesis and applications. Our study identifies one mechanism by which forest removal shapes the abundance and distribution of amphibians in terrestrial habitat. To promote the persistence of amphibian populations, conservation efforts should focus on preserving forest habitat adjacent to reproduction sites. Such measures are especially important where forest habitat connects local populations or where it links reproduction sites to other habitat features necessary for amphibian growth, survival, or overwintering.


In this work, it was evaluated the physical characteristics of fruit and physiochemical of the mangosteen peel, harvested in different periods (beginning, middle and end). The physical characteristics of fruits range significantly (p<0.05) from the beginning to the end, and it was observed that the fruits average weight, ranged from 91.33 to 50.82 g and the peel consists of an average from 72.12 to 76.86% of the total fruit weight. The physiochemical characterization shows that the peel possesses high moisture content (64.5 to 66%), total fibers (24.9 to 29.1%), high water activity (0.96 - 0.98), low energy value (24.8 to 34.7 Kcal/ 100g) and expressive content of total anthocyanins (25.9 to 63.9 mg/100g), mainly in the intermediate harvest period.


Twelve mycobacterial antigens were compared for induction of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) secretion by human blood mononuclear cells of patients with leprosy. Fractionated Mycobacterium leprae antigens containing cell wall proteins or cytosolic and membrane proteins induced good IFN-gamma responses in tuberculoid leprosy patients. Lipoarabinomannan from M. tuberculosis Erdman and M. leprae mycolylarabinogalactan peptidoglycan were the poorest IFN-gamma inducers.


Abstract. Soil erosion and sediment transport play important roles in terrestrial
landscape evolution and biogeochemical cycles of nutrients and contaminants.
Although discharge is considered to be a controlling factor in sediment
transport, its correlation with sediment concentration varies across the
Yellow River basin (YRB) and is not fully understood. This paper provides
analysis from gauges across the YRB covering a range of climates, topographic
characteristics, and degrees of human intervention. Our results show that
discharge control on sediment transport is dampened at gauges with large mean
annual discharge, where sediment concentration becomes more and more stable.
This emergent stationarity can be attributed to vegetation resistance. Our
analysis shows that sediment concentration follows a bell shape with
vegetation index (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI) at an annual
scale despite heterogeneity in climate and landscape. We obtain the
counterintuitive result that, as mean annual discharge increases, the dominant
control on sediment transport shifts from streamflow erosion to vegetation
retardation in the YRB.


Robust adaptive filtering ensures the minimization of the transfer function from the disturbance to the estimation error, and thus guarantees the robustness against the worst-case disturbance in the system. However, a more general approach is given in this paper by employing frequency weighting, which offers flexibility in determining robustness sensitivity in certain frequency of interest. Using the projection in Krein space, we developed a weighted recursive H/sub /spl infin// filtering that computes the stationary point of certain weighted quadratic form corresponding to an H/sub /spl infin// norm of a transfer operator T(F). The solution is applied to the active noise cancellation problem, where it is used in ensuring the control signal to be inside the nominal frequency range of the actuators, and avoiding the nonlinearity effect caused by saturation. Experimental result shows the advantage of this weighted form. The proposed algorithm offers an alternative means in dealing with the wideband noise and actuator nonlinearity.


This study investigated students' learning style participation rate within a blended Family and Consumer Sciences Exploring Childhood constructivist secondary course using an exploratory quantitative approach with descriptive analysis, ANOVA testing, and contingency tables. Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence inventory was used to determine students' learning styles. The learning styles were compared with the participation rate of four course components: individual assignments, group projects, assessment, and discussion. Students' perception of the course components were also examined for the opportunity of the students to use prior knowledge to build concepts. The literature review brought insight on studies focusing on learning style participation rate within course components.
The data analysis indicated students participate more in the group projects course component than assessment, individual assignments and discussions. Findings determined there was no significance to students' learning style and the participation rate of the course components. Learning styles were not related to student participation in various blended learning course components. Further research is recommended to determine factors of students' participation within a blended course.


The recent growing interest in underwater acoustic communication (UAC) requires an in depth understanding of a vast and diverse water medium. The UAC channel presents many difficulties such as high frequency, space, and time selectivity, frequency dependent noise, and significant range and band limitation on transmission. The existing channel models may not be sufficient to cover the entire UAC channel domain and its many applications. In addition, the choice of channel model from the existing ones may not always be accurate to represent the channel environment. Thus, it is necessary to explore higher communication intelligence in the mapping of UAC channel models according to environment. This paper will present novel cognitive intelligent (CI) algorithm in accurate selection of UAC channel models. To the best knowledge of the authors, cognitive intelligence in the mapping of UAC environment to channel models has not been presented in the literature. Thus this research presents a valuable work.


In this paper, we present a reactive robot navigation method for a non-holonomic mobile robot taking inspiration from the phenomena observed in magnetic fields. The algorithm is shown to be able to guide mobile robots in arbitrary-shaped convex environment without being trapped in local minima by exploiting the local sensory information without priori knowledge about the environment. A preliminary validation study involving simulation of and experiments with a TurtleBot mobile robot platform show the advantage of the proposed method over existing ones.


Potassium channels encoded by the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) contribute to cardiac repolarization as a result of their characteristic gating properties. The hERG channel N terminus acts as a crucial determinant in gating. It is also known that the S4-S5 linker couples the voltage-sensing machinery to the channel gate. Moreover, this linker has been repeatedly proposed as an interaction site for the distal portion of the N terminus controlling channel gating, but direct evidence for such an interaction is still lacking. In this study, we used disulfide bond formation between pairs of engineered cysteines to demonstrate the close proximity between the beginning of the N terminus and the S4-S5 linker. Currents from channels with introduced cysteines were rapidly and strongly attenuated by an oxidizing agent, this effect being maximal for cysteine pairs located around amino acids 3 and 542 of the hERG sequence. The state-dependent modification of the double-mutant channels, but not the single-cysteine mutants, and the ability to readily reverse modification with the reducing agent dithiothreitol indicate that a disulfide bond is formed under oxidizing conditions, locking the channels in a non-conducting state. We conclude that physical interactions between the N-terminal-most segment of the N terminus and the S4-S5 linker constitute an essential component of the hERG gating machinery, thus providing a molecular basis for previous data and indicating an important contribution of these cytoplasmic domains in controlling its unusual gating and hence determining its physiological role in setting the electrical behavior of cardiac and other cell types.


Background and importance Due to the economic crisis, many hospitals in our country, especially those located in remote areas and on the islands, have limited hospital pharmacist coverage (one hospital pharmacist per hospital). Telepharmacy addresses the shortages of pharmacists in rural areas. Aim and objectives To ensure that inexperienced hospital pharmacists, working in small rural hospitals, are sufficiently supported and educated by their experienced colleagues. Material and methods In this preliminary study, two inexperienced hospital pharmacists interacted on a daily basis with three experienced colleagues employed in tertiary hospitals, analysing administrative duties and sharing best practice approaches for a period of 1 year to establish a common working framework. The methods of communication included calls, teleconference/video calls and emails. The experienced hospital pharmacists were available for immediate contact. Results Over 1 year, 672 communications via telephone or email (regarding 168 problems, average 4 communications per problem) were recorded for both rural hospitals. Twice monthly, scheduled teleconference/video calls were conducted to stabilise the procedures and check on the follow-up of the interventions. In total, 21 video calls were conducted. Problems were categorised into four main fields: (1) pharmacy management (38%) (eg, daily practice, shortages, procurement, IT problems); (2) administrative issues (28%) (eg, SOPs, personnel duties, out of pharmacy collaborations; (3) scientific issues (23%) (eg, pharmacovigilance, antibiotic stewardship, risk assessment and safety problems); and (4) patients' and healthcare professionals (HCPs)' education and consultancy (11%). From the 168 problems discussed, 106 (63%) were successfully resolved, 43 (26%) are still ongoing but positively progressing and 19 (11%) remained unresolved and difficult to overcome, as they may demand consent of other HCPs, hospital manager and/or the Ministry of Health. The study interviewees completed questionnaires every 3 months, assessing the following indexes: response time (reduced), the percentage of resolved problems (increased, mostly for those from the first two categories) and experienced stress at workplace (reduced). Conclusion and relevance Telepharmacy may allow hospital pharmacists of smaller hospitals learn and benefit from experienced colleagues. Following these results, a broader plan for hospital telepharmacy should be designed and supported by national authorities. References and/or acknowledgements No conflict of interest.


In order to further improve the cell edge throughput prediction for network planning and optimisation purposes the correlation properties of the received power from pairs of cells is investigated. Since the results should match the typical scenarios of UMTS and LTE networks in urban areas we analysed own measurements. A system of the standard drive test equipment is applied enabling to evaluate a comprehensive data set from four cities of different size. Although highly focussing base station antennas are used the received power from intra-site cells is observed to be highly correlated whereas the signals from widely separated base station antennas are clearly uncorrelated. That agrees with other studies and indicates that our proposed measurement set-up and post-process are suited for signal correlation analysis. Considering the outcome of this study in our RF planning tool the cell edge predictions are closer to the experience from throughput measurements.


This review is primarily concerned with theoretical calculations of momentum densities and Compton cross sections for molecular systems. Qualitative properties of a momentum space representation are given. A comparison between experimental and theoretical cross sections within the impulse approximation is made. Ab initio calculations for small molecules, like the nitrogen and water molecules, are studied. Various approaches to treat large molecules are studied and compared for the formamide and p-benzoquinone molecules. Some comments on calculations for solid state systems are given.


Sucrose induces two saccharolytic enzymes in Bacillus subtilis, an intracellular sucrase and an extracellular levansucrase, encoded by sacA and sacB, respectively. It was previously shown that the sacY gene encodes a positive regulator involved in a sucrose-dependent antitermination upstream from the sacB coding sequence. We show here that the sacY product is not absolutely required for sacB induction: a weak but significant induction can be observed in strains harboring a sacY deletion. The sacY-independent induction was altered by mutations located in the sacP and sacT loci but was observed in both sacU+ and sacU32 genetic backgrounds. These results suggest that B. subtilis has two alternative systems allowing sacB induction by sucrose. Both systems also seem to be involved in sacA induction.


We study the theory and practical implementation of auctioning many divisible goods. With multiple related goods, price discovery is important not only to reduce the winner's curse, but more importantly, to simplify the bidder's decision problem and to facilitate the revelation of preferences in the bids. Simultaneous clock auctions are especially desirable formats for auctioning many divisible goods. We examine the properties of these auctions and discuss important practical considerations in applying them. (JEL: D44) Copyright (c) 2004 The European Economic Association.


The roles of hot electrons and hot holes in the generation of interface states in MOSFETs have been a controversial issue, due to the different interpretations of experimental data. In this article, a new physics-based charge-extraction algorithm, based on charge-pumping measurements, is used to investigate the roles of electrons and holes in the generation of interface states in submicrometre p-channel and n-channel MOSFETs. Our results show that while hot holes play an important role in the creation of interface states in submicrometre nMOSFETs, hot electrons are the main contributors to the interface-state generation in submicrometre buried-channel pMOSFETs. Therefore different analysis is required when characterizing the hot-carrier behaviour of pMOSFETs and nMOSFETs.


In today's comprehensive development of the domestic economy, China's construction industry has reaped remarkable achievements. As a very important composition in the field of construction in China, the characteristics of concrete engineering itself determines that it is prone to encounter a variety of problems, the most frequent of which is various cracks. Cracks not only affect the aesthetics of the building, but also affect the durability and safety of the project. Considering these potential hazards, the causes of concrete cracks must be carefully analyzed to control and improve them in an effective way to ensure the safety and stability of concrete buildings.


The energy spectra of low-lying states of an exciton in a single and a vertically coupled quantum dots are studied under the influence of a perpendicularly applied magnetic field. Calculations are made by using the method of numerical diagonalization of the Hamiltonian within the effective-mass approximation. We also calculated the binding energy of the ground and the excited states of an exciton in a single quantum dot and that in a vertically coupled quantum dot as a function of the dot radius for different vaJues of the distance and the magnetic field strength.


The study reveals features of the risk management in the payment system, taking into account the requirements of the Bank of Russia. Particular emphasis is placed on the implementation of practical aspects of organizing risk management systems in conformity with Bank of Russia Regulation No. 607-P dated 03.10.2017 "On requirements for the procedure for ensuring the smooth functioning of the payment system, indicators of the smooth functioning of the payment system and methods of risk analysis in the payment system including risk profiles". The research uses international standards and approaches to the practical construction of risk management systems. The research suggests methodological recommendations for the construction of a comprehensive risk management system in the payment system. The results of the study can be used in the practical implementation of the Bank of Russia's approaches to ensuring the smooth functioning of payment systems.


Estrogens control multiple functions of hormone-responsive breast cancer (BC) cells [1]. They regulate diverse physiological processes in various tissues through genomic and non-genomic mechanisms that result in activation or repression of gene expression. Transcription regulation upon estrogen stimulation is a critical biological process underlying the onset and progress of the majority of breast cancer [2]. However, ERα requires distinct co-regulator complex or modulators for efficient transcriptional regulation. To have insight into the regulatory network of ERα and discover the novel modulators of ERα which acted by distinct mechanisms, we proposed an analytical method based on a linear regression model to identify translational modulators and the relationship between genes for network. To comprehend the network associated with ERα, a dynamic gene expression profile and ChIP-Seq data shown to characterize the breast cancer cell response to estrogens are utilized. The role of modulators within molecular mechanism can be learned from the exploration of these two data sets. Based on the active or repressive function of the ERα, active or repressive function of a modulator, and agonist or antagonist effect of a modulator on the ERα, the ERα/modulator/target relationships were categorized into 27 classes.


The actuality of exhausted of titanium-magnetite ore deposits wastes is stipulated not only by necessity of their negative impact on environmental elimination, but also by a possibility of application of these wastes as vanadium-containing raw materials. Analysis of existing technological processes for vanadium extraction accomplished. A possibility of vanadium extraction out of Kusinsky deposit titanium-magnetite ore tails studied. Results of experiments on vanadium extraction as soluble vanadates by leaching from the samples after roasting with soda ash, sodium sulfate, calcium oxide, and sodium chloride in various mass ratios presented. It was determined, that additives of sodium chloride and sodium carbonate are the most effective reagents for roasting of this type of vanadium raw materials. A significant effect of titanium-magnetite ore tails chemical composition on the vanadium extraction degree revealed: with an increase content from 0.15% to 0.53% in the ore tails vanadium, the extraction degree increases to 74.8%. When using the sodium chloride reaction additive, it is possible to leach in only one stage using sulfuric acid. Increasing the sodium chloride amount in the roasting mixture leads to a significant increase in the vanadium extraction degree in the leaching solution.


ABSTRACT Purpose To report three cases of eyelid involvement by sarcoidosis. In one of them, it mimicked a malignant lesion. Methods Retrospective case reports. Results A 73-year-old man presented with destruction of the left lower eyelid for 2 years. He had granulomatous uveitis in the left eye. Chest CT scan showed parenchymal abnormalities that could correspond to sarcoidosis. Skin biopsy revealed noncaseating granuloma. Oral and topical corticosteroids resulted in improvement of the condition. A 72-year-old female patient presented with cutaneous infiltration of the left upper eyelid for 1 month. Biopsy was consistent with sarcoidosis. Endobronchial biopsies showed interstitial fibrosis. Oral prednisone improved the condition. A 65-year-old female patient presented with edema of the right upper eyelid for 2 months. Full-thickness biopsy showed granuloma without necrosis. There was an improvement with oral steroid. Conclusion Although eyelid involvement in sarcoidosis is uncommon, different forms of presentation, including destructive lesions, can be observed.


The basic design and performance of a newly developed 1 MV steep-front rectangular-impulse voltage generator, named "SPARK", are described. Advanced pulsed-power technology and elaborate circuit design enable an ideal rectangular waveform, in which the rise time of the wavefront is shorter than 20 ns and a long flat-topped voltage crest continues up to 10 /spl mu/s, to be generated. By applying this waveform as a test voltage to a model GIS (gas-insulated switchgear) gap, quantitative evaluation of the voltage-time characteristics can be achieved.


Bile duct injuries are infrequent but potentially devastating complications of biliary tract surgery and have become more common since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The successful management of these injuries depends on the injury type, the timing of its recognition, the presence of complicating factors, the condition of the patient, and the availability of an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon. Bile duct injuries may lead to bile leakage, intraabdominal abscesses, cholangitis, and secondary biliary cirrhosis due to chronic strictures. Imaging is vital for the initial diagnosis of bile duct injury, assessment of its extent, and guidance of its treatment. Imaging options include cholescintigraphy, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, and fluoroscopy with a contrast medium injected via a surgically or percutaneously placed biliary drainage catheter. Depending on the type of injury, management may include endoscopic, percutaneous, and open surgical interventions. Percutaneous intervention is performed for biloma and abscess drainage, transhepatic biliary drainage, U-tube placement, dilation of bile duct strictures and stent placement to maintain ductal patency, and management of complications from previous percutaneous interventions. Endoscopic and percutaneous interventional procedures may be performed for definitive treatment or as adjuncts to definitive surgical repair. In patients who are eligible for surgery, surgical biliary tract reconstruction is the best treatment option for most major bile duct injuries. When reconstruction is performed by an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon, an excellent long-term outcome can be achieved, particularly if percutaneous interventions are performed as needed preoperatively to optimize the patient's condition and postoperatively to manage complications.


Gallium nitrate was evaluated by the Southwest Oncology Group in 38 patients with malignant lymphoma, both Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment was administered every 2 weeks at a dose of 700 mg/m2, with acceptable toxicity. Seven partial responses (18%) with a duration of 3-11 months were seen: one of seven in Hodgkin's disease and six of 26 in diffuse non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. No responses were noted in nodular types. Gallium nitrate has activity in lymphomas and should be combined with more active drugs for patients who have undergone less intensive prior therapy.


Distributed operation of microgrid architectures consists of energy management, power management, power electronics management, and fault detection and recovery. Centralized control of microgrids may be conceptually and practically infeasible due to questions of reliability and ownership. A Distributed Operating System architecture is proposed to manage power and computational resources within a smart microgrid, using the FREEDM system architecture as a model.


We propose a set of dependence measures that are non-linear, local, invariant to a wide range of transformations on the marginals, can show tail and risk asymmetries, are always well-defined, are easy to estimate and can be used on any dataset. We propose a nonparametric estimator and prove its consistency and asymptotic normality. Thereby we significantly improve on existing (extreme) dependence measures used in asset pricing and statistics. To show practical utility, we use these measures on high-frequency stock return data around market distress events such as the 2010 Flash Crash and during the GFC. Contrary to ubiquitously used correlations we find that our measures clearly show tail asymmetry, non-linearity, lack of diversification and endogenous buildup of risks present during these distress events. Additionally, our measures anticipate large (joint) losses during the Flash Crash while also anticipating the bounce back and flagging the subsequent market fragility. Our findings have implications for risk management, portfolio construction and hedging at any frequency.


Previous results indicated the possibility of abolishing the orienting reaction to light tactile stimulation of specific areas below lesions encompassing three sectors of the transverse spinal plane, if all sectors were transected simultaneously. Hence presumably interrupting three different ascending pathways. Two sectors corresponded to the sites of the well known, somatosensory, dorsal column and spino-cervical pathways. Single stage lesion technique now has been used to pinpoint the site of the third pathway. Immediate orienting reactions to both sides were seen before surgery. The orienting reactions remained postoperatively to stimuli applied on the hind limb contralateral to the dorsal column and the spino-cervical lesions. When the hind limb ipsilateral to the dorsal column and the spino-cervical lesions was stimulated five cats showed an absence of orienting reactions. The cats' lesions included the dorsal column and the spino-cervical on one side and the border area between the lateral and ventral funiculi on the other side of the cord. The remaining cats showed either partial or no deficiency of the orienting reactions. These cats' spinal lesions spared the area between the ventral and lateral funiculi. The findings show the possibility of abolishing the tactile orienting reactions from one hind limb with single stage lesions, which include the dorsal column and the spino-cervical pathway on one side, and a pathway located in the border area between the contralateral lateral, and ventral funiculi. This site corresponds to the morphological position of ascending spino-mesencephalic and/or spino-thalamic fibres. Consequently, all of these pathways might provide alternative routes for information about the place of tactile stimuli, which may evoke orienting reactions.


Beginning farmers in the western United States are faced with multifaceted challenges that inhibit their access to management systems intended to subsist with the available resources. Water in this arid environment is at the root of most of these obstacles experienced by farmers, whether that is psychological or soil related. Therefore this research is intended to give a voice to those farmers involved in the dialogue of resiliency. Using a focus group and interviews conducted in the Southwest area of Colorado, I identified the concerns of beginning farmers and also sought out responses to potential solutions. I concluded that there is an urgency for policy makers to create more engagement, and easier access to sustainability grant programs for small, beginning farmers. Additionally the necessity to prepare a cooperative grant opportunity for beginning farmers is key to creating accessibility to proper funding due to their small size. Although beginning farmers are utilizing some of these support programs the results are often short lived and don't suffice for sustainable continuity of farm and resource management. With this in mind, policy makers, agency staff and other farm organizations must consider the requests of the beginning farmers who are facing these challenges and act upon it promptly. In order to generate future food security in the West, the issues of beginning farmers must be addressed so their resiliency can be developed.


We show that flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibiting "gate openings/closings" for CO2 can intrinsically suppress the exothermic heat released by adsorption and the endothermic heat gained by desorption, both of which reduce the working capacity of CO2 in a separation process under near-adiabatic conditions. We use the elastic layer-structured metal-organic framework-11 (ELM-11) [Cu(4,4'-bipyridine)2(BF4)2], which exhibits a two-step gate-adsorption isotherm, as a model system for flexible MOFs, and perform free energy analyses with the aid of grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations for ELM-11 structures that were determined by the Rietveld method using in situ synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data. We demonstrate that the thermal management capabilities of ELM-11 showing the two-step gating for CO2 at lower and higher pressures are nearly identical and quite effective (41% and 44% at 298 K, respectively). Moreover, we show that ELM-11 has an extremely high CO2 selectivity for both CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 mixtures at 298 K that, in addition to the intrinsic thermal management capability, is a crucial factor for application to carbon capture and storage (CCS). The multigate closing pressures of ELM-11 are not necessarily matched to the operating pressures used in CCS; however, our findings, and perspectives based on free energy analyses regarding modification of the host framework structure to tune the gating pressure, suggest that flexible MOFs exhibiting multigate openings/closings are promising materials for further development into systems with intrinsic thermal management mechanisms for CCS applications.


Nitroxides have been widely used as a molecular probe for analysis of various diseases models. This article describes an analytical method for separation and semi-quantification of multiple paramagnetic contrast agents with simple procedure combining electrophoresis and Overhauser enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (OMRI) imaging. We used three nitroxides, 3-carbamoyl PROXYL, 3-carboxy PROXYL, and CAT-1, which have different ionic charges in the molecule. In addition, we showed that this method could apply for in vitro measurement using biological sample. The results showed the nitroxides were successfully separated with electrophoresis depending on their charge, and their separation was visualized with OMRI after electrophoresis. Vehicle media such as whole blood did not affect the electrophoresis results and OMRI enhancement factor. Thus, the method can be used to analyze the redox status of biological samples without preprocessing. This analytical method enables in vitro measurement of biological samples to determine the redox status of specific tissue layers using paramagnetic agents, which is helpful for detailed analysis of redox-related diseases.


Debiasing is a method of improving people's decisions by reducing their reliance on salient intuitions causing them to behave suboptimally or biasedly. However, many of the known debiasing techniques have limited effectiveness or can only remedy a one-shot decision, rather than having a lasting impact. In this work, I focus on the role of metacognition in debiasing decision-making and discuss how it can be better understood through the lens of the foreign language effect. The foreign language effect suggests that using a foreign language can sometimes benefit people's decision-making without providing them with additional information or instructions regarding the task. However, we do not fully understand how the foreign language effect works and its limitations. I conclude by urging scientists to research this effect with the hope of having a lasting positive impact on society.


Background Dendritic cells (DC) play pivotal roles in regulating the immune system and inflammatory response. We previously reported DC infiltration in the infarcted heart and its immunoprotective roles in the post‐infarction healing process after experimental myocardial infarction (MI). However, its clinical significance has not been determined. Methods and Results The degree of DC infiltration and its correlation with the post‐infarction healing process in the human infarcted heart were investigated in 24 autopsy subjects after ST‐elevation MI. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n=13) or absence (n=11) of cardiac rupture. The numbers of infiltrated DC and macrophages and the extent of fibrosis in the infarcted area were examined. In the rupture group, CD68+ macrophage infiltration was increased and CD209+ DC, and CD11c+ DC infiltration and the extent of reparative fibrosis were decreased compared with the non‐rupture group, under matched baseline characteristics including the time from onset to death and use of revascularization. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the number of infiltrating CD209+ DC, and CD11c+ DC and the extent of reparative fibrosis. Conclusions Decreased number of DC in human‐infarcted myocardial tissue was associated with increased macrophage infiltration, impaired reparative fibrosis, and the development of cardiac rupture after MI. These findings suggest a protective role of DC in post‐MI inflammation and the subsequent healing process.


A theory is presented for a method, recently proposed by Hester and Sonin, of determining the ion temperature in a plasma by measuring the transient current to a cylindrical Langmuir probe after applying a potential Vp(−eVp≫κTe) under conditions where collection is collision free and the ratio of probe radius to Debye length is small. The ion component of the current does not approach its final steady‐state value monotonically, but exhibits a strong, ion‐temperature‐dependent overshoot in the first few ion‐plasma periods following the biasing of the probe. Analytical formulas are derived for the case of a Maxwellian plasma, and convenient graphical results are presented. The possible masking of the overshoot by a transient displacement current is discussed; it is shown how to avoid such displacement effects. For the overshoot to be sensitive to the ion temperature Ti, the probe must be near plasma (zero) potential before applying Vp(eVp−<0.1κTe, Vp− being that initial potential); this is not a drawback of...


Performance testing of solar heating systems and solar collectors according to International Standard Test procedures require sophisticated and expensive elaborate set-ups. Outdoor collector testing is not feasible in countries with widely fluctuating solar radiation conditions. Indoor testing does not give its true performance when the equipment is situated outdoors. This paper reports on a simple test procedure where the performances of the flat plate, U-tube and heat pipe natural convection solar heaters and the heat pipe force convection solar heater, which were tested on different days, were compared as if they were simultaneously tested side by side. The procedure allowed: (i) the maximum hot water storage temperature that could be achieved by the system over a long period of time without any water draw-off at all, (ii) overnight water temperature drop in the storage tank and (iii) expected end-of-day water temperature and mean system efficiency when water is completely drained down (draw-off) in the evening. Maximum temperatures reached for the natural convection heat pipe, force convection heat pipe, flat plate and U-tube system were 100, 84, 65 and 508C, respectively. Overnight temperature drops due to standing tank loss and reverse flow were presented and found to be dependent upon initial tank temperature. By pro-rating all the results to reflect on the same area/ volume ratio, the expected water temperature rise for the U-tube, forced convection heat pipe, flat plate and natural convection heat pipe systems was 13.6, 17.6, 20.6 and 28.48C, respectively.


A time-dependent simulation method, DES (detached eddy simulation), combined with Realizable k-ε turbulence model, has been adopted to study the underbody flow and near wake structures of a high-speed train with two bogie cavity configurations laid on the stationary ground. The numerical data, including timeaveraged aerodynamic drag forces and pressure coefficients, were compared with experimental results from previous wind tunnel tests. A detail comparison of the instantaneous flow structures, mean velocity vector contours, velocity and pressure profiles under the train bottom in the symmetry plane and velocity contours overlaid with streamlines in the wake has been conducted in the two configurations. Also the aerodynamic drag coefficients for the two cases are discussed herein. The two cases show that the bogie cavity configurations contribute to the differences of velocity and pressure distributions in each bogie region, as well as the complex vortex structures around the bogie regions. Compared to the inclined bogie cavity configuration, the train with straight plates experiences a lower drag force by 2.8% for a three-car model in the stationary ground. Thus, an effective simplification criterion for the train model will contribute to an accurate prediction of forces of trains in simulations.


Summary: Nowadays, making cities more attractive is becoming increasingly important. Cities are shrinking, which contributes to many other problems major cities are currently facing. Local governments try to mitigate their negative effects by making their cities more attractive to the young. One of the ways of doing so, is to utilize already possessed resources. In this short article, the author analyzes the promotion of the river Odra during the European capital of culture held in Wroclaw in 2016 and compares it with river themed events organized during the previous year (2015). She also analyzes the river's attractiveness to the young, as they are the city's target group in terms of preventing Wroclaw's shrinkage. She also concentrates on the phenomenon of shrinking cities. In conclusion, the article tries to prove that Wroclaw's main river, the Odra, is utilized not only by governmental bodies but also private and individual initiatives. The young inhabitants of Wroclaw see and acknowledge its importance to the city, and what is more, it has become a place for everyone, regardless of age, gender or hobby. However, its media presence should be emphasized more in the future, during international festivals or cultural events such as the European Capital of Culture.


We propose an experimental implementation of a topological superfluid with ultracold fermionic atoms. An optical superlattice is used to juxtapose a 1D gas of fermionic atoms and a 2D conventional superfluid of condensed Feshbach molecules. The latter acts as a Cooper pair reservoir and effectively induces a superfluid gap in the 1D system. Combined with a spin-dependent optical lattice along the 1D tube and laser-induced atom tunnelling, we obtain a topological superfluid phase. In the regime of weak couplings to the molecular field and for a uniform gas, the atomic system is equivalent to Kitaev's model of a p-wave superfluid. Using a numerical calculation, we show that the topological superfluidity is robust beyond the perturbative limit and in the presence of a harmonic trap. Finally, we describe how to investigate some physical properties of the Majorana fermions located at the topological superfluid boundaries. In particular, we discuss how to prepare and detect a given Majorana edge state.


Evaluating Assistive Technology (AT) from a user point of view is important if we want to assess reasons for non-use and to find out how to better design products that will fit the individual needs of its end-user. This article presents a user centered evaluation study of an Assistive Device (AD), in particular the Armon mobile arm support. Seven users were interviewed using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) and Individually Prioritized Problem Assessment (IPPA). In all cases the AD had a positive effect on the ability of the users to perform important tasks in their every day lives independently. The users also reported an overall high level of content with the device whereas there were some remarks of discontent regarding the service and fitting process.


Clouds in the tropics can organize the circulation on planetary scales and profoundly impact long range seasonal forecasting and climate on the entire globe, yet contemporary operational computer models are often deficient in representing these phenomena. On the other hand, contemporary observations reveal remarkably complex coherent waves and vortices in the tropics interacting across a bewildering range of scales from kilometers to ten thousand kilometers. This paper reviews the interdisciplinary contributions over the last decade through the modus operandi of applied mathematics to these important scientific problems. Novel physical phenomena, new multiscale equations, novel PDEs, and numerical algorithms are presented here with the goal of attracting mathematicians and physicists to this exciting research area.


The article begins with a discussion of the methodological breakthrough made by Said in his magisterial Orientalism, which it is claimed also informed his subsequent works. He is defended against critics who impute on him with, and impugn him for, Foucauldian sins. Said is instead shown to be an innovative philosophical mind that confronted the methodological challenges of his project frontally and self-consciously. In a second part, the author considers the importance of Edward Said's pioneering trope of Orientalism for the development of a unique form of Latin American criticism. While Roberto Retamar approximated the central ideas of Orientalism in his book Caliban, he did it with reference to a literary trope that partly concealed its critical usefulness. The next section discusses the ways in which a parallel discourse emerged during the later sixties and early seventies, namely Liberation Philosophy. Particular attention is given to the early work of Enrique Dussel and his agenda of a "geopolitics of philosophy." The next stage of the development of the fertilization of Latin American critical discourses by Edward Said's Orientalism work begins with the emergence of a trans-American Latino critical community that includes Fernando Coronil, Walter Mignolo, Santiago Castro-Gomez, and Ofelia Schutte. The overall aim is to chronicle, document, and underscore the ways in which Edward's Said's theses about Orientalism have productively influenced the emerge of a unique type of discourse that has been called "latinamericanism."


A meshless method called the element-free Galerkin method (EFGM) is introduced into the calculation of magnetostrictive thin film. With the finite element method (FEM), the distortion of the elements will decrease the precision, so EFGM is used to solve this problem. Two different magnetomechanical coupling models are proposed and a thin film cantilever is simulated with these two modeling methods. At last, the results are compared with the experiment data to illustrate the performance of EFGM and the correctness of the models.


We present a thorough characterization of what we believe to be the first significant analysis of the behavior of groups in WhatsApp in the scientific literature. Our characterization of over 270,000 messages and about 7,000 users spanning a 28-day period is done at three different layers. The message layer focuses on individual messages, each of which is the result of specific posts performed by a user. The user layer characterizes the user actions while interacting with a group. The group layer characterizes the aggregate message patterns of all users that participate in a group. We analyze 81 public groups in WhatsApp and classify them into two categories, political and non-political groups according to keywords associated with each group. Our contributions are two-fold. First, we introduce a framework and a number of metrics to characterize the behavior of communication groups in mobile messaging systems such as WhatsApp. Second, our analysis underscores a Zipf-like profile for user messages in political groups. Also, our analysis reveals that Whatsapp messages are multimedia, with a combination of different forms of content. Multimedia content (i.e., audio, image, and video) and emojis are present in 20% and 11.2% of all messages respectively. Political groups use more text messages than non-political groups. Second, we characterize novel features that represent the behavior of a public group, with multiple conversational turns between key members, with the participation of other members of the group.


Various measurements were carried out to estimate the modulus of deformation in two dominant rock types in Korea: granite and gneiss. Four most commonly used methods were utilized: Goodman jack tests, PS well logging, laboratory ultrasonic tests and laboratory uniaxial loading tests. Laboratory static and dynamic Young's moduli depend on the magnitude of the applied axial stress, range of frequency used for measurement and the loading/unloading condition. As the laboratory measurement condition approaches to that in situ, the resultant moduli also appear to be comparable to that in situ. This suggests that the simulation of in situ stress condition is important when the modulus of rock is determined in the laboratory. Dynamic Young's modulus is generally higher than static Young's modulus because of (micro)crack behavior in response to the stress, different range of frequency used for measurements, and the effect of the amplitude of deformation. Understanding of the relations in moduli from different measurement methods will help estimate appropriate in situ values .


The great interest in molecular epidemiology of human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical cancer led us to perform a thorough evaluation of 2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods for the detection of HPV in archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare HPV detection in FFPE samples that have histopathologic diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer using SPF10 broad-spectrum primers PCR followed by DNA enzyme immunoassay and LiPA25 (version 1: Labo Biomedical products, Rijswijk, The Netherlands version 1) and the Papillomavirus Clinical Arrays technique (Genómica, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain). In this study, 235 biopsies with histopathologic diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer were analyzed for the detection and genotyping of HPV by LiPA25 SPF10-PCR System (version 1) and Papillomavirus Clinical Arrays technique. The detection of HPV DNA with Genómica technique was 75.1%, and 91.9% with LiPA25 SPF10-PCR. The Genómica technique detected a higher percentage of multiple infections (35%) than LiPA25 (8.9%), with a very low agreement for the detection of multiple infections between them (P>0.05). Our study highlights an important difference between 2 PCR-based methods for detection and genotyping of HPV. LiPA25 SPF10-PCR technology may be more adequate than Genómica for the detection of HPV DNA when using FFPE tissue.


Purpose: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the definite treatment for osteoarthritis. Meanwhile, significant inherent extra-articular varus angulation is associated with abnormal postoperative hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle. Computer-assisted navigation TKA (CAS-TKA) used in patients who have severe varus deformity. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative radiologic outcome between CAS-TKA and conventional TKA for extra-articular tibia vara. Methods: A retrospective review of postoperative HKA on standing lower extremity views was conducted in patients who underwent TKA by a single surgeon from 2010 to 2018, including knee with conventional TKA (n = 83) and CAS-TKA (n = 246). Extra-articular tibia vara was assessed by measuring the metaphyseal–diaphyseal angle (MDA) of the tibia in preoperative standing lower extremity view. Postoperative alignment was assessed by measuring the HKA in postoperative standing lower extremity view. Results: There was no significant difference in age (p = 0.063), gender (p = 0.628), body mass index (p = 0.426), preoperative range of motion (p = 0.524), preoperative HKA (p = 0.306), preoperative MDA (p = 0.523), or postoperative HKA (p = 0.416) between the two groups (conventional TKA and CAS-TKA). There was no significant difference in postoperative alignment for cases with MDA ≤4° (p = 0.351) or MDA >4° (p = 0.866) in each group. There was a positive correlation between preoperative HKA and postoperative HKA in the CAS-TKA group (p < 0.001, r = 0.243). However, there was no significant correlation between preoperative HKA and postoperative HKA in the conventional TKA group (p = 0.732). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in postoperative alignment between conventional TKA and CAS-TKA in extra-articular tibial vara even for cases with MDA >4°.


What is the proper way to grieve the loss of a mother who may have multiple aliases, may have secretly been a bank robber, and may not actually be dead? Alan Michael Parker's winningly frenetic Whale Man starts out with a disturbing dream: Avi Heyer is swinging on an "arched and vaulted" beam, which is in fact a rib inside a wooden whale. It's a strange and eerie image, but only slightly worse than the reality Avi awakes to: he's alone in his recently dead mother's home being beaten by violent, pig-tailed twin girls who take him against his will to a bowling alley where he meets another bank robbing woman, a Cubs cap-wearing senior citizen nicknamed The Camel. The waking world normally provides a relief from the uncertainty of our dreams, but when Avi opens his eyes, things remain strange and tenuous. Avi had been bequeathed a king's ransom worth of money—this is of great interest to The Camel—and told he must do something worthwhile with it. Avi declares his intention to actually build the whale he saw in his dream. "A man dreamed of building a whale, a dream that wouldn't let him go, that kept coming back, that wrapped itself around his sorrow." The details and requirements of such an undertaking are precisely rendered for such a consciously quixotic undertaking. As readers of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie feel that they could build cabins should they find themselves alone on a wide open prairie, the readers of Parker's novel might feel that they too could build a whale, should they become bereaved in Elsbeth, North Carolina. Avi's "Pa" is a mysterious stranger Avi meets at one of those big-box hardware stores who listens to the nascent whale building plan and sets Avi on the right path. Rick is the laconic, sturdy center of Whale Man. And practical! "Step one: Six sheets of three quarter inch plywood, long side down, laid in three rows of two columns to make a large rectangle, sixteen feet by twelve feet. Glue three more sheets of ply, short side down, in the center of the rectangle, then cut two more sheets lengthwise, glued on either side, cross grained top and bottom." This is just the beginning. And as Pa used wood and leather straps to build his door, Rick's inventory of whale supplies has both the whiff of the absurd and the solid thump of the legitimate. "Two cases of twenty-ounce tubes of Liquid Nails, twelve tubes per case. Two one-quart smooth rod caulk guns. 100 Simpson Strong-Tie twoby-two-inch 'A' Angle framing brackets." And so on. There is also a healthy dose of whale lore in Whale Man as Avi delves into his new obsession. "Originally terrestrial, the condylarth—bizarrely, the evolutionary predecessor of whales, hippos, sheep, and even deer—inexplicably began life in the waters of the Tethys Sea, in what was now central Asia."


Silage pulp (SP) is a byproduct from biorefinary of silage that can be used as forage source for ruminants. However, there is a lack of information regarding the complete replacement of dietary silage for SP on performance of dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complete substitution of dietary grass-clover silage for SP on milk production of dairy cows. Grass-clover mixture was harvested, wilted, and ensiled in bunker silos. The silage was screw pressed in a biorefinery for solid (SP) and liquid (protein-rich juice) separation. Seventy-two lactating cows were used in a completely randomized block design, receiving either the original silage- or SP-based diets. The SP-based diet had lower concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrates and crude protein but greater fibre concentration compared to the silage-based diet. Milk yield and energy corrected milk were generally greater for cows receiving the silage-based diet compared to the SP-based diet. Cows receiving the silage-based diet had a greater yields of milk protein and milk fat, and tended to have a greater yield of milk lactose than cows receiving the SP-based diet. Milk composition, body condition score and body weight were not affected by diets. The complete substitution of silage for SP reduced the lactation performance of dairy cows over time.


Nowadays, the ileitis (proliferative enteropathy of pigs) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. The intracellular bacterium Lawsonia intracelluaris causes several forms of the disease. Histological examinations are the important stages in diagnosing and detecting profound pathological changes in sick pig organs, decreasing their productivity and causing the deaths. Swine proliferative enteropathy (SPE) has reported for the Ukraine since 2008. For SPE the early diagnostics with different test systems is relevant. We evaluated the sick, forcibly killed and dead piglets of different ages in Ukrainian pig farms during 2018-2019 in animal fattening groups. Materials were taken from piglets aged 120-150 days in farms where the ileitis was diagnosed. To assess the complex of pathological and anatomical changes detected during autopsies of piglets, V.P. Shishkov's methods were used. Thus, we revealed a characteristic morphology of proliferative lesions. We believed that the histological examination can serve as an important diagnostic method and an alternative to direct isolation of Lawsonia intracellularis, which is very difficult to cultivate. We determined that the histopathological changes in pig organs indicated a chronic effect caused by animal pathogen. We revealed that Lawsonia intracellularis caused the profound pathological changes in pig digestive tracts, which affected the functioning of all organs and tissues of animals and lead to severe disease and possible animal death. We suggested that the histological examination is an important step in diagnosing and detecting profound pathological changes in the organs of sick pigs, which caused the decrease in their productivity and deaths.


This paper examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on stock returns, CDS and economic activity in the US and the five European countries (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) which have been most affected. The sample period covers the dates from the first confirmed COVID-19 cases in these countries to February 19, 2021. Specifically, we estimate first benchmark linear VAR models and then, given the evidence of parameter instability, TVP-VAR models with stochastic volatility which are ideally suited to capturing the changing dynamics in both financial markets and the real economy. The empirical findings can be summarised as follows. The linear VAR responses of electricity consumption (a proxy for real economic activity) to a one-standard-deviation shock to the number of COVID-19 cases are statistically insignificant, except for France, whilst the CDS ones are positive and significant only in a few periods, and there are very mixed results for those of stock returns. As for the TVP-VAR results, these indicate that COVID-19 cases had a negative and significant effect on economic activity in all countries in the early stages of the pandemic (especially in Italy), and a positive one on CDS at the same time (with cross-country differences). Finally, the negative impact on stock markets was felt only initially and it had tapered off by mid-April 2020.


The calcium-dependent β-propeller proteins mammalian serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and phosphotriesterase diisopropyl fluorophosphatase (DFPase) catalyze the hydrolysis of organophosphorus compounds and enhance hydrolysis of various nerve agents. In the present work, the phosphotriesterase activity development between PON1 and DFPase was investigated by using the hybrid density functional theory method B3LYP. Based on the active-site difference between PON1 and DFPase, both the wild type and the mutant (a water molecule replacing Asn270 in PON1) models were designed. The results indicated that the substitution of a water molecule for Asn270 in PON1 had little effect on the enzyme activity in kinetics, while being more efficient in thermodynamics, which is essential for DFP hydrolysis. Structure comparisons of evolutionarily related enzymes show that the mutation of Asn270 leads to the catalytic Ca2+ ion indirectly connecting the buried structural Ca2+ ion via hydrogen bonds in DFPase. It can reduce the plasticity of enzymatic structure, and possibly change the substrate preference from paraoxon to DFP, which implies an evolutionary transition from mono- to dinuclear catalytic centers. Our studies shed light on the investigation of enzyme catalysis mechanism from an evolutionary perspective.


The regional partitioning problem consists in determining an aggregation of geographical areas into a predefined number of homogeneous and spatially continuous regions. A common difficulty that stems from this problem is the multiple comparisons required by the chosen classification process, which makes it a combinatorial problem. In this sense, the application of heuristic methods becomes necessary to solve it. This work presents the implementation of a method of simulated annealing that minimizes the distances from the objects to the nearest centroid, within the PAM classification method (Kaufman and Rousseeuw, 1987) as applied to the geographical units of the Metropolitan Zone of Mexico's Valley.


Studies of effects of fertilizer treatment on ectomycorrhizal fungal community structure have predominantly been based on large, single additions of nitrogen. Studies involving chronic additions of nutrients in combination with irrigation are much less common. We used morphotyping to study effects of balanced additions of a nutrient solution on ectomycorrhizal fungal community structure in a 36-year-old stand of Picea abies (L.) Karst. Despite high variability among individual samples, principal components analysis revealed a clear shift in community structure in response to fertilization. Irrigated plots receiving only water did not differ significantly from untreated control plots. Mycorrhizal root tips colonized by Cenococcum geophilum Fr. were significantly more common in fertilized plots than in control plots. Possible responses by other ectomycorrhizal species were masked by high variability. Over sixty morphotypes were distinguished, but there was no measurable effect of either fertilizer or irrigation treatment on morphotype richness or total number of root tips.


This study was conducted to elucidate the crop physiological basis for yield differences frequently observed in experiments comparing top-dressing of N fertilizers with injection of ammonium or ammonium/urea solutions into the soil. The effects of diammonium phosphate (NH₄-N) injected at the two-leaf stage, calcium nitrate (NO₃-N) broadcasted and incorporated before sowing, and a control without N fertilization (-N) were assessed from measurements of growth, N-uptake and N-partitioning, light interception, gas exchange, leaf anatomy and the activity of key enzymes of N-metabolism. The experiment was performed with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in 80-l containers in a vegetation hall in Braunschweig, Germany. The plants in the NH₄-N treatment produced a 20 % higher grain yield than those in the NO₃-N treatment. The grain yield superiority of the NH₄-N plants was attributable to a higher number of ears per plant (+13 %) and more grains per ear (+6 %). The NH₄-N plants exhibited lower concentrations of inorganic cations than plants supplied with NO₃-N. In the NH₄-N treatment, the light penetrated more deeply into the crop canopy and the NH₄-N plants exhibited a higher leaf carbon exchange rate at the different leaf layers than the NO₃-N plants. It is concluded that as opposed to predominantly nitrate nutrition, provision of a persistent source of ammonium enables plants to take advantage of the positive yield effect of mixed N nutrition. © 2006 Blackwell Verlag.


Abstract Find & Connect (www.findandconnect.gov.au), funded by the Australian government, is a national website documenting the records relating to the history of child welfare in Australia and providing information for people who lived in orphanages about how to access these vital records about their childhood. This article provides an overview of the range of library resources documented in the Find & Connect web resource. Libraries have material in their custody that has the potential to improve the identity, health and well-being of Care Leavers, and this article seeks to raise awareness about the significance of records to Care Leavers so that libraries can improve service delivery to this community.


During the past two decades, petroleum exploration has moved into frontier basins both onshore and offshore. Prospects in these basins have become increasingly deeper and often consist of potential deep-water reservoirs, in addition to more conventional shallow marine clastic and carbonate reservoir facies. By definition, frontier basins lack sufficient well control to permit conventional subsurface facies analysis and mapping. Consequently, the explorationist must extract maximum subsurface information from seismic reflection profiles. Without stratigraphic interpretation of frontier basins, exploration is limited to structural anomalies drilled without benefit of reservoir source or seal discrimination. Hence, concepts and techniques of seismic stratigraphic interpretation have developed to meet this need.

Integration of geophysical data with stratigraphic concepts has added a new dimension to basin analysis. Recent advancements ingeophysical data acquisition and processing, coupled with parallel advancements in depositional systems concepts, are responsible for the recent surge of interest in seismic-stratigraphic analysis. Two approaches to seismic stratigraphy have emerged during thelast decade: (1) a physical modeling of lithic and fluid composition utilizing computer analysis of velocity, amplitude, frequency, and other wave parameters; and (2) a stratigraphic/facies approach using reflection sections and geophysical logs (if available)to interpret lithofacies and, subsequently, depositional systems.Recognition of depositional systems on seismic profiles permits mapping of potential reservoir, source, and seal deposits, and provides the basis for reconstructing the structural, depositional, and erosional history of the basin. A depositional systems approach to seismic stratigraphy permits besin analysis using principally geophysical data.

Geologists generally need to improve their understanding of seismic geophysics and to work closely with geophysical interpreters.