The risk factors for hypertension are only partly known, and accounts for the some of the deficiencies in current primary prevention strategies and in the design of new drugs for the management of this common condition. Recently, chronic low grade low-grade inflammation has been identified as an integral part in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. Of note, inflammation may also be implicated in the development of hypertension, either as a primary or secondary event. Indeed, several clinical studies have demonstrated increased numbers of well recognised pro-inflammatory markers, such as high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), in patients with hypertension, even after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Furthermore, elevated hsCRP levels have also been shown to be predictive for the development of hypertension in prehypertensive and normotensive patients. Pathophysiologically, inflammation has been implicated in both endothelial (dys)function and arterial stiffness in hypertension, with reduced availability of nitric oxide (NO) being integral to this process. Oxidative stress also appears to be a key feature in the reduced availability of NO and is aggravated by increased circulating angiotensin II (Ang II). Importantly, there is some evidence that drugs commonly used in the management of hypertension, such as statins, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and Ang II receptor blockers have anti-inflammatory properties that can positively influence outcomes in patients with hypertension. The inflammatory state in hypertension may pose a new therapeutic target for future drug design.


We have previously shown that replication in vitro of plasmids containing the Simian virus 40 (SV40) origin of replication is reduced when an extract of irradiated cells is used (Wang et al., Radiat. Res. 142, 169-175, 1995). We proposed that the observed reduction in the overall replication activity is due to a reduction in the efficiency of initiation events, and that it is caused by the induction or activation by ionizing radiation of a factor(s) that inhibits DNA replication in trans. Here, we extend these studies and provide evidence that the reduced replication activity of an extract prepared from irradiated cells is not the result of a nonspecific inactivation of proteins or of an increase in the requirement for SV40 large tumor antigen (TAg), the only noncellular protein required for in vitro DNA replication. Mixing experiments demonstrate the presence of a dominant inhibitory activity(ies) in the extract of irradiated cells that efficiently stalls replication in reactions assembled using extract of nonirradiated cells. The inhibitory activity is a stable, nondialyzable molecule. Studies of kinetics suggest that the inhibitory activity(ies) affects the initiation steps of DNA replication and acts, at least partly, by modifying TAg, the key initiation protein of SV40 ori DNA replication. It is likely that the same inhibitory activity(ies) regulates cellular DNA replication by modifying the cellular homologues of TAg. Purification and characterization of this inhibitory activity(ies) will contribute to our understanding of the mechanism developed by the cell to regulate DNA replication after exposure to ionizing radiation and will define a checkpoint operating in S phase. Genetic evidence for a checkpoint in S phase distinct from the checkpoints operating in G1 and G2 phase has been reported in yeast.


Any arbitrary twist of the edges of an extended graph rotation system induces a cyclic weaving on the corresponding surface [Akleman et al. 2009]. This recent theoretical result allows us to study generalized versions of textile weaving structures as cyclic weaving structures on arbitrary surfaces. In this work, we extend the study to twill weaving, which is used in fabrics such as denim or gabardine. Biaxial twill is a textile weave in which the weft (filling) threads pass over and under two consecutive warp threads and each row is obtained from the row above it by a shift of 1 unit to the right or to the left. The shift operation creates the characteristic diagonal pattern that makes the twill fabric visually appealing.


The purpose of this study is to present basic data for an improvement of school foodservice by identifying students' preference level for school meal menu. A survey was carried out in two high schools provided with different types of consignment service in Daegu. Study subjects were consisted of 100 high school students from a school with on-site service and 119 students from the other school with external transporting service. More than half of students (54.2% of male and 68.3% of female) had normal weights while 13.5% of male and 30.1% of female students had underweights. 'Taste' and 'family' were the most important factors in meal choices and in eating habits, respectively of all the study subjects. Students who answered to have unbalanced diet (33.0%) were less in school with on-site service than those (56.1%) with external transporting service. Compared with on-site service, preferences for meats fruit and milk were higher and as cooking method, preference for blanching lower but stew, roasting and frying higher in the school with external transporting service. Various types of cooking methods and food materials were better accepted by the students with on-site service than those with external transporting service who preferred meat more exclusively regardless of cooking methods of main dish. Most kinds of kimchi was less liked by the students with external transporting service. It is concluded that low preference for most menus provided by the external transporting service is attributed by limitation in food materials, cooking methods and maintenance of food temperature. The limitation could be overcome by more intensive efforts for developing menus and using more efficient facilities and ultimately by changing meal service system in cooperation with school administrators, dietitians and parents. (Korean J Nutr 2012; 45(5): 489 ~ 499)


Abstract Background Thanks to the new therapeutic strategies, the patients with MM live longer, but with complex chronic disease and with a diversity of supportive treatments that are increasingly complex. The bisphosphonates are important part of these therapeutic options for them. The aim of this study is to describe four clinical cases presenting dental complications and to define the prevention actions they needed. Methods A series of cases study. Sample 4 cases with MM patients in treatment with bisphosphonates attended by Functional Unit during 6 months in 2018. Variables recruited were dental complications, nurses' activities, clinical implications and type of treatment received. Results From October-2018 to March-2019, a total of 32 patients with MM have been received intravenous bisphosphonates treatment. Four of them (12.5%) have presented dental complications that are following: Two patients (♂ 68 years old and ♀ 68) have needed a 6 months of bisphosphonates interruption to have a dental extraction One patient (♂ 51 years) has delayed 15 days his autologous stem cell transplantation due to dental extraction with infection One patient (♂ 69 years) has delayed one month his autologous stem cell because of a dental fistula that needed surgical intervention Preventive nurses' measures included: dental assessment prior to bisphosphonate initiation so that any invasive dental procedures could be completed prior to initiation the therapy. It is crucial to include prevention in the health system to avoid increasing financial toxicity for patients & families. Conclusions All the patients with dental complications affected and delayed the planned treatment. A preventive approach with oral care before and during treatment with bisphosphonates can minimize the occurrence of complications associated with treatment and avoid interruptions since extractions are contraindicated and endodontic treatment should be performed under conditions that ensure no trauma to bone tissue. Nurses should be aware that MM patient treatment depends not only on anti-myeloma treatments but, also on supportive measures to improve their quality of life and avoid complications. Legal entity responsible for the study Cesca Llopis. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.


The use of analog classical systems for computation is generally thought to be a difficult proposition due to the susceptibility of these devices to noise and the lack of a clear framework for achieving fault-tolerance. We present experimental results for the application of quantum error correction (QEC) techniques to a prototype analog computational device called a quantum emulation device. It is shown that for the gates tested (transversal Z, X and SH) there is a marked improvement in the performance characteristics of the gate operations following error correction using the 5-Qubit Perfect code. In the case of the Z gate, the median fidelity improved from 0.995 to 0.999 98, a reduction in the gate error by over two orders of magnitude. Other transverse gates similarly show strong improvements.


Over the past decades, "wage labor" has been a lingering issue in studies on the development patterns of late imperial China. The legal reconfiguration of the category of "hired laborers" (gugong 僱工) between 1588 and 1788, in particular, has been foregrounded as a salient manifestation of the "incipient capitalism" going hand in hand with the emergence of a "free" labor market and with the decline of bound labor. Questioning the preconception that the mere appearance of labor relations mediated by means of wages would suffice to prove the existence of "free labor," this article proposes to revisit the issue of "hired labor" in late imperial China. It approaches this issue from a conceptual standpoint, as a first step toward an overdue reassessment of the significance of wages in labor relations and their impact on the status of workers. The first section endeavors to sketch out a general conceptualization of gugong from the Great Ming Code and from Ming and Qing legal exegesis. The second section focuses on the study of the legal redefinition of gugong between the late sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, and looks for the social and legal implications of being hired. By doing so, it also explores changes in the Chinese conception of the notion of "service" and its relationship with what we would name "servitude."


Abstract This paper introduces a phenomenological calculation approach for the electrolytic pulse deposition of nickel under high polarisation based on an equivalent electrical circuit. In a quasistationary state of the deposition, the electrolyte resistance and double layer parameters are identified by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic polarisation. The charge–transfer resistance of both the anodic and cathodic electrode double layer is inversely proportional to the current density. This means the overpotentials over the electrode double layers are independent of the current density. For short pulse on-times and off-times (up to 10 ms), the behaviour of the electrolytic cell is mainly determined by the double layer characteristics and the calculation approach therefore allows the prediction of the current–potential behaviour during pulse deposition under high polarisation. For larger pulse widths, the time-dependent evolution of the overpotentials occurring at the electrode/electrolyte interface becomes a determining factor for the cell potential.


Wnt3a is a crucial modulator of bone metabolism through the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in bone-forming osteoblasts. We previously reported that the expression of osteocalcin is stimulated by triiodothyronine (T3) at least in part through the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase but not p44/p42 MAP kinase in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Wnt3a on the T3-induced osteocalcin expression in these cells. Wnt3a suppressed the release of osteocalcin induced by T3. The inhibitory effect of Wnt3a was dose-dependent between 0.3 and 30 ng/ml. SB216763, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, that reduces the phosphorylation of β-catenin, inhibited the T3-induced osteocalcin release. Wnt3a, as well as SB216763, reduced the expression of osteocalcin mRNA induced by T3. The transcriptional activity induced by T3, assessed by a luciferase activity, was also suppressed by both Wnt3a and SB216763. In contrast, Wnt3a did not markedly affect the T3-stimulated phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. These results suggested that Wnt3a downregulates the T3-stimulated osteocalcin expression in MC3T3-E1 cells, and the suppressive effect of Wnt3a is independent of p38 MAP kinase.


Abstract Background Of all microbiological tests performed, blood cultures have the most impact on patient care. Timely results are essential, especially in the management of sepsis. While there are multiple available blood culture systems on the market, they have never been compared in a prospective study in a critically ill population. Methods We performed an analysis of the FABLED study cohort to compare culture results and time to positivity (TTP) of 2 widely used blood culture systems: BacT/Alert and BACTEC. In this multisite prospective study, patients with severe manifestations of sepsis had cultures drawn before antibiotics using systematic enrollment criteria and blood drawing methodology allowing for minimization of pre-analytical biases. Results We enrolled 315 patients; 144 had blood cultures (47 positive) with BacT/Alert and 171 with BACTEC (53 positive). Patients whose blood cultures were processed using the BacT/Alert system were younger (median, 64 vs 70 years; P = .003), had a higher proportion of HIV (9.03% vs 1.75%; P = .008) and a lower qSOFA (P = .003). There were no statistically significant differences in the most commonly identified bacterial species. TTP was shorter for BACTEC (median [interquartile range {IQR}], 12.5 [10–14] hours) compared with BacT/Alert (median [IQR], 17 [14–21] hours; P < .0001). Conclusions In this large prospective multi-centre study comparing the two blood culture systems among patients with severe manifestations of sepsis, and using a rigorous pre-analytical methodology, the BACTEC system yielded positive culture results 4.5 hours earlier than BacT/Alert. These results apply to commonly isolated bacteria. However, our study design did not allow direct comparison of TTP for unusual pathogens nor of clinical sensitivity between systems. More research is needed to determine the clinical implications of this finding.


At the end of their life cycle, American eel (Anguilla rostrata) migrate to the Sargasso Sea from freshwater habitats along the east coast of North America in order to spawn planktonic eggs. The eggs develop into larvae that then have to reach estuarine and freshwater nursery habitats along the North American coast within approximately their first year of life. A coupled biological—physical model was used to study how potential behavioral adaptations influence the ability of American eel larvae to reach near‐coastal waters. Specifically, several larval swimming behaviors were investigated, including passive drift, random walk swimming, and directional navigation with and without a preferred swimming direction. Directional swimming with a randomly chosen direction improved the success rates of larvae reaching the continental shelf by more than two orders of magnitude compared to passive drift, and swimming primarily to the northwest further tripled these success rates. Success rates also substantially increased for larvae with swimming abilities even slightly above an estimated average. Notably, directional swimming resulted in a reasonable distribution of larvae along the North American shelf break, whereas other swimming scenarios left distinct gaps where no simulated larvae reached the shelf, including near the Gulf of Maine where juvenile eels are abundant. Additionally, directional swimming yielded transit times of ∼ 1 yr, in agreement with observations. Finally, the model supported the southwestern Sargasso Sea as the probable spawning area for American eel.


This paper provides a choice theoretic, general equilibrium account of the balance of payments adjustment process and the determination of national price levels in a world comprised of countries populated by rational households. Balance of payments adjustment dynaniics arise in the equilibrium of this model from the precautionary saving behavior of risk- averse households who self-insure against random productivity fluctuations by accumulating, via balance of payments surpluses in productive periods, buffer stocks of domestic money which can be drawn down to finance payments deficits, and thus a less variable profile of consumption relative to output, when productivity is unexpectedly low. Precautionary saving is shown to exhibit the partial-adjustment-to-target behavior typically postulated in the monetary approach literature. The existence of a rational expectations equilibrium in which the distribution of international reserves among central banks is stationary is established.


Many organizations today face a unique set of problems and opportunities because they operate across international boundaries. To some extent, the growth of the multinational organization has been made possible by electronic communications. Now, more and more of these organizations are using computers to tie together their far-flung operations. The planning, organizing, and supporting of information systems for the multinational will be the focus of this session.


Editor's Introduction Prior's Preface to the Second Edition 1. Changes in Events and Changes in Things 2. Fugitive Truth 3. On Spurious Egocentricity 4. The Formalities of Omniscience 5. Contemplation and Action 6. The Consequences of Actions 7. Limited Indeterminism 8. Identifiable Individuals 9. Time, Existence and Identity 10. Recent Advances in Tense Logic 11. Tense Logic and the Logic of Earlier and Later 12. The Logic of Ending Time 13. Stratified Metric Tense Logic 14. 'Now' 15. Tensed Propositions as Predicates 16. Quasi-Propositions and Quasi Individuals 17. Egocentric Logic 18. Worlds, Times and Selves 19. Tense-Logic for Non-Permanent Existents 20. Modal Logic and the Logic of Applicability 1. LIFE AND WORK OF ARTHUR N. PRIOR: 'AN INTERVIEW WITH MARY PRIOR' 2. Bibliography of A. N. Prior's Writings


This study examines whether the number of citizens fatally shot by police in the United States has changed significantly since the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Using longitudinal data compiled by killedbypolice.net, we use an interrupted time-series design to test the effect of events in Ferguson on fatal shootings by police. Our analyses reveal that the number of citizens killed by police is temporally unstable, exhibiting random short-term fluctuations that are often misinterpreted as evidence of substantively meaningful trends. However, after testing a variety of model specifications, we find no evidence that the number of fatal police shootings either increased or decreased post-Ferguson. Claims to the contrary are based on weak analyses of short-term trends.


Market for restaurant services is one of the leading providers in terms of employment, scope of provided services and impact on the quality of life. At the same time, it remains as one of the closed and unexplored markets in terms of analysis of its problems and emerging trends. The aim of this article is a comprehensive analysis of industries in Kazakhstan by comparing it to the US market of restaurant industry. Furthermore, to improve management efficiency in restaurants, a research was conducted on behavioral differences of customers and level of management in restaurant industry, giving few recommendations on the use of management models.


It is no wonder that the diagnostic value of the facies has often been emphasised, for expression, form, colour, condition of the skin and hair and many other features can be studied from the beginning of the interview. In clinical practice it is common, after examination of the face, to take up the hand and feel the pulse. The experienced clinician may gain almost as much information from the hand as from the face, for the hands also show expression and character. Furthermore the hands are so highly developed that the blind and the dumb may use them as effective substitutes for reading and for speech, and many of us gesticulate for emphasis. Indeed, gestures made by patients to indicate the site and character of symptoms can be most helpful. Thus the flat of the hand is pressed upon the vertex of the head with psychogenic headache, both hands squeezing across the front of the chest commonly indicates ischaemic heart pain, or the tips of two or three fingers pressed into the epigastrium suggest the pain of peptic ulcer.


Objective: To compare the adhesive strength in dentin of three universal adhesive systems in vitro by means of the shear test. Materials and methods: Seventy-five bovine teeth were selected and cut. Dentin was exposed from the buccal surface of the crowns with 220 grit sandpaper, and samples were then inserted in transparent acrylic bases (15x10mm). The samples were randomly divided in 3 groups (n=25): G1-Universal adhesive system Scotchbond™ Universal (3M ESPE-USA); G2- Universal adhesive system Peak Universal Bond (Ultradent); G3-Universal adhesive system Tetric N-Bond (Ivoclar Vivadent). The adhesive procedures were carried out according to the instructions of each manufacturer and the restorative procedures were carried out with micro-cylinders (made of Tygon type tubing 0.79x1.5mm) of the composite resin Filtek™ Z350XT-A2 (3M ESPE-USA). The samples were incubated at 37oC (+/-5oC) for 24 hours. Adhesive strength was evaluated in a universal test machine by means of the shear test (0.5mm/min, 500N) and the resulting fracture type was evaluated with a Dinolite digital microscope (x200). The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics (Mean±SD), and inferential statistics by a one-way ANOVA. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the universal adhesive systems evaluated G1 (14.91±4.76), G2 (16.90±4.11) and G3 (17.34±4.04)/(p=0.114). Conclusions: The shear test resulted in similar values of immediate adhesive strength of the three universal adhesive systems used.


In Fukushima and neighboring prefectures, the distributions of dose rate and γ-ray count rate of radionuclides from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station were measured on expressways on March 15, 16, 17, and April 8, 2011, using an NaI(Tl) detector and a LaBr3 detector. A radioactive plume that contained 133Xe, 132Te, 132I, 131I, 134Cs, and 136Cs was observed at Koriyama on the afternoon of March 15. The plume arrived in the Nakadori region of Fukushima prefecture, which is surrounded by two mountain ranges, and most of the radioactivity there was deposited by rainfall. Although the distributions of 132Te, 132I, 134Cs, 136Cs, and 137Cs were similar, the distribution of 131I was different from the others. The effective nuclides for the dose rate measurement were 132Te and 132I on March 15-17 and 134Cs and 137Cs on April 8. The initial distribution profile of the dose rate on March 15-17 was retained on April 8 because the deposited radioactive material was not moved from the initial location and there was no additional effective deposition of radioactivity.


Subject of this thesis is a study of mechanical properties of selected modified polyolefins after temperature load. This thesis contains two parts. First part is summary description, which acquaint reader with the basic information about polymers, ionizing radiation, cross-linking and materials testing. Practical part, the experimental, describes used materials, shows parameters of device which were used for material processing. Furthermore, it describes course of particular experiments and parameters of device which were used for those experiments. The last part is intended for discussion and evaluation of results.


A standard diet is the pre-condition for an accurate investigation of the causes of stone formation reasons in recurrent stone-formers, since the uncontrolled influences of individual diets on the composition of the urine can thus be eliminated. In patients kept on a standardized diet intake a steady state (balance of excretion of lithogenic substances) is obtained after about 5 to 7 days. Because it must be assumed that brief excretion and concentration peaks are very much more frequently the cause of nucleation, the determination of the circadian rhythm of lithogenic substances is most important. On the basis of our investigation results, an "investigation programme in stages" for research into the causes of stone formation is recommended.


Since the early 1990s, our understanding of plate boundary zone crustal deformation has been revolutionized by advances in global positioning system (GPS) techniques. These allow us to track directly the movement of the ground in real time, quantify the rates of crustal deformation within plate boundary zones and determine the displacement of the Earth's surface during earthquakes. The GPS measurements are taken at survey points permanently attached to the ground either by intermittent (survey-style) or continuous (daily, automated) collection of phase and pseudorange data from the constellation of GPS satellites that orbit the Earth. The GPS measurements spanning some period of time (usually longer than one year) can accurately track the movement of one point on the Earth's surface relative to others (to within a few mma −1 uncertainty). Such measurements have allowed scientists to determine where and how much tectonic strain is currently accumulating within plate boundary zones (e.g. Kreemer et al ., 2000; McClusky et al ., 2000; Sagiya et al ., 2000; Beavan and Haines, 2001). One of the major issues facing siting of nuclear facilities is the possibility of rapid seismic or slow aseismic strain at or near the facility. Elevated strain within a site (possibly due to a seismic event) could perturb a nuclear facility and/or jeopardize the long-term isolation of a high-level waste (HLW) repository in numerous ways, including activation/formation of faults, enhanced creep deformation of engineered barriers, flexural folding of the host rock or enhanced groundwater flow. Geological and seismological data are commonly used to assess future seismic shaking and rock deformation hazards for nuclear facilities (Stepp et al ., 2001).


The mobility of electrons drifting in AlGaAs across GaAs quantum wells has been measured using the geometrical magnetoresistance (GMR) technique over the temperature range 77 to 300 K. The mobility is shown to be an oscillating function of well width and to reduce with decreasing period (barrier width plus well width). A theory of these effects is presented and is shown to give a good account of the phenomena.


This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, a well-established treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), on nocturnal blood pressure fluctuations (NBPFs) during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep, and to evaluate the NBPF patterns in patients with OSA. We included 34 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who underwent polysomnography using pulse transit time before and at 3–6 months after CPAP therapy. Nocturnal BP and NBPF frequency in REM and non-REM sleep were investigated, as well as NBPF pattern changes after receiving CPAP therapy. CPAP therapy resulted in significant reductions in the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), arousal index, nocturnal systolic and diastolic BP, and NBPF frequency in REM and non-REM sleep (all p < 0.01). A higher AHI before CPAP resulted in lower nocturnal systolic BP (r = 0.40, p = 0.019) and NBPFs (r = 0.51, p = 0.002) after CPAP. However, 58.8% of patients showed no change in NBPF patterns with CPAP therapy. CPAP therapy significantly improved almost all sleep-related parameters, nocturnal BP, and NBPF frequency in REM and non-REM sleep periods, but NBPF patterns showed various changes post-CPAP therapy. These results suggest that factors other than OSA influence changes in NBPF patterns.


Abstract Gram-negative bacteria account for up to 35% of postoperative sternal wound infections (SWI) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Despite this, risk factors for Gram-negative SWI have not been investigated. The objective of this study was to define risk factors associated with Gram-negative SWI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. 2590 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2002-2005 were prospectively monitored for development of SWI. Patient, operative, and post-operative risk factors were compared among patients that developed Gram-negative SWI and Gram-positive SWI to uninfected controls using univariate and multivariate analysis. A p<0.05 was considered significant. Surgical site infections developed in 152 (5.9%) patients. Isolates were recovered from the sternum for 128 (5.0%) patients, from the leg donor site for 19 (0.73%) patients, and from the sternum and donor site for 5 (0.19%) patients. Gram-positive pathogens were isolated from 83 (3.3%) patients, Gram-negative pathogens from 42 (1.6%) patients, and mixed pathogens from 27 (1.0%) patients. Hospital admission greater than 48 hours before surgery (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.11- 4.58), ventilator-dependency preoperatively (OR: 5.32 95% CI: 2.22-12.75), and thoracentesis procedure postoperatively (OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.45-9.49) and diabetes (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.17-3.55) were identified as significant risk factors for SWI due to Gram-negative bacteria using multivariate logistic regression. Diabetes, increased age, and peripheral vascular disease were identified as significant risk factors for SWI due to Gram-positive bacteria (p<0.05, each). The risk factors associated with Gram-negative SWI differed significantly from those associated with Gram-positive SWI. Risk factors associated with Gram-negative SWI were identified. Unique interventions may be necessary to prevent Gram-negative SWI in cardiac surgery patients


Nursing homes have the characteristic of being "complete institutions" or "enclosed microcosms" and the quality of life (QoL) in late adulthood is generally perceived as a multidimensional construct. Over recent years, media reports have focused on the deficiencies in nursing home residences, and a subsequent increase in the demand for instruments capable of measuring this construct has arisen. Objective: To compare the quantitative functional mobility, level of independence, depressive symptoms and QoL of nursing home residents compared with home care recipients. Methods: have analyzed the quality of life and physical and psychological disorders 400 people over 60 years old, admitted to nursing homes or living with their families through the implementation of a questionnaire covering three different indices (Barthel Index, Yesavage and WHOQOL-OLD) to assess the degree of dependence of people. Results: has resulted in a significant reduction in quality of life of older people living in nursing homes (p 0.001) factor. Conclusions: the current model residences require a change that allows responding to the real needs of our elderly institutionalized.


A new spirosecokaurenoid, enanderinanin F 1 and its C-6 epimer, angustifolin were isolated from the aerial parts of Isodon enanderianus. The structure of 1 was determined on the basis of spectral data, especially by 2D techniques. The C-13 NMR data of angustifolin were revised by 2D NMR.


The Indonesian parliamentary elections in April 2009 have been characterized as peaceful, free, and fair. All in all, the young democracy has been stabilized. The PD (Partai Demokrat, Democratic Party), the electoral vehicle of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, won with 20.8%. It is mostly secular parties, that is the PD, Golkar (Partai Golongan Karya, Party of Functional Groups) and the PDI-P (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia - Perjuangan, Indonesian Democratic Party - Struggle), which now dominate the party system. Support for the Islamic parties has dwindled; only the Islamist PKS (Partai Keadilan Sejahtera, Prosperous Justice Party) was able to gain slightly. The rapid rise of the PD and two smaller new parties is testimony to the fluidity of the party system. The results corroborate a trend of a weakening of socio-political "streams" (aliran). This development is due to the increasing personalization and commercialization of politics and the impact of mass media. Moreover, electoral reforms (the introduction of an "open list") seem to have strengthened local politicians vis-a-vis party headquarters in Jakarta.


"This cutting-edge book charts the latest ideas and concepts in employment relations research. Mapping out the intellectual boundaries of the field, The Future of Work and Employment outlines the key research and policy outcomes for work and employment in the age of digitisation and artificial intelligence. Internationally renowned contributors unpack the implications of the latest developments in employment relations, from the rise of the gig economy to the role of platform companies, from perspectives such as employment (in)security, equity, fairness, wellbeing and voice. Reviewing the extant literature on the future of work, and exploring the biggest issues facing the modern workforce, this book argues for a research base that allows more sober reflections on the grand claims that dictate the future of work. Empirically-grounded and incisively-argued, the book forms critical reading for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of business and human resource management, featuring insight into the latest developments in the field. Researchers, policymakers and practitioners will also benefit from its implications for policy and its blending of theory and practice."


A mathematical model for leakage reactance calculation using magnetic field analysis is presented. An integral equation for the modeling of unbounded field problems, with constant magnetic permeability of the core, is derived. By the solution of the equation, a 3D quasistationary field has been analyzed and the reactance has been computed. A computer program has been worked out and implemented for a personal computer. Applications have been made for leakage field analysis in reactors with or without magnetic cores. Results of these calculations are presented and compared with measured values. >


Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and entails an increased risk of thromboembolic events. Prediction of the termination of an AF episode, based on noninvasive techniques, can benefit patients, doctors and health systems. The method described in this paper is based on two-lead surface electrocardiograms (ECGs): 1-min ECG recordings of AF episodes including N-type (not terminating within an hour after the end of the record), S-type (terminating 1 min after the end of the record) and T-type (terminating immediately after the end of the record). These records are organised into three learning sets (N, S and T) and two test sets (A and B). Starting from these ECGs, the atrial and ventricular activities were separated using beat classification and class averaged beat subtraction, followed by the evaluation of seven parameters representing atrial or ventricular activity. Stepwise discriminant analysis selected the set including dominant atrial frequency (DAF, index of atrial activity) and average HR (HRmean, index of ventricular activity) as optimal for discrimination between N/T-type episodes. The linear classifier, estimated on the 20 cases of the N and T learning sets, provided a performance of 90% on the 30 cases of a test set for the N/T-type discrimination. The same classifier led to correct classification in 89% of the 46 cases for N/S-type discrimination. The method has shown good results and seems to be suitable for clinical application, although a larger dataset would be very useful for improvement and validation of the algorithms and the development of an earlier predictor of paroxysmal AF spontaneous termination time.


The continuous development and progress of international economic integration has resulted in the increasing of economic and trade exchanges between various countries. In order to implement a more systematic corporate financial supervision mechanism effectively and adapt to the needs of economic development, it is necessary to clarify corporate accounting standards and international financial reporting standards. The relationship between them are crucial to improve the transparency of financial statements and optimize management levels. This paper analyzes the differences between Chinese business accounting standards and international financial reporting standards as well as discusses the convergence process and convergence strategy methods for reference.


Agriculture is the mainstay of most African economies and economic performance in these countries is intricately linked to the performance of the agricultural sector. Indeed, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the majority of the population resides in rural areas and the majority of farmers (up to 80%) are smallholders. However, productivity of these smallholder farmers is low compared to other developing regions, and this has perpetuated poverty in rural Africa. Agriculture has the greatest potential to reduce poverty in rural Africa. This special issue looks at efforts to transform agriculture in rural SSA to not only raise incomes of farmers, but to also foster broader structural transformation of African economies. The focus is on what needs to be done from a policy and practical point of view to kick-start, and in some cases, entrench structural transformation of the agricultural sector, taking cognizance of the need to transform across the value chain. Commitment by African governments, through initiatives such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, is a starting point. Over and above this, there is need to better understand why smallholder farmers are reluctant to invest in modern agricultural technologies, including use of modern seeds and fertilisers. Further, there are several constraints to be overcome for structural transformation of African agriculture to be a reality. These include: investing in development and diffusion of new and appropriate agricultural technologies; investing in infrastructure, including irrigation; addressing post-harvest challenges that small holder farmers face, etc. To better entrench the impacts, structural transformation in agriculture should happen concurrently with structural transformation of the rest of the economy, thus allowing for better allocation of scarce resources throughout the economy.


The inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid on commercial test strip reactions for haematuria is demonstrated in vitro. A new test strip containing iodate is shown to be insensitive to even high ascorbic acid concentrations in the same in vitro experiments.


ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess the action of ear acupuncture on disability and tissue temperature in people with chronic pain in the spinal column. Method: a clinical trial with a sample of 110 people, randomized into three groups: Treatment, Placebo and Control. The assessment instruments were the Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and a thermographic camera, administered before the first treatment session, one week after and 15 days after (follow-up) the fifth session of ear acupuncture. In the analysis of the data, the Kruskal Wallis, Student-Newman Keuls and Wilcoxon tests were applied. Results: there was a significant reduction in disability in the Treatment and Placebo groups between the initial and final assessments (p<0.05) and between the initial assessments and follow-up (p<0.05). In the final assessment, the Treatment group presented improvement of disability when compared with the Placebo and Control groups (p<0.05). There was an increase in mean tissue temperature of the dorsal region between the initial and follow-up assessments in Treatment and Control groups (p<0.05), and between the final assessments and follow-up in the Treatment and Placebo groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: ear acupuncture was efficacious in reducing disability and increasing tissue temperature in people with chronic pain in the spinal column. Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials (RBR-5X69X2).


In recent years, the critical study of museums has emerged as a major focus of scholarly inquiry across various disciplines, bringing into greater focus the effect that museum practice has on the formation of meaning and the public perception of objects. Representing Africa in American Art Museums is the first comprehensive book to focus on the history of African art in American art museums. Chronicling more than a century of building and presenting collections of African art in thirteen American art museums, from the late 1800s to the present, the book considers the art museum as a lens for understanding the shifting visions of African art that are manifested in institutional practices of collecting and display in the United States. Thirteen essays present the institutional biographies of African art collections in a selection of American art museums: the Cincinnati Museum of Art, the Hampton University Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Primitive Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Indiana University Art Museum, the Fowler Museum at UCLA, the University of Iowa Art Museum, the Seattle Art Museum, the Menil Collection, and the National Museum of African Art. Kathleen Bickford Berzock and Christa Clarke offer a review of the history of collecting and displaying African art in American museums and identify important issues that are raised by the essays: defining aesthetic criteria for African art and for its display; breaking free from the monolithic rubric of "primitive art"; broadening perceptions of what constitutes African art; and formulating a place for context and culture in understanding and presenting African art. Representing Africa in American Art Museums concludes with an afterword that anticipates the direction for the collecting and display of African art in the twenty-first century, including the ethics and legalities of collecting; the deconstruction of a singular and authoritative museum voice in interpreting works of art; the interests and engagement of local African American and African communities that have a stake in how collections are represented; and how, if, and where to include contemporary art from Africa in museum collections.


We compared the results obtained in our previous studies (one strip of netting and a single mesh) with the results of other authors on the same subjects. We dealt with English knot nylon netting. The comparisons were made with the work of litaka for one strip of netting and with the works of Tauchi, Miyoshi and Iitaka for a single mesh. For the weight of one strip of netting (100 fathoms long and 100 meshes deep), our results fitted very well with the Netting Weight Table values, but Iitaka's equation yielded values generally higher. For the weight of a single mesh (ω: two legs and one knot) ω=(π/2)D2 •L •{A+B(D/L)} •ρ, the constants A and B were obtained 1, 4 in Tauchi, 1, 6 in Miyoshi, 0.65, 6.5 in Iitaka, and 0.50, 4.5 in the authors respectively, where D is the diameter of twine, L is the length of one leg, and ρ is the density of twine. The assump-tions for leg and knot length are included in both the works of Tauchi and Miyoshi. litaka's equation was derived from the weight of netting in water. Our results were obtained from the measurements of netting based on the theoretical relationships of the weight in air.


Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is an intriguing concept within cancer immunotherapy. Indeed, by inducing a specific means of cellular demise, a protective immune response can be triggered against the dying cells. As such, the dying cancer cells are—in a way—turned into a vaccine, attracting immune cells to the site of cell death, and activating them to trigger an anticancer immune response. Since the early discovery of ICD, more mechanistic insights into the hallmarks of ICD have been unraveled and several state-of-the-art cancer therapies have been identified as bona fide ICD inducers (1, 2).One of the cancer therapies which could be a potential candidate to induce ICD is high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) (3). HIFU is currently used as a way of debulking solid tumors in a non-invasive, image-controlled and precise way without the use of ionizing radiation. Depending on the ultrasound parameters, tumor tissue can be ablated either in a mechanical (tissue disruption) or thermal way (heating and coagulative necrosis). Interestingly, there are some indications that HIFU may also affect the immune system: experiments in mice and man have shown attraction/activation of immune cells to/in the tumor site (4, 5). Of note: these immunostimulating effects were reported to be more prominent for mechanical HIFU than thermal HIFU. However, neither the mechanisms behind these observations, nor the possible link to the induction of ICD have been investigated. Therefore, the key aim of work is to investigate the potential of HIFU to induce ICD. Using a custom-designed HIFU set-up, we were able to—in a precise, automated and controlled way—expose B16F0 melanoma cells to HIFU in vitro. The HIFU-exposed tumor cells were subsequently evaluated for the occurrence of apoptosis and ICD hallmarks. More specifically, we evaluated the exposure of calreticulin (CRT) on the cell membrane and release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Our data show that application of mechanical HIFU protocols (using short, repeated ultrasound bursts) induce a significant fraction of apoptotic cells (as measured by a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential) within 4h after treatment. Importantly, already within the first hour after HIFU exposure, high levels of the ICD hallmark and Toll-like receptor 4 agonist HMGB-1 were found in the supernatant of the HIFU-treated cells, compared to untreated controls. To determine the effect of HIFU on ATP release, a quinacrine assay was performed to stain intracellular ATP-containing vesicles. Using flow cytometry, we observed that HIFU triggered exocytosis of these vesicles, with 2- to 3-fold reductions in quinacrine fluorescence at 4h and 24h after HIFU exposure, respectively. In addition, at 24h after HIFU exposure, >30% of the cells exposed CRT on the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, which was a drastic increase compared to blanks ( Citation Format: Heleen Dewitte, Yanou Engelen, Guillaume Lajoinie, Ligia Gomes-da-Silva, Michel Versluis, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Guido Kroemer, Karine Breckpot, Ine Lentacker. Exploring the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B151.


The Aquitanian-early Burdigalian (lower Miocene) Nukhul Formation at Gebel el Zeit, Egypt, was deposited during early stages of Gulf of Suez rifting. The unit dips 8-15° less than underlying prerift strata, indicating that significant rotation and extension preceded subsidence of the Gebel el Zeit fault block. The Nukhul Formation at Gebel el Zeit is up to 75 m thick in outcrop and consists of a lower sandstone and an upper carbonate unit. The formation varies considerably along strike because of syndepositional differential movement of small fault-bounded blocks. The lower clastic unit at South Gebel el Zeit contains poorly sorted, conglomeratic, marly sandstone that commonly displays grading and Bouma sequences. Beds were deposited below storm base by sediment gravity flows. Thicker intervals are inferred to fill small, structurally controlled, submarine gullies that funneled sand and gravel southwestward to a half-graben basin. In contrast, an inferred correlative, thin, basal conglomeratic unit in North Gebel el Zeit was deposited in a shallow-marine setting. The presence of basement clasts in Nukhul strata indicates early syndepositional uplift due to structural tilting.

The upper carbonate unit consists of bioclast, peloid, and intraclast packstone, wackestone, and grainstone with minor floatstone, rudstone, and coral-algal boundstone. Carbonate strata were deposited variously in deep-marine, low-energy peritidal and subtidal, and reefal environments. Deeper submerged blocks were the site of carbonate resedimentation or deeper shelf deposition. Reefs and shallow-marine bioclast shoals formed on higher submerged blocks. Nukhul strata show that synrift reservoir prediction in the Gulf of Suez, the Red Sea, and presumably in other rifts requires mapping of synrift cross faults and fault block by fault block facies analysis.

Robert Winn is a consulting geologist. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1975 and joined Marathon Oil Company as a research geologist in 1977. He left Marathon in 1994 for the University of Papua New Guinea, where he was senior lecturer and then associate professor. He was head of the Geology Department from 1996 to 2000. His primary interests are in clastic sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy.Paul Crevello is a consulting geologist and technical director of PetrexAsia, which he formed in 1997. He received an M.S. degree from the University of Miami (1978) and a Ph.D. from Colorado School of Mines (1989). He was employed by Marathon Oil as a research geologist from 1978 to 1994 and by the University of Brunei as senior lecturer from 1994 to 1997. His specialties are in sequence stratigraphy and sedimentology of carbonate and turbidite systems and the integrated calibration of 3-D reservoir models. William Bosworth is employed by Marathon Oil Company. He joined Marathon in 1984 and has worked principally on international exploration and development projects. From 1980 to 1984 he taught structural geology and tectonics at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. His research interests are principally in extensional tectonics, continental stress field evolution, and the paleogeodynamics of the African plate.


Abstract Past research has examined relationship between cannabis use and cognition among adolescents and young adults, but less is known about older adults despite rapidly increasing recreational and therapeutic cannabis use by this demographic. These relationships were explored cross-sectionally using data from the 2018 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Dependent variables included immediate and delayed memory (10-item word list) and working memory (serial sevens; range 0-5). Cannabis use was categorized as non-user (n=886), past-user (n=334), current moderate (<52 uses/year; n=36), and current heavy (52+ uses/year; n=92). Mean age was 67.59 years (range: 50-98, SD=10.76). The sample was predominantly female (59%), and Caucasian (67%). Uncontrolled analyses found that cannabis use group was associated with immediate memory (F=6.14, p<.001), delayed memory (F=3.75, p=.01), and working memory (F=6.91, p<.001). Analyses controlled for gender, education, age, and race found that cannabis use group was no longer associated with delayed memory (F=1.74, p=.16) or working memory (F=1.66, p=.17); however, cannabis use was associated with immediate memory (F=3.75, p=.01) in controlled analyses. Current heavy users' (M=4.94, SE=.16) immediate memory worse than that of both non-users (M=5.48, SE=.06) and past users (M=5.49, SE=.09; p<.05 for both). Gender, education, age, and race significantly associated with immediate, delayed, and working memory, respectively (p<.05 for all). In conclusion, relative deficits in immediate memory, but not delayed memory or working memory, were associated with current heavy cannabis use among older adults. In combination with other findings, these results may inform development of safe-use guidelines for older adults.


A considerable investment in post-fire research over the past decade has improved our understanding of wildfire effects on soil, hydrology,erosion and erosion-mitigationtreatment effectiveness. Using thisnew knowledge, we have developed several tools to assist land managers with post-wildfire assessment and treatment decisions, such as prediction models, research syntheses, equipment and methods for field measurements, reference catalogues and databases of past-practice, and spreadsheets for calculating resource valuation and cost-benefit analysis. These tools provide relevantscience topost-fireassessment teams andlandmanagers informats that often canbe directly enteredinto assessment and treatment decision-making protocols. Providing public access to these tools through the internet not only has increased their dissemination, but also has allowed them to be updated and improved as new knowledge and technology become available. The use of these science-based tools has facilitated a broader application of current knowledge to post-fire management in the United States and in other fire-prone areas around the world. Additional keywords: burn severity, erosion modeling, remote sensing, resource valuation.


Clinacanthus nutans which belongs to the family of Acanthaceae and Azadirachta indica which belongs to the family of Meliaceae are often used as herbal remedies in complementary and alternative medicine. Extracts from dried leaves of Clinacanthus nutans and Azadirachta indica was screened for its antimicrobial activity and phytochemical composition. The antimicrobial activity of plant extract was first assessed by using different solvent. Chloroform, absolute ethanol, 70% ethanol and distilled water plant extracts were tested against Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B. It was shown that chloroform Clinacanthus nutans extract and ethanolic Azadirachta indica extract showed a larger inhibition zone upon Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B compare to other solvents. The best result producing solvent extracts were then tested upon five strains of Salmonella simultaneously. The strains that were subjected to test was respectively Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi C, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Salmonella enterica serovar Weltevreden, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi ATCC and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B. In this test, it is shown that both plant extracts able to form zone of inhibition against the Salmonella strains. The enteric fever causing Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi ATCC showed the least inhibition with both extracts compared to the Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi C strains. There was no significant difference in zone of inhibition against gastroenteritis causing Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica serovar Weltevreden. The qualitative phytochemical analysis was carried out using powdered leaf samples of Clinacanthus nutans and Azadirachta indica to determine the major phytoconstituents. The analysed phytochemicals are alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The analysis showed the presences of all five phytoconsituents in Azadirachta indica leaf sample. Meanwhile for Clinacanthus nutan, a positive result was shown for the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides but a negative result for the presence of saponin.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interactions among different readiness factors for implementing agility in healthcare organization. Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) based readiness framework for agility has been developed to understand the mutual interactions among the factors and to identify the driving and dependence power of these factors.

Design/methodology/approach
The identification of factors is done by TISM approach used for analyzing the mutual interactions between factors. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis is utilized to find the driving and dependent factors of agile readiness in healthcare.

Findings
This paper identifies 12 factors of readiness for change in literature review, which is followed by an expert interview to understand the interconnection of factors and to study interrelationships of factors. The study suggests that factors like environmental scanning, resource availability, innovativeness, cost effectiveness, organizational leadership, training and development are important for implementing/improving the readiness of agility in healthcare organizations.

Research limitations/implications
This research focuses mainly on readiness factors for agility in healthcare sector.

Practical implications
Top management must stress on readiness factors that have a strong driving power for efficient implementation of agility in healthcare. This study helps the managers to take quick decisions, and continuous monitoring of readiness factors would be more beneficial to improve the quality of service, which makes the organization more agile.

Originality/value
In this research, TISM-based readiness for agile framework structural model has been proposed for healthcare organizations, which is a new effort for implementation of agility in healthcare.


Quantum annealing is a promising paradigm for building practical quantum computers. Compared to other approaches, quantum annealing technology has been scaled up to a larger number of qubits. On the other hand, deep learning has been profoundly successful in pushing the boundaries of AI. It is thus natural to investigate potentially game changing technologies such as quantum annealers to augment the capabilities of deep learning. In this work, we explore binary neural networks, which are lightweight yet powerful models typically intended for resource constrained devices. Departing from current training regimes for binary networks that smooth/approximate the activation functions to make the network differentiable, we devise a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization formulation for the training problem. While the problem is intractable, i.e., the cost to estimate the binary weights scales exponentially with network size, we show how the problem can be optimized directly on a quantum annealer, thereby opening up to the potential gains of quantum computing. We experimentally validated our formulation via simulation and testing on an actual quantum annealer (D-Wave Advantage), the latter to the extent allowable by the capacity of current technology.


A systematic literature review was undertaken to analyze the effects of climate change concerning the forests in the Mediterranean region as it is a climate and a global hot spot of biological diversity and the richest biodiversity region in Europe. Climate change threatens several eco-systems (e.g. forests) with ecological and socioeconomic importance. It is noteworthy that all warming scenarios in the Mediterranean predict an increase of drought and heat events, and a reduction in precipitation within the next hundred years in the Mediterranean basin with im-portant consequences in local vegetation communities. Forests can therefore be used as a tool in developing so-lutions to the problem of climate change. Nowadays, is considered necessary firstly to continue monitoring and research concerning climate change patterns and impacts on regional scales and secondly to implement manage-ment strategies in order to preserve Mediterranean habi-tats.


The first thorough study of its kind, this is a lively account of the Ban Yatra, a circular pilgrimage that takes place in the northern Indian land of Braj. This anthropological chronicle offers an appealing mixture of personal anecdote, religious theory, Indian history, and tales of the gods. Basing his work on personal experience in the field, as well as a combination of primary sources in Sanskrit, Hindi, Bengali-many untranslated and unstudied in Western languages-and a wide range of secondary literature, Haberman places the pilgimrage in its cultural and historical context, interweaving his account with retellings of the tales of Krishna around with the journey revolves.


ABSTRACT Eudaimonic happiness (measured in terms of sense of life) is a relatively unexplored subjective wellbeing indicator. The empirical findings presented in this paper show that it has a significant and quantitatively remarkable correlation with the future insurgence of some chronic diseases and the reduction of most functionalities in the ageing population. These results document that eudaimonic happiness is a relevant leading indicator of future health outcomes and expenditure and that its correlation is independent from that of the traditional life satisfaction measure.


In a series of studies we investigated the validity of PASCI and explored the congruence in five geographical entities. The present study has been conducted with the aim to know the self-esteem of participants who were students. Due to inconsistent and indeterminate findings, business researchers and cross-cultural scholars have failed to take into account possible interaction between culture/gender and social behaviour (self ). Through analyses of variance, we provide evidence, that nationality yielded highly signi - ficant levels of self-esteem. This result was interpreted as adding credence to the view that studying the self is important across cultures. The findings are mirrored in the individualism-collectivism dimensions and reasons for these findings are discussed. In addition, suggestions for future research may lead to Lithuanian data that might be valued as an important mediating factor that can influence other important psychologi - cal and behavioural outcomes such as job satisfaction and employee retention in organizations.


Robots can be added to human teams to provide improved capabilities or to perform tasks that humans are unsuited for. However, in order to get the full benefit of the robots the human teammates must use the robots in the appropriate situations. If the humans do not trust the robots, they may underutilize them or disuse them which could result in a failure to achieve team goals. We present a robot that is able to estimate its trustworthiness and adapt its behavior accordingly. This technique helps the robot remain trustworthy even when changes in context, task or teammates are possible.


Most of the theoretical medical knowledge comes from literature. The knowledge obtained from the vast majority of patients is then lost. The vast majority of patients do not participate in the elaboration of medical knowledge, apart from the lucky few entering a clinical trial or a published case study. Moreover, locally treated patients do not always correspond to the same time, space or age context as literature patients. How can the knowledge of one patient be used for treating other patients? How can we save the knowledge of our own patients? Hospital information systems contain a lot of detailed and precise information about many patients over several years. Databases containing detailed information can provide solutions based on case analysis (Case-based reasoning or "similar case approach"). An example of a Geneva's decision system called Archimed is shown here.


Abstract The reaction of potassium ethyl dithiocarbonate with 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride in dimethylformamide at 25–30°C afforded the titled disulfide (1) and sulfide (2). Possible mechanism and supporting NMR, ir, Raman and mass spectral data are discussed. The assigned structure for 1 was verified by X-ray crystal structure analysis.


Land cover classification has interested recent works especially for deforestation, urban are monitoring and agricultural land use. Traditional classification approaches have limited accuracy especially for non-heterogeneous land cover. Thus using machine may improve the classification accuracy. The presented paper deals with the land-use scene recognition on very high-resolution remote sensing imagery. We proposed a new framework based on semantic features, handcrafted features and machine learning classifiers decisions. The method starts by semantic feature extraction using a convolutional neural network. Handcraft features are also extracted based on color and multi-resolution characteristics. Then, the classification stage is processed by three learning machine algorithms. The final classification result performed by majority vote algorithm. The idea behind is to take advantages from semantic features and handcrafted features. The second scope is to use the decision fusion to enhance the classification result. Experimentation results show that the proposed method provides good accuracy and trustable tool for land use image identification.


The ability to detect latent fingermarks on porous surfaces, such as paper-based documents, is extremely important in resolving criminal cases. Detection methods that target amino acids present in latent fingermark deposits have achieved widespread use due to the binding of these acids to paper fibres resulting in a good representation of the fingermark. This communication is the first report of 6-(N,N-dimethylamino)fulvene (DMAF) as a novel reagent for the detection of latent fingermarks on porous surfaces. Through observation of undergraduate students showing poor laboratory hygiene, we noted that exposure to DMAF leads to brown staining on the students' skin. We discovered that indeed it can develop latent fingermarks on paper surfaces as pale pink impressions, which are luminescent when illuminated at 505 nm and viewed through orange goggles. The procedure is simple, requiring treatment of the specimen with a solution of DMAF in hexane with subsequent heat treatment. Preliminary experiments indicate that DMAF is reacting with the amino acids present in the latent fingermark.


Abstract Two green tea types, leaf grade and sanding, were extracted at different time intervals: 20, 40, and 120 min at a constant temperature of 50°C. The extracts were analyzed by GC/MS technique. The major compounds identified were myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, 1H-purine-2,6-dione, caffeine, linoleic acid, diethyl ester, and 1H-purine-6-amine. Stearic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and myristic acid were more abundantly present in the leaf-grade variety than sanding. However, some levels of acetic acid, cyclobutanol, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, and caffeine were also found in both the tea types. Most of the volatile compounds were detected between 20–40-min time of extraction. The 40-min time of extraction also showed the maximum content of polyphenols and antioxidants in both the tea types. Thus, 40 min was suggested as the most suitable time for maximum extraction of bioactive volatiles, antioxidants, and polyphenols from green tea.


SOCRATES is a rule-based expert system that optimizes combinational logic for a specific target technology. The system performs substitutions of equivalent gate configurations, thereby reducing the overall area of the implementation and improving the speed of the design. A control mechanism uses various backup strategies to choose the rules applied to the circuit. Users can easily extend the library of transformation rules through a rule generation module that automatically encodes rules and inserts them into the knowledge base. Timing constraints placed on the circuit can be modified to allow the designer to explore a large design space in a matter of minutes. Implementations generated by the system are comparable in area and speed to circuits designed by experts.


Seven new prenylated indole diketopiperazines, versicamides A-G (1-7) and a novel chemical derivative from 7, versicamide H (8), along with three known analogic diketopiperazines (9-11) were obtained from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor HDN08-60. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques, including 2D NMR, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, together with the assistance of further chemical conversions. The cytotoxicities of 1-8 were tested against the HeLa, HCT-116, HL-60, and K562 cell lines, but only 8 exhibited moderate activity against HL-60 cells, with an IC50 value of 8.7 μM. Further investigation with target screening showed that 8 exhibited selective PTK inhibitory activities.


The results of mitral surgery between 1961 and 1971 are presented. Pure or predominant mitral stenosis outnumbered combined mitral valve disease and mitral incompetence by two to one. Surgical treatment comprised 291 closed mitral commissurotomies, 145 open reconstructions and 81 replacements of the mitral valve. One month mortality was 2,4% for commissurotomy, 4,8% for reconstruction, and 25% for replacement. Early mortality of the latter operation decreased to 7% since 1971. For patients with no more than slight preoperative symptoms life expectany remained unaffected for 10 years after closed commissurotomy. For patients with significant preoperative limitation or symptoms at rest 5 and 10 years life expectancy after successful surgery was 93 and 79% resp. for commissurotomy, 94 and 73% for reconstruction and 79 and 53% resp. for mitral valve replacement. In spite of a higher rate of reoperations and late deterioration of valve function the reparative operations deserve preference to the replacement of the mitral valve whenever feasible.


Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been considered a revolutionary and world-changing science, although it is still a young field and has a long way to go before it can be established as a viable theory. Every day, new knowledge is created at an unthinkable speed, and the Big Data Driven World is already upon us. AI has developed a wide range of theories and software tools that have shown remarkable success in addressing difficult and challenging societal problems. However, the field also faces many challenges and drawbacks that have led some people to view AI with skepticism. One of the main challenges facing AI is the difference between correlation and causation, which plays an important role in AI studies. Additionally, although the term Cybernetics should be a part of AI, it was ignored for many years in AI studies. To address these issues, the Cybernetic Artificial Intelligence (CAI) field has been proposed and analyzed here for the first time. Despite the optimism and enthusiasm surrounding AI, its future may turn out to be a "catastrophic Winter" for the whole world, depending on who controls its development. The only hope for the survival of the planet lies in the quick development of Cybernetic Artificial Intelligence and the Wise Anthropocentric Revolution. The text proposes specific solutions for achieving these two goals. Furthermore, the importance of differentiating between professional/personal ethics and eternal values is highlighted, and their importance in future AI applications is emphasized for solving challenging societal problems. Ultimately, the future of AI heavily depends on accepting certain ethical values.


SUMMARY  The most successful islet transplants have been performed in nonautoimmune diabetes patients, in an autologous setting, in conjunction with total or near-total pancreatectomy for the treatment of pancreatic or hepatobilliary conditions. The primary goals are the treatment of an underlying disease and relief of persistent pain. Islet autotransplantation is important in this setting. Following islet autotransplantation, most patients maintain good glycemic control, with ˜30–40% able to discontinue insulin therapy. Transplantation of high islet mass is associated with higher C-peptide, in-range HbA1c and insulin independence. Strategies to increase the proportion of insulin-independent patients and long-term engraftment include islet isolation, curtailing the innate immunity-associated events and beta-cell apoptosis, and alternative transplant sites. Future studies are of benefit. Chapter one reviews the pathogenesis, indications and treatment of chronic pancreatitis.


The high temperature transformations (e.g. liquidus, ordering temperature) of the alloys Ni47.7Mn31.2Ga21.1, Ni49.7Mn28.7Ga21.6, and Ni49.6Mn24.0Ga26.6, Ni47.3Mn30.3Ga20.3Fe2.1, Ni49.9Mn28.3Ga20.1Fe1.7, Ni51.3Mn14.4Ga26.3Fe8.0, Ni47.3Mn25.5Ga24.5Cu2.7, Ni48.3Mn29.7Ga21.1Cu0.9, and Ni49.4Mn23.3Ga25.6Cu1.7 were studied for the practical melting and annealing purposes. At first the chemical compositions (SEM-EDS) and the martensitic and magnetic transition temperatures (DSC, ac magnetic susceptibility) of the alloys were determined. High temperature DSC measurements were made in argon with 10 K/min. Two first measurements were carried out in the solid state (301 1273 K) and in the third measurement the material was melted (max meas. temp. 1573 K). The ordering temperature was obtained from the measurements in the solid state. As the e/a ratio was above 7.53 the ordering temperature was in the range of 1019-1039 K, otherwise a clear change was observed. The variation in heating and cooling was less than 5 K with small quaternary additions, but alloying of 8% Fe increased this difference to 18 K. Alloys with close Ni/Mn/Ga-ratio showed only minor differences in solidus and liquidus temperatures, but if there was a clear change in the Ni/Mn-ratio even those alloys having close e/a ratios showed a clear difference in melting behavior. When Ni/Mn is 1.5with higher values not clear region could be determined.


ABSTRACT With increasing numbers of families arriving in Australia for humanitarian reasons or through migration, childcare centres may often be the first point of contact with dominant cultural practices for these families. This period of transition into childcare can be a fraught with anxiety. This article reports on findings from a case study conducted in a childcare centre in South Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. A small group of mothers and educators participated in interviews to discuss their experiences during transition into the centre. Findings show supports and challenges faced by immigrant and refugee families during this transition time and identify processes educators can employ to ease this transition.


1. The penicillinase-catalysed hydrolysis of quinacillin was quenched by addition of 5 m-guanidinium chloride or 1% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulphate, and the quenched reaction mixture was dialysed exhaustively against solutions of the denaturant. 2. Irreversibly bound quinacillin was shown by titration with HgCl2 to be covalently attached to the protein by the beta-lactam carboxyl group. 3. The derivative was found to be stable over the pH range 3.5-8.5. 4. Chymotryptic hydrolysis of the product and subsequent fractionation showed that quinacillin was bound to one or possibly two peptides.


Proliferation of lung cells of Chinese hamsters was examined in several regions of the lung parenchyma and ciliated airway epithelium after a 24-h exposure to 28.2 mg/m3 (15 ppm) nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Label was retained 3 wk after the injection of [3H]thymidine, and autoradiographic methods were used to localize the site of retention. By 24 h after administration of [3H]thymidine, parenchymal areas, exclusive of airways, showed an increased labeling index, indicative of cell death and replacement. This increase in the number of labeled cells persisted for 3 wk. Type II cells were labeled twice as frequently in regions of the terminal bronchiole than in other alveolar areas. Type II cell cycle time was reduced from 26 to 3 d after NO2 exposure. Alveolar macrophages were significantly labeled in the alveolar areas during the thymidine pulse at the end of the exposure episode and retained label for 3 wk. Airway epithelia showed no labeling in the trachea and progressively greater labeling in increasingly small er airways. Epithelial cells lining the small airways and alveoli showed greater susceptibility to NO2 injury than cells lining the bronchi or trachea. Nonciliated or basal cells serve as a precursor of ciliated cells in the epithelium of small airways (0.35 mm) and bronchi.


Tectonic faults typically break in a single rupture mode within the range of styles from slow slip to dynamic earthquake failure. However, in increasingly well‐documented instances, the same fault segment fails in both slow and fast modes within a short period, as in the sequences that culminated in the 2011 Mw = 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki, Japan, and 2014 Mw = 8.2 Iquique, Chile, earthquakes. Why slow slip alternates with dynamic rupture in certain regions but not in others is not well understood. Here, we integrate laboratory experiments and numerical simulations to investigate the physical conditions leading to cycles where the two rupture styles alternate. We show that a bifurcation takes place near the stability transition with sequences encompassing various rupture modes under constant loading rate. The range of frictional instabilities and slip cycles identified in this study represents important end‐members to understand the interaction of slow and fast slip on the same fault segment.


This paper introduces a model for a vibration control system in which spatially etched polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was utilized to implement uniform damping control on a distributed system. Uniform damping node control (UDNC) theory states that near optimal vibration control can be achieved when the following criteria are met: all modes are damped at the same exponential decay rate, the open-loop and closed-loop natural frequencies of the structure are identical and the closed-loop modal shapes are identical to the open-loop modal shapes. To help accomplish this, in a system with N modes participating in a response, sensor/actuator pairs are placed at the nodes of the N + 1 modes. Spatially shaded PVDF actuators are distributed actuators that produce pseudo-discrete forces due to the special weighting applied to the etched electrodes. The system was demonstrated using a spring steel cantilevered beam and spatially etched PVDF actuators that were placed according to nodal control theory. When given the set of gains that are attributed to UDNC, the modes de-couple, reducing spillover. This experiment marks the first time that uniform damping control has been realized experimentally.


The canonical problem of pulsed field diffraction by a perfectly conducting wedge is analyzed via the spectral theory of transients (STT). In this approach the field is expressed directly in the time domain as a spectral integral of pulsed plane waves. Closed-form expressions are obtained by analytic evaluation of this integral, thereby explaining explicitly in the time domain how spectral contributions add up to construct the field. For impulsive excitation the final results are identical with those obtained previously via time-harmonic spectral integral techniques. Via the STT, the authors also derive new solutions for a finite (i.e., nonimpulsive) incident pulse. Approximate uniform diffraction functions are derived to explain the field structure near the wavefront and in various transition zones. They are the time-domain counterparts of the diffraction coefficients of the geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) and the uniform theory of diffraction (UTD). An important feature of the STT technique is that it can-be extended to solve the problem of wedge diffraction of pulsed beam fields (i.e., space-time wavepackets). >


This study aims to analyze the career interests of junior high school students in the city of Gresik. Data collection used career interest instruments based on Holland's career theory (RIASEC) which was then developed by researchers. This research uses descriptive quantitative research. Sampling used random sampling of 476 students in SMPN Gresik city area (Sunan Giri Gresik Middle School with 88 students, Gresik 2nd Middle School with 298 students, and Gresik 15th Middle School with 90 students). The research instrument was tested for the validation and reliability of Cronbach's alpha. The results showed that the career personality type of junior high school students in Gresik district was the highest, namely the social career personality type, which was 32.8%. Next, namely the career personality type towards the conventional type as much as 18.7%. As many as 14.9% of junior high school students in Gresik district have a realistic career personality type. As many as 11.1% of junior high school students in Gresik district have the investigative career personality type. 12% of junior high school students in Gresik Regency and 10.5% of students have artistic career personality types.


This is the first issue in which page numbers and volume numbers are being assigned to papers as they arrive and are posted on IEEE Xplore before publication. We hope and expect that having accepted papers pre-posted and fully citable will allow more people to use and acknowledge the results of your research. As you know, our volume of papers being published is significantly larger this year as we have taken care of our backlogged papers. We expect to take advantage of electronic publishing to keep very close track of the number of needed pages to maintain a minimal time to publication. There is a way that authors can help reduce the time to publication. The inclusion of a careful literature survey which discusses the most recent relevant work to that being presented, and experimental comparisons to such work where feasible, will significantly ease the job of the referee in evaluating the paper. There are many times when the first round of review consists mostly of referees suggesting relevant work which the work in the submitted paper needs to be evaluated against or clearly differentiated from. Without this information it is often not possible for a complete evaluation of the paper to be done and the truly necessary revisions pointed out. Of course, it is necessary to show that the work is new and significant and comparisons and differentiation from the most relevant recent work is the clearest way to show this.


: Gastroesophageal candidiasis in association with ulceration was diagnosed in 5 foals in which signs of colic had been nonresponsive to medical treatment. The ulceration was found in the stomach of all foals and in the esophagus of 1 foal. Candida colonized hyperkeratotic mucosa surrounding the ulcers, and the associated inflammation resulted in splitting of the mucosal epithelium. Loss of the superficial mucosa may have allowed invasion by bacteria, leading to ulceration.


Despite warnings of interstate conflict over shared water resources, states are reaching hundreds of treaties and agreements over their international rivers. We have extensive knowledge about the negotiations process of individual treaties, but there is a paucity of systematic analysis of the forces influencing treaty formation. In addition, the few quantitative studies examining the formation of agreements fail to consider the different factors influencing the rise of bilateral versus multilateral agreements on multilateral basins. Correcting this omission is important because scholars have discovered that states frequently sign bilateral agreements over multilateral rivers, which contradicts the integrated river basin management approach advocated by environmentalists, engineers, and water experts. This study seeks to fill this vacuum within the existing literature by distinguishing between the formation of bilateral treaties on bilateral and multilateral basins and comparing these bilateral forms of cooperation to the formation of multilateral treaties on multilateral basins. Through quantitative analysis, we argue that treaty type is a by-product of state interest, transaction costs, and distribution of power.


We developed a continuous lateral sciatic nerve infusion technique for postoperative analgesia. Methods: A 10-cm insulated Tuohy needle connected to a nerve stimulator was introduced posteriorly between the biceps femoris and vastus lateralis groove 10 cm cephalad from the tip of the patella. After proper positioning of the insulated needle, a 20-gauge catheter was placed in proximity to the sciatic nerve. Results: Continuous lateral sciatic infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was associated with a significant reduction of morphine consumption by 29% and 62% during postoperative days one and two, respectively, in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the ankle. Conclusion: Continuous lateral sciatic infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine represents an alternative for acute postoperative pain control after major ankle and foot surgery.


The improvement in information technology has been increased day by day along withmore requests for making life easier, more efficient, and secure. The transition ofinformation system of CV. X from manual's system to a computerize will help the datamanagement in CV. X. This application made for integrating data and help the owner tofind an order's information with the use of EOQ (Economic Order Quantity) through SMSGateway, so that the information directly known by the owner. With EOQ, we can also findhow much an order that must be in order, how many times for an order in one period, danthe optimal's cost of an order. The report that made with an observation's method daninterview's technique to find out more about the requirement of this application, is hopecan give the answer of all the questions that have not been answered and can be areference for other application. Keywords : data management, EOQ, SMS Gateway, observation, and interview.


Organophosphorous pesticides (OPPs) including dichlorvos, diazinon, malathion, phenamiphos and chlorpyrifos, in water samples were extracted by pneumatic nebulization single-drop microextraction (PN-SDME) and then determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Experimental parameters affecting the performances of PN-SDME, such as flow rate of carrier gas, extraction time and microdrop volume, were examined and optimized. The limits of detection for the analytes were in the range of 0.0014-0.0019 μg/mL. The linear range was 0.0050-0.50 μg/mL, except dichlorvos (0.0070-0.50 μg/mL). Water samples were analyzed and the recoveries of the analytes in the spiked water samples were from 75.2 to 105.3%. The relative standard deviations were lower than 12.7%.


This paper presents results from the practical implementation of a specimen tracking controller for the transverse dynamic force microscope (TDFM). Uniquely, in the TDFM, the scanning cantilever is vertically oriented. It can be controlled in the vertical direction by piezo-actuation and the cantilever tip is excited in the horizontal direction at the resonance frequency of the cantilever beam. Once the cantilever tip approaches and interacts with a thin ordered water-layer usually found on any specimen at ambient conditions, the cantilever excitation amplitude changes. The extent of the changes depends on the vertical distance from the specimen surface, i.e. the amplitude level allows the detection of the distance between the cantilever-tip and the sample-substrate. Applying this relative height characteristic, a controller has been designed and implemented. This is based on a specially introduced amplitude detection scheme, a subsequent frequency-response-based system identification, and a resulting controller design. The practical issues in developing this detection and control system are discussed. Experimental results prove that the presented relative height control method for specimen tracking is feasible and reliable.


Women's Liberation in Australia and elsewhere created feminist readers and writers. Consciousness-raising and reading and writing were intimately linked. Within the women's movement, journals, magazines and newspapers were launched, small presses inaugurated and writing and reading groups formed. Subscription lists charted the explosion in new titles by, for and about women, and feminist bookshops stocked them. Women's writers' festivals, poetry readings and book launches were opportunities to find and promote new work, and to meet other feminists. Some women writers from the past were rediscovered and many contemporary female writers were championed. One of the most successful writers to emerge on the Australian literary scene in the 1970s - Helen Garner, whose debut novel Monkey Grip (1977) won the National Book Council's Book of the Year award in 1978 - directly linked her ascendency to feminism. A specifically feminist literary criticism began to develop. More generally, feminism also helped to expand the market for women's writing, so much so that by the 1980s major publishers were developing lists of women's fiction and/ or subsuming feminist presses into their operations.One of the net effects of all of this activity was that within and outside of the women's movement, 'women's writing' and 'feminism' were increasingly and variously conflated and separated. This article historicises and analyses these processes and moments of connection and disconnection, or intimacy and estrangement. In the present cultural moment, where the need for a woman's only literary prize, called the Stella Prize, after Miles Franklin's first name, and awarded for the first time in April 2013 to novelist Carrie Tiffany, is easily justified on a number of fronts - ranging from a lack of parity in books reviewed and book reviewers to an enduring set of problematic assumptions about what constitutes 'women's writing' - it is worth revisiting the 1970s and 1980s as a formative era in which feminism was a crucial contributing factor to, and context for, a more diverse Australian literature in which female writers were integral and numerous. Yet, as the Stella Prize also reminds us, feminist politics and activity continues in the service of 'women's writing', and also in conflict with it. If feminists were the first and most eager champions of 'women's writing' in the 1970s, they were also at the vanguard of critical interrogations of the same field.It is also hoped that this short, episodic history of Australian feminism's engagement with 'women's writing' will provide further evidence of a multiplicity of feminisms within the women's movement, evident from the first instance of Women's Liberation. These have been categorised into reformist and radical, institutionalised and grass-roots strands, though these divisions are perhaps too neat. Ann Genovese's description of a 'strange mix of liberal/ socialist/libertarian feminists' who by the 1980s began to be distinguished from a radical lesbian feminism offers a more evocative account of the shifting terrain (1996 142).In the roughly twenty period traversed in this article - dated from the beginnings of Women's Liberation in Australia in the early 1970s to the end of the 1980s, the so-called 'Woman's Decade' in Australian literature and publishing - I will trace a number of ways and contexts in which the place of 'women's writing' within feminism, and feminism within 'women's writing' was discussed and debated. Firstly, I begin with the women's movement itself, where 'women's writing' - sometimes used interchangeably or in crucial distinction from 'feminist writing' - was part of a broader 'culture renaissance' (Magarey) that emerged from within second wave feminism in Australia and elsewhere. For the majority of women in the women's movement, reading and/ or writing were part of a broader commitment to feminism, and one of any number of activities that made up their political and cultural engagement and activism. …


We have developed a specific radioimmunoassay for N-acetylserotonin. Cross-reactivity of 23 related or selected compounds is less than 1 percent; sensitivity is 10 to 25 picograms per tube; within assay coefficient of variation is 7.5 to 8.4%; and between assay coefficient of variation is from 7.1 to 11.1%. Satisfactory parallelism has been demonstrated for rat, hamster and rabbit serum, rat and hamster serum extract and rat brain retina and pineal extract. An extracted sample of rat serum gave one peak on HPLC which corresponded to authentic N-acetylserotonin. Daytime levels of N-acetylserotonin have been established for each of the tissues studied. This radioimmunoassay provides a sensitive and specific method for determination of N-acetylserotonin levels in biological tissues.


We have investigated super high definition (SHD) images supporting resolutions beyond 2048/spl times/2048 pixels/frame with 24-bit color separation at 60 frames/s for many professional applications of multimedia communications. However, 6 Gbps is needed to transmit moving SHD image sequences without any compression. This paper expands the MPEG2 standard from main profile at high level (MP@HL) to main profile at super high level (MP@SHL) to transmit SHD images via B-ISDN networks. The transmission of MPEG2 compressed SHD images over ATM networks is simulated. The strong burstiness of compressed SHD images is clarified and the transmission characteristics of these images over 155 Mbps and 600 Mbps ATM lines are determined.


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abstract:The centralization of conflict resolution and the administration of justice, two crucial elements of state formation, are often ignored by the state-building literature. This article studies the monopolization of justice administration, using the historical example of the General Indian Court (gic) of colonial Mexico. The author argues that this court's development and decision-making process can show us how the rule of law develops in highly authoritarian contexts. Centralized courts could be used strategically to solve an agency problem, limiting local elites' power and monitoring state agents. To curb these actors' power, the Spanish Crown allowed the indigenous population to raise claims and access property rights. But this access remained limited and subject to the Crown's strategic considerations. The author's theory predicts that a favorable ruling for the indigenous population was more likely in cases that threatened to increase local elites' power. This article shows the conditions under which the rule of law can emerge in a context where a powerful ruler is interested in imposing limits on local powers—and on their potential predation of the general population. It also highlights the endogenous factors behind the creation of colonial institutions and the importance of judicial systems in colonial governance.


Combining anterior and posterior curvature variables with pachymetric data obtained from a new SS-OCT (Anterion) allows automated detection of early keratoconus and keratoconus with very good accuracy. Purpose: To combine objective machine-derived corneal parameters obtained with new swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) tomographer (Anterion) to differentiate between normal (N), keratoconus (KC) and forme fruste KC (FFKC). Setting: Laser Center, Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: 281 eyes of 281 patients were included and divided into 3 groups: N (n = 156), FFKC (n = 43), and KC (n = 82). Eyes were included in each group based on objective evaluation using Nidek Corneal Navigator, and subjective evaluation by authors. The SS-OCT system provided anterior and posterior corneal surface and pachymetry derived variables. The training set was composed of 143 eyes (95 N, 43 FFKC). Discriminant analysis was used to determine the group of an observation based on a set of variables. The obtained formula was tested in the validation set composed of 61 N and 82 KC. Results: Among curvature parameters, the FFKC had significantly higher irregularity index at 3 mm and 5 mm, higher inferior-superior index, higher SteepK-OppositeK index and inferiorly decentered posterior steepest keratometry. Among thickness parameters: central pachymetry, thinnest pachymetry, percentage of thickness increase from center to periphery, and inferior decentration of the thinnest point were statistically different between groups. Combination of multiple variables into a discriminant function (F1) included 5 parameters and reached an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.95 (sensitivity = 75%, specificity = 98.5%) for detection of FFKC. F1 differentiates N from KC with AUROC = 0.99 (sensitivity = 99%, specificity = 99%). Conclusions: Combining anterior and posterior curvatures variables along with pachymetric data obtained from SS-OCT allowed automated detection of early KC and KC with very good accuracy (87% and 99.5% respectively).