We used pupil-level data from the National Pupil Database in England to conduct a longitudinal analysis of the identification of moderate learning difficulties (MLD) and social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH) among 550,000 pupils ages 5 to 11 years. Survival analysis was used to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) for time to first identification, controlling for prior attainment and social-emotional development at age 5 as well as socioeconomic variables. For MLD, the overrepresentation of Black Caribbean and Pakistani pupils compared with White British pupils was eliminated following age 5 controls, and the predominant picture was of ethnic-minority underrepresentation. For SEMH, Black Caribbean and mixed White and Black Caribbean (MWBC) pupils continued to be overrepresented even after age 5 controls (HR = 1.36 and 1.44, respectively), although this was not true for the larger group of Black African pupils, who were underrepresented in the adjusted analyses (HR = 0.62), as were most other ethnic-minority groups. The results indicate most ethnic-minority groups are underrepresented for special educational needs after adjusting for pupil characteristics on entry to school, though this varies by ethnic group and type of need.


The host defense derived peptide was assessed in different model systems with increasing complexity employing the highly aggressive NRAS mutated melanoma metastases cell line MUG-Mel2. Amongst others, fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy, as well as cell death studies were applied for liposomal, 2D and 3D in vitro models including tumor spheroids without or within skin models and in vivo mouse xenografts. Summarized, MUG-Mel2 cells were shown to significantly expose the negatively charged lipid phosphatidylserine on their plasma membranes, showing they are successfully targeted by RDP22. The peptide was able to induce cell death in MUG-Mel2 2D and 3D cultures, where it was able to kill tumor cells even inside the core of tumor spheroids or inside a melanoma organotypic model. In vitro studies indicated cell death by apoptosis upon peptide treatment with an LC50 of 8.5 µM and seven-fold specificity for the melanoma cell line MUG-Mel2 over normal dermal fibroblasts. In vivo studies in mice xenografts revealed effective tumor regression upon intratumoral peptide injection, indicated by the strong clearance of pigmented tumor cells and tremendous reduction in tumor size and proliferation, which was determined histologically. The peptide RDP22 has clearly shown high potential against the melanoma cell line MUG-Mel2 in vitro and in vivo.


The present study features the development of new risk categories and recidivism estimates for the Violence Risk Scale (VRS), a violence risk assessment and treatment planning tool. We employed a combined North American multisite sample (k = 6, N = 1,338) of adult mostly male offenders, many with violent criminal histories, from correctional or forensic mental health settings that had complete VRS scores from archival or field ratings and outcome data from police records (N = 1,100). There were two key objectives: (a) to identify the rates of violent recidivism associated with VRS scores and (b) to generate updated evidence-based VRS violence risk categories with external validation. To achieve the first objective, logistic regression was applied using VRS pretreatment and change scores on treated samples with a minimum 5-year follow-up (k = 5, N = 472) to model 2-, 3-, and 5-year violent and general recidivism estimates, with the resulting logistic regression algorithms retained to generate a VRS recidivism rates calculator. To achieve the second objective, the Council of State Governments' guidelines were applied to generate five risk levels using the common language framework using percentiles, risk ratios (from Cox regression), and absolute violent and general recidivism estimates (from logistic regression). Construct validity of the five risk levels was examined through group comparisons on measures of risk, need, protection, and psychopathy obtained from the constituent samples. VRS applications to enhance risk communication, treatment planning, and violence prevention in light of the updated recidivism estimates and risk categories are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).


Pharmaceutical industry often generates highly toxic wastewater and sludge depending upon the used manufacturing process and season. The high BOD to COD ratio of this particular wastewater makes biological treatment difficult. Hence chemical treatment proves to be a useful option. Fenton's reagent is used in the treatment of pharmaceutical industry wastewater in this study. The ferrous and hydrogen peroxide were used in the molar ratio of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3. Ferrous was added in the form of ferrous sulphate. A reaction time of one hour was provided. A magnetic stirrer was used for mixing the Fenton's reagent and the wastewater sample. Different doses of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous sulphate was added as per the ratio decided. 82% reduction of COD was observed at 3267 mg/L of ferrous sulphate and 800 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide for 1:1 ratio. For a ratio of 1:2 an efficiency of 85% COD reduction was observed at doses of 3675 mg/L of ferrous sulphate and 900 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide. For ratio of 1:3 the maximum reduction of COD was observed in doses of 2450 mg/L of ferrous sulphate and 900 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide. Based on these dosages the removal of other parameters of wastewater like phenol, heavy metals, total phosphates, total dissolved solids and ammonia nitrogen were analyzed. The ferrous sludge generated has good settling characteristics and has potential for recovery of iron.


Low-frequency power oscillation issues are both serious in Yunnan power grid and Southern China power grid, the two ldquowest to eastrdquo complex and long chain configuration networks. Based on the significant data provided by the real-time monitoring system in Yunnan power grid, low-frequency issue is analyzed by Prony method, frequency, amplitude, angle and the damping ratio of system are obtained. Analysis results provide suggestions to establish restraining measures for low frequency oscillation and operation control strategy to restrain low-frequency oscillation.


This paper presents a wideband I/Q upconverter and an I/Q downconverter for the 5 GHz band, which are integrated with a programmable 5 GHz phase-locked loop for I/Q generation. The quadrature signals are derived from a 10 GHz CMOS VCO followed by a bipolar frequency divider. The image rejection of the upconverter is as low as -38 dBc for an input frequency of 100 MHz. Phase noise at 1 MHz at the upconverter output is below -112 dBc/Hz. The two chips were produced in a 0.25 mum SiGe BiCMOS technology. They will be part of an integrated heterodyne 60 GHz wideband transceiver with 1 Gbit/s data rate


We consider the problem of sequential decision making on random fields corrupted by Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). In particular, we first consider the problem of sequentially filtering an AWGN-corrupted random field. In this scenario, the sequential filter may be given the freedom to choose the path over which it traverses the random field (e.g., noisy image), thus it is natural to ask what is the best achievable performance and how far is the performance of widely used scanning methods from the optimum. We formally define the problem of scanning and filtering, derive a bound on the best achievable performance and quantify the excess loss occurring when non-optimal scanners are used, compared to optimal scanning and filtering. We then discuss the problem of sequential scanning and prediction of noisy random fields. This setting is a natural model for applications such as restoration and coding of noisy images. In this scenario, using predictive coding methods on the noisy image results in both enhancement and compression of the input image, as one expects that the prediction error consists mainly of the noise signal. We formally define the problem of sequential prediction in a noisy array and compute the optimal performance in terms of the clean scandictability defined by Merhav and Weissman.


Abstract
Here we analyse nadir data from both the UVIS and LNO channels of the NOMAD spectrometer [1], onboard ExoMars/TGO, to obtain information about Martian dust densities and grains sizes. The combined dataset is analyzed with the MITRA radiative transfer tool [2,3,4]. The method is validated on a NOMAD orbit registered during the 2018 global dust storm to assess its most critical issues and is currently being extended to the whole available spatially and temporally coincident UVIS and LNO nadir data.
Introduction
The investigation of the presence and distribution of trace gases on Mars is fundamental to understand the atmosphere past evolution and provides insights on the research of biotic activities. Recent studies focused on the 2018 global-scale dust event as observed from the TGO instruments demonstrate that Martian dust can affect the abundance and distribution of atmospheric trace gases [5,6,15], making it a driver for their evolution. Suspended dust on Mars drives the planet’s thermal structure and climate [7], heating the lower atmosphere through absorption in the VIS-NIR spectral range [8] and efficiently radiating heat to space through IR emission [9,10,8,11]. These heating and cooling mechanisms affect the water-ice clouds formation, strengthen the mean meridional circulation and can drive deep localized convection, leading to variations and redistributions of water vapour abundances [6,15]. For the above reasons, the understanding of dust properties is mandatory in order to correctly investigate the vertical distribution of Martian trace gases.
Observations
The NOMAD spectrometer operates with three channels in the ultraviolet/visible spectral range (UVIS channel) and in the infrared (LNO and SO channels) in nadir, limb and solar occultation geometries. Although the instrument has been mainly conceived to study the trace gases in the atmosphere of the red planet, it can also provide valuable information regarding the properties of Martian dust. In this regard, in this work we use the UVIS and LNO channels nadir data to construct a dataset of spatially and temporally coincident data to study the microphysical properties of Martian dust.
Method
The UVIS spectral range alone (0.20–0.65 μm) does not allow to disentangle with high precision the information related to the dust density from that of dust grains sizes. The use of both the ultraviolet/visible and infrared ranges together is mandatory in order to obtain these properties. Indeed, we show that while the order of magnitude of the dust optical depth can be inferred from the UVIS data alone, dust grains sizes can be retrieved only by studying how the observed spectra bend between visual and near infrared wavelengths. For the purpose of the analysis presented here we use only LNO orders covering the wavelength range 2.20-2.65 μm, which is approximately free from gaseous absorption and, hence, it is suitable to investigate dust properties. We use the MITRA radiative transfer model and inversion algorithm to retrieve dust densities and grain sizes. We take the temperature-pressure profiles from the Mars Climate Database (MCD, [12]) and  use the dust optical constants from [13]. The procedure followed to derive the surface albedo spectra, needed in the forward model, is based on the SAS method [14] applied to the OMEGA dataset.  For this reason, we use UVIS data only down to 0.4 μm to avoid extrapolating the information of the surface albedo at wavelengths shorter than OMEGA lower spectral limit. This method is tested and validated on a NOMAD observation acquired on the 8th of June 2018 during a global dust storm and is now being extended to all spatially and temporally coincident observations of UVIS and LNO channels. If no coincident LNO observations are available for a certain UVIS orbit, we apply the MITRA tool to the UVIS spectral range alone to obtain the dust integrated optical depth.
Summary
The presented method allows to study the properties of Martian dust obtaining information on grains densities and sizes whenever temporally and spatially coincident UVIS and LNO observations are available. When this is not possible, the analysis is performed on the UVIS data alone to obtain the dust integrated optical depth. Through the application of this method to the whole NOMAD dataset we aim to produce a set of dust properties associated to each observation with a precision that is only achievable by exploiting the combined UVIS and LNO spectral ranges.
Acknowledgements
ExoMars is a space mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos. The NOMAD experiment is led by the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (IASB-BIRA), assisted by Co-PI teams from Spain (IAA-CSIC), Italy (INAF-IAPS), and the United Kingdom (Open University). This project acknowledges funding by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO), with the financial and contractual coordination by the ESA Prodex Office (PEA 4000103401, 4000121493), by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIU) and by European funds under grants PGC2018-101836-B-I00 and ESP2017-87143-R (MINECO/FEDER), as well as by UK Space Agency through grants ST/R005761/1, ST/P001262/1, ST/R001405/1 and ST/R001405/1 and Italian Space Agency through grant 2018-2-HH.0. This work was supported by the Belgian Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique – FNRS under grant number 30442502 (ET_HOME). The IAA/CSIC team acknowledges financial support from the State Agency for Research of the Spanish MCIU through the ‘Center of Excellence Severo Ochoa’ award for the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (SEV-2017-0709). US investigators were supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Canadian investigators were supported by the Canadian Space Agency.
References:[1]Neefs, E., et al, 2015. Appl. Opt. 54, 28, 8494-8520.[2]Oliva, F., et al, 2016. Icarus 278, 215-237.[3]Sindoni, G., et al, 2013. EPSC2013.[4]Oliva, F., et al, 2018. Icarus 300, 1-11.[5]Daerden, F., et al, 2019. Icarus 326, 197-224.[6]Vandaele, A.C., et al, 2019. Nature 568, 521-525.[7]Kahre, M.A., et al, 2008. Icarus 195, 576-597.[8]Korablev, O. ,et al, 2005. Adv. Space Res. 35, 21–30.[9]Gierasch, P.G., Goody, R.M., 1972. J. Atmos. Sci. 29, 400–402.[10]Pollack, J.,et al, 1979. J. Geophys. Res. 84, 2929–2945.[11]Määttänen, A., et al, 2009. Icarus 201, 504-516.[12]Millour, E., et al, 2015. EPSC2015.[13]Wolff, M.J., et al, 2009. J. Geophys. Res., 114, E9.[14]Geminale, A., et al, 2015. Icarus 253, 51-65.[15]Aoki, S., et al. 2019. J. Geophys. Res.: Planets,124, 3482-3497.


Cement blending with mineral admixtures, especially with by-product or waste product powder, can effectively reduce consumption of cement and promote the ecology. Recently, an innovative concept was proposed to replace of "coarse" cement grains by the inert fillers for sustainable cement in the low w/c concrete cement. As a basic mechanism, particle packing plays an important role in such replacement or blending. In the first part of study, the paper discusses the particle packing aspect of cement grains, limestone filler (LF) and LF blended cement. The new developed wet packing method and a dry packing method are proposed for the evaluation purpose. Particle size distributions (PSDs) and particle shape of different powders are firstly characterized by an advanced image analysis system. The paper presents results of packing tests with the influences of PSD, particle shape, cement type, vibration, mixing, superplasticizer (SP), blending proportions, etc. The advantages and limitations of two packing methods are also discussed in this paper.


Success in breeding crops for yield and other quantitative traits depends on the use of methods to evaluate genotypes accurately under field conditions. Although many screening criteria have been suggested to distinguish between genotypes for their salt tolerance under controlled environmental conditions, there is a need to test these criteria in the field. In this study, the salt tolerance, ion concentrations, and accumulation of compatible solutes of genotypes of barley with a range of putative salt tolerance were investigated using three growing conditions (hydroponics, soil in pots, and natural saline field). Initially, 60 genotypes of barley were screened for their salt tolerance and uptake of Na+, Cl–, and K+ at 150 mM NaCl and, based on this, a subset of 15 genotypes was selected for testing in pots and in the field. Expression of salt tolerance in saline solution culture was not a reliable indicator of the differences in salt tolerance between barley plants that were evident in saline soil-based comparisons. Significant correlations were observed in the rankings of genotypes on the basis of their grain yield production at a moderately saline field site and their relative shoot growth in pots at ECe 7.2 [Spearman's rank correlation (rs)=0.79] and ECe 15.3 (rs=0.82) and the crucial parameter of leaf Na+ (rs=0.72) and Cl– (rs=0.82) concentrations at ECe 7.2 dS m−1. This work has established screening procedures that correlated well with grain yield at sites with moderate levels of soil salinity. This study also showed that both salt exclusion and osmotic tolerance are involved in salt tolerance and that the relative importance of these traits may differ with the severity of the salt stress. In soil, ion exclusion tended to be more important at low to moderate levels of stress but osmotic stress became more important at higher stress levels. Salt exclusion coupled with a synthesis of organic solutes were shown to be important components of salt tolerance in the tolerant genotypes and further field tests of these plants under stress conditions will help to verify their potential utility in crop-improvement programmes.


The study of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is of great interest in pharmaceutical research, but only a few of their 3D structures are known at present. On the contrary, their amino acid sequences are known and accessible. Sequence analysis can provide new insight on GPCR function. Here, we use a kernel-based statistical machine learning model for the visual exploration of GPCR functional groups from their sequences. This is based on the rich information provided by the model regarding the probability of each sequence belonging to a certain receptor group.


The physiological significance of the node of Ranvier is now well known. The histological delineation of its length, however, still remains uncertain. Should it be identified as the gap between the myelin sheaths, or the whole part of the narrowed axon? The present analysis, which makes use of the transmission-line theory, shows that both the length and the diameter of the node are definitely related to the fiber diameter, even though these relations are not linear ones. Theoretical curves are constructed, which are expected to fit with the histological measurements pertaining to the effective structure of the node.


This study of the dynamic performance of multitrailer articulated vehicles has led to the development of guidelines for the design of innovative dollies that will improve the roll stability and trailing fidelity of doubles combinations. The major effort of this project involved identification, analysis, and further development of innovative dolly and trailer hitching hardware showing potential for the reduction of rearward amplification and prevention of rollover of the second trailer. Specifically, the project (1) reviewed the current state of the art in innovative coupling mechanisms, (2) performed a parametric sensitivity study, based on computer simulation techniques, on combination vehicles using existing and proposed coupling mechanisms, and incorporating various combinations of 96- and 102-in-width hardware, (3) developed a new type of dolly believed to provide superior safety performance, (4) conducted full-scale tests of combination vehicles using various dollies, including a prototype of the new dolly, and (5) examined the potential safety and economic impacts of the use of innovative dolly hardware.


Molecularly imprinted plasmonic nanosensors are robust devices capable of selective target interaction, and in some cases reaction catalysis. Recent advances in control of nanoscale structure have opened the door for development of a wide range of chemosensors for environmental monitoring. The soaring rate of environmental pollution through human activities and its negative impact on the ecosystem demands an urgent interest in developing rapid and efficient techniques that can easily be deployed for in-field assessment and environmental monitoring purposes. Organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) play a significant role for agricultural use; however, they also present environmental threats to human health due to their chemical toxicity. Plasmonic sensors are thus vital analytical detection tools that have been explored for many environmental applications and OPP detection due to their excellent properties such as high sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid recognition capability. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have also significantly been recognized as a highly efficient, low-cost, and sensitive synthetic sensing technique that has been adopted for environmental monitoring of a wide array of environmental contaminants, specifically for very small molecule detection. In this review, the general concept of MIPs and their synthesis, a summary of OPPs and environmental pollution, plasmonic sensing with MIPs, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) MIP sensors, and nanomaterial-based sensors for environmental monitoring applications and OPP detection have been elucidated according to the recent literature. In addition, a conclusion and future perspectives section at the end summarizes the scope of molecularly imprinted plasmonic sensors for environmental applications.


A study was performed on the application of thrombolytic agents during the first hours of the onset and diagnosis of a myocardial infarction with the aim of recovering coronary reperfusion and preserving the cardiac muscle. The therapeutic use of the Cuban recombinant streptokinase (Heberkinase) is analyzed in this paper. This is the fourth investigation conducted about streptokinase and its application in patients with a myocardial infarction.


The original patient-derived xenografts (PDX) was developed in Rygaard9s laboratory (Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand 77: 758-760, 1969), who was the first to use nude mice for cancer research, in this case implanting human patient tumors subcutaneously. A number of other laboratories around the world followed with their own subcutaneous nude mouse models of patient tumors as well as cancer cell lines in nude mice. Two decades ago, our laboratory developed the first orthotopic patient tumor models in nude mice for colon cancer (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 88: 9345-9349, 1991), pancreatic cancer (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 89: 5645-5649, 1992), for ovarian cancer (Anticancer Research 13, 283-286, 1993) and for breast cancer (Anticancer Res. 13, 901 904, 1993). These were major advancements since this was the first time metastasis could occur in PDX since the patent tumors were implanted orthotopically. We have termed these models patient-derived orthotopic xenografts (PDOX™). We have now developed technology to make the orthotopic patient tumor models genetically fluorescent by passaging patient tumors through transgenic mice ubiquitously expressing fluorescent proteins (J Cell Biol 113, 2290-2295, 2012) in order to label the PDOX™ stroma. The labeled stroma is stable upon passage to non-transgenic mice for rapid screening of effective agents. PDOX™, enable rapid screening of anti-metastatic agents for patients with highly recalcitrant tumors, a major advance in individualized cancer therapy. Citation Format: Robert M. Hoffman. Patient-Derived Fluorescent Orthotopic Xenografts (PDOX™) models for personalized anti-metastatic cancer therapy and drug discovery. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: The Translational Impact of Model Organisms in Cancer; Nov 5-8, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A41.


at King George V Memorial Hospital for Mothers and Babies, Sydney, yielded 44 (3.6070) abnormal results. The patient's obstetrician was notified of these abnormal results early in the third week after the test in every case, and sometimes sooner. Genetic counselling and further consultations were provided promptly usually by the obstetrician alone but occasionally by a trained genetic counsellor. The basic information for such counselling came from the large collaborative studies which were summarized in 1984,and which covered over 210 000 amniocenteses.1.2 In all cases, if termination were elected, a confirmatory specimen was requested actively. The type of abnormality that was detected, the subsequent parental action and the receipt of confirmatory tissue are shown in the Table. Over all, 62070 (26/42) of abnormal pregnancies were terminated. Excluding the familial rearrangements and the two spontaneous abortions, 25 (80.6070) of 31 pregnancies with an unbalanced karyotype were terminated. In four (80070) of the five such pregnancies that continued to term, the abnormalities were of the sex chromosomes, compared with one (5070) of 19 of the autosomal trisomies. Of the terminations, tissue for confirmation of the karyotype was received in 19 (73070) of 26 cases. This information is of interest for three reasons. First, termination of the pregnancy after an abnormal result is not always the final parental choice; over all, 38070 of pregnancies with an abnormal karyotype continued to term. Secondly, confirmatory tissue at termination is not received as a routine. The importance of follow-up must be stressed for all those who are involved in prenatal diagnosis as discrepant results have been reported.•.• In this series, one of 22 cases was not confirmed. Number of cases '(n = 44) Abnormal result


Since the beginning of time, madness has been ascribed to the sacred. This was also the case for the Ancient Greeks. They believed that their anthropomorphic deities were involved in all aspects of life. So they characterized madness as a condition sent by the gods. The connection between madness and the divine powers has also been the theme of Ancient Greek poetry. In Homer's The Iliad, at the fiercest moment of the war, the enraged Hector wears the armor of Patroclus and there enters into him Ares the god of war, his limbs are filled with might. In The Odyssey, when the suitors of Penelope gather for dinner, Athena makes them laugh uncontrollably and then makes them cry. The theme of madness can also be seen in the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. Although insanity still is a divine punishment in those plays, there are other reasons for the madness of tragic heroes and heroines. Feelings of guilt, sense of responsibilty, sadness, shame, honor and arrogance may be mentioned among them. In the Sophoclean tragedy "Aias", Aias goes mad and kills Greek cattle believing that it is the Greeks. After returning to his senses, he kills himself out of shame. In the Euripidean tragedy "Medeia", after Iason's betrayal, Medeia goes mad and takes vengeance on Iason by murdering Glauce, his new wife as well as her own children. Our aim in this study is to examine the notion of madness in the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.


In every case acute hematogenous osteomyelitis is basically composed of two components: ( a ) a general bacterial infection (sepsis, septicemia and bacteremia) and ( b ) a local lesion in the bone tissue. In the treatment of this disease in the early stages the most important item is the general infection. The ultimate outcome, death or recovery, depends entirely on this factor, and the mortality statistics of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in its early stages reflects accurately the mortality of general bacterial infection. When divorced from the general bacterial infection and in the absence of any fatal complications or associated lesions, the mortality of the local osseous lesion is nil. The treatment of a local lesion of the bone is a problem by itself. In the presence of a general bacterial infection, the latter naturally, must be taken into account. In the absence of any demonstrable evidence of a general bacterial infection, the method


Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a major complication after total joint arthroplasty. The most common source of these PJIs is a wound infection immediately after implantation of the artificial joint; however, haematogenous infection is also a common source of PJIs. We describe 3 patients, all suffering from (rheumatoid) arthritis, who presented at the emergency department with a wound on the foot or ankle and a swollen and painful prosthetic knee joint, which was functioning well for a long period of time (6 months to 5 years). All patients had several debridements of their infected total knee arthroplasty with local and systemic antibiotics. Patient outcome was widely diverse: from death to successful treatment. These case descriptions are good examples of the different outcomes from a major complication after a small wound. Care should be taken particularly for wounds around the foot and ankle in patients with a total joint arthroplasty, especially those who also have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or are immunocompromised.


The National Learning Demonstration is conducting an integrated field validation to examine the performance of fuel cell vehicles and their supporting hydrogen infrastructure. NREL has now analyzed data from over four years of the six-year project, including 140 vehicles and 20 refueling stations, resulting in over 346,000 vehicle trips across 1,900,000 miles and over 90,000 kg of hydrogen produced or dispensed. Public analytical results from this project are presented in the form of composite data products (CDPs), which aggregate individual performance to protect the intellectual property and the identity of each company, while still publishing overall status and progress. In the spring of 2009, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published the latest set of CDPs, making a total of 60 individual results and many new analyses publicly available. Highlights from the vehicle results include meeting the 250-mile driving range program milestone with 700-bar hydrogen storage tanks, stacks that have demonstrated almost 2,000 hours without repair, maintenance categorization from the powertrain and fuel cell system, and fuel cell stack usage data on trips/hour and time at various voltage levels. Infrastructure results include well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions calculated using actual fuel economy and production efficiency and a deep-dive into refueling rates. The project is continuing into 2010, with a significant number of vehicles planned for daily use through the end of the project. Results will continue to be published by NREL every six months and a final report is planned at the end of the project.


This study critically examines the different selected sectors of the Nigerian Stock Market transaction profile to study the impact of corporate taxation on company's reserves and dividends in Nigeria covering thirty five (35) companies drawn across seven (7) sectors for a period of 12 years (2000-2011). The variables of interest are: Aggregate Cumulative Total Dividend Payment (ACTDPT) dependent variable, and Aggregate Cumulative Total Cooperate Tax (ACTCPT), Aggregate Cumulative Total Earning per Share (ACTEPS) and Aggregate Cumulative Total Retained Earnings Per Share (ACTRES) independent variables. Ordinary Least Squares Estimation (OLSE), Coefficient of Variability (CV), Granger Causality and Autocorrelation Function/Partial Autocorrelation Function (ACF/PACF) were the different tests from E-view 4.1 and Microfit 4.0 models used to evaluate the sectoral data to determine the comparative impact. The empirical results from the OLS revealed varying degree of directional and magnitude response from ACTCPT, ACTRES, and ACTEPS to the ACTDPT for the seven sectors. The measure of dispersion using coefficient of variability approach shows that by virtual of performance ranking of the sectors, banking has the highest performance of sectors in terms of dividend policy and its impact on corporate taxation on company's reserve in the last decade, followed by the banking, breweries petroleum and marketing, conglomerates, insurance, construction and allied, and food and beverages. The findings from the Granger Causality effect shows that there is no causality effect, no runs relationship, neither short run or long run and it is not significant at all. This implies that the implementation of corporate tax in Nigeria does not affect the payment policy among the various quoted companies under the stock exchange. Findings recommend implementation of ongoing restructuring policy on the sectors performance so as to increase the Aggregate Cumulative Total Cooperate Tax (ACTCPT), Aggregate Cumulative Total Earning Per Share (ACTEPS) and Aggregate Cumulative Total Return Earning Per Share (ACTRES) thereby improving the Aggregate Cumulative Total Dividend Payment Policy (ACTDPT) in Nigeria among the identified non performing sectors. Keywords: Cumulative, Sectors, Performance, CV, Dividend Policy, significant, Cumulative


Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of occlusal equilibration using immediate complete anterior guidance development (ICAGD) technique by Kerstein and Farrell on the subjective symptoms of myofascial pain. This technique is the most advanced verifiable and measurable way of digitally analyzing the occlusion using T-scan technology. The primary objective is to reduce the anterior disclusion time to <0.4 s and the secondary objective is to reduce the signs and symptoms of myofascial pain. Materials and Methods: This study is to assess the reducing effects of subjective symptoms of 100 patients diagnosed as myofascial pain patients treated by ICAGD technique as described by Kerstein and Farrell. The common complaints of the patients were a pain in the masseter and temporal muscles, jaw tiredness in the mornings, night bruxing and difficulty in chewing. In this technique occlusal equilibration involves removal of posterior interferences and establish anterior guidance. The patients were treated over three visits 1-week apart and followed for 3 years with an interval of 3 months for the subsequent visits. A visual analog ordinal scale is used to rate the symptoms. The symptoms reduction occurred for all the patients after the first correction in about 5-10 days. In about a period of 3 years review, no recurrence was seen of the chronic myofascial symptoms. Results: In spite of the chronic nature of the patient′s symptoms, symptom reduction occurred in a week′s time. This was assessed by the results of the ordinal scale values. This agrees with the studies of Kerstein and Farrell. Conclusion: Equilibration of occlusion using digital analysis by T-scan in which force is quantified against time, should be done to establish free functional movements without any interference; otherwise the disturbances in the excursive movements may lead to muscle dysfunction at later years.


There is a need for new models for characterizing dependence in multivariate data. The multivariate Gaussian distribution is routinely used, but cannot characterize nonlinear relationships in the data. Most non-linear extensions tend to be highly complex; for example, involving estimation of a non-linear regression model in latent variables. In this article, we propose a relatively simple class of Ellipsoid-Gaussian multivariate distributions, which are derived by using a Gaussian linear factor model involving latent variables having a von MisesFisher distribution on a unit hyper-sphere. We show that the Ellipsoid-Gaussian distribution can flexibly model curved relationships among variables with lower-dimensional structures. Taking a Bayesian approach, we propose a hybrid of gradient-based geodesic Monte Carlo and adaptive Metropolis for posterior sampling. We derive basic properties and illustrate the utility of the Ellipsoid-Gaussian distribution on a variety of simulated and real data applications.


ABSTRACT This article examines consumer perspectives on match-fixing in esports – professionalized competitive video game play – and the implications of these perspectives for understanding game and gambling integrity. The relationship between match-fixing, game integrity and gambling is a close one, as gambling markets are reliant on strong game integrity, but has not yet been studied in detail in the context of esports. Drawing on extensive qualitative data collected from esports fans around the world, this article examines perceptions of gambling awareness, integrity and esports gambling to assess esports consumers' awareness of and attitudes towards gambling-related match-fixing. Results indicate that esports viewers are not deeply concerned by match-fixing. In addition, spectators typically view gambling as a cause of corruption among competitors, but also understand and accept some elements of the practice. Further, spectators tend to rely on rules to determine their assessment of what is 'wrong', rather than assessments based on ethics, and are often willing to forgive infractions through a range of reasons and justifications. We propose a need for education among esports spectators, extending existing anti-cheating programmes beyond just athletes to include the broader esports community.


Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) displays a wide range of seroiogical diversity. Strains have been reported from various countries that do not react with some of the CTV-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb). We investigated the molecular basis for the emergence of these serotypes of CTV. While CTV-specific MAb MCA13 reacts predominantly with severe strains that cause quick decline and/or stem pitting, 3DF1 is a broad spec trum MAb that reacts with a majority of the CTV strains. To map the antigenic determinants recognized by these MAbs, capsid protein (CP) genes of several serologically and biologically di verse strains from different parts of the world were cloned and sequenced. Sequence comparisons showed that phenylalanine (Phe) at position 124 of the CP was conserved among all the MCA13-reactive strains. This was replaced by a tyrosine (Tyr) in MCA13-nonreactive strains. Sequence comparisons between 3DF1-reactive and nonreactive strains showed that amino acids Aspartic acid (Asp), Lysine, and Phe were conserved at positions 2,13 and 28 in the CPs of all the 3DF1-re active strains, respectively. These were replaced by Glycine, Threonine/Asp, and Tyr in 3DF1-nonreactive strains. The ami-no acid differences in both cases were due to single nucleotide changes in their respective codons. Mutations were intro duced that altered the codons in the cloned CP genes of selected strains and their effect on the reactivity of the two MAbs was evaluated by Western blot analysis. For MCA13, its reactivity dependent on the presence of phenylalanine residue at position 124, for 3DF1, the second amino acid, asp was found to be critical for its reactivity. Our data indicate that point mutations in the CP gene resulting in single amino acid substitutions can result in the loss of a viral epitope. This can drastically alter or eliminate the reactivity of a CTV-specific MAb. This provides the molecular basis for the existence/emergence of new sero types of CTV and indicates the necessity of using a combination of MAbs of differing specificities or a polyclonal antibody for the effective detection of diverse strains of CTV.


The principles of emergency management of the burned hand include early estimate of the depth of injury; prevention of unnecessary post-burn sequelae, such as edema formation and joint stiffness; and measures to ensure prompt healing of the wound. A successful outcome requires correct splinting interspersed with early active motion, control of infection with frequent dressing changes, and early referral to a hand surgeon if the wound cannot be expected to heal by two weeks.


Objective: Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion and a sense of low personal accomplishment. Our aim was to study the prevalence of burnout among all residents of Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB), to increase awareness of burnout among trainers and trainees not only within Oman but also in other countries with similar residency programs. This would help residency directors to increase the performance of their residents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with residents of OMSB involved in 17 training programs from April 2018 to April 2019. The residents were invited to answer a validated burnout questionnaire (Maslach Burnout Inventory). Only exclusion criteria were programs with at least three residents. Results: A total of 343 of 555 residents (61.8% of the total OMSB residents) participated in the study. The response rate was 100% of those who got the survey. The overall burnout rate was 16.6%. From postgraduate years (PGY) 1–5, there was a sudden spike of burnout at PGY 2 and PGY 5 at 17.6% and 25%, respectively. Emergency residents had the highest incidence of burnout at 46.2%. Burnouts among surgical, medical, and diagnostic specialties were 13.9%, 19.0%, and 12.8%, respectively. Chi-squared test showed no significant association between burnout and marital status, gender, or number of children at 0.18, 0.88, and 0.55, respectively. The percentage of residents who reported emotional exhaustion was 61.2%, while the highest percentage of depersonalization was 42.6%. Conclusion: Emergency medicine program burnout is alarming. PGY 2 and 5 show higher burnout. The overall burnout in OMSB is low.


AIM
To investigate the biomechanical comparison of thoracic transpedicular screw trajectories on the sagittal plane.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A three-dimensional, non-linear finite element analysis (FEA) model of T8 through T9 was used. Anatomic trajectory (AT) and Straightforward trajectory (ST) models of the transpedicular screws were used in the intact FEA model. The von-Mises stress and range of motion (ROM) of the transpedicular screws were evaluated.

RESULTS
The difference in ROM between both techniques was negligible. In lateral bending and axial rotation, FEA showed decrease in stress by 25% and 8%, respectively, when pedicle screws were placed using AT.

CONCLUSION
AT decreased the von-Mises stress of the pedicle screws, thereby reducing the rates of screw breakage and fatigue risks. In addition, we believe that AT could protect against screw loosening because the von-Mises stress of the internal fixation was scattered.


Pancreatic and gut peptide hormones are potential mediators of the reduction in dry matter intake (DMI) often observed in lactating dairy cows fed supplemental fat. We investigated the effects of 7-d abomasal infusions of a rapeseed and sunflower oil mixture providing mostly unsaturated long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) on arterial concentration and splanchnic (portal-drained viscera [PDV] and liver) metabolism of insulin, pancreatic (PAN) and gut (GUT) glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amide (GLP-1), and cholecystokinin (CCK) in six cows at 55 (ELAC) and 111 (MLAC) d postpartum. Plasma flow for the PDV and liver were greater in ELAC and increased by oil infusion. Arterial concentrations of insulin and PAN were greater in MLAC, whereas arterial concentrations of GLP-1 and CCK were greater in ELAC. Abomasal oil infusion increased arterial concentration of GUT and GLP-1 but decreased arterial insulin concentration. These differences in peripheral hormone concentration were due largely to changes in their net PDV release and (or) liver removal. In addition, net liver removal of PAN was increased by oil infusion. There was no effect of oil infusion on splanchnic metabolism or arterial concentration of CCK. Lower concentrations of CCK in MLAC were attributable to net liver removal, emphasizing the importance of liver metabolism in determining peripheral concentrations of gut and pancreatic peptide hormones. Results of this study suggest a role for products of proglucagon processing (PAN, GUT, and GLP-1) as mediators of the reduction in DMI caused by postruminal supply of LCFA.


Studies on the Argentine public administration have usually underlined the weakness of Argentine state bureaucracies. On the basis of these assertions, scholars have tended to equate the number of state jobs with cases of patronage. By doing so, they have neglected the crucial issue of the scope of appointments effectively controlled by political parties. This article applies an innovative empirical inquiry to measure the extent of party patronage, assessing where, how deeply, and to what extent parties reach into the Argentine federal state structures. While the results by and large confi rm the widespread notion of the broad scope of political appointments in Argentina, they re- fute the conventional hypothesis of a state thoroughly colonized by parties. Overall, the results suggest that parties' distribution of public jobs in the Argentine federal state is oriented less to mass-style patronage than to gaining effective and broad control over state institutions.


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune mediated inflammatory disease of unknown origin, which is predominantly affecting the joints. Antibodies against citrullinated peptides are a rather specific immunological hallmark of this heterogeneous entity. Furthermore, certain sequences of the third hypervariable region of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR class II major histocompatibility (MHC) molecules, the so called "shared epitope" sequences, appear to promote autoantibody positive types of RA. However, MHC-II molecule and other genetic associations with RA could not be linked to immune responses against specific citrullinated peptides, nor do genetic factors fully explain the origin of RA. Consequently, non-genetic factors must play an important role in the complex interaction of endogenous and exogenous disease factors. Tobacco smoking was the first environmental factor that was associated with onset and severity of RA. Notably, smoking is also an established risk factor for oral diseases. Furthermore, smoking is associated with extra-articular RA manifestations such as interstitial lung disease in anatomical proximity to the airway mucosa, but also with subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules. In the mouth, Porphyromonas gingivalis is a periodontal pathogen with unique citrullinating capacity of foreign microbial antigens as well as candidate RA autoantigens. Although the original hypothesis that this single pathogen is causative for RA remained unproven, epidemiological as well as experimental evidence linking periodontitis (PD) with RA is rapidly accumulating. Other periopathogens such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia were also proposed to play a specific immunodominant role in context of RA. However, demonstration of T cell reactivity against citrullinated, MHC-II presented autoantigens from RA synovium coinciding with immunity against Prevotella copri (Pc.), a gut microbe attracted attention to another mucosal site, the intestine. Pc. was accumulated in the feces of clinically healthy subjects with citrulline directed immune responses and was correlated with RA onset. In conclusion, we retrieved more than one line of evidence for mucosal sites and different microbial taxa to be potentially involved in the development of RA. This review gives an overview of infectious agents and mucosal pathologies, and discusses the current evidence for causality between different exogenous or mucosal factors and systemic inflammation in RA.


Combination of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) with a mixture of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta (IFN-alpha/beta) produce a potentiated antiviral state. The onset of induction of the potentiated antiviral state was observed to be more rapid than the onset of induction of either IFN-gamma or IFN-alpha/beta separately. The onset of viral resistance to combined IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha/beta (25 U/ml each) began after 2 h, compared with 4 h for IFN-alpha/beta (25 U/ml) alone and 8 h for IFN-gamma (25 U/ml) alone. By adding actinomycin D at various times after interferon treatment, this more rapid onset of induction of the potentiated antiviral state was shown to be the result of a more rapid onset of cellular transcription. To determine whether increased concentrations of IFN-alpha/beta acted through a similar mechanism, we performed kinetic experiments with several concentrations of IFN-alpha/beta and with combined preparations of IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha/beta. The findings showed that treatment of cells with the combined interferons and with a high concentration of IFN-alpha/beta resulted in more rapid onset of cellular transcription and more rapid development of the antiviral state. Thus, the cellular response to potentiation appeared to involve perception by the cell of the combined interferons as a higher-than-expected effective concentration of interferon, resulting in more rapid onset of cellular transcription of mRNA for antiviral proteins.


The clinical course of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) with fibrosis is similar to that of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Current research is expected to identify biomarkers effective in predicting the deterioration of lung function in a clinical setting. Our group analyzed the relationships between the following parameters in chronic bird-related HP: patient characteristics, serum markers, lung function, HRCT findings, BALF profiles, and the worsening of lung function. We also analyzed serum levels of CXCL9, CCL17, and Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) as serum markers. Patients showing declines in vital capacity (VC) of over 5% at 6 months after first admission were categorized as the "decline group"; the others were categorized as the "stable group." The serum level of CCL17 and the percentage of BALF macrophages were significantly higher in the decline group compared to the stable group. Serum levels of CXCL9 and CCL17 were significant variables in a multivariate logistic regression analysis of factors associated with VC decline. Patients with a chemokine profile combining lower serum CXCL9 and higher serum CCL17 exhibited significantly larger VC decline in a cluster analysis. Higher serum CCL17 and lower serum CXCL9 were important predictors of worsening lung function in patients with chronic bird-related HP.


A problem of cooperative path-planning is addressed from the perspective of propositional satisfiability in this paper. Two new encodings of the problem as SAT are proposed and evaluated. Together with the existent solution optimization method which locally improves a sub-optimal solution of the problem through SAT solving, one of the new encodings constitute a state-of-the-art method for cooperative path-planning in highly occupied environments.


An arbitrary isobaric surface and the level of non-divergcnce constitute the two levels of the proposrd model. The vorticity equation consistent with the quasi-geostrophic assumptions is applied at two levels. The thermodynamic energy equation for adiabatic motion is applied to the layer hetwecn the two levrls. A parabolic profile for the vertical motion is assumed. The vertical motion is e1imin:itc.d betwrc.11 the vorticity and the thermodynamic energy equations to obtain prognostic equations. The prognostic cqnations are solved by a gcrleralized graphical forecast scheme of successive approximations. Forccast:: and forcJc;tst errors in :I selected mrteorologicd situation are discussed.


Objectives: To evaluate the midterm functional outcomes of patients with isolated operatively treated patella fractures. Design: Prospective cohort and retrospective clinical and radiographic assessment. Setting: A Level I and Level II trauma center. Patients/Participants: Two hundred forty-one patients underwent operative intervention for a displaced patella fracture between 1991 and 2007. After appropriate exclusions, 110 patients met criteria. A total of 40 (36%) patients with isolated, unilateral, operatively treated patella fractures with minimum 1-year follow-up agreed to participate in this study and return for functional testing. Mean follow-up was 6.5 years (range, 1.25–17 years). Intervention: Enrolled patients were treated with one of the following methods: standard tension band with Kirschner wires, tension band through 2 cannulated screws, longitudinal anterior banding with cerclage, or partial patellectomy. Main Outcome Measurements: All enrolled patients were evaluated with the SF-36 and an injury-specific questionnaire (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores) and asked to self-report symptomatic hardware. Patients were also evaluated by physical examination assessing range of motion and Biodex bilateral quadriceps isometric and isokinetic comparisons. Results: The mean normalized SF-36 physical composite score and the mean normalized Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores subscale scores (pain, 71.7; symptoms, 66.3; activities of daily living, 75.1; sport/recreation, 45.2; quality of life, 49.6) were statistically different (P < 0.05) from reference population norms. Removal of symptomatic fixation was required in 52% of the patients treated with osteosynthesis, whereas 38% of those with retained fixation self-reported implant-related pain at least some of the time. Eight patients (20%) had an extensor lag greater than 5°. A restricted range of flexion of greater than 5° was noted in 15 patients (38%) and restricted range of extension of greater than 5° was noted in 6 patients (15%). Biodex dynamometric testing revealed a mean isometric extension deficit of 26% between the uninvolved and involved sides for peak torque. Extension power was also tested with an angular velocity of 90°/sec and 180°/sec and mean deficits of 31% and 29% were noted, respectively, when compared with the contralateral extremity. Conclusions: At a mean of 6.5 years after operative treatment for patella fractures, significant symptomatic complaints and functional deficits persist based on validated outcome measures as well as objective physical evaluations. This study fills a void in the literature regarding the functional outcomes of these patients. It also underscores the complexity associated with treating this common fracture and should help guide surgeons to better counsel patients on the expected long-term function after operative treatment of patella fractures. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.


Projects undertaken on the biological control of insect pests in Bermuda since the first introduction of Bufo marinus in 1875 and including those still in progress are discussed. Work on 15 pests or groups of pests has been undertaken involving the introduction of over one hundred species of beneficial organisms. Icerya purchasi Mask. is considered to be under excellent control as a result of the introduction of the Coccinellid, Rodolia cardinalis (Muls.), and the fly, Cryptochetum iceryae (Will.). Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targ.), a serious pest of oleanders, was brought under control about 1922 by the introduction of Aphytis diaspidis (How.). However, in recent years heavy infestations have periodically developed. In addition to A. diaspidis , the Aphelinids, Aspidiotiphagus citrinus (Craw) and A. lounsburyi (Berl. & Paoli), the Coccinellids, Lindorus lophanthae (Blaisd.) and Chilocorus cacti (L.), and the Nitidulid, Cybocephalus sp., now attack it. Comstockiella sabalis (Comst.) at one time causing severe injury to the endemic palm, Sabal bermudiana , was brought under control by the introduction of Physcus sp. Bracon gelechiae Ashm. has been established on the potato tuber moth, Gnorimoschema operculella (Zell.), but satisfactory control has not resulted. Two cedar scales, Carulaspis minima (Targ.) and Lepidosaphes newsteadi (Sulc), have decimated the stands of Juniperus bermudiana despite an extensive programme of biological control. C. minima , which proved to be the more serious, is attacked by the Aphelinids, Prospaltella sp., Aspidiotiphagus lounsburyi, A. citrinus , probably introduced with the scale, and the Coccinellids, Lindorus lophanthae and Microweisia suturalis (Schwarz), which were liberated in large numbers. The predacious mite, Hemisarcoptes malus (Shimer), and the fungus, Myiophagus ucrainica , were established on Lepidosaphes newsteadi which for unknown causes became very scarce. Damage by Calpodes ethlius (Cram.), a pest of ornamental cannas, is less serious since the introduction of Ooencyrtus sp. and Trichogramma sp. Several parasites were liberated to control various species of mealybugs. Pseudococcus adonidum (L.), serious on a number of ornamentals, is under satisfactory control as the result of the establishment of the Encyrtids, Tetracnemus peregrinus Comp. and Anagyrus fusciventris (Gir.). Planococcus citri (Risso) is now attacked by the introduced Encyrtids, Leptomastidea abnormis (Gir.) and Pauridia peregrina Timb., as well as by Leptomastix dactylopii How., which was present at the start of the investigation. Acerophagus pallidus Timb. has been recovered from the mealybug, Phenacoccus gossypii Tns. & Ckll. The Encyrtid, Microterys kotinskyi (Full.), and the Coccinellids, Azya luteipes Muls. and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Muls., have been effectively established on the soft scale, Pulvinaria psidii Mask. Tree lizards, Anolis spp., which feed readily on Azya and Cryptolaemus , are considered undesirable and accordingly the passerine bird, Pitangus sulphuratus , has recently been liberated in an attempt to reduce their numbers. Several species of parasites and predators were liberated against the soft scales, Saissetia oleae (Bern.), S. coffeae (Wlk.) and Coccus hesperidum L. Aphycus stanleyi (Comp.) is well established on Saissetia spp. Although the Braconid, Opius humilis Silv., was established on the Mediterranean fruit-fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), for a number of years it has now disappeared. Parasites and predators introduced against Nipaecoccus nipae (Mask.), the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lind., and the red spider mite, Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi), did not become established. Projects at present in progress to control tree lizards, Anolis spp., and snails cannot yet be evaluated. In the discussion a number of factors which may have contributed to the failure of establishment of some beneficial organisms are mentioned.


Hundreds of millions of new posts and information are being uploaded and propagated everyday on Online Social Networks(OSN) like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. This paper proposes and implements a GPS-location based SNS data mapping, analysis, and visualization system, called Smart SNS Map, which collects SNS data from Twitter and Instagram using hundreds of PlanetLab nodes distributed across the globe. Like no other previous systems, our system uniquely supports a variety of functions, including GPS-location based mapping of collected tweets and Instagram photos, keyword-based tweet or photo searching, real-time heat-map visualization of tweets and instagram photos, sentiment analysis, word cloud visualization, etc. Overall, a system like this, admittedly still in a prototype phase though, is expected to serve a role as a sort of social weather station sooner or later, which will help people understand what are happening around the SNS users, systems, society, and how they feel about them, as well as how they change over time and/or space.


The change in tumor vascular area seems to be one of the important factors influencing drug delivery to tumor tissue. By means of a point-counting method we analyzed changes in the "vascular level", percentage of the vascular area to tissue area, in two tumors; AH272, AH109A, comparatively under angiotensin-induced hypertension. In tumor AH272, the vascular level changed from 27.4% (range; 19.7-34.9%) to 38.5% (range; 28.2-48.1%) when mean arterial blood pressure elevated from 98.3 to 151.7 mmHg. The change coefficient due to angiotensin II was 1.42. The vascular level in AH109A tumor tissue increased from 19.7% (range; 0-48.5%) to 33.9% (range; 8.7-57.6%) with an elevation of mean arterial pressure from 103.5 to 150.8 mmHg. The change coefficient was AH109A in 2.08. In-homogeneity in the vascular level in tumor tissue was more marked in AH109A than in AH272. Moreover, it was revealed in AH 109A that the increase in the vascular level due to angiotensin II was greater in the areas with a lower vascular level. This seems to be caused by the phenomenon that blood flow appearing under angiotensin-induced hypertension in tumor vessels that lacked blood flow at normotension. In conclusion, selective increase in vascular level was seen in both tumors under angiotensin-induced hypertension.


This article examines the link between restrictive immigration schemes, specifically 'tied visas' and the selective application of labour laws, with exploitation of workers. It focuses on the situation of migrant domestic workers, who accompany their employers to the United Kingdom (UK) and are exposed to both an excessively restrictive visa regime, introduced in April 2012, and limited labour protections. The immigration status of these workers is currently tied to a named employer, a restriction that traps workers into exploitative conditions, often amounting to forced labour, servitude or slavery. Additionally, current UK labour laws are either not enforced or not applicable to domestic workers. The article concludes that unless the current immigration regime is abolished and comprehensive labour law protections are extended to migrant domestic workers, exploitation will continue.


The structure of thallium dicyanoargentate(I) has been determined crystallographically. The crystal structure shows an Ag-Ag distance of 3.11 Å. This is the shortest Ag-Ag distance reported for any silver dicyanide salt whose crystal structure has been determined. Raman spectra of the compound show four nu(C)(-)(N) peaks that are well-resolved in the 10-80 K temperature range. This result agrees well with group theory analysis. Extended Hückel calculations using relativistic wave functions have been carried out for two models which describe the interactions between the Ag(CN)(2)(-) ions within the crystal structure of Tl[Ag(CN)(2)]. The results of these calculations indicate the formation of potential wells at short Ag-Ag distances. The data in this study suggest the significance of ligand-unsupported silver-silver interactions (argentophilicity) in Tl[Ag(CN)(2)]. Tl-Ag interactions are determined to be insignificant in the compound. Tl[Ag(CN)(2)] crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c (No. 14), with a = 7.798(1) Å, b = 14.685(3) Å, c = 8.566(2) Å, beta = 91.66(2) degrees, Z = 8, R = 0.0643, and R(w) = 0.0899.


To solve the rudder fault problem caused by saturation input, the nonlinear observer and controller are designed synthetically. We develop the research model based on a SISO output feedback nonlinear unobservered minimum phase system under the condition of single channel rubber fault of the hypersonic aircraft, adopt K-filter to reconstruct state vectors, apply Nussbaum plus function to resolve the unknown control direction problem caused by rubber fault, design the adaptive control law to guarantee the system boundedness. The pitch channel of hypersonic aircraft is studied as an example to validate above theory.


The molecular structures of ionic liquids at interfaces play a crucial role in determining their chemical activities in applications. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to track the evolution of X-ray irradiation-induced chemical reactions in a series of ionic liquids ([Cn mim][AuCl4 ]; n=4, 6, 8, 10) on the Si (111) single-crystal surface. Analyses of microstructure and chemical bonding based on the XPS results indicated that reactions occurred at the vapor/liquid interfaces of the ionic liquids. The time-resolved XPS spectra revealed that with increasing irradiation time, the intensity of the peak corresponding to trivalent Au anion decreased for the four ionic liquids as Au was continually reduced to a lower chemical state and finally converted to gold nanoparticles. The rate and conversion of the reaction were associated with the length of the alkyl chain of the ionic liquids cation. Molecular dynamics simulations further revealed that the alkyl chain of the cation in the ionic liquids was oriented towards the vacuum environment at the vapor/liquid interface. Our results provide a real-time atomic-scale experimental evidence of organic reactions at the vapor/liquid interfaces of ionic liquids. The findings are important for understanding the roles of ionic liquids in catalysis, separation, electrochemistry, functional materials, and so on.


Abstract Restricting or eliminating the use of atrazine in the Midwest would have important economic consequences for farmers, consumers, and the environment. These consequences can only be evaluated with cooperation between economists and weed scientists. The weed control choice set available to farmers cannot be observed through deductive research. Economists and weed scientists worked together to identify all possible weed control strategies for corn and sorghum in the Midwest and to incorporate them into an economic model. An atrazine ban was found to be the costliest strategy, and a targeted, water-quality based strategy the most cost effective.


Microsatellites, a special class of repetitive DNA, have become one of the most popular genetic markers. The progress of various genome projects has made it possible to study the genomic distribution of microsatellites and to evaluate the potential influence of several parameters on their genesis. We report the distribution of dinucleotide microsatellites in the genome of Drosophila melanogaster. When considering only microsatellites with five or more repeat units, the average length of dinucleotide repeats in D. melanogaster is 6.7 repeats. We tested a wide range of parameters which could potentially influence microsatellite density, and we did not detect a significant influence of recombination rate, number of exons, or total length of coding sequence. In concordance with the neutral expectation for the origin of microsatellites, a significant positive correlation between AT content and (AT/TA)n microsatellite density was detected. While this pattern may indicate that microsatellite genesis is a random process, we also found evidence for a nonrandom distribution of microsatellites. Average microsatellite density was higher on the X chromosome, but extreme heterogeneity was observed between different genomic regions. Such a clumping of microsatellites was also evident on a more local scale, as 38.9% of the contiguous sequences analyzed showed a deviation from a random distribution of microsatellites.


Parent-offspring regression is a commonly-used technique for estimating narrow sense herltability of quantitative characters in crop species. However, regression of progeny means on parent values evaluated in the same or similar environments may lead to biased heritabillty estimates. This bias arises from genotype ✕ environment interaction and error covarlances between parents and progenies. This paper deals with the theoretical effects of these covariances on parent-offspring regression heritability estimates and emphasizes some considerations necessary in estimating heritability. Covariance analysis is recommended as a method of obtaining more meaningful narrow sense heritabillty estimates than simple parent-offspring regression for a set of parents and their offspring evaluated in a set of environments.


Oil has recently been struck in Bombay High field in the Arabian Sea. Considering the huge gap between our requirements and likely indigenous onshore production, an intensified effort for the exploration in other offshore areas is anticipated. The commercial production from successful finds would require the fabrication and erection of several fixed production platforms. These require huge investment and it is necessary to consider pros and cons of different types before selecting any particular type, but so far no such study has been done. Aim of this paper is to present in brief the different types of platforms available, their requirements and the strategy for development considering various alternatives. Use of concrete platform has been preferred to the steel one and the reasons for the same have been given


For vehicular Metaverses, one of the ultimate user-centric goals is to optimize the immersive experience and Quality of Service (QoS) for users on board. Semantic Communication (SemCom) has been introduced as a revolutionary paradigm that significantly eases communication resource pressure for vehicular Metaverse applications to achieve this goal. SemCom enables high-quality and ultra-efficient vehicular communication, even with explosively increasing data traffic among vehicles. In this article, we propose a hierarchical SemCom-enabled vehicular Metaverses framework consisting of the global Metaverse, local Metaverses, SemCom module, and resource pool. The global and local Metaverse are brand-new concepts from the Metaverse's distribution stand-point. Considering the QoS of users, this article explores the potential security vulnerabilities of the proposed framework. To that purpose, this study highlights a specific security risk to the framework's SemCom module and offers a viable defense solution to encourage community researchers to focus more on vehicular Metaverse security. Finally, we provide an overview of the open issues of secure SemCom in the vehicular Metaverses, notably pointing out potential future research directions.


BACKGROUND
Colonoscopic biopsies are taken to make a diagnosis of inflammation, dysplasia or malignancy, to assess treatment success and to monitor patients' progression.

OBJECTIVE
This aim of this article is to provide a guide to understanding histology reports sent to the general practitioner (GP) from the colonoscopy and anatomical pathology departments for the diagnosis of increasingly prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.

DISCUSSION
Many diseases in the lower GI tract are increasing in prevalence and new diseases are emerging that require biopsy for diagnosis. Cancer surveillance programs require colonoscopy for polyp detection, and histology to evaluate polyps and subsequent cancer risk in the large bowel. Inflammatory bowel disease is also increasing in incidence, and patients are diagnosed and monitored with endoscopy and biopsy. Drugs can also affect the GI tract and endoscopy can detect damage with confirmation by biopsy.


In this paper, Mary Kingsley's Travels in West Africa has been analysed from the perspective of critical discourse analysis. In particular, how Kingsley constructs whiteness through strategies such as nomination, predication, argumentation and intensification or mitigation has been explored. The natives from minor culture are represented from the western terministic screens, to use K. Burke's phrase. The findings show that the strategies used are related to the positive construction of self (West) and the negative presentation of Other (Africa).


In an attempt to trace the origins of the science of ichthyology, we studied Aristotle's zoological works (21 books in total), aiming to give an exhaustive catalogue of his fishes, suitable for use by modern marine biologists, and to evaluate the great philosopher's knowledge of fish biology. Our investigation yielded 135 ichthyonyms used to describe 109 individual fish taxa (13 fishes had multiple names) and 12 terms that corresponded either to fish developmental stages or behavioural patterns. Because of the variable amount of information given in the texts, 54 fishes were identified to species or genus level, 24 fishes to higher categories (family, order), 27 fishes could only be classified as Actinopterygii or Elasmobranchii, while four could not be classified at all. Among the most easily recognizable fishes were Lophius spp., Conger conger, Muraena helena, Anguilla anguilla and Mugil cephalus. The latter two and the tunas (Τhunnus spp.) were the most frequently recorded fishes. Aristotle's inquiry was not limited or focused on fish that were of human interest, but he also reported or described species that fascinated him by their peculiar life history. He was interested in a wide array of aspects of fish biology ranging from body structure and function, reproduction and development to fish feeding habits, migrations and diseases. As evidenced by his work, Aristotle should be considered the first ichthyologist, preoccupied with the zoological, scientific study of fish, and a review of his writings can prove useful for current ichthyological research.


Student cheating on college campuses is believed to be a common occurrence, but academic dishonesty among nursing students is a source of legitimate concern to nursing faculty members because of its potential effect on present and future professional practice. Strategies are outlined that can promote academic honesty in the nursing program through moral and character development of nursing students, teaching moral decision-making skills, role-modeling of honest academic behavior, and developing and enforcing an appropriate academic integrity policy.


On 04 July 2012, ATLAS and CMS, the two biggest LHC collaborations, announced the discovery of a new boson with a mass around 125 GeV. With the preliminarily delivered information, this particle resembles the Higgs boson (of the standard model) playing a key role in the symmetry breaking mechanism generating particle masses in the standard model. To confirm if the newly discovered particle is really the Higgs boson it is necessary to do further and detailed investigations to precisely determine its nature and properties. Here we will summarize some of the latest results of these investigations. If the new particle is the Higgs boson, the standard model will get the full recognition as a very successful model, otherwise, another model may be needed to replace the standard model in order to explain all the observed phenomena. The results obtained by ATLAS (and CMS) for last two years have almost shown that this new particle can be identified with the Higgs boson.


A new technique of breast reconstruction is demonstrated using a turnover flap of the external oblique abdominis muscle together with a sheath of the rectus muscle to enlarge the submuscular pectoralis major pocket for the implant. To overcome a tight skin, a bipedicled abdominal skin flap is transposed for breast reconstruction. In so doing, a natural-looking breast is formed by a simple operative technique with rare complications. The technique has been applied in 11 patients with good results.


This chapter deals with the problem of making the best use of a finite number of noisy evaluations to optimize an unknown function. We are primarily concerned with the case where the function is defined over a finite set. In this discrete setting, we discuss various objectives for the learner, from optimizing the allocation of a given budget of evaluations to optimal stopping time problems with ( , δ)-PAC guarantees. We also consider the so-called online optimization framework, where the result of an evaluation is associated to a reward, and the goal is to maximize the sum of obtained rewards. In this case, we extend the algorithms to continuous sets and (weakly) Lipschitzian functions (with respect to a prespecified metric).


This paper argues that curriculum leadership is a shared phenomenon which has unique expressions at each teaching/leaning site. As a shared phenomenon, it assumes that various people who have a stake in it will have a voice and an impact upon how it is shaped at each site. The paper draws on the theorising about curriculum leadership reported at previous AARE conferences in 1995, 1996 and 1997 as well as on recent exploratory research concerning the voices of teachers, parents and students in curriculum leadership in a small number of schools in Brisbane, Australia, Hong Kong; south eastern England, UK; and Phoenix, USA. The research focuses on stakeholders' perceptions about their place in curriculum leadership; their readiness to engage in curriculum leadership; and their conceptions of the potential to engage in curriculum leadership in their respective teaching/learning sites. A range of propositions will be presented and their implications for further investigation and practice will be discussed.


Cucurbita foetidissima and C. radicans are scarcely studied wild pumpkin species that grow in arid and semi-arid areas of Mexico and the United States. This study describes the morphological, proximal composition, metabolic finger-prints and seed protein profiles of C. foetidissima and C. radicans fruits collected in the wild during a one-year period in different locations of central-western Mexico. The results obtained complement the limited information concerning the fruit composition of C. foetidissima and greatly expand information in this respect regarding C. radicans. Morphology and proximal composition of their fruits varied significantly. Different metabolic fingerprints and seed protein profiles were detected between them and also with the chemical composition of domesticated Cucurbita fruits. The neutral lipids in seed, pulp and peels were rich in wax content and in unsaturated compounds, probably carotenoids and tocopherols, in addition to tri-, di- and mono-acylglycerols. The tri- and diacylglycerol profiles of their seed oils were different from commercial seed oils and between each other. They also showed unusual fatty acid compositions. Evidence of a possible alkaloid in the pulp and peel of both species was obtained in addition to several putative cucurbitacins. An abundance of phenolic acids was found in all fruit parts, whereas flavonoids were only detected in the peels. Unlike most cucurbits, globulins were not the main protein fraction in the seeds of C. radicans, whereas the non-structural carbohydrate and raffinose oligosaccharide content in their fruit parts was lower than in other wild cucurbit species. These results emphasize the significantly different chemical composition of these two marginally studied Cucurbita species, which was more discrepant in C. radicans, despite the notion regarding C. foetidissima as an aberrant species with no affinity to any other Cucurbita species.


Plunging into the verbal quagmire of official language used by bureaucrats in both government and business, distinguished linguist Roger W. Shuy develops new techniques based on linguistic principles to improve their communication with the public. Shuy presents nine case studies that reveal representative problems with bureaucratic language. He characterizes the traits of bureaucratic language candidly, though somewhat sympathetically, and he describes how linguists can provide bureaucrats with both the tools for communicating more clearly and also the authority to implement these changes. Drawing on documents cited in class action lawsuits brought against the Social Security Administration and Medicare, Shuy offers a detailed linguistic analysis of these agencies' problems with written and oral communication, and he outlines a training program he developed for government writers to solve them. Moving on to the private sector, Shuy analyzes examples of the ways that businesses such as car dealerships, real estate and insurance companies, and commercial manufacturers sometimes fail to communicate effectively. Although typically bureaucracies change their use of language only when a lawsuit threatens, Shuy argues that clarity in communication is a cost effective strategy for preventing or at least reducing litigation. "Bureaucratic Language in Government and Business" explains why bureaucratic language can be so hard to understand and what can be done about it.


In multimedia communication video plays an importance, because it gives the very perfect flow of frames or image for our visual effect with good realistic view experience. So in this paper gives a new low complexity true motion estimation technique is introduced for video processing application, like motion-compensated temporal frame rate up conversion (MCTFRUC) or motion compensated temporal frame interpolation (MCTFI).In basically main role of motion estimation is to produce the motion vectors for reduce the temporal redundancy. Where as in this paper explains true motion estimation which is mainly used to track the motioned object as closely as possible by imposing the explicit and/or implicit smoothness constraints on block matching algorithm. To get the good interpolated frames the dense motion vector field is obtained for both forward and backward motion vectors is applied by adding both. Then the performance parameter is calculated and is produced, at last the good quality of video frame is produced with smoothly.


This study was conducted to determine whether there are differences between the stock return of value stocks and growth stock in Indonesia before and after the world financial crisis that occurred in 2008. To investigate the difference, the stocks formed into a portfolio that is based on the 2002 calculated in 2002 and 2009 when the world financial crisis has ended. The formation of the portfolio based on stocks that have gone public before 2000 and have the complete data during the study period. For the determination of the categories of stocks used Price-to-Earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio and price-to-cash flow ratio. Shares of stock that has a very high ratio will be eliminate to avoid bias that may occur if the stocks are still included. Similarly, the stocks of which are negative because they do not meet the criteria as a value stock. Then ANOVA test conducted to determine differences in returns and Sharpe ratio on the portfolio which was formed in 2002 and in 2009. Results from this studies are not found differences in returns and Sharpe ratio on both the portfolio. This indicates that the formation of the portfolio by value stocks and growth stock can not be used as a guide to get a high return.


Summary pre-eclampsia is associated with both placental thrombosis and thrombophilia. The ABO(H) blood group influences von Willebrand factor, which is a risk factor for arterial and venous thrombosis. Over many years a number of studies have examined the relationship between ABO(H) and pre-eclampsia, but no consensus exists as to whether there is a true association. Correspondingly, a systematic review of studies reporting an association between ABO(H) blood group and pre-eclampsia syndromes was performed. From the 17 eligible studies there was no consistent link between blood group AB and pre-eclampsia, with a pooled odds ratio of group AB versus the remainder of 1.02 (95%CI 0.86 to 1.22).There was no evidence of heterogeneity and individual study estimates were relatively consistent. Comparing a combined group of non-Os (i.e.AA, AB and BB) with group O gave similar results, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.01 (95%CI 0.91 to 1.12), but with some evidence of heterogeneity (p=0.01) and individual study estimate inconsistency (I2 49%).However, no specific feature (disease definition, disease severity, date of publication, or ABO(H) distribution in controls) distinguished those few studies giving any form of positive association from the remainder. In summary, no clear association between any ABO(H) blood group and pre-eclampsia can be made from available studies. However, existing data does not allow exclusion of an effect limited to those expressing the least O(H) antigen.


To assess the satisfaction level of students of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) regarding their field of education. To identify the causes responsible for dissatisfaction of students with their field of study. Physical Therapy is an emerging and growing field in Pakistan and currently is passing through its stage of infancy. Five year program of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) has been now introduced resulting in increased influx of students. Yet unawareness among the students as well as society still prevailed that resulted in confusing the minds of young undergraduate students of Physical Therapy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Peshawar. Total 100 students of Doctor of Physical Therapy. Were interviewed through structurally designed questionnaires. Ethical consideration was taken into account. The response rate was 78%. 55.1% students were found satisfied with the field, 7.6% were dissatisfied while 37.1% were unable to analyze whether satisfied or dissatisfied majority being basic sciences students. Students highlighted certain factors as responsible for their dissatisfaction.Majority of the students satisfied from their field of education belonged to clinical sciences which indicate their well-aware attitude about the significance of this field. Moreover, the students held disrespectful attitude of society, Limited facilities and job opportunities and Incapable Physical Therapists imparting bad name to this profession responsible for their dissatisfaction.


Biodiversity loss is a critical issue on the environmental agenda, with species-based approaches failing to stem the decline. Landscape-scale approaches offer promise, but require institutional change. This article describes a novel conceptual framework for assessing institutional arrangements to tackle this persistent problem. In doing so, two critical issues for biodiversity governance are addressed. The first is a need to enrich largely theoretical descriptions of adaptive governance by considering how the practical realities of institutional environments (e.g. public agencies) limit achievement of an adaptive governance 'ideal'. The second is enabling explicit consideration of the unique aspects of biodiversity as a 'policy problem' in the analysis of institutional arrangements. The framework contributes to efforts to design more adaptive institutional arrangements, through supporting a more sophisticated and grounded institutional analysis incorporating insights from institutional theory, especially literature on organisational environments and public administration. Concepts from Pragmatism also contribute to this grounding, providing insight into how public agencies can play a more productive role in biodiversity conservation and building public consent for management actions. The diagnostic categories in the framework include the attributes of the biodiversity problem and the involved players; the political context; and practices contributing to both competence and capacity. Guidance on how to apply the framework and an example of its application in Australia illustrate the utility of this tool for institutional diagnosis and design. Development of this diagnostic framework could be further enhanced by empirically informed elaboration of the relationships between its components, and of the nature of, and factors influencing, key concerns for adaptation, particularly learning, self-organising and buffering.


The Gaussian algorithm for lattice reduction in dimension 2 is precisely analysed under a class of realistic probabilistic models, which are of interest when applying the Gauss algorithm "inside'' the LLL algorithm. The proofs deal with the underlying dynamical systems and transfer operators. All the main parameters are studied: execution parameters which describe the behaviour of the algorithm itself as well as output parameters, which describe the geometry of reduced bases.


Thermally assisted reversal in noninteracting single domain particles is studied through the use of a micromagnetic model with a stochastic fluctuation field. The magnetization decay of these particles at high and low anisotropy fields is studied and compared to Arrhenius-Neel decay. Estimates of the attempt frequency are made by fitting to exponential decay. The attempt frequency is also examined while varying the applied field, the anisotropy field, and the temperature. Special attention is given to combinations of these variables which give a constant height of the energy barrier to reversal. It is shown that the attempt frequency can vary dramatically even for a constant height of the energy barrier. The basic scaling laws of the system are discussed, and the scaled attempt frequencies are plotted to test their universality.


Background
The incidence of myopia is gradually increasing, and how to choose a better corrective method of myopia for the best visual demand is very important.

Objective
This study was to compare visual quality of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation with femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for moderate and high myopia using double-pass optical quality analysis system (OQAS).

Methods
A non-randomized controlled clinical trail was performed.Fifty-two eyes with -4.00 to -9.00 D of 26 consecutive patients were included in NO.1 Hospital of Xi'an from January 2015 to January 2016.Twenty-four eyes of 12 patients with the corneal thickness 0.05). All the patients were followed-up for 3 months after surgery.The preoperative best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), BCDVA and SE were examined and compared between two groups.The parameters from OQAS were evaluated and intergrouply compared, including the objective scattering inders (OSI), modulation transfer function (MTF) cut off frequency, Strehl ratio and OQAS values under the contrast of 100%, 20% and 9%(OV100, OV20, OV9).

Results
The postoperative BCDVA was not significantly different from preoperative UCDVA in both ICL group and FS-LASIK group (-0.04±0.10 vs. 0.05±0.12; -0.07±0.12 vs.0.00±0.12) (t=3.128, 2.358, both at P>0.05). No statistically significant differnces were found in SE, UCDVA and BCDVA after operation between ICL group and FS-LASIK group (t=1.292, 0.900, -0.653, all at P>0.05). OQAS examination showed that MTF cut off, OSI, Strehl ratio, OV100 were not significantly different after operation between ICL group and FS-LASIK group (t=-2.032, -1.440, -0.224, all at P>0.05). The postoperative OV20 and OV9 were 0.82±0.14 and 0.80±0.21 in the ICL group, which were significantly higher than those in the FS-LASIK group(0.59±0.15 and 0.47±0.13)(t=4.105, 4.702, both at P<0.05).

Conclusions
Both ICL implantation and FS-LASIK provide good optical and visual quality for moderate to high myopic eyes, and ICL appears to have a better visual quality in comparison with FS-LASIK under the contrasts of 20% and 9%.

Key words:
Myopia/surgery; Refractive surgical procedure; Phakic intraocular lenses; Keratomileusis, laser in situ; Visual quality; Implantable collamer lens; Double-pass optical quality analysis system


The recursive Newton-Euler Algorithm (RNEA) is a popular technique for computing the dynamics of robots. RNEA can be framed as a differentiable computational graph, enabling the dynamics parameters of the robot to be learned from data via modern auto-differentiation toolboxes. However, the dynamics parameters learned in this manner can be physically implausible. In this work, we incorporate physical constraints in the learning by adding structure to the learned parameters. This results in a framework that can learn physically plausible dynamics via gradient descent, improving the training speed as well as generalization of the learned dynamics models. We evaluate our method on real-time inverse dynamics control tasks on a 7 degree of freedom robot arm, both in simulation and on the real robot. Our experiments study a spectrum of structure added to the parameters of the differentiable RNEA algorithm, and compare their performance and generalization.


Most bit allocation algorithms for video are geared toward optimizing the average frame distortion. However, video sequences optimized this way may exhibit sudden changes in distortion, or "flicker," which can significantly affect the perceived quality of the sequence. An alternative approach is to minimize the maximum frame distortion, which aims to produce a constant-quality sequence, thus avoiding the flicker problem. In this work, we present a new algorithm for constant-quality video, called MultiStage. We first show how MultiStage works for an embedded bit plane coder, and we then demonstrate that it can be applied to traditional quantization-based coders, such as H.263 and H.264, in conjunction with a novel single-frame block-level rate-distortion optimization algorithm based on multiple-choice knapsack. We show that MultiStage achieves very good results, both in terms of maximum distortion and average distortion


This chapter has outlined some of the outcomes of poor job design, identified and defined risk factors associated with poor job design, and presented a brief overview of a layman's approach to job analysis. With this information, persons interested in fixing jobs that have ergonomically poor designs can begin to develop a working understanding of the problem, what caused it, and considerations regarding its solution.


In this work, N-periodic linear singular systems are considered. Feedbacks for obtaining positive N-periodic singular systems are analyzed. Some properties on the existence of these feedbacks are established. The concept of holdability of the setR+ is used for getting a positive trajectory of the closed-loop singular systems. This paper examines how feedbacks can be used to modify the trajectory of the system.


Infertility even though a medical condition, is considered as a biopsychosocial crisis and been prevalent for many decades. The World Health Organization estimated that about 10-25% of couples have infertility problems. The multifaceted dimensions of infertility have been seen to engulf an individual's life completely right from emotional, physical, social and financial domains. The diagnosis can often take the couple by surprise which disrupts their future plans and goals leading to increased stress with themselves and their partner. A couple's start to the infertility journey starts from the time they try to conceive, however, it is to be noted that a successful conception may not happen in the first treatment cycle itself. This then leads to a loop of yet another journey of tremendous emotional rollercoaster for the couple. The journey of infertility treatment can bring about ample amount of distress within the individual, the partner and the society at large. The vicious cycle of hope and despair whilst taking the treatment can bring about elevated levels of stress and anxiety in the patient. An Infertility Counsellor can be a very cathartic experience for the patient undergoing infertility treatment and a more holistic approach to patient care is achieved.


The article examines some well-known attempts to consider Ludwig Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations in the context of transcendental idealism. The main purpose of these attempts is to protect Wittgenstein's later philosophy from the relativistic interpretation of such concepts a "language games" and "forms of life." Thus, Bernard Williams, noting the ambiguity of the pronoun "we" in Philosophical Investigations, believes that such a "we" has a transcendental rather than empirical character. This approach allows Williams to argue that there is no meaningful alternative to the general perspective on the world that is embodied in this "we." However, the main disadvantage of this approach is that Williams views such a "we" in much the same way as a conceptual schema. However, as many authors point out, this idea does not find its confirmation in the later works of Wittgenstein. Jonathan Lear, in turn, suggests that we should consider such a non-empirical "we" as a special kind of "mindedness." Such a mindedness could be considered as analogous to a Kant's analytical principle of apperception. Lear believes that it is this principle that gives meaningful unity to human behaviour and makes possible any communication with other people. Following Williams and trying to correct the shortcomings of his position, Lear proposes to consider the ambiguous status of "we" in Philosophical Investigations as an argument in favour of the "disappearance" of the transcendental "we," and with it the disappearance of the threat of relativism. John McDowell, however, agreeing with the need to get rid Wittgenstein's philosophy of relativistic interpretations, critically assesses the idea of using transcendental idealism for this purpose. Instead, McDowell proposes to return to Hegel's thesis about the unboundedness of the conceptual, which makes it unnecessary to appeal to the transcendental justification of harmony between reason and the world. The article, therefore, also examines McDowell's arguments against attributing to Wittgenstein any versions of transcendental idealism.