Field-grown, deciduous nursery stock is commonly slow to defoliate in fall, when it is to be dug, because of heavy fertilizer and water use in the nursery throughout the growing season. In areas where low temperatures pose a threat to the stock or hinder digging (if growers wait for natural defoliation), early leaf removal by hand stripping or mechanical means is common. Manual or mechanical defoliation is typically done early enough to allow digging just prior to the average date of the onset of temperatures that could damage stock or prevent digging. The threat of damaging cold weather may encourage growers to allow plenty of leeway for defoliation. The effects of early leaf removal vary from year to year, depending on stock maturity and condition, cultural factors, and weather. However, it appears that the process of ac-cumulating carbohydrate reserves is not complete until nature is allowed to take its course and produce a "normal" leaf fall. Delay defoliation as long as possible in relation to the average expected weather condi-tions. Otherwise, plant quality and performance after storage could be reduced.


The Konsolen building is a high thermal mass 57-unit apartment building on the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden. It is part of the Stockholm Project, a full-scale demonstration of energy-saving techniques. A large number of sensors were installed in the building for research purposes. However, they may not be needed for some types of analysis. It is of interest to see what could be learned if only typical EMS outputs were available. These include total electricity use, heat output from the heat pump, and heat supplied by the district heating main. It was found that the detailed sensors were essential in debugging the mechanical systems initially, but the EMS-type outputs are quite adequate to confirm that the building continues to operate normally. The building has such stable lumped parameters (average temperature, base load and thermal resistance) that detailed data are not needed to predict the average daily heat demand to within +-10%. However, neither the effect of the solar collectors nor the thermal mass of the building are visible in the EMS-type data.


This guide is for any PCCC student interested in learning more about RAW's events, community service projects, fundraisers, and general meetings.


Following a previous study (Cheng & Tsai, 2014. Computers & Education.), this study aimed to probe the interaction of child-parent shared reading with the augmented reality ( AR) picture book in more depth. A series of sequential analyses were thus conducted to infer the behavioral transition diagrams and visualize the continuity and paths of different learning behaviors. This study also explored the parents' conceptions of AR learning so as to understand more precisely how the children and their parents behaved. The results show that the parents in the 'parent as dominator' group mostly considered AR learning as obstructing paper book reading and seemed to continually dominate the reading process to prevent the excessive use of mobile devices by their children. Compared with the parents in the other three groups, the parents in the 'low communicative child-parent pair' group likely considered AR books as being a substitute for them reading to their children and did not frequently interact with them. The parents in the 'communicative child-parent pair' and 'children as dominator' groups played a mediating role during the learning process and generally showed positive beliefs about AR learning, such as considering learning by AR as fostering motivation and attaining in-depth understandings. A framework for implementing child-parent shared AR book reading is proposed for pedagogical consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]


The emergence of utility computing such as Cloud Computing makes the current desktop metaphor outdated. There is a need to open the desktop so that to, in addition to classical data, also consider actors and tasks as well as their relationships. This paper proposes the concept of "Pearl" for both denoting and representing socially augmented data. It describes a health care prototype, and reports a qualitative evaluation that confirms the innovation and relevance of the concept.


Using an atlas constructed from records of a group of normal monkeys in the same colony, the effects of a 20-week low-calorie or low-protein nutritional insult on skeletal development were determined. The most significantly retarded sites were the late-forming ossifications (epiphyses, sesamoids, and tuberosites). A general increase in ossification anomalies and in individual variation was evident. The similarity of these findings to studies previously reported for man indicates the utility of nonhuman primate models for the further study of nutritional deficiency.


INFECTIONS due to Microsporum gypseum (M. fulvum) have not been reported previously from the District of Columbia area. Indeed, there are few reports of its recognition as a causative agent of dermatophytosis in other sections of the United States. We have recently observed two patients with tinea capitis and four patients with tinea corporis from which M. gypseum was isolated. REPORT OF CASES Case 1.— An 8-yr.-old boy was seen on Oct. 10, 1949, with a single inflammatory lesion of the scalp. It had appeared as a red, scaling area with partial alopecia and had been present for 10 days. The boy had been treated with hot compresses and parenteral administration of penicillin without improvement. Slight fever (99 F.) occurred early in the course. Examination revealed a kerion, 5 by 7 cm. in diameter (Fig. 1). There was no fluorescence under Wood's light. A direct potassium hydroxide examination of an infected


Proline, a well-known amino acid, has been estimated in ten different pteridophytes, including Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Adiantum caudatum L., Adiantum incisum Forssk., Adiantum philippense L., and Actiniopteris radiata (Sw.) link. Christenh. in various organs such as the root, rhizome, and leaves Hemionitis anceps (Blanf.) Christenh., Hemionitis bicolor (Roxb.) Christenh., Hemionitis formosana Christenh (Hayata). Result of study is indicate that the maximum total proline in entire plant was recorded 43.54 mg/gdw and leaves have been  recorded 24.10 mg/gdw in Pteris vittata subsp. vittata and the minimum value was recorded 3.60 mg/gdw in root of Adiantum caudatum L.


To the Editor.— I have read the interesting meta-analysis concerning breast cancer and estrogen replacement therapy conducted by Dupont and Page 1 who have found an overall relative risk of 1.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96 to 1.2) for breast cancer in women who took 0.625 mg/d or less of conjugated estrogens. The authors also observed that "literature does not permit a definitive conclusion concerning whether breast cancer risk increases with the duration of estrogen replacement therapy." These findings are at variance with the results of another, subsequently published, meta-analysis of the effects of estrogen replacement therapy on breast cancer risk by Steinberg et al. 2 Using a summary dose response slope, Steinberg et al have calculated the proportional increase in risk of breast cancer for each year of estrogen use across 16 studies. They have found a 30% increase in risk of breast cancer (relative risk, 1.3; 95% CI,


Gold catalysts supported on iron oxide have been characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Depending on the method of preparation and pretreatment, different gold species have been detected on the catalyst surface. In the absence of thermal treatment, the XPS spectra of the impregnated samples show the formation of gold(III) (oxy)chloride species. No metallic gold is formed. Both metallic and oxidized gold species are instead present on the surface of the samples prepared by coprecipitation. Oxidized gold(III) species are predominant on the uncalcinated catalysts. After treatment at high temperature and/or under reaction conditions the amount of metallic gold increases. The XPS data have been correlated with the activity of the investigated catalysts in the oxidation of carbon monoxide at low temperature.


We manipulate a Bose-Einstein condensate using the optical trap created by the diffraction of a laser beam on a fast ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator. The modulator acts as a phase grating which can generate arbitrary diffraction patterns and be rapidly reconfigured at rates up to 1 kHz to create smooth, time-varying optical potentials. The flexibility of the device is demonstrated with our experimental results for splitting a Bose-Einstein condensate and independently transporting the separate parts of the atomic cloud.


As several countries have reduced tariff rates, other forms of regulatory measures that impact on trade have proliferated. These regulations, collectively known as non-tariff measures (NTMs), can be imposed on both imports and exports. Using descriptive indicators, NTMs could be measured with coverage ratios, frequency indices, and prevalence scores. Across the different government agencies, study finds, among others, that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources both implement the most number of NTMs with 422 and 103 NTMs, respectively. Moreover, both agricultural goods and manufactured goods have been shown to be highly regulated at 92.2 percent and 93.9 percent, respectively, albeit agricultural goods have a higher prevalence score (19.8) as compared to manufactured goods (8.9). Furthermore, the relationship between NTMs and trade has shown that the average number of NTMs applied on a product group tends to have no association either with the growth rates of imports of that product group or with technical measures. However, the number of non-technical measures show a negative correlation on the same. Likewise, imports growth is also negatively correlated with the number of consumer and customs NTMs although positive correlations were observed with process NTMs.


Hand gesture recognition is recently becoming one of the most attractive field of research in pattern recognition. The objective of this track is to evaluate the performance of recent recognition approaches using a challenging hand gesture dataset containing 14 gestures, performed by 28 participants executing the same gesture with two different numbers of fingers. Two research groups have participated to this track, the accuracy of their recognition algorithms have been evaluated and compared to three other state-of-the-art approaches.


The main part of this thesis focuses on optimal experiment design for system identification within the prediction error framework. A rather flexible framework for translating optimal experiment design into tractable convex programs is presented. The design variables are the spectral properties of the external excitations. The framework allows for any linear and finite-dimensional parametrization of the design spectrum or a partial expansion thereof. This includes both continuous and discrete spectra. Constraints on these spectra can be included in the design formulation, either in terms of power bounds or as frequency wise constraints. As quality constraints, general linear functions of the asymptotic covariance matrix of the estimated parameters can be included. Here, different types of frequency-by-frequency constraints on the frequency function estimate are expected to be an important contribution to the area of identification and control. For a certain class of linearly parameterized frequency functions it is possible to derive variance expressions that are exact for finite sample sizes. Based on these variance expressions it is shown that the optimization over the square of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) coefficients of the input leads to convex optimization problems. The optimal input design are compared to the use of standard identification input signals for two benchmark problems. The results show significant benefits of appropriate input designs. Knowledge of the location of non-minimum phase zeros is very useful when designing controllers. Both analytical and numerical results on input design for accurate identification of non-minimum phase zeros are presented. A method is presented for the computation of an upper bound on the maximum over the frequencies of a worst case quality measure, e.g. the worst case performance achieved by a controller in an ellipsoidal uncertainty region. This problem has until now been solved by using a frequency gridding and, here, this is avoided by using the Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov-lemma. The last chapter studies experiment design from the perspective of controller tuning based on experimental data. Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) is an algorithm that utilizes sensitivity information from closed-loop experiments for controller tuning. This method is experimentally costly when multivariable systems are considered. Several methods are proposed to reduce the experimental time by approximating the gradient of the cost function. One of these methods uses the same technique of shifting the order of operators as is used in IFT for scalar systems. This method is further analyzed and sufficient conditions for local convergence are derived.


Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that can contaminate agricultural soils, in which one of the sources of Cd in agricultural soils is the use of phosphate fertilizers. Some plant species are known to have the ability to accumulate large amounts of Cd in their organs despite the Cd content in soil is relatively small. Cadmium distribution in various organs of plants also shows a diverse variation. Maize is able to accumulate Cd in its organs, either in roots, leaves or grains. This study aims to determine the distribution of Cd in sweet corn plants grown on a peat soil. Samples of maize plants were taken from nine maize fields in the village of Rasau Jaya 1, Rasau Jaya subdistrict, Kubu Raya district, West Kalimantan. The cultivars of sweet corn planted were Zea mays saccharata cultivar Bonanza and Zea mays saccharata cultivar Secada. Samples for roots, leaves, stems and panicles were taken at the stage of early grain filling. Grain samples were taken at the phase of fresh pod consumption. The Cd contents in the plant organ tissues were determined using dry ashing method. The  results showed that the distribution of Cd in plant organs of sweet corn cultivars Secada and Bonanza follows the pattern of Cd in leaves > roots > grains > panicles > stems. The leaves contain the highest concentration of Cd, while the stems contain the lowest amount of Cd. The Cd concentration in leaves is about 3.5 times higher than that in grains, and 1.5 times higher than that in roots. The average Cd content in grains of sweet corn  is 0.037 mg kg-1, which is still below the safe limit of Cd content in grains allowed by the Standar Nasional Indonesia, i.e. 0.2 mg kg-1.


Understanding how climate change affects the structure and function of communities is critical for gauging its full impact on biodiversity. To date, community-level changes have been poorly documented, owing, in part, to the paucity of long-term datasets. To circumvent this, the use of 'space-for-time' substitution—the forecasting of temporal trends from spatial climatic gradients—has increasingly been adopted, often with little empirical support. Here we examine changes from 1975 to 2001 in three community attributes (species richness, body mass and occupancy) for 404 assemblages of terrestrial winter avifauna in North America containing a total of 227 species. We examine the accuracy of space-for-time substitution and assess causal associations between community attributes and observed changes in annual temperature using a longitudinal study design. Annual temperature and all three community attributes increased over time. The trends for the three community attributes differed significantly from the spatially derived predictions, although richness showed broad congruence. Correlations with trends in temperature were found with richness and body mass. In the face of rapid climate change, applying space-for-time substitution as a predictive tool could be problematic with communities developing patterns not reflected by spatial ecological associations.


This paper proposes a novel dynamic structure neural-fuzzy network (DSNFN) via a robust adaptive sliding-mode approach to address trajectory-tracking control of an n-link robot manipulator. In the DSNFN, a five-layer neural-fuzzy network (NFN) is used to model complex processes and compensate for structured and unstructured uncertainties. However, it is difficult to find a suitable-sized NFN to achieve the required approximation error. To deal with the mentioned problem, the number of rule nodes in the DSNFN can be either increased or decreased over time based on the tracking errors, and the adaptation laws in the sense of a projection algorithm are derived for tuning all parameters of the parameterized NFN. Using DSNFN, good tracking performance could be achieved in the system. Furthermore, the trained network avoids the problems of overfitting and underfitting. The global stability and the robustness of the overall control scheme are guaranteed, and the tracking errors converge to the required precision by the Lyapunov synthesis approach. Experiments performed on a two-link robot manipulator demonstrate the effectiveness of our scheme.


The Wiener filter solves the Wiener-Hopf equation and may be approximated by the multi-stage nested Wiener filter (MSNWF) which lies in the Krylov subspace of the covariance matrix of the observation and the cross-correlation vector between the observation and the desired signal. Moreover, since the covariance matrix is Hermitian, the Lanczos algorithm can be used to compute the Krylov subspace basis. The conjugate gradient (CG) method is another approach to solving a system of linear equations. We derive the relationship between the CG method and the Lanczos based MSNWF and finally transform the formulas of the MSNWF into those of the CG algorithm. Consequently, we present a CG based MSNWF where the filter weights and the mean square error (MSE) are updated at each iteration step. The resulting algorithm is used for linear equalization of the received signal in an enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) system. Simulation results demonstrate the ability of the MSNWF to reduce receiver complexity while maintaining the same level of system performance.


We present the case of a 43 year old patient diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and retinoschizis, a rare case of disease association. Surgery is recommended and we practice 23 gauge vitrectomy, laser retinopexy, criopexy in the periphery and internal heavy oil tamponade. Postoperatory evolution was favorable.


In December 2016, Member States need to implement the Antitrust Damages Directive. The Directive adopts the full compensation principle and expressly prohibits overcompensation. I will embark on an enquiry whether such an approach departs from the Slovene general regime of civil liability, in particular liability in damages. At face value, one might argue that the Slovene civil liability regime prohibits non- compensatory rationales for awarding damages. This article challenges this perception. It argues that there is a space for interpreting the rationale for damages in the Slovene private law, when this is justified with dissuasiveness and sufficient reasons are given, as well as embracing non- compensatory considerations, prevention and deterrence in particular. Regrettably, the judiciary does not necessarily keep in step with such an interpretation. However, there are tendencies in the legal scholarship to change the established case law. In this setting, the special liability regime based on the Directive, which prohibits overcompensation, can be seen as an exception to the general regime for damages awards in certain contexts. This approach is contrasted with damages awards regime in the labour law context, which is also based on the EU regulation. In this context, the Slovene legislator expressly embraced prevention and deterrence as rationales for the award of damages. Thus, legislation which is based on or influenced by EU law can lead to different outcomes in practice. It can either reinforce preventive tendencies of the general regime of civil liability or, as it is seen in the competition law context, undermine them. Nevertheless, the (proposed) Slovene implementing legislation opts for a solution that accommodates both the Antitrust Damages Directive and the general regime of civil liability.


This article analyzes the role of pain and torture in the construction and destruction of subjectivity by way of a comparison of the depictions of torture in the theatre of Sarah Kane and Elaine's Scarry's highly influential The Body in Pain: On the Making and Unmaking of the World. The essay uses Kane in conjunction with the phenomenology of Emmanuel Levinas, as well as relevant work on the history and sociology of privacy and private speech. Its purpose is to develop an account of what is here called pain's bi-directional character, or its capacity to represent both the presence and the absence of the victim's subjectivity, possibly at the same time. Using Kane to expand upon Scarry's account of the role of subjectivity in torture, we can see how the logic of torture structures numerous relationships in Kane's work, including Blasted, Phaedra's Love, Cleansed, and Crave. The essay establishes Kane as not only a major playwright, but also a subtle and perceptive theorist of suffering for whom the question of intersubjectivity is a major site of dramatic struggle. Jeremy Colangelo is the author of Diaphanous Bodies: Ability, Disability, and Modernist Irish Literature (University of Michigan Press, 2021) and the editor of Joyce Writing Disability (University Press of Florida, 2022). His work has appeared in such journals as Modern Fiction Studies, Journal of Modern Literature, Textual Practice, and Modern Drama. He currently teaches at King's University College, University of Western Ontario.


In the present paper will work analytically the category of economic surplus. It will use the theoretical framework of technology system developed by Leontief to expose a clear form as to distinguish it from other concepts such as the net product.


A study of 29 children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis over 2 years showed some evidence of benefit from the twice daily inhalation of 20 mg nebulized gentamicin when compared to the inhalation of a nebulized saline mixture. Clinical symptoms, deterioration in pulmonary function, antibiotic usage, days in hospital and development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the sputum were recorded. There was no significant difference in antibiotic usage, days in hospital or clinical symptoms between the two regimes. Those subjects with P. aeruginosa in sputum showed significantly less deterioration in lung function over 2 years while using gentamicin aerosol. There was no difference in progress between the two treatment regimes for those subjects with P.aeruginosa in sputum at the beginning of the study, nor was there any difference in the number developing P. aeruginosa in sputum.


MIany plant tissues are known to produce ethanol when they are subjected to experimental stresses such as low oxygen supply or a variety of respiratory inhibitors (2). Ethanol production has also been observed under natural conditions in such tissues as germinating seeds, fruits, and root tips (10). The question whether ethanol, particularly that accumulated in periods of natural or imposed anaerobiosis, can be metabolized when the tissue subsequently gains better access to 02 is still unanswered (10). In earlier experiments, Cossins and Turner (5, 7) showed that in a variety of germinating seedlings, previously accumulated ethanol was consumed by the tissues, and by providing ethanol-2-C14 (6) to pea cotyledons they were able to show extensive conversion to a variety of products, including acetaldehyde, acids of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and amino acids. In this investigation, some twelve tissues, including storage organs, parts of seedlings, coleoptiles, fruits, roots, stems, and leaves have been examined for their ability to metabolize ethanol-C14 and the products of its utilization. Without exception, these materials converted part of the added ethanol to C02, organic acids, amino acids, and other products in periods of 4 hours or less. Distinctive differences in the patterns and rates of utilization were observed: in some tissues the rates of utilization were sufficiently high that the added ethanol (15 ILmoles) was completely metabolized.


The reliability of any system was always defined by its level of stability and by availability to have in responsible security persons or specialists' disposal necessary preventive measures, which are adequate to the threats risks and which are not yielded to easy elimination or demolishing. There was always in the world competition for the information ownership and according to it there was always the rivalry for ability to preserve effectively this ownership from the "outsiders" and much more from competitors. The protective systems are as effective as they include completely all the possible and theoretically probable processes, which are going on within the information system (IS) or can be caused by outside influence, or when they appeared accidentally. Therefore, risk controlling management model for the IS must reflects all the variety of events and also the processes of resources distribution and using. Making the analyses of available for today published works on this occasion it's possible to come to a conclusion that all of them (standards) contain in themselves a great deal of engaging of methods and tools, which are sufficient for to discharge the setting tasks. But in the information field the life is also going on and appearing of the new risks is inevitable as the necessity to search for the new standard means of counteraction to them. The theme of this article is the comparing analyses of two main standards, which are appealed to create secure conditions in information space for the owners of information and for their working without hindrances within their network, and for their outside partners and


A 68-year-old female with myelodysplastic syndrome presented with a 1-year history of gradually enlarging bilateral external auditory canal masses without temporal bone involvement.  Material from the bilateral external auditory masses showed intraepidermal and dermal proliferation of cells exhibiting ovoid grooved or folded nuclei, fine chromatin and moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells are strongly and diffusely positive for CD1a and Langerin (CD207). A diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis was made and the patient administered with topical steroids.  The patients' response to topical corticosteroid administration was less than favorable.


During this research the middle childhood years were studied and assessed from the Gestalt approach by means of play, with the focus on developing an assessment tool for the play therapist. Previous work refers to a therapeutic process of play therapy with children based on the Gestalt approach. This process is linked to theory and performance of Gestalt therapy and commences with contact-making and building a therapeutic relationship, regarded as extremely important, in order to observe the child's sense of self and his emotional expression. These phases are then followed by self-nurturing and concluded with termination. Since our research focused more on the beginning phases of therapy, examinations and discussions occurred in terms thereof. During the commencement phase of Gestalt play therapy, qualitative assessment is an important component within the relationship of trust. The aim is to gather as much information about the child as possible, reinforcing the relationship, for awareness-making and for planning the intervention. The literature confirms a shortage of assessment tools in Gestalt play therapy and other areas of assistance. Problems experienced with current assessment techniques and processes create a lacuna that we address. The board game as Gestalt assessment tool was designed for the primary school child and focuses on the therapeutic relationship, sensory stimulation and the child's process (Schoeman 3-aspect model). During application of the board game, valuable information regarding the child was gathered and the Schoeman 3-aspect model was followed. This board game can be utilised successfully by therapists for establishing relationships, sensory stimulation, and discovering the child's process and makes a contribution towards the initial assessment of the primary school child. Throughout the article the child in middle childhood is referred to in the male gender, implying also the female gender, unless stated otherwise.


Software correctness has bedeviled the field of computer science since its inception. Software complexity has increased far more quickly than our ability to control it, reaching sizes that are many orders of magnitude beyond the reach of formal or automated verification techniques.
 We propose a new paradigm for evaluating "correctness" based on a rich market ecosystem in which coalitions of users bid for features and fixes. Developers, testers, bug reporters, and analysts share in the rewards for responding to those bids. In fact, we suggest that the entire software development process can be driven by a disintermediated market-based mechanism driven by the desires of users and the capabilities of developers.
 The abstract, unspecifiable, and unknowable notion of absolute correctness is then replaced by quantifiable notions of correctness demand (the sum of bids for bugs) and correctness potential (the sum of the available profit for fixing those bugs). We then sketch the components of a market design intended to identify bugs, elicit demand for fixing bugs, and source workers for fixing bugs. The ultimate goal is to achieve a more appropriate notion of correctness, in which market forces drive software towards a correctness equilibrium in which all bugs for which there is enough value, and with low enough cost to fix, are fixed.


Abstract : Methanococcus voltae is a marine methanogen which derives its energy from reactions derived from the reduction of carbon dioxide by hydrogen. We are interested in elucidating basic principles of energetics in this archaebacterium and have focused on active transport, ion translocation pathways and ATP generating systems. We have made significant progress in the elucidation and characterization of a novel P-type ATPase in this organism. The enzyme has been purified and partially characterized and the formation of an acyl phosphate intermediate demonstrated in its catalytic sequence. We have discovered an active transport system for HS-CoM, a novel methanogen coenzyme involved in a terminal step of methanogenesis. Mutants which are altered in this active transport system have been isolated and characterized.


From 1979 to 1988 483 patients were admitted with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. All patients underwent thoracoscopy to identify the cause of pneumothorax. Chemical pleurodesis with tetracycline was performed if cysts less than 2 cm in diameter were found. If larger cysts were found the patient underwent thoractomy. In 93 patients with cysts larger than 2 cm the recurrence rate after thoracotomy was 4%. In 390 patients treated with intrapleural instillation of tetracycline, the recurrence rate was 16% (61 patients). The cause of recurrence in 42 patients was cysts missed at the initial thoracoscopy. This study has demonstrated that thoracoscopy is a reliable and safe method for selection of patients for chemical pleurodesis.


We are pleased to launch the inaugural issue of the UCSD Molecule Pages . While the Molecule Pages themselves have been regularly published online since 2003, we have now taken a step ahead by compiling these publications in a bi-annual journal format. Each Molecule Page, based on a cell signaling protein, combines expert authored reviews describing the biological activity, regulation and localization of the protein with curated, highly-structured data (e.g. protein interactions) and automatic annotation from publicly available data sources (e.g. UniProt and Genbank).


Context: Pain is subjective and labor pain perception is said to be influenced by personality, culture, parity, educational status and maternal weight. Objectives: This study assessed the Igbo Women's perception of labor pain and evaluated factors influencing their perception of labor pain as well as ascertained the level of utilization of obstetric analgesia by parturients. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that spanned 6 months (January 1, to June 30, 2011) and involved parturients of Igbo extraction who delivered by vaginal route in 3 different referral hospitals. They were interviewed with self-administered questionnaires within the first 24-48 hours postpartum. Labor pains were rated using a 3-pont verbal rating scale (VRS). Data were analysed with MathCAD 7 statistical soft ware package. Results: A total of 530 parturients were interviewed but only 500 were analysed. Fifty-two percent of parturients rated labor pain as severe. While 67.6% of parturients desired labor pain alleviation, only 38% actually requested for analgesia, and only 27% of parturients received pain relief during labor. The commonest pain relief available was intramuscular injection of Pentazocine Hydrochloride (92.6%) The influence of age, parity, educational status, maternal weight and companionship, on pain perception was statistically significant. Conclusion: Though most Igbo women found labor painful, they tend to cope with it. Most Igbo parturients did not request for pain relief and only a fraction of those who did request received it. Adequate antenatal preparation for the birthing process is necessary.


In vitro propagation of Kalanchoe rhombopilosa Mannoni & Boiteau was studied. To examine the effect of explants type and orientation on shoot and root induction, stem explants placed vertically and horizontally, shoot tips, leaf blade attached with ventral and dorsal side were cultured on semi-solid MS medium for 9 weeks. The highest shoot and root number could be obtained when stem placed horizontally were used as explants. In addition, the optimum concentration of TDZ and NAA on shoot induction was investigated for 8 weeks. The result found that the highest percentage of shoot induction as well as shoot and root number and their length was obtained when the horizontally placed stem segments were cultured on MS medium that supplemented with 0.1 mg/l NAA; whereas the callus formation was observed in all concentration of TDZ added medium. Furthermore, optimal types and concentration of organic supplements on shoot regeneration efficiency was also investigated. The result revealed that the highest percentage of shoot induction and shoot number could be obtained when the horizontally placed stem segments were cultured on MS medium augmented with 5% v/v coconut water for 8 weeks. Influence of the types of planting materials and their ratio on the survival percentage of the plantlets after planting for 4 weeks was studied. The result indicated that the use of sand: coconut husk: volcanic rock (1:1:1) as the planting materials provided the highest survival percentage.


Recent studies suggest a normal maximum acid secretion in duodenal ulcer patients with a history of less than three years, but an increase of secretion in those with longer history. The validity of this hypothesis was investigated in groups of patients with operatively verified duodenal ulcer and history for less than 3, 3--6, and 7--10 years. Each group, including 21 men and nine women, was compared to two male and one female group of age-matched controls without dyspepsia. In smaller groups of 16 men it was possible to compare age-matched groups from a population of 376 men with histories for up to 22 years. Finally, 11 men with an ulcer history of less than one year were compared to 11 controls. All subjects had measurements of MAO by the augmented histamine test. MAO was significantly higher in patients with a history less than one year and less than three years, respectively, compared to controls. After correction of MAO for weight or lean body mass the difference remained significant in men, but not in the smaller groups of women. MAO in men with a history of from less than three up to 22 years did not show any maximum. Thus, the study did not support the assumption that gastric hypersecretion is a result of duodenal ulceration.


Background: An optimal strategy to improve reperfusion in patients with arterial occlusions is a recognized clinical need. We hypothesized that hirudin (thrombin inhibitor) and S18886 [S18, thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) antagonist] would improve blood flow and reperfusion rates after thrombolysis with the direct-acting fibrinolytic enzyme alfimeprase. Methods: In anesthetized beagles, carotid artery thrombosis was induced by electrolytic endothelial injury. After 30 minutes of occlusion, animals were administered vehicle, hirudin, and/or S18. Carotid artery blood flow was monitored for 90 minutes after the infusion of alfimeprase or recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Results: The onset to reperfusion was more rapid in animals treated with alfimeprase than in those treated with rt-PA. All the animals treated with hirudin + S18 + alfimeprase maintained vessel patency, and all vehicle-treated animals reoccluded. In animals treated with hirudin + S18 + alfimeprase, time to reocclusion and total reflow time after thrombolysis were longer compared with vehicle-treated animals. The quality and quantity of blood flow were most improved in animals treated with hirudin + S18 + alfimeprase. There were no significant differences in time to reocclusion, total reflow time, and quality and quantity of blood flow between vehicle + rt-PA–treated animals and hirudin + S18 + rt-PA–treated animals. Conclusions: Dual antithrombotic therapy with hirudin and S18 improves reperfusion after thrombolysis with alfimeprase but not rt-PA.


Fatigue is actually weakening of material caused due to cyclic loading i.e. repeatedly applied loads. It is of prime concern as a material can undergo progressive and localized structural damage due to this. Welding is the most effective and widely used joining technique for metallic structures due to its applicability to most of the geometric configurations and the principle failure mode in weld is fatigue cracking. In today's world where durability is of prime concern in anything, this definitely can't be overlooked. Through this paper, an analysis into the fatigue life of simple face-to-face T-Joints made of mild steel using FEA (finite element analysis) is done. Although there are methods to analyze this, but this analysis and assessment is done by using structural hot spot stress approach. This study is of prime importance because mild steel is the most commonly used material especially in developing countries such as India and face-to-face T-Joints are found in most of the welded structures


Cooperative transmission using space time codes can be used to reduce transmission energy consumption for long range communication in wireless sensor networks (WSN). However, differing from traditional (multi-input-multi-output) MIMO systems, distributed cooperative communication systems in WSN usually lack of perfect synchronization. For the cooperative systems using Alamouti code, the effect of synchronization error on the receive bit error rate (BER) performance over Rayleigh fading channel is investigated in this paper. Taking also path loss effect and the propagation delay into account, the optimal transmit power allocation and the optimal reception areas are presented. The analytical and simulation results show that, for a small range of synchronization error and using the optimal transmit power allocation, the degradation of receive BER performance is negligible for some reception area.


Ten kilometres west of the town of Gürpınar in the County of Van and about 250 metres south west of Giyimli (Hırkanıs) in the arca locally known as "Serbartepe", the local populace, while excavating rock for the construction of a mosque, discovered a large group of plaques of bronze with figures on them executed in relief. These were later dated to the Urartian period. A year later in the summer of 1972, a group under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Afif Erzen conducted an excavation in this area which brought to light much new information concerning the Giyimli Urartian bronze teasure. As far as has been ascertained, the Giyimli bronzes consist of about 2000 pieces, of which about 250 are in the Adana museum, and consist of offering plaques, pieces of belts and quivers, pendants and bridle head-pieces. 150 or so more pieces are collected in the Van Regional Museum, the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, the İstanbul Archaelogy Museum, and in the Konya, Karaman, Gaziantep and Kahraman Maraş Museums, and it is known that an even greater number of these pieces has been taken abroad. For example, it is very possible that the Urartian hieroglyphic offering plaque in the Budin collection is of Giyimli origin.


【Purpose: We investigated the relationship between patient safety culture and safety care activity, and identified factors for safety care activity of entry-level nurses. Methods: The subjects of the study were 204 entry-level nurses working at five general and advanced hospitals with over 500 beds located in C and D City. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and hierarchical multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. Results: Perception of patient safety culture had significant correlations with safety care activity. Multiple regression analysis showed that demographic variables of quality of nursing on patient safety and health state of entry-level nurses affected safety care activity. In addition, patient safety culture in ward and communication affected safety care activity. These factors explained 38% of variance. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, patient safety culture promotion strategies to facilitate supportive work environment and effective communication are needed.】


Background: A substantial proportion of US adults hold fatalistic beliefs about cancer prevention. Although evidence suggests that fatalistic beliefs discourage people from engaging in screening behaviors that can reduce their cancer risk, far less is known about associations between cancer fatalism and other prevention behaviors. We examined sociodemographic correlates of these beliefs and their associations with regular exercise, smoking, and fruit and vegetable consumption with a national sample of American adults. Methods: Data were analyzed from the first wave of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 2003). HINTS used random-digit dialing to complete phone interviews with adult Americans (N = 6,369). Results: Nearly half of respondents (47.1%) agreed that "It seems like almost everything causes cancer," 27.0% agreed that "There's not much people can do to lower their chances of getting cancer," and 71.5% agreed that "There are so many recommendations about preventing cancer, it's hard to know which ones to follow." These beliefs were stronger in subjects who were less educated but generally weaker among both African Americans and Hispanics relative to Whites. Fatalistic beliefs about cancer prevention were negatively associated with exercising weekly, not smoking, and eating five or more fruits and vegetables daily in multivariate analysis controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusions: Americans who hold fatalistic beliefs about cancer prevention may be at greater risk of cancer because they are less likely to engage in various prevention behaviors. Results have notable implications for future cancer communication and education efforts. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(5):998–1003)


This paper evaluates the influence of three different types of visual feedback on the motor performance of healthy subjects during the repeated execution of a Virtual Peg Insertion Test developed for the assessment of sensorimotor function of arm and hand in neurologically impaired subjects. One test trial consists of the grasping and insertion of 9 pegs into 9 holes using a haptic display with instrumented grasping handle. Three groups performed 10 trials initially on three different setups (group 1 with standard 2D visual feedback, group 2 with 3D, and group 3 with collocated 3D visual feedback) followed by 10 more trials with the setup with 2D visual feedback. The total execution time and the mean collision force as well as the time and the collision force for 6 different movement phases were compared between groups and analyzed in function of the number of repetitions. Results showed significantly lower time to approach and align the visual cursor with the peg with the 2D setup over the first 10 trials compared to the two other groups, suggesting limitations of the 3D setup. Furthermore, a significant decrease of the total execution time was found in the first 10 trials for all groups. For the 10 following trials, only group 3 showed a significant decrease in the total execution time, suggesting that the learning did not transfer to the 2D setup for this group.


This article is the result of research conducted from 2005 to 2007 in Brazil's Amazon region. Relying on participant observation and ethnomathematics sources, on practical sky observation activities, and on classical sources about constellations observed in Brazil's Amazon region, a sky mapping project was undertaken with Tukano, Desana and Tuyuka indigenous communities. At the Yupuri School, an astronomical calendar was created that integrates specific environmental and climate events based on descriptions of many constellations from different indigenous communities. This investigation found that in the northwest, Amazonian Indians mark rain periods, drought, planting and harvesting by the set and rise of major constellations. To complement these findings, non-Indian materials were also analyzed mainly from the researchers of the early 20th century who worked in the northwestern state of Amazonas.


Phytomyxids (Phytomyxea) are obligate endosymbionts of many organisms such as algae, diatoms, oomycetes and higher plants including seagrasses. Despite their supposed significant roles in the marine ecosystem, our knowledge of their marine diversity and distribution as well as their life cycles is very limited. Here we describe anatomy and morphology of several developmental stages of a phytomyxid symbiosis recently discovered on the petioles of the alien seagrass Halophila stipulacea (Forssk.) Asch. at a locality in the southeast Aegean Sea. Its earliest whitish stages appeared already on the youngest leaves at the apex of the newly formed rhizomes. The infected host cells grew in volume being filled with plasmodia which resulted in the formation of characteristic macroscopic galls. The plasmodia eventually cleaved into spores and in the final stage recorded by us, the dark brown to black galls contained mature resting spores often occurring in duplexes and possessing thick verrucous outer walls. Based on its anatomo-morphological features the phytomyxid was assigned as Plasmodiophora cf. halophilae . Little is so far known about the origins and eco-physiological functioning of this rare symbiosis. However, seemingly similar infection patterns were reported in 1913 on Halophila ovalis (R. Br.) Hook. f. from Java and in 1995 on H. stipulacea from Sicily. Since H. stipulacea is of the Indo-Pacific origin and no phytomyxid infection was observed on the co-occurring autochthonous seagrass Cymodocea nodosa , we hypothesize that its phytomyxid might have co-migrated into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, potentially reaching as far as the southern Ionian Sea.


PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION
Retrospective evaluation of hysteroscopic findings in the accurate diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS
A retrospective monocentric study from January 1995 to December 2004. One hundred and four patients with hysteroscopic aspects evocative of endometrial carcinoma confirmed by endometrial biopsy during diagnostic hysteroscopy, by surgical hysteroscopic resection pieces or by hysterectomy specimen were included.

RESULTS
Among the 104 patients, diagnostic hysteroscopy pointed out endometrial features suggestive of endometrial carcinoma in 102 cases. In two women diagnostic hysteroscopy failed to diagnose endometrial malignancy which was identified on pieces of polyps by surgical hysteroscopic resection.

DISCUSSION
Polypoid proliferations cerebroid in appearance, with ulceration and necrosis, friable and with irregular vessels, represent endometrial findings highly indicative of malignancy. The diagnosis may be missed in cases of focal neoplasias, within endometrial polyps or in conditions of unsatisfactory endouterine visualization.


OBJECTIVES
to explore associations between customary physical activity and three longitudinal outcomes: 12-year all-cause mortality, 12-year disease-specific mortality and 8-year change in general practitioner and personal social service use.

DESIGN
longitudinal study.

SUBJECTS
1042 people originally aged 65 and over randomly sampled from general practitioner lists in Nottingham, UK.

METHODS
Cox regression survival and logistic regression analyses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
questionnaire-assessed levels of physical activity; 12-year mortality; reported health and personal social service contacts in month prior to interview.

RESULTS
on the basis of factor scores derived from the interview questionnaire, activity levels were graded as high, intermediate or low, with respondents grouped accordingly. Relative to the high activity group, 12-year mortality was significantly increased in both the intermediate [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10-2.14; P < 0.05] and low (HR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.24-2.48; P < 0.005) activity groups for men, and in the low activity group (HR= 1.73; 95% CI = 1.28-2.33; P < 0.001) for women. Lower levels of activity were also associated with an increased likelihood of using health and personal social services 8 years after the initial interview, and an increased risk among men of having respiratory disease recorded as the primary cause of death. All models were adjusted for age, health and smoking status and weight category as measured at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS
the results are consistent with the conclusion that, among elderly people, health gain resulting from higher customary physical activity levels can promote a longer and more independent later life.


Previously understudied new structural and technological concepts of various types of modern suspended ventilated facades (SVF) applicable in Russia by 2017 were researched by a system and analysis method to determine their advantages and disadvantages. Theoretical bases and the algorithm for the development of the optimal technological solution for the installation of SVF were worked out with the aid of the methods of multi-criteria optimization. The structure and the operating sequence were substantiated for the rational technology of integrated mechanized process of SVF elements installation. Alternate improved technological solutions were developed for installation of heat insulating, framing and facing SVF elements with the account of the most important optimality criteria. These criteria include minimum labor intensity and machine time, minimum cost, enhanced quality and safety. Effects of the most important factors related to labor intensity and cost improvement of construction operations as well as increase of SVF useful life under various building conditions were defined and substantiated by experimental construction of residential buildings with SVF facing. With the aid of the methods of alternate technological design and multi-criteria optimization, 4 optimized variants of technological solutions for installation of thermal insulation, frame and facing elements in SVF systems were developed with the account of the 4 most important consumer optimality criteria: minimum labor intensity and machine time, minimum cost, enhanced quality, maximum quality and safety. The scientific significance of the results is that the major factors affecting optimization of technological modes of various SVF designs were identified and studied. Their use allows reducing the labor intensity of works to 0.55–1.79 man-shift per 1 sq. m of facade area.


High-power gyrotrons are required for electron cyclotron heating/current drive in high-performance plasma experiments. In Japan Atomic Energy Agency, the operation conditions of the JT-60U gyrotron, which was originally designed as a 1-MW gyrotron, were optimized in order to achieve high-power and long-pulse operation with some modifications of the gyrotron components. As a result, the output power level of 1.5 MW for 1 s was successfully achieved.


Many Christian churches incorporate environmental policies as part of their mission while others appear hesitant to embrace ecological concern. I set out to explore the nature of this difference and the possible reasons for it by interviewing 12 clergy from a wide variety of Christian traditions. I also examined the possible role of the Eucharist as a catalyst for environmental mission. A grounded theory approach to my interview data revealed two commonly held clerical beliefs, each with potential ecological implications: Christ's redemption extends to all creation, not merely the human soul, and God intends the Earth to be transformed into a new creation—a transformation that began at Christ's resurrection. The study concludes with a recommendation for continued research into the effect of frequent Eucharist observance and regular teaching about the biblical mandate


We present angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy data probing the electronic structure of the Nd-substituted high-$T_c$ cuprate La$_{1.48}$Nd$_{0.4}$Sr$_{0.12}$CuO$_4$ (Nd-LSCO). Data have been acquired at low and high photon energies, $h\nu$ = 55 and 500 eV, respectively. Earlier comparable low-energy studies of La$_{1.4-x}$Nd$_{0.6}$Sr$_{x}$CuO$_4$ ($x = 0.10, 0.12, 0.15$) have shown strongly suppressed photoemission intensity, or absence thereof, in large parts of the Brillouin zone. Contrary to these findings we observe spectral weight at all points along the entire Fermi surface contour at low and high photon energies. No signs of strong charge modulations are found. At high photon energy, the Fermi surface shows obvious differences in shape as compared to the low-energy results presented here and in similar studies. The observed difference in shape and the high bulk-sensitivity at this photon energy suggest intrinsic electronic structure differences between the surface and bulk regions.


On 13 May 2019 Peter Häberle celebrated his 85th birthday. The present volume documents the results of a festive colloquium in Hamburg. It is a personal homage of an international circle of friends and students, which – oriented on three major research interests if the jubilant: constitution, public welfare and peace – discusses fundamental questions of the constitutional state. Facing the current challenges of liberal political orders through authoritarianism and populism, the volume´s contributions stand up resolutely for a "culture of the constitution", oriented towards the common good, against a cult of power. Included are, amongst others, Peter Häberle´s contribution on a "Culture of Peace" and on the "Weimar Constitution". Congratulations from all over the world reflect quintessential constitutional questions from a very individual angle.
With contributions by
Andreas von Arnauld, Miguel Azpitarte-Sánchez, Francisco Balaguer Callejón, Bengt Beutler, Antonio D´Atena, Peter Häberle, Markus Kotzur, Pratyush Kumar, Fulco Lanchester, Gilmar Ferreira Mendes, Lothar Michael, Jörg Paul Müller, Vasco Pereira da Silva, Paolo Ridola, Ingo Wolfgang Sarlet, Michael Stolleis, Johann Justus Vasel, Alexandre Viala


User Scenarios have been advocated as an effective means to capture requirements by describing the system-to-be at the instance or example level. This instance-level information is then used to infer a possible software specification consistent with the provided valid and invalid scenarios. So far existing approaches have often focused on the generation of static models but have omitted the inference of business rules that could complement the static models and improve the precision of the software specification. In this sense this paper provides a first set of invariant inference patterns that are applied on valid and invalid snapshots in order to generate OCL~(Object Constraint Language) integrity constraints that the system should always satisfy. We strengthen the confidence of inferred results based on the user's feedback of generated examples and counterexamples for the considered constraint. The approach is realized with a prolog-based tool that could support the designer to effectively define OCL integrity constraints in a semi-automatic way.


The through-plane permeability is of great importance for understanding the transport phenomenon in anisotropic fibrous porous material. In this paper, a novel pore-scale model based on the equilateral triangle representative unit cell (RUC) and capillary bundle model is developed for the fluid flow through the anisotropic fibrous porous material according to fractal theory, and the effective through-plane permeability is presented accordingly. The digital structures of the fibrous porous material are generated by a fractal stochastic method (FSM), and the single-phase fluid flow through the 3D-reconstructed model is simulated by using the finite element method (FEM). It was found that the effective through-plane permeability depends on the fiber column size, porosity, and fractal dimensions for pore and tortuosity. The results show that the predicted through-plane permeability by the present fractal model indicates good agreement with numerical results and available experimental data as well as empirical formulas. The dimensionless through-plane permeability is positively correlated with the porosity and negatively correlated with the fractal dimensions for pore and tortuosity at certain porosity.


This paper is a research on functional interpretation of object-oriented programs in the intensional type theory with dependent record types and coercive subtyping. We are here simulating a type-theoretic model of Java programs in Coq. Representing a class and its interface-type, which declares a set of methods and their signatures for code reuse, as dependent record types, the type-theoretic encoding enjoys desirable subtyping relationships that correctly capture the important object-oriented features such as inheritance, subtype polymorphism and dynamic dispatch. Furthermore, since the model is given in the intensional type theory, machine-supported verification of Java programs can be done by proving specifications that is satisfied by Java programs in Coq with regard to the state of objects.


This paper presents the design and implementation of a bandpass filter with very low insertion losses (<0.5dB) for cellular transmitters, with 0dBm capabilities. In order to obtain a high integration of the filter with existing fully digital architectures, it has been designed in CMOS 65nm technology. This filter takes full advantage of previously developed highly linear and high Q active inductors in CMOS. We present a design methodology based on filter frequency reconfigurability (1.7- 2.1GHz) while preserving linearity and low insertion losses on this wide frequency range.


We compared the hemodynamic effects of three different ventilatory patterns including two variations of the I:E ratio (2:1 and 3:1) and a PEEP-pattern with the MAWP being equal in all three patterns. The study was performed on 15 patients without lung or cardiovascular disease who were ventilated after elective abdominal surgery. Each of the patients was subjected to the three different pressure wave curves. The IPPV served as control. Hemodynamic measurements included TEE registration of the LV cross-sectional areas, diameters and wall thickness as well as arterial blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, we found no significant differences in the hemodynamic effects of all three patterns. Compared with IPPV, they showed a reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, LV dimensions and systolic wall stress. Assessed with the end systolic quotient, LV contractility remained constant.


We have studied the denaturation of metmyoglobin at pH 6.0 and 25 degrees C by urea and guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) which are known to unfold the protein to the same extent. It has been observed that estimates of protein stability (delta G0N-U) from urea-induced and GdnHCl-induced denaturations do not agree with one another; the linear extrapolation method gave delta G0N-U values of 7.59 +/- 0.33 and 5.35 +/- 0.10 kcal mol-1 for urea and GdnHCl denaturations, respectively. Measurements of the effect of the addition of KCl in the concentration range 0.1-1.0 M to urea denaturation have suggested that this disagreement is not due to the nonionic and ionic characters of urea and GdnHCl, respectively. The functional dependence of the free energy change of unfolding (delta GN-U) on [denaturant], the molar concentration of the denaturant, has been investigated for understanding the cause(s) of the disagreement between the two estimates of delta G0N-U of metmyoglobin. For this purpose, we have studied the GdnHCl-induced denaturation of the protein in the presence of different urea concentrations at pH 6.0 and 25 degrees C and vice versa. These measurements yield delta GN-U values in the full concentration range [Ahmad et al. (1994) J. Biochem. 115, 322-327], and these results provide strong evidence that the delta GN-U dependence on [urea] is linear (linear free energy model of denaturation) and the relation between delta GN-U and [GdnHCl] is curved (binding model of denaturation). It has been observed that the extrapolated value of delta GN-U in urea using the linear free energy model becomes identical to the extrapolated value of delta GN-U in GdnHCl using the binding model.


Abstract
In this study different proportions of NH4+ and NO3- in the growth medium on plant growth were investigated in hydroponic greenhouse experiments. The objectives of these studies were to investigate if ammonium (NH4+) stress in cucumber, a species sensitive to NH4+ toxicity, can be alleviated by matching the nitrogen supply rate to the plant nitrogen demand. Ammonium was applied at a relative addition rate of R=0.15 day-1 or R=0.25 day-1. For comparison, plants were also grown with NO3- as N source, as well as at constant concentrations of 1 and 4 mM NH4+. The fresh weight of plants grown with NH4+ as sole N source at R=0.15 day-1 was similar to that of NO3--fed plants, while at the high NH4+ supply rate of 0.25 day-1 a small growth reduction occurred. When available as a constant concentration, NH4+ decreased plant growth at 4 mM. Root:shoot ratio was lower in NH4+-fed plants compared to NO3--fed plants, and the NH4+-fed plants had more branched roots. Calcium concentration decreased in the roots, stems and leaves of NH4+-fed plants compared to NO3--fed plants. There were no differences in leaf chlorophyll fluorescence at the various N treatments. It is concluded that even a putative NH4+ sensitive species such as cucumber can tolerate NH4+ if the supply rate matches the N demand of the plants.

Keywords: Nitrogen, Ammonium toxicity, Nnitrate, Relative addition rate, Hydroponics, Cucumber


Book synopsis:
Core tourist sites for the classical world are the ruins of those many and scattered examples of 'lost' and abandoned towns - from Pompeii to Timgad to Ephesus and Petra. Usually studied for their peaks and growth, rarely are their ends explored in detail, to consider the processes of loss and also to trace their 'afterlives', when they were often robbed for materials even if still hosting remnant populations.This volume breaks new ground by examining the phenomenon of urban loss and abandonment from Roman to medieval times across the former Roman Empire. Through a series of case studies two main aspects are examined: firstly, the sequences and chronologies of loss of sites, roles, structures, people, identity; and secondly the methodologies of study of thse sites - from early discoveries and exploitation of such sites to current archaeological and scientific approaches (notably excavation, urban survey, georadar and geophysics) to studying these crucial centres and their fates. How can we determine the causes of urban failure - whether economic, military, environmental, political or even religious? How drawn out was the process of urban decay and abandonment? What were the natures of the afterlives of these sites which archaeology is beginning to trace? How far does scrutiny of these 'extinct' sites help in discussion of archaeological trajectories of sites that persisted?

The fourteen core chapters in this collection consider specific examples and case studies of such 'lost' classical cities from across the many Roman provinces in order to address these questions. Bringing together an array of archaeological and historical voices to share views on and findings from excavations and surveys of 'failed' towns, this volume offers much to scholars of Roman, late antique and early medieval and medieval archaeology and history.


Abstract Background Parasitic helminths are known to modulate host immune responses. This is thought to be mediated by their secretome. We are interested in the excretory/secretory products and mechanisms for modulating immune dysfunction in autoinflammatory diseases. Aims This research studies the mechanisms of immune modulation by parasitic helminths in the context of IBD. We aim to describe immunomodulatory helminth-derived metabolites (ESM). Methods Helminth-conditioned media was used to isolate ESM, which were further purified using column chromatography. Bone marrow (BM) derived macrophages (BMDM) from C57BL6 mice, were treated with ESP fractions from Trichuris suis, Ascaris suum, Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri or Dirofilaria immitis, stimulated with LPS, and secreted cytokine levels measured. Moreover, BM was cultured with or without ESM throughout differentiation to BMDM. Colitic mice (3% DSS, 5 days) were treated with A. suum ESM or PBS once daily IP. Colon lengths and TNFα mRNA were measured, and histological preparations were scored to assess pathology. Bioactive D. immitis ESM were fractionated using preparatory HPLC and assayed for bioactivity. Active fractions were analysed using MS/MS and fragmentation patterns and molecular weights were obtained. The active fractions are currently being studied by NMR to deduce a structure of an active metabolite. Results BMDM treated with crude ESM decreased TNFα secretion and increased IL-10. BMDM precursors which were treated with A. suum ESM throughout differentiation had reduced proliferation in a dose dependent manner. These BMDM showed remodeling of BMDM metabolic pathways. Intracellular ROS production was inversely proportional to Alamar blue oxidation. We found that ESM from A. suum improved DSS-colitis. Specifically, mice with DSS-induced colitis given IP ESM had longer colons, lower histolopathology score, and lower TNFα mRNA expression in gut tissue. HPLC-fractionated D. immitis ESM used to treat BMDM yielded varying suppression of TNFα with LPS stimulation. MS/MS of TNFα suppressive fractions contained masses with fragmentation patterns which were detected in fractions of several of the above-mentioned parasite species. Preliminary NMR studies will determine if this represents a conserved structure. Conclusions Helminth-derived components can immunologically polarize a response in vitro, as well as favour recovery in DSS colitis. Through multiple purification steps, a nearly pure fraction is found to have bioactivity, suggesting a single, bioactive molecule that is conserved across several parasitic helminths. These data are important in understanding the host-parasite interaction modulated by ESM, as well as provide therapeutic potential in IBD. Funding Agencies NSERC, FRQNT


Water scarcity is a potential effector restraining crop yield and economic returns to the farmers. This situation may be rescued by inoculating drought tolerant rhizobia owing to their plant growth promotion attributes and high root colonization efficiency. A pot experiment was conducted in sandy clay loam soil to assess the potential of four drought tolerant rhizobial strains Rhizobium phaseoli-RS-1, R. phaseoli-RS-3, Mesorhizobium ciceri-RS-8, and M. ciceri-RS-12 for ameliorating drought impact in maize. The stress was applied at five leave (vegetative) and silking (reproductive) stages. Rhizobial strain RS-8 significantly (p≤0.05) decreased electrolyte leakage and increased root/shoot dry biomass, 100-grain weight and ultimately the grain yield in normal and drought condition compared to respective uninoculated control. Differential response of rhizobial inoculation was observed on physiological characters and plant nutrient uptake under normal and drought condition, however, RS-1 and RS-8 was more promising for improving chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic/transpiration rate, intrinsic water use efficiency, stomatal/mesophyll conductance, relative water contents and nutrient uptake in maize subjected to normal and drought conditions. Moreover, root colonization capability of RS-1 (5.52×10 CFU cm root) and RS-8 (5.89×10 CFU cm root) was higher than control (2.3×10 CFU cm root) and other strains under normal irrigation. Similarly, higher root colonization efficiency of RS-1 and RS-8 was observed under drought stress which seemed to improve plant yield by modulating physiological characters and nutrient uptake in stress conditions. Thus, the results are encouraging in the utilization of rhizobial strains (RS-1, RS-8) as biofertilizer for sustainable production of maize under water deficit conditions.


Ant Colony Optimization is a new meta-heuristic technique used for solving different combinatorial optimization problems. ACO is based on the behaviors of ant colony and this method has strong robustness as well as good distributed calculative mechanism. ACO has very good search capability for optimization problems. Travelling salesman problem is one of the most famous combinatorial optimization problems. In this paper we applied the ant colony optimization technique for symmetric travelling salesperson problem. Analysis are shown that the ant select the rich pheromone distribution edge for finding out the best path.


The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of comparing the performance of different absorbent aids in terms of odour control by discussing a suitable methodology for product evaluation. To overcome the problems of low test reproducibility owing to biological urine variability, the first step of the work consisted of the identification and the production of artificial urine having a constant and stable composition over time, moreover preventing sensorial assessors from any risk of biological contamination. Sensorial measurements were performed to optimize the similarity between artificial and biological urine, especially as far as the composition of the volatile component and therefore of the odour properties are concerned. The assessment of absorbent articles performance to control urine malodour includes both the concentration and the hedonic tone of the odour released by the article itself loaded with synthetic urine. Analyses were run on different products, which can be grouped into two different classes: absorbing aids with or without odour control technology (OCT) respectively. Results show that, despite of the presence or absence of OCT on absorbing products, their odour concentrations are almost identical, being comprised between 10 000 and 12 000 ouE m−3. For this reason, it is evident that odour concentration is not suitable as the sole parameter for comparison of different absorbing products. Instead, the hedonic odour tone (odour pleasantness/unpleasantness) relevant to the different product typologies (that is products with and without OCT) should be used as an additional discriminating factor for this kind of comparative tests.


We have developed a magnetically collectable, reusable adsorbent and a catalyst for concentrating heavy metal ions in acidic aqueous solutions and solid acid catalysis in aqueous media. Chemically stable, magnetic rattle-type core–shell particles, comprising metallic cobalt nanoparticles in hollow silica microspheres, were prepared by the sol–gel reaction of alkylsilyl trichlorides around water droplets in a water-in-oil emulsion. Sulfonic groups were immobilized on the external surface of the core–shell particles through silylation with 3-mercaptopropyl(trimethoxysilane) and subsequent oxidization of the thiol groups by nitric acid. The sulfonic groups acted as adsorption sites for Zn and Pb ions under acidic conditions and as catalytically active sites for the hydrolysis of ethyl acetate in aqueous media. The enclosed Co was not eroded during the regeneration of the adsorbent/catalyst by 1 M HCl. The chemical stability arose from the dense non-porous shell, which prevents the passage of solvents.


Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) has been proposed for simultaneous T1, T2, T2*, and fat-fraction mapping of the liver, which is suitable for the diagnosis and monitoring of liver diseases. We evaluated the repeatability of liver MRF measurements and correlated it with reference standard imaging in patients with diffuse liver disease. Furthermore, we validated MRF-derived measurements against histological grading of liver biopsies. Liver MRF provided repeatable multi-parametric maps with high agreement with measurements of separate conventional quantitative mapping as well as histological grading of liver biopsies. This approach may enable objective and non-invasive hepatic tissue characterization in a single breath-hold scan.


It has previously been shown that the simultaneous activation of PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) and Ras/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) pathways facilitate tumor growth despite only inducing cancer cell dormancy individually. Determining the impacts on cellular mechanics each pathway incites alone and in unison is critical to developing non-toxic cancer therapies for triple-negative breast cancers. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) knockout and activated KRAS (Kristen rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) overexpression in healthy MCF-10A human breast epithelial cells activated the PI3K and Ras/MAPK pathways, respectively. Cell stiffness and fluidity were simultaneously measured using atomic force microscopy. Results suggest that PTEN knockout reduced cell stiffness and increased cell fluidity independent of PI3K activation. Effects of activated KRAS overexpression on cell stiffness depends on rigidity of cell culture substrate. Activated KRAS overexpression also counteracts the effects of PTEN knockout.


INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The cause for age-related changes in testosterone remains unclear. We hypothesized that increased nitroso-redox imbalance with aging could affect testosterone production. METHODS: Using western blotting we assessed several markers of nitroso-redox imbalance (4-HNE, NT, 3-NT, and S-NO) in serum of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase knock out (GSNOR KO) mice that have increased nitroso-redox imbalance and compared these to wild type (WT) mice. We evaluated the impact of age-induced nitroso-redox imbalance on serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) in WT mice at pre-pubertal (< 2months), middle-aged (2-6 months), and aged (>12 months) mice. Finally, we evaluated whether ascorbate, an antioxidant, can be used to reverse age-induced nitroso-redox imbalance. RESULTS: We identified 4-HNE as a reliable marker of nitroso-redox imbalance as evidenced by increased expression in serum of GSNOR KO mice compared with WT mice. We demonstrated that 4-HNE expression in serum increases in WT mice with aging (Figure 1). We also identified that testosterone levels were similar in middle-aged and aged mice and as expected, were increased compared to pre-pubertal mice. Interestingly, we found that serum LH levels in aged (n=8) and middle-aged (n=5) mice were increased when compared to pre-pubertal mice (n=5) consistent with the phenotype of subclinical hypogonadism (Figure 2). GSNOR KO mice treated with ascorbate for 5 weeks had reduced the expression of 4-HNE and increased serum T levels compared to untreated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing 4-HNE expression with age suggests that nitroso-redox imbalance is a possible mechanism for subclinical hypogonadism. Recognizing the relationship and etiology on a currently poorly understood classification of hypogonadism could be a paradigm shift in how age-related testosterone change is diagnosed and treated. Source of Funding: None


Am I ready for this? What will they be like? What will I be like? Nothing is more equally exciting and frightening for a young anthropologist than entering into the field for the first time. As I imagine Margaret Mead daydreamed about the exotic South Pacific before she arrived in person, I fantasize about the corporate world with both excitement and horror. What will it be like? Am I ready?


This article studies the Decision Support method that based on Case-based Reasoning (CBR), Rough Set and Expert System to construct the Railway Rescue Command System (RRCS). To do this, it takes the railway rescue case as the foundation and establishes case index and Reasoning mechanism using rough sets theory; it can effectively reduce the knowledge and discover regulation from it. For the new case, by completing the Similar Case Retrieval using Similarity Measurement theory, as well as Expert Knowledge and Rescue rules, a final Emergency Rescue Command method is obtained. The experimental results show that the decision support system which based on the above technology has obvious advantages in rescue decision-making than RBR (Ruler-based Reasoning) and experience knowledge of decision-making process.


Learning Objectives: Despite worldwide guidelines, sepsis remains the most frequent cause of death in ICU. Standard treatment i.e., adequate fluid resuscitation and use of norepinephrine (NE), helps to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP). However, vascular hyporesponsiveness to vasopressors remains a major problem. We hypothesized that peroxynitrite is responsible for vascular hyporesponsiveness and the adjunct therapy with its decomposition catalyst (PDC) would reduce NE requirement in ovine sepsis. Methods: We tested the effects of titrated NE with/ without PDC using our ovine MRSA sepsis model. Fourteen previously instrumented (Swan-Ganz, femoral artery, left atrium and urinary catheters) sheep were induced sepsis by two-hit injury (smoke inhalation and instillation of live MRSA [1.6–2.5 × 10^11 CFU] into lung) under anesthesia. Post injury, sheep were awakened, placed on ventilator and allocated to two groups: 1) Control: injured, fluid resuscitated with NE, n=7; and 2) PDC: injured, fluid resuscitated with NE, plus PDC, n=7. PDC (0.1 mg/kg) bolus at 1 h post injury followed by continuous IV (0.04 mg/kg/hr) for 24 hrs. NE was started at 0.05 μg/kg/min (γ) when MAP dropped by 10 mmHg from baseline, despite aggressive fluid resuscitation to maintain MAP close to baseline. Analgesia was provided with long acting buprenorphine. Results: MAP was well maintained in the PDC group with significantly less NE from 12 to 24 hrs after injury. Total NE dose and the highest NE rate were also significantly lower in PDC group vs. control (112 vs. 393 μg/kg and 0.2 vs. 0.7 γ. p=0.006 and p=0.004). The SOFA (except GCS) scores at 6, 12, 18 hrs after injury were significantly higher in control vs. PDC group (6.4 vs. 3.4, 8.7 vs. 5.7 and 9.7 vs. 6.0. p=0.02, 0.02 and 0.01). PDC significantly improved survival (71.4% vs. 28.6% at 24 hrs). PDC treatment had no adverse effects. Conclusions: PDC reduces NE doses and improves SOFA score during sepsis. This novel approach should be considered as an effective option for management of septic shock patient refractory to NE. (Support: GM097480/ SHC84050)


Objectives This study aims to identify circulating proteins that are causally associated with osteoarthritis (OA)-related traits through Mendelian randomisation (MR)-based analytical framework. Methods Large-scale two-sample MR was employed to estimate the effects of thousands of plasma proteins on 12 OA-related traits. Additional analyses including Bayesian colocalisation, Steiger filtering analysis, assessment of protein-altering variants and mapping expression quantitative trait loci to protein quantitative trait loci were performed to investigate the reliability of the MR findings; protein–protein interaction, pathway enrichment analysis and evaluation of drug targets were conducted to deepen the understanding and identify potential therapeutic targets of OA. Results Dozens of circulating proteins were identified to have putatively causal effects on OA-related traits, and a majority of these proteins were either drug targets or considered druggable. Conclusions Through MR analysis, we have identified numerous plasma proteins associated with OA-related traits, shedding light on protein-mediated mechanisms and offering promising therapeutic targets for OA.


COLORADO, MONTANA, and Wyoming form a compelling historical unit. Characterized by parallels in terrain and resources, demography and politics, they share a common identity within the greater American West. Each in turn has known a series of frontiers-fur trading, mining, cattle ranching, and farming for the nineteenth century-and in the modern day urban growth and industrial diversification. Together and singly they have produced a mass of material recording their past. With little organized settlement in the region before the mid-nineteenth century, the area has a recent history. Yet it has been dramatic and a continuing source of challenge to scholars: too often historical accounts for the region have been subject to myth, inaccuracy, and prejudice which tend to falter when placed under careful scrutiny. Historical commentary on these plains-mountain states falls roughly into two general categories-regional studies whose focus is geographical or topical, and narrower, more localized studies that concentrate on developments within established political boundaries. Ranging from articles to book-length and multivolume studies, the literature offers information and interpretation on high plains history, and pursues differing viewpoints on matters of historical controversy. Because they cover a broader area, regional studies tend to examine the forces which


The policies related to COVID‐19 pandemic such as stay at home orders and social distancing increased daily stress and associated impairments in mental health. This study examines the association between COVID‐related stress and cognitive functioning by examining two different types of daily memory lapses, those related to prospective memory (i.e., memory for future plans) and retrospective memory (i.e., memory for past information) as well as the perceived emotional and functional consequences of daily memory problems. As part of a larger study, 58 adults (18 men; 22 ± 3 years) completed a web‐based version of the daily inventory of stressful events including stress related to COVID‐19 and positive/negative affect for eight consecutive days between 8 September 2020 and 11 November 2020. Findings showed that prospective lapses were positively correlated with COVID‐19 stressors (r = 0.41, p = 0.002). At the within‐person level, daily COVID‐19 stressors were significantly associated with the number of prospective lapses (b = 0.088, SE = 0.040). COVID‐19‐related stressors were not significantly related to retrospective lapses (all ps > 0.05). Our findings suggested that more daily COVID‐19 stressors were related to greater numbers of prospective lapses in daily life even among healthy younger adults. Thus, future research should address long term relations of COVID‐19 stress and cognitive functioning in addition to the specific cognitive impairments related to COVID‐19 infection.


Spectrum sensing is a key component of cognitive radio networks. Compared with the single user spectrum sensing, cooperative spectrum sensing can detect the existence of the primary signal for improving the inference accuracy. However, cooperation induces additional communications overhead. In this paper, we propose a new cooperative spectrum sensing scheme with a light communication overhead caused by cooperation in cognitive radio networks. We also present two strategies for refreshing the confidence threshold. Simulation results show that compared with the traditional cooperative spectrum sensing scheme, our proposed scheme has a lower communication overhead as well as a nearly same detection performance.


We face a need of discovering a pattern in locations of a great number of points in a high-dimensional space. Goal is to group the close points together. We are interested in a hierarchical structure, like a B-tree. B-Trees are hierarchical, balanced, and they can be constructed dynamically. B-Tree approach allows to determine the structure without any supervised learning or a priori knowlwdge. The space is Euclidean and isotropic. Unfortunately, there are no B-Tree implementations processing indices in a symmetrical and isotropical way. Some implementations are based on constructing compound asymmetrical indices from point coordinates; and the others split the nodes along the coordinate hyper-planes. We need to process tens of millions of points in a thousand-dimensional space. The application has to be scalable. Ideally, a cluster should be an ellipsoid, but it would require to store O(n2) ellipse axes. So, we are using multi-dimensional balls defined by the centers and radii. Calculation of statistical values like the mean and the average deviation, can be done in an incremental way. While adding a point to a tree, the statistical values for nodes recalculated in O(1) time. We support both, brute force O(2n) and greedy O(n2) split algorithms. Statistical and aggregated node information also allows to manipulate (to search, to delete) aggregated sets of closely located points. Hierarchical information retrieval. When searching, the user is provided with the highest appropriate nodes in the tree hierarchy, with the most important clusters emerging in the hierarchy automatically. Then, if interested, the user may navigate down the tree to more specific points. The system is implemented as a library of Java classes representing Points, Sets of points with aggregated statistical information, B-tree, and Nodes with a support of serialization and storage in a MySQL database.


In numerous studies, researchers have suggested anomalies in semantics in patients with schizophrenia. In this study, the authors addressed whether one such anomaly might reflect a difference in knowledge content or in the structure or organization of this information. Using a category member production task and a typicality rating task, the authors assessed knowledge content and found that patients' and control participants' knowledge about categories of foods and animals was very similar. In terms of structure, their findings from a mathematical model of category judgment (the instantiation model; E. Heit & L. W. Barsalou, 1996) revealed a similar category structure in patients and control participants. In conclusion, the authors suggest that the content and organization of categories in patients with schizophrenia is similar to that in healthy control participants.


Objective: This study aimed to identify the shear bond strength of two different restorative particulate resin composites with a short fiber-reinforced resin composite (SFRC) substructure. Methods: Two restorative particulate resin composites, G-aenial PosteriorTM (Group A, 10 specimens) and Tetric N-Ceramtm (Group B, 10 specimens), were used as an upper layer of everX posteriorTM, an SFRC. A shear bond strength test was performed using a universal testing machine with a load of 100 kgf and a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The data were analyzed statistically using the independent samples t-test. Results: The mean shear bond strength values were found to be18.64±1.5 MPa (Group A) and 22.05±1.8 MPa (Group B). A significant difference in shear bond strength between the two groups was found. Conclusion: The shear bond strength value is higher in the Tetric N-CeramTM restorative particulate resin composite with SFRC as a substructure than the G-aenial PosteriorTM restorative particulate resin composite.


Aims: To compare the effectiveness of combined phacoemulsification and viscogoniosynechialysis versus trabeculectomy alone in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) with a coexisting cataract. Methods: Thirty-nine Chinese patients (39 eyes) were retrospectively analyzed: 19 patients underwent combined phacoemulsification and viscogoniosynechialysis (group 1), and 20 underwent trabeculectomy (group 2). In both groups, the intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the central anterior chamber depth (ACD), the synechial/apposition angle closure (SAC), and the success rates were assessed. Results: The median follow-up periods were similar for both groups (10 months). At the last follow-up, the mean IOP was 14.09 ± 6.89 mm Hg and the mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 0.36 ± 0.59 in group 1; in group 2, the mean IOP was 16.48 ± 4.74 mm Hg (p = 0.066) and the mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 1.05 ± 0.99 (p = 0.025). In terms of the mean central ACD and the mean SAC, there were significant differences between the groups (p = 0.0000, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative probability of success in group 1 was higher than that in group 2 (p = 0.0051). Conclusion: Compared to trabeculectomy, combined phacoemulsification and viscogoniosynechialysis resulted in a lower requirement for glaucomatous medications, a greater improvement in BCVA, and a higher cumulative probability that treatment would be successful among patients with PACG and coexisting cataracts.


The hepatoprotective efficiency of Indigofera tirunelvelica Sanjappa whole plant against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity was examined. Rat hepatocyte monolayer culture and wistar albino rats were exercised as in vitro and in vivo screening models of protective agent for liver. In in vitro analyses, the whole plant ethanolic extract of Indigofera tirunelvelica Sanjappa were inspected. Silymarin was chosen as a standard treatement drug. In vitro, free radical scavenging property was also evaluated. In animal studies, hepatotoxicity was produced in Wistar albino rats by dispensing CCl4. The degree of hepatotoxicity was examined by determining the ranges of serum enzyme. The antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde of the hepatocytes were also evaluated. In in vitro studies, ethanol extract of I. tirunelvelica whole plant was identified to be the most active than other assessed extracts. Besides, whole plant ethanol extract of I. tirunelvelica was noticed to be rich in phenolic and flavonoids. It exhibited expressive free radical scavenging property versus diphenylpicryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide ion radicals. In the animals studies, whole plant ethanolic extract of I. tirunelvelica at a ranges of doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) revealed considerable amount of protection against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity as evident by the protection of CCl4 induced changes biochemical parameters. The results of the present study suggested that the significant hepatoprotective property of whole plant ethanol extract of I. tirunelvelica against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity and intimates its use as a potential medicinal drug for liver diseases.


Data for the correlations between the properties of organosilicon compounds on the basis of Taft equations are surveyed for the first time. The results for 140 relations involving reactivities, capacities for complex formation, and spectroscopic characteristics are examined. The specific features of the influence of individual effects of substituents at the silicon atom and the ability of the silicon atom and silicon-containing groups to transmit effects are discussed. The bibliography includes 149 references.


Angle-resolved, second-harmonic-light scattering (SHLS) measurements are reported for three different classes of thermotropic nematic liquid crystals (NLCs): polar and nonpolar rodlike compounds and a bent-core compound. Results revealing well-defined scattering peaks are interpreted in terms of the electric polarization induced by distortions of the nematic orientational field ("flexopolarity") associated with inversion wall defects, nonsingular disclinations, analogous to Neel walls in ferromagnets, that often exhibit a closed loop morphology in NLCs. Analysis of the SHLS patterns based on this model provides a "proof-of-concept" for a potentially useful method to probe the flexopolar properties of NLCs.


This document specifies the Bootstrap Router (BSR) mechanism for the
class of multicast routing protocols in the PIM (Protocol Independent
Multicast) family that use the concept of a Rendezvous Point as a
means for receivers to discover the sources that send to a particular
multicast group. BSR is one way that a multicast router can learn the
set of group-to-RP mappings required in order to function. The
mechanism is dynamic, largely self-configuring, and robust to router
failure.


A detailed profile of the stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen was obtained from a speleothem (stalagmite) from the Ceremosjna Cave in eastern Serbia. The stalagmite is a low magnesian calcite that did not show any evidence of diagenetic alteration. It was precipitated under isotopic equilibrium conditions from dripping water. The age and rate of deposition was derived from six internally consistent radiocarbon dates. The initial 14C activity was determined to be approximately 80 pMC. The stalagmite appears to preserve a continuous record of calcite deposition from approximately 2300 BP until the present. Oxygen isotopic data, based upon 100 samples, are used to derive the first paleotemperature record for Serbia. A regression analysis of the all the data indicates that over the period of time that the speleothem was deposited there was a general trend of lowering of the average temperature. Superimposed upon this are significant long-term temperature fluctuations. These can be divided into four broader climatic groupings. Going from the oldest times to the present, there are two warm periods separated by a period when the temperatures fell below the temperature trend line. However, the absolute temperatures were generally above those of the more recent period that is generally characterized by the coolest climatic conditions.


We describe algorithms for computing the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two univariate polynomials with inexactly-known coeecients. Assuming that an estimate for the GCD degree is available (e.g., using an SVD-based algorithm), we formulate and solve a nonlinear optimization problem in order to determine the coeecients of the \best" GCD. We discuss various issues related to the implementation of the algorithms and present some preliminary test results.


This thesis presents an analysis of 184 of the best selling PC games from 1985 to 2009. Results show that 92% of the analyzed games support singleplayer game mode, and roughly 7% are massive multiplayer online games (MMOGs). The latter game type is represented by 100% role-playing games. The action and strategy genres are each represented as the primary game genre in around 1/3 of the games. Results indicate that the popularity of game genres vary with game platform (PC vs. consoles). Moreover, franchises, games with expansion(s) or in series, dominate the compiled best seller list. Furthermore, this thesis contributes with case studies explaining the business models of three different games (World of Warcraft, Anarchy Online and FarmVille), created by three distinct game companies (Blizzard, Funcom and Zynga). The three business models are presented using the business model ontology defined by Osterwalder in his PhD dissertation. The product, customer relationship, infrastructure, and the various revenue models available to game publishers, are among the elements explained and studied in detail.


Digital supply chains (DSCs) can be useful in unlocking supply chains to gain competitive advantage as a driver of growth, while enabling rapid response, supporting novel technology-driven approaches, and creating innovative products and services. Partner selection (PS) is one of the crucial tasks in the successful digitalization of supply chain. However, the selection of a suitable partner is not an easygoing process and is mostly associated with complexity. Various criteria are considered during the partner evaluation process. This paper delivers an efficient evaluation process to assess alternative DSC partners. The proposed approach integrates the Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFSs), analytic hierarchy process, and complex proportional assessment under a group decision making environment for the first time in the literature. PFSs can depict experts' evaluations with a richer structure, allowing for a more representative decision making. A case study from Turkey is conducted to validate proposed approach. This study contributes to the existing literature by developing a new evaluation model to improve DSC PS process and by proposing a new hybrid PFSs-based framework. This paper can be useful to practitioners and researchers to better understand DSC PS problem and designing effective DSC partner evaluation systems.