Flooding is a basic operation to propagate control messages in most ad hoc routing protocols. Recently, many flooding schemes have been studied to avoid the problems of severe redundancies, contentions, and collisions in traditional implementations. One of the recent efficient approaches is 1HI by Liu et aL, which uses only 1-hop neighbor information. The advantage of this scheme is that it achieves local optimality in term of the number of retransmitting nodes with the time complexity O(nlogn), although considerable redundant transmissions still remain. In this paper, we present a novel flooding algorithm to efficiently reduce the number of retransmitting nodes and to solve the broadcast storm problem in ad hoc networks by using our proposed concept of "2-hop backward information." The most important feature of the proposed algorithm is that it does not require any extra communication overhead other than the exchanging of broadcast storm problem, while maintaining the high deliverability. Comprehensive simulations are performed to show that the proposed scheme significantly reduces the redundant transmissions in 1HI and pure flooding; accordingly it alleviates the contentions and collisions in networks.


Although troop fission is a rare event, it does occur in provisioned or wild troops. Such fission, from the ecological viewpeint, results from the population growth which exceeds the carrying capacity of its ranging area, and, from the sociological viewpoint, from the loose social relations among troop members.


s 14th World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine sl3 guidelines represent the first national, evidence-based standards for pediatric disaster and terrorism preparedness. The methodology used to develop the guidelines and recommendations in the current report was one of a previously validated, evidenced-based, consensus process used in prior studies, supplemented by a modified Delphi approach for topic selection. Experts from multiple disciplines and areas of expertise involved in the planning for and care of children during times of disaster and/or terrorist events were convened for the discussion. There were several goals of this process: 1. To build collaboration among individuals with expertise in pediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric critical care, pediatric surgery, and emergency management (including disaster planning, management, and response); 2. To review and summarize the existing data on the needs of children in disaster planning, preparation, and response; 3. To develop evidence-based guidelines and recommendations on the needs of children in disasters, and develop evidence-based consensus guidelines for dealing with the gaps in the evidence; and 4. To create a research agenda to address knowledge gaps based on the limited data that exist on the needs of children in disasters. The final recommendations of the conference focused on three major areas: (1) emergency and prehospital care; (2) hospital care; and (3) terrorism preparedness and response, including biological terrorism, chemical terrorism, radiological terrorism, physical protection, decontamination, and the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).


Abstract We published an article (Elston et al. 2005) in Volume 24 of the Journal of Shellfish Research demonstrating substantial contamination of St. Louis Bay, Mississippi with dioxins and heavy metals, including chromium, nickel and arsenic that occurred in close proximity to a large titanium dioxide plant that has operated near the Bay since the early 1980s. We conducted an exhaustive evaluation of potential sources of contamination and concluded that the plant was the most likely source of contaminants. We were aided in this analysis by a variety of data including a preplant baseline study (Lytle & Lytle 1982) and a study of dioxin contamination in oysters harvested from Southern Mississippi conducted in 1997 (Fiedler et al. 1997). In this addendum we publish new information that further implicates the plant as the source of dioxin contamination, corrects minor underestimates from our original report in some of the WHO-TEQ (World Health Organization Toxic Equivalencies) for dioxins in St. Louis Bay and Mississippi Sound shellfish and also corrects the estimated magnitude of increase of dioxins in Southern Mississippi since 1997. These corrections do not change the conclusions of our original study. In fact, the increases in WHO-TEQs for shellfish and the new data obtained since publication of that article provide additional and substantial support for our conclusion that the plant is the primary source of dioxin contamination. In addition, these new data call into question the reliability and utility of data reported by the plant to the United States Environmental Protection Agency Toxic Release Inventory for use in assessing the public health risk of releases from the plant. This new information demonstrates 2,3,7,8 TCDD, the most toxic dioxin congener and one recognized as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, is in fact present on the plant site, a fact previously unknown and unreported, although we reported this congener in the two sediment samples adjacent to the plant outfall in our original report.


Abstract Ontogenetic changes in the bone histology of Maiasaura peeblesorum are revealed by six relatively distinct but gradational growth stages: early and late nestling, early and late juvenile, sub-adult, and adult. These stages are distinguished not only by relative size but by changes in the histological patterns of bones at each stage. In general, the earliest stages are marked by spongy bone matrix with large vascular canals. Through growth, the cortical bone differentiates into fibro-lamellar tissue that tends to become more regularly layered in the outer cortex. By the sub-adult stage, lines of arrested growth (LAGs) begin to appear regularly. Resorption lines and substantial Haversian substitution in many long bones also begin to appear at this stage, and the external cortex has a lamellar-zonal structure in some bones that indicates imminent cessation of growth. Judging by the rates of apposition of similar bone tissues in living amniotes, and by the number and placement of LAGs, these patterns suggest that young Maiasaura nestlings grew at very high rates, and at high and moderately high rates during later nestling, juvenile, and sub-adult stages, slowing to low and very low growth rates in adults (7–9 m total length). The nesting period would have lasted one to two months, late juvenile size (3.5 meters) would have been reached in one or two years, and adult size in six to eight years, depending on the basis for extrapolating bone growth rates. The histological tissues, patterns, and inferred growth rates of the bones of Maiasaura are completely different from those of living non-avian reptiles, generally similar to those of most other dinosaurs and pterosaurs for which data are available, and much like those of extant birds and mammals. No living reptiles (except birds) grow to adult size at these rates, nor do they show these histological patterns. We conclude that Maiasaura did not grow at all like living non-avian reptiles, which cannot be considered informative models for most aspects of dinosaurian growth (or physiology, to the extent that growth rates reflect metabolism). The use of lines of arrested growth (LAGs) to infer dinosaurian physiology has never been tested and is not supported by independent lines of evidence; their use in calculating age is also more complex than previously suggested and should not be based on single bones.


Abstract Objectives Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy, in which hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinism have both occurred. Fetuin-A, a natural inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, leads to insulin resistance. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between fetuin-A and hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinism and the role of fetuin-A in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Methods Thirty-eight cases with PCOS and 40 healthy adolescents were included in the study. PCOS and controls were divided into obese/non-obese subgroups. LH, FSH, total and free testosterone (TT, FT), SHBG, androstenedione, DHEAS were measured in patients with PCOS. Fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, AST, ALT, HsCRP, and fetuin levels of PCOS patients and healthy controls were also measured. Results Fetuin-A levels were higher in PCOS patients than in controls. In the obese-PCOS group, when compared to non-obese PCOS patients; the levels of SHBG and HDL were low while cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, FT, FAI, and HSCRP levels were high, but Fetuin-A levels were similar. In the obese-PCOS group, fetuin-A levels were higher than in obese-controls. HOMA-IR and fetuin-A levels were higher in non-obese PCOS patients than in non-obese controls. In the PCOS group, fetuin-A was positively correlated with TT, FT, FAI and androstenedione and negatively correlated with SHBG. Regression analysis demonstrated that FT, SHBG, and androstenedione significantly predicted fetuin-A levels (R2=54%). In non-obese PCOS patients and controls, fetuin-A was positively correlated with insulin and HOMA-IR. Conclusions These results suggest a relationship between androgen levels and fetuin-A in PCOS cases, independent of insulin resistance, and may shed light on further studies.


Social environment influences the trajectory of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). Thus, the present study tested the hypothesis that sociability levels will affect the responses to opioids. Mice were tested for their baseline sociability, anxiety levels, pain sensitivities, and their acute locomotor response to 5 mg/kg opioids. Then, they were administered repeatedly with saline, hydrocodone, or morphine (20 mg/kg for 5 days, and then 40 mg/kg for 5 days). Subsequently, they were examined for the expression of locomotor sensitization and retested for the effects of opioids on their sociability, anxiety levels, and pain sensitivity. On the basis of their baseline sociability level, mice were divided into socially avoiding and socially exploring. Socially avoiding and socially exploring mice did not differ in their baseline weight and anxiety sensitivities. Socially avoiding mice had slightly higher baseline heat sensitivity than those in socially exploring mice. Repeated administration of opioids had differential effects in socially avoiding and socially exploring mice. In both social groups, repeated morphine administration had overall stronger effects compared with hydrocodone. Morphine-treated socially exploring mice developed greater locomotor sensitization than those in morphine-treated socially avoiding mice. Morphine-treated socially avoiding mice, but not socially exploring mice, spent more time in the center zone of the open-field test and in the light zone of light/dark boxes, and developed heat hyperalgesia. This study suggests that socially exploring animals are more sensitive to the sensitizing effects of opioids. In contrast, opioids have greater effects on the stress and pain systems of socially avoiding animals. Thus, the underlying mechanisms for developing OUD might differ in individuals with various sociability levels.


The research is to study the domestic tourists' considerations and perceived risks and how they allay the disharmony that occurs between the desire to travel and to stay at home because of the pandemic situation, to their decision making in traveling to Bali. Data were collected through questionnaires to 96 domestic Bali tourists and interview with 5 individuals from them to gain deeper insights on the travel decision-making process between January-February 2022, a point where the COVID-19 case in Indonesia rose once again after its stagnant low case report in the third quarter of 2021. Regression analysis was performed and suggest that there is an impact between the perceived risk on purchase decision-making. In addition, results revealed that for the most part, these domestic tourists tend to set aside their worries about COVID-19 and other safety concerns so that their choice to visit Bali can be more prominent, essentially because of feeling weary with the pandemic situation which makes them feeling the urgency to escape from the "routine".


A Ondes elle, 10 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 T E D P R O Abstract—The disappearance of ultrasound contrast agents after disruption can provide useful information on their environment. However, in vivo acoustical imaging of this transient phenomenon, which has a duration on the order of milliseconds, requires high frame rates that are unattainable by conventional ultrasound scanners. In this article, ultrafast imaging is applied to microbubble tracking using a 128-element linear array and an elastography scanner. Contrast agents flowing in a wall-less tissue phantom are insonified with a high-intensity disruption pulse followed by a series of plane waves emitted at a 5 kHz PRF. A collection of compounded images depicting the evolution of microbubbles is obtained after the echoes are beamformed in silico. The backscattering of the microbubbles appears to increase in the first image after disruption (4 ms) and decrease following an exponential decay in the next hundred milliseconds. This microbubble dynamic depends on the length and amplitude of the high-intensity pulse. Furthermore, confined microbubbles are found to differ significantly from their free-flowing counterparts in their dissolution curves. The high temporal resolution provided by ultrafast imaging could help distinguish targeted microbubbles during molecular imaging. (E-mail:email@example.com) 2009 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.


Furuncular myiasis is an infestation of the skin caused by Dermatobia hominis larvae known as "ver macaque" in French Guyana, "berne" in Brazil, "torsalo" in Colombia, or "human botfly" in English-language literature. It has identical features in man and domestic mammals. The primary lesion consists of a boil-like inflammatory papule with a central punctum exuding a serosanguinous discharge. The respiratory sinus of the D. hominis larvae may be visible through the punctum. Myiasis secondary to D. hominis accounts for 10% of imported tropical dermatosis observed in Paris. Diagnosis of furuncular myiasis should be considered in any patient with a history of travel or residence in an endemic area. Treatment depends mainly on mechanical removal that may be facilitated by injection of lidocaine into the lesion or prior application of a 1% solution of ivermectin.


Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) plays a central role in the process of adipocyte differentiation. This receptor and its heterodimeric partner, retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha), form a DNA-binding complex that regulates transcription of adipocyte-specific genes. Troglitazone, an antidiabetic drug, has recently been identified as a synthetic ligand for PPARgamma. We studied the effects of troglitazone on proliferation and differentiation of normal and malignant hematopoietic cells. Expression of PPARgamma was easily detectable by Western blot analyses in all five myeloid leukemia cell lines. Troglitazone alone (10-5 M) did not induce differentiation in any of the cell lines; however, this compound suppressed the clonal growth (10-75% of inhibition) of all five myeloid leukemia cell lines. Myelomonocytic U937 cells, which were the most responsive to the growth suppressing effects of troglitazone, were arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle when cultured with this compound. Simultaneous treatment of myeloid leukemia cell lines with both troglitazone and a ligand that specifically binds either RXR (LG100268), or retinoic acid receptors (RAR, ATRA, ALART1550), or both (9-cis RA) resulted in additive suppression of clonal growth. In summary, our studies showed that troglitazone when combined with a retinoid was a moderately potent inhibitor of clonogenic growth of acute myeloid leukemia cells.


To test the hypothesis that nocturnal hypoglycemia causes postprandial hyperglycemia the next day (the Somogyi phenomenon) in patients with insulindependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), we studied 10 moderately well controlled patients, who were on their usual therapeutic regimens, from 2000 to 2000 on three occasions. On a control day, samples were obtained without intervention. On another day, nocturnal hypoglycemia was prevented (by intravenous infusion of glucose, if necessary, from 2200 to 0400 to keep plasma glucose levels at >5.6 mM). On another day, nocturnal hypoglycemia was induced (by stepped intravenous insulin infusions between 2200 and 0200 to reduce plasma glucose levels to <2.8 mM). After nocturnal hypoglycemia (1.9 ± 0.2 mM), fasting (0800), morning (0800-1100), afternoon (1200-1500), evening (1600- 2000), and entire-day (0800-2000) plasma glucose concentrations were no higher than those after prevention of nocturnal hypoglycemia or sampling only. On the control day, fasting and daytime plasma glucose levels were directly related to the preceding 2200 (r = 0.723, P < 0.02, and r = 0.762, P = 0.01, respectively) and nocturnal nadir (r = 0.714, P < 0.02, and r = 0.728, P < 0.02) plasma glucose concentrations. Daytime plasma glucose levels were unrelated to peak nocturnal plasma glucagon, epinephrine, norepinephrine, growth hormone, or cortisol concentrations. We conclude that nocturnal hypoglycemia does not appear to cause clinically important daytime hyperglycemia in patients representative of most patients with IDDM.


The historic closed-loop seismic reservoir monitoring workflow is redefined to incorporate the geologic, reservoir simulation, and geomechanical models into an integrated full-field coupled Dynamic Integrated Earth Model (DIEM) to surface. From which elastic parameters for a range of reservoir simulations can be derived via the petro-elastic rock-physics model for input into the field-wide finite-difference forward-modelling with realistic calibrated noise, imaged to produce a high-fidelity prediction of the 4D signal. The Chimera geologic, reservoir, and geomechanical models were integrated into a DIEM. The Chimera turbidity type reservoir model has a maximum sand porosity of 0.25 and a maximum permeability of 200 mD with light oil and an initial gas cap supported by an aquifer from the bottom, accumulated within a structural trap segmented by normal faults. Production scenarios are simulated at the reservoir pressure corresponding to the baseline date, and four future realisations. These are transformed into elastic properties for the finite-difference forward-modelling. The modelled data with calibrated noise for each scenario is imaged, and differenced to quantify the type, magnitude and location of the 4D signal. Hence we determine if the base-line or an alternative geometry will measure the 4D signal at the required time-step and consequently if the reservoir is a candidate for seismic reservoir monitoring.


The White-Eared-Opossum (Didelphis albiventris) is a marsupial that occupies a large variety of habitats, spreading through several Brazilian biomes and some urban areas [1], with an important role in seed dissemination. As a mammalian, its tongue evolved to specialized functions and, in the neonate, in addition to milk suckling, it also serves to keep them attached to the female nipple, as a support for protection within the marsupium, reflecting the success of organogenesis. Furthermore, the lingual papillae provides an indicative of the animal habits, mechanical uses, diet and taxonomic relationships [2].

The organs were collected from individuals found dead by the roads in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern of Brazil. This material was previously fixed in modified Karnovsky aqueous solution and, once identified the tissue quality, it was submitted to processing for scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy.

Through TEM the epithelial layers that forms the lingual mucosa were easily distinguished and identified, both in adults and fetuses. The stratum corneum at both stages demonstrate the epithelial renewal process through the release of the most superficial cells; the granular layer is more tenuous in fetuses than in adults, where many tonofilaments and several keratohyaline granules were observed; the spinous layer was similar in both ages and marked by the large number of desmossomes between the cells.

Two adult tongues were used in the SEM study. One was used for the mucosa analysis, and revealed filiform papillae with different morphologies according to the region. The apex is filled with "major" papillae, like acute columns. The space among them is filled with tuft of "minor" thin and flat filiform papillae. This "minor" filiform papillae covers the entire top of the body surface but is much denser than in the apex, giving a velvet appearance to the organ. The fungiform papillae are scattered in the apex and body, and partially covered by an elevation of mucosa, looking like circumvallate papillae, since it present a moat-like trough. Circumvallate papillae are 3 in number and form a triangle on the lingual root, with the apex oriented caudally. Foliate papillae are small and thin elevations in the caudolateral border of the tongue, ranging from 12 to 16.

The other SEM study used corrosion with Sodium Hydroxide to remove the epithelial layer, reaching the connective tissue that supports the lingual mucosa. It was observed that the filiform papillae subepithelial tissue is similar to what is seen with the conventional technique. The other types of papillae present an irregular surface with some dorsal depressions. The subepithelial tissue of the two circumvallate papillae, located more rostrally, are oval like the epithelium, while the third is rounded.

The characteristics observed in the tongue of D. albiventris are similar to those observed in other marsupial species.

Keywords:

anatomy;
ultrastructure;
lingual papillae;
didelphidae


The online meta-learning framework has arisen as a powerful tool for the continual lifelong learning setting. The goal for an agent is to quickly learn new tasks by drawing on prior experience, while it faces with tasks one after another. This formulation involves two levels: outer level which learns meta-learners and inner level which learns task-specific models, with only a small amount of data from the current task. While existing methods provide static regret analysis for the online meta-learning framework, we establish performance in terms of dynamic regret which handles changing environments from a global prospective. We also build off of a generalized version of the adaptive gradient methods that covers both ADAM and ADAGRAD to learn meta-learners in the outer level. We carry out our analyses in a stochastic setting, and in expectation prove a logarithmic local dynamic regret which depends explicitly on the total number of iterations T and parameters of the learner. Apart from, we also indicate high probability bounds on the convergence rates of proposed algorithm with appropriate selection of parameters, which have not been argued before.


There is great promise in creating effective technology experiences during situationally-induced impairments and disabilities through the combination of universal design and adaptive interfaces. We believe this combination is a powerful approach for meeting the UX needs of people with disabilities, including those which are temporary in nature. Research in each of these areas, and the combination, illustrates this promise.


1. The intraperitoneal injection of fresh anterior hypophyseal fluid retards the environmentally-induced metamorphosis of the Colorado (New Mexican) axolotl. 2. The metamorphic stimulus afforded by a small but effective thyroid dosage can be neutralised, physiologically, the axolotl by the injection of fresh anterior pituitary fluid.


Raster graphics, while good at achieving realistic and cost-effective image generation, lacks useful (e.g. high-level) and fast (e.g. almost real-time) interaction facilities. One may try to speed up the entire classical image generation pipeline using much processing power but this would clearly lessen the advantages of raster workstations as popular, relatively inexpensive devices. This paper continues our work in restructuring the functional model (first formulated by Ingrid Carlbom) for high-performance architectures. Central to our approach is a visible concern about the underlying data structures used to represent the geometric objects. This originates from the conviction that only through careful design of appropriate graphics data structures and algorithms one can profitably map software tasks into hardware, specifically VLSI. Here we elaborate on a novel object description scheme called "pattern representation" and its envisioned usage. Our work is decidedly in contrast with several current research efforts in the area of graphics hardware where it is commonplace to simply put several processors into a cooperative effort to share the total burden, with each processor taking responsibility for part of the work.


Abstract Little is known about the effect of thrusting on lithological and petrophysical properties of reservoir sandstone. Here we use field observations, probe permeability measurements and thin-section analysis along ten transects from the Muddy Mountain thrust contact downwards into the underlying Jurassic Aztec Sandstone to evaluate the nature and extent of petrophysical and microstructural changes caused by the thrusting. The results reveal a decimetre- to metre-thick low-permeable (≤50 mD) and indurated (0–3% porosity) zone immediately beneath the thrust contact in which dominant microscale processes, in decreasing order of importance, are (1) cataclasis with local fault gouge formation; (2) pressure solution; and (3) very limited cementation. From this narrow zone the petrophysical and microstructural effect of the thrusting decreases gradually downwards into a friable, highly porous (c. 25%) and permeable (≤2 D) sandstone some 50–150 m below the thrust, in which strain is localized into deformation band populations. In general, the petrophysical properties of the sandstone as a result of overthrusting reveal little impact in overall primary reservoir quality below some tens of metres into the footwall, except for the relatively minor baffling effect of deformation bands.


A socio-economic study was conducted in district Mardan of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan to get a comprehensive knowledge of the agroforestry tree species grown on the farmlands, their yield, and carbon stock. For yield and carbon stock estimation, data were collected from 59 sample plots by measuring the diameter, height, volume, and biomass of selected agroforestry tree species through D-tape and Haga altimeter. A total of 59 sample plots were inventoried using 2.5 percent sampling intensity. Each sample plot has an area of 0.5 ha, where each tree with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm was inventoried. The calculated amount of volume of each tree species was then converted to biomass by multiplying it by the density of wood and the Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF). Total yield and C stock for the selected agroforestry tree species were 11535.2 metric tons and 2102.2 metric tons, respectively. Populus euroamericana is classified as the main tree with 28% growing stock prior to Morus alba by 21%, while Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix tetrasperma, and Bombax ceiba consist of 15%, 12%, 8%, 6%,7% and 3% growing stock respectively. Among the species found in different sampling plots the yield of Populus euroamericana was found to be 4747.5 metric tons and it was followed by the species Morus alba found at 2027.3 metric tons. Similarly, the volume for Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Salix spp, Boombox ceiba, and Acacia nilotica was 1532.2 tons,1503 ton,745.7,203.5ton, 555.4ton and 220.5ton, respectively. The carbon stock for Populus euroamericana was calculated as 777.8 ton/ha, while for Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melia azedarach, Morus alba, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix species, and Bombax ceiba it was calculated as 312.3ton/ha, 272.1ton/ha, 363ton/ha, 245.1ton/ha, 51.4ton/ha, 27.3ton/ha and 53.2ton/ha, respectively. The questionnaire survey conducted for price dynamics showed that the majority of respondents purchase timber from the market for construction. But they use farm trees with low-quality city construction. They dislike using local timber in the conventional building as timber from farm trees is liable to insect attack. Rs. 50,000-100000, (33.33%) of daily sales was concluded from 50% of the trader while (16.7%) of the traders have their sales between Rs.150,000-200,000. Therefore, it is concluded by the authors that both provincial and federal government should promote agroforestry in Pakistan through different incentives because it has the potential to cope with dilemma of deforestation of natural forests and improve the livelihood of local peoples. It is strongly recommended that special projects just like the Ten Billion Tree Afforestation Project (T-BTTP) should be launched for agroforestry plantation and promotion in the country to sustain the ecological harmony and uplift the socio-economic condition of the peoples of Pakistan.


SUMMARY In this study, we demonstrate the capacity for damselfish (green chromis, Chromis viridis) to discriminate between different e-vector orientations of ultraviolet polarized light. We examined the ability of green chromis to resolve small differences in e-vector orientation of ultraviolet polarized light. Fish were successfully trained to swim towards an e-vector orientation of polarized light using a behavioural chamber. C. viridis was able to discriminate between the horizontal and the vertical plane of ultraviolet polarized light independent of brightness content of the stimuli. However, e-vector discrimination capability disappeared when the ultraviolet portion of the light stimuli was removed, indicating that the presence of ultraviolet light was critical for e-vector discrimination. Fish could also distinguish between relatively small e-vector orientations of ultraviolet polarized light. Functional implications for high e-vector discriminative capabilities could be used in functional domains such as feeding and communication.


We present in this extended abstract a new software designed to work with generating functions that count walks in the quarter plane. With this software we offer a cohesive package that brings together all the required procedures for manipulating these generating functions, as well as a unified interface to deal with them. We also display results that this package offers on a public webpage.


A standard video can have small video motions that are difficult to see by naked eye because of it limited sensitivity. These hidden signals variation may have highly useful information that can be used in variety of applications fields such as healthcare, biology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, military and security. Eulerian Video Motion Magnification is a system used to detect and amplified tiny motions in video. This system have a problem with processing time, it consumes too long time to complete the spatial _ temporal analyzing. This paper, proposes a modified approach to Speed up the processing time of Eulerian motion magnification, it minimizes the analyzing area of frames and applying the analyzing process only on a tiny motion area and ignores all unchanged background. The test results show that the proposed approach has speed up the processing time of Eulerian Motion Magnification may be to , more than 70% percentage


An overview of the occurrence, distribution and contamination of inorganic chemical substances in various environmental compartments and the rates of flow between these will be given. In an ecosystem the pathways and location of elements can be influenced in a specific manner by the organisms, e.g. by selective uptake and enrichment of the inorganic substances. Special emphasize is placed on the distribution and activity of chemical elements in plants in relation to their occurrence in the earth crust, their beneficial effects to living organisms and their acute or chronic toxicity to living systems. From here a so called "reference plant" could be developed, which allow a direct comparison of individual plant species by standardizing them against the reference plant. A Biological System of the Elements (BSE) has been established, which take inter-elemental correlations, the biological function and the uptake form of individual elements into consideration. If the relationship in between these functions of elements is out of balance the inorganic contamination might have a toxicological effect.


The article is devoted to the problem of central precocious puberty — one of the orphan diseases. The modern classification, etiopathogenesis, clinic, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of the disease are presented. Precocious puberty is much more common in girls than in boys, and the most common pathogenetic option is idiopathic. The pathogenesis is the early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitarysex gland axis, which causes the development of puberty clinically similar to the physiological one. Excess sex hormones lead to the closure of the epiphyses and low final growth. The key diagnostic measure is a test with gonadotropin-releasing hormone, as well as visualizing studies of the brain, adrenals and gonads. The main hormonal criterion for the central form of precocious puberty is a significant increase in luteinizing hormone in response to stimulation with luliberin — more than 10 mU/ml. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues are used for the treatment of central precocious puberty, the continuous injection of which blocks receptors on gonadotropic cells of the pituitary gland, which causes a decrease in the secretion of gonadotropins and, accordingly, sex steroids. Regress of secondary sexual characteristics is observed after 3 months of therapy, decrease in the rate of growth to normal values after 1-1,5 years, decrease in the ratio of bone age to chronological, which improves the growth forecast — by the end of the 3rd year of treatment. Therapy is continued until the onset of puberty, as its cessation causes the resumption of the disease. Treatment is most effective at an early onset, when the bone age does not exceed 12 years. The forecast is favorable in most cases


We elaborate on Watson and Holmes' observation that misspecification
is contextual: a model that is wrong can still be adequate in one
prediction context, yet grossly inadequate in another. One can incorporate
such phenomena by adopting a generalized posterior, in which the likelihood
is multiplied by an exponentiated loss. We argue that Watson and Holmes'
characterization of such generalized posteriors does not really explain their
good practical performance, and we provide an alternative explanation which
suggests a further extension of the method.


Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematologic malignancy derived from a clonal population of mature B-lymphocytes characterized by relatively low CD20 antigen expression. Although the disease often takes an indolent course, the majority of patients will eventually require therapy. Standard treatment for medically fit patients includes purine analogs and/or alkylating agents in addition to the type I anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab. This therapy is inherently myelosuppressive and can result in significant morbidity and even mortality in patients with impaired performance status due to age and/or medical comorbidities. Historically, treatment options for the elderly or frail patient population were limited to mono-therapy with the oral alkylating agent, chlorambucil, rituximab, or another type I anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody ofatumumab. Recently, a newer-generation anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, obinutuzumab, was developed for patients with CLL. Obinutuzumab is a humanized type II monoclonal antibody that appears to have more direct antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and possibly more direct cytotoxicity in vitro than previously available type I antibodies. A large Phase III prospective randomized clinical trial for older patients with impaired renal function and/or significant medical comorbidities demonstrated that when compared to conventionally-dosed rituximab and chlorambucil, the combination of chlorambucil and obinutuzumab administered at a dose and schedule involving early loading doses improved response rates and progression-free survival without significantly increasing toxicity. Results of this pivotal trial led to the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approval of obinutuzumab in combination with chlorambucil for frontline treatment of CLL. Obinutuzumab expands the armamentarium of active and less-toxic targeted agents in the evolving treatment landscape of CLL, providing physicians and patients with an additional therapeutic option.


This paper describes advances in microwave frequency standards using laser-cooled atoms at BNM-SYRTE. First, recent improvements of the 133Cs and 87Rb atomic fountains are described. Thanks to the routine use of a cryogenic sapphire oscillator as an ultra-stable local frequency reference, a fountain frequency instability of 1.6 × 10−14 τ−1/2 where τ is the measurement time in seconds is measured. The second advance is a powerful method to control the frequency shift due to cold collisions. These two advances lead to a frequency stability of 2 × 10−16 at 50 000 s for the first time for primary standards. In addition, these clocks realize the SI second with an accuracy of 7 × 10−16, one order of magnitude below that of uncooled devices. In a second part, we describe tests of possible variations of fundamental constants using 87Rb and 133Cs fountains. Finally we give an update on the cold atom space clock PHARAO developed in collaboration with CNES. This clock is one of the main instruments of the ACES/ESA mission which is scheduled to fly on board the International Space Station in 2008, enabling a new generation of relativity tests.


The existences of topological nodal-line states and topological Dirac surface states in the non-centrosymmetric superconductor PbTaSe2 have been demonstrated by some recent experiments combining with first-principles simulations. Here, we predict by means of the first-principles calculations that PbTa2Se is also a phonon-mediated superconductor. The superconducting temperature Tc is estimated to be ∼7 K, greatly larger than that of PbTaSe2 (Tc ∼ 3.8 K). The main contribution to the electron-phonon coupling and superconductivity is from the in-plane vibrations of Ta atoms. After including the spin–orbit coupling, a continuous energy gap in the whole Brillouin-zone is opened.


Abstract Result of the Scientific Concerns from the Doctoral School of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics of the Valahia Târgovişte University and the research project of INCDMTM "INTEGRATED MECHATRONIC SYSTEM FOR HUMAN SECURITY INSURANCE FOR THE SAFETY OF OBJECTIVES AND INTERVENTIONS IN RISK - MISO ZONES" (project ID: PED-2016-0924, code PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0707) in the field of robotics, the scientific work "Intelligent Platform with BLDC Drives and Microsystems for Mechatronic Applications in Security and Surveillance " is the completion of the experimental testing of controlling the movement of a security and surveillance robot, as part of the Ph.D. industrial thesis "Studies, research and contributions on the development of a smart mecatronic robot for security and surveillance applications". The scientific work ultimately results in an intelligent, original platform that will be used to control the movement of the robot. The platform allows communication between the latest generation BLDC engine (embedded in the drive wheel) and it's controller and a computerized microsystem that will handle the displacement controls and will also provide the link with the human operator through any remote guidance system that is used. Although designed for an intelligent security and surveillance mechatronic robot, this platform is proven to be extensively versatile for any other type of robot or mobile platform that uses BLDC wheel-drive engines. The project harmoniously combines Mechatronics, Cyber-MixMeatronic, Integronics and Artificial Intelligence into an Intelligent Interoperable Construction.


The present invention relates to pigments, comprising a plate-like substrate of glass having an average thickness of < 1 mum, especially of from 20 nm to 400 nm, and (a) a dielectric material, especially a metal oxide, having a high index of refraction; or (a) a metal layer, especially a thin semi-transparent metal layer; a process for their production and their use in paints, ink-jet printing, for dyeing textiles, for pigmenting coatings (paints), printing inks, plastics, cosmetics, glazes for ceramics and glass.


ABSTRACT Hookworm infection is associated with growth delay and iron deficiency anemia in developing countries. A series of experiments were designed in order to test the hypothesis that host dietary iron restriction mediates susceptibility to hookworm infection using the hamster model of Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Animals were maintained on diets containing either 10 ppm iron (iron restricted) or 200 ppm iron (standard/high iron), followed by infection with A. ceylanicum third-stage larvae. Infected animals fed the standard diet exhibited statistically significant growth delay and reduced blood hemoglobin levels compared to uninfected controls on day 20 postinfection. In contrast, no statistically significant differences in weight or hemoglobin concentration were observed between infected and uninfected animals fed the iron-restricted diet. Moreover, iron-restricted animals were observed to have reduced intestinal worm burdens on day 10 and day 20 postinfection compared to those of animals maintained on the standard/high-iron diet. In a subsequent study, animals equilibrated on diets containing a range of iron levels (10 ppm, 40 ppm, 100 ppm, or 200 ppm) were infected with A. ceylanicum and followed for evidence of hookworm disease. Infected animals from the intermediate-dietary iron (40- and 100-ppm) groups exhibited greater weight loss and anemia than those in the low (10-ppm)- or high (200-ppm)-iron diet groups. Mortality was also significantly higher in the intermediate-dietary-iron groups. These data suggest that severe dietary iron restriction impairs hookworm development in vivo but that moderate iron restriction enhances host susceptibility to severe disease.


STUDY OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to describe the perceived benefits of a manual standardized stress acupuncture (MSSA) for sleep disturbances (SD) in service members with deployment exposure.

METHODS
This qualitative study was imbedded in a two-arm randomized controlled trial, mixed-methods research that evaluated the effect of weekly MSSA for four weeks as an adjunct treatment with an abbreviated cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) for SD in service members. Participants were randomized to either the experimental group (CBTi and MSSA) and control group (CBTi only). CBTi consisted of one group psychotherapy for 60 minutes, a follow-up telephone therapy for 30 minutes, and additional four 30-minute follow-up sessions via telephone. Participants provided written journal entries by answering five open-ended questions about their treatment experiences at week five during the posttreatment assessment. Journal log entries were transcribed verbatim in the Dedoose software. A thematic content analysis method was used to code emerging themes.

RESULTS
Three overarching categories were found from the qualitative data: personal challenges in implementing the CBTi sleep strategies, no perception of improvement from treatment, and perceived benefits of treatment. The CBTi/MSSA group reported greater benefits in sleep and in other life areas including mental, physical, and social functioning using thematic content analysis.

CONCLUSIONS
Findings of this study showed greater improvements in participants' sleep, mood, physical health, and occupational and social functioning after receiving the combination of CBTi and MSSA. Future research that investigates the long-term effects of CBTi and MSSA may be beneficial among post-deployment service members.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
Our study was conducted as part of a mixed-methods study registered with clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04031365.


Fly Dicer-2 exhibits a non–RNA interference function in the posttranscriptional modulation of Toll protein expression and Toll signaling. Dicer-2 is the central player for small interfering RNA biogenesis in the Drosophila RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Intriguingly, we found that Dicer-2 has an unconventional RNAi-independent function that positively modulates Toll immune signaling, which defends against Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and some viruses, in both cells and adult flies. The loss of Dicer-2 expression makes fruit flies more susceptible to fungal infection. We further revealed that Dicer-2 posttranscriptionally modulates Toll signaling because Dicer-2 is required for the proper expression of Toll protein but not for Toll protein stability or Toll mRNA transcription. Moreover, Dicer-2 directly binds to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of Toll mRNA via its PAZ (Piwi/Argonaute/Zwille) domain and is required for protein translation mediated by Toll 3′UTR. The loss of Toll 3′UTR binding activity makes Dicer-2 incapable of promoting Toll signaling. These data indicate that the interaction between Dicer-2 and Toll mRNA plays a pivotal role in Toll immune signaling. In addition, we found that Dicer-2 is also required for the Toll signaling induced by two different RNA viruses in Drosophila cells. Consequently, our findings uncover a novel RNAi-independent function of Dicer-2 in the posttranscriptional regulation of Toll protein expression and signaling, indicate an unexpected intersection of the RNAi pathway and the Toll pathway, and provide new insights into Toll immune signaling, Drosophila Dicer-2, and probably Dicer and Dicer-related proteins in other organisms.


Media Rise's Early Rise Singapore poster/flier. Meaningful media. Critical media literacy. Diversity and media. Community-based participatory initiatives. Media and social justice. Media for social change. Inclusive communication.


Author(s): Roseman, Graham P | Advisor(s): Millhauser, Glenn L; Rubin, Seth M | Abstract: The misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the aggregate prone conformer (PrPSc) is at the heart of a class of neurodegenerative diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). These diseases affect humans, bovine, sheep, and other mammals. PrPC is a well conserved mammalian protein and is highly expressed in the brain. PrPC is composed of two main domains consisting of the unstructured N-terminus and the structured C-terminus. The two main domains are connected by a short linker called the central region (CR). Previous studies have shown internal amino-proximal deletions spanning the CR generate a profound neurotoxicity in mice. The toxicity generated by these deletions have been shown to parallel bona fide prion diseases, and thus making them a good model system for studying prion diseases. The neurotoxicity elicited by CR deletion mutants is thought to originate from a misregulation of the extreme N-terminus of PrPC. However, these deletion mutants make two major changes that could potentially lead to the misregulation of the N-terminus. These include: 1) weakening of a protective metal-driven cis-interaction, and 2) deletion of the locus important in a regulatory cleavage event. This study used designed mutations to allow for one of these changes at a time while not altering the other. We find that neither blocking the metal-driven cis-interaction nor cleavage generates toxicity. Conversely, we show that the WT PrPC CR sequence is necessary for regulating the toxicity. Moreover, we find that the WT PrPC CR sequence is necessary for PrPC homodimerization on the cell surface, which could be a protective mechanism from the deleterious effects of a misregulated extreme N-terminus. Additionally, we found that pathological mutations in the CR causing a certain set of prion diseases in humans do not affect the metal-driven cis-interaction. Furthermore, these result suggests a difference in the origin of neurotoxicity between CR pathological mutations and C-terminal pathological mutations.


Background: Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are recommended to prevent and manage oral health problems. Lack of utilization of dental services and barriers in seeking regular dental care can lead to delaying in treatment of dental diseases, leading tooth loss. Objective: To determine the oral hygiene practices and reasons for late seeking of dental treatment among the patients visiting public tertiary care hospital.Study design, settings and duration: A Cross sectional study was conducted at oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, PMC Dental Institute, Faisalabad Medical University/Allied Hospital, Faisalabad from August 2019 to October 2019. Methodology: The questions were divided into three sections; demographic detail, regarding oral hygiene practices and reasons for delay in dental treatment. Results: Out of 400 participants 376 (94%) questionnaire were collected and analyzed. Male to female ratio was 1:2 whereas, mean age of the participants ranged from 16-80 year, 115 participants (32.4%) had metric level education, whereas 122 (32.4%) participants had monthly income <10,000. Most of the participants practiced good oral hygiene measures by once or twice/day brushing with toothbrush or miswak. Perception of giving less priority to dental was the most common reason. Other reasons were lack of time, high treatment cost and non-availability of hygienically good dental facilities especially in government setups. Conclusion: The study concluded that a good percentage of population was aware of oral hygiene measures and was practicing them in their routine life. However, lack of priority to dental care was the main reason for delay in seeking dental care. Mostly females, patients with low socioeconomic conditions and less education were ignoring dental care unless develop any dental problem.


This paper develops a model for fast filament stretching, thinning, and break-up for Newtonian and nonNewtonian fluids, and the results are compared against experimental data where fast filament relaxation occurs. A 1D approximation was coupled with the arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation to perform simulations that captured both filament thinning and break-up. The modeling accounts for both the initial polymer stretching processes from the precise movement of the two moving pistons and also the subsequent thinning when the pistons are at rest. The simulations were first validated for a low viscosity Newtonian fluid matched to experimental data obtained from a recently developed apparatus, the Cambridge Trimaster. A non-Newtonian polymer fluid, with high frequency linear viscoelastic behavior characterized using a piezoaxial vibrator rheometer, was modeled using both an Oldroyd-B and FENECR single-mode constitutive models. The simulations of the filament deformation were compared with experiment. The simulations showed a generally reasonable agreement with both the stretch and subsequent relaxation experimental responses, although the mono mode models used in this paper were unable to capture all of the details for the experimental time evolution relaxation profile of the central filament diameter. VC 2012 The Society of Rheology. [DOI: 10.1122/1.3669647]


Thomas Jefferson's was one of history's greatest voices for the importance of individual freedom. His eloquence on this fundamental right became the cornerstone of our nation and a central theme of the Enlightenment. And yet Jefferson presided over a society that depended on slavery, and he was himself the holder of many slaves. How are students of history to reconcile this contradiction in the third president? Now the celebrated biographer and historian Natalie Bober presents a life of Jefferson that does not evade this difficult question. Bober explores the slave community that built and maintained his home, Monticello - and what their lives under Jefferson tell us about him and about slavery as an early American institution. To assess fully what Jefferson might mean to our time, we must first understand what it meant to be a man of his own time. From the first page, the world he inhabited is made vivid - and so, too, is Jefferson himself, standing before us as a shy, freckle-faced, and, for the eighteenth century, unusually tall young man. Bober follows him through a life in which the presidency was just one of many accomplishments. As designer of Monticello and other renowned buildings, he was one of the great architects of his era; as founder of the University of Virginia, he was one of the nation's early champions of higher education. His greatest legacy is perhaps as author of the Declaration of Independence, a nearly unrivaled instance of words giving tangible meaning to life. The Jefferson revealed here is distinguished by his often contradictory nature but also by his optimism, his curiosity, his exceptional sense of history (including the history still to be made). While primarily aimed at young adult readers, the book is a substantial work of scholarship, based on many years' research of primary-source materials (including black oral history) and the most current writings, and like Bober's earlier works, should attract students of history of all ages. This book faces the fact that Jefferson was a flawed human being - yet insists that this does not disqualify him as a hero.


Every year, state highway agencies apply large amounts of seal coats and thin overlays to pavements to improve the surface condition, but these measures do not successfully address the problem. Overall pavement condition continues to deteriorate because of the structural deformation of pavement layers and the subgrade. To make effective decisions about the type of treatment needed, one should take into consideration the structural condition of a pavement. Several different structural estimators can be calculated by using falling weight deflectometer data and information stored in the Pavement Management Information System (PMIS) at the Texas Department of Transportation. The analysis considers pavement modulus and structural number as the structural estimators of a pavement. The evaluation method is based on the sensitivity of the structural estimators to deterioration descriptors. The deterioration per equivalent single-axle load of all major scores stored in the Texas PMIS is proposed as the primary indicator of pavement deterioration. In addition, the use of the structural condition index is recommended as a screening tool to discriminate between pavements that need structural reinforcement and those that do not. This index is calibrated for use in maintenance and rehabilitation analysis at the network level.


This article examines the digital artworks created by three Chinese diaspora artists based in Europe: Berlin-based queer filmmaker Fan Popo's short digital video Lerne Deutsch in meiner Küche ('Learn German in my kitchen'), London-based performance artist Zeng Burong's performance Non-Taster and London-based writer David K. S. Tse's digital radio play The C Word. All three artworks were created in 2020 during the pandemic and all deal explicitly with the issues of anti-Asian racism and cross-cultural understanding. All these artworks also engage with issues of food and culinary practices. Through an analysis of the three artworks, I suggest that making digital art about food can serve as a creative and culturally sensitive strategy to engage with pandemic politics. Indeed, in an era of rising nationalism and international antagonism, diasporic Chinese artists have turned to seemingly mundane, apolitical and non-confrontational ways such as creating digital artworks about food to engage with the public about important social and political issues. This functions as a creative and culturally sensitive strategy to conduct social and political activism and to enhance cross-cultural understanding. It also showcases the political potential and social relevance of digital art for a pandemic and even a post-pandemic world.


The era of exascale computing opens new venues for innovations and discoveries in many scientific, engineering, and commercial fields. However, with the exaflops also come the extra-large high-dimensional data generated by highperformance computing. High-dimensional data is presented as multidimensional arrays, aka tensors. The presence of latent (not directly observable) structures in the tensor allows a unique representation and compression of the data by classical tensor factorization techniques. However, the classical tensor methods are not always stable or they can be exponential in their memory requirements, which makes them not suitable for high-dimensional tensors. Tensor train (TT) is a state-of-the-art tensor network introduced for factorization of high-dimensional tensors. TT transforms the initial high-dimensional tensor in a network of three-dimensional tensors that requires only a linear storage. Many real-world data, such as, density, temperature, population, probability, etc., are non-negative and for an easy interpretation, the algorithms preserving non-negativity are preferred. Here, we introduce a distributed non-negative tensor-train and demonstrate its scalability and the compression on synthetic and realworld big datasets.


This article describes measurement and norming problems with commonly used neuropsychological tests. Test standards regarding differential diagnoses, validity and reliability, the need for manuals, standardized administration, screening, and research versions are discussed. Further development of reliability, validity, sensitivity and specificity is needed for many tests.


This research aims to explore the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure, internationalization and tax avoidance of manufacturing companies in Indonesia during (2013-2015). The three-year-period was chosen to represent the last three years before the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, which are used to measure the CSR disclosure, transitioned to GRI Standards, which are more structured, flexible and dynamic. Under the GRI guidelines regime, we expected to document the associations among the three main variables before significant impacts of several events on reporting, such as the transition to new standards, the launch of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of tax amnesty in Indonesia in 2016. Empirical analyses were conducted on a sample comprising 153 firm-year observations. Relationships between CSR disclosure and tax avoidance, internationalization and tax avoidance and the moderating role of internationalization were examined using multiple regression analyses, whereas t-test analysis was used to find any significant differences in each association. The results indicated that CSR disclosure positively affects tax avoidance. Meanwhile, internationalization has no effect on tax avoidance and has no moderating role in the positive relationship between CSR disclosure and tax avoidance. This study is among the early research studies which provide evidence from Indonesia, as one of the G20 countries, investigating the associations among CSR disclosure, internationalization and tax avoidance, as well as the moderating role of internationalization, which has not been given much attention in the literature.


Given an arbitrary network of interconnected nodes, each with an initial value, we study the number of time-steps required for some (or all) of the nodes to gather all of the initial values via a linear iterative strategy. At each time-step in this strategy, each node in the network transmits a weighted linear combination of its previous transmission and the most recent transmissions of its neighbors. We show that for almost any choice of real-valued weights in the linear iteration (i.e., for all but a set of measure zero), the number of time-steps required for any node to accumulate all of the initial values is upper-bounded by the size of the largest tree in a certain subgraph of the network; we use this fact to show that the linear iterative strategy is time-optimal for information dissemination in certain networks. In the process of deriving our results, we also obtain a characterization of the observability index for a class of linear structured systems.


Human reactions and sensor responses to 37 typical fragrances are investigated in order to develop a chemical sensor which can detect fragrances and evaluate them in subjective terms of human reactions. Eight female test subjects recorded their reactions to these fragrances by grading them on a seven-point scale in terms of 55 descriptive characteristics. Their reactions fell into two general categories, "pleasantness" and "freshness (elegance)", dependent on the characteristic chemical structure of the fragrances. The women evaluate the fragrances mainly by the degree of pleasantness and freshness (elegance). A set of eight plezoelectric sensors incorporating different hydrophobic polymer materials is fabricated to predict such human reactions because their adsorbate detection and pattern recognition are similar to those in humans. The sensors were effective in detecting hydrophobic fragrances in the gas phase, and their fragrance classifications were similar to human ones. The sensor responses to the adsorbate correlate significantly with two of the human responses with multiple correlation coefficients of more than 0.6 (p < 0.02). Namely, the sensor can predict two different human reactions to fragrances simultaneously, suggesting the possibility of developing an artificial olfactory sensor based on adsorbate detection.


Platy (Te Puke, New Zealand), cylindrical (Spruce Pine, North Carolina), and spherical (North Gardiner mine, Huron, Lawrence County, Indiana) halloysite samples were analyzed by high-pressure differential thermal analysis (HP-DTA) to determine the effect of morphological and chemical differences on their respective thermal stability. In halloysite, these morphological differences imply structural features. The metastable phase relations of each are analogous to those of kaolinite. At 1 bar, the platy, cylindrical, and spherical samples showed peak temperatures (maximum deflection in the dehydroxylation endotherm) of 560°, 578°, and 575°C, respectively, whereas at about 600 bars the peak temperatures were 622°, 655°, and 647°C. At low pressures the observed reaction is related to dehydroxylation: halloysite (H) metahalloysite (MH) + vapor (V), whereas higher pressures produce melting reactions, either H + V = metaliquid (ML) for conditions of P(H2O) = P(total), or H + MH = ML for P(H2O) < P(total). The PT conditions of the invariant point, H + MH + ML + V, for each system are: Te Puke, 612° ± 4°C, 25 ± 7 bars; Spruce Pine, 657 ± 2°C, 30 ± 7 bars; North Gardiner, 652° ± 2°C, 34 ± 7 bars. The lower thermal stability of the Te Puke sample may be related to its higher iron content, although additional data are necessary to confirm that it is not related also to the platy structure. Furthermore, morphological differences between the cylindrical and spherical varieties appear to have had little effect on the energy required to dehydroxylate these halloysite structures. Exceptionally high values obtained for the dehydroxylation enthalpies using the van't Hoff equation, compared with values derived using other methods, may be explained by a 10–15-bar excess in the intracrystalline H2O fugacity during dehydroxylation. Intracrystalline fugacity is defined here as the H2O fugacity within crystallites and is not related to the partial pressure of H2O around individual particles.


Introduction: Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis is a major cause of impaired quality of life and diminished functional capacity in the elderly. Degenerative spondylolisthesis often involves only one or two level and tend to present with one or two level spinal canal stenosis. Case Report: The authors describe an unusual case of degenerative spondylolisthesis involving 3 levels of the lumbar spine from L2 to L5. The patient was a 58 year old woman who suffered chronic back pain and neurogenic claudication. Plain radiography revealed grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis at L2-L3, L3-L4 and L4-L5. Elevated pedicle-facet joint angles and W-type facet joints at the lumbar spine was observed. Magnetic resonance imaging showed L2-S1 spinal cord compression at the lumbar spine. Patient underwent L2-S1 decompression laminectomy and posterior lateral fusion of L2-S1 with posterior instrumentation and bone grafting. Symptoms improved significantly at 4 months follow-up. Conclusion: Thorough evaluation for multilevel segmental involvement in degenerative spondylolisthesis is important because of the frequency of severe symptomatic spinal stenosis or foraminal encroachment. Good surgical outcome can be expected from decompression and stabilization. The pathogenesis of multi-level lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis can be complex and heterogeneous.


Low-cost, high-accuracy characterization of polymeric materials is critical for satisfying societal demand for high-quality materials with ultra-specific requirements. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy presents an opportunity to replace costlier or destructive methods while utilizing nondeuterated solvents. Many factors play key roles in the ability of low-field NMR spectroscopy to accurately analyze polymer systems. Sample characteristics such as polymer concentration, composition, and molecular weight all directly affect the capability of low-field spectrometers to accurately determine polymer microstructure compositions. In addition to inherent sample properties affecting instrumental accuracy, many choices concerning instrumental parameters (including number of scans, relaxation delay, spectral width, and points per scan) must be made that impact the quality of the resulting NMR spectra. In this work, we benchmark the capability of a 60-MHz low-field NMR spectrometer for analyzing polymer materials using mixed microstructure polyisoprenes as a model polymer system of interest. The aforementioned critical sample and instrumental variables are varied, and we report on the ability to quantitatively characterize polyisoprene microstructure to within 1-2% of a higher field NMR spectrometer (400 MHz). We anticipate our findings to be generally applicable to other low-field spectrometers of similar field strength and other polymer systems.


A thesis submitted to the University of Mumbai for the Ph.D.(Science) degree in physics under the guidance of Prof. B. Veenadhari


Topological crystalline insulators—topological insulators whose properties are guaranteed by crystalline symmetry— can potentially provide a promising platform for terahertz optoelectronic devices, as their properties can be tuned on demand when layered in heterostructures. We perform the first optical-pump terahertz-probe spectroscopy of topological crystalline insulators, using them to study the dynamics of Pb1−xSnxSe as a function of temperature. At low temperatures, excitation of Dirac fermions leads to an increase in terahertz transmission; from this negative photoconductivity, the intrasubband relaxation rate of 6 ps is extracted. At high temperatures where only massive fermions exist, the free-carrier losses induced by the pump reduce the terahertz transmission for the duration of the 27 ps interband lifetime. Both effects are present at temperatures near the topological-to-trivial transition. Our experimental observations provide critical details for potential applications of Pb1−xSnxSe and provide a direct measurement of the topological character of Pb1−xSnxSe heterostructures.


This study investigated woody plant composition, structure, and biomass ofhedgerows and fencerows, and for effects between human attitudes and management practices; Fencerows arise as narrow strips of woody and herbaceous plants at field margins and property boundaries. Hedgerows grow from intentional linear plantings. Exotic species were more important in fencerow composition. Hackberry, Missouri gooseberry, American plum, and white mulberry readily inhabited both fencerows and hedgerows. Woody plants exhibited clumped distribution in both hedgerows and fencerows. A moisture gradient emerged as a factor in distribution ofspecies. Management caused a significant difference in species richness and biomass in both hedgerows and fencerows. Hedgerows (discounting basal area ofOsage-orange) had less tree biomass than fencerows and were more evenly distributed between center and margin. For all hedgerows, there was a significant difference between management schemes based on preservation-removal attitude scores. Landscape, like the mythical Greek characters Satyr, Centaur, and Harpy, springs from the synthesis of humans and nature. Landscape ecology tries to understand the reality of a landscape as determined by the humannature interaction (Golley 1987; Zonneveld 1989; Golley 1990). Landscape as a coherent unit often results from the directed self-conscious or repetitive unconscious endeavors of humans and nature. This study investigated a domain ofrural landscape for evidence ofsuch interaction (Spirn 1988; Haber 1990). The objective was to analyze and interpret landscape form as result of human activity (regulatory and control domain) within the context of natural parameters (process domain). The study can be seen as a snapshot of larger, complex events in which humans create landscape out of nature. At a less general level it investigated


Affinity capillary electrophoresis has been used to study the interaction between a membrane protein (P45) isolated from the Human B cell line, Raji, and rsgp41. P45, rsgp41 and the complexes were well resolved. The entire separation was achieved in less than 3min. Formations of two kinds of stable P45 rsgp41 complexes were confirmed based on migration time comparison; the binding equilibrium was achieved as soon as two proteins were mixed. The results indicate that the interaction between P45 and rsgp41 is strong with a fast association rate and a slow dissociation rate, and there are at least two kinds of binding sites with different binding constants between P45 and rsgp41.


Mosquitoes pose substantial risks in communities worldwide, and the extent and type of such risk may vary across communities and regions. The integrated mosquito management approach integrates multidisciplinary methods into practical strategies tailored to local communities. Reduction of mosquito larval sources via community engagement in at-home mosquito control behaviors is a key component of this approach. Best methods of communicating information to the public to foster knowledge and motivation to engage in local mosquito control efforts. The purpose of this descriptional, correlational study was to describe the Florida public's mosquito control information search behaviors, as well as examine factors that may explain those behaviors. Findings revealed statistically significant relationships existed between respondents' information search frequency and their subjective and objective knowledge, importance of mosquito control, personal responsibility, income and education. Significant relationships were also observed between personal responsibility and homeownership and type of residence. Respondents perceived CDC websites and Florida DOH websites as the most trustworthy of the sources listed, and were most likely to use local mosquito control program websites when searching information. Local mosquito control districts should use the findings of this study to target passive audiences and facilitate their future engagement in mosquito control dialogues. Future research is needed to further examine the directionality and predictive nature of variables examined in this study.


The G protein-coupled sst2 somatostatin receptor acts as a negative cell growth regulator. Sst2 transmits antimitogenic signaling by recruiting and activating the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. We now identified Src and SHP-2 as sst2-associated molecules and demonstrated their role in sst2 signaling. Surface plasmon resonance and mutation analyses revealed that SHP-2 directly associated with phosphorylated tyrosine 228 and 312, which are located in sst2 ITIMs (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs). This interaction was required for somatostatin-induced SHP-1 recruitment and activation and consequent inhibition of cell proliferation. Src interacted with sst2 and somatostatin promoted a transient Gbetagamma-dependent Src activation concomitant with sst2 tyrosine hyperphosphorylation and SHP-2 activation. These steps were abrogated with catalytically inactive Src. Both catalytically inactive Src and SHP-2 mutants abolished somatostatin-induced SHP-1 activation and cell growth inhibition. Sst2-Src-SHP-2 complex formation was dynamic. Somatostatin further induced sst2 tyrosine dephosphorylation and complex dissociation accompanied by Src and SHP-2 inhibition. These steps were defective in cells expressing a catalytically inactive Src mutant. All these data suggest that Src acts upstream of SHP-2 in sst2 signaling and provide evidence for a functional role for Src and SHP-2 downstream of an inhibitory G protein-coupled receptor.


This paper presents a computational procedurer for the on-line optimal rescheduling of power generation. Rescheduling is used to correct an unreliable system operating state and bring a potentially dangerous condition into a secure operating state. Sensitivity parameters are the basis of the model, and linear programming formulation is developed to solve the optimal rescheduling problem. The constraints on the variables are naturally included in this practical method. A small power-network illustrates the application of the method.


In order to investigate the factors affecting index and engineering properties of a specific geotextile, different tests were conducted using both heat-bonded nonwoven and needle-punched nonwoven geotextile, namely: apparent opening size (AOS), wide-width tensile strength, permittivity , transmissivity, and puncture resistance. The effect of humidity on the pore size of the samples have been investigated. To check whether the clamping system has an effect on the strength of geotextiles, over 240 tests were conducted. The presence of air bubbles in water and its effect on the permittivity and transmissivity of geotextiles were also verified. Also investigated were the effects of higher strain rate on the tensile strength and puncture resistances. The results indicate that decreasing humidity slightly increased the AOS; higher strain rate and the use of hydraulic clamp increased the wide-width tensile strength; using de-aired water largely improved the permittivity and transmissivity; and increasing the strain rate decreased the puncture resistance. The effects of humidity and oxygen content were more pronounced and obvious in the case of needle-punched geotextile compared to heat-bonded nonwoven geotextile.


Seventy-three patients with metastatic breast cancer, whose disease progressed on hormonal therapy with tamoxifen or aminoglutethimide, were treated with megestrol acetate, 160 mg/day. No complete responses were observed. Partial response was achieved in 3 patients (4%), for a median of 9 months (range 5-13). Thirty-five patients (48%) remained stable, for a median of 8 months (3-26). The remaining 35 patients (48%) had clear progression of their metastatic disease on therapy. Response to megestrol acetate was achieved in patients with metastases in bone and pleura only. There was no correlation between response to megestrol acetate and response to prior chemotherapy, prior tamoxifen therapy, previous treatment with aminoglutethimide, or hormone receptor status. The actuarial 24-month survival for all patients was 37%. The main side effects of megestrol acetate included weight gain (20% or over), pruritus, elevation of blood pressure, weakness, and vaginal bleeding; they were only occasionally observed. The objective improvement observed during this trial is disappointing; the only reasons to justify the use of megestrol acetate as second- or third-line hormonal therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer, would be the relatively long duration of disease stabilization in a large proportion of patients, and the low toxicity observed with the drug.


The area encompassing the Eastern branch of the East African Rift System (EARS: Afar-Ethiopia-Turkana) and associated plateaux is an ideal region to investigate extension and magmatism associated with rupturing continental lithosphere. Ethiopia covers an important part of the EARS. It contains the major section of the ca. 5000 km Afro-Arabian rift and includes the transition between the Arabo-Nubian-Shield and the Mozambique Belt. A compilation of over 45000 onshore and offshore gravity stations covering the EARS and adjacent regions (Eastern Sudan, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden margins) has been made and forms the major data set upon which this study is based. The database is re-evaluated and re- processed using consistent procedures and has an estimated Bouguer gravity error of 1.5-4.5 x10-5m/s2. An attempt has been made to fill data gaps by merging the terrestrial data with GRACE satellite data. A regional 3D density model is developed using the GIS functionalities of a potential field-modelling program (IGMAS) and integrates seismic constraints with information from isostatic models, global seismic tomography, geological, geochemical, petrological and experimental results. Thirty parallel east-west sections through the EARS are modelled to a depth of 150 km. The 3D density structure reproduces the Bouguer gravity anomaly with a high accuracy (standard deviation of 16x10-5 m/s2). Misfits are attributed to errors in the gravity database and unconsidered structures. Analysis of the new gravity database and 3D modelling offers new information on the EARS, namely the isostatic state of the region, crust and upper mantle structures, basement and optimised Moho maps, quantification of modelled units and estimation of rigidity, among others. Based on the present data and new additional data sets, short and long-term scientific goals can be identified. Some of the most important are: further rigidity calculations using the 3D density model, joint modelling of gravity and magnetic data in selected areas, updating of the gravity network in Ethiopia, heat flow measurements in the Main Ethiopian rift and adjacent plateau, and integrated geoscientific experiments in the broadly-rifted region of southern Ethiopia.


. ABSTRACT In recent years, dermatologic oncology of melanoma has made major progress regarding diagnostic and therapeutic opportu-nities. For the first time, the overall survival of melanoma patients has been improved using targeted therapy directed against the mutated BRAF oncogene and the downstream MAP kinase signaling pathway. In principle, these advances rely on genetic analyses, which currently play an important role in tumor diagnostics. Although treatment decisions in melanoma are currently confined to the detection of mutations in BRAF , NRAS and KIT genes, there are preliminary approaches to expand this panel of genes. This poses the ques-tion whether all possible genetic variants will subsequently be subjected to tedious pre-clinical and clinical studies, or whether – based on progresses attained in other tumor entities – promising targeted treatment options of other tumor entities will be rapidly transferred into clinical settings in melanoma. A recently much-noticed phenomenon in malignant tumors such as melanoma is tumor heterogeneity. Among other things, tumor heterogeneity is made responsible for frequent recurren-ces after targeted treatment, although direct evidence has not yet been provided for a causative role. Again genetic analyses have provided important evidence in this area.


Background: This study examined whether economic difficulties are associated with subsequent disability retirement while controlling for covariates. Methods: Survey data among middle-aged employees of the City of Helsinki in 2000–2002 were linked with the Finnish Centre for Pensions register data on all-cause disability retirement among women (n=4816) and men (n=1354) until the end of 2010. Additionally, disability retirement due to musculoskeletal diseases and mental disorders (ICD-10) was examined among women. Frequency in difficulties paying pills and buying food and clothes, and covariates (occupational class, income, housing tenure, and work- and health-related covariates) were self-reported at baseline. Hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated from Cox regression analysis. Results: Frequent economic difficulties were associated with all-cause disability retirement after adjusting for age among both women (HR=2.11; 95% CI 1.63–2.73) and men (HR=2.69; 95% CI 1.65–4.41). Adjustment for covariates somewhat attenuated the associations, but they remained. Economic difficulties were also associated with disability retirement due to both mental disorders (HR=3.29; 95% CI 1.98–5.46) and musculoskeletal diseases (HR=1.85; 95% CI 1.24–2.75) among women. Adjustments made a minor contribution to the risk of disability retirement due to mental disorders, whereas the risk of disability retirement due to musculoskeletal diseases reduced after considering socioeconomic circumstances. Conclusions: Economic difficulties are independently associated with disability retirement. Thus, they should be considered in attempts to tackle early exit from the labour market due to disability.


The results of this evaluation reveal good performance of 3-PG and seems reasonable to use it for simulation of net primary production in Sweden. Subsequently,the NPP of Picea abies was simulated using 3-PG for 110 years in northern and southern Sweden under climate change. RCA3 generated climate data on two emission scenarios (A2 and B2) was used in the simulations as driving variables. The initial stand data and site factors were taken from well known sites in northern and southern Sweden to determine fertility rating input factor of 3-PG and to use for input data for Heureka StandWise and 3-PG for simulation and valida-tion. The outcome from the simulation of 2071-2100 in A2 and B2 scenario were summa-rized for 2071-75, 2076-80, 2081-85, 2086-90, 2091-95 & 2096-2100 and compared against their corresponding reference years (1961-1990). The average relative increment of NPP af-ter 110 years was 89,7% and 60,5 % for A2 and B2 in northern and 88,6% & 60,3% for A2 & B2 of southern Sweden respectively. Higher relative increase of temperature in autumn, spring & winter in northern Sweden led to higher relative increase of NPP in northern than Southern Sweden in both scenarios. Sensitivity testing of the model based on predicted NPP was carried out independently for temperature, rainfall and fertility rating. The result point-ed-out that NPP from 3-PG was more sensitive for fertility rating than for temperature and rainfall. Rainfall was almost indifferent for the test. Sensitivity of the factors considered in the exercise was found to be site dependent. Total biomass outputs from 3-PG and Heureka StandWise simulations were compared for validation. There was no significance difference between total biomass from the two models. Modeling efficiency was 78,5 % for northern and 89 % for southern Sweden. The average model bias explained the error with 8,6% and -3,2%; the mean absolute difference outcome was about 8,6% and 7% and the root mean square error was13% and 9,5% in northern & southern regions respectively. Overall, the results from this work suggest that there were possibilities to use 3-PG for predicting NPP in Sweden with due considerations of thinning operation, determination of fertility rating and Leaf area index outcomes.


The 2014 Northeast Pacific hurricane season was highly active, with above-average intensity and frequency events, and a rare landfalling Hawaiian hurricane. We show that the anomalous northern extent of sea surface temperatures and anomalous vertical extent of upper ocean heat content above 26 °C throughout the Northeast and Central Pacific Ocean may have influenced three long-lived tropical cyclones in July and August. Using a variety of satellite-observed and -derived products, we assess genesis conditions, along-track intensity, and basin-wide anomalous upper ocean heat content during Hurricanes Genevieve, Iselle, and Julio. The anomalously northern surface position of the 26 °C isotherm beyond 30° N to the north and east of the Hawaiian Islands in 2014 created very high sea surface temperatures throughout much of the Central Pacific. Analysis of basin-wide mean conditions confirm higher-than-average storm activity during strong positive oceanic thermal anomalies. Positive anomalies of 15–50 kJ cm−2 in the along-track upper ocean heat content for these three storms were observed during the intensification phase prior to peak intensity, advocating for greater understanding of the ocean thermal profile during tropical cyclone genesis and development.


We show that the magnetic stability of nano-particles, with regard to magnetization reversal or domain formation, is controlled by dipolar instability pockets. These pockets are regions in which the local dipolar fields (i.e. shape-dependent effects) favor a spin reorientation. Calculated shape-dependent demagnetizing fields coupled with exchange contributions combine to yield the field at which a magnon mode attains zero frequency implying the onset of reversal or domain formation. Calculated switching-onset fields are found to explain experimental data as a function of: material, thickness, aspect ratio, and shape.


Prevalence of Allergy and Autoimmune Diseases are high in developed countries, but not in developing countries. Helminth infection were associated with lower level of allergy but the mechanism is not yet clear. In hygiene countries like UK, Japan and Korea, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) has gained interest as novel therapy and prevention and reach to medicine industrial manufactures. This study will support it by associate Hygiene Hypothesis (HyHy) and the high prevalence of Allergy and Autoimmune Disease. Systematic review and Bayesian network analysis in EBSCO host search engine were used. Result from dynaMed Evidence Based, Point-of-care Reference e Journals: Dentistry, Medical and Nursing has describe 9 literatures support the association of Hy-hy/parasite infection with Allergy and/ or Autoimmune Diseases: 2 publications of meta-analysis are chosen and supported by 5 cross sectional, longitudinal, cause-effect design, and 2 clinical and animal trial. Conclusions: Low-middle-high income countries has a life style of Hyhy pattern support FMT industrial medicine and travelling to developing countries with broad diversity bacteria and worm in therapeutic and prevention potential, supported by sub-saharan and tropical rainforest developing countries.


Although there has been a vast increase in nutritional knowledge, a healthy dietary pattern is still established due to a lack of knowledge, availability, and accessibility. Even if vegetables are consumed higher percentage of starchy vegetables is consumed hence a balanced and adequate diet is still not followed. This research collected data from different cities of Pakistan via a questionnaire which was filled both face to face as well as online. The sample size was 60 with 10 people from each group. Data was collected majorly in form of a food frequency questionnaire and then percentages and frequencies were calculated for all food groups. In age groups 3-12 years there was a higher consumption of beverages both hot and sweet and nuts and seeds were consumed in higher amounts. On the other hand, the age group 13-18 consumed more fruits and vegetables. Similarly, when moving to age 19-25 and 26-40 there is a higher consumption of milk and milk products. Cereals are consumed most by adults of age 41-60 years and 60+ leaned more towards sweets and snacks. Women tend to consume a more calorie-dense diet than men. Also, children and older adults rely more on sweets and snacks rather than fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods.


Results from two-dimensional direct numerical simulations of the governing equations that model incompressible fluid flow over a flat plate are presented. The Navier-Stokes equations are cast in a novel velocity-vorticity formulation (see Davies and Carpenter (2001)) and discretized with a mixed pseudospectral and compact finite-difference scheme in space, and a three-level backward-difference scheme in time. A method to determine the envelope of a wavepacket (from numerical data) was developed. Based on the usual Hilbert Transform, new stages were incorporated to ensure a smooth envelope was found when the wavepacket was asymmetric. The early transitional stages of the Blasius flow (flow over a flat plate with zero streamwise pressure gradient) are investigated with particular regard to a weakly nonlinear effect called wave-envelope steepening. Blasius flow is linearly unstable and so-called Tollmien-Schlichting modes develop. As nonlinearities become significant, the envelope of the wavepacket starts to develop differently at its leading and trailing edges. Numerical results presented here show that the envelope becomes steeper at the leading edge than it is at the trailing edge. The effect of a non-zero streamwise pressure gradient on wave-envelope steepening is investigated by using Falkner-Skan profiles in place of the Blasius profile. Natural transition is triggered by randomly-modulated waves. A disturbance with a randomly- modulated envelope was modelled and its effect on wave-envelope steepening was studied. The higher-order Ginzburg-Landau equation was used to model the evolution of an envelope of a wavepacket disturbance. These results gave good qualitative comparison with the direct numerical simulations. Finally, in preparation for developing a three-dimensional nonlinear version of the code, the discretization of one of the governing equations (the Poisson equation) was extended to three dimensions. Results from this new three-dimensional version of the Poisson solver show good agreement with those from an iterative solver, and also demonstrate the robustness of the nu merical scheme.


: While research has demonstrated positive productivity and quality gains from using agile software development methods (SDMs), some experts argue that no single SDM suits every project context. We lack empirical evidence about the project contextual factors that influence when one should use these methods. Research suggests several factors to explain agile method appropriateness; however, generalizable empirical evidence supporting these suggestions is weak. To address this need, we used contingency theory and the information processing model to develop the agile contingent project/method fit model. Subsequently, we used the model to analyze the influence of project contextual factors and agile practices on software development professionals' perceptions regarding agile SDM appropriateness. We tested the model using survey data collected from 122 systems development professionals who provided information regarding: 1) contextual factors surrounding a recent agile development project, 2) agile practices applied during the course of that project, and 3) perceptions regarding the relative fit (appropriateness) of the agile method used. Linear regression identified several significant relationships between project contextual factors, agile practices, and respondents' relative fit perceptions.


During walking, the centre of mass of the body moves like that of a 'square wheel': with each step cycle, some of its kinetic energy, E(k), is converted into gravitational potential energy, E(p), and then back into kinetic energy. To move the centre of mass, the locomotory muscles must supply only the power required to overcome the losses occurring during this energy transduction. African women carry loads of up to 20% of their body weight on the head without increasing their energy expenditure. This occurs as a result of an unexplained, more effective energy transduction between E(k) and E(p) than that of Europeans. In this study we measured the value of the E(k) to E(p) transduction at each instant in time during the step in African women and European subjects during level walking at 3.5-5.5 km h(-1), both unloaded and carrying loads spanning 20-30% of their body weight. A simulation of the changes in E(k) and E(p) during the step by sinusoidal curves was used for comparison. It was found that loading improves the transduction of E(p) to E(k) during the descent of the centre of mass. The improvement is not significant in European subjects, whereas it is highly significant in African women.


[1] With interferometry measurements made with Chung-Li 52 MHz VHF radar, characteristics of layer-type and clump-type plasma structures of 3-m field-aligned irregularities are investigated for the first time. Long-term statistics show that the thickness and the zonal extent of the layer-type plasma structures are in the ranges of approximately 0.1–4 km and 5–28 km, respectively. However, the vertical and zonal extents of the clump-type plasma structure are comparable with each other, ranging from 2 to 12 km. These features clearly imply that the cross sections of the layer-type and clump-type plasma structures intercepted by a fan-like effective radar beam are, respectively, in highly elongated and nearly circular shapes. The mean height of the clump-type plasma structures is slightly higher than that of the layer-type plasma structures by about 5 km. From interferometry-measured echo distributions about the perpendicularity to the local magnetic field line, it is found that the mean aspect angle of the 3-m field-aligned irregularities for the layer-type plasma structures is about 0.05° smaller than that for the clump-type plasma structures. In addition, the height dependence of the aspect angle of the layer-type plasma structures is different from that of the clump-type plasma structures. The former tends to increase with height, while the later decreases with altitude. The zonal trace velocities of the layer-type and clump-type plasma structures estimated from their temporal displacements in the horizontal plane are, respectively, in ranges of −150–100 m/s and −180–80 m/s, in which negative (positive) values indicate eastward (westward) drift. The characteristics of the Doppler spectra of the echoes from the layer-type and clump-type plasma structures are also analyzed and the relations between the spectral parameters and the aspect angles are also discussed in this article.


Background: Intraoperative qualitative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography has been used in cerebrovascular surgery. Hyperperfusion may lead to neurological complications after superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomosis. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively evaluate intraoperative cerebral perfusion using microscope-integrated dynamic ICG fluorescence analysis, and to assess whether this value predicts hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) after STA-MCA anastomosis. Methods: Ten patients undergoing STA-MCA anastomosis due to unilateral major cerebral artery occlusive disease were included. Ten patients with normal cerebral perfusion served as controls. The ICG transit curve from six regions of interest (ROIs) on the cortex, corresponding to ROIs on positron emission tomography (PET) study, was recorded. Maximum intensity (IMAX), cerebral blood flow index (CBFi), rise time (RT), and time to peak (TTP) were evaluated. Results: RT/TTP, but not IMAX or CBFi, could differentiate between control and study subjects. RT/TTP correlated (|r| = 0.534-0.807; P < 0.01) with mean transit time (MTT)/MTT ratio in the ipsilateral to contralateral hemisphere by PET study. Bland–Altman analysis showed a wide limit of agreement between RT and MTT and between TTP and MTT. The ratio of RT before and after bypass procedures was significantly lower in patients with postoperative HPS than in patients without postoperative HPS (0.60 ± 0.032 and 0.80 ± 0.056, respectively; P = 0.017). The ratio of TTP was also significantly lower in patients with postoperative HPS than in patients without postoperative HPS (0.64 ± 0.081 and 0.85 ± 0.095, respectively; P = 0.017). Conclusions: Time-dependent intraoperative parameters from the ICG transit curve provide quantitative information regarding cerebral circulation time with quality and utility comparable to information obtained by PET. These parameters may help predict the occurrence of postoperative HPS.


Since their discovery at radio wavelengths pulsars have been persistent targets for widespread multi-wave observations throughout optics, radio, X-rays, and high-energy gamma-rays. Observations with the EGRET gamma-ray telescope, on board Compton GRO satellite, confirmed the expectation of a pulsed high-energy emission up to a few GeV. Presently, at least seven objects are known as well established high-energy gamma-ray pulsars. A few of those emit gamma-rays well above 1 GeV. Forthcoming ground-based Cherenkov telescopes will enable observations of gamma-rays well below 100 GeV, finally reaching the yet unexplored energy gap at tens of GeV. H.E.S.S. (High Energy Stereoscopic System) is one of such instruments which is planned to be operational in 2004. Here I summarize the basic scientific motivations, the H.E.S.S. sensitivity, and the first targets for future pulsar observations at high energies from the ground.