Political scandals have always demonstrated the capacity of our executive officials for self-inflicted injuries, and the Clinton administration was no exception. Unilateral war-making, claims of executive privilege and immunity, and last-minute pardons all tested the limits of presidential power, while the excesses of the Special Prosecutor cast doubts on available remedies. For eight years, Republicans and Democrats engaged in guerrilla warfare aimed at destroying the careers and lives of their adversaries, while tests of presidential power were resolved by the courts, resulting in a reshaping of the scope and power of the presidency itself. This book examines the many controversial and important battles that led to the shrinking of the presidency under the law during the Clinton administration. Located at the intersection of law and politics, it helps readers understand the dramatic changes that took place in the relationship of presidential power to the law during the Clinton years and shows how one president's actions - and congressional and legal reactions to them - have altered presidential prerogatives in ways that his successors cannot ignore. The Presidency and the Law assesses changes in our constitutional and legal understanding of the American presidency, exploring such topics as war power, executive privilege, pardon power, impeachment, executive immunity, independent counsel, and campaign finance. In examining these collisions between the president and the law, its distinguished contributors bring the lessons of Watergate and Iran-Contra into the Clinton era and contribute to a Madisonian view that presidents should not operate outside statutory and constitutional constraints. Although quite critical in many respects, a number of these authors have been supportive of Clinton and his policy pursuits, and all seek to examine the potential impact of the Clinton administration without being predictive or legalistic. Still, under Bill Clinton's stewardship, the legal, constitutional, and political terrain changed in significant ways. It remains to be seen what impact these changes will have on the presidency in the twenty-first century. This book points the way to assessing that impact and is essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of our democracy.


Glass coatings on carbon steel substrates have been produced by spraying glass feedstock powders using combustion flame spraying. Glass powders with different compositions and particle size were tested; coatings with increasing soft glass A volume fractions in hard glass B base (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) were sprayed. Furthermore, two different particle size (53-63 µm and <45 µm) of 30wt%A glass feedstock powders were employed. The microstructures of coatings were examined, characterised and the porosity was quantified. Vickers microhardness, fracture toughness and adhesion strength have been measured. The comparisons between the microstructure of coatings produced by conventional enamelling and thermally sprayed were investigated. Uniform structure and large pores produced in conventional enamels and non-uniform structure with small size pores produced in thermally sprayed coatings. It was observed that adhesion strength increased, hardness decreased and the fracture toughness did not change with increasing glass A content. Refining particle size of 30wt%A glass composition increased the hardness and did not affect the adhesion and fracture toughness of coatings.


Antineoplastic-induced nausea and vomiting (AINV) is one of the most distressing adverse effects experienced by adult and pediatric patients receiving antineoplastic agents. Despite this, evidence of the efficacy and safety of antiemetic interventions in children is limited, and prevention and treatment approaches vary widely between centers. The purpose of this review is: first, to describe the barriers to comparative antiemetic effectiveness research in AINV control in children; second, to highlight limitations of the currently available pediatric AINV evidence; third, to summarize and discuss comparative effectiveness research specific to AINV control in children, with a focus on agents recommended in evidence-based guidelines developed for acute phase AINV control; and finally, to offer guidance regarding future comparative effectiveness research in this field.


ABSTRACT Developing efficient stress-tolerant crops through genetic engineering remains one of the major challenges for plant biologists. Approximately 20–40% genes of the known eukaryotic genomes, encode proteins of unknown function which lack currently defined motifs or domains. In a previous study, large-scale yeast functional screening approach in potato was used and 69 genes were reported to have enhanced hyperosmotic stress tolerance of yeast. Twelve out of 69 genes were found to have stress tolerance against multiple stresses. One of those 12 identified genes (StD200) encodes a protein of unknown function. In this study, we evaluated the tolerance against PEG-induced osmotic stress in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing putative abiotic stress-associated D200 gene. The D200 plants exhibited higher accumulation of chlorophyll and proline and reduced levels of oxidants compared to the wild-type (WT) control plants when subjected to PEG-induced osmotic stress conditions. Our quantitative Real-Time PCR results also suggested an increased accumulation of mRNA transcripts of genes encoding three major antioxidant enzymes in PEG-treated D200 plants compared to WT. Furthermore, improved photosynthetic parameters, F v/F m and performance index in PEG-treated D200 plants indicated that potato D200 gene is a potential candidate gene for developing stress-tolerant crops in future.


Members of the brachyuran crab superfamily Xanthoidea sensu Ng, Guinot & Davie (2008) are a morphologically and ecologically diverse assemblage encompassing more than 780 nominal species. On the basis of morphology, Xanthoidea is presently regarded to represent three families: Xanthidae, Pseudorhombilidae, and Panopeidae. However, few studies have examined this superfamily using modern phylogenetic methods, despite the ecological and economic importance of this large, poorly understood group. In this study we examine phylogenetic relationships within the superfamily Xanthoidea using three mitochondrial markers, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and cytochrome oxidase I (COI), and three nuclear markers, 18S rRNA, enolase (ENO) and histone H3 (H3). Bayesian and maximum-likelihood analyses indicate that the superfamily Xanthoidea is monophyletic; however, the families Xanthidae, Panopeidae, and Pseudorhombilidae, as defined by Ng et al., are not, and their representative memberships must be redefined. To this end, some relevant morphological characters are discussed. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London


We performed 29 large-volume leukaphereses of 20 patients for collection of peripheral blood stem cells. All patients have been pretreated with cytokines after chemotherapy. In 9 patients with precounts of > or = 3 x 10(9) mononuclear cells/l we achieved a sufficient transplantation doses with one LVL. If the MNC precount was < or = 3 x 10(9)/l we had to perform more than one LVL. On 16 patients we compared a standard apheresis procedure with the LVL procedure. It seems that especially patients with a lower MNC precount can profit from LVL. From patients with higher MNC precounts we harvested the double amount of MNCs, from patients with lower MNC precounts the triple amount.


One of the burning and bristling issues in Nigeria at the moment is the constant recurrence of violence in various forms in different parts of the country, and the need for urgent remedial measures to avoid stagnating or retarding national development.  The paper examined the concepts of peace education and development.  It also highlighted the imperatives of peace education and the implications of peace education for national development. Keywords: peace education, national development, violence, conflict


Drug hypersensitivity syndrome and drug-induced cutaneous pseudolymphoma were for a long time considered as one and the same. Today, however, two clinical entities have been distinguished; the former is responsible for a mortality rate estimated at 10% whereas the prognosis of the latter is always excellent. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is a rare drug eruption individualised in 1980. Numerous drugs can induce acneiform eruptions or trigger or even worsen an authentic acne. The number of drugs responsible for buccal mucous membrane involvement is on the increase; gingival hypertrophy remains a rare drug reaction, a certain number of drugs such as nicorandil can cause buccal aphtae and even giant ones.


Purpose To investigate the tilt and decentration of the crystalline lens and the intraocular lens (IOL) relative to the corneal topographic axis using anterior segment ocular coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Methods A sample set of 100 eyes from 49 subjects (41 eyes with crystalline lenses and 59 eyes with IOLs) were imaged using second generation AS-OCT (CASIA2, TOMEY) in June and July 2016 at Okayama University. Both mydriatic and non-mydriatic images were obtained, and the tilt and decentration of the crystalline lens and the IOL were quantified. The effects of pupil dilation on measurements were also assessed. Results The crystalline lens showed an average tilt of 5.15° towards the inferotemporal direction relative to the corneal topographic axis under non-mydriatic conditions and 5.25° under mydriatic conditions. Additionally, an average decentration of 0.11 mm towards the temporal direction was observed under non-mydriatic conditions and 0.08 mm under mydriatic conditions. The average tilt for the IOL was 4.31° towards the inferotemporal direction relative to the corneal topographic axis under non-mydriatic conditions and 4.65° in the same direction under mydriatic conditions. The average decentration was 0.05 mm towards the temporal direction under non-mydriatic conditions and 0.08 mm in the same direction under mydriatic conditions. A strong correlation was found between the average tilt and decentration values of the crystalline lens and the IOL under both non-mydriatic and mydriatic conditions (all Spearman correlation coefficients, r ≥ 0.800; all P < 0.001). Conclusion When measured using second generation AS-OCT, both the crystalline lens and the IOL showed an average tilt of 4–6° toward the inferotemporal direction relative to the corneal topographic axis and an average decentration of less than 0.12 mm towards the temporal direction. These results were not influenced by pupil dilation and they showed good repeatability.


The authors report on a rare case of Cutaneous Horn of the hand: the lesion is interesting, for the considerable dimensions it reaches and for its evolution. The treatment has had the character of a radical local resection.


In elderly patients with generalized atherosclerosis and longstanding hypertension, progressive renal insufficiency should suggest renal artery occlusive disease and/or renal cholesterol embolization. Renal cholesterol embolization is not an absolute contraindication to successful surgical revascularization. Renal cholesterol emboli were identified in biopsy specimens obtained in 24 cases at the Cleveland Clinic from 1978 to 1986, and renal artery stenosis was an associated finding in 19. Clinical manifestations of generalized atherosclerosis were common, including ileofemoral atherosclerosis (18), coronary artery disease (16), carotid occlusive disease (15), and carotid occlusive disease with a history of stroke (8). Evidence of embolic events in other organs was common. Hypertension worsened before biopsy in 21 patients with and without renal artery stenosis. Surgery or angiography definitely or probably contributed to renal failure in 16. Of 12 who underwent surgical revascularization of a renal artery, renal function improved in five, remained stable in five, and worsened in one. Renal function improved in the three patients undergoing dialysis before revascularization, and two were able to discontinue dialysis.


Background: Previous studies have shown that the number of comorbidity, depression and anxiety severity were associated with increased risk for suicidal behaviors. This study was to investigate the interaction of the number of comorbidities, depression and anxiety severity with self-reported suicidal ideation (SR-SI) and suicide attempt (SA) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BPD). Methods: Three-hundred routine clinical outpatients were diagnosed with the MINI-STEP-BP version at the initial evaluation. Symptom-severity was measured with the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-selfreport (QIDS-SR-16) for depression, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Clinical Global Impressions- Severity (CGI-S) for overall severity. SR-SI was based on QIDS-SR-16 item 12 and SA was based on the MINI suicidality module. Chi-square, Fisher-exact, and linear regression were used for analyses. Results: Of 103 patients with MDD and 147 with BPD, the SR-SI and SA was 23.3% and17.5% for MDD, and 35.0% and 20.4% for BPD, respectively. SR-SI and SA were positively associated with the number of comorbidities in BPD, but not in MDD. SR-SI was positively associated with depressive severity and overall illness severity in both MDD and BPD. However, anxiety severity had a positive linear correlation with SR-SI only in BPD. Anxiety and depressive severity had additive effect on SR-SI in BPD, but had opposite effect on SR-SI in MDD. Conclusion: These data suggest that suicide risk assessment should be disorder specific in patients with a mood disorder. Diagnosing all psychiatric disorders and meausring depression and anxiety severity is essential for managing suicidal behaviors.


ABSTRACT This paper argues that the notion of 'ecological rationality' as used in (behavioral) economics has two rival meanings. The first type of ecological rationality (ER1) as used by Gerd Gigerenzer, refers to the use of cognitive strategies, heuristics in particular, in real-world decisions. The second type of ecological rationality (ER2) as used in the work of Vernon Smith, refers to the rationality of cognitive systems consisting of multiple individuals, institutions, and social norms. We demonstrate in this paper that their use originates in different psychological (or cognitive) approaches: Brunswikian functionalism and distributed cognition respectively. By uncovering the different psychological underpinnings, we are able to analyze the methodological differences between the two types of ecological rationality, the different ways in which central concepts are employed, and the differences in resulting experimental practices. We conclude with the implications for the various ways in which psychology and economics can be combined.


This
study explores stochastic approach to analyzing the forest fire spatial
distribution from forest accessibility using 2-parameters Weibull distribution
model. MODIS firespot data, as a proxy for forest fire location, from 2001 to
2012 was analyzed by correlating its spatial distribution with the distance
from settlement and road/lake in 11 Forest Management Units (FMUs) in South
Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. (For more information,please refer to the PDF.)


Caveolae are specialized plasma membrane subdomains implicated in cellular functions such as migration, signalling and trafficking. Caveolin-1 and polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF)/cavin-1 are essential for caveola formation. Caveolin-1 is overexpressed and secreted in prostate tumors and promotes aggressiveness and angiogenesis. In contrast, a lack of PTRF expression is reported in prostate cancer, and ectopic PTRF expression in prostate cancer cells inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. We experimentally manipulated PTRF expression in three prostate cancer cell lines, namely the caveolin-1 positive cells PC3 and DU145 and the caveolin-1-negative LNCaP cells, to evaluate angiogenesis- and lymphangiogenesis-regulating functions of PTRF. We show that the conditioned medium of PTRF-expressing prostate cancer cells decreases ECs proliferation, migration and differentiation in vitro and ex vivo. This can occur independently from caveolin-1 expression and secretion or caveola formation, since the anti-angiogenic effects of PTRF were detected in caveolin-1-negative LNCaP cells. Additionally, PTRF expression in PC3 cells significantly decreased blood and lymphatic vessel densities in orthotopic tumors in mice. Our results suggest that the absence of PTRF in prostate cancer cells contributes significantly to tumour progression and metastasis by promoting the angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis potential of the cancer cells, and this could be exploited for therapy.


The simple polymerization of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) has been achieved by the co-hydrolysis with chemically modified tantalum or niobium alkoxides, at room temperature, within 0.5 h and under a slight catalyst. The addition of the transition metal alkoxides into MTES is found to accelerate the formation of siloxane bonds, which was confirmed by 29Si- nuclear magnetic resonance measurement. The siloxane condensation degree of the obtained sol was found to be approximately 80%. The self-supported crack-free hybrid films could be obtained by using this solution. Crack-free ceramic films of 90 mm diameter and 0.2 mm thickness were also obtained by the pyrolysis of the above-described hybrid films. The solutions could also be used as coating precursors, allowing smooth and homogeneous coating films without cracks or pores to be obtained by the dip coating of sol to the various substrates. The adhesion between the coating films and substrates showed large values even for organic substrates, which was evaluated by a cross cut tape test. Scratch hardness was also high.


The establishment of a functional vascular system requires multiple complex steps throughout embryogenesis, from endothelial cell (EC) specification to vascular patterning into venous and arterial hierarchies. Following the initial assembly of ECs into a network of cord-like structures, vascular expansion and remodeling occur rapidly through morphogenetic events including vessel sprouting, fusion, and pruning. In addition, vascular morphogenesis encompasses the process of lumen formation, critical for the transformation of cords into perfusable vascular tubes. Studies in mouse, zebrafish, frog, and human endothelial cells have begun to outline the cellular and molecular requirements underlying lumen formation. Although the lumen can be generated through diverse mechanisms, the coordinated participation of multiple conserved molecules including transcription factors, small GTPases, and adhesion and polarity proteins remains a fundamental principle, leading us closer to a more thorough understanding of this complex event.


Giant cell tumors of tendon sheath (GCTTS) represent a localised form of pigmented villonodular synovitis. They are usually found in the hand (80% of cases) where it represents the second most common tumor of the soft parts after the ganglion cyst. Its surgical treatment is sometimes difficult because of local extension and the invasion of vital digital structures. We report a retrospective study over 10 years of 32 cases of GCTTS with an average age of 35 years and a sex-ratio of 1. The reason for consultation was the presence of a digital mass, associated with an impairment of finger flexion in 43,7% of patients. A palmar localisation was found in 56,2%, especially in the fifth ray (62,5%) and at the level of the distal phalanx (68,7%). Radiological changes were observed in 4 cases. All patients were treated surgically. Macroscopically the lesion presented as an encapsulated tumor, polylobulated and yellow-brownish which invaded the skin (1 case), extended into the sheath of the flexor tendons (3 cases) and under the extensor tendon (4 cases). In the post operative follow up we noted one case of hypoaesthesia of the pulp and three cases of stiffness of the proximal interphalangeal joint. No skin necrosis was found. With a 4 year average follow up (10 months - 9 years), we noted three reccurrences (9,3%) which were all surgically managed. After analysis of the literature, the authors will describe the clinical aspects and the therapeutic difficulties of this condition.


The non-contact healthcare system is a system that can avoid germ infection, and can also provide comfortable and convenient health care services for the caregivers. In the current thermal imaging research, local or small area images are used to represent the overall temperature information of the participants, but the temperature feature of the face should not only be used in a small part and ignore other parts. The facial thermal image can show clear temperature feature but is not conducive to meaningful feature extraction. Therefore, this research proposed a novel facial thermal image feature extraction method, which is used facial landmarks to detect and cut 12 blocks to establish a new feature matrix based on color mean values and standard deviation values. It can establish clear features on facial thermal images. The core part of the proposed healthcare system is the use of a deep learning framework, which is based on CAFFE under the DIGITS platform. The CAFFE runs the classic CNN, GoogLeNet. Based on the acquired images and new feature types, four models were trained, which were used for the raw RGB image, raw thermal image, RGB feature image, and thermal feature image. In the experiment, 800 images were used for training and validation, and 200 images were used for testing. An additional 40 images were used for random testing. The experimental results show that RGB images cannot be effectively used, thermal images can effectively predict the health status, and thermal feature images have the highest prediction accuracy.


This chapter offers an overview of the contributions provided by prior literature that has put the learning organization idea into context. The chapter focuses on the literature's advice on the relevance of the learning organization idea to organizations within various contexts and recommendations for these organizations. The chapter is based on a review of an extensive part of the literature on the learning organization idea put into context, available in English. We searched for literature in two databases, both of which contain academic literature related to the subjects of business management and educational management: ABI/Inform (Pro Quest) and EBSCO host Business Source Premier. Thus, we could expect a good coverage of academic literature related to the learning organization idea applied to various contexts. We searched for peer-reviewed literature with the following keywords within the article title: 'learning organisation', 'learning organization', 'learning organisations', 'learning organizations', or 'LO'. A total of 2116 works were identified (the search results were retrieved on 16–17 May 2012).


Increasing awareness of the crucial and complex role of the body in making and experiencing art has led to a diverse range of biological and phenomenological philosophies of art. The shared emphasis on the role of the body re-connects these contemporary theories of art to aesthetics' pre-Kantian origin as a science of sense-perception (aesthesis) and feeling. Tracing some of the current positions in such diverse thinkers as Dissanayake, Langer, and Merleau-Ponty, this paper will examine their shared interest in art as a pre-reflective, nondiscursive mode of knowing, symbolizing, and being-in-theworld. This paper argues that while some biologically based theories have drawn legitimate attention to the potential role of art in human evolution, their reductive tendencies need to be corrected and complemented by both a phenomenological and a 'symbolic' approach, which situates art in a web of culturally mediated affective encounters with the world in the context of a broader horizon that lends it its meaning.


Magnetic resonance pattern recognition constitutes a 'conceptual' approach to radiological assessment, in which all of the radiological and other clinical features present are considered in combination. Systematic analysis of magnetic resonance images improves the specificity of the modality as a diagnostic tool. Computeraided analysis of radiological findings can be used to complement clinicians' knowledge. In recent years, use of magnetic resonance techniques has facilitated characterization of several new forms of white matter disorders in children. Pattern recognition software aided the identification of common features among unclassified leukoencephalopathies, resulting in 7 major categories and 2 newly described entities, megaencephalic leukencephalopathy with cysts and vanishing white matter disease. Magnetic resonance imaging has a central role in diagnosis and clinical management.


: Carbonated smart water (CSMW) injection has drawn considerable interest, especially in the last decade. This interest stems from its results in the recovery factor enhancement and the storage of carbon dioxide. This method has been mainly studied for sandstone formations, and less devotion has been given to carbonates, especially in naturally fractured reservoirs. This paper examines the effect of the CSMW on the recovery factor in carbonate homogenous and fractured reservoirs and investigates the most effective mechanisms. Furthermore, the capability of the CSMW to store the CO 2 in the reservoir has been tested. This work has been established based on core flooding experimental data, using a compositional simulator, and extending the core results to a pilot model. The composition and salinity values of the CSMW have been specified using optimization and sensitivity analysis tools. Geochemical reactions and CO 2 solubility in the CSMW have been simulated using the PHREEQC. In the core scale, the CSMW showed 14, 7.6, 26.8% more oil recovery than Smart Water (SMW), Carbonated Seawater (CSW), and Seawater (SW), respectively. In the pilot model, CSMW recovered more oil than the SMW by 5–8% based on the heterogeneity and fracture availability. Viscosity reduction is one of the main mechanisms behind the oil recovery increment. More than 30% of viscosity reduction was observed for all studied cases. Ions exchange and mineral dissolution processes were also pivotal. A higher recovery has been obtained in the fractured reservoir after the breakthrough due to the CO 2 diffusion from the fractures into the matrices and the spontaneous imbibition process, where those mechanisms need a long time to act effectively. More than 50% of the injected CO 2 within the CSMW has been captured in the reservoir's residual oil and water. It has been concluded that the stored CO 2 in the reservoir depends on the amount of residual oil saturation, where the higher the remaining oil in the reservoir, the higher the stored CO 2 amount. © 2021 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society


This study aims to identify the role of the main components of the public budget for influencing public debt in Jordan through an econometric study. In particular, the EViews 9 program is applied to the annual time series of public debt, current expenditures, capitalism expenditures, taxes, and external grants from 1990 to 2018. Results are related to the data that served as basis of this study and was issued by the Central Bank of Jordan. This study concludes a set of results, including the presence of a positive and moral effect of capital spending on public debt and the presence of a negative and moral effect of taxes on public debt in short and long terms. Results show a positive and significant effect of the current spending on public debt in the short term and a positive, nonsignificant effect in the long term. In addition, a negative, non-significant influence of external grants on public debt in the short term and a negative moral effect in the long term are found. A set of recommendations is presented. First, mechanisms to reduce waste in public budget should be activated, particularly in the area of current expenditures, through addressing administrative sagging in the public sector. Thus, employment is linked to the level of future productivity. Second, corruption and nepotism should be fought against. Third, transparency should be imposed in state departments.


Although the quantity and, in many cases, the quality of research on the practitioner-patient interaction has improved over the last 10–15 years, many related topics remain largely unexplored. The relationship of the similarity of practitioner and patient preferences to treatment adherence has not been carefully investigated, either in a medical or dental setting. This paper presents a study of patient and practitioner preferences for a dental appointment, and assesses the impact of their similarity on patient satisfaction with the appointment and adherence to the recommended treatment regimen. Results indicate that the similarity of patient and dental student preferences for an appointment is a very significant predictor of patient satisfaction with the appointment, reported improvement in oral hygiene behavior, and actual improvement in objective dental health. Patient satisfaction was, in turn, an independent predictor of reported behavior change and objective improvement in dental health. Similarity of patient and practitioner preferences for appointments should be studied more carefully in future doctor- and dentist-patient interaction research, as it is a critical variable for understanding how the interaction experience is translated into patient behavior.


The Monte Carlo simulation of bremsstrahlung spectra emanating from diagnostic X-ray tubes has been investigated. Methods have been found which are capable of generating spectra that are in good agreement with measured spectra.


ocular palsy (43%), facial palsy (19%), and lymphadenopathy (79%), which disappeared as the illness passed. Dr. McEvedy and Dr. Beard emphasize the presence of cramps and tingling, which they rightly say may be manifestations of hysterical overbreathing. In fact our patients had cramp but not carpo-pedal spasm and persistent tingling, not generalized, when they were not overbreathing. Regarding the electrodiagnostic findings, Drs. McEvedy and Beard have selected for mention the absence of signs of lower motor neurone degeneration and the grouping of motor unit potentials on volition. There are of course a number of lesions of lower motor neurones which disturb function and do not produce neurone degeneration. There are a number of ways by which grouping of motor unit potentials can be produced. However, our patients did not appear to do so by a 'maximum effort" in which agonist and antagonist counteract each other and by which method Drs. McEvedy and Beard attempted to simulate our electromyograph tracings. In fact sustained activity produced fatigue with breaking up of the groups. Further, we obtained (albeit exceptionally) groups of up to 100 milliseconds in duration which do not seem to occur in trace C of Fig. 2 (3 January, p. 10). Incidentally we have not claimed that any of the electrodiagnostic findings were specifically diagnostic of this disease. Nonetheless it is interesting that a similar abnormal recruitment of motor unit potentials was demonstrated in cases of benign myalgic encephalomyelitis in Durban and Coventry (both unpublished). This is not to say that we did not recognize psychiatric factors in the symptomatology of this disease. Indeed we think it probable that amongst those studied in the outbreak were some whose manifestations were propably hysterical but are in no doubt that the large majority were affected by an organic illness.-We are, etc.,


The absolute longitudinal speed of a vehicle is estimated by using vehicle acceleration data from an accelerometer and wheel speed data from standard 50-tooth antiknock braking system wheel speed sensors. An intuitive solution to this problem is, "When wheel slip is low, calculate absolute velocities from the wheel speeds; when wheel slip is high, calculate absolute velocity by integrating the accelerometer." Fuzzy logic is introduced to implement the above idea and a new algorithm of "modified velocities with step integration" is proposed. This algorithm is verified experimentally to estimate speed of a vehicle, and is also shown to estimate absolute longitudinal vehicle speed with a 6% worst-case error during a hard braking maneuver lasting three seconds.


A new approach in reliability evaluation of small isolated hybrid power systems, which include wind turbines and conventional generators, based on fluid stochastic Petri net (PN) modelling is presented. A major novelty of the proposed methodology is that a selection of constant time intervals is adopted, instead of assuming continuous dynamics. The proposed analysis presents similar characteristics with simulation methods, with the additional advantages of graphical representation of system's components and attributes. Moreover, emphasis is given on the parameterisation of input data that describes operational and reliability characteristics of the system, so a global investigation of the examined system can be done. In order to import more precise data in the simulation process modelled by the PN, the concept of database arcs is introduced. The evaluation is based on the calculation of system's basic indices related to reliability estimation and energy production. The results obtained verify the flexibility and the capabilities of the proposed methodology.


Many of the data analysis algorithms that base their analysis on pattern occurrences tend to use objective assessment measures at one point or another. In many cases, especially in multimedia research, these objective measures were originally developed for the purpose of mimicking subjective assessments to automate the assessment pipeline. Using such measures is understandable when the user is a human subject but becomes arguable when there is an intermediate user in the form of an analysis algorithm. We present here a multidimensional noise reduction scheme that cleans the data from the perspective of the algorithmic system. The proposed scheme is then applied to applications of image coding and content-based image retrieval. Although the noise reduction adversely affects the objective scales, we show that it actually enhances the performance of the analysis algorithm. For instance, the percentage retrieval precision of tiger images was 3.5-fold better than the non-enhanced system. This precision enhancement is accompanied by a 55% reduction in retrieval time on average and further reduction in space costs.


In a general election, election crime is bound to occur, in the handling of election criminal acts, it is necessary to have regulations regarding the regulation and sanctions against election criminal offenders to achieve legal certainty regarding the handling of election crimes. The purpose of this research is to find out the regulation of election criminal acts and sanctions against election criminal offenders. The research method used is normative research by examining the sources of law from various aspects and using primary legal sources. The results of the research show that election criminal acts are divided into 2 (two) things, namely violations and crimes, however the law does not clearly regulate the qualifications of violations and crimes, which should be made by law to regulate more clearly so that we can know more about the actions that are involved. how it is said to be violations and what actions are called crimes. Furthermore, regarding sanctions and institutions authorized in handling criminal cases, both violations and crimes in criminal elections, are also listed in Law No.7 of 2017 concerning elections. So that with this research the procedures for qualifying the violation, who feel that their rights are being violated, can report to the right institution to handle the case.


CARBON NANOTUBES WERE EMPLOYED AS ADHESIVE REINFORCEMENT/NANO-STITCHES TO ALUMINUM BONDED JOINTS. THE CNT ADDITION TO AN EPOXY ADHESIVE NOT ONLY LEAD TO AN INCREASE ON LOAD CAPACITY BUT IT IS ALSO THE MOST PROBABLE CAUSE OF THE MIX FAILURE MODE (ADHESIVE/COHESIVE). THE DAMAGE EVOLUTION WAS DESCRIBED AS THE STIFFNESS DECREASE AND THE FAILURE MIXED MODES WERE RELATED TO THE LOAD CAPACITY. ALTHOUGH THE PRESENCE OF CNT CLUSTER WERE SPOT, IN SMALL CONCENTRATIONS (< 1.0 WT. %), THESE CLUSTERS ACTED AS CRACK STOPPERS AND LEAD TO AN INCREASE ON LAP JOINT SHEAR STRENGTH. THE ADDITION OF 2.0 WT. % CARBON NANOTUBES LEAD TO AN INCREASE ON LOAD CAPACITY OF APPROXIMATELY 116.2 % WHEN THE RESULTS WERE COMPARED AGAINST THE SINGLE LAP JOINTS WITHOUT CARBON NANOTUBES.


This chapter covers a study on various field crops like cereals, legumes, oil seeds, vegetables, cash crops, underutilised crops, and energy crops and their genetic adjustment to changing climates. More than 30 major field crops have been covered in different chapters of this book, which highlights how the elevated CO2 levels, moisture stress due to drought, and the rising of temperature are creating big impacts on these crops. Thus, a synthesis on the potential of genetic adjustments across the crops has been carried out in this chapter. In brief the impact of drought, temperature, CO2 levels and future strategies for crop improvements have been highlighted. This chapter will provide an overview of crops potential to adjust to climate change, magnitude of future projections, and strategic approaches available to the scientific communities globally. (Resume d'auteur)


As a fermented product, tarhana is the dry form of yogurt-cereal mixture and represents an important part of the diets of many people in different countries including Turkey. In the present study, the effects of the addition of baker's yeast on the quality and functional properties of tarhana were investigated. Tarhana was produced under laboratory conditions (uncontrolled and controlled conditions) using two formulas. Some physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties of the samples were analysed. An increase was found in the acidity value of all samples during the fermentation period. The addition of baker's yeast affected the functional properties (water absorption capacity, foaming capacity, foaming stability, emulsifying activity) of the samples (P < 0.05). The tarhana samples produced by the addition of yeast and under controlled conditions had shorter fermentation times and better sensory properties. This research suggests that the addition of baker's yeast and the employment of controlled conditions can be recommended in the production of the commercial type of tarhana.


The importance of voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) in pain transmission has been noticed gradually, as several VDCC blockers have been shown to be effective in inhibiting this process. In particular, the N‐type VDCC has attracted attention, because inhibitors of this channel are effective in various aspects of pain‐related phenomena. To understand the genuine contribution of the N‐type VDCC to the pain transmission system, we generated mice deficient in this channel by gene targeting. We report here that mice lacking N‐type VDCCs show suppressed responses to a painful stimulus that induces inflammation and show markedly reduced symptoms of neuropathic pain, which is caused by nerve injury and is known to be difficult to treat by currently available therapeutic methods. This finding clearly demonstrates that the N‐type VDCC is essential for development of neuropathic pain and, therefore, controlling the activity of this channel can be of great importance for the management of neuropathic pain.


The widespread usage of wireless local area networks and mobile devices has fostered the interest in localization systems for wireless environments. The majority of research in the context of wireless-based localization systems has focused on device-based active localization, in which a device is attached to tracked entities. Recently, device-free passive localization (DfP) has been proposed where the tracked entity is neither required to carry devices nor participate actively in the localization process. DfP systems are based on the fact that RF signals are affected by the presence of people and objects in the environment.
 Previous studies have focused on small areas with direct line of sight (LOS) and/or controlled environments. In this paper, we present the design, implementation and analysis of Nuzzer, a large-scale non-LOS DfP localization system, which tracks a single entity in real environments, rich in multipath. Without any additional hardware, Nuzzer makes use of the already-installed wireless data networks to monitor and process changes in the received signal strength (RSS) at one or more monitoring points transmitted from access points. The Nuzzer system enables many applications which support the elderly, including smart homes automation which can be used to assist the elderly, and intrusion detection which is used to protect the elderly's homes.
 We present deterministic techniques for DfP localization and evaluate their performance in a building, rich in multipath, with an area of 750 square meters. Our results show that the Nuzzer system gives device-free location estimates with less than 7 meters median distance error using only two monitoring laptops and three access points. This indicates the suitability of Nuzzer to a number of application domains.


Objective Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very frequent disease in whole world, it become a heavy medical burden in China. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between NAFLD and subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) in check-up population in China. Methods The study population consisted of 987 participants (372 women), aged between 18 and 70 years who undertake check up in our hospital. There were 486 subjects with NAFLD and 501 apparently healthy controls without NAFLD. The age, gender and body mass index were similar. Subclinical atherosclerosis was detected by c-IMT measurement through ultrasound. Results Subjects with NAFLD had higher average and maximum CIMT (0.5 ± 0.12 and 0.58 ± 0.17mm, respectively, vs 0.39 ± 0.11 and 0.42 ± 0.12mm, respectively; p < 0.05), and had higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques (18.7% vs 5.9%, p < 0.05) than controls. The presence of NAFLD was observed to be the independent predictor of having high average CIMT (OR 4.2; 95% CI: 1.7–11.2) and high maximum CIMT (OR 4.7; 95% CI: 2.0–12.1) even after adjusting for obesity, blood pressure, glucose and lipid parameters. Conclusions This study has shown a possible independent role of NAFLD in determining subclinical atherosclerosis.


Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer incidence and mortality. Common features of obesity and T2D are insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. A mammary tumor promoting effect of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia was demonstrated in the transgenic female MKR mouse model of pre-diabetes inoculated with mammary cancer cells. Interestingly, in MKR mice, as well as in other diabetic mouse models, males exhibit severe hyperglycemia, while females display insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia with only a mild increase in blood glucose levels. This gender-specific protection from hyperglycemia may be attributed to estradiol, a key player in the regulation of the metabolic state, including obesity, glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and lipid profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ovariectomy (including the removal of endogenous estradiol) on the metabolic state of MKR female mice and subsequently on the growth of Mvt-1 mammary cancer cells, inoculated into the mammary fat pad of ovariectomized mice, compared with sham-operated mice. The results showed an increase in body weight, accompanied by increased fat mass, elevated blood glucose levels, and hypercholesterolemia, in ovariectomized MKR mice. In addition, mammary tumor growth was significantly higher in these mice. The results suggest that ovarian hormone deficiency may promote impaired metabolic homeostasis in the hyperinsulinemic MKR female mice, which in turn is associated with an increased growth of mammary tumors.


According to Merriam Webster's Concise Encyclopedia, dance is a "form of expression that uses bodily movements that are rhythmic, patterned (or sometimes improvised), and usually accompanied by music. One of the oldest art forms, dance is found in every culture and is performed for purposes ranging from the ceremonial, liturgical, and magical to the theatrical, social, and simply aesthetic." Print dance resources abound in libraries but tend to be out-of-date and general in nature, unless the library is a part of a research institution with dance research as its main mission. The general nature of dance resources collecting may be to the detriment of providing the patron with deep information about specific dances. For example, flamenco, a complex set of dances and improvisations, originally associated with the Andalusian Gypsies of Southern Spain but now enjoys worldwide appeal and practice, is a specific dance collection development category that often can be missed. This guide, while starting with some information about general dance reference resources that this librarian has found helpful and essential, aims to supply the reader with annotations to books, e-books, web resources, DVDs, and periodicals specifically about flamenco baile, in order to support the collections manager, who may be focusing on the further internationalizing her collection, as well as helping to shed light on the migration and evolution of flamenco dance throughout the world. DANCE Web Resources Websites were located using a Google search of the term dance. Thank you to Jacalyn Bryan for her New York Public Library website recommendation for this Dance Web Resources section and for her Dance Education Literature and Research descriptive index suggestion for the Dance Databases section. Congress on Research in Dance (www.cordance.org). The Congress on Research in Dance (CORD) website supports dance professionals in sharing ideas with one another and with the world through its publications and conferences. CORD publishes the Dance Research Journal (DRJ) three times a year, and the CORD website provides links to JSTOR and Project MUSE databases that index DRJ's articles. Dance Magazine (www.dancemagazine.com). This site is the interactive, electronic companion to the print subscription Dance Magazine and now to iPad subscription version. Some of the subscription articles are available for free on the site, as well as some digital-only content, including blogs, videos, back issues, and more. Although Dance Magazine's articles are not peer-reviewed, the magazine, in general, is widely read and has been on the scene since 1927. New York Public Library, Jerome Robbins Dance Division (www.nypl.org/about/divisions/jerome-robbins-dance-division). The Jerome Robbins Dance Division website is the Internet face of a unique public institution, which began in 1944. The website describes the major collections available through the New York Public Library, including the Gregory Hines Collection of American Tap Dance, the Doris Humphrey Collection, the American Ballet Theatre Archives, just to name a few. The website helps researchers connect with the collections and services with its Avenues of Access page. Books and Reference Sources Books and reference sources were found by searching the library catalog and libraries worldwide, both OCLC systems utilizing WorldCat interface. In addition, a Google search was used. Terms that were used were dance and world dance, limited to books and e-books. Benbow-Pfalzgraf, Taryn and Glynis Benbow-Niemier. International Dictionary of Modern Dance. Detroit: St. James, 1998 (ISBN: 9781558623590). There are over four hundred entries on a wide array of modern dance topics, including a chronology that begins with the nineteenth century and Francoise Delsarte and concludes with the death of Bessie Schoenberg in the late twentieth century. …


Despite the production of neutralizing antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV), many patients fail to clear the virus and instead develop chronic infection and long-term complications. To understand how HCV infection perturbs the antibody repertoire and to identify molecular features of antibody genes associated with either viral clearance or chronic infection, we sequenced the V(D)J region of naïve and memory B cells of 6 persons who spontaneously resolved an HCV infection (SR), 9 patients with a newly diagnosed chronically evolving infection (CE), and 7 healthy donors. In both naïve and memory B cells, the frequency of use of particular antibody gene subfamilies and segments varied among the three clinical groups, especially between SR and CE. Compared to CE, SR antibody genes used fewer VH, D and JH gene segments in naïve B cells and fewer VH segments in memory B cells. SR and CE groups significantly differed in the frequency of use of 7 gene segments in naïve B cell clones and 3 gene segments in memory clones. The nucleotide mutation rates were similar among groups, but the pattern of replacement and silent mutations in memory B cell clones indicated greater antigen selection in SR than CE. Greater clonal evolution of SR than CE memory B cells was revealed by analysis of phylogenetic trees and CDR3 lengths. Pauciclonality of the peripheral memory B cell population is a distinguishing feature of persons who spontaneously resolved an HCV infection. This finding, previously considered characteristic only of patients with HCV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders, suggests that the B cell clones potentially involved in clearance of the virus may also be those susceptible to abnormal expansion.


Tunnelling experiments through GaAs-AlAs-GaAs structures with InAs embedded in the AlAs barrier show steps in the current-voltage characteristics which we assign to single-electron tunnelling through self-assembled InAs quantum dots between two three-dimensional electrodes. From the magnetic field dependence of the onset of the current steps, we determine the lateral extension of the electronic wave function in the dot to 4 nm, corresponding to a dot of 14 nm in diameter. Replica of steps at higher voltages are attributed to tunnelling through charged dots. A similar structural dot size is measured independently by transmission electron microscopy on the same wafer and by atomic force microscopy on control samples with InAs dots on a GaAs or an AlAs surface, respectively.


The genetic variations of high and low molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS and LMW-GS) as well as of ω- and γ-gliadins in 562 accessions of 7 tetraploid Triticum turgidum L. subspecies were investigated using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A total of 26 HMW-GS alleles (7 at Glu-A1 and 19 at Glu-B1 loci) with 63 allelic combinations, as well as 11 LMW-GS alleles (5 at Glu-A3, 4 at Glu-B3 and 2 at Glu-B2 loci) with 26 allelic combinations, were detected. Two novel HMW-GS, called B1cf and B1cg, were discovered in T. dicoccum, B1cg was also found in T. turanicum. The Glu-B1 locus showed the highest values of genetic diversity index (H), with a mean of 0.72. As regards gliadins, 8 alleles at Gli-B1 locus have been found. The dendrogram based on allelic frequencies, revealed that T. durum, T. carthlicum and T. polonicum grouped a part from the other subspecies. This behaviour suggested probably different evolutive pathways among the tetraploid wheats.


The Dutch Minister of Finance intends to create legislation that will put a ban on variable remuneration as long as a financial institution receives state aid. Such legislation could, however, be legally wrongful towards financial institutions that currently receive state aid. One argument for this is that the State promised not to initiate any new legislation that would fall within the scope of the Banking Code that was adopted in the Netherlands.


The purpose of this study was to determine the performance characteristics of the Cozart microplate EIA for detecting opiates in oral fluid from patients in a drug misuse treatment program. Oral fluid samples were collected using the Cozart RapiScan Collection System from 216 donors who were receiving treatment for their addiction and were monitored for drug abuse. A further 40 oral fluid samples were collected from volunteer donors who were not drug users. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory by using the Cozart microplate EIA for opiates and confirmed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The samples were stored frozen until analysis by GC-MS. The intra-assay precision for the Cozart microplate oral fluid EIA for opiates over 40 assays was 0.43% to 9.13% CV (within assay) and 2.9% to 9.1% CV (within day). A total of 109 samples were positive for various opiates. The Cozart microplate EIA for opiates in oral fluid, using a cut-off of 30 ng/ml morphine equivalents in neat oral fluid, had a sensitivity of 99.1 +/- 2.1% and a specificity of 94.4 +/- 2.2% versus GC-MS. A series of potential adulterants of oral fluid were evaluated and shown not to alter the outcome of the test result.


In recent years, graphyne was found to be the only 2D carbon material that has both sp and sp2 hybridization. It has received significant attention because of its great potential in the field of optoelectronics, which arises due to its small band gap. In this study, the structural stability, electronic structure, elasticity, thermal conductivity and optical properties of α, β, γ-graphynes were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) systematically. γ-graphyne has the largest negative cohesive energy and thus the most stable structure, while the β-graphyne comes 2nd. Both β and γ-graphynes have sp-sp, sp-sp2 and sp2-sp2 hybridization bonds, of which γ-graphyne has shorter bond lengths and thus larger Young's modulus. Due to the difference in acetylenic bond in the structure cell, the effect of strain on the electronic structure varies between graphynes: α-graphyne has no band gap and is insensitive to strain; β-graphyne's band gap has a sharp up-turn at 10% strain, while γ-graphyne's band gap goes up linearly with the strain. All the three graphynes exhibit large free carrier concentration and these free carriers have small effective mass, and both free carrier absorption and intrinsic absorption are found in the light absorption. Based on the effect of strain, optical properties of three structures are also analyzed. It is found that the strain has significant impacts on their optical properties. In summary, band gap, thermal conductivity, elasticity and optical properties of graphyne could all be tailored with adjustment on the amount of acetylenic bonds in the structure cell.


This slim text outlines the principles and standards of ethics for psychoanalysts, together with the provisions for implementing the same, under the following categories: professional competence, respect for persons, mutuality and informed consent, confidentiality, truthfulness, avoidance of exploitation, scientific responsibility, protection of the public and profession, social responsibility, and personal integrity. The chapter describing principles and standards focuses on the issues of confidentiality, avoiding exploitation, and safeguarding the public and the profession. The chapter on provisions for implementation goes into considerable detail regarding procedures that have been put in place to give teeth to these principles and standards. The American Psychoanalytic Association appears to be taking a leadership role among the health care disciplines not only in publishing guidelines but also in implementing these provisions.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze the proportion and associated factors of taking subsequent confirmation test among men who have sex with men (MSM) after being tested positive in oral fluid HIV antibody test.

METHODS
By using successive sampling, 1 003 MSM, who were tested positive in oral fluid HIV antibody test in China-Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation AIDS prevention Program (Extension program) in Beijing during May 1 to December 31, 2013, were recruited. The inclusion criteria included: the objects were men who reported having sex with men; the objects aged more than 18 years old; the objects were tested positive in oral fluid HIV antibody test; the objects had not been reported as HIV positives in China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention previously. According to the program strategy, MSM grassroots organizations transferred the respondents to seek subsequent confirmation tests in specific Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) or hospitals. The subsequent confirmation tests included: fingertip blood HIV antibody rapid test, venous blood Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) HIV antibody test and venous blood Western Blot (WB) HIV antibody test. Chi-square test was adopted to compare the proportion of taking subsequent confirmation tests in different groups. Nonconditional multivaritae binarylogistic regression analysis was taken to identify the associated factors with whether taking subsequent confirmation tests and to calculate the OR (95% CI) values.

RESULTS
The 1 003 respondents were (30.9 ± 9.1) years old. Among all objects, 87.8% (881/1 003) of them took fingertip blood HIV antibody rapid tests and the positive rate was 85.4% (752/881). 98.0% (737/752) of those who were identified as positive in fingertip blood HIV rapid tests took ELISA and WB tests, and the positive rate was 94.4% (696/737). Comparing with those who were expected to seek subsequent confirmation tests in CDCs, the OR (95% CI) value of those who were expected to seek tests in hospitals was 5.10 (1.69-15.36). The OR (95% CI) values of those who used condom sometimes and those who never used condom in anal sex were 5.81 (2.14-15.77) and 3.45 (2.00-5.97) respectively, in comparison with those who reported not having anal sex or using condom consistently in anal sex during the past 6 months. Comparing with the respondents recruited from the internet, the OR (95% CI) values of those recruited in bathrooms, parks/toilets and bars were 0.17 (0.05-0.53), 0.10 (0.04-0.29) and 0.22 (0.06-0.79) respectively. The likelihood of taking subsequent confirmation test decreased with the increase of number of male sexual partners in the past 3 months, and the OR (95% CI) value was 0.92 (0.86-0.99).

CONCLUSION
The potential HIV positive MSM in the bathroom, park/toilet and bars are less likely to take subsequent confirmation test. Those who do not use condom consistently during anal sex are more likely to seek subsequent confirmation test. Medical organization conducting subsequent confirmation tests is more likely to increase the confirmation test rate of potential HIV positive MSM. The number of male sexual partners has negative correlation with whether to accept the subsequent confirmation test.


This paper is aimed to assess Zika virus (ZIKV) spatiotemporal historical distribution, the potential mechanisms and contributing risk factors for epidemic emerging, the attempt to mitigate, and its future aspect. Available literature from the years 1900 to 2018 were assessed and compiled.

Previous analyses on the partial structural envelope as well as the non-structural proteins gene sequences suggests the occurrence of ZIKV strains ancestor erstwhile in the beginning of 1900s in Uganda. Infection with the virus was also first reported in Uganda since 1947. It gradually distributed to different countries in the world until the present 2018. It was found that ZIKV has multifactorial health challenges from several corners. Its epidemiology has wide reservoirs, susceptible and vector hosts, and different mode of transmission. The potential mechanisms of epidemic occurrences are viral evolution changes in mosquito, presence of human viremia and immunity in endemic exposures, and stochastic introduction to new areas. Moreover, climate change which disrupts health security and sociology-economy favors vector mosquito make ZIKV adaptation and causes global emerging epidemics. Presence of global travel with possibility of human-to-human transmission, urban area preference of the vector mosquito, and climate change adaptation of both the virus and the vector are core current risk for the epidemic. Presence of crossreactors, absence of both therapeutic drug and vaccine (the only promising future vaccine being ZIKV sub-unit recombinant biotechnology) were exacerbating the risk of Zika infections. The present sole preventive strategy is vector control.

Therefore, defined and prioritized research on the epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, therapeutic drug and preventive vaccine development are recommended. Burst feed transmission should be checked. Capacity building on diagnostic laboratories and risk communication are relevant for developing countries.


To train robust deep neural networks (DNNs), we systematically study several target modification approaches, which include output regularisation, self and non-self label correction (LC). Two key issues are discovered: (1) Self LC is the most appealing as it exploits its own knowledge and requires no extra models. However, how to automatically decide the trust degree of a learner as training goes is not well answered in the literature? (2) Some methods penalise while the others reward low-entropy predictions, prompting us to ask which one is better?To resolve the first issue, taking two well-accepted propositions–deep neural networks learn meaningful patterns before fitting noise [3] and minimum entropy regularisation principle [10]–we propose a novel end-to-end method named ProSelfLC, which is designed according to learning time and entropy. Specifically, given a data point, we progressively increase trust in its predicted label distribution versus its annotated one if a model has been trained for enough time and the prediction is of low entropy (high confidence). For the second issue, according to ProSelfLC, we empirically prove that it is better to redefine a meaningful low-entropy status and optimise the learner toward it. This serves as a defence of entropy minimisation.We demonstrate the effectiveness of ProSelfLC through extensive experiments in both clean and noisy settings. The source code is available at https://github.com/XinshaoAmosWang/ProSelfLC-CVPR2021.


Diverse substituted pyridines and pyrimidines with high selectivity were obtained using a concise and efficient protocol developed herein. The reaction proceeds via metal-free cascade annulation of isopropene derivatives. Using isopropene derivatives as C3 synthons, NH4I as the "N" source, and formaldehyde or dimethyl sulfoxide as the carbon source, this reaction realizes the efficient formation of intermolecular C-N and C-C bonds.


In the current work, stable prenucleated PbS quantum dots (QDs) with a sub-nanometer (0.8 nm) size have been successfully synthesized via a systematically designed experiment. A detailed analysis of critical nucleation, growth, and stability for such ultrasmall prenucleated clusters is done. The experimental strategy is based on controlled concentration, temperature and injection of respective precursors, thus enabling us to control nucleation rate and separation of stable sub-nanometer PbS QDs with size 0.8 nm. Significantly, by providing additional thermal energy to sub-nanometer PbS QDs, we achieved the fully nucleated cubic crystalline structure of PbS with size of around 1.5 nm. The size and composition of the prenucleated QDs are investigated by sophisticated tools like X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and medium energy ion scattering (MEIS) spectroscopy which confirms the synthesis of PbS with Pb2+ rich surface while the UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data suggests an alternative crystallization path. Non-classical nucleation theory is employed to substantiate the growth mechanism of prenucleated PbS QDs.


The surface properties and the electrochem. behavior of a fluorinated B-doped diamond (F-BDD) electrode prepd. by plasma treatment in CF4-He mixt. was studied by XPS and cyclic voltammetry in acidic media. The results showed C-F bonding (C-CF and C-F) on the surface of F-BDD, which made the surface more hydrophobic. Also hydrogen evolution was shifted to more cathodic potentials for fluorinated diamond, as compared with untreated BDD. Finally, the higher cathodic overpotential for hydrogen evolution permitted Ni deposition and nitrate redn. [on SciFinder (R)]


Ocean observation is fundamental to Canada's ocean science community. The federal government, academia, small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and other research partners, collect and synthesize physical, chemical and biological observations for research purposes, to model ocean changes, to support resource management decision-making, and to establish baseline data for long-term monitoring. Aside from building comprehensive ocean observatories (Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) et al. 2010), there is no easy mechanism to integrate the large amounts of data from the various sources or to explore interrelationships among variables, and no coordination and collaboration mechanism for the ocean community as a whole to generate an efficient system (Ocean Science and Technology Partnership (OSTP), for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) 2011). Consequently, we observe fragmented and isolated data that is only discoverable by a limited range of end users. Canada's ocean science community (Wallace et al. 2014), led and supported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is developing a Canadian Integrated Ocean Observation System (CIOOS) that brings together and leverages existing Canadian and international ocean observation data into a federated data system. This system (Wilson et al. 2016) will improve coordination and collaboration among diverse data producers, improve access to information for decision making, and enable discovery and access to data to support a wide variety of applied and theoretical research efforts to better understand, monitor, and manage activities in Canada's oceans. Canada is implementing a CIOOS test-phase, which will eventually lead to the development of a robust and integrated observing system, improving connections between end users and providers of ocean observations. The improved coordination of regional and national efforts within CIOOS will contribute to global ocean observing, maximizing the overall benefit of integrated observing.


Aspects of the overlap between mathematics and physics at different levels are discussed and linked to theories of learning. Suggestions for the future are made in terms of the National Curriculum and GCSE.


Craniomaxillofacial bone defects represent a clinical challenge in the fields of maxillofacial surgery and (implant) dentistry. Regeneration of these bone defects requires the application of bone graft materials that facilitate new bone formation in a safe, reliable and predictive manner. In addition to autologous bone graft, several types of (synthetic) bone substitute materials have become clinically available, and still major efforts are focused on improving such bone substitute materials by optimizing their properties. Given the regulatory necessity to evaluate the performance of new bone substitute materials for craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration in a large animal model with similarity to human bone prior to clinical application, we here describe a mini-pig mandibular bone defect model that allows for the creation of multiple (critical-size) bone defects within the mandibular body of a single animal. As examples of bone substitute materials, we utilize both the clinically used BioOss granules and an experimental calcium phosphate cement for filling the created defects. Regarding the latter, its advantages are the injectable application within the defect site, in which the material rapidly sets, and the tailorable degradation properties via the inclusion of hydrolytically degrading polymeric particles. For both bone substitute materials, we show the suitability of the bone defect model to assess bone regeneration via histology and micro-computed tomography.


Abstract:This article considers the reception of the ancient Greek ecphrastic epigram in the Renaissance, specifically in the work of Andrea Alciato (1492–1550) and Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599). The focus is on a particular kind of epigram, which takes the form of a dialogue wherein the passerby questions an allegorical statue about its significance, and the statue responds with a form of self-commentary. This type of poem was of particular interest to the author of the first emblem book, Alciato, who used the epigrams to inspire a number of his emblem poems. Partly by means of the emblems, the Greek epigrams came to influence various moments in Spenser's epic poem, The Faerie Queene. This article argues that the dialogic form of the epigram suggests to Spenser the importance of the scene of viewing as a sophisticated aesthetic subject. I discuss the role of this kind of epigram in relation to the Occasion figure in The Faerie Queene 2.4, but also in connection to a number of allegorical statues in the poem. Furthermore, this article focuses on the figure of the unknowing passerby who appears in the epigrams and emblems to argue for the importance of a knowing and naïve viewpoint in Spenser's poem.


The objectives of this study were to analyze the proximate composition, fatty acids and physical characteristic of Rana erythraea and Limnonestes blythii. Edible portion of both anurans were compared to chicken meat. In the proximate analysis, moisture, protein, fat and ash content for R. erythraea were 77.75 ± 1.68%, 16.60 ± 0.40%, 0.83 ±
0.09%, 3.38 ± 0.16% whereas L. blythii were 80.07 ± 0.77 fatty%, 17.29 ± 0.33%, 0.76 ± 0.12%, 0.83 ± 0.15%, respectively. For acids composition, R. erythraea has 25.48 ± 0.15%, 35.98 ± 2.44% and 38.54 ± 2.34% for SFA, MUFA and PUFA respectively; while for L. blythiiis contains 39.62 ± 1.49%, 28.61 ± 2.64% and 31.77 ± 4.13% respectively. The main SFA were palmitic acid (C16:0) and Stearic acid (C18:0) while oleic acid (C18: 1) and linoleic acid (C18:2) were the
dominant MUFA and PUFA. PUFA: SFA ratio for both anurans were higher than 0.40. This ratio was recommended as a balanced fatty acids intake in a healthy diet. In the view of physical characteristic, cooking loss was higher in L.blythii(32.34 ± 1.28%) than R. erythraea (18.53 ± 0.98%). pH of both anurans (R. erythraea and L.blythil) was 6.58 ± 0.03 and 6.53 ± 0.03 respectively. The anurans are higher in moisture and protein content, while lower in fat content and higher in PUFA: SFA ratio than chicken meat. Besides, anurans' meats have lower cooking loss and higher pH than chicken meat. Therefore, the anurans' meat can be considered as lean meat and are excellent protein source. Beside, they are more tender and have high eating quality.


Background The resistance to endocrine therapy poses a significant challenge to the management of advanced breast cancer with hormone receptor (HR) positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2) negative. The purpose of this study was to further examine the efficacy and safety of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6Is) in combination with endocrine therapy as a recovery treatment for advanced breast cancer patients. Methods The risk of bias for each included study was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The Cochrane Q value, combined with the I2 statistics, were selected to be tested for heterogeneity across the studies. The generic inverse variance was used to pool the hazard ratio and 95% CI of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while pooled RRs and 95% CI were conducted using the Mantel-Haenszel to appraise the overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and any adverse effects. Results Eight random clinical trials were finally identified. The analysis showed that the duration of PFS was significantly longer in the CDK4/6Is group than in the control group (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.51–0.60; P<0.00001), and treatment with CDK4/6Is-endocrine therapy resulted in longer OS than treatment with endocrine therapy only (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66–0.96; P=0.001). As for any adverse events, the analysis showed a remarkable rise in bone marrow suppression, especially neutropenia and leukopenia (respectively, RR =32.04; 95% CI, 17.14–59.90, RR =30.65; 95% CI, 16.51–56.91), but not in gastrointestinal toxicity. Conclusions Highly selective CDK4/6Is were well tolerated, effective drugs in advanced breast cancer patients with HR-positive and Her-2 negative.


Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are increasing rapidly in Guangdong, an economically developed Chinese province. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an important approach to lower carbon concentration in this area. This study provides guidance and recommendations for CCS development and demonstration by analysing the necessity of CCS in Guangdong. Furthermore, this study identifies the major opportunities and technical demands related to CCS development in this province based on a sectoral analysis of emission inventory and the forecasting and identification of the potential CO 2 storage capacity. A CCS development roadmap is then developed for Guangdong based on the analysis results, and the milestone goals of this roadmap from the present until 2030 are presented in accordance with the development of technology in and the current status of Guangdong. In addition, the roadmap suggests CCS support policies.


Macadamia nut contains important food allergens that potentially cause allergic reactions with severe adverse effects in infants and adults. Reliable and accurate detection of macadamia is critical to avoid allergic reactions. However, knowledge on macadamia allergen is scarce and a reliable detection method has not been reported, yet. In this study, an unbiased immunization and selection strategy was employed to select nanobodies (Nbs) recognizing specifically macadamia allergen, as well as to establish a detection method to unveil a macadamia protein contamination. An alpaca was immunized with a crude protein extract of macadamia followed by construction of a Nb library from its lymphocytes. The panning and screening of this immune Nb repertoire resulted in the selection of six target-specific Nbs. Nb-mediated immuno-capturing combined with mass spectrometry allowed us to identify the target as the macadamia vicilin-like antimicrobial peptides 2-3 (MiAMP2), a novel food allergenic protein abbreviated as Mac i 1. Later on, an immunoassay of a heterologous sandwich ELISA method based on the selected Nb-pairs was established, providing a linear response in the range of 0.442-2,800 μg/mL and with a limit of detection of 27.1 ng/mL. The dedicated immunoassay has been verified by detecting the antigen spiked in food samples. Our study provided evidence for the successful application of the unprejudiced strategy to retrieve Nbs against a priori undefined macadamia allergen. These target-specific Nbs were used to design a highly reliable and effective immunoassay.


In this master final work, has been done a study about the main reasons about the desmotivation and disinterest student have to learn geology. Among the reasons, we can find the traditional and underactive methodology the teachers used for teaching. This fact has led to analyze new methodologies and resources for active learning which leave aside the passivity of students. To this fact must be added the little present that give education authorities in the curriculum which it had led to the decline of enrollments in this science. Taking into the account all the above issues, this paper includes a proposal for intervention in which described innovative and more active activities for the external geodynamics teaching for the Biology-Geology subject in 3oESO.


Only a subpopulation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients responds to immunotherapies, highlighting the urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcome. We developed a new chemical positive modulator (HEI3090) of the purinergic P2RX7 receptor that potentiates αPD-1 treatment to effectively control the growth of lung tumors in transplantable and oncogene-induced mouse models and triggers long lasting antitumor immune responses. Mechanistically, the molecule stimulates dendritic P2RX7 expressing cells to generate IL-18 which leads to the production of IFN-γ by Natural Killer and CD4+ T cells within tumors. Combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor, the molecule induces a complete tumor regression in 80% of LLC tumor bearing mice. Cured mice are also protected against tumor re-challenge due to a CD8-dependent protective response. Hence, combination treatment of small-molecule P2RX7 activator followed by immune checkpoint inhibitor represents a promising novel strategy that may be active against NSCLC.


Development of novel nanoscale functionalized carriers is nowadays one of the most urgent problems in cancer treatment. The aim of our study was to compare the antineoplastic effect of free doxorubicin and its complex with a nanoscale polymeric carrier towards HTC116 colorectal carcinoma cells. It was established that application of the complex of poly(5-tret-butylperoxy)-5-methyl-1-hexene-3-in-co-glycydyl metacrylat)-graft-polyethyleneglycol (poly(VEP-GMA-PEG)-graft-PEG), where VEP--5-tret-butylperoxy)-5-methyl-1-hexene-3-in; GMA--glycydyl metacrylat; graft-PEG--graft-polyethyleneglycol accordingly, functionalized with phosphatidylcholine for doxorubicin delivery increased 10 times the efficiency of cytotoxic action of this drug, as compared wich such efficiency in case of the action of free doxorubicin. The encapsulated form of doxorubicin caused more intensive cleavage of the reparation enzyme PARP and longer delay in G2/M cell cycle arrest, compared to such effects of free doxorubicin. The developed carrier itself is non-toxic to the used mammalian cells and does not cause impairment in their cell cycle. A deletion in both alleles of p53 gene did not affect the antineoplastic action of doxorubicin that was immobilized on the nanoscale carrier. Thus, p53-dependent signaling pathways are not involved in the cytotoxic action of doxorubicin-carrier complex. It is suggested that novel nanoscale polymeric carrier poly(VEP-GMA-PEG)-graft-PEG functionalized with phosphatidylcholine could be a promising carrier for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs.


Common safe physiological agents such as diuretics, hormones, and oral lipids can increase differences in NMR parameters between uninvolved breast tissue in tumor bearing animals and mammary carcinomas. The differential response of the normal tissue to such agents, and the relative unresponsiveness of tumors, increased NMR distinction by as much as 250%.


The global trend of promoting management and treatment of drug addicts in family physician offices is the result of the success of opioid agonist therapy. Studies have shown favorable results by shifting treatment into the hands of family physician. This process contributes to general health care of drug addicts and their health by linking different areas of health care, thereby providing comprehensive protection. Shifting treatment of addiction to family physician offices contributes to the elimination of treatment isolation and stigmatization, while further benefits are lower barriers to employment, increase in patient privacy and opportunity to provide health care. The aim of this study was to provide a concise overview of the knowledge from new clinical research over the past ten years on heroin addiction treatment in primary care. New research dealing with the approach to treating addicts indicates a direct link between receiving primary health care with a reduced likelihood of using heroin; furthermore, the main concerns of drug addicts for treatment are availability of more therapeutic programs, better functioning of existing programs, and improved staff relations towards them; final results and outcomes achieved by office and hospital treatment of drug addicts are similar and confirm the positive linear relationship between treatment duration and outcome. Studies comparing therapies show a positive effect of the adaptive methadone treatment maintenance model on the psychosocial factors; equal efficiency of treatment regardless of initiation with buprenorphine or with methadone; and equal effectiveness of levo-alpha-acetylmethadol treatment compared with methadone and diacetylmorphine as a good alternative for addiction therapy with previously unsatisfactory results. New studies on buprenorphine show equal effectiveness and cost of detoxification whether guided by a family physician or at the hospital; non-supervised therapy does not significantly influence the outcome, but is significantly cheaper; long-term therapy with buprenorphine in the doctor's office shows mild retention.


Synopsis : Elastic-plastic fracture toughness JIC has been determined by the R-curve method and an ultrasonic single specimen method over the range below room temperature. Samples with high nodularity and with three kinds of graphite nodule spacings were taken from a thick walled cylindrical casting. Fracture toughness specimens used were compact tension ( CT) specimens with 25 mm in thickness. Ductile-brittle transition occurred at a low temperature region. In the ductile fracture region, J1 increased with increasing graphite nodule spacing and with decreasing temperature. Estimated plain strain fracture toughness divided by yield stress was constant over the ductile fracture region. This parameter, therefore, can be used as a material constant representing the resistance to ductile fracture in the material used. For the behavior of JIC in regard to graphite nodule spacing and temperature, a model of the onset of crack propagation is proposed using void growth and coalescence with the precrack tip.


HNF4α has been implicated in colitis and colon cancer in humans but the role of the different HNF4α isoforms expressed from the two different promoters (P1 and P2) active in the colon is not clear. Here, we show that P1-HNF4α is expressed primarily in the differentiated compartment of the mouse colonic crypt and P2-HNF4α in the proliferative compartment. Exon swap mice that express only P1- or only P2-HNF4α have different colonic gene expression profiles, interacting proteins, cellular migration, ion transport and epithelial barrier function. The mice also exhibit altered susceptibilities to experimental colitis (DSS) and colitis-associated colon cancer (AOM+DSS). When P2-HNF4α-only mice (which have elevated levels of the cytokine resistin-like β, RELMβ, and are extremely sensitive to DSS) are crossed with Retnlb-/- mice, they are rescued from mortality. Furthermore, P2-HNF4α binds and preferentially activates the RELMβ promoter. In summary, HNF4α isoforms perform non-redundant functions in the colon under conditions of stress, underscoring the importance of tracking them both in colitis and colon cancer. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10903.001


THIS INSTRUMENT was designed and built in an attempt to obtain an absolute low-voltage standard of corona. It consists of a three-inch-long coaxial cylindrical electrode system, the center conductor of which is a 0.013-inch stain-less-steel wire. The outer conductor consists of a brass cylinder accurately drilled and finished bored on a lathe to 0.1505 inch diameter. The concentricity of the wire is accurately established by capacitance measurements.


Wheat losses in John Deere 955 combine was compared between stripper header and conventional header. Tests were conducted in a wheat field. At first for comparison, the optimum working condition was obtained for both type of headers and then other parameters are compared. Results showed that the optimum working condition of combine with a second gear and mediate engine speed for stripper header was obtained with 75 cm for hood distance, 60 cm for header distance and 760 rmin -1 for rotor speeds. In stripper header , the total loss of different parts of combine was under 3.5%, although these losses in conventional header reached up to 6.5% which was the highest loss for headers. Number and weight of lost cluster in harvesting with stripper header was much less than conventional header. Keywords: wheat, stripper header, conventional header, rotor speed, loss


Pre-trial shall be defined as preparatory investigation before the court trial held. Pre-trial shall be considered as a means of protection derived from Law towards the defendant or alleged ones or their relatives with the justice-seeking motives when arbitrary measures were committed by the authorized officials. Option to deliver a pre-trial motion shall also be provided towards the relatives or inheritor of alleged terrorist who experienced arbitrary measures during the ambush conducted by the authorized officials. Given the normative legal research to be applied within this writing, it shall also illustrate the pre-trial and certain aspects related alleged terrorist who deceased due to the action constituted by the authorized officials; for instance, the relation between Pre-trial and Human Rights and Compensation derived from the court's verdict. Compensation within this judgment shall be applied both in material and immaterial means. Such mechanism also promotes the human rights especially towards the offender itself.


TerraSAR-X is a new German X-band radar satellite launched on June 15, 2007. In this mission operational spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system with very high spatial resolution is set up producing remote sensing products for commercial and scientific use. TerraSAR-X is a scientific and technological continuation of the successful Space Shuttle missions SIR-C/X and SRTM.
The spacecraft is equipped with a phased array X-band SAR, which can operate in different polarisations and has furthermore beam stearing capabilities. In addition the system has a split antenna mode, which is able to provide along track interferometric information. The instrument is designed for multiple imaging modes like Stripmap, Spotlight and ScanSAR. Due to its polarimetric and interferometric capabilities as well as the high spatial resolution of up to 1 m, the TerraSAR-X sensor is a very interesting tool for oceanography. The presentation will give an overview of several applications, which are of both scientific and commercial interest, like e.g. current and ocean wave measurements, monitoring of morphodynamical processes or high resolution wind field retrieval. The potential as well as limitations of the instrument will be summarized and compared with existing sensors. Necessary steps to translate existing C-band SAR for wind and wave measurements to X-band will be discussed. A strategy will be outlined to achieve this by a combination of theoretical investigations and the use of existing experimental data acquired by both airborne and ground based X-band radar. First results on the adoption of existing C-band wind retrieval algorithms will be presented. Wind and ocean wave parameter retrievals will be presented, e.g., based on TerraSAR-X scenes taken over the English Channel.


The article summarizes the results of research on the formation of the pest control chemicals assortment and methods of their application on various crops in Russia in the 20st century. It is shown that development of the assortment occurred in several stages, each connected with solution of plant protection problems of a given period of time, technical possibilities and requirements to the pesticides substantiated by development of theoretical bases of plant protection. In 20–30ies, when main crop protection goal was suppression of outbreaks of locusts, beet webworm, grain beetles, Sunn pest, beet weevil etc., inorganic, plant-derived and organic products of natural origin, belonging to highly potent toxic compounds, were applied in the high dosages. In 40–60ies, products of organic synthesis (chlorinated hydrocarbons and terpenes, diene compounds, organophosphates, carbamates), highly effective for pest control, but also highly toxic to human and animals prevailed In this regard, requirements to pesticides were imposed considering safety for warm-blooded animals, as well as for beneficial components of agricultural ecosystems and environment. As a result, the insecticide assortment in 80–90ies was mainly based on the chemical classes of pyrethroids, benzoylureas, phenylpyrazoles and neonicotinoids, which are moderately dangerous for warm-blooded animals and entomophages, used at low rates and decomposed in environment over one season. Considerable attention was paid to the search for environmentally friendly forms of these drugs.


Flooding in urban areas during heavy rainfall, often characterized by short duration and high‐intensity events, is known as "surface water flooding." Analyzing surface water flood risk is complex as it requires understanding of biophysical and human factors, such as the localized scale and nature of heavy precipitation events, characteristics of the urban area affected (including detailed topography and drainage networks), and the spatial distribution of economic and social vulnerability. Climate change is recognized as having the potential to enhance the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events. This study develops a methodology to link high spatial resolution probabilistic projections of hourly precipitation with detailed surface water flood depth maps and characterization of urban vulnerability to estimate surface water flood risk. It incorporates probabilistic information on the range of uncertainties in future precipitation in a changing climate. The method is applied to a case study of Greater London and highlights that both the frequency and spatial extent of surface water flood events are set to increase under future climate change. The expected annual damage from surface water flooding is estimated to be to be £171 million, £343 million, and £390 million/year under the baseline, 2030 high, and 2050 high climate change scenarios, respectively.


The ligand binding pocket of Cys-loop receptors consists of a number of binding loops termed A–F. Here we examine the 5-HT3 receptor loop A residues Asn-128, Glu-129 and Phe-130 using modelling, mutagenesis, radioligand binding and functional studies on HEK 293 cells. Replacement of Asn-128 results in receptors that have wild type [3H]granisetron binding characteristics but large changes (ranging from a five-fold decrease to a 1500-fold increase) in the 5-HT EC50 when compared to wild type receptors. Phe-130 mutant receptors show both increases and decreases in Kd and EC50 values, depending on the amino acid substituted. The most critical of these residues appears to be Glu-129; its replacement with a range of other amino acids results in non-binding and non-functional receptors. Lack of binding and function in some, but not all, of these receptors is due to poor membrane expression. These data suggest that Glu-129 is important primarily for receptor expression, although it may also play a role in ligand binding; Phe-130 is important for both ligand binding and receptor function, and Asn-128 plays a larger role in receptor function than ligand binding. In light of these results, we have created two new homology models of the 5-HT3 receptor, with alternative positions of loop A. In our preferred model Glu-129 and Phe-130 contribute to the binding site, while the location of Asn-128 immediately behind the binding pocket could contribute to the conformation changes that result in receptor gating. This study provides a new model of the 5-HT3 receptor binding pocket, and also highlights the importance of experimental data to support modelling studies.


Cloud Computing raises major challenges among which virtual machine (VM) placement is considered as one of the crucial problems. From the cloud provider's perspective, this process often consists in choosing the best convenient physical hosts with regards to energy efficiency, resource utilization and revenues maximization. However, to secure the loyalty of their clients, cloud providers should also consider the applications performance. In this paper, we propose a VM placement approach tackling the applications performance concern, in an intercloud environment. We state the VM placement as a mixed integer programming problem which aims to maximize a global utility function considering VM bandwidth requirements and network latencies. The proposed approach is evaluated with respect to demands and latencies variations; and through numerical results, we have demonstrated that our model allows us to compute the optimal configuration, in terms of high bandwidth availability and low network latency in the overall intercloud environment.


ABSTRACT A new trend in the rhetorical analysis of Paul's letters is to reconstruct his persuasive strategy from the text itself, rather than applying ancient or modern rhetorical models from outside. A proposal for such a text-centred approach is briefly summarised in this article, followed by a discussion of the rhetorical situation that called forth the letter. The analysis itself is based on a so-called "minimal theoretical framework", which assists in describing how Paul tries to persuade his audience. The conclusion is that a text-centred approach to rhetorical analysis (with its focus on the functional aspects of the text) provides a better alternative to existing approaches (which focus mainly on the formal aspects of the text).


Dynamics of lead metabolism were studied by replacement of a portion of the dietary lead with stable isotope tracers, and maintaining subjects on controlled diets for about 6 months. Results for one subject have been previously reported. Preliminary data are now available for a second subject. Although the data on the two subjects are basically similar, there are also significant differences. The two subjects have different blood lead concentrations (0.25 and 0.18 μg/g). Both subjects received the same dietary and similar atmospheric lead exposure, and the lead concentration of their blood was shown to be nearly in a steady state. The difference in blood lead concentration appears primarily attributable to differences in the fraction of lead absorbed from the gut, although there are also differences in other physiological parameters, as well as probable small differences in their intake of atmospheric lead. The quantity of lead absorbed from a typical urban atmosphere (Pb concentration = 1–2 μg/m3) has been shown by our isotopic data and balance studies to be 15±3 μg/day. Measurement of the contribution of atmospheric lead to the lead intake of the second subject was also carried out by removal of lead from the atmosphere. Decline in the blood concentration of lead of normal isotopic composition was shown to be equivalent to the removal of 15 g/day. Measurements made during the course of a day show complexities in the absorption and distribution of lead, which are averaged out on a time scale of ca. 5 days.


The purpose of this study is to investigate the cooling performance of radial heat sink used for high power LED lightings by natural convection cooling with surrounding air. Experimental and numerical analyses are carried out together. Parametric studies are performed to compare the effects of geometric parameters in radial heat sink such as the number of fins, fin height, fin length, and thickness of fin base as well as the surface coatings of radial heat sink. In this study, the cooling of 60 W LED lamp is examined with radiative heat transfer considered as well as natural convection. Numerical results show the optimum condition when the number of fin is 40, heat sink height is 120 mm, fin length is 15 mm, and fin base thickness is 3 mm. The difference in temperature of the LED metal PCB is within between numerical analyses and experimental results. Also, the CNT coating on the heat sink surface is found to increase the cooling performance significantly.


We present a method for inferring a 4D light field of a hidden scene from 2D shadows cast by a known occluder on a diffuse wall. We do this by determining how light naturally reflected off surfaces in the hidden scene interacts with the occluder. By modeling the light transport as a linear system, and incorporating prior knowledge about light field structures, we can invert the system to recover the hidden scene. We demonstrate results of our inference method across simulations and experiments with different types of occluders. For instance, using the shadow cast by a real house plant, we are able to recover low resolution light fields with different levels of texture and parallax complexity. We provide two experimental results: a human subject and two planar elements at different depths.


Digital acquisition and analysis of backscattered electron images provide powerful tools for the study of cement-based materials. The techniques can provide useful information on hydration phases, size distributions of unhydrated particles and voids, effects of changes in the watercementitious material ratio and the use of mineral admixtures, and the distribution of microcracks. The results of automated analyses of cement pastes with different water-cement ratios and pastes containing silica fume are presented. The analyses demonstrate that microstructural data vary significantly from image to image, requiring multiple images to limit the effects of scatter. The analyses also indicate that, although the pastes exhibit different degrees of hydration, the size distributions of the unhydrated cement particles are nearly identical. In contrast, the size distribution of larger voids differs significantly as a function of water-cementitious material ratio and with the use of silica fume as a partial replacement for cement. The calcium hydroxide content obtained based on image analysis exceeds but generally parallels that obtained with thermogravimetric analysis. The majority of microcracks in both nonloaded and loaded specimens occur through or adjacent to the lowest density hydration phase.