Abstract The purpose of this lecture book is to present the state of the art in nonlinear blind source separation, in a form appropriate for students, researchers and developers. Source separation deals with the problem of recovering sources that are observed in a mixed condition. When we have little knowledge about the sources and about the mixture process, we speak of blind source separation. Linear blind source separation is a relatively well studied subject, however nonlinear blind source separation is still in a less advanced stage, but has seen several significant developments in the last few years. This publication reviews the main nonlinear separation methods, including the separation of post-nonlinear mixtures, and the MISEP, ensemble learning and kTDSEP methods for generic mixtures. These methods are studied with a significant depth. A historical overview is also presented, mentioning most of the relevant results, on nonlinear blind source separation, that have been presented over the years.


We derive the phase θ of the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations of a multi-terminal electron ring with a quantum dot in one of its arms. We show i) that θ varies smoothly by π at each transmission peak of the system. We also find ii) that θ drops sharply by π between the peaks if consecutive peaks have similar resonance parameters. The characteristic energy scale for ii) is of the order of the intrinsic resonance width Γ. This fact can be employed to measure Γ in a novel way.


H I 1225+01 [Giovanelli & Haynes, ApJ, 346, L5 (1989)] is a gas-rich system consisting of two major components, a Northeast clump (NE clump), a Southwest clump (SW clump), and a 'Bridge' component between the two [Giovanelll et al. AJ, 101,1242(1991) hereafter referred to as (GWH)]. The NE clump has an optical counterpart, a magellanic-type dwarf irregular galaxy located at the center of the clump, while the SW clump has no detected stellar emission to a surface magnitude limit of 27 mag arcsec^2^ in V and 26.5 mag arcsec^-2^ in J [Salzer et al. AJ, 101, 1258 (1991)]. Here we present VLA D array maps of the HI emission from this object. The angular resolution of the VLA data is 40", considerably better than the 3.3' resolution of the best previously available Arecibo map. All three components of H I 1225+01 are clearly seen in the higher resolution maps, however, the SW clump appears to have a diffuse component that is resolved out at the VLA. The integrated HI emission map for the NE clump shows large spiral arm-like features and the channel maps also resemble those for galaxies with pronounced spiral arms. Despite the presence of substantial kinematical disturbances, the NE clump can clearly be seen to be rotating. Accurate determination of the rotation curve is, however, hampered both by these kinematical disturbances and the uncertain inclination of the clump. The adopted rotation curve gives a total dynamical mass of M_dyn_ ~ 1.0 x 10^10^ d_20_M_sun_, compared to the total gas mass off M_gas_ ~ 3 x 10^9^d_20_^2^ M_sun_. Star formation in the NE clump has occurred only above a (inclination corrected) threshold HI column density of ~4.6 x 10^20^ atoms cm^-2^, which agrees within the uncertainties to the theoretically expected gravitational instability threshold density. The SW clump has an observed peak column density that is higher than that of the NE clump, despite having a H I mass that is a nearly a factor of 2 smaller. This, combined with its high axial ratio, suggest that it is in fact a highly inclined disk. The inferred rotation velocity of the SW clump is, however, quite small, ~13 km s^-1^. This geometry also implies that the 'face-on' HI column density is smaller than the gravitational instability threshold density, consistent with no stellar emission being detected from the clump. From the radial velocity field across H I 1225+01, it can be seen that the SW component is undergoing a `direct' encounter, this is consistent with the considerable tidal damage of this component. The Bridge is then material that has been pulled out from the SW clump and will presumably be captured by the NE clump. The spiral arm-like features of the NE clump are also characteristic of two sided tidal responses. The morphology and kinematics of H I 1225+01 are thus qualitatively well explained as a consequence of tidal interaction between the main two components, consistent with the relative isolation of the object [GWH; Salzer, AJ, 103,385(1992)].


In this study, we first comprehensively investigated the expression profile, mutation status, and survival analysis of FAM72A as well as the correlation between FAM72A and DNA damage repair, methylation, and cell stemness analysis using bioinformatics techniques. In addition, we also analyzed the relationship between FAM72A and immune cell infiltration and pathway enrichment. The role of FAM72A in breast cancer (BC) was so conspicuous that we analyzed the prognostic significance and clinicopathological parameter's relevance of FAM72A in BC. We also validated biological functions by applying in vitro experiments. FAM72A was highly expressed in 26 types of a total of 31 cancers, while it expressed low levels in only five cancers. FAM72A expression was relative to clinical stages in nine cancers and has a significant difference in disease‐free survival among 31 kinds of cancers. In addition, FAM72A has negatively correlated with cancer‐associated fibroblast and endothelial cells in BC but positively correlated with follicular helper T cells. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses identified T, N, M, age, and FAM72A expression as independent influences on BC prognosis, so we created a nomogram to predict patient survival benefits. In in vitro experiments, we verified that downregulation of FAM72A not only inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, cell invasion, and G2/M cell cycle transition but also promoted apoptosis of breast invasive carcinoma cells. Our study discovered FAM72A as a clinically meaningful biomarker for prognostic predicting and a guiding target for immune treatment in BC.


In this paper, we concentrate on two kinds of fuzzy linear programming problems: linear programming problems with only fuzzy technological coefficients and linear programming problems in which both the right-hand side and the technological coefficients are fuzzy numbers. We consider here only the case of fuzzy numbers with linear membership functions. The symmetric method of Bellman and Zadeh [2] is used for a defuzzification of these problems. The crisp problems obtained after the defuzzification are non-linear and even non-convex in general. We propose here the ``modified subgradient method'' and use it for solving these problems. We also compare the new proposed method with well known ``fuzzy decisive set method''. Finally, we give illustrative examples and their numerical solutions.


We report here detailed timing and spectral analysis of two BeppoSAX observations of the binary X-ray pulsar LMC X-4 carried out during the low and high states of its 30.5 day long superorbital period. Timing analysis clearly shows 13.5 s X-ray pulsations in the high state of the superorbital period, which allows us to measure the mideclipse time during this observation. Combining this with two other mideclipse times derived earlier with ASCA, we have derived a new estimate of the orbital period derivative. Pulse-phase-averaged spectroscopy in the high and low states shows that the energy spectrum in the 0.1-10 keV band comprises a hard power law, a soft excess, and a strong iron emission line. The continuum flux is found to decrease by a factor of ~60 in the low state, while the decrease in the iron-line flux is only by a factor of ~12, suggesting a different site for the production of the line emission. In the low state, we have not found any significant increase in the absorption column density. The X-ray emission is found to come from a very large region, comparable to the size of the companion star. Pulse-phase-resolved spectroscopy in the high state shows a pulsating nature of the soft spectral component with some phase offset compared to the hard X-rays, as is known in some other binary X-ray pulsars.


Object-Oriented design patterns for a general CFD code were suggested, and were also applied to an Adaptive Mesh Refinement(AMR) using unstructured mesh. For a test computation, the shock tuble problem is solved. In addtion, a run-time speed between a procedural and OOP code is compared. The run-time speed of the C++ code is about 7 times as slow as the Fortran code. However, the flexibilty and reusability of the code are dramatically enhanced by OOP.


Summary
1 The leaf gas exchange and water potential (Ψw) responses to a soil drying cycle and to increasing atmospheric water vapour pressure deficit were compared in seedlings of three tropical rainforest canopy species in a growth chamber.
2Eperuafalcata Aub. presented an anisohydric behaviour in relation to soil drought. The decrease in predawn Ψw at the beginning of the drying cycle was accompanied by a more pronounced decrease in midday Ψw. Stomatal closure occurred from a volumetric soil water content (Θ) of 0·1 m3 m−3, which corresponded to approximately one third of the available soil water.
3 Diplotropispurpurea (Rich.) Amsh. displayed an isohydric behaviour. Midday Ψw did not decrease – and the difference between predawn and midday Ψw did not increase – over a large range of Θ (to less than 0·1 m3 m−3). Stomatal conductance (gs) was more sensitive to soil drought than in Eperua.
4 A unique behaviour was found in Virola michelii: Heckel. Midday Ψw remained remarkably stable, and close to predawn Ψw, over the drying cycle as long as leaves did not dry, and gs was extremely sensitive to soil drought. These results led us to postulate the existence of a homeostatic regulation of Ψw in Virola.
5 The three species differed in their stomatal sensitivity to atmospheric drought. Eperua was the least and Diplotropis the most sensitive. Virola, even though extremely sensitive to soil drought, displayed an intermediate sensitivity of gs to atmospheric drought.
6 These findings suggest that the survival of Eperua, Diplotropis and Virola in the tropical rainforest of French Guiana may depend partly on local hydrological conditions.


There is currently an increased consumer demand for information on herbivore production factors, particularly animal diet. To meet these demands, producers and commercial entities develop specifications via quality certifications. There is therefore a need for analytical tools that may guarantee that the specification commitments have been fully met or to help with constructing them. The present paper reviews the current state of knowledge concerning diet authentication in sheep meat and milk, the different approaches that have been investigated, some leading examples concerning the discrimination of contrasting feeding situations, together with the persistence of some diet markers in the event of changes in animals' diet. The nature of the diet strongly influences the composition of the animal tissues and products, which is due to specific compounds that are directly transferred from the feed to the end product or that are transformed or produced by rumen micro-organisms or the animal's metabolism under the effect of specific diets. Some of these compounds can therefore be used as diet markers. Compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, volatile compounds and ratios of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope are potential tracers in meat and milk or animal tissues of animal feeding diets. Moreover, differences in meat and milk composition induce differences in their optical properties, and therefore in their spectral features, which can also be used for diet authentication. These techniques have already allowed discrimination among products obtained in contrasting feeding conditions. Intermediate situations, for example in case of modification of the animal's diet, may be less easily recognized and may require a combination of tracing methods. In particular, the persistence of tracers when animals are stall-fed a concentrate-based diet after pasture and its implications for traceability are discussed. Finally, further directions for research are highlighted.


The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a lifestyle consisting of a health oriented diet and personal motivation toward health improvement on an individual's desire to participate in condolence or "healing" ?workshops and programs. In order to examine the influence of the "health diet" and motivation, the "health diet" lifestyle was classified into nutrition pursuit factors, psychological factors, food safety factors, and health conscious consumption factors. Personal motivation was categorized into perceived benefits, environmental factors and the individual's desire for happiness. Empirical analysis showed that nutrition pursuit factors had an impact on perceived benefits and the desire for happiness. Psychological aspect factors had a significant influence on perceived benefits, environmental factors and the desire for happiness. However, food safety factors and health conscious consumption factors did not have an effect on individual motivation to improve health. Regarding personal motivation toward health improvement on the desire for "healing", perceived benefits and environmental factors had significant influence. However, the individual's desire for happiness did not influence the demand for "healing". Regarding the effect of a "health diet" on the desire for "healing", only the psychological aspects of a "health diet" had any significant effects on the desire for "healing". The results from this study can help local organizations or service companies that provide "healing" programs with developing effective marketing strategies that could lead to greater customer satisfaction. Especially, the significant influence of psychological aspects of a "health diet" on the demand for "healing" is noteworthy in that this could play a key role in establishing a more effective marketing strategy to attract increasing numbers of consumers using health conscious diets.


Gain or loss of the freshwater stored in Svalbard glaciers has both global implications for sea level and, on a more local scale, impacts upon the hydrology of rivers and the freshwater flux to fjords. This paper gives an overview of the potential runoff from the Svalbard glaciers. The freshwater flux from basins of different scales is quantified. In small basins (A < 10 km2), the extra runoff due to the negative mass balance of the glaciers is related to the proportion of glacier cover and can at present yield more than 20% higher runoff than if the glaciers were in equilibrium with the present climate. This does not apply generally to the ice masses of Svalbard, which are mostly much closer to being in balance. The total surface runoff from Svalbard glaciers due to melting of snow and ice is roughly 25 ± 5 km3 a?1, which corresponds to a specific runoff of 680 ± 140 mm a?1, only slightly more than the annual snow accumulation. Calving of icebergs from Svalbard glaciers currently contributes significantly to the freshwater flux and is estimated to be 4 ± 1 km3 a?1 or about 110 mm a?1.


The decision of the BGH was based on the following set of facts: As a result of a traffic accident in August 1983, the plaintiff, who was then 46 years old and worked as a telephone technical operator with the Bundespost, suffered serious injuries to the chest and throat. The plaintiff, who had already suffered injuries as a result of accidents in the years between 1965 and 1982 was almost completely unfit for work following the new accident. Stays in various different clinics brought no noticable improvement in his condition. In particular he suffered pains in the areas of the chest, abdomen and back. The plaintiff was adjudged unfit for work and pensioned off with effect from 1 November 1985. Claiming that he was still suffering from the consequences of the accident, and that his pensioning off was also attributable to the event, the plaintiff claimed, inter alia, damages for pain and suffering, which he considered should be assessed at at least 25,000DM. The Landgericht rejected the claim. The Oberlandesgericht awarded damages of 50,000DM. The defendant's appeal on a point of law to the BGH was unsuccessful. According to the BGH, a tortfeasor is in principle liable for the psychological damage that flows from his tortious act - even if it arises from the prior susceptibility of the injured party to that kind of damage, or a nervous disorder. The only circumstances in which liability will not be imposed is when the event that causes the harm is trivial and does not have a direct impact on the degree of damage suffered by the injured party. From a procedural point of view, no upper limit is imposed on the judge in his assessment of the damages considered appropriate under § 308 ZPO by the plaintiff's claim for a minimum amount or suggestion of an indicative figure.


Special education curriculum is often viewed as an effort to provide ways for students with disabilities to meet specific academic and socio-/behavioral goals and is also heavily influenced by compliance with multiple legislative policies. Critical paths forward are needed to reshape a special education curriculum by using a humanizing approach in which students' lived experiences and relatedness to self and others is at the core of study. Intentional study of how students and their families draw upon, develop, and help shape local supports and services that are provided through schools, along with community and governmental agencies and organizations, would become a major part of the new curricular narrative.
 However, the field of special education has been in large part derived from an epistemology rooted in science, positivism, and the medical model. The dominance of these coalescing epistemologies in educational systems has produced a myriad of structures and processes that implicitly dictate the ways special educators instruct, gather data, and practice. Core among those is a view that disability is synonymous with deficit and abnormality. What emerges is an entrenched and often implicit view that the person with disabilities must be fixed. In adopting a humanistic approach in which we value relationships, the funds of knowledge families have helped develop in their children and the identities individuals shape, and the linkages of persons with multiple community networks, the groundwork could be laid for a new curricular narrative to form. In so doing, the field could get closer to the grounding principle of helping all students with disabilities to thrive. For it is in communities that people can thrive and choose to participate in numerous life opportunities. In such a way curriculum is integral to lived experience, to the fullness and richness of lived experiences—lived experiences that include the study of academic subject matter along with the development of social and emotional learning.


Autonomous orbit determination of satellite formation is considered using the measurements between two satellites. This system can accomplish autonomous navigation by using radio cross-link to measure the relative range and optical devices to measure the relative bearing between the two satellites. With the assumption that one satellite knows its attitude information in the inertial reference frame, the inertial bearing information between the two satellites makes the system observable. The influence of orbit elements on the system's observability is investigated with SVD (Singular Value Decomposition) analysis. The results show that larger semimajor axes make the formation less observable, while the larger eccentricities enhance the observability. An Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is applied to obtain state estimation accuracies. The estimation results show that the position accuracy can reach 10m and the velocity accuracy can reach 0.01m/s. Monte-Carlo simulation is conducted to corroborate the observability analysis. The results show the feasibility of autonomous orbit determination for satellite formation with relative measurements.


The promotion of micro and small enterprises has been a centerpiece of the Ethiopian government's strategy to alleviate urban unemployment among the youth since 2004. Since this time, the government has adopted twin strategies of creating a business environment conducive to start and operate MSEs while at the same time actively triggering the establishment of new MSEs. In this research, using a large dataset collected from 13 major cities in Ethiopia, we explore whether government-induced enterprises (cooperatives) differ from self-initiated enterprises (non-cooperatives) in various aspects of business productivity, business practices and performance,. We employ Control Function and two-stage Least Square methods to overcome selection problems. We also perform Propensity Score Matching as a check for robustness. We identify that cooperatives have greater access to a wide-array of support schemes. Consistent with the government strategy, cooperatives also employ more labor intensive technologies. Using three distinct measures of enterprise productivity, we find that productivity levels are largely comparable by enterprise type but differ widely by gender and levels of education of the entrepreneur. Similarly, after controlling for initial size, value added and gross profits are not statistically different between the two groups of enterprises. Our growth calculation also indicates that while growth rates of self-initiated enterprises are higher, conditional on positive rates of growth, the likelihood of transition into larger size category appears to be larger among cooperatives. We suggest for a more customized government support system that responds to the unique sets of binding constraints faced by such types of dynamic and growth-oriented enterprises that would complement the current all-embracing promotion program of the MSEs.


Johannes Kuchlinus (1546-1606) was a Reformed pastor in Amsterdam and the founding regent of the theological college at Leiden University. Modern scholarship has overlooked the impact he had during his tenure at the university. Part of his impact has to do with his ability to keep relative peace in the midst of a boiling faculty controversy between Jacobus Arminius and Franciscus Gomarus. His greatest influence, though, is seen in his work as an interpreter and teacher of the Heidelberg Catechism. His first-hand knowledge of the Catechism and one of its authors, Zacharias Ursinus, combined with his prominent position of training pastors, uniquely qualified him as a proponent of the Catechism in the low countries. The disputations on the catechetical topics that he composed for student defenses, a list of which appears at the conclusion of this article, not only comprise a vast wealth of material for further study of this figure who influenced a generation, but also represent another source for the "Leiden theology" during this controversial period.


Objective: Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare and aggressive subtype of ovarian cancer with limited treatment options. Inactivating SMARCA4 germline and somatic mutations are present in nearly all SCCOHT cases, representing a signature molecular feature of this disease. Concomitant loss of SMARCA2, a mutually exclusive catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatic remodeling complex, has been attributed to worse overall survival in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) when compared to cases with loss of SMARCA4 only. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mutational status and expression of SMARCA2 in SCCOHT. Methods: We evaluated 10 archival cases of SCCOHT and 1 newly established case from a PDX model of recurrent disease. Specialty gynecologic pathologists reviewed all cases to confirm the diagnosis. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumors with at least 50% tumor cell nuclei. Using the MSK-IMPACT assay, samples were deep-sequenced for a panel of 341 known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes frequently altered in cancer. Identified SMARCA4 mutations were validated using Sanger sequencing. Sequencing of the SMARCA2 coding regions and splice sites was done using AmpliSeq. We performed immunoblotting for SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 on available frozen tumor samples using standard protocol. To confirm loss of protein expression, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 was performed on FFPE slides of all cases; the absence of tumor cell nuclear staining in the presence of internal positive controls scored as loss-of-expression. For cell-line over-expression studies, SCCOHT BIN67 and NSCLC H1299 cells were transiently transfected with an expression plasmid containing cDNA for SMARCA4 using FuGene reagent (Invitrogen) according to manufacturer9s instructions. Immunoblotting for SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 was performed on protein lysates extracted from cell pellets. Results: IHC demonstrated loss of SMARCA2 expression in 9 (90%) of 10 archival SCCOHT cases and the PDX model. Sequencing of the SMARCA2 coding region and splice sites revealed no mutations, suggesting a non-mutational etiology of SMARCA2 protein loss. Previous work revealed biallelic SMARCA4 mutations in the 9 archival cases with SMARCA2 loss. SMARCA4 mutations were confirmed in both the PDX model and the one additional archival case, resulting in universal SMARCA4 mutations. The only case with normal SMARCA2 expression was also the only case with retained SMARCA4 expression. To explore the relationship between SMARCA2 and SMARCA4, we re-introduced SMARCA4 into BIN67 SCCOHT and H1299 NSCLC cell lines that lack expression. Wild-type BIN67 cells have very low levels of SMARCA2 expression, while wild-type H1299 cells express SMARCA2 normally. After transfection with plasmid cDNA and confirmation of SMARCA4 expression by immunoblotting, there was no increase in SMARCA2 expression in either BIN67 or H1299 cells. Conclusions: Concomitant loss of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 expression was seen in nearly all SCCOHT cases and our PDX model. While loss of SMARCA4 expression is due to biallelic mutations, the absence of SMARCA2 expression is non-mutational and potentially the result of epigenetic or post-translational silencing. Our data suggest that concomitant loss of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 is another hallmark of SCCOHT. The reversal of SMARCA2 loss may serve as a potential novel therapeutic approach for SCCOHT. Citation Format: Jill H. Tseng, Petar Jelinic, Brooke A. Schlappe, Niamh Conlon, Narciso Olvera, Fanny Dao, Jennifer J. Mueller, Yaser Hussein, Robert A. Soslow, Douglas A. Levine. Concomitant loss of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 expression in small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: Exploiting Vulnerabilities; Oct 17-20, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B15.


In Hollingsworth v. Perry, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal filed by the "Official Proponents" of California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California. Chief Justice Roberts' majority opinion held that initiative sponsors lack Article III standing to defend their ballot measures even when state officials refuse to defend against constitutional challenges. As a result, Hollingsworth provides state officers with the ability to overrule laws that were intended to bypass the government establishment -- in effect, an "executive veto" of popularly-enacted initiatives.The article examines this new "executive veto" in depth. It places Hollingsworth in context, discussing the initiative process in California, and the history of the federal lawsuit challenging Proposition 8.An in-depth discussion of Hollingsworth follows. The particular issue presented by the appellants, their claim to standing based on their status as representatives of the People of California, and the Court's treatment of that issue, is scrutinized. This includes the Court's rejection of California law on the legal status of initiative proponents, and its adoption of the Restatement of Agency as the basis for Article III standing. After concluding that Hollingsworth establishes an "executive veto" over the initiative process, the article proceeds to examine the potential effect of this in California and the thirty-six other "direct democracy" states. Finally, the authors present a series of "fixes" to Hollingsworth's executive veto. These could assure defense of initiatives in the future, protecting them from the fate that Proposition 8 suffered in Hollingsworth.


BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to evaluate 3 different risk stratification scores in cardiac surgery, based on the hospital results of 1,299 patients.

METHODS
From June 1995 to December 1997, all patients (n = 1,299) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or heart valve surgery were prospectively enrolled. The postoperative in-hospital outcome (mortality, morbidity and length of hospital stay) was analysed in relation to three different risk stratification scores (Parsonnet, Higgins and French score).

RESULTS
The results of 1,299 patients (mean age 62.8 +/- 10.2 years) were analysed. 10 patients died, accounting for a total mortality of 0.8%. 13 patients (1%) underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In 25 patients (1.9%), perioperative myocardial infarction occurred. Performance of the 3 systems was assessed by evaluating discrimination with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The area under the ROC curve was 0.761 for Parsonnet, 0.786 for Higgins and 0.798 for French score. The French and the Higgins score showed an increase of in-hospital mortality, morbidity and length of stay in relation to increasing risk classes.

CONCLUSION
For objective evaluation of the outcome in cardiac surgery, case-mix severity needs to be considered, which is reflected by preoperative risk stratification scores. In our study, all the 3 scores showed a high discrimination and are appropriate tools to assess mortality in cardiac surgery. Especially the French and the Higgins score (restricted to 5 groups), due to their simplicity, were useful to predict postoperative outcome in clinical routine.


Purpose: Capsular contracture is the most common complication following augmentation mammoplasty with prosthetic implants. Within a decade of surgery, half of patients develop capsular contracture, which may lead to signi cant morbidity and the need for re-operation. Currently, there is no preventative treatment available and the recurrence rate remains high, even after capsulectomy. Photochemical tissue passivation (PTP) is a novel tissue-stabilization technique, which reduces post-surgical in ammation, and prevents the development of pathogenic collagen bundles following surgery. By using this therapy to passivate the collagenous tissues of the implant pocket, we hope to prevent capsule formation and subsequent contracture.


Alternate planting of flue-cured tobacco cultivars resistant (NC 567 or Speight G-80) or susceptible (K 326) to the tobacco cyst nematode (TCN) Globodera tabacum ssp. solanacearum on 1-year or 2-year intervals was investigated in Virginia in 1987-89. The TCN-resistant cultivars reduced TCN population densities compared with continuous planting of K 326. Initial TCN egg densities in soil tended to be lower and yields of K 326 without fenamiphos were consistently higher when a resistant cultivar had been planted the previous year. Planting NC 567 in 1987-88 reduced initial 1989 TCN densities to below 1,000 eggs/500 cm(3) soil. Use of NC 567 in 1987-88 also increased 1989 yields and net economic returns for K 326 above those of untreated plots continuously planted with K 326. Yields and net economic returns were similar from cultivar rotation strategies involving Speight G-80 or NC 567. Average yield and net economic returns for 1987-89, however, were significantly increased by use of fenamiphos with K 326 but not by any of the cultivar rotation strategies.


This paper attempt s to find evidence for sign asymmetry of exchange rate exposure. An extended classificati on of the sources of asymmetry has been introduced in place of somewhat incomplete classification suggested by previous studies. In addition, a new measure is suggested in order to estimate the overall impact of incorporating sign asymmetry. The studylts in several important findings: (a) there is evidence for the presence of sign asymmetry; (b) as it can work in either direction, it is not appropriate to make generalizations like incorporating sign asymmetry alwaysleadingto more/less exchange rate e xposure; and (c) the exposure coefficients estimated by the models that do not capture sign asymmetry are likely to under/overestimate the exposure to exchange rate risk.


At one of East Anglia's largest hospitals, OCS Healthcare claims to have contributed to a "remarkable climate of change" with 13 specialist services, bringing tangible benefits to the half million people served by The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust. The head of OCS Healthcare, Mark Coppard, describes what the company dubs an "exemplar of private sector expertise supporting public healthcare excellence".


Searching is one of the most important algorithmic problems, used as a subroutine in many applications. Accordingly, designing search algorithms is in the center of research on data structures since decades. In this paper we aim to survey recent developments in designing parallel search algorithms where parallel machines are used to answer many search queries in parallel, so called multisearch algorithms. We brieey describe the current state of multisearch algorithms based on hashing and binary search, as they are developed for abstract parallel models like the PRAM. The main part of the paper describes deterministic and ran-domized multisearch algorithms that are very communication eecient. As a computation and cost model we employ Valiant's BSP model and its variant BSP* due to BB aumker et al.


Accepted:2019/12/23) The aim of this study primary was to evaluate the production possibility of high quality protein powder type A (an almost odorless and tasteless powder with a maximum fat content of 0.75%) from milled meat of common carp through isopropanol solvent extraction method, and then the replacement of produced fish protein powder (FPP) together with the transglutaminase enzyme instead of flour in the formulation of cake and evaluation of the sensory quality, physicochemical properties and nutritional value at ambient temperature. For experiments, 1 control and 6 experimental cakes treated with 6 and 8% concentrations of fish protein powder by adding 0.5 and 1% transglutaminase levels were considered. The control treatment was free of fish protein and enzyme powders. Factors such as fat, protein, ash and moisture content were significantly different in enriched and control treatments (P<0.05). Peroxide value and pH increased significantly in experimental treatments containing 8% FPP in comparison with other treatments and acidity decreased significantly (P<0.05). Sensory factors including taste, color, texture, odor, and overall acceptability of treatments contain 6% FPP and 0.5% transglutaminase enzyme had no significant difference compared to the control sample (P>0.05). Wih adding transglutaminase enzyme to cakes containing fish protein powder improved the physicochemical properties of the samples.With considering the results and the absence of a significant difference between samples contain 6% FPP and 0.5% enzyme transglutaminase compared to control, this treatment can be recommended as a suitable combination for fish


AlN ceramics doped with yttrium oxide (Y2O3) as the sintering additive were prepared via the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The sintering behaviors and densification mechanism were mainly investigated. The results showed that Y2O3 addition could promote the AlN densification. Y2O3-doped AlN samples could be densified at low temperatures of 1600-1700oC in 20-25 minutes. The AlN samples were characterized with homogeneous microstructure. The Y-Al-O compounds were created on the grain boundaries due to the reactions between Y2O3 and Al2O3 on AlN particle surface. With increasing the sintering temperature, AlN grains grew up, and the location of grain boundaries as well as the phase compositions changed. The Y/Al ratio in the aluminates increased, from Y3Al5O12 to YAlO3 and to Y4Al2O9. High-density, the growth of AlN grains and the homogenous dispersion of boundary phase were helpful to improve the thermal conductivity of AlN ceramics. The thermal conductivity of 122Wm-1K-1 for the 4.0 mass%Y2O3-doped AlN sample was reached.


The length of time that neutrophils can be stored is the most limited of any of the formed elements of the blood that are presently transfused clinically. Several methods have been used to evaluate the storage of granulocyte concentrates. These include cell counts, cell volume, morphology, dye exclusion, oxygen consumption, hexose monophosphate shunt activity, nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction, chemiluminescence, phagocytosis, microbial killing, adhesion, locomotion, intravascular recovery and half life. These tests indicate that the sequential loss of various neutrophil functions during storage is in the reverse order of their chronological acquisition during cellular maturation. Chemotaxis is the most sensitive indicator of neutrophil damage. In vitro tests show that neutrophils can be stored for approximately 24 hours. However, in vivo tests of chemotaxis suggest that this may be too optimistic. Whole blood, plasma and synthetic media have been evaluated for storage. Investigations of the latter are embryonic and further efforts should be encouraged. Several storage conditions have been evaluated. These studies suggest that the ideal conditions for storage area a pH of 7.2, room temperature (20-24C) and no agitation. Neither premedication of the donor with glucocorticoids nor irradiation of the granulocyte concentrate alters the storage potential of the unit. Cells collected by filtration leukapheresis should not be stored.


Breast cancer mortality disproportionately affects American Indians, with one-half of the newly diagnosed cases at regional or distant metastasis. Low screening rates are a primary reason for the disproportionate number of late-stage diagnoses in this under-served community. American Indians are also under-represented in clinical trials and other research, as well as in the health and research professions. The lack of American Indian researchers has a direct impact on the number of studies conducted with American Indians and the poor rates of mammography and other breast cancer screenings. The AIHREA/ Susan G. Komen Scholars in American Indian Breast Cancer Disparities seek to increase the number of American Indian researchers trained in breast cancer research to reduce disparities in their communities. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality among American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) women, who have the lowest 5-year survival rates of all racial/ethnic groups. AI/AN women are twice as likely to die from breast cancer than non-Hispanic white women. Incidence rates have risen steadily over the last 50 years. Although incidence rates among AI/AN women are lower than for other racial/ethnic groups (67.2/100,000 women versus 125.3/100,000 women for all ethnic groups),10 more AI/AN women are diagnosed with late-stage breast cancers than other racial/ethnic groups, with 44% of newly diagnosed cases staged at regional or distant metastasis, compared to 33% among non-Hispanic whites. Breast cancer incidence rates among AI/AN women differ by geographic region, with rates as high as 139.5/100,000 women in Alaska and as low as 50.4/100,000 women in the Southwest. Recent data show that breast cancer incidence may be significantly under-reported among AI/AN women due, in large part, to racial misclassification. To help reduced the disparities in breast cancer screening we created five culturally tailored brochures. Focus groups with American Indian community members were used to determine topics for the brochures titled BRCA Facts, BRCA Screening, BRCA Positive Screen, BRCA Someone You Love, and BRCA Men. After drafting the brochures they were edited focusing on access for scientific accuracy by using a panel of experts, then checking the readability level by using Suitability Assessment of Materials, followed by checking the cultural appropriateness by receiving feedback from community members at events such as powwows. Culturally appropriate imagery was added and adjustments were made according to the feedback we received. The finalized brochures are now available to the American Indian tribes, organizations and individuals. Citation Format: Jordyn Gunville, Charley Lewis, Kelly Berryhill, Crissandra Wilkie, Joseph Pacheco, Christine Daley. Series of breast cancer brochures for American Indian addressing breast cancer disparities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr C25.


BACKGROUND
To explore the prevalence of obesity and related secondary conditions associated with obesity in adolescents with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).

METHODS
In total, 461 parents of adolescents with IDD (M = 14.9 year, SD = 1.9) across 49 US states completed a web-based survey containing questions related to their child's health status, including body weight and existing health conditions. Results were compared with published data for youth without disabilities.

RESULTS
Adolescents with autism and Down syndrome were two to three times more likely to be obese than adolescents in the general population. Secondary health conditions were higher in obese adolescents with IDD compared with healthy weight adolescents with IDD including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, depression, fatigue, liver or gallbladder problems, low self-esteem, preoccupation with weight, early maturation and pressure sores.

CONCLUSION
Obesity is as much of a health problem in youth with IDD as it is among youth without disabilities and, in certain disability groups, is a significantly greater health problem. Obese youth with IDD have a high number of obesity-related secondary conditions predisposing them to greater health problems as they transition into adulthood. Federal and local initiatives to reduce obesity among youth in the general population must recognise the need for interventions that are also relevant (i.e. accessible and effective) for youth with IDD.


Introduction: Common cold is frequently occurring medical condition in developing countries like India. Common cold is self-limiting in nature so symptomatic treatment is always suggested. This study was conducted to test the efficacy and safety for the fixed dose combination of Paracetamol 500 mg, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 10 mg and Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2 mg per tablet for the treatment of common cold.
Methodology: Total 180 patients were enrolled out of which 159 completed the study. Efficacy assessment was done by decrease in total symptom score (TSS) of common cold at day 3 and 5 as compared to the baseline (day 1). Safety assessment was made by analyzing the reported adverse events through the study.
Results: Mean TSS at baseline was 6.62 which was decreased to 3.55 at day 3 and was further decreased to 0.68 at day 5. Majority of patients had complete relief from the symptoms of common cold and nearly all the patients had >50 % reduction in TSS. Also no unexpected or serious adverse event was found to be reported in the study duration of 5 days.
Conclusion:  Fixed dose combination of Paracetamol 500 mg, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 10 mg and Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2 mg per tablet was found to be efficacious and safe for the symptomatic treatment of common cold in Indian patients.
Keywords: Common cold, Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine


A prototype on-line system for measurement of electrical conductivity of quarter milk was evaluated for accuracy in detection of subclinical mastitis compared with that of bacteriological culture and SCC of sampled quarters. Because of the low quarter prevalence of mastitis, quarters were sampled conditionally from the signals of the on-line system. All signaled quarters and a random selection of the nonsignaled quarters were sampled. To calculate sensitivity and specificity, the total number of non-signaled quarters was extrapolated. The system identified correctly 18 out of 23 subclinical quarters and 521 out of 555 healthy quarters. Quarter prevalence was about 1%. Predictive value of a positive test (35%) and the predictive value of a negative test (99%) were calculated, as well as sensitivity (25%) and specificity (99%), after extrapolation of the total number of nonsignaled quarters. Because of repeated measurements, sensitivity may be underestimated. When signaled quarters were defined by repeated signals within 14 d, predictive value positive increased to 48%. The prototype on-line system did not detect subclinical mastitis very accurately because of suboptimal test characteristics.


In the last years, the birth of instant messaging applications transformed the communication, allowing everyone to contact immediately any other person. Of course, two of the main tasks of a communication app are security and speed: we must be sure about who is receiving our message and that no one can intercept the message, but at the same time we need to reach our contacts without having to wait for minutes or hours. That's why WhatsApp, one of the main apps in this field, signed in 2014 a pact with the Open Whisper Systems to use their Signal protocol, which guarantees end-to-end-encryption. The aim of this thesis is to describe in detail the cryptographic protocol used by WhatsApp. The first part of the work contains the theory needed to fully understand the protocol. In this regard, first of all we recap the cryptographic primitives used by WhatsApp in its protocol, such as AES, HMAC or SHA-2. After that, we introduce elliptic curves: we describe their arithmetic and the essential properties to understand Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). We discuss the strengths of ECC, like the performance advantage it has over other famous cryptosystems such as RSA, and its weaknesses, like the difficulty of their implementation due to their complexity. The main focus will be on Montgomery Curves and especially on Curve25519, which is the curve chosen by WhatsApp to generate key pairs for their users. They chose this curve because of an algorithm known as Montgomery Ladder, which speeds up the computations. In the second part of the thesis, we describe the protocol used by the WhatsApp end-to-end encryption: it is called Signal Protocol and it guarantees that third parties, including WhatsApp itself, do not have access to our messages or calls. On this matter, we show how the protocol is resistant to many attacks, such as the man-in-the-middle attack. We then explain how keys are generated and how to establish an encrypted session: for security, WhatsApp servers don't know private keys of their users, but users can verify keys if they want to be sure about the integrity of the communication. Finally, we explain in detail how messages (texts messages, medias, other attachments and so on) are exchanged and how calls are managed. The main focus of this part is the Double Ratchet algorithm. We also give some details on how multi communication is handled (Sesame), on how WhatsApp implements group chats and on extra WhatsApp features like statuses or live locations.


To date, extensive research has been undertaken on a potential link of breastfeeding (BF) to wheezing illnesses. Nevertheless, an association remains to be established, partly due to age‐dependent discrepancies and different definitions of exposures/outcomes across studies. We thus investigated the relation of diverse infantile feeding patterns with wheeze/asthma prevalence in two cohorts of children of different ages (preschool and preadolescent).


:  This paper presents a study of pulmonic ingressive speech, a severely understudied phenomenon within varieties of English. While ingressive speech has been reported for several parts of the British Isles, New England, and eastern Canada, thus far Newfoundland appears to be the only locality where researchers have managed to provide substantial evidence from audio recordings. The present investigation is based on a digital speech corpus consisting of over 40 hours of interviews, recorded between 1980 and 1985 throughout the entire Shetland archipelago, including the most remote isles; speech samples from 49 men and 47 women are included in the corpus. Ingressive speech was found throughout the Shetland Isles, and occurred on discourse particles representing 'yes' and 'no' responses, such as 'yeah', 'aye', 'no', and 'mmm'. It was attested for 27 per cent of males and 32 per cent of females, although significantly more tokens were contributed by females. Both voiced and voiceless ingressives were encountered, which revealed further clues to potential gender marking: 72 per cent of all tokens from males were voiceless, and 65 per cent of tokens from females were voiced. While the paper provides firm evidence for ingressive speech in Shetland, it also discusses recent observations indicative of a decline in ingressive speech within the isles.


Gene (Rmmp1) of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, has been shown previously to contain a thyroid hormone response element (TRE)-like sequence in its 5'-upstream region. The present study aimed to determine whether this TRE-like sequence is functional in vivo as a true TRE, and to characterize the sequences of the 5'-upstream region with respect to the regulation of the activity of the TRE when the TRE-like sequence was proved to be a true TRE. With this aim, various sequences of TRE-like sequence-containing 5'-upstream region were constructed and fused to the enhanced green fluorescent protein gene as a reporter gene. The fusion constructs were bombarded to the skin of bullfrog tadpoles and the activity of the TRE was quantitatively determined by measuring increased intensities of fluorescence when the animals were exposed to thyroid hormone. The present study clearly demonstrated that the sequence of Rmmp1 is a biologically active TRE in vivo. In addition, a unique 36 bp long sequence directly flanked to the 3'-end of the TRE was identified which worked co-operatively with TRE to regulate the transcriptional promoter activity. It should be emphasized that the presence of TRE in the Rmmp1 gene is unique, because its presence has not been reported in the known promoter region of vertebrate MMPs.


Although amrubicin hydrochloride (AMR) has promising activity against pretreated lung cancer, there are few reports on the adverse events of this agent in a clinical practice setting. We analyzed the adverse events experienced in 27 hospitalized patients who had received AMR monotherapy by collecting data from the pharmaceutical management records. Neutropenia was the main hematological toxicity, and 77.8% of patients developed grade 3/4 neutropenia. Neutrophil counts reached the nadir in 9 to 21 (median 14) days and recovered to normal in 14 to 27 (median 20) days. Seven cases experienced febrile neutropenia without any serious sequelae. Grade 2 or worse non-hematological toxicities were fatigue, constipation, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and pneumonitis. In comparison with the data of pre-marketing clinical trials, constipation was more commonly observed, while nausea/vomiting was less frequent probably due to appropriate preventive antiemetics. Based on these findings, we have created a novel drug information chart for patients and utilized it in pharmaceutical care in our hospital.


We describe a hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) approach to the no-wait flowshop scheduling problem using the minimize makespan as objective function. The GA approach described produces comparable or better results on benchmark flowshop problems than known heuristic methods. The representation used is a variant of one used on GA treatments of the travelling salesman problem (TSP). The genetic operators include edge recombination and three additional operators designed on analogy to known heuristic methods. Experiments show that these new operators are very effective in enhancing the performance of the traditional GA. The present approach also promises to effectively address the general job-shop problem.


40 college males were sequentially assigned to 1 of 2 groups to examine the effects of induced physical fatigue upon the performance and learning of a gross motor task, the stabilometer. All Ss were given 32 practice trials over 3 practice sessions, with 48 hr. rest interpolated between sessions. Trials 1 and 2 were performed under control conditions (no fatigue) for both groups. The Experimental Group was then required to perform under conditions of physical fatigue during Trials 3-26. Trials 27-32 (Session 3) were performed under control conditions. The condition of fatigue was achieved on Trials 3-26 by having Ss pedal a bicycle ergometer until a heart rate of 180 beats/min was attained prior to each trial. The Control Group cancelled vowels. The results indicated that physical fatigue was detrimental to the performance and learning of the Experimental Group.


Introduction: Drugs with no indication for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., drugs employed to treat COVID-19) can increase the risk of arrhythmias. Of interest, a six-fold increase in the number of arrhythmic events was reported in patients with severe COVID-19. In this study, we reviewed (i) the pro-arrhythmic action of drugs given to patients with COVID-19 infection, and (ii) the effects of inflammatory cytokines on cardiac ion channels and possible generation of arrhythmias. Methods: We conducted a literature search on the drugs with purported or demonstrated efficacy against COVID-19 disease, emphasizing the mechanisms by which anti-COVID-19 drugs and inflammatory cytokines interfere with cardiac ion channels. Results: Antibiotics (azithromycin), antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine), antivirals (ritonavir/lopinavir, atazanavir), and some of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (vandetanib) could induce long QT and increase risk for ventricular arrhythmias. The pro-arrhythmic action results from drug-induced inhibition of Kv11.1 (hERG) channels interfering with the repolarizing potassium IKr currents, leading to long QT and increased risk of triggered arrhythmias. At higher concentrations, these drugs may interfere with IKs, IK1, and/or Ito potassium currents, and even inhibit sodium (INa) and calcium (ICa) currents, inducing additional cardiac toxicity. Ibrutinib, an inhibitor of Bruton's TK, increased the incidence of atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia associated with a short QT interval. Inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α inhibit IKr and Ito repolarizing potassium currents. High levels of inflammatory cytokines could contribute to the arrhythmic events. For remdesivir, favipiravir, dexamethasone, tocilizumab, anakinra, baricitinib, and monoclonal antibodies (bamlanivimab, etesevimab, and casirivimab), no evidence supports significant effects on cardiac ion channels, changes in the QT interval, and increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias. Conclusion: This study supports the concept of hERG channel promiscuity. Different drug classes given to COVID-19 patients might delay repolarization, and increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. The presence of comorbid pro-arrhythmic disease states, and elevated levels of pro-arrhythmic cytokines, could increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Discontinuation of nonessential drugs and correction of electrolyte abnormalities could prevent severe ventricular arrhythmias. Altogether, the most effective therapies against COVID-19 (remdesivir, dexamethasone, monoclonal antibodies) lack pro-arrhythmic activity.


An atmospheric pressure plasma jet driven by energy controlled DC pulse has been developed. Unlike the most commonly used dielectric barrier atmospheric discharge sources, the proposed device utilize dielectric-free metal electrode with externally controllable ballast capacitor. Discharge energy per pulse can easily and precisely be controlled by voltage and capacitance of ballast capacitor. It is shown that wide range of plasma, from stable glow mode to near arc state, is obtained by varying the injection energy per pulse. The properties of proposed plasma device such as current-voltage waveforms, optical emission spectra and spatio-temporal evolution of discharge were investigated as a function of injection energy, feed gas (Ar or He), and electrode gap distance (200 urn to 1 mm). As well as pulse mode operation, this device can be driven by sinusoidal voltage waveform, the difference between DC pulse mode and AC sinusoidal discharge was also investigated in the voltage range of 500 V ~ 1 kV. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed plasma device can be used as useful tool for atmospheric plasma applications including bio-medical field.


The launch vehicle boost phase contains multi stage. In this paper, a nonlinear time varying model which can approximately describe it is established. For researching the trajectory optimization with these characters, Gauss Pseudospectral Method (GPM) is used on the boost phase. Some constraints and a cost function have been given in the trajectory optimization. A kind of attack angle profile is designed which is a curve with two forms combined. It uses successive quadratic programming (SQP) method to solve the iterative problem. In order to make the iteration succeed and fast, a method to find the suitable iteration initial condition is proposed and called initial-terminal values iteration method. A specific example has been given out with the simulation conditions and results. By analyzing the results, it can be seen that Gauss Pseudospectral Method can satisfies the constraints with a high precision.


Witnesses record automated program analysis results and make them exchangeable. To validate correctness witnesses through abstract interpretation, we introduce a novel abstract operation unassume. This operator incorporates witness invariants into the abstract program state. Given suitable invariants, the unassume operation can accelerate fixpoint convergence and yield more precise results. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by augmenting an abstract interpreter with unassume operators and evaluating the impact of incorporating witnesses on performance and precision. Using manually crafted witnesses, we can confirm verification results for multi-threaded programs with a reduction in effort ranging from 7% to 47% in CPU time. More intriguingly, we discover that using witnesses from model checkers can guide our analyzer to verify program properties that it could not verify on its own.


The randomized midpoint method, proposed by [40], has emerged as an optimal discretization procedure for simulating the continuous time underdamped Langevin diffusion. In this paper, we analyze several probabilistic properties of the randomized midpoint discretization method, considering both overdamped and underdamped Langevin dynamics. We first characterize the stationary distribution of the discrete chain obtained with constant step-size discretization and show that it is biased away from the target distribution. Notably, the step-size needs to go to zero to obtain asymptotic unbiasedness. Next, we establish the asymptotic normality of numerical integration using the randomized midpoint method and highlight the relative advantages and disadvantages over other discretizations. Our results collectively provide several insights into the behavior of the randomized midpoint discretization method, including obtaining confidence intervals for numerical integrations.


In this study, the relationship between career objects of employees and their use of political tactics was analyzed with the participation of 130 employees, predominantly working in Istanbul, Turkey, in various sectors such as Finance, Information Technologies, Education and Consultancy. In addition, the role of power distance perceptions of employees about the organizations they work for and the uncertainty avoidance of the employees were investigated as moderators. Signifi cant correlations were found between employees' career objects and political tactics they use to infl uence their managers. Status and effectiveness gaining as a career object was found to be affecting the use of ingratiation, persuasion through rationalization and, assertiveness tactics. Perceived power distance was found to be moderating the relationship between status and effectiveness gaining object and ingratiation through increasing its effect on the use of ingratiation tactic. Moreover perceived power distance intervened between autonomy development and ingratiation through decreasing autonomy development's effect on ingratiation. Conducted with a Turkish sample, this study contributes to the career objects and political behavior literature, because it includes the effects of perceived power distance of the employees in this relationship.


We present and implement a parquet approximation within the dual-fermion formalism based on a partial bosonization of the dual vertex function which substantially reduces the computational cost of the calculation. The method relies on splitting the vertex exactly into single-boson exchange contributions and a residual four-fermion vertex, which physically embody respectively long-range and short-range spatial correlations. After recasting the parquet equations in terms of the residual vertex, these are solved using the truncated unity method of Eckhardt et al. [Phys. Rev. B 101, 155104 (2020)], which allows for a rapid convergence with the number of form factors in different regimes. While our numerical treatment of the parquet equations can be restricted to only a few Matsubara frequencies, reminiscent of Astretsov et al. [Phys. Rev. B 101, 075109 (2020)], the one- and two-particle spectral information is fully retained. In applications to the two-dimensional Hubbard model the method agrees quantitatively with a stochastic summation of diagrams over a wide range of parameters.


Nickel (Ni) and Cadmium (Cd) considered as an essential nutrient where plants cannot complete their life cycle in its absence and cannot be substituted with any other element. Ni was first established as an essential nutrient for the completion of the life cycle and it was reported that Ni deficiency decreases the capacity of plants to develop viable seeds because of hindrance of embryo growth. The uptake of Ni in plants is mainly carried out through the root system via passive diffusion and active transport. The ratio of uptake between active and passive transport varies with the species. It has been reported that plant species and cultivars significantly differ in the uptake of Cd and its subsequent translocation from roots into shoots. Higher Cd accumulation in roots than leaves suggest that Cd transport to the xylem is restricted and Cd is not readily translocated in the phloem. Also, Cd accumulation in root and leaf also depends on binding to the extracellular matrix due to which a significant inhibition of root elongation may be observed. In a study, it was reported that Cd was translocated from lower leaves to upper leaves, and then from upper leaves to culms and ears. Lower leaves accumulated highest Cd content during the early growth stages. However, heavy metals accumulating in the food chain pose risk for health of living being as well as cytotoxicity in plants.


Mode transition of the axi-symmetric screech tone in the low supersonic Mach number range from 1.0 to 1.20 is numerically analyzed. The axi-symmetric Navier-Stokes equations and the k-e turbulence model are solved in the cylindrical coordinate system. The dispersion-relation-preserving(DRP) scheme is applied for space discretization and the optimized four levels marching method are used for time integration. At low supersonic Mach numbers with an axi-symmetric A1 mode in the simulation, it is shown that acoustic propagation due to the nonlinear effects is seen in the lateral direction and the screech tone frequency is the same as the vortex passing frequency due to the generation of intense large-scale vortical motions.


This study investigates digital anxiety as a potential barrier to the digital transformation of the finance function. To embrace digital transformation, the finance function crucially relies on the engagement of its employees. However, due to this transformation, these employees face high uncertainty regarding future job demands, possibly invoking digital anxiety. Based on a survey of 1,038 finance employees from a multinational business group and rich qualitative insights, we first indicate the relevance of digital anxiety in the finance function. Our results further show that digital anxiety is negatively associated with work engagement. Finally, we find that employees who have taken part in digital trainings, who are surrounded by digitally savvy peers, and who work under a transformational leader are associated with less digital anxiety. Our study highlights the need to carefully consider employee emotions to digitally transform the finance function and outlines means for organizations to cope with these emotions.


There are many factors which contribute to the successful of learning in social science. The factors can be identified as input, process and output. The input factor consists of raw input, instrumental input, and environmental input. The process is related to teaching theory, class management, assignment, evaluation and teaching management. While, out put is related to the progressive development of the student.  This article is an effort to contribute to theory in learning problem of social science; this is by offering an alternative learning approach. The strategy is called as cooperative learning process. This strategy takes four steps, namely: orientation, exploration, depth-understanding, and conclusion. Keyword:  Orientation, Exploration, Depth-understanding, and  Conclusion.


A new technique based on buck-boost topology is proposed to equalize a series-connected battery stack in this paper. The proposed scheme transfers the energy from fully charged battery cell to the weakest charged battery using buck-boost operation. This operation maintains batteries at the same charge and voltage level. Unlike previous battery equalizing schemes, the new battery equalizer uses only one magnetic component, resulting low cost and small size. Experiment results are provided to verify the operation of the proposed battery equalizer.


The development in the area of information and communications technologies (ICTs) has had great impact on the use of more advanced instruments for diagnostics and therapy in the hospital sector. However, ICTs have only to some degree been implemented as tools for administrative and communication purposes. Now, when large information systems, for example electronic patient records (EPR), are introduced in most hospitals, the implementation processes are usually experienced as complex and difficult. This paper reports from a study of the introduction of an electronic requisition system on handheld PCs, "JetRek", in two departments in a large Norwegian hospital. By semistructured interviews of developers, physicians, nurses and secretaries, the background for developing, and motivation for using, the JetRek system is studied. The hospital's requisition process is an interesting task from a sociological point of view, since in involves a range of professions (nurses, doctors and administrative personnel) and departments (wards, laboratories, radiology dep., and so on) in the hospital. Accordingly, it is found in this study, that what seemed to be a straight-forward implementation task from the developers point of view, turned out to challenge informally established requisition practices in the wards. The result is that nurses and secretaries would be more willing to use JetRek than doctors. These findings are discussed using Gouldners cosmopolitan-local construct (1957), focusing on organisational and professional orientation and loyalty. The analysis implies that an understanding of the distribution of organisational identities may be needed to implement organisation-wide systems successfully.


Test accommodations such as extended time are presumed to reduce the impact of a disability, while not affecting test scores of the general population. This study examined the effects of an extended time (time and one-half) accommodation on the mathematics performance of fifth-to seventh-grade students with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The results did not support the differential boost hypothesis in that the ADHD group did not make more gains than the control group with extended time. However, the ADHD group did demonstrate lower processing speed, math fluency, and achievement. These findings suggest that, although students with ADHD tend to work with less overall efficiency in terms of processing speed and task fluency, they do not benefit significantly more than nondisabled students when given extended time on a speed-based math task. Implications for future research and accommodations policies are discussed.


Fiber photometry is a significantly less invasive method compared to other deep brain imaging microendoscopy approaches due to the use of thin multimode fibers (MMF diameter $<$ 500 $\mu$m). Nevertheless, the transmitted signals get scrambled upon propagation within the MMF, thus limiting the technique's potential in resolving temporal readouts with cellular resolution. Here, we demonstrate how to separate the time trace signals of several fluorescent sources probed by a thin ($\approx$ 200 $\mu$m) MMF with typical implantable length in a mouse brain. We disentangled several spatio-temporal fluorescence signals by using a general unconstrained non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm directly on the raw video data. Furthermore, we show that commercial and low-cost open-source miniscopes display enough sensitivity to image the same fluorescence patterns seen in our proof of principle experiment, suggesting that a whole new avenue for novel minimally invasive deep brain studies with multimode fibers in freely-behaving mice is possible.


As the information being visualized and the process of understanding that information both become increasingly complex, it is necessary to develop new visualization approaches that facilitate the flow of human reasoning. In this paper, we endeavor to push visualization design a step beyond current user models by discussing a modeling framework of human ldquohigher cognition.rdquo Based on this cognition model, we present design guidelines for the development of visual interfaces designed to maximize the complementary cognitive strengths of both human and computer. Some of these principles are already being reflected in the better visual analytics designs, while others have not yet been applied or fully applied. But none of the guidelines have explained the deeper rationale that the model provides. Lastly, we discuss and assess these visual analytics guidelines through the evaluation of several visualization examples.


Intr0ducti0n. Because plants are an important factor in the existence of the biosphere and life on Earth, plant resources are an invaluable asset that requires comprehensive study, conservation and rational use in the context of global climate change. Matcrials and mcth0ds. The subject of research was the collection of spice, essential, medicinal, energy, oilseeds, sugar plants. The object of the study was the process of introduction, selection, conservation and enrichment of genetic resources of energy and aromatic plants. Methods of introduction, acclimatization, adaptation, selection, biotech- nology are used. Physiological, biochemical, allelopathic, and ecological methods were also used. Rcsults and discus- si0n. For many years of introduction and selection work in the department of cultural flora of NBG collected valuable gene pool of useful plants (about 2000 taxa) part of which, namely "Collection Fund of Energy and Aromatic Plants of the National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine " (over 1500 samples) is included in the List of scientific objects that make up the National Heritage.The structure and features of the scientific object (systematic, morphological-biological, botanical-geographical, ecological) are comprehensively studied and the social and economic significance of the respective groups of useful plants is assessed. About 100 varieties have been created by various selection and genetic methods, which are recommended for growing in all agro-climatic zones of Ukraine. For the first time, about 50 new highly productive economically valuable crops from the collection fund have been introduced into the State Reg- ister of Plant Varieties of Ukraine. Based on the use of the collection fund, about 50 promising phytotechnologies for the production of biofuels, food products and phytomedicines have been developed. For the first time in Ukraine more than 40 Methods of examination of varieties of new energy and aromatic crops for difference, homogeneity and stability have been developed. C0nclusi0ns. As a result of many years of introductory and selection-genetic work in the department of cultural flora of the NBG, the "Collection Fund of Energy and Aromatic Plants" was created — as a scientific object that is a National Heritage. Important scientific and practical results on the preservation, enrichment and use of the collection have been obtained.


Assistive technologies aim to provide assistance to those who are unable to perform various tasks in their day-to-day lives without tremendous difficulty. This includes — amongst other things — communicating with others. Augmentative and adaptive communication (AAC) is a branch of assistive technologies which aims to make communicating easier for people with disabilities which would otherwise prevent them from communicating efficiently (or, in some cases, at all). The input rate of these communication aids, however, is often constrained by the limited number of inputs found on the devices and the speed at which the user can toggle these inputs. A similar restriction is also often found on smaller devices such as mobile phones: these devices also often require the user to input text with a smaller input set, which often results in slower typing speeds.  Several technologies exist with the purpose of improving the text input rates of these devices. These technologies include ambiguous keyboards, which allow users to input text using a single keypress for each character and trying to predict the desired word; word prediction systems, which attempt to predict the word the user is attempting to input before he or she has completed it; and word auto-completion systems, which complete the entry of predicted words before all the corresponding inputs have been pressed.  This thesis discusses the design and implementation of a system incorporating the three aforementioned assistive input methods, and presents several questions regarding the nature of these technologies. The designed system is found to outperform a standard computer keyboard in many situations, which is a vast improvement over many other AAC technologies. A set of experiments was designed and performed to answer the proposed questions, and the results of the experiments determine that the corpus used to train the system — along with other tuning parameters — have a great impact on the performance of the system. Finally, the thesis also discusses the impact that corpus size has on the memory usage and response time of the system.


ABSTRACT Introduction Children with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) experience excessive dynamic collapse of the central airway(s). TBM remains an under-diagnosed condition, and there is on ongoing need to raise awareness amongst pediatricians. Areas covered The literature from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register electronic databases was searched from 1 January 1980 to 14 January 2020. Eligible studies relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of tracheobronchomalacia in children were included. In this review, we highlight the clinical symptoms of TBM such as the typical barking cough, wheezing, recurrent lower respiratory tract infections or acute life-threatening events. These symptoms worsen when the child is making increased respiratory efforts, such as during crying, coughing and during intercurrent infective illness. This article focuses on the role of the pediatrician in recognizing the condition, the investigative process, and the medical management based on the clinical severity. The principle of management should be holistic, tackling the medical issues of TBM and associated comorbidities, as providing support to families. Expert opinion There remains a need to devise objective and reproducible bronchoscopic and radiological definitions of severity of TBM. Further studies looking at long-term outcomes of medical therapies used in TBM are required.


Abstract The paper deals with the issue of lobbying, defined as a democratic means of promoting interests. The text tries to find answers to the problems in the current economic theory. The basic links are defined by using a simple graphic model, which are further examined by the SWOT analysis. The result is the knowledge that the basic coordination mechanism is the market – the information market. The role of government lies above all in creating a favourable institutional environment that does not interfere with spontaneous market relations. However, there are certain situations that the government could or should regulate. These situations are described by three hypothetical scenarios – a society without lobbying, a society where lobbing exists, but it is not transparent, and a society where lobbing is transparent, leading to a final discussion of possible directions and ways of its regulation.


These datasets, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, provide lidar-derived first-surface and bare-earth topography for a portion of the Texas coastline. Elevation measurements were acquired by the Experimental Advanced Airborne Research Lidar (EAARL) on September 27th and 28th, and October 2nd, 2005, following Hurricane Rita landfall.


We develop a model of competitive gambling markets addressing two empirical puzzles. First, why do bookmakers not set unbiased lines that try to equalize betting on both sides, and thus profit from commissions with minimal risk? Second, why is there little evidence of bookmakers competing through lower commissions? We show that the interaction between bookmakers' and gamblers' private information can induce biased lines even when all players are maximizing their chances of winning. We also offer an explanation for persistently high commissions charged by seemingly competitive bookmakers; these commissions are necessary to compensate books for assuming the disadvantage of moving first.


Great earthquakes with extending rupture areas, such as the March 11, 2011, off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, Japan, M 9 earthquake, provide opportunities to inspect some details of the pre-shock moment release with the reference of the earthquake preparation and rupture processes. To this end, we investigated the cumulative seismic moment tensor for different segments of the earthquake fault. For the 3 decades time scale, pre-shock accelerating moment release (AMR) can be observed, with potential correlation with the segmentation of earthquake fault.