— In this paper, we propose a hybrid electromechanical scanning lens antenna array architecture suitable for the steering of highly directive beams at submillimeter wavelengths with field-of-views (FoV) of ±25°. The concept relies on combining electronic phase shifting of a sparse array with a mechanical translation of a lens array. The use of a sparse phased array significantly simplifies the RF front-end (number of active components, routing, thermal problems), while the translation of a lens array steers the element patterns to angles off-broadside, reducing the impact of grating lobes over a wide FoV. The mechanical translation required for the lens array is also significantly reduced compared to a single large lens, leading to faster and low-power mechanical implementation. In order to achieve wide bandwidth and large steering angles, a novel leaky wave lens feed concept is also implemented. A 550 GHz prototype was fabricated and measured demonstrating the scanning capabilities of the embedded element pattern and the radiation performance of the leaky wave fed antenna.


This study focused on leadership styles and job performance of salespeople of Herbal Mixture Marketing Organizations in Kogi State, Nigeria. The population of this study is not definite, and as such Bill Godden method was used to determine the sample size of 384. For the field survey, the instrument used was structured questionnaire. The study analyzed data with descriptive statistics, T-test, correlation and multiple regressions. Finding indicates that there are significant differences between transformational and transactional sales leaders of Herbal Mixture Marketing Organizations in Kogi State, Nigeria. Finding further shows that welfare concern and carrot & stick system has significantly positive effect on salespeople's performance, where the effect of team spirit building is negative. The study concludes that the differences between transformational and transactional sales leadership is evident, and the practice of these leadership approaches may vary from country to country, region to region and culture to culture. This study therefore recommends that Herbal Mixture marketing managers should adopt more of transformational sales leadership, and focus more on welfarism and carrot & stick system strategically to enhance desired salespeople's performance.


The sesquiterpenoid artemisinin (AN) is the most important medicine for the treatment of malaria in humans. The industrial production of AN still mainly depends on extraction from the plant Artemisia annua. However, the concentration of AN in A. annua is low. Although different engineering strategies have been used in both A. annua and heterologous plant and yeast production platforms, the worldwide capacity and production costs for AN are not in balance with its demand (Chapter 1). Although the genes encoding for the entire AN biosynthesis pathway (AN-PW) of the AN precursor dihydroartemisinic acid (DHAA) have been identified, the application of these genes in pathway engineering seem to be limited by lack of control over product transport and sequestration. At the onset of this thesis project there was no information on transport in the AN-PW. However, it was known that DHAA is converted into AN outside the glandular trichome cells of A. annua. Therefore, in this thesis I tried to gain more knowledge on transport within the AN-PW and the use of different metabolic engineering strategies to improve the production of AN. At the onset of my PhD project, the AN-PW genes from two different A. annua chemotypes were compared to understand the basis of different relative activities in the two branches of the AN-PW (Chapter 2). For these assays we used transient expression in N. benthamiana. In the AN-PW, artemisinic aldehyde (AAA) is at a branch point as it can be converted to artemisinic acid (AA) by amorphadiene oxidase (AMO), or to dehydroartemisinic aldehyde (DHAAA) by artemisinic aldehyde Δ11 (13) reductase (DBR2). AA is the precursor for arteannuin B (AB) while DHAAA may be converted by a CYP71AV1 or an ALDH1 to dehydroartemisinic acid (DHAA), the precursor for AN. In this chapter we demonstrate that the CYP71AV1 from a high AN production (HAP) chemotype has reduced activity in the AB branch of the pathway compared to the CYP71AV1 from a low AN production (LAP) chemotype. In addition, we show that the relative expression levels of DBR2 and ALDH1 also affect the AN/AB chemotype. The low catalytic efficiency of AMO from the HAP chemotype may be caused by a deletion of seven amino acids at the N-terminus of the protein compared to CYP71AV1 from LAP. Ectopic expression of the AN-PW genes in N. benthamiana showed that the bulk of the PW products are modified by glycosylation and glutathione conjugations. These side reactions therefore compete with the biosynthesis flux towards the AN precursor DHAA. At this point in my thesis the ectopic expression of AN-PW genes in N. benthamiana had not yielded any AN. At a later stage it became clear that this was due to harvest of leaves at 5-7 days post agro-infiltration (dpi), while AN in N. benthamiana leaves expressing AN-PW genes only becomes detectable after 7 dpi. Glycosylation of the bulk of the AN-PW products in N. benthamiana stresses the need for an efficient transport of (DH)AA to the outside of cells in order to escape from the glycosylation reactions. In Chapter 3, transport and sequestration of AN precursors was investigated by studying the effect of membrane transporters (PDRs) and lipid transfer proteins (LTPs). Hereto, two membrane transporters with activity towards AN-PW products were made available by the group of Prof. Marc Boutry and we isolated three LTP genes from Artemisia annua which showed expression in the glandular trichomes. In this chapter we show that AaLTP3 displays specific activity, together with AaPDR2 towards transport of (DH)AA to the apoplast in N. benthamiana. Moreover, infiltration experiments with (DH)AA in N. benthamiana leaves revealed that these compounds are rapidly taken up by the cells and that inside the cells there is a strong reverse flux in the AN-PW by conversion of (DH)AA towards (DH)AAA and (DH)AAOH. Subsequently we demonstrated that AaLTP3 has a stronger activity in keeping products in the apoplast than the AaPDR2 membrane transporter. Therefore, I suggest that by removal of (DH)AA from the cytosol through transport over the plasma membrane by AaPDR2 and subsequent sequestration in the apoplast by AaLTP3, AaLTP3 creates sink activity which prevents reflux of (DH)AA from the apoplast back into the cells. AaLTP3 therefore contributes to a directional flux through the AN-PW towards the end product (DH)AA. Finally, in this work we could also for the first time detect AN and AB in N. benthamiana leaves by extraction of necrotic leaves at 13 dpi. Because in A. annua glandular trichome cells both the AN sesquiterpene biosynthesis pathway and the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway are active, we explored whether there is a functional interaction between these two major secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways. In Chapter 4 we describe how we manipulate the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in N. benthamiana leaves using the Antirhinum majus transcription factor Rosea1 (ROS) and test coexpression of ROS with AN-PW genes. The co-expression of ROS stimulates AN-PW product accumulation. Subsequent analysis indicates that this is most likely from transcriptional activation of the enzyme Mevalonate Kinase (MVK) in the mevalonate pathway, which provides precursors for the sesquiterpene biosynthesis pathway. In addition, we demonstrate that production of flavonoids competes with AN-PW product accumulation, as co-expression of AN-PW genes with ROS, but simultaneous inhibition of chalcone synthase (CHS) by a CHSRNAi construct, results in higher AN-PW product levels. However, accumulation of the end products AN and AB was not affected significantly. Finally, the combined expression of AN-PW+ROS+AaPDR2+AaLTP3+ CHSRNAi results in highest sequestration of (DH)AA in the apoplast and highest accumulation of the end products AN and AB in N. benthamiana. During my thesis work, in a related project it was found that expression of another sesquiterpene biosynthesis gene (caryophyllene synthase; CST) in transgenic Arabidopsis resulted in higher caryophyllene emission for a transformant expressing a genomic DNA of CST, compared with a similar transformant expressing a CST cDNA described in literature. This suggested that ectopic expression of intron containing genes is more efficient than ectopic expression of cDNAs. To test whether in the context of metabolic engineering the use of genomic (intron-containing) genes is more efficient than the use of the corresponding cDNA we generated a set of stable transformed Arabidopsis lines with either genomic CST (gCST), cDNA CST (cCST), genomic amorphadiene synthesis (gADS) and cDNA ADS (cADS). In chapter 5 we show that indeed the lines with overexpression of the genomic clones yield higher levels of the anticipated products (caryophyllene or amorphadiene) than the lines with overexpression of the corresponding cDNAs. Transcript analysis showed that for gCST the increase in caryophyllene production was higher than can be explained solely by the increase in CST transcription. In the context of transient expression in N. benthamiana leaves the intron-mediated-enhancement effect was less pronounced. In the final discussion chapter 6 I review limitations and potential solutions to metabolic engineering of the AN-PW in plants, and I discuss the impact of our findings on AN production capacity using transient expression versus natural production in A. annua. Moreover, I discuss how the finding of this thesis go beyond just insights into the AN-PW as especially the identification of the role of LTPs in sesquestration of (sesqui)terpenes into the apoplast may have an impact on the metabolic engineering efforts of many other (sesqui)terpene pathways. Because some plant hormones are also terpenoid products the newly identified role of LTPs may also have impact on a deeper understanding of hormone signalling in plants. I have already started exploring this path by generating a set of Arabidopsis plants with overexpression of different Arabidopsis LTP genes to test whether any hormone related traits are altered (Chapter 6). Preliminary results do indeed confirm a role of LTPs in endogenous plant hormone balance, something worthwhile to be further explored in future research.


The use of organolead compounds as specific tracers of present and past automotive pollution is discussed. Advantages and limitations of polar snow and old wine vintages as archives of environmental pollution are characterized. Trace and ultratrace analytical chemistry of organolead in atmospheric deposits from the remote environment and wine is briefly surveyed. Automotive contamination of vineyards is investigated with the example of Cotes du Rhone wines. Long-range transport of organolead compounds to polar environments is discussed in terms of source, atmospheric conditions and air mass trajectories. The history of local and global automotive pollution by organolead is studied with the example of old wine vintages and deep snow cores, respectively, and correlated with the rise and fall of the consumption of leaded petrol.


ABSTRACT
 This research examined the individual effects of temperature and ration on growth and survival of juveniles of the Pacific geoduck Panopea generosa Gould, 1850, in two separate experiments. Growth parameters measured included shell length, daily shell increment, individual total body wet weight, specific growth rate, individual total body dry weight, and total body ash-free dry weight (AFDW). Larvae in all treatments were fed a binary microalgal diet of Chaetoceros muelleri and Tisochrysis lutea mixed at a 1:1 ratio by AFDW. The temperature experiment examined the effect of four temperatures (7°C, 11°C, 15°C, and 19°C) using two geoduck cohorts. One cohort was comprised of larger juveniles (mean initial shell length ± SE, 3.22 ± 0.05 mm) and the other included smaller individuals (0.54 ± 0.01 mm) which were cultured for 28 days and 21 days, respectively. Using a separate cohort, the foodration experiment examined the effect of nine rations (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, 32.0, 64.0, and 128.0 × 106 equivalent T. lutea cells per individual per day) on four size classes of geoduck juveniles obtained from the same spawning batch (mean initial shell length ± SE, size class 1,2.34 ± 0.04 mm; size class 2, 3.32 ± 0.04 mm; size class 3,4.13 ± 0.04 mm; and size class 4, 4.98 ± 0.04 mm) for 7 days. On the final sampling day, there were significant differences among all four temperatures for all growth parameters except AFDW, with each parameter increasing significantly for each increase in temperature. For AFDW, there were no significant differences between 7°C and 19°C, nor between 11°C and 15°C, with the first set of two temperatures producing juveniles with significantly less AFDW than the latter set. In general, optimal ration levels increased with increasing geoduck size. To optimize growth in shell length, individual total body wet weight, and/or individual total body dry weight, the following rations are recommended for size classes 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively: 4.0 or 8.0, 8.0, 16.0 or 32.0, and 32.0 or 64.0 × 106 equivalent T. lutea cells per individual per day. Refinement of an understanding of optimum juvenile geoduck culture conditions contributes to the general knowledge of the species' physiology and helps maximize the commercial hatchery production of geoduck seed.


A study of the true story behind The English Patient , one of the least known and most extraordinary episodes of World War II. } The Lost Oasis tells the true story behind The English Patient . An extraordinary episode in World War II, it describes the Zerzura Club, a group of desert explorers and adventurers who indulged in desert travel by early-model-motor cars and airplanes, and who searched for lost desert oases and ancient cities of vanished civilizations. In reality, they were mapping the desert for military reasons and espionage. The clubs members came from countries that soon would be enemies: England and the Allied Forces v. Italy and Germany. When war erupted in 1939, Ralph Bagnold founded the British Long Range Desert Group to spy on and disrupt Rommels advance on Cairo, while a fellow club member, Hungarian Count Almasy, succeeded in placing German spies there. Ultimately, the British prevailed. Saul Kellys riveting history draws on interviews with survivors and previously unknown documentary material in England, Italy, Germany, Hungary, and Egypt. His book reads like a thriller with one key difference: its all true. }


We investigated the molecular heterogeneity of gamma delta T-cell antigen receptors (TCR) expressed on T-cell clones generated from peripheral blood lymphocytes of normal donors. Extensive molecular heterogeneity was seen at the gamma-chain level and, to a lesser extent, at the delta-chain level. Both disulfide and non-disulfide gamma delta TCR were found and use different gamma chains with similar molecular masses (range, 41-43 kDa). In contrast, gamma chains of 55-60 kDa, which are expressed on T-cell lines derived from the peripheral blood of patients with immunodeficiency disorders, were not found on T-cell clones derived from the peripheral blood of normal donors. delta chains expressed on these T-cell clones had a molecular mass of 37 kDa and were either disulfide or nondisulfide linked. Significant delta-chain heterogeneity was identified in these clones using the anti-delta TCS1 and the anti-TCR delta 1 monoclonal antibodies. All clones tested were TCR delta 1+, whereas only 25% of the clones were delta TCS1+. The anti-delta TCS1 monoclonal antibody stained and immunoprecipitated both disulfide- and non-disulfide-linked gamma delta TCRs from different T-cell clones from normal donors.


The two major neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are characterised by low levels in the brain of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA), respectively. Clinical treatment of these two conditions is palliative and relies, in most cases, on improving stimulation at the relevant receptors by either increasing levels of the endogenous neurotransmitter or by the use of substances which have a similar agonist response. Natural products continue to provide useful drugs in their own right but also provide templates for the development of other compounds. The major advances in the treatment of AD have been the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as galantamine, huperzine A, physostigmine and its derivatives to increase the levels of ACh rather than the use of cholinergic compounds, although compounds with nicotinic properties have attracted some interest. In contrast, the treatment of PD has relied on the elevation of DA levels by use of L-DOPA, its precursor, and by the administration of dopaminergic agonists, especially the ergot alkaloid derivatives. The use of inhibitors of enzymes that cause breakdown of DA is an avenue which is being explored. As well as the major natural products of clinical interest, the paper discusses the chemistry, activity and usage of the constituents of plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases presenting symptoms similar to those characteristic for Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.


In our previous letter, we presented a novel fabrication process which allows us to form submicron gold interconnections with high aspect ratio. The process was made possible by selective electroplating which is an important key technique to build a submicron interconnection, particularly by a simple fabrication process. We found in our recent experiments that the "sheet resistance" difference, as mentioned in our previous letter, is not what makes the electroplating process selective. Through voltammetry measurements, it was found that much higher deposition potential is required for the oxidized TiW electrode than that for the Au electrode. We concluded that the difference in the "deposition potential" between metal and semiconducting electrodes is what makes the electro-plating pocess selective.


Objective: To analyse the clinical dosimetry of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of inoperable pancreatic cancer in humans. Methods: 136 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were treated with HIFU, including 89 male and 47 female patients. The median targeted volume (Vt) was 31.1 cm3 (range: 9.8–102.1). The median of the average ultrasound power (Pavg) was 225 W (range: 117–399), and the median energy of the ultrasound (Etotal) was 278.3 kJ (range: 70.5–1195.2). Spearman rank correlation analysis for HIFU dosimetric analysis was conducted. Results: There was a significant correlation between greyscale changes after HIFU ablation and HIFU dose intensity (DI), Pavg, and unit time (Tu). However, no correlation was found between greyscale changes after HIFU ablation and gender, age, pancreatic cancer position, or depth of tumour. Conclusions: We preliminarily deem that dose intensity and sound power can act as good reference points for HIFU dosimetry in the treatment of pancreatic tumours using the Chongqing system. If there was no obvious change in the ultrasound-monitored image following HIFU treatment for pancreatic cancer, the Pavg and DI should be no less than 260 W and 11 kJ/cm3, respectively.


Campylobacter is a fastidious microaerophilic bacterium, it is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans globally. In the present study, the efficacy of five enrichment broths in combination with five selective agars for the isolation of Campylobacter jejuni was compared to identify a best possible combination of broth- agar for enrichment. Where, C. jejuni standard culture (ATCC®33560 TM) was enriched in five enrichment broths viz., Brucella, Preston enrichment, modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate broth (mCCDB), Park and Sanders, and Bolton broths, and consequently plated onto modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate agar (mCCDA), Karmali agar, Columbia blood agar, Campylobacter Cefex agar and Campylobacter agar base (CAB). Bolton broth and mCCD agar combination showed the maximum enrichment efficiency and the colony recovery by Bolton broth significantly differed when compared to the Park and Sanders and Brucella broths. The result of the current study shows the combination of enrichment broth and agar most appropriate for the isolation of C. jejuni.


This study examined a woman's clearly articulated sexual boundary and its effect on college students' discrimination of when a woman wants her date to stop making sexual advances. Male and female participants listened to an audio recording of a date rape vignette and signaled when the man should stop making sexual advances. Relative to participants in the no-boundary condition, participants who heard a discussion including a sexual boundary before intimate physical contact occurred displayed significantly shorter latencies to identify the inappropriateness of the man's behavior. No significant difference was observed between male and female participants.


Although metapopulation theory is widely used in basic and applied ecology, there are still few empirical studies that explore the relationships between dispersal, patch size, and the persistence of natural populations. Here, we reanalyzed data from a six-year study of a spatially structured field vole (Microtus agrestis) metapopulation in the Tvar- minne archipelago, Finland. Our goal was to address several issues relevant to metapo- pulation studies: (1) the relationships between within-subpopulation dynamics, dispersal behavior, habitat quality, and metapopulation dynamics; (2) the generality of one of the most common conclusions of metapopulation theory—that smaller and less frequently in- habited islands are less important for metapopulation dynamics; and (3) the comparison of different methods for understanding and predicting dynamics in ''metapopulation-like'' systems. Our results suggest that this vole metapopulation is driven by extinctions and colonizations of island subpopulations. However, contrary to expectation, colonizations by voles from tiny, ephemeral skerry subpopulations were about as important for metapopu- lation persistence as were colonizations from the more persistent subpopulations on large islands. This pattern resulted from less stable vole densities on smaller islands, combined with increased emigration preceding subpopulation extinctions. Either spatially implicit Levins models or incidence function models provided reasonable predictions of the structure and function of this metapopulation, but parameters fitted to incidence functions varied dramatically among years. Our results suggest that models of real metapopulations need not become highly detail oriented or spatially complicated to provide good predictive power. However, applications of metapopulation theory require careful consideration of how un- derlying ecological and behavioral mechanisms will shape metapopulation dynamics of particular species and situations.


Serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is a simple and effective method for diagnosing prostate cancer. The widespread PSA screening resulted in increased diagnosis of early-staged, localized prostate cancer and marked reduction in advanced, metastatic cancer, which contributed to subsequent reduction in prostate cancer mortality. Most patients with localized prostate cancer, especially low-grade cancer, have an indolent clinical course. In addition, the rate of death from prostate cancer itself is very low. Therefore, early diagnosis of prostate cancer can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. There has been a controversy regarding the effect of PSA screening on prostate cancer mortali‐ ty. Results of the two largest randomized trials concerning PSA screening were totally contrary. European countries-based trial showed a significant prostate cancer mortality reduction, whereas the USA-based trial showed no benefit in reducing prostate cancer mortality. In 2013, based on these arguments, the American Urological Association updated a guideline regarding PSA screen‐ ing, which did not recommend routine PSA screening but a selective screen‐ ing, according to patient's age, coexisting medical condition, and risks, such as family history. The guideline also emphasized shared decision making. However, older patients have been shown to be more likely to have high-risk prostate cancer at diagnosis. Older patients more often have other medical conditions and are more likely to die from causes other than prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more often diagnosed with older patients. These facts bring PSA-based screening for prostate cancer more and more complex. In this chapter, problems concerning PSA screening are presented.


Early-type galaxies (ellipticals and lenticulars) are observed to populate the relation known as the Fundamental Plane that links their effective radius, R_e, stellar velocity dispersion, σ, and mean surface brightness, I_e. We have measured Fundamental Plane parameters in the near-infrared J, H and K passbands for ~10^4 of the brightest early-type galaxies in the 6dF Galaxy Survey (6dFGS). We improve upon previous regression techniques used to derive the Fundamental Plane by developing a robust maximum likelihood algorithm for fitting the galaxy distribution in Fundamental Plane space with a 3D Gaussian model. We exploit this large near-infrared-selected sample of galaxies to investigate trends in the Fundamental Plane with stellar population, morphology and environment. The 6dFGS galaxies exhibit clear stellar population trends in Fundamental Plane space, with age varying most strongly orthogonal to the plane. Remarkably, none of the stellar population parameters vary along the long axis of the plane, which corresponds to luminosity density. The Fundamental Plane slopes show little variation with either morphology or environment, but the Fundamental Plane size zeropoint is systematically larger for galaxies in lower density environments and for early-type spiral bulges. We speculate that age drives all the trends with residuals about the plane through its correlation with environment, morphology and metallicity. Using the Fundamental Plane, we measure distances and peculiar velocities for ~10^4 6dFGS galaxies to form the largest and most homogeneous peculiar velocity sample to date. Using a maximum-likelihood approach, we measure the overall bulk galaxy motions from the 6dFGS velocity field for the local volume of the universe, finding broad agreement with the predicted velocity field constructed from the 2MASS Redshift Survey. The local volume out to 16 120 km/s is found to have a bulk motion of 337 km/s in the direction (l,b) = (313°±9°,14°±10°), in good agreement with the results of other recent studies. A comparison of the observed and predicted fields is used to constrain parameters relating the distribution of galaxies and matter. We obtain a redshift-space distortion parameter β = 0.29±0.06 and a bias parameter for the 6dFGS velocity sample of b = 1.69±0.36.
 The 6dFGS velocity field provides an independent probe of cosmological parameters defining models of large-scale structure formation. Next steps include: (i) combining the 6dFGS sample in the south with the SDSS sample in the north to obtain an all-sky velocity field; (ii) deriving additional constraints on cosmological parameters from the velocity power spectrum analysis; and (iii) comparing the Fundamental Plane distances and velocities for early-type galaxies with the Tully-Fisher distances and velocities for spiral galaxies that will be obtained with the WALLABY survey on the Australian SKA Pathfinder.


The identification of emitters by an ESM (electronic support measure) system is becoming increasingly difficult due to the presence of emitters exercising complex parameter modulations such as frequency agility. Pulse de-interleaving techniques that can be used in this situation fall into the following categories: time-of-arrival de-interleaving, pigeon hole de-interleaving, and de-interleaving using metric techniques. The authors give a review of these techniques and their limitations in performance in the presence of frequency-agile and pulse-repetition-interval-agile radars. Three algorithms for ESM data processing are also discussed. An adaptive cell size de-interleaving approach dynamically optimizes the cell dimension based on the criterion described. The algorithm has been tested in a simulated ESM data processor. The implementation of the algorithm together with program and data structures are given. The approach and structure of moving cell algorithm and bulging cell algorithm are also discussed.<<ETX>>


Recent advances in tropospheric remote sensing have opened the way for measuring, monitoring, and understanding processes that lead to atmospheric pollution. As part of an integrated observing strategy, satellite measurements provide a context for localized observations and help to extend these observations to continental and global scales. The challenge for future space-borne missions will be directly accessing the local scale and facilitating the use of remotely sensed information for improving local- and regional-scale air quality (AQ) forecasts. Achieving this goal could provide important societal dividends for public health, for policy applications related to managing national AQ, and for assessing the impact of daily human activity on the distributions of important trace gases and aerosols and their short-timescale variability—known as 'chemical weather'—as well as on climate.


Quality of experience (QoE) is an essential metric for video service platforms such as Youtube and Netflix to monitor the service perceived by their end-users. Driven by the popularity of MPEG-Dynamic Adaptive HTTP Streaming (DASH) format among service providers, a plethora of QoE prediction models have been proposed for MPEG-DASH video streaming. However, conventional models are established based on machine learning techniques, which are unable to extract high-level features from low-level raw inputs via a hierarchical learning process. The capabilities of deep learning have paved the new way for more powerful QoE prediction models. The aim of this project is to propose a deep-learning-based QoE prediction method. The starting point of the project is a state-of-the-art framework called DeepQoE, which encompasses three phases: feature pre-processing, representation learning and QoE predicting phase. The framework is further improved by integrating ensemble learning in the prediction phase. Extensive experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed QoE prediction model as compared to conventional algorithms. By using a publicly available LIVE-NFLX-II dataset, the newly trained model outperforms not only conventional methods but also the DeepQoE by 0.226% and 0.06% in terms of Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient (SROCC) and Pearson Linear Correlation Coefficient (LCC), respectively.


The Triplochiton scleroxylon (African white wood) sawdust obtained from Nigeria was evaluated for its biofuels potential and its kinetic degradation behavior using thermogravimetric technique. The decomposition of the sawdust was carried out in nitrogen atmosphere with a flow rate of 10cm3min-1 from ambient temperature to 900oC. The results of the thermal profile shows that an active and passive pyrolysis occurred between the temperatures of 200 and 400oC with lower heating rates and between 200-800oC with high heating rate The kinetic parameters such as activation energy, preexponential factor and reaction order were determined using Friedman (FD), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), and FlynnWall-Ozawa (FWO) methods. The average apparent activation energy values of 126.42, 126.47 and 129.83 kJmol-1 were calculated using FD, KAS, and FWO models respectively. The activation energy values obtained were depended on conversion, which is an evidence of multi-steps kinetic processes during the pyrolytic degradation of the sawdust. The kinetic data would be of immense benefit to model, design and develop thermo-chemical system for the conversion of the sawdust to fuel.


The aim of this study was to compare the acute physiological (i.e., heart rate-related variables) and neuromuscular responses (i.e., sprint and jump) and time-motion characteristics (i.e., external load variables) when modifying the game design (possession play vs. mini-goals without a goalkeeper) during 4-a-side in amateur senior football players. Male senior football players (n = 16) performed two formats of small-sided games (SSGs) in two different testing sessions (4-a-side with possession play and mini-goals rule). Differences in time-motion characteristics and physiological parameters of players were measured with the Global Positioning System (GPS), and tested before and after (pre- and post-SSG) for neuromuscular assessment. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni post-hoc test, showed that both SSG formats induced changes in sprint performance (before-after comparison) (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that the variables muscle oxygen saturation, rate of perceived exertion, 85–89% heart rate peak, total distance, total distances at low speed, total distances at high speed, m/min, accelerations at low speed, accelerations of ≥ 2.5 m.s-2, maximal speed, and average speed were statistically significantly different among game conditions. The players' performances are affected by the inclusion of mini-goals during 4 vs. 4 SSGs. The results provide useful information for training and task design that replicate specific physical demands (i.e., accelerations of ≥ 2.5 m.s-2, total distances at high speed or total distances at low speed).


Creating a common language allows information to be shared well/wholesome/healthily. Classifications have a important role in the formation of this language, which provides many benefits such as follow-up of the clinical course. Classifications in spinal cord injuries are based on examination, so the results of different treatments can be revealed more clearly with a standardized examination and registration. The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) which is the most sensitive and common classification was developed by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), although its foundations were laid in 1969 by Frankel. Apart from neurological evaluation, there are scales such as Functional Independence Scale, Modified Barthel Index, Spinal Cord Independence Scale, Quadriplegia Functional Index, Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury, Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Inventory to determine the functional status in spinal cord injuries. Additionally scales such as Assessment of Spinal Cord Injury Basic Pain Data Set, Multidimensional Pain Inventory, DN4 (DouleurNeuropathique DN4) can be used for pain assessment in a patient with spinal cord injury.


Conventional T-cells respond to peptide antigens presented by person-specific Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs) and therefore therapies that harness such cells may only be applicable to a minority of individuals. Unconventional T-cells could bypass this limitation to provide an opportunity for population-wide disease treatments. Exploitation of such T-cells first requires a detailed study of the unconventional T-cells involved in the immune response. I therefore sought to characterise novel invariant T-cells generated in response to varied disease agents.
Results – An optimised protocol for procurement of disease-relevant unconventional T-cells was established and used to generate T-cell lines and clones of interest. T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing of unconventional T-cell populations revealed a predominance of mucosal-associated invariant cells and Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells. Enrichments for other shared TCR clonotypes included TRAV21 and TRAV13-1 genes, which have some evidence of an invariant nature. I identified an interesting T-cell clone that was capable of recognising a broad range of target cells through a novel mechanism. The ligand recognised by these T-cells was identified using a whole genome CRISPR approach. Further studies confirmed the nature of the ligand and that recognition was dependent on a new subtype of TCR that was present in all donors tested.
Conclusions - The field of unconventional T-cells is rapidly expanding, with novel invariant T-cells proving to be a much greater part of the T-cell repertoire than previously estimated. New and undiscovered invariant T-cell subsets are likely to provide exciting novel immunotherapies and bypass the limitation of HLA-restriction that is associated with conventional T-cell recognition of peptide-major histocompatibility complex ligands.


Employing a new self-report technique (paging devices), the self-feelings of 35 adolescents were assessed in various naturalistic contexts. Regression analysis was used to assess the stability of self-feelings. Individuals fell into three groups: stable, oscillating, and unpredictable (the largest). For the sample as a whole, self-feelings were not influenced by the immediate context, although specific settings, activities, and others present within the contexts elicited various levels of self-feelings. More crucial for predicting the self-feelings of adolescents are such enduring characteristics as sex, social class, pubertal maturation, stability group, birth order, and number of siblings. The authors argue for a baseline conceptualization of adolescent self-conception from which fluctuations occur.


extremely claustrophobic conditions, the nature of the patient's illness, and the requirements for patient compliance during the procedure followed by a rapid recovery. There is a paucity of information on how this can ideally be achieved. Propofol would appear to satisfy these requirements, but its unpredictable effects on involuntary movements precludes its use. The regimen suggested by Dr Gray and colleagues would appear to satisfy the above criteria and appears to provide safe and effective sedation. We would be interested to know how many patients they have studied using this regimen and the number, if any, of adverse effects encountered.


Public information search data from sources such as Google Trends affords researchers a perspective on what society does not know, or what society wants to find out prompted by, or in response to, developments in societal communication and news media events. In times of crisis, online public information search thus offers a window into the most urgent concerns of, and demands by society. By extension, such data offers a window into upcoming, and currently pressing demands on businesses, policymakers and researchers. This research note aims to illustrate some of these themes with a visual-based overview of the current COVID-19 / Coronavirus crisis.


In this paper we are going to modify the Schmitt Trigger based SRAM cell using Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) for the purpose of more reduced power than the existing type of designs. As well as the new design which is combined of virtual grounding with read error reduction logic is compared with existing Schmitt trigger based SRAM technologies. Negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) is an important lifetime reliability problem in microprocessors. The Schmitt Trigger operation gives better read-stability as well as enhanced write-ability compared to the standard 6T bit cell. The aim of this project is to develop a circuit level technique that takes advantage of program behavior to reduce power consumption with no performance degradation. These simulations are implemented by the mentor graphics tool.


This paper develops an efficient Bayesian sampling approach to geoacoustic scattering and reflection inversion based on trans-dimensional (trans-D) sampling over both the seabed model (number of sediment layers) and error model (autoregressive order to represent residual correlation). Sampling is carried out using a population of interacting Markov chains employing a range of sampling temperatures (parallel tempering). The approach is applied to both simulated and measured data. The advantages of trans-D autoregressive model sampling over alternative methods of error model selection is explored in terms of the reduction in posterior uncertainty of geoacoustic parameters and evaluation of residual correlation. The seabed is modeled as a stack of homogeneous fluid sediment layers overlying an elastic basement. Including elastic (shear) parameters in the basement makes this layer distinct from the overlying sediment layers and requires a novel formulation of the partition prior distribution for trans-D sampling. [Work supported by ONR.]


Distributed sensor networks often include a multitude of sensors, each measuring parts of a process state space or observing the operations of a system. Communication of measurements between the sensor nodes and estimator(s) cannot realistically be considered delay-free due to communication errors and transmission latency in the channels. We propose a novel stability-based method that mitigates the influence of sensor network delays in distributed state estimation for linear time-varying systems. Our proposed algorithm efficiently selects a subset of sensors from the entire sensor nodes in the network based on the desired stability margins of the distributed Kalman filter estimates, after which, the state estimates are computed only using the measurements of the selected sensors. We provide comparisons between the estimation performance of our proposed algorithm and a greedy algorithm that exhaustively selects an optimal subset of nodes. We then apply our method to a simulative scenario for estimating the states of a linear time-varying system using a sensor network including 2000 sensor nodes. Simulation results demonstrate the performance efficiency of our algorithm and show that it closely follows the achieved performance by the optimal greedy search algorithm


Discharge capacity of PBD is sensitive in proportion to thickness and ground condition, and drainage of PBD declines due to disturbance effect in surrounding ground by mandrel used for vertical drainage setting and setting machines and type. Also, deviation of discharge capacity gets larger according to ground condition, construction condition and soil properties. But cause and analysis of those problems like reduced discharge of capacity and delayed dissipation of pore water pressure for discharge capacity is lack. Thus, in this text, ground improvement and discharge capacity is investigated by implementing composite discharge capacity test for analysis of an effect factor of PBD discharge capacity with in-situ ground condition. After fixing the vertical drain on a cylindrical cylinder, put churned sample into the cylinder. After in-situ ground and reclamation of ground are dredged, load following the loading step of 30, 70 and 120kPa using a pressure device. Result of the test, The discharge capacity was SM>ML>CL>CL(dredged soil) in situ condition and more fine-grained content, the amount of discharge was greater.


Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potential cardiovascular risk factor. However, there is currently no prominent screening strategy for its diagnosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to establish the impact of apneic events in case of OSA associated with ACS. Methods Between January 1st and June 30th, fifty-three subjects with ACS (first acute myocardial infarction) were prospectively evaluated for OSA. Each patient was evaluated by polysomnography (PSG) two months after the ACS. Results Mean age of 59±9,6 years, 81,1% males, BMI at 28,5±4,2 kg/m2, neck circumference of 42,5±12,6 cm, and waist circumference os 102,5±16,5 cm. The majority of patients (73,6%) had moderate to severe OSA (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/h and arousal index ≥ 10/h). We defined the apneic coefficient (AC) as the ratio between apnea index (AI) and AHI. We chose as cut-off the median value of apnea coefficient in our population which was at 37%. The patients with a higher AC (AC ≥ 37% versus AC < 37%) had higher levels of Troponin-I (63,4±63,2 versus 29,7±36,1 ng/mL, p=0,016), higher levels of NT-proBNP (1879,8±2141,8 versus 480±621,3 pg/mL, p=0,001), higher SYNTAX score (15,8±11,5 versus 10,2±5,9, p=0,049), and lower left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF 53,3±11,4 versus 59,4±6,4%, p=0,023) and were more likely to have a STEMI (21 patients (77,7%) vesus 14 patients (53,8%), p=0,031). Conclusion An apneic coefficient (AI/AHI) ≥ 37% is correlated with more severe cardiac impairment, as well as higher hypoxemia and arousal index.


DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that involves the addition of a methyl group to a cytosine residue in CpG dinucleotides, which are particularly abundant in gene promoter regions. Several studies have highlighted the role that modifications of DNA methylation may have on the adverse health effects caused by exposure to environmental toxicants. One group of xenobiotics that is increasingly present in our daily lives are nanomaterials, whose unique physicochemical properties make them interesting for a large number of industrial and biomedical applications. Their widespread use has raised concerns about human exposure, and several toxicological studies have been performed, although the studies focusing on nanomaterials' effect on DNA methylation are still limited. The aim of this review is to investigate the possible impact of nanomaterials on DNA methylation. From the 70 studies found eligible for data analysis, the majority were in vitro, with about half using cell models related to the lungs. Among the in vivo studies, several animal models were used, but most were mice models. Only two studies were performed on human exposed populations. Global DNA methylation analyses was the most frequently applied approach. Although no trend towards hypo- or hyper-methylation could be observed, the importance of this epigenetic mechanism in the molecular response to nanomaterials is evident. Furthermore, methylation analysis of target genes and, particularly, the application of comprehensive DNA methylation analysis techniques, such as genome-wide sequencing, allowed identifying differentially methylated genes after nanomaterial exposure and affected molecular pathways, contributing to the understanding of their possible adverse health effects.


Key technical challenges in hybrid fuel cell power system applications are the power management and the thermal control. In this paper, a charge-sustaining supervisory power controller is developed, which minimizes the warm-up duration of a fuel cell/battery hybrid power system by optimally controlling the power split between the fuel cell system and the battery, as well as the operation of an auxiliary heater. The controller is implemented as a model-predictive feedback law. First, a control-oriented, mathematical model of the system is established and partially validated with experimental data. An optimal control problem is then stated, and from the necessary conditions of Pontryagin's minimum principle a solution is derived. The operation of the controller is demonstrated in the simulation, and the controller's functionality is analyzed in detail. As the controller has a feedback structure and as it requires only low computing power, it is adequate for an on-board, real-time application


Chlorella is one of the most well-known microalgal genera, currently comprising approximately a hundred species of single-celled green algae according to the AlgaeBase. Strains of the genus Chlorella have the ability to metabolize both inorganic and organic carbon sources in various trophic modes and synthesize valuable metabolites that are widely used in many industries. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of three trophic modes on the growth parameters, productivities of individual cell components, and biochemical composition of Chlorella sorokiniana, Chloroidium saccharofilum, and Chlorella vulgaris cells with special consideration of protein profiles detected by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Mixotrophic conditions with the use of an agro-industrial by-product stimulated the growth of all Chlorella species, which was confirmed by the highest specific growth rates and the shortest biomass doubling times. The mixotrophic cultivation of all Chlorella species yielded a high amount of protein-rich biomass with reduced contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and carbohydrates. Additionally, this work provides the first information about the proteome of Chloroidium saccharofilum, Chlorella sorokiniana, and Chlorella vulgaris cells cultured in molasses supplementation conditions. The proteomic analysis of the three Chlorella species growing photoheterotrophically and mixotrophically showed increased accumulation of proteins involved in the cell energy metabolism and carbon uptake, photosynthesis process, and protein synthesis, as well as proteins involved in intracellular movements and chaperone proteins.


Squirrel-caused power outages in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska, were evaluated by examining company power outage reports and by consulting with power company representatives. Reports showed that squirrel-caused outages at pole-mounted transformers were most prevalent during May, June, and October (48% of total) and between 1 and 4 h after sunrise (38%), patterns that coincide with squirrel dispersal or morning activity periods. In Lincoln, 1980 and 1981, squirrels caused 177 outages per year, which was 24% of all outages and 90% of animal-caused outages. Estimated minimum annual costs were $23 364 for repairs, public relations, and lost revenue while meters were not running. In Omaha, 1985 and 1986, squirrels caused 332 outages per year, costing at least $47 144 annually. Squirrel-caused outages at substations cost an additional $400 (Lincoln) to $810 (Omaha) annually. Between 1982 and 1985, squirrel guards were installed on all 13 000 Lincoln transformers at an estimated minimum cost of $20 per guard, or $260 000 total. Records from Lincoln after all guards were installed (1986 and 1987) indicate that annual costs were reduced 78% to $5148. Life expectancy of the guards is unknown. The extent of squirrel-caused outages and associated costs may vary among cities and regions. Assessment of these outages as described here can be used for timing biological studies and as a procedural structure for making similar economic assessments in other areas.


Currently, Many hospitals have established their own CPR (Computer-Based Patient Record) systems. Under the trend of Internet globalization, how to integrate and share heterogeneous CPR has become one of the main problems that medical information construction faces. This paper presents a CPR data integration method based on hybrid ontology, which effectively eliminates the heterogeneity among CPR systems by means of constructing mapping, and provides a good basis for achieving the sharing of CPR data.


The oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions of volcanic ash layers from coastal outcrops of the Miocene Monterey Formation elucidate the progressive burial diagenesis of glass to bentonite and metabentonite. Volcanic glass that texturally appears unaltered is found to have δl8O and δD values that are significantly higher than fresh volcanic glasses. The positive shift in δ18O and δD values is proportional to the amount of hydration and chemical alteration of the glass samples. Initial hydration of the glass results in the exchange of Na for H; later hydration results in the loss of K and Fe in exchange for H and Na. The δ18O values of the most hydrated glass, and clay minerals from bentonite and metabentonite layers are approximately in equilibrium with slightly modified seawater. The δD values of the hydrated glass, and clay minerals from bentonite and metabentonite layers, are significantly depleted in D relative to seawater and suggest meteoric exchange associated with tectonic uplift and erosion in the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Smectite from bentonite layers has δ18O and δD values similar to the most hydrated glass samples, suggesting similar glass-water and smectite-water fractionation factors. Kaolinite and mixed-layered illite-smectite (I-S) altered from smectite have lower δ18O and higher δD values than their precursor. The δ18O and δD of nonvolcanic siliceous mudstones from the Pt. Arguello oil field show an unusual decrease in δD with increasing burial depth that probably reflects the presence of organic hydrogen in the analyzed samples as well as possible D-depleted formation waters from detrital illite-water and hydrocarbon-water exchange.


AutoCAD 2012 30-Day Trial Version included on the enclosed DVD. This is the right book for you if: you're new to AutoCAD or want to brush up on the basics, you're looking for a clear, no nonsense, easy-to-follow text, or you want to learn AutoCAD quickly and easily. Totally updated for AutoCAD 2012 and 2012 LT, it includes Autodesk Exchange; Auto-Complete Command Entry; Group creation and control; Copy, Array; Array along a Path; Associative Array; and Creation Preview. Enhanced features include Updated Ribbon Interface; Faster Startups, Instantaneous response as you switch between ribbon and tabs; UCS control enhancements; File Previews; Grip functions; Quick Properties; Object Selection; and Multileader enhancements. Additionally it offers 30 lessons with step-by-step instructions followed by exercises designed for practicing the commands learned within the lesson. Providing only what you need without all of the jargon, it is ideal for classroom instruction or as a self-study tutorial.


The relationship between common sense and rationality as well as the desirability of drawing a negative inference from an accused or suspect's silence are the basis of a centuries old debate. At present the common sense argument that the right to remain silent should be restricted as it only protects the guilty is gaining support. Eminent judges such as Van Dijkhorst J and Nugent JA have articulated strong arguments in favour of restricting the right to remain silent. The South African Law Commission has recently proposed that in a number of specified circumstances adverse inferences be permitted to be drawn from pre-trial silence. There is no doubt that such a view has both popular and political support. The argument for restricting the right to silence has also received support internationally. The law commission's proposals are largely modelled on the English Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Restricting the right to remain silent raises a host of constitutional issues. Section 35 of the Constitution expressly confers the right to remain silent on accused and arrested persons. Clearly imposing a criminal sanction on a person who elects to remain silent would infringe these constitutional rights. It is more debatable whether drawing an adverse inference from a person's failure to speak up in specified circumstances would similarly infringe the right to remain silent. However, the broad focus of this chapter is not constitutionality - although the arguments raised below remain relevant to a limitations analysis. What this chapter examines is the common sense assertion that silence is claimed by and protects the guilty and that restricting the right to remain silent will enhance the effective functioning of the criminal justice system. The scope of the chapter is further narrowed by focussing on only one of the amendments proposed by the South African Law Commission namely, that a court be allowed to draw an inference from the accused's failure to mention a fact when questioned by the police prior to, or on being informed of, the charge or potential charge if the accused then relies on the unmentioned fact later at his or her trial. Because those who favour restricting the right to remain silent make strong common sense claims, this chapter also makes a tentative attempt to explore the role of common sense in decision making.


A novel Si-YBaCuO intermixing technique has been developed for patterning YBaCuO superconducting thin films on both insulating oxide substrates (MgO) and semiconductor substrates (Si). The electrical, structural, and interfacial properties of the Si-YBaCuO intermixed system have been studied using resistivity, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger depth profiling measurements. The study showed that the reaction of Si with YBaCuO and formation of silicon oxides during a high temperature process destroyed superconductivity of the film and created an insulating film. On a MgO substrate, the patterning process was carried out by first patterning a silicon layer using photolithography or laser-direct-writing, followed by the deposition of YBaCuO film and annealing. For a silicon substrate, thin metal layers of Ag and Au were patterned as a buffer mask which defines the YBaCuO structures fabricated thereafter. Micron-sized (2-10 ~m) superconducting structures with zero resistance temperature above 77 K have been demonstrated. This technique has been used to fabricate current controlled HTS switches and interconnects.


Abstract It is widely claimed that the presence of phyllosilicates in sandstones increases intergranular pressure solution (IPS) rates in these rocks. However, this has not been experimentally confirmed. This study reports the results of isostatic hot-pressing compaction experiments at a temperature of 500°C and an effective pressure of 100 MPa on mixtures of quartz and muscovite. Previous work has shown that under these conditions dissolution is rate controlling in pure quartz. No acceleration of compaction rates of quartz by the addition of muscovite was observed. Instead, a modest decrease in compaction rates was observed (factor 3–10), which we infer was due to a decrease in IPS rate. The effect of muscovite in slowing IPS may be due to the influence of dissolved aluminum (Al3+) dominating over any accelerating effects of alkali-metal cations. From the geochemical literature, Al3+ in solution is expected to decrease the solubility, dissolution rates and precipitation rates of quartz. However, the effect of the addition of muscovite on IPS rates in quartz when controlled by diffusion or precipitation may be different. Experiments should be conducted on quartz sand under conditions where diffusion or precipitation is rate controlling to investigate these possible effects.


BACKGROUND
Forty to 70 cases of occupational asthma due to sensitization to an agent present in the workplace are accepted each year by the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail, the Quebec medicolegal agency.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS
In a random sample of eight to 10 accepted claims per year from 1988 to 2002, the direct costs of compensation for loss of income (CLI) and compensation for functional impairment (CFI), as well as the associations of these costs with selected variables, were assessed.

RESULTS
Mean costs (presented as Canadian dollars x10(3)) of CLI, CFI and total were 72.5, 11.7 and 92.8, respectively, while the median costs were 40.7, 7.6 and 61.3 for CLI, CFI and total, respectively. Median CLI costs were significantly higher in men than women (69.9 versus 13.1), workers aged 40 years or older versus those younger than 40 years (90.1 versus 27.4), workers with occupational asthma due to workplace exposure to low versus high molecular weight agents (51.2 versus 38.6), and workers taking inhaled steroids at diagnosis (92 versus 52) and reassessment (81 versus 35). Median CFI costs were also higher in those requiring retraining (10.4) and taking early retirement (61.8) than workers who stayed with the same employer but in a different job (5.4). Median CFI costs were significantly higher for individuals being treated with inhaled steroids at the time of diagnosis (14.0 versus 5.2) and reassessment (13 versus 6), and for those left with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (9.5 versus 0.8) related to forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity.

CONCLUSION
Age, sex, nature of occupational agent, treatment with inhaled steroids and type of rehabilitation all affect CLI, whereas lung function status at baseline and reassessment is related to CFI.


Voting is almost never done in void, as usually there are some relations between the alternatives on which the voters vote on. These relations shall be taken into consideration when selecting a winning committee of some given multiwinner election. As taking into account all possible relations between the alternatives is generally computationally intractable, in this paper we consider classes of alternatives; intuitively, the number of classes is significantly smaller than the number of alternatives, and thus there is some hope in reaching computational tractability. We model both intraclass relations and interclass relations by functions, which we refer to as synergy functions, and study the computational complexity of identifying the best committee, taking into account those synergy functions. Our model accommodates both positive and negative relations between alternatives; further, our efficient algorithms can also deal with a rich class of diversity wishes, which we show how to model using synergy functions.


In an ongoing effort to understand stability and quench characteristics in large high field superconductivity systems, a series of Quench Initiation and Propagation Studies (QUIPS) is being employed. The goal is to establish a database of stability and quench information for the present 45 T Hybrid project and for future applications. To reach the goal in an efficient, cost effective manner, novel techniques are implemented to model high field stability and quench behaviour in cable in conduit conductors (CICC) at relatively low fields. A relatively low J/sub c/ superconductor having a comparable critical temperature is used to approach the operating temperature margins of the Nb/sub 3/Sn conductor in the A subcoil of the 45 T Hybrid. One particular technique was the heat treatment of the single triplex NbTi CICC to degrade the J/sub c/ for stability matching purposes. Design parameters and operating conditions of the long solenoid are also tailored for optimal sealing. This paper discusses the analytical methods, processes, and their associated effects on the model.


New instructorship of the senior-level beef systems management course at Iowa State University presented the opportunity for curriculum revision. The objective was to conduct a critical course evaluation and update course objectives and student outcomes. Fifteen industry stakeholders were invited to aid in an assessment of course objectives and student preparation for various beef industry careers. Stakeholders participated in a series of surveys patterned after the Delphi process designed to rank the importance of various beef industry aspects that students need to understand prior to entering the industry. The result was a list of industry-determined student outcomes. During Round I, stakeholders anonymously listed outcomes and objectives considered paramount to the course. Results were compiled, and stakeholders individually ranked outcomes by importance during Round II. Round III involved a group discussion on Round II rankings to develop a stakeholder-ranking of course objectives and outcomes. Rankings were condensed into main categories with a composite mean, median, and standard deviation calculated for each category. Final rankings were used to assess and re-design the curriculum as results recommended an increased emphasis should be placed on business management and financial principles. Surveying stakeholders with this Delphi-style method proved to be an effective protocol for instructors to critically evaluate and update course objectives and outcomes relevant to industry needs.


BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the analytical validity of an RNA classifier for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

METHODS
Fresh-frozen tissue specimens were obtained from commercial sources, and MTC diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology review. De-identified patient fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) and whole blood from normal donors were obtained. Total RNA was extracted, amplified, and hybridized to custom microarrays for gene expression analysis. Gene expression data were normalized and classified via a machine learning algorithm. Positive control materials were produced from MTC tissues and tested across multiple experiments and laboratories. Twenty-seven MTC tissue specimens were used to evaluate the sensitivity of the MTC classifier. Gene expression data from tissues and FNABs were used to model classifier response to mixtures of MTC samples with normal thyroid tissue, a benign thyroid nodule, a Hürthle cell adenoma, and whole blood. Select mixture conditions were confirmed in vitro. Assay tolerance to RNA input variation (5-25 ng) and genomic DNA contamination (30% by mass) was evaluated. The intra- and inter-run reproducibility and inter-laboratory accuracy of MTC classifier results were characterized.

RESULTS
The MTC classifier sensitivity of 96.3% [confidence interval 81.0-99.9%] was determined retrospectively using 27 MTC confirmed tissue specimens. One false-negative result in a necrotic tissue implicated sample necrosis in reduced classifier sensitivity. Dilution modeling of MTC samples with normal or benign tissues showed consistent detection of MTC down to 20% sample proportions, with in vitro confirmation of 20% analytical sensitivity. Classifier tolerance to RNA input variation (5-25 ng), genomic DNA contamination (30% by mass), and an interfering substance (blood) was demonstrated with 100% accurate classifier results under all tested conditions. The maximum observed run-to-run score difference for a single FNAB sample was ∼1 unit compared with the average score difference between 38 MTC and non-MTC FNABs of ∼32 units. MTC classifier results for 20 tissues processed from total RNA in two different laboratories showed 100% concordance.

CONCLUSIONS
The MTC classifier, offered as part of the routine molecular testing of cytology-indeterminate thyroid nodules, demonstrates robust analytical sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility.


Aminoglycoside nucleotidyltransferase(2″)-Ia (ANT) catalyzes the covalent modification of certain aminoglycoside antibiotics and imparts resistance to bacteria which possess this enzyme. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments using two structurally similar substrates (kanamycin A and kanamycin B) and a structurally different inhibitor (neomycin) were performed to determine pH and proton linkage effects on thermodynamic properties of enzyme–aminoglycoside complexes. Data showed that there was a decrease in pKa for one or more carboxyl groups on the enzyme that interacts with 2′-amino group of neomycin or kanamycin B. Protonation state of this site exerted a significant effect on the binding affinity of ligand to ANT. ITC experiments also showed that the loss of affinity at higher pH values was not as pronounced for neomycin compared to kanamycins. This difference is a result of higher pK a s for free neomycin which are up shifted in the ANT–neomycin complex. The decrease in affinity and differences in binding linked protonation above and below the pH optimum cannot be fully explained by these two factors. Therefore, the formation of ANT–aminoglycoside complexes involves protonation and deprotonation of multiple functional groups on both ligand and enzyme which also contribute to the pH profile of the complex formation.


Induction motors (IMs) are used extensively as driving actuators in electric vehicles. Motor rotors are prone to defects in the die casting procedure, which can significantly reduce the production quality. Benefitting from the development of Internet of Things (IoT) techniques and edge computing, this study designed an instrumentation system for the fast inspection of rotor defects to meet the objectives of efficient and high-quality rotor production. First, an electromagnetic sensing device is designed to acquire the induced voltage signal of the rotor under investigation. Second, a residual multiscale feature fusion convolutional neural network model is designed to extract the hierarchical features of the signal, to facilitate defect recognition. The developed algorithm is deployed into a cost-effective edge computing node that includes a signal acquisition circuit and a Raspberry Pi microcontroller. The conducted experimental studies show that this implementation can achieve an inference time of less than 200 ms and accuracy of more than 99%. It is shown that the designed system exhibits superior performance when compared with conventional methods. The developed, compact and flexible handheld solution with enhanced deep learning techniques shows outstanding potential for use in real-time rotor defect detection.


The article is an extension of this paper1. It describes methods for dealing with reliability and fault tolerance issues in cloud-based datacenters. These methods mainly focus on the elimination of a single point of failure within any component of the cloud infrastructure, availability of infrastructure and accessibility of cloud services. Methods for providing the availability of hardware, software and network components are also presented. The analysis of the actual accessibility of cloud services and the mapping of a cloud-based datacenter infrastructure with different levels of reliability to the Tier Classification System2 is described. Non-compliance of the actual accessibility with the level of High Availability for cloud web services is unraveled.


The interaction of dyes with cells and tissue is well understood, and the use of light-activated compounds in therapy is becoming more established. However, the application of near-infrared light in these areas, particularly from a therapeutic angle, has received little attention. With greatly improved access to near-infrared light sources, there is considerable potential for therapeutic advances due to the increased tissue penetration offered by wavelengths in the 700–1000 nm region, particularly regarding blood vessel disorders and larger or deeper-seated tumours. The design and development of suitably absorbing dyes to take advantage of near-infraread illumination is discussed for the major structural types.


ABSTRACT Responses to COVID-19 across the globe are immensely varied and often perplexing. Policy levers, from mask wearing and social distancing to lockdowns and school closures, have been adopted and avoided with equal conviction by decisions makers who believe their measures are appropriate. In some contexts, the global pandemic has been treated with due seriousness by governments and political leaders while in others it has been downplayed to such an extent that it has been framed as a hoax. Every response to the pandemic has produced seemingly zero-sum debates and disputes over the veracity of knowledge bases, while uncertainty reigns as one of the few constants in decision making arenas. While it may be tempting to gravitate to the view that this unimaginable crisis is beyond the capacity of policy scholars to understand, this introductory article sets the scene for dispelling such a notion. It highlights how a number of core policy issues and perspectives, including the politics of problem framing, the limits of an evidence-based approach, and the nature of the public sector, can help bring analytical insights to this unprecedented crisis.


Keywords: Processus politiques et institutions ; Recherche Note: 285/CEATrapport d'etude de cas Reference CEAT-REPORT-1999-006 Record created on 2009-05-06, modified on 2016-08-08


Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the association between board demographics and firm financial performance of Karachi Stock Exchange companies and describe the attributes of these firms and their boards. The connection between board structure and firm performance has attracted much attention, especially in emerging economies, yet yielded many inconsistent empirical results.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the relationship between board structure and the performance of Pakistani public listed companies by using a sample of Karachi Stock Exchange 100 (KSE-100) indexed companies. This study exploits the corporate performance by accounting-based measures (return on assets), market-based measures (Tobin's Q), and economic profit (economic value added).

Findings

The outcome of the study shows the positive relationship between the board size, minority representation in board, and family director's in-board and firm performance. The authors also find that, instead of adding value, independent directors in Pakistan are negatively associated with firm value.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on KSE-100 indexed companies from 2009 to 2013; however, a large sample and multiple years' data are required.

Practical implications

The paper provides empirical evidence that board independence is not necessary for public-listed companies in Pakistan and would be of interest to regulatory bodies, business practitioners, and academic researchers.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on corporate governance and firm performance by introducing a framework for identifying and analyzing moderating variables that affect the relationship between board structure and firm performance.


The trial with 11 genotypes of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus subsp. napus) with different provenance was based on experimental station Borovce near SCAR – RICP Piesťany (Slovak Republic) in autumn 2008 (the Trnavska pahorkatina locality, altitude 167 m, maize growing region). Approximately in weekly intervals, since beginning of April to middle of June 2009, for the purpose of growth analysis, plants of all genotypes were taken. The curves of leaf area development of genotypes were simulated from the data on the size of leaf area using software application. Based on these curves, the integral leaf area (leaf area duration, LAD) was established, calculated as the integral area under the curve showing the course of simulated leaf area during the spring growing season. Hybrids had an average leaf area larger than the line varieties. The highest values of LAD reached line varieties Verona and Viking. LAD values simulated for the spring growing season of individual genotypes correlated closely with dry mass weight reached before siliques ripening period (in the middle of June). The positive correlation between the LAD and the number of deployed siliques was recorded. Ability to keep sufficiently large leaf area over a long period expressed in LAD values was shown as a presumption for high production potential of winter oilseed rape genotypes.


This paper presents an efficient algorithm for a new variation of the point feature labeling problem. The goal is to position the largest number of point labels such that they do not intersect each other or their points. First we present an algorithm using a greedy algorithm with limited lookahead. We then present an algorithm that iteratively regroups labels, calling the first algorithm on each group, thereby identifying a close to optimal labeling order. The presented algorithm is being used in a commercial product to label charts, and our evaluation shows that it produces results far superior to those of other labeling algorithms.


Abstract Tiny particles were found in the medium in the presence of the human leukemia cell line Kasumi-6. The particles were separated from human cells by filtration and incubated in RPMI1640 supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum at 37 C. The particles increased in number very slowly in the liquid medium but did not reveal any biological activity. Transmission electron microscopy of the particles showed a spheroid or ovoid shape in ultrathin section. No specific polypeptides from the purified particles were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), except for bovine fetuin that adsorbed to the surface of the particles. X-ray diffractometry as well as Fourier transform infrared spectrometry suggested the particles consisted of hydroxyapatite. The mechanism of self-propagation of the hydroxyapatite particles in liquid medium is currently unknown. This type of particle has been overlooked for a long period because it is noncultivable. It will be necessary to examine its biological effects to the cultured cells.


This work investigates the environmental and economic performances of a membrane reactor for hydrogen production from raw biogas. Potential benefits of the innovative technology are compared against reference hydrogen production processes based on steam (or autothermal) reforming, water gas shift reactors and a pressure swing adsorption unit. Both biogas produced by landfill and anaerobic digestion are considered to evaluate the impact of biogas composition. Starting from the thermodynamic results, the environmental analysis is carried out using environmental Life cycle assessment (LCA). Results show that the adoption of the membrane reactor increases the system efficiency by more than 20 percentage points with respect to the reference cases. LCA analysis shows that the innovative BIONICO system performs better than reference systems when biogas becomes a limiting factor for hydrogen production to satisfy market demand, as a higher biogas conversion efficiency can potentially substitute more hydrogen produced by fossil fuels (natural gas). However, when biogas is not a limiting factor for hydrogen production, the innovative system can perform either similar or worse than reference systems, as in this case impacts are largely dominated by grid electric energy demand and component use rather than conversion efficiency. Focusing on the economic results, hydrogen production cost shows lower value with respect to the reference cases (4 €/kgH2 vs 4.2 €/kgH2) at the same hydrogen delivery pressure of 20 bar. Between landfill and anaerobic digestion cases, the latter has the lower costs as a consequence of the higher methane content.


The Sato Tome' back-to-back converter is planned as the second HVDC link to asynchronously connect the Argentina (50 Hz) and Brazil (60 Hz) transmission systems. From the date of commissioning to the year 1996, the S. Tome' converter will be connected to the respective AC networks via single AC ties. In 1996, plans call for a second 132 kV line on the Argentina side, thereby interconnecting the two frequency converters. The purpose of this paper is to describe the technical specifications, engineering studies, and final designs for the S. Tome' frequency converter. Specifications called for a number of special control features to assure a versatile operating strategy.


Cyclophosphamide treatment can cause premature ovarian failure. This pilot study evaluates the protective effect of the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, cetrorelix, on ovarian function, when used during cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in women aged 18–35. Primary outcomes measured were serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and inhibin prior to and at 6 and 12 months after chemotherapy. Secondary outcomes were hormonal evidence of a suppressive effect and the side effect profile.


The classical Center-Focus Problem posed by H. Poincar\'e in 1880's is concerned on the characterization of planar polynomial vector fields $X=(-y+P(x,y))\dfrac{\partial}{\partial x}+(x+Q(x,y))\dfrac{\partial}{\partial y},$ with $P(0,0)=Q(0,0)=0,$ such that all their integral trajectories are closed curves whose interiors contain a fixed point called center or such that all their integral trajectories are spirals called foci. In this paper we state and study the inverse problem to the Center-Foci Problem i.e., we require to determine the analytic planar vector fields $X$ in such a way that for a given Liapunov function \[V=V(x,y)=\dfrac{\lambda}{2}(x^2+y^2)+\displaystyle\sum_{j=3}^{\infty} H_j(x,y),\] where $H_j=H_j(x,y)$ are homogenous polynomial of degree $j,$ the following equation holds \[X(V)=\displaystyle\sum_{j=3}^{\infty}V_j(x^2+y^2)^{j+1}, \] where $V_j$ for $j\in\mathbb{N}$ are the Liapunov constants. In particular we study the case when the origin is a center and the vector field is polynomial.


We present a framework for building interactive, real-time, natural language-instructable robots in the real world, and we open source related assets (dataset, environment, benchmark, and policies). Trained with behavioral cloning on a dataset of hundreds of thousands of language-annotated trajectories, a produced policy can proficiently execute an order of magnitude more commands than previous works: specifically we estimate a 93.5% success rate on a set of 87,000 unique natural language strings specifying raw end-to-end visuo-linguo-motor skills in the real world. We find that the same policy is capable of being guided by a human via real-time language to address a wide range of precise long-horizon rearrangement goals, e.g."make a smiley face out of blocks". The dataset we release comprises nearly 600,000 language-labeled trajectories, an order of magnitude larger than prior available datasets. We hope the demonstrated results and associated assets enable further advancement of helpful, capable, natural-language-interactable robots. See videos at https://interactive-language.github.io.


The March 12th 1971 coup d'etat traumatised the Turkish nation and its political and social culture. It was a pivotal moment in the struggles within Turkish politics between secularism, nationalism, and Islamism which remain part of the national discourse to this day. The 'March 12th novels' is a retroactive umbrella term used to describe the works of fiction written between 1971 and 1980 which take as their inspiration the events surrounding the coup d'etat; the military takeover, the battle between revolutionary left wing activists and nationalists, and the political and social fallout of the coup. This study aims to give new insight into the novels by asserting their significance as artefacts of cultural memory. Far from being propagandist works as previous critics have suggested, these novels, with their complexities, contrasts, and fictional imaginings critique the power relations which shaped the period far more effectively than biographical and historical works. As it will demonstrate, the aesthetics of the novels are driven by power and each character is a function of that power, exploring the relationship between the state and individual members of society.


BACKGROUND
Immobilization of the lower leg is associated with venous thromboembolism. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is an anticoagulant treatment which might be used in adult patients with lower-leg immobilization to prevent deep venous thrombosis and its complications.

OBJECTIVES
To investigate the current literature on thromboprophylactic practice for patients with lower-limb injuries who are immobilized in plaster casts or braces, to assess the need for concrete guidelines, and to assess whether it is possible to come to an evidence-based conclusion.

SEARCH STRATEGY
The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Disease Group searched their Specialized Register (last searched 20 May 2008) and the Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (last searched The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 2). We searched MEDLINE (until May 2008) and EMBASE (until May 2008) and reference lists of articles. We contacted pharmaceutical companies of LMWHs for relevant studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that described thromboprophylaxis by means of LMWH compared with no prophylaxis or placebo in adult patients with lower-leg immobilization. Immobilization was by means of a plaster cast or brace.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. The review authors contacted the trial authors for additional information if required. Statistical analysis was carried out using Review Manager (RevMan 5).

MAIN RESULTS
We included six RCTs fulfilling the above criteria with a total of 1490 patients. We found an incidence of venous thromboembolism ranging from 4.3% to 40%, in patients who had a leg injury that had been immobilized in a plaster cast or a brace for at least one week and who received no prophylaxis, or placebo. This number was significantly lower in patients who received daily subcutaneous injections of LMWH during immobilization (event rates ranging from 0% to 37%; odds ratio (OR) 0.49; fixed 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34 to 0.72; with minimal evidence of heterogeneity with an I(2) of 20%, P = 0. 29). Comparable results were seen in the following subcategories: operated patients, conservatively treated patients, patients with fractures, patients with soft-tissue injuries, patients with proximal thrombosis, patients with distal thrombosis and patients with below-knee casts. Complications of major bleeding events were extremely rare (0.3%) and there were no reports of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Use of LMWH in outpatients significantly reduces VTE when immobilization of the lower leg is required.


Survivability which gives a new way to research the network security is different from traditional network security. First, this paper summarized the research of survivability for network system and the immunity principle. On this basis, network system survivability management architecture based on immunity principle is proposed. Then the process of multi-agent is introduced. At last the paper summarized the characteristic of this architecture. Analysis proves it is very effective that immunity principle is used in the area of network survivability management. And many problems of building survivable network system are solved.


Background Conventional radiotherapy at a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions after breast conservative surgery is the standard treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS). Hypofractionation is an interesting alternative for the treatment of breast cancer, providing a less intense treatment scheme for the patient. While the hypofractionated regimen of 42.5 Gy in 16 fractions has been shown to be equivalent to 50 Gy in 25 in infiltrating ductal carcinoma, few studies and no prospective study have reported results using hypofractionation in DCIS. Materials and Methods: In this multicenter collaborative effort, we retrospectively reviewed the records of women with a diagnosis of DCIS at two Canadian institutions, treated with conservative surgery followed by hypofractionated radiotherapy (42.5 Gy in 16 fractions) to the whole breast. Tumor, patient and treatment factors were collected. Local control was evaluated using the Kaplan Meier method. Curves were compared using log rank. Results: Between 2003 to 2008, 292 patients with DCIS underwent conservative surgery followed by hypofractionated radiation in 16 fractions for a total dose of 42.5 Gy. Treatment delivery was similar at both institutions. Mean age at diagnosis was 59 years, with 70 % of women being postmenopausal. Nuclear grade was 1–2 in 65 % of patients while 28 % had grade 3 tumors. Complete surgical excision with negative margins was achieved in 92 % of patients. Radiotherapy boost was given to 92 patients (31.5 %) at the discretion of the radiation oncologist. After a mean follow up of 3.35 years (range 1–8 years), 10 patients (3.4 %) had ipsilateral local relapse resulting in a disease-free survival (DFS) of 96 % at 4 years. The histology at recurrence was DCIS for 8 patients; infiltrative disease for one patient and one patient had an unknown histology at recurrence. Age was statistically associated with local relapse (DFS 89 % for patients under 50 years old vs 97 % for those older than 50, p=0.027). Grade was also a significant prognostic factor (DFS 98% for grade 1–2 vs 91 % for grade 3, p = 0.015). Finally, administration of boost did not have an impact on local control (DFS boost 98 % vs 95 % for no boost, p=0.44). Discussion: Hypofractionated radiotherapy (42.5 Gy in 16 fractions) provides excellent local control for patients with DCIS undergoing breast conservative surgery. This regimen is more convenient to both patient and physician since it is less time consuming. Further work needs to be done to determine if this regimen is as effective as conventional radiotherapy in younger women (age less than 50) and those with grade 3 tumors. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-18-04.


This paper develops a broad framework for understanding accounting changes in Dutch government organizations. Two major accounting changes concern the transition from centrally controlled to divisionalized organizations and the replacement of input control by output control. The framework is illustrated with empirical findings on processes of accounting change, which took place in a number of governmental organizations in the Netherlands. These illustrations show that a wide gap exists between the ideal concept of formal accounting change and its ultimate development, as well as between the newly developed accounting instruments and their actual application. The framework provides several reasons for these gaps, such a lack of budgetary pressure, insufficient commitment of top management, as well as too little attention for enablers of the change process. The latter refers to maintaining traditional compensation schemes and insufficient attention paid to training employees. Key Words: Management Accounting; Accounting change; Government


Nowadays, offloading storage and processing capacity to cloud servers is a growing trend. This happens because high storage capacity and powerful processors are expensive, whilst cloud services provide a cheaper, ongoing, and reliable solution. The problem with cloud-based solutions is that servers are highly accessible through the Internet and therefore considerably exposed to hackers and malware. In this paper, we design and implement Darkroom, a secure image processing service for the cloud leveraging ARM TrustZone technology. Our system enables users to securely process image data in a secure environment that prevents exposure of sensitive data to the operating system. We evaluate our system and observe that our solution adds a small overhead to image processing when compared to computer platforms that require the entire operating system to be trusted.


This paper discusses the work principle, damage mechanism and monitoring factors of high-pile wharf; then based on the structural health monitoring project of Chun Xian wharf, introduces the monitoring poles deployment of inclinometer, analyzes the dynamic data from continuous monitoring, figures the displacement-depth curve of each monitoring pole to present the real-time displacement status of soil structure. This paper also presents the limitation of inclinometer according to the problems occurred during operation. Finally the statistics test method of inclinometer data error analysis is discussed.


A non-immersive lens refractive index measurement method based on fiber point-diffraction longitudinal interferometry is presented. The lens imaging process is simplified to the single refraction of the back surface if the object point is located at the vertex of the front surface. The lens refractive index is derived through measuring its thickness, radius of curvature of the back surface, the distance between the object point and the image point. Experiments indicate its accuracy is better than 2.2 × 10⁻⁴. Since the front surface is excluded in the imaging process, even an aspherical lens could be accurately measured by this method.


This study examines in detail a variety of adolescent female friendships in twentieth-century British novels, written for both the 'adult' and 'juvenile' reading public, a distinction which I argue is arbitrary, since the relationship between the two is an exceptionally close one. Scholars discussing adolescence this century have tended to ignore the experience of girls, or to reinforce patriarchal stereotypes by presenting girls in marginal and reactionary roles. Until recently, even feminist discourse on friendship has been inclined to focus on adult relationships, or to examine girls in relation to boys. Identifying these tendencies, I explore fiction set in girls' schools and colleges to determine how novelists saw this significant relationship. Girls' schools and colleges represented a significant cultural space for girls and young women to learn to value female companionship. Although most discourse on girls' school friendships has focused on the 'crush' relationship, I was interested in determining to what extent writers valued 'ordinary' friendships, as an area of life over which girls, earlier this century, were able to exert some autonomy. The girls' school story is the obvious fictional space to celebrate adolescent female friendship in all its complexity. As a genre it has been consistently devalued by critics (perhaps partly because of the very accessibility of the schoolgirl as a cultural image) despite enjoying enduring popularity among readers of all ages, and inspiring several notable novelists to adopt its conventions for their own works, as demonstrated in this study. My approach to the texts discussed here involves a close reading of the text against an awareness of the cultural conditions in which it was produced. As I show, failure to take into account these cultural conditions can lead to misunderstanding the novels and the relationships depicted therein. This study, drawing on a wide variety of texts produced between 1909 and 1990, shows clearly that the novelists concerned were influenced to varying extents by the prevailing ideologies of their times. These ideologies often determine the importance they accord female friendship, the form it takes, and the language they use to discuss it.


Abstract Zirconium alloys used widely in nuclear industry as fuel claddings are prone to violent oxidation in water steam atmosphere in the case of loss of coolant accident (LOCA). Accompanying generation of large quantities of heat and explosive gaseous hydrogen may lead to destruction of nuclear core. As the safety of nuclear installations is of primary importance, intensive research works are conducted on the development of so-called accident tolerant fuels much less prone to oxidation. In this paper, the application of external zirconium-silicide coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering is proposed. The preliminary results of their synthesis and studies of air oxidation properties at elevated temperatures are presented.


The relationships among and within the families that comprise the orthopteran superfamily Stenopelmatoidea (suborder Ensifera) remain poorly understood. We developed a phylogenetic hypothesis based on Bayesian analysis of two nuclear ribosomal and one mitochondrial gene for 118 individuals (84 de novo and 34 from GenBank). These included Gryllacrididae from North, Central, and South America, South Africa and Madagascar, Australia and Papua New Guinea; Stenopelmatidae from North and Central America and South Africa; Anostostomatidae from North and Central America, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa; members of the Australian endemic Cooloola (three species); and a representative of Lezina from the Middle East. We also included representatives of all other major ensiferan families: Prophalangopsidae, Rhaphidophoridae, Schizodactylidae, Tettigoniidae, Gryllidae, Gryllotalpidae and Myrmecophilidae and representatives of the suborder Caelifera as outgroups. Bayesian analyses of concatenated sequence data supported a clade of Stenopelmatoidea inclusive of all analyzed members of Gryllacrididae, Stenopelmatidae, Anostostomatidae, Lezina and Cooloola . We found Gryllacrididae worldwide to be monophyletic, while we did not recover a monophyletic Stenopelmatidae nor Anostostomatidae. Australian Cooloola clustered in a clade composed of Australian, New Zealand, and some (but not all) North American Anostostomatidae. Lezina was included in a clade of New World Anostostomatidae. Finally, we compiled and compared karyotypes and sound production characteristics for each supported group. Chromosome number, centromere position, drumming, and stridulation differed among some groups, but also show variation within groups. This preliminary trait information may contribute toward future studies of trait evolution. Despite greater taxon sampling within Stenopelmatoidea than previous efforts, some relationships among the families examined continue to remain elusive.


Promoters are regulatory elements that control's transcription and overall expression profile of genes. Plants consists of several enzymes, which are important for controlling metabolic activities. Starch branching enzyme (SBE), is one of an important enzyme involved in biosynthesis of starch in plants. It also plays a crucial role in determining the structure and physical properties of starch granules. SBE has two types, SBEl and SBEll. SBEll further divided in SBElla and SBEllb. Both of these have different effects and size in different crops. Starch branching enzyme from Oryza sativa was selected for the current research. Rice is a staple food of 70% population of the world. The present research was focused on identification of SBE gene orthologues, analysis of SBE promoter sequence through High throughput genome sequencing (HTGS) database, screening of cis regulatory elements through Plant CARE database and further detection of putative protein domains through Conserved protein domain family (CDD) database within the promoter region. Several bioinformatics software's were used for this purpose. The study provides a deep insight on importance of designing constitutive novel promoters, which can be effectively substituted to get enhanced transgene expression in agricultural crops.