Ultra wideband communication is a promising technology with attractive features of low power, low complexity transceiver and rich multipath diversity that can be used for transmitting both high and low data rates. Exploiting the inherent capabilities of UWB communication is up to perfect synchronization between transmitter and the receiver which is a serious bottleneck of these systems. Using very short pulses (of the order of nanoseconds) with low peak power (usually under the noise) makes the synchronization of UWB systems a challenging problem. Like any other system, simple, accurate and fast synchronization algorithms are of interest. Another important property of short pulses of UWB systems is the possibility of accurate position estimation which makes a variety of applications possible. In this paper using the idea of SAT receivers [5] and solving an optimization problem through simulations, we have significantly improved the accuracy of the timing synchronization. The effect of the proposed method on the accuracy of the synchronization and BER performance is investigated. The improved synchronization, is precise enough be directly used in UWB positioning systems with no additional hardware or computational load.


This paper is devoted to the design of a trajectory-following control for a differentiation nonholonomic wheeled mobile robot. It suggests a kinematic nonlinear controller steer a National Instrument mobile robot. The suggested trajectory-following control structure includes two parts; the first part is a nonlinear feedback acceleration control equation based on backstepping control that controls the mobile robot to follow the predetermined suitable path; the second part is an optimization algorithm, that is performed depending on the Crossoved Firefly algorithm (CFA) to tune the parameters of the controller to obtain the optimum trajectory. The simulation is achieved based on MATLAB R2017b and the results present that the kinematic nonlinear controller with CFA is more effective and robust than the original firefly learning algorithm; this is shown by the minimized trackingfollowing error to equal or less than (0.8 cm) and getting smoothness of the linear velocity less than (0.1 m/sec), and all trajectoryfollowing results with predetermined suitable are taken into account. Stability analysis of the suggested controller is proven using the Lyapunov method.


This paper describes a neural drum transcription method that detects from music signals the onset times of drums at the tatum level, where tatum times are assumed to be estimated in advance. In conventional studies on drum transcription, deep neural networks (DNNs) have often been used to take a music spectrogram as input and estimate the onset times of drums at the frame level. The major problem with such frame-to-frame DNNs, however, is that the estimated onset times do not often conform with the typical tatum-level patterns appearing in symbolic drum scores because the long-term musically meaningful structures of those patterns are difficult to learn at the frame level. To solve this problem, we propose a regularized training method for a frame-to-tatum DNN. In the proposed method, a tatum-level probabilistic language model (gated recurrent unit (GRU) network or repetition-aware bi-gram model) is trained from an extensive collection of drum scores. Given that the musical naturalness of tatum-level onset times can be evaluated by the language model, the frame-to-tatum DNN is trained with a regularizer based on the pretrained language model. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed regularized training method.


Terrestrial laser scanners (TLSs) are 3D imaging systems that provide the most powerful 3D representation and practical solutions for various applications. Hence this is due to effective range measurements, 3D point cloud reliability, and rapid acquisition performance. Stonex X300 TOF scanner delivered better certainty in far-range than in close-range measurements due to the high noise level inherent within the data delivered from Time of Flight (TOF) scanning sensors. However, if these errors are manipulated properly using a valid calibration model, more accurate products can be obtained even from very close-range measurements. Therefore, to fill this gap, this research presents a user-oriented target-based calibration routine to compute the calibration parameters of Stonex X300 TLS. The proposed routine investigates range and angular measurements to mitigate mechanical misalignment error sources of this device.
Distance and angular index errors were computed, and environmental error sources were considered for optimal modeling estimation. The approach is based to reference measurements in a close-range environment within a 10-meter distance to user-defined ground truth targets. Experiment results show that the errors in the distance are generally increased following the increase in range distance between the laser device and the targets. However, error variations between laser and reference measurements nearly constant relational to the range value. The index error of the Stonex X300 was computed based on mean measurements and found to be equal to 4.6717 mm.
On the other hand, the horizontal angular measurements delivered from the TLS device were found to be more consistent with the reference measurements than with thee vertical angular measurements. However, the vertical angular measurements show more significant variations in particular measures compared to horizontal angular measurements. Following this, the angular error index was computed and found to be equal to 0.07 seconds and 0.13 seconds in horizontal and vertical angular measurements, respectively.


Aiming at the numerical simulation of the entire crack propagation process in concrete, a numerical method is proposed, in which cohesive stress on the fracture process zone (FPZ) is simulated and applied by a nonlinear spring element. Using displacement control, the cohesive stress values on the FPZ are obtained from solving a system of nonlinear equations through an iterative process. According to a crack propagation criterion based on initial fracture toughness, the approach adds the spring elements to finite element analysis when simulating mode I crack propagation in standard three-point bending notched concrete beams with different strengths, initial crack ratios (a0/D), and depths (D). The simulated load versus displacement (P-Delta) curves are performed to recalculate the fracture energy and verify the accuracy of cohesion in the proposed method. The simulated load versus crack mouth opening displacement (P-CMOD) curves are consistent with the previous experimental results. Subsequently, the variations of the FPZ length and the crack extension resistance (KR) curves are studied according to the proposed iterative approach. Compared with the existing methods using a noniterative process, the iterative approach generates a larger maximum FPZ length and KR curve where the FPZ length is mainly determined by the fracture energy, tensile strength, and geometry shape of the beam, and the KR curve is primarily determined by the fracture energy and FPZ length. The significant differences in numerical results indicate that the applying cohesion is essential in numerical simulation. It is reasonable to conclude that the proposed nonlinear spring element is more applicable and practical in the numerical simulation of the concrete mode I crack propagation process by improving the accuracy of the cohesion applied on the FPZ.


Thirty-six complete dentures were remounted both with check-bite as well as central-bearing-point (CBP) registration. The mandibular or denture position was registered in the condylar area three times with each method. Two independent operators carried out the registrations. One half of patients had their occlusion equilibrated according to the check-bite registration, the other half in the central-bearing-point position. After individual determination of the hinge axis the upper dentures were mounted by a face-bow transfer into a Dentatus articulator. A total of six registrations was performed and repeatedly compared in the condylar area in three dimensions using a computer supported measuring device. The reproducibility of the check-bite registration was 0.37 +/- 0.33 mm, with a maximum of 1.77 mm. For the central-bearing-point method this was 0.29 +/- 0.26 mm with a maximum of 1.56 mm. The mean difference in condylar position between both methods was 0.66 +/- 0.55 mm with a maximum of 4.02 mm. A third independent operator re-examined 30 of the patients 2-3 weeks after the remounting and evaluated the adaptation to the new dentures. Those patients whose dentures were equilibrated with the central-bearing-point method tended to cope better with their dentures and suffered on average from fewer pressure spots.


Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the chronic and deadly diseases that are widely observed in various countries today. This disease continues and is increasing to a very alarming stage. Indonesia ranks fourth in the world with the highest DM after the United States, India and China. The method used in this study is data collection, variable selection, classification methods, validation and evaluation and decision making. The algorithm used in this study is C4.5 Algorithm and Naive Bayesian Method using a dataset obtained from the results of Hasanuddin University hospital medical records. The results of calculations that have been done obtained accuracy on the C4.5 algorithm of 100% and on the Bayesian naive method obtained at 90%. From these results it can be concluded that to diagnose DM disease it is recommended to use the C4.5 Algorithm .


A modified human interferon-alpha 2 was produced in Escherichia coli cells infected with phage M13 mp7 containing an interferon-alpha gene. After purification by immunochromatography with the monoclonal antibody NK2, the N-terminal amino acid sequence was determined. The N-terminal methionine was absent but an additional sequence of 18 amino acids at the N-terminus was retained. The modified interferon-alpha 2 was indistinguishable from authentic interferon-alpha 2 in its ability to activate natural killer cells, to slow the growth of Daudi cells, and to confer virus resistance on heterologous cells.


The human brain forms functional networks on all spatial scales. Modern fMRI scanners allow to resolve functional brain data in high resolutions, allowing to study large-scale networks that relate to cognitive processes. The analysis of such networks forms a cornerstone of experimental neuroscience. Due to the immense size and complexity of the underlying data sets, efficient evaluation and visualization remain a challenge for data analysis. In this study, we combine recent advances in experimental neuroscience and applied mathematics to perform a mathematical characterization of complex networks constructed from fMRI data. We use task-related edge densities [Lohmann et al., 2016] for constructing networks of task-related changes in synchronization. This construction captures the dynamic formation of patterns of neuronal activity and therefore represents efficiently the connectivity structure between brain regions. Using geometric methods that utilize Forman-Ricci curvature as an edge-based network characteristic [Weber et al., 2017], we perform a mathematical analysis of the resulting complex networks. We motivate the use of edge-based characteristics to evaluate the network structure with geometric methods. The geometric features could aid in understanding the connectivity and interplay of brain regions in cognitive processes.


Harmful algae blooms have become an increasing concern in context with the safety of water resources around the globe; however, little is known about the dynamics and specific causes of such blooms in the prairie ecozone in North America. The aim of this study was to research the nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) content and nutrient limitation (defined as N and P limitation) of growth of cyanobacteria in a northern prairies reservoir (Lake Diefenbaker [LD], SK, Canada). A combination of concentration balance analysis for N and P, controlled bioassays with the natural consortium of phytoplankton or defined monocultures of cyanobacteria, and satellite imagery was applied to address this aim. The current trophic status of Lake Diefenbaker is one of moderate eutrophication. Primary production in the lake is P-limited, and N did not represent a limiting factor for algal production. There was no significant increase in TP con- centrations between the upper and lower portions of the reservoir, indicating that most of the phosphorus in LD comes from upstream sites in Alberta. Anabaena circinalis, a species that has the potential to seriously degrade lake ecosys- tems, was identified as the predominant cyanobacteria in LD. Together with the fact that TP influxes into the reservoir primarily originate from upstream sources, these results suggest the need for remedial measures in the upstream reach of the South Saskatchewan River. Satellite imaging represented a promising approach in support of monitoring for po- tential algal blooms in LD; however, due to limited sensitivity and issues associated with atmosphere interference this methodology should only be used in combination with in situ water quality monitoring. In summary, while this study indicated that Lake Diefenbaker is potentially at risk with cyanobacteria blooms (some of which such as Anabena sp. that can produce toxins) during late summer and fall, development of clear causal relationships and risk assessment strategies is currently limited due to lack of monitoring data and programs.


from guilt, so "the Israelites and Egyptians finally reconciled with one another and parted in peace" (p. 94). Moreover, it is puzzling that Larsson's inclusion of more contemporary issues is comparatively thin. In the introduction, he refers to Latin American liberation theology, but there is no extended discussion elsewhere, nor is there any substantive presentation of exodus themes within American religious history (especially the civil rights movement). Nevertheless, readers who want a Christian appreciation of Jewish exodus traditions will find parts of this book helpful.


Most of the mutations occurred in SARS-CoV-2 are either relatively neutral or swiftly purged. However, some mutations have altered the functional aspects in terms of infectivity and transmission, host-viral interactions, disease severity and immune or vaccine escape. There are emerging evidence that certain mutations are jeopardizing the immune based therapies. The present research report is focused on the identification of genomic signatures of SARS-CoV-2 variant that caused mortality during second and third wave of COVID-19 in Western Rajasthan, India. We identified that Delta clade of SARS-CoV-2 is the predominant cause of mortality during second wave and even third wave in Western Rajasthan, India. Importantly, this study also revealed the unique and common substitution mutations within the spike domain, those are present in mortality and survived persons during the second and third wave of COVID-19 in India. In addition, this study also revealed the multiple lineage markers (Delta and Omicron), that would update with insightful understanding in the clade development of SARS-CoV-2.


Sustainability is a hot topic in contemporary politics both nationally and internationally. While the current framing of sustainability promoted at the international level favours social policies, doubts about their possible success are growing. If social aspirations are not realised, technological solutions to ecological problems might appear to be the only options. This study contributes to the field of sociology of the future. It explores and problematizes the technologically-oriented approach to sustainability. I consider a radical case of sustainable living – a spacecraft – looking at the emerging challenges to individual human ethics and the general order of sociality. More specifically, the largest contemporary manned space project, the International Space Station (ISS), is taken into analytical focus. With the help of the Foucauldian notion of governmentality, I examine routines and discourses related to the utilization of the life support system at the ISS in regard to human conduct, both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial. Mass-media materials comprise a large part of the dataset for this research. As demonstrated, techno-functionalism characterizes sustainability as governmental rationality. It imposes a subordination of individual human actors to the general order driven by systemic objectives frequently framed in pragmatic and technical terms. Specific practices, including ethically controversial ones, might be requested from individual humans in the name of the system's stability and efficiency. Those practices are naturalized and normalized within a truth regime constituted by scientific discourse, the authority of experts, media events and the related public discussions.


PREMISE OF THE STUDY
Although an evolutionary link between breeding system and dispersibility has been proposed, to date empirical data and theoretical models of plants show contrasting trends.

METHODS
We tested two competing hypotheses for the association between breeding systems and dispersibility in the heterocarpic Hypochaeris salzmanniana (Asteraceae) by using both an experimental approach and surveys over 2 years of five natural populations along an environmental cline with a gradient of pollinator availability.

KEY RESULTS
Hypochaeris salzmanniana produced two types of fruits, beaked (BF) and nonbeaked (NBF), which differ in their dispersal ability. The BF were lighter and had a lower dropping velocity and higher dispersal distance than the NBF. Potential for long-distance dispersal, measured as BF ratio per head, had high narrow-sense heritability. Greater dispersibility and selfing ability were linked at all the scales studied. Both selfed BF and NBF fruits had longer plumes and lower plume loading than outcrossed fruits, characteristics that promote farther dispersal. Natural populations with a higher percentage of self-compatible plants showed a higher BF ratio. Moreover, selfing led to a higher BF ratio than outcrossing.

CONCLUSIONS
The avoidance of inbreeding depression seems to be the most plausible selective pressure for the greater dispersibility traits of selfed seeds. Furthermore, the ability to modulate the BF ratio and thus the potential for long-distance dispersal of offspring based on its selfed or outcrossed origin could be advantageous, and therefore selected, under unpredictable pollination environments that favor higher dispersive selfers, which overcome both pollen limitation and inbreeding avoidance.


Body image represents a multidimensional concept including body image evaluation and perception of body appearance. Disturbances of body image perception are considered to be one of the central aspects of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. There is growing evidence that body image distortion can be associated with changes in pain perception. The aim of our study was to examine the associations between body image perception, body dissatisfaction, and nociception in women with eating disorders and age-matched healthy control women. We measured body dissatisfaction and pain sensitivity in 61 patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition diagnoses of eating disorders (31 anorexia nervosa and 30 bulimia nervosa) and in 30 healthy women. Thermal pain threshold latencies were evaluated using an analgesia meter and body image perception and body dissatisfaction were assessed using Anamorphic Micro software (digital pictures of their own body distorted into larger-body and thinner-body images). Patients with eating disorders overestimated their body size in comparison with healthy controls, but the two groups did not differ in body dissatisfaction. In anorexia and bulimia patient groups, body dissatisfaction (calculated in pixels as desired size/true image size) correlated with pain threshold latencies (r=0.55, p=0.001), while between body image perception (determined as estimation size/true image size) and pain threshold, no correlation was found. Thus, we demonstrated that in patients with eating disorders, pain perception is significantly associated with emotional contrary to sensory (visual) processing of one's own body image. The more the patients desired to be thin, the more pain-sensitive they were. Our findings based on some shared mechanisms of body dissatisfaction and pain perception support the significance of negative emotions specific for eating disorders and contribute to better understanding of the psychosomatic characteristics of this spectrum of illnesses.


Complex lifting entry was selected for precise landing performance during the Mars Science Laboratory entry. This study aims to develop the three-dimensional numerical method for precise computation and the surface panel method for rapid engineering prediction. Detailed flow field analysis for Mars exploration mission was performed by carrying on a series of fully three-dimensional Navier-Stokes computations. The static aerodynamic performance was then discussed, including the surface pressure, lift and drag coefficient, lift-to-drag ratio with the numerical and engineering method. Computation results shown that the shock layer is thin because of lower effective specific heat ratio, and that calculated results from both methods agree well with each other, and is consistent with the reference data. Aerodynamic performance analysis shows that CG location determines trim characteristics and pitch stability, and certain radially and axially shift of the CG location can alter the capsule lifting entry performance, which is of vital significance for the aerodynamic configuration design and inner instrument layout of the Mars entry capsule. Keywords—Mars entry capsule, static aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, hypersonic.


Poly [2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylenevinyl] (MEH-PPV) thin films were created in this study using both spin coating and drop casting processes. MEH-PPV thin films generated by Ferric Chloride (FeCl 3 ) doping (0.03, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.12 wt%) were studied for some physical features using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). An FTIR test showed that there was no chemical reaction that occurred between Ferric Chloride (FeCl 3) and MEH-PPV, but rather a physical one, that is, an organic material composite occurred. As for FE-SEM, the pure sample MEH-PPV formed uniformly, but when FeCl 3 was added by weight, we have different circles that indicate the formation of adsorption energy and that the highest adsorption energy appears at MEH-PPV/FeCl 3 (0.06%), as well as EDX, which indicates the absence of undesirable elements and indicates the presence of small peaks for iron (Fe) and chlorine (Cl). Peaks of carbon(C) and oxygen (O) types indicate the presence of the chemical elements of MEH-PPV.


In sub-systems of high-voltage, pulsed-power machines, the introduction of a solid into bulk liquid insulation located between two conductors is often necessary to provide mechanical support. Breakdown events on or around the surface of the solid can result in permanent damage to the insulation system. Described in the present paper are experimental results pertaining to surface breakdown of five different solid dielectrics held between plane-parallel electrodes immersed in mineral oil. The effect of varying level of peak applied field from 200 kV/cm (dV/dt 70 kV/μs) to 1 MV/cm (dV/dt 350 kV/μs) is investigated, and the breakdown voltages and times to breakdown are compared to those for an open oil gap. The time to breakdown is shown to be reduced by the introduction of a solid spacer into the gap. Rexolite and Torlon samples suffered significant mechanical damage, and consistently showed lower breakdown voltage than the other materials ¿ average streamer propagation velocity up to 125 km/s was implied by the short times to breakdown. Although ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene yielded the longest times to breakdown of the five types of liquid-solid gap, breakdown events could be initiated at lower levels of applied field for spacers of this material than those with permittivity closely matched to that of the surrounding mineral oil. Polypropylene and low-density polyethylene are concluded to provide the most stable performance in mineral oil. Due to the similarity of the applied voltage wave-shape (1/6.5 μs) to short-tail lightning impulses, the results may also be of interest to high-voltage system designers in the power industry.


Objective: To validate a model which predicts progression from undifferentiated arthritis (UA) to RA, in a Canadian UA cohort. Methods: The prediction rule, comprising variables which are scored from 0 to 13, with higher scores reflecting an increased risk of RA, was applied to baseline characteristics of all patients with UA. Progression to RA was determined at 6 months. Results: 105 patients were identified. By 6 months, 80 (76%) had developed RA while 25 (24%) had developed another diagnosis. Number of tender and swollen joints, rheumatoid factor positivity, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide positivity, poor functional status and high disease activity were associated with development of RA (p<0.01). Median prediction score was 8.0 for progressors, 5.0 for non-progressors. With these cut-off points, 18 (72%) patients with scores ⩽5 did not develop RA, while 35 (97%) with scores ⩾8 did develop RA. Conclusions: High scores in our cohort predicted those who progressed to RA by 6 months. Baseline scores ⩾8 corresponded with higher rates of progression.


Nutritional education for the first 1000 days of life is an education that contains the preparation and improvement of nutrition from 270 days during pregnancy and the first 730 days of life since the baby is born. This study aims to determine effect of nutritional education on knowledge and attitudes about the First 1000 Days of Life in future bride in Abeli's religious affairs office. This research is a type of pre-experimental, with a One Group Pre-Post Test design. The sample in this study were 39 female catin in the KUA working area of Abeli District which were obtained by sampling technique using the Slovin formula. The variables studied consisted of the dependent variable, namely knowledge and attitudes, and the independent variable, namely nutrition education in the first 1000 days of life. Data analysis using Wilcoxon (α = <0.05)The results of the research show that the p value of the knowledge and attitude variables is 0.000 < α (0.05 ). The conclusion of this study is that there is an effect of nutritional education in the first 1000 days of life in knowledge and attitudes of future bride in Abeli's religious affairs office.


Researchers in human language processing and acquisition are making an increasing use of computational models. Computer simulations provide a valuable platform to reproduce hypothesised learning mechanisms that are otherwise very difficult, if not impossible, to verify on human subjects. However, computational models come with problems and risks. It is difficult to (automatically) extract essential information about the developing internal representations from a set of simulation runs, and often researchers limit themselves to analysing learning curves based on empirical recognition accuracy through time. The associated risk is to erroneously deem a specific learning behaviour as generalisable to human learners, while it could also be a mere consequence (artifact) of the implementation of the artificial learner or of the input coding scheme. In this paper a set of simulation runs taken from the ACORNS project is investigated. First a look 'inside the box' of the learner is provided by employing novel quantitative methods for analysing changing structures in large data sets. Then, the obtained findings are discussed in the perspective of their ecological validity in the field of child language acquisition.


Materials Science![Figure][1]

CREDIT: M. HEMPEL ET AL., NANO LETT. (1 OCTOBER 2012) © 2012 AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

Traditional strain gauges use a patterned metallic foil, in which the change in shape on deformation translates into a change in electrical conductivity. These devices typically have a gauge factor of 2 to 5; thus, for measuring smaller deformations, silicon gauges are used, which have a gauge factor closer to 100 but are more sensitive to temperature changes and mechanical deformation. Hempel et al. have developed a scalable deposition method for making strain gauges based on graphene, in which the sensitivity of the device can be tuned by varying the deposition conditions. Solutions containing graphene flakes were spray-coated onto a substrate to make a percolating network as the active part of the sensor. Thicker films had less electrical resistance but lower transparency, and it was shown that the gauge factor could be correlated to the initial resistance of the films. Unlike metal gauges, in which the metal itself deforms during strain, in these sensors the graphene flakes don't deform. Rather, the layers slide past each other, and it is the reduction in flake overlap that changes the electrical conductivity. Gauge factors between 10 and 150 were demonstrated, but in theory much higher values could be obtained. In addition, the sensors can be deposited onto existing surfaces, including curved ones such as light bulbs.

Nano Lett. 10.1021/nl302959a (2012).

 [1]: pending:yes


A novel compact wideband antenna for wireless local area network (WLAN) applications in the 2.4 GHz band is presented. The proposed low profile antenna of dimensions 15×14.5×1.6 mm offers 18.6% bandwidth and an average gain of ∼5 dBi. The antenna can be excited directly using a 50 Ω coaxial probe.


We present a girl with a mos45,X,-21, +der(21)t(X;21) (p21.3;p11.2)/46,X,t(X;21) (p21.3;p11.2) chromosome constitution. The ratio of these cells was 59/26 in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocytes. The 45,X,der(21)t(Xp-;21p+) cells lacked an X inactivation center located at Xq13 on the derivative X chromosome; in these cells, the whole normal X chromosome and the distal part of Xp translocated onto the derivative chromosome 21 were early replicating. She had moderate mental retardation and other findings different from those that occur in the Ullrich-Turner syndrome. Her phenotype may be due to the functional excess of the distal part of Xp on the derivative 21 in 45,X,der(21)t(Xp-;21p+) cells; thus, this might be another type of the "lack of X-inactivation" syndrome.


According to the different transmission characteristics under the wavelet transform(WT) domain and the different distribution characteristics of frequency domain of the signal and noise, a novel approach for detecting weak signal laser radar target based on wavelet transform has been proposed. In many cases, wavelet decomposition has been used to de-noise a digital signal submerged by mass noise. Differently in our approach, we applied the wavelet decomposition and the modulus maximum to detect the locations of laser radar echo signal. Simulation shows that the proposed algorithm is more efficient than only utilizing wavelet decomposition in a clutter environment.


Background: Communicating with senior neurosurgical colleagues during residency necessitates a reliable and versatile smartphone. Smartphones and their apps are commonplace. They enhance communication with colleagues, provide the ability to access patient information and results, and allow access to medical reference applications. Patient data safety and compliance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA, 2004) in Canada remain a public concern that can significantly impact the way in which mobile smartphones are utilized by resident physicians Methods: Through the Canadian Neurosurgery Research Collaborative (CNRC), an online survey characterizing smartphone ownership and utilization of apps among Canadian neurosurgery residents and fellows was completed in April 2016. Results: Our study had a 47% response rate (80 surveys completed out of 171 eligible residents and fellows). Smartphone ownership was almost universal with a high rate of app utilization for learning and facilitating the care of patients. Utilization of smartphones to communicate and transfer urgent imaging with senior colleagues was common. Conclusions: Smartphone and app utilization is an essential part of neurosurgery resident workflow. In this study we characterize the smartphone and app usage within a specialized cohort of residents and suggest potential solutions to facilitate greater PHIPA adherence


The results of tests of the hopper brake systems for the pellets having typical system and separate braking per each bogie are presented. It is shown that the brake system with separate braking has several advantages as compared to the typical one.


Ad hoc network is often local area network or other small area network formed b y wireless devices. In Latin, ad hoc literally means "for this," further meaning "for this purpose only," and thus usually temporary. The area of ad hoc networking has gathered much research interests in the past years. Bluetooth is one of the technologies that can be used for adhoc networking. The original idea of Bluetooth concept was that of cable replacement between portable and/or fixed electronic device. According to the specification, when two Bluetooth devices come into each other's communication range, one of them assumes the role of master of the c ommunication and the other becomes the s lave. This s imple "one hop" network is called a piconet, and may include up to seven active s laves connected to o ne master. As a matter of f act, there is no limit on the maximum number of slaves connected to o ne master but only seven of them can be active at time, others have to be in so called parked state. The master unit of a piconet controls the traffic within the piconet by means of polling the slaves according to any preferred algorithm, e.g. Round Robin, which determines how the bandwidth capacity will be distributed among the s lave units. The polling of slaves within a piconet results in scheduling of the slaves in the master unit, which is referred to as intra-piconet scheduling. In this paper the usage of Bluetooth adhoc networking in communication is elaborated. Instead of large-scale networks, small-scale personal area networks are emerging in response to the introduction of short-range radio technologies that is Bluetooth.


The biggest threat to the safety of food is plant diseases. They have the ability to dramatically lower the quantity and quality of agricultural products. Recognizing plant diseases is the biggest issue in the agricultural industries. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are effective in solving image classification problems in computer vision. Numerous deep learning architectures have been used to diagnose plant diseases. This study presents a transfer learning-based model for identifying diseases in plant leaves. In this paper, a CNN classifier based on transfer learning model called DenseNet201 are proposed. An analysis of four deep learning models (VGG16, Inception V3, ResNet152V2, and DenseNet201) done to see which one can detect plant diseases with the greatest degree of accuracy. Web based application developed for plant disease diagnosing from defected leaf image and the proposed model which identify the disease and give the recommended treatment. The used images dataset contains 28310 leaves photos of 3 crops, tomato, potato and pepper divided into 15 different classes, 9 disorders and one healthy class for tomato, 2 disorders and one healthy class for potato and 1 disorder and one healthy for pepper. In our experimental, the results shows that the proposed model achieves the highest training accuracy of 99.44% and validation accuracy of 98.70%.


Jânio Quadros public image is often considered deprived of any political meaning either by historians or by collective memory. In most cases he is treated as a demagogue who promoted himself only through his personalism, which could be seen in his public appearances unkempt and with open-necked shirts. Such perspective is deeply related to the way his opponents and enemies represented him in the political debates, and its core has been successful in penetrating the historiography. However in this text I intend to suggest that Jânio's images conveyed an array of political senses during the 1950s and early 1960s, since the beginning of his career till when he disputed presidential elections and ruled Brazil as president. Through his gestures and clothes, among which his Indian slacks deserve more attention, he tried to express his project related to the Christian Democracy and the Independent Foreign Policy. To deal with such hypothesis, the main sources will be the magazines O Cruzeiro and Manchete and others photos and drawings that were considerably widespread at that time.


ABSTRACT To study whether, why, and how forestry decision-makers in Southeastern Norway adapt to climate change, we conducted a series of semi-structured interviews in focus groups consisting of non-industrial private forest owners, forest managers, and forest advisors. Our results show that a majority of the participants believed in climate change as a phenomenon, and had experienced events or observed changes that they attributed to climate change. However, we found little evidence of concern regarding climate change impacts on forest ecosystems and forestry among the participants. Instead, the majority regarded climate change more as an opportunity for the Norwegian forest-based sector than a threat. A minority had implemented proactive practices motivated by climate change but in all but one case, the adjustments were adaptation of forest infrastructure. In general, the participants agreed that the uncertainty associated with the effects of climate change and the (economical) uncertainty associated with adaptation of forest ecosystems were too large to change forest management practices at present. However, many participants, in particular the managers, are already adapting in response to experienced problems, such as increased frequency and duration of periods with low carrying capacity of the ground implying reduced or no accessibility within and to stands.


Summary: Regeneration of the cell wall in yeast protoplasts can be blocked by the action of snail enzymes. Electron microscopic studies of protoplasts of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var. versatilis showed that incubation in the presence of snail enzymes resulted in the production of incomplete cell walls consisting of α-(1 → 3)-glucan microfibrils aggregated into flat sheets of irregular size. This incomplete cell wall did not allow the formation of a septum and subsequent cell division. In contrast, protoplasts of the same yeast species growing in a flattened state produced by physical constraint formed incomplete walls that permitted cytokinesis but not reversion of the protoplasts to normal cells. These incomplete walls comprised three structural components: (i) a continuous network of long β-(1 → 3)-glucan microfibrils; (ii) short α-(1 → 3)-glucan microfibrils; and (iii) an amorphous matrix. This ultrastructural picture corresponded to the first stages of regeneration (reached after 2-3 h incubation) leading to a complete cell wall; the walls in the flattened protoplasts, however, were not completed and consequently the protoplasts did not revert to normal cells.


We consider the problem of spectrum sharing by multiple cellular operators. We propose a novel deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL)-based distributed power allocation scheme which utilizes the multi-agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MA-DDPG) algorithm. In particular, we model the base stations (BSs) that belong to the multiple operators sharing the same band, as DRL agents that simultaneously determine the transmit powers to their scheduled user equipment (UE) in a synchronized manner. The power decision of each BS is based on its own observation of the radio environment (RF) environment, which consists of interference measurements reported from the UEs it serves, and a limited amount of information obtained from other BSs. One advantage of the proposed scheme is that it addresses the single-agent non-stationarity problem of RL in the multi-agent scenario by incorporating the actions and observations of other BSs into each BS's own critic which helps it to gain a more accurate perception of the overall RF environment. A centralized-training-distributed-execution framework is used to train the policies where the critics are trained over the joint actions and observations of all BSs while the actor of each BS only takes the local observation as input in order to produce the transmit power. Simulation with the 6 GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII)-5 band shows that the proposed power allocation scheme can achieve better throughput performance than several state-of-the-art approaches.


Earth as a construction material is being announced as capable to answer the construction sectors demands with considerable reductions on environmental impacts. It is an abundant raw material, commonly available at the construction site, which requires low energy consumption to be produced or transformed and which also doesnt need to be fired, what means that its production emits very small amounts of CO2. In terms of results for the built environment, it may provide excellent thermal and acoustic comfort, besides contributing to regulate the environments humidity. At the end of its cycle the material can be discarded bringing no harm to soil and water, it is rapidly absorbed by the environment conversely, it can be recycled by turning it into mud again, so it can be used to prepare new construction elements. However, in Brazil and in many other developing countries, the application of the earth construction technologies usually occurs as handmade work. Particularly on the adobe production, the blocks are mostly molded one by one or in pairs, depending on the type of the molds, aiming to accomplish a production of thousands of unities. The soil used for block molding has to be in a plastic consistency and, to achieve that quality, intensive human effort is generally employed. Considering those difficulties this paper intends to present an initial roll of machines used on production processes of Brazilian construction sector, and other industrial sectors, that can be integrated to adobe fabrication procedures to help mixing the mud. From the collected information, a preliminary evaluation will be formulated revealing which of the equipment contribute effectively for the comfort and safety of workers. Another factor that may be considered for this selection is the investment amount needed. As high costs interfere with the control of the means of production, the workers may have their access to this condition denied, situation that affects the possibility of social advances that can be promoted by the appliance of adobe.


To define cis-acting elements implicated in transcriptional regulation of the mouse multidrug resistance gene mdr1, we have cloned and characterized the 5' end of the gene. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified TATA, GGGCGG, and CCAAT consensus sequence elements at positions -27, -47, and -83, respectively. The transcriptional activities of 5' deletion fragments from the promoter linked to a reporter gene were tested in mouse cell lines of different tissue origins shown to express different levels of endogenous mdr1 RNA. Sequences located between nucleotides -93 and +84 were able to confer basal promoter activity and cell specificity to the reporter gene. The addition to the basal promoter of sequences upstream of position -141 was found to up or down regulate the basal level of expression of the reporter gene in a cell-specific manner.


In this study, stress difference between isotropic and transversely isotropic rock mass, and planar principal stresses at the periphery of the tunnel in the rock with various ratio of anisotropy were determined theoretically. Stress differences between isotropic and anisotropic calculations at crown. side walls and floor of a tunnel with assumed stress states were analyzed and compare each other by , a finite differential element method. As a result, magnitude and direction of principal stresses in the case of ignoring anisotropy were different from those of anisotropic cases, whatever the stress state was. Stress difference increased as the ratio of anisotropy increased. Direction or anisotropy affected stress difference, especially in the cases of anisotropic directions of of counterclockwise from x direction.


To make filler loaded conducting rubber which has excellent electronical and physical properties, CR and NBR were mixed with barium ferrite(BaO.6Fe2O3). From the result of this study, vulcanization characteristics shows that curve is upgraded as the filler concentration increases and CR has higher torque than NBR. In physical properties, elongation being higher, modulus comes to decrease. Tear strength gradually decrease after showing the maximum point when is in the 100phr in CR. Resilience is not good to cause the increase in filler concentration. In electrical properties, conductivity becomes low when filler concentration increase. The increase of voltage makes a conductivity grown, but the rate change is weak. The influence of temperature hardly changes on increasing temperature. The morphology and the dispersion of a conductivity filler in vulcanizates through SEM were good. The more filler concentration increases, the shorter the particle interval is.


In cases of extropia with an exodeviation angle over 50 prism diopter (PD), a 3- or 4-muscle surgery is a rational option. But, in patients with sensory exotropia, there is usually a strong preference for a monocular procedure to avoid surgery on the single seeing eye. Thus, we confined surgery to visually poor eyes, and performed a medial rectus muscle resection with a mean of 10.3 mm (range, 9-11 mm) and a lateral rectus muscle recession with a mean of 12.8 mm (range, 10-14 mm) in 4 adult sensory exotropia patients who had a mean deviation of 82.3 PD (range, 75-90 PD). The mean postoperative angle of exodeviation was 2.0 PD (range, ortho-8 PD). The limitation on abduction was not disfiguring. Other expected disfigurements, such as narrowing of the palpebral fissure or enophthalmos, were not conspicuous. The mean follow-up period was 4.5 months (range, 3-7 months). In large-angle sensory exotropia, instead of additive surgery on the seeing eye, supermaximal medial rectus resection and lateral rectus recession only on the visually poor eye is a clinically feasible surgical option.


In his highly regarded and influential Modernity and the Holocaust Zygmunt Bauman launched one of the most passionate and sustained critiques of 'bureaucratic rationality' seen within social theory for some time. In so doing he drew heavily upon the work of Max Weber for support. In this brief paper I am interested in exploring the extent to which Weber really is the anti-bureaucratic ally Bauman claims him to be. In the first part of the paper I outline the main elements of Bauman's critique of bureaucratic rationality, drawing particular attention to its reliance upon a self-consciously Weberian theoretical lexicon. In the second part of the paper I seek to indicate that, despite his claims to be following in Weber's tracks, Bauman's conclusions regarding the moral vacuity of bureaucratic conduct are the very antithesis of Weber's own.


Abstract The fatigue crack growth rate in strain crystallizing rubbers depends not only on the maximum energy release rate experienced during a loading cycle, but also on the minimum, or equivalently, the R ratio. The R ratio is the quotient of the minimum and maximum energy release rates occurring during a loading cycle. This article proposes a simple phenomenological model for the effect of R ratio on fatigue crack growth rate in strain crystallizing rubbers. The model may also be applied for Wohler-style (S-N style) fatigue life curves. The model is compared against experimental results reported by Lindley, by Cadwell, Merrill, Sloman, and Yost, and by the authors. The ability of the model to represent the experimental data is found to be reasonable. The model provides a simple approach to estimating fatigue performance when limited data are available, and may find application in the analysis of load histories from actual service. Such variable amplitude load histories typically contain cycles covering...


The Sundays River Estuary, situated in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, has excess recreational demand for estuarine services, specifically recreational fishing. The estuary has been over-fished, putting its sustainability at risk. Various management interventions may be required in order to save it, but how is this to be done without reducing welfare. This paper reports the application of a choice experiment to guide this very issue. It is found that the physical size of fish stocks is a very important predictor of recreational choice at the Sundays River Estuary, and it is recommended that demand be curtailed through an increase in the boat license fee for using the estuary of R174 per annum.


Two myiasis cases are presented which illustrate aspects of this infestation, and the role of the medical laboratory scientist with regard to the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and interprofessional communication skills. The purpose is to heighten awareness of myiasis, and emphasize the role of the medical laboratory scientist as a member of the healthcare team in confirming diagnosis. ABBREVIATIONS: MLS - Medical Laboratory Scientist, MDT - maggot debridement therapy


The effects of vertical topsoiling, vertical mulching, deep plowing and a combination of vertical mulching and deep plowing were studied in field experiments conducted on a Mabi clay soil, a Vertisol in east-central Puerto Rico. The results obtained in these experiments indicate that any mechanical soil modification technique that disturbs the subsoil of Mabi clay and similar soils, which comprise around 90,000 acres in Puerto Rico, tends to increase sugarcane and corn yields. Vertical mulching and deep plowing resulted in significant increases of 0.5 tons of sugar over the control in the first cane crop, whereas vertical topsoiling resulted in significant and highly significant increases of 0.5 and 0.64 tons in the first and second crop, respectively. Water infiltration rates were generally 2 to 3 times higher in the vertical mulching and vertical topsoiling plots than in the control although the differences were not statistically significant due to extreme variations. A combination of deep plowing and vertical mulching resulted in a 70-percent increase of shelled Mayorbela corn over the control, while vertical topsoiling alone produced a 57-percent increase. Vertical topsoiling induced abundant root penetration to a depth of 30 inches whereas roots in the control were confined mostly to a depth rarely exceeding 10 inches.


Human activities are changing the earth's climate, causing increasingly disruptive social and ecological impacts. These impacts can be reduced if global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reach net zero in the near future. A net-zero-carbon world can be achieved by using energy more efficiently and responsibly; transitioning toward energy sources, products, and services that minimize greenhouse gas release; and implementing existing and novel technologies to remove and store CO2 from the atmosphere.


A systematic investigation of damage accumulation in GaN films induced by Ar + as a function of implantation temperature and dose rate has been conducted. Depth distribution of disorder was measured by Rutherford Backscattering/Channeling spectrometry. Two disordered regions were identified in the damage depth distribution: a surface peak and a bulk damage peak. These regions exhibited different behavior as a function of implantation temperature. The displaced atomic density in the bulk damage peak displayed a "reverse annealing" behavior in temperature range from 500 °C to 700 °C, which we attributed to formation of characteristic secondary defects. The influence of implantation temperature and dose rate on the radiation damage accumulation is discussed.


Many genetic disorders have recently been identified as a major cause of diseases and the regulation of gene expression has been proposed as an attractive therapeutic strategy. Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are valuable tools that interfere with gene expression by specifically binding to target genes in a sequence-specific manner. In particular, reactive ODNs are expected to be more efficient because they covalently bind to the target genes. This review summarizes the synthesis of reactive ODNs with inducible reactivity, in particular, their applications to efficient cross-linking reactions, have been developed by the author's group. We also describe applications of the cross-linking reactions to the antisense method in cells and their impact on mutagenesis in model systems.


Obesity has been associated with increased incidence and risk of mortality of prostate cancer. One of the proposed mechanisms underlying this risk association is the change in adipokines expression that could promote the development and progression of the prostate tumor cells. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of preadipocyte and adipocyte secretome in the proliferation, migration and invasion of androgen independent prostate carcinoma cells (RM1) and to assess cell proliferation in the presence of the adiposity signals leptin and insulin. RM1 cells were co-cultured in with preadipocytes, adipocytes or cultured in their respective conditioned medium. Cell proliferation was assessed by flow cytometry and XTT viability test. Cell migration was evaluated using a wound healing injury assay of RM1 cells cultured with conditioned media. Cellular invasion of RM1 cells co-cultured with adipocytes and preadipocytes was assessed using matrigel membranes. Preadipocyte conditioned medium was associated with a small increase in RM1 proliferation, while adipocytes conditioned media significantly increased RM1 cell proliferation (p<0.01). Adipocytes also significantly increased the RM1 cells proliferation in co-culture (p <0.01). Cell migration was higher in RM1 cells cultured with preadipocyte and adipocyte conditioned medium. RM1 cell invasion was significantly increased after co-culture with preadipocytes and adipocytes (p <0.05). Insulin also increased significantly the cell proliferation in contrast to leptin, which showed no effect. In conclusion, prostate carcinoma cells seem to be influenced by factors secreted by adipocytes that are able to increase their ability to proliferate, migrate and invade.


Lipomas are the most common type of soft tissue tumor occurring in the subcutaneous tissue. Rarely, lipomas present in the deep soft tissue such as intermuscular, intramuscular, and parosteal sites. When they occur within a skeletal muscle they are called intramuscular lipomas. Intramuscular lipomas may involve both children and adults. They are benign, nontender, deep located, circumscribed but unencapsulated lesions. Intramuscular lipomas account less than 1% of all lipomas. Most are located within a single muscle (solitary), while cases involving two or more muscles are very rare. They present with typical histological features. They may be divided into the in iltrative, the well-circumscribed and the mixed type. Differential diagnosis of the in iltrative type from liposarcoma is very dif icult. Local recurrence may be evident if the surgical margin is not clear. They can occur in almost any anatomical site [1-15].


The article explores the development and implementation of promising options for state regulation of the financial sector in the Russian Federation under economic sanctions. It is noted that the presence of systemic problems that caused the slowdown in the development of key segments of the financial market in the pre-sanctions period did not allow the potential of the financial sector to be used in order to stabilize the growth rates of the national economy during the sanctions period. It is shown that the solution of this problem requires stimulating the development of key segments of the financial market (credit market, equity market, debt market and insurance market) through government tools, including a set of diagnostic models, regulatory and strategic tools. Based on the selection of indicators and rates with the strongest correlation, a set of diagnostic models was developed, the testing of which in financial market segments made it possible to establish target strategic values characterizing the level of their development. Theoretical and methodological justification is proposed and testing of diagnostic models of the development level of key financial market segments is carried out. The authors suggested proposals for selecting and implementing the tools for state regulation of the financial sector of the Russian Federation under economic sanctions. Promising options for state regulation of the financial sector to achieve the target values of financial depth indicators based on data from the pre-sanction period are shown and measures for their implementation are proposed that remain relevant in the current sanctions restrictions. The use of the proposed regulatory tools can make it possible to build forecasts for the development of key segments of the financial market of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2028, taking into account the changes in the Russian economy caused by sanctions pressure, which becomes critically important when compensating for serious macroeconomic shocks.


The widespread use of laparoscopy has been made possible by the exponential improvements in imaging technology as well as the development of specialized instruments. Although the use of laparoscopy for procedures such as cholecystectomy has become commonplace, its applicability in the management of malignancies remains in evolution. The role of the surgeon in the care of the patient with lymphoma is limited mostly to obtaining a diagnosis. Laparoscopy can play a significant role in the care of the patient requiring accurate intra-abdominal staging. The staging procedure is conducted in a fashion identical to the open procedure, including multiple liver biopsies, a splenectomy, and multiple lymph node biopsies. Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma almost never require staging, and laparoscopy may play a role in obtaining tissue for diagnosis in a small fraction of patients. Patients with Hodgkin's disease who have diffuse disease (stages III and IV) never need staging because they will all receive chemotherapy. Likewise, patients with limited disease (stage I) are usually treated with radiation therapy alone. Some patients with stage II disease - will require surgical staging, which should be performed laparoscopically. The laparoscopic approach to this procedure may afford benefits to the patient including decreased hospitalization, morbidity, and reduced delays in obtaining definitive treatment. Copyright © 2000 by W B. Saunders Company


Pulmonary sequestration is a relatively rare condition in which a part of lung tissue has no or only a secondary connection with the tracheobronchial tree. Blood supply comes from the aorta in anomalous branches. Sequestrations may be intra- or extralobar. Gerle et al. include both types in the general term congenital bronchopulmonary foregut malformation. Two surgically confirmed observations of bilateral intralobar pulmonary sequestrations are reported. The clinical features are recurrent respiratory infections with cough, fever and purulent sputum. X-rays only show nonspecific alterations. Chronic changes in the lower lobes should draw attention to pulmonary sequestration. Thoracic aortography is the procedure of choice in establishing the diagnosis and should always be carried out preoperatively. Segmental resection or lobectomy is the indicated treatment.


Bayesian neural networks (BNNs) with latent variables are probabilistic models which can automatically identify complex stochastic patterns in the data. We study in these models a decomposition of predictive uncertainty into its epistemic and aleatoric components. We show how such a decomposition arises naturally in a Bayesian active learning scenario and develop a new objective for reliable reinforcement learning (RL) with an epistemic and aleatoric risk element. Our experiments illustrate the usefulness of the resulting decomposition in active learning and reliable RL.


Purpose Veterans using Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare have twice the risk of fatal prescription drug overdose (PDO) than non-Veterans. This elevated risk may be related to Veteran receipt of opioid prescriptions from both inside and outside the VA system. State prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) can help reduce PDO by providing data on patients prescriptions across healthcare systems; however, to date, little research has leveraged PDMP data to understand Veterans PDO risk. Methods We conducted two analyses using VA and PDMP data. First, VA data for 23,052 VA users in a single state were probabilistically linked to PDMP data to examine incidence and patterns of dual VA/non-VA use of opioid prescribers. Second, using VA data from a four-state region, we examined prevalence and correlates of VA prescribers documentation of PDMP queries for 25,809 Veterans receiving long-term opioid therapy from 2015–2016. Results Results of the first analysis showed that, from 2011–2016, 53% of Veterans with VA opioid prescriptions also received non-VA opioid prescriptions in the same year; age, race, marital status, and health diagnoses such as depression and substance use disorder (SUD) were associated with dual use. Results of the second analysis showed that, among Veterans on opioid therapy, 64% had a documented PDMP query. Veterans were more likely to have a PDMP query if prescribed higher morphine-equivalent doses or if diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Conclusion While the prevalence of dual VA/non-VA use of opioid prescribers in a single state was high, more than 1/3 of Veterans receiving opioids in the VA did not have a documented PDMP query. Significance PDO is a leading cause of fatal injury and is especially important among Veterans who use VA healthcare. Increased use of PDMP data for research and healthcare may help ameliorate PDO in this population.


The study is to provide the types of fashion consumption of male and female university students and to analyze fashion involvement to the types and students' source of fashion information. Then the correlations were examined between fashion involvement and source of fashion information. The data were analyzed by a factor analysis, one-way ANOVA, Duncan test, cluster analysis, cross-tabulation analysis. The results are as follows: 1. The awareness about fashion consumption is classified into five factors: "hedonic consumption", "impulsive consumption", "brand loyal consumption", "prudent consumption", and "independent consumption". The fashion involvement to the types is categorized into four factors; "pleasure", "trend", "image", and "risk awareness". The source of fashion information is categorized into "mass media", "product information", and "personal information". 2. The fashion consumption is classified into three types: "an independent consumer type", "a brand loyal/ prudent consumer type", and "an impulsive consumer type". 3. In the fashion involvement to the types and the source of fashion information, there is a high correlation between the factors of "mass media" and "trend", "product information" and "pleasure" and "personal information" and "trend".


This comprehensive meta-analysis was applied to case-control studies of the association between pancreatitis and PRSS1 gene to assess the joint evidence for the association, the influence of individual studies, and evidence for publication bias. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched in order to identify longitudinal studies evaluating pancreatitis disease and PRSS1 gene. Odds ratios (ORs) were pooled using a random-effects model. For the case-control studies, the authors found 1) support for the association between total pancreatitis and PRSS1 gene, both totally analyzed and subdivided analyzed {total: [OR:10.799, 95%CI:(5.489-21.242), p<0.000]; Europe: [OR:9.795, 95%CI:(2.923-32.819), p<0.000]; Asia: [OR:11.994, 95%CI:(5.156-27.898), p<0.000]}. 2) no evidence showed that this association was accounted for by any one study, and 3) no evidence showed any publication bias exist. In conclusion, PRSS1 gene was significantly associated with total pancreatitis disease, both totally and separately.


Composites of polyvinyl alcohol, native banana starch, oxidized banana starch using glycerol like plasticizer, were studied by mechanical tests (MT), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and solubility in water. The oxidized banana starch showed higher level of carboxyl groups than of carbonyl groups. Composites of native banana starch/polyvinyl alcohol and oxidized banana starch/polyvinyl alcohol showed irregularities, indicating incomplete dispersion of the polymers. However, the film elaborated with the blend oxidized banana starch/polyvinyl alcohol showed the highest mechanical properties and the melting temperature of the first transition, as well as the lowest water vapor permeability, indicating higher interaction between both polymers. The composite oxidized banana starch/polyvinyl alcohol showed higher water solubility than the one of its counterpart with native banana starch at 25°C, and similar values were obtained for both films at 60°C. The oxidation of banana starch in order to elaborate a film blended with polyvinyl alcohol improved some mechanical and barrier properties, and this composite could be used for specific applications in the packing of food.


Abstract Sennertia is a diverse and widely distributed genus of mites within the family Chaetodactylidae, and the most successful group of mites in establishing phoretic relationships with bees. Although 77 valid species of Sennertia are known in the world, only two species, Sennertia (Sennertia) gargantua Zachvatkin and Sennertia (S.) zhelochovtsevi Zachvatkin have been recorded from Turkey. But, these two bee-associated species have not been noticed and not listed in the studies on mite fauna of Turkey. OConnor & Klimov in 2003 and Klimov & OConnor in 2008 stated that the distribution information of Sennertia (S.) gargantua in Turkey was probably an error. This paper reports the presence of Sennertia (S.) gargantua on a Carpenter bee in Turkey with an additional new record of the genus from Turkey, viz. Sennertia (S.) cerambycina (Scopoli). In the present work, a key to the known species for Turkey is also provided. It is noticed that genital setae are duplicated on the right side of an examined specimen of Sennertia (S.) gargantua. In the genus, some variations and local anomalies have been previously recorded; however, no abnormalities of the genital setae in Sennertia have been reported.


Background Efficacy and safety of Golimumab (Glm) has been demonstrated for spondiloarthritis (SpA). Nonetheless, there is little data determining an association between an optimal drug levels concentration and the maintenance of a good control of disease activity. In Spa-Paz cohort we defined previously an optimal Glm levels concentration associated with a good clinical response. Objectives To investigate the association between serum levels of Glm, based on the optimal concentration defined previously in Spa-Paz cohort, and disease activity in a larger cohort of SpA. Methods Observational prospective SpA-Paz cohort study treated with Glm. Disease activity was measured by ASDAS and clinical improvement using Delta-ASDAS at baseline, 6 and 12 months of biologic therapy. ASDAS<2.1 was considered as low activity and clinically important improvement as Delta-ASDAS≥1.1. Drug levels were measured by ELISA at 6 and 12 months of therapy and classified in 3 groups based on the optimal concentration range previously defined in our cohort: Group 1:<0.7 mg/L, group 2: 0.7–1.4 mg/L, group 3: >1.4 mg/L. At 12 months we made a LOCF analysis to include patient data (11 patients) with less than 12 months of treatment. We used the software Graph-Pad Prism 6 for statistical analysis. Results 46 patients of 79 with SpA treated with Glm were included in this study. The average age was 49 years old (age range 22–72 years old), 31 men (67%) and 15 women (33%). 22 patients (48%) were non-smokers and 13 (28%) active smokers. 25 (54%) were HLA-B27 positive. In total, 17 patients (37%) were classified in group 1, 16 (35%) in group 2 and 13 (28%) in group 3. At 12 months of therapy, most patients in low disease activity were in groups 2 and 3 but nevertheless, the majority of high disease activity patients were in group 3 (76% in groups 2 and 3 vs. 41% in group 1 with ASDAS<2.1; 24% in group 2 and 3 vs. 53% in group 1 with ASDAS≥2.1; p<0.0001). Likewise, clinical improvement was significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 patients (62% in groups 2 and 3 vs. 35% in group 1, p>0.0002). There were no differences in clinical improvement between group 2 and 3. 11 patients (24%) discontinued the treatment, 1 for adverse effect and 10 for inefficacy, 50% of which (5 patients) were in group 1 at the suspension moment. Conclusions In our Glm treated SpA cohort, the majority of low activity patients and higher clinical improvement were classified in optimal or supraoptimal concentration group. Overoptimal concentration drug levels do not seem to contribute to major benefit in clinical improvement. Disclosure of Interest None declared


This paper provides evidence on the reliability of euro area real-time output gap estimates. A genuine real-time data set for the euro area is used, including vintages of several sets of euro area output gap estimates available from 1999 to 2006. It turns out that real-time estimates of the output gap are characterised by a high degree of uncertainty, much higher than that resulting from model and estimation uncertainty only. In particular, the evidence indicates that both the magnitude and the sign of the real-time estimates of the euro area output gap are very uncertain. The uncertainty is mostly due to parameter instability, while data revisions seem to play a minor role. To benchmark our results, we repeat the analysis for the US over the same sample. It turns out that US real time estimates are much more correlated with final estimates than for the euro area, data revisions play a larger role, but overall the unreliability in real time of the US output gap measures detected in earlier studies is confirmed in the more recent period. Moreover, despite some difference across output gap estimates and forecast horizons, the results point clearly to a lack of any usefulness of real-time output gap estimates for inflation forecasting both in the short term (one-quarter and one-year ahead) and the medium term (two-year and three-year ahead). By contrast, some evidence is provided indicating that several output gap estimates are useful to forecast real GDP growth, particularly in the short term, and some appear also useful in the medium run. No single output gap measure appears superior to all others in all respects. JEL Classification: E31, E37, E52, E58


The editors are to be congratulated on the generally high standard of the contributions to this volume in honour of one of India's foremost Sanskrit scholars. Vidushekhara Bhattacharya gives an edition of the section on dtmavdda from the Bahubhumikavastu of Asanga's Yogdcdrabhumi, with full use of the Tibetan translation. W. Norman Brown interprets Rgveda iv, 42, as portraying King Trasadasyu as an incarnation of Indravaruna. H. I. Poleman discusses the concept of the preta. L. Renou proposes a new interpretation of the term wpanisad, taking it to mean primarily " connection " (as for example in Vedic commonplaces such as " Agni is the Sun " ) ; as a development from which, Pali upanisd, " cause," can be readily understood. I. J. S. Taraporewala interprets the ten mares and the stallion of Yasna xliv, 18, as the ten senses and the mind (taking also u&tra as " illumination "), comparing the symbolism of Katha Up. i, 3, 3-6. J. Bloch gives etymological notes on pdAu {Rgveda iii, 53, 23), dravyam, vatdvali, and johdr. H. D. Velankar discusses Varahamihira and Utpala on Sanskrit metres. T. R. Chintamani stresses the importance of the commentary of Bhavasvamin for the criticism of the text of the Ndrada-smrti, and gives a detailed list of variants. K. V. Rangaswami Aiyangar discusses.the right of self-defence in Hindu law. A. Aiyappan quotes archaeological evidence in favour of interpreting vrksa in Atharva-veda xviii, 2, 25, as " coffin ". K. Goda Varma contributes phonetic notes on the vowel-sounds of Coorg. 0. H. de A. Wijesekera interprets the seven female figures on an Indus Valley seal as symbolizing the seven rivers of the Rgveda. F. W. Thomas discusses the expression dtmahita.


BACKGROUND
Because bedbugs, Cimex lectularius L., have not been a problem in the USA for over 40 years, few insecticide products are labeled for their control. Most products that are labeled for bedbugs are pyrethroids. However, recent studies indicate that field-collected bedbugs may be resistant to pyrethroids. There are also non-pyrethroid products labeled for bedbugs, but, like the pyrethroids, none of these products has been evaluated for field efficacy. This study evaluated the efficacy of two insecticide treatment regimens for bedbugs in multi-unit housing. Both of the treatments included multiple products currently being used by the pest management industry.

RESULTS
The 'traditional' treatment consisted of applications of pyrethroid products and an insect growth regulator. The 'novel' treatment consisted of applications of non-pyrethroid products. The traditional treatment significantly reduced the number of bedbugs from 39.8 +/- 10.1 per unit prior to treatment to 2.2 +/- 1.0 at the end of the test period (P = 0.02; 95% reduction). The number of live bedbugs in the 'novel' treatment was also significantly reduced from 71.4 +/- 25.3 bedbugs per unit to 10.2 +/- 4.4 after 8 weeks (86% population reduction).

CONCLUSIONS
Although both treatment regimens reduced bedbug numbers, the fact that bedbugs were not eliminated after multiple applications suggests that the insecticides, applied at the current label rates, were inadequate. These results suggest that a more integrated approach to bedbug control is necessary in multi-unit housing situations.


A combinatorial chemistry method was employed to screen the yellow phosphors of (Lu₁₋(x)Gd(x))₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce₃(y) as luminescent materials. An array of 81 compositions was synthesized by inkjetting nitrate solutions into microreactor wells and sintering at high temperature. The candidate formulations were evaluated by luminescence pictures, and the optimal composition was determined to be Lu(2.7)Gd(0.3)Al(5)O(12):Ce(0.045) after scale-up and detailed characterization. Lu₂.₇Gd₀.₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce₀.₀₄₅ was also found to have a short decay time (≤53.97 ns). These results demonstrate the great potential of the Lu₂.₇Gd₀.₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce₀.₀₄₅ as a component of ceramic scintillators.


The combined observation of dark matter in various direct de tection experiments can be used to determine the phenomenological properties of WIMP dark m atter: mass, spin-dependent and spin-independent scattering cross-section off quarks. In order to understand the reconstruction of dark matter parameters, the effect of uncertainties in the n uclear spin-dependent structure functions must be taken into account. Different nuclear models t hat describe the spin-dependent structure function of specific target nuclei can lead to variation s in the reconstructed values of the DM mass and scattering cross-section that can be similar in amp litude to that of astrophysical uncertainties, especially in those cases where the spin-depende nt contribution to the elastic scattering cross-section is sizable. After reviewing these effects, t he idea of target complementarity is applied to the specific case of the scintillating bolometers wh ich are currently being developed and tested by the ROSEBUD collaboration.


Large eddy simulations (LES) are performed for two representative complex geometry problems of particular interest to turbomachinery flows. First problem studied is the flow field inside a trapped-vortex combustor. Second problem is the unsteady interaction of rotor blade with stator blade wake field. The representation of complex geometry is done using immersed boundary method (IBM). Two different implementations are presented for the body force terms.


A retrospective study of 109 skin biopsies with granuloma annulare (GA) or morphea histology from patients with suspected tick bite was performed. Biopsies were tested for cutaneous Borrelia burgdorferi DNA using PCR. The same biopsies were analysed for tick-borne novel agents, Chlamydia-related bacteria (members of the Chlamydiales order), using a PCR-based method. Borrelia DNA was detected in 7/73 (9.6%) biopsies with GA and in 1/36 (2.8 %) biopsies with morphea, while Chlamydiales DNA was found in 53/73 (72.6%) biopsies with GA and 25/34 (73.4%) biopsies with morphea. All Borrelia DNA-positive GA samples were also positive for Chlamydiales DNA. The Chlamydiales sequences detected in GA were heterogeneous and contained Waddliaceae and Rhabdochlamydiaceae bacteria, which are also present in Ixodes ricinus ticks, while the Chlamydiales sequences detected in morphea closely resembled those found in healthy skin. In conclusion, tick-mediated infections can trigger GA in some cases, while correlation of either Borrelia or Chlamydiales with morphea is unlikely.


Discoveries about the cultures and cultural capacities of the great apes have played a leading role in the recognition emerging in recent decades that cultural inheritance can be a significant factor in the lives not only of humans but also of nonhuman animals. This prominence derives in part from these primates being those with whom we share the most recent common ancestry, thus offering clues to the origins of our own thoroughgoing reliance on cumulative cultural achievements. In addition, the intense research focus on these species has spawned an unprecedented diversity of complementary methodological approaches, the results of which suggest that cultural phenomena pervade the lives of these apes, with potentially major implications for their broader evolutionary biology. Here I review what this extremely broad array of observational and experimental methodologies has taught us about the cultural lives of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans and consider the ways in which this knowledge extends our wider understanding of primate biology and the processes of adaptation and evolution that shape it. I address these issues first by evaluating the extent to which the results of cultural inheritance echo a suite of core principles that underlie organic Darwinian evolution but also extend them in new ways and then by assessing the principal causal interactions between the primary, genetically based organic processes of evolution and the secondary system of cultural inheritance that is based on social learning from others.


We report the case of a 73-year-old woman who was found to have an inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm caused by surgical drain placement during a laparotomy for an appendix abscess. She presented with pain around the drain site two months following surgery and intravenous contrast computed tomography (CT) revealed a right inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm. A decision was made to manage this expectantly as she remained stable with no other complications. Following a period of nine months of observation, repeat intravenous contrast CT showed evidence of spontaneous regression and thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm. She remains well and her symptoms have now resolved.


Abstract In this study, we examined the time course of changes in the blood volume and oxygenation of accessory respiratory (RM) and locomotor (LM) muscles, and the interrelationships of changes in these parameters during maximal incremental intermittent exercise in 15 non-endurance-trained active men. Blood volume and oxygenation of the serratus anterior and of vastus lateralis were measured simultaneously by near-infrared spectroscopy. The respiratory compensation point, and the breakpoints where abrupt changes were apparent in RM and LM blood volume and oxygenation versus time were identified. During exercise, the decreases in RM and LM oxygenation were accentuated in the vicinity of the respiratory compensation point. This was concomitant with a reduction in LM, but not RM, blood volume. The time at which the respiratory compensation point and the breakpoints in RM and LM blood volume and oxygenation were detected (70.2–75.0% exercise time) did not differ, and were inter-correlated (r=0.56 to 0.95). Moreover, the rate of the accelerated fall of oxygenation in the locomotor muscles was correlated with that of the decline in blood volume in that area (r=0.73), and with that of the accelerated fall of oxygenation in the respiratory muscles (r=0.71). The results suggest that the high ventilatory demand, which occurs naturally during intense intermittent exercise in non-endurance-trained individuals, may precipitate an accelerated fall in RM oxygenation, concomitant with a reduction in LM blood volume and an accentuated decline in LM oxygenation. Such responses are likely to occur above the respiratory compensation point during intermittent exercise.


Gastric rupture following blunt abdominal trauma is a rare presentation with a reported incidence of 0.02-1.7% in current literature. Traumatic gastric rupture is usually associated with other visceral injuries, such as splenic lesions and fractures. Prompt diagnosis and early intervention reduce mortality and morbidity. History of a recent meal has been implicated in traumatic gastric rupture. We report a case of blunt abdominal trauma with an isolated gastric rupture after a motor vehicle accident, managed successfully without any post-operative morbidity and mortality.


The Repeat-Induced Point (RIP) mutation pathway is a fungus-specific genome defense mechanism that mitigates the deleterious consequences of repeated genomic regions and transposable elements (TEs). RIP mutates targeted sequences by introducing cytosine to thymine transitions. We investigated the genome-wide occurrence and extent of RIP with a sliding-window approach. Using genome-wide RIP data and two sets of control groups, the association between RIP, TEs, and GC content were contrasted in organisms capable and incapable of RIP. Based on these data, we then set out to determine the extent and occurrence of RIP in 58 representatives of the Ascomycota. The findings were summarized by placing each of the fungi investigated in one of six categories based on the extent of genome-wide RIP. In silico RIP analyses, using a sliding-window approach with stringent RIP parameters, implemented simultaneously within the same genetic context, on high quality genome assemblies, yielded superior results in determining the genome-wide RIP among the Ascomycota. Most Ascomycota had RIP and these mutations were particularly widespread among classes of the Pezizomycotina, including the early diverging Orbiliomycetes and the Pezizomycetes. The most extreme cases of RIP were limited to representatives of the Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes. By contrast, the genomes of the Taphrinomycotina and Saccharomycotina contained no detectable evidence of RIP. Also, recent losses in RIP combined with controlled TE proliferation in the Pezizomycotina subphyla may promote substantial genome enlargement as well as the formation of sub-genomic compartments. These findings have broadened our understanding of the taxonomic range and extent of RIP in Ascomycota and how this pathway affects the genomes of fungi harboring it.


Most diseases that are difficult to prevent and cure are "syndromes" that are governed by multiple components with complicated interactions. Whatever the cause of such diseases, overproduction of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) can often be observed in progression of the disease. Under such conditions, the cells may be challenged by "oxidative stress" due to excessively generated oxidants. Antioxidants can be defined as chemical compounds that scavenge ROS or free radicals over-produced in the cells under oxidative stress conditions. The plant pigments flavonoids and betalains, rich in fruits and vegetables, are reactive not only with ROS but also with reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and possibly with reactive sulfur species (RSS). Here, we provide an overview of updates on the antioxidative functions of the plant pigments along with some prospects for future research on phytochemical antioxidants.


This work assesses the binding energies of atmospherically relevant clusters containing H2SO4, H2O, NH3 and (CH3)2NH using density functional theory. The performance of seven DFT functionals (B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, M06-2X, PW91, LC-PW91, PBE0 and ωB97X-D) is evaluated against high level explicitly correlated coupled cluster methods using a test set of 107 atmospherically relevant clusters. Our studies show that all the tested functionals correlate well with the coupled cluster results, but with highly varying mean absolute errors. The PBE0, CAM-B3LYP, PW91 and M06-2X functionals are found to perform similarly with errors in the range of 2.53-3.46 kcal mol(-1), while the B3LYP and LC-PW91 functionals yield higher errors of 6.95 kcal mol(-1) and 10.66 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The ωB97X-D functional gives the best estimate of the binding energies with a mean absolute error as low as 2.12 kcal mol(-1) over the large test set of clusters.


The recently introduced Health Children and Families Act represents a potential $15B investment in promoting community health by legislating the implementation of the Nurse-Family Partnerships (NFP) program in all 50 states. Although legislation does not mandate the implementation strategy, civic collaboration has been found to be uniquely successful. To fully leverage the value of civic collaboration, this study aims to identify and formalize one important aspect of collaborative activity—the growth process during the initial stages of collaboration. By comparing field observations from several community health programs, we have identified the features of civic collaborations most associated with favorable program outcomes. Specifically, successful collaborations have started with small initial groups, proceeded to engage in high quality planning processes, and have slowly included new members. Using a coordination game model from experimental economics, we formalize strategic behaviors in civic collaboration as a minimum-effort coordination game with Pareto ranked equilibria. Three best practices (small initial group, planning, and growth) observed from the field are interpreted as interventions in coordination failures within the game. This coordination game framework is incorporated into an agent-based model. A series of experiments in the agent-based model offers an in-depth understanding of the separate and combined effects of the three best practices and how their contributions change over the lifecycle of a civic collaboration program. Findings from this study not only inform the program implementation of Healthy Children and Families Act, but also help stakeholders in other civic collaboration programs to understand and adopt the best practices and achieve optimal outcomes.


The Kyrgyz Republic has made significant steps in reforming the health system through successive National Health Programs implemented over the last 20 years. One of the major achievements of such reforms were the establishment of a single-payer national health insurance and a basic benefit package. The State Guaranteed Benefit Package (SGBP) provides free basic health services at the primary care level for the whole population, and inpatient care with nominal co-payments or no fee for certain groups. Even though the principles of the SGBP contain elements of international good practice, the SGBP has hardly changed since it was stablished. At the same time, many changes have taken place within and outside the health system, exerting mounting pressure for the SGBP to adapt to the new disease burden and meet population's expectations within the context of budget constraints. The current paper provides a critical assessment of the Kyrgyz Republic's basic health benefit package. It reveals several issues in the actual benefits delivered to the population as opposed to the generous promise of the statutory package. Some important limitations include lack of clarity, persistent funding gap, large number of fee exemption categories given the resource constraints and at the same time lack of an effective mechanism to protect the poor. Most importantly, there is no systematic arrangement in place to ensure a regular evidence-based process of the benefit package revision. The paper proposes several measures that could guide the process of SGBP revision, considering the Kyrgyz context and building on international experiences. It is expected that information from the paper will be useful not only for the Kyrgyz stakeholders but also other countries in making the benefit package an effective instrument for achieving universal health coverage.


The zebrafish embryo toxicity test (ZET) is a promising alternative for animal testing in developmental toxicity, reducing the great amounts of animals used at present. Before implementation of the ZET, precise characterization of the model, with regard to developmental processes, has to be performed before validation of the test is possible. The classical method of interpretation of the ZET is morphological evaluation, which is consideredrather subjective. Transcriptomics holds great promise as a novel way to interpret the ZET in a much more accurate, sensitive and objective way. Furthermore, these techniques help to increase our understanding of the toxic mechanisms of different teratogens during embryological development. In this study, two known developmentally toxic compounds, retinoic acid (RA) and valproic acid (VPA) were used. Gene expression patterns were analyzed by microarray analysis and in situ hybridization of eleven selected genes, and were compared to the morphological effects, making use of the general morphology scoring system. The current study demonstrated comparable results for ISH and microarray analysis, and showed gene expression to be more sensitive than morphological effects seen in the zebrafish embryo after exposure to both VPA and RA. However, the technique of ISH predominantly showed to be suitable for research purposes, whereas microarray analysis is also applicable as a highthroughput screening method.


Immunogenicity, influenced by tumor antigenicity and antigen presenting efficiency, critically determines the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The role of immunogenicity has not been fully elucidated in gliomas. In this study, a large-scale bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze the prognostic value and predictive value of antigen presentation machinery (APM) signature in gliomas. ssGSEA algorithm was used for development of APM signature and LASSO regression analysis was used for construction of APM signature-based risk score. APM signature and risk score showed favorable performance in stratifying survival and predicting tumorigenic factors of glioma patients. APM signature and risk score were also associated with different genomic features in both training cohort TCGA and validating cohort CGGA. Furthermore, APM signature-based risk score was independently validated in three external cohorts and managed to predict immunotherapy response. A prognostic nomogram was constructed based on risk score. Risk score-derived CALR was found to mediate the invasion and polarization of macrophages based on the coculture of HMC3 and U251 cells. CALR could significantly predict immunotherapy response. In conclusion, APM signature and APM signature-based risk score could help promote the clinical management of gliomas.


The nuclear lamina is a major structural component of metazoan nuclei that has long been thought to provide an anchoring site for interphase chromosomes and have a role in gene regulation. Recent genome-wide mapping studies and functional experimental data strongly support these roles of the nuclear lamina. Here, we discuss new insights into various aspects of genome-nuclear lamina interactions, with emphasis on the links with gene regulation and with dynamics during cellular differentiation.


The implementation of multiple microprocessor based flight control systems has provided new highs of hardware reliability. Current design goals for system reliability are in the order of 10 to 50 thousand hours. The need to consider failure of software in the system MTBF calculations has arisen, even though software doesn't "fail" in the traditional hardware sense. The current state of the art in software reliability prediction badly lags that of the hardware. One current approach is to use multiple independently developed, software programs to eliminate the generic software fault in multi-processor systems. A side effect is to increase the cost of the software portion of a system. The General Electric Aerospace Control Systems Department has developed several flight control programs that have been in service for years, and some system failure data is examined in detail with respect to software faults. The results show that reliable software systems can be met with well tested and maintained single software designs. After one million flight hours in the field, one system exhibits continued reliability growth, with ten thousand hours MTBF for the software. The failures were all non-critical and include incorrect requirements as well as design and implementation errors. Over sixty percent of the failures were traced to incorrect requirements. The implementation of a reliable, well tested single software design system is a cost effective alternative to costly multiple "independent" program developments. Recent developments show unexpected correlation of errors in independently developed software designs, reducing expected improvements in reliability. This, coupled with the significant portion of errors imbedded in requirements, points toward well tested single software designs as a method of meeting software reliability requirements. Current FAA certification philosophy is open-minded on the single software design approach.


A biological clone (F0) of a syncytium-inducing (SI) isolate (S61) was unable to produce syncytia in MT-4 cells. On serial passage on MT-4 cells this virus [F15(-3)] became capable of inducing syncytia (Sánchez-Palomino S, et al.: J Virol 1993;67:2938). After sequencing different regions of the env gene including V1-V2, V3, and the fusion domain of both viruses, we have found only an asparagine (N)-to-isoleucine (I) change in position 7 of the V3 loop. By mutagenesis and in vitro recombination, using infectious molecular clones, we have identified this amino acid change as the only one responsible for the syncytial phenotypic switch. However, this cytopathic change was not accompanied by a change in the replication rate, indicating that these two properties are not linked genotypic traits. Thus serial passaging of an HIV-1 isolate on MT-4 cells has produced a nonsyncytial-to-syncytial switch through a point mutation in position 7 of the V3 loop.


Variations in maternal behavior induce long-lasting effects on behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to stress. The aim of this study was to analyze developmental parameters, reproductive function, and anxiety-related behaviors of male and female rats raised by mothers that naturally display high and low levels of maternal licking behavior. Results showed that an increase in licking behavior received by the pups accelerated their eye opening and reduced fear behavior assessed in the open field test. Additionally, female offspring of high licking (HL) mothers showed decreased ovulation and lordosis intensity. In contrast, males from HL and low licking (LL) mothers did not differ in their reproductive function, suggesting a gender difference in maternal effects. Present results showed that individual differences in maternal behavior appear not only to be predictive of later emotionality and stress-responsivity in the offspring, but can also modulate the reproductive function of females. Maternal genetic factors, differences in the prenatal intrauterine milieu, or a combination of these cannot be excluded to explain the effects observed.


The distribution of smooth newts, Triturus vulgaris, and palmate newts, Triturus helveticus, in north-west Europe is related to geology and water quality. This study compared the development of the eggs and larvae of the two species under sublethal acidic and neutral conditions. Newt embryos raised under low pH hatched at an earlier stage of development, at a smaller size, and before those raised under neutral conditions. T. vulgaris hatched at a smaller size than T. helveticus, but pH did not affect the species differentially. Larvae of both species grew to a larger size under neutral than under acid conditions. Larvae raised in heterospecific pairs grew at least as well as those raised in conspecific pairs. Feeding was depressed under acid conditions, and reduced growth may therefore be associated with changes in the behaviour of newt larvae and their prey.