Ferrochrome slag generated from alumino-thermi method piles up in large quantities poses many problems to the environment and contaminates ground water on long run, needs to be addressed very urgently. It principally contains chromium, alumina, Iron, magnesium, calcium in small quantities. This paper deals with extraction of chromium and renders the slag harmless. In this paper industrial waste was collected from GTS industries and used in the subsequent experimentation. Ferrochrome slag is treated with lime to conduct slag-lime solid-solid reaction. Chromium present in the slag reacts with lime to form mixed chromates. The reaction is conducted at 973K, soluble chromium ion was extracted with water and is subsequently separated by adsorbing fly ash based zeolite which can be recovered. The recovery of chromium metal in the slag is 64%. The method is viable for the commercial recovery of chromium from slag.


ABSTRACT New recruits within policing are involved in a process of negotiating and creating meaning within their newly shaped identities. Within this identity formation, members engage in both categorisation and comparison in an attempt to sustain the group and to enhance the self-image of the group member. The benefits of inclusion and enhanced group identity however must be analysed alongside the inevitable exclusion and 'othering' that also occur. Using the framework of social identity theories, this paper seeks to consider new police recruits in England and their perceptions of, and attitudes towards, victims and potential victims of crime. It does this through an analysis of qualitative data obtained through a piece of longitudinal, ethnographic research which focussed upon new police recruits to an English police force. The research followed the police recruits for four years and in doing so, attempted to produce a holistic description of their developing cultures. What emerged from the findings was an enthusiasm for assisting victims of crime but within the context of culturally defined notions of what a 'victim' might constitute. By sharply delineating between 'deserving' and 'undeserving' victims of crime, police officers are contributing to the 'diminishing status' of certain potential victims through privileging certain identities over others. Police officers are one of the key definers of victim status and through this process of 'informed neglect' are contributing to the discrimination and alienation of certain parts of the community. This has the potential to add to the exclusion of those who are already socially, educationally and economically ostracised.


The dependence of the frequency noise on the output power, the tuning current and the current modulation has been measured in a two electrode DBR laser from 30 MHz to 8 GHz. The frequency noise spectrum was fairly flat and decreased with increased output power at a rate faster than 1/P. At certain biasing levels, the noise increased and the relaxation peak was shifted towards lower frequencies when current was injected into the passive waveguide. Furthermore, the frequency noise was not affected by the current modulation.


We propose a novel method for detection of protein impurities present in plasma-derived and recombinant purified injectable biopharmaceuticals by enhancing the concentration of protein impurities, in essence "amplifying" their presence to detectable levels. The method is based on the capture of proteins using a combinatorial solid-phase hexapeptides ligand library previously described for the reduction of protein concentration difference in biological fluids. Three proteins have been investigated: Staphylococcus aureus Protein A, expressed in Escherichia coli and supplied as 99% pure, recombinant human albumin, expressed in Pichia pastoris and certified as 95% pure, and therapeutic albumin supplied as 96-98% pure injectable solution. In all cases, after treatment with the ligand libraries, a number of additional polypeptide chains, not visible in the control, could be detected and obtained in sufficient amounts for MS analysis. In the cases of the two recombinant proteins, it could be demonstrated that a number of these polypeptide chains were host cell proteins still present in the purified product. In addition, a substantial number of these spots were found to be cleavage products of the original recombinant DNA species. Such cleavage products were particularly abundant in the recombinant human albumin preparation. From pure injectable serum albumin, a number of human plasma protein impurities were also identified by LC-MS/MS analysis. Treatment with ligand libraries of purified proteins is thus seen as a very powerful method of capture and concentration of host proteins and cleaved products for further analysis to control better the quality of industrial biotechnology products.


Despite its fundamental role as to the very existence of humans and their economies, the provision of clean water to their citizens remains a challenge to governments across the globe. This challenge presents itself as a classic interdisciplinary opportunity to blend science, law, and economics into an adaptive management solution ensuring the availability of this critical resource to all of the earth's inhabitants, regardless of location or socioeconomic status. This paper will explore how countries manage transboundary water resources, and how cooperative strategies may emerge that benefit each country that shares an international river or lake. In particular, this research explores how game theory and international treaties integrate the natural geospatial and temporal variability of hydrologic cycles into malleable instruments that ensure water supply and quality even in times of drought. Drawing on the long-term feedback available from the United States' and Mexico's International Boundary and Water Commission treaty for the Rio Grande River (and several smaller transboundary rivers), this paper asserts that even narrowly self-interested states can reach agreements in managing scarce water resources that lead to non-zero sum outcomes and the availability of clean water at all times for their citizenry.


This thesis presents a study of the internal functions of public-sector organisations in developing countries and how public-sector hiring policies interact with the wider economy, using Ethiopia as a case study. The first chapter introduces the thesis. The second chapter provides empirical evidence on how public-sector hiring policies impact education choices and private-sector productivity. I study the expansion of universities in Ethiopia and find that it leads to an increase in public-sector productivity but a decrease in private-sector productivity. The findings are rationalised by the following labour-market conditions, consistent with most developing country contexts: (i) entry into public employment is favoured towards those with a tertiary education; (ii) the public sector provides a large wage premium; (iii) entry into public employment requires costly search effort. The third chapter uses novel survey instruments and administrative data to measure the individual-level information that bureaucrats have on local conditions and a field experiment to provide exogenous variation in information access. Civil servants make large errors and information acquisition is consistent with classical theoretical predictions. Bureaucrats have better information when: there are low costs of acquiring information; they are delegated authority over decision-making; there are organisational incentives to use operating information. The fourth chapter analyses the introduction of a management-information system, which provides civil servants better access to information on their local environment, in the education sector. I find that the intervention significantly improves certain service delivery outcomes (enrolment), while other outcomes (schooling conditions) significantly worsen, consistent with the existence of multitasking in the bureaucracy. The fifth chapter studies performance evaluations in the civil service. I use the dual-evaluation system in the Ethiopian civil service to measure supervisor bias and analyse its effects on service delivery, showing that supervisor bias is associated with efficiency losses in the public sector. The final chapter concludes.


In order to extend the boiler lives at Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (AGR) nuclear power stations in the UK, new temperature measuring instrumentation to monitor reactor gas temperature has been proposed to install on the bore of an intact boiler tube to provide additional boiler operating data to support the station lifetime extension. This paper details a creep-fatigue crack initiation assessment of the proposed installation of an instrument guide tube within the superheater header using the latest R5 high temperature assessment procedures based on detailed finite element thermal transient stress analysis values for a bounding start-up and shutdown cycle. The fatigue damage at welds has been calculated based on both weld and parent material properties. The new approach for assessing weldments has been used in this paper. This new approach involves splitting the existing Fatigue Strength Reduction Factor (FSRF) into a Weldment Endurance Reduction (WER), which accounts for reduced fatigue endurance due to weld imperfections, and a Weldment Strain Enhacement Factor (WSEF), which accounts for material mismatch and local geometry. The creep assessments of the weld material locations have been carried out on both parent and weld material properties including the welding residual stress. The total creep-fatigue damage is then obtained as the sum of fatigue damage, Df, and creep damage, Dc.


Three Jurassic fossil-wood taxa from France have been investigated, Taxodioxylon lemoignei n.sp. from the Oxfordian, Prototaxodioxylon romanensis Philippe from the Pliensbachian, and P. sp. from the Hettangian. Wood of this type, prior to the Late Cretaceous, is reviewed. The Oxfordian wood shows a structure characteristic of a Taxodiaceae, previously unknown before the Late Cretaceous. It is well differentiated from contemporaneous woods of Cupressaceae. The systematic position of the Liassic forms, with mixed type of pitting, remains more arguable. These taxodiaceous woods, along with known reproductive structures, reinforce the idea that this family was well separated from Cupressaceae already in the Middle Jurassic. ***Fossil wood, Jurassic, France, Taxodiaceae.


We show that the Kauffman bracket skein modules of certain manifolds obtained from integral surgery on a (2, 2b) torus link are finitely generated, and list the generators for select examples.


Marigold was grown on 4 media treatments with different levels of composted digested sewage sludge. On each medium, a number of fertilizer amendment treatments were studied to evaluate compost as a replacement for the amendments ordinarily required for complete media. Media contained 0, 33, 67, and 100% sludge compost (by volume); the remainder was unfertilized Cornell mix (equal volume mixture of sphagnum peat moss and vermiculite). The recommended amendments for Cornell mix (N, P, limestone, and trace elements) were deleted one at a time, all, or all but N. Severe P deficiency of −P media was fully corrected by compost at all rates. Compost provided only part of the N requirement at 33%. All trace element requirements were supplied by compost, yet toxicities did not occur; compost-amended media pH was ≥ 6.7, which limited metal availability to plants. Soluble salts limited yield somewhat on all treatments containing 67 or 100% compost. Fertilization of 33% compost media with only KNO3 (recommended rate for Cornell mix) allowed plant performance equal to the complete Cornell mix. Compost supplied much higher amounts of Fe, Zn, and Cu than are ordinarily added to media, and corrected an apparent marginal Cu deficiency-stress of complete Cornell mix. Composted digested sewage sludge was found to be an effective ingredient for potting media for marigolds when N is supplied from chemical sources.


This study investigated the extraction and stripping performance of PIMs consisting of PVC and Aliquat 336. Extraction and stripping of three representative heavy metals - namely Cd2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ - by the synthesized membranes were evaluated as a function of sodium chloride concentration and under different stripping solutions (0.01 M HNO3, Milli-Q water, 0.01 M HCl and 0.01 M NaOH),
respectively. Results reported here indicate that the formation of negatively charged metal chloride complex species was responsible for the extraction of the target metal to PIMs. Experimental results and thermodynamic modeling of the speciation of chloro metal complexes further confirm that the extraction selectivity between Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ can be controlled by regulating the chloride concentration of the feed solution. An acidic solution without any chloride was the most effective stripping solution, followed by Milli-Q water, and a diluted hydrochloric acid solution. On the other hand, the stripping of metals from PIMs did not occur when a basic stripping solution was used.


When the Lagrangian relaxation based methods are applied to solve power system unit commitment, the identical solutions to the subproblems associated with identical units may cause the dual solution to be far away from the optimal solution and serious solution oscillations. As a result, the quality of the feasible solution obtained may be very unsatisfactory. This issue has been long recognized as an inherent disadvantage of Lagrangian relaxation based methods. In this paper, the homogeneous solution issue is identified and analyzed through a simple example. Based on this analysis, a successtve subproblem solving method is developed. The new method combines the concepts of augmented Lagrangian relaxation and surrogate subgradient to produce a good search direction at the high level. The low-level subproblems including those corresponding to the identical units are solved successively so that the commitments of the identical units may not be homogeneous in the dual solution. Compared with the standard Lagrangian relaxation method, the new method can obtain better dual solutions and avoid the solution oscillations. Numerical testing shows the new method is efficient and the quality of the feasible solution is greatly improved.


This paper examines a multiple time-scale system where each layer of time-scale dynamics corresponds to a network. Coupling between layers induces a network-of-networks dynamic system. Assuming a hierarchical interaction structure between network time-scale layers with sufficient time-scale differences, layers can be studied under a separation principle. We describe stability of the network-of-networks through a composite Lyapunov function and provide a bilinear matrix inequality condition to guarantee asymptotic stability. Techniques are proposed to adapt this inequality into a linear matrix inequality condition making it computationally efficient to solve as a convex optimization problem. We examine estimates of the dynamics' domain of attraction and provide conservative bounds on the time-scale separation required to guarantee stability. A class of network-of-networks dynamics with modified consensus dynamics and a state-dependent network structure is then explored. Graph-based guarantees are provided that certify the stability of the system with the worst case rate of convergence dictating conservative bounds on the time-scale separation. An illustrative network-of-networks example is presented.


BACKGROUND
Kupffer cells have been proposed to be a major cellular origin of pro-inflammatory mediators in sepsis. However, the cytokine response of Kupffer cells to gram-positive bacteria and their endotoxins peptidoglycan (PepG) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) has never previously been studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Primary cultures of rat and human Kupffer cells were exposed to live Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (4.0 x 10(1) to 4.0 x 10(7) CFU/mL culture medium), as well as highly purified PepG and LTA (0-100 microg/mL). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 1 microg/mL was used for control. In parallel experiments, whole blood obtained from the same rats was stimulated in a similar manner. Accumulation of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in plasma or culture supernatants were assessed by enzyme immuno assays. TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS
PepG and LTA, as well as live S. aureus, induced the production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in Kupffer cells from both species in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Whereas PepG was a more potent inducer of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in whole blood, the opposite seemed to be the case in Kupffer cells. In fact, a 100-fold lower concentration of LTA (1 microg/mL) than of PepG (100 microg/mL) was sufficient to induce a substantial production of both TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the Kupffer cells. TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA were induced correspondingly.

CONCLUSION
Our results support the contention that gram-positive bacteria may activate cytokine production in Kupffer cells during bacteremia and suggest that LTA is important in this interaction.


The metabolic syndrome is a topic of hot debate among experts due to different opinions about its definition and its clinical relevance. The metabolic syndrome is identified by the presence of abnormalities of the glucose metabolism, blood pressure, fat deposition, and some plasma lipids. Several authors have attempted to find a physiopathological explanation for the association of the abnormalities in this syndrome. Recently, some aspects of the inflammation seem relevant to understand the association of visceral fat deposition, insulin-resistance and diabetes and vascular complications. From a clinical point of view this syndrome must be considered an important vascular risk factor.


We present a statistic for the detection of stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds (SGWBs) using radiometry with a network of multiple baselines. We also quantitatively compare the sensitivities of existing baselines and their network to SGWBs. We assess how the measurement accuracy of signal parameters, e.g., the sky position of a localized source, can improve when using a network of baselines, as compared to any of the single participating baselines. The search statistic itself is derived from the likelihood ratio of the cross correlation of the data across all possible baselines in a detector network and is optimal in Gaussian noise. Specifically, it is the likelihood ratio maximized over the strength of the
SGWB and is called the maximized-likelihood ratio (MLR). One of the main advantages of using the MLR over past search strategies for inferring the presence or absence of a signal is that the former does not require the deconvolution of the cross correlation statistic. Therefore, it does not suffer from errors inherent to the deconvolution procedure and is especially useful for detecting weak sources. In the limit of a single baseline, it reduces to the detection statistic studied by Ballmer [Classical Quantum Gravity 23, S179 (2006).] and Mitra et al. [Phys. Rev. D 77, 042002 (2008).]. Unlike past studies, here the MLR statistic enables us to compare quantitatively the performances of a variety of baselines searching for a
SGWB signal in (simulated) data. Although we use simulated noise and SGWB signals for making these comparisons, our method can be straight forwardly applied on real data.


In this study, the authors address the problem of reaching a given percentage of an optimal cost, so as to guarantee a known reserve with respect to the optimum. This reserve aims to counteract fast changes in the operating conditions. The authors assume that the analytical expression of the cost function is not available. To tackle this problem, they propose a novel extremum seeking scheme, the sub-optimal extremum seeking, that is able to keep a given margin with respect to the estimated optimal cost. Stability properties of the control scheme are proved and the effectiveness of the approach is validated in simulation.


PGE2-mediated suppression of T cell proliferation during sepsis could result from altered Ca2+ signaling. The present study evaluated the effects of PGE2 on Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and its influx through the plasma membrane in splenic T cells from Sprague-Dawley rats. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) responses in individual T cells were assessed using the Ca2+ imaging technique, and the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and Ca2+ influx were spectrofluorometrically quantified in T cell suspensions. Under unstimulated conditions, nearly 85% of T cells exhibited [Ca2+]i≤50 nM. After stimulation with concanavalin A (Con A), an increase in [Ca2+]iwas recorded in ∼60% of the cells. The pretreatment of T cells with PGE2 had no apparent effect on [Ca2+]iin resting cells; it significantly suppressed the Con A-induced increase in [Ca2+]iin all of the Con A-responsive cells. Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores contributed to the early spike in [Ca2+]i, and the late phase of elevation in [Ca2+]iwas dependent on Ca2+ influx through the plasma membrane. Our data suggest that PGE2 causes an overall suppression of the Con A-induced [Ca2+]ielevation in T cells via inhibiting both Ca2+ influx and its release from the intracellular stores.


Entrepreneurial activity is one of the major issues in regional economic analysis. Although its determinants and consequences are multiple and complex, most studies focus on individual factors or face the work from an aggregate level. These approaches assume that a representative agent —by maximising its utility— solves a social problem with which it is faced. However, this neglects the fact that the economy is a complex and evolving system made up of diverse and heterogeneous interacting agents. As a result, such models present major shortcomings, which justify the need to find a new methodology to model entrepreneurship and firms' dynamics that will make it possible to study in detail and forecast the effects that economic policies have on the business sector. From the perspective of entrepreneurship and business activity, this paper introduces an agentbased model (ABM) in order to analyse the effects of policies within the behaviour, decisions and interactions dynamics of firms and individuals. Therefore, two basic types of agents are considered: individuals and firms. The individuals belong to a society made up of households and they act as entrepreneurs–businessperson that create firms. Firms have their own dynamics and adopt decisions as far as their approach of economic and business performance. Building on the main trends and theories of entrepreneurship and business activity, this model analyses and forecasts, first, how the entrepreneurial spirit is shaped, which are the determinants that reinforce it, and what is the propensity to become an entrepreneur. And secondly, the choice of the characteristics of the firm and its development, taking into account the decisions on optimising in terms of location.


HE process of crossing over in Drosophila wzelanogaster gonads has T been shown to be affected by several external and internal variables. These include X-rays ( MAVOR 1923), temperature extremes (PLOUGH 1917, 1921 ; STERN 1926), nitrogen mustard (WHITTINGHILL 1948b), age of female (BRIDGES 1915, 1927), physiological aging ( BERGNER 1928), larval nutrition ( NEEL 1941 ) , triploidy ( REDFIELD 1930, 1932), and the presence of inversions in chromosomes of some other pair in the nucleus (SCHULTZ and REDFIELD 1933 ; STEINBERG 1936 ; STEINBERG and FRASER 1944). An increased recombination value, which is greatest near the spindle attachment, is the chief effect already demonstrated except for the two forms of aging. The data from one of these, limited larval nutrition, is similar if relative rather than absolute changes are compared. Sometimes this proximal increase has been accompanied by decreases of lesser magnitude in the most distal regions of the chromosomes. In the present gamma-ray experiments both changes in recombination values have been found, together with some regular and predictable changes in the coincidence values which furnish new evidence as to where the irradiation effect was first produced. The experiments were planned with the realization that amy recombination value obtained might properly be attributed to one or more of three sources, although customarily it has been assumed that each recombination offspring is the product of one meiotic crossing over. The three possibilities under consideration are represented in figure 1, in which several generations of oogonia are shown multiplying to produce numerous primary oocytes, whence come the observable data. For example, an experiment would show the same recombination value whether crossing over occurred five times in the cells marked A, or five times in the cells marked B, or merely once in the cell marked C. (1) Crossing over in cells A would represent truly random meiotic crossing over, the kind usually inferred from experimental data. The standard errors of crossover ratios are valid only in so far as each crossover fly is thus independently formed. (2) Crossing over in cells B would be


In September 2011, catastrophic landslide disasters triggered by record-breaking rainfall due to Typhoon 1112 (Talas) caused enormous damage in the Kii Peninsula, Japan. We analyzed cumulative event rainfall, maximum hourly rainfall intensity, Soil Water Index (SWI), and Normalized SWI (NSWI) for 30 landslide events occurring in Nara Prefecture. The first two parameters are classical variables used for landslide hazard assessment. SWI represents the theoretical soil water content calculated by using a hydrological model, while NSWI is normalized SWI divided by the largest value over the past ten years (2001−2010) at the location. The distributions of the cumulative event rainfall, maximum hourly rainfall intensity, and SWI do not well correspond to landslide locations; p-values obtained from Wilcoxon rank-sum tests between landslide and non-landslide cells were 0.98, 0.95, and 0.91 for these distributions, respectively. However, landslides occurred in an area where the maximum NSWI was high (p-value < 0.01). Heavy rainfall occurs frequently in the eastern part of the Kii Peninsula where the mean annual precipitation is higher than 3800 mm. That is, in regions of frequent rainfall, the relative value of NSWI (in comparison with historical records) is more useful than the other rainfall variables for landslide hazard assessment.


Despite many previous studies, the mechanism of glucocorticoid-induced hypertension remains unknown. The present review will introduce the results of our studies on this subject in patients with Cushing's syndrome and in experimental animals. Our studies indicate that the following multiple factors are involved in glucocorticoid-induced hypertension in humans and animals: 1) activation of the renin-angiotensin (R-A) system due to an increase in plasma renin substrate (PRS); 2) reduced activity of depressor systems, including the kallikrein-kinin (K-K) system, prostaglandins (PGs), and the endothelium-derived relaxing factor nitric oxide (NO); and 3) increased pressor responses to angiotensin II (Ang II) and norepinephrine. Furthermore, our in vitro studies have revealed that the number of Ang II type 1 receptors of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is significantly increased by glucocorticoids. It is concluded that the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid-induced hypertension is multi-factorial, involving the various mechanisms described above.


Purpose. Target suppression-cues are considered important for valid binocular accommodative facility response. However, there are no comparable recommendations concerning the effect of target type on vergence facility response. Methods. Ten subjects ages 16 to 19 years of either sex and any race were pooled, based on the lack of any asthenopic symptoms determined by a verbal interview with the investigator. Inclusion/exclusion criteria included vision correctable to 6/6 (20/20) Snellen acuity or better in each eye, and near-normal phorias. Vergence facility response was tested over a 1 -min period using 8 Δ base-in (Bl) and 20 Δ base-out (BO) loose prisms at near (0.4 M) for 3 different vertically oriented targets: 6/9 (20/30) Snellen letters, back-illuminated anaglyphic shapes, and modified Wirt circles. Results. For the group, the mean facility response was similar among the target types [Snellen letters: 9.5 cycles per minute (cpm) ± 5.6; anaglyphic shapes: 9.0 cpm ± 6.3; and Wirt circles: 9.4 cpm ± 4.5]. Group response-differences were not significantly different by one-way ANOVA polynomial regression testing at the 0.05 level (F-value=0.03, p=0.97, df=2). Conclusions. Whereas a binocular accommodative facility target must have additional vectographic or anaglyphic suppression-cues, vergence facility testing may incorporate a simple and available vertical row of 6/9 (20/30) Snellen letters, which provide inherent fusional suppression-cues, for a valid binocular response.


Heparin and bivalirudin are widely used as anticoagulants in the setting of acute thrombosis. In this study, we investigated how these drugs affect the ability of thrombin to generate a prothrombotic platelet response via activation of the protease-activated receptors (PARs) 1 and 4. We examined the effects of heparin/antithrombin and bivalirudin on PAR1- and PAR4-mediated intracellular calcium mobilization, aggregation, α-granule release, and procoagulant membrane exposure in platelets exposed to thrombin concentrations likely to be encountered in the thrombus microenvironment during thrombosis. At physiological antithrombin levels, heparin treatment resulted in complete and sustained inhibition of thrombin-induced PAR4-mediated platelet activation, but transient PAR1 signaling was sufficient to elicit significant α-granule release and platelet aggregation. In contrast, bivalirudin treatment resulted in rapid and profound inhibition of signaling from both PAR receptors, followed by a delayed phase of PAR4-mediated platelet activation, resulting in a robust prothrombotic response. Combination treatment with bivalirudin and subtherapeutic concentrations of heparin completely inhibited the residual platelet activation observed with single drug treatment at all time-points. Our results show that heparin and bivalirudin have different and complementary inhibitory effects on the activation of PAR1 and PAR4 by thrombin.


The legal status of abortion varies in different countries: for 9% of the world's population abortion is prohibited, for 11% it is permitted only to save the mother's life, for 14% it is permitted on broader medical grounds, for 25% social factors are considered, for 39% no reason need be specified, and for 2% no information is available. It is estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies worldwide ends in abortion, and 40 million abortions may occur annually. Some countries may have as many abortions as live births. In April 1971 the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act was passed, authorizing abortion in India on a variety of grounds. Although official records showed 312,800 legal abortions in 1978-79 in India, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in 1970 estimated 6.4 million illegal abortions annually. Implementation of the new abortion statutes has been slow and geographically incomplete. The reported rate of legal abortion was about 2.2/1000 women aged 15-44, and the ratio 12/1000 live births. 92.8% of women receiving legal abortions in 1972-75 were currently married, 1.3% previously married, and 5.9% never married. The medical risk of abortion depends on many factors such as gestation period, method, place of termination, and health of the woman. A World Health Organization study indicated that women undergoing repeat abortions are significantly more likely to give birth prematurely in subsequent pregnancies. Although abortion always involves some risk, the risks of continuing pregnancy may be far greater. Abortion has been a major factor in the fertility decline of industrialized countries, but it would be preferrable to reduce the need for abortion for population control by increasing access to contraception. Abortion is a sociological problem that involves women's roles in society, family organization, demographic policy, and the role of formal and informal sanctions. It is a psychological problem that may preciptate serious reactions in susceptible individuals. It is a moral, ethical, legal and religious problem as well. It is argued that abortion should not be promoted although adequate facilities for it should be available to prevent illegal abortions. Effective contraceptives should be easily available and their use promoted.


Describes the preflight and inflight calibration approaches used for the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). The system is a multispectral, high-spatial resolution sensor on the Earth Observing System's EOS-AM1 platform. Preflight calibration of ASTER uses well-characterized sources to provide calibration and preflight round-robin exercises to understand biases between the calibration sources of ASTER and other EOS sensors. These round-robins rely on well-characterized, ultra-stable radiometers. An experiment field in Yokohama, Japan, showed that the output from the source used for the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) subsystem of ASTER may be underestimated by 1.5%, but this is still within the 4% specification for the absolute, radiometric calibration of these bands. Inflight calibration will rely on vicarious techniques and onboard blackbodies and lamps. Vicarious techniques include ground-reference methods using desert and water sites. A recent joint field campaign gives confidence that these methods currently provide absolute calibration to better than 5%, and indications are that uncertainties less than the required 4% should be achievable at launch. The EOS-AM1 platform will also provide a spacecraft maneuver that will allow ASTER to see the Moon, allowing further characterization of the sensor. A method for combining the results of these independent calibration results is presented. The paper also describes the plans for validating the Level 2 data products from ASTER. These plans rely heavily upon field campaigns using methods similar to those used for the ground-reference, vicarious calibration methods.


This paper reports on the design of new power cells based on GaAs PHEMT transistors with 0.25µm gate length in MMIC technology. The design starts from a fishbone power cell initially designed by United Monolithic Semiconductors (UMS). This one allows us to validate the elementary transistor model. This model is used for other power cells design as cascode cell.


In this research, the authors simulate the spatial pattern formation for a number of robot colonies using the Turing morphogenetic function. Simulation is developed using Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio 2008. Pattern formation is a formation which formed a triangle pattern on the nine pieces of Lego Mindstorms NXT robot. At first robots will form a straight line, then spun in a circle, and eventually formed a triangle pattern formation.


Across the multidisciplinary fields of healthcare, social media is thriving and facilitating understanding through the availability of health information sources, dynamic communication tools and twoway ongoing symmetrical conversations. Nowhere is there a greater need to meet the demand for increased communication and trust than between patient and healthcare practitioners and patient and healthcare brands. Pew Research recently reported that 60% of people search for the health experiences of "someone like me." E-patients are using social media to gain other patients' perspectives on decision-making and beyond. With blogs, Facebook communities and daily tweets of health status or information, social media in healthcare is changing the very practice of medicine. While there are concerns across many healthcare systems regarding legal and privacy issues, the socialmedia conversation is proving difficult to regulate. E-patients are finding newways to seek diagnostic support with healthcare professionals. And in some countries, branded and unbranded product education and promotions from marketers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and diagnostics industries aredriving the online conversation. Physicians themselves are embracing social media and trusting online education and patient support resources. Tactics like brand-sponsored patient communities (such as PKU.com and the HER Story Community), non-brand sponsored communities (such as dLife and Patients Like Me) and exclusive healthcare professional communities (DocCheck, Medscape Physician Connect and Sermo) are changing the landscape. Bottom line: social media is empowering patients to seek solutions and this, in part, is improving connections with healthcare providers online and off. While we are witnessing dynamic evolution within many healthcare systems around the globe with the diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses or medical conditions, the touchpoints and channels that are being advanced online are helping provide a holistic approach to addressing unmet patient needs and communicating with patients on their terms. From physician practices to pharmaceutical companies, we must now consider how best to connect with patients and facilitate an unparalleled and ongoing engagement.


Based upon the proceedings of the First International Conference on the History of General Relativity, held at Boston University's Osgood Hill Conference Center, North Andover, Massachusetts, 8-11 May 1986, this volume brings together essays by twelve prominent historians and philosophers of science and physicists. The topics range from the development of general relativity (John Norton, John Stachel) and its early reception (Carlo Cattani, Michelangelo De Maria, Anne Kox), through attempts to understand the physical implications of the theory (Jean Eisenstaedt, Peter Havas) and to quantize it (Peter G. Bergmann), to elaborations of the theory into a unified theory of electromagnetism and gravitation (Vladimir P. Vizgin, Michel Biezunski), and considerations of its cosmological extensions (Pierre Kerszberg, George F.R. Ellis). This is the first volume to survey many of the most important questions in the history of general relativity, with many of the contributions drawing upon such original resources as the Einstein Archive. It is hoped that it will stimulate much-needed further research in this hitherto neglected area.


In this paper we propose an implicit relevance feedback method with the aim to improve the performance of known Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) systems by re-ranking the retrieved images according to users' eye gaze data. This represents a new mechanism for implicit relevance feedback, in fact usually the sources taken into account for image retrieval are based on the natural behavior of the user in his/her environment estimated by analyzing mouse and keyboard interactions. In detail, after the retrieval of the images by querying CBIRs with a keyword, our system computes the most salient regions (where users look with a greater interest) of the retrieved images by gathering data from an unobtrusive eye tracker, such as Tobii T60. According to the features, in terms of color, texture, of these relevant regions our system is able to re-rank the images, initially, retrieved by the CBIR. Performance evaluation, carried out on a set of 30 users by using Google Images and "pyramid" like keyword, shows that about the 87% of the users is more satisfied of the output images when the re-raking is applied.


In this work, we propose a framework that enables a human to teach a robot a new task by interactively providing it with unlabeled instructions. We ground the meaning of instruction signals in the task-learning process, and use them simultaneously for guiding the latter. We implement our framework as a modular architecture, named TICS (Task-Instruction-Contingency-Shaping) that combines different information sources: a predefined reward function, human evaluative feedback and unlabeled instructions. This approach provides a novel perspective for robotic task learning that lies between Reinforcement Learning and Supervised Learning paradigms. We evaluate our framework both in simulation and with a real robot. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework in accelerating the task-learning process and in reducing the number of required teaching signals.


Home care service is an important sector of public health service in Thailand. It is necessary that home healthcare team needed to access patient past medical history to improve the overall quality of the service. However, the limitation of current electronics health record (EHR) system, patient medical record is unable to access outside the healthcare setting. We developed a virtual electronic health record and integrated it into the community-based health determinant data system which is containing health-related determinant information range from district level down to individual level, based on the location of their household. The aim of this project is to develop an integrated system that can reconcile the medical history from the hospital to provide intuitive information for the home healthcare team. According to this objective, transmission control protocol and internet protocol (TCP/IP) architecture was designed and developed. Different independent databases are connected using mobile communication platform (mHealth). User authorization requires to retrieve the individual clinical information from virtual EHR. The evaluation of mHealth application based on usability tests and feasibility studies on effectiveness, efficacy, and satisfaction for home healthcare providers.


The present study was intended to investigate the influence of using 20% and 40% treated or untreated wheat germ meal in growing New Zealand rabbit diets. A total of 75 weaned New Zealand White rabbits aged six weeks old, with an average initial weight of 659.60±18.84g were divided into five groups with five replicates in each group (three rabbits per replicate). The first group was fed on a basal diet (T1), second and third groups received diets containing Wheat Germ Meal (WGM), as replacement of soybean meal protein, at levels of 20% and 40% and were labeled as T2, T3, respectively. Fourth and fifth groups were fed with 20% and 40% autoclave-treated WGM (T4 and T5, respectively). The trial was continued until 14 weeks of age. The present study was evaluated growth performance, blood parameters, carcass traits, meat quality in different groups and also economic efficiency was calculated. There were insignificant differences in terms of live weight, daily weight gain, carcass weight and dressing percentages among rabbits in groups of T1, T2, and T4. Rabbits in the group of T4 achieved the best feed conversion ratio. Digestion coefficients of crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, and nutritive value in terms of digestible crude protein, total digestible nutrition, and digestible energy did not significantly differ between T1 and T4. However, these factors significantly decreased in T3 and T5 compared to T1. Plasma total protein and globulin significantly increased in rabbits of T2 and T4 compared to those fed in T1 group. A significant decrease in total cholesterol and total lipid for rabbits in groups of T4, T5, and T2 was observed. Moreover, rabbits fed on T4 or T2 diets had the highest economic efficiency. Conclusively, the untreated or autoclaved WGM can be used in growing rabbit diets up to 20% for replacing the soybean meal protein, which caused low feed costs without adverse effects on the growth performance of rabbits.


The idea of paradise has inspired the artistic imagination in, at least, two directions. One is an impulse to create a more perfect tomorrow by addressing social ills today. The other is sometimes manifest in a desire to recover a lost spiritual consciousness or creative imagination. These directions are evidenced in the work of two contemporary artists. In an exhibition entitled Tomorrow is Another Day , created for the 2017 Venice Biennale, Los Angeles-based artist Mark Bradford draws the viewer toward an imagined social horizon, beyond which dawns a more perfect world. Simultaneously on view in Venice, but not a part of the Biennale, Damien Hirst's Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable explores a rapacious hunger for immortality. Purporting to be the salvage of an ancient shipwreck, Hirst's exhibition tests the modern, post-enlightenment, viewer's willingness, even ability, to believe.


Summary: Tiagabine (TGB) is indicated as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in adults and children aged 12 years and older. Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies of TGB treatment are under way in younger children with various forms of epilepsy. The results of pediatric pharmacokinetic trials indicate patterns similar to those seen in adults. An open‐label study was conducted in the United States in 31 children with refractory complex partial seizures, with doses escalated every 2 weeks by 0.25 mg/kg up to a maximal daily dose of 1 mg/kg. Twenty‐nine patients were treated with TGB for >1 year; 26 completed the study, of whom 18 were receiving monotherapy at study completion. A European dose‐escalation study evaluated TGB (0.25–1.5 mg/kg/day) as add‐on therapy in 52 children aged 2–15 years. TGB appeared to be more effective in localization‐related epilepsy syndromes, with 17 of 23 patients with localization‐related epilepsy having a 33% median reduction of seizure rate compared with baseline in the fourth month of treatment, and six patients having ≥50% seizure rate reduction. In this study, myoclonic seizures and spasms showed a poor response as opposed to encouraging findings reported by other groups with these seizure types. The adverse effect profile of TGB in children with epilepsy is similar to that in adults. In the U.S. study, most common adverse events were related to the central nervous system (CNS) and decreased over time. In the European study, mostly mild to moderate adverse events, including asthenia (19%), nervousness (19%), dizziness (17%), and somnolence (17%), were reported by 83% of TGB‐treated children (39% of children reported adverse events during the single‐blind placebo period). In summary, preliminary pediatric data with TGB suggest particular efficacy against epilepsy characterized by partial seizures or other syndromes, and further investigation is warranted.


Attention to stress and mental health among agricultural producers has increased over recent years, and Cooperative Extension has been active in offering educational workshops and resources to agricultural audiences. This article describes the process and effectiveness of expanding two (university) Extension farm stress management programs to Cooperative Extension in other states through a national Farm Stress Management Summit. The two-day training Summit provided deeper knowledge about farm stress issues and prepared Extension professionals to offer behavioral health programs in their own communities and respective states. Evaluation findings highlight effective aspects of the Summit and next steps.


This article proposes a theory' of vicarious liability which attempts to explain the central features and limitations of the doctrine. The main premise of the article is that the common law should continue to impose vicarious liability because it can co-exist with the current tort law regime that imposes liability for fault. The author lays out the central features of the doctrine of vicarious liability and examines why the leading rationales (such as control, compensation, deterrence, loss-spreading, enterprise liability and mixed policy) fail to explain or account for its doctrinal rules.
 The author offers an indemnity theory for vicarious liability and examines why the current rules of vicarious liability are limited in application to employer-employee relationships and do not extend further. It is proposed that the solution to the puzzle of vicarious liability rests within the contractual relationship between employer-employee and not the relationship between the employer and the tort victim. The proposed indemnity theory implies a contract term that indemnifies the employee for harms suffered in the course of his or her employment. Vicarious liability then follows from an application of the contractual concepts of subrogation and indemnity to the particular relationship between employee, employer and tort victim. Finally, the article discusses and attempts to resolve the possible criticisms that may follow the indemnity theory, including concerns that it is in conflict with leading decisions, including Lister v. Romford. Bazley v. Curry and Morgans v. Launchbury.


This paper studies the endogenous determination of the price formation procedure in markets characterized by match-specific heterogeneity. We study a model of a market in which, in each time period, agents on one side (e.g., sellers) choose whether or not to post a price before they encounter agents of the opposite type. After a pair of agents have encountered each other, their match-specific values from trading with each other are realized. If a price was not posted, then the terms of trade (and whether or not it occurs) are determined by bargaining. Otherwise, depending upon the agents' match-specific trading values, trade occurs (if it does) either on the posted price or at a renegotiated price. We analyze the symmetric Markov subgame perfect equilibria of this market game, and address a variety of issues such as the impact of market frictions on the equilibrium proportion of trades that occur at a posted price rather than at a negotiated price.


A retrospective review of 177 neck masses in childhood treated between January 1975 and December 1990 at the "Bambino Gesù" Pediatric Hospital of Rome is presented, with particular emphasis on recurrences and their causes. 105, object of our study, were thyroglossal duct cysts (TDC) (58.7%); in the remaining 72 cases there were dermoid cysts (23.1%), granulomas (7.9%), lateral neck masses (1.69%) and other histological patterns. The aim was to identify the variables that could change postoperative hospitalization or cause the recurrence. The TDC's group was separated in two: 92 primary patients, while 13 received a preliminary operation in other institutions. In the first group we applied 41 Sistrunk, 43 Schlange, 8 cystectomies; 5 recurrences occurred (5.43%), 3 of which in patients operated on with modified Sistrunk's technique (Schlange) (60%). In the second group (13 patients) a standard Sistrunk procedure was always performed. We had only one recurrence (7.69%) due to a remnant of multiple proximal thyroglossal duct. In 11 cases (10.47%) there were postoperative complications due to an existing inflammatory condition of the TDC (8 patients -72.72%). In only one case there was a recurrence after 27 months. Histological study of the specimens showed that thyroglossal ducts were frequently multiple and widely spaced and may also be present in the distal portion of the duct; in our series in 16.19% we found the distal portion of the duct during the operation. Our overall recurrence frequency is 5.7%. Every lesion referred to a TDC must be treated with a Sistrunk procedure for the better results achieved with this surgical approach but, in our experience, we prefer to complete the Sistrunk's technique with the research and exeresis of the distal portion of the duct by a "muscular sparing procedure" that preserves little patients from pharyngodynia. At the follow-up, we have not recurrence in the 17 cases operated on by this procedure.


The hotel employment sector is characterized by a high proportion of women, yet they are underrepresented at the senior management level. Females are disadvantaged in the hotel industry because of the traditional male perceptions of workplace gender roles, stereotypes and discrimination. The objective of the study was to determine how cultural beliefs affect women's career advancement in 3-5-star hotels in the Nairobi County City Kenya. A descriptive research design was used. This study focused on a qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth, semistructured interviews administered to76 hotel managers. The interviews were used to gain more in-depth knowledge on issues concerning gender bias, leadership styles and gender stereotypes. The data was analysed using content analysis, in order to present data in words and themes, and allow for interpretations to be drawn. The results showed women were fewer at the management level and there were no women who were being paid the top most salaries. The study recommended adopting positive human resource practices that promote a gender-neutral culture in the hotels by providing unconscious bias training for all levels of employees to participate in.


Little is known about a Russian photographer, Ivan Groman. His photographic work, originating in 1876 in the Principality of Serbia, was used repeatedly for illustrations, but has never been thoroughly analyzed as a historic document. Although his photographs, kept in the Archives of the City of Belgrade, the Museum of the City of Belgrade, and the Military Museum in Belgrade, may not represent his entire photographic opus, a thorough analysis of his work may serve the purpose of seeking for the message, and therefore for the aim of his work and stay in Belgrade. A small number of his photographs of Belgrade, constituting small series ('stories') of a relatively small area, clearly lead to the conclusion that I. V. Groman was not just a photographer – documentarist with an unquestionable and subtle artistic sense, but also a perceptive and possibly experienced "documentarist on a military mission". It does not diminish the significance and value of his photographic work in Belgrade. Quite the opposite. His opus gains the documentary vigor of the travel journal photo-story, which in its expressiveness does not fall short of the travel journals of a more traditional kind.


FSH (50 mu/rat X 12 days), ICSH (in the same dosis) and gonadotropinum sericum (20 U/rat X 13 days) have a prevailing inhibitory influence on the motor activity in untrained or/and trained rats. TSH raises the motor performance but significantly only in great doses (1.5 IU/100g body weight X 13 days). GH (0.1 and 0.5 mg/rat X 16 days) reduces the favourable effects of moderate training on the run performance. A part of these results could be explained by the studied biochemical changes.


Saudi Arabia produces the largest amount of desalinated water as a single country. The desalinated water is typically blended with treated groundwater, pH adjusted and chlorinated prior to supply to the communities. The desalinated seawater and/or blended water contains various types of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), some of which may induce cancer risks to human through lifetime exposure. In this study, occurrences of trihalomethanes (THMs) in desalinated and blended water in Saudi Arabia were investigated and their exposure and risks were predicted. The chronic daily intakes of CHCl 3 , BDCM, DBCM and CHBr 3 were estimated to be 8.38×10 −5 , 7.57×10 −5 , 2.54×10 −5 and 4.32×10 −4 mg/kg-day respectively. The overall cancer risk was 1.78×10 −5 with the range of 7.40×10 −7 – 9.26×10 −5 and the average hazard index was 3.49×10 −2 with the range of 1.20×10 −3 – 2.34×10 −1 . The loss of disability adjusted life years (DALY) were estimated to be 25.1 per year and the average cancer risk had 8.48×10 −7 DALY per person per year. The financial burden was estimated to be US$2.72 million with the range of US$2.52–2.91 million. The findings may assist in better understanding and reducing cancer risks from DBPs in desalinated and blended water.


Background mHealth, the use of mobile communication in the health sector, has become increasingly popular, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Primarily due to the wider accessibility of mobile technology which has increased in recent years. In Malawi, approximately 30% of the population own a mobile phone, including both contract and pre-paid devices (ITU, 2013). This number has risen dramatically with a 70% increase in subscribers in the last six years, and it is still on the rise (ITU, 2013). Mobile phone ownership has increased in line with advancements in cellular coverage; with rates currently standing at 94% of the population having access to adequate mobile coverage, reaching 79% of the geographical area of Malawi (GSMA, 2014). In addition, Malawians spend on average 56% of their monthly income paying for and maintaining a mobile phone (ITU, 2014). This figure is staggering and depicts the high priority which is placed on this technology. Therefore in light of the technological advancements and the wide accessibility of mobile devices in Malawi, the potential for mobile communication to aid the health sector in terms of health education delivery is promising. The Scotland Chikwawa Health Initiative (SCHI), a consortium led by the University of Strathclyde, working in the Chikwawa District of Malawi conducted extensive baseline analysis before the implementation of the WHO 'Health Settings' approach in the area. From these 144 focus group discussions at village level it has been highlighted that local residents require health education on areas such as family planning, HIV/AIDS, malaria, cholera and nutrition. Youth were particularly vocal about their need for health education and the lack of youth friendly services for family planning and HIV. These are issues which have the potential to be overcome with the introduction of mhealth resources. As designing and developing mobile based health education programmes through SMS messaging can increase health education reach (Cole-Lewis & Kershaw, 2010) and also increase youth engagement through specifically targeted programmes (Wohl et al.,2011; Yukari et al., 2014; Rana et al., 2015) Aim The aim of this research is to examine the feasibility of using mHealth tools to implement health education programme in Chikwawa, Malawi. Qualitative analysis will be conducted within 2 of the project villages to inform the design, content and structure of the SMS Messaging Service and ensure tailoring of the service to the residents of Chikwawa. Method Seventy-five residents from two SCHI supported villages, Chimoto and Sikenala, took part in 8 focus groups discussing health education needs and the potential for mhealth service introduction. Four focus groups occurred in Chimoto; Male Youth (8 participants), Female Youth (11 participants), Male Adults (7 participants) and Female Adults (9 participants). Four focus groups occurred in Sikenala; Male Youth (10 participants), Female Adults (14 participants), Male Adults (7 participants) and Female Adults (14 participant). The focus groups were conducted in Chichewa, the local language, using a semi-structured question guide and lasted between 45 and 60 minutes. Discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and then translated into English by the facilitators. Thematic analysis was then used to analyse the data, using the Braun & Clark (2006) step by step guide to thematic analysis. Results Five themes were identified encapsulating the opinions and beliefs of the residents in Chimoto and Sikenala; Current Health Education Practices, Message Content, Mobile Phone Access, Trust in the SCHI and Sustainability. Current Health Education Practices refers to the current availability of health education, the access to such information and self-reported need for further information in more accessible means. Message Content depicts participants' need for practical application of the messages they receive and adequate information for the participant to make an informed choice about their own health. In terms of the SMS Messaging Service, participants had no preference as to frequency or volume of messages but stated they would prefer to receive messages out with school hours. Mobile Phone Access represents the participants' fears around accessibility of the service to those without mobile devices. The sharing of messages and mobile phones with friends and family was discussed as a potential method to overcome this barrier. Trust in the SCHI depicts the residents' positive views of the project and that they would believe the content of the messages because they trust the SCHI as the source, especially if they recognised a designated project mobile number. This was affirmed by their declaration to share messages with those without phone access. Weariness of the service was identified only in terms of cost because of negative experiences with other subscription services. Finally Sustainability encapsulates the participants' views on the long term aims of the messaging service and their request for the project to follow up with visits and services in addition to the messages. They particularly emphasising a need for face-to-face communication. Conclusions From this analysis it appears that the sampled participants are on board with the messaging service, and have provided in depth detailed examples of the type of information they require, specifically regarding reproductive health. All focus groups reported a willingness to use the service, to encourage others to use the service and to share the information they receive. Efforts now need to be focused on identifying ways to ensure the service can be provided equally to all, both in terms of mobile phone access and confidence in user ability. In addition, as well as creating health messages based on best practice, complimentary services such as facilitated peer discussions and other mhealth based educational resources need to be identified and incorporated into the intervention. It is the intention of SCHI to implement an interactive SMS Messaging Service, working closely with the local health centre, to make the requested health information more widely accessible and personally tailored to the residents of the Chikwawa District.


8%Y2O3-stabilized zirconia (8YPSZ) and mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2) powders, which were made plasma sprayable by using an organic binder (polyvinyl alcohol), have been plasma spray coated on to the piston head, valves and cylinder head of a 3.8kW single-cylinder diesel engine, previously coated with Ni-Cr-Al-Y bond coat. The engine with components coated with 250 µm thick 8YPSZ and 1 mm thick mullite thermal barrier coatings has been evaluated for fuel efficiency and for endurance during 500 h long rigorous tests. Improved fuel efficiency was shown by the engine with coated components and the results are discussed. The coatings and the coated components have also been examined for phases, microstructure and chemical composition by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). Mullite coatings were found to exhibit increased resistance to microcracking compared with 8YPSZ during the 500 h endurance test.


A discourse planner for (task-oriented) dialogue must be able to make choices about whether relevant, but optional information (for example, the "satellites" in an RST-based planner) should be communicated. We claim that e ective text planners must explicitly model aspects of the Hearer's cognitive state, such as what the hearer is attending to and what inferences the hearer can draw, in order to make these choices. We argue that a mere representation of the Hearer's knowledge is inadequate. We support this claim by (1) an analysis of naturally occurring dialogue, and (2) by simulating the generation of discourses in a situation in which we can vary the cognitive parameters of the hearer. Our results show that modeling cognitive state can lead to more e ective discourses (measured with respect to a simple task).


Objective: To assess the port site infection in patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Material and methods: The descriptive study was conducted at Department of Surgery, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta from February 2021 to August 2021. Total 90 patients of gallstone, both male and female, age between 20-70 years and ASA grade II and III were recruited. All the selected patients were underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All the surgeries were performed under general anesthesia. Port site infection was assessed in selected patients. Results: Mean age of the patients was 41.28 ± 13.75 years. Out of 90 patients of gallstone, port site infections was found in 8 (9%) patients. Two age groups (20-45 years and 46-70 years) were created. Total 55 (61.11%) patients were between 20-45 years while 35 (38.89%) patients were between 46-70 years. Port site infection was found in 4 (7.27%) and 4 (11.43%) patients respectively. Association of port site infection with age group was not significant (P = 0.706). Males were 34 (60.71%) and females were 56 (62.22%). Port site infection was noted in 2 (5.88%) males while in 6 (10.71%) females. Association of port site infection with gender was not significant (P= 0.705). Conclusion: Results of present revealed that port site infection was developed in few patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Most of the patients were between 20-45 years. Females were more victim of gallstone as compared to males. Obese and non-diabetics had not association with development of port site infection. Key words: Laparoscopy, gallstone, port site infection.


Space‐borne observations of CO2 are vital to gaining understanding of the carbon cycle in regions of the world that are difficult to measure directly, such as the tropical terrestrial biosphere, the high northern and southern latitudes, and in developing nations such as China. Measurements from passive instruments such as GOSAT and OCO‐2, however, are constrained by solar zenith angle limitations as well as sensitivity to the presence of clouds and aerosols. Active measurements such as those in development for the Active Sensing of CO2 Emissions over Nights, Days and Seasons (ASCENDS) mission show strong potential for making measurements in the high‐latitude winter and in cloudy regions. In this work we examine the enhanced flux constraint provided by the improved coverage from an active measurement such as ASCENDS. The simulation studies presented here show that with sufficient precision, ASCENDS will detect permafrost thaw and fossil fuel emissions shifts at annual and seasonal time scales, even in the presence of transport errors, representativeness errors, and biogenic flux errors. While OCO‐2 can detect some of these perturbations at the annual scale, the seasonal sampling provided by ASCENDS provides the stronger constraint.


We investigate the nonequilibrium steady state of a one-dimensional (1D) lattice gas of dimers. The dynamics is described by a totally asymmetric exclusion process (TASEP) supplemented by attachment and detachment processes, mimicking chemical equilibrium of the 1D driven transport with the bulk reservoir. The steady-state phase diagram and current and density profiles are calculated using both a refined mean-field theory and extensive stochastic simulations. As a consequence of the on-off kinetics, a phase coexistence region arises intervening between low and high density phases such that the discontinuous transition line of the TASEP splits into two continuous ones. The results of the mean-field theory and simulations are found to coincide. We show that the physical picture obtained in the corresponding lattice gas model with monomers is robust, in the sense that the phase diagram changes quantitatively, but the topology remains unaltered. The mechanism for phase separation is identified as generic for a wide class of driven 1D lattice gases.


The more significant demand for flour requires alternative substitute materials from local products, one of which is mocaf flour derived from cassava. The quality of mocaf flour is primarily determined by the quality of cassava. Constraints faced in the supply of mocaf flour, are influenced by the availability of cassava. On the other hand, the quality of mocaf flour is also determined by the quality of cassava produced. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on the content and physical properties of mocaf flour produced from differences in planting time and cassava varieties. This research was compiled using a factorial completely randomized design. There were 12 treatment combinations with 3 replications, with the first factor being cassava varieties, including varieties of Bamban, Gambyong, Gatotkaca and Kirik. The second factor is planting time, which is May, June and July. The total number of treatments was 36 treatment units. The results showed that cassava varieties with planting time in May, June and July produced mocaf flour with the content and physical properties in accordance with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). Gatot varieties with planning time in May, June and July possess the best quality compared to other varieties.


This article draws on the experience gained and the lessons learned during and after the Arab Spring protest movements that called for economic, social, and political change. It raises the issue of the role Moroccan women played in these movements. In attempting to address this issue, the article relies essentially on bibliographical information and data derived from studies and writings that dealt with the feminist struggle in Morocco as a whole. It suffers from the lack of openness to a sociological approach or a political viewpoint in Arab and foreign scientific productions concerned with the struggles of women in Arab or Maghreb countries. In parallel, the study uses ethnographic research discerningly, since accurate and sufficient information available on the local protest movements has not received the necessary follow-up and definition. The article first monitors the shift in the dynamics of women's protests and focuses on the persistent manifestations within them; it also considers the motives that contribute to the growth of this dynamic while stressing the extent of women's participation in the February 20 Movement and in rural areas. It then identifies the results and extensions of this participation in relation to the requirements of empowerment. Finally, it discusses the problem of development and democracy that prevent women from achieving the desired change in the short term.


This study examines the relationship between government subsidies and income smoothing using a sample of US listed firms. We find that subsidized firms smooth their earnings more aggressively than their unsubsidized peers, consistent with firms that receive subsidies bearing higher political costs and having more incentives to smooth earnings to avoid public attention. Smoothing by subsidized firms is more pronounced when the subsidies are granted through non-tax-related channels than tax-based channels, and for firms with more opaque information environments. In addition, smoothing by subsidized firms reduces the ability of current earnings to predict future cash flows. Using textual content analysis, we find that the MD&As of subsidized firms provide less explanatory content to explain accruals, consistent with smoothing being used to obfuscate earnings. Overall, our results shed light on how government subsidies shape the accounting and disclosure choices of firms.


Only one carboxylic acid, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, has previously been isolated from royal jelly. Small amounts of two additional acids, sebacic and 2-decendioic acid, have now been found in the ether-soluble portion of this special bee foodstuff. Evidence is presented in favor of the trans-configuration for naturally occurring 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid. Chromic acid oxidation of the hydroxy acid yields 2-decendioic acid.


BACKGROUND Pilot studies are an important step in the research process and are used to examine research methods and procedures before a larger trial is attempted. Pilot studies provide the researcher an opportunity to determine feasibility of study procedures and generate initial data in previously unstudied areas. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the design characteristics of a pilot study, including generation of research questions, corresponding methods for analysis, and reporting of outcomes. METHODS This article reviews core characteristics of pilot research, addresses misconceptions and misuse of the term pilot, and provides practical guidelines for the design and reporting of pilot studies. CONCLUSIONS Pilot research offers a unique opportunity for researchers to test study procedures before conducting a larger study. The well-designed pilot study can advance future research by increasing the likelihood of a successful and informative study.


This study examines possible indicators of financial distress: financial ratio; financial decision; the preferences of investors; and economic macro conditions. Based on these indicators, the model of financial distress was constructed using capital structure theory. The population in this study is manufacturing companies listed on The Indonesian Stock Exchange from 2003 to 2016. This study relies on the composite market index to detect whether the market is bullish or bearish using regression analysis time series. Then, the factor analysis and logistic regression are used. Models which predict financial distress in bearish markets are more accurate than in a bullish market. Investors, therefore, are more vulnerable ina bullish market. Equity financing will reduce the probability of financial distress in both bullish and bearish markets. This supports the pecking order theory in capital structure - when the companies need funding, an early funding alternative is to retain earnings.


The federal government has always contracted with private entities for mundane goods and services (e.g., pencils, laundry service, construction, and so on). Today, however, private actors implement major federal programs and exercise decisional authority in ways traditionally performed by federal actors. Public-law scholars have decried privatization's distorting effects on constitutional rights, separation of powers, and administrative law. Missing from the literature, however, is a corresponding account for federalism. This Article pivots into that neglected space, with some urgency. In statehouses and courthouses around the county, politicians and advocacy groups aim to hold federal contractors accountable to state law. For example, recently enacted state laws seek to regulate private immigration detention facilities. Meanwhile, other states have passed laws targeting private entities that service federal student loans. Against these initiatives, the federal government and its contractors argue that state law is displaced not only by federal law, but also by federal contracts and implied constitutional immunities. Asked whether federal contracts can displace state law, most if not all jurists and scholars would say 'no'—only federal law can trump state law. That is right in theory but wrong in practice. In undertheorized and outmoded precedents, the Supreme Court has held that federal contracts can preempt state law ("preemption by contract�?), and that federal contractors can be constitutionally immune from state regulation ("privatized immunity�?). Following the Court's lead, the federal government and its contractors portray these doctrines of "Supremacy, Inc.�? as everyday federalism. This Article rejects that premise and sounds the alarm. In our era of privatized governance, contractors may stand in for federal officials. But contracts need not, and should not, substitute for federal law. Efficiency is the coin of federal outsourcing, and the most efficient way to displace state law is by contract. Although the Supremacy Clause has been liberally construed in other contexts (for example, to give preemptive force to administrative regulations), the displacement of state law by federal contracts is a step too far. If accountability to state law interferes with programmatic efficiencies, that is a fair constitutional price for outsourced governance. Should the nation not wish to pay it, the government can shield contractors with federal laws—which are the "supreme Law of the Land.�?


Transparent conducting films having a hybrid structure of GZO/Metal/GZO were prepared on glass substrates by sequential deposition using DC magnetron sputtering. Silver, copper, aluminum and zinc thin films were used as the intermediate metal layers in the hybrid structure. The electrical and optical properties of hybrid transparent conducting films were investigated with varying the thickness of metal layer or GZO layers. With increasing the metal thickness, hybrid films showed a noticeable improvement of the electrical conductivity, which is mainly dependent on the electrical property of the metal layer. GZO(40 nm)/Ag(10 nm)/GZO(40 nm) film exhibits a resistivity of 5.2×10 Ω·cm with an optical transmittance of 82.8%. For the films with Zn interlayer, only marginal reduction in the resistivity was observed. Furthermore, unlike other metals, hybrid films with Zn interlayer showed a decrease in the resistivity with increasing the GZO thickness. The optimal thickness of GZO layer for anti-reflection effect at a given thickness of metal (10 nm) was found to be critically dependent on the refractive index of the metal. In addition, x-ray diffraction analysis showed that the insertion of Ag layer resulted in the improvement of crystallinity of GZO films, which is beneficial for the electrical and optical properties of hybrid-type transparent conducting films.


Chemical kinetics is the systematic detailed study of the rate of chemical reactions and the factors which control and influence their progress and course. The ultimate object is to ascertain the behaviour of molecules and ions during the course of a chemical reaction and to draw a definite conclusion about their detailed mechanism i.e. the specific course which it follows. Chemical kinetics might very well be called as chemical dynamics. In kinetic investigations, a large number of factors may influence the rate of a reaction. Some of these factors are concentration of the reactants and products, temperature, dielectric constant of the reaction mixture, total ionic strength of the medium and intensity of the radiation absorbed by the reactions. There are many reactions in which orders are not simple power functions of the concentrations but fractional. The rate law can be derived for different mechanisms. The main use of rate data elucidating the reaction mechanism is in the establishment of kinetics and stoichiometry. The role of catalyst was widely recognized in modern chemical industry and have therefore been subjected to qualitative and quantitative studies.


Prior to the 2015 amendments, the power to appoint arbitrators under section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1996 in India was vested with the Chief Justice of India, or a High Court. In 2005, the Supreme Court of India re-characterized it as a judicial function, thereby, departing from the position under the UNCITRAL Model Law. While the recent amendments have drastically altered the machinery for appointment of arbitrators, their retrospective application is dubious. As such, the re-characterization of the appointment proceedings as a judicial function still continues to raise concerns, one of which pertains to the jurisdictional overlap between the proceedings for appointment of arbitrators, and those before a judicial authority while deciding an application for seeking a reference to arbitration. Both judicial proceedings are presently permitted by section 8(3) of the 1996 Act to run parallel, even if they involve deciding an identical question concerning the validity of an arbitration agreement. In this article, the authors critique the Indian courts' failure to identify and address this jurisdictional overlap, and the risks it poses. As a possible solution, the authors rely on the principle of lis pendens, or its common law equivalent of res sub judice, to suggest that where an application seeking reference to arbitration, and involving a question as to existence of a valid arbitration agreement, is pending before a judicial authority, a parallel petition for appointment of arbitrators, raising identical concerns, must not be decided.


The Grammar Translation Method and the Communicative Approach have both played important roles in grammar teaching. Which is better, the Grammar Translation Method or the Communicative Approach? This paper aims to compare the controllability and feasibility of these two approaches and find out which one is more suitable for grammar teaching in Taiwan. Two classes were selected and taught by the Grammar Translation Method and the Communicative Approach respectively. The college admission test showed that they share a similar level of the overall English proficiency before the intervention. The pre-test demonstrated that there wasn't any distinction between the two classes in their grammatical competence. The post-test embodied that there was significant difference in their grammatical competence between the two classes. The scores of the students in the Experimental Class were higher than that in the Control Class. The result showed that grammar teaching in the framework of the Grammar Translation Method is better than the Communicative Approach. Nevertheless, the Communicative Approach emphasizes fluency and the Grammar Translation Method is concerned with accuracy. Fluency and accuracy are the target for English learning. So the best way to improve the situation is to combine both methods in teaching English Grammar.


The Arabs in general are genetically diverse. Major factors that contributed to their diversity include the migrations of Semitic tribes from the Arabian Peninsula, the Islamic expansion in the 7th century AD, the Crusade wars and the recent migration dynamics. These events have resulted in the admixture of the original Arabs with other populations extending from east and south Asia to Europe and Africa. Their demographic features include high rates of consanguinity, a large family size and a rapid population growth. There is a high frequency of autosomal recessive disorders and increased frequencies of homozygosity for autosomal dominant traits, such as familial hypercholesterolemia and X-linked traits, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. The patterns of autosomal recessive disorders, including their mutations, may be different in various geographic locations within the Arab world. However, there are disorders that are specifically prevalent among the Arabs either uniformly or in certain locations. The Arab Genetic diseases include Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Meckel syndrome, autosomal recessive severe childhood muscular dystrophy, osteopetrosis and renal tubular acidosis, Sanjad-Sakati syndrome and others.


Current methods used to measure protein expression on microarrays, such as labeled fluorescent imaging, are not well suited for real-time, diagnostic measurements at the point of care. Studies have shown that microelectrical sensors utilizing silica nanowire, impedimetric, surface acoustic wave, magnetic nanoparticle and microantenna technologies have the potential to impact disease diagnosis by offering sensing characteristics that rival conventional sensing techniques. Their ability to transduce protein binding events into electrical signals may prove essential for the development of next-generation point-of-care devices for molecular diagnostics, where they could be easily integrated with microarray, microfluidic and telemetry technologies. However, common limitations associated with the microelectrical sensors, including problems with sensor fabrication and sensitivity, must first be resolved. This review describes governing technical concepts and provides examples demonstrating the use of various microelectrical sensors in the diagnosis of disease via protein biomarkers.


Population studies have shown a strong inverse relationship between plasma HDL levels and risk for cardiovascular disease, implying that factors associated with HDL metabolism are cardioprotective. One of these factors is ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), an integral membrane protein that transports cholesterol and phospholipids to lipid-depleted HDL apolipoproteins, such as apolipoprotein A (apoA)-I (1). Studies of human HDL deficiencies and atherosclerosis-susceptible mouse models have shown that ABCA1 protects against atherogenesis and may prevent disease progression (2–4). These observations have made ABCA1 a promising new therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular disease. Thus, it is critical to understand how ABCA1 functions and is regulated. Despite this strong interest and intensive study over the last 8 years, we still do not have a clear picture of how and where ABCA1 mediates the transfer of cholesterol and phospholipids to apoA-I. Based on structural similarities with other better-characterized ABC transporters, it is assumed by many that ABCA1 pumps lipids to the cell surface where they become accessible for removal by apoA-I. There is evidence, however, that ABCA1bound apoA-I is endocytosed by macrophages and targeted to late endosomal or lysosomal compartments, where it picks up lipids and exports them from cells by an exocytosis process. The concept of this retroendocytosis pathway was introduced by Takahashi and Smith (5) before the discovery of ABCA1. They showed that apoA-I is internalized and resecreted by macrophages in association with cholesterol efflux from cells. Since then, several groups have shown that apoA-I and ABCA1 colocalize in endosomal compartments and that ABCA1 rapidly recycles between intracellular compartments and the plasma membrane (6–8). Cycling of proteins through cells, however, does not imply functional significance. It is well established that cultured cells, particularly macrophages, internalize and resecrete exogenous molecules without any apparent biological effect. In addition, cells rapidly recycle membrane proteins, including those bound to the surface. The possibility that an apoA-I retroendocytosis pathway actually functions to export lipids is supported largely by circumstantial evidence. Cells from subjects with lossof-function mutations in ABCA1 were shown to have defective late endocytotic trafficking and accumulation of cholesterol and phospholipids in late endocytotic vesicles (7), consistent with a role of ABCA1 in removing lipids from these compartments. Trapping ABCA1 in the plasma membrane by cyclosporine treatment was reported to reduce apoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux (9). Similarly, deletion of a PEST sequence in ABCA1 inhibited its trafficking to late endosomes/lysosomes, and decreased apoA-I-mediated efflux of cholesterol derived from endocytosed and degraded lipoproteins (8). Taken together, these studies support the idea that ABCA1-bound apoA-I traffics to late endosomal vesicles and/or lysosomes, where it forms nascent lipoprotein particles that are subsequently secreted from the cell. There is strong evidence, however, that the ABCA1dependent transfer of cellular lipids to apoA-I occurs at the plasma membrane. Electron microscopy studies have shown that apoA-I selectively interacts with exovesiculated membrane protrusions on the surface of ABCA1expressing cells (10, 11). Inducing ABCA1 in the absence of apolipoproteins increases the amount of cholesterol that appears in plasma membrane domains accessible to the added enzyme cholesterol oxidase, and subsequent addition of apoA-I removes cholesterol exclusively from these domains (12). These findings indicate that ABCA1 can form lipid domains on the cell surface that are accessible for removal by apolipoproteins even before it has contact with apolipoproteins. It has also been shown that partitioning of ABCA1 to the plasma membrane can increase cholesterol efflux under some conditions (8, 13). As reported in the current issue of the Journal of Lipid Research, Faulkner et al. (14) used a three-pronged approach to test the functional relevance of an apoA-I/ ABCA1 retroendocytosis pathway in cultured RAW macrophages. They reasoned that if retroendocytosis plays an important role in apoA-I lipidation, apoA-I should be specifically internalized by cells in response to ABCA1 expression, the mass of apoA-I cycled through the cell should account for most of the lipid efflux, and the degree of apoA-I internalization should correlate with degree of cholesterol efflux. They generated fully functional fluores-


Dental practitioners dealing with children and individuals with
special needs can be supported by the provision of general
anaesthesia for the most challenging patients in situations where
other options are insufficient. The availability of general
anaesthesia will further the aim of extending access to the widest
range of dental care to the greatest number of patients regardless
of disability, age or phobia. The objective is to ensure patients have
a pain-free and healthy mouth, and any necessary treatment in the
most appropriate setting related to their specific needs. A strictly
individual and holistic approach is required when evaluating the
risk versus benefit of proceeding with general anaesthesia for
delivery of dental treatment particularly for children and special
needs individuals. It is vitally important to consider and address all
relevant factors specific to this particular group of patients
including assessment of capacity, validity of consent, and any
specific medical, social and behavioural issues. The other sedation
modalities must be always taken into consideration.
This article emphasises the crucial decision-making role of dentists
in the referral process for dental treatment under general
anaesthesia and the need for multidisciplinary co-operation
between dental practitioners, community and hospital services.


The southern Appalachian part of the Cambrian–Ordovician passive margin succession of the great American carbonate bank extends from the Lower Cambrian to the lower Middle Ordovician, is as much as 3.5 km (2.2 mi) thick, and has long-term subsidence rates exceeding 5 cm (2 in.)/k.y. Subsiding depocenters separated by arches controlled sediment thickness. The succession consists of five supersequences, each of which contains several third-order sequences, and numerous meter-scale parasequences. Siliciclastic-prone supersequence 1 (Lower Cambrian Chilhowee Group fluvial rift clastics grading up into shelf siliciclastics) underlies the passive margin carbonates. Supersequence 2 consists of the Lower Cambrian Shady Dolomite–Rome-Waynesboro Formations. This is a shallowing-upward ramp succession of thinly bedded to nodular lime mudstones up into carbonate mud-mound facies, overlain by lowstand quartzose carbonates, and then a rimmed shelf succession capped by highly cyclic regressive carbonates and red beds (Rome-Waynesboro Formations). Foreslope facies include megabreccias, grainstone, and thin-bedded carbonate turbidites and deep-water rhythmites. Supersequence 3 rests on a major unconformity and consists of a Middle Cambrian differentiated rimmed shelf carbonate with highly cyclic facies (Elbrook Formation) extending in from the rim and passing via an oolitic ramp into a large structurally controlled intrashelf basin (Conasauga Shale). Filling of the intrashelf basin caused widespread deposition of thin quartz sandstones at the base of supersequence 4, overlain by widespread cyclic carbonates (Upper Cambrian lower Knox Group Copper Ridge Dolomite in the south; Conococheague Formation in the north). Supersequence 5 (Lower Ordovician upper Knox in the south; Lower to Middle Ordovician Beekmantown Group in the north) has a basal quartz sandstone-prone unit, overlain by cyclic ramp carbonates, that grade downdip into thrombolite grainstone and then storm-deposited deep-ramp carbonates. Passive margin deposition was terminated by arc-continent collision when the shelf was uplifted over a peripheral bulge while global sea levels were falling, resulting in the major 0- to 10-m.y. Knox–Beekmantown unconformity. The supersequences and sequences appear to relate to regionally traceable eustatic sea level cycles on which were superimposed high-frequency Milankovitch sea level cycles that formed the parasequences under global greenhouse conditions.


The high stress of the surrounding rock of Hexi Coal Mine easily leads to severe deformation of the retracement channel and the appearance of the mine pressure during the retreat severely affects the stability of the roadway. In order to solve the above problems, a roadway surrounding rock control technology is proposed and tested. The bidirectional energy-concentrated tensile blasting technology is used to perform directional cutting to cut off the stress propagation path. Firstly, the deformation mechanism of the roof is analyzed by establishing the deformation mechanical model of the roof of the retracement channel. Then, according to the geological conditions of working face 3314 and theoretical calculation, the key parameters of roof cutting and pressure releasing of retracement channel are determined, and through the numerical analysis of its cutting effect, the length of cutting seam is 11.5m, and the cutting angle is 10°. Finally, a field test is carried out on the retracement channel of 3314 working face to verify the effect of roof cutting. The results show that the deformation of the retracement channel and the main roadway is very small. In the process of connecting the working face and the retracement channel, the maximum roof to floor convergence is 141mm, and the two sides convergence is 79mm. After the hydraulic support was retracted, the maximum roof to floor convergence of the surrounding rock is 37 mm, and the two sides convergence is 33mm. The roof cutting and pressure releasing of the retracement channel ensures the safe evacuation of the equipment and the stability of the main roadway. The cutting effect is obvious for the release of pressure, which is of great significance to engineering practice.


A new method for assessing cervicogenic vertigo is presented. This method can quickly assess the origins of vertigo. Preliminary data on 235 patients found that 112, (47.6%), were positive to the tests. After 18 treatments, 101 of the patients (90.2%) were symptom free. The patients responding best suffered acute upper cervical joint problems, along with muscle trauma in that region. The neurophysiology of the area is reviewed so that the mechanisms and the tests are understood.


Since the time of Darwin, biologists have understood the promise of crop plants and their wild relatives for providing insight into the mechanisms of phenotypic evolution. The intense selection imposed by our ancestors during plant domestication and subsequent crop improvement has generated remarkable transformations of plant phenotypes. Unlike evolution in natural settings, descendent and antecedent conditions for crop plants are often both extant, providing opportunities for direct comparisons through crossing and other experimental approaches. Moreover, since domestication has repeatedly generated a suite of "domestication syndrome" traits that are shared among crops, opportunities exist for gaining insight into the genetic and developmental mechanisms that underlie parallel adaptive evolution. Advances in our understanding of the genetic architecture of domestication-related traits have emerged from combining powerful molecular technologies with advanced experimental designs, including nested association mapping, genome-wide association studies, population genetic screens for signatures of selection, and candidate gene approaches. These studies may be combined with high-throughput evaluations of the various "omics" involved in trait transformation, revealing a diversity of underlying causative mutations affecting phenotypes and their downstream propagation through biological networks. We summarize the state of our knowledge of the mutational spectrum that generates phenotypic novelty in domesticated plant species, and our current understanding of how domestication can reshape gene expression networks and emergent phenotypes. An exploration of traits that have been subject to similar selective pressures across crops (e.g., flowering time) suggests that a diversity of targeted genes and causative mutational changes can underlie parallel adaptation in the context of crop evolution.


Abstract Not Available – First paragraph follows:
Aphids commonly occur as pests on chrysanthemums and carnations as well as on many other plants grown in plastic or glass houses in California. They are usually found in colonies on plant tips, shoots of new growth, or flowers. Aphids multiply so rapidly under favorable conditions that a light infestation may increase to alarming proportions in a week. They are generally more numerous during cooler months when the most serious damage occurs. However, damage can be observed throughout the year.