Introduction Diffuse chorionic hemosiderosis (DCH) is an abnormality of the placental membranes characterized by the deposition of iron pigment. It is usually secondary to recurrent venous bleeding in early pregnancy. In many papers, it is associated with pre-term delivery. Fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) is an abnormality of the feto-placental circulation that may be seen at any stage of gestation, but most often in the third trimester. It may be graded as low grade (LGFVM) or high grade (HGFVM). No link has been identified in the placental literature between DCH and FVM, but we have noted the 2 co-existing in placentas submitted for analysis. This study explored a possible association of these 2 entities. Methods Laboratory records were searched for singleton cases coded as DCH based on diagnosis on H&E stain over a 6-year period. Of 4478 placentas reported, 66 cases were coded as DCH (1.5%). These were classified as showing HGFVM, LGFVM, or no FVM. Controls (n = 132) were gestational age-matched cases without DCH. Cord length, coiling, insertion, or other abnormalities were noted. Membranes were classified as normal or circumvallate. Results were analyzed using Graphpad. Results Gestation ranged between 16 and 41 weeks gestation. 14/66 (21%) cases of DCH showed HGFVM and 2/66 (3%) showed LGFVM. 16/132 (12%) controls showed HGFVM and 21/132 (15.9%) had LGFVM. Where FVM is present, high-grade FVM is significantly associated with DCH versus controls (P < .0031 Fischer's Test). Discussion HGFVM occurs significantly more often in placentas with DCH than in controls. Both FVM and DCH are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, and a possible relationship between the 2 remains to be clarified.


Abstract The tidal response of northern British Columbia coastal waters is studied through simulations with a three-dimensional, prognostic, primitive equation model. The model is forced at the boundaries with the leading semidiurnal and diurnal constituents and experiments with stratified and homogeneous fluid are compared. The barotropic response shows good agreement with previously published studies of tides in the region. A comparison with tide gauge measurements indicates that average relative rms differences between observations and the model surface elevation field are less than 5% for the largest constituents. An internal tide is generated in cases where the model is initialized with a vertical stratification. Diagnostic calculations of the baroclinic energy flux are used to identify regions of generation and propagation of internal tidal energy. With a representative summer stratification, the integrated offshore flux is about 0.5 gigawatts, higher than previously estimated from theoretical model...


AbstractWe present the results of a group discussion conducted to identify research priorities among people bereaved by suicide regarding support needs. The authors' research team had recently published evidence from a UK-wide sample of young bereaved adults showing that those bereaved by suicide had a greater probability of suicide attempt than those bereaved by other causes of sudden death. For this study, ten UK-based adults bereaved by the suicide of a partner or family member were invited to join a group discussion to identify and prioritise an intervention to evaluate. These priorities were discussed in the context of unmet needs for support, identifying a need to develop and evaluate: immediate outreach after suicide; diversification and development of peer support services; and individual psychological support for those who feel suicidal. The group also suggested five key outcome measures: isolation; stigma; psychological health; day-to-day social functioning; and functioning in a work or caregiver ...


For many years immune response in leprosy has been studied. Since 1960 several reports dealing with humoral immunity have been described in the literature. Different autoantibody rates occur in leprosy. There is an increase in the prevalence of autoantibodies in elderly patients with long standing disease, in lepromatous leprosy and in those with reactional states. The differences in rates among various studies are attributed to different methods and variations among patient samples concerning age, gender, polar forms, therapy and other elements. The prevalence of numerous antibodies, immune complexes, cryoglobulins and complement levels have been studied by many authors. This also highlights the importance of the more recent reviews of anti-Mycobacterium leprae glycolipid antibodies such as the anti-phenolic glycolipid-I antibodies in which titers are variable and depend on genetic factors.


The research was conducted in the district of Kubu Raya which is focused on swamp land. The purpose of this study are (a) optimizing the allocation of cropping pattern and input to achieve household food security and income maximum, (b) to simulate changes in input prices and output and its impact on cropping patterns, household income, and allocation of inputs. Location selected by purposive sampling technique taking into account the typology of land and type of overflow, whereas the primary data collected from farm households by simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed with linear programming and sensitivity analysis. An important result of this study are as follows: (1) Optimal cropping patterns in swamp lands are as follows: (a) the type of SMA / A, paddy field: rice - rice, (b) the type of SMP / A, paddy field: rice - rice, and dry land: coconut, (c) type SMP / B, paddy fields: corn-corn, and dry land: fruit, (d) the type of SMP / C, paddy field: rice-paddy and dry land: coconut, (e) type bergambut / B, wetland : paddy-rice, and dry Ahan: coconut, (f) type bergambut / C, paddy field: rice-paddy and dry land: coconut, (g) the type of peat is / B, the paddy field: rice-paddy, (h ) the type of shallow peat / D, wet land: paddy-rice, and dry land: rubber; (2)  the optimal allocation of inputs consisting of family labor 166.74 day of man work/year, rent labor 132.74 day of man work/year , seed of paddy 70.54 kg/year , Urea 189.28 kg/year , SP36 94.34 kg/year, KCl 56.35 kg/year , NPK 75.66 kg/year , organic fertilizer 65.99 kg/year , herbicide 8.62 lt/year , dan pesticida 2.29 lt/year; (3) the actual household income of Rp 2,200,000.00 / household / year, if carried out optimization of unconditional "food patterns of national expectations/FPNE" increased to Rp 3,883,234.87 / household / year and if there is a requirement of the FPNE decreased to Rp 1,285,839.37 / household / year. (4) the price of rice and corn prices are most sensitive to fluctuations. If the price of rice rose more than 5% or the price of corn rose more than 50% (cateris paribus) the optimal solution will change. Likewise, if the price of rice fell by more than 34% or corn prices fell more than 9% (cateris paribus) the optimal solution will change. (5) The simulation results show that the rise in input prices and output prices 10% did not alter the optimal solution. But the impact on household income increased by 37.87% (unconditional FPNE), and 114.37% (provided FPNE). Simulated 10% decrease in output price and input prices fixed, it does not alter the optimal solution, but the impact on the decline in household income by 152.15% (unconditional FPNE) and 459.49% (provided FPNE). Key word s : optimize, farm household, swamp area, food security,


Previous studies have provided the biological basis for the therapeutic use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) at sites of periodontal regeneration. A purpose of this study is to determine effects of EMD on cell growth, osteoblastic differentiation and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) production in human periodontal ligament cells (HPLC). We also examined participation of endogenous IGF-I and TGF-beta 1 with EMD-stimulated cell growth in these cells. HPLCs used in this study were treated with EMD alone or in combination with antihuman IGF-I antibody (anti-hIGF-I) or anti-hTGF-beta 1, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3], rhTGF-beta 1 or rhIGF-I. After each treatment, cell growth, the production of IGF-I and TGF-beta 1 and the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes were evaluated. EMD stimulated cell growth in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. EMD was also stimulated to express IGF-I and TGF-beta 1 at protein and mRNA levels. The EMD-stimulated cell growth was partially suppressed by cotreatment with anti-hIGF-I or anti-hTGF-beta 1, and cell growth was also stimulated by treatment with rhIGF-I or rhTGF-beta 1. rhBMP-2 stimulated alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and ALPase mRNA expression, and 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulated ALPase and osteocalcin mRNA expression. However, EMD showed no effect on the osteoblastic phenotypes expression. These results demonstrated that EMD has no appreciable effect on osteoblastic differentiation, however it stimulates cell growth and IGF-I and TGF-beta 1 production in HPLC, and that these endogenous growth factors partially relate to the EMD-stimulated cell growth in HPLC.


Thin liquid polymer films can be topographically patterned when polymer/air interfaces are deformed by surface-tension gradients. Toward this end, a recently developed method first photochemically patterns surface-tension gradients along a solid, flat polymer film. On heating to the liquid state, the film initially develops topography reflecting the patterned surface-tension gradients. But capillary leveling and diffusion of the photoproduct oppose this causing the features to eventually decay back to a flat film upon extended thermal annealing. Intuitively, this interplay between competing mechanisms sets a limit on the maximum film deformation during the process. Prior studies show that the initial film thickness, photomask periodicity, and amount of photochemical conversion significantly affect the maximum film deformation. Here, we use a model based on lubrication theory to develop additional insights into this observation. We identify two regimes, capillary-leveling-dominated and photoproduct-diffusion-dominated, wherein the respective dominant mechanism determines the maximum film deformation that can be additionally related to various experimental parameters. Scaling laws for the variation of maximum film deformation and aspect ratio with film thickness and surface-tension pattern periodicity are also developed. Complementary experiments show good agreement with model predictions. Insights into the effect of surface-tension pattern asymmetry on the maximum film deformation are also provided. These findings reveal mechanistic detail and fundamental principles that are useful for controlling the process to form target patterns of interest.


Visual line transect (VLT) surveys are central to the monitoring and study of marine mammals. However, for cryptic species such as deep diving cetaceans VLT surveys alone suffer from problems of low sample sizes and availability bias where animals below the surface are not available to be detected. The advent of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) technology offers important opportunities to observe deep diving cetaceans but statistical challenges remain particularly when trying to integrate VLT and PAM data. Herein, we present a general framework to combine these data streams to estimate abundance when both surveys are conducted simultaneously. Secondarily, our approach can also be used to derive an estimate of availability bias. We outline three methods that vary in complexity and data requirements which are (1) a simple distance sampling (DS) method that treats the two datasets independently (DS-DS Method), (2) a fully integrated approach that applies a capture-mark recapture (CMR) analysis to the PAM data (CMR-DS Method) and (3) a hybrid approach that requires only a subset of the PAM CMR data (Hybrid Method). To evaluate their performance, we use simulations based on known diving and vocalizing behavior of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). As a case study, we applied the Hybrid Method to data from a shipboard survey of sperm whales and compared estimates to a VLT only analysis. Simulation results demonstrated that the CMR-DS Method and Hybrid Method reduced bias by >90% for both abundance and availability bias in comparison to the simpler DS -DS Method. Overall, the CMR-DS Method was the least biased and most precise. For the case study, our application of the Hybrid Method to the sperm whale dataset produced estimates of abundance and availability bias that were comparable to estimates from the VLT only analysis but with considerably higher precision. Integrating multiple sources of data is an important goal with clear benefits. As a step towards that goal we have developed a novel framework. Results from this study are promising although challenges still remain. Future work may focus on applying this method to other deep-diving species and comparing the proposed method to other statistical approaches that aim to combine information from multiple data sources.


Much of the traditional discussion of equality deals with that between individuals and is predicated on the assumption of a culturally homogenous society. It is therefore of limited help in dealing with intercultural equality or with equality between individuals belonging to different cultures. Equality requires equal treatment of those who are equal in relevant respects. What respects are relevant, what responses they deserve, and what constitutes equal treatment cannot be determined in transcultural or culturally neutral terms. This is equally true of such other ideas as equal opportunity, equality before the law, and equal liberty. They all require cultural translation and a sensitive search for cultural equivalence. The author discusses these and related issues by analysing concrete cases and drawing out their theoretical implications.


The 352 MHz Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) for the European Spallation Source ERIC (ESS) will be delivered during 2018. After delivery, installation and tuning of the cavity, the high power RF conditioning will be performed. At this point all the different systems that are needed to condition and operate the RFQ have to be in place and operational. This paper will give an overview of the system analysis that has been performed for the RFQ. The RFQ requirements for the RF system, including the RF distribution system (RFDS), the Low Level RF (LLRF) and the local RF protection system (RFLPS) will be presented. In addition, the paper covers the system integration of the structure in the ESS control and vacuum systems as well as the outcome of a machine protection analysis.


The problems on governance system such as frauds or management irregularities, namely unaccountable financial practices and poor public service deliveries have raised some questions to the effectiveness of Units of Government Internal Audit (GIA). One of the evidences indicating poor governance on GIA system is the low financial accountability of government institutions in 2014, where there are only 70.93% of central government institutions and 49.80% of regional governments received unqualified opinion on their financial statements, granted by the Supreme Audit Board. In 2015, the performance accountability was also poor, where 49.9% of Provincial Governments in Indonesia got CC (scored between 50-60) or lower, and such figure for municipal governments was 80.3%. The corruption perception index in 2015 was also very poor, putting indonesia at no 88, below its neighboring countries Malaysia and Thailand. From the view point of ease of doing business, in 2016 Indonesia stand at number 103 in world ranking, and at 7th position in the ASEAN.
Internal audit is recognized as one of the main pillars with valuable contribution to governance implementation, not only at operational level, but also at strategic level through its role on assurance, compliance (detecting and preventing frauds), and advisory. The effectiveness of internal audit function is very essential in establishing good governance, due to its role on the improvement of risk management, control, and governance in organizations. In line with the important role of internal audit function, the GIA should therefore be able to protect and promote effectivity of governance. However, various problems on governance today has raised questions to the effectiveness of GIA.
The existing value gap, the complexity of the role and functions of the GIA and the limited previous studies, make it necessary to study the GIA in systemic concept. The purpose of this study is to formulate (1) the factors that influence the effectiveness of the GIA; (2) holistic mechanisms in strengthening GIA in management and institutional aspects; (3) Strategy for the development of GIA systems and (4) Model of Institutional Strategy for GIA system development. This study is expected to identify systemic issues and provide policy strategy that is holistic and integrated in the development of the government internal audit system. The study was carried out using qualitative and quantitative approach, with system metodology that begun with a literature review, analysis of regulations, indepth interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and then continued with the instrument Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM).
Settings on the GIA are spread over several regulations and policies. There has been no regulation governing the internal audit holistically, thus came the consequences of a lack of clarity, lack of harmony, inconsistency and tend to conflict either between the legislation or with the conception of best practices such as the conception of internal audit, oversight, internal monitoring, controlling and scope, activities, and issues related to independency of internal auditors. This is due to: (a) policy makers do not understand the role of the Government Internal Audit; (B) The commitment and support of stakeholders and issues management maturity. From the results of the situational analysis obtained through questionnaires on 205 (Chief Audit Executive), it was concluded that the top priority would be changes to the human resources to be more professional and full with integrity, while the second priority was in regulations that put more emphasis on the independence and support from stakeholders.
The results of in-depth interviews with 24 informants or experts representing various stakeholders revealed the strategic issues on the professionalism of GIA's human resources, independence and objectivity of the GIA, stakeholder supports, management maturity, as well as regulation and harmonization of regulations related to supervisory activities. AHP survey on 13 experts showed that in improving GIA system the main strategies would be the strategy of governance, risk management and control, which are believed to accelerate the improvement of the effectiveness of the GIA system. This suggests that the role of stakeholders who have quality and mature management is a prerequisite in creating an effective GIA system. The role of stakeholders with good management maturity is required in establishing effective GIA system, and the key success factors are professional, independent, and honest GIA practitioners, supported with clear and sufficient legal mandate.
Furthermore, from Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) with 10 experts on the maturity and professionalism of GIA's human resources program, it was known that stakeholders play a major role in realizing this program. Elements of the needs, constraints and possible change directly relate to stakeholders. The relation among factor of effectiveness also converged on the role of stakeholders. The main changes required is to increase knowledge and awareness of the stakeholders as the foundation of a strong commitment to support and implement governance, risk management, and controls.
Building management maturity, including the maturity of governance, risk management and control, is a challenge and a very fundamental change in the context of management. This relates to the habits or culture through which these changes encourage the creation of governance, risk and control culture. On that purpose, we need a right change strategy by taking into account relevant important factors and the strategic issues.
The institutional modelling describes the abstraction of holistic and synergetic GIA system, which will accelerate the creation of better governance, taking stakeholders and relevant contextual factors into account, with appropriate change strategies, empowerment, active involvement of stakeholders, encouraging the creation of needs, justifiable and acceptability. Institutional Model of GIA system was derived from the convergence of systems analysis, strategic priorities and ISM with attention to the relationship of coordination and synergy between appropriate agencies of government structures. Increased competence and quality of the relationship between institutions and in both central and local government becomes the main thing in building this GIA system.
The policy implication is the need for structuring policies and regulations related to the program in addition to simultaneously build awareness, understanding of, the needs of the importance of the management maturity and professional GIA. Some of important policies are the Public Sector Risk Management Policy and the Law on Government Internal Supervision/oversight.


The world's population continues to grow, and at the same time, the oceans are rising, posing challenges for those living near coastal areas. Almost two-thirds of the global population resides within 50 kilometers of the coast. Mangrove forests offer solutions to mitigate the potential for flooding and provide natural coastal protection. Traditionally, mangrove restoration has been approached from the seaward edge through large-scale planting, with limited success. This dissertation describes how mangrove restoration can be approached from both the seaward and landward edges along degraded coastlines to create functional mangrove forests.
Chapter 2 examines how the natural factors drive mangrove dynamics along the landward and seaward edges of a mangrove greenbelt. This work reveals that landward mangrove expansion in old aquaculture ponds was slow because of long inundation times and soft sediment. In contrast, seaward mangrove expansion was associated with elevated mudflats and gentle slopes. Chapter 3 further investigates the effects of different foreshore morphologies on mangrove expansion. This work shows that cheniers, or elevated sand lenses atop muddy foreshores, significantly decrease waves that enter the mangrove fringe. A stable chenier can promote mangrove expansion, even in combination with a negligible small mudflat of 10 to 20 metres. Without a chenier, a 10 times wider mudflat was required to make mangrove expansion more likely than mangrove retreat.
Chapter 4 compares traditional mangrove planting with ecological restoration measures for mangrove restoration (EMR). This work shows that EMR measures were more effective at creating connected forest expansion in a landward direction. EMR in the landward direction could be achieved through smart sluice gate management in the right season. This work shows how mangrove cover in associated mangrove aquaculture ponds significantly increased over the project lifetime. Along the seaward edge, field experiments revealed that EMR with permeable brushwood dams aimed at expanding mangrove habitat could not sufficiently overcome subsidence rates, indicating that mangrove restoration in seaward direction under relative sea level rise will become increasingly difficult.
Chapter 5 investigates the potential threat of plastic waste to mangroves once they have been restored. It is revealed that aerial root suffocation by plastic caused immediate pneumatophore growth and leaf loss. Mangrove trees are relatively resilient to partial burial by plastic waste, but mangrove stands are likely to deteriorate if plastic continues to accumulate. Chapter 6 examines the long-term mangrove greenbelt resilience in the face of continued rapid relative sea level rise. The study quantified that while the villages closest to the subsidence epicenter sank with 8.2 cm per year, their fringing mangroves sank nearly twice as slow on average. Trees were able to adjust to the rapidly rising water level through pneumatophore extension and the creation of new root mats when sediment was locally available. However system wide sediment shortage ultimately leads to a retreating coastline, affecting both mangroves and people.
In conclusion, seaward mangrove restoration is challenging along coastlines that are subject to rapid relative sea level rise. Foreshore management aimed at creating artificial cheniers or wide mudflats might reduce lateral erosion and lead to limited seaward mangrove expansion in less rapidly subsiding areas. It is also important to consider the landward edge of a desired greenbelt when attempting mangrove restoration, as hectares of potential mangrove habitat still exist in the form of other land-uses. Effective socio-economic measures are required to support mangrove expansion; these may be challenging, but not impossible. Ultimately, interventions that halt regional and global stressors of mangrove establishment and survival will have the most significant impact and long-term effect on coastal protection.


ABSTRACT The gene organization and transcription of the Agrobacterium glg operon differ from those in other bacteria.Agrobacterium tumefaciens A348 contains a 9.1-kb gene cluster harboring genes for glycogen metabolism. The nucleotide sequence and gene organization of a region containing ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (glgC), glycogen synthetase (glgA), and phosphoglucomutase (pgm) genes have been previously described (A. Uttaro and R. A. Ugalde, Gene 150:117–122, 1994). In this work we report that the glycogen phosphorylase (glgP) and branching enzyme (glgB) genes are located immediately upstream of this region. The complete nucleotide sequences of the glgP andglgB genes were obtained, and mutants were constructed by targeted insertional mutagenesis with a kanamycin cassette. Enzymatic assays and reverse transcription PCR carried out with the wild type and with glgP and glgB mutants, as well as primer extension experiments and β-galactosidase fusions, revealed that this region containing five open reading frames (glgPBCA andpgm) is transcribed unidirectionally as a single operon under the control of a promoter located upstream of the glycogen phosphorylase gene (glgP). An alternative transcript was identified starting 168 bp upstream of an internal ATG start codon of the pgm gene, which is translated as a 71-amino-acid-shorter Pgm protein which complements in vivo apgm mutant. This alternative transcript has a promoter with the motif TATCAAN5G, identified in octopine Ti plasmid as an autoinducible TraR promoter. This promoter is >200 times more efficient in A. tumefaciens than in Escherichia coli, as judged by the level of enzymatic activity of alacZ-pgm fusion.


Funerary monuments - whether the pyramids of ancient Egypt, the chambered cairns of prehistoric Orkney or the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge - are among the most potent architectural monuments. Bearing witness to our uneasy acknowledgement of mortality and our desire to remember those who have died, tombs and monuments are often among the finest structures erected by man. The subjects of funerary architecture, of commemorative structures and of cemeteries have suffered a curious neglect at the hands of writers until fairly recently, and it is James Stevens Curl's work that is partly responsible for arousing a new interest in them. In a wide-ranging and stimulating survey, Professor Curl explores the extraordinary legacy of funerary monuments from ancient Egypt to modern town planners' schemes for twenty-storey tower-blocks for the storage of coffins and urns (not a bad idea when we consider how inappropriate are tower-blocks as dwellings for the living). As much a commentary on attitudes to death as a history of architecture, Death and Architecture reveals many hidden wonders and beauties throughout the world. A fascinating and unusual book, it will be treasured by all who agree with George Crabbe's line 'But monuments themselves memorials need'.


A long-term experiment was carried out to determine the relative abilities of five sessile animals to colonize cleared plots in the presence or absence of predators. The experiment was done on two adjacent rocky shores, one sheltered and one exposed, on a small tropical island. The effect of predation in maintaining bare space was greatest on the exposed shore/upper mid-intertidal, less on the sheltered shore and absent on the exposed shore/lower mid-intertidal. The barnacle, Tesseropora rosea, recruited heavily at the exposed shore/lower mid-intertidal and was dominant, but was unable to colonize the exposed shore/upper mid-intertidal or the sheltered shore. The barnacle, Tetraclita squamosa, successfully colonized only the exposed shore/upper mid-intertidal and did not appear to be affected by predation. The oyster, Saccostrea amasa, had low colonization levels only on the sheltered shore and exposed shore/upper mid-intertidal, small individuals were susceptible to predation. The barnacle, Chthamalus maylayensis, heavily colonized only the exposed shore/upper mid-intertidal but was removed from this shore height by gastropod predators. The oyster, Saccostrea echinata, colonized only the sheltered shore and was very susceptible to predation. Given the variability found on this small spatial scale, it is suggested that consistent differences in ecological processes between regions (tropical versus temperate) are unlikely but, rather, that differences between localities will be found at the level of species interactions and abiotic effects in particular habits.


A simple Bayesian approach to nonparametric regression is described using fuzzy sets and membership functions. Membership functions are interpreted as likelihood functions for the unknown regression function, so that with the help of a reference prior they can be transformed to prior density functions. The unknown regression function is decomposed into wavelets and a hierarchical Bayesian approach is employed for making inferences on the resulting wavelet coefficients.


The crisis in the journalism profession has led an ever more concentrated corporate voice to assert itself in academia, diverting blame and shaping how future journalists are prepared. Historically interdisciplinary, oriented toward the liberal arts yet professional, journalism education faces mounting pressure to abandon its academic ethos to embrace its industry patrons, choosing from a false dichotomy advanced forcefully by a recent journalism foundation-supported research report. To preserve its value, however, journalism must be part of broader academic reforms, modeling an intellectually independent integration of theory and practice, supporting not just a media labor pyramid, but also a press-literate public.


CONTEXT Drought and extreme heat at flowering are common stresses limiting the yield of summer crops, which are likely to intensify and become more frequent as projected under climate change. OBJECTIVE This study explores the idea that adaptation to these stresses could be increased by sowing summer crops early in late winter or spring, to avoid the overlap with critical crop stages around flowering. Here we report on the impacts of early sowing i.e., in late winter and spring on sorghum crop and root growth and function (i.e., water use), and final grain yield. METHODS Two seasons of on-farm genotype (G) by environment (E) by management (M) sorghum experimentation were conducted in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia. Each trial consisted of a factorial combination of three times of sowing (TOS, referred to as late winter, spring, and summer), two levels of irrigation, four plant populations, and six commercial genotypes. Treatments were replicated three times. Crop roots and shoot were sampled at the flag leaf stage for each TOS. Crop water use across the growing season was monitored using time-lapse electromagnetic induction (EMI) surveys. EMI was also used to calculate a root activity factor. Final grain yield and yield components were determined at maturity. RESULTS Results showed that TOS, irrigation levels, and their interactions significantly influenced crop root and shoot traits, water use, and yield, though results were not always consistent across seasons. In the first season which was dry and had large temperature contrasts between TOS, crop growth in the early sown crops was primarily limited by temperature. In contrast, the second season was much warmer and crop growth was instead primarily limited by water availability. Cold air and soil temperatures in the early sowing dates i.e., late winter and spring during the first season, lead to smaller crops with smaller rooting systems and root-to-shoot ratios, and roots having a larger average root diameter. In general terms, root length and root length density responded positively to increasing pre-flowering mean air temperatures ranging between 16 and 20°C, while root average diameters were larger below 19 °C or above 21°C. Early sowing advanced flowering and therefore decreased the risk of extreme heat during the critical stages around flowering and affected water use before and after flowering. The root activity factor was directly related to the crop root length density. The early sown crops increased yield by transferring water use from vegetative to reproductive stages. The larger yield of the early sown crop was associated with larger grain numbers, particularly for the tillers, and a larger water use efficiency. As expected, irrigated and summer-sown crops exhibited lowest water use efficiency. The early-sown crops left more water in the soil profile at maturity, particularly under irrigated conditions and with small plant populations. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that early sown sorghum is a potential option to increase crop adaptation to hotter and drier environments. Here we propose that in the race to increase crop adaptation to heat stresses, plant breeding efforts should consider cold tolerance traits during crop germination, emergence, and early vegetative stages so that sorghum sowing windows could be significantly advanced.


Transmitter power control has been proven to be an efficient method to solve co-channel interference in CDMA system, and to increase the capacity of systems. A novel distributed power control algorithm based on estimates of channel gains is presented in this paper. The proposed algorithm is robust and does not require the exact knowledge of channel gains. In the proposed scheme, power control problem is converted into the zero point problem of a certain function. It is proved that the algorithm converges to the average optimal solution by stochastic approximation approach.


Abstract Dose rates from radioactivity distributed homogeneously in simulated organs with volumes up to 310 ml have been investigated using a liquid scintillator. From the pulse-height distributions, the mean absorbed energy per decay has been estimated and compared to theoretical dose-rate values. Several nuclides of interest in nuclear medicine - 51Cr, 75Se, 82Br, 85Sr, 131I, 197Hg,198Au and 203Hg - were measured. The maximum error in the experimental determination is estimated to be within 5% in most cases. Deviations up to 35% were found in comparisons with the theoretical values.


The authors describe an algorithm and implementation of dynamic linking that allows one user process to link a program in another address space without compromising the security of the other address space and without requiring the linking process to enter kernel mode. The same technique can also be used to load program code into an existing address space, e.g., for debugging or other purposes. The implementation makes extensive use of objects in the Spring object-oriented operating system. They have extracted the dynamic linking function from the operating system, and made it available to user programs as a replaceable library service. In the process, they have taken advantage of features present in a modern, object-oriented operating system to simplify the dynamic linker.<<ETX>>


Introduction: Submandibular gland excision is the gold standard treatment for submandibular gland disease. Although submandibulectomy is a relatively standardized surgical procedure, complications are frequently reported. These complications include nerve paralysis or paresis, aesthetic sequelae, hematoma, salivary fistulas or sialoceles, wound infections, hypertrophic scars and inflammations caused by residual lithiasis in the salivary duct. Case Report: We report a case of a rare complication of submandibular gland excision, pharyngocutaneous fistula, which appeared 6 years after previous surgery. The patient underwent surgery, during which a fistula tract from the skin to the pharynx was found and excised. Conclusion: The authors believe that inappropriate execution of the surgical procedure could result in postoperative complications.


A recent analysis of genome-wide expression patterns and regulatory motif content of paralogous yeast genes strongly suggests that mutational robustness (backup) between paralogous genes is achieved via transcriptional reprogramming of one paralog to compensate for the loss or silencing of the other.


Accurate three‐dimensional data on the structure of vascular smooth muscle cells is essential for understanding the microvascular system in both normal or disease conditions. The laborious serial reconstruction methods have limited the amount of data collected on the structure of individual vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells. The circumferential viewing of whole vessel segments via scanning electron microscopy provides an alternative approach, but even this technique is highly specialized and tedious. This study presents a simplified method to determine the average cell length and width of individual VSM cells by using only one view of a microvessel (single view). The vessels do not have to be isolated for circumferential viewing and can be left in their host tissue if desired. Values for the average VSM cell length and width were obtained by both circumferential‐ and single‐view approach on the same vessels. The average cell length and width obtained from the single‐view method (using one‐third circumference) duplicated the mean length and width measurements obtained by circumferential viewing.


(1) The supply of medical technical aids and the instructions on using them is critical for home-mechanically ventilated patients and their relatives. However, limited evidence exists on the needs-based nature of this care. (2) Aim: To gain insights into users' views on this form of care, to identify key challenges, and to derive empirically sound preliminary recommendations for its future design. (3) Methods: An explorative qualitative interview study was performed in Germany. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with home-mechanically ventilated patients and their relatives. Patients were selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a content analysis approach. (3) Results: 27 patients and 9 relatives were interviewed. From their point of view, ventilation-specific equipment is generally reliable and is seen as a belonging of the patient. However, if the patient lacks competence in using the technology or if information or instructions are neglected, ambiguous and unsafe situations easily arise. (4) Conclusions: The present study is one of the first to provide insights into technical aid supply in home-mechanical ventilation from the users' point of view. It highlights the need for continuous professional support and for evidence-based educational strategies that promote safety among the users of technical aids in home care.


The first single-crystal diffraction studies on methane, propane, methane/propane, and adamantane gas hydrates SI, SII, and SH have been performed. To circumvent the problem of very slow crystal growth, a novel technique of in situ cocrystallization of gases and liquids resulting in oligocrystalline material in a capillary has been developed. With special data treatment, termed oligo diffractometry, structural data of the gas hydrates of methane, acetylene, propane, a propane/ethanol/methane-mixture and an adamantane/methane-mixture were obtained. Cell parameters are in accord with reported values. Host network and guest are subject to extensive disorder, reducing the reliability of structural information. It was found that most cages are fully occupied by a guest molecule with the exception of the dodecahedral cage in the acetylene hydrate which is only filled to 60%. For adamantane in the icosahedral cage a disordered model is proposed.


AIM
To assess clinicians' and researchers' past, current and anticipated future use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and anticipated needs for support. Materials & methods: A web-based survey was conducted at Boston Children's Hospital.

RESULTS
Many clinicians anticipate that they will use exome/genome sequencing (44.8%) and/or candidate gene panels (50%) within the next year. Researcher respondents anticipate the need for exome/genome sequencing (48.0%) and candidate gene panels (31.8%). Few respondents (13.6%) said that they felt 'Completely Ready' or 'Pretty Much Ready' to incorporate NGS into their clinical practice or research.

CONCLUSION
Researchers and clinicians anticipate increased utilization of NGS. Respondents indicated varying degrees of need for a diverse list of support services, ranking interpretation and clinical correlation support as the most needed services.


This chapter focuses on the study of the impact of the characteristics of the leader on innovative work behavior (IWB) of the collaborators, establishing the influence of con tributing factors, such as the organization learning capability (OLC) and team-member exchange (TMX). This presentation shows new relational models and contributions to the understanding the mechanisms about how variables of positive psychology (the self- efficacy (SE), hope (HP), optimism (OP), and resilience (RL) of the leader) or managerial variables (organization learning capability) can influence variables of an individual level (team member exchange and innovative work behavior) . Supported by structural equa tion modeling, a statistical appropriate test method to confirm the empirical evidence of the hypotheses raised in the shown studies, it was possible to confirm the positive rela tionship among the considered constructs that we discuss in this chapter. An appendix with questionnaires that the reader can use in the measurement of the leader character istics and the other factors in the model, in order to get the real information about these variables focused on the improvement of the team and the organization performance, is included.


Results of ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy experiments on free atoms and moleculesare presented. The energy resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of the photoelectron spec-tra are such that several new observations have been possible.Photoelectron spectra of outer valence states of small molecules in the gas phase withrotational structure resolved have been obtained using newly developed equipment. Acorrelation between the outgoing photoelectron wave composition and the rotationalbranching ratio and photoelectron angular distribution has been noticed. A distinct de-pendence of photon energy has been observed in the rotational population of the X 2 Σ+gstate of N2+, which has been linked to a shape resonance in the photoelectron continuum.For the B 2Σ+u state of the same molecule, no such significant effect was found. Clearlydifferent angular distributions were observed for rotational branches corresponding todifferent changes in rotational angular momentum, both for N2 and H2 molecules. Inthe photoionization of the 1b1 orbital of water, mostly photoelectron waves with evenangular momentum seem to contribute, judging by a simple model used to interpret therotational line profile of the v' = (0,0,0) vibration. Since the 1b1 orbital almost is a pureO2p orbital, mostly s and d waves are expected to contribute, in agreement with what is observed.The inner valence spectrum of CO+ has been recorded and partly interpreted with helpof resonant Auger spectra. A resonant Auger decay spectrum of the Xe 4d-15/26p statehas been recorded in the resonant Raman regime, with a peak width of less than a tenthof the natural lifetime width of the intermediate state, allowing complete resolution of aparticular kinetic energy region.


Poland is indicated as a country, which thanks to strong internal demand,was not deeply affected by the economic recession seen in most of the EU economies. Although, housing market after a rapid and enormous price growth until 2008, experienced a slight slowdown, there are no signs of price bubble and its negative consequences. It should be borne in mind that housing needs in Poland in the light of statistical data are on one of the highest levels in the EU. The authors pose questions about the further development of Polish residential market in the light of the experience of Ireland and Spain and the possibility of Polandis accession to the euro zone in the future. The research problems concern both instruments to increase the availability of housing (supply stimulants) as well as methods of mitigating the risk of a speculative bubble in the future.


Thank you very much for reading bamiyan challenge to world heritage. As you may know, people have search hundreds times for their favorite books like this bamiyan challenge to world heritage, but end up in harmful downloads. Rather than reading a good book with a cup of tea in the afternoon, instead they cope with some harmful virus inside their computer. bamiyan challenge to world heritage is available in our digital library an online access to it is set as public so you can download it instantly. Our book servers hosts in multiple countries, allowing you to get the most less latency time to download any of our books like this one. Merely said, the bamiyan challenge to world heritage is universally compatible with any devices to read.


The problem investigated in this research is that of the development of a collective entrepreneurship between firms in competition. As a main result, the study of the French tropical tuna fishery shows a long process of construction as well as an economic and a social community. This double process led to the installation of a supply system which became the fourth tropical tuna supplier in the world. It stopped when the interests of the competitors started to diverge and when asymmetries between the rivals became so important as it was no longer possible to continue as a single socio-economic community.


R.R. Mole was born at Fore St., Bridgewater, Somerset, England on 27th September 1860, the elder son of Richard Hopkins Mole and his wife Eliza, nee Howels. We do not know if Mole was a naturalist before coming to Trinidad. If he was not, it is likely that his close friend F.W. Urich sparked his interest. But we do not know how the two met. H.H.R. Mole says that "the first evidence of his work in that field dates from 1891.


━━ Background. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are highly specific for ANCA-related vasculitis and are used to assist in its diagnosis. Although ANCA may also be present in patients with malignant tumors, few studies have reported lung cancer patients with false-positive ANCA tests. Case. A 66-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with suspected refractory pneumonia and was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer by bronchoscopy. Although his serum was positive for PR3-ANCA, no findings of vasculitis were observed, sug-gesting the false-positive detection of PR3-ANCA. Chemotherapy was effective against his lung cancer, and a complete remission was obtained, at which point his PR3-ANCA levels became negative. There was no recur-rence of lung cancer and his PR3-ANCA level remained negative. Conclusion. Although rare, lung cancer patients may show false-positive ANCA tests results and their disease status may be evaluated according to the change in their ANCA titer.


Mode operation of inductively driven plasmas in argon gas at low pressures is studied by optical emission spectroscopy. The plasma source is a tandem type source with a driver and an expansion plasma region. The driver region of the discharge is in the classical form of a cylindrically shaped inductive discharge, with a coil positioned over a gas discharge tube. The inductively coupled plasma discharge is maintained at high frequency f = 27 MHz, applied power varied in the limits P = (20?700) W and gas pressure in the range p = (8?260) mTorr. The Ar line intensity dependencies on the applied power injected into the discharge is analysed. With the power increase a mode transition of the discharge regime is not observed. The investigations on the discharge mode operation are supported by theoretical calculations based on kinetic modelling of main processes contributing to the line intensity behaviour.


ABSTRACT Two-component systems are frequently involved in the adaptation of bacteria to changing environmental conditions at the level of transcriptional regulation. Here we report the characterization of members of the two-component systems of the gastric pathogenHelicobacter pylori deduced from the genome sequence of strain 26695. We demonstrate that the response regulators HP166, HP1043, and HP1021 have essential functions, as disruption of the corresponding genes is lethal for the bacteria, irrespective of the fact that HP1043 and HP1021 have nonconserved substitutions in crucial amino acids of their receiver domains. An analysis of the in vitro phosphorylation properties of the two-component proteins demonstrates that HP244-HP703 and HP165-HP166 are cognate histidine kinase-response regulator pairs. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the variability of the histidine kinase HP165 caused by a poly(C) tract of variable length close to the 3′ end of open reading frame 165/164 does not interfere with the kinase activity of the transmitter domain of HP165.


Carcinosarcoma of the pancreas is extremely rare and its histogenesis is still unclear. This is a report on a 64-year-old female patient with an intraductal carcinosarcoma arising from intraductal papillary-mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) in the pancreas tail. The carcinosarcoma grew as a polypoid mass within the main pancreatic duct. Histologically, the tumour consisted of adenocarcinoma covering the luminal surface of the lesion with minimal stromal invasion, and osteosarcoma occupying the stroma. Immunohistochemical and gene mutation analyses revealed that both the carcinomatous and sarcomatous tumour cells of the carcinosarcoma, as well as the IPMC cells, expressed TP53 and had identical mutations in KRAS and TP53 genes, indicating that these two neoplastic components of the carcinosarcoma shared a common tumorigenesis and arose from the IPMC. This is the first report of a carcinosarcoma originating in IPMC. These findings imply that carcinosarcoma with a heterologous mesenchymal component is of ductal origin.


Paivio (1975) found that the latency to choose the larger of two named objects does not depend on congruity between the object sizes and the sizes of the object names. Because size congruity does affect latencies for pictorially presented objects, Paivio interpreted this result as support for the dual coding hypothesis. However, Experiment 1 demonstrated that Paivio's results were an artifact of his experimental design. Size congruity does affect latencies to choose the larger of two named objects when object pairs are not repeated. When the same object pairs are used repeatedly, as in Paivio's experiment, the effect disappears. In this case the response is probably remembered, so that the objects need not be compared. To determine the processing stages affected by size congruity, both the distance between stimulus sizes and the size congruity were manipulated in Experiment 2. Three groups of subjects chose either the greater Arabic digit, the greater named digit, or the larger named object. Size congruity interacted with distance only for Arabic digits. For both Arabic digits and named digits, the interference caused by size incongruity was greater than the facilitation caused by size congruity, whereas for object names, the facilitation was greater than the interference. A model of the interaction between physical size comparisons and conceptual size comparisons is proposed to account for these results.


Ionic liquids are promising media for self-assembling block copolymers in applications such as energy storage. A robust design of block copolymer formulations in ionic liquids requires fundamental knowledge of their self-organization at the nanoscale. To this end, here, we focus on modeling two-component systems comprising a Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly (propylene oxide)-Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) block copolymer (Pluronic P105: EO37PO58EO37) and room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs): protic ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), aprotic ionic liquids (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6), or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4). Rich structural polymorphism was exhibited, including phases of micellar (sphere) cubic, hexagonal (cylinder), bicontinuous cubic, and lamellar (bilayer) lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) ordered structures in addition to solution regions. The characteristic scales of the structural lengths were obtained using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data analysis. On the basis of phase behavior and structure, the effects of the ionic liquid solvent on block copolymer organization were assessed and contrasted to those of molecular solvents, such as water and formamide.


The objective of this study was to assess the performance of the milk agrifood chain in the state of Hidalgo and to identify its critical factors. A statistical sample (maximum variance proportions) was applied, and interviews were conducted with input from suppliers, milk producers, milk collection centers and processing industry managers and both rural and urban consumers. The milk agrifood chain model for Hidalgo was established and critical factors for every link and also those having transversal impact (technical assistance, livestock technology, financial aspects, organization, integration, quality, processing technology knowledge and high competition with leading brands) were identified. From chain components interrelation analysis materials (forage and concentrate) and capital flow inside the chain was assessed. Annual concentrate flow was estimated at 59,260 t, that of forage at 770,035 t, and milk production of 411'105,000 L, of which 41 % was pasteurized, 56.3 % used by the cheese industry and 2.7 % sold as raw milk. With reference to the flow of capital, $MX 1,360.6 million was estimated as the raw material value and consumers paid $MX 2,642.9 million for the finished products (pasteurized and raw milk and fresh cheese). The method applied was useful to identify critical factors and a comprehensive capital and materials flow within the milk agrifood chain.


In this study, PUP-type cytokinin transporter genes were identified in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The Oryza sativa purine permease (OsPUP) family has 12 members that show similar predicted protein sequences with AtPUPs. To reveal the functions of OsPUP genes, we searched the T-DNA mutant library of rice and found one mutant for the member OsPUP7. The T-DNA insertion caused a new transcript that encodes a protein with 26 amino acids different from the native OsPUP7 at the C-terminus. The mutant showed multiple phenotypic changes including increased plant height, big seeds, and delayed flowering. The mutant also showed increased sensitivity to drought and salt stresses and treatments with kinetin and abscisic acid. OsPUP7 is expressed mainly in the vascular bundle, pistil, and stamens. The measurement of cytokinins (CKs) showed that CK content in the mutant spikelets accumulated higher than that in the wild type. Moreover, uptake experiment in the yeast fcy2 mutant suggested that OsPUP7 has the ability to transport caffeine, a CK derivative. Our results indicate that the PUP transport system also exists in rice, and OsPUP7 has an important role in the transport of CK, thus affecting developmental process and stress responses.


Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest liver cancer; its incidence and prevalence are continuously increased. Glypican3 (GPC3), melanoma antigen-1, 3 genes (MAGE1 and 3) are tumor markers used in HCC. We evaluated their role in HCC detection and assessed their relation to tumor parameters. Three groups, HCC group, liver cirrhosis group and a control group were studied. AFP, GPC3, and MAGE1 and 3 mRNA were determined in all study subjects. Tissue GPC3 was examined in patients with HCC only. Serum AFP and GPC3 were elevated in HCC group compared to other groups (P < 0.000 and P < 0.001, respectively). AFP at cutoff 44.4ng/ml and GPC3 at cutoff 5.6µg/L resulted in 81% and 90.1% sensitivity, 73.3% and 92.6% specificity, respectively. The combined measurement of both increased the sensitivity and the specificity to 100% and 93.3%, respectively. GPC 3 was detected in tissues of 81.0% of the cases. MAGE-1 and MAGE-3 genes expression were detected in 61.9% and 52.4%, respectively in HCC cases but not in other groups. GPC3, MAGE1and 3 were increased with advanced tumor stage, size, and nodule numbers. We concluded that GPC3 is a promising diagnostic marker for HCC, and MAGE 1 and 3 could be helpful in early detection of extrahepatic metastasis of HCC.


Different amplification protocols were evaluated for use with primer-extension preamplification (PEP). We hypothesized that a protocol known to improve amplification of long DNA fragments would improve efficacy of PEP. Eight DNA samples were preamplified by PCR using different protocols. Treatments consisted of the use of Taq DNA polymerase (T), Taq plus a second polymerase obtained from Pyrococcus furiosus (E) or Stoffel fragment (S) in PEP. After preamplification, six genetic markers were genotyped, and the number of scorable genotypes was recorded. A control reaction (C) consisted of amplification using genomic DNA as template. A second experiment was performed to evaluate preamplification efficiency using Taq DNA polymerase (5 units) and exponential dilutions of Pfu DNA polymerase. After preamplification, the same procedure was used to obtain a number of scorable genotypes. In the first experiment, treatment E was the most reliable approach for amplifying genomic DNA in PEP. Treatments T and S produced fewer scorable genotypes than treatments E or C. In the second experiment, low concentrations of Pfu DNA polymerase produced a similar percentage of scorable genotypes as higher concentrations. Low concentrations of Pfu DNA polymerase combined with Taq DNA polymerase is the most cost-effective procedure to maximize amplification of limited DNA samples in PEP.


Abstract The increasing of netizen number has been making internet be a convince media on product selling. Indonesia has been proved to be a nation with the fastest growth in Asia-Pacific for online transaction. Besides, the amount of transaction value increases rapidly in every year. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the close relationship between Security in the Handling of Private Data (SHPD) and Trust by E-Commerce Website Loyalty. Methodology or research approach is a quantitative descriptive with primary data accumulation by means of online questionnaire. Based on 50 valid responses for Zalora and same number for Bhinneka who had made purchase is collected from survey, the analysis technique of this research is descriptive. In addition to did correlation analysis by t-test in Partial Least Square Path Modelling (PLS-PM) technology was employed to examine the research model and close relationship between all variables. The study of three research hypotheses revealed that the correlation between SHPD and Trust was positive and significant by 73,29%. The correlation between Trust and Loyalty was positive and significant by 52,03%. The correlation between SHPD and Loyalty was significant by 45,85% however the line was opposite. Based on values, it found out the another factor out of models which had a correlation with. Those another factor estimated as satisfaction, consumer emotional commitment, awareness, payment system, enquickness, logistics service, etc.


Ectotherms commonly adjust storage and membrane lipid composition to ambient temperature to counteract detrimental thermal effects on lipid fluidity. The effect of repeated temperature fluctuations on fatty acid composition and thermal tolerance was investigated. We exposed Orchesella cincta to two constant temperatures (5ºC and 20°C), and a continuously fluctuating treatment (5ºC/20ºC every two days). Fatty acid composition differed between constant low and high temperatures. Animals were most cold tolerant in the low temperature treatment, while heat tolerance was highest under high temperature. Under fluctuating temperatures, fatty acid composition changed with temperature initially, but later the fatty acid composition stabilized and closely resembled that found under constant warm temperatures. Consistently, heat tolerance in the fluctuating temperature treatment was comparable to the constant warm treatment. Cold tolerance in the fluctuating temperature treatment was intermediate compared to animals acclimated to constant cold or warmth, despite the fact that fatty acid composition was adjusted to warm conditions. This unexpected finding suggests that in animals acclimated to fluctuating temperatures an additional underlying mechanism is involved in the cold shock response. Other aspects of homeoviscous adaptation may protect animals during extreme cold. This paper forms a next step to fully understand the functioning of ectotherms in more thermally variable environments. 66


Recently there has been a great deal of work on neural network. Offering massive parallelism, high speed, and crosstalk-free interconnection, optical implementation has been sought to fully exploit the parallel characteristics of neural networks(1,2). In those optoelectronic neural networks, "two-dimensionally(2D) extended" and "discretely arrayed" devices, i.e. spatial light devices such as SLMs(spatial light modulators), arrayed light sources and detectors are utilized to enjoy the high parallelism of optics. However, at present it is not easy to obtain such perfect spatial light devices with characteristics satisfying theoretical performance; some have lack of spatial uniformity while others show limited signal-to-noise ratio and so on. Therefore, it is important to investigate the effects of imperfection of spatial optical devices on the system capability of optoelectronic neural network. The influence of interconnection weight discretization and noise in an optoelectronic neural network was reported(3), but only by computer simulation.


In order to solve the problem of low efficiency, low quality and false detection of metal surface engraving character detection, we proposed a kind of engraving character recognition system based on machine vision. This system can identify and detect through the image acquisition of engraving area, and a series of mathematical and morphological treatments of binary image. It can extract the contour using optimized Laplace edge detection operator and combining with the convexity characteristic of engraved words. The system successfully carried out the experiment of engraving character recognition and it can detect the character recognition with high efficiency and high qualified rate. It has realized the automation of engraving character recognition test production line, and it has certain application value and promotion significance.


Thirty patients with distal colitis (proctosigmoiditis) in relapse were randonly allocated to twice daily treatment with traditional aqueous hydrocotrisone enemas (Cortenemas) or a suspension of hydrocortisone in an inert foam base (Colifoam). Each treatment contained the same amount of hydrocortisone. Clinical, sigmoidoscopic, and histological response was assessed after two weeks. Both agents were effective, and broadly similar in terms of objective improvement, but subjective improvement was greater with the foam preparation, and several patients expressed a preference to this mode of treatment.


This paper aims to identify critical constraints as perceived by U.S. and California women superintendents and to determine how these women overcame them. The Survey of Influences on Female Superintendents' Careers (SIFSC) was used in two studies to collect quantitative and qualitative data on women superintendents in the United States and in California. This paper discusses data from three parts of the SIFSC survey: (1) demographics of both groups; (2) mean scores of four constraints deemed most critical by respondents; and (3) respondents' written strategies for overcoming these constraints. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic and evaluative responses. The means of the three most critical constraints from each group were further analyzed for significant differences. Written statements were qualitatively analyzed by looking for themes across data. The superintendents in both studies agreed on three critical career constraints: difficulties in breaking into existing organizational networks, the belief that women cannot handle the superintendency's political aspects; and lack of organizational encouragement to apply for administrative positions. Solutions ranged from seeking mentoring opportunities to becoming involved with different publics, being well-prepared, taking risks, and accomplishing difficult tasks. An appendix of career constraints is included. (Contains 31 references.) (MLH/Author) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** Women Superintendents: Overcoming Constraints 1 Women Superintendents: Overcoming Constraints


We investigated whether occupational class affects the incidence of cardiovascular events in Japanese factory workers. We prospectively evaluated 1,794 male workers aged 40-59, including 632 non-manual and 1,162 manual workers, employed in a metal products factory in Japan. The hazard ratios of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiovascular events (combined stroke, MI and sudden cardiac death) for manual workers were compared with non-manual workers as estimated by the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Among the 1,794 workers, there were 60 cardiovascular events (32 cases of stroke, 23 cases of MI and 5 cases of sudden cardiac death) with an incidence rate of 3.14 per 1,000 person-years for cardiovascular events; 1.68 for stroke and 1.20 for MI. Blood pressure and HbA1c significantly increased the risk of stroke. Body mass index and total cholesterol significantly increased the risk of MI. However, occupational class was determined not to be a risk factor for cardiovascular events. The hazard ratios of stroke, MI and cardiovascular events for manual workers compared with non-manual workers were 0.97 (95%CI, 0.45-2.08), 0.73 (95%CI, 0.30-1.79) and 0.92 (95%CI, 0.53-1.61), respectively. Our study did not reveal significant occupational class inequalities in the rate of cardiovascular events. These findings are not in accordance with studies from other industrialized countries.


In this paper, we study and present two techniques to improve the performance of a simulation-based fault injection platform that inserts bit flips in order to model soft errors on digital circuits. The platform is based on the ESA Data Systems Divisionpsilas SEE simulation tool. In contrast with methods based on emulation, the proposed approach reduces the complexity and costs, supplying a test environment with the same reliability as emulation systems. Only one disadvantage appears when comparing both methodologies: the lower performance of the simulation in cases where the fault injection campaigns are very large. Two proposals have been developed in order to address this drawback: the first one is based on software (through checkpoints) and the second one uses parallel computation.


When two relativistically boosted, nonspinning black holes pass by one another on a scattering trajectory, we might expect the tidal interaction to spin up each black hole. We present the first exploration of this effect, appearing at fourth post-Newtonian order, with full numerical relativity calculations. The basic set up for the calculations involves two free parameters: the initial boost of each black hole and the initial angle between their velocity vectors, with zero angle corresponding to a head-on trajectory. To minimize gauge effects, we measure final spins only if the black holes reach a final separation of at least $20M$. Fixing the initial boost, we find that as the initial angle decreases toward the scattering/non-scattering limit, the spin-up grows nonlinearly. In addition, as initial boosts are increased from $0.42c$ to $0.78c$, the largest observed final dimensionless spin on each black hole increases nonlinearly from $0.02$ to $0.20$. Based on these results, we conclude that much higher spin-ups may be possible with larger boosts, although achieving this will require improved numerical techniques.


Citation for published item: Gaither, Michelle R. and Gkafas, Georgios A. and de Jong, Menno and Sarigol, Fatih and Neat, Francis and Regnier, Thomas and Moore, Daniel and Grcke, Darren R. and Hall, Neil and Liu, Xuan and Kenny, John and Lucaci, Anita and Hughes, Margaret and Haldenby, Sam and Hoelzel, A. Rus (2018) 'Genomics of habitat choice and adaptive evolution in a deep-sea sh.', Nature ecology and evolution., 2 (4). pp. 680-687.


A new method for the catadioptric omnidirectional stereo vision with single camera is presented in this paper. The proposed method uses a concave lens with a convex mirror. Since the optical part of the proposed method is simple and commercially available, the resultant omnidirectional stereo system becomes versatile and cost-effective. The closedform solution for 3D distance computation is presented based on the simple optics including the reflection and the refraction of the convex mirror and the concave lens. The compactness of the system and the simplicity of the image processing make the omnidirectional stereo system appropriate for real-time applications such as autonomous navigation of a mobile robot or the object manipulation. In order to verify the feasibility of the proposed method, an experimental prototype is implemented.


The epidemiological characteristics of 18 patients with acinetobacter bacteremia were analyzed. Patients (mean age, 55.5 years) developed bacteremia after an average of 14.1 days of hospitalization. Fifteen of 16 patients survived bacteremia caused by Acinetobacter baumannii. Cultures of blood from the remaining two patients yielded Acinetobacter lwoffii. Most patients (78%) resided in the general ward, while four patients (22%) were under intensive care. Genotyping by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction analysis and the temporal sequence of isolation were more useful than phenotyping by antimicrobial susceptibility in the determination of the source of bacteremia, and the intravascular catheter was the leading infection source (39% of cases). The possibility of an association of glucose with the pathogenesis of acinetobacter infection was raised.


Temperature and humidity were recorded from roost sites used by nine species of cave bats in northern Australia. The 10 sites containing R. aurantius exhibited the narrowest range of roost conditions of any species, this species having a strong preference for hot and humid roosts (28-32°C and 85-100% RH). R. aurantius colony sizes ranged from 20 to 25 000, and varied seasonally, almost all colonies abandoning their cave roosts during the wet season. Colony size was strongly related to mean minimum monthly temperature and rainfall, populations being greatest during the coolest and driest period of the year. Other sympatric species also exhibited preferences for specific roost conditions, indicating interspecific partitioning of roost resources. Species that utilised a broad range of roost humidity occupied a larger geographic range than those with more specific requirements.


This paper investigates the space-time channel estimation techniques in a multiple-access communication receiver system that receives coded digital data modulated using DS-CDMA, with an antenna array in a multipath propagation environment. A spatial and temporal channel model has been implemented, which is built upon the understanding of multipath fading and Doppler spread with merging time delay spread, direction-of-arrival and adaptive antenna array geometry. A receiver structure based on space-time processing has also been implemented, i.e. a reverse link, single-user (SU) with single antenna input (SI) at mobile and multiple antenna output (MO) at the base (SU-SIMO). A reverse link, multiuser (MU) SIMO has been presented as well. This paper also provides a brief overview of various methods available for estimation of DOA of a radio signal using an antenna array. Joint angle and delay estimation (JADE) combined with MUSIC is proposed as the main candidate for estimating the channel profile. For this purpose we present the performance of MUSIC as used in UTRA system.


This study was conducted in Aleta Chuko district of Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Southern Ethiopia is known with a favourable environment for pineapple, coffee and many other horticultural crop productions. However, the practice has been facing several productions and marketing constraints. The main aim of the present study was, therefore, identifying the value chain actors and their roles, mapping the value chain of pineapple production and marketing, and examining the determinants of market supply. Using a purposive sampling technique, 105 households were selected from three representative peasant associations for an in-depth survey. Both primary and secondary data was collected using a combination of Participatory Rural Appraisal tools (semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, group discussion and direct observation). Descriptive statistics and econometric analysis using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) were used to analyse the collected data. The result revealed that both primary and secondary actors were involved in pineapple production and marketing. The percentage of market margin for the producer, assembler, whole seller, retailer and processor actors were 9.41, 11.86, 18.33, 26.96 and 33.43 %, respectively. Producer (34.20 %), assembler (3.30 %), whole seller (17.39 %), retailer (26.78 %) and processor (18.33 %) were sharing a percentage of profit margins in pineapple production. The result of the OLS regression analysis model indicated that the market supply of pineapple was affected by wealthy status and duration of storage (p < 0.05) and price (p < 0.01), positively. Enhancing the local actors' capacity through training, providing price and market information, credit and other processing facilities and institutional support could result in increased production and a steady supply of the pineapple products.


BACKGROUND
Caudal analgesia has long been the cornerstone to successful pain management in children undergoing abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Its analgesic duration with single shot injection is however limited. So adjuvants are used with local anesthetics in an attempt to increase the duration of caudal analgesia. This study aims to investigate the duration of analgesia provided by Clonidine when added to caudal Bupivacaine.

METHODS
A randomized, double blinded, comparative study was conducted on 64 patients, aged two to seven years, scheduled for unilateral inguinal hernia repair. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 32 each, with group A receiving bupivacaine two milligram/kilogram and group B receiving bupivacaine two milligram/kilogram with one microgram/kilogramclonidine, (total volume of injectate was one milliliter/kilogram). Duration of analgesia, hemodynamic response and adverse effects, if any were noted.

RESULTS
Mean duration of analgesia in group A was 264.12 ± 68.77 minutes and in group B was 520 ± 57.37 minutes, p-value <0.001.Incidence of vomiting was 9% in group A compared to 6% in group B.

CONCLUSIONS
Clonidineas an adjuvant to caudal bupivacaine prolongs the duration of analgesia without increasing the adverse effects.


Globally, cardiac channelopathies leading to electrical disorders are responsible for a significant number of sudden cardiac deaths without structural heart disease. Many genes encoding different ion channels in the heart were identified and their impairment was found to be associated with life-threatening cardiac abnormalities. KCND3, one of the genes expressed both in the heart and brain, is reported to have an association with Brugada syndrome, early-onset atrial fibrillation, early repolarization syndrome, and sudden unexplained death syndrome. KCND3 genetic screening could be a promising tool for functional studies for an understanding of the pathogenesis and genetic determinants of the above-mentioned electrical disorders.


As a subtype of leukocytes and progenitors of macrophages, monocytes are involved in many important processes of organisms and are often the subject of various fields in biomedical science. The method described below is a simple and effective way to isolate murine monocytes from heterogeneous bone marrow. Bone marrow from the femur and tibia of Balb/c mice is harvested by flushing with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Cell suspension is supplemented with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and cultured on ultra-low attachment surfaces to avoid adhesion-triggered differentiation of monocytes. The properties and differentiation of monocytes are characterized at various intervals. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), with markers like CD11b, CD115, and F4/80, is used for phenotyping. At the end of cultivation, the suspension consists of 45%± 12% monocytes. By removing adhesive macrophages, the purity can be raised up to 86%± 6%. After the isolation, monocytes can be utilized in various ways, and one of the most effective and common methods for in vivo delivery is intravenous tail vein injection. This technique of isolation and application is important for mouse model studies, especially in the fields of inflammation or immunology. Monocytes can also be used therapeutically in mouse disease models.


We have studied the growth of (Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/)/sub 0.51/In/sub 0.49/P quaternary alloy and GaInP/AlGaInP heterostructures using solid, elemental phosphorus in a valved cracking cell by molecular beam epitaxy. The results obtained have been applied for the growth of strained-layer quantum well laser structures emitting in the red-light region. In order to further assess the quality of our materials, the grown laser structures have been processed into laser diodes that have been characterized. The measured threshold current densities of the 1 mm long as-cleaved broad-area laser diodes were 385 A/cm/sup 2/ and 820 A/cm/sup 2/ at 680 nm and 633 nm, respectively. To the best of our knowledge these values are the lowest reported threshold current densities for SSMBE grown lasers in this wavelength range. A high T/sub 0/ of 113 K was obtained for double-QW in the temperature interval of 20/spl deg/C-90/spl deg/C. All these results clearly demonstrate that state-of-the-art 600-nm-range laser diodes can be prepared using only solid sources.


A strain of Desulfovibrio fructosovorans deleted from the hydN [NiFe]hydrogenase structural gene was constructed. A plasmid carrying a 7 kb DNA fragment on which the hydN gene had been replaced by the npt reporter gene (kanamycin‐resistant, KnR) was introduced into D. fructosovorans by electroporation. Southern analysis of one KnR clone demonstrated that the hydN gene had been eliminated by marker exchange. This mutant, which was devoid of the [NiFe]hydrogenase gene, still showed a 10% residual hydrogenase activity. Its ability to grow efficiently with H2 as sole energy source is discussed. This is the first report, in a member of the sulphate‐reducing bacteria, of a successful transformation and concomitant homologous recombination leading to a fully controlled genotype.


Artificially structured metamaterials with unit-cell dimensions on the order of 1 /10th of a wavelength /10 have been shown to be well approximated by an effective medium description which mimics a continuous material. In this paper we present data for transmission and reflection from a planar array of split-ring resonators SRRs at varying angles of incidence. We attempt to model the form of the angle—dependent response of the SRRs using the Fresnel equations formulated from effective medium theory—treating the array as a thin continuous anisotropic crystal. This model is then fit to experimental data taken on a planar array of split rings to gauge the model accuracy, and to produce values for the frequency-dependent permeability and permittivity of the experimental SRR array. Simultaneous fitting of the transmission and reflection at multiple angles helps to avoid multiple solutions for the permittivity and permeability. This forward fitting approach using multiple angles is advantageous, as it enables a characterization of the optical constants without the need for phase information, and it avoids many of the branch problems inherent in the numerical inversion methods used so far on metamaterials. The work presented here shows the feasibility of this method. A refined procedure will be particularly advantageous for experimental characterization of higher frequency structures i.e., THz and above , where phase information is difficult or impossible to obtain.


Perceptions of sugar, fat and moisture contents, as well as their influences on pleasantness were investigated in commercial foods. One-hundred-and-two-normal-weight men rated the "pleasantness", "flavour intensity", "moisture", "sweetness" and "fatness" of 39 different biscuits and cakes. Sugar content was accurately perceived up to a maximum content of about 33% weight/weight. The perception of fat content was less accurate and depended on both fat and sugar contents. High sugar contents seemed to decrease perception of fatness. Pleasantness was influenced mainly by sugar content and less by fat content. Pleasantness was better predicted by rated contents than by actual contents; it was even better predicted by the overall flavour intensity. Preferences for high fat stimuli did not appear to be based on conscious perception of their fat content. We conclude that the classical results obtained with simple experimental stimuli remain valid, as a first approximation, for commercial biscuits and cakes, despite their complex sensory characteristics.


Creosote contamination of groundwater in the vicinity of old gasworks and woodtreatment facilities is a well‐known problem. Risk assessments typically include measurements of mono‐ and poly‐aromatic compounds and phenols. The content of nitrogen‐, sulphur‐ and oxygen‐containing heteroaromatic compounds (NSO) and their degradation products is seldom determined, although they often are strong smelling, toxic, and have high solubilities and hence constitute a potential for ground‐water contamination. This paper reviews state of the knowledge regarding the analysis of NSO and their degradation products, and their occurrence and fate in groundwater under various redox conditions to assess their potential as groundwater contaminants at creosote‐contaminated sites.


Information fusion via multimodal inverse problems and different sensors is addressed using a Fisher information analysis approach. The Fisher information measure is inherently additive, and it facilitates an appropriate weighting of the measurement data that is statistically optimal and can hence be useful with reconstruction algorithms in geophysical sensing. Given that there exists proper knowledge about the sensor noise statistics, correlations and spectral contents, as well as a correct forward model, the Fisher information is a natural measure of information because it is closely linked to the statistical maximum likelihood principle. To illustrate the concept of data correlation based on statistical Fisher information analysis, two simple and generic examples are employed in electrical resistivity and electromagnetic tomography, which are motivated by geophysical applications, such as tunnel detection. The examples demonstrate that a properly weighted data fusion can be of crucial importance for an ill-posed multimodal inverse problem.


For the 3D characterisation on a (sub)micron scale of the pore structure of natural stones as well as for the study of their weathering processes, both 3D structural and chemical composition and distribution of pores and minerals are important. These characteristics can be obtained through traditional research techniques (including optical microscopy, SEM, laboratory experiments, etc.) and through highly advanced techniques like highresolution X-ray CT; after acquisition, the fusion of all this data can provide a better insight in the weathering phenomena occurring in geomaterials. At the Sedimentary Geology and Engineering Geology group of UGent, X-ray CT technology is applied in the study of geomaterials and is one of the group"s main research topics for already more than 15 years. The group acted as co-founder of the "Centre for X-ray Tomography" (UGCT, UGent), of which the developed flexible highresolution X-ray CT (HRXCT) scanners and software tools are being used for the 3D characterization of geomaterials, for fluid-flow monitoring inside porous materials and for the study of weathering phenomena of geomaterials. For geologists, who normally work with optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to study geomaterials, CT offers an important research tool since it allows to provide information on the 3D structure of the scanned samples as well as limited information on their chemical composition in a non-destructive way. Scanned samples can afterwards always be analyzed by the more traditional research techniques, like optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy combined with EDX (SEM-EDX), in order to connect the 3D data from the X-ray scanners with the 2D chemical and structural information from microscopy techniques. Additionally, thanks to close collaboration with the research group "X-ray microspectroscopy and imaging" (headed by Prof. Laszlo Vincze, Ghent University), XRF imaging at a microand nanoscale level is integrated in the 3D study of geomaterials and their weathering phenomena. Previous experiments (Cnudde et al., 2009; Boone et al, in press) convincingly demonstrated the added value of the link between both techniques for the characterization and understanding of the behaviour of geomaterials submitted to changing external conditions. The use of two powerful and complementary "state-of-the-art" techniques combined with information obtained from optical microscopy and SEM-EDX, traditionally used for characterisation, allows to determine and assess structural information and chemical element distributions in 3D in geomaterials and this with a spatial resolution better than 1 micrometer. In this extended abstract some recent case-studies will be discussed. X-ray tomography as a multidisciplinary research tool: Exploring new frontiers 8 December 2010


Domain-aware machine learning (ML) models have been increasingly adopted for accelerating small molecule therapeutic design in the recent years. These models have been enabled by significant advancement in state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and computing infrastructures. Several ML architectures are predominantly and independently used either for predicting the properties of small molecules, or for generating lead therapeutic candidates. Synergetically using these individual components along with robust representation and data generation techniques autonomously in closed loops holds enormous promise for accelerated drug design which is a time consuming and expensive task otherwise. In this perspective, we present the most recent breakthrough achieved by each of the components, and how such autonomous AI and ML workflow can be realized to radically accelerate the hit identification and lead optimization. Taken together, this could significantly shorten the timeline for end-to-end antiviral discovery and optimization times to weeks upon the arrival of a novel zoonotic transmission event. Our perspective serves as a guide for researchers to practice autonomous molecular design in therapeutic discovery.


The Genetic Algorithm (GA) is a relatively simple heuristic algorithm that can be implemented in a straightforward manner. It can be applied to a wide variety of problems including unconstrained and constrained optimization problems, nonlinear programming, stochastic programming, and combinatorial optimization problems. It is widely used in several fields such as management decision making, data processing ...Information and Finan- cial Engineering. Because of their population approach, they have also been extended to solve other search and optimization problems efficiently, in- cluding multimodal, multiobjective. In this paper, a brief description of a simple GA, GAs vs. traditional methods and GAs to handle constrained optimiza- tion problems are described. Also, GAs for multiobjective optimization MOP is proposed. Thereafter, GAs applications are presented. The intended audi- ence of this paper is those who wish to know the main concepts of GAs and how to apply it to different optimization problems. Also, to familiarize readers to the algorithm proceeding. Index Terms— Genetic algorithms; constrained Optimization; Multiobjective optimization.


Context: The innovative Perceval bioprosthesis (Sorin Group S.p.A., Saluggia, Italy) is a surgical sutureless selfexpanding valve without a sewing ring. It has recently been introduced as an alternative to conventional surgery to minimize the operative risk in elderly patients. Advantages consist of both shortening the cardiopulmonary bypass time and enhancing the minimally invasive approach. Objective: Our study has the purpose to analyze the postoperative conduction disorders and identify the associated risk factors in patients undergoing a sutureless aortic valve replacement with the Perceval bioprosthesis. Methods: This is an observational study including 56 patients who underwent a sutureless aortic valve replacement. The conduction disorders were identified by reviewing the patients' electrocardiograms at baseline, postoperatively, before hospital discharge and at followup. Results: At baseline, five patients (8.9%) presented with pre-operative conduction disorders: two patients (3.6%) had left bundle branch block, one had right (1.8%), one right and left anterior hemiblock, while another showed a Mobitz 1 second-degree atrio-ventricular block. No one had a pre-existing permanent pacemaker. Six patients (10.7%) needed a pacemaker implantation: one for junctional rhythm with an underling atrial fibrillation, one for second-degree and four for third-degree atrioventricular block respectively. Among the 6 patients who implanted a pacemaker, four patients had preoperative conduction disorders (p<0.001) and one patient had anatomical risk factors (small aortic annulus and an offlabel concomitant mitral valve replacement). Conclusions: The presence of preoperative conduction disorders is a statistically significant risk factor for permanent pacemaker implantation following a sutureless aortic valve replacement with the Perceval bioprosthesis.


Fuel cells (FCs) hold great promise as a clean energy conversion technology. A large research effort is underway to develop the FC for applications ranging from small portable electronic devices to automotive transport, as well as residential combined heat and power supplies. These applications have a large emerging market and widespread adoption should lead to a reduced dependence on fossil fuels as well as encourage the development of a hydrogen economy. FCs produce low DC voltage, so that it is most often connected to electric networks through a step-up DC/DC converter. This article first introduces electrical characteristics, power electronic requirements, and different types of FCs and is then followed by a discussion of the various topologies of step-up DC/DC converters used for FCs' power-conditioning system. The examinations of several different approaches to power-conditioning systems for single and multiple FC combinations have been reviewed. High-power DC distributed power systems supplied by FC invokes the need to parallel power modules with interleaving technique. By method of the parallel converter modules with interleaving algorithm for an FC generatorfor high-power applications, inductor size (ferrite core and Litzwire) are simple to design and fabricate, and the FC ripple current can be virtually reduced to zero. As a result, the FC mean current is nearly equal to the FC rms current. The main drawback of the multiphase approach is added circuit complexity, requiring measurement and balancing of each phase current as the larger number of control components illustrates.


ABSTRACT
Nuell, S, Illera-Domínguez, V, Carmona, G, Macadam, P, Lloret, M, Padullés, JM, Alomar, X, and Cadefau, JA. Hamstring muscle volume as an indicator of sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-This study aimed to compare mechanical properties and performance during sprinting, as well as thigh muscle volumes (MVs), between national-level sprinters and physically active males. In addition, the relationships between thigh MVs and sprint mechanical properties and performance were investigated. Seven male sprinters and 9 actives performed maximal-effort 40-m sprints. Instantaneous velocity was measured by radar to obtain theoretical maximum force (F0), the theoretical maximum velocity (V0), and the maximum power (Pmax). For MV assessment, series of cross-sectional images of each subject's thigh were obtained by magnetic resonance imaging for each of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and the adductor muscle group. Sprinters were faster over 10 m (7%, effect size [ES] = 2.12, p < 0.01) and 40 m (11%, ES = 3.68, p < 0.01), with significantly higher V0 (20%, ES = 4.53, p < 0.01) and Pmax (28%, ES = 3.04, p < 0.01). Sprinters had larger quadriceps (14%, ES = 1.12, p < 0.05), adductors (23%, ES = 1.33, p < 0.05), and hamstrings (32%, ES = 2.11, p < 0.01) MVs than actives. Hamstrings MV correlated strongly with 40-m sprint time (r = -0.670, p < 0.01) and V0 (r = 0.757, p < 0.01), and moderately with Pmax (r = 0.559, p < 0.05). Sprinters were significantly faster and had greater V0 and Pmax than active males. Larger MVs were found in sprinters' thighs, especially in the hamstring musculature, and strong correlations were found between hamstring MV and sprint mechanical properties and sprint performance.


Abstract Aortic diameter is a powerful predictor of adverse aortic events, such as aortic rupture or dissection, forming the basis of prophylactic surgical repair criteria. Limited evidence is available regarding the association of aortic wall thickness (AWT) with these adverse aortic events. We present the case and surgical video of a 73-year-old man with chest pain and an increased AWT, who underwent ascending aortic repair and deep hemiarch placement under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Surgical pathology demonstrated evidence of aortic delamination and medial separation, indicative of an impending dissection. The patient recovered uneventfully, and his chest pain ultimately resolved after open repair. In this patient, increased AWT was felt to be the precursor to a potential aortic catastrophe.


The global asymptotic behavior of dynamical systems on compact metric spaces can be described via Morse decompositions. Their components, the so-called Morse sets, are obtained as intersections of attractors and repellers of the system. In this paper, new notions of attractor and repeller for nonautonomous dynamical systems are introduced which are designed to establish nonautonomous generalizations of the Morse decomposition. The dynamical properties of these decompositions are discussed, and nonautonomous Lyapunov functions which are constant on the Morse sets are constructed explicitly. Moreover, Morse decompositions of one-dimensional and linear systems are studied.


Abstract In the April 2013 issue of the Journal of Forensic Economics, Charles L. Baum II develops a model to estimate the annual probability of a worker remaining with a particular employer and applies his results to estimates of economic losses resulting from wrongful termination. Baum's adjustment for job survival is based only on forecast experience in the job held at the time of the termination. This method seems inconsistent with Baum's own findings that early years in any job are associated with much higher hazard rates. In this comment we apply Baum's survival coefficients in a model that incorporates the probability of termination and survival in both the original job and the replacement job.


The aim of the study was to validate the heart rate (HR) recording method against whole body indirect calorimetry in prepubertal children. Nineteen 10.5-yr-old healthy children (10 boys, 9 girls) participated in this study. HR and energy expenditure (EE) were recorded through laboratory tests. Individual relationships between HR and EE were computed (equation established in laboratory). Several models were tested and validated from 24-h measurements of EE and HR by whole body indirect calorimetry. The best fit was obtained with individual polynomial relationships. Mean differences between predicted (equation established in laboratory) and measured total daily EE averaged 7.6 +/- 20.1%. The causes of the differences and the means of improving the accuracy of the prediction equation are discussed.