As CMOS technology continues its trend down the technology nodes through 90 nm to 14 nm, our industry faces the challenge of achieving necessary yield as we integrate more on-chip circuitry having more complex, advanced process technologies. These technologies are generally less scalable than in the past, which means we're involved in a completely new yield ramp almost every two years. Closing the loop from semiconductor manufacturing back to design and process development is crucial. The author explored the nanometer-era semiconductor yield challenges, classified the yield limiting problems, and discussed how to close the loop back to design and process development. This analysis, summarized in this perspectives, reveals the key role of test and the data it generates to optimize semiconductor yield for the next generation.


The RUNX family of transcription factors forms the DNA binding α-chain partners of the heterodimeric core binding factor (CBF) complex. Each of the RUNX proteins, RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3, can form heterodimers with CBFβ. In the M4Eo subtype of human acute leukemia, the chromosomal translocation resulting in inversion 16 encodes a chimeric protein in which CBFβ is fused to smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC). Although the exact mechanism of leukemogenesis by this chimera is unknown, it is thought that CBFβ-SMMHC sequesters RUNX1 in the cytoplasm and antagonizes its normal function. Although the role of RUNX1 in hematopoiesis has been previously well-established, recent data have indicated that the RUNX3 gene may also play a key role in the development of human acute leukemias. To clarify the role of RUNX3 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we investigated its expression and promoter DNA methylation in leukemia cell lines and patient samples. Eleven human leukemia cell lines of myeloid origin and twelve of lymphoid origin were used in this study. Cell suspensions from bone marrow aspirate specimens from patients with AML (69 cases), MDS (19 cases) and ALL (6 cases) were obtained prior to therapy from established tissue blocks. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from four healthy volunteers, and CD34+ cells were obtained from another four individuals. Methylation status of the gene promoters of RUNX1, RUNX2 and RUNX3 were evaluated using the Pyrosequencing Methylation Assay (PMA) method, and expression of RUNX3 was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Hypermethylation of RUNX1 and RUNX2 was rare in cell lines; RUNX1 was not hypermethylated in any of the studied samples, and RUNX2 was hypermethylated in only two cell lines. In contrast, we found that the RUNX3 promoter was hypermethylated in 17 of the cell lines (74%). Interestingly, we observed a trend toward higher frequency of hypermethylation of RUNX3 in cell lines of myeloid (90%) compared to lymphoid (57%) origin. In patient samples, RUNX3 promoter methylation was below 15% in normal samples, and hypermethylation was found in 32/69 AML samples (46%), 4/19 MDS samples (21%), and 6/6 ALL samples (100%). Of the 69 AML samples, 19 were classified as AML M4Eo, and 50 were other types of AML. 84% of the human AML M4Eo samples were hypermethylated at the RUNX3 promoter region, whereas only 34% of the other AML subtypes were hypermethylated. We also evaluated DNA methylation of RUNX1 and RUNX2 in a subgroup of these samples (66 samples for RUNX1 and 72 for RUNX2) and found that, as in cell lines, these genes are almost universally unmethylated; with the exception of a single AML case, all studied samples presented no promoter methylation. As support of functional outcome, hypermethylation of RUNX3 was correlated with both lower levels of mRNA and protein, as confirmed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis in cell lines and patient samples, and treatment with the DNA demethylating agent Decitabine resulted in mRNA re-expression of RUNX3 concomitantly with decreased promoter methylation. Finally, we compared clinicopathological features of patients with and without RUNX3 methylation. In this analysis, only non-M4Eo AML cases were compared because of the small number of non-methylated patients in the M4Eo group. Differences were found neither for blood counts nor for overall survival probability. However, relapse-free survival was significantly better for the unmethylated group (p=0.016). In summary, we showed that promoter methylation of the RUNX3 gene and down regulation of RUNX3 expression occurs almost universally in M4Eo/inversion 16 AMLs, and that in cell lines, RUNX3 repression can be reversed by treatment with the hypomethylating agent decitabine. These results suggest that silencing of RUNX3 is likely an important target in CBF leukemia and that future studies should be dedicated to further characterize the role of RUNX3 in inversion 16 AML and its predictive value of relapse-free survival in AML. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


The cause of hemodynamic changes occurring during acute pancreatitis remains obscure. Using a pig model of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis and the reference sample method with 113Tin and 46 Scandium labelled microspheres, blood flow to organs was determined before and five hours after the induction of pancreatitis. Blood pressure, pulse rate and cardiac output were measured hourly. There were two treatment groups. The first group received dextran 70 (5.7 milliliters per kilogram per hour) and saline solution (7.5 milliliters per kilogram per hour) in sufficient amounts to maintain cardiac output at the initial (prepancreatic) level. The second group received saline solution (26 milliliters per kilogram per hour) only and during the experiment the cardiac output was allowed to decrease to approximately one-half of the initial level. In the dextran 70 group, blood flow in various organs stayed at the initial level or was slightly increased. However, in the saline solution group there was a marked and significant decrease in the blood flow in all organs except the antral mucosa, gallbladder and adrenal glands. The changes in the pancreatic fraction of the cardiac output during the experiment were similar to those of other organs in respective treatment groups. In conclusion, adequate infusion of dextran maintains cardiac output and organ microcirculation at the initial level during the early phase of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. It is suggested that the hemodynamic changes which develop during acute pancreatitis are mainly secondary to the ensuing hypovolemia and not direct consequences of the pancreatic inflammatory process.


For the storage ring of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge, and for the Proton Storage Ring (PSR) at Los Alamos, both with intense and very long bunches, the electron cloud develops primarily by the mechanism of trailing-edge multipacting. We show, by means of simulations for the PSR, how the resonant nature of this mechanism may be effectively broken by tailoring the longitudinal bunch profile at fixed bunch charge, resulting in a significant decrease in the electron-cloud effect. We briefly discuss the experimental difficulties expected in the implementation of this cure.


The new municipal law in the canton of Zurich obliges the municipalities to adopt HAM2 by the year 2019. The aim of this article is to analyze the implementation costs of this new model by using the "Analysis of regulatory costs" from the Swiss federal government. It is the first time this methodology is being used on a regulation at cantonal level. Regarding empirical evidence, 17 interviews with all pilot- and project communities within the canton of Zurich serve as the basis of data. This full census is completed by a validation interview with the respective cantonal authority. The results show that the absolute costs of the implementation of HAM2 strongly correlate with the size of a community. Looking at the relative costs per capita, it appears that HAM2 is less cost intensive for tax subjects of larger municipalities. Besides the one-time project effort of implementation, the municipalities also have additional expenses in their daily business. However, these costs are low and worthwhile since they include managing the fixed assets accounting, which is according to the interviewees the most crucial advantage of HAM2.


Immunization with attenuated VEE virus vaccine resulted in persistence of neutralizing antibody for 12 years. Immunization with inactivated WEE vaccine converted 83% of the subjects, killed EEE vaccine converted 27% and killed Chikungunya vaccine induced no significant titers. Antibody formed as a result of immunization with inactivated vaccines was of short duration, i.e. less than 1 year. Attenuated VEE was responsible for some heterologous antibody rises to the other three alphaviruses. Among the inactivated vaccines WEE and Chikungunya vaccines produced one heterologous rise each to EEE virus.


A system was developed to measure the hydraulic conductivity of cultured monolayers of human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. By optimizing the cell growth conditions and evaluating a number of filter supports, confluent HTM cells in single layers were obtained for measurement of hydraulic conductivity. The HTM monolayers had hydraulic conductivities of 0.3-2.0 microliters/min/mm Hg/cm2 measured at near-physiological flow rates. Evaluations of cytochalasin B (CB) effects on the hydraulic conductivity of our HTM monolayers revealed that CB (10(-6) to 10(-5) M) caused a dramatic dose-related increase in conductivity within 10 to 30 min, which parallels CB effects on outflow facility in vivo. Morphologic observations show that the increase in hydraulic conductivity was accompanied by a retraction of the trabecular cells and widening of the intercellular spaces. Our findings suggest that growth of HTM cells on filter supports can provide a useful in vitro system to study the regulation of aqueous outflow.


Rat pituitary tumor cells (GC cells) exhibit spontaneous oscillations of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) that allow continuous release of growth hormone (GH). Of the somatostatin (SRIH) receptor subtypes (sst receptors) mediating SRIH action, sst1 and sst2 receptors are highly expressed by GC cell membranes. In the present study, the effects of sst1 or sst2 receptor activation on single-cell [Ca2+]i were investigated in GC cells by confocal fluorescence microscopy. In addition, the effects of sst1 or sst2 receptor activation on GH secretion were also studied. Our results demonstrate that SRIH decreases [Ca2+]i baseline and almost completely blocks Ca2+ transients through activation of sst2 but not of sst1 receptors. In contrast, SRIH effectively inhibits GH secretion through activation of both sst1 and sst2 receptors. Blocking Ca2+ transients is less efficient than SRIH to inhibit GH release. The cyclic octapeptide, CYN-154806, antagonizes sst2 receptors at [Ca2+]i since it abolishes the sst2 receptor-mediated inhibition of [Ca2+]i without affecting single-cell Ca2+ signals. On the other hand, CYN-154806 alone potently inhibits GH secretion through the involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that SRIH inhibition of GH release in GC cells involves mechanisms either dependent or independent on SRIH modulation of [Ca2+]i. The implications of CYN-154806 inhibition of GH secretion are discussed.


ABSTRACT The development of digital technologies is one of the solutions being implemented to empower the food industry, especially now, when the sector is struggling to meet sustainable development goals by 2030. The attention of digital solutions has been widely given to its use at the production segment of the food value chains; that is, on-farm activities. We argue that digital technologies can enhance productivity and resilience along the entire food value chain, while increasing sustainability in this domain. Our results show complete digitalization of food value chains in France, driven by innovative start-ups, with some stages more digitalized than others. Indeed, digital technologies are shown to support the three dimensions of sustainable development goals: economic, social, and environmental. However, their benefits should be equally accessible to all actors in this field, and we therefore suggest further research.


In aquatic detrital-based food webs, research suggests that autotroph-heterotroph microbial interactions exert bottom-up controls on energy and nutrient transfer. To address this emerging topic, we investigated microbial responses to nutrient and light treatments during Liriodendron tulipifera litter decomposition and fed litter to the caddisfly larvae Pycnopsyche sp. We measured litter-associated algal, fungal, and bacterial biomass and production. Microbes were also labeled with 14 C and 33 P to trace distinct microbial carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) supporting Pycnopsyche assimilation and incorporation (growth). Litter-associated algal and fungal production rates additively increased with higher nutrient and light availability. Incorporation of microbial P did not differ across diets, except for higher incorporation efficiency of slower-turnover P on low-nutrient, shaded litter. On average, Pycnopsyche assimilated fungal C more efficiently than bacterial or algal C, and Pycnopsyche incorporated bacterial C more efficiently than algal or fungal C. Due to high litter fungal biomass, fungi supported 89.6% to 93.1% of Pycnopsyche C growth, compared to 0.2% to 3.6% supported by bacteria or algae. Overall, Pycnopsyche incorporated the most C in high nutrient and shaded litter. Our findings affirm others' regarding autotroph-heterotroph microbial interactions and extend into the trophic transfer of microbial energy and nutrients through detrital food webs.


Copper through wafer interconnects (TWIs) have become a viable solution to providing interconnectivity between stacked die. In a world where minimizing chip real estate while increasing functionality is the goal for further miniaturization of electronics, TWIs hold a key role as new packaging schemes become critical for overall higher density. Little is known, however, about the impacts of mismatched coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) inherent to the materials used in their construction. CTE differences, if left unresolved, can pose reliability issues during TWI operation. This research focuses on providing insight into the stress levels experienced by TWI materials through finite element analysis to gain a better understanding of the possible failure mechanisms associated with the CTE differences


Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) electrodes were prepared on conductive stainless still (SS) substrate using cobalt nitrate as a cobalt source by implementing simple and cost-effective chemical electrodeposition method and here, characterized for structural and electrochemical analysis for supercapacitor applications. The effect of different deposition potential on capacitance and charging-discharging stability of cobalt oxide electrode were studied. X-ray diffractions confirms the face centered cubic crystal structure of Co3O4 electrodes. Electrochemical capacitive analysis of cobalt oxide electrode was studied in 1MKOH aqueous electrolyte solution. The observed maximum specific capacitance attained with cobalt oxide was 273.3 F/g at scan rate 5mV/s. The observed specific power, specific energy and coulomb efficiency were 12.12W/kg, 74.75 Wh/kg, and 99.63%, respectively. The cycling stability of the cobalt oxides shows 62% up to 500 cycles.


We address the transmission of compressed images over highly corrupted AWGN-channels using an optimal estimation approach at the decoder. In contrast to other methods, we use only a negligible amount of explicit redundancy based on channel codes. Mainly, the implicit residual source redundancy inherent in the quantized subband images and the bit-reliability information at the channel output are utilized for error protection. As a novelty, we extend the optimal estimation technique from the one- to the two-dimensional case, where both horizontal and vertical correlations are exploited in the subband images. Based on this approach, the performances for several estimation methods are compared. Approaches for approximating the source correlations at the decoder are also discussed.


The successful application of the principles involved in the use of human fibrinogen is thought of sufficient and timely interest to report at this time. Work on animals has proved that both bovine and human fibrinogen may be used to good advantage as a bridge for tissue regeneration. The present case report presents the successful use of this substance in the treatment of a human patient. REPORT OF CASE History.— P. B., a man aged 27, was injured by a high explosive fragment on Nov. 19, 1942, sustaining a laceration of the right thigh. He developed a foot drop with paresthesias over the outer aspect of the thigh and foot. A month later he complained of a severe burning pain in the foot. X-ray examination revealed a foreign metallic body in the soft tissues at the middle third of the thigh. On March 23, 1943 a small piece of


Due to low radiation dose, cone-beam computed tomography is growing in importance. In image reconstruction, a stack of cross-sectional images can be reconstructed from a series of X-ray radiographs, served as projections. The presence of metals in the object, however, has deteriorated the quality of the reconstructed image as well as the 3D modeling results. The consequence of metal artifact can be demonstrated through the occurrence of streak effects on the reconstruction volume. In this paper, the attempt has been conducted to solve the problem of metal artifacts. The proposed technique is achieved by segmenting the metal shadowgram and filling it with the averaged intensity prior to reconstruction. The result of computer simulation shows the potential of such method for clinical use


This work is devoted to the analysis of elasto-plasticity models arising in soil mechanics. Contrary to the typical models mainly used for metals, it is required here to take into account plastic dilatancy due to the sensitivity of granular materials to hydrostatic pressure. The yield criterion thus depends on the mean stress and the elasticity domain is unbounded and not invariant in the direction of hydrostatic matrices. In the mechanical literature, so-called cap models have been introduced, where the elasticity domain is cut in the direction of hydrostatic stresses by means of a strain-hardening yield surface, called a cap. The purpose of this article is to study the well-posedness of plasticity models with unbounded elasticity sets in dynamical and quasi-static regimes. An asymptotic analysis as the cap is moved to in nity is also performed, which enables one to recover solutions to the uncapped model of perfect elasto-plasticity.


This volume presents new data and interpretations from research at Florida's Spanish missions, outposts established in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to strengthen the colonizing empire and convert Indigenous groups to Christianity. In these chapters, archaeologists, historians, and ethnomusicologists draw on the past thirty years of work at sites from St. Augustine to the panhandle.
Contributors explore the lived experiences of the Indigenous people, Franciscan friars, and Spanish laypeople who lived in La Florida's mission communities. In the process, they address missionization, ethnogenesis, settlement, foodways, conflict, and warfare. One study reconstructs the sonic history of Mission San Luis with soundscape compositions. The volume also sheds light on the destruction of the Apalachee-Spanish missions by the English.
The recent investigations highlighted here significantly change earlier understandings by emphasizing the kind and degree of social, economic, and ideological relationships that existed between Apalachee and Timucuan communities and the Spanish. Unearthing the Missions of Spanish Florida updates and rewrites the history of the Spanish mission effort in the region.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of candesartan cilexetil and enalapril maleate on right ventricular myocardial remodeling in dogs with experimentally induced pulmonary stenosis.

ANIMALS
24 Beagles.

PROCEDURES
18 dogs underwent pulmonary arterial banding (PAB) to induce right ventricular pressure overload, and 6 healthy dogs underwent sham operations (thoracotomy only [sham-operated group]). Dogs that underwent PAB were allocated to receive 1 of 3 treatments (6 dogs/group): candesartan (1 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h [PABC group]), enalapril (0.5 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h [PABE group]), or no treatment (PABNT group). Administration of treatments was commenced the day prior to surgery; control dogs received no cardiac medications. Sixty days after surgery, right ventricular wall thickness was assessed echocardiographically and plasma renin activity, angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, and angiotensin I and II concentrations were assessed; all dogs were euthanatized, and collagenous fiber area, cardiomyocyte diameter, and tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme and chymase-like activities in the right ventricle were evaluated.

RESULTS
After 60 days of treatment, right ventricular wall thickness, cardiomyocyte diameter, and collagenous fiber area in the PABNT and PABE groups were significantly increased, compared with values in the PABC and sham-operated groups. Chymase-like activity was markedly greater in the PABE group than in other groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Results indicated that treatment with candesartan but not enalapril effectively prevented myocardial remodeling in dogs with experimentally induced subacute right ventricular pressure overload.


With a theoretical specific capacity of 3862 mAh/g and other desirable properties such as high voltage, light weight, and high energy density, metallic lithium remains one of the materials of greatest promise for advanced battery applications. However, the complicated reactivity of this electrode with most practical battery electrolytes leads to substantial morphological and chemical changes that affect the safety and efficiency of the system, and have prevented its further implementation on rechargeable batteries. In this work we demonstrate how to establish a direct and systematic relationship between such morphological changes in the lithium electrode and the cycle performance of the battery. We demonstrate that the main morphological changes are associated with the decomposition of the redox-formed SEI layer, which follows different electrochemical pathways leading to different morphologies depending on the cycling rate of the cell. At high cycling rates (i > 0.16 mAcm−2), a three-layer morphology (dendritic layer, porous layer, residual lithium layer) is observed. At low cycling rates (i ≤ 0.16 mAcm−2), polymerization of electrolyte's solvents and gas evolution leading to macroscopic bubble clusters is observed. Furthermore, we demonstrate the advantages of using these systematic morphology-property relationships to fit and interpret complicated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data.


Five Y. pestis bacteriophages obtained from various sources were characterized to determine their biological properties, including their taxonomic classification, host range and genomic diversity. Four of the phages (YpP-G, Y, R and YpsP-G) belong to the Podoviridae family, and the fifth phage (YpsP-PST) belongs to the Myoviridae family, of the order Caudovirales comprising of double-stranded DNA phages. The genomes of the four Podoviridae phages were fully sequenced and found to be almost identical to each other and to those of two previously characterized Y. pestis phages Yepe2 and φA1122. However, despite their genomic homogeneity, they varied in their ability to lyse Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis strains. The five phages were combined to yield a "phage cocktail" (tentatively designated "YPP-100") capable of lysing the 59 Y. pestis strains in our collection. YPP-100 was examined for its ability to decontaminate three different hard surfaces (glass, gypsum board and stainless steel) experimentally contaminated with a mixture of three genetically diverse Y. pestis strains CO92, KIM and 1670G. Five minutes of exposure to YPP-100 preparations containing phage concentrations of ca. 109, 108 and 107 PFU/mL completely eliminated all viable Y. pestis cells from all three surfaces, but a few viable cells were recovered from the stainless steel coupons treated with YPP-100 diluted to contain ca. 106 PFU/mL. However, even that highly diluted preparation significantly (p = < 0.05) reduced Y. pestis levels by ≥ 99.97%. Our data support the idea that Y. pestis phages may be useful for decontaminating various hard surfaces naturally- or intentionally-contaminated with Y. pestis.


A special-purpose definition is proposed for phase fluctuations to overcome the obstacle of unpredictable dynamic changes in the phase angle. This definition implies a specific time history for each phase sample and any deviation is termed a phase fluctuation. Its application to acoustic data led to the development of a technique for temporally aligning the phase angles of the acoustic pressure phasors. This alignment process transforms the signal phasors to the real half-space of a rotated complex plane, while the corresponding noise is distributed with random phase angles. Signal processing conducted in the rotated plane improves the temporal coherence of the signals without significantly altering the incoherence of the noise. Coherent attenuation and cancellation of signals is common with temporal coherence and vector averaging. These were eliminated when the aligned-phase angles were substituted for the original unaligned phase angles. Thus, the transformation produces a net temporal coherence gain. Furthermore, it significantly improves the robustness of the signal processor to source and receiver motion. An automatic identifier of signals in the transformed plane also is introduced. Signal identification is based on aligned-phase angle temporal coherence, which significantly improves identification of signals. Results are included for both ocean and atmosphere acoustic data.


Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the status of visiting nurses assessment and management of chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults. Methods: The subjects of this study were 285 visiting nurses working at 24 public health centers located in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, and Gangwon-do. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from June to July, 2008. The SPSS/WIN 13.0 program was used for data analysis. Results: Of the visiting nurses, 195 (77.4%) reported lack of pain education for nurses. The education of exercise (83.3%) was used most frequently by nurses as a pain intervention. Barriers to effective pain management were inadequate pain management guidelines and lack of pain education for nurses. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop evidence-based nursing interventions for pain management and to develop systematic educational programs for visiting nurses management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.


Introduction: Various methods have been designed for shoulder reduction and Kocher method (flexion, adduction and external rotation) and traction counter-traction are introduced as the oldest methods. Therefore, the present study was designed aiming to compare these two methods in reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation. Methods: This quasi experimental study was conducted on 16 to 60 year-old patients presenting to emergency department following anterior shoulder dislocation during 1 year. Patients underwent reduction via Kocher or traction counter-traction methods and were compared regarding reduction time, pain relief rate, success rate and neurological vascular complications. Results: 150 patients with the mean age of 32.11 ± 11.3 years were randomly divided into 2 groups of traction counter-traction (67 individuals) and Kocher (83 individuals) (86.7% male). The 2 groups were similar regarding age (p = 0.52) and sex (p = 0.679). There was no significant difference regarding pain relief after reduction between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Mean reduction time was 72.27 ± 15.08 seconds in the traction group and 62.34 ± 24.35 seconds in the rotation group (p < 0.0001). In addition, duration of hospitalization was 3.00 ± 0.48 hours in traction group versus 3.08 ± 0.61 hours in the other group (p = 0.382). The frequency of failure in reduction cases was 1 (1.49%) in the traction group and 6 (7.22%) in the rotation group (p = 0.129). Finally, 2 (2.40%) cases of mild injury of brachial plexus in the ulnar nerve path occurred in the rotation group and no neurological complication was seen in the traction group. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, Kocher and traction counter-traction methods were similar regarding pain relief after reduction and total duration of hospitalization, but reduction time was shorter in Kocher method and treatment failure rate was reported to be higher in this method.


Abnormalities in plasma amino acid profiles have been reported in severe uraemia and dialysis patients and may be a consequence of altered protein metabolism in the presence of metabolic acidosis. We studied plasma amino acid profiles in 7 control subjects [GFR 92.7 +/- (SEM) 14.5 ml/min/1.73 m2] and 7 elderly patients with renal failure (GFR 16.5 +/- 1.3 ml/min/1.73 m2). Uraemic patients had significantly reduced plasma levels of valine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and elevated histidine compared to controls. There was no correlation between arterial pH or bicarbonate and plasma amino acid levels.


The effect of subinhibitory concentrations of amikacin on Proteus mirabilis motility and adherence to human uroepithelial and to HeLa cells was compared with that of gentamicin. In addition, the effect of both antibiotics on cell surface hydrophobicity was also examined. Exposure of bacterial cells in the logarithmic phase to one fourth of amikacin or gentamicin at one fourth of their respective minimal inhibitory concentrations causes the inhibition of swarming and motility of Proteus strains. Amikacin significantly reduced adhesion of Proteus strains to human uroepithelial cells and gentamicin exerts the same effect to a lesser extent. Such inhibitory concentrations of amikacin or gentamicin had no significant effect on the attachment ability of these strains to HeLa cells compared to the nontreated cells. Treatment of the bacterial cells with amikacin or gentamicin changed significantly the cell surface hydrophobicity towards the hydrophilic state compared to nontreated cells, and it was found to be strain dependent. Since motility and attachment ability are considered as pathogenic traits, these data indicate the impact of amikacin on the virulence factors especially in urinary tract infections with Proteus strains.


The energy of the transition from Galactic to extra-galactic origin of cosmic rays is one of the major unresolved issues of cosmic-ray physics. However, strong constraints can be obtained from studying the anisotropy in the arrival directions of cosmic rays. The sensitivity to cosmic-ray anisotropy is, in particular, a matter of statistics. Recently, the cosmic ray anisotropy measurements in the TeV to PeV energy range were updated from IceCube using 11 years of data. The IceCube-Gen2 surface array will cover an area about 8 times larger than the existing IceTop surface array with a corresponding increase in statistics and capability to investigate cosmic-ray anisotropy with higher sensitivity. In this contribution, we present details on the performed simulation studies and sensitivity to the cosmic-ray anisotropy signal for the IceCube-Gen2 surface array.


Abstract Background Attentional bias to threat has been implicated as a cognitive mechanism in anxiety disorders for youth. Yet, prior studies documenting this bias have largely relied on a method with questionable reliability (i.e. dot-probe task) and small samples, few of which included adolescents. The current study sought to address such limitations by examining relations between anxiety – both clinically diagnosed and dimensionally rated – and attentional bias to threat. Methods The study included a community sample of adolescents and employed eye-tracking methodology intended to capture possible biases across the full range of both automatic (i.e. vigilance bias) and controlled attentional processes (i.e. avoidance bias, maintenance bias). We examined both dimensional anxiety (across the full sample; n = 215) and categorical anxiety in a subset case-control analysis (n = 100) as predictors of biases. Results Findings indicated that participants with an anxiety disorder oriented more slowly to angry faces than matched controls. Results did not suggest a greater likelihood of initial orienting to angry faces among our participants with anxiety disorders or those with higher dimensional ratings of anxiety. Greater anxiety severity was associated with greater dwell time to neutral faces. Conclusions This is the largest study to date examining eye-tracking metrics of attention to threat among healthy and anxious youth. Findings did not support the notion that anxiety is characterized by heightened vigilance or avoidance/maintenance of attention to threat. All effects detected were extremely small. Links between attention to threat and anxiety among adolescents may be subtle and highly dependent on experimental task dimensions.


A study is reported of self-pumped phase conjugation by near-forward stimulated scattering of a beam from a quasi-cw YAG : Nd laser in a layer of a nematic liquid crystal without an absorbing dye but in the presence of a nonreciprocal feedback loop. The phase nonreciprocity of this loop is realised by a polarisation rotator and a phase plate. A significant reduction in the threshold of generation of a phase-conjugated wave is reported for the case of a π/2 phase shift between the optical pump and scattering waves travelling in opposite directions along the feedback loop.


Adding new generation, load, or transmission to the grid changes the operation of the incumbent power system. Wind and solar generation plants are no different, but their impact on the rest of the grid is exacerbated by the facts that wind and solar energy is nondispatchable and such generators produce variable output. And because wind and solar effectively bid into the market at very low or negative cost, they are preferred resources in the dispatch stack. They are used by system operators whenever possible, unless there are generator operating limits or transmission constraints.


An epileptic seizure detector's performance definitely depends on features extraction and selection. In this study, we present the short-time average magnitude difference function (sAMDF) as a computationally efficient feature to distinguish seizures from EEG and it is compared with the frequently used curve length. We also suggest using a subspace based approach for feature selection that exploits divergence measure as the dissimilarity criterion. In this approach, basically features are linearly transformed into another reduced space for optimality while decreasing the computational burden. Seizure discrimination performances of transformed features and original features are compared. The obtained results demonstrate that the feature selection with a divergence-based subspace approach is quite useful to discriminate the seizure parts of the signal from the nonseizure ones


Purpose of the paper : The paper aims at adding a new contribution to the field of Medical Tourism by proposing a Situationist View of the phenomenon. In doing this, we have taken into account the global dimension of Medical Tourism, thus widening the well-known neo-institutional framework. Methods : We scanned Business Source Premier, Elsevier Freedom Collection, and JSTOR, using "Medical Tourism and neo-institutionalism" search criteria. After realizing the lack of resources about the topic, we matched the available contributions about Medical Tourism and neo - institutionalism in order to develop a new theoretical framework. Findings : The original neo-institutional model has been widened for the first time in order to provide a better understanding of Medical Tourism's worldwide dimension. Originality and limits of the study : The main contribution of the paper is its potential to reach beyond the more narrowly focused journals where many of the contributions about Medical Tourism reside. The lack of empirical evidence is one of the main limits of the paper. Because of the innovativeness of the developed theoretical framework, future investigations need to be carried out. Practical Implications : The developed theoretical framework provides the basis for a better understanding of Medical Tourism at a global level, as well as of the dynamics that underlie it. Additionally, our paper poses new and interesting research questions about the potential sustainability of Medical Tourism at a societal level, thus requiring future investigation into the issue.


We explored how presence data and expert opinions performed with respect to identifying the ecological preferences and the spatial needs of six butterfly species in the Federal State of Saxony, Germany. We used presence records and a land-cover map. In parallel we used expert responses to evaluate the 40 land-cover types occurring in the map, in terms of both suitability and permeability for the six species. Presence data were translated into preferences through Ivlev's electivity indices (IEI). Visual analysis of preference maps based on IEI showed a distinct pattern of suitable versus less suitable areas. Similarly, spatial analyses found that presence-points were closer to suitability areas based on IEI than those that were based on expert data. However, in case of mismatches between expert and presence-based evaluations, independent experts identified the expert evaluation as better and considered IEI outcomes as wrong. We found a medium to high correlation between land-cover class suitability and permeability based on expert opinions for all species. This indicates that expert evaluation of permeability is affiliated with habitat suitability. Integration of species-presence data and expert-knowledge about species could enhance our capabilities to understand and potentially map suitability while gathering information about suitability and permeability separately can improve species conservation planning.


Summary form only given. The LIOV (lightning-induced overvoltage) code, a computer program developed in the framework of an international collaboration involving the Universities of Bologna (Department of Electrical Engineering), the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Power Systems Laboratory), and the University of Rome "LA Sapienza" (Department of Electrical Engineering), is a numerical formulation of Maxwell's equations, using the formulation of Agrawal et al. (1980) suitably adapted for the calculation of induced overvoltages when lightning strikes near a horizontal overhead transmission line. In the LIOV code, the electromagnetic field radiated by the lightning channel is calculated using the field equations in the form given by Uman et al. (1975) with the extension to the case of lossy ground introduced by Cooray and Rubinstein (1994) and assuming the modified transmission line (MTL) return-stroke current model (1988) for the description of the spatial-temporal distribution of the lightning current along the return-stroke channel.


! The Tip-Edge bracket was invented by Dr. Peter Kesling in 1986 to introduce differential tooth movement based on a modified straight-wire bracket system. Tip-Edge orthodontics combine tooth tipping by light forces (Begg technique) with a three dimensional edgewise finish (straight-wire technique). The new Tip-Edge PLUS bracket now uses StageIII superelastic Ni-Ti archwires ( " deep tunnel wires " ) instead of the Side-Winder Springs for tip and torque in conjunction with a passive full size rectangular arch-wire. The results are shorter treatment time, less chairside time, lower costs and more comfort for the patient and operator than with straight-wire.


The increase of the prevalence of type-2 diabetes as a consequence of overweight and obesity has stimulated public health authorities worldwide to develop strategies for its risk management and prevention. Among them, a reduction on the content of sugar in sugar-sweetened foods and beverages has been suggested, which led the food industry to replace partially sucrose with food additives, such as low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS). As a consequence, there has been an increase of their consumption, which has made regulatory agencies to evaluate their exposure and possible consequences. At the same time, speculations about adverse effects, such as carcinogenicity, preterm delivery and metabolic changes involving appetite, weight increase and glucose intolerance, have been published. This scenario led ILSI Brasil to organize a meeting to update scientific knowledge on the safety of LNCS and to promote discussions among academia, regulatory bodies and food industries to clarify currently controversial information. The results of this initiative are presented in this review. Ot is suggested that LNCS, when used according to recommendations provided by scientific committees and regulatory authorities are considered safe. Further studies are required to evaluate the current level of exposure in general population and specific ones as children.


Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic organic compound used as a raw material for the production of polycarbonate plastics, which are widely used in infant feeding bottles, kitchen utensils and other food packaging materials. The migration of bisphenol A from polycarbonate feeding bottles into water and milk samples was investigated using UV-Vis spectrophotometry based on diazotization-coupling reaction. The proposed method involves diazotization of 4-aminobenzenesulphonic acid under acidic condition in the presence of sodium nitrite at low temperature, followed by its coupling with Bisphenol A, in alkaline medium to produce yellow color azo-dye. The diazo–coupling reagents and time were optimized, the azo-dye formed has absorption maximum at 439nm. BPA was detected within the range of 0.37 – 5.93 µg/mL in the samples using standard addition method. The validation parameters were LOD: 0.48 µg/mL, LOQ: 1.62 µg/mL, while recovery for spiked samples were averagely 97.87 – 99.63 % and %RSD ranged between 0.12- 4.9%. Milk samples have exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for BPA of 50μg/kgbw/day recommended by EFSA.


Abstract Magnetic shielding inductive fault current limiters with high temperature superconducting tapes are considered as emerging devices that provide technology for the advent of modern power grids. The development of such limiters requires magnetic iron cores and leads to several design challenges regarding the constitutive parts of the limiter, namely the primary and secondary windings. Preliminary tests in a laboratory scale prototype have been carried out considering an assembly designed for simplicity in which the optimization of the magnetic coupling between the primary and secondary was not the main focus. This work addresses the design configuration of an inductive current limiter prototype regarding the assembly of the primary and secondary windings in the core. The prototype is based on a closed magnetic core wound by a primary, built from a normal electric conductor, and a short-circuited secondary, built from first generation superconducting tape. Four different design configurations are considered. Through experimental tests, the performance of such prototype is discussed and compared, in terms of normal and fault operation regimes. The results show that all the configurations assure effective magnetic shielding at normal operation regime, however, at fault operation regime, there are differences among configurations.


Article history: Received on: 29/01/2014 Revised on: 14/02/2014 Accepted on: 07/04/2014 Available online: 28/06/2014 Medicines wastage is a problem in health care delivery systems, however the extent of this wastage and associated factors in many health care settings is less known. The objective of this study was to assess medicines wastage and its associated factors in a hospital setting in Dar es Salaam city Tanzania. Specifically to determine major types of medicines wasted and to identify factors contributing towards the wastage. A cross sectional study was carried out at a tertiary hospital, where patient files were analyzed for last admission treatment information for the year 2012. Results show that about 56.3% of medicines prescribed were dispensed to patients. Out of the dispensed medicines, 730 medicines dosages were wasted. Anti-infective medicines wastage was 18.9%, cardiovascular medicines (8.9%) and the other categories was 23.7% of the total medicines dispensed. The factors contributing to medicines wastage were excess (44%), pilferage (26.5%), patient death and change/stop of medicines. Excess supply and pilferage were the major contributing factors. Measures should therefore be taken to mitigate the sources of wastage identified by this study so as to ensure availability of medicines and their rational use in hospital settings.


Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome of the commercially and ecologically important and internationally vulnerable giant clam Tridacna squamosa was recovered by genome skimming using the MiSeq platform. The T. squamosa mitogenome has 20,930 base pairs (62.35% A+T content) and is made up of 12 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal subunit genes, 24 transfer RNAs, and a 2594 bp non-coding AT-rich region. The mitogenome has a relatively large insertion in the atp6 gene. This is the first mitogenome to be sequenced from the genus Tridacna, and the family Tridacnidae and represents a new gene order.


AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To analyse link between empathy and emotional intelligence as a predictor of nurses' attitudes towards communication while comparing the contribution of emotional aspects and attitudinal elements on potential behaviour.

BACKGROUND
Nurses' attitudes towards communication, empathy and emotional intelligence are key skills for nurses involved in patient care. There are currently no studies analysing this link, and its investigation is needed because attitudes may influence communication behaviours.

DESIGN
Correlational study.

METHOD
To attain this goal, self-reported instruments (attitudes towards communication of nurses, trait emotional intelligence (Trait Emotional Meta-Mood Scale) and Jefferson Scale of Nursing Empathy (Jefferson Scale Nursing Empathy) were collected from 460 nurses between September 2015-February 2016. Two different analytical methodologies were used: traditional regression models and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis models.

RESULTS
The results of the regression model suggest that cognitive dimensions of attitude are a significant and positive predictor of the behavioural dimension. The perspective-taking dimension of empathy and the emotional-clarity dimension of emotional intelligence were significant positive predictors of the dimensions of attitudes towards communication, except for the affective dimension (for which the association was negative). The results of the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis models confirm that the combination of high levels of cognitive dimension of attitudes, perspective-taking and emotional clarity explained high levels of the behavioural dimension of attitude.

CONCLUSIONS
Empathy and emotional intelligence are predictors of nurses' attitudes towards communication, and the cognitive dimension of attitude is a good predictor of the behavioural dimension of attitudes towards communication of nurses in both regression models and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. In general, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis models appear to be better predictors than the regression models are.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
To evaluate current practices, establish intervention strategies and evaluate their effectiveness. The evaluation of these variables and their relationships are important in creating a satisfied and sustainable workforce and improving quality of care and patient health.


The enactment effect occurs if people remember items that they enacted or enacted symbolically during study better than items that they were simply asked to remember. Enactment is generally believed to lead to thorough processing of individual items. There has been some controversy as to whether the superior processing of information concerning the relations between action phrases (i.e. whole-list relational information) may additionally contribute to the enactment effect. The extant empirical data on this issue seem contradictory. In the account brough forward here, it is hypothesized that whole-list relational information is processed better during enactment than during verbal learning only if it taps the same aspect of a concept as the verb-object relational information within each action phrase. It is processed worse if these two types of information tap different aspects of a concept. This explanation represents an extension of the three-factor account of positive and negative generation effects to the field of memory for actions. To provide evidence for this account, positive and, notably, negative enactment effects in object recall and in organization scores are demonstrated in three experiments with a total of 246 participants.


Statistically evaluates the "best" estimator of volatility for transaction data from foreign exchange (FOREX) futures contracts. The best model is chosen from a number of simple dynamic models for the mean and variance of the price/returns process of the transactions, i.e. trade-by-trade data. We analyzed transaction data for the following FOREX futures contracts: (1) Canadian dollar/US dollar; (2) Deutschemark/US dollar; (3) Japanese Yen/US dollar; (4) Mexican Peso/US dollar; (5) Pound Sterling/US dollar; and (6) Swiss Franc/US dollar. There is a special emphasis on the first year of trading for the Mexican Peso futures contracts which was from April 1995 to April 1996 and this interest defined the time period for the investigation.


Purpose: To compare serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE) titers in patients with newly diagnosed sarcoid-like dacryoadenitis and nongranulomatous dacryoadenitis. Study Design: Retrospective comparative case series. Patients and Methods: Clinical details and presenting sACE titers were reviewed for patients with newly diagnosed sarcoid-like dacryoadenitis (SLD) and nongranulomatous dacryoadenitis (NGD). All sACE titers were expressed as a percentage of the upper end of normal range ("normalized"). Using Student t test, sACE titers for patients with unilateral SLD were compared with unilateral NGD and the sensitivity and specificity of sACE as a predictor for SLD calculated; this was repeated for patients with bilateral dacryoadenitis. The proportion of patients with raised sACE were compared in each group (Fisher exact test), and the mean sACE titers compared for these selected patients. Results: For unilateral SLD the mean sACE was 97%, compared with 57% in NGD (p=0.0010), and the sensitivity of sACE titer was 42%, specificity 92%, positive predictive value 75%, and negative predictive value 73%. Area under curve from receiver operating characteristic analysis for unilateral dacryoadenitis was 0.78 (p=0.0040). In contrast, there was no significant difference for bilateral disease (SLD 148%, NGD 82%; p=0.33), and somewhat lower positive predictive value (54%), negative predictive value (71%) and area under curve (0.71; p=0.070). Although not significantly so with bilateral disease, the proportion of patients with raised sACE was consistently greater in SLD as compared to NGD—being highest with bilateral SLD (7/12 patients; 58%) and lowest in unilateral NGD (2/26; 8%). Seventeen of the 27 patients with SLD were later found to have systemic involvement: where systemic disease was present, the mean sACE levels were significantly different in unilateral (102%) and bilateral dacryoadenitis (209%; p=0.029) disease, whereas there was no difference in the absence of systemic involvement (sACE with unilateral dacryoadenitis = 86%, bilateral = 75%; p=0.72). Conclusions: Normalized serum titers of ACE are minimally predictive for SLD, whether unilateral or bilateral, with some false negatives and false positives in all groups. However, with unilateral dacryoadenitis, an sACE of >125% maximum range appears absolutely predictive for SLD, and >150% maximum range for bilateral disease. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme titers in sarcoid-like dacryoadenitis are higher than nongranulomatous dacryoadenitis, but the wide range for titers in both groups somewhat limits the sensitivity and specificity of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme as a predictor for the condition.


The photoluminescence spectrum of the freshly photosynthesized porous silicon (PS) has been investigated. This measurement was repeated after three and six months for the same sample after storage under ambient condition (open air at room temperature). Photoluminescence (PL) measurements of the stored PS show different peak positions and intensity width as compared with the results of the fresh PS. A blue shift in PL peak positions with aging time was observed. PL relative intensity is strongly diminished after 6 months of aging. Dark I-V characteristics of Al/PS/n-Si/Al structure shows a behavior of PS/n-Si isotype heterojunction for fresh device and a MIS (metal-insulator-semiconductor) device due to contribution of Al/PS Schottky barrier after aging, essentially after 6 months.


We present a novel mechanical system, the "landfish," which takes advantage of a combination of articulation and a nonholonomic constraint to exhibit fishlike locomotion. We apply geometric mechanics techniques to establish the equations of motion in terms of the system's nonholonomic momentum and analyze the system's equilibrium properties. Finally, we demonstrate its locomotion capabilities under several controllers, including heading and joint velocity control.


Nickel-based oxides are selected for their inexpensive cost, well-defined redox activity, and flexibility in adjusting nanostructures via optimization of the synthesis process. This communique explores the field of energy storage for hydrothermally synthesized NiO/ZnO nanowires by analysing their capacitive behaviour. The p-type NiO was successfully built onto the well-ordered mesoporous n-type ZnO matrix, resulting in the formation of p-n heterojunction artefacts with porous nanowire architectures. NiO/ZnO nanowire-based electrodes exhibited much higher electrochemical characteristics than bare NiO nanowires. The heterojunction at the interface between the NiO and ZnO nanoparticles, their specific surface area, as well as their combined synergetic influence, are accountable for the high specific capacitance (Cs) of 1135 Fg-1 at a scan rate of 5 mVs-1. NiO/ZnO nanowires show an 18% dip in initial capacitance even after 6000 cycles, indicating excellent capacitance retention and low resistance validated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In addition, the specific capacitance, energy and power density of the solid state asymmetric capacitor that was manufactured by employing NiO/ZnO as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode were found to be 87 Fg-1, 23 Whkg-1 and 614 Wkg-1, respectively. The novel electrode based on NiO/ZnO demonstrates excellent electrochemical characteristics all of which point to its promising application in supercapacitor devices. .


The reactions of [Li(2)[PhB(N(t)Bu)(2)]](2) with GaCl(3) in various stoichiometries yield [Li(thf)(4)][PhB(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)GaCl(2) x GaCl(3)] (1), [PhB(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)GaCl](2) (2), and [mu-Li(OEt(2))[PhB(N(t)Bu)(2)]Ga] (3a), a series of complexes in which the three chloride ligands are successively replaced by the dianion [PhB(N(t)Bu)(2)](2-). The X-ray structures of 1, 2, and 3a show that the boraamidinate ligand adopts an N,N'-chelating mode. In the ion-separated complex 1, one of the nitrogen atoms is coordinated to a GaCl(3) molecule. The related indium complexes [mu-LiCl(thf)(2)][PhB(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)InCl](2) (4) and [mu-Li(OEt(2))[PhB(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)]In] (3b) were obtained in a similar manner. Complex 4 is the indium analogue of 2 with the incorporation of a bissolvated LiCl molecule. In 3a and 3b the spirocyclic [[PhB(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)](2)M](-) (M = Ga, In) anions are N,N'-chelated to the [Li(OEt(2))](+) counterion. Prolonged reactions result in the formation of [PhB(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)GaCl][(t)BuN(H)GaCl(2)] (5) and [[PhB(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)InCl][(t)BuN(H)InCl(2)][mu-LiCl(OEt(2))(2)]] (6), respectively. The X-ray structures of 5 and 6 reveal bicyclic structures which formally involve the entrapment of the monomers (t)BuN(H)MCl(2) by a four-membered BN(2)M ring (M = Ga, In). The synthesis and X-ray structure of Cl(2)Ga[mu-N(H)(t)Bu](2)GaCl(2) are also reported.


Diasporas stand out as an economic or cultural avant-garde of transformation.
 This is especially true for academic and other intellectual Diaspora
 communities, because science and knowledge creation are global enterprises.
 Proclivity of knowledge workers to move in order to improve and absorb
 transnational knowledge through Diaspora networks might be an essential
 quality of an emerging national economy of a developing country. The article
 treats the role of expert Diaspora in knowledge based economy, innovation and
 talent management. Besides presenting the essentials of knowledge based
 economy and innovation, it discusses the role of expert Diaspora in science,
 technology and innovation (STI) capacity building. Also, the article
 emphasizes the importance of leadership for talent and its implications for
 Diaspora. Using WEF statistics, it illustrates negative consequences of the
 sad policy of "Chaseaway the brightest and the best" for innovative capacity,
 competitiveness, and prosperity of nations.


The purposes of this study were to examine the problems of international students, assess the intensity of these problems, and describe relationships between the intensity of the problems and the following demographic variables: age, gender, number of years in the study of English, number of years living in the United States, grade point average at North Texas State University, major area of study at North Texas State University, and country of origin. International students pragmatically view their sojourn in the United States as an educational experience that will allow them to improve their minds and to travel. Financial concerns were expressed by the desire to work either part time or during vacation periods. As a group, international students do not exhibit concerns which debilitate their movement toward established goals. However, there are individual students who are in need of cultural refraining, communication abilities, and coping skills.


The propositional logic of proofs LP revealed an explicit provability reading of modal logic S4 which provided an indented provability semantics for the propositional intuitionistic logic IPC and led to a new area, Justification Logic. In this paper, we find the first-order logic of proofs FOLP capable of realizing first-order modal logic S4 and, therefore, the first-order intuitionistic logic HPC . FOLP enjoys a natural provability interpretation; this provides a semantics of explicit proofs for first-order S4 and HPC compliant with Brouwer-Heyting-Kolmogorov requirements. FOLP opens the door to a general theory of first-order justification.


INTRODUCTION The Board of Pensioners of the City of Philadelphia smelled a rat. After investing more than $3 million in Network Associates Inc., the company's stock suddenly plummeted from $67 to $13 per share.1 The Board carefully selected an experienced law firm it had used successfully to prosecute securities-fraud claims in the past, and directed its lawyers to investigate Network Associates.2 This investigation confirmed the Board's suspicions of impropriety; the rat it smelled was a scheme by the officers and directors to commit accounting fraud and insider trading.3 With a successful record of prosecuting securities class actions, and as one of the nation's largest institutional investors, the Board stepped forward to protect itself and similarly situated investors by filing a securities class-action suit against Network Associates.4 Because the Board was the investor before the court with the largest financial interest at stake, the court-following the express language of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA")5-quickly appointed it to serve as the "lead plaintiff."6 Consequently, the Board was responsible for selecting and retaining counsel, and generally overseeing the prosecution of the suit.7 Then something strange happened. The court informed the Board that it could stay and prosecute the suit, but its lawyers might have to go.8 The court severed the existing attorney-client relationship and informed the Board that if it wished to prosecute this litigation it would have to "re-open its consideration of counsel; promptly publicize a request for written proposals from counsel; evaluate the proposals; and interview counsel as appropriate . . . ."9 Unhappy with the prospect of a shotgun-marriage with strangers, the Board balked, and wrote a letter to the judge explaining why it was withdrawing as lead plaintiff: "The board is not equipped to engage in the process envisioned by the court, nor do we believe such a process is required to accomplish what the board understands [as] the court's purpose: to obtain the highest quality representation at the most effective price . . . . Moreover, because the selection process called for in the order includes the subjective evaluations of counsel unknown to us, while at the same time includes some objective criteria, we are concerned, as a public entity, that a disgruntled applicant could make unfounded allegations that they were treated unfairly, and thus require the board to expend additional resources defending itself against such allegations." When another institutional investor stepped forward to assume the lead-plaintiff role and also refused to comply with the court-ordered bidding procedure, it too was removed as lead plaintiff.11 Having driven out the two largest institutional investors, the judge was forced to select an individual investor with losses of approximately $24,000 to serve as lead plaintiff in this potentially billion-dollar litigation.12 Thus, the court-ordered bidding process drove away the two investors with millions of dollars in losses and installed an investor with less than $24,000 at stake to oversee the lawsuit. This result is not what Congress intended. It drafted the PSLRA to encourage the participation of large, sophisticated investors in securities class actions.13 But because a few courts persist in using bidding systems to select lead counsel-and because the Third Circuit recently created a task force to evaluate the propriety of such bidding-an analysis of competitive bidding under the PSLRA is relevant, timely, and instructive.14 This Article evaluates the use of a competitive-bidding, auction-style selection method for appointing lead counsel in securities class actions.15 Part I examines competitive bidding as a means to select lead counsel through a summary of the case that spawned the practice and is generally cited as authority for its use. Part II analyzes the PSLRA provisions governing the selection of lead plaintiff and lead counsel. …


Abstract The introduction of standards will hopefully ensure that users can access particular computer resources through a communications network for their own purposes without major problems. The International Standards Organisation (ISO) has developed a seven-layer reference model which is to be used for the purpose of incorporating standards relating to the interconnection of open systems (OSI). It is important that the human factors requirements are considered in relation to this model if the aim of generality of use is to be achieved. This paper considers some of the major human factors requirements and describes an approach to translating them into design standards which can be implemented. The approach starts from a consideration of user activity and develops into a language interface which could reside in layers of the reference model.


Of the 260 responses from a survey of European multina-tionals, 94% believed that knowledge management requires employees to share what they know with others within the organization (Murray, 1999). Among the processes of knowledge management—creation, sharing, utilization and accumulation of knowledge—sharing is what differentiates organizational knowledge management from individual learning or knowledge acquisition.However, the process of sharing knowledge is often un-natural to many. Individuals will not share knowledge that is regarded to be of high value and importance. In fact, the natural tendency for individuals is to hoard knowledge or look suspiciously at the knowledge of others. Thus, incentive schemes—where employees receive incentives as a form of compensation for their contributions—are common programs in many organizations. Such schemes have met their fair share of success as well as failure in the field of knowledge management. On the one hand, the carrot and stick principle used in Siemens' ShareNet project turned out to be a success (Ewing & Keenan, 2001). On the other hand, the redemption points used in Samsung Life Insurance's Knowledge Mileage Program only resulted in the increasingly selfish behavior of its employees (Hyoung & Moon, 2002).Furthermore, despite the plethora of research on fac-tors affecting knowledge sharing behavior, little concerns discovering effective ways to encourage individuals to voluntarily share their knowledge. Early studies on knowl-edge management began by trying to discover key factors pertaining to knowledge management in general, instead of knowledge sharing in particular, as summarized in Table 1. Although research on knowledge sharing started around the mid 1990s, it focused mainly on knowledge sharing at the group or organizational level in spite of the fact that knowl-edge itself actually originates from the individual. Even at the group or organizational level, most studies dealt with a specific knowledge type, such as best practices (Szulanski, 1996) or a specific context, such as between dispersed teams (Tsai, 2002). In addition, factors such as trust, willingness to share, information about the knowledge holder, and the level of codification of knowledge were considered in abstract. Although these factors are valuable, they require further empirical research before they could be used to explain the individual's fundamental motivation to share knowledge. Thus, this study aims to develop an understanding of the factors that support or constrain the individual's knowledge sharing behavior in the organization, with a special interest in the role of rewards. This is done according to Fishbein and Ajzen's (1975) Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), a widely accepted social psychology model that is used to explain almost any human behavior (Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980).


Increasing numbers of parents, educators, and . legislators have questioned whether half-day kindergarten schedules are adequate to prepare children for the first grade, particularly since full-day kindergartens are being offered in some public and nonpublic schools. This report, one of several background papers for a comprehensive policy study of early childhood education, identifies and defines the different types of kindergarten schedules being used in Illinois school districts and reviews research which identifies the effects that different types of schedules have on-student outcomes, especially those related to achievement or readiness measures. Specifically addressed in the report is a comparison between half-day, alternate day, and full-day kindergarten programs. In addition, the findings are summarized and discussed in terms of policy implications in Illinois. The report excludes issues of cost or facility. Half-day kindergartens predominate in Illinois; however, an examination of scheduling during recent years reveals an increase in participation in alternate day and full-day schedules. The 1984-85 data from the State Board of Education records shop that 2,431 public schools operate a kindergarten program. Of these, approximately 87 are half-day, 5 are alternate day, and 8 are full-day programs. The summary reviews the advantages and disadvantages of each program with strong support being given to full-day schedules. Reasons for adoption of a full-day schedule are: to meet the .needs of disadvantaged students or those not academically ready who can benefit from exta preparation for first grade, to provide an enrichment progr for advanced or gifted children, and to reduce transportation co ts. (DST) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *************** ak*****************************************************


In this third-year undergraduate experiment, a coordination complex [Fe(NH2trz)3]Br2·H2O (NH2trz is 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole, C2H4N4) was synthesized and characterized by IR and UV–visible spectroscopies. This compound exhibits a spectacular reversible purple-white thermochromic transition upon heating–cooling with a large hysteresis centered at room temperature. The thermochromic transition is related to the spin crossover (SCO) from the low-spin state (LS, purple, S = 0, diamagnetic) to the high-spin state (HS, white, S = 2, paramagnetic). During this experiment, students discovered synthetic methods, such as anion metathesis and Ostwald ripening, and physical properties, such as magnetic properties, thermochromism, and bistability phenomenon, altogether leading to possible applications in optical-data storage and display.


Myeloperoxidase, a heme protein secreted by activated phagocytes, is expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions. The enzyme uses H2O2 generated by the cells to oxidize L-tyrosine to tyrosyl radical, a catalyst for protein dityrosine synthesis. We have explored the possibility that tyrosyl radical initiates lipid peroxidation, which may be of pivotal importance in transforming low density lipoprotein (LDL) into atherogenic particles. Exposure of LDL to L-tyrosine and activated human neutrophils caused peroxidation of LDL lipids. LDL oxidation required L-tyrosine but was independent of free metal ions; catalase and heme poisons were inhibitory. Incubation of LDL with L-tyrosine, myeloperoxidase, and H2O2 likewise caused lipid peroxidation, and this reaction was inhibited by heme poisons and catalase. Replacement of L-tyrosine with O-methyltyrosine, which cannot form tyrosyl radical, inhibited LDL oxidation by both activated neutrophils and myeloperoxidase. The antioxidants ascorbate and probucol, but not vitamin E, inhibited LDL oxidation by myeloperoxidase, H2O2, and L-tyrosine. Ascorbate blocked dityrosine synthesis, while probucol scavenged chain-propagating peroxyl radicals in the lipid phase of LDL. These results indicate that tyrosyl radical stimulates LDL lipid peroxidation. In striking contrast to other cell-mediated mechanisms for LDL oxidation, the myeloperoxidase-catalyzed reaction is independent of free metal ions. This raises the possibility that tyrosyl radical generated by myeloperoxidase is of physiological importance in making LDL atherogenic.


Abstract This article describes the radial drift of a suspended sphere in a cylinder-bound Poiseuille flow where the Reynolds number is small but finite. Unlike past studies, it considers a circular narrow conduit whose cross-sectional diameter is only $1. 5$ – $6$ times the particle diameter. Thus, the analysis quantifies the effect of fluid inertia on the radial motion of the particle in the channel when the flow field is significantly influenced by the presence of the suspended body. To this end, the hydrodynamic fields are expanded as a series in Reynolds number, and a set of hierarchical equations for different orders of the expansion is derived. Accordingly, the zeroth-order fields in Reynolds number satisfy the Stokes equation, which is accurately solved in the presence of the spherical particle and the cylindrical conduit. Then, recognizing that in narrow vessels Stokesian scattered fields from the sphere decrease exponentially in the axial direction, a simpler regular perturbation scheme is used to quantify the first-order inertial correction to hydrodynamic quantities. Consequently, it is possible to obtain two results. First, the sphere is assumed to follow the axial motion of a freely suspended sphere in a Stokesian condition, and the radial lift force on it due to the presence of fluid inertia is evaluated. Then, the approximate motion is determined for a freely suspended body on which net hydrodynamic force including first-order inertial lift is zero. The results agree well with the available experimental results. Thus, this study along with the measured data would precisely describe particle dynamics inside narrow tubes.


In September 1986, a 120-km-long seismic line was recorded through the Swiss Alps. The line traverses major units involved in thin- and thick-skinned Alpine tectonics. Our preliminary interpretation indicates that (1) lithologic boundaries such as basement-cover contacts, although severely deformed during the Alpine orogeny, can be identified on the seismic sections; (2) the top of the Aar massif, an external basement massif, extends deep into the Alpine orogen; (3) the upper and lower parts of the crust are more or less transparent, but are separated by a swarm of reflectors at mid-crustal level; (4) these mid-crustal reflectors might be related to trapped fluids from Alpine metamorphism; and (5) the Moho appears as a bright reflection that steepens from the north toward the south and terminates abruptly near the center of the Alpine chain, perhaps because of Alpine deformation.


Chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused heavy burden globally. This study aimed to investigate the patterns and temporal variations in the burden of CKD in China, Japan, the United Kingdom (U.K.), and the United States (U.S.) from 1990 to 2019, and decompose the difference in CKD disease burden between 1990 and 2019 into demographic factors. From 1990 to 2019, although the age-standardized rate (ASR) of incidence remained stable in the four countries, and the ASR of mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) have declined in four countries (except for the increase in U.S.), the number of CKD incidence, death, and DALY increased significantly. The average disease burden per case in U.S. has increased between 1990 and 2019, with an increasing proportion of death-related disease burden. For the CKD due to diabetes and hypertension, whose incidences accounted for < 25% of the total CKD, while it accounts for more than 70% of the deaths (except in U.K. with 54.14% in women and 51.75% in men). CKD due to diabetes and hypertension should be the focus of CKD prevention and control. Considering the high treatment costs of CKD and ESRD, it is urgent and necessary to transform CKD treatment into primary and secondary prevention.


1 This work considers the problem of forecasting the normal solar irradiance with high spatial and temporal resolution (5 minutes). The forecasting is based on a dataset registered during one year from the high resolution radiometric network at a operational solar power plan at Almeria, Spain. In particular, we show a technique for forecasting the irradiance in the next few minutes from the irradiance values obtained on the previous hour. Our proposal employs a type of recurrent neural network known as LSTM, which can learn complex patterns and that has proven its usability for forecasting temporal series. The results show a reasonable improvement with respect to other prediction methods typically employed in the studies of temporal series.


Four adult male Asian Houbara Bustards Chlamydotis macqueenii were caught on their breeding grounds in the Gobi Desert of China and tracked by satellite from July 2000 for from 5 months to > 3.5 years. Wintering areas were identified for two individuals, one on the Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan border in the Amur-Darya valley, the second at the Iran/Turkmenistan border. One individual used the same wintering and breeding areas for three consecutive years. Overall departure dates from breeding grounds ranged from 29 September to 14 October, with arrival on wintering quarters from 23 October to 7 November. Birds left their wintering grounds between 2 and 21 March and reached their breeding areas between 11 and 21 April. The mean overall migration distance was 3935 km (sd = +/- 229, n = 9). Houbara Bustards mainly followed steppe areas to migrate avoiding the highest elevations of the Himalayan massif and travelling 267 km/day on average. Pre-breeding migration lasted longer than post-breeding and included more and longer stopovers. The Taukum Desert and Jungar Basin are critical areas for migration of eastern Houbara populations. Breeding range, used for 5.5 months, was 274 km(2) (sd = +/- 53, n = 4), whereas wintering range, used for around 4 months a year, was 76 km(2) (sd = +/- 22, n = 3). Range use pattern appeared similar for Asian Houbara released in central Saudi Arabia, but differed from the African Houbara Bustard. More investigations are required to determine the effects of food availability and meteorological conditions on the migration pattern and on the use of stopovers by Asian Houbara Bustards.


Pulsar timing uses planetary ephemerides to convert the measured pulse arrival time at an observatory to the arrival time at the Solar System barycenter (SSB). Since these planetary ephemerides cannot be perfect, a method of detecting the associated errors based on a pulsar timing array is developed. By using observations made by an array of 18 millisecond pulsars from the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array, we estimated the vector uncertainty from the Earth to the SSB of JPL DE421, which reflects the offset of the ephemeris origin with respect to the ideal SSB, in different piecewise intervals of pulsar timing data, and found consistent results. To investigate the stability and reliability of our method, we divided all the pulsars into two groups. Both groups yield largely consistent results, and the uncertainty of the Earth-SSB vector is several hundred meters, which is consistent with the accuracy of JPL DE421. As an improvement in the observational accuracy, pulsar timing will be helpful to improve the solar system ephemeris in the future.


It is shown, non--rigorously, that the effective action on a Z_q factored odd spheres (lune) has a vanishing derivative at q=1. This leaves the effective action on the ordinary odd d-sphere as (minus) the value of the entanglement entropy associated with a (d-2)-sphere. Some numbers are given.


To study the fundamental essence of core losses and to achieve an accurate core loss separation formula, a dynamic finite-element model for the nonlinear hysteresis loop of laminations has been established. In the model, Maxwell's equations are solved for the hysteresis character in the magnetic lamination, using the Galerkin finite-element method, where the hysteresis is represented by an energetic hysteresis model. Based on the simulation results, the magnetic characteristics, skin effect, time delay, and magnetic field distribution are discussed. Then, core losses, particularly excess losses, affected by the magnetic characteristics are carefully examined. It is concluded that excess current loss formula is only applicable for the cases where skin effect is negligible and the sum of hysteresis losses and eddy current losses can more generally represent total losses.


Antigen encounter induces proliferation in mature B cells but triggers apoptosis in developing B cells. Thus, developing B cells that strongly recognize auto-antigens undergo apoptosis, one mechanism that contributes to prevent autoimmunity. Developing B cells display increased Ca2+ entry in response to antigen as compared to mature B cells, and Ca2+ is required for antigen-induced apoptosis. However, the Ca2+-driven signals involved are poorly defined. Here we identify and characterize a previously unrecognized Ca2+-driven Erk activation pathway, which is pro-apoptotic and biochemically distinct from diacylglycerol (DAG)-induced Erk activation. This pathway requires PKCδ and RasGRP proteins and depends on Stim1 levels, which control the magnitude of Ca2+ entry. We identify a novel phosphorylation site on RasGRP1 as a putative target of PKCδ that is absolutely required for Ca2+-dependent Erk activation but is dispensable for DAG-mediated Erk activation. Developmental regulation of these proteins is associated with selective activation of the pathway in bone marrow B cells prone to negative selection. This checkpoint is impaired in PKCδ-/- mice, which develop B cell autoimmunity. Conversely, Stim1 overexpression confers a competitive disadvantage to developing B cells, an effect that depends on PKCδ. Our findings demonstrate that DAG and Ca2+ can mediate the activation of functionally distinct Erk pathways to determine whether B cells proliferate or die upon antigen encounter.


Multidisciplinary and multi-zonal applications are codes where two or more distinct parallel programs or copies of a single program are utilized to model a single problem. To support such applications, a program can be divided into several single program multiple data stream (SPMD) applications, each of which solves the equations for a single physical discipline or grid zone. These applications are bound together to form a single multidisciplinary or multizonal program in which the constituent parts communicate via point-to-point message passing routines. In this report it is shown that the new Message Passing Interface (MPI) standard is a viable portable library for implementing the message passing portion of multidisciplinary applications. Further with the extension of a portable loader; fully portable multidisciplinary application programs can be developed. Finally, the performance of MPI is compared to that of some native message passing libraries. This comparison shows that MPI can be implemented to deliver performance commensurate with native message passing libraries.<<ETX>>


Abstract:Since the mid twentieth century, digital computers have increasingly defined everyday life. Digital devices operate using discrete elements, combining and changing the elements using logic and mathematics. Often small, sometimes imperceptible, these discrete elements may be found in the innumerable pixels illuminating digital images. They may be found in the genetic codes of all biological creatures. And, if one is to believe the so-called Digital Philosophers, discretization may also be found in the most fundamental elements of nature. This essay is an investigation into the mathematical economies of existence, particularly through the digital and the analog. My focus is on the work of Alain Badiou, a philosopher who has closely intertwined mathematics with questions of existence. But what is the relationship between digitality and philosophy? And is Badiou ultimately a philosopher of the digital?


The progression of spermatogenesis relies on the precise regulation of spermatogonial self-renewal and differentiation. Many genes/proteins have been identified with specific expression profiles in individual spermatogonial cell types but the molecular mechanism of their regulation is still obscure. In this review, an overview of current knowledge on the various factors essential for these two major steps of spermatogonial development is presented. Elucidating the function of these factors was typically made possible through either naturally occurring mutant mice or genetically modified mice, in which a specific and clearly defined spermatogonial arrest is seen. In addition, a few factors, which are potentially important but less clearly defined, are also included. Moreover, the relevance and postulated interactions between these factors is discussed.


We describe a method to analyze multiple synchronized video streams by making use of a parameterized geometry model of the recorded object. By formulating the task of fitting the model to the images in terms of optimizing silhouette match, we are able to capture the time-varying 3D pose of the object automatically and robustly. To evaluate the energy functional, we exploit the fast image synthesis capabilities of a conventional PC graphics card. The use of an a-priori object model enables us to enforce kinematic constraints as well as temporal coherence, and we obtain a high-quality surface description as output. Suitably modified, the presented technique is also applicable to medical and other image analysis tasks if a parameterized, generic geometry model of the object of interest is available.


In this second part of a revision of the genus Loboptera Brunner v. W., the Moroccan species are treated. In addition to the 6 species already known (L. alluaudi Chopard, L. decipiens (Germar), L. irregularis Chopard, L. maroccana Bolivar, L. minor Bolivar, L. truncata Chopard), 5 new species and 1 new subspecies are described (L. cuneilobata, L. cryptofoveata, L. foveolata, L. glandulifera, L. ovolobata, L. minor semicirculolobata). Only one of the species (L. decipiens) has a wide distribution; the other species appear to be endemic to Morocco except for L. ovolobata which also reaches into western Algeria. The endemic species (incl. L. ovolobata) form a well defined group of closely related species (the maroccana group). The characteristics of the maroccana group are described. A key for the identification of the Moroccan species is also given.


Following the observation of Anderson that ingestion of bananas produces an increased excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the urine, the present authors undertook a study to identify compounds in banana which could be the basis for this phenomenon. It was found that banana contained large amounts of norepinephrine and a related substance, dopamine. Large amounts of serotonin were also identified in banana. These are potent physiologic agents and thus their presence in a food is of considerable clinical interest. Whether the oral administration of these substances through banana feeding results in characteristic physiologic effects of these substances, and whether some of the reported therapeutic uses of banana can be attributed to their presence, remain to be determined.


In this paper the complex dielectric constant of a concentrated colloidal suspension in a salt-free medium is theoretically evaluated using a cell model approximation. To our knowledge this is the first cell model in the literature addressing the dielectric response of a salt-free concentrated suspension. For this reason, we extensively study the influence of all the parameters relevant for such a dielectric response: the particle surface charge, radius, and volume fraction, the counterion properties, and the frequency of the applied electric field (subgigahertz range). Our results display the so-called counterion condensation effect for high particle charge, previously described in the literature for the electrophoretic mobility, and also the relaxation processes occurring in a wide frequency range and their consequences on the complex electric dipole moment induced on the particles by the oscillating electric field. As we already pointed out in a recent paper regarding the dynamic electrophoretic mobility of a colloidal particle in a salt-free concentrated suspension, the competition between these relaxation processes is decisive for the dielectric response throughout the frequency range of interest. Finally, we examine the dielectric response of highly charged particles in more depth, because some singular electrokinetic behaviors of salt-free suspensions have been reported for such cases that have not been predicted for salt-containing suspensions.


This chapter provides an overview of competition law and its economic context. Section 2 describes the practices that competition laws attempt to control in order to protect the competition process. Section 3 examines the theory of competition and gives an introductory account of why the effective enforcement of competition law is thought to be beneficial. Section 4 considers the goals of competition law. Section 5 introduces two key economic concepts, market definition and market power, that are important to a better understanding of competition policy. The chapter concludes with a table of market share figures that are significant in the application of EU and UK competition law, while reminding the reader that market shares are only ever a proxy for market power and can never be determinative of market power in themselves.


Offshore wind turbines (OWTs) in relatively shallow waters are most often founded on monopile foundations, whose design is extremely relevant to the OWT dynamic performance under environmental loading. In this study, 3D finite element (FE) modelling is applied to the dynamic analysis of OWTs and proposed as a valuable support to current design practice. FE results are presented about the interplay of cyclic soil behaviour and hydro-mechanical coupling in determining the OWT natural frequency: in dilative sands, the natural frequency seems not to decrease monotonically at increasing loading amplitude, while slight influence of soil permeability is found.


The quality of channel state information (CSI) plays a significant role in the performance of relay selection (RS) schemes in cooperative communications. Particularly in a highly mobile environment when there exists delay between the selection and data transmission instants, the quality of CSI often degrades, given to what is known as outdated CSI phenomena. In this paper, we first outline several single RS schemes that achieve full diversity when using perfect CSI and prove that the diversity order of these schemes reduces to unity if outdated CSI exists. To deal with the performance deterioration due to the outdated CSI phenomena, we propose a new multiple RS scheme for both amplify-and-forward (AaF) and decode-and-forward (DaF) relay systems, namely, the plus normalized threshold opportunistic RS . In particular, we first opportunistically select best relays from all candidate relays with respect to end-to-end signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) for AaF and relay-to-destination SNRs for DaF. Then, the ratios of the SNRs on the rest of the candidate relays to that of the th highest SNR are tested against a normalized threshold , and only those relays passing this test are selected in addition to the best relays. The performance of the scheme is theoretically analyzed in terms of outage probability, and its asymptotic diversity order is also examined. In addition, we outline a distributed selection protocol that makes no assumption of the global CSI at each relay. Numerical results confirm the analysis and show the advantage of the proposed scheme against existing counterparts in highly dynamic networks.


Three-dimensional X-ray diffraction was applied to characterize the strain/stress evolution in individual grains of an Al-0.3 wt% Mn polycrystal deformed in situ at a synchrotron source. Methodological aspects concerning the calibration of the geometrical setup and the evaluation of the strain/stress tensors are discussed. A two-step calibration method separately treating the detector and the rotation axis allows one to determine the centre-of-mass position and crystallographic orientation of grains with standard errors of about 1.5 mm and 0.02 degrees, respectively. Numerical simulations indicate that the error of normal strain components (about 1 x 10(-4)) is mainly caused by calibration errors, while the error of shear components (about 0.5 x 10(-4)) is largely influenced by counting statistics and random spot-centre errors due to detector distortion. The importance of monitoring the beam energy is emphasized.


Abstract Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis is an intriguing manifestation of JIA and an important contributor of long-term damage. Its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. This review summarizes current concepts. JIA is both a multifactorial and polygenetic disease. In the past 2 decades, multiple studies have indicated that the genetic contribution to both JIA and JIA-associated uveitis is modest. From an ophthalmological point of view, much of the pathophysiological data is derived from studies in experimental uveitis animal models. The pathophysiology of the arthritic manifestations of JIA has been studied extensively in humans. These studies have focused on the principal cells of the adaptive immune system, in particular different subsets of regulatory and effector T cells, as well as on antigen presenting cells or dendritic cells. With advancing technology and advancing knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of JIA-associated uveitis, new targets for therapy might evolve in the coming years.


This research reveals the cash liquidity's impact on the sustainability of the financial growth of the industrial public shareholding companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) between (2015) and 2021. The research population consists of (53) ASE-listed public shareholding industrial companies. A purposeful sample of (28) companies whose financial statements have provided all the data is selected as they meet the research variables during the research years. Using (SPSS), the appropriate statistical methods are utilized for data analysis. The findings indicate that cash flow with all its indicators; net cash flow from all activities to total assets, net cash flow from all activities to total equity, net cash flow from all activities to total profit, and net operating cash flow to total assets statistically and significantly impact the sustainability of profit growth, sales and assets of these companies. However, the net cash flow from all activities to total equity does not impact sales growth. Of the recommendations of this research is that the industrial companies incorporated in this research must pay more attention to the cash flow statement and rely on the data contained therein when making investment and financing decisions by raising efficiency in managing cash liquidity, and working to determine the suitable combination of equity and debt sources as the ideal use of this mixture may lead to a reduction in the cost of capital in these companies, which maximizes the elements of sustainable financial growth and paves the way for achieving more profitable investment opportunities available.


This thesis examines the use of supra-textual devices in the Trotula, a set of Middle English gynecological and obstetrical medical treatises. Through close examination of the thirteen manuscript versions dating between the early or mid-fifteenth century and the late sixteenth century, this thesis studies the way in which punctuation, layout, colour, marginalia and other visual devices are used to structure and present the texts. Combining quantitative and
qualitative methods, this thesis examines the ways in which supra-textual devices are used to organise the texts into units of various type and length (major and minor sections, paragraphs,recipes, sense-units, sentences, clauses, phrases), and how the presentation of these units contributes to the reading of the text, showing that,despite the lack of standardised punctuation practices, each manuscript text uses a consistent system of supra-textual devices. Their use is not haphazard, as has previously been asserted; supra-textual devices are used purposefully to
structure the texts and to communicate with the reader. The definitions of 'sentence' and 'sense-unit' in the Middle English context are also discussed, as well as the terminology used to describe medieval punctuation practices. In particular, the often-made binary division between 'grammatical' and 'rhetorical' punctuation is examined, showing that this division is neither very informative nor useful in practice for describing the systems of supra-textual devices present in medieval English writing. While the majority of the units can be described in terms of 'sense-units', the development towards the modern 'sentence' can be evinced in the data. This thesis also examines the role that scribes played in adapting and modifying the
textual presentation in their exemplars, arguing that scribes played a key role in modifying the appearance of the manuscript texts to suit the needs of their audiences. Emphasising the importance of contextualisation, the final chapter focuses on the pragmatics of supra-textual devices, and how they can contribute to our understanding of the ways in which these texts were read and used by private individuals, professional medical practitioners or textual
communities. This thesis argues that the Trotula had a number of different audiences, with varied literacy skills, and the supra-textual devices in the manuscripts suggest a range of reading practices, from private to communal, silent to oral, intensive to extensive. This thesis demonstrates that a close examination of supra-textual devices can bring new insights into Middle English grammar as well as scribal and reading practices.


Previous work on self-training of acoustic models using unlabeled data reported significant reductions in WER assuming a large phonetic dictionary was available. We now assume only those words from ten hours of speech are initially available. Subsequently, we are then given a large vocabulary and then quantify the value of repeating selftraining with this larger dictionary. This experiment is used to analyze the effects of self-training on categories of words. We report the following findings: (i) Although the small 5k vocabulary raises WER by 2% absolute, self-training is equally effective as using a large 75k vocabulary. (ii) Adding all 75k words to the decoding vocabulary after self-training reduces the WER degradation to only 0.8% absolute. (iii) Self-training most benefits those words in the unlabeled audio but not transcribed by a wide margin.