This paper casts recent accomplishments in the field of Wireless MAC programmability into the emerging Software Defined Networking perspective. We argue that an abstract (but formal) description of the MAC protocol logic in terms of extensible finite state machines appears a convenient and viable data-plane programming compromise for modeling and deploying realistic MAC protocol logics. Our approach is shown to comply with existing control frameworks, and entails the ability to dynamically change the MAC protocol operation based on context and scenario conditions; in essence, move from the traditional idea of "one-size-fits-all" MAC protocol stack to the innovative paradigm of opportunistically on-the-fly deployed context-specific MAC stacks. With the help of selected and currently developed use cases, we report on preliminary integration activities within the CREW federated wireless testbed, and its OMF experiment control framework.


The physical features of 20 streams inhabited by four recently discovered species of allopatric, non-migratory galaxiid fishes in the Taieri River, South Island, New Zealand were examined. Significant differences in particle size frequencies, combined waterfall frequency, channel depth variation and stream width: flood channel width ratios, indicated that Galaxias anomalus lived in low gradient shallow streams whereas G. depressiceps and G. eldoni occupied low to high gradient streams with more variability in depth. Climbing ability differed significantly among the species. Their allopatric patterns of distribution were, in part, the probable consequence of the abilities of G. depressiceps and G. eldoni to colonize areas that G. anomalus could not penetrate. Historical factors and reproductive biology of the four species are hypothesized also to be causal determinants of their current distributions.


Coherent backscatter enhancement (CBE) is a multiple scattering phenomenon that can lead to a doubling of the backscattered field intensity from a random aggregation of scatterers. It may be useful for remote sensing of scatterer aggregations, such as fish schools. This paper presents simulations of acoustic CBE from randomly placed omnidirectional point scatterers based on Foldy's field equations. The simulations are verified and validated through comparisons with Bragg scattering and Foldy's effective-medium theory, assessments of acoustic energy conservation, and comparisons with prior optical and acoustical CBE results. To make CBE comparisons with prior optics results, a CBE coherence function was postulated to account for resolution differences between the optics and simulation studies. For the higher-resolution optics studies, the postulated coherence function yields a CBE of 1.68, which matches optical CBE measurements. For the lower-resolution simulations, the same coherence function yields a CBE of 1.034, which agrees with appropriately extrapolated CBE simulation results, 1.030 ± 0.005. Assuming comparable resolution, the acoustics experiment and simulations both produce a CBE of approximately 1.5. The CBE peak is found to increase approximately monotonically with (k(2)σs)(1/4)(ks)(-1), where k is the wave number, s is the average spacing between scatterers, and σs is a scatterer's cross section.


Airway mucociliary transport (MCT), which continuously removes inhaled particles and cellular debris from deep in the lung, is impaired in a number of diseases such as bronchitis and asthma. In order to determine the effects of candidate drugs on MCT function in the airway, a new in situ method to measure MCT function was established. MCT function is represented by the distance a gelatin solution containing Evans blue as a marker moves after injection into the trachea. The basal rate of dye transport in non-treated guinea-pigs was 4.4+/-0.2 mm/min. The beta2-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol (2, 6, 10, 20 mg/kg, po), dose-dependently accelerated the basal MCT rate. However, its effect was completely inhibited by pretreatment with the non-selective beta -adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (1 mg/kg, iv). MCT function in guinea-pigs was significantly attenuated to 2.6+/-0.3 mm/min by SO2 gas exposure. Salbutamol failed to prevent MCT dysfunction in SO2-exposed animals at doses previously shown to accelerate basal MCT rate. This simple method is useful for estimating MCT function in several airway disease models and for examining new drugs designed to improve MCT function in airway diseases.


Reproductive isolation can result from incompatibilities between mutations that arise in different individuals. Wang and Cooper examined this mechanism of postzygotic isolation in Escherichia coli experimentally evolved in either glucose or lactose. They formed recombinants from parents evolved in the same or different environments. Both same‐environment and different‐environment recombinants had lower fitness than the null expectation, but with important exceptions. These results indicate that the development of reproductive isolation is complex and results from incompatibilities that arise when populations are selected in either the same or different environment.


Miniaturization of liquid chromatography could help enhance sensitivity, reduce solvent usage, and detect small quantities of peptides. However, it demands better sample homogenization of the mobile phase. We here developed a mixer design based on the inline Kenics geometry, consisting of a periodic arrangement of twisted blades placed inside a cylindrical capillary that repeatedly cut and stack fluid elements to achieve rapid mixing in laminar flow regimes. The mixer design was optimized with respect to the twist angle and aspect ratio of the mixing units to achieve complete mixing at minimum pressure load cost. Results suggest that for optimal designs, for a mixer volume of ~70 μL, complete mixing is achieved within a distance smaller than 4 cm for a broad set of flow rate conditions ranging from 75 μL·min−1 to 7.5 mL·min−1. A salient feature that we introduce and test for the first time is the physical flexibility of the cylindrical capillary. The performance of the design remained robust when the mixing section was not rigid and bent in different topologies, as well as when changing the chemical composition of the mobile phase used.


A piece-wise constant (ab. PWC) spiking neuron model (ab. PWN) has a PWC vector field with a state-dependent reset and is designed to reproduce responses of neurons. Based on analysis techniques for discontinuous ODEs, the dynamics of inhibitory responses of the PWN can be reduced into an one-dimensional iterative map analytically. Using the map, it is shown that the PWN can reproduce bifurcation scenarios of inhibitory responses, which are qualitatively similar to those of the Izhikevich model. In addition, a typical bifurcation scenario can be observed in an actual hardware.


V616 Cam is a F3V±3 type (T ~ 6750 ± 400 K) eclipsing binary. It was observed on March 5, 6, 9, and 30, 2017, at Dark Sky Observatory in North Carolina with the 0.81-m reflector of Appalachian State University. Five times of minimum light were determined from our present observations, which include three primary eclipses and two secondary eclipses. In addition, two other timings were given, one in VSX, and one in Shaw's list of near contact binaries. The following quadratic ephemeris was determined from the available times of minimum light: JD Hel Min I = 2457817.8367 ± 0.0016 d + (0.52835050 ± 0.00000108) × E – (0.00000000238 ± 0.000000000009) × E2. The rapid period decrease may indicate that the binary is undergoing magnetic braking and is approaching its contact configuration. The possibility of a third body is discussed, but no third light was determined in the solution. VRcIc simultaneous Wilson-Devinney program solutions preferred a near semi-detached solution (the primary component near filling its critical lobe and the secondary slightly underfilling, ~ V1010 Oph type). Mode 2, 4, and 5 solutions were determined to arrive at this result. The noted solution gives slightly better sum of square residuals. This solution gives a mass ratio of ~ 0.36 and a component temperature difference of ~ 2090 K. A binarymaker-fitted dark spot altered slightly but was not eliminated in the wd synthetic light curve computations. A 16 ± 2° radius spot is on the larger component above the equator with a T-factor of 0.95. A total eclipse of 38 minutes occurs at phase 0.5.


Abstract Copper-chrome-niobium alloys exhibit excellent thermal and electrical properties combined with high strength at elevated temperatures. Additive manufacturing techniques such as laser metal deposition using powder as raw material offer the potential for rapid solidification as well as a high freedom of design to manufacture parts layer by layer. Powder samples of copper- chrome-niobium alloys were produced by gas atomization. Via laser metal deposition, bulk volumes without cracks and with a very low porosity can be built up. Rapid solidification leads to the formation of fine precipitates which are likely to be (Cr,Fe)2Nb. The precipitates are distributed homogeneously in the copper matrix. The copper crystals grow across the layers due to epitaxial nucleation on the preceding layer.


This essay articulates a queer feminist ethics of eros by rereading Luce Irigaray through a Foucauldian lens. After an inquiry into Irigaray's absence from queer theory, the essay makes a case for Irigaray as a resource for queer thinking by exploring the philosophical antifoundationalism she and queer theorists share. Focusing specifically on the antisocial thesis of queer theory, especially in the work of Leo Bersani and Janet Halley, the essay first examines the contentious relation between feminist and queer conceptions of sexual ethics before addressing new possibilities for a queer feminist ethics. Reading Irigaray's ethics of eros through an ethical Foucauldian lens, the essay accomplishes three objectives: (1) it analyzes the virtually unexplored relation between Irigaray and Foucault to make the case for a queer Irigaray; (2) it unravels the aporetic knot of sexual ethics at the heart of queer feminist splits; and (3) it deepens our philosophical understanding of sexual difference and erotic desubjectivation in modernity by elaborating a queer feminist ethics.


Analytical method development and validation are the continuous and interdependent task associated with the research and development, quality control and quality assurance departments. Analytical procedures play a critical role in equivalence and risk assessment, management. It helps in establishment of product specific acceptance criteria and stability of results. Validations demonstrate that the analytical procedure is suitable for its intended purpose. Literature survey reveals that the analytical methods based on UV spectrometry, RP-HPLC & HPTLC for the determination of dexamethasone individually and in combination with other drugs. The methods were validated according to ICH guideline in terms of accuracy, precision, robustness, and other aspects of analytical validation. The developed methods are simple, sensitive and reproducible and can be used for the routine analysis of dexamethasone in bulk and Tablet dosage form.


"No structure of the body is less understood, nor, with few exceptions, has had more functions attributed to it, than the thymus gland" (W. E. Nelson, Textbook of Pediatrics, 5th edition, 1950)


Technology is a basic tool of development, which is so dynamic that man seems to be at a lost to the value of this creation. Technology is indeed human's creation, but it seems beyond the control of man. The implication of this is that technology seems to be controlling man that created it. The reason for this inability of man to control technology is largely due to the fact that, technology has been viewed and approached solely from the standpoint of the scientific. What this means is that technology is only established on the platform of science and this has denied it, its epistemological foundation. This paper therefore seeks to establish the epistemological foundation and significance of technology, and argues that it is only through the cognitive understanding of technology that its values and danger could be identified. This way, man will be in a better position to reflect on technology, and thereby control it.


Abstract Seed quality is of great importance in optimizing the cost of crop establishment. Rapid and non-destructive seed quality detection methods must therefore be developed for agriculture and the seed production industry. This review focuses primarily on non-destructive techniques, namely machine vision, spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, soft X-ray imaging, thermal imaging and electronic nose techniques, for assessing the quality of agricultural seeds. The fundamentals of these techniques are introduced. Seed quality, including chemical composition, variety identification and classification, insect damage and disease assessment as well as seed viability and germinability of various seeds are discussed. We conclude that non-destructive techniques are accurate detection methods with great potential for seed quality assessment.


UNLABELLED
Marble brain disease (MBD) also known as Guibaud-Vainsel syndrome is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA II) gene. HCA II is a 259 amino acid single domain enzyme and is dominated by a 10-stranded beta-sheet. One mutation associated with MBD entails the H107Y substitution where H107 is a highly conserved residue in the carbonic anhydrase protein family. We have previously demonstrated that the H107Y mutation is a remarkably destabilizing folding mutation [Almstedt et al. (2004) J. Mol. Biol. 342, 619-633]. Here, the exceptional destabilization by the H107Y mutation has been further investigated. A mutational survey of position H107 and a neighboring conserved position E117 has been performed entailing the mutants H107A, H107F, H107N, E117A and the double mutants H107A/E117A and H107N/E117A. All mutants were severely destabilized versus GuHCl and heat denaturation. Thermal denaturation and GuHCl phase diagram and ANS analyses showed that the mutants shifted HCA II toward populating ensembles of intermediates of molten globule type under physiological conditions. The native state stability of the mutants was in the following order: wt > H107N > E117A > H107A > H107F > H107Y > H107N/E117A > H107A/E117A.

IN CONCLUSION
(i) H107N is least destabilizing likely due to compensatory H-bonding ability of the introduced Asn residue. (ii) Double mutant cycles surprisingly reveal additive destabilization of H107N and E117A showing that H107 and E117 are independently stabilizing the folded protein. (iii) H107Y and H107F are exceptionally destabilizing due to bulkiness of the side chains whereas H107A is more accommodating, indicating long-range destabilizing effects of the natural pathogenic H107Y mutation.


The surface properties of chloroplasts in leaves of some leguminous plants--Pisum sativum, Trifolium paratense, Melilotus album, and Vicia cracca--were investigated, based on the analysis of phase formation kinetics of the aqueous polymeric two-phase system dextrane-500/polyethyleneglycol-6000. The surface properties of chloroplasts have been shown to display both species- and sort-specificity. A specific influence of chloroplasts of melilot and non-chlorophyllic pea lines on phase formation kinetics has been noticed.


Do self-regulatory institutions in high-corruption environments attract more socially responsible firms? Or do irresponsible firms use self-regulatory institutions to shield themselves from scrutiny? Previous research suggests that self-regulation in these settings often attracts less responsible organizations (adverse selection). However, studying the SA8000 socially responsible employment certification in the high-corruption context of mid-2000s China, we show that firms holding the certification exhibited 11% higher average wages than non-adopters in the same industry and region. To explain this puzzle, we theorize the use of self-regulatory institutions in pursuit of reputation-sensitive buyers. Such buyers privately monitor their suppliers, making up for deficiencies in the institutional environment and reducing the expected returns of low-road firms bribing their way into self-regulatory institutions. Using longitudinal industrial microdata, we show that the wage advantage of self-regulators in China is indeed attributable to selection, with no evidence of a causal effect of self-regulation on wages. Consistent with our theory, foreign buyers and domestic buyers responded differently to self-regulation. In longitudinal analyses including subsamples balanced on levels and trends of pretreatment outcomes, exports increased markedly, and domestic sales did not. Finally, this form of self-regulation appears to pay off, with certification-adopters growing in size and showing slightly higher rates of firm survival.


Coccidioides immitis is a causative agent of coccidioidomycosis, which is one of the most dreadful mycosis because of its infectious and pathogenic nature. The endemic areas are in the southwestern parts of the United States and other semi-arid regions throughout the Western Hemisphere. During the early 1990s, the incidence of coccidioidomycosis in California increased dramatically, resulting in recognition for this mycosis as a reemerging infectious disease in the United States. The patients included a large number of non-informed visitors from non-endemic countries. Our report is on an imported case of primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. A 35-year-old Japanese male, after living in the United States for nine months, suffered from a combination of headache and fever. He was given a serological examination, and a chest radiograph in Phoenix, Arizona in the United States and was diagnosed as coccidioidomycosis. A daily dosage of 400 mg of fluconazole was administered and he returned to Japan. His headache and skin rash persisted and he was admitted to our hospital to evaluate the severity of his disease. There were no fungi cultured from neither bronchoalveolar nor cerebrospinal fluid and he was discharged. The patient had been treated with fluconazole and his symptoms, high-resolution CT and serological antibody titer were monitored. After 18 months, his clinical and radiological evolution was favorable and his serological IgM titer was below its sensitivity medication was stopped and there were no relapses.


Technology developments in engineering applications has made life easier. Nowadays, Internet based computations and control are more popular. Internet of Things (IoT) is the latest improvements in industrial domain. This technology revolution satisfies the industrial requirements and societal needs. In the present scenario, most of society related research are carried out in the IoT domain. In this project, how the different sensors are being connected to the microcontroller and how the real-time data is collected and used as required by the application, have been discussed. It shows the advantages of the graphical view of the data output by which, the changes can be understood easily and in a more convenient way. This paper briefs about the IoT development board and the peripheral components. The methodology for interfacing the sensor and the communication with the cloud has also been detailed.


The operation The HCO authorized the acquisition of Hungaropharma by the consortium of Richter, Egis, Beres and Magyar Gyogyszer. Hungaropharma is owned by the Hungarian State. A sale and purchase…


Both cuculiform and piciform species can be used as bioindicators and, to a lesser extent, as umbrella species. A territory mapping method was employed in 2015 to assess their population densities in a riparian forest on the Zambezi River near Katima Mulilo, NENamibia. The forest, c. 280 ha in surface area, was partly transformed by human settlement and croplands. A total of 9 cuculiform and 6 piciform species were recorded. Population densities (male's territories per 100 ha) were assessed as follow: Diederick, Klaas's and Jacobin Cuckoo — each one with 1.1, African Emerald and African Black Cuckoo — each one with 0.7, Red-chested Cuckoo — 0.4; Senegal Coucal — 4.3, White-browed and Coppery-tailed Coucals — each one with 0.7;  Bearded Woodpecker — 1.8, Golden-tailed Woodpecker — 1.1, Cardinal Woodpecker — 0.4; Black-collared Barbet — 5.7, Crested Barbet — 0.7, and Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird — 1.8. Both cuculiform and woodpecker species avoided built-up areas in the man-modified riparian forest, while all barbet species appeared to prefer them. Chrysococcyx cuckoos are not territorial in respect to Cuculus/Clamator cuckoos. The latter ones are, however, territorial in respect to other species from the same genera. Coucals display territorialism in regard to members of other species of the genus Centropus.


Testosterone therapy is of growing interest because of its increasingly recognised role in sexual and mental health, bone and muscle trophism and vitality.1–4 An expanding body of evidence supports the influence of testosterone on sexuality, with the focus on desire and central (mental) arousal. This is more evident in women who have undergone oophorectomy and, therefore, have a complex symptomatology (sexual and non-sexual), secondary to the loss of ovarian androgens.


Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the levels of inaccuracy associated with three different premium estimation methods, one of which attempts to mimic the protocol currently used by the Risk Management Agency (RMA), on the actuarial performance of the US crop insurance program. Design/methodology/approach - The analyses are conducted using empirically-grounded simulation and other computational methods, under various plausible assumptions about the producer's risk aversion behavior and knowledge of his/her actuarially fair premium. Findings - Regardless of the assumed producer knowledge and behavior, it is concluded that the persistently high government subsidy levels required to keep the program solvent could be solely explained by the inaccuracy in the RMA's premium estimates. In other words, the observed need for large subsidies does not necessarily imply that the program is systematically favoring less efficient farmers or particular crops or production areas. Also, contrary to the commonly accepted "adverse selection" argument, it is shown that farmers having more information about their actuarially fair premiums than the insurer is not the reason why high subsidies are needed. Actuarial performance, however, could be improved by using the more elaborate methods exemplified in the paper, as well as larger sample sizes for premium estimation. Originality/value - The paper provides conclusions and recommendations that could substantially reduce the amount of public subsidies needed to keep the US crop insurance program solvent.


This paper presents a snap-shot discussion on the origins and the world-views behind two global contemporary movements among Muslims, namely Neo-Traditional Salafis and Progressive Muslims. It endeavours to historically situate and position them in relation to the cumulative Islamic historical harvest and delineate their approach to modernity. Additionally the paper briefly examines the concept of the role and the function of women within these respective world-views. Finally, it analyses the implications of the underlying ideology of these movements on the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims in both Islamicate and non-Islamicate societies.


Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of 0.25% flurbiprofen mouthwash, and to evaluate its effect on the parameters related to patient morbidity and early wound healing after periodontal flap surgery.Material and methods: Thirty-two patients (19 females and 13 males), diagnosed with moderate periodontitis and presenting at least one quadrant scheduled for periodontal flap surgery, were randomly allocated to either the flurbiprofen group or the placebo group. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were evaluated at baseline and PI and GI were re-evaluated at 30-day follow-up. On postoperative 1, 3, 7, 14 and 30 days, postoperative pain, discomfort, changes in patientsÂ' dietary habits, burning sensation and postoperative swelling were analyzed by using a visual analog scale (VAS). At postoperative 7 days, the early wound healing index was assessed clinically. Results: The mean VAS scores exhibiting postoperative pain were significantly lower in flurbiprofen group compared to placebo group at days 1, 7 and 30 (p


The withdrawal features of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) are investigated with the large‐scale circulations and significant terms of kinetic energy (KE), heat and moisture budget. The daily reanalysis datasets of National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) for the period of 1981–2005 are used. The results reveal that the strength of low‐level westerlies over the Arabian Sea, Indian landmass and Bay of Bengal decreases during the transition of withdrawal phase of the summer monsoon. On the other hand, the strength of upper level tropical easterly jet weakens from pre‐retreat to post‐retreat. The intensity and position of rising and sinking flow of vertical velocity shifted towards south from pre‐retreat to post‐retreat period. The diagnostic analysis indicates that the zones of Somali coast and southwest Bay of Bengal show stronger generation of KE during pre‐retreat period. Further, the flux convergence of heat observed over central Indian Ocean and the flux divergence of heat over east African region during post‐retreat period. The flux convergence of heat and moisture are stronger over the equatorial Indian Ocean during post‐retreat phase as compared to pre‐retreat. The convective activity and moisture flux convergence are stronger over the Indian Ocean during post‐retreat period, which is due to the movement of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone towards south during the transition from summer to winter monsoon over India. Thus, the dynamic and thermodynamic behaviour of monsoon has great impact on the transition during retreat phase of the ISM.


A method of cell labelling based on homologous recombination has been developed to analyze the lineage of cells in intact embryos. In this method a LacZ gene bearing an inactivating duplication in its coding frame (termed LaacZ gene) is inserted into the genome of mice. Subsequently, in transgenic embryos, homologous recombination within the duplication recreates an open reading frame for beta-galactosidase. The descendants of the modified cell are identified histochemically. This recombination occurs at random and with low frequency. It can occur in cells in which the gene is not transcribed. It can also be intragenic (in adjacent sequences) as single transgene copies are found to recombine. To analyze the lineage of cells in the myotome the expression of the LaacZ gene is driven by a promoter which confers expression specifically to cells of this compartment. The analysis in 40-somite embryos (E11.5) is reported. We show that individual beta-gal+ myotomal clones may contribute to somites from both sides of the animal, in which case the right and the left somites are labelled consecutively and at the same antero-posterior level. It reflects predictable clonal origin of myotomal cells at the primitive streak stage or before and demonstrates three morphogenetic movements in the mesoderm: bilateral, antero-posterior and mediolateral. The results also show that the left-right assignation of myotomal cells in mouse is late, probably occurring during cell migrations at gastrulation. It applies also to presumptive myotomal cells of limb musculature. These results contrast with early left-right assignation of most tissues in Xenopus and Zebrafish. Some clones contribute to distant somites, suggesting persistence of presumptive myotomal cells in the presumptive paraxial mesoderm and clonal organisation of the myotome.


Finding the precise and accurate location of devices on road networks is challenging in remote areas with poor internet connectivity and Global Positioning System coverage. Navigation applications that completely depend on the internet and reference spatial data for location identification and mapping do not perform well in case of frequent internet disconnection. These reference spatial data sources have many associated challenges like large size, errors in data, and restricted access. To address these challenges, this paper provides an approach for localization and routing using self-generated reference data using likelihood estimation. According to the proposed approach, the trajectory information is used to create the reference data in the format of Comma Separated Values (CSV). This reference data is first analyzed for quality issues and then used for navigation purposes. Further for the localization Sugeno Fuzzy Model is used as a fuzzy inference system for the initial localization and subsequent mapping of the location. The proposed approach is validated using an Android application on seven predefined routes. According to the performed result analysis, the proposed fuzzy logic-based approach is able to provide location identification with 98.9 percent accuracy with a root mean square error value of 3 percent.


This study measured the spatial dependence of soil enzyme activities and other properties of the Ap horizon in a Gray Brown Luvisol (Hapludalf). Soil samples were collected at 74 positions along a slope following harvest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and fall tillage. Parameters measured were activity of dehydrogenase, urease, glutaminase, phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucosidase; water, organic carbon (OC), mineral N, and inorganic P contents; the light fraction of soil organic matter; and depth of the Ap horizon. Rank correlation indicated significant relationships between water and dehydrogenase, urease, glutaminase, phosphatase, and arylsulfatase activities, and between water and OC content. Depth of the Ap horizon, water content, and arylsulfatase activity were strongly spatially dependent; OC and inorganic P contents and phosphatase activity were moderately spatially dependent. Other properties showed little or no spatial dependence. The ranges of spatial dependence were similar for depth of the Ap horizon, inorganic P content, and phosphatase activity (20 m). The range for arylsulfatase activity was 16 m, while that of OC content was 32 m. The relatively long range estimate for water content (98 m) was influenced by a trend along the slope. Maps of water and OC contents and phosphatase and arylsulfatase activities indicated similar spatial patterns along the slope. The magnitude of these soil properties was minimal in the middle or upper portion of the slope, and maximal at the footslope. Similarity in spatial patterns along the slope was interpreted as evidence for influence of water or OC content on amounts of phosphatase and arylsulfatase at that scale.


PurposeTo assess effectiveness of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with steroid-induced elevated IOP. MethodsRetrospective review of 7 patients (7 eyes) with IOP elevation after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (4.0 mg/0.1 mL) injections for macular edema (6 patients) or central retinal vein occlusion (1 patient). Three patients had preexisting open angle glaucoma; 2 patients had preexisting ocular hypertension. Time between intraocular corticosteroid injection and subsequent increased IOP ranged from 5 to 29 weeks. After unsuccessful maximum tolerated medical therapy, patients underwent unilateral SLT between April 2003 and June 2005. IOP was measured 4 weeks prelaser; on the day of laser; within 3 weeks, and at 1, 3, and 6 months postlaser. Two-sample t test was used for analysis. ResultsThe pre-SLT and post-SLT IOP measurements were the major outcome measures used to define the relative success of the SLT procedure. Seven patients were taking 4.0±0.8 ocular hypotensive medications before SLT. Preoperative IOP (mm Hg±SD) 38.4±7.3 decreased postoperative to 25.6±7.1 within 3 weeks (P<0.003), 25.9±8.8 at 1 month (P<0.007), 23.9±10.6 at 3 months (P<0.006), and 15.7±2.2 at 6 months (P<0.001). Four patients underwent a second SLT procedure. Two patients failed after the 3-month visit. IOP in fellow eyes of all patients was unchanged (P>0.080). ConclusionsSLT lowered (P<0.007) IOP in 5 eyes of 7 patients with steroid-induced increased IOP from 3 weeks to 6 months postoperative. Two patients required additional surgical procedures. Repeat SLT treatments may be necessary. SLT is a temporizing procedure to consider in patients with steroid-induced elevated IOP.


While rejecting modernist philosophical aesthetics, the author argues for the use in art education of a current, ordinary-language definition of aesthetics as visual appearance and effect, and its widespread use in many diverse cultural sites is demonstrated. Employing such a site-specific use of aesthetics enables art education to more clearly address the realities of everyday life under designer capitalism, a socio-economy based on the drive to create evermore desire. Aesthetic manipulation is viewed as a primary means to facilitate the smooth operation of this system. The recent craze for Bratz dolls is used to illustrate the centrality of aesthetics to designer capitalism. Finally, the author offers suggestions as to how art education can view consumer products like Bratz as pedagogic opportunities.


This study was a preliminary investigation into the knowledge of and current attitudes towards the chiropractic profession by medical practitioners with varying years of clinical experience. A questionnaire was designed and mailed to seventy general practitioners in Downsview, Ontario who agreed to participate in the study. Twenty-six were returned for a response rate of 37%. The data were analyzed and responses from doctors with differing years of practice experience were compared using the chi square statistic. When comparing attitudes towards the chiropractic profession between medical practitioners with greater and less than 15 years of clinical experience a statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.0005). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of their interaction with or knowledge of the chiropractic profession. Further, 88% of respondents reported that they had referred a patient to a chiropractor. The limitations of the study and suggestions for improvement are discussed.


We calculated the density of states in a Hubbard model with nearest and next nearest neighbour hopping. Using an exact diagonalisation technique, we examined this model in a wide area of parameters. The density of states was calculated for different fillings and for positive and negative interaction U. The additional hopping to the next nearest neighbour sites has different effects on the gap between the particle and hole spectrum compared to the pure Hubbard model.


Studies of hard biological materials such as marine shells, animal teeth, horns and bones have produced fascinating ideas for mimicking their micro/nanostructure in the lab. The nacre in the abalone shell has a well-defined organic/inorganic structure that has a fracture resistance that is much higher than the individual constituents. By using biocompatible materials we have fabricated zirconium nitride/ polymethylmethacrylate alternating layers that are based on the structure of nacre. A combination of DC-magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser deposition on (100) silicon substrates was used to fabricate multilayers in a single chamber without breaking the vacuum. The ZrN films showed nanocrystalline columnar growth on the silicon substrates or on the PMMA nanolayer. High resolution SEM analysis at the inorganic/organic interface revealed well formed, uniform thickness inorganic films which are separated by the polymeric layer (30-90 nm). The ratio of the ceramic/polymer is the same as in nacre. Nanoindentation hardness values of ˜ 20GPa were measured on both the ZrN single film, similar to published values, and the ZrN/PMMA composite layers and the elastic modulus remained constant, independent of the number of layers.


This page is intended to serve a resource guide for students taking Colloquium for History Majors (16A:051:002) with Dr. Landon Storrs.


Introduction. The increasing incidence of accidents expose individuals to a variety of traumas. With maxillofacial trauma being one of the most common and considering lack of reports on the incidence of maxillofacial injuries in Isfahan, the present study aimed to assess the oral and maxillofacial injuries in patients referred to Amin hospital in order to achieve better diagnostics, treatment and prevention of complications. Material and methods. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the medical records of patients who sustained maxillofacial injuries and where referred to Amin hospital of Isfahan were evaluated within March 2015-2016. Hours, days and months of referral, duration of hospitalization, age, sex, marital status, cause of injuries, type and site of hard and soft tissue injuries, mean size of lacerations, and type of treatment plan were male


Applications to be executed in grid computing environments become more and more complex and usually consist of multiple interdependent tasks. The coordinated execution of such tightly or loosely coupled tasks often requires simultaneous access to different grid resources. This leads to the problem of resource co-allocation. Efficient and robust scheduling algorithms have to be developed that can cope with the Grid's large- scale distribution, a high number of competing and demanding applications, the inherent resource heterogeneity and the often limited view on resource availability. In this paper, we present two heuristic scheduling algorithms that are based on a well-known list scheduling algorithm and both support co- allocation and advance resource reservation. Our first algorithm preserves the run-time efficiency of greedy list schedulers while the second approach incorporates more sophisticated search techniques in order to achieve better results with respect to the performance metrics. Both algorithms have been implemented within a grid simulation framework. An extensive simulation study was conducted to evaluate and compare the performance of both algorithms. It showed the general suitability of our enhanced list scheduling heuristics within heterogeneous grid environments.


Tracking and comparing the costs of IT staples such as equipment, connectivity, and training can underpin your budget proposals with hard numbers. IT spending projections for the year 2000 remain surprisingly low. A review of all companies surveyed reveals a maximum IT spending increase of 30 percent at one end of the scale and a maximum spending decrease of 25 percent at the other end, numbers that reveal a strange symmetry. Perhaps more significantly, the average change in expenditure is very small: only a 2 percent spending increase. Worse, now when the industry needs skilled workers more than ever, employee training days per year continue their steady decline worldwide, from 8.5 days in 1997 to 7.25 days in 1999. The paper considers how you can fight these trends and win with solid statistics and an approach to IT activities that positions your department as a value center for driving technology investments.


Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission in the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph spectral map of the northwest photon dominated region (PDR) in NGC 7023 was analyzed exclusively using PAH spectra from the NASA Ames PAH IR Spectroscopic Database (www.astrochem.org/pahdb). The 5–15 μm spectrum at each pixel is fitted using a non-negative-least-squares fitting approach. The fits are of good quality, allowing decomposition of the PAH emission into four subclasses: size, charge, composition, and hydrogen adjacency (structure). Maps tracing PAH subclass distributions across the region paint a coherent astrophysical picture. Once past some 20 seconds of arc from HD 200775, the emission is dominated by the more stable, large, symmetric, compact PAH cations with smaller, neutral PAHs taking over along the lines-of-sight toward the more distant molecular cloud. The boundary between the PDR and the denser cloud material shows up as a distinct discontinuity in the breakdown maps. Noteworthy is the requirement for PANH cations to fit the bulk of the 6.2 and 11.0 μm features and the indication of PAH photo-dehydrogenation and fragmentation close to HD 200775. Decomposition of the spectral maps into "principal" subclass template spectra provides additional insight into the behavior of each subclass. However, the general applicability of this computationally more efficient approach is presently undetermined. This is the first time the spectra of individual PAHs are exclusively used to fit the 5–15 μm region and analyze the spatial behavior of the aromatic infrared bands, providing fundamental, new information about astronomical PAH subpopulations including their dependence on, and response to, changes in local conditions.


In this paper, an infrared intervehicle ranging and vehicle-to-roadside communication systems are studied. A direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DS-SS) technology is employed to obtain the robustness against multiuser interference and ambient light noise. We compare the correlation properties for various optical spreading codes such as an optical orthogonal code (OOC), a prime code, an extended prime code, and a modified m-sequence. The performance of the infrared DS-SS ranging and communication system is evaluated by computer simulation over a channel in consideration of multipath dispersion, multiuser interference, and a background light noise. The infrared DS-SS intervehicle ranging system using an OOC has lower ranging error rate (RER) than ranging systems using a prime code, an extended prime code, and modified m-sequences even if there is the interference from other users and lightwave dispersion. In the infrared DS-SS vehicle-to-roadside communication system, L-ary pulse position modulation (L-PPM) is used as a modulation scheme due to high average power efficiency. It is shown that the proposed system achieves smaller BER performance as the modulation order L increases and the proposed system with a (361,6,1,1) OOC has a smaller BER than that with a (181,6,1,1) OOC.


Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the new investigational drug pegylated interferon α-2b (Peg-IFN-α-2b) (Y shape, 40 kD) injection (180 µg/week) combined with ribavirin in the treatment of patients with genotype 1/6 chronic hepatitis C (CHC), with standard-dose Peg-IFN-α-2a combined with ribavirin as a positive control. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, open-label, and positive-controlled phase III clinical trial was performed. Eligible patients with genotype 1/6 CHC were screened out and randomly divided into Peg-IFN-α-2b(Y shape, 40kD) group and Peg-IFN-α-2a group at a ratio of 2:1. The patients in both groups were given oral ribavirin for 48 weeks in addition and then followed up for 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. Abbott Real Time HCV Genotype II was used to determine HCV genotype, and Cobas TaqMan quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure HCV RNA level at 0, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 weeks. Adverse events were recorded in detail. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR), and a non-inferiority test was also performed. Results: A total of 561 patients with genotype 1/6 CHC were enrolled, among whom 529 received treatment; 90.9% of these patients had genotype 1 CHC. The data of the full analysis set showed that SVR rate was 69.80% (95% CI 65.00%-74.60%) in the trial group and 74.16% (95% CI 67.73%-80.59%) in the control group (P = 0.297 0). The data of the per protocol set (PPS) showed that SVR rate was 80.63% (95% CI 76.04%-85.23%) in the trial group and 81.33% (95% CI 75.10%-87.57%) in the control group (P = 0.849 8), and the 95% CI of rate difference conformed to the non-inferiority standard. The analysis of the PPS population showed that of all subjects, 47.9% achieved rapid virologic response, with a positive predictive value of 93.8%. The incidence rate of adverse events was 96.30% in the trial group and 94.94% in the control group, and the incidence rate of serious adverse events was 5.13% in the trail group and 5.06% in the control group. Conclusion: In the regimen of Peg-IFN-α combined with ribavirin for the treatment of genotype 1/6 CHC, the new investigational drug Peg-IFN-α-2b(Y shape, 40 kD) has comparable clinical effect and safety to the control drug Peg-IFN-α-2a.


The investigation x-rayed the Effect of Educational Programmess on Television Among Lower Basic Pupils in Gusau Educational Zone of Zamfara State, Nigeria. The population was total number of pupils in all lower basic schools in both public and private lower basic schools in the state while the sample size of 300 pupils were randomly selected from the 10 lower basic schools (210 pupils from public schools and 90 pupils from private school) in Gusau Educational Zone. Five research questions were posed to guide the conduct of the study to a logical conclusion. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered to 30 randomly selected pupils from each of the selected lower basic schools. The data generated from the research questions were analyzed using the simple percentage; this method of analysis is simple, adequate and accurate in terms of data analysis. The findings of the study affirmed a high response of pupils in boosting their intellectual ability, arousing of interest, quick remembering of the content and retaining of the content taught. It was recommended that the age range of students should be put into consideration; regular electricity should be supplied to the citizenry and that well-produced and sponsored educational programmes by government and private organizations should be encouraged.


In this work, we report a convenient and efficient approach to improve heat conduction across the metal/graphite interface. It is demonstrated that the interfacial thermal conductance between Al and graphite can be enhanced by a factor of ∼5 after milling the graphite with a focused ion beam. Such enhancement is attributed to the decreased Fermi level of the milled graphite compared with the pristine counterpart. Once graphite is milled with the focused ion beam, surface defects are formed that induce the redistribution of electrons at the interface between Al and graphite. The formation of enormous dipoles on the milled graphite/Al interface leads to the conversion of the interfacial interaction from physisorption to chemisorption, which is beneficial for phonon transmission across the interface. Based on the measured Fermi level difference, the non-equilibrium Green's function method predicts that the interfacial interaction strength in the Al/milled graphite is increased 4-fold compared with Al/pristine graphite, which causes the increase of the interfacial thermal conductance. Our theoretical model also predicts that the interfacial thermal conductance does not increase monotonically with the interaction strength. Once the interaction strength exceeds a critical value, the interface thermal conductance will decrease.


suppression, conservative treatment with ACE inhibition, blood pressure reduction and lipid control. In MN associated with HCV infection, the rationale is enforced by the selective action of rituximab on B lymphocytes. However, large randomized clinical trials with longer follow-up are needed, to verify the efficacy and the longterm tolerability of rituximab therapy, in both idiopathic and secondary MN.


In HIV-1, tRNA(Lys3) serves as the primer for reverse transcriptase, and during viral assembly, the tRNA(Lys) isoacceptors, tRNA(Lys1,2) and tRNA(Lys3), are selectively packaged into the virion. In this review, we shall first discuss the evidence for the formation of a tRNA(Lys) packaging complex, whose components include Gag, GagPol, genomic RNA, lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS), and tRNA(Lys). Evidence suggests that the formation of this complex involves a Gag/GagPol/viral genomic RNA complex interacting with a tRNA(Lys)/ LysRS complex, with Gag interacting with both GagPol and LysRS, and GagPol interacting with the tRNA(Lys). The interaction of Gag with LysRS is quite specific, does not require the presence of tRNA(Lys), and LysRS is believed to be the target that allows the specific packaging of tRNA(Lys) into the virion. The parameters influencing these interactions, and the molecular sites of interaction, will be discussed. The selective packaging of tRNA(Lys3) into HIV-1 facilitates annealing of tRNA(Lys) to the 5' region of viral RNA genome. This region contains a series of stem loops, and there exists several regions in both the viral RNA and the tRNA(Lys) that are believed to be important for tRNA(Lys) annealing. The annealing is facilitated by viral proteins such as unprocessed Gag, nucleocapsid, and reverse transcriptase.


Business processes automation requires the specification of process structures as well as the definition of resources involved in the execution of these processes. While the modeling of business processes and workflows is well researched, the link between the organizational elements and process activities is less well understood, and current developments in the web services choreography area completely neglect the organizational aspect of workflow applications. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the organizational aspects of workflow technology in the context of the workflow life cycle, to provide a review of existing work, and to develop guidelines for the design of a workflow-enabled organization, which can be used by both workflow vendors and users.


Epidermal label-retaining cells (LRC) can be identified by giving neonatal mice repeated injections of 3H-thymidine or 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine and then finding the cells that are still labelled in adulthood. Although label retention is simply a marker of the proliferative history of a cell, there is, nevertheless, evidence that it is a characteristic of epidermal stem cells. Here we review the early literature on LRC and then highlight two recent applications. We describe how LRC can be visualized by whole-mount labelling of the epidermis and how purified LRC can be used to screen for markers of the epidermal stem cell compartment.


Propolis is a resinous mixture that is collected by honey bees from tree buds, sap flow, and other botanical sources. Propolis has been extensively used in medicine, dentistry, and cosmetics; however, unwanted effects have been reported. This paper reports a case of oral mucosal burn in a 50-year-old patient, who used an overnight application of concentrated propolis to overcome a throbbing pain in the right upper posterior mucosa. The patient was otherwise healthy and was not receiving any medication. She presented with painful shallow multiple irregular ulcers measuring 0.3–1 cm in diameter that were located on the right buccal mucosa and hard palate mucosa, in addition to the gingival mucosa surrounding tooth 17. Propolis-induced oral mucosal burn was diagnosed. The ulcer cleared after the prescription of tetracycline mouthwash, accompanied with Doloneurobion. The patient was further treated with carbamazepine to address the persistent throbbing pain in the affected area, which was suspected to be trigeminal neuralgia. This report provides another alert to clinicians about the potential adverse effects of propolis use for the treatment of oral diseases, despite its natural origin.


WikiNext, is a semantic wiki prototype written in JavaScript, from database to server and client code. It is not in competition with wikis like Semantic Media Wiki, but more a test bed for new ideas. Every wiki page is an application that keeps a Web Socket open with the server, enabling incremental saves or collaborative editions using Google wave like algorithms. Using JavaScript on the whole chain of operations avoids data transformation from/to different formats like in traditional approaches (Objects, JSON/XML, and SQL). WikiNext uses JavaScript distributed objects and includes an IDE to write JS applications within wiki pages.


The Cretaceous Pierre Shale Group along the Missouri River has produced numerous mosasaur specimens since the western fossil discoveries of Lewis and Clark in 1804 that included a 45-foot "fish." Many of these marine reptile specimens represent the largest of mosasaurs, the tylosaurines. In 1990 the largest mosasaur heretofore recorded along the Missouri River was discovered near Nicholas Creek, Lyman County, central South Dakota. The specimen was recovered from a lag deposit representing an intra—Pierre Shale Group unconformity and consists of vertebrae, ribs, paddle elements, and a partial skull. The partial skeleton is referable to the subfamily Tylosaurinae, cf. Tylosaurus sp., based on large size, tooth structure, and long predental rostrum. Further identification must await resolution of the taxonomy of the Tylosaurinae. A lower jaw measures 1.6 m, indicating a projected body length of 11.5 m. Therefore, the large "fish" described by Lewis and Clark may have been a tylosaurine mosasaur.


In this paper, we present an accurate procedure to obtain prediction limits for the number of failures that will be observed in a future inspection of a sample of units, based only on the results of the first in-service inspection of the same sample. The failure-time of such units is modeled with a two-parameter Weibull distribution indexed by scale and shape parameters β and δ, respectively. It will be noted that in the literature only the case is considered when the scale param-eter β is unknown, but the shape parameter δ is known. As a rule, in practice the Weibull shape parameter δ is not known. Instead it is estimated subjectively or from relevant data. Thus its value is uncertain. Thisδuncertainty may con-tribute greater uncertainty to the construction of prediction limits for a future number of failures. In this paper, we consider the case when both parameters βandδ,are unknown. In literature, for this situation, usually a Bayesian approach is used. Bayesian methods are not considered here. We note, however,that although subjective Bayesian prediction has a clear personal probability in-terpretation, it is not generally clear how this should be applied to non-personal prediction or decisions. Objective Bayesian methods, on the other hand, do not have clear probability interpretations in finite samples. The technique proposed here for constructing prediction limits emphasizes pivotal quantities relevant for obtaining ancillary statistics. and represents a special case of the method of invariant embedding of sample statistics into a performance index. Two versions of prediction limits for a future number of failures are given.


This issue of the Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery is devoted to Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery. It is our tremendous honor to introduce our Guest Editors, Professor Friedrich Mohr and Professor Martin Misfeld, of the Leipzig Heart Center in Germany. The Leipzig Heart Center has a reputation for pioneering robotic and video-assisted mitral valve surgery and has the world's largest series in video-assisted mitral valve surgery.

Professor Mohr performed the world's first robotic mitral valve repair with Professor Alain Carpentier in 1998. His contributions to the field have been extraordinary; the institution that he created and leads has completed around 4,300 port-access mitral procedures, with over half performed by Professor Mohr himself. Professor Mohr trained at the University of Bonn and the University of Berlin in Germany, then at the University of New South Wales in Australia before taking up residency in Bonn. But it was, in fact, in Poland where he first caught the cardiac surgery bug, while undertaking an elective in Gdansk with Professor Miroslawa Narkiewicz. There he saw one of the first cardiac operations performed in Poland, an atrial septal defect repair, and from that moment his fascination with cardiovascular surgery was born. He began working in cardiac surgery but then took some advice that was to equip him with a set of unique skills that has differentiated him from other cardiac surgeons to this day. The advice given to Professor Mohr was to work in cardiology. He therefore went to Los Angeles and did a fellowship in laser angioplasty and angioscopy. This ability to interact with both cardiac surgeons and cardiologists has defined major parts of his career, including the creation of Heart Teams in his pioneering work with TAVI and also vital collaborations in the SYNTAX, EXCEL and PARTNER Trials.

During his early career in the USA, Professor Mohr often went to the Texas Heart Centre during his vacations to watch Professor Denton Cooley. The smooth control and technical dexterity of the operations he watched continue to provide a source of inspiration for him to this very day. He returned to Germany and took up an Associate Professorship in Goettingen. In 1994, he was offered a full chair in surgery in a new unit called the Leipzig Heart Center. Shortly after starting there, he was offered other more prestigious positions, which he turned down. 'People told me that I was crazy. Why did I want to work in this unit in Eastern Germany when I could work in one of the top units in Western Germany? But I had a vision to set up a unit as great as the Texas Heart Center which is the reason that I stayed'. He has certainly achieved and possibly surpassed this vision, with many now regarding the Leipzig Heart Center to be the greatest heart surgery centre in the world. Pioneering surgeons such as Randy Chitwood, Michael Mack and Randy Wolf all came to learn from his unit before setting up their own programs. The center employs more than 1,400 staff including over 20 senior surgeons and 60 surgeons in training, performing over 6,000 operations per year. Remarkably, 1 in 6 senior surgeons in Germany are trained in Leipzig!

Professor Misfeld is the Professor of Cardiac Surgery and Associate Chief of the Leipzig Heart Center. After graduating from the University of Hamburg with a Medical License Certificate, he undertook training at the Curschmann-Clinic and cardiothoracic specialist training at the Medical University of Luebeck, Germany. In recognition of his exceptional surgical performance and extensive research into the vasoactive behavior of aortic valve structures, he has been endowed with the prestigious titles of "Medical Specialist for Cardiac Surgery," "Habilitation" and "Venia legend". Professor Misfeld also holds the positions of Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Sydney, Honorary Visiting Medical Officer at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, and Leading Senior Cardiac Surgeon and Head of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery in the Department of Cardiac and Thoracic Disease at the University of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

Thus it is with great pleasure that we invite you to read and enjoy this very special edition of the Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery. We hope you will also enjoy the interview with Professor Friedrich Mohr (Video 1) and the insights provided by our contributors into the operation that they have pioneered. We thank all of our eminent contributors for their tireless work and extraordinary contributions to the field of minimally-invasive mitral valve surgery.

Video 1

Foreword.


Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate how much the doses to organs at risk are affected in the prone position compared to the supine position in the proton therapy (PT) for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: Fifteen consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent treatment planning computed tomography scans in both the supine and prone positions. The clinical target volume (CTV) consisted of the prostate gland plus the seminal vesicles. The PT plans were designed using the standard lateral opposed fields with passively scattered proton beams for both treatment positions. The prescribed dose for each plan was set to 78 Gy (Relative biological effectiveness)/39 fractions to 50% of the planning target volume. Dose-volume metrics of the rectum and bladder in the two treatment positions were analyzed. Results: It was confirmed that all the parameters of D05, D10, D20, D30, Dmean, and V90 examined in the rectum were significantly reduced in the prone position. There was no significant difference between the two positions in the bladder dose except for Dmean. The distance between the CTV and the rectum tended to increase with the patient in the prone position; at the prostate level, however, the maximum change was approximately 5 mm, and there was significant variation between cases. Conclusions: We confirmed that the rectal doses were significantly lower in the prone compared with the supine position in PT. Although uncertain, the prone position could be an effective method to reduce the rectal dose in PT.


PACER is a gesture-based interactive paper system that supports fine-grained paper document content manipulation through the touch screen of a cameraphone. Using the phone's camera, PACER links a paper document to its digital version based on visual features. It adopts camera-based phone motion detection for embodied gestures (e.g. marquees, underlines and lassos), with which users can flexibly select and interact with document details (e.g. individual words, symbols and pixels). The touch input is incorporated to facilitate target selection at fine granularity, and to address some limitations of the embodied interaction, such as hand jitter and low input sampling rate. This hybrid interaction is coupled with other techniques such as semi-real time document tracking and loose physical-digital document registration, offering a gesture-based command system. We demonstrate the use of PACER in various scenarios including work-related reading, maps and music score playing. A preliminary user study on the design has produced encouraging user feedback, and suggested future research for better understanding of embodied vs. touch interaction and one vs. two handed interaction.


The clinical value of Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging in brain tumors has been intensively studied and validated. However, whether and how much Gadolinium-based (Gd) agent in clinical dosage has impact on the APT-weighted signal in clinical scenarios remains controversial. Hence, this study designed an in vitro study using a phantom with a gradient dosage of Gd-based agent and then validated the result in 6 patients with brain tumors. The result revealed that APT effect was significantly influenced by Gd contrast agent both in the phantom in vitro study and in vivo study.


Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari's theory of «minor literature» has had considerable impact not only on the study of Franz Kafka, but on the field of comparative literature. This article questions whether this theory's linguistic assumptions are adequate for the complex cultural landscape of modern Prague, and examines the ways in which Deleuze and Guattari's speculations on minor literatures overlook or simplify important aspects of the Czechoslovak literary context. For a counter-perspective, it draws on Milan Kundera, who offers the «small nations» as a different vantage point on European history.


Toxoplasmosis post serious threaten to human health, leading to severely eye and brain disease, especially for immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. The multiple side effects and long dosing period of current main treatment regiments calls for high effective and low toxicity anti‐toxoplasmosis drugs. Herein, we report our efforts to synthesize a series of 2‐(piperazin‐1‐yl)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one derivatives and investigate their activity against Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in vitro based on cell phenotype screening. Among the 26 compounds, 8w and 8x with diaryl ether moiety at the side chain of piperazine exhibited good efficacy to inhibit T. gondii, with IC50 values of 4 μM and 3 μM, respectively. Structure‐activity relationship (SAR) studies implies that hydrophobic aryl at the side chain would be preferred for improvement of activity. Molecular docking study reveals these two compounds appeared high affinity to TgCDPK1 by interaction with the hydrophobic pocket of ATP‐binding cleft.


The spin-$\frac{1}{2} \mathrm{XXZ}$ chain in a random magnetic field pointing in the Z direction is numerically studied using the density-matrix renormalization-group method. The phase diagram as a function of the anisotropy of the $\mathrm{XXZ}$ Hamiltonian and the strength of the random field is analyzed by computing the spin correlations and the superfluid density. To obtain the superfluid density we consider a superblock configuration representing a closed system with an arbitrary twist at the boundary. This allows us to estimate the size of the critical region where the quasi-long-range order persists, that is, where the spin correlation length is infinite and the superfluid density is nonzero.


The shortest path is a part of the subject in the graph theory in the field of operational research. The idea of the shortest path is to find the best possible routes that linking between a given source and a destination. There are many algorithms have been designed to find these paths. The algorithms such as Djikstra, Bellman-Ford or Floyd- Warshall are difference from one to another due to the simplicity, effectiveness and duration of processing the nodes. This research will be focused on determining the best shortest path algorithm for the first possible best (fastest, safest and cheapest) route and also to search the other possible best routes. Assessment will be done by calculating the algorithm complexion and runtime using the computer. The fastest route can be attained via traveling on the highway. The safest route is might considered as a route with an accident free (data from police department). The cheapest route is a toll-free route, i.e., federal or state routes. The numbering assigned to every route in Peninsular Malaysia will be used to calculate and distinguish these routes and the alternatives. A development of GIS database is also involved in prototype covering the road network in Peninsular Malaysia (the e-map) will be developed to show the viability or validity of the findings. The system will be developed by using Microsoft Visual Basic and some supporting software. It is hoped the system will serve at test platform for the deeper research in the future.


PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to measure resting metabolic rate, plasma norepinephrine, and plasma immunoreactive beta endorphin during exposures to cold air during two consecutive 5-d periods, separated by 2 weekend days, in two groups of women differing in aerobic fitness.

METHODS
Plasma norepinephrine (NE), plasma immunoreactive beta-endorphin (IBE), and resting metabolic response (RMR) were measured during repeated exposures to 3.5 degrees C air in two groups of women differing in aerobic fitness. Ten women, separated into highly fit (HFW) and less fit (LFW) groups, sat in 22 degrees C air for 45 min followed by 45 min in 3.5 degrees C air each day during two consecutive 5-d periods separated by two weekend days.

RESULTS
Norepinephrine was not different between groups during warm air exposure; however, following 45 min of cold air, NE was two times higher in HFW compared with that in LFW (P < 0.001). Plasma IBE was elevated (P < 0.02) in HFW compared with that in LFW but was not affected by exposure to cold on any test day. Warm RMR was not different between groups and remained unchanged during the study period. Cold RMR was significantly higher in LFW compared with that in HFW (P < 0.01). Resting metabolic rate peaked at 30% of VO2peak in LFW by the 5th minute of cold exposure on day 1 before declining to 21% and remaining steady. In contrast, RMR in HFW peaked at about 13% and then fell to 9.4% before slowly increasing to 14% by the end of 45 min. On other test days HFW RMR increased to 14% of VO2peak and rose slowly through 45 min of cold exposure while LFW RMR peaked at 24% of VO2peak before declining to 20% and remaining steady.

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that, in women, aerobic fitness alters the endocrine and metabolic responses to acute cold air exposure. The norepinephrine response is exaggerated in highly fit women exposed to cold but not the metabolic response. Immunoreactive beta endorphin was not affected by exposure to cold but was elevated in highly fit women. We further conclude that the temperature threshold for acclimation to cold air by women may be higher than the air temperature used in this study.


This study examined the relationship between neurobehavioral changes and alterations in gene expression profiles in the brains of mice exposed to different levels of Hg(0) during postnatal development. Neonatal mice were repeatedly exposed to mercury vapor (Hg(0)) at a concentration of 0.057 mg/m(3) (low level), which was close to the current threshold value (TLV), and 0.197 mg/m(3) (high level) for 24 hr until the 20(th) day postpartum. Behavioral responses were evaluated based on changes in locomotor activity in the open field test (OPF), learning ability in the passive avoidance response test (PA), and spatial learning ability in the Morris water maze (MM) at 12 weeks of age. No significant differences were observed in the three behavioral measurements between mice exposed to the low level of Hg(0) and control mice. On the other hand, total locomotive activity in mice exposed to the high level of Hg(0) was significantly decreased and central locomotion was reduced in the OPF task. Mercury concentrations were approximately 0.4 μg/g and 1.9 μg/g in the brains of mice exposed to the low and high levels of Hg(0), respectively. Genomic analysis revealed that the expression of 2 genes was up-regulated and 18 genes was down-regulated in the low-level exposure group, while the expression of 3 genes was up-regulated and 70 genes was down-regulated in the high-level exposure group. Similar alterations in the expression of seven genes, six down-regulated genes and one up-regulated gene, were observed in both groups. The results indicate that an increase in the number of altered genes in the brain may be involved in the emergence of neurobehavioral effects, which may be associated with the concentration of mercury in the brain. Moreover, some of the commonly altered genes following exposure to both concentrations of Hg(0) with and without neurobehavioral effects may be candidates as sensitive biomarker genes for assessing behavioral effects in the early stages of development.


Amphibians were collected from six locations in Rivers State, Nigeria, using search and capture techniques, and purchases from local markets. The locations were Okwale and Teka Sogho in Ogoniland, Akabuka in Omoku, Omofo in Ndele, Rumuche in Emohua and Ikata in Ahoada East. Amphibians were euthanized; body mass, liver mass, and snout-vent length of each specimen were taken after which they were examined for helminth endoparasites in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, liver, urinary bladder and body cavity. Prevalence and mean intensity of parasite infections were computed; body condition factor and hepato somatic index of amphibians were also computed. Amphibian species encountered included Sclerophrys spp., Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, Silurana tropicalis, Hymenochirus sp., and Ptychadena species. Parasite species recovered were trematodes (Prosotocus exovitellosus, Ganeo africana, Diplodiscus fischthalicus, Metahaematoloechus exoterorchis, Mesocoelium monodi, Mesocoelium sp.), cestodes (Baerietta jaegerskioeldii), acanthocephalan cysthacanths, pentastomids (Raillietiella sp.), monogeneans (Polystoma aeschlimanni, P. baeri and P. pricei), and nematodes (Amplicaecum africanum, Ascaridida larva, Batracocamallanus siluranae, Chabaudus leberrei, Cosmocerca ornata, Oswaldocruzia hoepplii, Rhabdias africanus, Rhabdias sp. 1 and 2. Hymenochirus sp. is reported as a new host for C. leberrei. Parasite community structure closely followed that of the hosts. Parasites were generally less prevalent in hosts from Ogoni and Omoku. Condition factor of all amphibians examined were greater than 1. Higher HSI values were recorded in Hymenochirus sp. from Akabuka Omoku indicating higher stress level in that location.Keywords: Helminth; health status; petroleum industry; anthropogenic change; habitat alteration.


A queuing system resulting from a signalized intersection regulated by pretimed control in a network of urban traffic is considered. Modeling the queue length and the delay of vehicles is crucial to evaluate the performance of intersections equipped with traffic signals. Air quality and rational use of energy also depend on an efficient management of the intersections. These traffic systems have the specificity that the server (green signal) is deactivated (red signal) during a fixed period of time. In the present work, an M/D/1 queue with a server that occasionally takes vacations is analyzed. The mean delays of vehicles and the mean queue length are computed and compared with those obtained by using a detailed simulation model in a case study. We find that, in general, the mean delays of vehicles given by the proposed queuing model provide a good approximation, but the model can provide slightly smaller values than those obtained in the simulation model for large traffic flows. This result is of interes...


Like classical fluids, quantum gases may suffer from hydrodynamic instabilities. Our paper develops a quantum version of the classical stability analysis in fluids, the Bogoliubov theory of elementary excitations in unstable Bose-Einstein condensates. In unstable condensates the excitation modes have complex frequencies. We derive the normalization conditions for unstable modes such that they can serve in a mode decomposition of the noncondensed component. Furthermore, we develop approximative techniques to determine the spectrum and the mode functions. Finally, we apply our theory to sonic horizons - sonic black and white holes. For sonic white holes the spectrum of unstable modes turns out to be intrinsically discrete, whereas black holes may be stable.


This paper argues that the texts used for many contemporary Shakespearean performances are too long, and that this excessive length often derives from a misguided sense of fidelity to "Shakespeare's original." It suggests that claims of authenticity for long performance texts are invalidated by the very logic of historical accuracy that is often used to justify them. Scholars including Lukas Erne, Stephen Orgel, and Andrew Gurr have in recent decades made a convincing (if not conclusive) case that Shakespeare's company normally staged texts that could be performed in two hours, and that the "Bad-Quarto" editions of some plays are closer in length to what would have been played at the Globe and Blackfriars than are their Folio and "Good-Quarto" analogues. Yet many theatres continue to stage performance texts that emulate these longer, essentially "literary," early modern editions. This is particularly true at those companies (like the Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern) that employ full Folio texts in performance as a component of "Original Practice." This paper hopes to demonstrate that an actual commitment to historical authenticity would embrace two-hour versions of the plays that are often far shorter than their "complete" literary counterparts. We can never know exactly what the original performance texts of Shakespeare's plays looked like. But those who value historical authenticity should understand that practitioners who freely cut and adapt Shakespeare's plays to meet the needs of twenty-first-century audiences are following the practice of Shakespeare's own company.


Machine translation and other NLP systems often contain significant biases regarding sensitive attributes, such as gender or race, that worsen system performance and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Recent preliminary research suggests that adversarial learning can be used as part of a model-agnostic bias mitigation method that requires no data modifications. However, adapting this strategy for machine translation and other modern NLP domains requires (1) restructuring training objectives in the context of fine-tuning pretrained large language models and (2) developing measures for gender or other protected variables for tasks in which these attributes must be deduced from the data itself. We present an adversarial learning framework that addresses these challenges to mitigate gender bias in seq2seq machine translation. Our framework improves the disparity in translation quality for sentences with male vs. female entities by 86% for English-German translation and 91% for English-French translation, with minimal effect on translation quality. The results suggest that adversarial learning is a promising technique for mitigating gender bias in machine translation.


Abstract Optimal timing of TKA surgery is not clear. This report describes a patient's tested strength and function deficits before and after a surgical delay compared with a comparable cohort. TKA for OA was postponed due to non-health issues. Strength and functional performance were tested at 3 points preoperatively and 4 points postoperatively. Preoperative strength and functional performance precipitously declined during surgical delay. Quadriceps strength declined 47% from 6 months to one week pre-operatively, with the majority of this decline in the last 3 months. Pain levels peaked preoperatively, averaging 8.3/10. After 6 weeks of TKA, quadriceps recovered to immediate preoperative strength, but was 47% less than 6 months preoperatively. Function improved to 6 months preoperative levels by 6 weeks. Functional performance recovered to immediate preoperative levels by 6 months, while muscle strength (quadriceps and hamstrings) did not. This case describes a precipitous decline in strength and function during a 6-month surgical delay, with poorer recovery compared with a cohort without delay. While this case only describes a single individual, the results highlight the need for further research on optimal surgical timing for total knee arthroplasty, considering function, strength and pain levels, especially because strength recovery can have long-term implications.


Playing on swing sets has become an archaic childhood past-time, replaced by the virtual world of chat rooms, blogs, and instant messenger.' Children today are growing up "watching, listening to and interacting with technology and media for any purpose, including TV, radio, iPods, video games, computers and the Internet."2 This new generation of Internet-savvy children is prevalent in cyberspace3 where entertainment, friendships, and refuge become accessible at the click of a finger.' Unfortunately, despite the educational, recreational, interpersonal, and even therapeutic value the Internet offers the


"This study examines distance of 1975-80 interstate migration [in the United States] and several explanations for the relations between distance and characteristic of migrants and locations.... Observations are individual records from the 1980 one-in-ten-thousand PUMS files. The sample is restricted to nonblack, noninstitutionalized head of households, age 25 to 64 in 1980.... We find outmigration is shaped by characteristics of individuals; however, distance of migration is shaped by characteristics at locations. Findings lend support to an interpretation of distance reflecting psychic costs and information and are consistent with a cost/benefit view of factors contributing to distance of migration."


The high level of accumulated expertise by ULIS and CEA/LETI on uncooled microbolometers made from amorphous silicon enables ULIS to develop ¼ VGA IRFPA formats with 17μm pixel-pitch to enable the development of small power, small weight (SWAP) and high performance IR systems. ROIC architecture will be described where innovations are widely on-chip implemented to enable an easier operation by the user. The detector configuration (integration time, windowing, gain, scanning direction…), is driven by a standard I²C link. Like most of the visible arrays, the detector adopts the HSYNC/VSYNC free-run mode of operation driven with only one master clock (MC) supplied to the ROIC which feeds back pixel, line and frame synchronizations. On-chip PROM memory for customer operational condition storage is available for detector characteristics. Low power consumption has been taken into account and less than 60 mW is possible in analog mode at 60 Hz and < 175 mW in digital mode (14 bits). A wide electrical dynamic range (2.4V) is maintained despite the use of advanced CMOS node. The specific appeal of this unit lies in the high uniformity and easy operation it provides. The reduction of the pixel-pitch turns this TEC-less ¼ VGA array into a product well adapted for high resolution and compact systems. NETD of 35 mK and thermal time constant of 10 ms have been measured leading to 350 mK.ms figure of merit. We insist on NETD trade-off with wide thermal dynamic range, as well as the high characteristics uniformity and pixel operability, achieved thanks to the mastering of the amorphous silicon technology coupled with the ROIC design. This technology node associated with advanced packaging technique, paves the way to compact low power system.


A systematic study of thermally robust HfN metal gate on conventional SiO/sub 2/ and HfO/sub 2/ high-/spl kappa/ dielectrics for advanced CMOS applications is presented. Both HfN-SiO/sub 2/ and HfN-HfO/sub 2/ gate stacks demonstrates robust resistance against high-temperature rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatments (up to 1000/spl deg/C), in terms of thermal stability of equivalent oxide thickness (EOT), work function, and leakage current. This excellent property is attributed to the superior oxygen diffusion barrier of HfN as well as the chemical stability of HfN-HfO/sub 2/ and HfN-SiO/sub 2/ interfaces. For both gate dielectrics, HfN metal shows an effective mid-gap work function. Furthermore, the EOT of HfN-HfO/sub 2/ gate stack has been successfully scaled down to less than 10 /spl Aring/ with excellent leakage, boron penetration immunity, and long-term reliability even after 1000/spl deg/C annealing, without using surface nitridation prior to HfO/sub 2/ deposition. As a result, the mobility is improved significantly in MOSFETs with HfN-HfO/sub 2/ gate stack. These results suggest that HfN metal electrode is an ideal candidate for ultrathin body fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and symmetric double-gate MOS devices.


Recent reports identified high expression of Notch 1 receptor in various tumors including adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC). Notch 1 receptor is activated by gamma secretase cleavage to exert transcriptional control of processes including cellular differentiation and proliferation. Notch is also known to be activated in approximately 60% of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias. We investigated the prevalence of Notch 1, 2 and 3 activation in different tumors by immunohistochemistry (IHC) designed separately for Notch 1, 2 and 3. Our proprietary antibodies recognize the post-gamma secretase cleavage activated Notch intracellular domain (NICD) fragments of Notch 1, Notch 2 and Notch 3, allowing direct measurement of activation of these receptors, in addition to their expression level by the tumor cells. In total we tested 48 ACCs of the salivary glands, 19 breast cancer, 35 chronic lymphocytic leukemias (CLL), 7 glioblastomas, and 35 non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) We found that at least 65% (31 out of 48) of ACCs were positive for Notch 1 activation using our assay. Of other tumor types, 4 out of 7 glioblastomas (57%), 14 out of 35 CLLs (40%), 7 out of 35 NSCLC (20%) and 2 out of 19 breast cancer cases (11%) were positive for Notch 1. Within NSCLC, 5 of the 16 tested squamous cell carcinomas were positive for Notch 1 activation (31%). Notch 2 and Notch 3 showed only rare activation in these tumors. We conclude that high levels of Notch 1 activation are identifiable in different tumor types including high prevalence in ACC, CLL and glioma. These tumors may benefit from therapeutic Notch pathway inhibition. Citation Format: Gerard Oakley, Lisa Riegle, Karim Benhadji, Andrew Schade. Prevalence of activated NOTCH receptor in solid tumors and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1133.


In the knowledge economy, the human minds are the most vital center of analysis. They are the complex adaptive systems capable of processing information, establishing knowledge structure, conceptualizing idea, and making decision. The intrinsic intelligence of the individual minds, as well as the organizational/collective intelligence, drives the dynamic of all human systems. Primarily, the local self-enrichment processes of the interacting agents are autopoietic. In addition, global forces are also present in all human organizations. The global forces are constructive only if they support the elementary processes. The global forces originate from the orgmind of the organization. A complex relationship exists between the interacting agents and their systems. Traditionally, the decision-making dynamic of the human thinking systems has been dealt with in economics concepts such as the "economic" man that focuses on perfect rational decision, and Herbert Simon's "administrative" man that incorporates the idea of bounded rationality. In this study, the dynamic of an "intelligent" person is introduced. An intelligent person does not concentrate on optimality at all times. Instead, such a person adopts the intelligence strategy. An intelligent person is mindful and contributes continuously towards the collective intelligence of the system. The mindset of an intelligent person encompasses continual fast learning, longer-term survival, exploitation of the butterfly effect, and co-evolution with his/her system. In this respect, an intelligent person is a rather dissimilar interacting agent.


This paper investigates the effects of the Food Stamp Program (FSP) on racial disparities in the intergenerational persistence of poverty. We apply staggered difference-in-difference models that exploit variation in the timing of county-level FSP rollouts using data from the restricted-access version of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) from 1968 to 2019. Black individuals who experience childhood poverty are more likely than similar White individuals to also experience poverty in adulthood. We find, however, that the FSP expansion reduced the likelihood of poverty for all adults by 5 percentage points, with the strongest reductions found for Black adults whose parents did not have a high school degree. The FSP reduced deep poverty in adulthood by 9 percentage points for Black adults with less-educated parents, stronger than the effects for White adults and for Black adults with more-educated parents. The findings suggest that income transfers that reduce poverty during childhood can contribute to reduced poverty in adulthood, and also reduce racial gaps therein.


Cetuximab is a drug targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, which is indicated for the treatment of unresectable advanced or recurrent head and neck or colorectal cancer. Cetuximab also enhances the cytotoxic effects of radiation in squamous cell carcinoma. The severity of infusion reactions (IR) is categorized from grade 1 to 5; grades 3 and 4 are associated with life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis), whereas grade 5 indicates death. The incidence of grade 3–4 IR with premedication is reported to be 1.1%. We herein describe a case of a 77-year-old man who developed IR during intravenous administration of cetuximab. The patient developed grade 3–4 anaphylaxis with pruritus, rash and urticaria, followed by hypotension and bradycardia. The timely diagnosis and treatment with intravenous infusion of a vasopressor drug and Ringer's acetate solution proved to be effective. The case presented herein demonstrated an unfeatured aspect of cetuximab-related IR as dermatological reactions over the entire body followed by circulatory collapse.


Compliance with GlobalGAP standards is considered as the only option through which smallholder farmers can access competitive export produce market. However, very little is known about the determinants of farmers' choice of any of specific compliance arrangements. The aim of this study was to determine and discuss the factors that influence farmers' decisions when selecting specific compliance arrangements in Central and Eastern Kenya. One thousand and four hundred smallholder fresh producers were randomly sampled and interviewed. Using multinomial regression analysis, the study found income and distance to market as important determinants of compliance arrangements chosen by farmers, though their direction and significance of influence differed in specific study areas and the compliance arrangement under consideration. The paper derives important policy implications for enhancing compliance of GlobalGAP standards and thus increased access to export market for fresh produce which could ultimately improve livelihoods of farmers in the study areas.


This study contains a simple application program on the computerized sales at Bina Insan Foundation Honor. The system works is by using the input data items that are available and the sales process, which will then automatically stored in a database and display the output results will come out that will be received by the buyer as invoices and view reports required by the foundation. The process of inputting and sales of computerized this makes data processing more efficient and accurate and can provide information on existing inventory. The need for information is very important, especially in the business world. The author hopes to were made about Applications Sales at Bina Insan Foundation Honor the information about the sale can be done better.


Assessment practices in higher education institutions tend not to equip students well for the processes of effective learning in a learning society. The purposes of assessment should be extended to include the preparation of students for sustainable assessment. Sustainable assessment encompasses the abilities required to undertake those activities that necessarily accompany learning throughout life in formal and informal settings. Characteristics of effective formative assessment identified by recent research are used to illustrate features of sustainable assessment. Assessment acts need both to meet the specific and immediate goals of a course as well as establishing a basis for students to undertake their own assessment activities in the future. To draw attention to the importance of this, the idea that assessment always has to do double duty is introduced.


The grid file offers multiattribute access and is a structure proposed for geometrical applications. This means that so-called point, partial match, partial range and range queries for the concerned attributes are supported. The generalized grid file (GGF), which offers fast access for a single attribute too, is described. The performance of the GGF structure is evaluated for the business environment, and the results look promising. The generalized grid file seems to be a good storage and access structure for computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), an environment in which business and geometrical applications meet.<<ETX>>


Bitumen phases separated from 5% and 12% EVA/bitumen blends are investigated. Basic characterization is carried out using a peculiar thin layer chromatographer, the Iatroscan. The rheological and technical analysis lead us to conclude that these macromolecular materials, obtained from physical distillation of the blends, constitute new bitumens of unique properties.


In this paper, The notion of a Smarandache filter of a Smarandache BH-Algebra is introduced, some theorems and examples are investigated and discussed to explain properties of this notion. A necessary and sufficient condition is derived for every Smarandache filter of a Smarandache BH-Algebra to become a filter. Finally, the relationships between this notion and Smarandache ideal are established


Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm for preventing and managing of pressure ulcer and to verify the its appropriateness. Methods: The first step was development of a pre-algorithm through a literature review and expert opinion. The second step was to establish content validity by submitting the algorithm questionnaires about the content to 12 experts. The third step was the revision of the algorithm. The fourth and last step was to establish the clinical validity of the algorithm with 25 experienced nurses. Results: For the ease of the practitioner the algorithm for prevention and the management of pressure ulcers was confined to one page depicting the main algorithm pathway and seven stepwise guidelines. The guidelines included skin care of pressure ulcer prevention, mechanical loading care, support surface care, reposition care of pressure ulcer, and Stages II, III and IV explanations along with debridement/wound irrigation and infection control. Most of all algorithm courses chosen more than 80% of agreement by expert index of content validity. The usefulness, appropriateness, and convenience of the algorithm were demonstrated through clinical validity with intensive care unit and ward nurses. Conclusion: The algorithm will improve the quality of pressure ulcer nursing care as it provides a model for decision making for clinical nurses as well as providing consistent and integrated nursing care for patients with pressure ulcer throughout an institution.


This paper considers a class of incomplete financial market models with security price processes that exhibit intensity based jumps. The benchmark or numeraire is chosen to be the growth optimal portfolio. Portfolio values, when expressed in units of the benchmark, are local martingales. In general, an equivalent risk neutral martingale measure need not exist in the proposed framework. Benchmarked fair derivative prices are defined as conditional expectations of future benchmarked prices under the real world probability measure. This concept of fair pricing generalizes classical risk neutral pricing. The pricing under incompleteness is modeled by the choice of the market prices for risk. The hedging is performed under minimization of profit and loss fluctuations. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification: primary 90A12; secondary 60G30, 62P20. primary 90A12; secondary 60G30, 62P20. JEL Classification: G10, G13


A series of monte carlo studies were performed to assess the extent to which different inference procedures robustly output reasonable belief values in the context of increasing levels of judgmental imprecision. It was found that, when compared to an equal-weights linear model, the Bayesian procedures are more likely to deduce strong support for a hypothesis. But, the Bayesian procedures are also more likely to strongly support the wrong hypothesis. Bayesian techniques are more powerful, but are also more error prone.


of Norwood); he is of opinion (p. 122) that the story of the foundation of the games with its list of the first winners has as one reason for its presence the need to substitute something for what neither young Hagesidamos nor his family could provide, a catalogue of their earlier victories. Among the many opinions which have been expressed concerning passages of really doubtful meaning, it is hardly possible that anyone should always choose the interpretations which appeal to any given reviewer, and therefore I forbear to set down a list of those places where I think Viljoen has voted for the wrong candidate. In one or two places where I like neither his interpretation nor that of anyone else whose work I have seen, I hope to expound my own particular heresies elsewhere. Those who find the author's native tongue a serious obstacle may with profit use the excellent summary on pp. 206—10, which is in English of such quality as to suggest that he is that rare creature, a man genuinely bilingual. The printing has been well done, as it commonly is in the Netherlands.


We introduce a class of algebras that can be used as recognisers for regular tree languages. We show that it is the only such class that forms a pseudo-variety and we prove the existence of syntactic algebras. Finally, we give a more algebraic characterisation of the algebras in our class.


The ability of the sexual steroids to induce extragenital organ-effects is set in connection to the preovulatory decrease of x-chromatin frequency during the regular menstrual cycle as found by Schmidt and coll. [11]. Under modified techniques of investigation and exact criteria of selection, reproducibility of the results and the behaviour of the x-chromatin-frequency in the artificially controlled anovulatory cycle are checked. The absence of preovulatory decrease shows that a hormonal influence may be assumed.