The principles and methods of Model Driven Architecture are applied to the problem of requirements traceability for a System of Systems (SoS). Model transformations of operational threads are used to reduce the complexity of modeling mission requirements and their flow into the architecture of the SoS. The allocation of requirements to operational mission threads (OMTs) rather than to individual systems reduces the complexity of the requirements tracing. Relational transformations provide a mathematically based formalism for model transformations that permit precise computation of the transformation of operational threads into threads of systems allocated from the SoS. Connectivity requirements for the SoS are also exposed in this way and the number of permissible system threads are seen to correspond directly to the number of permissible transformations. The principles and methods are illustrated by an elementary case study for sensor fusion.


The purpose of our work was to analyze the ethnic realities of the Kipchak language in order to establish its similarities and differences with modern Turkic languages for which this medieval language was a proto-language. The written medieval manuscript in Arabic "Al-Tuhfa al-Zakiyya fi al-Lugha al-Turkiyyah" (Genuine wonder about the Turkish language) was one of the most important and most valuable source for studying the Kipchak language. The main feature of the work was that the original version was written in the Kipchak, as the anonymous author pointed out on the first page of the manuscript, stored in Istanbul, in the Beyazit state library. When studying objects that were far apart from each other in a temporary sense, such as medieval and modern languages, we used the comparative-historical method, and as a result concluded that in some cases there were only phonetic differences, while the syntactic and semantic commonality of lexical and phraseological units persisted. To classify ethnic realities, the statistical method of analysis was used. Ethnographic, cultural and mental realities testified to direct kinship and a single nomadic culture of the speakers of the languages of this group and provided an opportunity to restore the historical stages of the development of the Turkic languages from the Middle Ages to the present day.


Smoking is one of the largest causes of death and disease in the developed world, responsible for 96,000 deaths per year in the UK1. If current trends continue, it is estimated that globally, a billion lives will be lost to smoking-related diseases by the end of the 21st Century2. This briefing summarises the facts and figures around smoking cessation and the use of e-cigarettes for behaviour change in adults followed by public policy recommendations to facilitate smoking cessation.


The purpose of pulmonary cytology is two-fold. First, to establish whether a pulmonary nodule is benign or malignant. Second, pulmonary cytology should classify the type of pathologic process present. When a pulmonary nodule is characterized as malignant, it is of high importance to further classify the malignancy as to type, with non-small cell carcinomas being sub-divided into adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and other types of non-small cell carcinoma. The World Health Organization Reporting System for Lung Cytopathology (WHORSLC) provides an important framework for reporting and classifying material obtained by cytologic techniques, including sputum analysis, bronchial brushings, bronchial washings, and fine-needle aspiration. The system contains five categories for specimen reporting. Clinicians prefer definitive diagnoses separating specimens into definitively benign or definitively malignant categories. The WHORSLC recognizes that it is not invariably possible for cytopathologists to separate specimens into definitively benign or definitively malignant categories. The five categories of the WHORSLC recognize the spectrum of cytologic changes running from clearly benign to clearly malignant, which cytopathologists must place into diagnostically useful and reproduceable categories. The intermediate categories of "atypical" and "suspicious for malignancy" provide structured categories with stringent definitions, estimated malignancy risks, and suggested management and follow-up recommendations. In this way, the categories "atypical" and "suspicious for malignancy" aid in maintaining the high diagnostic accuracy of the "benign" and "malignant" categories.


There are not much information about the impact of obesity on all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality in older adults. We have investigated the impact of obesity and adiposity on all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality, in older adults after a 10-year follow-up. Prospective cohort study has been carried out with individuals ≥ 60 years. Sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, clinical history, laboratory tests and anthropometric data were collected. Adiposity was defined as tertiles of the percentage of body fat assessed by multifrequency bioimpedance. For obesity, three classifications were considered using the body mass index (BMI) as follows: ≥ 25.0 kg/m² in men and ≥ 26.6 kg/m² in women, ≥ 27.0 kg/m² and ≥ 30.0 kg/m². The BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m² was associated a reduction in the all-cause mortality risk in non-ajusted Cox regression (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43 - 0.97) and in the Kaplan-Meier curves (p = 0.032). However, in multivariate Cox regression none of the diagnostic criteria for obesity and adiposity were significantly associated with all-cause, cardiovascular or cancer mortality. This 10-year survival analysis has showed that obesity and adiposity were not associated with an increased risk of all-cause, cardiovascular or cancer mortality in the older adults.


Source rocks (oil shale) were matured artificially via pyrolysis under geologically realistic triaxial stresses using a unique coreholder that is compatible with X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning. This study focuses on characterization of porosity and permeability as well as the evolution of shale fabric during pyrolysis. Experiments were conducted using 1-in. diameter vertical and horizontal core samples from the Green River Formation. Prior to pyrolysis, the properties of the source rock were characterized [e.g., porosity, bulk density, mineralogy, and total organic carbon (TOC)]. Samples were then heated from room temperature to 350°C under a nitrogen environment to obtain conversion of organic matter (OM) to oil and gas via pyrolysis. Porosity and permeability after maturation were measured. Micro-CT visualization was applied to investigate the fracture network developed throughout the core. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were also used to compare the shale fabric and porosity evolution (pre- to post-maturation) at greater resolution.
 In-situ observations reveal a decrease in the average CT number (i.e., density) within some volumetric regions of the cores after maturation. In these regions, OM (kerogen and bitumen) was converted into hydrocarbons. Changes in the source rock depend on the original TOC fraction, hydrogen index (HI), and temperature. The permeability prior to pyrolysis for vertical samples is in the undetectable to nanodarcy range. The permeability of all cores increased to the microdarcy range post-maturation. In particular, the permeability of the horizontal sample increased from 0.14 to 50 µd. This improvement in permeability occurred due to the generation of open porosity and fractures (dilation, generation, and/or drainage). Additionally, the porosity after Soxhlet extraction increased proportionally by 20% from pre- to post-pyrolysis depending on pyrolysis time and TOC fraction. Longitudinal deformation depends on the orientation of the sample with respect to the triaxial stress during pyrolysis. The deformation of vertically oriented samples with isostress conditions is larger than that of horizontally oriented samples with isostrain. The measured 3D in-situ porosity distribution indicates that OM has transformed into hydrocarbons by pyrolysis. The development of a fracture and matrix porosity system under stress provides an explanation for transport of hydrocarbon away from its point of origin.


Just as wireless communications develop
further to achieve higher performance, new application
areas emerge to challenge the limits. Vehicular ad hoc networks
are one of these areas, and emergency situation warning is one
of their most popular applications since traffic safety
is a concern for everyone. Due to the life-critical nature of
emergency applications, however, it is extremely important to
ensure the solutions proposed meet the standards required,
such as reliable and timely delivery of the safety
warning in a situation like car collision avoidance. In order to put
the candidate solutions to the test and evaluate their feasibility,
we adopt the approach of computer simulation. We implement
four different selective broadcast algorithms used for information
dissemination in vehicular ad hoc networks, and compare their
performance under identical realistic simulation conditions.
Our goal is to provide an evaluation focussing on
the performance with respect to safety, rather than to network aspects like throughput, loss, and delay. We
define four new performance criteria to address the effectiveness,
efficiency, timeliness, and overhead of the broadcast
algorithms in safety warning delivery. The results we
obtain using these criteria help us to understand better the
design requirements of a high-performance selective broadcast
algorithm.


Western blot analysis was performed to clarify the presence of trimeric G protein subfamily in membranes derived from human astrocytoma cells (1321N1), cultured rabbit astrocytes and human platelets, using G protein antisera GS alpha, Gi alpha, Gq/11 alpha, and G beta were found to exist in membranes derived from human astrocytoma cells and rabbit astrocytes as well as human platelets. However, only small amount of G(o) alpha was detected in any membranes. Gq/11 alpha was expressed much more in human platelets than in human astrocytoma cells or rabbit astrocytes. 9,11-Epithio-11,12-methanothromboxane A2 (STA2), a stable analogue of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), activated GTPase in membranes derived from human astrocytoma cells, rabbit astrocytes and human platelets with different potencies. STA2-induced GTPase activation in human platelet membranes was partly inhibited by treatment with QL antibody at 0 degrees C for 90 min. Furthermore, STA2-induced GTPase activation in membranes derived from human astrocytoma cells and rabbit astrocytes were potently inhibited by treatment with QL antibody. The results obtained indicate that TXA2 receptors in human astrocytoma cells and rabbit astrocytes communicate with Gq/11 as well as in human platelets.


BACKGROUND
 A web-based survey is a novel method for data capture. Some studies have applied web-based surveys in pediatrics, but few of them have reported data on the differences between web-based and traditional questionnaire surveys.

 OBJECTIVE
 The objective of our study was to evaluate the internal consistency of a web-based survey and compare it with a traditional questionnaire survey in pediatrics.

 METHODS
 A convenience sample of caregivers was invited to participate in the survey on feeding patterns and their children's eating behaviors if their children were aged 2 to 7 years. A web-based survey and a traditional questionnaire survey were carried out between October 2018 and July 2019. A total of 1085 caregivers were involved in this study, and they were divided into the following three groups based on methods and sources: (1) web-based survey from a web source, (2) web-based survey from a hospital source, and (3) traditional questionnaire survey from a hospital source. The data were then compared and analyzed.

 RESULTS
 A total of 735 caregivers participated in the web-based survey and 350 caregivers participated in the traditional questionnaire survey, and 816 cases were then included in the analyses after data processing. The effective rate of the web-based survey was 70.1% (515/735), and the completeness rate of the traditional questionnaire survey was 86.0% (301/350). There were no significant differences between web-based surveys from different sources. However, demographic characteristics were significantly different between the web-based and traditional questionnaire surveys, mainly in terms of age and caregivers (χ²4=16.509, P=.002 and χ²4=111.464, P<.001, respectively). Caregivers of children aged 2 to 3 years and grandparents were more likely to respond to the web-based survey. Age-specific stratified analysis showed that the score of "monitoring" and the reporting rate of "poor appetite" in children aged 2 to 3 years were significantly higher in the web-based survey compared to the traditional questionnaire survey after adjusting for demographic characteristics.

 CONCLUSIONS
 A web-based survey could be a feasible tool in pediatric studies. However, differences in demographic characteristics and their possible impacts on the results should be considered in the analyses.


With declining costs and increasing performance, the deployment of renewable energy systems is growing faster. Particular attention is given to stand-alone solar photovoltaic systems in rural areas or where grid extension is unfeasible. Tools to evaluate electrification projects are available, but they are based on simulations that do not cover all aspects of the design space. Automated verification using model checking has proven to be an effective technique to program verification. This paper marks the first application of software model checking to formally verify the design of a stand-alone solar photovoltaic system including solar panel, charge controller, battery, inverter, and electric load. Case studies, from real photovoltaic systems deployed in five different sites, ranging from 700W to 1,200W, were used to evaluate this proposed approach and to compare that with specialized simulation tools. Data from practical applications show the effectiveness of our approach, where specific conditions that lead to failures in a photovoltaic solar system are only detected by our automated verification method.


Background. We study the so called empirical versions of Hsu—Robbins and Baum—Katz series that are the basic notion of the classical theory of complete convergence. Objective. The aim of the paper is to find necessary and sufficient conditions for the almost sure convergence of empirical Baum—Katz series. These conditions are expressed in terms of the existence of certain moments of the underlying random variables. Methods. For proving our results we develop some new technique based on truncation and studying the truncated random variables. A sufficient ingredient of our approach is to show that the behavior of the truncated versions and the original ones is the same. Despite some similarity between the original series and its empirical version, the methods for achieving the results are quite different. Results. We find necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of higher moments of empirical versions. A special attention is paid to the case of multi-indexed sums. The latter case differs essentially from the one-dimensional case, since the space of indices is not completely ordered and thus any approach based on the first hitting moment does not work here. Conclusions. The results obtained in the paper may serve as a base for further studies of empirical versions that could be used in statistical procedures of estimating an unknown variance.


Abstract The phenomena of hopelessness, depression and, suicidality among the elderly have been long recognized as a social problem. It is commonly agreed that the rates of depression, sense of hopelessness and, suicidality in that age group are higher among older people. Due to its sensitive nature, the gerontological literature has been paid more theoretical and empirical attention to the understanding of such phenomena at the last two decades. The present study concerned hopelessness, depression and, suicidality among an elderly community population. It aimed at providing a demographic profile of factors contributing to depression and suicidality among old people. At five senior citizen centers at the north of Israel, 316 old people living in the community were randomly selected. Subjects were administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (HS), and the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI). The data suggest that four main demographic variables contributed to the explanation of suicidality, depression, and hopelessness among the elderly. Practical implications are discussed.


Traffic congestion has many dimensions including intensity, extent, duration and reliability. • Conventional congestion analyses use Highway Capacity Manual demand-capacity-delay relationships for assessing performance of specific roadway locations or sections. Broader measures include applying differences or ratios between actual and desired travel times and speeds. • Reliability brings a new set of metrics to roadway performance calculations. While typical measures deal with averages, reliability deals with the ranges and distributions of travel times. It focuses on estimating the travel time rates that are not likely to be exceeded. • This paper gives some of the key metrics associated with reliability and shows how they differ from conventional congestion analysis. It draws upon and extends recent research efforts.


A key pre-distribution scheme is a method by which initially an off-line trusted authority T A distributes pieces of information among a set of users. Later, each member of a group of users can compute a common key for secure communication. In this paper we present a Keying Material Based Key Pre-distribution Scheme, i.e., a group of users, using secret information preloaded in their memory and some public information retrieved from a keying material server, can compute a common key. We first formally define the keying material based key pre-distribution scheme in terms of the entropy, and give lower bounds on the amount of information each user has to keep secret. Then, we describe its applications for sensor networks.


ATP plays important roles in cellular processes in cancer cells, which are a heterogeneous population in tumors regarding their genetic background and oxygen and energy supplies. The fact that cancer cells undergo rapid proliferation suggests that they must possess mechanisms, which may not be present in normal cells, to meet their high energy needs. Studies by others revealed that extracellular ATP levels of various cancer types are 10^3 to 10^4 times higher than those in their corresponding normal tissues (1). We recently reported that extracellular ATP can be taken up directly by cancer cells by macropinocytosis (2). Based on these results, we hypothesized that the internalized extracellular ATP not only promotes cancer cell growth and survival, but also drug resistance. In this study, human lung cancer A549 and breast cancer MCF7 cells were used as cell models to determine the effects of extracellular ATP on drug resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in cancer cells. Cancer cell viability and intracellular ATP measurement results showed that extracellular ATP substantially increased intracellular ATP levels and promoted cancer cell drug resistance to TKIs. Viability of TKI treated cancer cells was significantly increased in the presence of extracellular ATP, compared to cancer cells with TKI treatment alone. Administration of macropinocytosis inhibitors significantly reduced the drug resistance induced by extracellular ATP, suggesting that extracellular ATP promoted drug resistance by contributing to the intracellular ATP pool. Protein and protein phosphorylation analyses results suggested that the increased intracellular ATP reversed the inhibition of TKIs by competing with the inhibitor for the ATP-binding site of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and enhancing Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings identify, for the first time, new biological functions of extracellular ATP in tumors and may lead to novel anti-cancer strategies combating drug resistance in cancers. 1. Pellegatti P, et al. PLoS ONE 2008;3:e2599. 2. Qian Y, et al. Cancer Lett 2014;351:242-51. Citation Format: Xuan Wang, Yanrong Qian, Yunsheng Li, Xiaozhuo Chen. Extracellular ATP promotes cancer cell drug resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors by competing for the ATP-binding site of tyrosine kinase. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5462. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5462


The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is conducting a survey to gather information on why technical professionals change jobs or quit working. The survey, prompted by concern about the retention of skilled workers, aims to provide information to employers that can assist them in addressing practices that can lead to significant workforce attrition. To participate in the survey, which is open to everyone (including those who are not SPE members), go to http://research.spe.org/se.ashx?s=705E3F1335720258 through 15 May 2013. For more information, contact email@example.com.


Abnormalities of the renin-angiotensin system after low-dose cyclosporin (5 mg/kg/day or less) have not been adequately defined in patients with normal kidneys. 27 patients with psoriasis were assessed before starting cyclosporin, after three months of cyclosporin (5 mg/kg/day or less) and then finally three months after finishing cyclosporin. On each occasion plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone, angiotensin II and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were measured together with total renal blood flow (RBF), GFR and filtration fraction (FF) following an i.v. bolus injection of Tc-99m DTPA. Significant renal hemodynamic toxicity was defined as > 25% fall in RBF or > 20% fall in GFR. Using these criteria we identified 12 patients with hemodynamic toxicity (Group A) and 15 patients whose GFR and RBF did not fall significantly (Group B). In Group A a significant fall in GFR (p < 0.001) and reduction in renal blood flow (p < 0.04) were associated with significant rises in both ambulant and recumbent angiotensin II (p < 0.0005). PRA, aldosterone and ANP did not significantly alter. GFR partially recovered after withdrawal of cyclosporin although RBF remained significantly lower compared to initial values. In Group B there was no significant change in GFR or RBF although there was a reversible fall in FF (p < 0.02). There were no significant differences in angiotensin II, PRA, aldosterone or ANP. Circulating angiotensin II rises in patients who develop cyclosporin nephrotoxicity and may be responsible for mediating the hemodynamic effects.


Background Patients with HIV mono-infection may develop chronic liver disease due to a number of factors including hepatic steatosis. We estimated the prevalence and predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a cohort of HIV-mono-infected patients with persistently deranged liver function tests. Methods Of 2398 consecutive patients at one UK clinical center, 156 (6.5%) had persistently abnormal transaminases in at least two measurements six months apart. We used APRI and FIB4 scores to determine the presence of significant and/or advanced fibrosis in this group as well as its potential associations. Results Mean age was 47.5±8.5 years and 91% (142/156) were males. Diabetes mellitus was present in 11% of patients; hypertension in 18%; and dyslipidemia in 52%. Almost all were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (97%) and most were virologically suppressed (94%). Steatosis was detected by ultrasound in 71% of patients. The prevalence of FIB4≤1.45, 1.46-3.24 and >3.25 was 67%, 29% and 4%, respectively, and that of APRI≤0.5, 0.51-1.49 and >1.5 was 52%, 45% and 3% respectively. In multivariate analysis, only cumulative ART exposure was associated with FIB4>1.45 (odds ratio [OR] 1.008, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000-1.016), while APRI>0.5 was associated with higher alanine aminotransferase levels (OR 1.033, 95%CI 1.015-1.510). Twenty patients had a liver biopsy, of whom 13 had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Conclusions Elevated transaminases are often present in HIV-mono-infected patients and this may be associated with NAFLD and/or ART. Non-invasive screening for the presence of NAFLD and fibrosis in all HIV-mono-infected patients as part of their routine clinical management should be further explored.


Disadvantages and risks related to teenage pregnancy, together with a recent increase in Scottish conception rates among teenagers aged 13-15 years old, give cause for concern. Using an illustrated short story and questionnaire, attitudes of 129 Ayrshire teenagers aged 14-15 years old were examined to teenage pregnancy, and more generally to early sex. Seventy-three percent of girls advocated joint responsibility for contraceptive protection compared with only 46% of boys (p<0.01). Also, significantly more boys than girls saw nothing wrong with casual sex (21%vs. 5%, p<0.01), and significantly less boys than girls upheld the virtue of commitment in sexual relationships (27%vs. 54%, p<0.01). Sex education programmes should explore these gender-related disparities.


Identifying the mechanisms underlying the contribution of coagulation factor XII (fXII) to arterial thrombosis is of particular clinical interest. The physiological importance of platelet dense granules-derived polyphosphates in fXII activation is a subject of intense discussion and controversy. Our previous study suggested that the potently activated platelet-surface plays the more essential role in fXII activation. We, therefore, assayed the plasma fXII activation by potently stimulated platelets from a variety of patients with inherited granule disorders to clarify the possible role of surfaceassociated denseor α-granule components. The assay was performed with A23187-stimulated platelets washed from secretions containing fXII(a) inhibitors. Platelets from two patients with dense granule defects and one patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome supported surface-associated fXII activation significantly better than platelets from 52 healthy donors. The platelets from two patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome demonstrated no significant difference compared with the donor group. In contrast, platelets from one patient with α,δ-storage pool deficiency as well as platelets from four patients with gray platelet syndrome of different genetic backgrounds did not support fXII activation. The results underscore the non-essential role of dense granule components in platelet surface-associated fXII activation.


In this article we integrate insights from the business model and digital
artifacts literature to explore the role of digital innovation in business
model evolution. Despite significant interest in how digital technologies
facilitate the emergence of new ventures and new business models,
limited research examines the interplay between digital innovations and
the dynamic process of shaping and renewing business models, and the
implications of digital innovations for the performance of entrepreneurial
companies. A longitudinal case study of twelve Chinese Online Group
Buying (OGB) companies shows compressed patterns of digital and nondigital
innovations, where the scope, range, and incidence of innovation is
intensive. Digital innovation involves continuous "morphing" that creates
complex interdependencies between business design elements, which leads
to long-term performance and survival.


Objective To quantify the magnitude of overdiagnosis from non-progressive disease detected by screening mammography, after adjustment for the potential for lead time bias, secular trend in the underlying risk of breast cancer, and opportunistic screening. Design Approximate bayesian computation analysis with a stochastic simulation model designed to replicate standardised incidence rates of breast cancer. The model components included the lifetime probability of breast cancer, the natural course of breast cancer, and participation in organised and opportunistic mammography screening. Setting Isère, a French administrative region with nearly 1.2 million inhabitants. Participants All women living in Isère and aged 50-69 during 1991-2006. Main outcome measures Overdiagnosis, defined as the proportion of non-progressive cancers among all cases of invasive cancer and carcinoma in situ detected 1991-2006. Results In 1991-2006, overdiagnosis from non-progressive disease accounted for 1.5% of all cases of invasive cancer (95% credibility interval 0.3% to 2.9%) and 28.0% of all cases of carcinoma in situ (2.2% to 59.8%) detected either clinically or by screening mammography in Isère. When analysis was restricted to the cancers detected by screening mammography only, the estimates of overdiagnosis were 3.3% (0.7% to 6.5%) and 31.9% (2.9% to 62.3%) for invasive cancer and carcinomas in situ, respectively. Conclusion Overdiagnosis from the detection of non-progressive disease by screening mammography was limited in 1991-2006 in Isère. Because carcinoma in situ accounted for less than 15% of all incident breast cancer cases, its contribution to overdiagnosis was relatively limited and imprecise.


This article aims to study the role of human resource empowerment in the sustainable development in tourism industry. In this respect, the concept of empowerment, its importance and its role in sustainable development as well as objectives of tourism industry and winning customers' satisfaction in tourist environments by means of enhancing job satisfaction, innovation and creativity at work, problem solving are studied.The results from the research showed that there is a strong tendency in present organizations across the world to empower their personnel to increase efficiency and improve working systems. It was also suggested for the management and personnel to have short term, long term and on the job training.


Recent research in mammals supports a link between cognitive ability and the gut microbiome, but little is known about this relationship in other taxa. In a captive population of 38 zebra finch(es) (Taeniopygia guttata), we quantified performance on cognitive tasks measuring learning and memory. We sampled the gut microbiome via cloacal swab and quantified bacterial alpha and beta diversity. Performance on cognitive tasks related to beta diversity but not alpha diversity. We then identified differentially abundant genera influential in the beta diversity differences among cognitive performance categories. Though correlational, this study provides some of the first evidence of an avian microbiota–gut–brain axis, building foundations for future microbiome research in wild populations and during host development.


This study evaluated the effect of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) dynamics on the value of ecosystem services in Abaya-Chamo basin over 1985–2050. The main objectives of the study were to estimate the value of ecosystem services of Abaya-Chamo basin using local and global ecosystem service value coefficients, assess how it changes over time, and develop tools to inform policy and public decision-making to protect lands and waters in the region. The study utilized observed (1985 and 2010) and predicted (2030 and 2050) LULC datasets and ecosystem service value coefficients obtained from publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The results indicated that the total ecosystem service value of Abaya-Chamo basin was 12.13 billion USD in 1985 and 12.45 billion USD in 2010. The value is predicted to increase to 12.47 billion USD by the year 2050, which is 2.84% (344.5 million USD) higher than the total value of ecosystem services of the basin in 1985. Although the total ecosystem service value of the basin showed a slight increase over the study period, it was observed that the total value of services obtained from natural ecosystems is expected to decline by 36.24% between 1985 and 2050. The losses of services obtained from natural ecosystems, such as water regulation and erosion control, are major concern as the consequence has already been reported in the basin in the form of reduced water quality and productivity of the lakes due to an increased soil erosion and sediment transport in the basin. Therefore, special attention should be given to the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and the protection of remaining natural vegetation and water bodies to enhance natural capital and ecosystem services in the basin. A large-scale dissemination of eco-agricultural land use practices, which provide multiple ecosystem services (such as agroforestry and heterogeneous agricultural areas) in the basin, needs to be considered in the future.


Purpose Classically, NKG2 receptors are associated with cytotoxic cells, such as NK and CD8+ T lymphocytes. However, NKG2A has been recently found on activated T-helper (TH) cells, presenting the possibility of differential expression between TH1 and TH2 subtypes. Given the importance of the balance between TH1 and TH2 cells in critical illnesses such as asthma and ARDS, this finding could be significant as these are the only TH receptors known to bind MHC class I complexes. To examine the expression of NKG2 receptors on TH1 and TH2 cells in quiescence and with activation. Methods Using a density gradient method, the mononuclear cell (MNC) layer was isolated from the peripheral blood of 5 healthy volunteers. TH1 and TH2 cells were isolated from the MNC fractions using a negative cell selection technique. Each cell isolate was split and half was activated for 4 hours with PMA, ionomycin, and brefeldin A. Flow cytometry was performed on the activated and non-activated samples. Results All isolates were pure CD3+CD4+ cells (SE: 98.8 0.4%) with no evidence of CD8+ or CD56+ contamination. We found moderate levels of NKG2C positivism on quiescent TH2 cells (14.7 4%) but little NKG2A. After activation, we found significantly increased expression of NKG2A (12.9 7.3%; p = 0.03) and decreased NKG2C (7.2 3.3%; p = 0.26) on TH2 cells, in addition to cells newly positive for CD56 (27.6 16.6%; p = 0.01). The degree of TH2 NKG2 expression with activation varied between individuals but was reproducible within an individual. There was little notable expression of either NKG2 receptor on TH1 cells before or after activation. Conclusions These data suggest that the earlier finding of NKG2 receptors on activated TH cells is due to TH2 up-regulation of several NK-like surface markers. This implies that these cells have some role in cytotoxicity. Intriguing also is the dramatic inter-individual differences in NKG2 expression levels. Elucidation of whether this is genetically-driven or a function of NKG2-switching among unmeasured subtypes is a crucial next step and could lead to important new understanding of the pathophysiology of TH1/2 balance-related diseases like asthma and ARDS.


By employing the (de)homogenization technique in a relatively extensive setting, this note studies in detail the relation between non-homogeneous Gr\"obner bases and homogeneous Gr\"obner bases. As a consequence, a general principle of computing Gr\"obner bases (for an ideal and its homogenization ideal) by passing to homogenized generators is clarified systematically. The obtained results improve and strengthen the work of [LWZ], [Li1], [Li2], [Li3], and very recent [SL] concerning the same topic.


Abstract This article examines five 'challenges' facing most administrative systems across Europe. The first challenge stems from the increasingly asymmetric nature of European multilevel governance; the second challenge arises from the missed opportunity of reforming in the absence of a dominant administrative paradigm; the third challenge lies in rescuing and transforming the welfare state; the fourth challenge is concerned with making the most of the knowledge generated in the field of strategic management for strategically managing public services; the fifth challenge lies in staff (de)motivation. These challenges are pitched at very different levels: some are related to issues of public governance, some to issues of scholarly and practitioners' collective understandings of public administration in Europe, and some to trends in the global economy, and notably the financial, economic and fiscal 'crises'.


The study involving eighty buffaloes in their second to fourth lactation in Panchmahal and Vadodara districts indicated that during early lactation inclusion of concentrate mixture with bypass protein in the ration resulted in significant improvement in yield of whole milk, fat and 6% Fat Corrected Milk (FCM). The improved feed conversion efficiency in treatment group resulted in higher return over feed cost. The farm animals in 15-60 days post-partum period were selected based on their average daily milk yield and fat per cent following Completely Randomized Design, for the trial of 90 days duration at tribal villages in Panchmahal and Vadodara districts. The selected buffaloes were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments i.e. T1 (Control) and T2 (Bypass protein feed). The buffaloes in control group (T1) were fed as per the feeding schedule followed by the farmers (concentrate + green roughage + dry roughage) and those in treatment group (T2) were reared on farm feeding schedule + compound concentrate mixture containing bypass protein. The inclusion of bypass protein feed in early lactating buffaloes resulted in improvement in milk quantity and quality as well as feed conversion efficiency which led to increase in daily income by Rs. 29.18 ± 5.18 and 29.53 ± 7.33 per buffalo in Panchmahal and Vadodara districts, respectively.


In this paper we present results from a study on the use of improved coffee production technology schemes among smallholder coffee producers in three prominent coffee producing regions in Honduras. We analyze the impact of various schemes (trajectories) in which different agents influence the producers' decision to use new technologies. In particular, we distinguish the influence of a) private coffee buying organizations and b) govern‐ ment and public development agencies on the innovation behavior of coffee growers. Drawing from network data that depict the internal and outbound connectedness of producers in three village communities in main coffee producing zones in Honduras, we applied tools of social network analysis to find out how interactions with certain agents, separately and cumulatively, has influenced their use of improved methods in coffee pro‐ duction and marketing. The results suggest that there are significant differences in the way that various provid‐ ers of knowledge and technology, especially private buyers and development agencies, influence the farmers' behavior towards innovation. The influence of buyers, according to our data, is focused on certification and quality aspects, whereas development agents focus on improved agronomic practices. We also find that farmers who communicate with the extension branch of input providers tend to be more innovative. These results sug‐ gest that development programs should take more seriously into account the role of private actors in innovation among agricultural producers and, hence, design development programs in such a way to allow for collabora‐ tion with these agents.


Ion-implanted GaAs integrated circuits have been characterized under dark and illuminated conditions to determine the sensitivity of ac parameters to light. Auxiliary experiments were performed on discrete IC elements using white and monochromatic illumination and backgating. Discrete MESFET's were characterized under the various conditions to determine corresponding variations in the magnitudes of Sehottky-barrier height and parasitic channel resistances. We have determined that light sensitivity and backgating are strongly interrelated and arise from a depletion layer at the substrate active-layer interface. We will describe the effect of trap filling on channel resistance and the resulting speed-power variations arising from illumination and backgating.


Abstract : AutoMap is software for computer-assisted Network Text Analysis (NTA). NTA encodes the links among words in a text and constructs a network of the links words. AutoMap subsumes classical Content Analysis by analyzing the existence, frequencies, and covariance of terms and themes.


PURPOSE
A direct approach to the question of whether prostate tumors have an atypically high sensitivity to fractionation (low alpha/beta ratio), more typical of the surrounding late-responding normal tissue.

METHODS AND MATERIALS
Earlier estimates of alpha/beta for prostate cancer have relied on comparing results from external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy, an approach with significant pitfalls due to the many differences between the treatments. To circumvent this, we analyze recent data from a single EBRT + high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy protocol, in which the brachytherapy was given in either 2 or 3 implants, and at various doses. For the analysis, standard models of tumor cure based on Poisson statistics were used in conjunction with the linear-quadratic formalism. Biochemical control at 3 years was the clinical endpoint. Patients were matched between the 3 HDR vs. 2 HDR implants by clinical stage, pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, length of follow-up, and age.

RESULTS
The estimated value of alpha/beta from the current analysis of 1.2 Gy (95% CI: 0.03, 4.1 Gy) is consistent with previous estimates for prostate tumor control. This alpha/beta value is considerably less than typical values for tumors (> or =8 Gy), and more comparable to values in surrounding late-responding normal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS
This analysis provides strong supporting evidence that alpha/beta values for prostate tumor control are atypically low, as indicated by previous analyses and radiobiological considerations. If true, hypofractionation or HDR regimens for prostate radiotherapy (with appropriate doses) should produce tumor control and late sequelae that are at least as good or even better than currently achieved, with the added possibility that early sequelae may be reduced.


The match towards an African cultural renaissance is not a speculation that should be left hanging on an ivory tower but rather a reality that is praxis oriented. The call for a cultural revolution does not mean a call to primitivism; it is not a call back to cultural practices such as the killing of twins, patriarchy, human sacrifices nor the visualization of western education as taboo or abomination as some groups hold. Also, it is not a call to close the door against cultural. This paper argues that for Africans to be Africans, they must know what makes them Africans with regard to their cultural heritage. This was the point stressed by Socrates when he said "Man know thyself". Keywords : African, Culture, Renaissance


Inhaled progeny of 222Rn (radon progeny) are the most important source of irradiation of the human respiratory tract. Their attachment to atmospheric aerosols follows a well-established relationship between the activity size distribution (ASD) and the number size distribution. Recent studies have shown that indoor aerosols are derived primarily from outdoor sources, so it is pertinent to study the effects of different ambient environments on the indoor radon dose (in terms of the dose conversion coefficient or DCC, in units of mSv WLM-1). Commonly encountered ambient aerosols were studied here, which included the traffic-, urban-, and marine-influenced aerosols. The ASDs of attached radon progeny for all three studied ambient environments were well-represented by normal distributions. From these ASDs, the DCCs were calculated using the ICRP66 model and the scaled Yeh-Schum model. All other employed parameters were adopted from original references or authoritative reports. The DCCs for a nominal home calculated using the James model and the Yeh-Schum model were 12 and 8 mSv WLM-1, respectively. The DCCs were largest for urban-influenced ambient environments and smallest for marine-influenced ambient environments, and those for traffic-influenced ambient environments were close to that for a nominal home. If we adopt the stochastic model, the probability of contracting radon-induced lung cancer by a person living with a marine-influenced ambient environment will be half that of a person living with an urban-influenced ambient environment.


In this letter, a pulse-width modulated digital pixel sensor is presented along with its inherent advantages such as low power consumption and wide operating range. The pixel, which comprises an analog processor and an 8-bit memory cell, operates in an asynchronous self-resetting mode. In contrast to most CMOS image sensors, in our approach, the photocurrent signal is encoded as a pulse-width signal, and converted to an 8-bit digital code using a Gray counter. The dynamic range of the pixel can be adapted by simply modulating the clock frequency of the counter. To test the operation of the proposed pixel architecture, an image sensor array has been designed and fabricated in a 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS technology, where each pixel occupies an area of 45/spl times/45 /spl mu/m/sup 2/. Here, the operation of the sensor is demonstrated through experimental results.


Radio-frequency (rf) superconducting devices are very sensitive to corrosion because of the small penetration depths λ<300 nm of the rf magnetic fields, Hrf. Qualification of high temperature superconductor (HTS) filters for launching into outer space requires resistance against corrosion for three weeks at 40 °C and 93% relative humidity. A protective layer is essential to shield the HTS against these severe atmospheric conditions and to avoid degradation of HTS films. Such degradation has been reduced by a thin BaF2/Y F3 protective layer produced by soaking the YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) films in HF solution. Results on the surface resistance Rs(77 K,Hrf) of YBCO films of different quality before and after HF soaking, as well as after exposure to a highly humid atmosphere, are presented. They are explained by weak link corrosion by deoxygenation, easing the permeation of Josephson fluxons. These nonlinear effects, edge enhanced by strips and holes, ultimately limit the applications of strip line or TE011 modes, being quantitatively related to Josephson fluxon hysteresis losses causing local heating. These results on YBCO films shed new light on HTS material science and corrosion, into thermal runaway of HTS and nonlinear surface impedances of HTS films, and their dependences on the rf mode.


This article describes an online problem-solving cognitive rehabilitation training programme with twenty interactive pictorial sessions. Disseminated through a media server, therapists are able to conduct interactive training programme to remote patients. In this study, it was hypothesized that the programme can help people with brain injuries to learn better problem-solving skills through systematic, theoretically driven learning strategies.


ABSTRACT: In this paper, the authors analyze the possibility of reducing potential legal risks and transaction costs with respect to Brazil's adhesion to the CISG, in particular in relation to Brazilian, Chinese and Latin-American parties. The lack of predictability of the applicable laws and the substantial differences between the domestic laws of Brazil and its main trade partners create high legal risks and transaction costs for traders. This paper suggests that the CISG will provide legal certainty and appropriate rules to govern international contracts, thereby reducing risk and cost, and contributing to the celebration of contracts between Brazil and its main trade partners. Parties that are not currently engaged in a commercial relationship with Brazilian parties may regard Brazil's adhesion to the CISG as an opportunity to trade under a worldwide known and tailor-made set of neutral provisions.


Background: Since 2004, zebrafish have become the
state-of-the-art, in vivo model for biomedical
research due to their genetic and physiological homology with humans,
inexpensive high-quantity breeding, and quick development in a
highly-controlled environment suitable for longitudinal studies. New Method: To fully utilize the zebrafish model, a novel, automated, high-throughput system
was designed. Shoals of five zebrafish were placed in 16 tanks and automatically
fed over two days for a total of 16 training sessions. Color LED lights were
used as the stimulus for each shoal coinciding with the release of food for a
duration of 20 seconds. This system was tested on two age groups: 6- and 11-month-old. Results: After three training sessions, the median height of the school in the
tank during stimulus was significantly higher than that of the naive fish
during the first training session. All subsequent training sessions demonstrated
similar behaviour. A decline in memory retention, as defined by a reduction in
the median height during light stimulus (i.e. no simultaneous food delivery),
was observed 8 days post training. Comparison with existing methods: The
high-throughput nature of this system allows for simultaneous training of 16
tanks of fish under identical conditions without human interaction and provides
a means to rapidly assess their learning and memory behaviours. Conclusion: Results provide a baseline for understanding the normal cognitive processes
of learning and memory retention in zebrafish. This work paves the way for
future studies on the impacts of therapeutic agents on these cognitive processes.


© The authors and ICE Publishing: All rights reserved, 2015. The use of fibre optic technology for monitoring geotechnical work has becoming increasing popular in the UK. The optical fibre is used as a sensing element, where the value for temperature and/or strain can be obtained from any point along the fibre. In the past decade the Brillouin backscattering technology has been widely used for a range of applications in the field of geotechnical engineering. It has clearly demonstrated an excellent capability for distributed strain and temperature sensing with many benefits over the conventional sensors. This technology has been used for numerous geotechnical installations in the past decades such as retaining/secant wall, deep foundations, energy foundations, slopes, tunnel pre-casted segments, tunnel linings, deep shaft panels, etc. A selection of studies from different applications will be presented in the paper, and this paper will map the development and justification of fibre optic monitoring technology and its contribution to the geotechnical community in the UK.


This paper updates the earlier literature on youth transitions from school to work in MENA countries in light of new evidence on inequality of opportunity. It argues that the discussion of transitions based on the experience of the "average youth" miss significant variation in experiences of youth from different social and economic backgrounds, and that these differences should be taken into account in designing policies to facilitate youth transitions. The evidence reviewed in this paper shows great variation across the region in all types of inequality of opportunity. The evidence also shows that inequality of opportunity in several countries is very high. In these countries the quality of the family and community environment in which a child grows up matters greatly for the likelihood of ever entering school and reaching the secondary level, achievement in math and science, and for the quality of jobs in which they end up as adults. The paper discusses some of the reasons behind the high levels of inequality of opportunity, in particular the methods of national testing that reward a narrow range of skills, which leads to lower equality of opportunity. INEQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN EDUCATION AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN MENA


We report on a case with a partial monosomy for the regions 9p23 --> pter and 13p11 --> pter as a result of a de novo translocation (9p23;13p11). The patient, a 16-year-old girl, has mental deficiency, obesity, and minor anomalies, including trigonocephaly, hypertelorism and a short, broad neck. Cytogenetic and microsatellite marker analysis allowed us to assign the breakpoint to the chromosomal region 9p23, flanked by the markers D9S144 and D9S157. In an attempt to establish a phenotype-genotype correlation, the clinical manifestations present in our patient are compared to those with partial 9p monosomy and breakpoint in p23, referred to in the literature.


An analysis of trends in international methodologies for describing and measuring Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) curriculum integration reveals that there has been an identifiable focus on student access to ICTs, student attitudes toward the use of ICTs, and on teacher training and professional development in the use of ICTs (Jamieson-Proctor, Watson and Finger, 2003). There is now an emerging need for and trend towards the development of performance measurement instruments which measure ICT curriculum integration. This paper provides recommendations for the development of an ICT curriculum integration performance measurement instrument through a summary of recent ICT curriculum integration research, and an examination of international methodologies for describing and measuring ICT curriculum integration. Specific reference is made to the theoretical framework conceptualised to guide the development of the instrument by identifying key strategic ICT drivers, dimensions of ICT use (DETYA, 2000a; DEST, 2002), and the integration of ICTs with the Productive Pedagogies framework (Education Queensland, 2000; 2003b )


SUMMARY Two groups of H-2 congenic strains of mice were compared for their susceptibility to a primary infection with the nematode Trichuris muris. Mice of the BALB genetic background were markedly more resistant than mice of the BIO genetic background, as reflected by the rate of expulsion of T. muris from the large intestine. Within each of the two groups of H-2 congenic strains mice possessing the H-2k haplotype (BALB/k, B10.BR) were more susceptible to infection than mice expressing other haplotypes; B10 background strains expressing H-2b (B10) or H-2q (B10.G) alleles were the most resistant of the four congenic strains studied. Differential resistance was observed within three of the four BIO congenic strains and this is discussed in terms of rate of development of the protective immune response in relation to worm development. The results support the conclusion that both H-2-linked and non-H-2 genes play important roles in controlling the immune response which expels worms from the gut.


Background: Most of the scientific formulae for age estimation in forensic odontology were tested among western population and hence cannot be applied to the Indian population consistently. Therefore, it was in this context that Dr. Ashith B. Acharya had carried out a study using the modified Demirjian's method in Indian population and found out that the study gave inferior results for age estimation. So he developed Indian-specific regression analysis and worked out a formula. Aim: This study was done to validate age using Demirjian's eight-teeth method and to compare the effectiveness of Demirjian's formula and Indian-specific formula in Kanyakumari population. Material and Methods: Digital orthopantomographs of 150 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the age group of 8–24 years were used in the study. The third quadrant in the radiograph was assessed visually from mandibular central incisor to the third molar using Demirjian's modified criteria chart. Calculation of the dental age was done using Demirjian's formula and Ashith B. Acharya's Indian-specific formula. The difference between chronological age and dental age was calculated, and the mean absolute error (MAE) was obtained. Results: The MAE was 0.20 years for the whole of Kanyakumari population, and for males it was 0.10 years and for females 0.29 years with Indian-specific formula, whereas the MAE was 2.66, 1.86, and 3.51 years, respectively, for the whole of Kanyakumari population, males, and females using Demirjian's formula. Conclusion: The observations from this study suggest that the MAE was less between chronological age and estimated dental age which was calculated using Indian-specific formula, compared with the values obtained using Demirjian's formula. Thereby we conclude that Indian-specific formula is more reliable in age estimation of Kanyakumari population.


High‐energy trapped electrons in the Van Allen belts pose a threat to the survivability of orbiting spacecraft. Two key radiation effects are total ionizing dose and displacement damage dose in components and materials, both of which cause cumulative and largely irreversible damage. During an extreme space weather event, trapped electron fluxes in the Van Allen belts can increase by several orders of magnitude in intensity, leading to an enhanced risk of satellite failure. We use extreme environments generated by modeling and statistical analyses to estimate the consequences for satellites in terms of the radiation effects described above. A worst‐case event could lead to significant losses in power generating capability—up to almost 8%—and cause up to four years' worth of ionizing dose degradation, leading to component damage and a life‐shortening effect on satellites. The consequences of such losses are hugely significant given our increasing reliance on satellites for a vast array of services, including communication, navigation, defense, and critical infrastructure.


: Another Covid, Covid 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an extremely intense respiratory disorder, has recently emerged to cause a human pandemic. While atomic indicator tests have evolved rapidly, serological measurements are still lacking, but are desperately needed. Approved serological tests are needed for contact tracing, virus pool recognition and epidemiological investigations. Our current research was conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore from February 2020 to October 2020. We have developed serological tests for the discovery of antibodies to SARS CoV-2, explicit antibodies to peak proteins and explicit antibodies to nucleocapsules. Using serum assays from patients with PCR-confirmed SARS CoV-2 contaminations, other Covid, or other pathogenic respiratory diseases, we have also approved, assayed different antigens in various in-house and commercial ELISAs as well. We have shown that most PCR-confirmed SARS CoV-2 infected individuals seroconverted approximately 14 days after the onset of infection. We found that the IgG or company S1 IgA ELISAs were less specific, and that the affectability varied between the two tests; the IgA ELISAs indicated higher affectability. In general, the approved tests described may be useful for the discovery of explicit antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in the context of demonstrative and seroepidemiologic antibody evaluation.


AIMS
Aortic valve calcification is an actively regulated process with endothelial dysfunction displaying hallmarks of atherosclerosis. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) system has been reported to have a role in the pathogenesis of vascular atherosclerosis and to be distinctly downregulated in aortic valve stenosis (AS). Here we studied gene expressions of CNP and is target receptor natriuretic peptide receptor type B (NPR-B) in human aortic valves. Furthermore, we compared gene expression of CNP system in patients with HMG-coenzyme-A reductase (statin) treatment to non-statin-treated patients in AS group.

METHODS AND RESULTS
With the study population of 108 patients, we characterized expression of CNP and NPR-B in human aortic valves and compared normal control valves (n = 12) with valves obtained from patients with aortic regurgitation (AR, n = 16), AR with fibrosis (AR+fibr., n = 19) and AS (n = 61). By reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), CNP mRNA levels were 89% lower (p = 0.022) in stenotic valves, when compared to AR group. Moreover, the mRNA levels of NPR-B, the target receptor of CNP, were 62% lower (p < 0.001) in stenotic valves when compared to control group and 54% lower (p = 0.002) in stenotic valves, when compared to AR group. There was no statistical significant difference in CNP and NPR-B levels in AS group when the statin-treated patients were compared to untreated patients.

CONCLUSIONS
These results show for the first time that the gene expression of anti-atherogenic CNP system did not differ between statin-treated and non-statin-treated patients in AS. The research data supports the results of clinical trials with the same drug class.


Texas This paper eYamines the two conflicting definitions of local control inherent in the majority and minority opinions in the.1973 U.S. Supreme urt decision, San Antonio Independent School 111 District v. Rodrigue he author agreeP with the minority decision that lack of adequate unds, regardless of the number of legal constraints set down by the state, weakens; if not effectively eliminates, local decision-making and control. What research there is on the relationship between school funding and school district . autonomy indicates (contrary to the assumption of the Court's majority) that increased state funding to local districts doles not decrease cal decisizin-making power. However, property-poor aistrits that receive insufficient, state equalization funds are restricted in ways in which richer aistrictP are .not. Not on/yJdoes q local control suffer in poor districts, but the uality of education (at least in part depepdent.on money) also drops. (DS)


Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke caused by primary multivessel occlusions (pMVO) is a rare but devastating disease. Whether multi-target mechanical thrombectomy for pMVO is beneficial remains unknown. Methods: Multicenter retrospective review of patients treated with multi-target mechanical thrombectomy. The following pMVO sites were included: basilar artery, internal carotid artery, and middle cerebral artery (M1 and M2). Baseline characteristics were reported together with interventional technique, technical efficacy, and safety parameters. Clinical outcomes were evaluated applying the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale. A systematic literature review was performed to summarize previous reports on pMVO mechanical thrombectomy. Results: Of 6081 patients screened, 21 patients met the inclusion criteria (0.35% [95% CI, 0.23%–0.53%]). In 70% (14/20) a cardioembolic cause was reported. A successful reperfusion of Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale score ≥2b was achieved in 95.2% (20/21) for the first and 76.1% (16/21) for the second target vessel. In those who survived the acute hospital stay (n=10/21), median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale improved from 21 (interquartile range, 13–27) to 8 (interquartile range, 2–20) at discharge (P=0.006). Mortality was 60% (12/20) at 90 days and only 20% (4/20) of patients reached modified Rankin Scale score ≤2. Acceptable outcomes were almost exclusively observed in pMVO patients presenting with at least one M2 occlusion. Conclusions: Multi-target mechanical thrombectomy for pMVOs is rarely performed; however, the procedure appears to be feasible and safe with high reperfusion rates for both occlusion sites. More than half of all treated patients deceased early and favorable outcomes may only be expected for pMVO patients including at least one M2 occlusion.


set forth to learn as precisely as possible what the public opinion of Chicago towards its employees was and how that public opinion affected them and their work. As a result of his investigation, Dr. White points out that &dquo;the gross prestige index is -14.06, which is another way of saying that there was a generally low opinion of public servants, although one must reach the conclusion from Dr. White's book that this public opinion is based more on rumor than on actual personal experience. It is interesting to note that those holding the city employees in lowest esteem were the literary, the well-to-do, the highly educated, and the educational groups. This was to be expected by those who have to do with public affairs and who have studied the problem at first hand in their respective communities. In reality, Chicago is no different in this respect from other large cities. One of the most interesting phases of Dr. White's study is what he calls &dquo;word reactions,&dquo; in which he tabulates the definitions given to such words as &dquo;alderman,&dquo; &dquo;mayor,&dquo; &dquo;policeman,&dquo; &dquo;politics,&dquo; and &dquo;school boards.&dquo; These reflect great variety of sentiment, although there is nothing to indicate whether the replies were given in a moment of pique, of gratitude, or of normal attitude. CLINTON ROGERS WOODRUFF


In order to design interventions in energy systems, it is key to combine existing models and simulations. As the interplay of different steps along the energy value chain, various actors and regional scopes makes it difficult for one model or model owner to cover the entire complexity of the system, the usage of present resources instead of creating new ones is a consequential approach to tackle todays and tomorrows challenges. Identifing suitable models, combining them and critically analysing their outcomes are essential skills in this context. This is taught in the course "Design of Integrated Energy Systems" at TU Delft. During the course, groups of students define their own design problem they want to adress, develop a modelling strategy for it and translate it with the existing models and simulations. A range of existing models from students themselves, from researchers and from the energy industry are provided. Self-reflection, peer-review, the academic debate on modelling and feedback by the teachers after presenting preliminary results are key elements for stimulating the progress of the group work. Both students and model owners have expressed their enthusiasm for this approach, the students have learned a lot from this confrontation with reality, the model ownens gained valuable insight from the fresh eye that the students could deliver on their modelling practice.


Strain screening was conducted on a large scale in order to develop a biotransforming process for 6-hydroxynicotinic acid production. A strain named as NA-1 was isolated from soil which could transform nicotinic acid into a new product showed by HPLC. The new product was identified as 6-hydroxynicotinic acid by MS and 1H-NMR. The morphology, physiological and biochemical characteristics of strain NA-1 were studied and showed that characteristics of strain NA-1 were essentially consistent with Pseudomonas putida. The analysis of 16S rDNA sequence from strain NA-1 suggested that strain NA-1 was clustered together with P. putida in phylogenetic tree and the sequence identity between stain NA-1 and Pseudomonas putida was 99%. So strain NA-1 was identified to P. putida.


We present radial velocities for five member stars of the recently discovered young (age ≃ 100−150 Myr) stellar system Price-Whelan 1 (PW 1), which is located far away in the Galactic Halo (D≃ 29 kpc, Z≃ 15 kpc), and that is probably associated with the leading arm (LA) of the Magellanic Stream. We measure the systemic radial velocity of PW 1, Vr = 275 ± 10 km s−1, significantly larger than the velocity of the LA gas in the same direction. We re-discuss the main properties and the origin of this system in the light of these new observations, computing the orbit of the system and comparing its velocity with that of the H i in its surroundings. We show that the bulk of the gas at the velocity of the stars is more than 10 deg (5 kpc) away from PW 1 and the velocity difference between the gas and the stars becomes larger as gas closer to the stars is considered. We discuss the possibilities that (1) the parent gas cloud was dissolved by the interaction with the Galactic gas, and (2) that the parent cloud is the high-velocity cloud (HVC) 287.5+22.5 + 240, lagging behind the stellar system by ≃ 25 km s−1 and ≃10 deg ≃ 5 kpc. This HVC, which is part of the LA, has metallicity similar to PW 1, displays a strong magnetic field that should help to stabilize the cloud against ram pressure, and shows traces of molecular hydrogen. We also show that the system is constituted of three distinct pieces that do not differ only by position in the sky but also by stellar content.


Observers inspected normal, high quality colour displays of everyday visual scenes while their eye movements were recorded. A large display change occurred each time an eye blink occurred. Display changes could either involve "Central Interest" or "Marginal Interest" locations, as determined from descriptions obtained from independent judges in a prior pilot experiment. Visual salience, as determined by luminance, colour, and position of the Central and Marginal Interest changes were equalized. The results obtained were very similar to those obtained in prior experiments showing failure to detect changes occurring simultaneously with saccades, flicker, or "mudsplashes" in the visual scene: Many changes were very hard to detect, and Marginal Interest changes were harder to detect than Central Interest changes. Analysis of eye movements showed, as expected, that the probability of detecting a change depended on the eye's distance from the change location. However a surprising finding was that both for Central and Marginal Interest changes, even when observers were directly fixating the change locations (within 1 degree), more than 40% of the time they still failed to see the changes. It seems that looking at something does not guarantee you "see" it.


The comb driver was designed and optimized to meet the requirement of enough displacement under lower drive voltage. Device displacement could reach 11um under 30V drive voltage. For comb drive is an inherently unstable system stability analysis about electrostatic spring softing ensure its system stiffness. The inclined comb finger is one main factor to cause its failure. The critical displacement of the comb finger was analyzed.


RF Pulse Design for Parallel Excitation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. (May 2012) Yinan Liu, B.S., University of Science and Technology of China Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Jim X. Ji Parallel excitation is an emerging technique to improve or accelerate multidimensional spatially selective excitations in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using multi-channel transmit arrays. The technique has potential in many applications, such as accelerating imaging speed, mitigating field inhomogeneity in high-field MRI, and alleviating the susceptibility artifact in functional MRI (fMRI). In these applications, controlling radiofrequency (RF) power deposition (quantified by Specific Absorption Rate, or SAR) under safe limit is a critical issue, particularly in high-field MRI. This dissertation will start with a review of multidimensional spatially selective excitation in MRI and current parallel excitation techniques. Then it will present two new RF pulse design methods to achieve reduced local/global SAR for parallel excitation while preserving the time duration and excitation pattern quality. Simulations incorporating human-model based tissue density and dielectric property were performed. Results have show that the proposed methods can achieve significant SAR reductions without enlonging the pulse duration at high-fields.


This study presents the antimicrobial activities of endophytic fungal crude extracts isolated from leaves, stems and roots of cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale) which showed disease symptoms and those resistant from Fusarium wilt in Mtwara region. Sections of the cashew trees were made and cultured to isolate endophytes. Eight endophytes were isolated and characterized by using morphological and molecular markers. Neopestalotiopsis, Penicillium, Lasidioplodia and Daldinia sp isolated from resistant tree and Auxarthron and Aspergillus sp from diseased tree. Antimicrobial activities of the isolated endophytic fungal crude extracts were done against pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum and three human pathogens namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida tropicalis. Results showed that all endophytic fungal crude extracts isolated from resistant plants and one from diseased plants exhibited positive antimicrobial activities against bacteria and fungus Candida tropicalis but they had no antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum.  This study could contribute to the discovery and innovation of therapeutics. This study also implied that the resistance against Fusarium wilt disease might be caused by other unknown factors. More research work is recommended for establishing other possible factors including endophytic bacteria, biotic and abiotic factors that could contribute to resistance of cashew plants to Fusarium oxysporum.
Keywords: Antifungal; Phytopathology; Endophyte; Cashew nut disease


In this research investigation, the researcher compares (1) the academic achievement in organic chemistry of selected Matthayom Sueksa Five students instructed by means of the peer-assisted technique.  The researcher also describes and analyzes (2) the fostering of science process skills of these students utilizing the peer-assisted technique. Using the simple random sampling method, the researcher selected a sample population constituting a single Matthayom Sueksa Five (Science-Math) classroom at the Ramkhamhaeng University Demonstration School (DSRU) of such students enrolled in the second semester of the academic year 2015.  The research instruments consisted of an academic achievement test on organic chemistry couched at the validity level of 0.82 and a test used for measuring science process skills couched at the validity level of 0.75. Using techniques of descriptive statistics, the researcher analyzed the data collected in terms of mean and standard deviation. A t-test technique was also employed by the researcher. Findings are as follows: (1) The students taught using the peer-assisted technique exhibited a higher level of academic achievement in organic chemistry after the study was completed than prior to the commencement of the study at the statistically significant level of .05. (2) After the completion of the study, these students showed improvement in science process skills at the statistically significant level of .05.  Keywords: Science Process Skills, students, peer-assisted technique, academic achievement


We discuss here, implementation of a neural network (NN) based model referenced control (MRC) algorithm to improve transient and steady state behavior of transmission control protocol (TCP) flows and active queue management (AQM) routers in a network setting. Based on a fluid theoretical model of a network, two neural networks are trained to control the traffic flow of a bottleneck router. Results show dramatic improvement of the transient and the steady state behavior of the queuing window length. The results are compared to the traditional RED algorithm and the P and PI controllers of classical control theory


Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.35  fb-1 collected by LHCb in 2011, we report the first evidence of CP violation in the decays of Bs0} mesons to K±π∓ pairs, ACP(Bs0→Kπ)=0.27±0.08(stat)±0.02(syst), with a significance of 3.3σ. Furthermore, we report the most precise measurement of CP violation in the decays of B0 mesons to K±π∓ pairs, ACP(B0→Kπ)=-0.088±0.011(stat)±0.008(syst), with a significance exceeding 6σ.


Introduction: Fibro adenomas is the most common benign breast tumors in young women while15% of the population with lower back and buttock pain was caused by the sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This is the first reported case of the rehabilitation of fibro adenoma removal surgery for an elite female basketball player with suspected lumbo pelvic instability and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Case presentation: A 17-year-old female basketball player had fibro adenoma excision on her left breast and presented with pain in palpation or left shoulder movements. She presented with two years history of lower back pain in subsequent visits that was worsened in trunk flexion or rotation. Daily application of sports massage on chest scar tissues and gentle shoulder and scapula mobilization were applied. Besides, deep core muscles activation, postural control training and upper limb muscle strengthening exercises were introduced. After 1-week rehabilitation, significant reduction of chest pain with shoulder movements was achieved. The patient could also activate the lumbar multifidi and perform some advanced core stability exercises with satisfactory core control. However, she was urgently called back for resuming normal sport training and was resent for rehabilitation again due to the deterioration on her chest wound and lower back pain after having basketball practice and conditioning for one day. Pain was well controlled after resuming rehabilitation with the use of pelvic binder. Conclusion: Negative result was obtained due to early return to practice with incomplete rehabilitation. The judgment on making progression and return to practice is critical.


The potential for using fossils for temporal ordering of sedimentary rocks is as old as historical geology itself. In spite of this, however, most current biostratigraphic and biochronologic techniques do not make use of phylogenetic information, but rely instead on some measure of species' presence or absence or their turnover in the fossil record. A common phylogenetic approach to biochronology has been to use "stage of evolution" arguments, whereas more rigorous, cladogram‐based methods have been proposed but have seen little use. Cladistic biochronologic analysis (CBA) is developed here as a new method for determining biochronologic order between paleobiotas based on the phylogenetic relationships of their constituent taxa. CBA is adapted from Brooks' parsimony analysis, and analyzes syntaxon information from clades that transcend a number of paleobiotas to determine relative temporal order among these paleobiotas. Because CBA is based on phylogenetic information, it is suited to problems where a good fossil record is available, but where stratigraphic or chronologic relationships are poorly constrained, such as the terrestrial vertebrate record. A practical example, based on the Cenozoic fossil record of North America, pits CBA against a test case in which the correct temporal order of biotas is known beforehand. The method successfully recovers correct temporal order between paleobiotas with reasonable levels of support, and is also shown to outperform a previously proposed cladistic biochronologic method. In a second example, CBA is used to achieve the first empirical temporal ordination for several Late Cretaceous localities in the Gobi Desert that produce fossils crucial to the understanding of modern amniote clades, but which have poorly resolved temporal relationships. CBA is sensitive to large amounts of extinction and poor sampling of the fossil record, but problems such as gaps in the fossil record (Lazarus taxa) can be dealt with efficiently through a number of a priori and a posteriori scoring techniques. CBA offers a novel approach for biochronologic analysis that is independent of, but complementary to and readily combinable with other chronologic/stratigraphic methods.


The cooled IR detectors are used in a wide range of applications. Most of the time, the cryocoolers are one of the components dimensioning the lifetime of the system. Indeed, Stirling coolers are mechanical systems where wear occurs on millimetric mechanisms. The exponential law classically used in electronics for Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) calculation cannot be directly used for mechanical devices. With new applications for thermal sensor like border surveillance, an increasing reliability has become mandatory for rotary cooler. The current needs are above several tens of thousands of continuous hour of cooling. Thales Cryogenics made specific development on that topic, for both linear and rotary applications. The time needed for validating changes in processes through suited experimental design is hardly affordable by following a robust and rigorous standard scientific approach. The targeted Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) led us to adopt an innovative approach to keep development phases in line with expected time to market. This innovative approach is today widespread on all of Thales Cryogenics rotary products and results in a proven increase of MTTF for RM2, RM3 and recently RM1. This paper will then focused on the current MTTF figures measured on RM1, RM2 and RM3. After explaining the limit of a conventional approach, the paper will then describe the current method. At last, the authors will explain how these principles are taken into account for the new SWaP rotary cooler of Thales Cryogénie SAS.


In situ measurements of geological materials under compression and with hydrostatic fluid pressure are important in understanding their behavior under field conditions, which in turn provides critical information for application-driven research. In particular, understanding the role of nano- to micro-scale porosity in the subsurface liquid and gas flow is critical for the high-fidelity characterization of the transport and more efficient extraction of the associated energy resources. In other applications, where parts are produced by the consolidation of powders by compression, the resulting porosity and crystallite orientation (texture) may affect its in-use characteristics. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ultra SANS are ideal probes for characterization of these porous structures over the nano to micro length scales. Here we show the design, realization, and performance of a novel neutron scattering sample environment, a specially designed compression cell, which provides compressive stress and hydrostatic pressures with effective stress up to 60 MPa, using the neutron beam to probe the effects of stress vectors parallel to the neutron beam. We demonstrate that the neutron optics is suitable for the experimental objectives and that the system is highly stable to the stress and pressure conditions of the measurements.


The ability to categorize has been known as one of the most important cognitive abilities in human beings. When it comes to the topic of categorization type, it seems different people select differently. Some of them categorize on the basis of similarity judgment and some based on the uni-dimensional rule. The present study attempts to evaluate the tendency toward a specific type of categorization as can be observed in a voluntary group of medical students in Iran. Most of the studies in categorization have been conducted in Western world and some of Eastern-Asian people. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which has been done in categorization in Iran. The results suggest that Iranians, like Eastern-Asian people, tend to categorize mostly based on similarity. There was not any relationship between the IQ scores of the participants and the type of categorization. We also examined the implications of the words "similarity" and "belonging to" as translated into Persian.


REACH establishes a new principle for assessing the risks of chemicals towards humans and the environment: producers and importers of substances bear the main weight of the new substance stewardship. They have to register the substances which are produced or imported with the central EU Chemicals Agency. This includes consideration of uses and possible releases of the chemical throughout the product chain. In addition, producers and importers of chemicals have to ensure that management measures are adequate to control the associated risks over the life-cycle of the chemical. By introducing the 'no data - no market' principle REACH intends to build a dynamic system of growing risk knowledge and risk control for chemicals. In turn, authorities will withdraw from compiling detailed risk assessments and risk reduction strategies. Local, reversible risks and point emission sources will no longer be a topic of expert committees at EU level. During the registration procedure authorities might serve as helpers e.g. by establishing help-desks to support the compilation of the registration dossiers. For the evaluation step of REACH authorities will be able to concentrate on substances and uses of high concern which pose a risk to humans and the environment. Where risks are identified as not adequately controlled and therefore needing regulation at Community level, authorities will propose the respective substances as candidates for authorisation. In addition authorities might suggest restrictions for certain uses. For these legal elements the responsibility still lies with the authorities. Chemicals with persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties (PBT-substances) are considered as substances of very high concern and therefore should be subject to authorisation. Producers and importers are required to identify potential PBT-substances in the registration dossiers. Since the responsibility for introducing legal measures remains with the authorities, they also need to implement mechanisms to identify potential candidates during the evaluation procedure.


The dramatic tradition that featured female characters dressed in men's costume was revived after the theatres reopened in the Restoration, with the difference that this time these roles were played by actresses. It has been argued that the contemplation of the female body reinforced the erotization of the actresses for the sake of predominantly male audiences. Their performances in "breeches roles" have also been interpreted as evidence of a progressive acknowledgement of the social possibilities of female agency. My own contention is that these roles did not only raise female agency to a level equal – if not superior, occasionally – to male agency, they also served to disrupt certain fashionable notions on the nature of masculinity, and therefore illustrate a trend that promoted new gender modes. To argue this thesis, I will focus on three comedies that represent as many stages in the development of this trend: the anonymous The Woman Turned Bully (1675), Thomas Shadwell's The Woman Captain (1680), and Thomas Southerne's Sir Anthony Love (1691), all of them featuring women wearing breeches and upsetting male order, with both comic and serious consequences.


Delving down into the depths of deepest depravity mankind is capable of sinking into is by no means a a pleasant or invigorating occupation. It is a rather ungrateful task to unearth and to draw to light conditions which some may think had better be left buried. Looking on this darkest side of human life, it reveals the frailty of human character with its unceasing strife between the dominant mind and carnal atavism. Just as the sunspots can not blot out the luminous life-giving properties of the most glorious of all stars, so will prostitution, dark and heavy as it rests on humanity, never be able to destroy the fate in its ultimate glorious destination. Prostitution is as old as humanity itself. It is a mistake to maintain that barbarous peoples were not confronted with it. It did exist, although, paradoxical as it may appear, without their being conscious of


The scarcity of data concerning pregnant patients gravely infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) makes their management difficult, as most of the reported cases in the literature present mild pneumonia symptoms. The core problem is laying out evidence on coronavirus's implications on pregnancy and delivery, as well as vertical transmission and neonatal mortality. A healthy 30-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 6, para 4, at 31 weeks of gestation, presented severe pneumonia symptoms promptly complicated with premature rupture of membranes (PROM). A nasopharyngeal swab returned positive for SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). The parturient underwent a cesarean delivery. This paper is an attempt to outline management of the critical condition of COVID-19 during pregnancy.


To investigate the internal structure of LSD waves, electron density distribution ne was measured by two-wavelength Mach-Zehnder interferometer and electron temperature Te was by emission spectroscopy. As a result, peak values of ne and Te were about 2 × 1024m-3 and 30,000K, respectively. Based on the measured properties, laser absorption coefficient was calculated. It showed that incident laser energy was perfectly absorbed in a layer much thinner than a plasma layer, situation of which was not predicted by the conventional LSD model. Measured ne at the shock front was not zero while LSD was supported. This suggested that the precursor electrons exist ahead of the shock wave.


We report the discovery of blueshifted (Δv>200 km s−1) mid-infrared [Ne iii] and/or [Ne v] emission in 25 out of 82 ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs; 30% of our sample). The incidence of blueshifted [Ne v] emission is even higher (59%) among the sources with a [Ne v] detection—the tell-tale signature of an active galactic nucleus (AGN). Sixteen ULIRGs in our sample, 11 of which are optically classified as AGNs, have [Ne iii] blueshifts above 200 km s−1. A comparison of the line profiles of their 12.81 μm [Ne ii], 15.56 μm [Ne iii], and 14.32 μm [Ne v] lines reveals the ionization of the blueshifted gas to increase with blueshift, implying decelerating outflows in a stratified medium, photoionized by the AGN. The strong correlation of the line width of the [Ne iii] line with the radio luminosity indicates that the interaction of expanding radio jets with the dense interstellar medium surrounding the AGN may explain the observed neon line kinematics for the strongest radio sources in this sample.


PREMISE OF THE STUDY
Morphologically diverse clades are useful for detecting adaptive morphological evolution. Each of their variants may have evolved once or several times, suggesting that their repeated appearance may be due to environmental pressures. The North American Manihot species are an excellent system to detect possible adaptations and to assess the effect of mono- or polyphyly on classification. With 20 species, this group includes growth forms from tuberous herbs to trees. The monophyly of this group and its relationship with the economically important M. esculenta were tested for the first time with complete sampling of North American species.

METHODS
We carried out maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses on a matrix of 3662 bp from chloroplast (psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF) and nuclear loci (PEPC and two paralogous copies of G3pdh). We included all North American Manihot species, Manihotoides pauciflora, and published sequences from 34 South American species.

KEY RESULTS
Our results support monophyly of the North American Manihot group. Its taxonomic sections are paraphyletic, and three to four growth forms evolved repeatedly. Manihotoides pauciflora is nested within North American Manihot species. Some PEPC and G3pdh clones grouped with clones of other species and not with clones from their own species.

CONCLUSIONS
North and South American Manihot species are sister clades. Paraphyly of North American sections suggests that taxonomic revision is warranted. The position of Manihotoides pauciflora confirms that Manihotoides should remain subsumed within Manihot. Most growth forms likely evolved repeatedly in this group. The behavior of PEPC and G3pdhNA clones is probably due to incomplete lineage sorting.


The development of high-power discharge sources emitting in the 13.5±0.135-nm spectral band is of current interest because they are promising for applications in industrial EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography for manufacturing integrated circuits according to technological precision standards of 22 nm and smaller. The parameters of EUV sources based on a laser-induced discharge in tin vapours between rotating disc electrodes are investigated. The properties of the discharge initiation by laser radiation at different wavelengths are established and the laser pulse parameters providing the maximum energy characteristics of the EUV source are determined. The EUV source developed in the study emits an average power of 276 W in the 13.5±0.135-nm spectral band on conversion to the solid angle 2π sr in the stationary regime at a pulse repetition rate of 3000 Hz.


"3R" principle circular economy emphasizes the technical operation level, while the theoretical viewpoint on value-increasing of circular economy makes deep analysis based on environmental economics. The viewpoint takes for that the evaluation of any circular economic model should consider both the economic value and externalities. If the material units unattached to products in the economic system are circulated with value-increasing as more as possible, more value can be created with lower consumption of resources. The essential principle of circular economy is that the material units within an economic system should go through the multiple production to be circulated with value-increasing, the main purpose of circular economy is that the material units shouldn't attach to waste going out of the system as much as possible in order to reduce pollution emissions, the economic mechanism of circular economy is that the economic value chain should be used to pull the material units of the system to achieve smooth circulation.


Most healthcare organizations in the United States are in the process of some type of organizational change or transition. Professional nurses and other healthcare providers practicing in U.S. healthcare delivery organizations are very aware of the dramatic effects of restructuring processes. A phenomenal amount of change and concern is occurring with organizational redesign, generating many questions and uncertainties. These transitions challenge the basic assumptions and principles guiding the practice of clinical and management roles in healthcare.


Lithium sulfide (Li2S) is considered a highly attractive cathode for establishing high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries, especially due to its high charge‐storage capacity and compatibility with lithium‐metal‐free anodes. Although various approaches have recently been pursued with Li2S to obtain high performance, formidable challenges still remain with cell design (e.g., low Li2S loading, insufficient Li2S content, and an excess electrolyte) to realize high areal, gravimetric, and volumetric capacities. This study demonstrates a shell‐shaped carbon architecture for holding pure Li2S, offering innovation in cell‐design parameters and gains in electrochemical characteristics. The Li2S core–carbon shell electrode encapsulates the redox products within the conductive shell so as to facilitate facile accessibility to electrons and ions. The fast redox‐reaction kinetics enables the cells to attain the highest Li2S loading of 8 mg cm−2 and the lowest electrolyte/Li2S ratio of 9/1, which is the best cell‐design specifications ever reported with Li2S cathodes so far. Benefiting from the excellent cell‐design criterion, the core–shell cathodes exhibit stable cyclability from slow to fast cycle rates and, for the first time, simultaneously achieve superior performance metrics with areal, gravimetric, and volumetric capacities.


Heavy alcohol use is negatively affecting antiretroviral therapy adherence, mental health and health-related quality of life among people living with HIV (PLWH). This paper aims to test the mediation model examining whether changes in depression symptoms mediate in the relationship between health-related quality of life and alcohol use among male PLWH who consume alcohol in India. The study is guided by the stress-coping model, which posits that individuals facing stress may turn to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as alcohol use to alleviate their distress, which includes depression and a low health-related quality of life due to various physical, psychological, and social factors associated with the HIV infection. This study used the data from a randomized controlled clinical trial entitled 'Alcohol and ART adherence: Assessment, Intervention, and Modeling in India'. Participants completed surveys assessing demographic characteristics, health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, and alcohol use. Multiple simple mediation models were investigated to examine whether changes in depression symptoms mediated the association between the changes in health-related quality of life and alcohol use after a 9-month follow-up. A total of 940 male PLWH were recruited and interviewed, with 564 participants in the intervention group and 376 participants in the control group. After a 9-month intervention, the mediation results showed that, among intervention participants, a decrease in depressiove symptoms mediated the relationship between improved health-related quality of life and lower alcohol use. However, among control participants, changes in depressive symptoms did not mediate the relationship between changes in health-related quality of life and alcohol use. The study findings have practical and theoretical implications. From a practical perspective, the results suggest that interventions aimed at simultaneously improving HRQoL and depressive symptoms among male PLWH with alcohol use may help reduce alcohol consumption. Therefore, interventions that address depressive symptoms in addition to improving HRQoL may have an even greater impact on reducing alcohol use among this population. Theoretically, the study supports the use of the stress-coping theory in understanding the association between HRQoL, mental health, and alcohol use among male PLWH, contributing to existing literature on a gap in our understanding of the interactions among these factors among PLWH.