HENDL2.0, the latest version of the hybrid evaluated nuclear data library, was developed based upon some evaluated data from FENDL2.1 and ENDF/B-VII. To qualify and validate the working library, an integral test for the neutron production data of HENDL2.0 was performed with a series of existing spherical shell benchmark experiments (such as V, Be, Fe, Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu, Al, Si, Co, Zr, Nb, Mo, W and Ti). These experiments were simulated numerically using HENDL2.0/MG and a home-developed code VisualBUS. Calculations were conducted with both FENDL2.1/MG and FENDL2.1/MC, which are based on a continuous-energy Monte Carlo Code MCNP/4C. By comparison and analysis of the neutron leakage spectra and the integral test, benchmark results of neutron production data are presented in this paper.


Abstract We examined space–time patterns of basketball players during competition by analysing movement data obtained from six game sequences. Strong in-phase relations in the longitudinal (basket-to-basket) direction were observed for all playing dyads, especially player–opponent dyads matched for playing position, indicating that these movements were very constrained by the game demands. Similar findings for in-phase relations were observed for the most part in the lateral direction, the main exception being dyads comprising the two wing players from the same team. These dyads instead demonstrated strong attractions to anti-phase, a consequence perhaps of seeking to increase and decrease team width in tandem. Single instances from select dyads and game sequences demonstrated further evidence of phase stabilities and phase transitions on some occasions. Together, these findings demonstrate that space–time movement patterns of playing dyads in basketball, while unique, nonetheless conform to a uniform description in keeping with universal principles of dynamical self-organizing systems as hypothesized.


This study presents the development of a voice activity detection (VAD) system tested on call center telephony data obtained from our local site. The concept of bag of audio words (BoAW) combined with a naive Bayes classifier was applied to achieve the task. It was formulated as a binary classification problem with speech as the positive class and silence/background noise as the negative class. All the processing was performed on the Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) extracted from the audio recordings. The results which are presented as accuracy score and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) indicate an excellent performance of the developed model. The system is to be deployed within our call center to aid data analysis and improve overall efficiency of the center.


Dietary cholesterol is a crucial risk factor for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our recent studies indicated that high cholesterol intake was associated with the pathogenesis of hypertension-associated NASH. We developed a novel hypertensive rat model of NASH by feeding stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP5/Dmcr) a high fat and cholesterol (HFC) diet. Histological features resembling human NASH were observed in this model. Furthermore, we investigated the kinetics of cholesterol in the rats fed an HFC diet and determined that suppression of bile acid (BA) detoxification led by HFC feeding results in cytotoxic BA accumulation in hepatocytes, which induces inflammatory response and liver damage. Sex differences in fibrogenesis were also observed in this model, and we found this was associated with a different ability in BA detoxification. Since SHRSP5/Dmcr rats are hypertensive, we investigated the role of hypertension in NASH progression by comparing NASH development among SHRSP5/Dmcr rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats and their original strain, Wistar Kyoto, with normal blood pressure. HFC diet induced more severe hepatic fibrosis in the hypertensive strains compared with the normotensive one. In conclusion, dietary cholesterol plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of NASH, and the combined action of cholesterol and hypertension further aggravates its progression.


Digital Signal processing became an application to create high speed data processing systems like 3D rendering, 4G mobile internet, etc., we need best p rocessors with high performance data path units and there is a growing need for research on alternative methods fo r signal processing hardware implementation. In mos t systems using digital signal processing Multiply-Ac cumulate (MAC) is one of the main functions. The performance of the whole system depends on the performance of the MAC units in place. Regardless of th at these days' real time signal processing systems req uire high throughput and high performance MAC units. Index Terms— MAC Unit, 3D rendering, 4Gmobile internet .


Abstract We present a family of exact equilibrium solutions of the Euler equations consisting of a single helical vortex with an axial flow component along the vortex core. Relations between vorticity, velocity and streamfunction are analytically derived in the inviscid framework and constitute a generalization of relations valid for vortex rings (Batchelor, 1967 An Introduction to Fluid Dynamics. Cambridge University Press). Through Navier–Stokes simulations, it is shown that these relations hold for quasi-steady viscous solutions and become independent of the Reynolds number when sufficiently large. We also elaborate a procedure which generates a quasi-equilibrium with prescribed characteristics (circulation, helix radius, helical pitch, vortex core size, swirl level) and compare the obtained state with the results of an asymptotic theory. Finally, we illustrate how a strong axial flow jeopardizes such an evolution towards a quasi-equilibrium.


Rotating Lorentz-force flowmeters are a novel and useful technology with a range of applications in a variety of different industries. However, calibrating these flowmeters can be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. In this paper, simple calibration procedures for rotating Lorentz-force flowmeters are presented. These procedures eliminate the need for expensive equipment, numerical modeling, redundant flowmeters, and system down-time. The calibration processes are explained in a step-by-step manner and compared to experimental results.


We study the construction of symplectic Runge-Kutta methods for stochastic Hamiltonian systems (SHS). Three types of systems, SHS with multiplicative noise, special separable Hamiltonians and multiple additive noise, respectively, are considered in this paper. Stochastic Runge-Kutta (SRK) methods for these systems are investigated, and the corresponding conditions for SRK methods to preserve the symplectic property are given. Based on the weak/strong order and symplectic conditions, some effective schemes are derived. In particular, using the algebraic computation, we obtained two classes of high weak order symplectic Runge-Kutta methods for SHS with a single multiplicative noise, and two classes of high strong order symplectic Runge-Kutta methods for SHS with multiple multiplicative and additive noise, respectively. The numerical case studies confirm that the symplectic methods are efficient computational tools for long-term simulations.


COLONIC CRYPTS: SIZE MATTERS The sequential molecular changes that lead to colon cancer are being unravelled. The sequence of related histological changes is less well understood. Wong and colleagues have used microdissection techniques to isolate individual crypts from normal and neoplastic colonic mucosa. The authors (who include two Wongs and a Wright) have shown that, unlike normal mucosa, adenomas and hyperplastic polyps grow by crypt fission and their crypts are larger than normal. Furthermore, adenomas show cell proliferation up to the crypt surface indicating loss of control of the cell cycle. Interesting, but histologists still seem to have some catching up to do in order to match the progress of molecular geneticists. See page 212


This text searches the reflection on the epistemology of complexity as it is understood by EDGAR MORIN, from ideas that would be matched around them, in an interdependent and complexity manner. The complexity associates concepts of order, disorder and organization incorporates the complexity associates concepts of order, disorder and organization incorporates the principle of uncertainty and it approaches the subject notions and Homo sapiens – demeans in their relation to an auto-ethics.


The article studies the development processes of the official (city) symbols of the current capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan at different stages of the city's history. The influence of the state ideology on development of the symbolic space of Kazakhstani territories is analyzed by the example of this city. The authors show how heraldic symbols were created in various historical periods: during the time the Kazakh zhuzes were part of the Russian Empire, then during the period of the Kazakh SSR in the USSR and, finally, in the years after the emergence of the independent Republic of Kazakhstan. It is noted that the symbolic space of the city of Nur-Sultan changed at different stages of the city's existence and largely depended on the practice of spreading political ideology. Thus, the first stage is analyzed in terms of the influence of the Russian Empire ideology, including the theory of «official nationality», the second stage shows the role of the Soviet propaganda system of Marxist-Leninist ideology, the third stage is assessed in terms of the influence of ideology aimed at consolidating the multinational Kazakhstan people. When N.A. Nazarbayev had come to power the course of the country's long-term development was defined, it was aimed at strengthening the unity of society and creating a new national capital. This strategy was implemented including with the help of a symbolic space — the official city symbols (coat of arms, flag). The authors note that at this stage the symbolism begins to reflect to a greater extent the historical and cultural traditions of the country. At the same time, Nur-Sultan is positioned both as a «national capital» and as a city for all nations living in Kazakhstan.


A detailed study of the effect of ambient and humid atmosphere on the stability and physical properties of single and multiphasic samples of a BSCCO superconductor has been carried out. It has been observed that, on exposure to atmosphere for a period of one year, the single-phase samples 2223 or 2212 did not show any phase decomposition. However, a decrease in Tc was observed in these samples. Mixed-phase samples showed the partial conversion of the 2223 phase into the 2212 phase on the surface with a corresponding decrease in Tc, depending upon the initial amount of added Pb. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the multiphase, leaded samples showed the decrease in the ratio of Cu2+/Cu1+ as well as the formation of various surface carbonates responsible for the degradation in the superconducting parameters. In a humid atmosphere, a single-phase 2223 sample did not show any decomposition whereas single-phase 2212 or mixed-phase samples showed partial degradation to Bi2CuO4, SrCO3, CaCO3 and CuO as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and EDX analysis. Based on these observations a possible degradation mechanism has been proposed and the role of Pb has been discussed.


Information retrieval has evolved through four phases: manual and mechanical devices; off line computing; online computing and vendor access; and distributed, networked, and mass computing. The article primarily addresses the first three phases. We examine IR systems in terms of four basic functions within a broader communications system context: analysis of document information content including description of document elements (such as author, title, volume, and so on), abstracting, indexing, and other processes; identification and location of sources of documents through bibliographic browsing and searching; evaluation and assessment of bibliographic search output such as screening of bibliographic descriptions; and provision of physical access to document information content through various media such as print on paper, microform, and screen displays.


This study investigated the extent of pesticide use and poor handling practices which characterize intensive vegetable farming, among smallholder vegetable farmers in south western Uganda. 100% of respondents were using pesticides for control of pest and diseases, and over 78% applied pesticides on a twice-a-week basis. Majority of farmers used pesticides in violation of recommended procedures/rules; use of unsafe storage facilities, ignore risks and safety instructions, and did not calibrate the spray equipment, and disposed of containers unsafely. Poor pesticide-handling practices were associated with farmers' lack of knowledge and awareness in use and handling, inadequate extension services, low education levels, and the everyday context in which pesticides were bought and used. A careful approach to analyze pesticide use and handling practices to systematically identify ways to change the current farmers' practices needs to be adopted or undertaken.


In 1955 Flavin et al.1-4 found that the main pathway of propionic acid oxidation in animal tissues proceeds via the reaction sequence propionate ATPC propionyl CoA5 ATPCOYmethylmalonyl CoA -succinyl CoA succinate. Isomerization of methylmalonyl CoA to succinyl CoA (reaction 1) is also a key step in propionate formation by propionic acid bacteria.' In analogy to Lynen's 3-methylerotonyl carboxylase,7 propionyl carboxylase (the enzyme catalyzing the carboxylation of propionyl CoA to methylmalonyl CoA) has been found to be a biotin enzyme.8 Although reaction 1 resembled Barker's glutamate-,3-methylaspartate isomerization9 (reaction 2),10 which requires cobamide coenzymes (vitamin B12 or pseudovitamin


The current consumer aversion for sucrose excess and the use of artificial ingredients has encouraged the production of beverages that preserve the fruit's wholeness and aggregate nutritional values, such as the availability of dietary fibers. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of non-nutritive sweeteners on the sensory profile and acceptance of a functional tamarind beverage. The tests were applied in individual cabins, with 30 mL samples, served in 3 random digits coded plastic cups, presented in monadic balanced complete blocks. Ideal sweetness, equi-sweetness, quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and consumer affective tests were performed, and results were analyzed through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's means test (p < 0.05). The ideal sweetness of the reference sample was 10.70% of sucrose. For the quantitative descriptive analysis, 17 descriptive terms for the observed perceptions of the product were used. Most of the used sweeteners, except for stevia, showed no significant difference for perceptions tamarind aroma and flavor. The neohesperidin sample showed a greater intensity of refreshment sensation, while the sucrose and sucralose samples presented lower perception of bitter taste. The stevia sample had the least preference and greater perception of bitter taste, sweet and bitter aftertaste. Stevia and neohesperidin samples obtained lower acceptance by consumers regarding the overall impression, while sucralose had the best sweetness acceptance. Also, the astringency perception of the product interfered negatively in the acceptance of the samples.


The present work describes the mass spectrometric detection of organometallic compounds following their atmospheric pressure ionization using a commercial direct analysis in real time (DART) ion source. Several organometallic compounds of As, Fe, Hg, Pb, Se, and Sn were examined, and their corresponding mass spectra as well as induced fragmentation patterns were recorded. Gas phase sampling of the pure organometallic compounds or their solutions prepared in toluene generated temporally stable signals. For the majority of the compounds, the molecular ion or protonated molecule was detected; noticeable exceptions are the tetra-substituted compounds for which their less-substituted species dominated. The organometallic species were used as model compounds for a systematic investigation of the impact of operating parameters of the DART source, including gas temperature and electrode voltages. In general, results have shown that powering the electrodes designed to remove ions from the DART gas stream results in a reduction in signal intensity for most of the compounds investigated, suggesting that charged species from the plasma play an important role in the ionization process of the test analytes.


Facial image comparison is difficult for unfamiliar faces and easy for familiar faces. Those conclusions are robust, but they arise from situations in which the people being identified cooperate with the effort to identify them. In forensic and security settings, people are often motivated to subvert identification by manipulating their appearance, yet little is known about deliberate disguise and its effectiveness. We distinguish two forms of disguise-Evasion (trying not to look like oneself) and Impersonation (trying to look like another person). We present a new set of disguised face images (the FAÇADE image set), in which models altered their appearance to induce specific identification errors. In Experiment 1, unfamiliar observers were less accurate matching disguise items, especially evasion items, than matching undisguised items. A similar pattern held in Experiment 2, in which participants were informed about the disguise manipulations. In Experiment 3, familiar observers saw through impersonation disguise, but accuracy was lower for evasion disguise. Quantifying the performance cost of disguise reveals distinct performance profiles for impersonation and evasion. Evasion disguise was especially effective and reduced identification performance for familiar observers as well as for unfamiliar observers. We subsume these findings under a statistical framework of face learning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).


In the 5th edition, submitted papers were subjected to a peer review process with up to three reviews per submission. The edition was organized into three tracks with research papers presentations; a keynote talk and a poster session. The scientific application track included two papers. The paper by Bustos et al. [1] used time series analysis in the forecast of fluids in oils reservoirs. The paper by Cugler et al. [2] is one whose version has been extended as an invited paper for this special issue and explores a new field of managing animal sound recordings using database technology. The adoption of techniques from high processing computing in eScience is the theme of track 2. The first two papers discussed techniques involved in natural phenomena modeling and simulation. The first paper [3] discusses the adoption of high performance computing (HPC) environment in the modeling of protein sequence. Next, the paper by Sabino et al. [4] presents the challenges of using clusters of graphics processing units to compute 3-D wave propagation simulations, using finite difference methods. Lastly, the paper by Chirigati et al. [5], also selected for submitting an extended version to this special issue, discusses techniques for deploying scientific workflows in HPC. Finally, the track eScience services included paper in roughly two lines. In the first line, Costa and colleagues [7] explore the availability of deploying eScience in the cloud as services. In the second line, the two other works are related to data modeling including metrics of quality in bio ontologies [8] and a database integration strategy for ecological datasources [9]. The 5th BreSCI workshop also received Prof. Luiz Nicolaci da Costa, astronomer of the National Observatory in Brazil. Prof. da Costa is the head of the LIneA laboratory, responsible for the storage, analysis, and publishing of astronomy catalogs, produced by large surveys. In his talk, Prof. Nicolaci presented the Portal, a software infrastructure from which scientists can query and process scientific pipelines over catalogs. The workshop ended with a poster session. After the workshop, the steering committee of the BreSci, indicated the best papers, whose authors were invited to extend their contributions to a submission to this special issue. Four papers were invited and submitted extended versions, of which two were finally accepted for publication and take part of this special issue.


Temperature, voltage, and current sensors monitor the operation of a TCP/IP offload accelerator engine fabricated in 90nm CMOS, and a control unit dynamically changes frequency, voltage, and body bias for optimum performance and energy efficiency. Fast response to droops and temperature changes is enabled by a multi-PLL clocking unit and on-chip body bias. Adaptive techniques are also used to compensate performance degradation due to device aging, reducing the aging guardband.


We report the synthesis, crystal structures, and basic physicochemical properties of six co-crystals of piracetam. Co-crystals of piracetam with l-tartaric acid, with citric acid in a 1:1 and 3:2 ratio, with racemic mandelic acid, and with l-mandelic acid, as well as a piracetam−citric acid ethanol solvate were found in a focused screening approach. Sample amounts of up to several hundred milligrams of each co-crystal were obtained from either solvent-drop grinding, solution evaporation, or crystallization from solution. Crystal structure analysis revealed that the often observed amide-carboxylic acid R22(8) synthon is rarely found in the herein reported crystal structures. The mentioned motif can be used as a target for hydrogen bonds; however, in presence of a multitude of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors it cannot serve for an anticipation of co-crystals. Compared to piracetam the piracetam−l-tartaric acid co-crystal shows improved hygroscopic properties.


Integer-valued data envelopment analysis (DEA) with alternative returns to scale technology has been introduced and developed recently by Kuosmanen and Kazemi Matin. The proportionality assumption of their introduced "natural augmentability" axiom in constant and nondecreasing returns to scale technologies makes it possible to achieve feasible decision-making units (DMUs) of arbitrary large size. In many real world applications it is not possible to achieve such production plans since some of the input and output variables are bounded above. In this paper, we extend the axiomatic foundation of integer-valuedDEAmodels for including bounded output variables. Some model variants are achieved by introducing a new axiom of "boundedness" over the selected output variables. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation is also introduced for computing efficiency scores in the associated production set. © 2011 The Authors. International Transactions in Operational Research © 2011 International Federation of Operational Research Societies.


The 1990s were the most prosperous decade in U.S. economic history. The paper analyses to which extent this period fits into preceding cyclical experience. This is done by classifying the period 1991-12 to 2000-12 with the help of a 4-phase classification scheme based on multivariate discriminance analysis. It is shown that in relation to the post 1970 experience, the ?fabulous decade? saw considerable shifts of influence between the 19 classifying variables. Most noteworthy are the much reduced influence of M2, Net Exports, and Unemployment on the one side and the increase of Real GNP, inflation, Government Expenditure and of Unit Labor Cost on the other side. This confirms interpretations of the fabulous decade as the result of a forbearing monetary policy made possible by a deficit targeting fiscal policy, low inflation and a productivity jump. However, the era looses some of its uniqueness when it is seen in the entire post WW II cycle history.


The Kankai river is a rainfed perennial river of eastern Nepal and carries a large quantum of silt, and enters in Kishanganj of West Bengal, India. Recently, a bridge collapsed in a village in the Kishanganj district due to a rise in the water levels of the Kankai river. This paper presents a study of the dynamics of changes in channel planform and measurement of the erosion and accretion of the Kankai river in Bihar, India from 2000 to 2018. Spatial data were processed in GIS to determine the changes in sinuosity, centreline migration rates, and extent of erosion, and deposition of sediment. The maximum river shift was obtained as 800 to 1600 m and the minimum river shift varied from 6 to 70 m. With a sinuosity ratio for the whole reach of the river of 1.45, the Kankai river is considered a sinuous river and needs river training works at the erosion sites.


Noninvasive methods advocated by some clinicians are not very successful in dealing with patient gagging, while sedation approaches run the risk of the patient aspirating foreign bodies. The P-6 Neikuan acupuncture point, located on the wrist, has been used in the Far East for thousands of years for its anti-nausea and anti-anxiety properties. In the West, it is the acupuncture point most studied. Only recently has interest been shown in the P-6 point for its possible anti-gagging effect. The anti-gagging effect of P-6 stimulation is documented in this article. The P-6 point has remarkable anti-gagging effects if stimulation is applied correctly. Clinicians may apply thumb pressure at the P-6 point to achieve some effect, although this is not as effective as acupuncture. Nevertheless, a substantial percentage of gagging patients would be able to go through dental procedures without gagging when the P-6 point is stimulated.


Turkey is a country with a very complex geologic evolution, dominated mostly by the opening and closing of the Tethyan Oceans: Prototethys, Paleotethys, and Neotethys. This complexity can become obvious even when one examines a generalized geological map of Turkey Striking features of such a map include the presence of many ophiolitic rocks, at least three suture zones, and other continent-continent collision-related structures and basins. The tectonics of Turkey is also complicated by post-collisional structures such as the Aegean continental extension; the North and East Anatolian strike slip fault zones; and the central Anatolian interior basins.


Stress is crucial to the survival of an organism, but excessive stress can lead to psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidality. The prevailing notion is that chronic stress promotes adverse outcomes on brain and body health, whereas acute stressors are generally benign. Notably, acute events such mass shootings or natural disasters are now emerging as significant sources of cognitive and emotional problems including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These events are characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of physical, emotional, and social stresses, which last minutes to hours. Hence, there is a need to model such multiple concurrent acute stresses (MAS) to uncover the mechanisms by which they lead to profound adverse outcomes. The MAS paradigm described here involves simultaneously exposing a rodent to several different stressors including restraint, crowding, and jostling alongside peers in a brightly lit and very noisy environment. Moreover, the MAS paradigm can be used once or imposed repeatedly to emulate complex, repeated modern life stresses, advancing our mechanistic understanding of consequent mental and cognitive impairments.


The paper presents the results of an investigation into drilling mud flow with cuttings in a vertical well. The drilling mud rheology was described with the Herschel-Bulkley model. The axial Reynolds number was around 1000, the flow regime changing together with drill pipe RPM. The investigation covered the flow's structures, integral parameters and cuttings transport in relation to drill pipe RPM and rate of penetration (ROP). In the laminar flow, most of the particles were localized in the quasi-solid region to move together with the last; the integral parameters had little dependence on drill pipe RPM increase. Increasing drill pipe RPM resulted in formation of the Görtler vortices near the channel's external and internal walls, whose interaction led to the formation of smaller eddies converting the flow into a turbulent one. Due to the turbulence dispersion, the region taken by the particles widened. Particles suppress the vortex intensity near the channel's external wall. Under the conditions described, increasing drill pipe RPM and ROP resulted in higher pressure drops and lower transport efficiency.


On the basis of a number of historical sources, memories of both Soviet and German military commanders and politicians, the author plays chronicling the events of 1941, when the operation «Typhoon» was launched by Nazi Germany (known as the Battle of Moscow in Soviet sources). In October 1941, the Wehrmacht troops have created a direct threat to Moscow. However, transfer to Moscow of «Siberian» divisions, coordinated work on the front and rear foiled the plans of the Nazi aggressors. Already on Dec. 8, 1941, Hitler issued a directive № 39 on the transition to defense on the Eastern Front. Starting from the defeat at Moscow German generals at the front began to doubt the correctness of the assessment of the military potential of the Soviet Union. The first major offensive of the Red Army had not only military but also moral and political significance. The defeat of the Wehrmacht divisions tens of Moscow had resonance throughout the world. One of the important consequences of the victory of the Red Army near Moscow was proclamation of allied relations between the Soviet Union and Great Britain and reach an agreement with the United States on the principles applicable to the common struggle against Germany.


Slagging combustors with injected lime or limestone are being considered as replacements for conventional coal burners. They have advantages in that they can be stages to reduce NO{sub x} and SO{sub x} emissions. Iron oxide, as an alternative to lime or-limestone may be effective not only as a desulfurizing agent, but, under the right conditions of oxygen potential, it can act as a flux to produce a glassy slag This glassy slag should be dense and environmentally inert. In this reporting period, the thermodynamic conditions for the operation of the first stage of a combustor operating on a Illinois No. 2 Coal have been examined with respect to the formation of the four phase equilibrium:FeO(wustite)/Fe/liquid/gas over the temperature 950{degree} to 1300{degree}C. The minimum dosages of iron oxide which are required at equilibrium and the calculated maximum percent sulfur removal are reported. Also given are the expected pounds of S per million Btu of heat SO{sub 2} evolution calculated for complete combustion. These preliminary results indicate that higher temperatures, in the range studied, give better results approaching 96 percent sulfur removal from a coal containing (on a dry basis) 3.29% by weight sulfur. A comparison is made between iron oxide andmore » lime as a desulfurizing agent. With lime, the thermodynamic conditions were chosen: a set of conditions where the compound calcium sulfide is the product and a set of conditions where calcium sulfate is the product. The temperature limits of the sulfate forming and sulfide forming reactions are defined.« less


ABSTRACT In recent years, the emerging development of Internet of things (IoT) has created new opportunities for IoT service provider, device manufacturer and customer (end user). In agriculture, employing IoT can help reducing manpower as well as standardizing agricultural processes, thus increasing the benefit for customer who does agricultural business. Beside the opportunities, there are also issues while doing maintenance for an agricultural IoT system. One of them is how to automate the process to detect faults of IoT devices in a large deployment area. While previous studies focus on investigating algorithms as well as theoretical model to detect faults for specific IoT devices, automatically expanding of IoT management process for detecting faults of sensor/actuator has not been investigated yet. To achieve this, we should be able to deal with the relationship between IoT device manufacturer, service provider and customer. In this study, we conceptualize the knowledge of IoT devices, management process and fault detection requirement. To realize this model, we introduce a runtime system to expand the IoT management process for detecting sensor/actuator faults which is able to provide the above features. We do several experiments to show the effectiveness and usefulness of the proposed solution.


Frances Tustin (1913-1994) was a British child psychotherapist who trained at the Tavistock Clinic in London and who was an analysand of Wilfred Bion. She is internationally recognised for her work with autistic children and wrote around thirty articles and four books: Autism and Childhood Psychosis (Tustin, 1972), Autistic States in Children (Tustin, 1981), Autistic Barriers in Neurotic Patients (Tustin, 1986), and The Protective Shell in Children and Adults (Tustin, 1990). In 1995, a year after Tustin's death, the Frances Tustin Memorial Trust was established by Dr Judith Mitrani (see the Frances Tustin Memorial Trust, 2012). The Trust is dedicated to the teaching, expansion and extension of Frances Tustin's work on the understanding and treatment of autistic spectrum disorders in children, adolescents and adults. This includes the sponsorship of international conferences on Tustin's work, which have been held in London, UK (2004); Caen, France (2005); Venice, Italy (2006); Berlin, Germany (2007); Tel-Aviv, Israel (2008); and, this year in Sydney, Australia. This Sixth International Conference, entitled On Bringing Patients to Life, was organized by the Trust, in conjunction with the Australian Psychoanalytical Society, the New South Wales Institute of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, The Institute of Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and the Couples and Family Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association of Australasia.


Natriuretic peptides produced by the heart in response to cardiac overload exert cardioprotective and renoprotective effects by eliciting natriuresis, reducing BP, and inhibiting cell proliferation and fibrosis. These peptides also antagonize the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, but whether this mechanism contributes to their renoprotective effect is unknown. Here, we examined the kidneys of mice lacking the guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) receptor for natriuretic peptides under conditions of high aldosterone and high dietary salt. After 4 weeks of administering aldosterone and a high-salt diet, GC-A knockout mice, but not wild-type mice, exhibited accelerated hypertension with massive proteinuria. Aldosterone-infused GC-A knockout mice had marked mesangial expansion, segmental sclerosis, severe podocyte injury, and increased oxidative stress. Reducing the BP with hydralazine failed to lessen such changes; in contrast, blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system markedly reduced albuminuria, ameliorated podocyte injury, and reduced oxidative stress. Furthermore, treatment with the antioxidant tempol significantly reduced albuminuria and abrogated the histologic changes. In cultured podocytes, natriuretic peptides inhibited aldosterone-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Taken together, these results suggest that renoprotective properties of the endogenous natriuretic peptide/GC-A system may result from the local inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and oxidative stress in podocytes.


Two experiments were conducted with lambs that consumed endophyte-infected (Acremonium coenophialum) tall fescue diets under elevated temperature and humidity and supplemented with the dopamine antagonist metoclopramide (M). In Exp. 1, 12 ruminally cannulated wethers (average weight 49 kg) were allotted by weight to either an endophyte-free diet (E-) or endophyte-infected diet (E+; 1,170 ppb of ergovaline), or E+ supplemented with M (15 mg/kg of lamb BW; E+M). Ad libitum DM intake and digestibility were lower (P < .05) for E+ than for E- diet. Supplementation of E+ with M increased (P < .05) DM intake by 27.6% but did not change DM digestibility. Body temperature increased (P < .05) when lambs consumed E+ and was further increased when M was supplemented. For Exp. 2, 19 wether lambs (average weight 24 kg) were allotted to treatments to evaluate the effects of endophyte consumption (0 vs 2,430 ppb of ergovaline) and supplementation with M (0 vs 20 mg/kg BW). An interaction (P < .05) of main effects was measured for DM intake. Lambs that consumed E+M consumed more DM than did lambs fed only E+, but lambs offered the E- diet and supplemented with M did not increase DM consumption. Diet DM digestibility was not different among treatments. Skin vaporization decreased (P < .05) due to E+ consumption and M supplementation. The concentration of prolactin in plasma was decreased (P < .05) by consumption of E+ (8 vs 136 ng/mL) and did not increase due to M supplementation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


We performed an experimental research on lubricant oil in dual fuel medium-speed engines. It is important to select the appropriate lubricant oil because it could significantly affect engine lifetime and performance. We generally recommend the selection of the lubricant oil according to the fuel grades as contents in the project guide. However, it is a considerable challenge for shipyards to implement this concept because of the lack of space to install the complicated lubricating oil system for dual fuel engines. Therefore, we determine the adaptability of one-common lubricant oil for HiMSEN dual fuel engine through this experimental research. To check abnormality in gas mode operation and durability of engine components when a lubricating oil with high BN (base number) is used, overhaul inspections and lubricant oil analysis are carried out two times, and four times, respectively, during an operation of approximately 300 h. We investigated the variations in kinematic viscosity, base number, element quantity, pentane insoluble and sulfated ash in lubricant oil analysis. Moreover, we also investigated whether the deposit formation or wear occurred in various bearings, injectors, exhaust valves, intake valves, piston rings and so on through the overhaul inspections. There are no problems in the lubricant analysis and the overhaul inspections. Through the experimental research, we confirm that one-common lubricant oil should be selected according to the higher sulfur content of fuel oil in dual fuel engines.


OBJECTIVE
To improve the diagnosis and treatment of primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) of the pancreas.

METHODS
One patient with PNET of the pancreas was reported in this article. The corresponding literatures on the diagnosis and treatment was reviewed.

RESULTS
The patient was diagnosed as pancreatic PNET by her clinical, microscopic, and immunohistochemical features as well as cytogenetic analysis after the resection of the tumor located in the uncinate process in PUMC Hospital. Radiochemotherapy was given after the operation for 8 months and no recurrence was observed. Since PNET of pancreas have no specific clinical symptoms and most patients have jaundice and/or abdominal pain, the diagnosis depended on the immunohistochemical features of positive P30/32(MIC2) and at least two of the neural markers. The cytogenetic analysis showed translocation mainly harbored the characteristic t (11; 22) (q24; q12). Since pancreatic PNET were highly aggressive, early chemotherapy, close follow-up, and immediate surgical interventions were required as early as possible.

CONCLUSION
PNET can occur in pancreas, and diagnosis and treatment should be made as early as possible to improve the outcome.


Author(s): Martin, Marie Christine | Advisor(s): Levin, John S. | Abstract: The literature suggests that neoliberalism, a term to describe the orientation of public sector towards the market, has pervaded higher education institutions. However, the assertions made in the majority of the literature on neoliberalism's presence in higher education lack data to support these proclamations. Research has explored the neoliberal behaviors of faculty (Levin a Aliyeva, 2015) and suggests that faculty engage in neoliberal activities in the form of academic capitalism (Slaughter a Leslie, 1997; Slaughter a Rhoades, 2004). However, the role of academic administrators, specifically academic deans who occupy a unique position that overlaps both the academic and administrative realms, and their participation in neoliberal behaviors are less understood. This qualitative field investigation relies on 38 semi-structured interviews with 20 academic deans across multiple disciplines included in the sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts at four public research universities in California—all University of California campuses. Institutional theory and identity theory provide frameworks for understanding of adoption of, and resistance to, neoliberal logics by academic deans and the ways in which they reconcile neoliberal logics with academic logics. Findings indicate that academic deans in the research university blend neoliberal logics with academic logics and perceive these logics as not only compatible but also necessary in a highly competitive environment with limited resources. Furthermore, findings indicate that academic deans maintain an academic identity, the identity with the most salience (Burke a Stets, 2009) and professional capital in the academy, through the development of an academic aesthetic. The activation of the academic identity acts as a mechanism for the deans' reinforcement of academic logics in spite of neoliberal pressures. Academic deans are both actors of neoliberal ideologies and defenders of the academic ethos. Implications for the practice of academic deans and the role of faculty in higher education governance and management are discussed.


Cosmic voids are a powerful probe of cosmology and are one of the core observables of upcoming galaxy surveys. The cross-correlations between voids and other large-scale structure tracers such as galaxy clustering and galaxy lensing have been shown to be very sensitive probes of cosmology and among the most promising to probe the nature of gravity and the neutrino mass. However, recent measurements of the void imprint on the lensed Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) have been shown to be in tension with expectations based on LCDM simulations, hinting to a possibility of non-standard cosmological signatures due to massive neutrinos. In this work we use the DEMNUni cosmological simulations with massive neutrino cosmologies to study the neutrino impact on voids selected in photometric surveys, as well as on the void-CMB lensing cross-correlation. We show how the void properties observed in this way (size function, profiles) are affected by the presence of massive neutrinos compared to the neutrino massless case, and show how these can vary as a function of the selection method of the void sample. We comment on the possibility for massive neutrinos to be the source of the aforementioned tension. Finally, we identify the most promising setup to detect signatures of massive neutrinos in the voids-CMB lensing cross-correlation and define a new quantity useful to distinguish among different neutrino masses by comparing future observations against predictions from simulations including massive neutrinos.


Levels of the soluble form of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM)-1 are elevated in severe sepsis. However, it is not known whether sTREM-1 measurements can distinguish milder bacterial infections from noninfectious inflammation. The present authors studied whether serum sTREM-1 levels differ in community-acquired pneumonia, exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and controls, and whether sTREM-1 may be used as a surrogate marker for the need for antibiotics. Serum sTREM-1 levels in 150 patients with pneumonia, COPD and asthma exacerbations and 62 healthy controls were measured. Serum sTREM-1 levels were significantly elevated in pneumonia (median 295.2 ng·mL-1), COPD (280.3 ng·mL-1) and asthma exacerbations (184.0 ng·mL-1) compared with controls (83.1 ng·mL-1). Levels were higher in pneumonia and Anthonisen type 1 COPD exacerbations than in type 2 and 3 COPD and asthma exacerbations. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for sTREM-1 as a surrogate marker for the need for antibiotics was 0.77. Serum levels of the soluble form of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 were elevated predominantly in pneumonia and Anthonisen type 1 COPD exacerbations versus type 2 and 3 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, asthma and controls. Serum levels of the soluble form of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 has moderate but insufficient accuracy as a surrogate marker for the need for antibiotics in lower respiratory tract infections.


This thesis sheds light on the multidimensional development experienced by China in the last decades, investigating to which extent different regions and segments of the society have benefitted from this process. The thesis comprises three independent chapters, each of which addresses this issue from a different angle and with different methodologies. The purpose of the first chapter is to document and analyze the trend and distribution of income, education and nutrition of Chinese individuals between 1989 and 2011. These three dimensions are analyzed separately (dashboard approach) through similar techniques, to preserve the possibility to compare the results of different dimensions. The inequalities observed in the three variables are measured with the Gini index, and are associated to the policies of the government and other explanatory variables. Moreover, the first chapter investigates how each type of inequality is related to the inequality of opportunities, and how the different types of discrimination evolved over time. The discrimination of individuals based on their circumstances (inequality of opportunities) is measured over time with a regression-based decomposition of inequalities. Income, education and nutrition inequalities show different trends, leading to dimension-specific policy implications.
The purpose of the second chapter is to measure the Chinese poverty reduction in the multidimensional space and to individuate an informative index of multidimensional deprivation. Two alternative methodologies, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and the Multidimensional Synthesis Indicator (MSI), are adopted and compared, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both indexes. Moreover, an original version of the MSI index is introduced, consistently with the idea of income as a mean, not an end, to achieve well-being. The multidimensional inequality amongst different groups of Chinese people is analyzed through these techniques, which are computed based on CHNS objective data, but result significantly correlated with subjective well-being too. The results, generally consistent with the previous MPI literature, contains also original findings about the intra-household identification of multidimensional deprivation. The purpose of the third chapter is to measure the multidimensional development and convergence of Chinese provinces with composite indexes. The introduction of several MSI indexes of development, based on ten economic and social indicators of development, allows to identify the development trajectory of all the 31 provinces of China between 1993 and 2016. The effectiveness of "harmonious society" policies is investigated in terms of achievements of synergies between social and economic achievements and in terms of convergence amongst provinces, according to the β- and σ-convergence methods. Both multidimensional development and convergence are characterized by generally positive results during the "harmonious society" period; however, inequalities across provinces remains, and interventions to recover the level and distribution of specific dimensions are needed.
The results of the three chapters are consistent in highlighting that Chinese reforms have different effects in terms of income and multidimensional well-being. Moreover, the thesis generally points to an improvement of Chinese conditions (despite multidimensional indexes grow more slowly than income) that has been achieved also thanks to the efforts of the central government in pursuing a more balanced and harmonious development strategy.
The thesis also indicates which dimensions and regions remain more fragile, providing a possible framework to design anti-poverty policy interventions. The diffusion of multidimensional indexes in future researches about Chinese development could allow to evaluate the trajectory of future reforms, preventing the repetition of unbalanced development strategies.


We are mainly concerned in this article with a first rule for the efficient (Pareto) e-subdifferential concerning the composition of two convex vector mappings taking values in finite or infinite-dimensional pre-ordered spaces. The obtained formula is exact and holds under Moreau-Rockafellar or Attouch-Brezis qualification conditions. In fact, beyond regularity, the rule would not be accurate without convex (Fenchel) e-subdifferential of one of the two composed mappings. But also, suitable fields of variation for vector parameters e play crucial roles in the operation. These, moreover, really enable to derive for cone-constrained convex vector optimization problems, a complete e-efficiency criterion of the Kuhn-Tucker type given in terms of a vector Lagrangian.


How to reduce interference between terminals and control side lobe have become hot spots in 4G communication research. In this paper, the beam forming algorithm based on MIMO array with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is proposed to improve modulation waveform and adaptability, furthermore, side lobe suppression is achieved. Because PSO is used to deal with the adaptive beam forming, the algorithm can make the smart track flexible enough and interference suppression much better. The stimulation results acquired from MATLAB indicate that the algorithm is intelligent, openness, and strong scalability, which can be flexibly controlled of gain and side lobe, on-demand optimization of wave-line, so that the optimizing mobile communication channel can be beneficially achieved.


An interdisciplinary undergraduate project to set up a prototype flexible robot link is discussed. The project consists of modeling, fabrication, and control of the flexible link. The combination of already well-known Lagrange and finite-element methods seems to be a great advantage in this modeling procedure. Lightwave flexible links, although known to save a large amount of operational energy, are not popular in the industry because of difficulty in their modeling and control. Following the methodology suggested, modeling is reduced to a mechanical procedure capable of efficient computer implementation. A simple controller is suggested. The controller is designed using the MATLAB simulation package, and the results are compared graphically. The lessons learned form the project are reported. >


This is an in-progress presentation of a plan whose goal is to develop and demonstrate, by 2004, environmentally-friendly, user-safe processes, techniques, and fluids that meet the operational fire extinguishment and explosion suppression requirements currently satisfied by halon 130 1 systems in aircraft, ships, ground combat vehicles, and critical command and control facilities. The plan is being formulated at the direction of the Office of Advanced Technology, Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E).


Bacterial viruses, or bacteriophages, are highly potent, target-specific antimicrobials. Bacteriophages can be safely applied along the food production chain to aid control of foodborne pathogens. However, bacteriophages are often sensitive to the environments encountered in food matrices and under processing conditions, thus limiting their applicability. We sought to address this challenge by exposing commercially available Listeria monocytogenes bacteriophage, P100, to three stress conditions: desiccation, elevated temperature, and low pH, to select for stress-resistant bacteriophages. The stressed bacteriophage populations lost up to 5.1 log10 in infectivity; however, the surviving subpopulation retained their stress-resistant phenotype through five passages with a maximum of 2.0 log10 loss in infectivity when exposed to the same stressor. Sequencing identified key mutation regions but did not reveal a clear mechanism of resistance. The stress-selected bacteriophage populations effectively suppressed L. monocytogenes growth at a modest multiplicity of infection of 0.35–0.43, indicating no trade-off in lytic ability in return for improved survivability. The stressed subpopulations were tested for survival on food grade stainless steel, during milk pasteurization, and within acidic beverages. Interestingly, air drying on stainless steel and pasteurization in milk led to significantly less stress and titer loss in bacteriophage compared to similar stress under model lab conditions. This led to a diminished benefit for stress-selection, thus highlighting a major challenge in real-life translatability of bacteriophage adaptational evolution.


We present the case of a patient, aged 4 years and 10 months, with metatropic dysplasia. The baby had repeated apnoeic episodes, bradycardia and cardiac arrests and was diagnosed with foramen magnum stenosis and atlantodental dislocation. The episodes were markedly associated with neck movements. Considering this clinical presentation, we performed laminectomy of the atlas, foramen magnum enlargement and decompression followed by dorsal C0-C2 stabilisa - tion with allogeneic bone chips. After the operation, apnoeic episodes did not recur.


Background: Therapeutic strategies to prevent port site recurrences in laparoscopy surgery of malignancies have not been investigated until now. Methods: The effects of taurolidine, heparin, and povidone iodine on the growth of rat and human colon adenocarcinoma as well as gallbladder carcinoma were investigated in vitro. Furthermore, cytokine release of growth-stimulating IL-1β by peritoneal macrophages was measured after incubation with carbon dioxide and additional incubation with the different agents. In the third experiment, prevention of intra- and extraperitoneal metastases by intraperitoneal instillation of the different agents during laparoscopy was investigated in a colon carcinoma model in the rat. Tumor cells were administered intraperitoneally in 100 rats, and pneumoperitoneum (8 mm Hg) was established over 30 min with carbon dioxide. Rats received either tumor cells, cells + heparin, cells + povidone iodine, cells + taurolidine, or cells + taurolidine + heparin. Results: In vitro, tumor cell growth decreased after incubation with taurolidine, taurolidine/heparin, and povidone iodine. Cytokine release was stimulated by incubation with carbon dioxide and could only be suppressed by incubation with taurolidine in vitro. In vivo, intraperitoneal tumor weight was lower in rats receiving heparin (251 ± 153 mg) and povidone iodine (134 ± 117 mg) compared to the control group (541 ± 291 mg), but even less when taurolidine (79 ± 82 mg) or taurolidine/heparin (18.3 ± 30 mg) were instilled. Conclusion: Heparin slightly inhibits intraperitoneal tumor growth in vivo, while povidone iodine and taurolidine cause a significant decrease in tumor cell growth in vitro as well as intraperitoneal tumor growth in vivo. Cytokine release of peritoneal macrophages is only suppressed by taurolidine. Total tumor take and trocar metastases are only suppressed by taurolidine and taurolidine/heparin.


Career development is the process of implementation (implementation) career planning. Employee career development can be done through two pathways, namely through education and training (Training) and through non-training (Weighman, 2002). Career development of an employee to occupy a position position is influenced by factors that include the attitude of employers and co-workers, experience, education, achievement, and factors fate. Research Labbase (2010) mentions factors that consists of education and training (training), work performance, work experience and expertise of employees simultaneously significant effect on career development. The problem that often arises is how to optimize career development in Central Java Training Agency. The results of research that education has positive influence on employee performance, the Training Agency of Central Java Province can develop and improve employee to follow training, Technical Guidance, Courses and Workshops, which is expected by the employees participated in some of these education can improve employee performance; Education positive influence on career development, career development of an employee. Discipline is not able to moderate education on job performance, Career development in Central Java Training Agency can be optimized through increased education, competence and job performance of employees. To enhance the career development of the Province of Central Java Training Agency may consider the education and competence of employees, because the view of the results of the study are positive influence between education and competency to career development.Key words : Antenseden Career Development in Central Java Training Agency


In this article the question of the relevance and consequences of bacteria remaining in the tubules of root dentine after cleaning and shaping of the root canal space is addressed. A second aim is to discuss the necessity of clinical measures taken to eradicate those bacteria that are presumed to survive there. The available clinical and experimental evidence supports the use of antibacterial dressings in cases where the root canal space remains temporarily unobturated after removal of necrotic and infected pulp tissue. There is no evidence, however, that special measures should be taken to kill the bacteria in the dentinal tubules. Should time permit, a sound obturation technique immediately following the cleaning, shaping and disinfection phases allows the remaining bacteria in the tubules to be either inactivated or prevented from repopulating the (former) canal space. In the vast majority of cases, those bacteria appear not to jeopardize the successful outcome of root canal treatment.


Fringing coral reefs are developed adjacent to the islands within Moreton Bay, near Dunwich on the western side of North Stradbroke Island, and along the southwestern shores of the bay between Point Halloran and Wellington Point. Between Wellington Point and Cleveland Point reef growth is almost continuous for 10km, but rarely exceeds 5mm in thickness. This reef began to develop approximately 7500 years B.P. upon a seaward-sloping laterite platform. Coral growth did not keep pace with riisng sea-level. Portions of the reef may have reached the intertidal zone about the same time as those reefs at Mud Island where uranium series dates from 4100 to 6000 B.P. have been obtained. Subsequently the back-reef area has been filled with terrigenous and bioclastic sediments. A distinctive tidal flat zonation has been developed. Mangroves have developed in relatively recent times, having first colonized the upper intertidal surface of the reefs (north of Empire Point) or the landward side of beach ridges (shores of Raby Bay). Organic mud produced by the mangroves severely inhibits coral growth and the intertidal surface of the reef now consists of dead Acropora, whereas living corals (Faviidae) are restricted to the subtidal areas. Seaward pro-gradation of the mangroves is very limited, however, landward extension is evident in some places.


Several nitrobenzyl-based photosensitive phosphoramide mustards were synthesized. The nitrobenzyl moiety was structurally varied to find the most promising prodrug candidates in respect to photorelease and activity of the alkylating species. The synthesis of these compounds proved to be applicable even in regard to compounds with additional functionalization. The target molecules 13a,b to 14 exhibited the expected red shift in their absorption spectra maximum compared to the parent nitrobenzyl moiety. As seen by UV and (31)P NMR spectroscopy, the phosphoramide mustard was quickly liberated upon irradiation with mercury arc lamps. Assaying the structurally different prodrugs on their alkylating activity showed that compounds 13b and 14, derived from secondary benzyl alcohols, are promising prodrug candidates. Their water solubility and the possibility of attaching macromolecules are encouraging vis-à-vis future investigations on their in vitro cytotoxicity.


Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristic MR findings of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus. Materials and Methods: Eight MR images of pathologically proven sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus were retro-spectively reviewed [M: F = 7: 1; age range 9-41 (median, 17) years]. In all cases, a sacrococcygeal mass was present. Five of the eight patients experienced pain, and in three was discharge. MR findings were evaluated with regard to the location and extent of the lesion, and the presence of sinus or cyst, and the results were com-pared with the pathologic findings. Results: According to the clinical manifestations, each case was assigned to one of four groups: the first type (n= 3) showed dermal thickening with subcutaneous fatty infiltration of the ipsilateral natal cleft while patholog-ically, a follicular cyst with dermal fibrosis and multiple fatty lobules with fibrous septa were found to be pre-sent. In the second type (n = 3), fluid was observed in the sinus tract, while the pathologic findings demon-strated the presence of an abscess in this area. In the third type (n = 1), a cystic lesion with air-fluid level was present; pathologically, an abscess was revealed. The fourth type (n = 1) showed only a low signal intensity sinus tract on both T1 and T2-weighted images, while the pathologic findings indicated the presence of hairs and follicles within the tract. Conclusion: The MR findings of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus depend on the clinical manifestation and include subcutaneous fatty infiltration, a sinus tract with or without fluid retention, and a cystic lesion with air fluid level. These findings could be helpful for differentiating between this and other sacrococcygeal lesions.


Outdoor Recreation (OR) provides the benefits of physical activity (PA) and traditional leisure placed in an outdoor environment. Motivation, self-efficacy, and autonomy can increase depending on the physical and social environment. This study explored the relationship between self-efficacy and autonomy on OR behaviors and identified barriers and supporters to OR during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey information was collected from 995 U.S. adults (93.6% white, 64.0% female) regarding OR behaviors, changes in OR during COVID-19, and OR self-perceptions. Significant positive correlations existed between autonomy and self-efficacy (r = 0.138, p < 0.01), and self-efficacy and pre/post pandemic OR behaviors 2020 (r = 0.158, p < 0.01), (r = 0.129, p < 0.01) respectively. Qualitative data implied barriers and supporters to OR as: social, psychological health, and increased or changed OR/PA. Implications from this research are beneficial to OR and health professionals to promote overall physical and psychological well-being for OR participants.


This paper proposes a competitive divide-and-conquer algorithm for solving large-scale black-box optimization problems, where there are thousands of decision variables, and the algebraic models of the problems are unavailable. We focus on problems that are partially additively separable, since this type of problem can be further decomposed into a number of smaller independent sub-problems. The proposed algorithm addresses two important issues in solving large-scale black-box optimization: (1) the identification of the independent sub-problems without explicitly knowing the formula of the objective function and (2) the optimization of the identified black-box sub-problems. First, a Global Differential Grouping (GDG) method is proposed to identify the independent sub-problems. Then, a variant of the Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES) is adopted to solve the sub-problems resulting from its rotation invariance property. GDG and CMA-ES work together under the cooperative co-evolution framework. The resultant al-gorithm named CC-GDG-CMAES is then evaluated on the CEC'2010 large-scale global optimization (LSGO) benchmark functions, which have a thousand decision variables and black-box objective functions. The experimental results show that on most test functions evaluated in this study, GDG manages to obtain an ideal partition of the index set of the decision variables, and CC-GDG-CMAES outperforms the state-of-the-art re-sults. Moreover, the competitive performance of the well-known CMA-ES is extended from low-dimensional to high-dimensional black-box problems.


Opalescence indicates physical instability of a formulation because of the presence of aggregates or liquid-liquid phase separation in solution and has been reported for monoclonal antibody (mAb) formulations. Increased solution opalescence can be attributed to attractive protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Techniques including light scattering, AUC, or membrane osmometry are routinely employed to measure PPIs in dilute solutions, whereas opalescence is seen at relatively higher concentrations, where both long- and short-range forces contribute to overall PPIs. The mAb molecule studied here shows a unique property of high opalescence because of liquid-liquid phase separation. In this study, opalescence measurements are correlated to PPIs measured in diluted and concentrated solutions using light scattering (kD ) and high-frequency rheology (G'), respectively. Charges on the molecules were calculated using zeta potential measurements. Results indicate that high opalescence and phase separation are a result of the attractive interactions in solution; however, the presence of attractive interactions do not always imply phase separation. Temperature dependence of opalescence suggests that thermodynamic contribution to opalescence is significant and Tcloud can be utilized as a potential tool to assess attractive interactions in solution.


The energy transition has increased the reliance on intermittent energy sources, destabilizing energy markets and causing unprecedented volatility, culminating in the global energy crisis of 2021. In addition to harming producers and consumers, volatile energy markets may jeopardize vital decarbonization efforts. Traders play an important role in stabilizing markets by providing liquidity and reducing volatility. Several mathematical and statistical models have been proposed for forecasting future returns. However, developing such models is non-trivial due to financial markets' low signal-to-noise ratios and nonstationary dynamics. This thesis investigates the effectiveness of deep reinforcement learning methods in commodities trading. It formalizes the commodities trading problem as a continuing discrete-time stochastic dynamical system. This system employs a novel time-discretization scheme that is reactive and adaptive to market volatility, providing better statistical properties for the sub-sampled financial time series. Two policy gradient algorithms, an actor-based and an actor-critic-based, are proposed for optimizing a transaction-cost- and risk-sensitive trading agent. The agent maps historical price observations to market positions through parametric function approximators utilizing deep neural network architectures, specifically CNNs and LSTMs. On average, the deep reinforcement learning models produce an 83 percent higher Sharpe ratio than the buy-and-hold baseline when backtested on front-month natural gas futures from 2017 to 2022. The backtests demonstrate that the risk tolerance of the deep reinforcement learning agents can be adjusted using a risk-sensitivity term. The actor-based policy gradient algorithm performs significantly better than the actor-critic-based algorithm, and the CNN-based models perform slightly better than those based on the LSTM.


Asthma has been recognized as a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway. The early use of antiinflammatory agents, one of which is inhaled corticosteroids, is advocated in the treatment of chronic asthma. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is effective in childhood asthma. CD4 T-cell activation correlate with the values of the coefficient variation (CV) of peak expiratory flow (PEF) in asthmatic patients, suggesting that CV of PEF is a good marker for assessing not only the variability of airway obstruction but also the degree of airway inflammation. PEF monitoring is useful for better controlling asthma, because some patients treated with inhaled corticosteroid may still remain undertreated.


Objective: To compare brain metabolism patterns on fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT in anti–NMDA receptor and other definite autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and to assess how these patterns differ between anti–NMDA receptor neurologic disability groups. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical data and initial dedicated brain FDG-PET/CT studies for neurology inpatients with definite AE, per published consensus criteria, treated at a single academic medical center over a 10-year period. Z-score maps of FDG-PET/CT were made using 3-dimensional stereotactic surface projections in comparison to age group–matched controls. Brain region mean Z scores with magnitudes ≥2.00 were interpreted as significant. Comparisons were made between anti–NMDA receptor and other definite AE patients as well as among patients with anti–NMDA receptor based on modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at the time of FDG-PET/CT. Results: The medial occipital lobes were markedly hypometabolic in 6 of 8 patients with anti–NMDA receptor encephalitis and as a group (Z = −4.02, interquartile range [IQR] 2.14) relative to those with definite AE (Z = −2.32, 1.46; p = 0.004). Among patients with anti–NMDA receptor encephalitis, the lateral and medial occipital lobes were markedly hypometabolic for patients with mRS 4–5 (lateral occipital lobe Z = −3.69, IQR 1; medial occipital lobe Z = −4.08, 1) compared with those with mRS 0–3 (lateral occipital lobe Z = −0.83, 2; p < 0.0005; medial occipital lobe Z = −1.07, 2; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Marked medial occipital lobe hypometabolism by dedicated brain FDG-PET/CT may serve as an early biomarker for discriminating anti–NMDA receptor encephalitis from other AE. Resolution of lateral and medial occipital hypometabolism may correlate with improved neurologic status in anti–NMDA receptor encephalitis.


Background: Chest physiotherapy is an important part of the routine treatment of patients with bronchiectasis. The aim of present study was investigate the efficacy of two frequently used physiotherapies in bronchiectasis: active cycle of breathing (ACTB) techniques and the Flutter device. Methods: A prospective randomized study was performed in 36 stable patients with non-cystic bronchiectasis at home, in which 4 weeks of daily ACTB (n=17) were compared with the Flutter device (n=19). We compared symptoms, pulmonary function tests, dyspnea scores and Health-Related Quality of Life with two different physiotherapy techniques. Results: We determined cough and weakness was reduced (respectively p=0,000, p=0,004), sputum expectoration was increased (p=0,002), dyspnea score was reduced (for Medical Research Council p=0,001, for Borg Dyspnea Scale p=0,002) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) 9Physical Health9 component summaries score was improved partly (p=0,001) with physiotherapy. No significant changes were note FVC, FEV1 or symptoms between the two techniques. We found only significantly general health (p=0.048) and pain feeling (p=0.011) scores in SF-36 with the Flutter. Conclusions: Chest physiotherapy is a effective method increasing sputum expectoration, reducing symptoms and dyspnea score and party improvement Health-Related Quality of Life. ACTB and Flutter techniques are suitable usage at home-based treatment.


Coexistence of squamous cell carcinoma cervix with tuberculosis cervix, as reported in literature, is a rare entity. Only 8 cases have been reported in the world literature so far. Tuberculosis in general is rampant in developing countries, especially in India, and so is carcinoma cervix and hence one would expect a much higher incidence of coexistence of two. However tuberculosis cervix is a rarely reported disease.We report a case of tuberculosis cervix associated with squamous cell carcinomaand regional lymph node involvement in a postmenopausal woman. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2015) Vol. 5, 781-783


We have studied a patient who presented with clinical features suggestive of chronic myeloid leukemia in accelerated phase. BCR-ABL transcripts were undetectable by reverse transcription-PCR, but a novel reciprocal translocation, t(5;10)(q33;q21.2), was seen by standard cytogenetic analysis. Chromosome band 5q33 contains the gene encoding the platelet-derived growth factor beta receptor (PDGFbetaR), the receptor tyrosine kinase that is disrupted by the t(5;7), t(5;12), and t(5;14) in myeloid disorders, resulting in the fusion of PDGFbetaR to HIP1, TEL/ETV6, and CEV14, respectively. Southern analysis with PDGFbetaR cDNA revealed novel bands in patient but not control DNA after digestion with several restriction enzymes, indicating that this gene is also targeted by the t(5;10). Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of chromosome 5 indicated that a small inversion at 5q33 had taken place in addition to the interchromosomal translocation. The site of the chromosome 10 breakpoint fell within YAC 940e4. Because all PDGFbetaR fusions described thus far result in splicing to a common exon of this gene, we performed 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR on patient RNA. Several clones were isolated in which PDGFbetaR fused in frame to H4/D10S170, a previously described ubiquitously expressed gene that is fused to the ret protein tyrosine kinase to form the PTC-1 oncogene in approximately 20% of papillary thyroid carcinomas. The presence of H4-PDGFbetaR chimeric mRNA in the patient was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR; reciprocal PDGFbeta1R-H4 transcripts were not detected. We conclude that t(5;10)(q33;q21.2) is a novel translocation in BCR-ABL-negative chronic myeloid leukemia and that this abnormality results in an H4-PDGFbetaR fusion gene. This finding further strengthens the association between myeloproliferative disorders and deregulated tyrosine kinases.


Background:Gut microbial communities are likely remodeled along with accumulated physiological decline during aging. Here, we performed a metagenomics-based enterotype analysis in a geographically homogeneous cohort of 367 enrolled Chinese individuals between the ages of 60 and 94, with the goal of characterizing the gut microbiome of the older Chinese individuals and identifying factors linked to enterotype variations.Results:In addition to two adult-like enterotypes were dominated by Bacteroides spp. (ET-Bacteroides spp.) and Prevotella copri (ET-P. copri), we further identified a novel enterotype dominated by Escherichia coli (ET-E. coli), whose prevalence increased in advanced age. ET-E. coli presented some characteristics previously observed in the microbiomes of older people, including low species diversity and diminished abundance of the butyrate producer Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii), and exhibited distinct functions as well as a complex, highly stable microbial co-occurrence network, as evidenced by cohesion and natural connectivity analysis. Furthermore, a series of correlation analyses and co-abundance network analyses were carried out and showed that several factors were likely linked to the overabundance of Escherichia members, including advanced age, different vegetable, and fruit intake. Notably, there may be a niche pre-emption of E. coli by P. copri in ET-P. copri via several functional pathways involved in queuosine, braided glycoside, UMP, L-lysine and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. Overall, our data demonstrated that age explained more of the variance in the gut microbiome than previously identified factors such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diet. Overgrowth of Escherichia members might occur in a senior's gut where the dominance of core functional microbiota was impaired by long-term changes in dietary habits, gut physiology, and gastrointestinal motility during aging.Conclusion:This study demonstrates an enterotype variation featured by E. coli enrichment in some older Chinese individuals, indicating a potential dissimilation of the gut microbial community with altered host conditions eventually leading to enterotype transitions in advanced age. These findings provide new insights into the changes in the gut microbiome in older age and clues for mechanistic investigations on the driving forces.


Introduction. Importance of airport design to national identity. Airports as gateways, both functional and symbolic. Airports within national and international transportation frameworks. Part One: Planning principles. Scale and location. Density of airport traffic and design. Government control and planning parameters. Airports as quasi-cities. Airport types. Airport masterplans. Environmental appraisals. Part Two: Design principles. Terminal types and layout. Environmental factors. Key design issues - security, baggage handling systems, immigration, commercial activity, comfort standards, airline versus airport control of space and environment, passenger processing. Aesthetics and politics of space. Part Three: Public Transport Links. Rail, bus, taxi, car and underground connections. The airport as part of an integrated transport system. Conflicts of interest. Pedestrian movement at the airport. Part Four: Layout choices. Aircraft access and terminal configuration, check-in, ticketing, security and passenger safety, customs control. Part Five: Passenger perceptions. Information signage, environmental comfort, shopping and refreshment, safety, baggage reclaim and transportation, transfers, disabled access and toilets, VIP's. Part Six: Technical factors (Design). Organisational patterns, structure of terminals, finishes, environmental issues, fire safety. Heating, lighting and ventilation. Legibility of interior space patterns through design. Part Seven: Technical factors (Engineering). People movers, aircraft taxiing, aircraft docking, aprons, re-fuelling, etc, passenger loading. Part Eight: Recent case studies. International: Kansai Chicago New York (JFK) Munich Heathrow (terminal 5) Paris (terminal 2) Hong Kong (chek lap kok). National: Oslo (Hurum) Stuttgart Hamburg Bahrain Zurich Tampa Atlanta Bilbao Stansted. Regional: Southampton Manchester Birmingham Brisbane Cork Marseilles Rovaniemi (Finland). Part Nine: Future directions. The airport of the 21st century, integration of transportation systems. Elements of the sustainable airport. New aircraft, new airport design. Future directions in comfort, health and safety.


Lithium is widely used to treat bipolar disorder, but its mechanism of action in this disorder is unknown. Lithium directly inhibits GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3), a critical regulator of multiple signal transduction pathways. Inhibition of GSK3 provides a compelling explanation for many of the known effects of lithium, including effects on early development and insulin signalling/glycogen synthesis. However, lithium also inhibits inositol monophosphatase, several structurally related phosphomonoesterases, phosphoglucomutase and the scaffolding function of beta-arrestin-2. It is not known which of these targets is responsible for the behavioural or therapeutic effects of lithium in vivo. The present review discusses basic criteria that can be applied to model systems to validate a proposed direct target of lithium. In this context, we describe a set of simple behaviours in mice that are robustly affected by chronic lithium treatment and are similarly affected by structurally diverse GSK3 inhibitors and by removing one copy of the Gsk3b gene. These observations, from several independent laboratories, support a central role for GSK3 in mediating behavioural responses to lithium.


The goal of this project was to improve preoperative medication instructions. After baseline data were collected prospectively through standardised patient surveys, preoperative care providers were educated to convey clear, appropriate preoperative medication instructions. After the education period, patient surveys were again completed to assess improvement. Hospital-wide education effectively increased the percentage of medications with written, colour-coded, and medically appropriate instructions. Patients found the instructions clearer and easier to follow.


AN OPEN-shoulder spica has provided a satisfactory means of managing several conditions previously requiring the traditional full spica (Fig 1). A combination of a waistband and a long arm cast connected with a wooden and plaster outrigger was first applied to an adult patient who was unwilling to remain in the traditional spica following a shoulder fusion. He had torn his plaster down in order to maintain his skin hygiene and to gain comfort. The open-shoulder spica was designed as a compromise, but it maintained the desired position until union was achieved. This spica cast has since been satisfactorily used to maintain the desired position in patients undergoing shoulder fusion, derotational humeral osteotomy, soft-tissue release with tendon transfer around the shoulder (L'Episcopo-Zachary procedure), and following reconstruction of a posterior dislocation of the shoulder. An open-shoulder spica has the following advantages: (1) simple application, (2) easy and accurate positioning, (3) light


In this study, the solidification simulation of pure metal castings was conducted and the effects of open shrinkage cavity formation process on heat transfer behavior were investigated. The shrinkage cavity predicted by the conventional simulation method was shallower than the experimental results obtained using the proposed method, although an inverted conical shrinkage cavity was formed on top of cylindrical pure metal castings. The change in the heat transfer behavior during solidification was not modeled well using the conventional method, which was associated with the long duration of shrinkage cavity formation process and the resulting deep shrinkage cavity. On the contrary, when we altered the reduction of melt level based on solidification shrinkage and the proper interfacial heat release to the atmosphere, the predicted shape and depth of the shrinkage cavity were very close to the experimental results. Therefore, a comprehensive simulation of the effects of the shrinkage cavity formation process on the heat transfer behavior is important for predicting the shrinkage cavity formed in pure metal castings. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.MG201808]


Borneo Paleohydrology Climate records of the last glacial cycle provide a good picture of how climate changed at high and middle latitudes, but fewer records of the tropics are available. Carolin et al. (p. 1564, published online 6 June) present data from a suite of precisely dated stalagmites from Borneo that reveal how the western tropical Pacific region behaved between 100,000 and 15,000 years ago, a period during which many abrupt climate changes occurred in other parts of the world. While the hydroclimate of Borneo changed in response to precessional forcing, it responded only weakly to the forces that produced glacial-interglacial changes in global climate. Stalagmites from Borneo show how the climate of the western equatorial Pacific region changed over the past 100,000 years. Atmospheric deep convection in the west Pacific plays a key role in the global heat and moisture budgets, yet its response to orbital and abrupt climate change events is poorly resolved. Here, we present four absolutely dated, overlapping stalagmite oxygen isotopic records from northern Borneo that span most of the last glacial cycle. The records suggest that northern Borneo's hydroclimate shifted in phase with precessional forcing but was only weakly affected by glacial-interglacial changes in global climate boundary conditions. Regional convection likely decreased during Heinrich events, but other Northern Hemisphere abrupt climate change events are notably absent. The new records suggest that the deep tropical Pacific hydroclimate variability may have played an important role in shaping the global response to the largest abrupt climate change events.


The objective of this study is to investigate the role of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) lymphocyte response to nitrogen mustard therapy. DNA-PK is a nuclear serine/threonine kinase that functions in DNA double-strand break repair and in the joining process in recombination mechanisms. In a series of 34 patients with B-CLL, either untreated (n = 16) or resistant to chlorambucil (n = 18), the kinase activity of the complex, as determined by its capacity to phosphorylate a peptide substrate in vitro, is increased in the resistant samples as compared with the untreated ones (24.4 +/- 2.6 arbitrary units [a.u.] [range, 12.7 to 55.8 a.u.] versus 8.1 +/- 2.8 a.u. [range, 0.9 to 44.5 a.u.], respectively (P < .0001]), independent of other clinical and biological factors. Linear regression analysis shows an excellent correlation between the level of DNA-PK activity and the inherent in vitro sensitivity of CLL lymphocytes to chlorambucil (r = .875, P =.0001). The regulation of DNA-PK activity was associated with increased DNA-binding activity of its regulatory subunit, the Ku heterodimer, in resistant samples. These results suggest that this activity is a determinant in the cellular response to chlorambucil and participates in the development of nitrogen mustard-resistant disease. The increase in DNA-PK activity might contribute to the enhanced cross-link repair that we previously postulated to be a primary mechanism of resistance to nitrogen mustards in CLL.


In this paper, we present a new way of improving hybrid flash-disk storage systems by intelligently prefetching file objects with sequential pattern mining technique. Our ultimate goal is to minimize overall file I/O processing time of hybrid storage systems with the fully associated sector translation (FAST) technique that is known to be the best mapping method in managing flash memory. The FAST assumes that the flash memory space consists of log blocks and data blocks. Since the FAST technique can effectively handle sequential accesses while highly utilizing log block space, it is very significant to further enhance the system performance of the hybrid storage when applying FAST to it. In our work, the hybrid storage uses the flash memory as a cache space. With this memory architecture, we focus on prefetching file objects onto sequential log blocks to be accessed in the near future through sequential pattern mining. Through intensive experiments using UCC data and synthetic data, we show that the proposed prefetching method contributes to improving the performance of the hybrid storage.


Four modes of heating endotoxin in plasma and two different times of heating endotoxin in pyrogen-free water were compared. There were no significant differences in standard curves after heating endotoxin in plasma at 100 °C for 1 and for 10 min. However, the standard curve after heating for 10 min at 75 °C had a significantly less steep slope, and after heating for 10 min at 56 °C, it was completely flat. Heating of endotoxin in pyrogen-free water for 1 min also resulted in the flattening of the standard curve, which was even more pronounced after 10 min of heating.


The effect of changing the image resolution over a biometric system based on hand geometry is analyzed in this paper. Image resolution is progressively diminished from an initial 120dpi resolution up to 24dpi. The robustness of the examined system is analyzed with 2 databases and two identifiers. The first database acquires the images of the hand underneath whereas the second database acquires the images over the hand. The first classifier identifies with a multiclass support vector machine whereas the second classifier identifies with a neural network with error correction output codes. The four experiments show that an image resolution of 72dpi offers a good trade-off between performance and image resolution for the 15 geometric features used.


With microfotos from her field of work, cytology, the author demonstrates that normal cells deforming into malignant growth change their "expression", too. Trained by means of the "non-figurative" art of our century and by interpretation of the values and significance of their expression of the perception of deformation in case of malignant growth is intensified.


Pure, Nb-doped and Ag-doped titania nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel technique with dopant concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 atomic percent Nb or Ag. The annealing temperatures ranged from 250 to 900 °C. Changes in phase transformation of the doped samples with reference to pure titania were studied. It was found that Nb doping stablizes the anatase phase while Ag doping accelerates the transformation from anatase to rutile at a concentration higher than 0.5 at. %. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Xray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).


The artificially varied structural quality of interfaces significantly affects the transport properties of a,Cu,Q7-PrBazCu307-YBa2Cu307 junctions. The mechanism of conductivity changes from a semiconducting-like to a metal-like one with an improvement of the interface quality, the microstructure of the materials and the reduction of the barrier thickness. The proposed model including a carrier induced superconductivity and a bending of the electronic bands at the interfaces gives a satisfactory explanation of the experimental results.


HEP experiments simulate the detector response by accessing all needed data and services within their own software frameworks. However decoupling the simulation process from the experiment infrastructure can be useful for a number of tasks, amongst them the debugging of new features, or the validation of multi-threaded vs sequential simulation code and the optimization of algorithms for HPCs. The relevant features and data must be extracted from the framework to produce a standalone simulation application.
As an example, the simulation of the detector response of the ATLAS experiment at the LHC is based on the Geant4 toolkit and is fully integrated in the experiment's framework "Athena". Recent developments opened the possibility of accessing a full persistent copy of the ATLAS geometry outside of the Athena framework. This is a prerequisite for running ATLAS Geant4 simulation standalone. In this paper we present the status of development of FullSimLight, a lightweight simulation prototype that is being developed with the goal of running ATLAS standalone Geant4 simulation with the actual ATLAS geometry. The purpose of FullSimLight is to simplify studies of Geant4 tracking and physics processes, including tests on novel architectures. We will also address the challenges related to the complexity of ATLAS's geometry implementation, which precludes make persistent a complete detector description in a way that can be automatically read by standalone Geant4. This lightweight prototype is meant to ease debugging operations on the Geant4 side and to allow early testing of new Geant4 releases. It will also ease optimization studies and R&D activities related to HPC development: i.e. the possibility to offload partially/totally the simulation to GPUs/Accelerators without having to port the whole experimental infrastructure.


Abstract This paper aims to analyze innovation pathways for stem cell technology in Argentina. Firstly, we present a theoretical perspective on the co-construction of regulation and technology development, positing four main tensions that underlie regulatory building and the shaping of national strategies for regenerative medicine. Regulation is understood as a negotiated process among interests, values, benefits, rewards, and different understandings of safety, efficacy, access and availability. The framework is useful to explore how actors and their visions of desired futures shape the creation of standards and, in turn, how they configure the way these emerging technologies are produced, accessed and used. Secondly, we discuss in detail the Argentine case. We focus on (a) the deployment of state actions on capacity and regulatory building, (b) the creation of new businesses in response to patient expectations, particularly umbilical cord stem cell banks and the supply of experimental treatments, and (c) state-led actions to build a specific regulatory framework (still in the making). Ambiguities and gaps in the current legislation as well as scarce enforcement capabilities configure a legal "grey area" for for-profit experimental treatments. Building a specific regulatory framework is understood to be a part of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) state agencies' struggle to govern technology development in terms of national envisaged innovation strategies. Lastly, we show how STI authorities and scientists managed to align a broad coalition of actors that encourage international harmonization strategies, following the pharmaceutical model of drug evaluation based on the multi-phase trial system.


Given the recent interest in acceptance-based interventions for psychosis, it has been recommended that coping with voices mechanisms, namely experiential acceptance, are routinely assessed in clinical and research settings. The Voices Acceptance and Action Scale (VAAS-12) is a self-report measure developed to specifically assess acceptance-based or action-based beliefs in relation to verbal auditory hallucinations. This study aimed to translate, adapt and study the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the VAAS-12 in a clinical sample within the psychosis-spectrum disorders. The VAAS-12 was translated and adapted to Portuguese. Its psychometric properties were then studied in a sample of fifty-four male participants, mostly single, unemployed, and with a last week voice hearing experience. Confirmatory analysis was performed for the one-factor and two-factor structure suggested for the VAAS in previous studies. Both had unacceptable fit indicators. Exploratory analysis then yield an alternative two-factor structure ("Non-interference and action" and "Acceptance and Life functioning" subscales) with adequate fit. Adequate internal consistency and construct validity were found, with the VAAS being negatively associated with perception of voices as hostile-dominant and resistance regarding voices. The VAAS-12 seems adequate to use in clinical and research studies, although further study is needed particularly regarding subscale "Acceptance and Life functioning".