The goal of this paper is event detection and recounting using a representation of concept detector scores. Different from existing work, which encodes videos by averaging concept scores over all frames, we propose to encode videos using fragments that are discriminatively learned per event. Our bag-of-fragments split a video into semantically coherent fragment proposals. From training video proposals we show how to select the most discriminative fragment for an event. An encoding of a video is in turn generated by matching and pooling these discriminative fragments to the fragment proposals of the video. The bag-of-fragments forms an effective encoding for event detection and is able to provide a precise temporally localized event recounting. Furthermore, we show how bag-of-fragments can be extended to deal with irrelevant concepts in the event recounting. Experiments on challenging web videos show that i) our modest number of fragment proposals give a high sub-event recall, ii) bag-of-fragments is complementary to global averaging and provides better event detection, iii) bag-of-fragments with concept filtering yields a desirable event recounting. We conclude that fragments matter for video event detection and recounting.


A 63-year-old man had previously undergone resection for stage III colon cancer. Liver metastasis had resolved with palliative chemotherapy. The patient was now admitted because of weight loss, obstructive jaundice, and intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary dilatation due to extrinsic compression of the biliary tree at the porta hepatis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) was performed with placement of a fully covered metal stent in the common bile duct and right hepatic duct, and the patient was discharged with downward-trending bilirubin levels. However, 10 days later, he was readmitted with dyspnea, abdominal pain, and a temperature of 100.1 °F. Physical examination revealed chest pain at the left lower ribs and epigastric tenderness. Laboratory test results were white blood cell count 21.3×109/L, bilirubin 7.6mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase 212U/L, and blood cultures positive for Clostridium perfringens (●" Fig.1). Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a 3.1-cm collection of fluid that contained gas in the left lobe of the liver (●" Fig.2). Inadequate drainage of the left hepatic system due to blockage by the stent in the right hepatic duct may have created a nidus for infection. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics, abscess drainage, and removal of the metal stent (●" Fig.3). C. perfringens is a rapidly growing (doubling time of 7 minutes), spore-forming, anaerobic, Gram-positive bacillus that is often found in the human bowel but rarely causes liver abscess and sepsis. To the best of our knowledge, approximately 22 cases of C. perfringens liver abscess resulting in septicemia have been reported, many of which were fatal [1]. The infections that lead to septicemia after ERCP are most commonly caused by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, but rarely C. perfringens [1]. C. perfringens infection has a mortality rate of 70% to 100%, often develops in immunosuppressed patients, and presents with fever, abscess, or hemolysis [2]. Liver abscess due to C. perfringens is a rare and often fatal event; a high degree of suspicion for the diagnosis and immediate treatment with drainage and antibiotics are required.


Carotene and tocopherol are valuable products that exist as minor compounds in palm oil and mostly extracted out during many stages of palm oil processing. Hence, most of it ended up in wastewater or palm oil mill effluent (POME). Fortunately, adsorption is potentially one of the most efficient method as compared to the others. In fact, it is widely studied in laboratory scale, in order to obtain equilibrium data for the steady state system. However, industrial practices are mostly operated in unsteady state in a continuous manner. Consequently, this study is executed to design a recovery process of one of the minor compounds in palm oil mill effluent (POME), which is carotene, using silica gel. It aims to predict the dynamic adsorption of recovery of minor compounds from palm oil mill effluent based on available equilibrium data, investigate the effects of dynamic and physical properties of the system towards the process by analyzing the breakthrough curve and study the feasibility of the scale up process by performing a sensitivity analysis on the system. Then, a base simulation was prepared by using available equilibrium data. Operating and design parameters such as, bed height, inlet flowrate and concentration were manipulated. Consistent with previous packed column studies, increase flow and concentration will reduce the time required for the column to achieve saturation, while increase bed height effects were vice versa. Finally, the last objective to achieve was to study the practicality of the packed bed column and perform a sensitivity on assumptions and predictions such as predicted mass transfer coefficient and isotherm model. It is proven that the selection of isotherm model and prediction in coefficient did not pose a large impact to the breakthrough curve and the average time required for the column of 1.5 m tall and 0.8 in diameter, to reach breakthrough time is 1.7 days. Hence, it can be concluded that adsorption technology using silica gel as its adsorbent can be applied is recovering minor compounds in palm oil mills.


Memory formation for a weak passive avoidance task in the dark-incubated chicks is facilitated by light exposure or corticosterone administration at optimally pre-hatch time points. To explore the potential mechanisms underlying activation of brain memory function development by light or corticosterone exposure during late embryo, steroid receptor antagonist RU486, or protein synthetic inhibitor anisomycin, was administered intraembryonically to the embryos of either only 24-h light-exposure or complete darkhatched on embryonic day 20 (E20). The results showed that RU486 and anisomycin significantly retarded the facilitated retention both by light and corticosterone exposure in the dark-incubated chicks. They also suggest that the act of corticosterone or light exposure on the development of brain memory function is mediated by the effect of steroid receptor, or afterward on related protein syntheses that is involved in memory formation of post-hatched performance of day-old chicks.


The occurrence of Rhizomatophora aegopodioides, a species distributed in the Balkan Peninsula, Greece, southern Caucasus, Turkey and southern Russia, is reported here for the first time in Italy. It was discovered in Calabria (southern Italy) in the Argentino River Valley and along the Abatemarco River (municipality of Cosenza), localities partly included within the Pollino National Park. Information about taxonomy, nomenclature, habitat, phytosociology and distribution of this species in Italy are provided.


DEMYELINATING lesions in the central nervous system have been known to develop in the course of, and particularly in the terminal metabolic derangements of, such disorders as hepatic diseases, uremia, eclampsia, and porphyria. The development of demyelinating lesions of the central nervous system in disorders other than the nervous system has been investigated by various workers with respect to clues for the pathogenesis of the demyelinating lesions of multiple sclerosis. The present study deals with the measurement, quantitative and qualitative, of various substances in the blood and urine often used to discover disordered liver function. Although the tests may be used as a battery to assess liver function, they are also useful in comparing the results with those in normal man and with reports of other investigators studying functions other than those of the liver. None of the patients included in this study had clinical symptoms or signs suggesting liver


The present study determined whether 4-year-old children would use experimentally acquired verbal mediators when learning a picture pairedassociate task. The experimental Ss learned 3 lists which conformed to the simple 3-stage chaining paradigm (A-B, B-C, A-C), while the control Ss learned lists conforming to the A-B, D-C, A-C paradigm. The study-test method of training was employed. Study trials on the third list were presented at either a 3-second, or a 6-second rate. Analysis of total correct responses over 6 trials of List III learning revealed significant facilitation in the experimental group relative to the control group. Contrary to prediction, Ss receiving a 3-second study trial rate on List III made more correct responses on that list than did Ss receiving the 6-second rate. The prediction of a greater E-C difference for the 6-second group than the 3-second group was not confirmed, which indicated that rate did not affect amount of mediation in the present study. Several investigators (e.g., Bugelski & Scharlock, 1952; Horton & Kjeldergaard, 1961) have used the three-stage chaining paradigm (Jenkins, 1963) to demonstrate verbal mediation in adults. In this paradigm, three successive paired-associate lists are learned. The stimulus and response items of these three lists can be represented as A-B, B-C, and A-C for Lists I, II, and III, respectively. In the learning of List I, A becomes associated with B. In List II, B becomes associated with C. A mediation analysis predicts that learning the common B term to both A and C should facilitate the learning of the A-C pairs in List III relative to an A-B, D-C, A-C control.


The range, evolution, and historical sequence of farm transport on the Island from the seventeenth to the twentieth century is discussed in this paper, in the context of the development of the road system and capacity of horse power. Human power resources included the use of the creel; thereafter the sledge and various forms of early cart, specifically the slide carr and the Irish carr, Island variations on the Celtic diaspora of such vehicles. The influence of the spread of the 'Scotch cart' is considered, and the evolution of the hay bogey and especially the 'stiff cart', a distinct type of cart (or at least a distinct nomenclature) associated with the Isle of Man. The collections of Manx National Heritage are briefly surveyed. As George Sturt pointed out, wagon (and so, too, cart) builder's lore was 'a tangled network of country prejudices', with 'each handing on his own little bit of understanding', so that 'the whole body of knowledge was mystery, a piece of folk knowledge, residing in the folk colle...


The assessment of contemporary differences in morphology can provide important insight into the development of adaptation as it occurs. Fifteen populations of threespine stickleback were examined, that populate a trail of ponds in Breiðamerkursandur, Southeast Iceland. The ponds have been revealed in time by the retreating glacier Breiðamerkurjökull. Applying geometric morphometrics showed that all populations differed in body shape and that stickleback populations from ponds close in age were also more similar in morphology. In general this was more clear for populations in the old and in the young ponds. Populations in middle-aged ponds were more difficult to classify and to set into context. Within the pattern there were some relations that stood out, e.g. morphological similarities between populations in distant ponds (as BMS 01 and 10) or very different morphology in populations of ponds that are very close in time and space (as BMS 01 and 02). These observations emphasise the impact of the various forces that affect polymorphism and call for further investigation of the stickleback populations in this area. Deeper morphological investigations, coupled with the estimation of several factors that influence adaptive radiation (prey assembly, predator pressure, genetic constraints of the stickleback, parasite infections etc.) will provide careful insight of how threespine stickleback evolve in the novel freshwater habitats of Iceland.


The use of total station in the excavation of prehistoric sites and the processing of the excavation data with GIS has been introduced gradually since the 90s of last century. Such use is intended, among other things, to determine the spatial coordinates of the different archaeological objects, in order to perform an analysis of their distribution within the occupation area. This type of study aims to identify a possible intentional use of space by the ancient inhabitants, an aspect which could not be applied prior to the introduction of the practice of coordinating the findings, because of the lack of necessary data (spatial coordinates) of the individual findings. The only possibility is to readjust the excavation data and the database associated with them. This paper presents the results obtained from the attempt in this direction, made for a stratigraphic unit of the site Mondeval de Sora (Belluno - Italy), excavated from 1986 till 2000. Mondeval de Sora is situated in the heart of the Dolomites (South Western Alps, Italy) at an altitude of about 2150 m asl; it represents a key deposits for the study of occupation and exploitation patterns of mountain areas on the Southern slope of the Alps during the early Holocene. This site was characterized by the presence of large quantities of finds, so that it became necessary to excavate through the square and sub-square method. For this reason the only data related to the findings from this site, which were useful for analysing their spatial distribution, were the number of objects, broken down by type and material, found in each square. A further complication arose also because the squares of side 1m, were excavated through sub-squares with sides of 33 cm, or 25 cm, or 10 cm, due to the abundance of findings, and sometimes a single square was excavated through several layers (up to 3), each consisting of sub-squares with different size. The first part of the work was dedicated to homogenize the number of findings which were redistributed into sub-squares of 33 cm, for all the squares; then the database was changed in order to make it usable within a GIS. Finally, an analysis was made of distribution of the finds, which for this work were only bones. This analysis was performed by the method of interpolation, using the Krige algorithm, and through a classification of the different sub-squares, using the statistical method of "quintiles", adapted to the needs of this case. In the final phase of the work the results obtained with the two methods were compared, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each.


A 67-year-old woman was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, esophagectomy, and subsequent radiotherapy for T3N1 poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Five months after surgery, a routine follow-up CT demonstrated a 1.2-cm soft tissue mass in the posterior mediastinum suspicious for local recurrence. An FDG-PET/CT study confirmed tumor in the posterior mediastinum and also showed focal areas of increased tracer uptake within several muscles. Skeletal muscle is one of the most unusual sites of metastatic disease, although it is probable that the more frequent use of FDG-PET imaging will lead to an increase in the detection of such lesions.


Directional sound fields can be generated by arrays of multiple sound sources such as loudspeaker drivers. These systems, though potentially capable of high levels of directivity control over a broad bandwidth, may prove prohibitively expensive, fragile, or impracticable in certain applications. To overcome these limitations, this paper presents an investigation into the design and limitations of a directional structural-actuator-based array. This provides an affordable and robust alternative to conventional loudspeakers, particularly when the actuators can be used to radiate via a pre-existing structure and where the required audio quality is lower, or the bandwidth somewhat limited. In the first instance, an analytical model is formulated and used to perform a simulation-based parametric study, which provides insights into the design trade-offs. Based on this study, a physical prototype is constructed using six actuators and a flat panel, which enables the model to be experimentally validated and an evaluation of the directional radiation capabilities of the proposed system to be carried out. Experiments show that a simple analytical model is an effective tool in designing such arrays, predicting the trends in the behaviour of the prototype and that the structural actuator-based system is capable of controlling directivity within its intended operational bandwidth.


This article considers the experience of improving public spaces of one of the small towns in Sverdlovsk region – the city of Krasnoufimsk. The topic of urban improvement is a serious challenge for our country. When designing public areas, it is important to consider the features of the city, its history, uniqueness, opinion of the population. Several tasks can be solved through the improvement of the city: the development of a comfortable urban environment, attracting tourists and preserving the cultural heritage. The choice of certain landscaping projects in most cases requires historical and cultural examination. Cultural workers should also act as experts in the public space reconstruction project. This article reflects on a similar experience during the reconstruction project of the Ufa river embankment in the central district of Krasnoufimsk, when employees of the regional museum were invited to participate. The text presents examples of filling the space of the embankment with hidden meanings from the regional history. The authors are of the opinion that representatives of museum community in modern society are not only keepers of the past, but also creators of the future image of the city.
Keywords: public spaces, urban landscaping, small town, cultural heritage, historical and cultural expertise, local history museum


Introduction: The introduction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors represented a significant advance in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other chronic inflam-matory diseases. Although three TNF-α inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of RA by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicinal Products Evaluation Agency (EMEA), not all patients achieve a satisfactory clinical improvement with these therapeutic agents. The mode of administration of these medications is inconvenient for some patients. Aims: Golimumab is a novel anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody that is in clinical development for the treatment of RA, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), either as a first-line biologic therapy or an alternative after other TNF-α inhibitors have been discontinued. This review summarizes the development of, and clinical evidence achieved with, golimumab. Evidence review: Golimumab has demonstrated significant efficacy in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials when administered subcutaneously once every four weeks. It has been generally well tolerated in clinical trials and demonstrates a safety profile comparable with currently available TNF-α inhibitors. Outcomes summary: Golimumab has been confirmed to be an effective treatment for patients with RA, PsA, and AS in phase III clinical trials as evaluated by traditional measures of disease activity, such as signs and symptoms, as well as measures of physical function, patient reported outcomes, and health economic measures. The efficacy and safety profile of golimumab in RA, PsA, and AS appears to be similar to other anti-TNF agents. However, golimumab has the potential advantage of once monthly subcutaneous administration and the possibility of both subcutaneous and intravenous administration.


Relevance. Rotavirus infection (RVI) is a widespread disease with a high intensity of the epidemic process and variability of its manifestations from sporadic cases of diseases to large outbreaks. At the present stage, RVI remains one of the urgent problems for practical health care, and vaccination is still the only and most effective method of monitoring RVI. To date, the practice has accumulated a great experience of vaccination against RVI, confirmed its high clinical and immunological efficacy. However, in the Sverdlovsk region, no studies have been conducted to assess the epidemiological effectiveness of vaccination against RVI. Goal. To assess the effectiveness and safety of vaccine prophylaxis for rotavirus infection and its impact on the epidemic process of acute intestinal infections in the framework of the regional program of vaccine prevention of RVI in the Sverdlovsk region. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in 2015. Vaccination first year of life children of the against RVI was carried out with live oral pentavalent vaccine (PEPV) in 4 municipalities of the Sverdlovsk region, in which the incidence of RVI exceeded the average regional indices. A special questionnaire was developed to assess the data on vaccination against RVI, which included information on the gender characteristics of the vaccinated, their age, the presence of episodes of acute intestinal infections before, during and after vaccination, combinations of the vaccine against RVI with the introduction of other immunobiological drugs, reactions to Inoculations. A total of 785 questionnaires from medical organizations of 4 cities of the Sverdlovsk region were analyzed. Results. In the «risk territories» 27.3 to 47.0% children from the first year of life were 3 times vaccinated. After the immunization in all territories was a decrease incidences of rotavirus infection, as well as a decrease in the cumulative percentage of infection with RVI in the age group of children under the 1 age. Children vaccinated against RVI had no cases of rotavirus infection, as well as hospitalizations for acute intestinal infections of other etiology, during the entire follow-up period. Conclusions. The data obtained indicate that vaccination against RVI is an effective tool for controlling morbidity. The optimal age for the initiation of immunization against RVI is 2 months of the child's life (8 weeks), which allows to take into account the minimum and maximum terms of vaccine introduction, actively combine vaccinations against RVI with the introduction of other immunobiological drugs of the National schedule of preventive vaccinations and timely complete the vaccination against RVI to 32 weeks of a child's life.


There are many cases of teenager reproductive health caused by low teenager knowledge of reproductive health. This problem must be a concern by various parties, including teachers. Furthermore, some teachers still do not understand how to properly integrate reproductive health material. Therefore, biology teacher candidates are required to have good knowledge and attitudes toward teenager reproductive health. This research is a descriptive study with 40 sample students taking part in the lectures on Human Anatomy and Physiology at Universitas Negeri Padang in 2018. Data were collected using written tests and questionnaires. The result showed that the knowledge is obtained by an average score of 77.71 with good categories, and attitudes with an average score of 86.55 in the excellent category. Based on the results of the study, concluded that the knowledge and attitudes of prospective biology teacher had a very strong correlation.


The aim of this inquiry was to question 50 patients before a traditional hospitalization in a regional center, in order to know their opinion about one-day surgery. Among 44 answers from 41 women and 3 men, 29 were against, 11 favourable and 4 without opinion. After their hospitalization, only 4 changed their mind. The main reasons, in case of unfavourable answer, were lack of security and fear of pain. Psychologic aid in traditional hospitalization is frequently cited (34%). This has to be taken into account in ambulatory cases.


A crystal containing the heterometallic Cr-ligand-Co cluster with an unpaired electron on the ligand as a structural unit is examined. The developed model which describes the magnetic and polarizability characteristics of this crystal takes into account that the electron residing on the ligand can be transferred to the Co-ion, thus converting the diamagnetic ls-CoIII ion into the paramagnetic hs-CoII one. Since this transformation is accompanied by electron density redistribution and elongation of the Co-N bond lengths, the vibronic interaction of the Co-ion with totally symmetric displacements of the nearest surroundings and cooperative dipole-dipole and electron-deformational interactions are accounted for as well. The exchange interactions between the CrIII ion and the electron localized on the ligand as well as in the CrIII-hs-CoII pair are also included in consideration; the parameters of these interactions are estimated within the framework of the DFT method. Bistability in the magnetic and polarization characteristics is predicted for certain strengths of intra- and intercluster interactions in the crystal under study. Within the framework of the developed approach an explanation of the observed magnetic properties of the [Cr(SS-cth)(Co(RR-cth)(μ-dhbq))](PF6)2Cl crystal is given.


The paper presents a novel formal model of the active buffer of working memory. The model uses synchronic oscillations in order to bind an item and its corresponding context into one representation, while asynchronic oscillations allow the model to maintain several separate representations. Due to bindings, the model exerts proper control over the buffer's contents, as demonstrated by effective rejection of distractors. Most importantly, the model predicts an inherent limitation in WM capacity that arises from the trade-off between the number versus the stability of representations bound by oscillations, which depends on the strength of lateral inhibition present among oscillating items. The systematic variation in inhibition leads to exact replication of the capacity distribution observed in a large sample of participants, as well as to prediction of a few novel, capacity-related experimental effects.


Compounds related to dihydrozeatin that define the influence of the location of the hydroxyl group along the side chain have been synthesized and tested for cytokinin activity. The compounds compared are in the series: 6-(X-hydroxy-3-methylbutylamino)purines and their ribosides, where X = 2, 3, and 4.Hydroxy substitution on the 4-position of the side chain enhances, but in the 2-, 3-, or 2- and 3- positions, decreases cytokinin activity as compared with the unsubstituted isopentyl (or isopentenyl) chains. This differential influence of the position of the hydroxyl group in the N(6)-chain holds also for the similarly related 9-beta-D-ribofuranosides. The relatively higher activity of 3,4-dihydroxy as compared with 2,3-dihydroxy derivatives is consistent with this position effect.Compounds related to zeatin possessing side-chain ester moieties have also been synthesized and tested comparatively. Among these, 6-(4-acetoxy-3-methyl-trans-2-butenylamino)purine is at least as active as zeatin, the most active presently known cytokinin in the tobacco bioassay, whereas the analog, methyl 2-methyl-4-(purin-6-ylamino)-trans-crotonate, with the ester function effectively reversed, has vastly lower activity, and its riboside is practically inactive.


Specific mutations in the RET proto-oncogene are associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, a hereditary syndrome characterized by tumorigenesis in multiple glandular elements. In rare instances, MEN2A-associated germline RET mutations have also occurred with non-MEN2A associated cancers. One such germline mutant RET mutation occurred concomitantly in a young adult diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a pediatric and young adult soft-tissue cancer with a generally poor prognosis. Although tumor tissue samples were initially unable to provide a viable cell culture for study, tumor tissues were sequenced for molecular characteristics. Through a hierarchical clustering approach, the index case sample was matched to several genetically similar cell models, which were transformed to express the same mutant RET as the index case and used to explore potential therapeutic options for mutant RET-bearing alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. We also determined whether the RET mutation associated with the index case caused synthetic lethality to select clinical agents. From our investigation, we did not identify synthetic lethality associated with the expression of that patient's RET variant, and overall we did not find experimental evidence for the role of RET in rhabdomyosarcoma progression.


The factors influencing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) duration for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the clinical factors that could influence the duration of CRRT for AKI survivors. In this retrospective observational study, the medical records of all hospital survivors who required CRRT for AKI in intensive care units were analyzed. The CRRT duration (median, 6 days) was categorized as short-duration CRRT (≤ 6 days, n = 65) and long-duration CRRT (> 6 days, n = 59), according to the median CRRT duration. A urine output of less than 0.5 mL/kg/h (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.4; p = 0.010), mechanical ventilation use (adjusted OR, 7.9; p = 0.001), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use (adjusted OR, 6.5; p = 0.010) were independent predictors of long-duration CRRT, whereas serum creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were not significant predictors. A clinical model demonstrated a good discriminatory ability to predict long-duration CRRT (area under the curve, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.90). The urine output immediately before CRRT initiation and factors associated with disease severity significantly affected the duration of CRRT. Simultaneously considering the urine output, mechanical ventilation use, and ECMO use predicted CRRT duration in AKI survivors.


This study attempted to answer the following questions about the journals Health Education, Health Education Monographs and the Journal of School Health. What authors have been cited the most in health education journals during the decade of the 70s? What authors have been cited the most in each health education journal? What articles and books have been the most cited in health education journals? What have been the most cited articles and books in each health education journal? It was found that the most cited author was L. W. Green, the most cited articles were L. W. Green "Toward Cost-Benefit Evaluations of Health Education: Some Concepts, Methods and Examples." Health Education Monographs and S. V. Kasl "Health Behavior, Illness Behavior and Sick-Role Behavior." Archives of Environmental Health and the most cited books was School Health Education Study, Health Education: A Conceptual Approach to Curriculum Design. Most cited authors, articles and books varied across the three journals.


Currently, charter schools represent one of the fastest growing movements of educational reform. The first charter school opened in 1992 and there are now over 3,400 charter schools nationwide. Despite this growth, we are only beginning to learn about the performance and operation of these schools. This article adds to our knowledge of charter schools both by examining the finances of charter schools in California, which has more charter students than any other state, and by highlighting their fiscal challenges. Using survey data of California charter and conventional public schools, the results suggest that the degree charter schools are struggling with resources and facilities depends upon charter school type.


Conventional semisolid magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI studies typically employ acquisition of a series of images at multiple RF saturation frequencies. Furthermore, quantitative MTC and CEST imaging techniques based on MR fingerprinting (MRF) require a range of values for multiple RF saturation parameters (e.g. B1, saturation time). These multiple saturation acquisitions lead to a long scan time, which is likely vulnerable to motion during in vivo imaging. Motion correction is hard due to varying image intensity between acquisitions. Herein, we proposed a deep learning-based motion correction technique for conventional Z-spectra and MRF data.


Elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), both fasting and postprandial, are associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis. However, guidelines for treatment are defined solely by fasting lipid levels, even though postprandial lipids may be more informative. In the postprandial state, circulating lipids consist of dietary fat transported from the intestine in chylomicrons (CMs; containing ApoB48) and fat transported from the liver in VLDL (containing ApoB100). Research into the roles of endogenous versus dietary fat has been hindered because of the difficulty in separating these particles by ultracentrifugation. CM fractions have considerable contamination from VLDL (purity, 10%). To separate CMs from VLDL, we produced polyclonal antibodies against ApoB100 and generated immunoaffinity columns. TRLs isolated by ultracentrifugation of plasma were applied to these columns, and highly purified CMs were collected (purity, 90–94%). Overall eight healthy unmedicated adult volunteers (BMI, 27.2 ± 1.4 kg/m2; fasting triacylglycerol, 102.6 ± 19.5 mg/dl) participated in a feeding study, which contained an oral stable-isotope tracer (1-13C acetate). We then used this technique on plasma samples freshly collected during an 8 h human feeding study from a subset of four subjects. We analyzed fractionated lipoproteins by Western blot, isolated and derivatized triacylglycerols, and calculated fractional de novo lipogenesis. The results demonstrated effective separation of postprandial lipoproteins and substantially improved purity compared with ultracentrifugation protocols, using the immunoaffinity method. This method can be used to better delineate the role of dietary sugar and fat on postprandial lipids in cardiovascular risk and explore the potential role of CM remnants in atherosclerosis.


The war in Ukraine unleashed in early 2022 may temporarily obscure the long-term trend that the United States is shrinking its military footprint in and around Europe, as the defence posture of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Central Europe suddenly was bolstered by tens of thousands of additionalUS troops. For as long as the war drags on, certainly, these reinforcements will stay in place. But if, and when, the war ends or shifts to attrition warfare stretching out for years, as was the case after the 2014 annexation of the Crimea, one can easily envisage changes in how European governments manage security and defence issues among themselves and in relation to their North American counterparts.While the debate on transatlantic security so far has played out in two distinct modes, either focusing on the economic side of burdensharing or projecting a vision of European strategic autonomy, there is a need for a more sober understanding of the future division of labour, one that would be grounded in the right blend of economics and deterrence. The main suggestion of this article is that stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean 'split the difference' and strike a new grand bargain on the basis of their respective strengths.Once key issues of financial equity and military deterrence have been adequately addressed, European governments will still have their work cut out for themselves. They must elaborate solutions to specific challenges at the sub-strategic theatre level and at the same time navigate the complexities of optimizing defence reforms, aligning regional force designs and rendering foreign policy compatible with the strategic priorities of the European Union (EU) and Europe at large.
Transatlantic relations, foreign and security policy, burdensharing, strategic autonomy, financial equity, deterrence, nuclear weapons


Background: There are well established disparities, related to ethnicity, in the presentation, distribution of subtypes and prognosis of breast cancer. To understand the possible biological bases for these differences, it is important to determine in an unbiased manner the ethnicity/geographical origin of patients presenting with breast cancer. We have downloaded Affymetrix SNP 6.0 data generated by The Cancer Genome Atlas project (TCGA) and have extracted ethnically informative SNPs to infer the ethnicity/geographical origin of these patients. Materials and Methods: The level one SNP data (Affymetrix SNP Array 6.0) for 536 normal DNAs from IBC patients as well as other relevant data were downloaded from the TCGA project data portal (https://tcga-data.nci.nih.gov/tcga/tcgaHome2.jsp). 103 samples were excluded for technical reasons (lack of subtype data or technical outliers). Bioconductor package "crlmm" was used for genotype calling. The HapMap PCA loadings for Affymetrix SNP probes were downloaded from http://www.stats.ox.ac.uk/~davison/software/shellfish/shellfish.php. Probe annotations were extracted from the Affymetrix GenomeWideSNP_6_na30.annot.csv file. "EIGINSTRAT" was used for Principle Component Analysis (PCA). Samples with unknown ethnicity were manually assigned based on their HapMap classification. Results: Samples were clustered and ethnicity inferred for three major ethnic groups (White, African and Asian) based on 168,905 informative SNPs. These clusters were generally in agreement with the clinical assignment of White, Black or African American and Asian. 10 samples, clinically assigned as Black or Africa American, were placed between the White and African clusters based on the HapMap clustering suggesting admixture. This contrasts other large breast cancer cohorts such as Curtis, et al. 2012, where there were virtually no African genotype patients and there was evident admixture on the European – Asian axis. 113 samples with unknown ethnicity were assigned based on their HapMap classification. Finally there are 371 Whites, 25 African, 20 Asians, and 10 Admixtures with subtype information available. Subtype distribution were LumA 176 (46.68%), LumB 90 (23.87%), Her2 37 (9.81%), Basal 68 (18.04%) in White group; LumA 15 (33.33%), LumB 8 (17.78%), Her2 9 (20%), Basal 13 (28.89%) in non-Whites. The subtype distribution between White and non-White populations was significantly different (p Discussion: Inferring ethnicity/geographical origin by genotype removes bias known to occur in self reporting. We have successfully classified the TCGA breast cancer cohort into different ethnicity groups based on their ethnically informative SNP data. Although the SNP-based classification is generally in agreement with the clinical assignment, some samples are identified as admixtures between White and African. The subtype distribution varies by ethnicity/geographical origin and in the admixed population. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-09-03.


In this article, we report the results of the impact of prior programming knowledge (PPK) on lecture attendance (LA) and on subsequent final programming exam performance in a university level introductory programming course. This study used Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, multiple regression, Kruskal–Wallis, and Bonferroni correction statistical techniques via SPSS software to analyze the student data for academic years 2012, 2013, and 2014 to test the hypotheses. Only LA, PPK, and final exam (FE) scores were considered for this analysis. Research suggests that PPK influences student LA and FE performance. Similar analysis was conducted on the impact of LA on FE results regardless of students' PPK levels. The results delivered mixed conclusions. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient results indicated that LA and FE were negatively correlated. However, the coefficient value was not sufficiently statistically significant to conclude that LA does not have an impact on FE results. On the other hand, the results of average LA on student FE results, with linear regression results, revealed that nonattendance of lectures had no effect on student performance in the FE. The multiple regression results of our study identified that, PPK in a regression model, is a good fit of the data, but LA in a regression model is not a good fit of the data.


Intervention in natural disasters is important to look at from many different angles. The points of view of those experiencing the disaster and those of relief workers should be considered when developing models and considerations for interventions and emotional care. This paper describe Virtual Reality (VR) as needful factor of crisis intervention in natural disasters. Paper also describe lot of examples from computing of natural disasters applications and displaying the simulation research results from crisis situation of natural disasters. Virtual reality is an ideal way for trainees to receive advanced tactical training in chaotic situations. They can also continue to practice in these situations continuously until they have mastered the skills and techniques that are required. Keywords—Virtual Reality; natural disasters; style; training;


In this study, exterior horizontal illuminance data in Seoul are provided in a tabular form by using standard insolation data, and the data are also displayed in a series of iso-lux plots to show the characteristics of daylight availability. In addition, cumulative exterior illuminance data for working hours of standard year are provided and they can be used for the calculation of the expected lighting energy savings.


In this paper we present a set of language extensions that improve the expressiveness and performance of Java for scientific computation. First of all, the language extensions allow the manipulation of multi-dimensional arrays to be expressed more naturally, and to be implemented more efficiently. Furthermore, data-parallel programming is supported, allowing efficient parallelization of a large class of operations on arrays. We also provide language extensions to construct specialized array representations, such as symmetric, block, and sparse matrices. These extensions are: tuples, parameterized types, array subscript overloading, and the inline modifier. These extensions are not only useful to construct special array representations, but are also useful in their own right. Finally, we add complex numbers as a primitive type to the language.
We evaluate our language extensions using performance results. We also compare relevant code fragments of our extended language with standard Java implementations and language extensions proposed by others.


To date, only few studies have reported the resuts of pulmonary rehabilitation programs incorporating virtual reality (VR) in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to observe effects of VR training combined with traditional pulmonary rehabilitation (TPR) when compared to TPR combined with exercise capacity training in patients with COPD. The study recruited 68 patients with COPD to a two week, five times a week intervention. The TPR program consisted of fitness exercises, breathing exercises, postural drainage positions, inhalation and relaxation training. The Xbox 360® was used for the VR training, along with the Kinect® Adventures software. The exercise capacity training were performed on cycle ergometer. Comparison of the changes in the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was the primary outcome. Analysis was performed using linear mixed-effects models. The in-group analysis of the data showed a significant improvement within results of the SFT in both groups. The comparison of the results of the Arm curl, Chair stand and 6MWT, showed statistically significant change between I vs. II group. Moreover, results revealed that patients in group II obtained greatest change. This study suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation program supplemented with VR training (instead of exercise capacity training) is a beneficial intervention for enhancing mobility and exercise tolerance.


BACKGROUND
Liver transplantation has evolved as a successful treatment for patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis and acute liver failure. Postoperative survival rates have increased to 90% in 1 year and 80% in 5 years as a result of improvements in immunosuppression, perioperative management and surgical techniques. However, a wide range of postoperative complications are of technical or medical origin. This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between the technical improvements and optimal timing of surgery and its outcome.

METHODS
From April 1999 to October 2005, typical orthotopic or piggyback liver transplantation was performed in 70 patients (58 men and 12 women, aged 19-74 years). Twenty-four patients had liver carcinoma and cirrhosis, and 46 had benign liver disease.

RESULTS
All patients survived the operation and 14 died in the first month after surgery because of respiratory failure (6), respiratory failure accompanied by acute renal failure (4), intra-abdominal hemorrhage and infection (2), and cerebral edema (2). A total of 76 complications occurred in the 70 patients after operation: pneumonia (34), right pleural effusion (11), bile leakage (7), postoperative intra-abdominal hemorrhage and infection (4), acute renal failure (4), acute rejection (3), wound infection (2), biliary tract stenosis (2), severe cholangitis derived from cholelith (2), morphological alteration of biliary tree (2), cerebral edema (2), empyema (1), chronic rejection (1), and wound hematoma (1). Finally, 33 patients survived more than 6 months, 16 more than 1 year, 4 more than 2 years, and 2 more than 6 years after operation. The perioperative survival rate was 80% in this series.

CONCLUSIONS
Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. To obtain good results, improvements of surgical technique, optimal timing and better postoperative care are needed.


Targeted drug delivery is a promising strategy for improving tumor therapy. Folate receptor (FR) is an established ovarian cancer marker that is also frequently found to be overexpressed in other major epithelial tumors. Meanwhile, functional FR−β is expressed in myeloid leukemias and in inflammatory macrophages, including tumor-associated macrophages. FR based tumor targeted drug delivery has been a very active area of research and recent advancement of this technology towards clinical translation is highly significant. FR targeting can be achieved via anti-FR antibody or by folate conjugation, each with distinctive advantages and pitfalls. Several monoclonal antibodies directed against FR−α have been developed. In addition, a large number of imaging agents, drug molecules, and drug carriers have been conjugated to folate for targeting the FR, mostly for targeting FR−α found on the surface of epithelial tumor cells. Only recently, however, have FR-targeted agents moved into Phase III clinical trials, exemplified by the monoclonal antibody farletuzumab and the low molecular weight folate conjugates, folate-99mTc (EC20) and folate-desacetylvinblastinehydrazide (EC145), representing each of the two competing strategies for targeting the FR. This review will focus on the activities related to clinical translation of FR-targeted agents. The reader will gain a better understanding of the landscape of clinical translation of this exciting technology and key findings in the clinical trials. The anticipated approval of these agents and the ongoing clinical development of several other folate conjugates should usher in a new era of clinical translation and validation of FR-targeted imaging and therapeutic agents for tumor imaging and therapy.


SUMMARY The equitable sharing of benefits from natural resources is a key target of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Trade in its native species is one way in which a country can potentially benefit from its natural resources, and even small-scale traders can now access global markets online. However, little is known about the extent of benefit sharing for many products, and the extent to which the appropriate processes and permits are being used. We surveyed online trade in a lucrative and widely sold product in Southeast Asia (horticultural orchids) to assess the extent of access and benefit sharing. In total, 20.8% (n = 1120) of orchid species from the region were being sold. Although seven out of ten countries were trading, five had very little or no trade in their native species, and the majority of recently described endemic species being traded from non-range states had no reported Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora exports from their country of origin. We suggest that addressing access and benefit-sharing gaps requires wider recognition of the problem, coupled with capacity building in the countries currently benefitting least: Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. The priority should be to increase botanical capacity and enable these countries to better control the commercialization and trade of their native species.


A method for diagnosing component faults of jet engines is presented. It uses non-linear gas path analysis techniques to determine the values of health parameters, with the help of a suitably formulated engine simulation model. The incentive of the method is to achieve the determination of the values of component health indices when a limited number of measured quantities is available, which do not allow the determination of all the fault indices simultaneously. A combinatorial approach is introduced, in order to circumvent the problem of the insufficient information for determining a full set of indices. After obtaining a set of possible solutions, a selection procedure is applied to isolate the ones that can give the actual fault identity. Quantification of the fault comes at a final step, when the faulty component has been identified. Different scenarios of faults on a twin spool partially mixed turbofan engine are considered in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. The limitations of the method are also discussed.Copyright © 2002 by ASME


In high TB endemic countries such as India, chemoprophylaxis is routinely offered only to contacts below 6 years of age. The possibility however remains that the index case may have transmitted the infection to other family members before the diagnosis of the disease. We evaluated this in the context of Indian patients. We did a cross sectional study of household contacts of the sputum positive TB patients diagnosed from our center that had no other index case at home in present or in the past. The contacts were tested for tuberculosis infection using 5 TU PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) immediately after the diagnosis of the index case. An induration of more than 10 mm was taken as a positive result. A total of 179 household contacts of 50 index cases were evaluated. 85/179 (47.48%) were tuberculin positive. 6/23 (26.08%) contacts below 6 years of age were infected. 31/44 spouses (70.45%) were tuberculin positive as against 39/87 (44.82%) first degree relatives and 15/48 (31.25%) second degree relatives. 61/112 (54.46%) contacts sharing same bedroom were infected as against 24/67 (35.82%) not sharing the bedroom. The prevalence of infection of contacts correlated with the grade of sputum positivity of the index case. The variables that did not show any statistically significant correlation were presence of lung cavity, hemoptysis, literacy level and gender. This study suggests the need for offering chemoprophylaxis to the contacts sharing bedroom including spouses in addition to contact children below 6 years of age.


Instrumentation and techniques used for studying the effect of surface contamination on the reflectance of evaporated vacuum ultraviolet mirrors and temperature control coatings are discussed, and data on the behavior of optical materials and coatings under ultraviolet, electron, and proton irradiation are presented.


Off-line and on-line protein data-collection systems using an imaging plate as a detector are described and their components reported. The off-line scanner IPR4080 was developed for a large-format imaging plate ;BASIII' of dimensions 400 x 400 mm and 400 x 800 mm. The characteristics of this scanner are a dynamic range of 10(5) photons pixel(-1), low background noise and high sensitivity. A means of reducing electronic noise and a method for finding the origin of the noise are discussed in detail. A dedicated screenless Weissenberg camera matching IPR4080 with synchrotron radiation was developed and installed on beamline BL6B at the Photon Factory. This camera can attach one or two sheets of 400 x 800 mm large-format imaging plate inside the film cassette by evacuation. The positional reproducibility of the imaging plate on the cassette is so good that the data can be processed by batch job. Data of 93% completeness up to 1.6 A resolution were collected on a single axis rotation and the value of R(merge) becomes 4% from a tetragonal lysozyme crystal using a set of two imaging-plate sheets. Comparing two types of imaging plates, the signal-to-noise ratio of the ST-VIP-type imaging plate is 25% better than that of the BASIII-type imaging plate for protein data collection using 1.0 and 0.7 A X-rays. A new on-line protein data-collection system with imaging plates is specially designed to use synchrotron radiation X-rays at maximum efficiency.


According to the vectorial structure of non-paraxial electromagnetic beams and the method of stationary phase, the analytical TE and TM terms of non-paraxial linearly polarized Gaussian beam are presented in the far field. The influence of linearly polarized angle on the relative energy flux distributions of the whole beam and its TE and TM terms is studied. The beam spot of the TE term is perpendicular to the direction of linearly polarized angle, while that of the TM term coincides with the direction of linearly polarized angle. The whole beam spot is elliptical, and the long axis is located at the direction of linearly polarized angle. The relative energy flux distribution of the TE term is relatively centralized in the direction perpendicular to the linearly polarized angle. While that of the TM term is relatively centralized in the direction of linearly polarized angle. To obtain the isolated TM and TE terms, a polarizer should be put at the long and the short axis of the whole beam spot, respectively.


Pumping hydrogen with Penning discharge getter-ion pumps at the flow rates normally encountered with accelerators employing hydrogen ion sources presents problems that do not appear when these pumps are employed on systems where the only gas load is that arising from surface degassing and residual leakage. These problems are,-1) thermal instability resulting from reemission of absorbed hydrogen, and 2) deformation of the titanium cathodes with hydrogen absorption. This report outlines the pertinent considerations involved in modification of the design of the pumping elements of a standard 500 l/s pump (air rating), 1) to increase by a factor of about 10 the hydrogen gas load the pump can handle without danger of thermal instability, and 2) to virtually eliminate titanium deformation. Hydrogen gas loads of up to 5 atm cm3/min can now be accomodated with a 500 l/s pump. While service life expectancy was previously limited to 2000-3000 hours by anode-cathode short circuit, it is presently limited by the ultimate hydrogen absorption capacity of the titanium. It is anticipated that life expectancies of up to 25000 hours can be realized with the 500 l/s pump at a hydrogen flow rate of 1 atm cm3/min.


The increase globally fossil fuel consumption as it represents the main source of energy around the world, and the sources of heavy oil more than light, different techniques were used to reduce the viscosity and increase mobility of heavy crude oil. this study focusing on the experimental tests  and modeling with Back Feed Forward Artificial Neural Network (BFF-ANN) of the dilution technique to reduce a  heavy oil viscosity that was collected from the south- Iraq oil fields using organic solvents, organic diluents with different weight percentage  (5, 10 and  20 wt.% )  of  (n-heptane, toluene, and a mixture of  different ratio toluene / n-Heptane)  at constant temperature. Experimentally the higher viscosity reduction was about from 135.6 to 26.33 cP when the mixture of toluene/heptane (75/25 vol. %) was added. The input parameters for the model were solvent type, wt. % of solvent, RPM and shear rate, the results have been demonstrated that the proposed model has superior performance, where the obtained value of R was greater than 0.99 which confirms a good agreement between the correlation and experimental data, the predicate for reduced viscosity and DVR was with accuracy 98.7%, on the other hand, the μ and DVR% factors were closer to unity for the ANN model.


ABSTRACTThe present work is focused on the characterization of a sub-micrometer aerosol generation system (TSI 3940) in terms of particle number distributions and total concentrations as a function of the solution. Fourteen soluble salts were tested, and different solution molar concentrations were considered.
The experimental apparatus was composed of a Submicrometer Aerosol Generator TSI 3940, a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer spectrometer (SMPS 3936, TSI), and a Condensation Particle Counter (CPC TSI 3775).
Particle number distributions and total concentrations were found to change as a function of the molar concentration of the solution. In addition, at a fixed molar concentration of the solution, different particle number distributions and total concentrations were measured as a function of the salt used in the solution preparation. The mode and standard deviation of the distribution also varied as the solution changed, and thus salts able to provide number concentrations higher than the NaCl ones at low diameter ranges were obtained. For example, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) provided particle number concentrations at 8 nm and 10 nm about 40-fold and twice the NaCl ones, respectively.


Growing evidences show that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) home to tumorgenesis and inhibit tumor cells, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying are unclear. The human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) derived from human fetal bone marrow in 4 months were established without immortalization, designated BMMS-03 cells. In order to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying, the effect of conditioned media from hMSCs on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells was examined. The results showed that conditioned media from BMMS-03 cells were able to decrease the colony-forming units and proliferation of MCF-7 cells by colony-forming assay and MTT assay. Western blot analysis revealed that β-catenin and its target gene c-Myc, Bcl-2, PCNA and survivin were downregulated in MCF-7 cells treated with conditioned media from BMMS-03 cells. In addition, the treatment significantly reduced β-catenin nuclear assembly in MCF-7 cells by immunoflorescence staining. The finding demonstrated that the expression level of Dkk-1 in hMSCs was much higher than that in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, treatment with the antibody of rabbit against Dkk-1 abolished the inhibitory effects of conditioned media from BMMS-03 on the tumor cells. Conditioned media from BMMS-03 cells transiently transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-Dkk-1 produced stronger downregulation of β-catenin and c-Myc expression in MCF-7 cells. The transfection with pcDNA3.1(-)-Dkk-1 in MCF-7 cells resulted in the downregulation of β-catenin and c-Myc as well.The data suggest that hMSCs are able to decrease the malignant phenotype of tumor cells in vitro. Taken together, hMSCs may suppress tumor growth via Wnt/β-catenin pathway, in which Dkk-1 released from the hMSCs is responsible for the depression.


Ethiopia has been enacting various pieces of legislation, since recently, to regulate some aspects of the digital environment. The Cybercrime Proclamation of 2016 (Computer Crime Proclamation No.958/2016) is the most recent addition to the legal regime that criminalizes a range of cybercrimes. It has also introduced a number of novel evidentiary and procedural rules that will assist in the investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes. The law has, however, attracted criticisms from various corners mainly owing to some of its human rights unfriendly provisions. This piece provides brief comments on the cybercrime legislation and highlights some of the challenges that lie ahead in the course of implementing the law. Key terms Cybercrime, computer crime, the right to privacy, illegal online content, procedural justice, Ethiopia


This exploratory study examines the dynamics of keeping a disabled adult in the home. In interviews with 30 families, major foci emerged which spanned the interaction between family members and one member, the disabled adult. These foci were: the initial weighing process in the decision to keep the disabled at home, the therapeutic process which evolved among members, the interactional system which served the social unit, and the social context and adaptation that the family made to perceived misfortune.


Identifying vital-related signals from human targets in a single synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image processing is important but challenging for localization and rescue applications. Recently, hybrid-mode SAR was reported for human identification and localization by alternating a radar in both the interferometry and frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) modes. However, it increased system complexity and required doubling the scanning efforts. In this paper, a novel phase-demodulation based vital-SAR-imaging method with a portable radar in pure FMCW mode is proposed. The solution can identify human targets from the SAR image by extracting high-resolution breathing signals on a moving platform. Experiments have been con-ducted to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the pro-posed method.


Electro-optic modulation of infrared (IR) radiation using liquid crystals (LCs) has been studied recently. Some nematic liquid crystals which have positive dielectric anisotropy are found to preserve high birefringence in the IR region, so that a thin LC layer can still be utilized to provide high modulation efficiency and broad modulation bandwidth without sacrificing the speed. In addition, low absorption of these liquid crystals in the IR region (except for the vicinities of resonant absorption bands) makes LCs attractive for the electrooptic applications in this region.Electro-optic modulation of infrared (IR) radiation using liquid crystals (LCs) has been studied recently. Some nematic liquid crystals which have positive dielectric anisotropy are found to preserve high birefringence in the IR region, so that a thin LC layer can still be utilized to provide high modulation efficiency and broad modulation bandwidth without sacrificing the speed. In addition, low absorption of these liquid crystals in the IR region (except for the vicinities of resonant absorption bands) makes LCs attractive for the electrooptic applications in this region.


This study explores the significance of firm-specific, country, and macroeconomic factors in explaining variation in leverage using a sample of banks from Turkish banking sector. The analysis is based on quarterly firm-level data from Turkish banking sector in 2002–2012. We aims to contribute to the empirical capital structure literature in the following ways. Our first contribution comes from assessing the importance of firm-specific factors, country-level factors and industrial factors for capital structure decisions in Turkish banking sector. Second, we employ appropriate and advanced dynamic panel data estimators, Blundell and Bond's (1998) generalized methods of moment's estimators (GMM System). We find that leverage is significantly and positively associated with average industry leverage, firm size and GDP growth. We find also that leverage is significantly and negatively associated with tangibility, profitability, inflation and financial risk. The regression results for leverage are both theoretically and empirically plausible for banks in Turkey. Moreover, tangibility, profitability and GDP growth are consistent with the predictions of the pecking order theory, while firm size is consistent with the predictions of the trade-off theory. Our findings suggest that the capital structures of financial and non-financial firms are ultimately determined by the same drivers.


In this research work, a resinous matrix, epoxy with a hardener at a ratio of 1:2 at room temperature, was prepared with nanoparticles (nano-magnesium, nano-zinc and nano-boron) at a ratio of 1% and 2%.
All samples for thermal tests were prepared using the mechanical method.
The method of hand-lay was used to prepare the resinous molds.
Thermal tests were conducted that involved using a Lee's disk to calculate the coefficient of thermal conductivity at room temperature.
The results showed a significant improvement in the properties of the composite material containing nanoparticles due to its properties that led to the improvement of the thermal properties. The positive effects of the dispersion and mixing process in the composite materials was also observed through the results obtained from the composite materials reinforced by nanoparticles and comparing it with the resinous matrix


The artist Cornelia Gurlitt (1890–1919) served as a nurse in Kaiser's army in Vilnius from 1915 to 1918. She was appointed to Vilnius Antakalnis hospital, one of the base hospitals of the Eastern front. Gurlitt was born into a well-off family: her father was an art historian, architect, and art collector. She was into contemporary ideas of women's emancipation and sought to break loose from the norms of behaviour that society imposed on women. Although Gurlitt's life turned out unduly short, she found herself in first-world-war Vilnius, spending all of her free time drawing, painting, or sketching: she embraced Expressionism not only as the means of artistic expression, but also as an existential philosophy. Her anxiety and inner contradictions were transformed into works characterised by twisted, roughly stylized forms, and broken lines. Gurlitt was first discovered by Hubert Portz, a German art collector and a gallery owner, later to become her biographer. This undeservedly forgotten artist is again in the spotlight of art historians as 138 artworks belonging to Gurlitt's hand were found in 2012 among the so-called Gurlitt Trove collection in the apartment of her nephew Cornelius Gurlitt (the son of Hitler's art collector Hildebrand Gurlitt, Cornelia Gurlitt's brother). This study seeks to determine the place of Gurlitt as an expressionist artist among the women artists who were creating in Vilnius in the early twentieth century, and especially during the First World War. Gurlitt, a forerunner of modern art, was one of a kind; the other women artists related to the Vilnius school of drawing or the Art Society of Vilnius mostly created in the realistic manner, focusing on domestic scenes. Marianne Werefkin (1860–1938) was an exception and some similarities of the expressionist manner can be found in both artists' artworks. During the years of the First World War, Gurlitt exhibited her artworks in Vilnius (1917) and Kaunas (1918) in the joint exhibitions of the Ober Ost artists. Gurlitt could and should be included in art history textbooks: her name and artworks should be presented together with other German expressionists, as well as in the art history of Lithuania of the early the twentieth century, because one of the most productive periods of Gurlitt's creative life is related to Vilnius.


This paper addresses Gramsci's approach to the transition to a socialist economy in an attempt to clear if it can be harmonized with the Ward's and Vanek's theory of producer cooperatives. In Gramsci's view workers' control is necessary to avert the chaos that would ensue upon the abolition of capitalism; according to the modern theory of producer cooperative, instead, the management of enterprise by its workers is necessary to keep going the market economy after the revolution. In spite of this important difference, Gramsci's thought is useful to outline a way for the transition from capitalism to a system of labour-managed firms in a market economy. The paper argues that workers could receive the right to appropriate the surplus of the production by a Parliament's resolution without having to fight a violent revolution and discusses if this simple idea may be put in accord with the greater part of Gramsci's approach.


This paper presents the combined use of UAV-derived Digital Elevation Models, optical and IR imaging and multispectral satellite images to produce a (micro)topographic survey of the proto-historic village of Bostel, in the municipality of Rotzo (province of Vicenza, Italy). It aims to improve our knowledge of the structural organization of the site. Different vegetation indices were calculated from the multiband images to enhance the grass and soil-marks in open field, allowing the identification of buried structures. Close-range images were acquired with a commercial DJI Phantom 2 and a customized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), equipped with both high-resolution digital and IR cameras. Structure from Motion was used on the acquired data to create digital elevation models (DEM) of sample areas, which were enhanced by using different data visualization techniques. Remote sensing analyses were then combined with fieldwork data, producing a complex environmental model. The houses found during the excavations seem to be embedded in a framework of structures for the sake of space organization, defence and control. Moreover, the presence of a dense network of terraces and buildings, running right up to the south-eastern ridge of the promontory, confirms the existence of an intense human occupation of the entire area.


Denitrification, the microbial conversion of NO 3 - to N gases, is important to wetland biogeochemistry and water quality maintenance functions. We measured denitrification along toposequences from forested upland-wetland transition zones to red maple wetlands in Rhode Island. The sites were located on different soil parent materials derived from different geomorphic features including glacial outwash, granitic glacial till, basaltic glacial till, and alluvium. Each toposequence contained four or five different natural soil drainage classes. We assessed spatial and temporal variation in denitrification relative to site quality (parent material), water table dynamics, hydric soil and hydrophytic vegetation status, and a growing season defined as soil temperature >5°C. Denitrification rate was measured by intensive sampling during a 2-yr period using an acetylene-based intact soil core method. Annual estimates of denitrification were produced by extrapolating measured rates over the intervals between sample dates. Soils that were very poorly drained or that had developed on nutrient-rich parent materials had higher denitrification than more well-drained and/or less fertile soils. Nitrogen inputs from adjacent ecosystems also appeared to be a key regulator of denitrification rates. Annual denitrification ranged from 1 to >130 kg N ha -1 yr -1 and was lower in Year 2 than in Year 1 in all soils. There were poor relationships between spatial and temporal patterns of denitrification and patterns of hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation within the wetlands. Wetland delineation and classification protocols based on soils, vegetation, or hydrology do not appear to encompass the capacity of a wetland to support denitrification.


Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, where two-thirds of the population are Indigenous. This study aims to evaluate, through the lens of good governance principles, the current practice of the Sarawak State's formal land governance of lands associated with Native Customary Rights (hereafter known as Native land governance). Being quantitative in nature, this study conceptualises an evaluation framework for good governance principles as applied to Native land governance. Next, this study empirically tests out the framework by adopting a multi-criteria decision-making tool known as The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). TOPSIS analysis enables the integration of perceptions between State/private groups and Indigenous groups. The output of the TOPSIS analysis is summarised in a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) format according to the TOPSIS closeness value. Unfortunately, results show that the weaknesses outnumber the strengths in Sarawak's Native land governance. Among these issues, Indigenous respondents highlight major issues with the Sarawak land registry's efficiency in delivering outcomes that are equitable for Indigenous land rights. This study ends with recommendations on how the state of Sarawak can move towards compliance with good governance principles in relation to lands associated with Native Customary Rights.


This work presents a novel direct torque and flux control (DTFC) of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with analytically-tuned proportional integral (PI) controllers. The proportional (K_p) and integral (K_i) gains of the PI controllers were accurately determined, from first principle, using the model of the control system. The PI flux and torque controllers were then developed in rotor reference frame. The designed PI controllers, together with the torque and flux controllers, were tested on a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The results obtained were compared with results from conventional DTFC system using manually-tuned PI controllers. The total harmonic distortion (THD) of motor phase currents is 18.80% and 4.81% for the conventional and proposed models respectively. This confirms a significant reduction in torque ripples. The control system was tested for step torque loading and found to offer excellent performance both during load changes, speed reversal, and constant load conditions.


In situ hybridization has been developed with probes labelled with a non-radioactive nucleotide, especially digoxigenin-coupled nucleotides. These non-radioactive probes significantly reduce safety problems and experimentation time. In this paper, we have studied by in situ hybridization the messenger RNA (mRNA) of the neuropeptide pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), in the rat pituitary gland using digoxigenin labelled oligonucleotide and a microwave oven. Our protocol permitted us to visualize POMC mRNA in all cells of the intermediate lobe and a few corticotroph cells in the anterior lobe, as it has been already demonstrated and to complete the experiment in less than 24 hrs.


Few studies conceive of land as a productive factor but British land use policies may lower total factor productivity (TFP) in the retailing industry by (i) restricting the total availability of land for retail, thereby increasing space costs (ii) directly limiting store size and (iii) concentrating retail development on specific central locations. We use unique store-specific data to estimate the impact of space on retail productivity and the specific effects of planning restrictiveness and micromanagement of store locations. We use the quasi natural experiment generated by the variation in planning policies between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to isolate the impact of town centre first policies. We find that TFP rises with store size and that planning policy directly reduces productivity both by reducing store sizes and forcing retail onto less productive sites. Our results, while they strictly only apply to the supermarket group whose data we analyse, are likely to be representative of supermarkets in general and suggest that since the late 1980s planning policies have imposed a loss of TFP of at least 20%.


It is well known that if two reactions have different activation energies and frequency factors, there is only one temperature profile at which both reactions proceed at the same rate. Therefore, since the kinetic parameters for vitrinite reflectance (Ro) and hydrocarbon generation are different, there can be no universal correlation between Ro and transformation ration (Tr). However, our opening statement is not valid if at least one of the reactions is described by a distribution of overlaping activation energies. In such cases the reaction with the lowest activation energy will begin first, and will proceed alone until the lowest activation energy for the second reaction is reached. From that point on, until the last activation energy for one of the reactions is reached, the two reactions proceed in parallel, and there is an excellent correlation between the rates of the two reactions. Since Ro and hydrocarbon generation are both described by activation energy distributions that overlap to a great degree, there should an excellent correlation between Ro and transformation ratio, commencing at the beginning of oil generation. We have confirmed through modeling experiments that there is such a correlation for any given kerogen that will apply at all geologic heating.more » Therefore, we can use Ro as a direct proxy for hydrocarbon generation in discussing modeling results or in carrying out modeling studies. However, the specific correlation between Ro and Tr is kerogen-specific and must be determined empirically for each kerogen, since each kerogen has a differed activation-energy distribution. Thus the current perception that there is no universal correlation between Ro and transformation is still correct.« less


Pur-α was identified as a DNA-binding protein with high affinity for the single-stranded PUR-motif (GGN)n. Bound to DNA, Pur-α can both activate and repress transcription. In addition, Pur-α binds to RNA and may participate in nuclear RNA export as well as transport of cytoplasmic neuronal mRNP granules. The heritable trinucleotide-repeat expansion disease Fragile X associated Tremor and Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) leads to interaction of Pur-α with mutant, abnormally long r(CGG)n stretches, which appears to titrate the protein away from its physiologic mRNA targets into nuclear RNA-protein aggregates. We examined the function of Drosophila Pur-α and demonstrate that the protein accumulates in the growing oocyte early in oogenesis. Co-purifying proteins reveal that Pur-α is part of transported mRNP complexes, analogous to its reported role in nerve cells. We analyzed the subcellular localization of mutant GFP-Pur-α fusion proteins where either nucleic acid binding or dimerization, or both, were prevented. We propose that association with mRNAs occurs in the nucleus and is required for nuclear export of the complex. Furthermore, efficient translocation into the oocyte also requires RNA binding as well as dimerization. RNA binding assays demonstrate that recombinant Drosophila Pur-α can bind r(CGG)4 with higher affinity than previously thought. Related sequences, such as r(CAG)4 and the consensus sequence of the opa-repeat r(CAG)3CAA, can also associate with Pur-α in vitro and in vivo. The mRNA target spectrum of Pur-α may therefore be larger than previously anticipated.


Introduction. In modern society, there is a growing demand for the spread of prosocial practices, among which the leading role is given to the volunteer movement. In this regard, the actual pedagogical task is the education of a prosocial person - a member of the public, whose activity is focused on the gratuitous societal service and is resulted from altruistic motives. Students are potential members, who can be involved in such activities. Student community is considered as a special social group, which is characterised by the highest degree of civic activity, the desire for self-organisation and self-realisation in various spheres of life.The aims of the research presented in the article are to identify and analyse the attitude of youth to different types of volunteering; to justify the need for support and development of the volunteer movement as one of the main conditions for the safe and sustainable existence of society.Methodology and research methods. The research was based on personal and socio-cognitive approaches to the process of education of the new generation, as well as on the key provisions of the theory of social security. The methods of focus group research, interviews, questionnaires and Internet surveys were employed as tools for information collection. The data obtained were generalised and processed using qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis, including content analysis, percentage analysis, correlation analysis through Pearson coefficient and factor analysis (principal component method, varimax rotation). The calculations were made with the use of the statistical software package SPPS 17.Results and scientific novelty. The phenomenon of volunteering is considered as an important factor of social solidarity and social trust and as a form of safe prosocial behaviour of the individual. Based on the responses of respondents, who took part in the surveys, typical ideas about the motivation of the volunteer, his or her personal qualities and conditions of familiarising with various volunteer practices are identified, studied and generalised. The authors built up a psychological profile of a modern young man, capable of voluntary selfless acts for the benefit of others. Three groups of factors of formation of prosocial behaviour in the youth environment are allocated: social and ecological, educational and civil, cultural and religious. The types of volunteer activities are ranked according to the degree of their influence on the social well-being of the people around them in society according to the potential of gratuitous benefit for other people. From the perspective of the Russian Government and student community, it was revealed that there are some differences in assessing the potential of volunteerism in terms of the importance of selfless actions that contribute to human well-being in society. Conflicting priorities defined by the survey participants, and, the range of activities proclaimed in the Concept of development of volunteerism (volunteering) in the Russian Federation until 2025, can be connected with students' insufficient awareness on voluntary projects or can be indicative for the risks of socialisation of young people.Practical significance. The present research, on the one hand, enriches the field of knowledge about the essence of safe prosocial behaviour of the individual and, on the other hand, this study has a practice-oriented significance, as it can serve as a basis for the development of methods of psychological and pedagogical impact on the development of human readiness for prosocial behaviour, implemented through voluntary activity.


B cell receptors (BCRs) generate tonic signals critical for B cell survival and early B cell development. To determine whether these signals also mediate the development of transitional and mature B cells, we examined B cell development using a mouse strain in which nonautoreactive immunoglobulin heavy and light chain–targeted B cells express low surface BCR levels. We found that reduced BCR expression translated into diminished tonic BCR signals that strongly impaired the development of transitional and mature B cells. Constitutive expression of Bcl-2 did not rescue the differentiation of BCR-low B cells, suggesting that this defect was not related to decreased cell survival. In contrast, activation of the Ras pathway rescued the differentiation of BCR-low immature B cells both in vitro and in vivo, whereas extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) inhibition impaired the differentiation of normal immature B cells. These results strongly suggest that tonic BCR signaling mediates the differentiation of immature into transitional and mature B cells via activation of Erk, likely through a pathway requiring Ras.


In "Can the Cash Method of Accounting Clearly Reflect Income?" Tax Notes, Feb. 24, 1997, p. 1063, and Mar. 3, 1997, p. 1175, the author described when the Commissioner of Internal Revenue may require cash-method taxpayers, including construction contractors, to use inventory and accrual methods of accounting for the materials they furnish with their services. In "Zen and the Cash Method," Tax Notes, June 26, 2000, p. 1771, the author criticized a new line of cases holding that the materials furnished by construction contractors and some other service providers are not merchandise subject to the inventory regulations. In this third and final article on issues associated with the clear-reflection-of-income standard under section 446(b), the author re-examines two issues mentioned in the previous articles: The commissioner's "broad discretion" to determine whether a taxpayer's method clearly reflects income and the taxpayer's ability to use the "substantial-identity-of-results test" as a "shield" when the commissioner is exercising that discretion.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on the differentiation of orbital pre-adipocytes in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) and to explore the mechanism of orbital adipose proliferation in TAO.

METHODS
Orbital adipose tissues were obtained from patients with TAO undergoing orbital decompression surgery. The orbital fibroblasts cultured from orbital adipose tissues were divided into group A and group B. In group A, orbital pre-adipocytes were incubated in culture medium containing 1 mg/L LPS for 8 hours before stimulated to differentiate into mature adipocytes with Differentiation Medium I and II. No LPS or other intervention was used in group B before induced to differentiate into mature adipocyte with Differentiation Medium I and II. Intracellular fat accumulation in differentiated adipocytes was determined by oil red O staining and the expression of cyclooxygenase2 (COX2) and peroxisome proliferators activated receptor γ (PPARγ) mRNA of both groups were detected by RT-PCR. Protein expression of COX2 and PPARγ in both groups was detected by Western-blot and the secretion of PGE(2) in the supernatant was detected by ELISA.

RESULTS
COX2 expression and secretion of PGE(2) in differentiated cells of both groups were significantly decreased compared with pre-differentiation (P < 0.05), while PPARγ mRNA and protein expression enhanced significantly (P < 0.05). COX2 mRNA and protein expression and secretion of PGE(2) of pre-differentiation cells in group A was significantly increased compared with group B (P < 0.05), while PPARγ mRNA and protein expression in group A was also stronger than those in the group B (P < 0.05). COX2 and PPARγ mRNA and protein expression and secretion of PGE(2) of differentiated cells in group A were greater than those in group B (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
LPS can induce inflammatory response of orbital preadipocytes in TAO and enhance the expression of COX2, PPARγ and PGE(2). The expression of PPARγ is enhanced significantly while the expression of COX2 and PGE(2) is attenuated markedly when the orbital pre-adipocytes differentiated into adipocytes.


Prevalence of Species of Candida in the oral cavity of one hundred and three diabetic subjects and one hundred non-diabetic subjects were studied. Species of Candida were isolated was C.albicans (54.36%), C.tropicalis (14.56%), C.krusei (4.85%), C.parapsilosis(1.94%) was isolated from oral cavity of diabetic subjects where as C.albicans (27%) was isolated from non diabetic subjects. Isolation and identification of species of Candida in diabetes mellitus will helps in antifungal therapy.


A number of reports have recently been published describing the discovery and optimization of bromo and extraterminal inhibitors which are selective for the second bromodomain (BD2); these include our own work toward GSK046 (3) and GSK620 (5). This paper describes our approach to mitigating the genotoxicity risk of GSK046 by replacement of the acetamide functionality with a heterocyclic ring. This was followed by a template-hopping and hybridization approach, guided by structure-based drug design, to incorporate learnings from other BD2-selective series, optimize the vector for the amide region, and explore the ZA cleft, leading to the identification of potent, selective, and bioavailable compounds 28 (GSK452), 39 (GSK737), and 36 (GSK217).


Frequency control and congestion management with inter-area flow regulation represent three major control aspects of the modern power system. While there exist a variety of control approaches for each of these parts, the fact that they happen on the same timescale and rely on active power regulation calls for creation of a combined control scheme that can be implemented in a distributed way for robust operation in low-inertia systems with large numbers of controllable agents (distributed generation and controllable loads). In this manuscript we develop such control scheme utilizing primal-dual approach to maximize control response time to any contingency. The control remains fully distributed and globally asymptotically stable even in the cases when coupling inter-area constraints are present. Case studies show that its effectiveness is significantly higher for multi-contingency scenarios in comparison to traditional control.


This paper analyzes the machinery and motion control system of the mobile lower limbs rehabilitative robot. This paper presents a robust control design for a drive system of lower limbs rehabilitative robot. An adaptive decoupling controller is designed to drive the wheels speed to extract accurate speed of the robot and to allow omni-directional regulation. This system controls the DC motor by embedded system PC/104 to drive four wheels of the robot. The simulations show the robustness of the controlled system. Using adaptive controller to instead of traditional PID controller could get better control effect, also improve the dynamic performance, especially on rapidity and anti-disturbance.


Tagetes erecta, the Mexican marigold, also called Aztec marigold, is a species of the genus Tagetes native to Mexico. Despite its being native to the Americas, it is often called African marigold. It is well known for its antimicrobial, antiseptic, wound and ulcer healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties, and it has a long history of being used as an herbal remedy. T. erecta produces a variety of substances that possess pharmacological effects and antioxidant activity.  The present study aims to analyze the antioxidant property of a beverage made of dried T. erecta L. flowers petals, cultivated in West Bengal, India. Radical scavenging potential was determined using H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide) scavenging assay, which showed that with increase in concentration of the sample, the % of inhibition also increased. The total flavonoid content of the residue left after filtering the beverage, made from dried and processed Tagetes flower was found to be 530.32 mg/g dry weight, using a standard curve of quercetin. Furthermore, the total phenolic content of the same was estimated, taking a standard curve of Gallic acid, and was calculated to be 78.31mg GAE/ g of dry sample. This study suggests that the flowers of Tagetes erecta L. are the possible sources of natural radical scavengers. Thus, black tea leaves could be used as natural antioxidants in the beverage, food and pharmaceutical industries that need further wide range in vivo studies.


Knee joints of 24 in 28 patients were successfully preserved by below-knee amputation according to Brückner, at the Surgical Department of Karl-Marx University in Leipzig in 1987. The above patients had been in advanced age and in multimorbid conditions. Surgical technique and postoperative care are described and discussed in some detail.


BACKGROUND
Compliance with perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial for preventing surgical site infection. Anesthesiologists can play a significant role in reducing surgical site infections by following clinical practice guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis and redosing during surgery. A quality assurance initiative was implemented at a tertiary hospital with the goal of improving cefazolin perioperative antibiotic compliance.

METHODS
A multifaceted intervention was initiated to address low compliance with cefazolin redosing. Multifaceted interventions included the development of a perioperative antibiotic guide for anesthesia providers, automated reminders in anesthesia electronic medical records, grand rounds education, survey and email communications, and regular feedback reports to the anesthesia department.

RESULTS
Rates of redose compliance were examined in three time periods: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. Cefazolin redosing compliance was 58% in the pre-intervention period and 90% in the post-intervention period. There was a significant positive change in the trend of compliance during the intervention period, indicating that the odds of compliance increased by 13% per month in the intervention period compared to the pre-intervention period (odds ratio = 1.13, p<0.001). Redose compliance improvements were sustained a year after the post intervention period (average 91%). Surgical site infection rates for colon, coronary artery bypass graft and hip surgeries did not show any significant trend during these time periods.

CONCLUSION
Multifaceted interventions led to significant and sustained improvements in cefazolin redosing compliance in the main operating room of a tertiary hospital.


Renal ossicles are ossified structures developed after the implantation of a bone marrow (BM) plug beneath the kidney capsule. The authors have investigated the origin of the hematopoietic cells in murine renal ossicles by conducting sex-mismatched implants into Ly-5 congenic mice. BM plugs from transgenic mice provided additional genotypic tracers. Flow cytometry analyses on nonadherent cells from long-term cultures established with ossicles excised at 17 to 40 weeks postimplantation evidenced the presence of 5% to 70% of donor-derived myeloid cells. The genetic analysis of the day 12 colony-forming unit (CFU-S(12)) population in ossicles excised at 10 to 40 weeks postimplantation revealed that 16% to 93% of the colonies were of donor origin. Moreover, we describe for the first time the presence of long-term repopulating cells of donor origin in ossicles excised at 10 to 19 weeks postimplantation.


Well yes ... it seems a straightforward extension in theory, since again it is not too difficult to write down balance equations. But in practice you have now split your significant unknown term Df into a number of unknown terms (even given the simplifying assumptions of steady state flows, well mixed sediment etc) that hydrologists and geomorphologists have struggled with for over a century (and we STILL resort to Manning's n or some assumed constant fraction of kinetic energy). So I think the critical thing in an revision is to really make it clear how this can help frame the problem of closing that energy balance and having some clearer understanding of how to evaluate the Df term splitting it into component parts might provide some cursory understanding but what is needed to allow a proper evaluation (remembering that we are actually interested in transient dynamic flows when we often cannot easily close the mass balance equations in practice)?