Background To demonstrate the plausibility of a murine model of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis. Methods 2μL of sterile PBS or bioluminescent Xen29 Staphylococcus aureus was administered to the tendon sheath of 36 male C57BL/6J mice. The infectious course was monitored by bioluminescence (BLI) signal via IVIS imaging and recording of weight change. The infected hind paws were harvested at four time points: 24 hours, 72 hours, 1 week and 2 weeks for histopathology using Alcian Blue hematoxylin staining. Two-way ANOVA with Sidak's multiple comparison test was used for statistical analysis. Results The infected cohort displayed significantly elevated bioluminescent values, reductions in weight, and exhibited swelling of the infected digit throughout the course of infection. By day 7 most infected mice saw a substantial decrease in BLI signal intensity, however two infected mice exhibited persistent BLI intensity through day 14. Histopathology of the infected cohort showed tissue disorganization and the presence of a cellular infiltrate in and around the flexor tendon sheath. Conclusions A murine model of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis is possible. Further optimization of the model offers an experimental platform for investigation of the pathophysiology of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis. Clinical Relevance This animal model can be utilized in order to elucidate the basic molecular/cellular mechanisms of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis while simultaneously evaluating novel therapeutic strategies.


This study investigated the changes in resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii complex and the association of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii complex (CRAB) infection and hospital antimicrobial usage from 2003 to 2011 in a tertiary care hospital in northeast China. In vitro susceptibilities were determined by disk diffusion test and susceptibility profiles were determined using zone diameter interpretive criteria, as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Data on consumption of various antimicrobial agents, expressed as defined daily dose/1,000 patients/day, were collected retrospectively from hospital pharmacy computer database. Most of 2,485 strains of A. baumannii complex were collected from respiratory samples (1,618 isolates, 65.1%), secretions and pus (465, 18.7%) over the years. The rates of antimicrobial resistance in A. baumannii complex increased significantly over the years. The rates of CRAB were between 11.3% and 59.1% over the years. The quarterly use of anti-pseudomonal carbapenems, but not other classes of antibiotics, was strongly correlated with the increase of quarterly CRAB (β = 1.661; p < 0.001). Dedicated use of anti-pseudomonal carbapenems would be an important intervention to control the increase of CRAB.


The marketing literature includes numerous books on sales management; this book is a contribution to that body of knowledge. The author does a good, concise job of handling a complex subject. He has incorporated the many facets of sales management into a schematic model, which, through verbal and graphic presentation, nicely summarizes the tasks of management of the personal selling function. The model is the skeleton upon which the material of the book is based. Part 1 is an overview of the author's model; it deals with the role of sales management functions within the broad goals established by the firm. How the sales organization helps the firm achieve its stated goals is the topic of Chapter 2, following an introductory chapter which describes the model itself. The second part of the model, Chapters 3 through 7, is an expansionary one, defining and explaining the development of personal selling goals-developing sales potentials, forecasting, budgeting, and defining territories and quotas. Generally, nontechnical terms are used to explain the accomplishment of these goals. Part 3 of the model is concerned with the organization of the sales function to accomplish personal selling goals. Chapters 8 through 13 consider procedures for developing a selling organization through obtaining sales personnel, training them, compensating them, and motivating them. Throughout this section, the author illustrates his cognizance of the alternative approaches which might be taken, depending on the particular needs of a given sales force. Finally, Part 4 of the sales management model consists of evaluation of selling goals and their possible revision. The model is closed in the sense that evaluation of personal selling effort may lead to refinement or redefinition of goals of the firm. Two chapters are devoted to analysis of sales and analysis of performance efforts, which may seem inadequate due to the importance of the evaluation function. Only through careful analysis and evaluation can the organization determine the propriety of its goals. The goal-oriented model utilized by the author makes this point repeatedly. At first glance, a reader wonders "why another sales management book?" The model suggested by the author dispels such doubts by providing a convenient way of viewing the personal selling function about its organization. He has done an effective job of organizing and presenting his materials, and he provides the reader with a series of discussion questions at the end of each chapter, and with suggested readings at the end of each textual section. The classroom teacher should find the questions thought provoking for students of sales management. A possible weakness is that most of the suggested readings could be more contemporary. The acknowledged audience of this book is "present and potential" managers responsible for the personal selling functions in their firms. This reviewer submits that potential managers will find the book more beneficial than present ones, because the suggested readings are commonly classics, probably familiar to practicing sales managers. In addition, the sections devoted to the quantitative aspects of sales such as developing potentials, forecasting, and sales analysis receive only limited coverage. Although salesmen tend not to be quantitatively oriented, they need additional exposure to these aspects early in their professional development. JOHN R. THOMPSON Memphis State University


1 Plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentrations were measured in rats following exposure to anaesthetic agents, after stimulation of peripheral sensory nerves, and during psychological stress. 2 In rats, kept in their home cages, the i.p. injection of sodium pentobarbitone did not cause an increase in plasma ACTH, whereas injection of urethane increased plasma ACTH several times. In rats transferred to a glass dessicator and inhaling oxygen, plasma ACTH was more than 3 fold higher than in rats in their home cage. Exposure to nitrous oxide, halothane or ether in a glass dessicator produced significantly higher plasma ACTH concentrations when compared to exposure in the home cage. 3 In rats anaesthetized with pentobarbitone, the electrical stimulation of large myelinated afferents in the sciatic nerve did not trigger a measurable increase in ACTH secretion, whereas stimulation of afferent Aδ‐ and C‐fibres significantly elevated plasma ACTH concentrations. Rats treated as neonates with capsaicin showed an attenuated ACTH response to A and C‐fibre stimulation. 4 Similarly, capsaicin pretreatment reduced the increase in ACTH secretion during morphine withdrawal; a similar effect was produced by clonidine. 5 ACTH secretion following open field exposure, ether stress or hypoglycaemia was not changed by capsaicin pretreatment. 6 It was concluded that capsaicin‐sensitive afferents are involved in the secretion of ACTH elicited by somatosensory forms of stress. Centrally evoked ACTH release is not affected by capsaicin pretreatment.


Impaired ethanol metabolism can lead to various alcohol-related health problems. Key enzymes in ethanol metabolism are alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH); however, neuroendocrine pathways that regulate the activities of these enzymes are largely unexplored. Here we identified a neuroendocrine system involving Corazonin (Crz) neuropeptide and its receptor (CrzR) as important physiological regulators of ethanol metabolism in Drosophila. Crz-cell deficient (Crz-CD) flies displayed significantly delayed recovery from ethanol-induced sedation that we refer to as hangover-like phenotype. Newly generated mutant lacking Crz Receptor (CrzR01) and CrzR-knockdown flies showed even more severe hangover-like phenotype, which is causally associated with fast accumulation of acetaldehyde in the CrzR01 mutant following ethanol exposure. Higher levels of acetaldehyde are likely due to 30% reduced ALDH activity in the mutants. Moreover, increased ADH activity was found in the CrzR01 mutant, but not in the Crz-CD flies. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed transcriptional upregulation of Adh gene in the CrzR01. Transgenic inhibition of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) also results in significantly increased ADH activity and Adh mRNA levels, indicating PKA-dependent transcriptional regulation of Adh by CrzR. Furthermore, inhibition of PKA or cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in CrzR cells leads to comparable hangover-like phenotype to the CrzR01 mutant. These findings suggest that CrzR-associated signaling pathway is critical for ethanol detoxification via Crz-dependent regulation of ALDH activity and Crz-independent transcriptional regulation of ADH. Our study provides new insights into the neuroendocrine-associated ethanol-related behavior and metabolism.


Myocardial diseases consist of cardiomyopathy of unknown origin and specific myocardial diseases of known origin. The former consists mainly of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In the latter, cardiac amyloidosis may be most frequently seen in the elderly. One hundred and twenty patients with cardiomyopathy were studied concerning their clinical courses. They were divided into 2 groups; i) young-middle-aged (Y) and ii) elderly (0). Group 1 was divided into 2 subgroups: 1a) followed up to an age less than 60 years old, and 1b) followed up to beyond age 60. In DCM, left ventricular posterior wall thickness and left atrial diameter increased significantly in the elderly. In HCM, young patients had obstructive type disease more frequently than the elderly. A history of mild hypertension was found more frequently in the middle-aged or elderly than in the young. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter increased and left ventricular wall thickness decreased significantly in the elderly. Many patients with DCM usually die of congestive heart failure with ventricular arrhythmia, and those with HCM, both young or middle-aged, often die suddenly during sports activity. If there is an adaptive system, such as increased wall thickness in DCM or decreased wall thickness and increased diameter in HCM, which may contribute to the normalization of left ventricular wall stress, the patients might be able to survive to old age.


The patient was a 58-year-old woman with a 10-year history of severely itching erythroderma, as well as enlarged lymph glands and circulating Sézary cells (i.e. Sézary's syndrome). Histological analysis of a skin biopsy revealed Pautrier's microabcesses with atypical lymphocytes characteristic of T-cell lymphoma. Her lymph glands were also found to contain atypical lymphocytes. Parallel to the skin disorder, the patient developed paraparesis with fainting strength of the musculature of the extremities. Ultimately, she was unable to walk. She had no feeling of vibration and had difficulties emptying her bladder. Babinski's sign was positive, bilaterally. Ten years before the present admission the patient's skin and blood lymphocytes were positive for sequences of human T-cell lymphoma virus-1 (HTLV-1) in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). At the present admission, the patient presented a high titre of HTLV-1 antibodies both in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid on ELISA and Wesern blot analysis. The patient had been married to a man from Bolivia for 30 years. He was also strongly positive for HTLV-1 antibodies in blood. Adult T-leukemia (ATL) is common in areas where HTLV-1 is found endemically. ATL has skin symptoms similar to mycosis fungoides. The clinical findings in this patient indicate an etiological connection between some cases of T-cell lymphoma in the skin (Sézary's syndrome) and HTLV-1.


OBJECTIVE
To establish the HPLC fingerprint of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Zanthoxylum schinifolium for finding the difference.

METHODS
Samples were extracted with 50% methanol 25 mL by ultrasonic wave and then separated on Hypersil BDS C18 (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) column. Gradient elution was carried out with a mobile phase of methanol-water. The detection wavelength was 268 nm, the column temperature was set at 35 degrees C, the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the analytic time was 130 min. The software "Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCMs" (Version 2004A) was employed to generate the mean chromatogram and carry out the similarity analysis of the samples. SPSS 17.0 was employed to carry out the cluster analysis.

RESULTS
Similarity of Z. bungeanum was 0.909 - 0.992 and that of Z. schinifolium was 0.930 - 0.999. There were 27 common peaks in HPLC Fingerprints of Z. bungeanum and 24 in that of Z. schinifolium. Their HPLC standard fingerprints were obvious difference. They belonged to different categories in cluster analysis.

CONCLUSION
The method is simple, accurate and rapid. It could obviously distinguish Z. bungeanum from Z. schinifolium. So it suggests that HPLC fingerprints should be one of the quality control indexes of Zanthoxyli Pericarpium.


Recently, there has been significant interest in understanding the macroscopic quantum transport in a many-body system of chiral fermions. A natural framework for describing such a system that is generally out of equilibrium is the transport equation for its phase space distribution function. In this paper, we obtain a complete solution of the covariant chiral transport for massless fermions, by starting from the general Wigner function formalism and carrying out a complete and consistent semiclassical expansion up to O^(ℏ) order. In particular, we clarify certain subtle and confusing issues surrounding the Lorentz noninvariance and frame dependence associated with the three-dimensional chiral kinetic theory. We prove that such frame dependence is uniquely and completely fixed by an unambiguous definition of the O^(ℏ) correction to the distribution function in each reference frame.


Planar near field antenna measurement techniques have become very popular. This is partly due to the ease and efficiency with which asymptotic far field parameters can be obtained from near field data using spectral techniques, and the removal of the requirement to displace the antenna under test during the sampling process. In order that reliable far field patterns can be obtained from planar techniques, the plane wave receiving coefficients of the scanning probe must be taken into account during the transformation process. Characterisation obtained from an auxiliary measurement of the probe can prove expensive in terms of facility time and cost, and inevitably require a degree of post processing. It would be attractive to obtain the plane wave receiving coefficients of the scanning probe directly from theory or from numerical simulation. The paper discusses an approach taken to obtain reliable far field parameters from the Ansoft high frequency structure simulator (HFSS), a commercially available finite element modelling tool that is not always considered when analysing electrically small antennas. Results are presented that illustrate the degree of agreement attained between numerical simulation and measurement obtained by using a quasi far-field polar spherical facility.


15 normal volunteers demonstrated after 14 days of haloperidol (HA) medication (3 mg/day) a higher mean power density (mpd) in all frequency bands of the EEG power spectra combined with a higher theta and a lower alpha center frequency (cf). After further 7 days of HA medication together with the additionally applied anticholinergic biperidene (BI) (6 mg/day) the HA effects were antagonized especially in the theta cf and the alpha mpd. The higher delta and theta mpd were not antagonized. The EEG spectra of the pre- and posttreatment condition did not differ. There was a significant effect of HA on the "Adjective Mood Scale" and on the "Complaint List", which disappeared during the additional BI medication. The reaction times were prolonged with HA and decreased with BI. Blocked dopaminergic impulses on the cholinergic EEG mechanisms possibly produce higher amplitudes during HA medication. Schizophrenic patients treated with neuroleptic drugs showed similar EEG spectra in previous studies during rest but not during motor activation.


Abstract Abnormal pressure strata are believed to exist throughout the Malay Basin with the exception of the southwest and northeast margins. The onset of abnormal pressure is abrupt in the northeastern portion of the basin but is generally more gradual in the southeastern area. The abnormal pressure is a complex origin and is attributed to a combination of rapid burial of certain stratigraphic units, uplift of initially normally pressure strata, faulting and hydrocarbon column effects. Predrill abnormal pressure predictive techniques used by EPMI in the Malay Basin are interpretation of seismic interval velocities and electric log correlation. With accurate seismic velocity information, an interval transit time profile, called a Pennebaker plot has aided in predicting top of abnormal pressure in 80% of the wells drilled to date. Log correlation is most applicable within the confines of a particular structure. Detection of abnormal pressure in the Malay Basin while drilling is difficult at standard pressure indicators while drilling and use of industry generated overlays to derive quantitative estimations of pore pressure from drilling exponent plots do not provide satisfactory results. As a result, EPMI developed a "Malay Basin" overlay which provides more accurate quantitative estimation of pore pressure from drilling exponents. In addition, EPMI employs a technique for monitoring gas feed-in, called an extended connection, or 10-10-10 to detect geopressure while drilled.


This paper discusses two methods of data collection for the study of experienced health and old age: the thematic interview and the narrative method, both of which represent the interpretive research paradigm. Two applications of the method are described: the thematic interview was used in a study of patient experiences of health and nursing, and the narrative method in a study of experiences of ageing. The role and utility of the methods are discussed from the point of view of nursing research.


[The results of the first systematic study concerning the urban flora of Modena are here presented. Data collection was carried out in 2014-2018, by inspecting every road and square of the historic centre, intended as the area encompassed within the wide avenues that retrace the layout of the 16th century ramparts. 344 plant species were found, of which 1 is new for the flora of Italy, 10 are new for Emilia-Romagna and 19 are new for the province of Modena. Among these 30 new species, alien species make up 63%. There are 17 species no longer found during this study, which were observed at least 20 years ago or were testified only by late 19th century herbarium samples. The life form spectrum is dominated by the therophytes (44%), followed by hemicryptophytes (28%) and phanerophytes (15%). Eurasian (28%), Mediterranean (24%) and cosmopolite species (24%) dominate the chorological spectrum. Neophytes are 18% of the total number of species, quite a low percentage if compared with what was observed in other towns of the Po Plain and Central Europe. This fact is probably due to the small area of the historic city centre, whose compact urbanistic structure seems to resist against the diffusion of alien plants. The invasive species are 11% of the total. The presence of 15 hygrophilous species is interesting, since they indicate irrigation or hyper-irrigation of lawns and flowerbeds. We found 4 protected species at the regional level, of which 2 are escaped from cultivation. Concerning the affinity of the species to urban ecology, the floristic list is dominated by the urban-neutral (45%) and urbanophilous species (42%). This fact can indicate a good variety in terms of growth environments, with most of them probably in a quite advanced phase of ecological evolution for an urban centre, and also a fairly good environmental quality, likely due – at least partially – to the abundance of green areas. The species richness in every road or square is strongly correlated to the environmental heterogeneity (ρ = 0,794) and moderately correlated to the nearby presence of green areas (ρ = 0,544) and to the road length or square surface (ρ = 0,665 and 0,673, respectively). Furthermore, a weak correlation (ρ = 0,212) exists between the presence of horticultural or food species and the presence of restaurants in the same road or square. Therefore, the town is confirmed to be a very dynamic ecosystem with great biological richness, useful to understand the ecological strategies developed by plants to adapt to sometimes very unfavourable conditions. In addition, during the process of colonisation of a region, urban areas often act as a «hub» for the spreading of species along the road and railway network. Understanding and respecting the ecological roles of native species is thus fundamental for modern urban planning, aimed at improving the quality of life as a whole.]

[Article in Italian]


Any attentive observer of families who have a child afflicted with a cleft lip whether or not associated with a palatal cleft would be certain to be impressed by the importance of the psychological context of their interpersonal exchanges and the risks of a breakdown in the parent-child relationship adversely affecting the child's development. The birth of a child with a cleft lip inevitably becomes a painfully stressful and traumatic event for its parents. In the framework of the Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique (PHRC) we have evaluated the psychological perceptions of parents of cleft lip and palate patients during the child's first year of life in a multi-disciplinary and multi-group prospective study. Our goal is to analyze both the child's psychic suffering and the parent-child relationship. We compared the results obtained in four hospital centers using different surgical protocols, distinguishing between the sub-groups of parents who had learned of the defect from an in utero examination and parents who did not become aware of the cleft until the child was born. We analyze for the parents the psychic and psychological dimensions of the deformity and its correction, touching on the importance of a prenatal diagnosis, the development of a relationship with the child, self-images, and the quality of life as well focusing on the infant's distress and eventual recovery from it. The results of this study should make it possible for health care workers to construct new ways of attenuating, insofar as possible, the psychological impact of the deformity on parents and their children and to improve long term care for these patients.


ABSTRACT Hirsutism is a common condition, being present in about 5–15% of women. It is characterized by the growth of terminal hair in a pattern typical for men, like as hair growth in upper lip, chin, cheek and lower and upper abdomen. Not infrequently, hirsutism is followed by other signs of hyerandrogenism such as alopecia, acne, and seborrhea. The current study evaluated the association between a self-reported history of hirsutism and oligo-amenorrhea during reproductive age and the presence of several comorbidities in women after menopause. A total of 1057 women were investigated in a cross-sectional study, and information on the age at menarche, menstrual history, complaints about excessive hair growth, and disease development was obtained. Participants from the study were postmenopausal women aged >55 y who attended ac primary care service at least once during the 24-month period. Exclusion criteria included the presence of cognitive impairment and/or communication difficulties. Main outcomes were the presence of comorbidities after menopause. The prevalence of comorbidities was significantly higher in women with a history of hirsutism and/or oligo-amenorrhea [OR = 1.6 (95% CI 1.1–2.4), p = 0.002] or isolated hirsutism [OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.3–3.2), p = 0.004]. The prevalence of stroke, angina or myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and osteoarthritis were significantly higher in postmenopausal women who had experienced hirsutism and/or oligomenorrhea (p < 0.03). Limitations of the study came from the absence of a clear differentiation between hirsutism and hypertrichosis. According our results, the presence of hirsutism and oligo-amenorrhea during the female reproductive period may indicate susceptibility to important diseases at old age.


Abstract OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify whether steeper V.E/V. CO2 slope was associated with cardiopulmonary complications (CPC) after anatomical resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Long-term survival was analysed as secondary outcome. METHODS We reviewed the files of all consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary anatomical resections by video-assisted thoracic surgery between January 2010 and October 2020 at the Centre for Thoracic Surgery of Western Switzerland. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk of CPC associated with the V.E/V.CO2 slope and other possible confounders. Survival was analysed with Kaplan–Meier curves. Risk factors associated with survival were analysed with a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS The V.E/V.CO2 slope data were available for 145 patients [F/M: 66/79; mean age (standard deviation): 65.8 (8.9)], which were included in the analysis. Patients underwent anatomical resection [lobectomy (71%) or segmentectomy (29%)] mainly for lung cancer (96%). CPC and all-cause 90-day mortality were 29% and 1%, respectively. The mean (standard deviation) percentage of the predicted V.O2peak was 70% (17). Maximum effort during cardiopulmonary exercise test was reached in only 31% of patients. The V.E/V.CO2 slope (standard deviation) was not different if the maximum effort was reached or not [39 (6) vs 37 (7), P = 0.21]. V.E/V.CO2 slope >35 was associated with an increased risk of CPC (odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2, 7.2, P = 0.020). V.E/V.CO2 slope >35 was not associated with shorter survival censored for lung cancer-related death. CONCLUSIONS V. E/V.CO2 slope >35 is significantly associated with postoperative CPC after anatomical resections by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Clinical registration number CER-VD (Switzerland) Project ID: 2021-00620.


In the framework of a questionnaire survey an attitude examination was conducted among inhabitants of 3-3 settlements of Hajdu-Bihar and Heves county in connection with the renewable energy sources. With the help of the word-association method authors tried to assess whether the population of the examined settlements is aware of the meaning of the renewable energy sources and its utilisation opportunities. Authors tried to determine the attitude of the inhabitants to the renewable energy sources. It turned out that the conceptual picture of the inhabitants about the renewable energy sources is quite superficial, but at the same time their attitude unambiguously positive. It turned out, that the inhabitants with higher educational level and the younger people have the most accurate knowledge about the renewable energy sources.


For the past 3 years, engineering students from Ohio Northern University have spent a full day running STEM activities with 4th-6th graders at a public middle school, which has been called a STEM Academy by the organizers and participants. The academy begins with a guest speaker who gives a presentation on a topic under the STEM umbrella, then students participate in multiple activities that typically involve science or engineering. While these academies had been received positively by the faculty, the effectiveness of communicating engineering to the students was uncertain. Is one day of activities truly enough to clear misconceptions of engineering? In a post survey after the activities had concluded, students were asked questions in a similar fashion to the "Draw an Engineer Test." The sample was composed of 6th grade students (N=60 with 27 boys and 33 girls) at a small public middle school. The 6th grade students were selected by the investigator in particular in order to draw comparisons to a similar outreach previously done at another school. Responses from the survey provided insight as to how effective a STEM Academy is at informing students about engineering with its current model. Common misconceptions arose frequently in addition to common trends. The misunderstandings surprisingly manifested as the resistance of students to explore a new field by not deviating from their idealized profession. Also, students were drawn to engineering based on misinformed perceptions, particularly the activities. Suggestions based on this study can lead to improvements in how such an outreach is conducted to properly introduce students to STEM, particularly engineering. This paper will present the results of the first survey and provide discussion on student responses. Comparisons between other outreaches will be made to establish the nature of a STEM Academy in contrast to other K-12 programs designed to promote student interest in science and engineering. Suggestions to improve the effectiveness of STEM academies will be briefly noted along with steps to meaningfully compare advancements in student perceptions for future efforts.


A variety ol cyclic and acyclic ketones underwent readily oxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA) in ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [bmim]BF 4 to afford esters/lactones with high selectivity, ease of product separation and in excellent chemical yields. The reaction proceeded smoothly in ionic liquid without the need of any additional acid or base catalyst. The ketones show enhanced reactivity in ionic liquids thereby reducing reaction times and improving the yields significantly.


The ash layer diffusion controlling model and a finite difference method were successfully employed to simulate a single char particle combustion at around ash melting temperature. The numerical modeling was conducted under the operation conditions similar to the author's previous experiment. It was found that the numerical temperature profile in a burning char particle was strongly influenced by the ash layer heat conductivity. By considering the ash layer heat conductivity was varied with time, the simulated particle time temperature profiles agreed well with the experimental results. And the optimum value of ash layer heat conductivity to fit the experimental temperature variation with time was found to be increased with ash content and maximum combustion temperature. The agreement between the simulation and experimental results proved the validation of the numerical modeling. The numerical study also suggested that the smaller particle reaches its peak temperature quicker than larger particles and gives the higher peak temperature.


We describe a method of determining coproporphyrin I, III, and I plus III in urine by "high-performance" liquid chromatography. Urine is simply injected after dilution with an equal volume of glacial acetic acid. Some urinary coproporphyrin apparently binds zinc without acetic acid treatment. The working linear range of coproporphyrin concentrations is 10 to 2000 micrograms/L of urine. The sensitivity of the method is sufficient to detect as little as 10 micrograms of coproporphyrins per liter of urine. Analytical recoveries for both coproporphyrins were 96.7-106%. Results by the present method and those by an extraction method (Br J Ind Med 31:72-74, 1974) correlate well (r = 0.975). Mean (and range) coproporphyrin I, III, and I plus III concentrations in urine from normal subjects are 33.7 (7-75), 28.6 (0-130), and 62.2 (7-174) micrograms/L, respectively.


Abstract Medicinal plants are used from ancient times for treatment of various ailments. Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut), is the popular and most valuable tree native to the South East Europe. It's seed extracts and their concentrates contain phytocompounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, triterpenoid saponin glycosides (escin), epicatechin, tannins, kaempferol, esculin, fraxin, carbohydrate, essential fatty acids (linoleic acid), oleic acid and purine bases (adenine and guanine). Due to these vital phyto-constituents, horse chestnut is used in phytomedicine for the prevention and treatment of diverse disorders as in venous congestion in leg ulcers, bruises, arthritis, rheumatism, diarrhoea, phlebitis etc. We collected the pharmacological applications of Aesculus hippocastanum L. extracts and escin as the cheif bioactive compound and their uses in traditionally and clinically for the management of various disorders. This review describes the efficacy of A. hippocastanum L. extracts and their bioactive compounds. So in the furtue this plant may be useful for the alternative treatment measure for various ailments via incorporating either extract or escin into novel delivery systems for improving the social health in future and would provide improved quality of life.


Data-driven methods have been very attractive for fusion of both multiset and multimodal data, in particular using matrix factorizations based on independent component analysis (ICA) and its extension to multiple datasets: independent vector analysis (IVA). This is primarily due to the fact that independence enables (essentially) unique decompositions under very general conditions for a large class of signals, and independent components lend themselves to easier interpretation. In this article, we first present a framework that provides a common umbrella to previously introduced fusion methods based on ICA and IVA and allows us to clearly demonstrate the tradeoffs involved in the design of these approaches. This then motivates the introduction of a new approach for fusion of disjoint subspaces (DS). We demonstrate the desired performance of DS using ICA through simulations, as well as application to real data, for fusion of multimodal medical imaging data—functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography data collected from a group of healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia performing an auditory oddball task.


Background: The chromosomal aneuploidy described as Cytogenetic condition characterized by abnormality in numbers of the chromosome. Aneuploid patient either trisomy or monosomy, can occur in both sex chromosomes as well as autosome chromosomes. However, double aneuploidies involving both sex and autosome chromosomes relatively a rare phenomenon. In present study, we reported a double aneuploidy (Down-Klinefelter syndrome) in infant from Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods: In the present investigation, chromosomal analysis (standard chromosomal karyotyping) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed according to the standard protocols.

Results: Here, we report a single affected individual (boy) having Saudi origin, suffering from double chromosomal aneuploidy. The main presenting complaint is the obvious dysmorphic features suggesting Down syndrome. Chromosomal analysis and FISH revealed 48,XXY,+21, show the presence of three copies of chromosome 21, two copies of X chromosome and one copy of Y chromosome chromosomes.

Conclusion: Patients with Down syndrome must be tested for other associated sex chromosome aneuploidies. Hence, proper diagnosis is needed for proper management and the cytogenetic tests should be performed as the first diagnostic approach.


This article seeks to reestablish academic interest in cooperative law. It is driven by the motive to narrow the gap between the importance of cooperatives in practice and their relatively benign place in legal research. In order to kick-start a comparative and interdisciplinary debate on the subject, some fundamental points are made that are indispensible for any discussion. First and foremost, the notion of the cooperative is explained in order to differentiate it from other phenomena. The contribution criticizes any understanding that is linked to a peculiar societal model. In particular, it is shown that cooperatives can neither be claimed as fiefdoms by the socialist or anti-globalisation movements nor should be considered as a panacea for the shortcomings of the capitalist world. Instead, it suggests to adopt an economic viewpoint and to consider the cooperative as a particular type of governance mechanism that is appropriate in some instances because it is apt to solve specific problems. The article discusses what these problems are and how this governance mechanism is used to solve them. Starting on the basis of the Rochdale Principles, some important features of cooperative governance are highlighted. Finally, a research agenda is set out. It is hoped that academics as well as practitioners will be inspired by this contribution to endeavor their own studies on cooperatives.


The primary objective of this research study was to test the applicability and optimize the design parameters of a system of biological aerated filters in order to obtain an optimal effluent from the citrus industry, which would allow its drainage into the municipal sewer system. Expanded clay was used as a support material. After experimenting with both countercurrent and cocurrent flows as well different aeration levels, it was found that cocurrent flow was more efficient. Backwashing was carried out on a daily basis. The results of our study showed that for an aeration of 10.47 Nm3/h/m2, the volumetric load should be less than 20 Kg. COD/m3/d in order to obtain an effluent with a maximum concentration of 600 mgCOD/L, and the hydraulic load should be less than 0.36 m/h.


We create a unified framework for analyzing and synthesizing plans with loops for solving problems with non-deterministic numeric effects and a limited form of partial observability. Three different action models---with deterministic, qualitative non-deterministic and Boolean non-deterministic semantics---are handled using a single abstract representation. We establish the conditions under which the correctness and termination of solutions, represented as abstract policies, can be verified. We also examine the feasibility of learning abstract policies from examples. We demonstrate our techniques on several planning problems and show that they apply to challenging real-world tasks such as doing the laundry with a PR2 robot. These results resolve a number of open questions about planning with loops and facilitate the development of new algorithms and applications.


The potato's most devastating disease is late blight, which is caused by Phytophthora infestans. Whereas various resistance (R) genes are known, most are typically defeated by this fast-evolving oomycete pathogen. However, the broad-spectrum and durable R8 is a vital gene resource for potato resistance breeding. To support an educated deployment of R8, we embarked on a study on the corresponding avirulence gene Avr8. We overexpressed Avr8 by transient and stable transformation and found that Avr8 promotes colonization of P. infestans in Nicotiana benthamiana and potato, respectively. A yeast-2-hybrid (Y2H) screen showed that AVR8 interacts with a desumoylating isopeptidase (StDeSI2) of potato. We overexpressed DeSI2 and found that DeSI2 positively regulates resistance to P. infestans, while silencing StDeSI2 downregulated the expression of a set of defense-related genes. By using a specific proteasome inhibitor, we found that AVR8 destabilized StDeSI2 through the 26S proteasome and attenuated early PTI responses. Altogether, these results indicate that AVR8 manipulates desumoylation, which is a new strategy that adds to the plethora of mechanisms that Phytophthora exploits to modulate host immunity, and StDeSI2 provides a new target for durable resistance breeding against P. infestans in potato.


Croatia, a transitional country, is lo cated both in mid-Europe and Mediterranean, which boasts inborn geographical advantages. It is currently undergoing dynamic changes in its economic and social structure. Among the reform, it focuses on enlarging exports,especially the export to China, the world large and potential market. In this regard,recently, our report interviewed H.E.Boris Velic, Ambassador of Croatia to China.


The purpose of this study is to find a correlation between the crystallite sizes in the basal plane direction of graphite materials, used in carbon anodes in Lithium-ion batteries. Carbon anodes are the most common type of anode used in rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries today. The two major causes of capacity fading in graphite anodes is structural disordering during cycling and SEI (solid electrolyte interface) formation, which causes a loss of active graphite material and loss of active lithium-ion respectively. On this basis, the crystallite size in the basal plane direction La of graphite are measured by structural characterization methods for later comparison with the performance of the graphite powder when used as a carbon anode. In this work, three characterization methods have been utilized to characterize four different types of graphite powders. These three characterization methods are Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and SEM analysis, with special emphasis on Raman spectroscopy due to its flexibility when it comes to sample preparation methods. Three different sample preparation methods have been carried out on the graphite powders before doing Raman measurements. A comparison of the results from the Raman measurements shows a clear trend in which the calculated R-ratio is dependent on the sample preparation method, where the R-ratio is largest for samples prepared as carbon anodes. It is very likely that this trend is attributed to the increase in R-ratio due to mechanical milling of the graphite powders as a part of the processing steps of the carbon anode sample. Determining the La value with X-ray powder diffraction is usually a difficult task due to poor resolution of the diffraction peaks necessary to derive the La value. This is due to preferred orientation of non-spherical shaped graphite powders when the powder is applied directly on a Si-sample holder for X-ray diffraction measurements. However, by air spraying the graphite powders mixed with ethanol, the particle are more random oriented, giving visible diffraction peaks needed to derive the La value. It has been shown that Raman spectroscopy is an unreliable method for determining the La value by comparing the results from X-ray with the results from Raman measurements. However, if Raman spectroscopic measurements are used together with X-ray measurements, a new linear relationship between the X-ray measured La value and the Raman R-ratio can be derived. 3


PMLB (Penn Machine Learning Benchmark) is an open-source data repository containing a curated collection of datasets for evaluating and comparing machine learning (ML) algorithms. Compiled from a broad range of existing ML benchmark collections, PMLB synthesizes and standardizes hundreds of publicly available datasets from diverse sources such as the UCI ML repository and OpenML, enabling systematic assessment of different ML methods. These datasets cover a range of applications, from binary/multi-class classification to regression problems with combinations of categorical and continuous features. PMLB has both a Python interface (pmlb) and an R interface (pmlbr), both with detailed documentation that allows the user to access cleaned and formatted datasets using a single function call. PMLB also provides a comprehensive description of each dataset and advanced functions to explore the dataset space, allowing for smoother user experience and handling of data. The resource is designed to facilitate open-source contributions in the form of datasets as well as improvements to curation.


Leukaemia stands for blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow and results in the generation of abnormal cells. Leukaemia is mainly classified as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).This thesis makes an effort to devise a methodology for the detection and classification of Leukaemia. The images have been segmented using HSV colour based segmentation algorithm. The morphological components of normal and Leukemic lymphocytes differ significantly; hence various features are extracted from the segmented lymphocyte images, for detection purpose. The leukaemia is classified using SVM classifier.


Spirulina sp. as a bioregenerative photosynthetic and an edible alga for space craft crew in a CELSS, was characterized for growth rate and biomass yield in batch cultures, under various environmental conditions. The cell characteristics were identified for one strain of Spirulina: S. maxima. Fast growth rate and high yield were obtained under the following conditions: temperature (30°C-35°C), light irradiance 60-100 uE m -2 s-l, nitrate 30mM, phosphate 2mM, aeration 300 ml/min, and pH 9-10. The partitioning of the assimalatory products (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) were manipulated by varying the environmental growth conditions. Our experiments with Spirulina have demonstrated that under "stress" conditions (i.e. high light 160 uE m -2 s-l, temperature 38°C, nitrogen or phosphate limitation; 0.I M sodium chloride) carbohydrate increased at the expense of protein. In other experiments, where the growth media were sufficient in nutrients and incubated under optimum growth conditions, the total proteins were increased up to almost 70% of the organic weight. In other words the nutritional quality of the alga could be manipulated by growth conditions. These results support the feasibility of considering Spirulina as a subsystem in CELSS because of the ease with which its nutrient content be manipulated. 217 https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19910022473 2019-11-12T14:39:17+00:00Z


Abstract Proteases are ubiquitous enzymes that occur in various biological systems ranging from microorganisms to higher organisms. Microbial proteases are largely utilized in various established industrial processes. Despite their numerous industrial applications, they are not efficient in hydrolysis of recalcitrant, protein-rich keratinous wastes which result in environmental pollution and health hazards. This paved the way for the search of keratinolytic microorganisms having the ability to hydrolyze "hard to degrade" keratinous wastes. This new class of proteases is known as "keratinases". Due to their specificity, keratinases have an advantage over normal proteases and have replaced them in many industrial applications, such as nematicidal agents, nitrogenous fertilizer production from keratinous waste, animal feed and biofuel production. Keratinases have also replaced the normal proteases in the leather industry and detergent additive application due to their better performance. They have also been proved efficient in prion protein degradation. Above all, one of the major hurdles of enzyme industrial applications (cost effective production) can be achieved by using keratinous waste biomass, such as chicken feathers and hairs as fermentation substrate. Use of these low cost waste materials serves dual purposes: to reduce the fermentation cost for enzyme production as well as reducing the environmental waste load. The advent of keratinases has given new direction for waste management with industrial applications giving rise to green technology for sustainable development.


Village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) is a business units managed by the community and village government for village welfare. This study aims to explore information related to the role of village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) in the welfare of the people of Pujon Kidul Village, Malang Regency, East Java Province. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method using resource-based view theory and partnership theory. The results of this study indicate that BUMDes has succeeded in making significant changes to the economy of rural communities, such as reducing unemployment and increasing community income which has implications for reducing poverty in the village. The success of the BUMDes is inseparable from the resource factors owned by Pujon Kidul Village and the good partnership relationship between the village government, the community, and the private sector.


BACKGROUND
Malnutrition may worsen clinical outcomes in stroke patients. Few malnutrition screening tools have been validated in the rehabilitation setting. The present study aimed to assess the concurrent and predictive validity of two malnutrition screening tools.

METHODS
We retrospectively collected scores for the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in consecutive stroke patients aged ≥65 years in a rehabilitation hospital. Concurrent validity was confirmed against the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism diagnostic criteria for malnutrition (ESPEN-DCM). Malnutrition risk within the ESPEN-DCM process was assessed using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool. Cut-off values with maximum Youden index, and with sensitivity (Se) >90% and specificity (Sp) >50%, were defined as appropriate for identification and screening of malnutrition, respectively. The Functional Independence Measure and discharge destination were used to explore predictive validity.

RESULTS
Overall, 420 patients were analysed. Of these, we included 125 patients in the malnutrition group and 295 in the non-malnutrition group based on the ESPEN-DCM. Cut-off values for the identification and screening of malnutrition were 5 (Se: 0.78; Sp: 0.85) and 7 (Se: 0.96; Sp: 0.57) for the MNA-SF; 92 (Se: 0.74; Sp: 0.84) and 98 (Se: 0.93; Sp: 0.50) for the GNRI, respectively. The GNRI predicted discharge to acute care hospital, whereas the MNA-SF did not predict all outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS
The MNA-SF and the GNRI have a fair concurrent validity in stroke patients, although lower cut-off values than currently used were required for the MNA-SF. The GNRI exhibits good predictive validity for discharge destination.


This paper describes a super-narrow-band bandpass filter with a crystal resonator that can be used for efficient noise filtration in measurement systems with phase-sensitive detection and a low signal-to-noise ratio. If a crystal oscillator is used in the modulator driver, the same type of crystal can be used in the super-narrow-band filter in the sensor signal processing circuit to suppress the noise in the signal as much as possible before demodulation of the signal. However, the presence of the shunt capacitance of the crystal's electrodes makes the stop band attenuation of such a filter very poor. A technique to compensate for the shunt capacitance of the crystal using a negative capacitance circuit is discussed. The problem of matching the bandpass central frequency of the super-narrow-band filter and the oscillating frequency of the modulator driver is examined.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the treatment outcome of the first Green Light Committee (GLC) approved countrywide management of multidrug-resistant (MDR-) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) in Estonia and to evaluate risk factors contributing to TB recurrence over 8 years of follow-up.

DESIGN
Prospective assessment of MDR- and XDR-TB patients starting second-line anti-tuberculosis drug treatment between 1 August 2001 and 31 July 2003, with follow-up until 31 December 2010.

RESULTS
In 211 MDR- and XDR-TB patients, treatment success was 61.1%; 22.3% defaulted, 8.5% failed and 8.1% died. TB recurrence among successfully treated patients was 8.5%, with no significant difference between XDR-TB and MDR-TB. TB recurrence was associated with resistance to all injectables (HR 2.27, 95%CI 1.16-5.06, P = 0.046), resistance to a greater number of drugs (HR 1.35, 95%CI 1.11-1.64, P = 0.003), and sputum smear positivity (HR 2.16, 95%CI 1.16-4.00, P = 0.016). A history of previous TB treatment was associated with TB recurrence among successfully treated patients (HR 4.28, 95%CI 1.13-16.15, P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS
The internationally recommended Category IV treatment regimens are sufficiently effective to cure 75% of adherent MDR- and XDR-TB patients. A history of previous treatment, resistance to all injectable agents and resistance to a greater number of drugs increase the recurrence of MDR- and XDR-TB.


The ground penetrating radar (GPR) technique is applied to the localization and characterization
ofrock types, mineralizations and their associated boundaries, and to the identification of features
inside the rock. This is made possible through the determination of variations of electrical
properties within the rock units.
GPR has been extensively tested at several localities in Sweden and Denmark. The main testing
area in Sweden has been several sites in the Skellefte field. The Skellefte field is well known as
the biggest sulphide mining district in Scandinavia. The testing area consists mainly of volcanic
rocks surrounded by granites of various ages.
Test measurements at the Skellefte mining areas are compared directly to geological variations in
the rock as they have been exposed through the exploration activities. Electrical property
contrasts between orebodies and the host rock gives possibilities of determining the distribution
of shallow mineral resources. A combination of the variation in reflection pattern, reflection
amplitude and penetration depth is used to determine the boundaries between different rock units.
Reflection measurements have been used to identify both fracture zones as well as alteration
zones and to determine their location and orientation.
Lithological variations of limestone have been studied within the Faxe Kalk exploration area in
Sjelland, Denmark. Divisions of the limestone into areas of coral reefs and lagoon deposits are
made possible through distinctive reflection patterns and differing penetration depths between the
rock units. The effect of tectonics can be studied by means of various reflection patterns from
flint horizons within the lagoon deposits.
The GPR results are used as a basis for geological modelling and as a foundation for mineral
exploration activity.


For medical images, the fractal dimension D may be used as an index of irregularity. The angiogenesis patterns of lung cancer were analysed by means of the perimeter-area and box counting algorithms. The fractal nature of all images in the sense of the perimeter-area method and of 68% images in the sense of the box-counting method suggest the possibility to use the fractal dimension as a new non-morphometric parameter evaluating angiogenic processes in neoplasms.


High-speed low-resolution ADCs are an essential part of receivers for wireless standards such as UWB. These converters have to combine the stringent speed specifications with the demand for low power consumption. Flash architectures are often chosen because they offer the largest speed. However, in this architecture, area and power depend exponentially on the resolution since the comparators are often the largest contributor to the overall power consumption. Folding is a well-known technique used to reduce the number of comparators in an ADC while maintaining high speed. It was previously implemented by generating a number of zero crossings with folding amplifiers, often in combination with interpolation or averaging. In this design, a folding factor of 2 is realized as in but with only dynamic power consumption and without using amplifiers. This reduces the number of comparators from 31 to 16 for a 5b resolution.


The γ-alumina nano materials were acquired through hydrothermal method of controllable synthesis. Optimized methods were used to change the hydrothermal parameters on the synthesis of nano γ-Al2O3. The preconcentration performance of chromium(VI) was explored comparing with SDS and CTMAB in the presence of precursors which were prepared via Al(NO3)3·9H2O and CO(NH2)2. 170 °C was selected as reaction temperature and SDS was chosen as surfactant. TEM images indicated that the average particle size of granular γ-Al2O3 was between 100 nm to 400 nm whose dispersion tended to be good. After centrifugation, a certain volume of 2 mol·L-1 hydrochloric acid was used as eluent. At the same time, chromium(VI) adsorbed in granular γ-Al2O3 aggregation was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. It was showed that the effect of branch type was not better than the granule type. The adsorption limit of Cr(VI) in γ-Al2O3 synthesized by SDS was higher than that of CTMAB. Further experiments of the interfering elements showed that Sb, As, total Cr, Se in granular γ-Al2O3 had higher adsorption rate, which could reach to 90% or more. When eight migrating elements shared some adsorption sites with Cr(VI), the adsorption rate and limitation reduced. The competitive adsorption effect of Ba, Cd, Pb and Hg had little impact on Cr(VI). As a result, this established method had reached the requirements of Cr(VI) combined with separation and detection in environmental sewage which could be used for analysis of other heavy metals.


one case the effect was spectacular, but in the large majority of cases any improvement was only temporary. Nevertheless the author is led to believe that gland feeding may be of value in breaking the vicious circle of mental disease, and that thyroid stimulation with psycho-analysis may be an excellent method of attacking incipient schizophrenia. Though psycho-analytic treatment showed no conspicuous results, mainly from the conscious and unconscious resistances met with, which it could not adequately overcome, it is thought that benefit may accrue in certain types. Every case was schizophrenic or had schizophrenic features, with evidence of submyxcedema, hyperthyroidism, or hypoadrenia, and one with dyspituitarism. Two simple schizophrenics were both submvxcedemic, while two cases with features of circular insanity had hypoadrenia. The hyperthyroids as a whole seemed more extroverted than the others. From these findings it is patent that there is nothing epoch-making about this monograph; but the few facts elicited are of interest and value, and should stimulate further research on similar lines. The main content of the book consists of detailed case histories from which the reader may well judge of the mental material here dealt with. Such individual study and treatment is always gratifying to note, and we have nothing but praise for Dr. Fay's progressive and broad-minded psychiatric attempts. C. STANFORD READ.


An exceedingly rare case of perforated early gastric cancer is reported. A 68-year-old man developed peritonitis due to perforation of early gastric cancer. An emergency radical operation was performed and was followed by an uneventful recovery. Histologic examination of the surgical specimen showed type III early gastric cancer composed of a signet ring cell carcinoma. Five years after surgery, the patients was alive with no evidence of tumor recurrence. The rarity of this complication in early gastric cancer is discussed, and a review of the literature is presented.


In this paper, we use a method to determine some basic parameters for the γ-ray loud blazars. The parameters include the central black mass (M), the boosting factor (δ), the propagation angle (Φ), the distance along the axis to the site of the γ-ray production (d). A sample including 32 γ-ray loud blazars with available variability time scales has been used to discuss the above properties. In this method, the γ-ray energy, the emission size and the property of the accretion disc determine the absorption effect. If we take the intrinsic γ-ray luminosity to be λ times the Eddington luminosity, i.e. Lγin = λLEdd, then we have the following results: the mass of the black hole is in the range of (0.59 – 67.99) × 107M⊙ (λ = 1.0) or (0.90 – 104.13) × 107M⊙ (λ = 0.1); the boosting factor (δ) in the range of 0.16 – 2.09(λ = 1.0) or 0.24 – 2.86 (λ = 0.1); the angle (Φ) in the range of 9.53° – 73.85° (λ = 1.0) or 7.36° – 68.89° (λ = 0.1); and the distance (d/Rg) in the range of 22.39 – 609.36 (λ = 1.0) or 17.54 – 541.88 (λ = 0.1).


This paper provides an analysis of the stock price impact of buy and sell recommendations by analysts for firms that went public in 1992. The market reaction to initial buy recommendations by underwriters is insignificant. While this is consistent with a market recognition of the potential conflict of interest faced by underwriters, it is also consistent with initial underwriter buy recommendations being uninformative since they are essentially reiterations of the implicit buy recommendations made in the IPOs. The market reaction to non-initial buys is significantly positive and larger than the reaction to recommendations by non-underwriter analysts. This supports the argument that underwriter analysts may be viewed as more knowledgeable than their competitors because they have superior information on the firm. We also find that initial underwriter buy recommendations are followed by negative post-recommendation stock price performance. Our results suggest that this negative post-recommendation performance is driven by the group of stocks for which the underwriter analysts reverse their buy recommendation with a later sell. The performance between initial buy and subsequent sell is insignificant. This suggests that rather than being a conflict of interest, the initial buy recommendation reflects a rush to judgement on the part of the underwriter analyst.


ABSTRACT Data science is an interdisciplinary field that generates insights in data to aid decision-making. Recognizing that data scientists must be interdisciplinary, agile, and able to adapt to data analysis across many domains, both academia and the industry are striving to integrate interdisciplinary learning and transferable skills into data science curriculum. This paper introduces an interdisciplinary approach to teaching the foundations of data science. We evaluate two different interdisciplinary formats. The first format considers collaborative efforts among instructors with different academic disciplines. The second involves a sole instructor that discusses data science concepts from different disciplines and related to business processes, computer science, and programming. We demonstrate that interdisciplinarity ensures favorable learning experiences and produces high learning outcomes. We also show that our course design maintains and promotes interdisciplinarity even in situations where logistical constraints would not support the use of multiple instructors to deliver one course.


In a preliminary attempt to address the problem of data scarcity in physics-based machine learning, we introduce a novel methodology for data generation in physics-based simulations. Our motivation is to overcome the limitations posed by the limited availability of numerical data. To achieve this, we leverage a diffusion model that allows us to generate synthetic data samples and test them for two canonical cases: (a) the steady 2-D Poisson equation, and (b) the forced unsteady 2-D Navier-Stokes (NS) {vorticity-transport} equation in a confined box. By comparing the generated data samples against outputs from classical solvers, we assess their accuracy and examine their adherence to the underlying physics laws. In this way, we emphasize the importance of not only satisfying visual and statistical comparisons with solver data but also ensuring the generated data's conformity to physics laws, thus enabling their effective utilization in downstream tasks.


Purpose To describe two cases of severe acute bilateral optic disc edema that occurred in patients with diabetes mellitus shortly after the initiation of intensified antihyperglycemic therapy. Methods Retrospective observational case report. Case description Two patients with type 1 diabetes presented for routine retinopathy screening with asymptomatic optic disc edema. One case was bilateral, the other unilateral. Neither patient had visual complaints. Both patients' glycemia history was characterized by a recent bout of poor regulation and both had optic disc edema consistent with diabetic papillopathy in combination with prominent Optic disc drusen (ODD). The swelling that appeared to constitute the edematous diabetes-related component of the disease resolved within 10–12 weeks during which diabetes therapy was optimized. Visual field deficits were seen early on in both patients and had resolved to some extent in one patient after 9 months but persisted in the one affected eye in the other patient up to at least 30 months. Conclusion Two cases of ODD-associated diabetic papillopathy were observed: One with classic, bilateral disc edema and minor visual field defects, the other with unilateral disc edema, severe visual field defects and a phenotype that resembled non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. The cases suggest that ODD may increase the risk of diabetic papillopathy, a condition that is associated with rapid glycemia reduction and crowded optic discs, which may combine to produce nerve fiber swelling and hypoperfusion with venous congestion in a compartment with limited room for expansion.


CIRAD (www.cirad.fr) and PalmElit SA (www.palmelit.com) are implementing a Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) of the oil palm through a long-term multi-stage project in order to make optimum use of its existing network of field experiments while capitalising upon recent advances in molecular marker technology. Biotechnology projects, performed in both E. guineensis and E. oleifera species, combine genetics, structural genomics, functional genomics and whole genome sequence information. A QTL (Quantitative Trait Locus) analysis designed for multi-parent populations was designed for crosses between heterozygous parents and tested in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), which is a diploid cross-fertilizing perennial species with small family sizes tested in breeding trials. The algorithm, MCQTL OutBred available for any allogamous species, an extension of MCQTL (INRA, http://carlit.toulouse.inra.fr/MCQTL/), a sofware application to handle multiallelic QTL detection in multicross design, was used to compare two types of QTL search for small size families, within-family analysis and across-family analysis. Results showed that the across-family analysis proved to be efficient due to the interconnected families, but the small family size issue is just partially solved. A conclusion is that a "real-time" MAS of the oil palm perennial crop can be performed, apart a genome wide methodology, by generalising a multi-parent QTL/Gene detection approach through adapted classical genetic trials, novel Field Methodological Systems and Multi-parent QTL/Gene mapping methods and extensive catalogues of expressed Elaeis genes for intra-gene markers, all information analyses being supported by the South Green Bioinformatics Platform (SGBP) applied by CIRAD to the genomic resource analysis of southern and mediterranean plants. Therefore, our presentation focuses on how our current biotechnology researches are integrated into the genetic improvement plan for optimizing the MAS creation of new high yielding commercial varieties in the context of a more sustainable oil palm agro-industry. (Texte integral)


The nonlinear absorption coefficients β and the ratios k of absorption cross sections in the ground and excited states are measured by the open-aperture z-scan method for three polymethine dyes excited by nanosecond 532-nm second-harmonic pulses of a Nd:YAG laser. The values of k measured for the 789, 842, and 823 dyes are 10, 11, and 11, respectively, and correlate with the limiting properties of these dyes.


ABSTRACT For the determination of the effective length lk of a structure element, the methodologies proposed to engineers derive from two approaches. The first one uses the insulation of the element and the second uses the global buckling of the structure. These approaches may lead to very distant values. This divergence has even led to aparadox. As a definition of lk, we propose to fix the one that refers to the ideal case of the isolated beam under a compressive axial force and to handle its computation to the second order. Our formulation leads to a method devoted to structural analysis softs for a systematical computation of lk. Furthermore, we propose a simplified method, which avoids the insulation of the element and leads to an approximation of lk. For a given structure loading, this simplified method uses the global buckling of the structure in a direction of a compressive axial force localized on the element. The two methods are compared through the analysis of a culumn of a portal under various configurations (connections and loadings).


Fomalont and Kopeikin have recently succeeded in measuring the velocity-dependent component of the Shapiro time delay of light from a quasar passing behind Jupiter. While there is general agreement that this observation tests the gravitomagnetic properties of the gravitational field, a controversy has emerged over the question of whether the results depend on the speed of light, c, or the speed of gravity, cg. By analysing the Shapiro time delay in a set of 'preferred frame' models, I demonstrate that this question is ill-posed: the distinction can only be made in the context of a class of theories in which c ≠ cg, and the answer then depends on the specific class of theories one chooses. It remains true, however, that for a large class of theories 'close enough' to general relativity, the leading contribution to the time delay depends on c and not cg; within this class, observations are thus not yet accurate enough to measure the speed of gravity.


This study examines the development and implementation of a survey-based instrument assessing the effectiveness of a course redesign initiative focused on student centeredness at a large midwestern university in the United States. Given the scope of the reform initiative under investigation in this study, researchers developed an instrument called the Classroom Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), which was administered to students enrolled in redesigned courses. Early findings demonstrate strong construct validity and internal reliability of the CEQ instrument as well as concurrent validity between the CEQ and observation data gathered in concert with self-report data. The authors conclude that in the absence of trained classroom observers, the developed student self-report protocol can serve as a useful tool for measuring the constructivist orientation of pedagogy and student-centered nature of the learning environment in a higher education setting.


University students were surveyed in order to explore their perception about the factors that
contribute their attitudes about entrepreneurship activities. The methodology used in this
study involved a combination of descriptive and quantitative research. The total population
was 377 students at Islamic Azad University in Shah Ray Branch. Based on the results of the
study 83% of the variance in the perception of respondents could be explained by
psychological, policymaking, educational, economic, social, cultural factors and personal
characteristics of students.


While autonomous vehicle (AV) technology has shown substantial progress, we still lack tools for rigorous and scalable testing. Real-world testing, the $\textit{de-facto}$ evaluation method, is dangerous to the public. Moreover, due to the rare nature of failures, billions of miles of driving are needed to statistically validate performance claims. Thus, the industry has largely turned to simulation to evaluate AV systems. However, having a simulation stack alone is not a solution. A simulation testing framework needs to prioritize which scenarios to run, learn how the chosen scenarios provide coverage of failure modes, and rank failure scenarios in order of importance. We implement a simulation testing framework that evaluates an entire modern AV system as a black box. This framework estimates the probability of accidents under a base distribution governing standard traffic behavior. In order to accelerate rare-event probability evaluation, we efficiently learn to identify and rank failure scenarios via adaptive importance-sampling methods. Using this framework, we conduct the first independent evaluation of a full-stack commercial AV system, Comma AI's OpenPilot.


After an amazing abundance of colours and form in the 1960s, high-quality wall covers were increasingly substituted by the ubiquitous woodchip paper. In the meantime, though, wallpaper has evolved into one of the trend topics in materials. Traditional manufacturers are now employing renowned designers to create new patterns which are clearly inspired by current trends or even evolve into trend setters of their own right. This book explores wallpaper designs by individual designers and studios around the world. Patterns and textures are brought to life through a vast array of full-colour illustrations throughout.


The environmental pollution and hazards have become the prime topic of concern in the
twenty-first-century world and a warning to existing mankind. The researchers and chemists are also
putting their way forward to combat the alarming situation across the world. In this context, reactions
that are being carried out in water have attracted attention from the past decade. The conventional organic
synthesis relies profoundly on organic solvents for a huge number of reactions, mainly for dissolving
the compounds and assisting chemical reactions, because a number of reagents and catalysts
are either unsuited or immiscible in water. In spite of the constraints, substantial efforts have been dedicated
to overcome the problems because water not only reduces the environmental hazards of organic
synthesis but also may benefit chemical reactions by delivering unforeseen selectivities and reactivities.
The development of water-compatible/water-stable catalysts has emerged as a troubleshooter,
eliciting a quantum leap in organic synthesis in water. Use of water has simplified the workup procedure
too, as organic compounds are typically insoluble in water, extraction with suitable organic solvents
can separate the compounds from catalysts, and the catalysts can also be separated and reused by
centrifugation and filtration. This review deals with advances in catalytic methods under aqueous medium
over the past few years.


Background Monocortical miniplate fixation is an accepted and reliable method for internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures. Although placement of a second miniplate may theoretically provide more stability; however, the clinical importance of this issue remains controversial. Objectives The present study assessed the postoperative complications and outcomes associated with the fixation of mandibular angle fractures using 1 and 2 miniplates in patients with favorable mandibular angle fractures. Patients and Methods A prospective study of 87 patients (73 males, 14 females) with favorable mandibular angle fractures was done. In the first group, a 4-hole miniplate was placed at the superior border through an intraoral approach. In group 2, patients were treated with 2 miniplates, one placed at the superior border (similar to group 1) and the other on the lateral aspect of the angle at the inferior border through an intraoral and transcutaneous approach using a trocar. Postoperative complications including malocclusion, malunion and sensory disturbances associated with surgery, additional maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) by means of an arch bar and wires for a longer period (for delayed union) and infection were assessed in patients of both groups up to 12 months postoperatively. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results In the single miniplate group, 25 patients showed lip numbness associated with surgery (55.6%), 22 patients required additional use of MMF (48.9%) and 3 patients developed infections (6.7%). In the double miniplate group 20 patients showed lip numbness associated with surgery (47.6%), 18 patients required additional use of MMF (42.9%) and 1 patient developed infection (2.4%). None of the patients in either group showed malocclusion or malunion. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding overall complication rate. Conclusions In this study, use of one miniplate or two miniplates for treatment of favorable mandibular angle fractures was associated with a similar incidence of complications. Thus, it seems that the use of two miniplates in this setting may not be warranted, nor cost-efficient.


This exploratory study investigates the relation between incident reports to local law enforcement, and students' and teachers' perceptions of school safety. Using a combination of grounded theory and statistics, we compared quantitative data collected from law enforcement agencies with qualitative data provided by students and teachers during focus groups. Findings show that incidents of serious violence and attacks, minor violence, and other school-related crime, in that order, constituted the most frequently reported incidents. Infrequently reported events included intimidation and bullying, and weapon and alcohol possession. In some cases, even though both students and teachers had similar perceptions of safety, their perceptions did not necessarily match the frequency of official incident reports.


Arrhenius Accelerated Growth Model (AAGT) is the next generation accelerated testing models used for design validation and reliability assurance of electronics systems. These models are used in design and manufacturing phases towards reliability enhancement of the system respectively. AAGT Models uses Highly Accelerated Stresses for screening of the components towards uncovering Compared to traditional qualification test methods, design flaws, latent defects, component selection problems, and manufacturing flaws can be detected fast. The procedure includes thermal dwells and quick temperature changes while subjecting the test unit to increasing degrees of stress. Dynamic stresses (Pseudo-Random Vibration covering all 6DOF systems) and a combination of thermal and dynamic PSD stresses towards quickly precipitating inherent/hidden defects quickly. These Accelerated models used to qualify modern active array radar modules like Transmit Receive Modules (TRMs) which will be in large numbers and It will be difficult and time-consuming to filter these modules individually using the traditional way. To increase the quality and dependability of electronic devices, much accelerated life tests have been extensively adopted. However, extremely accelerated life tests may only be used as a qualitative approach to assess a product's dependability; they cannot be used to quantify a product's reliability, such as MTBF/MTTF. Consequently, in order to efficiently assess the level of product reliability while improving product reliability in a timely manner. HALT/HASS uses Arrhenius Accelerated Growth Model that is an effective technique used for screening of the module with in short period. This paper discuss in detail with a case study on active array modules deliberating about the test methodology, challenges faced during Using Arrhenius accelerated test models, rapid testing and assessment of these Four channel TRMs used for airborne Fire Control Radar for combat operations.


Objectives
To compare the diagnostic accuracy of adjusted and unadjusted growth curves to define postnatal growth and predict neurodevelopment at age 2 years in extremely preterm infants.

Methods
We performed a retrospective cohort study assessing infant growth at 36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) in 350 extremely preterm infants born ≤ 26 6/7 weeks gestational age (GA) between 01/01/2006-12/31/2014 at University of Alabama at Birmingham Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Postnatal growth was defined as below, within, or above target using adjusted and unadjusted growth curves. Linear regression models were used to compare adjusted and standard growth trajectories at 36 weeks PMA. The primary outcome was Cognitive Composite Score (CCS) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (Bayley-III) at 24 months.

Results
Mean birthweight (BW) was 750 ± 138 g and median GA was 25 weeks (interquartile range: 24 to 26). A multivariate analysis of postnatal growth defined with adjusted curves and eight covariates (GA, BW, weight-Z-score at birth, sex, race, antenatal steroid use, singleton birth, and corrected age at follow-up assessment) predicted higher CCS-Bayley-III scores at 24 months in infants with postnatal growth within target (adjusted mean ± standard error: 89 ± 3) and lower scores in infants with postnatal growth below and above target (85 ± 3 vs. 83 ± 6, respectively) at 36 weeks PMA (P = 0.04). A multivariate analysis of postnatal growth defined with unadjusted curves and the same covariates did not predict significant differences in scores of infants with postnatal growth below (86 ± 3), within (86 ± 3), or above target (86 ± 6) at 36 weeks PMA (P = 0.99).

Conclusions
Adjusted growth curves identified an inverted "U-shaped" association between postnatal growth and CCS-Bayley-III scores at 24 onths. Individualized growth trajectories adjusted for physiologic weight loss may predict cognitive impairment more accurately than traditionally defined growth standards. Additional well-powered studies are needed to validate the diagnostic ability of adjusted growth curves in routine clinical practice.

Funding Sources
None.


Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a major advance in visualization of the small intestine and has been widely used for small intestinal involvement. We have developed a new capsule endoscope in collaboration with Olympus Medical Systems. Its features are, upgrade resolution, depth of the field, and brightness of the image, by improving the optical system, contained with the new function to adjust the level of lighting automatically coordinate with the brightness around, and original handy displayed real-time viewer. VCE is a new device which contributes to the diagnosis of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) induced enteropathy, however, attention should be paid to retention of the capsule due to the stenosis of diaphragm induced by NSAID.


In this paper, we present a novel modeling style and control synthesis technique for system-level specifications that are better described as a set of concurrent descriptions, their synchronizations, and constraints. The proposed synthesis procedure considers the degrees of freedom introduced by the concurrent models and by the environment in order to satisfy the design constraints. Synthesis is divided into two phases. In the first phase, the original specification is translated into an algebraic system, for which complex control-flow constraints and quantifiers of the design are introduced. In the second phase, we translate the algebraic formulation into a finite-state representation, and we derive an optimal control-unit implementation for each individual concurrent part. In the implementation of the controllers from the finite-state representation, we use flexible objective functions, which allow designers to better control the goals of the synthesis tool, and thus incorporate as much as possible their knowledge about the environment and the design.


Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts longer than 200 nt without any protein coding ability. LncRNAs perform biological functions through a variety of mechanisms. They have a close association with human tumors, regulating the expression of genes at the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. LncRNAs are wildly involved in biological and pathological process and play a signifi cant role in the development of cancer. This article reviews the research in the current status of lncRNAs in prostate cancer.


The precise role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in gastric ulcer healing is unknown. In experimental rat gastric ulcers, we examined expression of IGF-1 mRNA and protein by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunostaining, respectively. In cultured rat gastric epithelial RGM1 cells, we examined effects of exogenous IGF-1 on cell migration, re-epithelialization, and proliferation-essential components of ulcer healing. We also examined whether IGF-1 induces cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and determined the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in mediating IGF-1 actions. Gastric ulceration triggered an approximately threefold increase in IGF-1 expression in epithelial cells of the ulcer margins (P < 0.001 versus control), especially in cells re-epithelizing granulation tissue and in mucosa in proximity to the ulcer margin. Treatment of RGM1 cells with IGF-1 caused a dramatic increase in actin polymerization, an eightfold increase in cell migration (P < 0.001), a 195% increase in cell proliferation (P < 0.05), and a sixfold increase in COX-2 expression (P < 0.01). Inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase abolished IGF-1-induced RGM1 cell migration and proliferation, actin polymerization, and COX-2 expression. The up-regulation of IGF-1 in gastric ulcer margin accelerates gastric ulcer healing by promoting cell re-epithelization, proliferation, and COX-2 expression via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway.


A panel of 22 different monoclonal antibodies, including specificities against various antigenic clusters of I-A and I-E molecules, were probed over a wide range of concentrations for their ability to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced B lymphocyte proliferation and maturation to immunoglobulin-secreting plaque-forming cells (PFC). Most antibodies were competent to inhibit up to 80 to 100% of the response of appropriate target cells, although having little or no effect on irrelevant spleen cell cultures. Mixtures of either anti-I-A or anti-I-E specificities were more efficient inhibitors than individual antibodies, as shown by the average concentrations required for 50% inhibition (30 and 300 ng/ml, respectively). The selective role of I-A/E molecules in B cell activation was demonstrated by the failure of anti-K antibodies of the same isotype, bound in comparable amounts to target cells, to modulate B cell responses in parallel cultures. Fc receptor-mediated inhibitory effects were further excluded by equivalent inhibition obtained with anti-I-A antibodies of the IgM class. Anti-I-A/E antibodies appear to inhibit the inductive phase of B cell responses, as suggested by limiting dilution experiments performed in the presence of 50% inhibitory concentrations of antibodies: 50% of the control number of reactive clones were found to respond, but those that escaped inhibition developed to control sizes of progenies producing PFC.


Distant metastasis is the major cause for therapeutic failures in clinical oncology. Active immunotherapy of patients with low tumor burden would not only contribute to further reduction of the remaining tumor burden to subclinical levels, but it would also establish a constant state of immunity, i.e. immunological memory, that could protect the patient from recurrence of disease. Studies employing rodent tumor models with little or no intrinsic immunogenicity have shown that genitically modified tumor cell preparations consisting of irradiated tumor cells transduced with and expressing cytokines such as IL-2, IL-6, IFN-gamma or GM-CSF were capable of inducing the regression of a preexisting tumor burden and cure animals from their disease. Moreover, in some instances the cured animals have retained immunological memory, as indicated by the fact that such animals have resisted a second challenge with the parental tumor cells. Induction of potent immune responses in tumor bearing animals against non-immunogenic tumors supports the view that active immunization of cancer patients deserves consideration despite lack of demonstrable immunogenicity in many human tumors.


Pectoralis major (PM) ruptures are uncommon injuries, although they are becoming more frequent. We report a case of a PM rupture in a young male who presented with axillar pain and absence of the anterior axillary fold after he perceived a snap while lifting 200 kg in the bench press. Diagnosis of PM rupture was suspected clinically and confirmed with imaging studies. The patient was treated surgically, reinserting the tendon to the humerus with suture anchors. One-year follow-up showed excellent results. The patient was recording his training on video, so we can observe in detail the most common mechanism of injury of PM rupture.


Observers' accuracy in using time-to-arrival (Ta) information was examined in 4 experiments. The issues included use of visual vs. acoustic Ta information, use of acoustic Ta information by blind Ss, use of Ta information controlling for velocity, and effects of angle of approach and arrival time on judgment accuracy. Visual information was used more efficiently than audiovisual and auditory information. Blind Ss used acoustical approach information as accurately as sighted Ss used visual information. Radial, oblique, and transverse orientations were used to examine effects of approach trajectory. Radial events were underestimated, whereas the more accurate transverse approach was likely to be overestimated. Oblique angle events yielded intermediate accuracies implying a spatiotemporal anisotropy. Women underestimated Ta more than did men. Possible reasons for Ss' judgment accuracy, including linear vs. nonlinear optical changes and relation to spatial skills and experience, were discussed.


Threatened daily by the deadly residents and harsh environment of Australia's Outback, a lonesome Bilby finds himself an unwitting protector, and unexpected friend, to a helpless (and quite adorable) baby bird.


The paper analyzes the national DK-model hydrological information and prediction (HIP) system and HIP portal viewed as a 'digital twin' and how the introduction of real-time dynamic updating of the DK-model HIP simulations can make room for plug-in submodels with real-time boundary conditions made available from an HIP portal. The possible feedback to a national real-time risk knowledge base during extreme events (flooding and drought) is also discussed. Under climate change conditions, Denmark is likely to experience more rain in winter, more evapotranspiration in summer, intensified cloudbursts, drought, and sea level rise. These challenges were addressed as part of the Joint Governmental Digitalization Strategy 2016–2020 for better use and sharing of public data about the terrain, water, and climate to support climate adaptation, water management, and disaster risk reduction. This initiative included the development of a new web-based data portal (HIP portal) developed by the Danish Agency for Data Supply and Infrastructure (SDFI). GEUS delivered 5 terabytes of hydrological model data to the portal, with robust calibration methods and hybrid machine learning (ML) being key parts of the deliverables. This paper discusses the challenges and potentials of further developing the HIP digital twin with 'plug-in digital twins' for local river basins, including feedback to the national level.


Objective: To investigate the variable clinical picture of Möbius syndrome (MIM no. 157900) and to further understand the pathogenesis of the disorder. Methods: A standardized questionnaire was submitted to 37 Dutch patients with Möbius syndrome. All underwent standardized neurologic examination with special attention to cranial nerve functions, motor skills, and facial and limb anomalies. Results: Of 37 patients with facial paresis, 97% had bilateral and 3% had unilateral ocular abduction weakness. Further analysis showed isolated abducens nerve palsy in 9%, a conjugated horizontal gaze paresis in 48%, features of Duane retraction syndrome in 34%, and congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles in 9%. Other signs included lingual involvement (77%), dysfunction of palate and pharynx (56%), general motor disability (88%), poor coordination (83%), and respiratory abnormalities (19%). Conclusion: Möbius syndrome is more than a cranial nerve or nuclear developmental disorder. It is a syndrome of rhombencephalic maldevelopment involving predominantly motor nuclei and axons, as well as traversing long tracts. The authors also noted gaze palsies, Duane retraction syndrome, feeding and respiratory problems, and poor motor development, suggesting a regional developmental disorder.


This research was aimed to enhance the cryptospatial with geospatial blockchain based on a point in polygon test. Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm (RPCA) was used for developing a blockchain. The steps taken include: (1) Data from the surveyors were entered using application connected to the transaction set; (2) The transaction set sent data to the transaction proposal; (3) The transaction proposal will distribute to every connected validating of nodes for executing the smart contract with the point in a polygon test method; (4) If the process succeeded with the maximum fault tolerance of 20%, then the node records a new chain to the ledger. This method is faster than Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) blockchain for approximately 26% to add a new chain in the ledger and for 52% to decrypt the blockchain with a mobile device. The result of this process is a cryptospatial coordinate for the cultural heritage tourism.


ABSTRACT A ranked word list provides information about the position of each word in the list. However, retaining and employing the measure used to generate the ranked list can yield additional information about the words. If denotes the prevalence of a word in a corpus, then not only can the values of be ordered, their values can be compared to one another, and words having similar values can be grouped together into equivalence classes. Measures of word prevalence include mean text frequency, the dispersion of words across texts in a corpus, or a measure that combines frequency and dispersion. In this paper, we examine the concepts of word equivalence classes and hierarchical word tiers and apply these concepts to the words in the British National Corpus (BNC). Hierarchical word tiers can be constructed without the knowledge of all pairwise comparisons of the words under study. By grouping words that have similar values of prevalence, the ranked ordered list reduces to an informative set of hierarchical word tiers where each tier contains words that are similar to one another in terms of their use in the corpus.