Biogas is produced when organic matter is degraded in the absence of oxygen. The process, from degradation to gas production is called anaerobic digestion. The research in this study focuses on the feasibility of the design and implementation of an operational digester, the monitoring and control of the different biodegradation process variables and experiments to boost or maximize the gas production. Our goals in this phase of the study are: (i) to get an understanding on the characteristics of organic waste from hotels and restaurants and study the feasibility of implementing the proposed anaerobic digester for biogas production for District of Columbia hotels and restaurants, and (ii) to build a mini anaerobic digester that can generate biogas in the laboratory and to provide preliminary data and identify key aspects of the design for an efficient, reliable, and low-cost anaerobic digester for waste processing. The specific research objectives for goal (1) include understanding of organic waste collection methods in hotels and restaurants and possible quantification of organic waste. The research methodology include (i) Preparation of survey questioner to collect the data about the current generation and waste processing of organic waste from a variety of sources, (ii) Implementation of survey through site visits, (iii) Quantification of daily organic waste and evaluation of waste processing through the experimental anaerobic digester. The specific research objectives for goal (ii) include design of a small scale anaerobic digester that can be operated with a minimum of monitoring, regulating, and adjusting and optimization of the experimental condition to maximize the amount of biogas produced per unit time with the proposed mini digester. The research methodology includes (i) design and fabrication of laboratory scale mini anaerobic digester, and (ii) analysis of the content of the biogas produced by the proposed mini digester using Gas Chromatography (GC) under different experimental conditions. Index terms – biogas, anaerobic digester, renewable energy


This study aims to determine the variety of languages used in Balinese language textbooks for fifth grade elementary school in Singaraja. The variety of Balinese languages has a level of use in communicating. The variety of languages used in teaching materials will affect the readability of the text used by students in learning. The level of difficulty in understanding reading material that greatly affects students' understanding in learning. The variety of languages used in the Class V SD textbooks can be reached by students well. There are some words that are still difficult for students to reach, such as carem, prawantaka, manggala, ninggilang, madurgama, etc. This is in the evaluation of teaching materials. The text contained in the teaching materials already uses a variety of andap languages that can be reached by students who have a background in everyday language, namely Balinese. These teaching materials have been effectively used because their presentation is simple and easy to reach, but they still need assistance for children who speak Indonesian


Based on results from large, randomized trials conducted over the last 25 years, the current standard of care for newly diagnosed advanced (FIGO stage III–IV) ovarian carcinoma is surgical bulk reduction followed by six cycles of paclitaxel plus carboplatin. This approach has resulted in an enhanced response rate and clinical complete response rate, an improved progression-free survival, an increase in survival, and more long-term survivors. Despite these results, the overall frequency of relapse and hence need for second-line therapy is 62%. Ongoing and future studies focus or will focus on four major themes: dose intensity through the use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in selected patients, addition of a third cytotoxic agent to front line therapy, addition of a targeted or biologic agent to front-line therapy, and the development of effective maintenance or consolidation therapy. The current standard of care for patients who present with limited (FIGO stage I–II) ovarian carcinoma is the use of prognostic factors to classify the patient as at low risk or high risk for recurrence. High risk features include: grade 2 or 3 disease, disease on the surface of the ovary, disease outside the ovary, positive peritoneal cytology, or the presence of ascites. Any one high risk feature makes the patient high risk for recurrence. Patients at low risk require surgical resection only, whereas those at high risk for recurrence require adjuvant therapy. Ongoing studies evaluate the duration of therapy and the potential value of anti-angiogenic agents in those patients at high risk for recurrence. Future directions point to the evaluation of targeted or biologic agents in high risk patients. At present, there is no evidence that any approach constitutes an effective screening test. Studies of serum markers, transvaginal sonography, and serum proteomic profiles have failed to establish any of these techniques as an effective tool for early diagnosis. An overview of current management and its basis will be followed by a discussion of the rationale for both current and potential future trials.


Introduction Royal Papworth Hospital performs >10,000 home oximetry tests p.a. across a large area with challenging road-infrastructure. We have developed a distributed system of oximetry exchange facilities (EF's) at outreach-clinics and GP surgeries over several years without a 'masterplan'. As part of the Track and Know project (EU2020) we examined relationships between the distribution of patients and EF's and no-shows. Method Data for 5 years' (2013–2018) of oximetry tests with patient addresses and clinic outcomes were used to reconstruct likely journeys applying a bespoke tessellation algorithm, dividing the territory into polygons enclosing clusters of patients' homes and at most one EF. For each pair of compartments (P&Q), we computed the number of appointments for patients in P to the clinic in Q and the% of no-shows. These were mapped (see figure 1). Data were collected for patient demographics and the travel information was enriched with weather conditions on the appointment day. Results Data from 46,211 planned pick up's were examined. There was a high no-show rate (15.8%) and an uneven distribution of journeys to each pick-up site. Despite the network containing 21 sites >50% of pick-ups were scheduled for the hospital. No show rates were not related to travel distance and were more likely in good weather than bad. We have recalculated that the service could be better provided from 10 EF's. Discussion We have re-evaluated our service using complex patient flow metrics and the results have confounded some predictions. Distance alone does not predict no-show rate and we plan to explore the impact of public transport and more sophisticated patient based factors. We plan to redesign the EF distribution network in line with our outcomes with the goal of maximising efficiency and will revisit whether we can improve accessibility and reduce our no-show rate while reducing clinic overheads.


One of the climate's elements that has an influence on daily activities is the wind speed. Wind is a movement of air that flows from high pressure to low pressure region. In the shipping and aviation, wind speed is a very important thing to predict. This is due to the wind speed is very influential on the process of the transportation activities. A strong wind can disturb the fluency of transportation. Therefore, information regarding the wind speed prediction is very important to know. In this paper, Kalman Filter algorithm is applied in the wind speed prediction by taking the case in Balikpapan. In this case, the Kalman Filter algorithm is applied to improve the result of ARIMA prediction based on error correction, so we get the prediction result, called ARIMA-Kalman Filter. Based on the simulation result in this study, it can be shown that the prediction result of ARIMA-Kalman Filter is better than ARIMA's. This is known from the level of accuracy from ARIMA-Kalman Filter, which increased about 65% from ARIMA result.


A simple interpretation of experimental results on simultaneous electron-multiphoton excitation of helium based on the use of the instantaneous collision approximation (ICA) is given.


In order to improve the accuracy of abundance estimation of Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) by acoustic surveys using a quantitative echosounder, the shape of the swimbladder and the relationship between the target strength (TS) and the body length Lb were investigated. Specimens were soaked in formalin solution just before the experiments to prevent the gas in the swimbladder from leaking out through the anus. The body length ranged from 5.6 to 11.2 cm (44 specimens). The body length was measured from the anterior margin of the snout to the posterior margin of the scales. The swimbladder lengths of the Japanese anchovy obtained from the soft X-ray images were 1.4 to 1.9 times longer than those of walleye pollock given the same body length. The TS patterns according to the orientation angle of the body at 38 kHz were measured in a freshwater tank after the soft X-ray imaging and were in good agreement with the model predictions. The TS-Lb relationship, TS = 20 log10 Lb - 64.0, was obtained by averaging the TS patterns over the orientation distribution (mean = 0° and s.d. = 10°). Also the depth-dependent TS according to Boyle's law was TS = 20 log10 Lb - (20/3) log10 (1 + z/10) - 63.4, where z represents the depth.


Morella rubra (Myricaceae), also known as Chinese bayberry, is an economically important, subtropical, evergreen fruit tree. The phylogenetic placement of Myricaceae within Fagales and the origin of Chinese bayberry's domestication are still unresolved. In this study, we report the chloroplast (cp) genome of M. rubra and take advantage of several previously reported chloroplast genomes from related taxa to examine patterns of evolution in Fagales. The cp genomes of three M. rubra individuals were 159,478, 159,568, and 159.586 bp in length, respectively, comprising a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions (26,014–26,069 bp) separated by a large single-copy (LSC) region (88,683–88,809 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (18,676–18,767 bp). Each cp genome encodes the same 111 unique genes, consisting of 77 different protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes and four ribosomal RNA genes, with 18 duplicated in the IRs. Comparative analysis of chloroplast genomes from four representative Fagales families revealed the loss of infA and the pseudogenization of ycf15 in all analyzed species, and rpl22 has been pseudogenized in M. rubra and Castanea mollissima, but not in Juglans regia or Ostrya rehderiana. The genome size variations are detected mainly due to the length of intergenic spacers rather than gene loss, gene pseudogenization, IR expansion or contraction. The phylogenetic relationships yielded by the complete genome sequences strongly support the placement of Myricaceae as sister to Juglandaceae. Furthermore, seven cpDNA markers (trnH-psbA, psbA-trnK, rps2-rpoC2, ycf4-cemA, petD-rpoA, ndhE-ndhG, and ndhA intron) with relatively high levels of variation and variable cpSSR loci were identified within M. rubra, which will be useful in future research characterizing the population genetics of M. rubra and investigating the origin of domesticated Chinese bayberry.


Dermal fibroblasts are required for structural integrity of the skin and for hair follicle development. Uniform Wnt signaling activity is present in dermal fibroblast precursors preceding hair follicle initiation, but the functional requirement of dermal Wnt signaling at early stages of skin differentiation and patterning remains largely uncharacterized. We show in mice that epidermal Wnt ligands are required for uniform dermal Wnt signaling/β-catenin activity and regulate fibroblast cell proliferation and initiation of hair follicle placodes. In the absence of dermal Wnt signaling/β-catenin activity, patterned upregulation of epidermal β-catenin activity and Edar expression are absent. Conversely, forced activation of β-catenin signaling leads to the formation of thickened dermis, enlarged epidermal placodes and dermal condensates that result in prematurely differentiated enlarged hair follicles. These data reveal functional roles for dermal Wnt signaling/β-catenin in fibroblast proliferation and in the epidermal hair follicle initiation program.


The invention relates to a sensor element for inspecting a printed conductor structure (131) that is mounted on a flat support (130). The sensor element (250) comprises a substrate (251), which is mechanically structured in such a way that it has a raised upper region (260) and lowered lower region (280) said planar upper (260) region and lowered lower region (280) being interconnected by a preferably step-type transition region (270). The sensor element (250) also comprises a plurality of sensor electrodes (261), arranged on the planar upper region (260) and a plurality of connecting conductors (471) for electrically connecting the plurality of sensor electrodes (261). A connecting conductor (471) is connected to each sensor electrode (261), said conductor extending from the respective sensor electrode (261) to the lowered lower region (280). The invention also relates to a device and a method for inspecting a printed conductor structure (131), in addition to a production method for the aforementioned sensor element.


The authors report a girl with autosomal recessive congenital muscular dystrophy linked to chromosome 6 (MDC1A) who carries a homozygous out-of-frame deletion in exon 56 of the LAMA2 gene but has a mild phenotype. She is still ambulant at age 13 years, shows white matter abnormalities on MRI, and traces of laminin α2 in her muscle biopsy with one of three antibodies used. This patient suggests that modulating factors can be associated with a less severe clinical phenotype in MDC1A.


Accumulating evidence indicates that RNA splicing is involved in different steps of carcinogenesis. Although the critical role of a limited number of splicing factors has been demonstrated in several cancer studies, the function of many spliceosome components is still unknown. In breast cancer samples higher expression levels of a subset of spliceosome components consistently correlated with more aggressive tumor types in patient microarray as well as RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We further systematically evaluated the effect of siRNA-mediated knockdown of 244 individual splicing factors on both cell migration and proliferation in two aggressive breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T using high throughput microscopy. Primary candidates were validated with four single siRNAs and classified based on their effects on migration and proliferation. Knockdown of validated spliceosome factors such as SNRPG and SNRPA1 affected the levels of small nuclear RNAs, the main catalyzers of the spliceosome. Moreover, high expression of these key candidate hits is associated with poor breast cancer metastasis free survival. To investigate the downstream mechanisms and splicing patterns controlled by our candidate genes we performed RNA sequencing on both control and siRNA mediated knockdown cells. Interestingly, knockdown of our hits affect extracellular matrix pathways that are essential in tumor cell migration and invasion. Altogether our data indicate a key role for spliceosome factors in the control of breast cancer progression which provide new leads for future therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: Esmee Koedoot, Sylvia Le Devedec, Bob van de Water. Systematic assessment of spliceosome components as drivers of breast cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 893. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-893


Members of the GHL ATPase superfamily, including type II topoisomerases, Hsp90-class chaperones, and MutL, all share a common GHKL-type ATP-binding fold and act as nucleotide-controlled 'molecular clamps'. These enzymes' ATP-binding sites have proven to be rich drug targets, and certain inhibitors of type II topoisomerases and Hsp90 bind to this region and competitively inhibit these enzymes. Recently, it was found that radicicol, a drug known to block Hsp90 function, also inhibits the archaeal type IIB topoisomerase topo VI. Here, we use X-ray crystallography to show that despite low sequence identity (∼10–12%) between topo VI and Hsp90, radicicol binds to the ATPase sites of these two enzymes in an equivalent manner. We further demonstrate that radicicol inhibits both the dimerization of the topo VI ATPase domains and ATP hydrolysis, two critical steps in the enzyme's strand passage reaction. This work contributes to a growing set of structures detailing the interactions between GHL-family proteins and various drugs, and reveals radicicol as a versatile scaffold for targeting distantly related GHL enzymes.


The purpose of this paper is to examine the emergence of auditing in a sixteenth century business organization and to link these developments to the evolution of the organizational structure and accounting. More specifically, the paper introduces into the debate material, which documents the evolution of the auditing practice over a period of 40 years in a single case of the English East India Company (EIC).During the first stage of the organization's development (1600–1640), auditing in the EIC evolved from ex ante to ex post verification of transactions, and from volunteer to paid shareholder auditors. At the beginning, the company was organized into as a series of separate, terminable stock, and the oral from of ex ante verification by volunteer auditors picked from shareholders was enough to secure the latter's interests. When the increasing number, size and complexity of the EIC's transactions rendered the ex ante approach insufficient, ex post verification of the financial transactions was added. This called for more work than volunteers were willing or able to perform. With clearer separation of ownership and control at the time of introduction of permanent joint stock the audit function gradually evolved towards a more professional form by shareholders who began to be compensated for their work.


Aim. To study the chromatographic efficiency of modified Sepharose CL-4B sorbents for separation, purification, and preparation of major components from Hedysarum theinum Krasnob. and Hedysarum neglectum Ledeb. root extracts.Materials and Methods. Sorption capacity of the native and modified sepharose was evaluated in both isocratic and gradient elution modes. 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid derivative [(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylene]hydrazide (ftivazide) was used as a sorbent modifier ligand. We studied chromatographic properties of Sepharose CL-4B, Sepharose CL-6B, and azoepoxyadsorbent Sepharose CL-4B-DEP-p-nitrobenzohydrazide-ftivazide, a chemically modified analogue of Sepharose CL-4B.Results. Sepharose CL-4B and Sepharose CL-4B-DEP-p-nitrobenzohydrazide-ftivazide were found efficient carriers for liquid column chromatography of water-ethanol Hedysarum extracts. Complete elution of bioactive substances has been achieved exclusively by using sodium tetraborate as an eluent. We were able to identify flavonoids and tannins of different condensation in chromatographic fractions.Conclusion. Comparative chromatography of bioactive substances from Hedysarum root extracts is more efficient if employing Sepharose CL-4B instead of Sepharose CL-6B as a sorbent. Sepharose CL-4B-DEP-p-nitrobenzohydrazide-ftivazide demonstrates excellent separation capacity for tannins and flavonoids.


The chaotic UWB RF transceiver system is designed in CMOS 0.18 m technology with flexible chaotic signal generation. Although the chaotic UWB technology is expected as a promising solution for near-range connectivity services, it has a limitation for commercial applications due to a fixed-band chaotic signal generator. In this paper, the noble flexible chaotic signal generator with adjustable frequency range and bandwidth is proposed. It has a simple architecture configuring of a noise generator, an FM modulator, and control circuits. The center frequency of the chaotic signal can be controlled from 3.5 to 4.5 GHz, while its bandwidth is adjusted from 70 to 620 MHz. The key block of the chaotic UWB RF transceiver is fabricated in CMOS 0.18 mum technology. The performance of the chaotic transceiver system is evaluated for transmission of digital data of 15 Mbps and non-coherent adaptive detection scheme. The proposed system can be an excellent candidate for short-range connectivity services, as well as inexpensive systems.


ABSTRACT: The spread of species far from their native range is an important component of global changes. Investigating the ability of alien plants to invade different habitats is one of the most important approaches in the analysis of biological invasion mechanisms. The study was based on floristic research carried out in 1998–2002 in the north-western part of Poland. The habitats sampled were classified according to the EUNIS classification. A dataset of 2638 naturalized neophyte records was compiled based on a total of 2132 floristic lists. Species entries were supplemented with data on taxonomic position (family), origin, frequency, life form and number of habitats a particular species colonises. Ordination analyses showed the level of disturbance in individual habitats to be important in species-habitats relationships. Some of the species (e.g. Chamomilla suaveolens, Galinsoga parviflora, Veronica persica) occurred mainly in man-made, heavily disturbed habitats, while others (e.g. Impatiens parviflora, Padus serotina, Quercus rubra) were present primarily in natural habitats, less affected by humans. The species with the broadest habitat ranges identified included, i.a. Conyza canadensis, Impatiens parviflora, Epilobium ciliatum, and Oxalis fontana. Most of them, however, had different "core" habitats. Some species, e.g. Juncus tenuis, Elodea canadensis, Veronica persica were associated with one or a few habitats. The ability of species to invade numerous habitat types did not depend on their invasive status. The most successful aliens are those which spread dynamically along forest paths as well as those penetrating forest communities. The phytocoenotic role of each naturalized neophyte in plant communities requires a detailed study. Each individual habitat supports well-established alien species whose traits fit its characteristics and the disturbance intensity. Analysis of alien species traits, local distribution, habitat preferences and range makes it possible to reliably assess potentially successful invaders.


In response to the failures of the dominant agro-food regime multiple practices for transition towards more environmentally and socially sustainable food systems have been proposed and put into practice by Alternative Food Networks (AFNs). To advance societal transitions, some AFNs have employed a strategy of developing broader networks. These network of networks, take various forms. To date, the ways in which networks of AFNs organise remains understudied, yet how they organise is likely to influence the transition pathways they advance. Drawing on organisation theory we propose a typology of organisational forms for networks of AFNs. We theorise that networks of AFNS that adopt organisational forms that are isomorphic to the dominant food regime may have their practices adopted, but that these risk co-option and dilution. Networks of AFNs that organise around polymorphic organisational forms are less likely to see their practices integrated at the dominant regime level, but their practices could have a more fundamental transformative impact.


CPU Scheduling is an area of research where computer scientists used to design efficient algorithms for scheduling the processes in order to get output in the form of optimum turn around time and average waiting time. There are many CPU scheduling schemes available like FCFS, SJF, RRS, PBS, Multilevel queue scheduling and so on. This paper analysis the four scheduling policies FCFS, SJF, RRS, PBS and gives the result which policy is the best among them. A comparative analysis is made on the basis of data generated through the simulation using exponentially generated random numbers. Keyword: Simulation, CPU Scheduling Policy, Operating System,


As the noise pollution of aircraft is becoming more and more serious, the airworthiness standard puts more and more strict requirements on the aerodynamic noise level of civil passenger aircraft. The slat noise is the main source of noise during the small angle of attack during the takeoff and landing phases. In this paper, for the aerodynamic noise problem of high-lift airfoil slats, a three-segment wing lifting device model is taken as an experimental model, and the aeroacoustic wind tunnel test is carried out. In order to avoid the influence of flap noise, the slat is fully unfolded and the flap is retracted. The acoustic mechanism of the aerodynamic noise of the slat is studied. Then the aerodynamic noise of the deformed slat is studied. The noise reduction effect and aerodynamic performance of the deformable slat are studied by comparing the reference position with the deformed slat. Finally, the related noise reduction mechanism is discussed.


Calibrating or (re)calibrating investment law and arbitration—depending on whether the exercise takes place for the first or a subsequent time—is different from rebalancing investment law and arbitration. A balancing exercise denotes a situation in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions to maintain a sort of equilibrium. This Essay argues that investment law and arbitration are not necessarily about creating a situation in which all "elements" are in balance and that (re)calibrating is an interesting starting point for a discussion about the contemporary regime of investment law and arbitration, and especially to explore, understand, or visualize the current and future developments in the field. The central questions in this Essay include determining what the standards are and who sets them. This Essay examines (re)calibration and looks at the process from the vantage point of the standards which are used for such (re)calibration and evaluates how the standards have evolved substantially over the years and how new treaties—in an exercise of (re)calibration—are in fact following or adapting to these new standards.


Background

The search for reliable lifestyle predictors of psychological well-being is a key research pursuit in psychology and public health. Researchers often gather data on many candidate predictors and then are faced with the difficult task of variable selection – selecting only few "relevant" predictors from the large set of candidates. Many statistical methods that are currently being used for variable selection suffer from known shortfalls. Fortunately, there are newer methods available. The aim of the study is to illustrate the use of predictive projection – a novel Bayesian method for variable selection with many attractive properties – and identify the predictors of psychological well-being in a sample of young adults.
Methods

The sample consisted of 791 young adults (ages 18 to 25, 27.4% men) from New Zealand who had taken part in the Dunedin Daily Life Study in 2013–2014. For 13 days, participants completed an online daily diary assessment of their well-being and a range of modifiable lifestyle variables. Demographic characteristics were also measured. Participants' diary data was averaged across days and analyzed cross-sectionally to identify predictors of average differences in flourishing. Predictive projection was used to select as few predictors as necessary to approximate the predictive accuracy of a large reference model with 28 predictors. Lastly, predictive projection was compared with other standard methods of variable selection.
Results

Three predictors were sufficient to make average daily flourishing to approximate the predictions of the reference model: higher sleep quality, less trouble concentrating, and more servings of fruit. Demographic factors were not selected into the model. The projected submodel performed adequately on the test data. Compared to other variable selection methods, projection had either slightly worse or matching predictive performance, but led to much more parsimonious inference.
Conclusion

Predictive projection was used to quickly arrive at a parsimonious submodel that approximated the predictive accuracy of the reference model. The variables selected into the submodel – felt refreshed after waking up, had less trouble concentrating, and ate more servings of fruit – were all theoretically meaningful. Our findings have broad implications for well-being research and public policy.


Strong anion exchange resin (Spectra/Gel IE 1x8) has been investigated as adsorbent for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) ions from synthetic wastewater solutions. Batch experiments were conducted with initial Cr(VI) ions concentration ranging from 25-300 mg/L. Different parameters influencing Cr(VI) adsorption process such as; solution pH, Cr(VI) and adsorbent concentration and contact time were investigated. Results obtained revealed that Cr(VI) was successfully retained by the resin. Equilibrium was established within 30 minutes for initial Cr(VI) concentration up to100 mg/L. The equilibrium data for adsorption of Cr(VI) was fitted with both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, however, Langmuir isotherm model was found to be more suitable for the Cr(VI) adsorption and maximum adsorption capacity of the Cr(VI) was found to be 173.8 mg/g. The adsorption process followed second order kinetics. The resin was regenerated by using 4M NaOH as an eluent and retained Cr(VI) adsorption efficiency higher than 83% after three regeneration cycles.


Several derivatives of bis-fused donors composed of TTF and TSF (1, 2), and the vinyl analogues (3,4), have been synthesized. Cylic voltamograms of 1-4 consist of four pairs of one-electron redox waves. The first redox potential of la is comparable to that of the corresponding sulfur analogues BDT-TTP, indicating the positive charge formed by the first oxidation mainly distributes over the TTF moiety. In contrast, the second redox potential is higher than that of BDT-TTP due to occurrence of the second oxidation on the TSF moiety. The donors la, 3a and 4a form highly conducting TCNQ complexes and I3− salts (σrt = 3 - 36 S cm-1 on a compressed pellet) with very low activation energies of 0.0094 - 0.040 eV.


ABSTRACT The changes in the magnetic and half-metallic characters of the structures formed by the doping of Ag, Cd, Y, Zr, and Nb atoms at the ratios of x = 0.25 and 0.125 to WSn alloy were investigated. While the spin-up states of all alloys showed metallic character, energy band gaps were observed in the spin-down states, except YSn alloy. Of the 10 structures, 84.10% spin polarization was obtained only in the Zr0.25W0.75Sn alloy, and the spin polarizations were 100% in all remaining alloys. Band calculations were made with both GGA and GGA + mBJ methods. When the GGA + mBJ method was used, an increase in band gaps was observed in proportion to the increase in Fermi energy levels. In addition, the obtained 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 μB/f.u. magnetic moments for M0.25(M = Ag, Cd, Y, Zr, Nb)W0.75Sn alloys, respectively, and the calculated magnetic moment per unit formula of 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5 μB/f.u. for M0.125(M = Ag, Cd, Y, Zr)W0.875Sn alloys support their fields that can be used in spintronic applications. The magnetic moment values obtained with GGA-U (U =  1, 2, 3, 4 eV) calculations showed that while the magnetic moment values of Zr0.25W0.75Sn and Nb0.25W0.75Sn alloys were preserved, they directly increased the magnetic moments of some alloys. These high ratios of polarization, band gaps, and magnetic moments make all alloys ideal materials for use in spintronic applications.


: Zootoxin of the toad suprascapular glands in the dose of 0.5 mg/kg of the body mass (rat) increases mitotic activity of lymphoid cells in B-dependent zones of the lymph nodes and spleen. Simultaneously, mitotic activity of cells in T-dependent zones of the spleen also increases.


The authors consider the problem of bifurcation of a thin-walled circular cylindrical shell taking into account the complex nature of the deformation at the time of loss of stability under complex loading by sub-critical axial compressive force and torque in the deviatoric A. Ilyushin plane of strains .


textabstractCurrent sustainability challenges are increasingly acknowledged to reveal systemic flaws in societal systems such as energy, mobility and agriculture. Adequate solutions then require system innovations and societal transitions. The quest for system innovation is notoriously hard, however: In a polycentric society systemic problems tend to be elusive, and solution strategies are contested. So whereas the quest for system innovation is typically backed by substantive analyses of system pathologies, polycentric perspectives emphasize that the intrinsic properties of an innovation attempt are hardly decisive. Innovation attempts need to be relevant to the targeted actors in the first place.


This study models the internal fluid flow from the center to the edge of a rotary atomizer wheel, the flow out of the atomizer, including the film, rivulet and ligament formation, as well as the subsequent atomization process associated with the atomizer outflow using computational fluid dynamics with a volume of fluid approach. The model shows how fluid exits through the overflow and not through the bushing at high inlet fluxes and can reproduce experimental results of power consumption. Furthermore, the drop-size distribution at a given distance from the bushing exit is in good agreement with experimental results. Keywords: Spray drying; Rotary Atomizer; CFD; Droplet size; Volume of Fluid.


The authors examined the association between menstrual characteristics and time to pregnancy among 2,653 Danish women enrolled in a prospective cohort study (2007-2009). Menstrual characteristics were reported at baseline. Outcome data were updated bimonthly until pregnancy, fertility treatment, loss to follow-up, or end of observation (12 cycles). Adjusted fecundability ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by using discrete-time Cox regression models. Relative to average cycle lengths (27-29 days), fecundability ratios for cycle lengths <25, 25-26, 30-31, 32-33, and ≥34 days were 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49, 0.84), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.77, 1.13), 1.10 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.25), 1.35 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.73), and 1.17 (95% CI: 0.91, 1.49), respectively. Compared with cycles that regularized within 2 years after menarche, fecundability ratios for cycles that regularized 2-3 and ≥4 years after menarche were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.02) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.77, 1.03), respectively. Fecundability ratios were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.05) comparing <3 with 3-4 days of menstrual bleeding and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.43, 1.13) comparing very heavy with moderate flow. In the present study, shorter cycle length was associated with delayed time to pregnancy. Age at menarche, time to menstrual regularization, and duration or intensity of menstrual flow were not appreciably associated with fecundability.


Abstract The article was constructed from an exploratory, documentary research and investigates the curricular matrices of the medicine courses of three higher education institutions, trying to identify the weight they give to a more humanistic education of their students, in accordance with what is recommended by the More Doctors Program (PMM). Two Brazilian institutions were examined, one public and one private, both in Rio de Janeiro, and also a third institution, located in Cuba. In the education of Cuban doctors, importance is given to disciplines categorized as "Public Health Education". Contrary to this design, the education of Brazilian doctors reflects the conflict between teaching and the reality of the country, visible in the difficulty in educating doctors to work in primary care and in retaining them in the most remote places of Brazil.


Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for the analysis of the simultaneous effect of acid concentration, pretreatment time and temperature on the total reducing sugar concentration obtained during acid hydrolysis of corn stover. A three-variable, three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to develop a statistical model for the optimization of the process variables. The optimal hydrolysis conditions that resulted in the maximum total reducing sugar concentration were acid concentration; 1.72 % (w/w), temperature; 169.26 0 C and pretreatment time; 48.73 minutes. Under these conditions, the total reducing sugar concentration was obtained to be 23.41g/L. Validation of the model indicated no difference between predicted and observed values.


New classes of antifungal drugs are an urgent unmet clinical need. One approach to the challenge of developing new antifungal drugs is to optimize the antifungal properties of currently used drugs with favorable pharmacologic properties, so-called drug or scaffold repurposing. New therapies for cryptococcal meningitis are particularly important given its worldwide burden of disease and limited therapeutic options. We report the first systematic structure-activity study of the anticryptococcal properties of the phenothiazines. We also show that the antifungal activity of the phenothiazine scaffold correlates well with its calmodulin antagonism properties and, thereby, provides the first insights into the mechanism of its antifungal properties. Guided by this mechanism, we have generated improved trifluoperazine derivatives with increased anticryptococcal activity and, importantly, reduced affinity for receptors that modulate undesired neurological effects. Taken together, these data suggest that phenothiazines represent a potentially useful scaffold for further optimization in the search for new antifungal drugs.


PURPOSE
This study describes the development of a methodology for using three-dimensional (3D) image superimposition to measure volumetric changes in bone level around dental implants in comparison with linear measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The sample was comprised of 46 dental implants of 6-mm length and 4.1-mm diameter placed in the posterior maxilla and posterior mandible in 20 patients. All implants received screw-retained single crowns. Radiographic images were taken using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiography after implantation and after 12 and 24 months of functional loading (after crown installation). Tridimensional reconstructions of the bone perimeter closest to the implant were developed, superimposed, and volumetrically measured. Linear measures of bone levels were recorded in periapical radiography images. A multilevel regression model tested volumetric and linear bone loss.

RESULTS
The mean peri-implant linear bone loss for the first and second years was 0.2 ± 0.4 mm and 0.1 ± 0.2 mm, respectively, and the mean volumetric bone loss for the first and second years was 7.2 ± 6.1 mm³ and 6.4 ± 7.8 mm³, respectively. It was estimated that an increase of 1 mm of linear bone loss was associated with a mean volumetric bone loss of approximately 14 mm³ (P < .001).

CONCLUSION
The findings showed that linear and volumetric bone loss measures are related. Measuring volumetric bone changes around implants is possible provided that the CBCT images have proper contrast and sharpness, particularly around the implant outline. Improvements in image quality and in the filters for bone tissue detection would be important for this methodology to be made faster and used clinically.


Among the cellular pathways activated by IL-12, we had previously found that both the percentage and intensity of CD26(+)cells in the PHA-stimulated T cells increased when IL-12 was present (independently of its CD4 or CD8 phenotype). Now, we examined the molecular mechanisms of this IL-12-mediated effect. The IL-12 regulation pathway is dependent of de novo protein synthesis and independent of cytokine secretion. Our results show two transcripts for CD26 in PBMC for the first time and no regulation by ILs at this level. Furthermore, secretion of the serum forms of CD26/DPPIV were not affected by IL-12. Interestingly, assays with neutralizing mAbs against TNF-alpha suggest that this cytokine negatively modulates CD26 expression. The fact that translation and probably translocation of CD26 toward the cell surface can be regulated by IL-12 and TNF-alpha reveals new aspects about the control of this T(H1)marker.


We describe an accurate method for the determination of K and Ca using isotope dilution inductively coupled "cold" plasma mass spectrometry (ID ICP-MS). Measurements were applied to the certification of K and Ca in a new oyster tissue standard reference material, SRM 1566b, and the determination of Ca for an international measurement comparability exercise for serum. Measurements were made using an ICP-MS operated in the cold plasma mode. Molecular ion interferences arising from the plasma were reduced below 1000 counts per second (cps) for the isotopes of interest, while maintaining a sensitivity of better than 9 × 106 cps for a 1 mg L−1 Ca solution. Detection limits of 1.3 ng L−1 and 2.5 ng L−1 were obtained for K and Ca, respectively. Isotope ratio measurement repeatability of the 40Ca/42Ca and 39K/41K ratios for spiked samples
was better than 0.2% relative (n
= 5, 1 s). Though interference from background peaks was reduced, molecular ions arising from the oyster tissue and serum matrices caused spectral interference. Reduction of the matrix induced interference was successfully accomplished using cation exchange chromatography. Data that demonstrate the reproducibility and accuracy of the ID ICP-MS measurements are presented. A split sample comparison with thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) was performed.


IN HEALTH CARE, we strive to achieve a seamless and safe system for our patients. We choose competent staff who, to our knowledge, will provide safe care, we have guidelines and policies and we accredit staff to ensure that they meet international standards.


In five villages of Northern Greece, the communities of the Anastenaria have a long tradition of fire‐walking rituals. The Anastenaria are Orthodox Christians, and their rituals are performed in honour of saints Constantine and Helen. However, the majority of Greek scholars have argued that these rituals originate from the ancient orgiastic cults of Dionysus. This theory was intentionally designed to serve specific political agendas, namely to prove the continuity of Greek civilization from ancient to modern Greece. Despite lacking any evidentiary support whatsoever, it became the dominant view of the Anastenaria for more than a century and has heavily influenced not only the ethnographic representation of this tradition but also the tradition itself. This article explores ethnographic practice in the context of the Anastenaria, its effects on this tradition, and the implications for further anthropological research on the subject.


To an appreciable degree, female domestic work in the Ottoman Middle East was shaped by organizational and valuative premises that were also common to women outside the Ottoman and Islamic worlds. Ambiguity such as between women's duties and socially recognized "work", or between kin and servant—was a keynote of women's condition regardless of cultural setting. However, in the Middle East, the persistence of slavery into the late nineteenth century as a predominantly female and domestic-labor institution added a distinctive element to the nature of domestic labor and women's role within it.


The Medina Charter is a reference by the Prophet Muhammad in dealing with the conditions of a pluralistic society. The Medina Charter was also made to recognize the rights and interests people of Medina for the common good. The success of implementing the Medina Charter is inseparable from the political communication skills of the Prophet Muhammad. Even scientists call it a charter which is considered the first modern state constitution in the world. In this case, the Prophet Muhammad was able to lobby and political communication to convince people who were different from him, not only ethnicity and culture, but even different religions to live together in a country. The purpose of this study is to find the communication of the Prophet in the Medina Charter to construct a multicultural society. The research method used is library research by reviewing various references, both journals and books. Data processing and analysis was carried out by collecting various literatures related to research problems and described through deductive and inductive methods. The results of the study show that the forms of communication are clearly visible in the Medina Charter, both group communication and mass communication. In addition, interpersonal communication can be seen in the ability of the Prophet Muhammad to preach directly (face to face) in groups or in a fardiyah manner with the people of Medina.


Third-octave and Octave Band Pass Filter Type 1617 is used in instrumentation systems for measurement and recording of the frequency spectra of sound, vibration, and electroacoustic signals. The Type 1617 incorporates electronic filter switching and digital indication of the selected filter. The Type 1617 operates with frequency variable filters which can be electronically switched to provide third-octave or full-octave bandwidths. The frequency range from 2Hz to 160kHz can be divided into 50 thirdoctave bands and the frequency range 2Hz to 20kHz can be divided into 41 overlapping octave bands. The instrument has built-in A-, B-, Cand Dweighting networks. The Type 1617 has an IEEE/IEC in-


BACKGROUND Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors (DTs) can mimic recurrence or progression of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Differential diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. CASE SUMMARY All 8 patients experienced surgical resection of GIST, and median time to diagnosis of DT was 1.8 years after surgical resection. All sites of DT were in the peritoneum around the surgical sites of GIST. The following clinical suspicion coupled with radiological findings contributed to the suspicion of intra-abdominal DTs: (1) Occurrence of a new single lesion in the peritoneum around the surgical sites of GIST; (2) uncontrolled lesion with imatinib while other lesions being controlled with imatinib; (3) well-defined ovoid shaped lesion with delayed or mild enhancement and absence of necrosis, hemorrhage, and cystic change on computed tomography; and (4) a lesion showing mild or no hypermetabolic activity on 18fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography, contrary to initially hyperactive lesion of GIST. All DTs were surgically removed except for one unresectable DT and only one DT recurred at another site of peritoneum, which was also surgically removed. CONCLUSION Intra-abdominal DT should be a differential diagnosis for a new single lesion in patients with GIST.


Abstract Using N-bromosuccinimide and pyridine as the oxidation system to dehydrogenate aryl substituted semicarbazide or carbazide to form azo compounds in one phase is described first time in this paper. Nineteen azo compounds have been prepared in excellent yield under mild condition. This method only needs simple instrument and short reaction time.


Summary The embryogenesis of Brycon cephalus was established in seven stages: zygote, cleavage, blastula, gastrula, segmentation, larval and hatching, in an incubation period of 11 h (26°C). The zygote phase was observed directly after fertilization and egg hydration. Cleavage began at 0.5 h of incubation and extended up to the morula phase (1.5 h; +100 blastomeres). Cleavage was meroblastic and underwent the following division pattern: the first five divisions were vertical and perpendicular to each other, following the model 2 × 2, 4 × 2, 4 × 4 and 4 × 8. The sixth division was horizontal and occurred at 1.25 h after fertilization, giving rise to two cell layers (4 × 8 × 2) with 64 blastomeres. At the blastula stage (1.25–1.5 h), an irregular space between the blastomeres, the blastocoele, could be detected and the periblast structure initiated. The gastrula (1.75–6.0 h) was characterized by the morphogenetic movements of epiboly, convergence and cell involution, and formation of the embryonic axis. The segmentation stage (7–9 h) comprised the development of somites, the notochord, optic, otic and Kupffer's vesicles, neural tube, primitive intestine and ended with the release of the tail. The larval stage (up to 10 h) was characterized by the presence of 30 somites and growth and elongation of the larvae. At the hatching stage, the embryos presented more than 30 somites and exhibited swimming movements and a soft chorion. The blastomeres presented euchromatic nuclei, indicating a high mitotic activity and many yolk globules in the cytoplasm. The periblast was constituted of a layer with several nuclei and many vesicles, which grew during the epiboly movement.


For decades, feminist film analysis has been focused on issues of representation: images of women in film. But what are the feminist implications of the material object underlying that image, the filmstrip itself? What does feminist analysis have to offer in understanding the film image before it enters the realm of representation? In Girl Head: Feminism and Film Materiality, Genevieve Yue explores how gender and sexual difference have been deeply embedded within film materiality. Though the industrial practices she examines are typically hidden from view, they are no less gendered than the images projected onscreen. In rich archival and technical detail, Yue examines three sites of technical film production: the film laboratory, editing practices, and the film archive. Within each site, she locates a common motif, the vanishing female body, which is transformed into material to be used in the making of a film. Yue develops a theory of gender and film materiality through readings of narrative film, early cinema, experimental film, and moving image art. In this original work of feminist media history, Girl Head shows how gender has had a surprising and persistent role in film production processes, well before the image ever appears onscreen.


Background Data on injury has been sporadically collected by different agencies in the Philippines. No policy assigned any particular office or agency to harmonise data from different government and non-government organisations. There were problems on data duplication, increased cost of maintaining the systems and difficulty of sharing. Aims/Objectives/Purpose Need for baseline data to drive its programmes brought Safe Kids Philippines (SKP) to closely work with the different agencies who could supply reliable data. Methods SKP aligned itself with the Department of Health (DOH) as part of the Technical Working and Steering Committees for injury data collection and contributed to the formation and development of the Online Electronic Injury Surveillance System. SKP helped to bridge access among DOH, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) exposing these agencies to existing but overlapping complementary data systems. Issues of ownership, proprietorship and being the principal agency for road crash data slowly eroded as a collegial setting and better communication among the agencies lead to better interaction. Results Today, the data bases of DOH and DPWH form the base of the Philippine Network on Injury Data Management System (PNIDMS) initiative. MMDA data is currently being integrated. SKP will contribute data analysis to PNIDMS. Other agencies are lined up for inclusion into the PNIDMS. Significance Synchronised data collection efforts were formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement among DOH, WHO, Department of Transportation and Communications, UNICEF, MMDA, Land Transportation Office, DPWH with the Philippine National Police, and SKP.


We demonstrate that a racemic array of helical-shaped metallic wires may be regarded as a local uniaxial epsilon-negative (ENG) material even when the metal conductivity is very large (e.g. in the microwave regime) and, as a result, enables strong negative refraction over a wide frequency range. Based on the negative refraction effect, we demonstrate partial focusing of p-polarized electromagnetic radiation using a planar lens formed by such a composite material. The results reported here are supported by full-wave simulations as well as by analytical calculations based on effective medium theory.


Methotrexate (MTX) is a first-line systemic medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis because of its immunomodulatory effects. However, MTX has also been linked to the development of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We describe a patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis treated with MTX who developed cutaneous Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive B cell lymphoproliferative disease resembling grade III lymphomatoid granulomatosis localized to the right leg. The lymphomatoid process resolved with withdrawal of the MTX. The pathogenesis of iatrogenic lymphoproliferative disorder was most likely triggered by the rheumatoid inflammation and the immunosuppressing effects of MTX, which led to EBV reactivation. We recommend a trial of MTX discontinuation prior to considering chemotherapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with MTX who develop EBV-positive B cell lymphoproliferative disease resembling a high grade B-cell lymphoma.


Employers are increasingly purchasing "preventive drug list" (PDL) insurance plans that make cardiometabolic medications $0. PDL designs improve adherence, but effects on health outcomes are unknown. We analyzed 2004-2017 commercial health insurance claims using a large, national data set. The intervention group included 12,853 commercially-insured diabetes patients aged 12-64 years who experienced employer-mandated PDL switches; the control group included 12,989 matched counterparts whose employers offered no PDL. We defined the index date as the day the intervention group received the PDL, and matched controls had a contemporaneous index date. Both groups had a 1-year baseline and 1-year follow-up study period. We measured monthly rates of aggregated acute preventable diabetes complication episodes (e.g, hyperglycemic coma, angina, and pneumonia) presenting to (1) the outpatient setting or (2) the emergency department, observation, or inpatient settings ("high acuity") . We constructed cumulative interrupted time series plots of these two measures and conducted segmented regression analysis and marginal effects estimation. Low-income members were a subgroup of interest. Annual outpatient and high-acuity complication episodes decreased by -13.5% (-15.2%, -11.7%) and -13.9% (-15.3%, -12.5%) , respectively, in the PDL group relative to controls. Low-income PDL members also experienced decreased outpatient (-27.2% [-32.1%, -22.4%]) and high-acuity complication episodes (-4.4% [-6.5%, -2.4%]) . This rigorous, quasi-experimental study is the first to demonstrate that a value-based medication benefit is associated with improved health outcomes and reduced disparities. Employer adoption of PDLs thus represents a relatively expedient approach to improving health and equity, and our results support a strategy of incentivizing such targeted cost sharing reductions for vulnerable diabetes populations.

 J.Wharam: None. F.Zhang: Research Support; GlaxoSmithKline plc. M.Lakoma: None. L.F.Garabedian: None. S.Argetsinger: None. D.Ross-degnan: None.

 CDC and NIDDK


The fusion of cells of complementary mating types to produce giant cells has been shown to be the critical event to induce macrocyst formation in Dictyostelium discoideum. We have examined the way in which giant cells use diffusible factors to influence the developmental mode of nearby cells using an experimental design in which NC4 cells are allowed to develop on a dialysis membrane above a suspension of giant cells. We have observed that giant cells are able to inhibit independent aggregation and stream formation in the upper cells and become the dominant aggregation centers. In addition giant cells are able to redirect local amoeba away from the fruiting‐body and toward the macrocyst mode of development. We show that these effects are mediated by diffusible factors of under 2,000 MW. and discuss possible mechanisms of action.


Unambiguous identification of varieties is important for registration and certification of newly released varieties. Molecular markers are powerful tools, which help in differentiating plant varieties at the DNA level and have been widely used for fingerprinting in a number of crop varieties. In the present study, a set of 12 groundnut varieties released from Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati were fingerprinted employing SSR markers. A total of 300 SSR were screened and fifteen potential markers were employed for fingerprinting of groundnut varieties. The SSR markers generated alleles ranging from 2 to 7 with an average of four per locus. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0 to 0.85. The genotypic data from all the loci provided unique SSR allelic fingerprints which helped in varietal identification of groundnut. Core set of highly informative primers viz., PM 377, TC1A02, TC5A06 and GM1489 identified in this study has the potential to identify most of the groundnut varieties. Cluster analysis using SSR marker grouped 12 groundnut varieties into two major clusters. Finger printing of the groundnut genotypes provide information about phylogenetic relationships and assists groundnut breeders in varietal registration and protection of intellectual property rights.


ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 12 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com An evaluation of capsicum varieties was carried out under naturally ventilated greenhouse in the technology park of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Faridkot during the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. During the present study, three cultivars of capsicum namely Orobelle (yellow), Bomby (red) and Indra (green) were grown in the greenhouse. The grown crop was irrigated with three irrigation levels, i.e., I1:100 per cent replenishment of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), I2: 80 per cent of ETc and I3:60 per cent of ETc. There were three levels of fertigation, F1: 120 per cent of targeted fertilizer dose; F2: 100 per cent of targeted fertilizer dose and F3: 80 per cent of targeted fertilizer dose. Statistical analysis was carried out as per split plot design. The economic returns were calculated on the basis of no subsidy and with 50 per cent subsidy. The cost of marketable yield for yellow and red colored capsicum were taken as rupees 35 per kg each and rupees 25 for green coloured capsicum. The average yield per plant recorded from present study was 3.6 kg, 3.4 kg and 3.9 kg for yellow, red and green capsicum, respectively. The gross returns were calculated as 1.512, 1.428 and 1.17 lakh from yellow, red and green capsicum, respectively. Net returns per 560 sq m area for without subsidy case under green, yellow and red capsicum was calculated as Rs. 1464/-, Rs. 35664/and Rs. 27264/-, respectively, whereas for the case of 50 per cent subsidy, it was Rs. 40727/-, Rs. 74927/and Rs. 66527/,respectively. The average Benefit-Cost ratio for greenhouse cropped green, yellow and red colored capsicum was 1.01:1, 1.31:1 and 1.23:1 for without subsidy; and 1.53:1, 1.98:1 and 1.87:1 for the case with 50 per cent subsidy. The economic evaluation revealed that the capsicum production under naturally ventilated greenhouse condition can be a profitable venture. K e y w o r d s Capsicum, Fertigation, Irrigation, BenefitCost ratio, Economical evaluation Accepted: 12 November 2019 Available Online: 10 December 2019 Article Info Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2019) 8(12): 1407-1413


As the web is growing very rapidly, Search Engines play a chief role in retrieving data from web. When we search for a topic in a web, it presents hundreds of search results. It is highly impossibly to visit all the web pages to find relevant information. Extracting the required data for the user is a big challenge for the administrators or developers nowadays. And here is the role came for the web mining to play. Web mining is a way to extract the meaningful data for the users as per their need. Thus the following paper basically focuses on the extracting or retrieving the data for users as per their requirements based on the ants behavior. In this research we are basically dealing on the real ants behaviors.


Sectors have a double interest in an extraocular muscle palsy: to avoid the diplopia and to aid the reeducation of palsied muscles. Patient can alternatively wear the two types of glasses with sectors. Authors decrease sector's size when motility improves. They are stopped if regression, and in other cases, patients can wait surgical time with maximum comfort. Clinical examples are presented: VI, III and IV cranial nerve palsies and generalized diplopia.


Funding information Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Grant/Award Number: APCPJ459269‐13 Abstract In the present study, corrosion‐protective microarc oxidation (MAO) coatings were prepared on AZ31B, AZ80, and ZK60 cast magnesium alloy substrates in an alkaline silicate electrolyte. The corrosion performances of the uncoated and MAO‐coated alloys were investigated using electrochemical and salt spray chamber corrosion tests. The microstructure characterization and experimental results show that among the three alloys studied, the ZK60 Mg alloy exhibited the best and AZ31B the least corrosion resistance under the salt spray conditions. The MAO coating provided robust corrosion protection of the Mg substrates and resulted in a significant decrease in the corrosion rate of the alloys by 3–4 orders of magnitude. The MAO coating on ZK60 alloy showed better corrosion protectiveness than that on the AZ series alloys due to the incorporation of different alloying elements in the coating, especially the Zn and Al elements, which are from the Mg substrate. The corrosion performances and mechanisms of the uncoated and MAO‐coated Mg alloys are interpreted in terms of the microstructure and phase/chemical compositions of both the substrates and coatings.


This study aims to determine the best fertilizer treatment at vegetative stage for the growth and yield of rice submergence stress conditions on two types of swampy lowland. The experimental design used in this research was spilt-plot design with three replications. The main plot was fertilization treatment consisting of P1 = base fertilization, P2 = fertilizer before being submerged, P3 = fertilizer after being submerged + PPC Micro, P4 = fertilization before and after being submerged. The subplots are varieties of rice, V1 = Inpara 5, V2 = IR 64. The subplot was rice variety which consisted of V1 = Inpara 5, V2 = IR 64. The results showed fertilization treatment can increase rice production growth and submergence stress conditions, varieties of Inpara 5 added with fertilization before flooded can suppress a decrease in grain yield for 16 % in the shallow-back swamp and 6 % in middle-back swamps or with each production of 2.9 and 5.1 tons per hectare, varieties of Inpara 5 which is giving fertilization before flooded, tends to be a good treatment to be developed in rice submergence cultivation both in the the shallow-back swamp and middle-back swamps.


As historians have increasingly explored the complex historical relationship between race, class, and institutions such as the federal government in shaping contemporary American society, historical sources such as the Federal Housing Association's Underwriting Manual (1938) provide provocative opportunities for teaching. Brief excerpts from the Manual are a small window through which to examine the underappreciated role of the U.S. federal government in creating and sustaining a racialized version of the American Dream. The result is an opportunity to equip students, as citizens, with the historical thinking skills and sources to examine the enduring historical arc of racial injustice and resistance in the United States that serves as the foundation for the Black Lives Matter movement.


The present paper gives preliminary information about nematodes found in rhizomes and roots of banana (Musa acuminata AAA) and plantain (AAB) as well as in the soil around these crops. Based on information from nematological examinations made by the authors and on literary references concerning Venezuelan material, at present there are no less than 23 species belonging to 19 genera that are associated with the two Musa species. Among these, 3 nematodes recognized as serious pests of these cropes were found: Helocotylenchus multicinctus, Radopholus similis, and Pratylenchus, sometimes all being present in the same sample.


Ten experiments on pigs were performed to investigate possible postmortem changes of the dielectric properties of brain gray matter in the frequency range of 800–1900 MHz. After keeping the animals in stable anaesthesia for at least 45 min, they were euthanatised by an intravenous injection of hypertonic potassium chloride (KCl), causing cardiac arrest within 3 min. Measurements of the dielectric properties were performed repeatedly from at least 45 min prior to death to 18 h after euthanasia. The anaesthesia regimen was chosen to minimize influence on brain tissue characteristics such as brain water content, intracranial blood volume, and cerebral blood flow. The data showed a decline of mean gray matter equivalent conductivity of about 15% at 900 MHz and about 11% at 1800 MHz within the first hour after death. The decline in permittivity was less pronounced (about 3–4%) and almost frequency independent. The results indicate that in vitro measurements of dielectric properties of brain tissue underestimate equivalent conductivity as well as permittivity of living tissue. These changes may affect the generally accepted data of dielectric properties of brain tissue widely used in RF dosimetry. Bioelectromagnetics 24:413–422, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


The recognition of the central role issuing organisations have in the production, distribution and management of grey literature provides the theoretical context for this paper. The paper focuses on a particular kind of GL system settled by an Italian public research institute primarily involved in vocational training and labour policies, in the framework of the EU strategies for the European Social Fund. Within this context, it aims to present the GL systems and services that ISFOL makes available through its Specialised Documentation Centre (SDC) in tight co-operation and collaboration with the European Union and the Italian Ministry of labour and social policies. We focus on how ISFOL GL policy is changing, on one hand thanks to the development of communication and information technology and on the other hand following European Union policies for public access to documents and for the development of the e-Europe and the e-government. Grey literature produced by ISFOL and the SDC, often in co-operation with the Italian Ministry of labour and social policies, is analysed. At the same time a description of the system of related websites where all ISFOL grey literature is made available online is carried out, to show how new technologies and policies influence the Institute's strategies for making GL available for researchers and operators. In conclusion, suggestions and contributions are made to create a roadmap of an integrated GL system involving organisations operating in the field of vocational training and labour policies.


The long-term performance of two active hydrogen masers developed at the National Measurement Laboratory of the CSIRO is presented. Six years of comparisons between the masers, the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) and the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) are summarized. Operating as independent clocks the masers showed outstanding long-term performance and consistently high weightings in the coordination of major time-keeping centres carried out by the BIPM.


Analysing errors committed by second language learners in the acquisition of English tenses, particularly the present continuous, can offer great insights into learners' difficulties in acquiring target language rules. Focusing on a set of eight rules governing the use of the present continuous, one of the verb forms frequently employed in daily conversations, the researcher employed elicitation procedures aimed at discovering difficulties encountered by learners in second language acquisition. With reference to the errors analysed, the researcher claims that the learners' first language is not the only linguistic factor affecting the acquisition of English tenses. The learners' failure to grasp the significance of auxiliary verbs used in combination with the inflectional suffixes of the main verbs, in particular, has been identified as a factor causing learning difficulties. While the subjects' inability to relate some verb forms to temporal and frequency adverbials may be ascribed to intralingual interference, which is associated with developmental sequence and general learning strategies, it is interesting to note that interference causing a large portion of the errors may be both intralingual and interlingual in nature. On the basis of the data elicited, it is recommended that both finite and non-finite verbs should be explained in relation one another in the syntactic, semantic and morphological aspects. Cognitive and memory-related learning strategies are also recommended to enhance the learning of the present continuous in relation to other verb forms and their associated semantic functions.


A passive low pass filter employing surge suppression components has been designed and developed. The filter exhibits excellent attenuation features to RF energy in the EMP dominated frequency band and has the capability to handle the current surges specified in MIL-STD 461D. The paper presents the design procedure of such a filter together with the results obtained.


We investigated the fabrication of diamond-like carbon (DLC) emitter patterns by room-temperature curing nanoimprint lithography (RTC-NIL) with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds using polysiloxane, as an application to the emitter for the next generation flat panel display. The DLC which has excellent properties similar to diamond properties was used as a pattern material. A PDMS was used as a mold material and fabricated by the following optimum conditions of the first curing time at RT for 36 h and the second curing time at the temperature of 150 °C for 15 mins. The polysiloxane is in the state of sticky liquid at RT and stable in air. Therefore, the polysiloxane was used the electron beam (EB) resist and oxide mask material in EB lithography, and also used as RT-imprint material. First, we fabricated the PDMS mold with pit array. Each dot is 5 μm-diameter and 400 nm-depth. We carried out the RTC-NIL process with PDMS molds using polysiloxane under the following optimum imprint conditions of 0.5 MPa-imprinting pressure, 1.5 min-the time between spin-coat and imprint, and 5 min-imprinting time. Next, the residual layer of imprinted polysiloxane pattern was 450 nm and then was removed with electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) trifluoromethane (CHF_3) ion shower under the conditions of 300 eV-ion energy and 3 min-etching time. Then, we processed the imprinted polysiloxane patterns on the DLC film with an ECR oxygen (O_2) ion shower under the conditions of 400 eV-ion energy and 12 min-etching time. As a result, we succeeded in fabricating convex DLC emitter patterns with high accuracy which has 5 μm-diameter and 500 nm-height.


The aim of this experiment was to analyze the coordination of glottal and supraglottal gestures in English stops in post-pausal position, and in voiceless – voiced stop sequences. The material consisted of words containing phonologically voiced stops after a pause, and of two-word sequences. It was observed that the implementation of voicing in mixed stop sequences could be accounted for in terms of the implementation of voicing in single stops: speakers who showed voicing lead in phonologically voiced post-pausal stops could also show regressive voicing into C1 in voiceless – voiced obstruent sequences. Conversely, speakers who showed absence of vocal fold vibration in postpausal voiced stops displayed partial or complete C2 devoicing in sequences like /t#g/. Thus, the habits for the implementation of voicing in post-pausal stops seem to be related to the voicing timing patterns observed in stop sequences.


We present how to enhance classical generalized linear models by neural network features. On the way there, we highlight the traps and pitfalls that need to be avoided to get good statistical models. This includes the non-uniqueness of sufficiently good regression models, the balance property, and representation learning, which brings us back to the concept of the good old generalized linear models.


The parallel performance and efficiency of boundary element methods in the solution of inelastic problems are investigated. A parallel algorithm based on the so-called initial stress scheme for inelastic analysis is developed and implemented in BEMGEO (Boundary Element Method program for GEOmechanics applications). Numerical examples solved on an SP2 of 34 thin nodes are presented which highlight the advantage of boundary element methods in high performance computing.


Through a 'fuzzy' grammar of identity it is possible to link the causal theory of reference with bioethics. Some arguments on abortíon derived from the theory of natural kind terms point to a post-modernism in analytical philosophy.


The dance house and folk artisans movements have developed into such a youth subculture in the cultural scope of the socialist Hungary, which the Kádárian cultural policy could support only partially, it was rather placed at the borderland between the 'tolerated' and 'banned' categories. The so-called Nomadic Generation was attached to the developing domestic dissident opposition just as well as to the cross border Hungarian intelligentsia through many threads, which seemed to be undesirable for those in power. This study outlines a general picture on the characteristics of the folklorist-movement of the 1970s and 1980s, thought to be dissident in nature, then it will show through examples of different life courses and case studies how the search for new paths materialized in folk handicrafts, and what impact this era exerted on the folk artisanship in the period after the political transition.


BackgroundNew-born morbidity and mortality are high in Africa, including Mozambique. One important factor to reduce this public health burden is ensuring the frequency and quality of new-born visits, with the availability of efficient, timely, patient centred care. To contribute to the reduction of new-born mortality rate in Nampula, the Lúrio University and the University of Saskatchewan, carried out an implementation research project which included training activities for health professionals in maternal and child health care. We planned a mid-project evaluation, to assess the impact of health professionals training on the quality of services at Marrere Health Centre.MethodsQuantitative study, applying two cross-sectional surveys about new-born visits service quality. The first surveys were conducted after two health professionals' training sessions and the other after five more sessions. The samples of carers of infants up to 28 days of age in Marrere Health Centre, were calculated considering the average number of post-partum visits per month (47 in 2018, with a margin of error of 10% and a confidence interval of 90 %, 134 in 2019, with a margin of error of 5% and a confidence interval of 95%). The individual surveys used a five-point Likert scale and were entered into REDCap, and analysed to assess frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. This research was approved by the bioethics committees at Lúrio University and at the University of Saskatchewan.Results188 child carers were surveyed at Marrere Health Centre, about new-born services quality. Most areas showed no improvement. Positive improvements were a 48% increase in health professionals encouraging mothers to share any difficulties during the patient encounter, a 31% increase in encouraging mothers to have a person of their choice to accompany them during labour, suggesting a traditional birth attendant (97%). Many shortcomings persisted in practices of introducing themselves, communication with patients, privacy, and confidentiality.ConclusionThe quality of care at Marrere Health Centre did not improve and health professionals are not practising according to the protocol. Reviewing health professionals learning approach, developing continuous capacity building, would be the next best steps to improve quality of new-born centred care.Trial registrationThis study was not registered in any data base.


With a total area of 8900 km2, Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles. It is divided in three physiographic regions or areas of relief: the mountainous interior, the karst region, and the coastal plains and valleys. The island comprises six ecological life zones: subtropical dry forest, subtropical moist forest, subtropical wet forest, subtropical rain forest, lower montane wet forest and lower montane rain forest. The herpetofauna of Puerto Rico consists of 25 species of amphibians (19 native, six introduced) and 56 species of reptiles (52 native, four introduced). The goal of this paper is to describe some of the present studies directed towards the conservation of Puerto Rican herpetofauna. Eleutherodactylus karlschmidti, E. jasperi and E. eneidae have not been seen or heard since 1976, 1981 and 1990, respectively, and are probably extinct. Since 2000, the potential causes of amphibian declines in Puerto Rico have been studied, and a synergistic interaction between climate change (increased dry periods) and disease (chytridiomycosis) have been proposed as an explanation for the patterns observed. Recovery efforts for Peltophryne lemur include a captive-breeding program, reintroductions island-wide educational outreach, protection and restoration of existing habitat, and the creation of new breeding ponds. Among reptiles, the first conservation efforts to protect Epicrates inornatus were limited to trying to halt collection and hunting. However, current strategies to preserve the boa include gathering basic biological information, habitat conservation, and educational outreach. Recent efforts for the conservation of Trachemys s. stejnegeri combine three research approaches to clarify the status of local populations: a mark-recapture-release study, field monitoring of reproductive activity (i. e., nocturnal patrolling to identify nesting activity), and field assessment of the potential impact of introduced species, particularly identification of predatory species and exotic turtles. Recovery initiatives for Cyclura stejnegeri include management of invasive mammals, a headstart program for hatchling iguanas, and the assessment of the etiology of a condition causing blindness in adult iguanas. A reforestation project aimed at recovering a local herpetofaunal assemblage after disturbances in a limestone valley in northern Puerto Rico is discussed. As population sizes of common colonizers such as Eleutherodactylus and Anolis increased, larger forest-interior and predatory species like Epicrates inornatus, Alsophis portoricensis and Anolis cuvieri followed. Finally, the Mona Island marine turtle monitoring program is discussed and compared to other similar programs in Puerto Rico. As these and other similar conservation efforts provide scientifically based management recommendations, we hope to succeed in conserving the diverse herpetofauna that characterizes Puerto Rico.


In brief: Exertional headache is an acute headache of short duration brought on by some forms of activity. It is usually considered benign. Neurological and radiological studies on a limited number of college students with this complaint failed to reveal any abnormalities. Reducing the stressful activity seems to be beneficial, and a simple prostaglandin inhibitor is currently recommended for relief of pain. Physicians should consider the possibility of preexisting abnormalities in patients whose symptoms persist.


Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening disease that has spread globally and received international concern. Iran is one of the countries severely affected by this pandemic, implementing social lockdown and restrictive strategies. According to Persian medicine, restrictions like quarantine have psychological and social consequences. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and anger behaviors in Iran and compare it with Persian medicine viewpoints. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 739 participants were interviewed in April 2020 in Shiraz, Iran. The questionnaire included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Multidimensional Anger Inventory (MAI), and items on demographics, temperament, and the quarantine situation social factors. All participants completed the questionnaires willingly and were ensured of data confidentiality. Results: We found that 58.3% of the participants had low sleep quality. Females showed higher scores on anger and its related aspects (P < 0.05). In addition, people with lower education and income levels revealed higher anger scores (P < 0.05). Moreover, the mean scores of anger and its related factors were higher in participants with low sleep quality, higher sleep latency, daytime dysfunction, and experience of using sleep medications (P < 0.05). Also, after adjustment for demographics and other social factors, the mean scores of anger and all of its aspects were higher in those with a sleep disorder, use of sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings illustrated that various factors, including low sleep quality, are associated with anger in individuals with the experience of home quarantine during the COVID-19 outbreak. The outcome is compatible with Persian medicine evidence.


A case is described of mediastinal and hilar fibrosis in a woman aged 22 years. The fibrotic mass compressed the lobar arteries as well as the veins of various lobes of both lungs. These large vessels as well as numerous smaller arteries and veins were to a large extent obstructed by organized thrombi. It seems likely that 3 years after the beginning of symptoms the fibrosing process was still active. The case provides some support for an immunopathological aetiology of this condition.


Lawns are the largest managed turf acreage in the USA. This large acreage of fertilized turf has generated public concern regarding nitrogen (N) fertilizer misuse. This 2-yr fi eld study evaluated the effects of eight N programs that varied by N amount, 0 to 196 kg N ha −1 yr −1 , and seasonal application timing on the aboveground plant responses of three cool-season lawn species: Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.; KBG), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.; PRG), and turf-type tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; TTTF). Signifi cant cumulative species dry matter yield differences were measured for the study, with 9426, 7750, and 7011 kg ha −1 for TTTF, KBG, and PRG, respectively. Kentucky bluegrass generally possessed the greenest canopy when averaged across all N programs, followed by TTTF and PRG. Annual turfgrass quality (TQ) was highest and most seasonally consistent for TTTF, followed by KBG and PRG. Although, KBG overall TQ was lower than TTTF, primarily due to slow spring green-up, KBG was superior to TTTF on many ratings during active growth. Perennial ryegrass produced the low- est TQ compared with TTTF and KBG. This was due to summer disease in both years and substantial turf cover losses, 24 to 81% in 2005. If the goal in lawn management is to maximize turfgrass response with the fewest N inputs, the species that met this goal was TTTF, which provided acceptable TQ and color, and had less disease at relatively low, 73 to 123 kg ha −1 yr −1 , N levels.


Complementing the burgeoning literature on agenda setting on the Supreme Court of the United States, this article addresses a key question heretofore overlooked—Is the justices' choice to review a decision independent of the selection of cases for review by the litigants? We argue that the certiorari process cannot be modeled as an independent one; rather, it is inextricably linked with and essentially contingent on the behavior of litigants who bring the case to the Supreme Court. This dependence of the Court is important both at the level of theory and at the empirical level and ignoring it entails bias in the estimation process. Using an original database, which includes the universe of religion free exercise cases decided at the courts of appeals from 1968–2006, we find significant selection effects. Factors that influence decisions on certiorari are dependent on the behavior of petitioners and should be modeled as such.


NeuRFon/spl trade/ Netform is a sensor network made up of very low cost, low power, wireless devices (neuRFon/spl trade/ devices) that are relatively static, and are pervasively deployed throughout the environment. In this paper, we are interested in finding the relationship between the optimum one-hop transmission distance and the transceiver device parameters that will minimize the total system energy. Our analysis assumes that the individual neuRFon/spl trade/ devices do not have power control and therefore will transmit at a common range. Our results show that the optimum one-hop transmission distance is independent of the physical network topology, the number of transmission sources, and the total transmission distance. It only depends on the propagation environment and the device parameters. The implications and usefulness of this result on present day transceiver devices are also discussed.


Detecting forest fire is a highly active research area in the field of pattern recognition and computer vision as a number of existing methods available in the literature. The purpose of the presented study is to select the most suitable color space for the fire pixel classification. Our approach begins by finding the likelihood of every pixel value. The fire is then defined by multiplying pixel channel value's likelihood. By using a simple thresholding schema, the fire pixel classification process is performed. Our experimental study demonstrates the suitability of each color space for fire detection.


Introduction Renal transplantation remains the best modality of renal replacement therapy in children with end stage kidney disease, the majority of whom have congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT). Febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) and worsen chronic kidney disease (CKD). After renal transplantation, episodes of UTI can adversely affect renal allograft survival by causing interstitial scarring and injury, although there is a paucity of data in the literature. Management of UTI in paediatric renal transplant recipients (pRTR) is more complex compared to other healthy children. There are no current guidelines or evidence for management of this common problem. Patients and methods This was a retrospective review of pRTR at GOSH between 2010 and 2018. Data were collected from the hospital computer based systems with digital research environment and analysed using Analyxagility programme. pRTR were divided into three major groups: (a) No UTI group; (b) Infrequent UTI group (less than one UTI episode per year) and (c) Frequent UTI group (one or more UTI per year). Results 243 pRTR aged 1.3 to 17.9 (median 10.3) years), of whom 60.8% were males with 47% with primary diagnosis of CAKUT. There was a significant decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the group with UTI compared to those without UTI. In addition to the frequency of UTI in those with CAKUT, we found that the original pathology contributed to the decline in renal function (eg. recurrent FSGS). Conclusion Frequent UTI can adversely affect renal allograft function and requires prompt and effective treatment to reduce AKI and CKD. Guidelines needs to be developed to manage UTI in order to protect renal allograft function and survival (figure 1).Abstract 112 Figure 1


MARTHE (Modelling Aquifers with an irregular Rectangular grid, Transport, Hydrodynamics and Exchanges) is a versatile 3D groundwater model designed to enable the hydrodynamic and hydrodispersive modelling of groundwater flow in hydrosystems. Refinements to the model were made as part of the European project PEGASE to allow the simulation of pesticide fate in the soil. New descriptions for cropping and pesticide sorption and degradation were added to the model. The verification exercise undertaken using analytical solutions published in the literature (sorption, degradation) and experimental data (cropping, degradation) demonstrated that the new code added to MARTHE has been correctly implemented in the model. In addition, the close fits obtained between predicted and theoretical/measured data confirmed the sound numerical schemes of the model. These refinements and their testing mean that the model can now be used with confidence to simulate the fate of pesticides from the soil surface to and in the groundwater. The model is expected to be a useful tool in the modelling of pesticide fate through the whole continuum root zone - unsaturated zone - saturated zone, in 1, 2 or 3 dimensions. In particular, the model may be used to i) assess the risk of pesticide leaching to groundwater resources at a range of scales; ii) provide explanations for detection / non-detection of pesticides in monitoring programs; and, iii) manage inputs of pesticide to a particular area within a context of sustainability of groundwater resources.


Human genetics has long been preoccupied with the study of simple, single locus traits and, indeed, it is still asserted that "the primary goal of human genetic analysis should be the detection and estimation of single gene effects" (102). But there is increased recognition that the greater portion of the human burden of disease and disability stems not from such conditions but rather those in which the appearance of the disorder is only the last stage in a lifelong train of prodromal states. There is almost universal agreement that our living conditions and behavior are major contributory factors to their occurrence. It is equally true that there are inherent differences among us which also contribute. The assessment of the roles of these contributors, intrinsic and extrinsic, and the development of environmental manipulations which cure or prevent disease and disability of this nature have become the new frontiers of genetics and human medicine. We have described briefly four investigative, genetic strategies, two essentially concerned with analysis and two with sampling, which can contribute to the conquest of these frontiers. We have attempted to place these strategies in an epidemiologic context.


Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that serves as a ubiquitous signaling molecule participating in physiological activities of various organ systems. Nitric oxide is produced in the endocrine pancreas and contributes to synthesis and secretion of insulin. The potential role of NO in insulin secretion is disputable - both stimulatory and inhibitory effects have been reported. Available data indicate that effects of NO critically depend on its concentration. Different isoforms of NO synthase (NOS) control this and have the potential to decrease or increase insulin secretion. In this review, the role of NO in insulin secretion as well as the possible reasons for discrepant findings are discussed. A better understanding of the role of NO system in the regulation of insulin secretion may facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies in the management of diabetes.


Early forebrain development is characterized by extensive proliferation of neural precursors coupled with complex structural transformations; however, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which these processes are integrated. Here, we show that deficiency of the cell cycle regulatory protein, E2F4, results in the loss of ventral telencephalic structures and impaired self-renewal of neural precursor cells. The mechanism underlying aberrant ventral patterning lies in a dramatic loss of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression specifically in this region. The E2F4-deficient phenotype can be recapitulated by interbreeding mice heterozygous for E2F4 with those lacking one allele of Shh, suggesting a genetic interaction between these pathways. Treatment of E2F4-deficient cells with a Hh agonist rescues stem cell self-renewal and cells expressing the homeodomain proteins that specify the ventral telencephalic structures. Finally, we show that E2F4 deficiency results in impaired activity of Shh forebrain-specific enhancers. In conclusion, these studies establish a novel requirement for the cell cycle regulatory protein, E2F4, in the development of the ventral telencephalon.


Based on the field theoretic formulation of the general epidemic process, we study logarithmic corrections to scaling in dynamic isotropic percolation at the upper critical dimension d=6. Employing renormalization group methods we determine these corrections for some of the most interesting time dependent observables in dynamic percolation at the critical point up to and including the next to leading correction. For clusters emanating from a local seed at the origin, we calculate the number of active sites, the radius of gyration, as well as the survival probability.


In a linear infinite-dimensional space with a scalar product and in a finite-dimensional Euclidean space the interpolation Hermite polynomial with a minimal norm, generated by a Gaussian measure, contains fundamental polynomials are shown. The accuracy of Hermit's interpolation formulas on polynomials of the appropriate degree are researched.


This paper deals with the theoretic simulation of a drill bit whirling under conditions of its contact interaction with the bore-hole bottom rock plane. The bit is considered to be an absolutely rigid ellipsoidal body with uneven surface. It is attached to the lower end of a rotating elastic drill string. In the perturbed state, the bit can roll without sliding on the bore-hole bottom, performing whirling vibrations (the model of dynamic equilibrium with pure rolling when maximum cohesive force does not exceed the ultimate Coulombic friction). To describe these motions, a nonholonomic dynamic model is proposed, constitutive partial differential equations are deduced. With their use, the whirling vibrations of oblong and oblate ellipsoidal bits are analyzed, the functions of cohesive (frictional) forces are calculated. It is shown that the system of elastic drill string and ellipsoidal bit can acquire stable or unstable whirl modes with approaching critical Eulerian values by the parameters of axial force, torque and angular velocity. The analogy of the found modes of motions with ones of the Celtic stones is established. It is shown that the ellipsoidal bits can stop their whirling vibrations and change directions of their circumferential motions in the same manner as the ellipsoidal Celtic stones do. As this takes place, the trajectories of the oblate ellipsoidal bits are characterized by more complicated paths and irregularities.


Funerals are irreplaceable events, especially for bereaved family members and relatives. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented many people worldwide from attending their loved ones' funerals. The authors had the opportunity to assist one family faced with this predicament by webcasting and recording funeral rites held near Tokyo in June, 2020. Using our original 360-degree Telepresence system and smartphones running Zoom, we enabled the deceased's elder siblings to remotely attend the funeral and did our utmost to make them feel present in the funeral hall. Despite the webcasting via Zoom contributing more to their remote attendances than our system, we discovered thoughtful findings which could be useful for designing remote funeral attendances. From the findings, we also discuss how HCI designers can contribute to this highly sensitive issue, weaving together knowledge from various domains including techno-spiritual practices, thanato-sensitive designs; and other religious and cultural aspects related to death rituals.


In this paper, we describe the view representation and reconstruction module for an image-based telepresence system, based on a viewpoint-adaptation scheme and the image-based rendering technique. For real-time three-dimensional synthesis, a parallel version of our multistep view reconstruction algorithm is realized on dedicated hardware based on Trimedia digital signal processors. A new scalable representation, named middle view stereo representation (MVSR), is further constructed to be able to adapt to the bandwidth requirement of the broadcasting network. Experiments show the promising performance of the parallel realization of the multistep view reconstruction method and the power of the MVSR representation.