In recent years, electrically driven compression heat pumps have come to be widely used for the heating of buildings. Their efficiency strongly depends on the temperature lift which is influenced by the supply temperature of the heat sink. When used with radiator heating systems it is challenging to operate heat pumps efficiently because high supply temperatures are required. Therefore, in order to efficiently operate heat pumps, this work analyses advanced control concepts for heat pump heating systems that adapt the supply temperature according to the demand. The heat output of radiators is influenced by the mass flow rate and the supply temperature. Today, usually only the outdoor air temperature is used for controlling the supply temperature. However, control strategies exist that consider additional disturbances. In this work, heat pumps in existing buildings are analyzed on the basis of field test data. The temperature of heat source and heat sink influence the efficiency of the heat pump. But additional influences such as the usage of additional appliances can be found which were studied and documented comprehensively. However, without data on user influences, room temperature and control settings, the potential of the field test cannot be fully realized. Field test data are used to evaluate models of the heat pump and the buffer storage of the heating system. The heat pump is implemented as a table-based model, the buffer storage is modeled as a stratified fluid volume. The validated models and existing model components make up a model of the overall system. It includes a model of a one-family home with nine heated zones. User influences implemented as different user schedules, the building physics, dimensioning of components and control are analyzed in simulations of heating periods. The usage and insulation standard of the building have a strong influence on the energy demand and thermal comfort. The system model is also used to analyze different supply temperature control strategies. Three control concepts are modeled: A rule-based one which adapts the set temperature step-wise, a model predictive one which calculates the optimal supply temperature for each heated zone, and a continuously operating controller which uses an integral element controlling the supply temperature according to the room air temperature. The advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are evaluated on the basis of the simulation results. A decrease of the mean supply temperature leads to considerable savings in energy demand. However, an increased thermal discomfort cannot be fully avoided. Attained energy savings crucially depend on the type of building physics and the user influences. Energy savings in real buildings can exceed the ones simulated using ideally parametrized systems.


Objective: To determine the effectiveness of breastfeeding (BF) for the management in acute pain after vaccination in infants under 6 months of age when compared to the milk substitute (MS) and not to apply any maneuver.
Methods: A controlled, single-blind phase III clinical trial was conducted on infants under 6 months old to evaluate the effectiveness of BF in acute pain by vaccination. Divided in 3 groups: BF, milk substitutes (MS), and without applying any analgesic maneuver (control). Pain was measured by crying time and pediatric pain scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U for quantitative variables. For qualitative data, Chi2 was applied Kaplan Meier was used to analyze the total time crying.
Results: A total of 144 patients were recruited, divided in groups of 48 patients. The group of BF had fewer crying time (p = 0.007) and pain rating at 90 (p = 0.006) and 120 (p = 0.003) seconds compared with other groups. There was no significant difference in the crying time (p = 0.396) and the pain scale between the group receiving MR and control.
Conclusions: Breastfeeding is effective in management of acute pain by vaccination in infants under six months of age compared to milk substitute and control.


Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from the Hawaiian archipelago form a small, genetically isolated, population consisting of only a few tens of individuals breeding annually. Most females nest on the island of Hawai'i, but little is known about the demographics of this rookery. This study used genetic relatedness, inferred from 135 microhaplotype markers, to determine breeding sex-ratios, estimate female nesting frequency, and assess relationships between individuals nesting on different beaches. Samples were collected during the 2017 nesting season and final data included 13 nesting females and 1,002 unhatched embryos, salvaged from 41 nests, 13 of which had no observed mother. Results show that most females used a single nesting beach laying 1-5 nests each. From female and offspring alleles the paternal genotypes of 12 breeding males were reconstructed and many showed high relatedness to their mates. Pairwise relatedness of offspring revealed one instance of polygyny but otherwise suggest a 1:1 breeding-sex ratio. Relatedness analysis and spatial-autocorrelation of genotypes indicate non-random mating among complexes of nesting beaches, for both sexes, suggesting strong natal philopatry. Nesting complexes also showed unique patterns of inbreeding and outbreeding across loci, further indicating that Hawaiian hawksbill turtles have demographically discontinuous nesting populations at a fine spatial scale.


This study experimentally examines the lying behavior of individuals and two-person groups, using a dice-rolling experiment developed by Fischbacher and Follmi-Heusi (2013). We found strong evidence of lying in both individuals and groups,but partial lying (not lying to the maximum extent possible) is more pronounced under group decisions. Furthermore, from the experimental data, we estimated thepreference parameter(s) of existing models for lying aversion. The results reveal thatgroups are more sensitive to the social image concern of not being perceived as a liar and have a lower cost of lying than individuals.


A chronic Thirty fistula of the jejunum and ileum was prepared which permitted repeated quantitative studies to be made on the absorption of various substances. Dogs weighing an average of 20 kg had an average intestinal capacity to absorb approximately 22 mg of thiamine per day, when the daily oral intake was 40 mg. Thiamine was not destroyed when incubated for 12 hr in vitro with the normal saline wash of a Thiry loop of the jejunum or ileum. It was mechanically possible to recover all the thiamine introduced into the Thiry loops within 30–60 sec after its introduction. The same amount of thiamine was absorbed from the jejunum and ileum, respectively, during 1 hr. In nine daily tests an average of 3.2 mg or 30% (range 18–40%) of 10 mg of thiamine in 20 ml of normal saline was absorbed in 1 hr, the loops being 25–30 cm long. When 20 ml of an aqueous solution containing 0.7% Na 2 SO 4 , 0.45% NaCl, and 0.1% glucose was introduced for 30 min, the ileal and jejunal loops absorbed all the glucose. The ileal loops absorbed 34 mg or 38% of chloride expressed as NaCl, whereas the jejunal loops apparently added chloride.


Abstract Objective: To compare treatment persistence in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) of patients initiated on lisdexamfetamine (LDX) vs other ADHD medications. Methods: A large US administrative claims database was used to select ADHD patients who initiated an ADHD medication (index treatment) during/after 2007. Patients were classified, based on age and previous treatment status, as treatment-naïve or previously treated children and adolescents (6–17 years) and treatment-naïve or previously treated adults (18 years and older). Furthermore, patients were classified into seven mutually exclusive treatment groups, based on their index treatment: LDX, atomoxetine (ATX), osmotic-release methylphenidate hydrochloride long-acting (OROS MPH), other methylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate short-acting (MPH SA) and long-acting (MPH LA), and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine short acting (AMPH SA) and long-acting (AMPH LA). Treatment persistence, analyzed through discontinuation (interruption of the index treatment for ≥30 consecutive days), was compared between treatment groups using multivariate Cox proportional hazards. Patients were followed until first treatment discontinuation or up to 12 months after the initiation of the index treatment, whichever occurred first. Results: Among children and adolescents, LDX patients had a significantly lower discontinuation rate compared to other treatment groups (range hazard ratios [HRs]; 1.04–2.26; all p < 0.05), except when compared to treatment-naïve patients on ATX and OROS MPH, where no statistically significant differences were found and where LDX had a higher risk of discontinuation, respectively. Among adults, LDX patients had a significantly lower discontinuation rate compared to patients in other treatment groups (range HR; 1.14–1.86; all p < 0.05), except for the comparison with AMPH LA patients, where differences were not statistically significant. Limitations: This study did not control for ADHD severity. Conclusion: LDX-treated patients were associated with higher persistence compared to patients initiated on other ADHD medications, except for the comparisons with OROS MPH and ATX treated patients in treatment-naïve children and adolescents and AMPH LA-treated patients in adults.


Verification is the process of checking whether a product has been implemented according to its prescribed specifications. We study the case of a designer (the developer) that needs to verify its design by a third party (the verifier), by making publicly available a limited amount of information about the design, namely a diagram of interconnections between the different design components, but not the components themselves or the intermediate values passed between components. We formalize this notion of limited information using tabular expressions as the description method for both the specifications and the design. Treating verification as a process akin to testing, we develop protocols that allow for the design to be verified on a set of inputs generated by the verifier, using any test-case generating algorithm that can take advantage of this extra available information (partially white-box testing), and without compromising the developer's secret information. Our protocols work with both trusted and untrusted developers, and allow for the checking of the correctness of the verification process itself by any third party, and at any time.


We present a critical discussion of recent experimental probes of the pairing state of the high temperature superconductors, focusing primarily, but not exclusively, on YBa2Cu3O7−δ, where the best data currently exist. Penetration depth measurements near Tc give no indication of an extra transition, indicating that the pairing state is a one-dimensional representation of the crystal symmetry. Penetration depth measurements at low temperatures provide strong evidence for a change in sign of the gap function over the Fermi surface. Quantum mechanical phase interference experiments generally confirm this and in addition show that the nodal positions are consistent with a d x 2 −y 2 pairing state. This pairing state is consistent with photoemission measurements of the gap function, Raman scattering, the effect on Tc of impurities, and many other data (reviewed by two of us previously) which indicate the presence of low lying excitations in the superconducting state. We also discuss evidence that apparently does not fit in with a dx2−y2 pairing state, and we describe possible alternative scenarios.


crystals of Meta nitro aniline (mNA), an Organic nonlinear optical (NLO) material, were grown by slow solvent evaporation technique at room temperature. Acetone was used as solvent. The mNA crystals obtained by the above technique were subjected to different characterization analyses. The lattice dimensions were determined from the single crystal x-ray diffraction analysis. The functional groups and optical behavior of the crystal was identified from FTIR and UV-vis analysis. Micro hardness and etching studies were also carried out on the sample respectively.


Purpose We proposed a Haar feature-based method for tracking endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) probe in diagnostic computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans for guiding hydrogel injection without external tracking hardware. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing our method with phantom and patient images. Materials and Methods Our methods included the pre-simulation section and Haar features extraction steps. Firstly, the simulated EUS set was generated based on anatomic information of interpolated CT/MRI images. Secondly, the efficient Haar features were extracted from simulated EUS images to create a Haar feature dictionary. The relative EUS probe position was estimated by searching the best matched Haar feature vector of the dictionary with Haar feature vector of target EUS images. The utilization of this method was validated using EUS phantom and patient CT/MRI images. Results In the phantom experiment, we showed that our Haar feature-based EUS probe tracking method can find the best matched simulated EUS image from a simulated EUS dictionary which includes 123 simulated images. The errors of all four target points between the real EUS image and the best matched EUS images were within 1 mm. In the patient CT/MRI scans, the best matched simulated EUS image was selected by our method accurately, thereby confirming the probe location. However, when applying our method in MRI images, our method is not always robust due to the low image resolution. Conclusions Our Haar feature-based method is capable to find the best matched simulated EUS image from the dictionary. We demonstrated the feasibility of our method for tracking EUS probe without external tracking hardware, thereby guiding the hydrogel injection between the head of the pancreas and duodenum.


Aim: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women. Most guidelines recommend patients with lymph-node positive (LN+) early stage breast cancer to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent or delay distant recurrence. This may lead to frequent, general usage of chemotherapy accompanied with high costs and side effects. The Oncotype DX, also called 21 Gene Assay, by Genomic Health is a genomic test which predicts the individual risk of breast cancer recurrence as well as the benefits of chemotherapy. Economic analyses have indicated the cost-effectiveness of the 21 Gene Assay for patients with LN- breast cancer. This paper discusses recent research on the cost-effectiveness of using this assay for patients with LN+ breast cancer. Methods: A systematic literature research was undertaken using the following databases: Pubmed, Embase, Business Source Complete and EconLit. Studies found were analysed for study design, parameters, and analysis of uncertainty. The transferability of the results to Germany was examined using a list of criteria. Results: 7 relevant economic analyses were identified. Incremental cost-utility ratios ranged from cost-savings of € 3 548 per patient to additional costs of € 9 113 per QALY gained. The transferability of the results to Germany is limited particularly by differences in the medical cost approach, in absolute and relative prices in health-care, and by practice variation. Conclusion: There is evidence that the cost-utility of the assay when used for LN+ breast cancer is basically comparable to that for the use with the LN- type. More precise results for Germany would require valid data on the risk of recurrence as well as on the description and evaluation of health-related quality of life of patients.


We design and experimentally verify a topology optimized low-loss and broadband two-mode (de-)multiplexer, which is (de-)multiplexing the fundamental and the first-order transverse-electric modes in a silicon photonic wire. The device has a footprint of 2.6 µm x 4.22 µm and exhibits a loss <1.2 dB in a 100 nm bandwidth measured around 1570 nm. The measured cross talk is <-12 dB and the extinction ratio is >14 dB in the C-band. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the design method can be expanded to include more modes, in this case including also the second order transverse-electric mode, while maintaining functionality.


Partridge, Darcy Erin. Potential for Management of Sclerotinia Blight of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) caused by Sclerotinia minor with the Biological Control Agent Coniothyrium minitans. (Under the direction of Drs. Turner B. Sutton and David L. Jordan.) Sclerotinia blight of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), caused by Sclerotinia minor (Jagger) Kohn, is an important disease in North Carolina and Virginia. Sclerotia are the main overwintering propagules of S. minor and serve as the primary source of inoculum for Sclerotinia blight. The effectiveness of the fungal mycoparasite Coniothyrium minitans, which is capable of colonizing sclerotia of Sclerotinia spp., was evaluated in a 5-year field study and in eight short-term field studies in northeastern North Carolina. Control of Sclerotinia blight was highest when C. minitans was applied for 3 consecutive years. However, application of C. minitans for 1 or 2 years also reduced disease in the long-term study. A single application of C. minitans was less effective when applied 4 to 6 months prior to planting and sclerotia numbers were only reduced in two of the eight short-term field studies. Sclerotia used as baits placed in the long-term field study as well as the sclerotia isolated from soil were infected by C. minitans, and the number of sclerotia was reduced where C. minitans was applied. Moderate resistance in the cultivar Perry and application of the fungicide fluazinam provided adequate control of Sclerotinia blight in all plots. The integration of C. minitans with current peanut management practices is needed for successful biological control of Sclerotinia blight. Laboratory experiments evaluated the effects of nine pesticides commonly used in peanut production on mycelial growth, conidia germination, and mycoparasitic activity of C. minitans on sclerotia of S. minor. The commercial formulations of the fungicides azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, fluazinam, pyraclostrobin, and tebuconazole, and the herbicide flumioxazin reduced mycelial growth and conidia germination of C. minitans. Eight of nine pesticides, azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, fluazinam, pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole, diclosulam, flumioxazin, and pendimethalin applied to soil plates reduced but did not inhibit the mycoparasitic activity of C. minitans on sclerotia of S. minor. Temperature and moisture effects on mycoparasitism were also evaluated to determine optimum conditions for infection of sclerotia of S. minor by C. minitans. Optimum temperatures for infection of sclerotia of S. minor by C. minitans ranged from 14 to 22o C and soil moisture –0.33 to –1 kPa x 10. These results indicate that C. minitans should remain active throughout most of the year in North Carolina, except during the hot summer months of June, July and August. Soil fauna such as collembola may aid in the reduction of sclerotia through direct predation and the movement of inocula of mycoparasites from infected to noninfected sclerotia. Collembola diversity and abundance were compared in four peanut fields. The most prevalent collembola families were Isotomidae, Smithurididae, Poduridae, and Hypogastruridae, with Isotomidae isolated most frequently from all sites. Abundance and diversity of collembola increased from August to October with sampling date and location having the greatest effect on the composition of the population. Determining the abundance and diversity of collembola in the field can help increase our understanding of the soil community structure. These studies show that C. minitans is able to persist and infect sclerotia of S. minor in peanut fields of North Carolina when applied in the fall or early winter across crop residue and incorporated into the top layers of the soil. C. minitans will not eradicate infestations by S. minor, but over time has the potential to reduce inoculum levels and ultimately decrease the incidence of the disease. POTENTIAL FOR MANAGEMENT OF SCLEROTINIA BLIGHT OF PEANUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA L.) CAUSED BY SCLEROTINIA MINOR WITH THE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT CONIOTHYRIUM MINITANS


The aim of this study was to demonstrate the intraocular synthesis of specific antibodies in case of Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis on the basis of immunoblot analysis. Vitreous or aqueous and serum were analyzed by immunoblot in four cases of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. The same assays were performed on samples from 16 control subjects. Immunoblot analysis of serum and ocular fluid from patients with toxoplasmic chorioretinitis showed IgG and IgA specific antibodies. Recognition patterns were different and demonstrated neo-antibodies in ocular fluid. In control samples only IgG were found and the same patterns were observed in the two compartments. Immunoblot is a useful technique to demonstrate the local synthesis of antibodies in ocular toxoplasmosis by comparison of recognition patterns between serum and ocular fluids. Integration of immunoblot patterns allows quantification of antibodies specific for each Toxoplasma antigen in the two compartments.


Catalonia is one of the richest regions in Spain and, thanks to its Statute of Autonomy, it enjoys a self-government comparable to that existing in federal States. It has been part of Spain for as long as Spain exists, but in the course of history there have been several episodes of disagreement and attempts at receiving independence. Since the beginning of this century, a sovereignty process has been launched by supporters of secession, ignorant of the Constitution and Spanish legality, that culminated, in October 2017, with a unilateral declaration of independence, which involved temporary intervention by the Spanish Government and the trial and condemnation of the main leaders, in addition to not being recognized by any country or international organization in the world. Catalan society is plural, formed in part by emigrants from other parts of Spain, and is very divided on this issue. Supporters of independence have never managed to obtain 50% of the votes in any of the numerous elections carried out, although there is a majority favorable to increasing the level of autonomy. The solution to this conflict can only come with the achievement of a political agreement that establishes a new relationship between Catalonia and the rest of Spain, which satisfies a majority, without the need to break up. But this solution will be difficult because of both the radicalism of some separatist leaders and the lack of agreement between the Spanish parties on how to approach the issue.


Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower worked more closely between 1945 and 1952 than any other two American presidents of the twentieth century. They were partners in changing America's role in the world and in responding to the challenge of a Soviet Europe, yet they are remembered more for the acrimony that ended their friendship. Both were men of character, intelligence, and principle, and as the nation learned in the 1950s, they could also hold a grudge. Drawing on letters, diaries, and interviews with close associates, this is the first examination of the warm friendship, bitter rupture, and eventual reconciliation between two remarkable Americans. From the author of "The Eisenhowers: Reluctant Dynasty" and "Dark Horse" comes a unique volume focusing exclusively on the relationship between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman. Harry and "Ike" grew up 150 miles apart in the heart of America. They met during World War II, when Truman became commander-in-chief after FDR's death. Together they would oversee not only the great Allied victory but also the restructuring of the U.S. military and the reconstruction of Europe. Together they would forge history's most successful alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Their initial relationship was so respectful and warm that Truman offered to step aside in the 1948 presidential election if Ike would agree to run on the Democratic ticket. Preferring to remain out of politics, Eisenhower declined and instead became president of Columbia Uni-versity. Truman helped make Ike a wealthy man by granting him a special tax break for his memoirs. Eisenhower later prepared to remove himself from contention for thepresidency in 1952 if Robert A. Taft supported Truman on NATO. But Ike's friendship with Truman would not survive the 1952 presidential campaign, and for nearly a decade the former allies were engaged in an epic feud. It was not until the funeral of John F. Kennedy that the two men put aside their differences and reestablished a semblance of their previous bond. In exploring the complexity of character, intelligence, and principle, Neal provides a fresh perspective on two giants of the twentieth century, and on the American presidency.


Electronic modules are important components of manufacturing and research equipment in the field of plastic deformation of sheet metal fabrication, as well as in other processes. Depending on the type and complexity of the production or research process, different electronic modules are also used. The indispensable electronic modules in production as well as experimental (research) systems are: encoders, signal processing, A/D and D/A converters, required software of all levels, all the way to large packages for numerical process simulation. This scientific paper presents an original computerized device for testing tribological influences in plastic deformation of slim (thin) sheet metal forming (fabrication), whose control base consists of electronic modules. Some results are also shown as dependencies, obtained by testing on this developed device.


An improved method for the determination of vitamin B12, using a more sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli , which enables determination of 4-20 µµg./ml. of the vitamin, has been described. Comparative determinations of vitamin B12 content of human sera and of animal tissue extracts gave similar values when assayed with both E. coli and O. malhamensis . Although O. malhamensis is more specific in its response to cyanocobalamin than E. coli , the latter organism seems just as reliable for determination of vitamin B12 in serum and in tissue of human and animal origin. The simplicity, rapidity, and sensitivity of the improved E. coli assay make it very suitable for clinical use.


Background Imputation has become a standard approach in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to infer in silico untyped markers. Although feasibility for common variants imputation is well established, we aimed to assess rare and ultra-rare variants' imputation in an admixed Caribbean Hispanic population (CH). Methods We evaluated imputation accuracy in CH (N=1,000), focusing on rare (0.1% ≤minor allele frequency (MAF) ≤ 1%) and ultra-rare (MAF < 0.1%) variants. We used two reference panels, the Haplotype Reference Consortium (HRC; N=27,165) and 1000 Genome Project (1000G phase 3; N=2,504) and multiple phasing (SHAPEIT, Eagle2) and imputation algorithms (IMPUTE2, MACH-Admix). To assess imputation quality, we reported: a) high-quality variant counts according to imputation tools' internal indexes (e.g. IMPUTE2 "info"≥80%). b) Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test comparing imputation quality for genotyped variants that were masked and imputed; c) Cohen's kappa coefficient to test agreement between imputed and whole-exome sequencing (WES) variants; d) imputation of G206A mutation in the PSEN1 (ultra-rare in the general population an more frequent in CH) followed by confirmation genotyping. We also tested ancestry proportion (European, African and Native American) against WES-imputation mismatches in a Poisson regression fashion. Results SHAPEIT2 retrieved higher percentage of imputed high-quality variants than Eagle2 (rare: 51.02% vs. 48.60%; ultra-rare 0.66% vs 0.65%, Wilcoxon p-value < 0.001). SHAPEIT-IMPUTE2 employing HRC outperformed 1000G (64.50% vs. 59.17%; 1.69% vs 0.75% for high-quality rare and ultra-rare variants, respectively; Wilcoxon p-value < 0.001). SHAPEIT-IMPUTE2 outperformed MaCH-Admix. Compared to 1000G, HRC-imputation retrieved a higher number of high-quality rare and ultra-rare variants, despite showing lower agreement between imputed and WES variants (e.g. rare: 98.86% for HRC vs. 99.02% for 1000G). High Kappa (K = 0.99) was observed for both reference panels. Twelve G206A mutation carriers were imputed and all validated by confirmation genotyping. African ancestry was associated with higher imputation errors for uncommon and rare variants (p-value < 1e-05). Conclusion Reference panels with larger numbers of haplotypes can improve imputation quality for rare and ultra-rare variants in admixed populations such as CH. Ethnic composition is an important predictor of imputation accuracy, with higher African ancestry associated with poorer imputation accuracy.


PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on developments and applications of mixed reality cubicles and their impacts on learning in higher education. This paper investigates and presents the cost effective application of augmented reality (AR) as a mixed reality technology via or to mobile devices such as head-mounted devices, smart phones and tablets. Discuss the development of mixed reality applications for mobile (smartphones and tablets) devices leading up to the implementation of a mixed reality cubicle for immersive three dimensional (3D) visualizations.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted was to limit the considerations to the application of AR via mobile platforms including head-mounted devices with focus on smartphones and tablets, which contain basic feedback–to-user channels such as speakers and display screens. An AR visualization cubicle was jointly developed and applied by three collaborating institutions. The markers, acting as placeholders acts as identifiable reference points for objects being inserted in the mixed reality world. Hundreds of participants comprising academics and students from seven different countries took part in the studies and gave feedback on impact on their learning experience.FindingsResults from current study show less than 30 percent had used mixed reality environments. This is lower than expected. About 70 percent of participants were first time users of mixed reality technologies. This indicates a relatively low use of mixed reality technologies in education. This is consistent with research findings reported that educational use and research on AR is still not common despite their categorization as emerging technologies with great promise for educational use.Research limitations/implicationsCurrent research has focused mainly on cubicles which provides immersive experience if used with head-mounted devices (goggles and smartphones), that are limited by their display/screen sizes. There are some issues with limited battery lifetime for energy to function, hence the need to use rechargeable batteries. Also, the standard dimension of cubicles does not allow for group visualizations. The current cubicle has limitations associated with complex gestures and movements involving two hands, as one hand are currently needed for holding the mobile phone.Practical implicationsThe use of mixed reality cubicles would allow and enhance information visualization for big data in real time and without restrictions. There is potential to have this extended for use in exploring and studying otherwise inaccessible locations such as sea beds and underground caves. Social implications – Following on from this study further work could be done to developing and application of mixed reality cubicles that would impact businesses, health and entertainment.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in the unique approach used in the study of developments and applications of mixed reality cubicles and their impacts on learning. The diverse composition in nature and location of participants drawn from many countries comprising of both tutors and students adds value to the present study. The value of this research include amongst others, the useful results obtained and scope for developments in the future.


In the wake of the Great Recession there has been a sharp rise in the number of people who indicate they want a job, but are not actively seeking one. This group, on the periphery of the labor market, may be viewed as a "shadow labor supply." Since they are not actively seeking work, they are not counted by the government as unemployed and not considered part of the labor force. But if many start seeking jobs as the economy recovers, the unemployment rate could rise or at least slow its descent. Davig and Mustre-del-Rio analyze possible flow rates from this group and other non-employed groups into employment or into official unemployment. They find the shadow labor supply will likely affect the unemployment rate only modestly, but potential variation in labor market participation among the entire non-employed population may have greater impact.


Objective: The objective of the study was to identify possible toxic signal induced by cyclophosphamide treatment by searching database from Canadian Adverse Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP). Methods: A total of 10429 reports of patients between January 1970 to March 2010 were downloaded from CADRMP website. These reports contained information of adverse events associated with all other drugs inclusive of cyclophosphamide . Adverse drug reaction (ADR) signal detection were determined by proportional reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), PRR calculated by chisquare statistics, 95% confidence interval of PRR, observed to expected (O/E) ratio and De Mouchel method calculated PRR. Information component (IC) was given by Bayesian confidence propagation neural network. (As per regulatory criteria, PRR ≥ 2, ROR ≥ 1, chi-square statistics calculated PRR ≥ 4 and lower bound of 95% CI of PRR ≥ 1 to consider particular adverse drug reaction as a signal. Further by BCPNN method, if IC−2SD≤0 then that drug-ADR pair considered as no signal; if 0<IC−2SD ≤ 1.5, then that drug-ADR pair considered as weak signal; if 1.5<IC−2SD ≤ 3.0, then that drug-ADR pair considered as middle signal; if IC−2SD > 3.0, then that drug-ADR pair considered as strong signal). Results: A total of 108 reports of cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia were reported in CADRMP database. The PRR was found to be 4.7396 and by the Du Mouchel method it was 3.9310. Further, the PRR calculated by chi-square statistics was 236.02518. The lower and upper limits of 95% CI of PRR was found to be 1.3484 and 1.7634, respectively. The O/E ratio was found to be 3.9322 and ROR was found to be 4.9704. The value of PRR ≥ 2, ROR ≥ 1, chi-square statistics calculated PRR ≥ 4 and lower limit of 95% CI of PRR ≥ 1 indicates signal for neutropenia caused by cyclophosphamide. The value of IC-2SD was 1.6852 indicates middle signal for cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia. The signal of neutropenia coupled with cyclophosphamide was found potent enough to cause neutropenia in Canadian population.


Land use planners have the challenge of incorporating biologically sound guidelines into development plans to balance human development with conservation of natural resources. Valued as an important component of the natural heritage of the northeastern United States, anadromous river herring (Alosa pseudoharengus, A. aestivalis) represent a model system to look at how ecological data can help conserve biological diversity in systems impacted by humans. Juvenile river herring spend 3–7 months in freshwater then migrate to the ocean. However, factors that trigger migration, and consequently influence distribution and abundance, are not well understood. Thus, our objectives in this study were to (1) describe juvenile river herring migration patterns, both "peak" (>1000 fish/wk) and "all" (>30 fish/wk) migration; (2) identify potential cues for this migration; (3) examine effects of one type of ecosystem alteration, low water levels, on river herring; and (4) suggest how this information can be incorporated into an effective conservation plan. Weekly during June–November 1994, we sampled both migrating and nonmigrating river herring and seven associated abiotic and biotic variables in one continuous and one intermittent flow system on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. We then used multiple logistic regression to predict when juvenile river herring migrate. In the continuous-flow system, juvenile river herring migration primarily occurred during the midday hours from July through early November, with the peaks of migration, comprising >96% of all migrating fish observed in early July and early September. The peaks of migration occurred during the new moon, when Bosmina spp. density was low, and all periods of migration occurred when water visibility was low, during decreased amounts of rainfall. In the intermittent-flow system, juvenile river herring migration was frequently inhibited due to low water levels, and herring were on average 25 mm smaller than those in the continuous flow system. Using these results, managers can more effectively monitor river herring populations by identifying factors associated with migration and isolating critical flow periods when fish movement is likely to occur. Thus, we can detect changes in herring population size due to human impacts. Ultimately, these data can be incorporated into an ecologically sound conservation plan for juvenile anadromous herring that may help ensure their survival while balancing human needs for natural resources.


The explosive growth of cyber attacks nowadays, such as malware, spam, and intrusions, caused severe consequences on society. Securing cyberspace has become an utmost concern for organizations and governments. Traditional Machine Learning (ML) based methods are extensively used in detecting cyber threats, but they hardly model the correlations between real-world cyber entities. In recent years, with the proliferation of graph mining techniques, many researchers investigated these techniques for capturing correlations between cyber entities and achieving high performance. It is imperative to summarize existing graph-based cybersecurity solutions to provide a guide for future studies. Therefore, as a key contribution of this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of graph mining for cybersecurity, including an overview of cybersecurity tasks, the typical graph mining techniques, and the general process of applying them to cybersecurity, as well as various solutions for different cybersecurity tasks. For each task, we probe into relevant methods and highlight the graph types, graph approaches, and task levels in their modeling. Furthermore, we collect open datasets and toolkits for graph-based cybersecurity. Finally, we outlook the potential directions of this field for future research.


Breast and colon tumor response to emoxyl, a nitroxyl derivative of daunomycin, was detected using human tumor heterotransplantation under the renal capsule of immunocompetent mice. The substitution of adriamycin by emoxyl in the combined therapy led to enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The evidence of enhanced response of breast tumors to emoxyl obtained during the histologic examination of xenografts is in good agreement with measurements of tumor fragment weight. It is suggested to use a quantitative kinetic index kappa calculated by the method of equivalent exponents for objective evaluation of tumor response to the drugs.


ABSTRACT In vitro studies have described the synthesis of an alternative reading frame form of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein that was named F protein or ARFP (alternative reading frame protein) and includes a domain coded by the +1 open reading frame of the RNA core coding region. The expression of this protein in HCV-infected patients remains controversial. We have analyzed peripheral blood from 47 chronically or previously HCV-infected patients for the presence of T lymphocytes and antibodies specific to the ARFP. Anti-ARFP antibodies were detected in 41.6% of the patients infected with various HCV genotypes. Using a specific ARFP 99-amino-acid polypeptide as well as four ARFP predicted class I-restricted 9-mer peptides, we show that 20% of the patients display specific lymphocytes capable of producing gamma interferon, interleukin-10, or both cytokines. Patients harboring three different viral genotypes (1a, 1b, and 3) carried T lymphocytes reactive to genotype 1b-derived peptides. In longitudinal analysis of patients receiving therapy, both core and ARFP-specific T-cell- and B-cell-mediated responses were documented. The magnitude and kinetics of the HCV antigen-specific responses differed and were not linked with viremia or therapy outcome. These observations provide strong and new arguments in favor of the synthesis, during natural HCV infection, of an ARFP derived from the core sequence. Moreover, the present data provide the first demonstration of the presence of T-cell-mediated immune responses directed to this novel HCV antigen.


Background: Toothpaste is essential in the process of oral care. One of the components of toothpaste, Eugenia caryophyllus, might have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of E. caryophyllus in the toothpaste against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, and total microbial load in the saliva of healthy subjects after toothbrushing using E. caryophyllus toothpaste. Methods: Saliva (n = 10, aged 18–25 years) were collected before and 2 weeks after toothbrushing using toothpaste-containing E. caryophyllus (Antiplaque, Triple-Ace, Indonesia). The total microbial load of saliva was determined by the measurement of colony-forming unit (CFU) number on brain–heart infusion agar, at 37°C, for 24 h, in anaerobic-condition. Real-time polymerase chain reaction technique was used to quantify the S. mutans and Lactobacillus deoxyribonucleic acid using SYBR green and 16S-rRNA gene-specific primers for S. mutans and Lactobacillus. Primers were 5'-ATTCCCGCCGTTGGACCATTCC-3' (fwd); 5'-CCGACAAAGACCATTCCATCTC-3' (rvs) and 5'-CTTGTACACACCGCCC GT CA-3' (fwd); 5'-CTCAAAACTAAACAAAGTTTC-3' (rvs) for S. mutans and Lactobacillus, respectively. Data were analyzed using t-pair test with P < 0.05 set as the level of significance. Results: The result showed that there was a significant reduction of total microbial load, S. mutans, and Lactobacillus number in the saliva after toothbrushing. The total microbial number in the saliva was significantly decreased before (5.84 ± 0.43 log CFU/mL) and 2 weeks after toothbrushing (5.27 ± 0.61 log CFU/mL) (P < 0.05). The number of S. mutans and Lactobacillus was also significantly decreased before (8.27 ± 0.11 and 2.34 ± 0.71 log CFU/mL) and after toothbrushing (8.18 ± 0.11 and 1.91 ± 0.25 log CFU/mL) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: E. caryophyllus toothpaste may reduce the number of total microbial, S. mutans, and Lactobacillus in the saliva of healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to explore this result.


The present study concerns with the fl outing maxim occurred in EFL classroom interaction. It was aimed at investigating how the conversational implicatures especially fl outing maxim are be- ing formed in teacher and students dialog during EFL teaching and learning process. The present study used qualitative approach. The data taken from teacher and students interaction in EFL classroom are being transcribed and analyzed by categorizing utterances based on the fl outing of maxim theory proposed by H.P. Grice. Based on the data analysis, it has been discovered that during the conversa- tion, all speakers happen to be successful in observing maxims. The proportion of non-observance maxim is only 2%. Sorts of maxim that is fl outed by speaker are maxim of quantity, quality and man- ner. The fl out of maxim is done by students because of their lack of linguistic and actional competence.


Abstract

The trend of counter-terrorism is shifting in line with the shifting action of terrorism. Each country has a different strategy in tackling terrorism. This is due to the difference of the night, the center of the rest and national interests. Research aims at reviewing the counterterrorism trends in ASEAN, and identifying their strengths, weaknesses and obstacles. The study uses philosophical approaches and qualitative data analysis. The results of this study showed that there was a shift in the trend of counter terrorism in ASEAN along with the map of terrorism movement. The paradigm of terrorism is changing from the beginning through the mechanism of the penal sich towards the non-penal. ASEAN's cooperation in tackling terrorism is based on the international and Regional conventions. ASEAN countries started shifting terrorism countermeasures policy towards soft Power with counter terrorism programs with deradicalisation and disengagement. Deradicalisation is expected to overcome the limitations of criminal law and not clash with human rights. Disengagement by emphasing on improving the social relations of former perpetrators of criminal acts of terrorism to prevent re-entry to the network. The advantages of policies of ASEAN countries in addressing terrorism with counter terorism as a way to transfer and accelerate the exchange of information operandi. Its weakness tends to be just a mere rhetorical device, focusing more on unbinding, nonspecific actions, and without building a progress monitoring mechanism. The resistance of ASEAN countries has not been offset by its availability of support facilities and infrastructure. Not all countries do prioritize their policies on counterterrorism efforts as a national interest. Deradicalisation should be defined completely. Research needs to be done for effective deradicalisation program.


The anaerobic degradation pathway of hexachlorobenzene starts with a series of reductive dehalogeneration steps. In the present paper it was evaluated whether the dehalogenation pathway observed in microbial ecosystems could be predicted by the redox potential and/or the reduction potential (the latter determined in dimethylsulfoxide) of the various potential intermediates. It was found that these two parameters suggest different pathways. The redox potential correctly predicts the dominant pathway observed in microbial systems, while the reduction potential does not. The redox potential of the various redox couples showed no correlation with the kinetic constants for the various dechlorination steps as determined with a quantitative structure-activity relationship developed for the environmental reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated aromatic compounds, even though both approaches predicted the same pathway.


One of the happiest aspects of being part of the MSA community is that there are opportunities to recognize and enjoy the career development of friends and colleagues. It is appropriate that we occasionally congratulate our fellow mineralogists, petrologists, and geochemists for their singular contributions to our science. The Dana Medal is "intended to recognize continued outstanding contributions through original research in the mineralogical sciences by an individual in the midst of their career", and it is particularly appropriate that the award for 2011 should go to Ross Angel.

Ross is well known as a prolific and energetic scientist working in the field of high-pressure crystallography, crossing the boundaries between mineralogy, solid-state physics, and solid-state chemistry. He has published ~200 papers so far and a few highlights are picked out in this citation. Ross completed his Ph.D. in Cambridge on pyroxene/pyroxenoid relationships in 1986, under the supervision of Andrew Putnis. He became interested in mullite at about …


Most peripheral arterial aneurysms are pseudoaneurysms and are iatrogenic or related to trauma. They can be treated by several techniques that can be performed by the radiologist, negating the need for surgery. Ultrasound guided compression repair is usually the treatment of choice, but is not always successful. The number of available treatment options reflects the varying site and nature of pseudoaneurysms and perhaps the lack of a consistently reliable method. We have successfully treated 13 patients with peripheral aneurysms (11 femoral, 1 popliteal and 1 posterior tibial aneurysm) using a commercial fibrin tissue adhesive. The method involves percutaneous injection of the adhesive components using ultrasound and screening control, following successful occlusion of the aneurysm neck by angioplasty balloon.


Questions of identity, diversity and senses of belonging have been central to debates about multiculturalism, citizenship and social cohesion. However, there are few studies which specifically examine women's spaces of sociality and how these have contributed to new formations of identities. Developed from feminist and post-colonial theorisations, and drawing on empirical interview data from a research project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, this paper explores identities for (primarily) 'White' and 'South Asian' women through the intersections of gender, 'race' and ethnicity with culture, religion and sexuality. It asks what aspects of identities, affiliations, ambivalences or antagonisms are manifested in particular contexts of socialising, and explores how the processes of social identification are played out in informal contexts of socialising. Through a rich source of interviews carried out in London, it demonstrates how postcolonial spaces of sociality in a major international city can be places of intimacy and bonding for women as well as places where 'difference' is constructed, enforced, resisted and performed.


This study was performed to compare the performance of Sanita-Kun dry medium culture plate with those of traditional culture medium and Petrifilm dry medium culture plate for the enumeration of the mesophilic aerobic bacteria in milk, ice cream, ham, and codfish fillet. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria were comparatively evaluated in milk, ice cream, ham, and codfish fillet using Sanita-Kun aerobic count (SAC), Petrifilm aerobic count (PAC), and traditional plate count agar (PCA) media. According to the results, all methods showed high correlations of 0.989~1.000 and no significant differences were observed for enumerating the mesophilic aerobic bacteria in the tested food products. SAC method was easier to perform and count colonies efficiently as compared to the PCA and PAC methods. Therefore, we concluded that the SAC method offers an acceptable alternative to the PCA and PAC methods for counting the mesophilic aerobic bacteria in milk, ice cream, ham, and codfish fillet products.


Phase-geometry-dependent third-order optimised bounds, optical potential bounds and self-consistent effective thermal conductivity of multiphase composites have been computed in the framework of multiple scattering theory. The optical potential bound is the strictest of them and depends considerably on phase geometry. Self-consistent results always lie between the bounds. The results obtained indicate a distinct improvement over other existing calculations. Finally an application of the method to the calculation of thermal conductivity of a technologically important composite has been considered.


Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are a heterogeneous group of anaerobic microorganisms that play an important role in producing hydrogen sulfide not only in the natural environment, but also in the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity of animals and humans. The present review was written with the inclusion of 110 references including the time period from 1951 to 2021. The following databases were evaluated: Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar. The articles chosen to be included in the review were written mainly in the English and Czech languages. The molecular mechanisms of microbial cryoprotection differ depending on the environment where microorganisms were initially isolated. It was observed that the viability of microorganisms after cryopreservation is dependent on a number of factors, primarily colony age, amount of inoculum, cell size or rate of cooling, and their molecular inventory. Therefore, this paper is devoted to assessing the performance and suitability of various cryopreservation methods of intestinal bacteria, including molecular mechanisms of their protection. In order to successfully complete the cryopreservation process, selecting the correct laboratory equipment and cryopreservation methodology is important. Our analysis revealed that SRB should be stored in glass vials to help mitigate the corrosive nature of hydrogen sulfide, which can affect their physiology on a molecular level. Furthermore, it is recommended that their storage be performed in distilled water or in a suspension with a low salt concentration. From a molecular biological and bioengineering perspective, this contribution emphasizes the need to consider the potential impact associated with SRB in the medical, construction, and environmental sectors.


A map K on a surface is called vertex-transitive if the automorphism group of K acts transitively on the set of vertices of K. If the face-cycles at all the vertices in a map are of same type then the map is called semi-equivelar. In general, semi-equivelar maps on a surface form a bigger class than vertex-transitive maps. There are semi-equivelar toroidal maps which are not vertex-transitive. A map M → K is a covering map if there is a covering map from the vertex set of M to the vertex set of K. A covering map f is a surjection and a local isomorphism : the neighbourhood of a vertex v in M is mapped bijectively onto the neighbourhood of f(v) in K. We know the bounds of number of vertex orbits of semi-equivelar toroidal maps. These bounds are sharp. Datta [2] has proved that every semi-equivelar toroidal map has vertex-transitive cover, i.e., every semi-equivelar toroidal map has a 1-orbital semiequivelar covering map. In this article, we prove that if a semi-equivelar map is k orbital then it has a finite index m-orbital covering map for m ≤ k. MSC 2010 : 52C20, 52B70, 51M20, 57M60.


It is generally well-accepted in innovation research that consumer/user adoption of an invention is key to its diffusion. Despite general awareness about the importance of the adopter perspective in innovation diffusion, the majority of the literature on social innovation, hardly addresses the adoption-side of innovation diffusion. Social innovation potential therefore often remains under-utilized. In this paper the result of a review of 468 (predominantly English language) publications on social innovation is provided (based on Web of Science), searching for the adopter perspective in social innovation research. The findings show that, although some hints at the role of adopters, and their environment, can be found in the literature, attention for the willingness and capacities of potential adopters is meager in peer-reviewed publications. Propelled by high policy expectations, at the national as well as European level, scientific interest in social innovation has been booming over the last decade. Without a proper understanding of social innovation diffusion dynamics and adopter willingness and their interactions with existing institutions, expectations may not be fulfilled and specific social innovation policies that have been emerging across Europe may not be able to achieve intended policy goals.


This paper presents a design-oriented charge-based model for dc operation of AlGaAs/GaAs and AlGaN/GaN-based high-mobility field-effect transistors. The intrinsic model is physics-based and does not introduce any empirical parameter. The central concept is based on the linear approximation of the channel charge density with respect to the surface potential, leading to explicit and continuous expressions for charges and current in all the regions of operation, including subthreshold. In addition, an effective circuit design methodology based on the pinchoff surface potential, the pinchoff voltage and the key concept of inversion coefficient (IC) is proposed, likewise for silicon MOSFET circuits.


The Kihansi spray toad Nectophrynoides asperginis is a diminutive, ovoviviparous Bufonidae endemic to the Kihansi River Gorge in Tanzania. This region is part of the Udzungwa escarpment of the Eastern Arc Mountains. The species occurs within a c. 2 ha area, one of the smallest geographic ranges of any terrestrial vertebrate. The taxon is listed on Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and as Critically Endangered by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources). The Kihansi spray toad is particularly vulnerable to habitat alteration, disease and introduction of competitors or predators, any of which may cause extinction. The biology of this toad and its restricted range also make it especially susceptible to disturbance by humans. This paper discusses the efforts of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the National Amphibian Conservation Center (NACC) to breed these toads in captivity as an integral part of the Kihansi Gorge conservation plan.


Abstract Purpose: Despite the perceived importance of sleep for athletes, little is known regarding athlete sleep quality, their prevalence of daytime sleepiness or risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) such as snoring and witnessed apnoeic episodes. The purpose of the present study was to characterise normative sleep quality among highly trained team sport athletes. Methodology:175 elite or highly trained rugby sevens, rugby union and cricket athletes completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) and Quality of Life questionnaires and an OSA risk factor screen. Results: On average, athletes reported 7.9 ± 1.3 h of sleep per night. The average PSQI score was 5.9 ± 2.6, and 50% of athletes were found to be poor sleepers (PSQI > 5). Daytime sleepiness was prevalent throughout the population (average global score of 8.5) and clinically significant (ESS score of ≥10) in 28% of athletes. OSA may be an important clinical consideration within athletic populations, as a considerable number of athletes (38%) defined themselves as snorers and 8% reported having a witnessed apnoeic episode. The relationship between self-rated sleep quality and actual PSQI score was strong (Pearson correlation of 0.4 ± 0.1, 90% confidence limits). Conclusion: These findings suggest that this cohort of team sport athletes suffer a preponderance of poor sleep quality, with associated high levels of daytime sleepiness. Athletes should receive education about how to improve sleep wake schedules, extend total sleep time and improve sleep quality.


There is a rapid increase of network analysis in several scientific disciplines beginning some decades ago. In the literature there are few studies on networks with weighted ties since they not only need more complex formulas but need a process of quantification when quantitative empirical data are not directly available. However quantitative empirical data are directly available under the condition of using bibliometric or Webometric data. In conclusion a new complex measure of the degree centrality is introduced including weighted ties possible for use of the analysis of co-authorship or citation networks. Both co-authorship relations and citations are well quantified data (weighted ties). This new measure is applied to a bibliographic co-authorship network and its reflection on the Web as an example. The new measures of degree centrality show the whole network on the Web has a more centralized structure than the bibliographic network.


The principal goal of this study is to provide economic analysis of value added in the context of problems of competitive position in enterprises. A relationship presented in the literature that occurs between competitive position in the enterprise and its ability to generate value added. The selected tools for measurement of competitive position in the enterprise were presented, among which the authors included enterprise concentration rate and economic value added. EVA concept was also characterized. The empirical investigations focused on the companies listed in the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Based on the empirical analysis, the study found a significant difference between the place in the ranking of the value added and the degree of enterprise's participation in the market.


Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of music therapy in Alzheimer's patients, focusing either on improvement of healthy cognitive and social skills, or reduction of agitation symptoms. The present study examined the effect of background music on both positive and negative behaviors, during a time in which patients were not occupied with any structured activity. Twenty eight participants were observed both with and without stimulative, familiar background music. Results showed both a significant increase in positive social behaviors and a significant decrease in negative behaviors related to agitation when music is played. Results demonstrate the contribution of music to enhancing general positive functioning in elderly patients with dementia, and reducing negative behaviors typical of their condition.


This paper considers spatial autoregressive panel data models and extends their analysis to the case where the spatial coefficients differ across the spatial units. It derives conditions under which the spatial coefficients are identified and develops a quasi maximum likelihood (QML) estimation procedure. Under certain regularity conditions, it is shown that the QML estimators of individual spatial coefficients are consistent and asymptotically normally distributed when both the time and cross section dimensions of the panel are large. It derives the asymptotic covariance matrix of the QML estimators allowing for the possibility of non-Gaussian error processes. Small sample properties of the proposed estimators are investigated by Monte Carlo simulations for Gaussian and non-Gaussian errors, and with spatial weight matrices of differing degree of sparseness. The simulation results are in line with the paper's key theoretical findings and show that the QML estimators have satisfactory small sample properties for panels with moderate time dimensions and irrespective of the number of cross section units in the panel, under certain sparsity conditions on the spatial weight matrix.


State of the art turbomachinery flow analysis codes are not capable of predicting the viscous flow features within turbomachinery blade wakes. Until efficient 3D viscous flow analysis codes become a reality there is therefore a need for models which can describe the generation and transport of blade wakes and the mixing process within the wake. To address the need for experimental data to support the development of such models, high response pressure measurements and laser anemometer velocity measurements have been obtained in the wake of a transonic axial flow fan rotor.


Tele-wide camera system with different Field of View (FoV) lenses becomes very popular in recent mobile devices. Usually it is difficult to obtain full-FoV depth based on traditional stereo-matching methods. Pure Deep Neural Network (DNN) based depth estimation methods can obtain full-FoV depth, but have low robustness for scenarios which are not covered by training dataset. In this paper, to address the above problems we propose a hierarchical hourglass network for robust full-FoV depth estimation in tele-wide camera system, which combines the robustness of traditional stereo-matching methods with the accuracy of DNN. More specifically, the proposed network comprises three major modules: single image depth prediction module infers initial depth from input color image, depth propagation module propagates traditional stereo-matching tele-FoV depth to surrounding regions, and depth combination module fuses the initial depth with the propagated depth to generate final output. Each of these modules employs an hourglass model, which is a kind of encoder-decoder structure with skip connections. Experimental results compared with state-of-the-art depth estimation methods demonstrate that our method not only produces robust and better subjective depth quality on wild test images, but also obtains better quantitative results on standard datasets.


Summary.
 Croplands are habitats with high availability of food resources for seed-eating birds. The use of particular fields by birds may vary considerably depending on crop type. Some crop stubbles hold high amounts of spilled grain after harvest, which may support seed-eating bird populations throughout the year. We examined the role of crop stubble type and biomass of spilled grain on species richness and abundance of seed-eating birds in the Pampas of central Argentina. During 2011–13 we sampled 166 stubble fields: 77 fields during the austral spring-summer of 2011–12 and 2012–13 (44 wheat and 33 barley stubbles); and 89 fields during the austral autumn of 2012 and 2013 (49 soybean, 27 corn and 13 sunflower stubbles fields). We recorded birds on a 700 × 100 m transect and estimated spilled grain on 1 m2 of stubble cover in each field. Comparisons among species accumulation curves showed that wheat and barley stubbles had similar bird species richness in spring-summer, whereas in autumn, sunflower stubbles supported higher bird richness than soybean stubbles. Generalized linear mixed models revealed that the abundance of some seed-eating birds had significant associations with crop stubble types. Some species were positively associated with spilled grain biomass on particular stubble types. In general, these associations varied seasonally, being more evident in autumn than in spring-summer. Knowledge of bird species populations and their specific association with given food resources during periods when crops remain only as stubble could be a key tool to help plan management strategies designed to reduce bird impacts on agricultural crops prior to harvest, when they are most susceptible to significant levels of damage.


This research focuses on a novel, fully decentralized control mechanism for distributed robotic macrosensors (DRMs). DRMs are comprised of large numbers of sensorequipped, inexpensive mobile robots, in which the desired large-scale properties of the system emerge from simple pair-wise interactions of its component robots. Robots in the macrosensor interact with their immediate neighbors using a dynamic virtual spring mesh abstraction, which is governed by a simple physics model. By carefully defining the nature of the spring mesh and the associated physics model, it is possible to create a number of desirable global behaviors without any global control or configuration. Properties of the resulting macrosensor include arbitrary scalability, the ability to function in complex environments, sophisticated target tracking ability, and inherent fault tolerance. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the spring mesh approach. To prove the stability of the spring mesh system, a new analytical technique is developed; this technique has broad applications to distributed control systems beyond spring mesh applications. Finally, the simulated and theoretical results are validated with limited hardware tests using a small fleet of mobile robots.


Summary In an attempt to elucidate whether assessment of the brainstem function helps to predict the outcome of early idiopathic scoliosis, a series of neurophysiological studies in children with idiopathic scoliosis was made cooperatively in Japan and the United States. The eye movement in 86 cases with idiopathic scoliosis in the rapidly growing ages was tested and compared with 66 normal control children. About one-half of the patients with idiopathic scoliosis demonstrated dysfunction in the brainstem test. The natural histories of the curves were available in 48 of the 86 cases in a follow-up study ranging from 6 months to 2 1/2 years. Statistically, there was a positive correlation between the brainstem dysfunction and the curve progression. It was concluded that the functional assessment of the brain center of the postural regulation system can be used in predicting the outcome of idiopathic early curves detected in the school screening program.


The current development of new trends in the delivery of health care to Aborigines prompts a review of some critical aspects of the interactions between services and clients. Private general medical practitioners are inevitably involved in these services in many areas of Australia.


Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) (azacitidine (aza), decitabine (dec)) and lenalidomide (len) are approved agents and used to treat patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite their widespread use, HMAs fail in the majority of these patients, and len fails in 75% of non-del(5q) MDS. Currently, no method exists to predict disease response, thus the management of MDS and AML patients is challenging. Methods: Patients with AML or MDS were recruited to a clinical trial (NCT02435550) designed to assess predictive values by comparing computer predictions of drug response to actual clinical response. Genomic profiling was conducted by cytogenetics, whole exome sequencing, and array CGH. Genomic results were inputted into a computational software (Cellworks), which generates disease-specific protein network maps using PubMed and other resources. Digital drug simulations were conducted by quantitatively measuring drug effect on a cell growth score (proliferation + viability + apoptosis). Each patient-specific protein network was screened for the extent by which aza, dec or len reduced disease growth in a dose-respondent manner. Treatment was physician's choice of SOC. Clinical outcomes were prospectively recorded. IWG criteria were used to define response. Western blot assays were performed to validate the predicted protein network perturbations. Fisher's exact test was used to compare prediction values of the genomics-informed computer method versus empiric drug administration. Results: 88 patients have had all molecular tests and computational modeling performed. Lab validation of computer-predicted, activated protein networks in 19 samples from 13 different patients showed correct prediction of 5 activated networks (Akt2, Akt3, PIK3CA, p38, Erk1/2) in 17 samples, with 89% accuracy. At the time of this report, 26/88 patients were eligible for efficacy evaluation. 8/26 patients showed clinical response to SOC therapy, 18/26 did not. 24/26 outcome predictions were correctly matched to their clinical outcomes, and 2/20 were incorrectly matched, resulting in 92% prediction accuracy, 80% PPV, 100% NPV, 100% sensitivity, and 89% specificity. The accuracy of the genomics-informed computer method was significantly greater than empiric drug administration (p=1.664e-05). New genomic signature rules were discovered to correlate with clinical response after aza, dec or len. Summary: A computational method that models multiple genomic abnormalities simultaneously showed high predictive value of protein network aberrations and clinical outcomes after SOC treatments. The network method uncovered molecular reasons for drug failure and highlighted resistance pathways that could be targeted to recover chemosensitivity. This technology could also be used to establish eligibility criteria for precision enrollment in drug development trials Citation Format: Leylah Drusbosky, Kimberly E. Hawkins, Shireen Vali, Taher Abbasi, Ansu Kumar, Neeraj Kumar Singh, Kabya Basu, Chandan Kumar, Amjad Husain, Caitlin Tucker, Randy A. Brown, Maxim Norkin, John Hiemenz, Jack Hsu, John Wingard, Christopher R. Cogle. iCare 1: A prospective clinical trial to predict treatment response based on mutanome-informed computational biology in patients with AML and MDS [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 CT085. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-CT085


Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the hazardous xenobiotic agents of oil production. One of the methods to eliminate hazardous compounds is bioremediation, which is the most efficient and cost-effective method to eliminate the harmful byproducts of crude petroleum processing. In this study, five pure bacterial isolates were isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil, four of which showed a robust growth on pyrene as a sole carbon source. Various methods viz mass spectroscopy, biochemical assays, and 16s RNA sequencing employed to identify the isolates ascertained the consistent identification of Klebsiella oxytoca by all three methods. Scanning electron microscopy and Gram staining further demonstrated the characterization of the K. oxytoca. High-performance liquid chromatography of the culture supernatant of K. oxytoca grown in pyrene containing media showed that the cells started utilizing pyrene from the 6th day onwards and by the 14th day of growth 3/4th of the pyrene was completely degraded. Genome search for the genes predicted to be involved in pyrene degradation using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) confirmed their presence in the genome of K. oxytoca. These results suggest that K. oxtoca would be a suitable candidate for removing soil aromatic hydrocarbons.


Abstract Introduction Although COVID-19 has been associated with psychiatric symptoms in patients, no study to date has examined the risk of hospitalization for psychiatric disorders after hospitalization for this disease. Objective We aimed to compare the proportions of hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders in the 12 months following either hospitalization for COVID-19 or hospitalization for another reason in the adult general population in France during the first wave of the current pandemic. Methods We conducted a retrospective longitudinal nationwide study based on the national French administrative healthcare database. Results Among the 2,894,088 adults hospitalized, 96,313 (3.32%) were admitted for COVID-19. The proportion of patients subsequently hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder was higher for COVID-19 patients (11.09 vs. 9.24%, OR = 1.20 95%CI 1.18–1.23). Multivariable analyses provided similar results for a psychiatric disorder of any type and for psychotic and anxiety disorders (respectively, aOR = 1.06 95%CI 1.04–1.09, aOR = 1.09 95%CI 1.02–1.17, and aOR = 1.11 95%CI 1.08–1.14). Initial hospitalization for COVID-19 in intensive care units and psychiatric history were associated with a greater risk of subsequent hospitalization for any psychiatric disorder than initial hospitalization for another reason. Discussion Compared with hospitalizations for other reasons, hospitalizations for COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in France were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for a psychiatric disorder during the 12 months following initial discharge. This finding should encourage clinicians to increase the monitoring and assessment of psychiatric symptoms after hospital discharge for COVID-19, and to propose post-hospital care, especially for those treated in intensive care.


Firms have been increasingly relying on online user communities (OUC) to access external, distant knowledge and expertise. Previous research on OUC has largely investigated the influence of individuals' social capital on their knowledge sharing behavior. In this study, we propose a spiral view on the relationship between social capital and knowledge contribution. We suggest that there are two-way interactions between individuals' social capital and their knowledge contribution in online user communities. To test our proposition, we collected and analysed participation data of 3,512 users from the OUC of BMC, a global leader in innovative software solutions. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our study for the online user community literature as well as the broader context of online community.


Bhangra originated in India as a male folk dance performed in the villages of Punjab during the harvest festivities. Following the migrations of Punjabis to Britain, a new form of bhangra, characterised by the encounter between the traditional dance and mainstream Anglo-American popular music, spread through the communities of the Indian diaspora, coming to constitute one of the means for immigrants both to identify themselves as "Punjabis in England" and to reaffirm their tradition and social values. This paper investigates the musical processes through which British bhangra is shaped, the grounds on which the appropriation of mainstream pop takes place and how bhangra contributes to the construction of diasporic identity.


The Great East Japan Earthquake and the following tsunami that occurred on March 11, 2011 caused a significant disaster along the ocean side of the Tohoku area. The big tsu nami carried different kinds of debris such as ships and cars up the stream, which caused additional damage to the buildings in the area. In this chapter, a finite element approach for the damage estimation of a steel-framed building under tsunami flow is described. A seismic wave recorded during the earthquake was first applied to the model, followed by an input of fluid forces owing to the tsunami wave. A three-dimensional free-surface- flow analysis code based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method was adopted to simu late wave propagation problems and compare the obtained wave forces between several inflow conditions and building shapes. Then, a debris model with a velocity was collided, and the collapse behavior of the building was simulated using the adaptively shifted integration (ASI)-Gauss code.


We recorded an unusually warm period in early April 1979 along the coastline at the end of the Hall Peninsula on southeastern Baffin Island, Nunavut. Maximum temperatures remained at or above freezing for almost a week, and rain fell on our field camp on three consecutive days. In contrast, meteorological data collected from three nearby coastal stations (Brevoort Island, Cape Dyer, and Resolution Island) between 1950 and 1992 indicated that the mean minimum and maximum air temperatures for the month of April are normally 10-20°C cooler than the averages we recorded at our camp. Periodic warming to near freezing, probably due to the maritime influence of nearby open water in Davis Strait, occurs in this area in late March and early April, but not usually to the degree we observed. Between 1950 and 1992, additional similar rain events were recorded only twice at the coastal weather stations. In late March, we found slumped roofs over some ringed seal ( Phoca hispida ) birth lairs and others that had collapsed, probably because of four days of weather only slightly below freezing and heat generated by seals within the lairs. After the rain in April, we found subnivean lairs with melted roofs, and several snowdrifts that had previously contained lairs were completely washed away. Newborn pups were left lying on the bare ice, subject to thermoregulatory stress and vulnerable to significantly increased predation by polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) and arctic foxes ( Alopex lagopus ). If the climate continues to warm in the Arctic, as is predicted, it is likely that rain will be more widespread during early spring. If that occurs, the premature removal of protection offered by subnivean birth lairs may expose young ringed seal pups to high levels of predation, which may negatively affect populations of ringed seals and the polar bears that depend on them for food.


—Received signal strength (RSS)-based localization techniques are widely used to estimate the location of wireless sensor nodes as they utilize minimum bandwidth and do not require additional hardware. However, these techniques typically assume that the nodes' transmit power is known, despite the fact that changes in transmit power, influenced by factors such as antenna orientation and battery level, can significantly impact localization performance. To address this issue, we propose an RSS-based cooperative localization technique that jointly estimates the location and transmit power of the nodes and will refer to it as FCUP (Fast Cooperative localization technique with Unknown transmit Power). The maximum likelihood (ML) estimator for joint estimation of location and transmit power is non-convex, discontinuous, and computationally challenging to solve. So, we reformulate the optimization problem into a mixed semidefinite second-order cone program (SDP-SOCP) using the Taylor expansion, epigraph method, and semidefinite relaxation. FCUP takes advantage of the high accuracy of SDP and the low complexity of SOCP. FCUP is compared to the existing techniques to demonstrate its superior performance based on localization accuracy, computational complexity, and execution time.


An amino-functionalized conjugated metallopolymer PFEN-Hg was developed as a cathode interlayer for inverted polymer solar cells. The resulting devices exhibited significantly improved performance with power conversion efficiencies exceeding 9%. Moreover, good device performance was achievable with the PFEN-Hg over a wider range of film thickness, likely due to the Hg-Hg interactions and improved π-π stacking.


The working scheme is offered depicting the major stages of development of teeth-containing cysts. This provided a basis for determination of indications to preservation of the follicles of permanent teeth in different degrees of resorption of the cortical plate surrounding the follicle. The technique was used to treat 25 children with positive immediate and long-term results.


Pairs of enantiomeric odor ligands are difficult to resolve by instrumental analyses because compounds with mirror-image molecular structures have almost identical physicochemical properties. The olfactory system, however, discriminates (–)-forms of enantiomers from their (+)-forms within seconds. To investigate key olfactory receptors for enantiomer discrimination, we compared behavioral detection and discrimination thresholds of wild-type mice with those of ΔD mice that lack all dorsal olfactory receptors. Surprisingly, wild-type mice displayed an exquisite "supersensitivity" to enantiomeric pairs of wine lactones and carvones in both detection and discrimination tasks using odor plume-like flows in a Y-maze. In contrast, ΔD mice showed >10 10 -fold reductions in enantiomer discrimination sensitivity compared to wild-type mice. ΔD mice detected one or both of the (–)- and (+)-enantiomers over a wide concentration range, but were unable to discriminate them. This "enantiomer odor discrimination paradox" indicates that the most sensitive dorsal receptors play a critical role in hierarchical odor coding for enantiomer identification. In addition, to identify residues responsible for the rapid and robust response of murine olfactory receptor S6 ( mOR-S6 ) via chimeric Gα 15_olf , mutations of the C-terminal helix 8 were analyzed in a heterologous functional expression system. The N-terminal hydrophobic core between helix 8 and TM1−2 of mOR-S6 is important for Gα activation. A point mutation of a helix 8 N-terminal acidic residue eliminated the improved response dynamics via the chimeric Gα 15_olf . This result suggests that an N-terminal acidic residue of helix 8 is responsible for rapid Gα activation. Supersensitive odor discrimination is thus largely governed by signals from the most sensitive dorsal olfactory receptors with the shortest onset latencies, which are controlled in part by initial transient interactions between the receptor C-terminal helix 8 and the Gα C-terminal region.


As part of the centennial celebration for the Journal of Applied Psychology, this article reviews the literature on organizational socialization and mentoring. Our review includes a comparison of organizational socialization and mentoring as processes for employee adjustment and development, the historical context that fueled the emergence of these two areas of study, and a chronological mapping of key foundations, trends, themes that emerged across time, and major milestones. Along the way, a special emphasis is placed on research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology and high impact work is highlighted. We conclude with a discussion of five areas for future research. Specifically, we outline ideas for bridging the socialization and mentoring literatures, better understanding and capturing dynamic processes across time, the development of multilevel theories and models, addressing causality, and considering the implications for organizational socialization and mentoring research based on how technology is changing the way we work.


Objective: To present preliminary evaluation of vascular bed involvement and vascular complications in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) enrolled to ARCADIA-POL registry. Design and method: The first 84 patients (59F[70.2%], 25M[29.8%], mean age: 42.5 ± 14.8 years, range:18–72) with confirmed FMD in any vascular bed were enrolled in 2015 in ARCADIA-POL registry (instituted on the basis of as Polish-French collaboration). A standardized FMD data form was used for data collection. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation including ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), biochemical evaluation, biobanking, duplex Doppler of carotid and abdominal arteries and whole body angio-CT. Results: In the analyzed group FMD was identified in renal arteries in 74 (88.1%) patients, bilaterally in 29 (39.2%) patients as well as in carotid, intracranial and vertebral arteries in 14 (16.7%), 14 (16.7%) and 6 (7.1%) patients, respectively. FMD was also identified in celiac trunk and mesenteric, iliac and splenic arteries in 12(14.3 %), 7(8.3%), and 6(7.1%) patients, respectively. Evaluating degree of renal artery stenosis on duplex Doppler and angio-CT, significant stenosis was identified in 19 (25.7%) patients (in this group 8 patients had restenosis after previous intervention) whereas non-significant stenosis was found in 55 (74.3%) patients (in this group 9 patients had a history of intervention on renal artery). In 39 patients (46.4%) FMD was identified in two or more vascular bed. Two vascular beds were involved in 31% (26 pts), three in 11.9% (10 pts), four in 2.4 % (2 pts) and five in 1.2 % (1 pt). Arterial dissection(s) and aneurysms in various vascular beds were found in 14.3% and 26.2% of patients respectively. Severe FMD defined as first onset of FMD <30 years, affecting at least 3 vascular beds complicated with thrombosis or dissection requiring an endovascular or surgical repair, with no inflammatory background was identified in 2 patients (2.4%). Conclusions: Preliminary data of ARCADIA-POL registry showed that renal FMD was the most frequent, but also cerebrovascular FMD occurred in relatively large proportion of patients. Our data revealed high incidence of FMD lesions coexisting in different vascular beds as well as relatively frequent occurrence of vascular complications.


Abstract Increased use of food, beverages or drugs containing synthetic sweeteners presents a real danger to health, which is why the EU Member States had to establish a system of regular surveys to monitor sweetener consumption. In case of wine industry, according to law no. 244/2002, Romania prohibits the addition of synthetic sweeteners in wine in order to obtain sweet wine. The official method for detection of adulterated sweet wines with synthetic sweeteners is TLC-Thin Layer Chromatography. However, quantitative methods of analysis are needed to measure levels of sweeteners in different food matrices and high performance liquid chromatography has proved to be a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of compounds at traces levels. In this paper, a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the simultaneous separation and determination of three of the most popular artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, saccharine and aspartame) in a single injection was developed. The described method is rapid, accurate and highly sensitive. Detection limit were 4 mg/L for acesulfame K, 1 mg/L for saccharine and 9 mg/L for aspartame respectively. The precision of the method was about 2% and recovery ranged between 92.6% and 103.3%. There were analyzed commercial wine samples, in order to detect possible counterfeits-sweet and medium sweet wines. Therefore, of the 20 analyzed wine samples, only two samples consisting in wine sweet table, were counterfeited by adding saccharin.


Abstract Potential changes in a hydrological regime caused by a changing climate represent a crucial source of uncertainty in water resources management. For example, in Slovakia, they may manifest themselves in a decrease in water resources, a change in the seasonality of runoff, and an increase in the extremes of floods and droughts. The research presented here focuses on using the hydrological balance equation to predict changes in the total catchment evapotranspiration under changing climate conditions. Using the TUW rainfall-runoff model and the KNMI and MPI climate change scenarios, the hydrological regime of eight selected basins in Slovakia was simulated for three thirty-year periods from 2010 until the year 2100. The results showed that the growth of total catchment evapotranspiration observed in recent decades is likely to increase further in the future.


In our paper, we begin studying the mediation in general, as an institution, in order to introduce the nuclear issue of our study: consumer mediation. Subsequently, every aspect of this type of mediation will be analyzed in depth: the legislation that affects it, both at the European, state and regional level, as well as all the aspects that infer from this regulation, which apply, in any case, to consumer mediation procedures. We will particularly focus in the principles and rules applicable to the procedure, paying special attention to the dichotomy between voluntariness and obligatoriness regarding submit a mediation procedure as a previous step to the Court access, analyzing not only the legal prescripts on this field, but also the jurisprudence and the doctrine. Finally, a brief study will be made about the online dispute resolution methods in the consumption law field, making a special mention to the European Online Dispute Resolution Platform.


Background: Traffic and transport is a substantial part of a range of economic, social and environmental factors distinguished to have impact on human health. This paper is a report on a preliminary section of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on urban traffic and transport initiatives, being conducted in Sanandaj, Iran. In this preliminary study, the psychometric properties of Urban Traffic related Determinants of Health Questionnaire (UTDHQ) were investigated. Methods: Multistage cluster sampling was employed to recruit 476 key informants in Sanandaj from April to June 2013 to participate in the study. The development of UTDHQ began with a comprehensive review of the literature. Then face, content and construct validity as well as reliability were determined. Results: Exploratory Factor Analysis showed optimal reduced solution including 40 items and 8 factors. Three of the factors identified were Physical Environment, Social Environment, Public Services Delivery and Accessibility. UTDHQ demonstrated an appropriate validity, reliability, functionality and simplicity. Conclusion: Despite the need for further studies on UTDHQ, this study showed that it can be a practical and useful tool for conducting HIAs in order to inform decision makers and stakeholders about the health influences of their decisions and measures.


We analyzed the 3-D characteristics of the dynamic response of seabed around a submerged breakwater due to wave loading using a 3-D numerical scheme (LES-WASS-3D). Using our model, which considers the wave-structure-sandy seabed interactions in a 3-D wave field, we were able to investigate the 3-D characteristics of the pore-water pressure in the seabed around the submerged breakwater under various incident wave conditions. To verify the 3-D numerical analysis method suggested in this study, we compared the numerical results with the existing experimental results and found good agreement between them. The numerical analysis reveals that high pore-water pressure in the seabed is generated below a large wave height at the front slope of the submerged breakwater. It was also shown that the non-dimensional pore-water pressure in the seabed increases as the wave period increases because the wave energy dissipation decreases on the submerged breakwater and seabed as the wave period increases.


Abstract Forested bottomland conservation areas in the midwestern and southern United States are subject to an increasingly diverse range of demands for recreational use and other ecosystem services, many dependent upon the maintenance of specific plant communities. Historical land use and other disturbances have shaped present vegetation composition, but these impacts are poorly understood. This study examined historical land use records, dendrochronological evidence, and pre- and post-tornado vegetation, with and without salvage logging, to assess forest composition changes over approximately 125 years at Mermet Lake Conservation Area in southern Illinois. This site has land use history, vegetation cover, and a management mandate common to many large river bottomland forests in the Midwest and southern USA. The vegetation of the area prior to Euro-American settlement was primarily a forest dominated by Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. and Nyssa aquatica L. A period of drainage and conversion to agriculture began ca. 1900 and was followed by public ownership as a conservation area since 1950. Management during this latter period was characterized by partial hydrologic restoration and complete fire suppression. The post-agriculture forest was dominated by oaks (Quercus spp.) with a transition to mixed mesophytic and bottomland hardwood forests. Following a tornado, composition and diversity within the developing stand varied along a wind intensity gradient but tended toward increasing dominance of mixed mesophytic species at the expense of Quercus. Subsequent partial salvage logging further increased vegetation complexity in response to mineral soil exposure and creation of microtopographic variation. Grading and seeding of skid trails following salvage operations produced compositionally distinct vegetation communities. Increasing prevalence of the invasive exotic Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus., especially on salvaged plots, is expected to continue to impact vegetation communities at Mermet Lake. Our results suggest that historical alterations in site hydrologic conditions, from pre-drainage to drainage to partial hydrological restoration, in combination with associated land use changes, produced drastic changes in forest community composition over the last century. Managers of this and similar bottomland forest areas need to consider disturbance regime changes and appropriate silvicultural strategies needed to create or maintain the historical range of vegetation types associated with sometimes disparate conservation objectives


The genus Edwardsiella is composed of a diverse group of facultative anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria that can produce disease in a wide variety of hosts, including birds, reptiles, mammals, and fish. Our report describes the isolation and identification of Edwardsiella piscicida associated with chronic mortality events in 2 separate captive largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) populations in New York and Florida. Wet-mount biopsies of skin mucus, gill, kidney, and spleen from several affected largemouth bass contained significant numbers of motile bacteria. Histologic examination revealed multifocal areas of necrosis scattered throughout the heart, liver, anterior kidney, posterior kidney, and spleen. Many of the necrotic foci were encapsulated or replaced by discrete granulomas and associated with colonies of gram-negative bacteria. Initial phenotypic and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometric analysis against existing spectral databases of recovered isolates identified these bacteria as Edwardsiella tarda. Subsequent molecular analysis using repetitive sequence mediated and species-specific PCR, as well as 16S rRNA, rpoB, and gyrB sequences, classified these isolates as E. piscicida. As a newly designated taxon, E. piscicida should be considered as a differential for multiorgan necrosis and granulomas in largemouth bass.


The homogeneity condition in compressible flows requires that mean velocity gradient and mean thermodynamic variables must be spatially invariant. This has restricted the use of rapid distortion theory (RDT) for compressible flows to a small set of mean-velocity gradients. By introducing an appropriate body force, we show that the homogeneity condition can be satisfied for a large class of compressible turbulence. We proceed to derive RDT spectral covariance equations of all relevant moments and recover the limiting behavior at vanishing and infinite (pressure-release) Mach numbers for homogeneous shear, plain-strain, axisymmetric expansion, and contraction cases.


Abstract The US Supreme Court case of José Ernesto Medellín, Petitioner v. Texas, decided on 25 March 2008, has generally been seen as a US refusal to follow unambiguous treaty provisions. There has not been such a strong reaction to US behaviour relative to specific treaty obligations since the 1992 Alvarez-Machain case. The Supreme Court majority (six votes to three) held that 'neither Avena nor the President's Memorandum constitutes directly enforceable federal law'. The uncomfortable – and to many illogical – conclusion reached by the Court was that even though Avena is an 'international law obligation on the part of the United States', it is not binding law within the United States even in the light of an explicit presidential order. While the result may be disappointing, the case should be understood in the context of a legal system that (i) makes treaties part of 'the supreme Law of the Land'; (ii) has developed a complicated concept of self-executing treaties; and (iii) can be hesitant to direct states (sub-national units) to follow presidential directives even on matters of foreign policy.