New findings of Mickwitzia in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia represent the first record of this important genus in eastern Gondwana and show that it had a nearly global distribution in the Early Cambrian. The new fossils come from the late Early Cambrian Ajax Limestone (Pararaia tatei trilobite biozone – late Atdabanian-Botoman equivalent) of Mount Scott in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. The new Australian Mickwitzia show distinct similarities with the roughly coeval material from Canada, including evidence for a possible pedicle foramen. Mickwitzia is regarded to be a derived member of the brachiopod stem group and combine important traits of crown group brachiopods with characters that are otherwise found among the problematic, tommotiids (sensu lato), particularly Micrina. Most importantly the shells of Micrina and Mickwitzia are provided with penetrative setal canals that have been recorded in all available material of mickwitziids, including the new Australian material. Recent studies have showed that shell penetrative setae are more widely distributed among brachiopods than previously thought, and even are retained in some rhynchonelliform lineages.


The firefighter problem with $k$ firefighters on an infinite graph $G$ is an iterative graph process, defined as follows: Suppose a fire breaks out at a given vertex $v\in V(G)$ on Turn 1. On each subsequent even turn, $k$ firefighters protect $k$ vertices that are not on fire, and on each subsequent odd turn, any vertex that is on fire spreads the fire to all adjacent unprotected vertices. The firefighters' goal is to eventually stop the spread of the fire. If there exists a strategy for $k$ firefighters to eventually stop the spread of the fire, then we say $G$ is $k$-containable.
We consider the firefighter problem on the hexagonal grid, which is the graph whose vertices and edges are exactly the vertices and edges of a regular hexagonal tiling of the plane. It is not known if the hexagonal grid is $1$-containable. In arXiv:1305.7076 [math.CO], it was shown that if the firefighters have one firefighter per turn and one extra firefighter on two turns, the firefighters can contain the fire. We improve on this result by showing that even with only one extra firefighter on one turn, the firefighters can still contain the fire.
In addition, we explore $k$-containability for birth sequence trees, which are infinite rooted trees that have the property that every vertex at the same level has the same degree. A birth sequence forest is an infinite forest, each component of which is a birth sequence tree. For birth sequence trees and forests, the fire always starts at the root of each tree. We provide a pseudopolynomial time algorithm to decide if all the vertices at a fixed level can be protected or not.


Abstract: The fishes are one of the most important vertebrates, provide rich protein sources for human and several animals and important elements in the economy of many countries. Fish diversity of river essentially represents the ichthyofaunal diversity and their abundance. Rivers conserve a rich variety of fish species which supports the commercial fisheries. Keeping in the view, the diversity of fish fauna of the Birupa River in Choudwar Town, Odisha, India, has been studied from the period January 2018 to March 2018. The aim of the study was to explore the fish fauna of Birupa River in the course of an investigation, 4 sampling sites were selected viz. Birupa Barrage, Birupa Anicut on Birupa river, Jora fishing site, Birupa Fish Market, Choudwar. The total 36 fish species belonging to 25 genera, 16 families and 9 orders were recorded. Cypriniformes constituting 15 species, followed by order Siluriformes constituting 6 species, Perciformes 4 species, Anabantiformes 4 species, Clupeiformes 2 species, Osteoglossiformes 2 species and order Mastacembeliformes, Cichliformes and Tetraodontiformes constituting 1 species each have been recorded. The Cyprinidae family is dominant followed by Channidae. As no attempt had been made in the past to explore the ichthyofaunal diversity of this region. All the species reported in present investigation are reporting first time under mopping survey programme.


Does social recognition motivate repeat contributors? We conduct large-scale experiments among members of Italy's main blood donors association, testing social recognition both through social media and in peer groups. We experimentally disentangle visibility concerns, peer comparisons and simple ask effects, and we study how exposure to different norms of behavior affects giving. Overall, asking increases giving by 20.4 percent. However, a simple ask to donate is at least as effective as asks that emphasize social recognition. Using peer groups, we show that visibility concerns do not generate additional donations, and we find that donations respond weakly and non-monotonically to social norms of giving. In an original study and two subsequent replications, we find no evidence that donors give blood for the prospect of their donations being observed by others on social media. Overall, our findings caution against over-reliance on social recognition to promote good citizenship.


Although natural Abs (NAbs) are present from birth, little is known about what drives their selection and whether they have housekeeping functions. The prototypic T15-NAb, first identified because of its protective role in infection, is representative of a special type of NAb response that specifically recognizes and forms complexes with apoptotic cells and which promotes cell-corpse engulfment by phagocytes. We now show that this T15-NAb IgM-mediated clearance process is dependent on the recruitment of C1q and mannose-binding lectin, which have known immune modulatory activities that also provide "eat me" signals for en-hancing phagocytosis. Further investigation revealed that the addition of T15-NAb significantly suppressed in vitro LPS-induced TNF- (cid:1) and IL-6 secretion by the macrophage-like cell line, RAW264.7, as well as TLR3-, TLR4-, TLR7-, and TLR9-induced maturation and secretion of a range of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by bone marrow-derived conventional dendritic cells. Significantly, high doses of this B-1 cell produced NAb also suppressed in vivo TLR-induced proinflammatory responses. Although infusions of apoptotic cells also suppressed such in vivo inflammatory responses and this effect was associated with the induction of high levels of IgM antiapoptotic cell Abs, apoptotic cell treatment was not effective at suppressing such TLR responses in B cell-deficient mice. Moreover, infusions of T15-NAb also efficiently inhibited both collagen-induced arthritis and anti-collagen II Ab-mediated arthritis. These studies identify and characterize a previously unknown regulatory circuit by which a NAb product of innate-like B cells aids homeostasis by control of fundamental inflammatory pathways. The Journal of Immunology, 2009, 183: 1346–1359. phagocytic


Despite the notable progress in the stabilization of main group radicals by NHCs and cAACs, no germanium radicals have been isolated so far due to synthetic challenges. Stabilization of neutral [:EIR]• (E = Si, Ge) radicals is an uphill task, as these reactive transient species are highly susceptible to dimerization. Herein, we report the synthesis of acyclic neutral germanium(I) radicals Cy-cAAC:GeN(SiMe3)Dip (1) and Me-cAAC:GeN(SiPh3)Mes (2) obtained by the reduction of [Ar(SiR3)NGeCl3] with KC8 in the presence of cAAC. Compounds 1 and 2 are well characterized by single crystal X-ray structural analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and EPR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the structure and bonding of compounds 1 and 2 have been investigated by theoretical methods.


The autocorrelation function is a commonly used tool in statistical time series analysis. Under the assumption of Gaussianity, the sample autocorrelation function is the standard method used to estimate this function given a finite number of observations. Non-Gaussian, impulsive observation noise following probability density functions with thick tails, which often occurs in practice, can bias this estimator, rendering classical time series analysis methods ineffective. This work examines the robustness of two estimators of correlation based on memoryless nonlinear functions of observations, the Phase-Phase Correlator (PPC) and the Medianof-Ratios Estimator (MRE), which are applicable to complex-valued Gaussian random processes. These estimators are very fast and easy to implement in current processors. We show that these estimators are robust from a bias perspective when complex-valued Gaussian processes are contaminated with impulsive noise at the expense of statistical efficiency at the assumed Gaussian distribution. Additionally, iterative versions of these estimators named the IMRE and IPPC are developed, realizing an improved bias performance over their noniterative counterparts and the well-known robust Schweppe-type Generalized M-estimator utilizing a Huber cost function (SHGM). An impulsive noise suppression technique is developed using basis pursuit and a priori atom weighting derived from the newly developed iterative estimators. This new technique is proposed as an alternative to the robust filter cleaner, a Kalman filter-like approach that relies on linear prediction residuals to identity and replace corrupted observations. It does not have the same initialization issues as the robust filter cleaner. Robust spectral estimation methods are developed using these new estimators and impulsive noise suppression techniques. Results are obtained for synthetic complex-valued Guassian processes and real-world digital television signals collected using a software defined radio.


Higher percentages of wind generation are anticipated to reduce effective inertia on the electric power grid, presenting challenges to electromechanical stability. Two technologies will help mitigate these stability problems: (i) advanced control systems on wind turbines, exploiting Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), and (ii) deployment of controllable energy storage. This paper extends state feedback-based, centrally-coordinated control design for energy storage and wind generation to consider distributed, observer-based implementations. Establishing that a local bus PMU measurement at each controller is inappropriate, we demonstrate the feasibility of limiting each local controller to a very small set of remote PMU measurements. An approach is developed that characterizes the practical degree of observability achieved on a subspace of lightly damped electromechanical modes of interest. In a representative power system model, the measurement selection methodology and local observer design is shown to yield control performance very closely approximating that obtained in the centralized, full state feedback case.


Control of introduced predators is critical to both protection and successful reintroduction of threatened prey species. Efficiency of control is improved if it takes into account habitat use, home range and the activity patterns of the predator. These characteristics were studied in feral cats (Felis catus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in arid South Australia, and results are used to suggest improvements in control methods. In addition, mortality and movement patterns of cats before and after a poison-baiting event were compared. Thirteen cats and four foxes were successfully fitted with GPS data-logger radio-collars and tracked 4-hourly for several months. High intra-specific variation in cat home-range size was recorded, with 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges varying from 0.5 km2 to 132 km2. Cat home-range size was not significantly different from that of foxes, nor was there a significant difference related to sex or age. Cats preferred habitat types that support thicker vegetation cover, including creeklines and sand dunes, whereas foxes preferred sand dunes. Cats used temporary focal points (areas used intensively over short time periods and then vacated) for periods of up to 2 weeks and continually moved throughout their home range. Aerial baiting at a density of 10 baits per km2 was ineffective for cats because similar high mortality rates were recorded for cats in both baited and unbaited areas. Mortality was highest in young male cats. Long-range movements of up to 45 km in 2 days were recorded in male feral cats and movement into the baited zone occurred within 2 days of baiting. Movement patterns of radio-collared animals and inferred bait detection distances were used to suggest optimum baiting densities of ~30 baits per km2 for feral cats and 5 per km2 for foxes. Feral cats exhibited much higher intra-specific variation in activity patterns and home-range size than did foxes, rendering them a potentially difficult species to control by a single method. Control of cats and foxes in arid Australia should target habitats with thick vegetation cover and aerial baiting should ideally occur over areas of several thousand square kilometres because of large home ranges and long-range movements increasing the chance of fast reinvasion. The use of temporary focal points suggested that it may take several days or even weeks for a cat to encounter a fixed trap site within their home range, whereas foxes should encounter them more quickly as they move further each day although they have a similar home-range size. Because of high intra-specific variability in activity patterns and home-range size, control of feral cats in inland Australia may be best achieved through a combination of control techniques.


Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry in the duodenal and rectal mucosa of 30% of 127 AIDS patients studied. HIV‐infected cells were present in the lamina propria in 95% of the positive biopsies. They were immune cells, either isolated lymphocytes and macrophages (1‐4 per positive biopsy) or dendritic reticulum cells forming a network in the germinal centres of mucosal lymphoid follicles. HIV proteins were not found in the duodenal epithelium or in the superficial rectal epithelium. In two cases (5% of the positive biopsies), they were found in rectal glands: the HIV‐infected cells could be either epithelial cells or immune cells. This study confirms that the gut can be a target organ for HIV and that HIV is mainly carried by gut immune cells. The phenotypic study of lymphoid populations and macrophages in the gut mucosa of AIDS patients showed an inverse CD4/CD8 ratio in the lamina propria, compared with normal controls. This was independent of the presence of HIV proteins and is probably responsible for the appearance of opportunistic infections in the mucosa. An increase in activated macrophages was also noted in the mucosa of AIDS patients.


Ship detection is nowadays quite an important issue in tasks related to sea traffic control, fishery management and ship search and rescue. Although it has traditionally been carried out by patrol ships or aircrafts, coverage and weather conditions can become a problem. Synthetic aperture radars can surpass these coverage limitations and work under any climatological condition. Three ship detectors are studied and compared in this paper. The Double Parameter Model, a CFAR technique with a three ring setup where sea clutter can be modeled in the outer ring, the SUMO detector, proposed by the Joint Research Centre and also based on CFAR techniques, and finally the Rice detector, that highlights the difference between dominant coherent scatterers such as ships and incoherent received signal in the Rice image domain. Four aspects will be taken into account in order to evaluate the performance of the detectors: detection rate, false alarm rate, ship characterization accuracy and processing time. While the Double Parameter Model attains good results in terms of both detection and false alarm rates, it is the Rice detector the one that stands out in every single category.


In this study, we investigated the detection limit of a competitive immunoassay using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor by both experimental and theoretical approaches. Highly sensitive explosive detection is required to prevent damage from hidden explosives such as improvised explosive devices (IED), and therefore in this study we focused on trinitrotoluene (TNT) detection using an anti-TNT antibody. As an experimental approach, competitive immunoassay experiments were conducted using a published technique for TNT detection, and the results were statistically analyzed to estimate the detection limit according to a reported method for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, a mathematical model describing measurement errors was developed and the detection limit was determined based on the correlated data between the SPR sensor response and antibody binding obtained from the experiments. Both approaches showed that the detection limit is about 10 ppb (ng/mL), and hence the theory is in good agreement with the experiment. Finally, using our mathematical model, we proposed a method for determining the detection limit in the presence of environmental influences.


Despite numerous studies of the deformation behavior of magnesium (Mg), its microstructural evolution at different temperatures and strain rates remains largely unexplored. In this paper, the evolution of dislocations and amorphous regions in single-crystal Mg under compressive loading along the c-axis is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations, and temperature and strain-rate dependence of the microstructural evolution is revealed. At a strain rate of 107 s−1, the dislocations are low in density, and they slip and evolve unevenly as the strain in the single crystal increases. Consequently, the stress in the single crystal varies in a zigzag manner with increasing strain. The dislocation density is higher at strain rates of 108 s−1 and 109 s−1, resulting in relatively smooth deformation and stress–strain curves. At a strain rate of 1010 s−1, the amorphous regions achieve a very high fraction during deformation, contributing to softening and smoother deformation of the single crystal. The fraction of amorphous regions also increases with increasing temperature, which is an important cause of the temperature softening effect. Furthermore, the initiation of dislocations and amorphous regions is also studied at different strain rates and temperatures.Despite numerous studies of the deformation behavior of magnesium (Mg), its microstructural evolution at different temperatures and strain rates remains largely unexplored. In this paper, the evolution of dislocations and amorphous regions in single-crystal Mg under compressive loading along the c-axis is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations, and temperature and strain-rate dependence of the microstructural evolution is revealed. At a strain rate of 107 s−1, the dislocations are low in density, and they slip and evolve unevenly as the strain in the single crystal increases. Consequently, the stress in the single crystal varies in a zigzag manner with increasing strain. The dislocation density is higher at strain rates of 108 s−1 and 109 s−1, resulting in relatively smooth deformation and stress–strain curves. At a strain rate of 1010 s−1, the amorphous regions achieve a very high fraction during deformation, contributing to softening and smoother deformation of the single crystal. The fractio...


Cultures of human lens epithelial cells have been established using explants of the lens capsule from different aged donors. Outgrowth from the explants occurs more quickly using material from younger as opposed to older donors. The total number of cells as well as the cumulative surface area covered by cell growth is more extensive with the explants from the lens capsules of younger donors as compared with the amount of cell growth from older donor lens capsules. Thus, there is an inverse correlation between donor age and the replicative capacity of human lens epithelial cells in vitro. The lens epithelial cell cultures from human donors of all ages have a finite replicative potential.


Ceruloplasmin is one of serum ferroxidase proteins that amenable of multicopper oxidase family, plays an essential role in the transport or metabolism of this metal and it exhibits a copper- dependent oxidase activity. The current study aimed to evaluate the ceruloplasmin concentration, C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor tests in reactive arthritis patients comparing with healthy control. The present result appeared a significant difference ( P<0.05 ) of ceruloplasmin and C-reactive protein between studied groups, and there is no significant difference between the studied group for RF test. We can suggest that a ceruolplasmin play a critical role in in pathogenesis of reactive arthritis.


Conditions have been developed for the stereoselective Diels–Alder addition of cyclopentadiene to (R)-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxotetrahydrofuran-3-yl (E)-3-triphenylstannylprop-2-enoate 10 to give the endo-adduct 14 whose structure has been confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The adduct 14 is converted into (1S,2R,3S,4R)-3-hydroxymethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl(triphenyl)stannane 22 which is shown to have an enantiomeric excess (ee) of 94%. This alcohol has been converted into its methyl ether (–)-3, trityl ether 25, tert-butyldimethylsilyl ether 26 and 1-naphthoate 27 which give the tin hydrides 4, 31–34 on treatment with iodine and sodium borohydride. Aspects of the chemistry of these enantiomerically enriched tin hydrides are briefly discussed.


Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is an autosomal recessive disorder of immune regulation that leads to a hyperinflammatory syndrome responsible for fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, and coagulopathy. Although presentation usually occurs in early infancy, antenatal presentation is extremely rare. To our knowledge, we are first to report genetically confirmed FHL in 2 consecutive siblings who presented with hydrops fetalis that led to spontaneous intrauterine death at 38 and 30 weeks of gestation. Because the diagnosis of FHL has important implications for genetic counseling, we suggest that FHL be considered in the differential diagnosis of nonimmune hydrops fetalis.


We investigate the dripline mirror nuclei, $^{11}$Li and $^{11}$O, located on the neutron and proton dripline, respectively. We calculate the lowest four states, $3/2^-$, $1/2^+$, $3/2^+$ and $5/2^+$, built on double occupancy in the nuclear $s_{1/2}$ and $p_{1/2}$ valence single-particle states. We use the hyperspherical adiabatic expansion method to solve the three-body problem for a frozen nuclear core surrounded by two identical nucleons. The four analogue states in $^{11}$O are obtained with precisely the same interactions as used for the four states in $^{11}$Li, except for addition of the Coulomb interaction from the charge of the substituted valence protons. Surprisingly the four energies deviate from each other only by less than a few hundred keV. Any of them could then turn out to be the ground state, due to the uncertainty related to the angular momentum and parity dependence of the three-body potential. Still, our calculations marginally favor the $1/2^+$ state. The structures of these four states in $^{11}$O deviate substantially from the analogue states in the mirror, $^{11}$Li.


Physicians involved in designing specific solutions. CEO "immerses" himself in system to obtain feedback from physicians. Significant improvements achieved in infections, mortality rates.


Using testing data from over two million students in nearly 10,000 schools in 49 states (plus the District of Columbia), we investigate the role of remote and hybrid instruction in widening gaps in achievement by race and school poverty. We find that remote instruction was a primary driver of the widening gaps. Math gaps did not widen in areas that remained in person (although reading gaps did). We estimate that high-poverty districts that went remote in 2020–2021 will need to spend nearly all of their federal aid on helping students recover from pandemic-related academic achievement losses. (JEL H75, I12, I21, I24, I32, J15)


Recently, there has been a growing interest in developing Computer Aided Diagnostic (CAD) systems for improving the reliability and consistency of pathology test results. This paper describes a novel CAD system for the Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) test via Indirect Immunofluorescence protocol on Human Epithelial Type 2 (HEp-2) cells. While prior works have primarily focused on classifying cell images extracted from ANA specimen images, this work takes a further step by focussing on the specimen image classification problem itself. Our system is able to efficiently classify specimen images as well as producing meaningful descriptions of ANA pattern class which helps physicians to understand the differences between various ANA patterns. We achieve this goal by designing a specimen-level image descriptor that: (1) is highly discriminative; (2) has small descriptor length and (3) is semantically meaningful at the cell level. In our work, a specimen image descriptor is represented by its overall cell attribute descriptors. As such, we propose two max-margin based learning schemes to discover cell attributes whilst still maintaining the discrimination of the specimen image descriptor. Our learning schemes differ from the existing discriminative attribute learning approaches as they primarily focus on discovering image-level attributes. Comparative evaluations were undertaken to contrast the proposed approach to various state-of-the-art approaches on a novel HEp-2 cell dataset which was specifically proposed for the specimen-level classification. Finally, we showcase the ability of the proposed approach to provide textual descriptions to explain ANA patterns.


Today, traditional full service is increasingly replaced with technology-based self-service (TBSS), sometimes with no other option for service delivery. This study develops a conceptual model to investigate the impact of forcing consumers to use TBSS. The model is tested using an experimental design within railway (ticketing and travel information) contexts. The results show that forced use leads to negative attitudes toward using the TBSS as well as toward the service provider, and it indirectly leads to adverse effects on behavioral intentions. The findings also show that offering interaction with an employee as a fall-back option offsets the negative consequences of forced use, and that previous experience with TBSS (in general) leads to more positive attitudes toward the offered self-service, which can offset the negative effects of forced use to some extent.


To the Editor:— I have taken over the job of finishing the book on "Autobiographical Sketches of Disease by Physicians," which was started by the late Dr. Max Pinner (The JournalJune 8, 1946, page 551). Because of his many years of illness from heart disease, Dr. Pinner became interested in how much he had learned about his malady which did not appear in the usual medical textbooks. He also became fascinated by how much one learns about adaptation to a chronic illness. Dr. Pinner believed that his "education" was not unique and that many other physicians who had experienced illnesses would have as much to contribute. He accordingly began to collect autobiographical sketches from physicians with the idea of publishing a book containing approximately 50 contributions. At the time of his death, Dr. Pinner had obtained about 20 excellent sketches. It seemed a pity that such a valuable manuscript


CSA-binding forms of P. falciparum appear uncommonly in non-pregnant hosts but are selected by the human placenta for growth. Parasites are presumably selected by adherence to CSA within the vascular compartment of the placenta, allowing IRBCs to sequester and multiply to high density. Chondroitin sulphate appears on the surface of placental syncytiotrophoblasts, and CSA is a component of PGs found in the placenta [42], but the identification of the CSA-containing PG(s) mediating IRBC adhesion in vivo requires further study. Anti-adhesion antibodies against CSA-binding parasites are associated with protection from maternal malaria, but these antibodies develop only over successive pregnancies, accounting for the susceptibility of primigravidas to infection. PfCSA-L, the parasite ligand mediating adhesion to CSA, has not yet been identified but is known to be antigenically conserved among isolates from around the world. An anti-adhesion vaccine delivered to women before first pregnancy could confer protection from maternal malaria and might be globally effective.


Copper containing tyrosinase enzyme is responsible for melanin biosynthesis in human. Anomalous growth of this enzyme causes hyper-pigmentation related disorders. Monophenols and Diphenols compounds are used as inhibitors and among these the some compounds exhibited significant inhibitory activities against the tyrosinase. Molecular docking studies of these enzymes with those metabolites have been the focus of this study. The active site of the tyrosinase is the two copper ions as binding site. The metal ions seem to play an important role in establishing the interaction within the cavity of active sites. Discovery Studio3.1 was utilized to investigate the conformation and binding affinities of our small molecules. The results indicate a possible mechanism for their anti-tyrosinase activity which may involve anability to chelate the copper atoms which are required for the catalytic activity of tyrosinase.


The paper deals with different approaches for the analysis of electromagnetic field coupling to overhead wires of finite length based on the wire antenna theory, and transmission line method (TLM). The formulation based on the wire antenna theory in the frequency domain is based on the corresponding Pocklington equation, while the time domain formulation is based on the space-time Hallen integral equation. Transmission line model is based on the frequency and time domain Telegrapher's equations.. The integro-differential and integral realtionships arising from the wire antenna theory are numerically handled via the frequency and time domain Galerkin-Bubnov scheme of the Indirect Boundary Element Method (GB-1BEM), repectively. The transmission line equations are treated using the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) Method. Some illustrative numerical results obtained via different approaches are presented in the paper.


The paper introduces a methodology to compute strict upper and lower bounds for linear‐functional outputs of the exact solutions of the advection–diffusion–reaction equation. The bounds are computed using implicit a posteriori error estimators from stabilized finite element approximations of the exact solution. The new methodology extends the a posteriori error estimates yielding bounds for the standard Galerkin formulation to be able to obtain bounds for stabilized formulations. This methodology is combined with both hybrid‐flux and flux‐free techniques for error assessment. The application to stabilized formulations provides sharper estimates than when applied to Galerkin methods. The best results are found in combination with the flux‐free technique. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


A computational procedure for the analysis of a class of hybrid systems evolving under the influence of initial conditions and exogenous inputs is presented in this paper. The procedure consists of constructing a non-deterministic finite state automaton whose behaviors contain the behaviors of the hybrid system and specification, and solving the corresponding language emptiness problem. The underlying computations use convex/LMI techniques and graph search. Specifically, convex/LMI methods are used to outer approximate reach sets and to check if there is a transition between two states of the automaton, while depth first and similar algorithms are employed for emptiness checking. The overall verification procedure iteratively refines the approximating automaton and provides the following guarantee: if the iterations terminate, then the hybrid system satisfies the specifications. Examples are given to illustrate the procedures.


Single fracture measurements are difficult to obtain, but they are the only means we have to observe and study natural fracture morphology. The character of the fracture openings (apertures) is often one of the primary factors controlling fluid flow in the fracture. In particular, the shape, distribution, and connectivity of contact areas and flow channels can affect the relative permeability of wetting and non-wetting fluid phases in unsaturated systems. In this paper we use three methods of fractal analysis (the slit-island, the divider, and the variogram) as well as statistical and geostatistical analysis to characterize the geometry of measured fracture apertures obtained from two different fractured rock specimens from the field. One of these is a granitic fracture (crack) of homogeneous lithology and no displacement, the other is a fracture (fault) obtained from a highly altered fault zone, containing striations and slickensides. We discuss the fractal and geostatistical analysis of these two fractures in the context of what information is most helpful for making predictions about fluid flow in single fractures.


Intensive longitudinal studies are becoming increasingly popular because of their potential for studying the individual dynamics of psychological processes. However, measures used in such studies are quite susceptible to measurement error due to the short lengths and therefore their psychometric properties, such as reliability, are of great concern. Most existing approaches for assessing reliability are not appropriate for the intensive longitudinal data (ILD) because of the conflation of inter- and intra-individual variations or the difficulty in handling interindividual differences. In addition, measurement models are always relegated or omitted in the ILD modeling approaches. Therefore, in this article, we introduce a two-level random dynamic measurement (2RDM) model for ILD, which takes into account measurement models for key variables of interest. Then we discuss how to derive the within-person and between-person reliabilities for items and scales in the context of the 2RDM model. A small simulation study is presented to illustrate the implementation of the 2RDM model and reliability estimation. An empirical study is then provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed approach for multidimensional scales, in which we calculated the within- and between-person reliabilities for both items and subscales of a short version of the Perceived Stress Scale and found large individual differences in the within-person reliabilities. We conclude by discussing the advantages and considerations of the proposed approach in practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).


An unusual spherical form of gold is described from a number of widely distributed sites: the Abitibi clay belt of Canada, the Lakekamu gold field of Papua New Guinea, the Naraguta placer tin mine in Nigeria, French Creek in British Columbia, Chateau-Gontier in France, the Dorlin area of French Guiana, a gossan in Cyprus, and three placers in South America. The spheres range in size from 20 to 300 mu m and are characterized by a microcrystallite structure, variable gold contents from site to site, and significant amounts of silver and copper. Some of the spheres are interpreted as secondary or supergene chemical precipitates produced by the reduction of gold in ground water and soil water by iron and manganese oxides: most are interpreted as man-made melt droplets accidentally introduced into otherwise normal placer samples, and some may be interpreted either way. Whenever they are found during a gold exploration program, the geologist should suspect that the samples concerned have been contaminated with man-made melt droplets.


Peer-to-peer communication has been recently considered as a popular issue for local area services. An innovative resource allocation scheme is proposed to improve the performance of mobile peer-to-peer, i.e., device-to-device (D2D), communications as an underlay in the downlink (DL) cellular networks. To optimize the system sum rate over the resource sharing of both D2D and cellular modes, we introduce a reverse iterative combinatorial auction as the allocation mechanism. In the auction, all the spectrum resources are considered as a set of resource units, which as bidders compete to obtain business while the packages of the D2D pairs are auctioned off as goods in each auction round. We first formulate the valuation of each resource unit, as a basis of the proposed auction. And then a detailed non-monotonic descending price auction algorithm is explained depending on the utility function that accounts for the channel gain from D2D and the costs for the system. Further, we prove that the proposed auction-based scheme is cheat-proof, and converges in a finite number of iteration rounds. We explain non-monotonicity in the price update process and show lower complexity compared to a traditional combinatorial allocation. The simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm efficiently leads to a good performance on the system sum rate.


Abstract Patterns of intestinal helminth infections among school-aged children have been assessed in Eko-ende and Ore, as part of an overall assessment of the public health impact of Erinle Dam Reservoir in Osun State, Nigeria. The investigation was carried out between January and May 2005 using the Kato Katz thick smear technique and simple questionnaire for information on the bio-data, knowledge, attitude and practice of individuals towards disease transmission and control. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia spp., Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma mansoni were recovered at an overall prevalence of 78.3% among 309 children examined. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, T. trichiura and S. mansoni were the most common infections while S. stercoralis and Taenia spp. were found only among a few children. Infection patterns of the common diseases were age-specific with peaks in the 11–15 age bracket. Children not attending school were significantly (P < 0.05) more at risk of infection than those attending school. Multiple infections were pronounced with over 54% double infections and 6% four parasites or more infections. The need for urgent intervention to arrest the obviously serious public health situation attributable to Erinle Dam is emphasized.


This paper focuses on the acoustic analysis of Koyee basic vowels. Koyee exhibits basically six vowels. In the acoustic analysis of the basic vowel sounds in the Koyee language, the first formant (F2) are identified as the acoustic analysis cues and they are measured both male and female Koyee speakers individually and in average. The average of F1 and F2 was plotted in F1 versus F2 plane and later compared them plotting them in the same acoustic vowel space. The study shows that female acoustic vowel space is slightly larger than the male. This is because of the differences of the vocal tract of female and male. Although the exact formant frequency values of the vowels produced by male and female speakers varied, the ratio of the difference of the formant frequency values of the different vowels is similar for both male and female speakers. Further, the female voice is more conservative than those of the male speakers because the males are very often in contact with other language speakers.


The impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been felt in the educational school setting locally and internationally. It plays a vital role both in teaching and learning. This study aimed to assess the ICT competencies among MAPEH teachers of selected Public Secondary Schools in District IV of Nueva Ecija. Specifically, it aimed to (1) determine the profile of the MAPEH teachers; and (2) assess their level of ICT competencies in terms of technology operations and concepts and pedagogical skills. The researchers used the descriptive research method, specifically questionnaires, as the primary tool for data gathering.  Thirty Four (34) MAPEH teachers served as respondents. Frequency, percentage, and the weighted mean were used in this study. Results showed that respondents assessed their ICT competencies as "advanced" in terms of technology operations and concepts, and evaluated their pedagogical competence as "basic." Respondents have basic knowledge of ICT. Conversely, this is not enough to say that MAPEH teachers are already competent and skilled in ICT. Teacher professional development is a critical factor in the successful integration of computers in teaching. It is recommended that administrators must allocate a budget for ICT, most notably on the technological resources, and teachers shall undergo seminars and training that will help further enhance and improve their computer skills and knowledge.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the feasibility of using gene chip method to identify pathogens in blood cultures.

METHODS
Clinical blood samples were obtained and cultured using an automated blood culture system. A gene chip diagnostic kit was used to detect the pathogenic bacteria in these blood cultures following the procedures of target gene extraction and amplification, hybridization and result analysis. The conventional method was also used to isolate and identify the bacteria from the clinical blood cultures, and the results of the two methods were compared.

RESULTS
In the 86 clinical blood samples, 74 were positive and 12 negative according to the conventional method, while 48 were positive and 38 negative as found by the gene chip method, showing significant differences in the results (P<0.05). The two methods only had a concordance rate of 69.77%.

CONCLUSION
The gene chip diagnostic kit has low concordance rate with the conventional method for detecting pathogens in clinical blood cultures and awaits further improvement.


This contribution shows how the outcome of dynamic markets can be derived, without the unrealistic assumptions of a perfect market, from the current rules of a market and the possible behaviour of the actors. An analysis of the observable rules for real-life markets results in transfer equations and algorithms for the calculation of the individual purchasing prices and sales quantities.With distribution functions for offer and demand, which reflect the behaviour of the actors, the collective market outcome can be calculated, such as market price and sales, their variance and time dependency as well as the distribution effects of markets. The market laws, which result by simulation and probability theory, deviate in many respects from the statements of common price- and market-theories. The new approach enables to solve current problems, such as the market design for material and immaterial goods and finance products.


In this paper we estimate the technical efficiency of Mexican states using several stochastic production frontier models. The empirical section uses panel data over the period 1988-2008. A distinctive feature of the paper is to use socioeconomic and location data in order to control for the heterogeneity of the states. We find that inefficiency explains part of the difference in production across regions, which is not accounted by other explanatory variables. Our results show that infrastructure, education, productive specialization and the presence of oil production shift the production frontier upwards. Additionally, northern states are more efficient than the rest of the country.


Rapid Product Development and manufacture is a major focus for companies wanting to compete in the more open Global Marketplace. This has created considerable interest in techniques and technologies that help companies introduce new products more quickly, at lower cost and with greater flexibility. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and the introduction, in the late 1980s, of a group of technologies known as 'Rapid Prototyping' have greatly helped this. It is now possible to design and manufacture objects within a few hours. The next stage is to use these layermanufacturing technologies to manufacture saleable end-use items. However, few companies have invested in the technology, but many are very interested in investigating their use. The research portfolio of the RMRG is directed at providing the future technologies industry will require, and, through the Consortium, is providing a route that allows partners, and others, to gain the required knowledge and expertise concerning the technologies and their use.


In his response to Altniann, the writer is critical of the abundance of quotations and assertions which lack logic and sense. The fact that some children in the elementary schools need assistance does not justify the need of counselors. Such an assumption may even be dangerous. A theory of elementary counseling, if it is to be anything more than a rambling statement, must take into account the lack of awareness, the immaturity, and the verbal and conceptual limitations of the child. If the two examples given by Altmann are the best to be found in the literature, probably a theory appropriate to children has yet to be proposed. It is sug- gested that the counselor not counsel but rather consult with the child and counsel the teachers and parents, bringing about modifications in the environment so that appropriate behavior is elicited. Outcome and spon- taneous remission studies tend to make counseling a highly questionable practice. NOTE: An abstract of the Altmann article follows: THE NEED, FUNCTION, AND THEORY OF ELEMENTARY COUNSELING ABSTRACT: A review of the literature on elementary counseling was made in an attempt to determine the status of this field. Specific issues involving need, function, and theory of elementary counseling were discussed. RESUME:On a effectue une revue de la litterature sur le counseling au veau primaire afin d'en etablir le statut. On a ensuite discute de certains problemes specifiques con


Wireless sensor networks are an enabling technology for many future surveillance-oriented applications. Before a practical wireless sensor network is realized, however, significant challenges must be overcome. Chief among the obstacles to netted sensors is providing low power, robust communications between sensor nodes. Multiple lnput, Multiple Output (MIMO) communication promises performance enhancements over conventional single input, single output (SISO) technology for the same radiated power If leveraged in a sensor network, MIMO may be able to provide significant network performance improvements in power consumption, latency, and network robustness. This paper investigates the benefit of MIMO implementations in multihop wireless sensor networks in terms of the mean path length. We find that MIMO provides improvement to wireless sensor networks, particularly those that have low to midrange node densities.


The genome-wide characterization of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) between cultivars or between inbred lines contributes to the creation of genetic markers that are important for plant breeding. Functional markers derived from polymorphisms within genes that affect phenotypic variation are especially valuable in plant breeding. Here, we report on the genome re-sequencing and analysis of the two parental inbred lines of the commercial F1 hybrid Chinese cabbage cultivar "W77". Through the genome-wide identification and classification of the SNPs and indels present in each parental line, we identified about 1,500 putative non-functional genes in each parent. We designed cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers using specific mutations found at Eco RI restriction sites in the parental lines and confirmed their Mendelian segregation by constructing a linkage map using 96 F2 plants derived from the F1 hybrid cultivar, "W77". Our results and data will be a useful genomic resource for future studies of gene function and metagenomic studies in Chinese cabbage.


Abstract Whenever security researchers find an exploitable vulnerability in software, they face several options: Common examples are contacting the author, maintainer or vendor of the software in private (limited disclosure), publishing information on the vulnerability – possibly with a proof-of-concept of how to exploit it – (full disclosure), a combination of both (responsible disclosure), or even selling information on the vulnerability to third parties. In this article, I will discuss the legal obligations and the legal limitations to the various, typical options available to IT security researchers, with a specific focus on how they may comply with German and European criminal law.


Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is the rarest and the most severe form of congenital ichthyosis. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and associated with mutations in gene ABCA12. There have been reports of several families with siblings affected with harlequin icthyosis. Affected infants have severe ectropion, eclabium, diffuse decreased range of motion, thick, dry hyperkeratotic plates, over entire body and scalp and associated deep erythematous fissures. Infants with HI have historically succumbed in the perinatal period to sepsis, respiratory failure and infections, poor nutrition and electrolyte imbalances. It is a rare entity. We report here a case of harlequin Icthyosis infant born to consanguineous parents whose 3 siblings were also affected with the same disorder. Keywords: Ectropion, Eclabium, Harlequin Icthyosis


Six modern varieties of potatoes (Diamant, Cardinal, Granola, Felsina, Provento and Asterix) were investigated for their growth parameters and yield to determine their suitability for production in Bangladesh. Results indicate significant variations among the varieties in the yield and morphological characteristics and no difference in the number of main stems per hill. Among the six studied varieties, Asterix produced the greatest yield (29.60 t/ha), the greatest number of tubers per hill (13 tubers/hill), the largest percentage (84%) of medium sized tubers (28 - 55 mm diameter), and the greatest plant height (61.33 cm). Diamant performed second after Asterix with a yield of 28.33 t/ha, and a plant height of 59.0 cm. Felsina produced the lowest yield (25.13 t/ha) and the lowest number of tubers per hill (8.67 tubers/hill). In a farmers' perception study, where farmers scored the yield and resistance to diseases and insect damage of the six varieties, from 1 to 6 (6 being the highest and 1 being the lowest), Asterix was the most preferred variety by farmers with scores of 6, 5.67 and 5.83 for yield, disease resistance and insect resistance respectively. Provento was the least preferred by farmers with a score of overall performance of 4. The results of this study indicate that Asterix and Diamant have the potential to be grown successfully by the farmers in Bangladesh.


This paper is the basis paper for the accepted IJCNN challenge One-Minute Gradual-Emotion Recognition (OMG-Emotion)1 by which we hope to foster long-emotion classification using neural models for the benefit of the IJCNN community. The proposed corpus has as novelty the data collection and annotation strategy based on emotion expressions which evolve over time into a specific context. Different from other corpora, we propose a novel multimodal corpus for emotion expression recognition, which uses gradual annotations with a focus on contextual emotion expressions. Our dataset was collected from Youtube videos using a specific search strategy based on restricted keywords and filtering which guaranteed that the data follow a gradual emotion expression transition, i.e. emotion expressions evolve over time in a natural and continuous fashion. We also provide an experimental protocol and a series of unimodal baseline experiments which can be used to evaluate deep and recurrent neural models in a fair and standard manner.1https://www2.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/wtm/OMG-EmotionChallenge/


Sera from 277 patients with hepatitis hospitalized in the Clinic of Infectious Diseases of Ankara Medical School and their 36 relatives were examined for HbsAg by counter-immunoelectrophoresis and passive haemagglutination tests. It was concluded that passive haemagglutination test is cheaper and more sensitive than counter-immunelectrophoresis.


BACKGROUND
Although open irrigation tip catheters (OITC) are effective in producing transmural radiofrequency (RF) lesions, they have the potential for fluid overload or excessive tissue damage.

METHODS AND RESULTS
The 203 patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (NPAF; 85.2% males, 55.2+/-10.6 years old) who underwent RF catheter ablation (RFCA) were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical outcomes and complications were compared between RFCA using OITC (n=92) and that using conventional catheters (CONC; n=111). Both the total procedure time (P<0.01) and fluoroscopic time (P<0.001) were shorter in the OITC group than in the CONC group. Total fluid loading during RFCA with OITC was 3.2+/-0.9L, and the average body weight increase was 1.8+/-1.2 kg. Symptomatic pulmonary edema and/or pleural effusion occurred in 3.3% of patients who had a bigger left atrium (P=0.005), longer duration of ablation procedure (P=0.002), higher post-RFCA serum pro-ANP level (P<0.001), and longer hospitalization (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
RFCA for NPAF using OITC results in a shorter procedure time compared with CONC. However, patients with a large left atrium and a large amount of fluid (>4L) infused via the OITC need to be carefully monitored to prevent pulmonary edema or pleural effusion because of fluid overload.


A variety of popular instant, ground, and brewed coffees were analyzed using a modified liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method specifically developed for the determination of acrylamide in foods. Coffee test portions were spiked with 13C3-labeled acrylamide as an internal standard prior to their extraction and cleanup. Ground coffees (1 g) and instant coffees (0.5 g) were extracted by shaking with 9 mL of water for 20 min. Brewed coffee test portions (9 mL) were taken through the cleanup procedure without further dilution with extraction solvent. Coffee test portions were cleaned up by passing 1.5 mL first through an Oasis HLB (hydrophilic/lipophilic copolymer sorbent) solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge and then a Bond Elut-Accucat (cation and anion exchange sorbent) SPE cartridge. The cleaned up extracts were analyzed by positive ion electrospray LC-MS/MS. The MS/MS data was used to detect, confirm, and quantitate acrylamide. The limit of quantitation of the method was 10 ng/g for ground and instant coffees and 1.0 ng/mL for brewed coffee. The levels of acrylamide ranged from 45 to 374 ng/g in unbrewed coffee grounds, from 172 to 539 ng/g in instant coffee crystals, and from 6 to 16 ng/mL in brewed coffee.


Purpose of review Perturbations in fatty acid levels and in regulatory proteins linked to fat and mitochondrial homeostasis are associated with modifying the risk of Parkinson's disease . Findings, that are not surprising, based on the high fat content of the brain, the myriad of neurological functions dependent on polyunsaturated fatty acids and the role of mitochondria in energy supply and stress amelioration. Nevertheless, dissecting out the molecular links between lipid biology, mitochondrial regulation and Parkinson's disease is complicated by the divergent causes underpinning Parkinson's disease pathophysiology. Here, we summarize aspects of fatty acid biology relevant to Parkinson's disease; the known links between the modulation of fat and Parkinson's disease and introduce mechanisms whereby the E3-ubiquitin ligase, Parkin known to be mutated as a genetic predisposing factor in Parkinson's disease, modulates fat uptake and mitochondrial control. Recent findings Prior evidence supports that Parkin, under mitochondrial stress conditions, plays a pivotal role in the mitophagy mitochondrial housekeeping program. Recent evidence now demonstrates a broader role of Parkin in controlling fat uptake and mitochondrial regulatory programs. Summary The identification that Parkin has a multifunctional role in modulating cellular fatty acid uptake and mitochondrial biology further strengthens the pathophysiologic link between fat metabolism, mitochondria and Parkinson's disease.


Grass weed populations resistant to aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) and cyclohexanedione herbicides that inhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase; EC 220.127.116.11) represent a major problem for sustainable agriculture. We investigated the molecular basis of resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides for nine wild oat (Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana Durieu) populations from the northern grain-growing region of Australia. Five amino acid substitutions in plastid ACCase were correlated with herbicide resistance: Ile-1,781-Leu, Trp-1,999-Cys, Trp-2,027-Cys, Ile-2,041-Asn, and Asp-2,078-Gly (numbered according to the Alopecurus myosuroides plastid ACCase). An allele-specific PCR test was designed to determine the prevalence of these five mutations in wild oat populations suspected of harboring ACCase-related resistance with the result that, in most but not all cases, plant resistance was correlated with one (and only one) of the five mutations. We then showed, using a yeast gene-replacement system, that these single-site mutations also confer herbicide resistance to wheat plastid ACCase: Ile-1,781-Leu and Asp-2,078-Gly confer resistance to APPs and cyclohexanediones, Trp-2,027-Cys and Ile-2,041-Asn confer resistance to APPs, and Trp-1,999-Cys confers resistance only to fenoxaprop. These mutations are very likely to confer resistance to any grass weed species under selection imposed by the extensive agricultural use of the herbicides.


Alkaline-earth scintillators such as strontium iodide and other alkaline-earth halides activated with divalent europium represent some of the most efficient and highest energy resolution scintillators for use as gamma-ray detectors in a wide range of applications. These applications include the areas of nuclear nonproliferation, homeland security, the detection of undeclared nuclear material, nuclear physics and materials science, medical diagnostics, space physics, high energy physics, and radiation monitoring systems for first responders, police, and fire/rescue personnel. Recent advances in the growth of large single crystals of these scintillator materials hold the promise of higher crystal yields and significantly lower detector production costs. In the present work, we describe new processing protocols that, when combined with our molten salt filtration methods, have led to advances in achieving a significant reduction of cracking effects during the growth of single crystals of SrI2:Eu2+. In particular, we have found that extended pumping on the molten crystalgrowth charge under vacuum for time periods extending up to 48 hours is generally beneficial in compensating for variations in the alkaline-earth halide purity and stoichiometry of the materials as initially supplied by commercial sources. These melt-pumping and processing techniques are now being applied to the purification of CaI2:Eu2+ and some mixed-anion europium-doped alkaline-earth halides prior to single-crystal growth by means of the vertical Bridgman technique. The results of initial studies of the effects of aliovalent doping of SrI2:Eu2+ on the scintillation characteristics of this material are also described.


In recent decades European institutions have been promoting the broadening of immigrants' social rights, while at national levels political battles have been led around the definition of the legitimate community of welfare receivers. Immigrants have been often depicted as undeserving individuals threatening welfare state sustainability, although existing research does not fully support this view. At the same time, political and academic debates on immigrants and welfare have diverted attention away from immigrants themselves, failing to address their experiences and welfare support expectations. This article aims to contribute to filling this gap by addressing to what extent non-European immigrants expect the Italian welfare state to provide support for their family. The empirical evidence builds on a survey administered, between 2014 and 2015, to about 350 immigrants from Maghreb, China and the Philippines residing in the Emilia-Romagna region. By means of a mixed-method comprising qualitative and quantitative analyses, the article shows that only a minority of respondents, particularly Maghrebis, have some expectations in terms of public welfare support. It suggests that such support is almost exclusively expected to cope with the needs of the young-family generation, while the needs of the elderly members are assumed to be met through relatives' informal support. Moreover, the article highlights marked differences in expectations across specific groups and points to explicatory variables such as country of origin, gender, educational level, age on arrival and length of stay. It further reflects on immigrants' degree of knowledge of the welfare state functioning and specifies the rationales, based on perceived rights or meritocratic criteria, explaining expectations for support.


It is hypothesized that microsatellite locus TH01, which is located in close proximity to beta-globin gene and immune regulatory region in human, plays a role in malaria predisposition. In this study, authors verified the association of microsatelite allele (AATG repeat unit) at TH01 locus with malaria infection. The study provided significant evidence that allele-9 at this locus in P. falciparum infected individual illustrate the genetic predisposition towards the disease. Moreover, the predominance of allele-9 at TH01 in the individuals inhabiting malaria endemic area suggests that genetic predisposition towards malaria is an archaic phenomenon. Key words: Microsatellites; Allele; Genotype; Locus, Malaria DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v20i1.8831 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 20 (1): 1-6, 2011 (January)


Background:Cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients with multiple segments are usually treated with the posterior approach. But expansive open laminoplasty (ELAP) often results in heavy, rigid, and acid bilges feelings in the neck, shoulder, and back, collectively known as axial symptoms. Objective: To evaluate the effect of modified posterior cervical ligament complex reconstruction and single-door laminoplasty with titanium plate fixation on postoperative axial symptoms in patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis conducted from June 2016 to March 2018 collected more than 132 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy at our institute. Group A includes 74 patients and Group B includes 58 patients who use different surgery method. Gender, age, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, post-operative drainage volume, and follow-up time, Visual analogue scoring (VAS), cervical curvature index (CCI) and the cross-sectional area of the posterior cervical muscles of the two groups were recorded. Results: There was statistical significance in the incidence of axial pain 3 months after surgery (P =0.001), 6 months after surgery (P =0.006), and 1 year after surgery (P =0.015). And the VAS score was decreased in group A 1 week (P <0.0001), 1 ,3 month(P=0.0001), 6 months(P=0.0076), and 1 year(P=0.0085) post-surgery compared to group B. Also the CCI and the posterior cervical muscle area between groups A and B (P < 0.0001).Conclusion: Modified single open-door laminoplasty could relieve cervical axial pain in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.


The main purpose of this study was to explore the concept of "re-branding a destination" as a key element to enhance sustainable tourism development. The study sought to measure the destination's attributes that determine sustainable tourism development vis-a-vis the perceived tourists' image. The study concludes that the concept of re-branding a destination is vital in destination marketing. Cognizant of the strategic role of destination re-branding, the study notes that there are a number of non-tourism factors which are still prevailing, such as political, social and environmental issues, which can significantly impact negatively on brand equity and the overall destination's competitiveness. Furthermore, the study observes that the concept of re-branding a destination may become more of rhetoric than practice if authorities fail to embrace the holistic nature of destination branding. Whilst there has been stability on the economic front, there are contradictory political undertones which have a strong bearing on sustainable tourism development. As such, the bad image generated by such negative publicity has the potential to derail the re-branding process thereby rendering it ineffective. The study concludes that for sustainable tourism development to be realized, the destination needs to deal with some of the political hot spots of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which have the potential to tarnish the image of a destination. The study recommends an integrated sustainable tourism development agenda, since re-branding alone may be unsustainable. It also needs to be nurtured and supported by all stakeholders. The study recommends urgent address of political, social and environmental issues. Finally, the study recommends a structured tourism growth strategy and a conducive environment for sustainable tourism development.

 Key words: Re-branding, image, sustainable development, identity, tourism development.


Aptamers are short strands of nucleic acid with a single strand that may unite to target a certain molecule in a selective and specific manner. SELEX experiments are the typical method used for identifying aptamers in vitro (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment). Several different computational methods have been developed to locate aptamers. The purpose of this research is to identify and make predictions on the possible RNA aptamers that may be used to target the protein. To do this, we propose the use of a multi-layer perceptron neural network with sixteen layers that are trained to locate possible aptamers of a protein target. This network is trained by extracting the main properties of RNA sequences. The outcome of our proposed model is compared to the output of two well-known machine learning classifiers, namely random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). Additionally, we undertake the independent testing of our model on the benchmark dataset, which allows us to reach the highest accuracy possible. As a consequence of this, our model obtains an accuracy of 98.44% and an MCC of 0.9123 during the 15-fold cross-validation, and it achieves an accuracy of 98.10% and an MCC of 0.9354 when the leave-one-out cross-validation is performed. We are certain that our approach will contribute to a reduction in the amount of money and time spent on in vitro testing. Therefore, restricting the length of the initial pool of potential nucleic acid pattern combinations.


To the Editor.—
 I read with interest Myron E. Wegman's comments about infant mortality in Sweden in "Annual Summary of Vital Statistics—1991" (Pediatrics. 1992;90:835-845). It is necessary to understand a major difference between Sweden and the United States that renders Swedish statistics on out-of-wedlock birth irrelevant to the US statistics. The vast majority of children born out-of-wedlock in Sweden are nevertheless born into a stable two-parent family; many Sweden simply choose to live together without being married.


Bacterial recombination is believed to be a major factor explaining the prevalence of multi-drug-resistance (MDR) among pathogenic bacteria. Despite extensive evidence for exchange of resistance genes from retrospective sequence analyses, experimental evidence for the evolutionary benefits of bacterial recombination is scarce. We compared the evolution of MDR between populations of Acinetobacter baylyi in which we manipulated both the recombination rate and the initial diversity of strains with resistance to single drugs. In populations lacking recombination, the initial presence of multiple strains resistant to different antibiotics inhibits the evolution of MDR. However, in populations with recombination, the inhibitory effect of standing diversity is alleviated and MDR evolves rapidly. Moreover, only the presence of DNA harbouring resistance genes promotes the evolution of resistance, ruling out other proposed benefits for recombination. Together, these results provide direct evidence for the fitness benefits of bacterial recombination and show that this occurs by mitigation of functional interference between genotypes resistant to single antibiotics. Although analogous to previously described mechanisms of clonal interference among alternative beneficial mutations, our results actually highlight a different mechanism by which interactions among co-occurring strains determine the benefits of recombination for bacterial evolution.


We studied the contractile response elicited by platelet-activating factor (PAF) administered intra-arterially into the tracheal circulation of 34 dogs in vivo. A method that avoided tachyphylaxis encountered in prior investigations was developed for isometric measurement of multiple dose-response effects. PAF was a very potent contractile agent; active tension was elicited with 10(-11) mol ia PAF. To determine the mechanism by which contraction was induced, dose-response curves were generated in groups of five animals each treated with either 0.5 mg/kg (approximately 1.5 X 10(-5) mol) iv + 10(-3) mg/kg (3 X 10(-8) mol) ia atropine, 5 mg/kg iv indomethacin (INDO), or 7.5 mg/kg iv hexamethonium (HEX). After pretreatment with atropine, contraction still was elicited with 10(-11) mol ia PAF. However, maximal contraction was only 16.2 +/- 2.74 g/cm (vs. 35.7 +/- 5.74 g/cm for untreated controls; P less than 0.02). The dose at which maximal contraction was elicited after atropine was 10(-7) mol ia (vs. 1.9 X 10(-9) mol for controls; P less than 0.001). Pretreatment with INDO caused minimal attenuation, and HEX had no effect on the response elicited by ia PAF. We demonstrate a method for assessing the effects of PAF in central airways that avoids tachyphylaxis and permits dose-response studies in the same animal. We also demonstrate that PAF is an extremely potent mediator that elicits tracheal smooth muscle contraction at least in part by postganglionic activation of parasympathetic nerves. A direct contractile effect of PAF which is not related to secretion of products of the cyclooxygenase pathway is also suggested.


An unprecedented stratospheric ozone loss has been reported in the Arctic from all ground-based, sondes and satellites observations during the winter 2010-11. It was attributed to unusually long-lasting cold conditions allowing Polar Stratospheric Clouds to form until at least mid-March. Chlorine activation and ozone loss amplitudes are found comparable to that in the Antarctic ozone hole, but the warmer conditions, the lesser reduction of nitric acid, and the absence of dehydration, indicate that Arctic ozone holes are possible even with temperature much milder than those in the Antarctic (Manney et al., 2011, Arnone et al, 2011). Here the ozone loss in and out vortex is evaluated by the "passive" method by comparison between total ozone measured at height SAOZ stations and that simulated by the REPROBUS Chemistry Transport Model (CTM) ignoring chemistry. Most unprecedented feature is the loss rate of 0.5-0.6% per day after February 20, similar to that observed in the Antarctic but never seen before in the Arctic. The explanation, demonstrated by the simultaneous NO2 SAOZ measurements, is the late renoxification of the vortex after the photolysis of HNO3 starting on March 20 only, later than all other years in the Arctic, particularly in 1997, the year of the longer lasting cold vortex. This implies strong denoxification (heterogeneous conversion of N2O5 in HNO3) and at least partial denitrification by sedimentation of NAT particles, that is temperature far below that of NAT formation in the early winter as reported. In summary, it is shown that the unprecedented loss amplitude in the winter 2011 was due to a cold vortex until mid-March, but also to extremely cold temperatures below TICE, in the mid stratosphere in January. Shown in the presentation will be the evolution of the ozone loss and the NO2 column in and out vortex during the 2010-2011winter, the contribution of gas phase chemistry, the relationship with sunlit VPSC, and comparisons with previous years, particularly those of largest losses.


Oblique detonation engines are being a centre of multiple kinds of research. Likewise, this paper provides the simulation at various Mach numbers to observe the pattern of combustion in an oblique detonation engine. considering Rahul et al paper[5] as a reference same conditions of pressure, temperature and wedge angles were used in this paper. yet, a different model of a chemical designed by M.O Conaire and H.J Curran[7] was used and simulation was performed at several Mach numbers until a fully developed combustion had been achieved.


Current outcome prediction in critically ill patients relies on the art of clinical judgement and/or the science of prognostication using illness severity scores. The biochemical processes underlying critical illness have increasingly been unravelled. Several biochemical markers reflecting the process of inflammation, immune dysfunction, impaired tissue oxygenation and endocrine alterations have been evaluated for their predictive power in small subpopulations of critically ill patients. However, none of these parameters has been validated in large populations of unselected ICU patients as has been done for the illness severity and organ failure scores. A simple biochemical predictor of ICU mortality will probably remain elusive because the processes underlying critical illness are very complex and heterogeneous. Future prognostic models will need to be far more sophisticated.


We present results of three-dimensional MHD simulations of recurrent eruptions in emerging flux regions. The initial numerical setup is the same as that in the work by Syntelis et al. Here, we perform a parametric study on the magnetic field strength (B0) of the emerging field. The kinetic energy of the produced ejective eruptions in the emerging flux region ranges from 1026 to 1028 erg, reaching up to the energies of small coronal mass ejections. The kinetic and magnetic energies of the eruptions scale linearly in a logarithmic plot. We find that the eruptions are triggered earlier for higher B0 and that B0 is not directly correlated to the frequency of occurrence of the eruptions. Using large numerical domains, we show the initial stage of the partial merging of two colliding erupting fields. The partial merging occurs partly by the reconnection between the field lines of the following and the leading eruption at the interface between them. We also find that tether-cutting reconnection of the field lines of the leading eruption underneath the following eruption magnetically links the two eruptions. Shocks develop inside the leading eruption during the collision.


ABSTRACT. The aims of this study are to determine how anuran calling males are spatially and temporally distributed in the Morro do Diabo State Park (MDSP), and to test for indicator species in different breeding habitats. We found high species turnover among breeding habitats of different hydroperiods. Our results indicate that spatial partitioning is more important than seasonal occurrence in permitting species coexistence at MDSP. Indicator Species Analysis identified one species associated with a local stream, one species associated with permanent ponds, two species associated with temporary ponds, and three species associated with a semipermanent pond. Guilds of species do not appear to stratify their distributions throughout the year, since most species occur during the rainy and warm months and are thus temporally overlapping. The main conservation implication of our work is the need to protect the different areas of the park where these unique breeding habitats, and their associated anuran assemblages, are found.


Given the importance of student engagement for educational success, it is essential to explore how teachers can stimulate student engagement in online learning environment. However, relatively little research drawing from self-determination theory has examined the links between teaching motivations and student engagement. To this end, this study was conducted to survey 414 Chinese college students' perceptions of teaching motivations, their own intrinsic and extrinsic motivations during the learning process, as well as their engagement with online learning. The findings indicated that the survey had satisfactory validity and internal consistency. Structural equation model revealed the interrelationships between autonomy-supportive teaching motivations, controlling teaching motivations, student intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and student engagement. The results showed that in online learning environments, autonomy-supportive teaching motivations and student intrinsic motivation were positively related to student engagement. Unexpectedly, controlling teaching motivations and student extrinsic motivation had no significant effect on student engagement. Moreover, the mediating effects of student intrinsic motivation including perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness offered a deeper understanding of the association between autonomy-supportive teaching motivations and student engagement. The main findings and practical implications together are discussed in depth.
Implications for practice or policy:

Teachers could adopt autonomy-supportive teaching strategies and stimulate students' intrinsic motivation as they have shown to be positive factors for student engagement.
Developers and educators could enhance student engagement through nurturing inner motivational resources in online learning environment.
Researchers could verify more factors that influence student engagement and clarify how they could be manipulated in future studies.


A set of small inner bore (8.5 mm) single pancake coils was wound from multifilament Bi(2223)/Ag tapes using the `wind and react' (W&R) technique. W&R means sintering heat treatment of the Bi(2223)/Ag tape wound to a pancake coil. During the winding procedure, the tape was insulated by a mixture of Al2O3 or ZrO2 powders with varnish. After the first sintering step (841 °C/50 h), the printed insulation was easily removed and the tape with a clean surface was subjected to intermediate deformation by rolling. After the final heat treatment (841 °C/150 h), the coils were impregnated by epoxy resin. Electrical measurements of individual pancakes certified the good quality of interturn insulation. Some variations of transport currents among the pancakes were measured. The selected coils were connected in series or parallel and current distribution and I-V curves of individual coils were measured. Comparison of both connections is discussed in detail. The results of a small magnet arranged by connection of five single pancake coils with partial compensation of the radial field component is also presented. The compensation of the radial field component allows us to increase the magnetic field in the bore axis by 215%. Further lowering of temperature to 65 K allows us to generate a magnetic field nearly five times higher than in the case of the non-compensated winding at 77 K.


Osteoporotic fractures in the elderly are a worldwide epidemic and the increasing ageing of
the global population means that the economic cost of these fractures will continue to rise.
Leading a physically active lifestyle offers one preventative measure, so it is important that
the general public knows precisely how to exercise. This thesis describes investigations into
the effects of brief, high-impact, unilateral exercise on neuromuscular and bone health,
concentrating on defining the optimum weekly frequency of exercise required for healthy but
sedentary premenopausal women to maximise their peak bone mass. [Continues.]


This paper presents a remote fault detection and identification system for transmission lines, permitting elimination, or at least minimizing, the use of maintenance methods employed by power utilities, as a result of its technical potential and capability to reduce operational costs. It consists of a data acquisition system, capable of acquiring and storing high frequency signals present in the transmission lines (TLs). The signals, after their storage, are treated and identified through signal processing techniques such as digital filters and neural networks. This system has been installed in the reception terminal of one power line carrier system, in an electric power utility in Brazil. Many fault-simulating tests were carried out in the transmission line for pattern definition. Therefore, it is possible to develop an algorithm capable of identifying any potential transmission line fault. With the results obtained in this first part of the research, and with the continuity of the project, new signals will be obtained, identified and trained by the neural network.


We develop two new types of models for whole-genome radiation hybrid mapping using the general multipoint framework. The first, selected locus models, are appropriate for mapping markers in the region of a selectable locus that was used in creation of the hybrids. The models allow for strong retention of the selectable locus, with retention rates decreasing with increasing distance from the selectable locus in both directions. We illustrate the application of these models with 10 chromosome 17 sequence-tagged site (STS) markers and the thymidine kinase (TK) locus typed on a whole-genome hybrid panel in which TK was used in the selection process. The second set of models are appropriate when loci typed on two or more independent panels are to be used to build maps. Maps can be built assuming interlocus distances are independent or proportional between the panels, and the hypothesis of proportional distances can be tested. We illustrate the application of these models by using 27 chromosome 21 STS markers typed on two hybrid panels created with radiation doses of approximately 10,000 and approximately 50,000 Rads.


Recently, it has been demonstrated that many large complex networks display a scale-free feature, that is, their connectivity distributions are in the power-law form. In this paper, we investigate the synchronization phenomenon in scale-free dynamical networks. We show that if the coupling strength of a scale-free dynamical network is greater than a positive threshold, then the network will synchronize no matter how large it is. We show that the synchronizability of a scale-free dynamical network is robust against random removal of nodes, but is fragile to specific removal of the most highly connected nodes.


In this work we discuss logical structures related to indistinguishable particles. Most of the framework used to develop these structures was presented in [17, 28] and in [20, 14, 15, 16]. We use these structures and constructions to discuss possible ontologies for identical particles. In other words, we use these structures in order to characterize the logical structure of quantum systems for the case of indistinguishable particles, and draw possible philosophical implications. We also review some proposals available in the literature which may be considered within the framework of the quantum logical tradition regarding the problem of indistinguishability. Besides these discussions and constructions, we advance novel technical results, namely, a lattice theoretical structure for identical particles for the finite dimensional case. This kind of approach was not present in the scarcely literature of quantum logic and indistinguishable particles.


ABSTRACT The article fills a research gap on voting behaviour in the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council by presenting an analysis of 12 years of voting records (2004 to 2016). Consensus, said to be the default option for EU decision-making, was also dominant in the JHA field. However, the research observes a tremendous increase in 'no' votes and abstentions during the post-Lisbon period. In explaining contestation, a qualitative analysis of interview data and voting statements identifies four dominant reasonings: contestation can be related to member states' sovereignty concerns, imply a critique on the respective proposal's expected functionality, mark a misfit with national rules and politics, or point to unwanted budgetary effects. The findings show that the JHA Council has become more publicly political and has come to be a venue for national expression of discontent over the details of an EU Area of Freedom Security and Justice.


Side-chain-type (SC) anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with pendant quaternary ammonium (QA) groups anchored onto the backbones via a six-carbon spacer demonstrate superior alkaline resistance. Yet, conventional SC AEMs have QA functionalized side chains randomly spread on the backbone, resulting in insufficient QA aggregation. Herein, we attempted to enhance the QA collection of SC AEMs by gathering the alkyl chains terminated by QA groups along the backbone or the grafting chain on the molecular level to gain dense or long SC configurations (termed as D-SC and L-SC). Coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations reveal that the D-SC and L-SC architectures are much more beneficial for promoting the formation of desired long-range OH− transport channels compared with SC architectures, thereby leading to strikingly increased OH− conductivity. In particular, the D-SC AEM (IEC = 2.41 mmol g−1) with a limited water uptake of 30.4% shows quite a high hydroxide conductivity of 0.058 S cm−1 at 30 °C. The H2–O2 alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cell using D-SC as ionomers gives rise to an exceptional peak power density of 683 mW cm−2 at 80 °C. Long-term alkaline aging measurements indicate that the D-SC and L-SC AEMs still preserve the advantages of typical SC AEMs in the aspect of alkaline tolerance. We thus believe that the molecular design opinions reported here can be appreciated as versatile strategies in the development of highly conductive and alkaline stabilized AEMs for electrochemical associated applications.


A study has been made of cool-down process on an incompressible fluid contained in a periodically oscillating cylinder when an abrupt cooling of wall temperature is imposed. Characteristics of flow and heat transfer are investigated along the variations of oscillating frequency and amplitude. One found the flow regimes are divided into 4-modes : 1 thermal island mode, 2 thermal island mode, 4 thermal island mode and asymmetry mode. Comprehensive analysis for each mode are given with a physical mechanism on cool-down process.


Homozygous staggerer (RORa(sg/sg)) mice showed a severe ataxia caused by cerebellum degeneration. Decreased and dysfunctional Rora is a main cause of this neurologic phenotype. The phenotype of staggerer mice has been well known in cerebellum. However, there has been rarely reported about cerebrum even though of staggerer is expressed in merely cerebellum but hippocampus, thalamus, cortex, and olfactory bulb. The expressions of Ki67, doublecortin (DCX), and NeuN, which are cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation and mature neuron markers, respectively, were measured with immunohistochemistry in dentate gyrus in staggerer mice in order to uncover whether staggerer can affect the change in dentate gyrus. The immunoreactivities of DCX and NeuN were significantly reduced in the dentate gyrus of staggerer mice than normal control, while Ki67 were rarely unchanged in staggerer mice. These results suggest that staggerer mutation has an influence on the neuronal differentiation and development not only in cerebellum but also in dentate gyrus.


Apigenin (Api) is a plant monomer associated with reducing the risk of heart disease. However, the mechanism of action remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, it was hypothesized that API has cardioprotective effects by attenuating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Rats were randomly subjected to sham operation, myocardial I/R alone or I/R + Api. Cardiac function was measured, and infarct size was evaluated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining following reperfusion. The myocardial enzyme leakage was analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). The myocardium was also assessed for total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) was analyzed by western blotting. The present study reported for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that I/R significantly increased infarct size, induced CK and LDH release, inhibited the activity of SOD and increased the levels of MDA, all of which were prevented by treatment with Api. In addition, I/R increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, which was significantly decreased in the Api‑treated heart tissue samples following I/R, compared with the untreated heart tissue samples. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that Api inhibited the p38 MAPK signaling pathway to protect cardiomyocytes from I/R‑induced injury.


To reduce the contact resistance at source/drain regions in scaled CMOS, control of PtSi work function by alloying with Hf was investigated. Pt(10-20nm)/Hf(0-10nm)/n-Si(100) stacked layers were annealed at 400°C/60min in a flowing N2 ambient to form silicide layer. In the case of alloying with 3-6nm-thick Hf, it was found that barrier height (ΦBn) for electron was linearly reduced from 0.84eV to 0.56eV with Hf thickness in the initial stacked layer, which corresponds to the work function of 4.89eV and 4.61eV, respectively. Furthermore, the reduction of ΦBn could be precisely controlled by 94meV/nm with Hf thickness.


Nowadays, the North-Eastern Netherlands is not known for being a region with many castles. But in the Middle Ages, at least 134 episcopal castles, noble houses and fortifications existed here. This area, known as the Oversticht, was part of the episcopal principality of Utrecht in the Middle Ages. In this thesis, the development of the Oversticht castles is analysed in relation to space and time between 1050 and 1450. To this end, a new methodological and theoretical approach is introduced: the castle landscape model. This model offers the opportunity to research the interaction between castles and their environments in an interdisciplinary and diachronic manner. This is done at various scales: first, the territorial castle landscape of the Oversticht is mapped, in which castle development and the interaction between the physical landscape and construction of territorial power of the prince-bishop of Utrecht are central. Consequently, the interaction between castles and their environments is studied in more detail through two partial studies. The first partial study concerns the oldest castle site: the mysterious castle of Hunenborg (Volthe, Twente), which is surrounded by a circular rampart and located in the wilderness. The second partial study focuses on the micro-region of South-west Twente and describes how the lords of the castles of Goor and Diepenheim left a significant mark on the landscape. Finally, the results are compared with the areas of Nedersticht Utrecht and Sticht Munster and evaluated in relation to national and international discussions in research on castles.


Article History: The linear and nonlinear optical absorption as well as photoluminescence emission behaviour of the organic dye, Eriochrome Cyanine R in aqueous solution were investigated. The samples exhibited intense photoluminescence emission when excited with 518 nm radiation. An investigation into the absorptive nonlinearity exhibited by the Eriochrome Cyanine R dye in aqueous solution under low power continuous wave (cw) laser light illumination at 442 nm, performed using the Z -Scan technique is presented. The samples exhibited Reverse Saturable absorption under the experimental conditions.


An automated follow-up register for the detection of iatrogenic thyroid disease has been established as a joint venture between the general practitioners in the north-east of Scotland and the thyroid clinic of Aberdeen General Hospitals. The data-processing operations in the system are handled by an International Computers Limited 4/50 computer. Patients are followed up at predetermined intervals and the system has been designed to process, screen, and store clinical and biochemical follow-up data and report results to the patients, general practitioners, and the hospital records department.


By formulating a contraction mapping and the matrix exponential function, the authors apply linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique to investigate and obtain the LMI-based stability criterion of a class of time-delay Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy differential equations. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to obtain the LMI-based stability criterion derived by a fixed point theory. It is worth mentioning that LMI methods have high efficiency and other advantages in largescale engineering calculations. And the feasibility of LMI-based stability criterion can efficiently be computed and confirmed by computer Matlab LMI toolbox. At the end of this paper, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.


The aim of this study was to investigate how the particulate phase dielectric constant impacts the dielectrophoretic force in an organic fluid suspension. This was accomplished through the construction of an apparatus which allowed the direct measurement of the dielectrophoretic force of attraction between macroscopic ceramic hemispheres submerged in an uncrosslinked thermoset polyurethane carrier fluid. The analysis of the experimental data show that the dielectrophoretic force increases with particle dielectric constant under AC fields but the same relationship does not hold when applying DC fields. This is believed to occur owing to the relaxation of the conduction mechanism under an alternating electric field.


Abstract Exceptional sub-micrometer details of shell microstructure are preserved in phosphatic micro-steinkerns representing several phyla from shell beds of the Upper Ordovician of the Cincinnati Arch region, USA. These fossils provide the most detailed record of Ordovician mollusk shell microstructures, as well as exceptional details on the earliest cases of undisputed nacre. The trend towards nacre in the Mollusca is one aspect of the surge in escalation between mollusks and their predators during the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event.


Moxalactam was administered intravenously or intramuscularly or both in doses of 1 to 12 g/day to 45 patients with clinically significant infections (17 soft tissue or bone, 9 pleuropulmonary, 9 septicemic, 6 urinary tract, and 4 intraabdominal infections). Mean 0.5-h postinfusion levels were 105 micrograms/ml for a 4.0-g dose, 44.7 micrograms/ml for a 2.0-g dose, and 18 micrograms/ml for a 1.0-g dose. We identified 28 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, 10 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, 9 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, and 15 anaerobic bacterial isolates. A total of 15 patients were clinically cured, 8 patients improved, 13 patients improved initially but suffered subsequent relapses or superinfections, and 10 patients failed therapy. Toxicity was generally minimal (reversible eosinophilia, and mild liver function abnormalities, and elevated prothrombin time). The selection or emergence of resistant organisms in 17 patients during treatment (particularly Pseudomonas, enterococci, and Candida) was a disturbing feature of therapy. Our results were generally favorable, considering the complicated underlying medical problems of this group of patients.


In this study, such as child marriage in many countries of the world is a major problem that may be encountered in Turkey are discussed. The main objective of the study is tounderstand the problem at an early age through the experiences of women they mated transfer, to increase public awareness about the solution of the problem. It also aimed to provide politicians with the focus on the problem of the political mechanism. Investigation of child bride marriages at an earlyage in the the analysis is done through Turkey, Mersin province as the sample was selected. Qualitative research methods in the study and deep interview technique was used this method, the women were asked to talk about their marriage experience. Study data education in child marriage, family structure, social environment, has revealed that it is important variables such as traditional culture.


Ethernet Virtual Private Network (EVPN) solution is becoming pervasive
for Network Virtualization Overlay (NVO) services in data center (DC)
networks and as the next generation VPN services in service provider
(SP) networks. As service providers transform their networks in their
COs toward next generation data center with Software Defined
Networking (SDN) based fabric and Network Function Virtualization
(NFV), they want to be able to maintain their offered services
including Multicast VPN (MVPN) service between their existing network
and their new Service Provider Data Center (SPDC) network seamlessly
without the use of gateway devices. They want to have such seamless
interoperability between their new SPDCs and their existing networks
for a) reducing cost, b) having optimum forwarding, and c) reducing
provisioning. This document describes a unified solution based on RFCs
6513 & 6514 for seamless interoperability of Multicast VPN between
EVPN and MVPN PEs. Furthermore, it describes how the proposed solution
can be used as a routed multicast solution in data centers with only
EVPN PEs.