OF THESIS OPTIMIZING COVER CROP ROTATIONS FOR WATER, NITROGEN AND WEED MANAGEMENT Winter cover crops grown in rotation with grain crops can be an efficient integrated pest management tool (IPM). However, cover crop biomass production and thus successful provisioning of ecosystem services depend on a timely planting and cover crop establishment after harvest of a cash crop in the fall. One potential management adaptation is the use of short-season soybeans to advance cover crop planting date in the fall. Cover crops planted earlier in the fall may provide a greater percentage of ground cover early in the season because of higher biomass accumulation that may improve weed suppression. However, adapting to short-season soybeans could have a yield penalty compared to full-season soybeans. In addition, it is unclear if further increasing cover crop growing season and biomass production under environmental conditions in Kentucky could limit nitrogen and water availability for the next cash crop. This thesis combines the use of field trials and a crop simulation model to address the research questions posed. In Chapter 1, field trials evaluating yield and harvest date of soybean maturity group (MG) cultivars from 0 to 4 in 13 site-years across KY, NE, and OH, were used to calibrate and evaluate the DSSAT crop modeling software (v 4.7). The subsequent modeling analysis showed that planting shorter soybean maturity groups (MG) would advance date of harvest maturity (R8) by 6.6 to 11 days per unit decrease in MG for May planting or by 1 to 7.3 days for July planting. The earliest MG cultivar that maximized yield ranged from MG 0 to 3 depending on the location, allowing a winter-killed cover crop to accumulate between 257 to 270 growing degree days (GDD) before the first freeze occurrence when soybean was planted in May, and between 280 to 296 GDD when soybean was planted in July. Winter-hardy cover crops could accumulate 701 to 802 GDD following soybean planted in May and 329 to 416 GDD after soybean planted in July. In Chapter 2, a two-year field trial was conducted at Lexington, KY to evaluate the effect of a soybean – cover crop rotation with soybean cultivars MG 1, 2, 3 or 4 on cover crop biomass and canopy cover, and on weed biomass in the fall and the following spring. Results showed that having cover crops was an efficient management strategy to reduce weed biomass in the fall and spring compared to no cover treatment. Planting cover crops earlier in the fall after a short-season soybean increased cover crop biomass production and percentage of ground cover in the fall, but not the following spring. Planting cover crop earlier after a short-season soybean did not improve weed suppression in the fall or spring compared to a fallow control with full-season soybean. Having a fall herbicide application improved weed control when there was a high pressure of winter annual weeds. By the spring, delaying cover crop termination increased cover crop biomass but also did weed biomass. In Chapter 3, a soybean – cover crop – corn rotation was simulated to evaluate the effect of different soybean MG and cover crop termination, as well as year to year variability on water and nitrogen availability for the next corn crop in Lexington, KY. Simulations showed that when cover crops were terminated early, they did not reduced soil available water at corn planting. However, introducing a non-legume cover crop reduced total inorganic nitrogen content in the soil profile by 21 to 34 kg ha-1 implying 15 to 30 kg ha-1 less in corn nitrogen uptake. Cover crop management that was able to maintain similar available water values than fallow treatment while minimizing nitrogen uptake differences was cover crops planted after soybean MG 4 with an early termination. However, the best management strategies that will maximize ecosystem services from cover crops as well as cash crop productivity may need to be tailored to each environment, soil type, irrigation management, and must consider year-to-year variability.


Effects of one of the fraction of grape extract on myocardial contractility and coronary flow of isolated guinea pig heart have been investigated. It was shown that the administration of grape extract led to myocardial contractility index is increase by 77%, coronary flow increase by 13% and oxygen consumption increase by 30%. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by L-NMMA resulted in decrease of grape extract-induced coronary flow increase. These data support of isolated strips investigation that grape has a compounds which induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation of coronary bed. They indicate that these substances have the strong cardiostimulating effect.


This response to Patrick Glenn's reply to a collaborative survey of his LEGAL TRADITIONS OF THE WORLD (2nd ed, 2004) continues the discussion of topics raised there in relation to Glenn's treatment of tradition: language games and interpretive communities; incommensurability; and multivalence. The distinction between a multi-faceted approach and a multivalent approach is clarified further, in the context of drawing upon a richer array of resources than openness to a broader collection of traditions would provide. The totalising force of tradition as an intellectual outlook in Glenn's work is examined further, and separated as an issue from the totalitarian nature of particular traditions. It is compared to the attribution of a totalising force to other ideas, such as culture, and ideology. Reasons are provided for thinking that Glenn's approach to tradition fails to advance either our understanding of law or the comparative enterprise. In particular, it is pointed out that Glenn fails to deal with the role of law in opposing conduct as much as accommodating it; and neglects the need for comparative law to illuminate both points of comparison that might be brought into deeper coexistence and points of contrast that reveal deeper conflict.


In order to construct an artificial cultivation of Nostoc flagelliforme on solid medium, we attempted to assess the viability of approaches, which utilized either BG -11 agar or sand medium using both sterile and non-sterile algal segments. In the trial in which the BG-11 agar medium was inoculated with the non-sterile algal segments, the algae exhibited the rapid growth in the initial 4 days of cultivation. However, after 4 days of cultivation, the growth rate of the algae slowed, and the algal growth was completely stopped by 7 days of cultivation. When the BG-11 medium was inoculated with the sterile algal segments, the algae exhibited the rapid growth for a longer period of 8 days, reaching a length of 24.9 mm. The growth rate during this period was measured to be 24.5%. After the 8 days of cultivation, the algal growth rate began to slow and had almost stopped by the 13 days of cultivation. On the other hand, when the sterile algal segments were inoculated onto a sand plate, the algal segments decomposed, reaching total decomposition after 11 days of cultivation. By way of contrast, the desiccation treatment samples continued to grow for 14 days of cultivation. After 14 days of cultivation, the algae achieved a length of 26.1 mm, with a growth rate of 30.6%. Our results indicate that periodic desiccation may constitute an effective strategy for the prevention of algal decomposition.


Surface Mach number distributions, total pres- sure loss coefficients, and schlieren images of the flow are presented over a range of inlet Nun num- bers and air angles. Several different trailing edge geometries were tested. At design conditions a leading edge separation bubble was observed resulting in higher losses than anticipated. The minimum losses were obtained at a negative incidence condition in which the flow was accelerating over most of the supercritical region. Relatively minor differences in losses were measured with the different trailing edge geometries studied.


The author of the paper studies a piece of ancient Greek parody "Convivium Atticum" (I, 1–122) written by Matro of Pitane (4th–3rd centuries BC). She discusses the enigmatic Homeric cento passage of this parody describing a feast: "As for the sea-urchins with their long, spiny hair, I cast them away, / and they produced an uproar as they rolled about among the slaves' feet / in an open space, where the sea's waves always wash, / and they pulled many spines out by the roots from their head" (I, 18–21). The question is why the narrator throws the sea-urchins, delicious food, down onto the floor.

 I argue with the different interpretations of this passage, and turn to the newest data, to mosaics in the style of "Asarotos oikos" ("unswept floor") that had not been yet taken into consideration. Pliny in his "Natural History" described the most famous work in that genre — the one by Sosos in Pergamon. Popular in the Hellenistic time, mosaics depict the remnants of banquets, among which are empty shells of the sea-urchins.


Ecological modernization refers to the idea that capitalist-driven scientific and technological advancements can not only attend to the world's pending environmental crises, but even lead to ecological improvement, thus allowing sustainability and consumption to continue in concert. In this paper, we examine ecological modernization at the confluence of environmentalism, international development and global sport. Through an analysis of golf and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, we argue that golf's return to the Olympic program is illustrative of a post-political approach to environmentalism, whereby ecological modernization is posited as a common-sense response to addressing matters of global climate change.


In order to predict the strength of an adhesive bond between two metal sheets, it is necessary to measure the physical state of the adhesive layer that mechanically joins the two pieces of metal. This requires rapidly performing a detailed analysis of the ultrasonic echoes reflected from the entire structure when it is immersed in a water bath for a normal ultrasonic pulse-echo inspection. To achieve this result, computer-operated ultrasonic inspection systems have been assembled and equipped with special signal processing routines so that particular features of the ultrasonic echo in both the time domain and the frequency domain can be extracted in a time short enough to meet the requirements of a production inspection system. Such features as the relative amplitude of the signals reflected from the top and bottom of the adhesive layer and the frequencies for which standing waves are excited in the adhesive and in the metal adherends are of particular interest for making the strength predictions. It is also important that the interrogating ultrasonic pulse be of very short time duration so that the echoes from the various interfaces in the sandwich-like joint can be resolved in the time domain display. This requires the use of special high frequency pulse generators coupled to broad band transducers and amplifiers. Special procedures are also needed to insure the accuracy of the analog-to-digital conversion at the input to the computer and the subsequent transformations to and from the frequency domain.


The effect of furfurol on the rate of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production by Candida tropicalis cells was studied. Furfurol was shown to inhibit significantly the yeast respiration, inducing aerobic glycolysis. Enhanced carbon dioxide production in the presence of furfurol was followed by an intensive degradation of trehalose and ethanol accumulation in the medium.


Noninvasive investigative methods are valuable for the practical diagnosis of several peripheral vascular disorders. Doppler ultrasound is very useful for the detection of incompetent saphenous and perforating veins and for the measurement of systolic ankle pressure, which today is the best screening method for arterial stenoses or occlusions. Acral oscillography, photoplethysmography and thermography, combined with vasodilator (nitroglycerin) or vasoconstrictor (cold) stress tests, may disclose small vessel disease and vasospastic disorders (Raynaud phenomenon). To answer the question of whether varicosities should be eliminated by surgery or sclerotherapy in patients with severe stages of chronic venous insufficiency (e.g. crural ulcers), investigations of the venous pump by venous pressure measurement or (photo-)plethysmography with and without digital occlusion of the suspected leakage points are recommended. Doppler probe, plethysmography and thermography are valuable screening methods for deep vein thrombosis and help to restrict phlebography to patients on whom fibrinolysis or thrombectomy is carried out. For the majority of patients undergoing conservative treatment, these noninvasive diagnostic procedures are usually sufficient.


The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) was created to put interconnected 3D worlds onto every desktop. The 3D VRML format has the potential for 3D fax and TeleManufacture. An architecture and methodology of using VRML format to integrate a 3D model and Solid Freeform Fabrication system are described in this paper. The prototype software discussed in this paper demonstrates the use of VRML for Solid Freeform Fabrication process planning. The path used from design to part will be described.


Sepsis is a severe pathology caused by a systemic and disproportionate pro-inflammatory response of the immune system to an infection. Frequently, sepsis worsens and results in endotoxic (or septic) shock, which is accompanied by multi-organ failure and is usually fatal in a large number of cases. Microbial molecules triggering the most potent immune system activation are lipopolysaccharide (LPS or endotoxin) and lipoproteins (LPT) of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Currently, there is no specific therapy against sepsis. The only treatments available are limited to fluid replacement and other life support measures. Each year, sepsis affects approximately 800,000 people in the United States alone and it has been estimated that between 28 and 50% of those affected die.
Our group designed an antimicrobial peptide called Aspidasept I® (Pep19-2.5) which has high affinity in vitro for LPS and for whole cells of Staphylococcus aureus and which is capable of protecting mice against endotoxic shock. We also developed Aspidasept II® (Pep19-4LF) which has a much more potent antimicrobial activity than Pep19-2.5. Our hypothesis is that either Pep19-2.5 or Pep19-4LF, by themselves or combined with antibiotics could be effective anti-sepsis therapies in humans. To advance in the preclinical development of these compounds we characterize selected in vitro and in vivo activities of them with emphasis in those properties related to their application for the treatment of sepsis.
We demonstrated that Pep19-2.5: afforded protection to mice against a lethal dose of the pro-inflammatory lipoprotein FSL-1 and efficiently cooperated with ceftriaxone to counteract sepsis-associated symptoms in a rabbit model of acute bactaeremia. However, the significant toxicity of Pep19-2.5 along with its poor half-life in blood and its sensitivity to proteases led us to focus our efforts on the preclinical development of Pep19-4LF.
Compared with Pep19-2.5, we demonstrated that Pep19-4LF: i, is much more potent as antimicrobial and has a broader spectrum of activity; ii, is more capable of enhancing antibiotics and sensitizing multi-resistant strains to those compounds; iii, has a significant anti-biofilm bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa Ps4 alone and combined with levofloxacin; iv, retains its antibacterial activity when immobilized on a polymeric matrix and prevents growth of P. aeruginosa biofilm as efficiently as colistin. Interestingly, Pep19-2.5 and Pep19-4LF synergized with each other against multi-resistant strains and showed a comparable capacity to protect mice against a lethal endotoxic shock.
These results suggest that Pep19-4LF holds promise as a candidate for human sepsis therapy. In its turn, Pep19-2.5 could be developed for the topical treatment of infected wounds, since this peptide showed wound healing activity in mice as high as the reference compound.


Since the year 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has undertaken an active public health research agenda in ovarian cancer, focused mainly on research related to earlier recognition of symptoms, methods for earlier diagnosis, and optimization of treatment and end-of-life care. Much of this work was guided by external input from two workshops in 2000 and 2002 with ovarian cancer experts in clinical and epidemiological research, public health leaders from federal and state agencies, and ovarian cancer survivors. In November 2008, the CDC convened a third informal workshop of experts to comment on CDC's work to date and to help expand the public health research agenda for the future. The purpose of the workshop was to identify and discuss urgent and emerging issues related to ovarian cancer and how public health organizations, and specifically CDC, might address these issues through research. This article provides a summary of some of the issues discussed and potential areas for future research, including genetic, screening, and diagnostic tests for ovarian cancer; ways of improving the quality of care for patients; symptom recognition; public awareness; and other emerging issues related to ovarian cancer.


When MATa cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been treated with the mating hormone alpha-factor an increase in chitin synthase zymogen, as well as chitin content in the cell-wall fraction, have been reported. With a DNA probe derived from the cloned CHS1 gene that codes for chitin synthase I [Bulawa, C. E., Slater, M., Cabib, E., Au-Young, J., Sburlati, A., Adair, W. L. and Robbins, P. (1986) Cell 46, 213-225] a Northern analysis was conducted of CHS1-specific transcripts. alpha-Factor-treated MATa cells revealed more than sixfold elevated steady-state levels of CHS1 mRNA as compared to control cells. MAT alpha cells responded the same way when treated with a-factor although induction rate was somewhat smaller. After hormone application a rapid increase in CHS1 mRNA levels could be observed that occurred also in the absence of ongoing protein synthesis. In order to minimize possible side effects of CHS1-coding sequences on expression and mRNA stability a CHS1::SUC2 chimaeric gene was constructed where 730 bp of the CHS1 promoter region (+20 bp of the coding region) were fused in frame to a fragment of the SUC2 coding region. The fusion protein exhibits invertase activity that has been used to monitor CHS1 promoter activity. By analysis of shortened versions of the CHS1 promoter a 94-bp DNA fragment has been identified that confers hormone inducibility to the CHS1 promoter. According to the published sequence of the CHS1 gene, this fragment contains four repeats of a TGAAACA consensus sequence previously identified in the alpha-factor-inducible BAR1 promoter [Kronstad, J. W., Holly, J. A. and MacKay, V. L. (1987) Cell 50, 369-377]. This heptamer may represent the cis-acting element involved in mating-hormone-mediated gene expression in yeast.


This article presents an interactive technique for moving through an immersive virtual environment (or "virtual reality"). The technique is suitable for applications where locomotion is restricted to ground level. The technique is derived from the idea that presence in virtual environments may be enhanced the stronger the match between proprioceptive information from human body movements and sensory feedback from the computer-generated displays. The technique is an attempt to simulate body movements associated with walking. The participant "walks in place" to move through the virtual environment across distances greater than the physical limitations imposed by the electromagnetic tracking devices. A neural network is used to analyze the stream of coordinates from the head-mounted display, to determine whether or not the participant is walking on the spot. Whenever it determines the walking behavior, the participant is moved through virtual space in the direction of his or her gaze. We discuss two experimental studies to assess the impact on presence of this method in comparison to the usual hand-pointing method of navigation in virtual reality. The studies suggest that subjective rating of presence is enhanced by the walking method provided that participants associate subjectively with the virtual body provided in the environment. An application of the technique to climbing steps and ladders is also presented.


Moist heat is employed in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries to render products and goods safe for use and human consumption. Applications include its use to pasteurize a broad range of foods and beverages, the control of microbial contamination of blood products, and treatment of bone tissue transplants and vaccines. In the pharmaceutical industry, water heated to 65°C to 80°C is used to sanitize high-purity water systems. In healthcare, it has been employed for decades to disinfect patient care items ranging from bedpans to anesthesia equipment. There is a good understanding of the conditions necessary to achieve disinfection of microorganisms at temperatures ranging from 65°C to 100°C. Based on this information, the efficacy of moist heat processes at a range of exposure times and temperatures can be quantified based on mathematical models such as the A0 calculation. While the A0 concept is recognized within the European healthcare community, it has yet to be widely adopted within the United States. This article provides information regarding the A0 concept, a brief overview of the classification of thermal disinfection for use with healthcare applications within the United States, and recent data on reinvestigating the thermal disinfection of a selected panel of microorganisms and a mixed culture biofilm.


We present a new method for computing the global one-dimensional unstable manifold of a hyperbolic xed point of a map. The key idea is tògrow' the manifold, where the speed of growth is determined only by the curvature of the manifold, and not by the dynamics. In other words, we do not use the standard approach of iterating a fundamental domain. Furthermore, we present two new families of planar maps, that we feel are useful for testing any method for computing unstable manifolds. The performance of our algorithm is illustrated with these two maps, and with the Poincar e map of the driven-damped pendulum.


This paper presents an investigation into exploiting the population-based nature of learning classifier systems (LCSs) for their use within highly parallel systems. In particular, the use of simple payoff and accuracy-based LCSs within the ensemble machine approach is examined. Results indicate that inclusion of a rule migration mechanism inspired by parallel genetic algorithms is an effective way to improve learning speed in comparison to equivalent single systems. Presentation of a mechanism which exploits the underlying niche-based generalization mechanism of accuracy-based systems is then shown to further improve their performance, particularly, as task complexity increases. This is not found to be the case for payoff-based systems. Finally, considerably better than linear speedup is demonstrated with the accuracy-based systems on a version of the well-known Boolean logic benchmark task used throughout.


Automatically extracting roads from satellite imagery is a fundamental yet challenging computer vision task in the field of remote sensing. Pixel-wise semantic segmentation-based approaches and graph-based approaches are two prevailing schemes. However, prior works show the imperfections that semantic segmentation-based approaches yield road graphs with low connectivity, while graph-based methods with iterative exploring paradigms and smaller receptive fields focus more on local information and are also time-consuming. In this paper, we propose a new scheme for multi-task satellite imagery road extraction, Patch-wise Road Keypoints Detection (PaRK-Detect). Building on top of D-LinkNet architecture and adopting the structure of keypoint detection, our framework predicts the position of patch-wise road keypoints and the adjacent relationships between them to construct road graphs in a single pass. Meanwhile, the multi-task framework also performs pixel-wise semantic segmentation and generates road segmentation masks. We evaluate our approach against the existing state-of-the-art methods on DeepGlobe, Massachusetts Roads, and RoadTracer datasets and achieve competitive or better results. We also demonstrate a considerable outperformance in terms of inference speed.


To explore the mechanism of neuron development retardation and myelination abnormality caused by alcohol, the membrane lipid fluidity of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes which is related to neuron and myelin development were measured by using DPH fluorescence probe. The results showed that 5 mmol/L alcohol could lead to decrease the polarization of fluorescence (Pr) and increase the lipid fluidity unit of membrane in both cells. The alteration was in obvious dose-response relationship. The effect of alcohol on astrocytes was stronger than that of oligodendrocytes. It indicated that alcohol could change lipid fluidity of cell membrane. Alcohol probably plays major role in the dysfunction of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.


Low energy consumption is crucial for embedded systems, including the ones that employ tiled Multiprocessor Systems-on-Chip(MPSoC). Such systems often execute real-time applications consisting of several tasks synchronized in a data-flow manner and mapped over different MPSoC tiles. Energy can be saved by lowering the processor voltage and frequency, hence extending the application execution over periods of time otherwise left idle, i.e., exploiting slack. In this paper we propose a framework to distribute slack information at run-time, intra-and inter-tile, to enable accurate and conservative slack calculation within each tile. The slack is transferred along with the existing inter-task synchronization and as a result it is distributed across the MPSoC with low overhead. In each tile, we add a hardware block that calculates the slack received during inter-tile communication and a software library to program this hardware. We integrate this framework into an existing MPSoC platform and we prototype an entire system with two tiles on an Xilinx ML605 FPGA board. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposal with a simple, conservative, DVFS management policy applied to an H.264 decoder application. The experimental results suggest that our framework reduces %the average processors frequency with 56% and the energy consumption with 53%, the total energy consumption of tiles with 27%, when compared to a state-of-the-art intra-tile approach that uses a similar management policy. Our proposal introduces only a minor software overhead of up to 4% over the application execution time and negligible additional FPGA chip utilization of 0.002%.


Abstract: the article examines the sociological aspects of Islam in post-Soviet Russia and one of its regions – Tatarstan. The author draws attention to a number of influential factors, without which it is impossible to adequately study the processes of post-Soviet reIslamization. The most significant are: regional differentiation of Muslim communities; the influence of Soviet modernization and state ideology of atheism on the state of Islamic theology and the transmission of religious norms and practice; the impact of globalization trends and glocalization on the identification and practices of Muslims. The combination in one sociocultural space of the local religious tradition and the patterns of Islamic globalization in close proximity to the secular community forms the situation of competition of identification projects, normative and ideological conflicts, both among spiritual leaders and inside the ummah itself. The new challenges of the post-secular world require a revision of the methodology for studying Muslim communities; rethinking the concept of "tradition" in the contexts of the local history of the Tatars in conditions of a multi-confessional Russian society and a global Islamic tradition. The research potential of constructivist approaches in sociology and identity theories in the study of Islam and Muslim communities is shown.


Transformation process to Audience-centered Communication Theory is introduced, as well as the basic idea of the theory in China. It is believed that using Audience-centered Communication theory can help to consolidate the theoretical basis of participatory agricultural extension. The communication essence of agricultural extension activity is studied, which is spreaders send information to farmers; then, farmers filter and process the information, transform it into their own experiences and feed back on time. Internet logical relationship between audience-centered communication and participatory agricultural extension is studied. Effects of Audience-centered Communication Theory on participatory agricultural extension are analyzed. One is that the Audience-centered Communication Theory defines the guidance and implementation basis of agricultural extension activities; the other is that bringing Audience-centered Communication Theory into agricultural extension research can help to expend the agricultural extension. Several enlightenments of the theory to participatory agricultural extension are obtained. Firstly, take audience as the orientation and focus on the needs of the audience. Secondly, advocate the participatory approach of process; and emphasize the importance of internal audience participation. Thirdly, establish two-way interaction mechanism; and make the promoters understand the implementation and performance status on time. Fourthly, develop vernacular knowledge; and better integrate the innovation and practice.


Cell death has long been defined using morphological criteria. A first important concept, "necrosis", was early identified by Areteo from Cappadocia and by Galen. The term apoptosis was introduced by Kerr in 1972 to indicate a particular form of death in which cells commit suicide by chopping themselves into membrane-bounded apoptotic bodies. Apoptosis is distinguished from necrosis, or accidental cell death, which is characterized by nuclear autolysis and cell disintegration. The aim of this study was an evaluation of the concepts of apoptosis and necrosis, starting from the first definition of cell death by Rudolph Virchow in 1859. In recent years substantial progress has been made in the understanding of apoptotic and necrotic cell death. In particular, cell death researchers have evolved a paradigm change, from one in which apoptosis and necrosis were considered distinct forms of cell demise, to one in which the 2 cell deaths share common features, as an integral part of a same cell death process. Since pure apoptosis and necrosis are only extremes in a continuum spectrum of aponecrotic response, a mixture of features associated with both apoptosis and necrosis represents the more typical tissue and cell response to damaging stimuli.


The nutritional needs of preschool children are very important for their growth and development. However, the problem is the low consumption of preschool children for fruits and vegetables, so it requires special strategies, for that the role of the family is very important. This study aims to determine the impact of nutrition education and changes in mother's behavior towards the fulfillment of vegetable and fruit consumption strategies in pre-school children. This research uses quasi-experimental and observational methods, observations were carried out on 30 September 2019 on 44 preschool children. Data collection was carried out on September 20, 2019, in Early Childhood Education SB in 50 mothers of preschool children. The data is processed in stages; editing, coding, transferring and tabulating. Univariate data analysis in the form of frequency distribution tables, paired t-test statistical test. The results showed an average value of knowledge before the intervention (p= 0,000). Observation results show that after nutrition education was given, only 31,8% of preschool children were given vegetable and fruit supplies or processed food vegetables and fruits by the mother when going to school. The conclusion of the study is nutrition education on maternal strategies in increasing consumption of vegetables and fruit in preschool children in early childhood education effectively changing maternal knowledge but has not had a comprehensive impact on changes in mother's behavior


This paper reviews measures of manufacturing excellence and presents a design-for-manufacturability (DFM) program organized around early design and manufacturing teamwork and the economic analysis of design options. Typical measures of manufacturing excellence for a semiconductor fabricator are expressed in terms of either operational or economic results. Those expressed in terms of operational results are independent of the product mix in the fabricator while those expressed in terms of economic results integrate both fabricator and product design attributes into a single parameter such as revenue/wafer. Improvements in the operational measures of manufacturing excellence focus upon increases in capacity and throughput, defect density reductions, and cost containment. Improvements in the economic measures of manufacturing excellence must focus on both fabricator processing efficiency and the productivity of the design. Design-for-manufacturability practices can improve design productivity, time-to-market, and product performance and reliability by closely coupling semiconductor fabrication knowledge with product requirements during the initial phase of a product design. Every design decision produces both technical and economic consequences; understanding these consequences and using this knowledge in the design process to optimize product productivity and profitability is key to achieving manufacturing excellence for that product.


A photoemission survey is presented for the effects of metal deposition on the cleaved, sub-monolayer oxidised Si(111) surface, Al reacts with the oxidised surface; In and Ag show minimal reactivity; Au and Ni react only with the clean Si, and Mn and V react with both clean and oxidised Si. The experimental reactivities are shown to follow the predictions of a bulk thermodynamic model.


Background: The modern practice of clinical chemistry relies ever more heavily on automation. Their utilization in clinical laboratories of developing countries is greatly affected by many factors. Thus, identifying the different challenges relating to clinical chemistry automation utilization faced by laboratories is important to work on and resolve. Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 public hospitals found in Southwest Shoa, Jimma, Ilubabor and Buno-Bedele zones of Oromia region, Ethiopia from January 28 to March 15, 2019. Sixty eight key informants and ninety three laboratorians who were working in the clinical chemistry section were included in the study. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires, indepth interviews and observation. The quantitative data were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics using SPSS 25.0 whereas qualitative data were analyzed manually. Results: There were 14 different models of clinical chemistry analyzers. More than two-thirds of analyzers were out-of-service. In another way, only 14 (15.1%) of the laboratorians had received user training of clinical chemistry analyzers. Majority of the laboratories were suffered from clinical chemistry reagents shortage. There were also inappropriate procurement processes of the clinical chemistry analyzers, misuse and underuse of clinical chemistry tests. Conclusion: The survey and interviews specified six major challenges that seriously obstruct utilization of clinical chemistry analyzers. Keywords: Challenges; analyzers utilization; clinical chemistry analyzers; automation.


Increases in reaction time (RT) as a function of response complexity have been shown to differ between simple and choice RT tasks. Of interest in the present study was whether the influence of response complexity on RT depends on the extent to which movements are programmed in advance of movement initiation versus during execution (i.e., online). The task consisted of manual aiming movements to one or two targets (one- vs. two-element responses) under simple and choice RT conditions. The probe RT technique was employed to assess attention demands during RT and movement execution. Simple RT was greater for the two- than for the single-target responses but choice RT was not influenced by the number of elements. In both RT tasks, reaction times to the probe increased as a function of number of elements when the probe occurred during movement execution. The presence of the probe also caused an increase in aiming errors in the simple but not choice RT task. These findings indicated that online programming was occurring in both RT tasks. In the simple RT task, increased executive control mediated the integration between response elements through the utilization of visual feedback to facilitate the implementation of the second element.


Background:
 Adoptive transfer of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) effectively prevents conventional T cell (Tcons) mediated Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) while it does not impair graft-versus-leukemia effect in haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT). Moreover Treg immunotherapy promotes fast donor T cell recovery after transplant. Recent studies showed that mouse bone marrow (BM) Tregs localize in the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche, where they contribute to HSCs maintenance and promote donor engraftment and B cell lymphopoiesis. We are investigating if human Tregs promote B cell reconstitution and immunity in preclinical models and in haplo-HCT patients.
 Methods:
 Human sample analysis: B cell reconstitution was analysed monthly by FACS in BM and peripheral blood (PB) samples from 66 patients who underwent either Treg/Tcon haplo-HCT (45 patients), or T-cell depleted haplo-HCT (8 patients) or haplo-HCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy, 13 patients). Diagnosis was acute leukemia in 52 patients, lymphoma in 11 and multiple myeloma in 3. PB total immunoglobulin (Ig), anti-Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM and CMV viremia were monitored.
 Humanized mouse model: donor derived human Tregs and purified CD34+ HSCs were co-infused in sublethally irradiated (2 Gy) immune-deficient NSG mice. Donor engraftment and B cell reconstitution were analysed by FACS and histology.
 Results:
 B cell reconstitution was faster after Treg/Tcon haplo-HCT when compared to other haplo-HCT protocols. B cell counts were higher in PB of patients that received Treg/Tcon haplo-HCT (p<.05) and were comparable to those of healthy subjects by 4 months after transplant (117±148 cells/mm, Fig.1A). We could detect early frequencies of CD34+CD38+CD10+CD127+ common lymphoid progenitors, CD45+CD10+CD38+CD19- Pre/Pro-B, CD45+CD10+CD38+CD19+ Pre-B, and Pro-B cells in the BM of these patients, that resulted in an increased production of CD38+CD19+CD5-IgM+ immature B cells, CD38+CD19+CD5+IgM+ transitional B cells and CD19+CD20+ mature B cells. We used a mouse model of xenotransplantation to understand whether donor B cell reconstitution in Treg/Tcon haplo-HCT is boosted by a Treg-mediated effect on donor human HSCs. We found that infusion of human Tregs facilitated donor HSC engraftment. BM and PB human chimerism was increased (p<.05) in mice that received Treg infusion. BM histology revealed the presence of in vivo expanded human CXCR4+ Tregs in the femurs of Treg receiving mice 1 month after transplant. In the same samples we observed a lower number of CD34+ HSCs, suggesting BM Tregs facilitate donor HSC differentiation. Moreover, Treg treatment allowed human HSCs to localize preferentially in the epiphyseal areas of the femurs, where donor cells started to engraft (p<.04). When looking at donor B cell reconstitution, we found HSC-derived mature B cells rapidly abundant and easily detectable starting 30 days after HSC infusion in PB of Treg-treated animals (p<.05).
 To further assess whether HSC-derived B cells were functional in patients that received Treg/Tcon haplo-HCT, we analysed total Ig production and specific responses to CMV reactivation. Post-transplant hypogammaglobulinemia was rapidly corrected in Treg/Tcon haplo-HCT patients. Total IgM were higher compared to other haplo-HCT protocols and reached normal levels by 3 months after transplant (96±155 mg/dL, Fig.1B). CMV reactivation rate was lower (47% vs 79%) and it occurred later after Treg/Tcon immunotherapy (51±19 vs 40±48 days). New production of anti-CMV specific IgM was documented in 43% of CMV seropositive patients 98±48 days after Treg/Tcon haplo-HCT, while anti-CMV specific IgM were almost undetectable after other haplo-HCT protocols within the first 6 months after transplant (Fig.1C). Such potent B cell responses coupled with T cell reconstitution resulted in a reduction of CMV second reactivations (Fig.1D p<.05) with no patient that died with CMV disease.
 Conclusions:
 Adoptive transfer of human Tregs boosts donor HSC engraftment and facilitates the reconstitution of functional HSC-derived donor B cells. Such results suggest that Treg/Tcon haplo-HCT patients could be early vaccinated after transplant. Treg/Tcon immunotherapy promotes control of infections and B cell immunity in patients undergoing haplo-HCT.

 No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Drop foot stimulators today operate open loop with a trapezoidal stimulation profile. The traditionally applied profile originated as much from technological constraints as suitability for the physical pathology. It was proposed that by increasing the stimulation intensity during the loading response phase of gait, the ankle angle trajectory would become closer to that of normal gait and a more efficient heel rocker would be introduced. One patient, who used an implanted stimulator, was tested. Various profiles, which provided increased stimulation during loading response, were tried and joint angle trajectories, electromyograms, and footswitches were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using a one way anova and posthoc Tukey tests. The experiment showed that increasing stimulation intensity during loading response increased the duration of the heel rocker. Statistical analysis revealed that this was significant at p = 0.05 level. Increasing stimulation intensity during loading response prolongs the heel rocker. This is an essential mechanism for advancement over the stance limb and providing shock absorption during weight acceptance, thus, we conclude that this improves the gait pattern of the drop foot sufferer.


The purpose of this study was to determine what effect, if any, music teacher classroom delivery skills or lesson content had on university music students' perceptions of lesson or teacher appeal by student academic standing. Subjects were 511 university students studying music at three moderate-size universities located in the American Midwest and East. Subjects viewed one of two videotapes that contained four randomly placed teaching episodes of approximately 4 minutes in duration. Each of the two tapes contained four lessons, as follows: one lesson with good classroom delivery skills and good lesson content, one with good skills and poor content, another with poor skills and good content, and one with poor skills and poor content. Subjects were directed to evaluate each teaching episode immediately after it was viewed using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Significant differences found among subject responses indicated that student interest and preference ratings varied not only by student academic standing but also by music teacher classroom delivery technique and lesson content quality.


Malignant hypertension may cause many ocular symptoms such as focal arteriolar contraction, cotton-wool spots, macular edema, retinal hemorrhages, hyperpigmented spots, optic disc edema, macular stars. Malignant hypertension should not be forgotten in a patient with optic disc edema and macular star even if the patient does not use anti-hypertensive drugs. Here a case of vision loss due to malignant hypertension induced optic disc edema and macular star was presented.


We consider innite systems of ODEs on the two-dimensional integer lattice, given by a bistable scalar ODE at each point, with a nearest neighbor coupling between lattice points. For a class of ideal nonlinearities, we obtain traveling wave solutions in each direction e i , and we explore the relation between the wave speed c, the angle , and the detuning parameter a of the nonlinearity. Of particular interest is the phenomenon of \propagation failure," and we study how the critical value a = a() depends on , where a() is dened as the value of the parameter a at which propagation failure (that is, wave speed c = 0) occurs. We show that a :R!R is continuous at each point where tan is irrational, and is discontinuous where tan is rational or innite.


An original empirical approach to deal with nonlinear dynamic thermal effects in electron devices is proposed. The new technology-independent approach is very compact and easy to implement in computer-aided design tools. Therefore, it can be easily coupled with electrical device models in order to obtain accurate electrothermal models that are suitable for nonconstant-envelope RF applications (e.g., pulsed radar). Model equations and identification procedures are derived in this paper. Validation results and comparison with simplified models are also presented both for a simulated field-effect transistor device, as well as for a real hetero- junction bipolar transistor device.


The aim of the present study was to prepare mucoadhesive multiparticulate system for oral drug delivery using ionic gelation technique. Microspheres composed of various mucoadhesive polymers including HPMC of various grades like K4M, K15M, K100M, E50LV, Carbopol of grades 971P, 974P and polycarbophil were prepared. In this technique cross linking of sodium alginate with calcium chloride was done which retarded the release of drug from the mucoadhesive polymer. In the present work Metoprolol tararate was used as a model drug. Interaction studies performed using FTIR spectroscopy revealed that there was no drug to polymer interactions. The preliminary mucoadhesive strength studies performed for various polymers using rotating cylindrical method showed that HPMC had greater mucoadhesive properties than carbopol and polycarbophil. Microspheres so prepared were discrete, bulky, free flowing and showed an average encapsulation efficiency ranging from 50-60%. Particle size of the microspheres, as determined by the optical microscopy was found to be between 400-650 microm. The prepared formulations also exhibited a good mucoadhesive strength which was determined in in vitro conditions through falling film technique and was compared with ex vivo studies. The microspheres so prepared also exhibited a good swelling index which confirmed the strong mucoadhesive property of the formulation. Metoprolol release from the multiparticulate system was regulated and extended until 12 hours and exhibited a non fickian drug release kinetics approaching to zero order, as evident from the release rate exponent values which varied between 0.57 to 0.73. The stability studies performed on the optimized batches at 40 degrees C /75% RH for 90 days indicated no significant change in the physicochemical properties.


cardiac surgery is a discipline aimed at restoring the best cardiac function of diseased hearts. it is often necessary to implant devices, and surgical tools are of great help in achieving faster and safer procedures. paediatric cardiac surgery is a more recent specialization of cardiac surgery. in paediatric cardiac surgery, the problem is usually related to congenital malformations, consisting in the main of anatomical abnormalities which produce, among other problems, poor oxygenation of the blood, high cardiac afterload, cardiac failure, hemodynamic problems during growth, and so on. the paediatric cardiac surgeon uses his skill and experience to determine the optimal correction in each individual case. in many cases, however, it is not easy to predict the effects of the given surgical procedure that, for success, depends on many different parameters.


The result development of era diverse contemporary problems we are facing automatically increase, many contemporary issues that need legal solutions, on the other hand the existing methodology is sometimes considered inadequate to provide tailored solutions for the benefit required. One of the determination law methods initiated by contemporary scholars is al-Buthi's concept of maslahat. His intellectual career that get many scholars' attention, the high appreciation from the other scholars because of his personal charisma, and the uniqueness of his thoughts attract researchers to conduct the study on his concept of thought about maslahat. Based on this background the researcher interested to discuss about contemporary concept of istinbath according to Sa'id Ramadan al-Buthi, then its application in the determination of Islamic law, also the relevance and significance for solving problems of the contemporary issues in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to describe the contemporary concept according to Sa'id Ramadan al-Buthi, then its application in the determination of Islamic law in Indonesia, also the relevance and significance for solving problems of the contemporary issues. The conclusion of this research is that contemporary concept of istinbath according to al-Buthi must use istishlahi method, not the textualy one, only applying the text without being contextualized with the times and condition, nor too free without limitation when taking rests using the basis of maslahah, according to Sa'id Ramadan al-Buthi the concept of istinbath law using maslahat considerations must fulfill five limits or restrictions (dlawâbith), namely: (1) maslahat must be ranged within the scope of the purpose of sari'ah '(maqâshid as-syari'ah), (2) does not contradict with al-Quran, (3) does not contradict with the Sunnah, (4) does not contradict with al-Qiyas, (5) does not ignore maslahat more important and urgrnt. Application of the Buthi's concept of maslahat for example is the determination of the law of jihad, the establishment of intellectual property rights, charity profession, waqf the money, etc.. From this it can be seen the relevance and significance of the the Buthi's concept of maslahat to be applied for solving contemporary problems in Indonesia.


It is widely believed that quantum particles can cross a black hole event horizons. This conclusion is based on the assumption that by specific singular coordinate transformations it is possible to remove divergences in the geodesic equations. We note that, while the used singular coordinate transformations do not cause problems on the level of the classical geodesic equations, which contain the first derivatives of particle wavefunctions, they usually lead to the appearance of delta-functions in the equations of quantum particles. In this paper, using physical boundary conditions for the equation of motion of quantum particles close to the black hole event horizon, it is found the real-valued exponentially timedependent (not harmonic) wavefunctions. This means that quantum particles probably do not enter the Schwarzschild sphere, but are absorbed and some are reflected by it, what potentially can solve the main black hole mysteries. PACS numbers: 04.70.-s; 04.20.Dw; 04.62.+v


The bodies of the five patients described here seemed to signal their ongoing dilemma: they could not fully grow up and therefore resorted to a somatic language that fairly shouted to be recognized. The author presents the case histories from an unusual point of view: She reaches her patients by working with the incomplete body images in both verbal and nonverbal modes. While the patients are on the couch, she uses verbal interpretations. When pre- and nonverbal phenomena raise their heads, she uses dance therapeutic interventions. She describes how and what she does with her patients from the point of view that motility is another way to reach the unconscious. Some of her patients were able to use movement improvisation like free association. Her highly sophisticated conceptualizations about the why and how of superobesity shine a new light on the etiology of this particular syndrome


With the abrupt increase in the number of online devices, Internet of Things (IoT) has evolved as a promising solution that comprises a large set of enabling technologies to support intercormectivity among the smart devices. A huge amount of sensing, computation, communication and storage resources involve the unit and ubiquitous things that cannot be handled by just increasing the resources. It needs a new architecture that can manage the sensing bottlenecks from physical space and appropriately grows the cyber space to meet the challenging requirements. In future IoT, social impact should also be considered in designing new architecture so as to support big data. To address huge storage and computation requirements, a cloud is considered to be the promising solution along with a set of services. Third party cloud -service providers are also managing the big data repositories for users, organization and applications. The role of unit and ubiquitous IoT (U2IoT) is essential for providing sensed data from a large number of devices to local, industrial and national-level management and data centers that are linked with cloud servers for central storage and analysis of big data. We have presented a security architecture that comprises physical security, information security and management security in the prospective of big data -oriented U2IoT.


This study is intended to assess neonatal risk of malnutrition owed to maternal energy intake lower than 2000 kcal/day among Zairian primiparae. Ninety-eight mother-neonate couples were classified according to the level of maternal energy intake. Neonatal albuminemia which previously showed itself as neonatal nutritional marker served for grouping neonates. Possibility of reaching optimal albuminemia value (29,34 g/l) was assessed according to different maternal energy profiles, using U-test and Chi 2. When maternal intake is lower than 2000 kcal/day, neonatal optimum is reached in 26% of cases; when maternal recommendation is lowered to 1675,21 kcal/day, neonatal optimum is reached in 63,43% of cases; with 2000 kcal/day as recommendation, this rate rises up to 71,4%. Under 2000 kcal/day neonatal risk of malnutrition is thus very high.


Wind tunnels which are large enough for full-scale trucks are rare, and the cost of satisfactorily-detailed models for smaller tunnels is high. The work presented shows the results from the application of a method which provides an over-the-road evaluation of the incremental changes in fuel consumption and drag coefficient produced following the addition of a variety of aerodynamic drag reducing devices to a tractor-trailer truck combination. The devices tested were an aerodynamic sunvisor, a roof-mounted air deflector, cab extenders, cab skirts, a trailer nose fairing, a set of trailer quads (quarter-rounds), and trailer skirts which were mounted on a low-forward-entry tractor and high box-van trailer. The significant differences between the wind tunnel and on-road drag reductions suggest that the effects of on-road wind turbulence can substantially reduce the wind tunnel results even though a 1.5% turbulence intensity level was used in the tunnel experiments. These experiments have highlighted that the wind tunnel results were optimistic and suggest a need for on-road testing to more accurately evaluate the benefit of aerodynamic devices for trucks. The on-road results finally are used to predict the resultant fuel economies for various loads and speed conditions.


To investigate the role of fleshfly maggots as a paratenic host for Trichinella spiralis larvae, maggots of Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Muscidae, Sarcophagidae) kept at different temperatures (26, 22, 20, 16, 12, 8, and 4 C) were allowed to feed on T. spiralis-infected mouse meat. Trichinella larvae found in maggots kept at 8–26 C were able to cause infection when inoculated in mice. Infective larvae survived in maggots up to 5 days postinfection at 8 C and for shorter periods of time at higher temperatures. The survival time in maggots was negatively related to the temperature of maggot breeding. The results suggest that the role of S. argyrostoma in the dissemination of Trichinella larvae in nature is limited in comparison to the role played by mammals with scavenger and cannibalistic behavior.


Abstract— We report on the bulk composition and petrography of four new basaltic meteorites found in Antarctica—LAP (LaPaz Icefield) 02205, LAP 02224, LAP 02226, and LAP 02436—and compare the LAP meteorites to other lunar mare basalts. The LAP meteorites are coarse‐grained (up to 1.5 mm), subophitic low‐Ti basalts composed predominantly of pyroxene and plagioclase, with minor amounts of olivine, ilmenite, and a groundmass dominated by fayalite and cristobalite. All of our observations and results support the hypothesis that the LAP stones are mutually paired with each other. In detail, the geochemistry of LAP is unlike those of any previously studied lunar basalt except lunar meteorite NWA (Northwest Africa) 032. The similarities between LAP and NWA 032 are so strong that the two meteorites are almost certainly source crater paired and could be two different samples of a single basalt flow. Petrogenetic modeling suggests that the parent melt of LAP (and NWA 032) is generally similar to Apollo 15 low‐Ti, yellow picritic glass beads, and that the source region for LAP comes from a similar region of the lunar mantle as previously analyzed lunar basalts.


Grasslands cover almost half of the total European agricultural area and are the source of a wide range of public goods and services. Yet, their potential to produce innovative bio-based products, such as paper and plastic, remains widely untapped. We employ a multiple case study approach and implement the Business Environment Framework by Adamseged and Grundmann (2020) on eighteen alternative grass-based businesses to investigate the interdependencies between these successful business models and their business environments. The subsequent analysis reveals that the deployment of funds and policies to support alternative grass-based products remains low in most regions of Europe. Our findings highlight that aligned funding mechanisms that incorporate and promote the specific benefits generated by grass-producing and grass-processing businesses are key to overcoming the barriers related to the competition of bio-based products with the established fossil-fuels-based economic system. To make alternative grass-based markets more dynamic, increasing consumer awareness through adequate marketing is perceived as an important aspect. Capacity building and alignment efforts need to be strengthened and coordinated at local and higher levels to enable the replication and scale-up of novel grass-based businesses in Europe and beyond.


An intense political battle is being waged over the future of U.S. Medicare. The 40-year social contract established with the nation's elderly and disabled is seriously threatened. The basic issue is whether Medicare will remain a universal entitlement program or be privatized and dismantled as an obligation of government. Faced with the growing costs of the Medicare program, changing demographics of an aging population, and long-term federal deficits, conservative interests are promoting further privatization of the program under the guise of increasing beneficiaries' choice and the claimed efficiency of the private marketplace. Following a historical overview of past efforts to privatize Medicare, this article reviews the track record of private Medicare plans over the last 20 years with regard to choice, reliability, cost containment, benefits, quality of care, efficiency, public satisfaction, and fraud. In all of these areas, privatized Medicare has performed less well than original Medicare. Based on the evidence, one has to conclude that privatization of Medicare is detrimental to the elderly and disabled, the most vulnerable groups in our society, and that the only winners in that transformation are private market interests.


Biodiversity is the basis of functioning ecosystems. Its assets provide services and goods that form part of local and regional development. Meanwhile, ecosystem services are flows of value to human societies as a result of the state and quantity of natural capital. The integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services into development planning is a challenging but necessary exercise. There is a need for new partnerships, governance, and an orientation towards green economies. It should be remembered that development is linked to the availability of ecosystem services. On the contrary, development and economic activities can have negative impacts on ecosystems.


Biosimilars are currently popular after the expiry date of patents for biological reference products have expired or soon will expire. Besides, this 'copycat' version of biologic products offers much lower costs as compared to the reference products, thus promoting better patient access to the treatment of certain diseases such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, skin disorders, and diabetes. This review aims to determine the differences between biosimilars and generic drugs and highlight some issues related to biosimilar products such as comparability, interchangeability, immunogenicity, extrapolation of indication, current legislation, pharmacovigilance, and naming system. Scientific sources from PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier were accessed for preparation of this review article. Biosimilars are not generic drugs as they have a larger and complex structure as compared to generic drugs. Due to that, biosimilars are highly similar but not identical to the reference products. Many regulatory authorities have authorized biosimilars under a distinct regulatory process from that of the generic drugs and subjected them to comprehensive comparability studies with their reference products (analytical, nonclinical in vitro, in vivo studies, and clinical trials). Additional evidence from interchangeability studies, extrapolation of indication studies, immunogenicity profile assessments, and pharmacovigilance studies are also beneficial to assess the efficacy, safety, and quality of the biosimilar before and/or after receiving their regulatory approval. Biosimilars are different from generic drugs due to their complexity in structure and manufacturing process. More comprehensive studies are required to ensure their benefits outweigh the risks.


Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype of B-cell non Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL) representing 30% of all B-NHL. There are three molecular subtypes: germinal center B cell-like (GCB) DLBCL, activated B cell-like (ABC) DLBCL, and primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (PMBL). Of those, Activated B-cell like Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) represents a third of the patients and is characterized by constitutive NF-κB activity due to mutations in various proteins of the B-cell receptor (BCR) as well as Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. Mutations in the BCR pathway include: activating mutations of CD79A/B (20% of ABC-DLBCLs) and CARD11 (10%) and deletion or inactivating mutation of A20 (20-30%). In the TLR pathway, MYD88 is mutated in 37% of ABC-DLBCL patients. Given this scenario, numerous therapeutic strategies targeting proteins signaling downstream of the BCR pathway have been proposed for ABC-DLBCL -including inhibitors targeting kinases SYK, BTK, PI3K, PKC, MAPKs and AKT or the protease MALT1. MALT1 inhibition provides advantages to other targets because it is downstream of most of the BCR pathway mutations present in patients, including CARD11. Patients with CARD11 mutations do not respond to BTK inhibitors. However, none of the MALT1 inhibitors reported to date are good candidates for clinical use. Here we report a new class of substrate mimetic MALT1 inhibitors based on Z-VRPR-fmk. Our lead compound, SCM-02-138 displayed nanomolar potency in biochemical and cellular MALT1 protease reporter assays. Crystallography shows covalent binding of the compound to MALT1 active site Cys residue. SCM-02-138 was highly selective for MALT1 and showed over 100-fold differential killing in sensitive vs resistant cell lines. MALT1 inhibition was most effective in CARD11 mutant cells. SCM-02-138 was active in vivo, as assessed by hIL10 inhibition in xenografted models of ABC-DLBCL cell lines. Moreover it was effective against ABC-DLBCL xenografts and PDX DLBCL ex vivo. Combination of SCM-02-138 with other BCR inhibitors revealed PI3K delta inhibition as the most synergistic combination. Combination of SCM-02-138 and CAL-101 potentiated both proliferation inhibition and apoptosis. In summary, we have developed a new class of MALT1 peptidic inhibitor characterized by nanomolar potency, irreversibility and high specificity. This inhibitor will be particularly useful against CARD11 mutant ABC-DLBCL, which are resistant to BTK inhibitors. Citation Format: Lorena Fontan, David Scott, John Hatcher, Qi Qiao, Ilkay Us, Gabriella Casalena, Mariette Bekkers, Ulrike Philippar, Matthew Durant, Spandan Chennamadhavuni, Hao Wu, Nathaniel Gray, Ari Melnick. Substrate-mimetic covalent inhibitor of MALT1 is most effective against CARD11 mutant ABC-DLBCL [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-303. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-303


We investigate the design of linear transmit precoding for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) broadcast channels (BC) with finite alphabet input signals. We derive an explicit expression for the achievable rate region of the MIMO BC with discrete constellation inputs, which is generally applicable to cases involving arbitrary user number and arbitrary antenna configurations. For the case where all the users employ the same modulation scheme, we further present a weighted sum rate upper-bound of the MIMO BC with identical transmit precoding matrices. The resulting bound demonstrates a serious performance loss due to multi-user interference for MIMO BC with finite alphabet inputs in high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) region, which motivates the use of simple precoding to combat this multiuser interference. Based on a constrained optimization problem formulation, we apply the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker analysis to derive necessary conditions for MIMO BC precoders to maximize the weighted sum-rate. We then propose an iterative gradient descent algorithm with backtracking line search to optimize the linear precoders for each user. Numerical results illustrate that our proposed algorithm provides significant gains over other conventional precoding schemes including the traditional iterative water-filling (WF) design for the Gaussian input assumption.


The Role of DG in smart grid becomes a significant one in the present energy sector scenario. Either power electronic convertor or AC rotating machine will act as an interfacing media to connect DG with main grid. Higher degree of flexibility and sound technically feasible option will be provided when converter interfaced DG is utilized. Among the various power electronic switching devices, higher voltage, low-switching frequency insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) inverter and a lower voltage, high-switching frequency metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) inverter have gained massive attention in the research forum. Hence this paper mainly observes the average approach of converter interfaced DG with IGBT/MOSFET as switching devices with 180/120 degree supplying resistive(R) and serious RLC load. Voltage, current, real power, reactive power and total harmonic distortions are some of the important significant parameters taken for study. Simulations are carried out with MATLAB/Simulink platform.


Global warming imposes important challenges for ectotherm organisms, which can avoid the negative effects of thermal stress via evolutionary adaptation of their upper thermal limits (CTmax). In this sense, the estimation of CTmax and its evolutionary capacity is crucial to determine the vulnerability of natural populations to climate change. However, these estimates depend on the thermal stress intensity and it is not completely clear whether this thermal stress intensity can impact the evolutionary response of CTmax and thermal reaction norms (i.e. thermal performance curve, TPC). Here we performed an evolutionary experiment by selecting high heat tolerance using acute and chronic thermal stress in Drosophila subobscura. After artificial selection, we found that knockdown temperatures (a CTmax proxy) evolved in selected lines compared to control lines, whereas the realized heritability and evolutionary rate change of heat tolerance did not differ between acute-selected and chronic-selected lines. From TPC analysis, we found acute-selected lines evolved a higher optimal performance temperature (Topt) compared to acute-control lines, whereas this TPC parameter was not different between chronic-selected and chronic-control lines. The evolutionary response of Topt caused a displacement of entire TPC to high temperatures suggesting a shared genetic architecture between heat tolerance and high-temperature performance, which only arose in the acute-selected lines. In conclusion, thermal stress intensity has important effects on the evolution of thermal physiology in ectotherms, indicating that different thermal scenarios conduce to similar evolutionary responses of heat tolerance but do not for thermal performance. Therefore, thermal stress intensity could have important consequences on the estimations of the vulnerability of ectotherms to global warming.


We study the contributions Σ0 and Σ1, proportional to a 0 and a1, to the fermion selfenergy in Wilson's formulation of lattice QCD with UV-filtering in the fermion action. We derive results for mcrit and the renormalization factors ZS , ZP , ZV , ZA to 1-loop order in perturbation theory for several filtering recipes (APE, HYP, EXP, HEX), both with and without a clover term. The perturbative series is much better behaved with filtering, in particular tadpole resummation proves irrelevant. Our non-perturbative data for mcrit and ZA/(ZmZP ) show that the combination of filtering and clover improvement efficiently reduces the amount of chiral symmetry breaking – we find residual masses amres = O(10 −2).


Purpose

This paper aims to examine the two different approaches adopted in the UK to regulate directors' remuneration. The paper also aims to explore the two approaches to understand which one better regulates directors' pay and why. It provides an account of the two approaches' evolution, effectiveness and challenges towards the regulation of directors' remuneration. The paper will also make some recommendations on both approaches and the way forward to better regulate directors' remuneration.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews various corporate governance codes, its recommendations on directors' remuneration, its effectiveness and the challenges it face in regulating directors' remuneration. The paper also reviews provisions of the Companies Act 2006 on directors' remuneration, its effectiveness and challenges faced.

Findings

The paper finds that corporate governance adopts a better approach to regulating directors' pay than the Companies Act 2006 because it targets the pay setting process. However, the existence of grey areas and lack of enforcement procedure poses a challenge on its effectiveness. The Companies Act 2006 is unable to regulate directors' pay adequately because it adopts a corrective approach and it considers directors' remuneration as a management responsibility.

Originality/value

The paper offers an up-to-date assessment of the two approaches to regulating directors' pay in the UK. It highlights the challenges faced by both approaches and which approach could regulate directors pay better and its challenges. The paper further makes recommendations on how the regulation of directors' remuneration can be effective in the UK.


Virtual reality tracking devices are rapidly becoming the go-to system for cost-effective motion tracking solutions across different communities such as robotics, biomechanics, sports, rehabilitation, motion simulators, etc. This article focuses on the spatial tracking performance of HTC Vive's lighthouse tracking system (VLTS) devices (tracker, controller, and head mount display). A comprehensive literature survey on the performance analysis of VLTS on the various aspects is presented along with its shortcomings in terms of spatial tracking evaluation. The two key limitations have been identified: in static cases, there is a lack of standard procedures and criteria, and in dynamic cases, the entire study of spatial tracking. We address the first by assessing VLTS using the optical tracking system standard specified by ASTM International, and the latter by revising the standards to determine the upper-velocity limit for reliable tracking. The findings are substantiated with the trajectories of human wrist motion. Each evaluation's results are systematically analyzed with statistical hypothesis tests and criteria fulfillment. Comau NS16, an industrial serial robot, was used as the ground truth motion generator due to its repeatability and 6 degrees of workspace freedom. One of the major reasons for not having more generalized spatial tracking studies is that the tracking performance heavily depends on the configurations of the setup, work volume, environment, etc. Thus, the guidelines for configuring VLTS and the approach adapted from ASTM standards for evaluating VLTS for custom applications using our reported findings for both static and dynamic cases are included in the appendix.


The durability and mechanical properties of epoxy ester coatings and films has been improved by blending with rigid aromatic polyurea (PU). The interaction of PU and epoxy ester was enhanced by coupling the polymers with polymethylhydrosiloxane. The reactions between various entities are analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the change in physical and mechanical properties are studied by a dynamic mechanical analyzer. The corrosion resistance of the hybrid coatings was measured by direct current polarization method, direct current polarization (DCP). The addition of polymethylhydrosiloxane enhances the corrosion properties in the hybrid coatings. The surface morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The glass transition temperature of the films increases with increasing PU concentration and a wide glass rubber transition range for hybrid coatings was achieved which confirms the higher impact strength of the hybrid coatings and films. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013


INTRODUCTION
The outcome of neutropenic patients with Pseudallescheria boydii infection is poor.

EXEGESIS
We report the first case of Pseudallescheria boydii hip arthritis in a patient treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In vitro susceptibility testing showed that the strain was resistant to amphotericin B, fluorocytosine and nystatin, but susceptible to itraconazole. The patient received oral itraconazole (600 mg/day) and clinical symptoms initially resolved. Two months later, after a course of chemotherapy and high-dose steroids while receiving oral itraconazole treatment, the patient developed fever, skin lesions and disseminated lung infiltrates due to Pseudallescheria boydii and finally died.

CONCLUSION
This case illustrates the severity of fungal infections due to Pseudallescheria boydii despite a presumably well-conducted antifungal therapy.


Total Quality Management (TQM) is a very vital driver in determining that an organisation can survive in the global market. Based on institutional theory, TQM is a solution for improving business performance. Japanese companies have had superior achievement and left their non-Japanese counterparts far behind. One of the TQM strengths as observed in Japanese companies is technical aspects, i.e., tools and techniques namely total productive maintenance (TPM), statistical process control (SPC) and lean production. However, most previous works have given less emphasis on TPM, SPC and lean production as mediators; this has thus been identified as a theoretical gap. The main objective of this study is to develop a conceptual framework with TPM, SPC and lean production as mediators. Ownership, Asean Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) and mechanistic organisation were tested as moderators. Finally, a combination conceptual framework between mediators and moderators was developed for further evaluation to examine the mediator effects in different ownership via moderated mediation model. First, three theories namely institutional, system and contingency theory were identified and applied in this study. 32 hypotheses were proposed to develop conceptual framework based on structural equation modelling (SEM). Four conceptual frameworks were identified and developed. Data were obtained from 319 automotive companies and related suppliers in Malaysia with 21.3% response rate. The structural model results proved that TQM has a significant impact on business performance. TQM practices were better predictor of business performance in Japanese companies. This study revealed that tools and techniques namely TPM, SPC and lean production were important as mediators between TQM and business performance. Furthermore, based on moderated mediation testing of ownership on mediator effect, TPM and SPC showed significant effect, with Japanese companies having greater relationship than nonJapanese companies. In this study, researchers proposed business ethics and transformation performance as new variables in TQM and business performance constructs. In addition, this study proposed step by step improvement in sequence as follows: TQM, TPM, SPC and lean production. Based on the moderator test, ownership, AFTA and mechanistic were significant moderators between TQM and business performance. Management leadership, information and analysis, new product management, business ethics and human resource development showed significant difference in TQM practices in favour of Japanese companies. This is a theoretical and managerial finding that adds to the existing literature on quality management since few studies have been conducted combining the three theories as mentioned in the conceptual framework in TQM.


Breast cancers in the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes have high rates of tumor metastasis. Tumor metastasis is driven by formation of invadopodia that degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) in basement membranes to spread locally and colonize distant sites. Endophilin A2 (Endo II) is an adaptor protein that coordinates internalization and trafficking of receptors that drive invadopodia formation and breast cancer metastasis. We have recently identified Endo II as a positive regulator of human TNBC metastasis, invadopodia formation, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) internalization and signaling. Here, we extend these studies of Endo II to HER2 breast cancers, and define molecular mechanisms that link Endo II to invadopodia formation and cell invasion. Analysis of Endo II expression in human invasive ductal carcinomas revealed significantly high expression of Endo II in HER2 primary tumors, and significantly higher expression in paired lymph node metastases compared to other subtypes. We also observed that high levels of Endo II mRNA was associated with reduced rates of relapse free survival in patients with lymph node positive, estrogen receptor negative tumors. This correlates with our findings that Endo II promotes invadopodia formation and breast cancer cell invasion. Mechanistically, these defects may be due to reduced EGFR signaling and lowered expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature genes observed in Endo II knock-down (KD) cells. We are currently validating these results in mammary orthotopic tumor xenograft models of HER2 and TNBC cell models with stable Endo II KD. Together, these findings identify high levels of Endo II in high risk breast cancer subtypes, with high expression of EMT genes, and a potential link between Endo II levels and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Citation Format: Tomas Baldassarre, Kathleen Watt, Peter Truesdell, Mark Schneider, Sandip Sengupta, Andrew WB Craig. Defining molecular mechanisms linking Endophilin A2 to metastasis in human breast cancer models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2260. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2260


Measuring the acoustic characteristics of a space is often done by capturing its impulse response (IR), a representation of how a full-range stimulus sound excites it. This work generates an IR from a single image, which can then be applied to other signals using convolution, simulating the reverberant characteristics of the space shown in the image. Recording these IRs is both time-intensive and expensive, and often infeasible for inaccessible locations. We use an end-to-end neural network architecture to generate plausible audio impulse responses from single images of acoustic environments. We evaluate our method both by comparisons to ground truth data and by human expert evaluation. We demonstrate our approach by generating plausible impulse responses from diverse settings and formats including well known places, musical halls, rooms in paintings, images from animations and computer games, synthetic environments generated from text, panoramic images, and video conference backgrounds.


Why do people spread rumors? This paper studies the transmission of possibly false information---by rational agents who seek the truth. Unbiased agents earn payoffs when a collective decision is correct in that it matches the true state of the world, which is initially unknown. One agent learns the underlying state and chooses whether to send a true or false message to her friends and neighbors who then decide whether or not to transmit it further. The papers hows how a social network can serve as a filter. Agents block messages from parts of the network that contain many biased agents; the messages that circulate may be incorrect but sufficiently informative as to the correct decision.


Cultural organisations often serve as guardians of cultural heritage and, as such, cultural sustainability depends on their ongoing vitality. Many organisations in the cultural sector are, however, presently experiencing intense financial pressures. With their traditional sources of funding being progressively cut off, such organisations are focusing increasingly on monetary donations and the volunteering of time on the part of the general public to help plug the financial gap. Promoting and managing such pro-social behaviours can, however, be costly activities in themselves, so it is critical for cultural organisations to be able to target those segments of the public with the greatest propensity to give. This study sets out to address that need. The findings indicate that individuals who were involved in cultural activities as children are statistically more likely to volunteer their time in later life, not only with cultural organisations but also with good causes in general. In certain circumstances, this is also true of donating money. The cultural organisations benefiting from these pro-social behaviours need not be those with which the individual was involved in their childhood; nor need they be associated with the same form of culture. Importantly, continuous involvement in an activity from childhood into adulthood is not a necessary pre-condition for pro-social behaviour in later life.


The globally distributed heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans (Macartney) Kofoid & Swezy is well known for its dense blooms and prominent displays of bioluminescence. Intriguingly, along the west coast of the U.S.A., its blooms are not bioluminescent. We investigated the basis for this regional loss of bioluminescence using molecular, cellular, and biochemical analyses of isolates from different geographic regions. Several prominent differences were identified in the nonbioluminescent strains: (1) the fused luciferase and luciferin binding protein gene (lcf/lbp) was present but its transcripts were undetectable; (2) lcf/lbp contained multiple potentially deleterious mutations; (3) the substrate luciferin was absent, based on the lack of luciferin blue autofluorescence and the absence of luciferin‐derived metabolites; (4) although the cells possessed scintillons, the organelles that contain the luminescent chemistry, electron microscopy revealed additional scintillon‐like organelles with an atypical internal structure; and (5) cells isolated from the California coast were 43% smaller than bioluminescent cells from the Gulf of Mexico. Phylogenetic analyses based on large subunit rDNA did not show divergence of the nonbioluminescent population in relation to bioluminescent N. scintillans from the Pacific Ocean and Arabian Sea. This study demonstrates that gene silencing and the lack of the luciferin substrate have resulted in the loss of an important dinoflagellate functional trait over large spatial scales in the ocean. As the bioluminescence system of dinoflagellates is well characterized, nonbioluminescent N. scintillans provide an ideal model to explore the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms that lead to intraspecific functional divergence in natural dinoflagellate populations.


Song in oscine birds (as in human speech and song) relies upon the rare capacity of vocal learning. Transmission can be vertical, horizontal, or oblique. As a rule, memorization and production by a naïve bird are not simultaneous: the long-term storage of song phrases precedes their first vocal rehearsal by months. While a wealth of detail regarding songbird enculturation has been uncovered by focusing on the apprentice, whether observational learning can fully account for the ontogeny of birdsong, or whether there could also be an element of active teaching involved, has remained an open question. Given the paucity of knowledge on animal cultures, I argue for the utility of an inclusive definition of teaching that encourages data be collected across a wide range of taxa. Borrowing insights from musicology, I introduce the Australian pied butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis) into the debate surrounding mechanisms of cultural transmission. I probe the relevance and utility of mentalistic, culture-based, and functionalist approaches to teaching in this species. Sonographic analysis of birdsong recordings and observational data (including photographs) of pied butcherbird behavior at one field site provide evidence that I assess based on criteria laid down by Caro and Hauser, along with later refinements to their functionalist definition. The candidate case of teaching reviewed here adds to a limited but growing body of reports supporting the notion that teaching may be more widespread than is currently realized. Nonetheless, I describe the challenges of confirming that learning has occurred in songbird pupils, given the delay between vocal instruction and production, as well as the low status accorded to anecdote and other observational evidence commonly mustered in instances of purported teaching. As a corrective, I press for an emphasis on biodiversity that will guide the study of teaching beyond human accounts and intractable discipline-specific burdens of proof.


Nucleotide sequence and mRNA localization studies have allowed the prediction of the amino acid sequence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein C (gC). We immunized a rabbit with a conjugate of bovine serum albumin and a synthetic peptide having the same sequence as that deduced for amino acids 128 through 139 of HSV-1 gC. A very similar amino acid sequence has been predicted to exist in the related product, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) gC, which was formerly designated gF. Preparations of crude antiserum and immunoaffinity-purified antibodies were obtained and shown to react in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with purified HSV-1 gC and HSV-2 gC. Although these antibodies did not detectably immunoprecipitate proteins from radiolabeled infected cell extracts, they reacted with HSV-1 gC and HSV-2 gC that were electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose membranes from polyacrylamide gels. These results confirm that HSV-1 gC and HSV-2 gC are immunologically related and also define a specific portion of HSV-1 gC that is conserved.


This paper provides new insights into the scope, measurement and analysis of multidimensional poverty in Ecuador and generates empirical evidence for the period 2006-2010. Multidimensional poverty is defined using a rights-based approach, on the basis of the provisions of the 2008 Constitution, but the analysis is limited to information gleaned from the Survey of Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment (ENEMDU) The findings show that multidimensional poverty decreased between 2006 and 2010; however, the level of inequality remained unchanged, with higher levels of poverty for rural inhabitants and women and among indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian populations. Enhanced social protection and the promotion of better working conditions and public services are the priorities for abolishing poverty in Ecuador, but this requires political will and social commitment.


What would Israel's economy have looked like without the 2000 Palestinian Intifada? This article examines this counterfactual question by statistically comparing the economic growth trajectories of Israel and a "synthetic" Israel, which is constructed by applying a method proposed by Abadie and Gardeazabal (2003) and Abadie, Diamond and Hainmueller (2010, 2014). The results of the analysis suggest that Israel's per capita gross domestic product during the Second Intifada was reduced by an average of about $2,003 per year (in 2005 US dollars). This amounts to about 8.6 percent of the 2000 baseline level. In the case of the Second Intifada, the opportunity cost of conflict was indeed substantial and significant.


Field A is located in the center of the Dnieper-Donets basin (DDB), producing gas from clastic reservoirs from several deep horizons in the Upper Visean sediments. The case study highlights the application of advanced pulsed neutron logging technologies and high-resolution data processing to unlock the sedimentary layers' characteristics and the gas potential behind the casing. Multiple rock measurements are simultaneously recorded for continuous lithology identification, porosity quantification, and differentiating gas-filled porosity from low porosity formations. Dedicated log data acquisition and processing techniques enable investigating the effect of thin laminations on reservoir quality and producibility.
 The use of advanced pulsed neutron logging and interpretation method reduces the operational risks while securing critical reservoir parameters. A pulsed neutron spectroscopy tool provided a rich dataset including a self-compensated sigma and neutron porosity logs, fast neutron cross section (FNXS) together with capture and inelastic elemental spectroscopy. The logs interpretation was performed integrating FNXS and very high-resolution neutron porosity with mineral dry weight fractions and matrix properties from elemental spectroscopy processing. The comparison between the pulsed neutron measurements with standard open hole logs highlights the critical role of advanced fit-to-purpose logging techniques to accurately describe the underlying complexity of the formation and obtain improved net reservoir and net pay thicknesses in laminated and heterogeneous sequences.
 The logging objectives were successfully met, and additional valuable information related to the reservoir were determined in an efficient manner. The study also shows the critical value of FNXS as confident gas measurement.
 The FNXS measures the ability of the formation interacting with fast neutrons which are highly dependent on atomic density and not dominated by particular isotopes such as traditional sigma and porosity measurements. It is highly sensitive to gas-filled porosity, but it is independent of hydrogen index, acting like a cased-hole density measurement. Moreover, it demonstrates the importance of accurate knowledge of the mineralogy and matrix as well as the ability to measure at very high resolution to unravel the highly layered nature of the formation and its implication on completion and production strategy.
 Pulsed neutron logging has evolved over a half century, but the intrinsic physical measurements remain unchanged. With the advent and introduction of the new FNXS measurement and a high-quality spectroscopy elemental concentration, a higher quality measurement and interpretation can be obtained from standalone pulsed neutron logging. The advanced technology and log data analysis interpretation module can be considered as an effective and comprehensive methodology for robust formation evaluation in similar and complex setting.


Advances in materials and adhesion technologies have enabled innovative, minimally invasive treatment for replacement of missing maxillary anterior teeth. In the first of two case reports presented, the treatment of a 17-year-old female patient with a missing right central incisor is described. The patient had internal resorption of tooth No. 8, which needed to be extracted prior to a LeFort osteotomy because retention of the tooth may have compromised the healing. The patient was told she could not have an implant placed until she was 25 years old. Treatment options, thus, included a provisional removable appliance (flipper), an Essix appliance, or a resin-bonded one-wing zirconia bridge with only slight modification to the left central incisor. The second case report describes an adult male patient who had had a deciduous canine extracted and wanted a replacement for missing No. 11. In demonstrating minimally invasive treatment to replace a missing maxillary anterior tooth, this article shows how the use of a graded zirconia wing allows bonding with conventional techniques.


An immunocapture polymerase chain reaction (IC-PCR) protocol and ELISA were compared for their effectiveness in detecting plum pox virus (PPV) in dormant plum material. Although the IC-PCR was about one thousand times more sensitive than ELISA, PPV was detected by ELISA in 71-80% of bark samples collected in December, January and March 1996/97 from pot-grown rootstock trees inoculated with PPV the previous March, compared with 85-86% detection in the same samples by IC-PCR. In similar samples from one-year-old shoots taken from infected branches of orchard trees, 66-81% were positive by ELISA compared with 81 -87% by IC-PCR. With bulked samples taken from the fibrous roots of the pot-grown trees, PPV was detected in 92-100% of samples by IC-PCR in winter compared with only 38-65% by ELISA, These results were confirmed in samples from the roots and shoots of the same trees in 1997/98. Three samples per shoot would have been sufficient to detect PPV by ELISA in 87 of the 88 infected shoots tested during the two winters. However, infected shoots are irregularly distributed in diseased trees and PCR assays of root samples offer the potential for improving the reliability of identifying trees infected with PPV.


The objective of this paper is to summarize recent contributions of international experts to the research program sponsored by the Highways Agency. An efficient management of existing bridges requires methodology for an accurate evaluation of the actual loads and load carrying capacity and prediction of the remaining life. However, the parameters, which are involved in the evaluation process, are random variable. Therefore, a considerable research effort has been directed at the development of probability-based methodology. The research projects considered in the paper include the development of reliability models for analysis of bridges subjected to corrosion and fatigue, and reliability-based optimization of maintenance strategies for bridges.


The current study, carried out jointly by Test Development and Statistical Analysis staff at Educational Testing Service (ETS), investigated the feasibility of the Automated Item Selection (AIS) procedure for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). IRT-based statistical specifications were developed. Two TOEFL® test forms were assembled using AIS and statistical and content-related properties were evaluated. The results of this study show that the statistical consistency (parallelism) of the tests assembled using AIS would appear to be superior to the consistency of tests assembled using traditional test-assembly procedures. The results of the study also provided strong evidence that AIS-assembled TOEFL tests can successfully meet the IRT-based specifications. Test Development staff observed visible gains in efficiency in item selection for Section 1 and Section 2 and the potential for time gains in Section 3. The implications of AIS for pool management were explored.