We examined furry fandom members' anthrozoomorphic identity by investigating this subculture's relationship with nonhuman animals. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and two largescale Internet and convention-based studies of furries, we developed (study 1; n = 4,338) and replicated (study 2; n = 1,707) the 10-item Species Connection Scale, which is a three-factor model of felt connection to animals: (1) a sense of appreciation or liking for a species, (2) a sense of spiritual or mystical connection to a species, and (3) a feeling of identification with or as another species. We then used this model to predict participants' psychological wellbeing and tendency to attribute human-like traits and emotions to animals. The results indicated that (1) liking animals may be related to the ascription of secondary emotions to animals (supported in study 1, but not study 2), but was not associated with participant wellbeing (supported by both studies); (2) a spiritual connection to animals did not necessarily predict greater attribution of primary or secondary emotions to animals, but it was associated with greater psychological wellbeing (positive self-esteem in both studies; life satisfaction in study 1); (3) identification as an animal was strongly associated both with a tendency to avoid attributing secondary emotions to animals and negative participant wellbeing (supported by both studies). This research furthers our understanding of one subcultures' felt connection with animals and suggests that further explorations of how connection with animals affects human welfare are warranted.


Background: Regional disparity is an imperative component of health disparity. In particular, providing emergency care that is equally available in rural areas is an essential part of reducing the urban–rural disparity. The objective of this study was to examine the worsening admission rate among Cambodian emergency patients in a rural area and determine their background characteristics that cause this decline. Methods: To investigate the disparity among patients who visited Sunrise Japan Hospital (SJH), a major general private hospital in the capital, patient data from November 2016 to September 2019 were obtained from the electronic reception patient database. The primary outcome was defined as the proportion of admission patients as an indicator of illness severity. The patients' addresses were classified into 4 areas based on distance from the capital. Results: A total of 6167 patients who visited the emergency department at SJH between January 2017 and September 2019 were included in the analysis. The proportion of patients who needed to be hospitalized or transferred increased with the distance from the capital. The proportion of patients who finished consultation decreased with the distance from the capital (P<.01: Chi-square test). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that the admission rate in rural areas was significantly higher only among males as compared to that of the capital in multivariate analyses adjusted for age, time, and season. Conclusion: The admission rate of emergency patients who visited a private general hospital in Cambodia's capital city increased with distance from the capital city. To improve regional disparity among emergency patients, further research is necessary to identify the issues among emergency patients, especially those who are vulnerable.


The increased audit regulation in the era of Sarbanes-Oxley and the PCAOB, coupled with practitioner reports of "hyper-acquisitive" behavior among smaller firms, creates a dynamic environment in which to assess changes in the audit market. Against this backdrop, we examine the determinants and consequences of audit firm mergers, a topic about which little is known. We find that merger frequency increased significantly in the post-SOX period. In addition, we find that larger, higher quality, growing firms that operate in more competitive markets are more likely to acquire another firm. Acquisition targets, on the other hand, are smaller yet still relatively profitable firms. When these firms merge, we find that audit quality decreases for the successor firm, particularly among highly acquisitive buyers, suggesting a decreased focus on audit quality in the period immediately subsequent to the merger. Taken together, our results provide evidence regarding the determinants and consequences of audit firm mergers in the United States.


Nano-BaTiO3 powder was synthesized by solid-state reaction at 80°C.The method is high productive and can be easily operated. XRD pattern demonstrates that the powder is pure cubic phase. And TEM photograph of the powder shows that the particles are uniform and spherical with average size of 50nm in diameter. Furthermore we confirmed that chemical reaction is the rate-determining step.


A quantum constraint problem is a frustration-free Hamiltonian problem: given a collection of local operators, is there a state that is in the ground state of each operator simultaneously? It has previously been shown that these problems can be in P, NP-complete, MA-complete, or QMA_1-complete, but this list has not been shown to be exhaustive. We present three quantum constraint problems, that are (1) BQP_1-complete (also known as coRQP), (2) QCMA_1-complete and (3) coRP-complete. This provides the first natural complete problem for BQP_1. We also show that all quantum constraint problems can be realized on qubits, a trait not shared with classical constraint problems. These results suggest a significant diversity of complexity classes present in quantum constraint problems.


The multilevel began with the three level inverter. Use of conventional two – level pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter provide less distorted current and voltage but at cost of higher switching losses due to high switching frequency. Multilevel inverter are emerging as a viable alternative for high power, medium voltage application. This paper compare total harmonics distortion in three level and five level diode clamped multilevel inverter. Diode –clamped three phase topology is considered for study. A sinusoidal PWM technique is used to control the switches of the inverter. Simulation study confirms the reduction in harmonics distortion.


Highly stable and magnetically recoverable CoMn0.2Fe1.8O4 ferrite nanoparticles with a large surface area were successfully engineered using the sol–gel technology and proposed as a heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of nitroarenes. The morphological and physicochemical properties of the synthesized nanocatalyst were characterized using the powder X-ray diffraction technique, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticles were found to be highly porous and spherical with an average diameter of ∼20 nm. The lattice interplanar distance of 0.25, 0.24, 0.30, 0.20 nm determined by high resolution transmission electron microscopy completely agreed with the d-spacing values corresponding to the (3 1 1), (2 2 2), (2 2 0), (4 0 0) planes, respectively, provided by the XRD data. Magnetic characterization was performed using a vibrating sample magnetometer and the value of saturation magnetization was found to be 35.89 emu per g. The specific surface area was calculated using the BET method, which was determined to be 114.22 m2 g−1. Kinetic analysis for the reduction of 2-nitroaniline was performed using UV-visible spectroscopy. The reduction reaction followed pseudo first-order kinetics with respect to the concentration of nitroarene substrate. The pseudo first-order rate constant value was 0.74 min−1 in the presence of 10 mol% of the catalyst. The extent of catalytic activity was explored for various amino, bromo, chloro and methyl derivatives of nitroarenes and almost 100% selectivity and 100% conversions (confirmed by GC-MS) were achieved for all the analogs.


Private forest landowners (PFLs) own the majority of eastern US forests, which provide a range of benefits including clean air, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, timber production, and recreational opportunities. Research on this population has been conducted for many years but little has been done to standardize sampling methods or procedures for estimating population parameters, thus frustrating comparisons among studies and longitudinal explorations. This article explores the sampling and estimation methods used by the USDA Forest Service to produce estimates of PFL population parameters. The Forest Service estimation equation is reviewed, its functionality is established given broad application, and modifications are suggested to achieve unbiased estimation and provide methodological standardization for future PFL research.


The paper presents partial analytical solutions for equations describing variation in trace amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of habitable spaces within pressurized modules (PM) of a space station. The solutions may find practical application in calculations of concentrations for any contaminants, or for air flow through the purification system. It is shown that in a case where low-toxic contaminants are released into the PM atmosphere, it would be enough to cycle 3 volumes of the PM air through the purification system when the system operates without the breakthrough concentration (without the residual concentration of the contaminant at the outlet from the purification system), in order to achieve the 95% purification of the atmosphere. For highly toxic contaminants this value should be significantly increased depending on the maximum allowable concentration of the substance (47 volumes and more — up to 99.9% purification).
The paper also considers variation in the concentration of the contaminant in the atmosphere during intermixing of atmospheres between PMs using intermodular ventilation. As a result, new analytical solutions were obtained for practical calculations which make it possible to determine gaseous contaminant concentration at any point in time and the time of the final equalization of the contaminant concentration in the space station atmosphere. It was determined that the time needed for complete mixing of gaseous contaminants through intermodular ventilation between two PMs does not depend on the initial concentrations of the contaminants (and only depends on the PM volumes and the intermodular ventilation flow rate).
Key words: space station, pressurized module atmosphere, carbon dioxide, atmosphere purification, variation in concentration, air flow, atmosphere mixing.


Four cases of urothelial carcinoma following pelvic irradiation for carcinomas of the cervix uteri (n = 3) and the ovary (n = 1) are reported. The urothelial carcinomas developed 26.8 (mean) years after radiotherapy and invaded the bladder in 3 patients and the ureter in 1. Despite radical surgery, the patients died of metastatic cancer.


Lamaze International partnered with Edelman, an international public relations firm, to re-brand the organization through its messaging to elevate its relevance among key stakeholders. Sound primary and secondary research revealed new ways to communicate the Lamaze message to women, their families, and their care providers. Various tips and tools are presented in this article to enable childbirth educators, care providers, and birth advocates to communicate these new messages more effectively to parents.


Wavefront distortion in scattering media can be compensated for using optical wavefront shaping. In this technique, a spatial light modulator (SLM) is used to apply a spatially distributed phase shift to the optical field. A genetic optimization algorithm was used to obtain the SLM pattern which best focuses light within the medium. The target volume is defined by using a focused ultrasound beam to encode light travelling within the acoustic focus. The ultrasonically-encoded light is measured and used as feedback to the algorithm, which then searches for the pattern which maximizes the encoded light intensity. We call this technique ultrasonically-encoded wavefront shaping (SEWS). Using SEWS, we focused light into a scattering medium consisting of ground glass diffuser and a gelatin phantom. The optical intensity at the target was increased by 11 times over the original intensity. These results were validated using fluorescent imaging at the ultrasonic focus.


Linear solvers for large and sparse systems are a key element of scientific applications, and their efficient implementation is necessary to harness the computational power of current computers. Algebraic Multigrid (AMG) Preconditioners are a popular ingredient of such linear solvers; this is the motivation for the present work where we examine some recent developments in a package of AMG preconditioners to improve efficiency, scalability, and robustness on extreme-scale problems. The main novelty is the design and implementation of a new parallel coarsening algorithm based on aggregation of unknowns employing weighted graph matching techniques; this is a completely automated procedure, requiring no information from the user, and applicable to general symmetric positive definite (s.p.d.) matrices. The new coarsening algorithm improves in terms of numerical scalability at low operator complexity over decoupled aggregation algorithms available in previous releases of the package. The preconditioners package is built on the parallel software framework PSBLAS, which has also been updated to progress towards exascale. We present weak scalability results on two of the most powerful supercomputers in Europe, for linear systems with sizes up to $O(10^{10})$ unknowns.


In Reply. —Dr Ruffin and colleagues raise several important points. First, they are correct to emphasize that physicians should disclose the uncertainty of screening, that DRE has no more supportive evidence than PSA or TRUS, and that recommendations to screen by the ACS and American Urological Association may represent a conflict of interest. However, I strongly disagree that Dr Krahn and colleagues 1 conclusively proved that prostate cancers creates more burden than benefit. Although the inclusion of a sensitivity analysis does show that the results of the study are consistent over a range of assumptions, the authors made no attempt to perform a multivariable sensitivity analysis, which might have significantly affected the conclusions. Even more importantly, there is no possible way to conclude from this study that screening more than once would not lead to a greater benefit. Recent studies of repeat screening have shown that patients with one normal


The authors present an analytical calculation of the neutral particle distribution and its effects on ion heat and momentum transport in three-dimensional plasmas with arbitrary temperature and density profiles. A general variational principle, taking advantage of the simplicity of the charge exchange (CX) operator, is derived to solve self-consistently the problem of neutral-plasma interaction. To facilitate an extremal solution, the short CX mean-free-path (λx) ordering is used. Furthermore, a non-variational, analytical solution providing a full set of transport coefficients is derived by making the realistic assumption that the product of the CX cross-section with relative velocity is constant. The effects of neutrals on plasma energy loss and rotation appear in simple, sensible forms. It is found that neutral viscosity dominates ion viscosity everywhere, and in the edge region by a large factor


The present study aims to examine the relationship between parenting styles, social responsibility, and academic achievement of high school students. 147 Yemeni high school students studying in Turkey participated in this study. Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), Social Responsibility Scale, and grade point average (GPA) of participants were used. The results show that there is a negative correlation between the authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles, as well as a positive correlation between the authoritative style by parents towards children and the social responsibility of children. Surprisingly, the outcomes do not indicate any relationship between academic achievement and both parenting styles and social responsibility. Also, results illustrate that there is an interaction effect between gender and type of school on the authoritative style and social responsibility. Nonetheless, they show no differences in parenting styles and social responsibility due to the number of siblings or the education level of parents.


The power of pardon exists to prevent injustice whether from harsh or unjust laws or from judgments which results in injustices; hence the necessity of vesting that power in an authority other than the judiciary has always been recognized. At common law, a pardon was an absolute and unfettered act of mercy whereby the King could forgive any crime, offense or punishment. From this source, it came to find a place in the United States Constitution and the Constitutions of India. Article II Section 2, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution provides that the President shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of Impeachment. Similarly, Article 72 of the Constitution of India empowers the President to grant pardon, reprieve, respite or remission of punishment, or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense. However, there is a great difference in the application of this power in the United States and India with reference to their constitutional mandates and judicial scrutiny. In the United States the exercise of pardoning power is to a great extent absolute and unrestricted, in India its application is subject to the guidelines issued by the judicial bodies from time to time.


In the present investigation a simple and effective strategy was employed for the development of pH-sensitive self-assembling microparticles based on poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA)-bis(2-aminopropyl)poly(ethylene glycol) (APEG), and their efficiency in oral protein delivery was evaluated. An inter-ionic gelation process was employed for the preparation of microparticles and particles were obtained spontaneously during the process without using any surfactants or stabilizers. Particle size analysis was carried out to measure average particle size and surface morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was incorporated onto these microparticles to evaluate the loading and release properties of the matrix. PMAA-APEG microparticles displayed pH responsive release profile, as less than 10% of encapsulated BSA was released at pH 1.2 in 2 h and more than 80% of loaded protein was released within 3 h at pH 7.4. Carboxymethyl β-cyclodextrin (CMβCD)-insulin non-covalent inclusion complex was prepared to enhance the stability of insulin formulations and complex formation was analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopic studies. CMβCD-complexed insulin was encapsulated into PMAA-APEG microparticles by a diffusion filling method and biological activity of entrapped insulin was evaluated using an ELISA. Finally mucoadhesive studies of PMAA-APEG microparticles were carried out on freshly excised rat intestinal mucosa at neutral pH to establish the adhesive nature of the material.


(MVC) was reduced by 40%. The magnitude of EIMD was assessed 48-hours following eccentric exercise by changes in MVC and ratings of quadriceps muscle soreness (using a 100mm VAS scale). Surface EMG and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were collected from the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis, respectively during the CT test to assess muscle activation and microvascular circulation. RESULTS: MVC decreased 22% from baseline (p = 0.006) and soreness increased from 2.1 ± 1.9 mm to 50.4 ± 31.5 mm (p = 0.002) confirming EIMD occurred. CT was declined from 61.6 ± 17.8 Nm to 52.0 ± 14.1 Nm (-16%; p = 0.005) post EIMD. IACT declined 31% (p = 0.0006) post EIMD. No changes were observed in EMG assessed muscle activation between bouts (p ≥ 0.28) and NIRS assessments of tissue saturation (p > 0.05) and deoxyhemoglobin (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CT was significantly impacted by EIMD. CT has been shown to be a strong predictor of endurance exercise performance—thus the previously observed decrements in endurance performance following EIMD may be attributed to a decline in CT. Interestingly, EIMD affected IACT to a much greater extent than CT (-31% vs. 15%). IACT is thought to represent a finite energy store, likely anaerobic in nature, that can be used to perform exercise above CT. Our findings indicate EIMD significantly reduces this energy store—potentially through impairments in excitation-contraction coupling.


A team of JPL researchers has analyzed stereoscopic vision software and produced a document describing its performance. This software is of the type used in maneuvering exploratory robotic vehicles on Martian terrain. The software in question utilizes correlations between portions of the images recorded by two electronic cameras to compute stereoscopic disparities, which, in conjunction with camera models, are used in computing distances to terrain points to be included in constructing a three-dimensional model of the terrain. The analysis included effects of correlation- window size, a pyramidal image down-sampling scheme, vertical misalignment, focus, maximum disparity, stereo baseline, and range ripples. Contributions of sub-pixel interpolation, vertical misalignment, and foreshortening to stereo correlation error were examined theoretically and experimentally. It was found that camera-calibration inaccuracy contributes to both down-range and cross-range error but stereo correlation error affects only the down-range error. Experimental data for quantifying the stereo disparity error were obtained by use of reflective metrological targets taped to corners of bricks placed at known positions relative to the cameras. For the particular 1,024-by-768-pixel cameras of the system analyzed, the standard deviation of the down-range disparity error was found to be 0.32 pixel.


Purpose – This study aims to develop a photo-based methodology to identify occupants' collaborative image
of the energy-efficient small-size housing.

Design/methodology/approach – Employing qualitative and quantitative approaches, 24 photos were
randomly selected from different urban areas of Brisbane (Australia) city for an online survey. A total of 36
participants evaluated the photos 159 times.

Findings – Conducted content analysis resulted in the identification of 5 attribute-based factors, generated
from 16 semantic categories and 74 attributes. Using a non-parametric Chi-square test, the factors were
categorised in two levels, i.e. (1) envelope elements (primary and secondary) and passive climatic principles; and
(2) architectural composition principles and neighbourhood quality.

Social implications – The discussion on the results via the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) suggests that
regarding the external aspects, the people's image of energy-efficient housing could be influenced by their
perceived control over changeable and adjustable attributes.

Originality/value – The photo-based methodology developed by this paper has the potential to quantify
occupants' collaborative image of small-size housing energy efficiency, which would be essential in assisting
them to adjust their dwelling units regarding the congruity of the energy efficiency attributes with their
preferences.


In comparison with the Bolivian Amazon, the ichthyofauna of the La Plata drainage of Bolivia received relatively little attention historically. Until now, 14 species of cichlid fish have been registered from this area. After an exhaustive review of museum collections (Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado y Colección Boliviana de Fauna), we can report three additional species: Astronotus crassipinnis (Heckel, 1840), Mesonauta festivus (Heckel, 1840) and Satanoperca pappaterra (Heckel, 1840). Four other species, which have been listed in previous publications, can be confirmed for the La Plata drainage of Bolivia based on the examination of voucher specimens: Aequidens plagiozonatus Kullander, 1984, Apistogramma commbrae (Regan, 1906), A. trifasciata (Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903) and Crenicichla vittata Heckel, 1840. As such, 16 of the 17 species can be referenced with voucher specimens in museum collections. We also provide an identification key for the cichlid fish species of the study area.


Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and enhancing carbon stocks (REDD+) is a crucial component of global climate change mitigation. Remote sensing can provide continuous and spatially explicit above-ground biomass (AGB) estimates, which can be valuable for the quantification of carbon stocks and emission factors (EFs). Unfortunately, there is little information on the fate of the land following tropical deforestation and of the associated carbon stock. This study quantified post-deforestation land use across the tropics for the period 1990–2000. This dataset was then combined with a pan-tropical AGB map at 30 m resolution to refine EFs from forest conversion by matching deforestation areas with their carbon stock before and after clearing and to assess spatial dynamics of EFs by follow-up land use. In Latin America, pasture was the most common follow-up land use (72%), with large-scale cropland (11%) a distant second. In Africa deforestation was often followed by small-scale cropping (61%) with a smaller role for pasture (15%). In Asia, small-scale cropland was the dominant agricultural follow-up land use (35%), closely followed by tree crops (28%). Deforestation often occurred in forests with lower than average carbon stocks. EFs showed high spatial variation within eco-zones and countries. While our EFs are only representative for the studied time period, our results show that EFs are mainly determined by the initial forest carbon stock. The estimates of the fraction of carbon lost were less dependent on initial forest biomass, which offers opportunities for REDD+ countries to use these fractions in combination with recent good quality national forest biomass maps or inventory data to quantify emissions from specific forest conversions. Our study highlights that the co-location of data on forest loss, biomass and fate of the land provides more insight into the spatial dynamics of land-use change and can help in attributing carbon emissions to human activities.


The existing bivariate integer-valued autoregressive process of order 1 (BINAR(1)) with negative binomial (NB) innovations is developed under stationary moment conditions and in particular under same level of over-dispersion index. In this paper, we propose a flexible BINAR(1) under NB innovations where the counting series are subject to two different levels of over-dispersion under same stationary moment condition. The unknown parameters of the new model are estimated using a generalized quasi-likelihood (QL) estimating equation. The performance of this estimation method is assessed through some numerical experiments under different time dimensions.


VSAERO, a subsonic panel method, has grown from a maximum of 1000 panels (unknowns) to the routine use of 10000 panels to model aircraft such as an MD-11 with deployed slats and flaps. The increasing complexity required improvements in user-friendli ness including: a robust flow solver; graphical interfaces to generate input and visualize output; algorithms which produce correct results (within the assumptions of potential flow); diagnostics to signal when the assumptions are violated; increased versatility with body wakes and jet exhausts; and multiple ways of generating a model.


Natural products have long been proven very effective against various challenging diseases including cancer and bacterial infections. Galium tricorne is one of the important source of natural products, which has not been explored till date in spite of its profound ethnomedicinal prominence. The current study has been designed to explore the biological potential of G. tricorne and to extract and isolate chemical constituents from its aerial part and seeds respectively along with identification of their chemical constituents. Phytochemical screening was performed to figure out the presence of secondary metabolite in G. tricorne. Crude Methanolic extract (Gt.Crd), which was obtained from the aerial part while the fatty acids were extracted from the seeds, which were later on analyzed by GCMS. Similarly, Well Diffusion and MTT method were used for antibacterial activity and cancer cell line assay respectively. To evaluate the cytotoxic potential, brine shrimps were used. Likewise, in Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis a total number of 23 compounds were identified in Gt.Crd extract out of which 7 compounds were sorted out to have some sort of toxicity profile. In the same fashion, 5 fatty acids were identified in the seeds of G. tricorne. Moreover, among the fractions, chloroform fraction (Gt.Chf) exhibited greater zone of inhibition (ZOI) 20.37 mm followed by Gt.Crd 18.40 mm against S. aureus and S. pyogenes respectively. In cytotoxicity Gt.Chf was more active followed by ethyl acetate fraction (Gt.Eta) by exhibiting 88.32±0.62% (LC50=60 µg/mL) and 73.95±2.25% (LC50=80 µg/mL) respectively at 1000 µg/mL concentration of the tested sample. Gt.Chf exhibited greater cell line inhibitory activity (IC50=61 µg/mL) against HeLa cell line. Similarly, Gt.Crd displayed IC50 values of 167.84 µg/mL and 175.46 µg/mL against HeLa and NIH/3T3 cell line respectively. Based on the literature review and screenings, it may be concluded that the aerial part and seeds of G. tricorne are the rich sources of bioactive compounds. The results of the current study also authenticate the scientific background for the ethnomedicinal uses of G. tricorne.


Reflections on problematic moments in the teaching of statistics as a part of mathematics school education are presented. The article concerns problems related to the predominant approach, on one hand the inclusion of statistics in school education, in which statistics is perceived as a part of mathematics, and on the other hand to the definition of the conceptual framework, ignoring the requirements of measurement theory and the lack of a systematic approach in teaching, as consequence of the configuration of the curriculum. In accordance with the set goal, an argumentation of the defended thesis is presented - the current approach approved through the curriculum prevents the development of systematic and logically consistent knowledge about the collection, processing and analysis of statistical information.


An exact expression of the bridge-mediated donor-acceptor effective coupling, is derived. For systems represented by a tight-binding Hamiltonian with nearest-neighbor interactions, we show that the effective coupling, is equal to the product over all square of nearest-neighbor couplings divided by an appropriate product of level spacing of eigen energies of the Hamiltonian. Results of this calculation are compared to those obtained by perturbative approaches and some drawbacks of the latter are pointed out.


A simple method for measuring the compliance of the total respiratory system utilizing a recording spirometer and lead weights is described. The method was reproducible and compared well with an established body box technique. The compliance of the total respiratory system was determined in 70 normal male subjects between the ages of 4 and 70. The total respiratory compliance was influenced by age and appeared to rise during the first 3 decades and fall in subsequent decades. The compliance was also related to the height, body surface area, total lung capacity, and vital capacity, the best correlation being with vital capacity. The change in compliance with age did not appear to be related to change in body size. When corrected for the total capacity of the lungs, there was a gradual decrease in total compliance with aging. It is suggested that this is due to an increase in resistance of the "chest wall."

compliance and age and size; compliance and lung volumes

Submitted on April 1, 1964


Movement recognition technology is widely used in various practical application scenarios, but there are few researches on dance movement recognition at present. Aiming at the problem of low accuracy of dance movement recognition due to complex pose changes in dance movements, this paper designed an improved graph convolutional neural network algorithm for dance tracking and pose estimation. In this method, the spatial and temporal characteristics of motion are extracted from the skeleton joint diagram of human body. Then, GCN (graph convolutional neural) is used to extract potential spatial information between skeleton nodes. Finally, LSTM (long short-term memory) extracts the time series features before and after human actions as a supplement and performs late fusion of the prediction outputs of the two networks, respectively, to improve the problem of insufficient generalization ability of single network. The experimental results show that this method can effectively improve the accuracy of dance movement recognition in general movement recognition data set and dance pose data set. It has certain application value in dance self-help teaching, professional dancer movement correction, and other application scenarios.


The effectiveness of adsorbents (unactivated and acid activated) developed from local raw materials - clay and diatomaceous earth samples - sourced from various geographical locations in northern Nigeria for use in the adsorptive bleaching of palm oil was studied. Two acids namely hydrochloric and sulphuric acids of varying strengths 20, 30 and 45% were used for the activation. A batch adsorption process of operation was employed in the bleaching step. Results obtained in which the performance of these locally prepared adsorbents were expressed in terms of percentage colour reductions showed that, the acid-activated samples were more effective in the adsorptive bleaching of palm oil. As much as 96.5 and 98% colour reductions were attained in the first and second sequences of the bleaching steps respectively. This performance compares very well with those of well-known commercial adsorbents (fuller's earth and activated carbon).

 Key words: Adsorptive bleaching, acid-activated clay, palm oil refining, degumming, neutralization.


A complete understanding of sensory and motor processing requires characterization of how the nervous system processes time in the range of tens to hundreds of milliseconds (ms). Temporal processing on this scale is required for simple sensory problems, such as interval, duration, and motion discrimination, as well as complex forms of sensory processing, such as speech recognition. Timing is also required for a wide range of motor tasks from eyelid conditioning to playing the piano. Here we review the behavioral, electrophysiological, and theoretical literature on the neural basis of temporal processing. These data suggest that temporal processing is likely to be distributed among different structures, rather than relying on a centralized timing area, as has been suggested in internal clock models. We also discuss whether temporal processing relies on specialized neural mechanisms, which perform temporal computations independent of spatial ones. We suggest that, given the intricate link between temporal and spatial information in most sensory and motor tasks, timing and spatial processing are intrinsic properties of neural function, and specialized timing mechanisms such as delay lines, oscillators, or a spectrum of different time constants are not required. Rather temporal processing may rely on state-dependent changes in network dynamics.


Recently, pre-trained language representation models such as bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) have been performing well in commonsense question answering (CSQA). However, there is a problem that the models do not directly use explicit information of knowledge sources existing outside. To augment this, additional methods such as knowledge-aware graph network (KagNet) and multi-hop graph relation network (MHGRN) have been proposed. In this study, we propose to use the latest pre-trained language model a lite bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (ALBERT) with knowledge graph information extraction technique. We also propose to applying the novel method, schema graph expansion to recent language models. Then, we analyze the effect of applying knowledge graph-based knowledge extraction techniques to recent pre-trained language models and confirm that schema graph expansion is effective in some extent. Furthermore, we show that our proposed model can achieve better performance than existing KagNet and MHGRN models in CommonsenseQA dataset.


In2Se3 epitaxial films with a layered structure were successfully grown on (001)GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction studies revealed that the crystallinity of the films was improved by using slightly misoriented (001)GaAs substrates. Furthermore, electrical and optical anisotropies were observed in layered In2Se3 films. It was found that the conductivity of layered In2Se3 epitaxial films along the a-axis was much larger than that along the c-axis, and that the absorption coefficient of layered In2Se3 epitaxial films for light polarized parallel to the a-axis was much higher than that for light polarized parallel to the c-axis.


A 65-year-old woman with right-sided Ménière disease experienced one of her usual and frequent acute vertigo attacks during eye movement recording (video 1). The attacks were associated with right-sided tinnitus, hearing loss, and vomiting. She initially demonstrated right-beating nystagmus, but after 2 minutes, the nystagmus gradually reversed and became left-beating (video 1). During the reversal, downbeat nystagmus was present temporarily. The left-beating nystagmus then persisted for 2 hours.


A series of five new alpha-hydroxy acid-containing chelates inspired by photoactive marine siderophores, along with their Fe(III) complexes, have been synthesized and characterized. These chelates, designated X-Sal-AHA, each contributes a bidentate salicylidene moiety (X-Sal, X = 5-NO(2), 3,5-diCl, H, 3,5-di-tert-butyl, or 3-OCH(3) on the phenolate ring) and a bidentate alpha-hydroxy acid moiety (AHA). The X-ray crystal structure of Na[Fe(3)(3,5-diCl-Sal-AHA)(3)(mu(3)-OCH(3))] shows an Fe(III) trimer with the triply deprotonated, trianionic ligands each spanning two Fe(III)'s that are bridged by the hydroxyl group of the ligand. Additionally, a mu(3)-methoxy anion caps the Fe(III)(3) face. Electrospray ionization mass spectra demonstrate that this structure is representative of the Fe(III) complexes of all five derivatives in methanol solution, with the exception of the X = 3,5-di-t-Bu derivative having a mu(3)-OH bridge rather than a methoxy bridge. Stability constants determined from reduction potentials range from 10(34) for the 5-NO(2) derivative to >10(40) for the 3,5-di-tBu derivative. All five complexes are photoactive when irradiated by sunlight, with the relative rate of photolysis as monitored by Fe(II) transfer correlating with the Hammett sigma(+) parameter for the phenolate ring substituents.

acs-specific: authorchoice/editors choice usage agreement


OBJECTIVE: Occult air leak, not observed clinically, may lead to the recurrence of pneumothorax. Many clinicians prefer to clamp the chest tube before removal. Aim of the present study is to investigate the need for clamping of the chest tube before removal.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surgical patients, spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) and traumatic pneumothorax patients after cessation of air leak were randomly categorized into a clamp and no-clamp chest tube removal group. The analyzed variables included; the demographic data, the chest tube drainage duration, the number and size of recurrences of pneumothorax, the needed interventions, the in-hospital stay, the morbidity and mortality. Significance was tested with student's t-test, Mann-Whitney and χ2 test. p <0.05 was accepted as significant.

RESULTS: Overall 120 patients (72.5% males, mean age 52.1 years) were included in the study. In the clamp group, relapses of pneumothorax tended to be lesser (p=0.075), the mean size of pneumothorax was smaller (p=0.042) and eventually fewer interventions were needed (p=0.042). Fifteen cases regarded SP patients, whereas 9 regarded cancer and 9 trauma patients (p=0.06). In SP no-clamp group, relapses were more (p=0.028), with a greater mean pneumothorax size (p=0.05) and more intereventions eventually needed (p=0.048, more new chest tubes inserted than in other groups p=0.038) with longer in-hospital stay (p=0.048) when compared to the clamp group. No differences were calculated in the elective surgery and trauma groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The chest tube for pneumothorax should be clamped before removal in SP cases. Otherwise, the pneumothorax tends to relapse with greater size, more interventions are needed and in-hospital stay is prolonged.


We consider a connected compact Lie group K acting on a symplectic manifold M such that a moment map m exists. A pull-back function via m Poisson commutes with all K-invariants. Guillemin-Sternberg raised the problem to find a converse. In this paper, we solve this problem by determining the Poisson commutant of the algebra of K-invariants. It is completely controlled by the image of m and a certain subquotient W_M of the Weyl group of K. The group W_M is also a reflection group and forms a symplectic analogue of the little Weyl group of a symmetric space. The proof rests ultimately on techniques from algebraic geometry. In fact, a major part of the paper is of independent interest: it establishes connectivity and reducedness properties of the fibers of the (complex algebraic) moment map of a complex cotangent bundle.


We found one specimen of Dermea on dead branches of an unknown tree in Arasbaran forests of Iran in 2015. Based on phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, LSU, SSU sequence data, as well as morphological observations, a new species of Dermea, D. persica, is described and illustrated here. This species, the only species of Dermea lacking a sexual morph, is mainly characterized by beaked pycnidia, hyaline to pale brown at the base and dark brown at the apex, opening by a circular ostiole, discrete or integrated conidiogenous cells with a minute periclinal wall thickening and falcate, aseptate conidia, 20–25(–30) × 2.5–3.5 µm, and lacking microconidia. The relatedness between D. persica and its close relatives is discussed. An updated key to Dermea species is also provided.


This study investigated the potency of green cincau leaves ( Premna oblongifolia merr) juice as prebiotics end its effect on laying performances (feed intake, egg weight, feed conversion and hen day production) based on pH and digestive viscosity. The potency of green cincau leaves juice as prebiotic was tested. The result showed that green cincau leaves juice was effectively support growth of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) with 4.3 x 10 2 CFU.g -1 samples but did not support the growth of Escherichia coli . The effect of green cincau leaves juice on laying performances was examined. Two hundred fifty 56-wk-old Hisex Brown layers received different diets namely 0, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 ml of green cincau leaves juice added in the basal feed. The method used in this study was experiment based on Completely Randomized Design and followed by Duncan's Multiple test if significant effect occurs. The result showed that increase level of P. oblongifolia merr in feed did not significantly affect (P>0.05) feed intake, egg weight, feed conversion and hen day production. Keywords: feed additives , laying hens performance, prebiotic, Premna  oblongifolia merr juice.


The life insurance industry in India has registered an impressive growth since the beginning of 21st century. The market has witnessed dynamic changes including entry of a good number of global players. Life insurance is a big business opportunity in India with a large population and untapped potential. By 2020 financial year, the Indian insurance market is projected to grow six to eight times the size of market in 2010 financial year. Unlike many other commercial products, life insurance goes a long way in providing financial as well as social security to the individuals and their families especially in underdeveloped regions where a significant proportion of population is underprivileged. Hence, there is a greater need to reengineer the life insurance marketing practices in the context of realisation of the overall goal of inclusive development. This book attempts to identify and analyse the marketing practices being adopted by the LIC at the national level with special reference to Mizoram. The study also covers the new players entered in life insurance business. The study's special focus is on the period since 2000, the time new competitors started entering the business.


Dietary supplementation of a high-gamma-linolenic acid canola oil (HGCO) containing approximately 36% (w/w) of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, 18:3n-6) from the seeds of a genetically transformed canola strain, was assessed for its long-term biological effects. Growing Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) were fed a purified AIN93G diet containing 5, 10, or 15% (w/w) of HGCO as the fat source. For comparison, a separate group of rats (n = 10) was given the diet containing 15% (w/w) of borage oil (BO), which contained 22% (w/w) of GLA. After 12 weeks of feeding, the growth, relative organ weights, hematology, and serum biochemistry were found to be similar among rats fed the 5, 10, and 15% HGCO diets. The GLA levels in plasma and liver phospholipids (PL) were also similar. However, the levels of GLA in peripheral tissues (muscle PL and adipose triacylglycerols) were significantly higher in rats fed the 10 and 15% HGCO diets than those fed the 5% HGCO diet. When the above biologic parameters were compared between the 15% HGCO and 15% BO dietary groups, there were no significant differences except for lower final body weights and higher tissue levels of GLA, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (20:3n-6) and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) in the 15% HGCO dietary group as compared with the 15% BO dietary group. This is due to a higher GLA content and possibly a more favorable stereospecific distribution of GLA in HGCO. Overall, long-term (12-week) feeding with diets containing up to 15% HGCO resulted in no adverse effects on growth, organ weight, hematology and serum biochemistry as compared to the diet containing 15% BO, suggesting that HGCO may be a safe alternative source of GLA.


Abstract Teachers' beliefs strongly influence the implementation of formative assessment in the classroom. However, not all formative assessment practiced by the teachers is based on their beliefs. This study investigated teachers' beliefs, formative assessment practices in EFL classroom of Junior School. This study made use of a qualitative research design by using in-depth interviews and classroom observations to collect the required data. Three teachers were involved as research participants in this study, and they were intensively interviewed to get valid and reliable data regarding their beliefs and practices of formative assessment. Interview guides were used to collect the data concerning teachers' beliefs of formative assessment, formative assessment practices, dissonances between teachers' beliefs and practices of formative assessment. The results of this study showed that EFL teachers have considerably strong beliefs about formative assessment practices. However, the strength of their beliefs varied in their levels due to their various undertanding of formative assessment.


An electric analogue network is described, by the aid of which values obtained from pair comparison measurements can be readily corrected for inconsistencies due to random errors. A proof is given that the network method is mathematically equivalent to the method of least squares and, hence, that it leads to the most probable values. It is further discussed how pair comparison measurements should be organized in order to yield with a minimum of computation work the most probable values.


SUMMARY Research on alcohol use among Mexicans, Puerto Ricans and Cubans has benefited from the general and positive research trend towards disaggregating data that was historically collected on Hispanics as a whole (Black & Markides, 1994; Canino, 1994; Canino et al., 1992; Kail et al., 2000; Lee et al., 1997; Nielsen, 2000; Randolph et al., 1998; Wells et al., 2001). But as the representation of other Hispanic groups in the United States escalates rapidly, alcohol research agendas have been slow to incorporate these groups on a larger scale, with Dominicans being a prime example. This chapter explores the Dominican presence in the United States, Dominican culture, and the limited research specific to Dominicans and alcohol use.


Due to the rapid development and diffusion of information communication technology in all walks of life, the entire human society is on the verge of a transition or transformation. The large scale of computerization in each and every activity, tremendous and rapid growth of electronic information, combined  with global access of information via telecommunication infrastructure etc. are some of the underlying factors of the present transformation process. For each and every user activity information is emerging as a valuable resource at all levels, such as education research and development, advancing the frontiers of knowledge, competitiveness in business and indust1),. economic and social development, improving the quality of day-to-day life etc. There is no doubt that information will occupy a center stage position governing human life in the coming century making a profound impact on social, economic and political activities of every society.


A cross-sectional study was conducted at the main hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen to determine the attitude and practice of Yemen female doctors on mammography screening. Study subjects were all female doctors who were on duty during the questionnaire distribution. Those who agreed to participate were given the questionnaire to complete. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse socio-demographic variables and variables related to general health. Participants in this study were 105 female doctors with mean age of 32.1 years (SD = 7.17). Thirty-four respondents (36.6%) did not send asymptomatic women for mammography screening. The reasons were because of high cost (58.0%, n= 25), availability of other methods (23.3%, n= 10), instrument not available (11.6%, n= 5) and high risk of radiation (7.0%, n= 3). Twenty-five participants (26.9%) sent patients on regular basis if there was a family or personal history of breast cancer. Twenty-three participants (24.7%) sent the patients for mammogram screening every year regardless of the patients'history or symptoms. Although most doctors (36.5%) do not refer patients for mammography screening, seventy-seven (74.0%) indicated that they would refer patients for mammography screening on personal request by the patients. This study showed a low percentage of doctors who referred patients for routine mammography. The major reason given was the high cost of the procedure.


Abstract The porosity and permeability of sandstone and carbonate reservoirs (known as reservoir quality) are essential inputs for successful oil and gas resource exploration and exploitation. This chapter introduces basic concepts, analytical and modelling techniques and some of the key controversies to be discussed in 20 research papers that were initially presented at a Geological Society conference in 2014 titled 'Reservoir Quality of Clastic and Carbonate Rocks: Analysis, Modelling and Prediction'. Reservoir quality in both sandstones and carbonates is studied using a wide range of techniques: log analysis and petrophysical core analysis, core description, routine petrographic tools and, ideally, less routine techniques such as stable isotope analysis, fluid inclusion analysis and other geochemical approaches. Sandstone and carbonate reservoirs both benefit from the study of modern analogues to constrain the primary character of sediment before they become a hydrocarbon reservoir. Prediction of sandstone and carbonate reservoir properties also benefits from running constrained experiments to simulate diagenetic processes during burial, compaction and heating. There are many common controls on sandstone and carbonate reservoir quality, including environment of deposition, rate of deposition and rate and magnitude of sea-level change, and many eogenetic processes. Compactional and mesogenetic processes tend to affect sandstone and carbonate somewhat differently but are both influenced by rate of burial, and the thermal and pressure history of a basin. Key differences in sandstone and carbonate reservoir quality include the specific influence of stratigraphic age on seawater composition (calcite v. aragonite oceans), the greater role of compaction in sandstones and the greater reactivity and geochemical openness of carbonate systems. Some of the key controversies in sandstone and carbonate reservoir quality focus on the role of petroleum emplacement on diagenesis and porosity loss, the role of effective stress in chemical compaction (pressure solution) and the degree of geochemical openness of reservoirs during diagenesis and cementation. This collection of papers contains case study-based examples of sandstone and carbonate reservoir quality prediction as well as modern analogue, outcrop analogue, modelling and advanced analytical approaches.


BACKGROUND
Psoriasis is considered as an inflammatory skin disease accompanied by dyslipidemia comorbidity. B-cell leukemia-3 (Bcl-3) belongs to IκB (inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B [NF-κB]) family, and regulates inflammatory response through associating with NF-κB. The role of Bcl-3 in psoriasis was investigated in this study.

METHODS
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice were treated with imiquimod to induce psoriasis and dyslipidemia. Mice were injected intradermally in the back with lentiviral particles encoding Bcl-3 small hairpin RNA (shRNA). Hematoxylin and eosin were used to detect pathological characteristics. The blood lipid levels were determined by automatic biochemical analyzer, and inflammation was assessed by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS
Bcl-3 was elevated in imiquimod-induced ApoE-deficient mice. Injection with lentiviral particles encoding Bcl-3 shRNA reduced Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score in ApoE-deficient psoriatic mice. Knockdown of Bcl-3 also ameliorated imiquimod-induced psoriasiform skin lesions in ApoE-deficient mice. Moreover, loss of Bcl-3 enhanced expression of loricrin, an epidermal barrier protein, reduced expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and lectin-like oxidized LDL (oxLDL) receptor-1 (LOX-1) in imiquimod-induced ApoE-deficient mice. The enhanced levels of blood lipid in ApoE-deficient mice were attenuated by silencing of Bcl-3 with increase of high-density lipoprotein, and reduction of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Knockdown of Bcl-3 attenuated imiquimod-induced decrease of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and increase of Interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in ApoE-deficient mice. Protein expression of phospho-Akt (p-Akt) and p-GSK3β in ApoE-deficient psoriatic mice was decreased by silencing of Bcl-3.

CONCLUSION
Loss of Bcl-3 exerted anti-inflammatory effect on psoriasis and dyslipidemia comorbidity through inactivation of Akt/GSK3β pathway.


Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important nosocomial opportunistic human pathogen and a major cause of chronic lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Serious infections by this organism are often treated with a combination of aminoglycosides and semi-synthetic penicillins. Subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics are now being recognized for their role in microbial persistence and the development of antimicrobial resistance, two very important clinical phenomena. An extensive screen of a P. aeruginosa PAO1 luciferase gene fusion library was performed to identify genes that were differentially regulated during exposure to subinhibitory gentamicin. It was demonstrated that subinhibitory concentrations of gentamicin and tobramycin induced a set of genes that are likely to affect the interaction of P. aeruginosa with host cells, including the gene encoding Lon protease, which is known to play a major role in protein quality control. Studies with a lon mutant compared to its parent and a complemented strain indicated that this protein was essential for biofilm formation and motility in P. aeruginosa.


The combined effects of alkali and ultrasound treatment of wood flour on the mechanical properties of polypropylene-based wood/plastic composites (WPCs) were examined. FT-IR measurements confirmed that the alkali treatment removed both hemicellulose and lignin from the wood, and there was an increase in the number of hydroxyl groups on the cellulose surface. This process was promoted by ultrasound treatment. Mechanical testing of injection-molded WPC samples revealed that alkali treatment improved both composite strength and modulus when polypropylene grafted with maleic acid was used as a coupling agent. The strength increase is due to improved adhesion between the fiber and matrix, while improved modulus is due to the removal of lignin and hemicellulose that are not as stiff as cellulose. Polarized optical microscopy showed the presence of well-defined polymer crystals on the surface of the modified wood, and this is also responsible for the improved mechanical properties. It is conclusively demonstrated that the combination of chemical treatment of wood and ultrasound assistance is more effective in improving the mechanical properties of the composites than the use of chemical treatment alone.


Research (e.g., Wood, 2010a) suggests that study abroad (SA) and the use of formulaic
 language (FL), or sequences of words that tend to go together, aid L2 oral fluency. Nonetheless, there is conflicting evidence
 regarding whether quantity of L2 use abroad is a predictor of language outcomes. This article examines the acquisition of FL by US
 L2 learners of Spanish (n = 11) who studied abroad in Spain. The study measures the temporal fluency variables
 and the formula/run ratio of narrative retell tasks pre- and post-SA by L2 learners and native Spanish speakers. The findings
 indicate that regardless of program type and length, learners produce more FL post-SA, but they are still far from target-like
 usage. Moreover, participants' mean length of run is directly related to the formula/run ratio. Lastly, an analysis of language
 use shows no direct relationship between L2 use abroad and oral fluency outcomes.


This paper investigates the influence of information asymmetry on the cross-sectional variation of volume-return relation. We find that the dynamic volume-return relation within medium-size trades has the most significant response to the degree of information asymmetry. We also show that the effect of information asymmetry on the volume-return dynamics migrates to small-size trades in recent years, especially in larger stocks. These results are consistent with the notion that informed traders prefer medium-size trades and this preference has shifted to small-size trades. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating informed traders' trade-size decision in the examination of the dynamic volume-return relation.


Study Design. A prospective, randomized study. Objectives. To compare the incidence of perioperative and early postoperative complications of surgical tracheostomy (ST) vs. ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in patients with anterior cervical spine fixation (ACSF). Summary of Background Data. The patients with ACSF after acute spinal cord injury often require tracheostomy. Surgical tracheostomy is burdened with relatively high incidence of peristomal infections, and, recently, ultrasound-guided PDT is proposed in patients with ACSF. Methods. Sixteen adult patients who underwent tracheostomy after acute spinal cord injury and ACSF were analyzed. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: eight patients (six males; age range, 24–59 years) who underwent ST and eight patients (seven males; age range, 19–47 years) who underwent ultrasound-guided PDT with dilatational forceps technique. The incidence of peri- and early postoperative complications was followed up, as well as the stoma infections and the duration of the procedure. Results. Not one patient from either group had any major perioperative complication of tracheostomy. In each group, there was one case of prolonged bleeding, which stopped spontaneously inside 24 hours. In two patients (25%) from the ST group, purulent infection of the stoma was verified during subsequent treatment at an intensive care unit. The average time of ST was 21 ± 7 minutes; the average time of ultrasound-guided PDT was 8 ± 6 minutes (P < 0.05). Conclusions. Our preliminary data demonstrate that ultrasound-guided PDT as regards to complications is at least equally safe as ST; at the same time, it is much quicker method, probably with less late infections of the stoma, which could be an important advantage in patients with ACSF.


Video compression techniques remove temporal redundancy among frames and enable high compression efficiency in coding systems. Reduction of temporal redundancy is achieved by motion compensation. In turn, motion compensation requires motion estimation. Block matching is perhaps the most reliable and robust technique for motion estimation in video coding. However, block matching is computational expensive. Different approaches have been proposed in order to improve block matching motion estimation accuracy and efficiency. In this paper a block-matching strategy for motion estimation is introduced. In the proposed approach the size of matching block is adapted according to the variability of the matching areas. That is, the block-size is constrained by variations of the image intensity. The variability is assessed using two variability measures: the variance and the mean absolute deviation. Results of computer experiments aimed at validating the performance of the proposed approach are also reported.


The communication skills of typically developing Finnish-speaking children between three and six years of age were examined using the Children's Communication Checklist (CCC). The differences between the boys and girls were also investigated. Results showed that the performance of the three-year-old children differed on the Speech subscale of the CCC compared to the five-year-old and six-year-old children and on the Syntax, Coherence and Use of Context subscales from the six-year-old children. Four-year-old children differed from the six-year-olds on the Syntax and Coherence subscales, and the five-year-olds differed from the six-year-olds on the Rapport subscale. Boys performed similarly to girls except on the Interests scale where the boys' performance was poorer. The CCC was effective in evaluating typical communication skills in pre-school children, and it can be used to investigate pragmatic skills in children as young as three years of age. As the development of pragmatic abilities may develop differently across languages and cultures, studies about children's pragmatic development in different languages and cultural backgrounds are needed to identify if there is a universal developmental pattern of communication, as well as features that are specific to a given culture and to a given language.


To investigate the effect of motivational interview combined with staged nursing on blood pressure control, general self-efficacy scale score and compliance behavior of coronary heart disease patients. From March 2017 to June 2019, 143 coronary heart disease patients from Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center were selected and divided into combined group and routine group by random number table. The routine group received routine nursing, while the combined group received motivational interview combined with staged nursing. Comparison was made between the two groups in terms of blood pressure control effect, general selfefficacy scale score, self-management capability and compliance behavior. 6 mo after discharge, the combined group had systolic blood pressure of (119.76±15.38) mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of (78.43±10.08) mmHg, which were significantly lower than the routine group (125.63±16.81) mmHg and (82.75±11.14) mmHg (p<0.05). 6 mo after discharge, the combined group had general self-efficacy scale score of (31.58±4.76) points and coronary self-management scale score of (78.52±8.64) points, which were significantly higher than the routine group (26.72±5.83) points and (71.33±9.06) points (p<0.05). The combined group had higher compliance rate in reasonable diet, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking, medication on time, mental relaxation than the routine group (p<0.05). Motivational interview combined with staged nursing can help to improve the effect of blood pressure control in coronary heart disease patients, enhance their self-efficacy and self-management capabilities and effectively improve their compliance behavior.


p11 (S100A10), a member of a large family of S100 proteins, interacts with serotonin receptor 1B (5-HTR1B), modulates 5-HT1B receptor signal transduction, and is required for antidepressant responses to activation of this receptor. In the current study, we investigated the specificity of the interaction between 5-HTR1B and p11 by screening brain-expressed S100 proteins against serotonin and noradrenergic receptors. The data indicate that p11 is unique among its family members for its interactions with defined serotonin receptors. We identify a novel p11-interacting receptor (5-HTR4) and characterize the interaction between p11 and 5-HTR4, demonstrating that (1) p11 and 5-HTR4 mRNA and protein are coexpressed in brain regions that are relevant for major depression, (2) p11 increases 5-HTR4 surface expression and facilitates 5-HTR4 signaling, and (3) p11 is required for the behavioral antidepressant responses to 5-HTR4 stimulation in vivo. The essential role played by p11 in modulating signaling through 5-HT4 as well as 5-HT1B receptors supports the concept that this protein may be a key determinant of vulnerability to depression.


Tense marking in English is relatively late appearing and is especially late for children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Little is known about the full course of acquisition for this set of morphemes. Because tense marking is a fundamental property of clause construction, it is central to current theories of morphosyntax and language acquisition. A longitudinal study is reported that encompasses the years of 2;6-8;9 years for typically developing children (N = 43) and 4;6-8;8 years for children with SLI (N = 21). The findings show that a diverse set of morphemes share the property of tense marking; that this set is not mastered until age 4 years in typically developing children and after 7 years for children with SLI; that acquisition shows linear and nonlinear components for both groups, in a typical S-shaped curve; and that nonsyntactic measures are not predictors of growth (including nonverbal intelligence, vocabulary size, and mother's education), whereas initial MLU does predict rate of acquisition. The findings are consistent with a model of Optional Infinitives (OI) for typically developing children (cf. Wexler, 1994, 1996) and Extended Optional Infinitives (EOI) for children with SLI. This model hypothesizes incomplete specification of features of tense that are represented in the grammar.


We present a new algorithm for conversion between binary code and binary-reflected Gray code that requires ap proximately 2K/3 element transfers in sequence for K elements per node, compared to K element transfers for previously known algorithms. For a binary cube of n = 2 dimensions the new algorithm degenerates to yield a complexity of K/2 + 1 element transfers, which is optimal. The new algorithm is optimal to within a multiplicative factor of 4/3 with respect to the best known lower bound for any routing strategy. We show that the minimum number of element transfers for minimum path length routing is K with concurrent communication on all channels of every node of a binary cube.


A theoretical investigation of the emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate in a continuous stirred tank reactor operating under conditions of sustained oscillations is reported here. Models of two levels of sophistication are developed: a comprehensive model that solves for the age distribution function of polymer particles and a simplified model that assumes discrete nucleation periods. The latter model should find use in adaptive control of latex reactors. These models adequately simulate experimental data after Greene et al.2 for the emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate under conditions of sustained oscillations.


Problem Women face greater vulnerability to using stimulant drugs, their rate of incarceration for methamphetamine use is increasing, and women's issues have been historically neglected in substance abuse research. This study examined demographic, social and psychological characteristics of incarcerated methamphetamine-using women that could influence service needs and utilization during incarceration. Method Incarcerated women completed individual interviews and questionnaires regarding drug use and other psychosocial variables. Psychosocial factors were examined according to lifetime drug use history. Comparison groups were: (1) nonstimulant drug users (n~16); (2) noninjection methamphetamine users (n~24); and (3) injection methamphetamine users (n~31). Psychosocial factors were also examined according to recent methamphetamine use. Recent use comparison groups were: (1) no recent drug use (n~18); (2) nonstimulant drug use (n~17); (3) noninjected methamphetamine (n~22); and (4) injected methamphetamine (n~20). Findings Nearly one-third of these incarcerated drug-using women had never before received substance abuse treatment. Drug abuse, sexual assault and concomitant psychiatric symptoms were high across the entire sample, but greatest for methamphetamine users. Conclusion Results revealed the complex psychosocial needs and risks that confront incarcerated methamphetamine-using women and pose serious threats to eventual drug recovery.


Kluyveromyces marxianus, as unconventional yeast, attracts more and more attention in the biofuel fermentation. Although this sort of yeasts can ferment pentose sugars, the fermentation capacity differs largely. Xylose and arabinose fermentation by three K. marxianus strains (K. m 9009, K. m 1911 and K. m 1727) were compared at different temperatures. The results showed that the fermentation performance of the three strains had significant difference under different fermentation temperatures. Especially, the sugar consumption rate and alcohol yield of K. m 9009 and K. m 1727 at 40 ℃ were better than 30 ℃. This results fully reflect the fermentation advantages of K. marxianus yeast under high-temperature. On this basis, five genes (XR, XDH, XK, AR and LAD) coding key metabolic enzymes in three different yeasts were amplified by PCR, and the sequence were compared by Clustalx 2.1. The results showed that the amino acid sequences coding key enzymes have similarity of over 98% with the reference sequences reported in the literature. Furthermore, the difference of amino acid was not at the key site of its enzyme, so the differences between three stains were not caused by the gene level, but by transcribed or translation regulation level. By real-time PCR experiment, we determined the gene expression levels of four key enzymes (XR, XDH, XK and ADH) in the xylose metabolism pathway of K. m 1727 and K. m 1911 at different fermentation time points. The results showed that, for thermotolerant yeast K. m 1727, the low expression level of XDH and XK genes was the main factors leading to accumulation of xylitol. In addition, according to the pathway of Zygosaccharomyces bailii, which have been reported in NCBI and KEGG, the xylose and arabinose metabolic pathways of K. marxianus were identified, which laid foundation for further improving the pentose fermentation ability by metabolic engineering.


Although reductions in retinal blood flow (RBF) in response to acute hyperoxia are well described, the mechanistic basis of this response has yet to be clarified. The present study was undertaken in order to determine the possible involvement of two arachidonic acid-derived vasoconstrictors, the cyclooxygenase metabolite thromboxane and the cytochrome P450 metabolite 20-HETE, as well as the involvement of the peptide endothelin and superoxide free radical. Fluorescein videoangiography was performed on the intact eyes of isoflurane-anesthetized newborn piglets. RBF responses to 20 min of hyperoxia were calculated from the angiograms off-line, using changes in mean arteriovenous transit times and arteriolar and venular diameters. The effect of hyperoxia (PaO2=351+/-9 mmHg; n=39) on RBF was examined in each animal under control conditions and again after intravitreal perivascular administration of drugs that block the synthesis or receptors of known vasoconstrictors. Estimated RBF decreased by a maximum of 42+/-3% in the 7 animal groups in response to 20 min of hyperoxia. The magnitude and time course of the change in RBF resulting from two successive hyperoxic challenges did not differ, and were unaffected by intravitreal administration of vehicle. The response to hyperoxia was attenuated 46+/-6 (n=6; P=0.001) after intravitreal CGS 22652 (2 nmol), a combined thromboxane synthesis inhibitor and receptor antagonist. DDMS (12.5 nmol), a competitive inhibitor of the P450 enzyme omega-hydroxylase that forms 20-HETE, blocked hyperoxic constriction by 23+/-7% (n=6; P=0.01). Intravitreal pretreatment with TBC 1241z (2 nmol), a receptor antagonist of the peptide endothelin, blocked the hyperoxic response by 26+/-5% (n=6; P=0.01). A combination of CGS 22652 (2 nmol), DDMS (12.5 nmol), and TBC 1241z (2 nmol), blocked the hyperoxic flow response by 51+/-3% (n=5; P=0.003). Administration of a combination of superoxide dismutase (10 U intravitreally, 10000 U kg-1 of the polyethylene glycol-conjugate intravenously) and catalase (10 U intravitreally, 10000 U kg-1 intravenously) was without effect on hyperoxia-induced reductions in RBF (n=5). The present results indicate that the arachidonic acid metabolites thromboxane and 20-HETE, and the peptide endothelin, participate in mediating the acute reduction in RBF in response to hyperoxia.


Background: The global emergence and rapid dissemination of multidrug resistant Salmonella strains necessitate research to find new antimicrobials that will effectively be used against these pathogens. In the present study, anti- Salmonella activity of metabolites from African Soldier Termites, Macrotermes bellicosus was demonstrated and subsequently compared with a potent antibiotic, ciprofloxacin. Materials and Methods: N-hexane, ethylacetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of metabolites from the M. bellicosus were assayed for anti- Salmonella activity using the agar dilution method in the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The inhibitory activities of the extracts were compared to ciprofloxacin (256μg/ml). Also, the bioactive components of the extracts were determined using standard techniques. Results: At 4000 μg/ml, N-hexane extract inhibited the growth of Salmonella Typhi, S. Paratyphi A, B and C while ethylacetate extract was able to inhibit S. Paratyphi A and C. Methanolic and aqueous extracts at the same concentration were unable to inhibit these strains of Salmonella . Furthermore, our findings revealed that the MIC of ethylacetate extract was 2000μg/ml for S. Paratyphi A and B, 250μg/ml for S. Typhi, and 125μg/ml for S. Paratyphi C. Also, the MIC of hexane extract was 4000μg/ml for S. Paratyphi B, 2000 μg/ml for S. Paratyphi C, 500μg/ml for S. Typhi and 250μg/ml for S. Paratyphi A respectively. The screening of bioactive components revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of anti- Salmonella action of metabolites from African Soldier Termites, M. bellicosus . N-hexane and ethylacetate extracts of M. bellicosus may be explored as novel antimicrobials for the treatment of typhoid and paratyphoid fevers thereby reducing the pressure exerted on available antibiotics. Keywords: Salmonella , antimicrobials, insects, extracts


To date, methods for assessing community resilience have focused predominantly on disaster recovery. Those that do focus on broader social-ecological and psychological contexts tend to be qualitative and have not been validated at the community scale. This situation reveals a need for quantitative measurement tools for assessing community resilience to slow-moving change such as rural depopulation or climate change. Our research provides a proof of concept across two diverse contexts, New Zealand and Vermont, USA, that community resilience can be quantified and broken down into dimensions of resilience. Using mixed methods, we assessed how eight communities across two countries perceive resilience and compared their perceptions with indicators of resilience in the form of official statistics. Vermonters generally perceived their communities as more resilient than did New Zealanders, and reported different dimensions of resilience as drivers of overall perceptions of resilience. Although institutional resilience was a driver of overall resilience in both countries, social and cultural dimensions of resilience were also drivers in New Zealand, whereas economic and environmental dimensions were drivers of overall resilience in Vermont. Resilience indicators were found to be weakly related or unrelated to community perceptions of resilience. This result suggests that the proposed method for measuring resilience can be used across contexts, but that there is not one type of resilience that is the key to higher levels of overall resilience. It also suggests that the two proxy measures of resilience, i.e., community perceptions and indicators, do not provide a consistent picture of resilience, raising the question of which is a more accurate measure.


The neoliberal experiment in Latin America has consumed more than a generation of enormous resources with very little economic results, disastrous social and environmental effects, and a deterioration in democratic legitimacy that will have to be recovered. A necessary, although insufficient, condition to recover a hopeful horizon on these fronts is the qualitative advancement toward a continental integration process that includes monetary and financial dimensions, even while the classic themes of trade and tariff integration are still far from being resolved. The Ecuadorian plan that was introduced at the multilateral negotiations in relation to Venezuelan president Hugo ChAivez's initiative to create the Banco del Sur proposes the simultaneous and coherent promotion of a process to construct a New Regional Financial Architecture, in which the Banco del Sur would be the nucleus of one of the three fundamental pillarsâthat is, the transformation of the development bank. The other two pillars include the enrichment and coordination of the continental tasks of the central bank, connecting stabilization with development, and the convergence toward a common monetary scheme.


Public participation in government is a hallmark of a democratic society. In the planning realm, public participation has come to define good planning and is seen as fundamental to achieving lasting and possible solutions. The effectiveness of public participation, however, is directly related to the volume and quality of available information and the support that citizens have in making sense of this information, both to develop positions and to make informed contributions. This thesis develops a learning-enhancing framework for public participation in spatial planning. Departing from the analysis of a classic theory of learning, Personal Construct Theory by George Kelly (1955), an innovative design for a spatial public participation system is proposed. This system integrates three elements: an information exploration element a Multi-criteria Spatial Decision Support System (MC-SDSS) and an Argumentation Map (AM). In concert, these elements make information available and address the two components of learning suggested by Kelly: the individual component (making sense of one's own experiences of the real world) and the social component (social interaction). A web-based system is developed and used to assess the adequacy of the proposed conceptual framework. The prototype system is applied to the pertinent and controversial spatial problem of onshore wind farm siting using a study area in the county of Norfolk, England. The prototype, called WePWEP (Web-based Participatory Wind Energy Planning), is tested in a quasi- naturalistic experiment. Test results evaluate the proposed framework favourably and highlight some aspects of the prototype that can be improved.


We report a case of anisocoria in a 6-year old child who felt out of an inflatable swimming pool in the garden. After instillation of pilocarpine 1% the dilated pupil constricted, which is an important clinical sign associated with intracranial trauma. There was evidence of exposure to angel's trumpet (Brugmansia arborea), a plant known to contain anticholinergic substances. As the results of further neurological examination turned out to be normal, we believe the mydriasis was due to an accidental exposure to angel's trumpet. The time lag between exposure and presentation at the emergency room, the probably low volume of the plant extract in the eye and the unpredictable concentration of alkaloids in the plant, can influence and question the reliability of the pilocarpine test in this case.


In this letter, we propose a novel approach to adapt the hidden Markov model (HMM) parameters when the original feature vector sequences are transformed by a causal finite impulse response (FIR) filter. Our approach enables us to be free from the requirement of retraining the whole recognition parameters when the feature vectors are changed and makes it sufficient to adapt the parameters to the given FIR filter coefficients. Performance of the proposed technique is evaluated and compared to that of the retrained HMM parameters based on the continuous digit recognition experiments.


This literature review article aims to present the current state of the higher education in Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico, so that to show the limited access for the young indigenous population and its relationship to poverty. The issue being addressed is of significance since both Mexican states have an average of schooling below the national average: the human development index in Guerrero is 0.679, and in Oaxaca it is 0.681, two of the lowest indexes in the country. By implementing some tools of descriptive statistics and information about the latest school cycles (2013-2014 and 2014-2015), we found that half of youth population in these two states lives in rural areas, one-fourth are speakers of an indigenous language, and only slightly more than ten per cent of indigenous young people over 18 years old belong to the total enrollment of higher education.


A nonlinear vectorial backstepping control law for commercial ships is derived by using the concept of vectorial backstepping. Vectorial backstepping is done in 3 steps corresponding to the state vectors of the ship dynamics, kinematics and actuator dynamics. Emphasis is placed on compensation of the actuator dynamics since the bandwidth of the propellers, thrusters and rudders often is close to the bandwidth of the ship dynamics. Global exponential tracking is proven by applying Lyapunov stability analysis. The case study is simultaneously global exponential tracking of the surge and sway positions (x,y) and the yaw angle /spl psi/ of a surface ship. This can only be done by applying nonlinear control theory due to the nonlinear structure of the kinematic equations, Coriolis and centripetal forces, and hydrodynamic damping forces.


Satisfactory forehead reconstruction can be accomplished by microsurgical free tissue transfer. Basic principles of forehead resurfacing include: (1) replacement with similar quality soft tissue as a well-defined complete aesthetic unit, (2) establishment of the hairline 5-6 cm above the eyebrows, and (3) use of adjunctive procedures to enhance the aesthetic result. We have found the radial forearm flap and the groin flap to be excellent flaps for achieving this goal.


We present a singularity excision algorithm appropriate for numerical simulations of black holes moving throughout the computational domain. The method is an extension of the excision procedure previously used to obtain stable simulations of single, non-moving black holes. The excision procedure also shares elements used in recent work to study the dynamics of a scalar field in the background of a single, boosted black hole. The excision method is tested with single black-hole evolutions using a coordinate system in which the coordinate location of the black hole, and thus the excision boundary, moves throughout the computational domain.


This article describes leadership and scholarship from the Neuman systems model as requisite for a true practice model necessary for 21st-century scientific professional nursing. A rationale for the integration of leadership and scholarship is provided along with markers to guide the leadership-scholarship protocol, which can be viewed as a scholarly research process. An example from a community nursing center demonstrating the application of the integration of leadership-scholarship is presented to support the proposed integration.


We present planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) incorporating thin SnO2/Al2O3 double electron transport layers between the perovskite and an indium tin oxide (ITO) bottom electrode. When measured under 1 sun illumination, we obtained a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.1% and a steady state efficiency of 17.8% for the best cell. These values were ~ 20-30% higher in relative terms than that of cells with SnO2 only (i.e. a maximum PCE of 15.3% and a steady state PCE of 14.9%). Insertion of the thin UV-irradiated solution-processed nanoparticle Al2O3 interlayer effectively enhanced the wettability of the electron transport layer, provided enhanced interface area, as well as a lower work function, leading to improved charge extraction. Incorporation of an Al2O3 layer between the perovskite and SnO2 layers also improved the rectification ratios of the diodes as well as both series and shunt resistances. Our devices are fabricated using fully solution-processed transport and active semiconducting layers processed at low temperatures (≤ 150 °C).


The importance of applying Business Intelligence and Analytic (BIA) to support Performance Management System has been a recent interest in research with many organizations increasing their investment in BIA to enhance their technological ability and support in decision making. However the implementation of this technological enhancement requires precise planning to ensure return of investment. Theoretical research is conducted to identify a suitable framework for the requirements engineering phase for PMS and BIA integration. The framework combines three main requirements engineering approaches for Business Intelligence and merges performance management and analytic perspectives.


Located between the "gay" neighbourhood and the "working-class" Anneessens neighbourhood, Place Fontainas has been the site of several presumed homophobic acts of violence, thus contributing to its categorisation as a dangerous area, particularly for homosexual populations. In response to this type of violence, there have been several measures adopted by the public authorities, yet they are in keeping with an often binary and essentialising logic of security. Based on direct observation work and interviews at and around Place Fontainas, the present article intends to adopt a new approach. It examines this area based on the notion of border and, through an intersectional analysis, discusses the social and urban mechanisms which contribute to the establishment of abrupt changes in terms of sexuality, social class and ethnicity. However, in each of the areas studied, there is a continuity of male domination, which makes women invisible and limits their access to public space.


A reverse phase isocratic HPLC was developed and validated for the determination of levamisole in pure and tablet dosage forms. Method development was carried out on YMCC18isocratic column, (250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., particle size 5 μm, maintained at ambient temperature), Shimadzu LC–sol 2010 Prominence Liquid Chromatograph. The mobile phase was a mixture of Acetonitrile: Water 80:20 v/v, and the flow rate was set at 0.7 ml/min and UV detection at 217 nm. Validation parameters were evaluated for the method according to the ICH guidelines. In the linearity study, linearity was observed from 10-50 μg/ml with correlation coefficient of 0.9999 and regression coefficient of 0.999. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation for the method were 0.204μg/ml and 0.673μg/ml, respectively. The statistical analysis shows that the method was found to be accurate, reliable, simple and reproducible. The intra and inter assay precisions were satisfactory; the values of relative standard deviations did not exceed 2%. The accuracy of the method was proved; the recovery of levamisole was 98.8% -101.1%. The chromatographic retention time of proposed method was 6.5 min and the assay of content was found to be 98.9%-100.8%. The proposed method was successfully applied for the quantitative determination of levamisole in pure form and could be used for routine analysis with phenomenal accuracy and precisions.


Nursing students' perception of empowerment has an important impact on their learning process and learning outcomes.

 This study aimed to assess the relationship between undergraduate nursing students' perception of empowerment and their academic satisfaction in Jordan.

 A descriptive, correlation design was used in this study, 164 fourth-year nursing students were selected to participate by convenience sampling method. The universities with the largest number of students were selected according to region (north, middle, south), and sectors (3private and 2public). The data collection methods included are: an Arabic version of self-reported questionnaires, the Learner Empowerment Scale (LES) to assess nursing students' perception of empowerment, and The Undergraduate Nursing Students Academic Satisfaction Scale (UNSASS) to assess nursing student's agreement with academic satisfaction.

 Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, 164 out of 184 students completed and returned the questionnaires with a response rate of 90%. Participants showed moderate perception of empowerment with a mean score is 79 out of (0-140) (SD=17.35). Pearson analysis showed a strong correlation between students' perception of empowerment and their academic satisfaction at all subscales: In-class teaching, clinical teaching, program design and delivery, and support and resources respectively as following: r (162) = +.37. P<0.01, r (162) = +.27, p<0.01, r (162) = .26, p<0.01, and r (162) = .30, p<0.01.

 This is the first study conducted in Jordan that contributed to the body of literature on undergraduate nursing students' perception of empowerment and the relation of their satisfaction with learning environment. The results highlighted the essence of teaching-learning context and methods to empower the students. Thus, more efforts should focus on clinical training, clinical placement, and diversity of teaching strategies to match the educational requirement to reduce the theory-practice gap.


This experiment was conducted at Purdue University swine research and education center. The objective of this study was to determine if the inclusion of fiber (8.48% vs 14.85% NDF) in the diet of boars influenced semen characteristics, concentration, motility, and morphology. Twenty-seven boars from two age groups (7 months and 18 months) and two genetic lines (maternal and terminal) were utilized in this study over a 12-week period with one week before the study data serving as a baseline for statistical analysis. Boars were blocked by age and breed and randomly allotted to receive 2.72 kg/d of corn-soybean meal diet (CON, n=13) formulated to meet NRC (2012) requirements or an isocaloric (estimated ME = 3,285 Kcal/kg) corn-soybean meal diet with 14.3% soyhulls and supplemental choice white grease (4.65%) inclusions (FIBER, n = 14). Semen was collected once per week per boar using the gloved hand method. While at the farm 3 mL of semen was mixed with 27 mL of extender (Androhep Plus, Minitube) to make a 1:10 dilution. The semen was then driven approximately 19 km to Purdue University where concentration (Nucleocounter SP-100), motility (Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis, CASA, CEROS II), and sperm cell morphology were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC), with the main effects of diet, age, and breed with week as a repeated measure. Significance was determined at P < 0.05 and a trend was observed at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Fiber in the diet did not affect any semen characteristics throughout the study. However, the percent morphologically normal sperm was greater in young boars compared with the older boars (80.6% vs 74.1%, P = 0.0143) resulting from fewer head/tail abnormalities (1.8% vs 2.4%, P = 0.0249) and distal droplets (7.2% vs 9.6%, P = 0.0508). Maternal boars had fewer proximal droplets (6.9% vs 9.9%, P = 0.0325) and tended to have fewer head/tail abnormalities (1.8% vs 2.3%, P = 0.0800). Terminal boars tended to have fewer distal midpiece reflex abnormalities than maternal boars (3.3% vs 4.8%, P = 0.0948). Overall feeding boars a high fiber diet had no effect on semen characteristics; however there were effects of age and breed of boar on semen characteristics. Future research is needed with varying levels and types of fiber inclusion in the diet along with differing ages and breeds of boars to better understand how fiber may impact semen characteristics.


This review volume on topological and nontopological chiral solitons presents a global view on the current developments of this field in particle and nuclear physics. The book addresses problems in quantization, restoration of translational and rotational symmetry, and the field theoretical approach to solitons which are common problems in the field of solitons. Primarily aimed for graduate students and the novice in the field, the collected articless cover a broad spectrum of topics in formalism as well as phenomenology.


This paper deals with the problem of synchronizing the outputs of a set of nonlinear agents that exchange information through a time-varying communication network in a leader-follower configuration. The dynamics of the individual followers may differ from each other and from that of the leader. The information exchange between the leader and (a limited fraction of) the followers as well as between neighboring followers only consists of the relative values of the output variables that are to be synchronized. The theory of output regulation for nonlinear systems is used to design decentralized controllers embedding an internal model of the leader dynamics. Then, under mild connectivity hypotheses, it is shown how synchronization between the local control loops can be achieved.


There are two domestic camel species: the dromedary and the Bactrian camel. The distribution of the two domestic camel species is clearly differs, although they meet at the latitude corresponding to an average temperature of around 21°C. The Bactrian occurs in the eastern area of Afro-Eurasia continent; from Mongolia to Central Asia. While, the dromedary inhabits western area; from the Arabian Peninsula to the Sahara desert. In Kazakhstan, they keep both species and hybrid of them. The dromedary is dominant in the eastern Kazakhstan, around Almaty; and the Bactrian is prevalent in north-western part, around Aktobe. In our study, we found that nowadays, the geographic distribution of both camel species is greatly determined by the climatic factors; for instance the one-humped camel could be breed in environment where the annual average air temperature is above 10°C and the record low air temperature dips minus 38°C or above. It is difficult to keep one-humped camels in the northern region to the 45°N altitude. Also, economic demand is important factor for the geographic distribution of both camel species. Nowadays, the dromedary is dominant especially in Almaty region despite its severe climatic conditions. Because, Almaty is a largest economic center in Kazakhstan and in another side, the dromedary produce much more milk than


Sera of young children who had had a primary infection with influenza A virus or were immunized with a live attenuated influenza A virus vaccine were examined for antibody responses that neutralized virus or enhanced uptake of virus into Fc receptor-bearing cells, because antibodies that enhance uptake of influenza virus into Fc receptor-bearing cells have been reported using mouse immune serum and monoclonal antibodies. The neutralizing antibody titers to the homologous infecting virus and to another H1N1 virus isolated several years later were higher after natural infection than after infection with the live attenuated virus. Natural infection and the attenuated vaccine induced antibodies that enhanced uptake of homologous virus and H1N1 virus isolated several years later. These results demonstrate that primary influenza A virus infection results in the induction of infection-enhancing antibodies.