The lack of well-annotated datasets in computational pathology (CPath) obstructs the application of deep learning techniques for classifying medical images. Many CPath workflows involve transferring learned knowledge between various image domains through transfer learning. Currently, most transfer learning research follows a model-centric approach, tuning network parameters to improve transfer results over few datasets. In this paper, we take a data-centric approach to the transfer learning problem and examine the existence of generalizable knowledge between histopathological datasets. First, we create a standardization workflow for aggregating existing histopathological data. We then measure inter-domain knowledge by training ResNet18 models across multiple histopathological datasets, and cross-transferring between them to determine the quantity and quality of innate shared knowledge. Additionally, we use weight distillation to share knowledge between models without additional training. We find that hard to learn, multi-class datasets benefit most from pretraining, and a two stage learning framework incorporating a large source domain such as ImageNet allows for better utilization of smaller datasets. Furthermore, we find that weight distillation enables models trained on purely histopathological features to outperform models using external natural image data.


Serfdom was pervasive in Tibet and all laymen with the exception of a few hundred aristocratic families were hereditary serfs, tied to a lord through an estate. Nonetheless, the Tibetan social system was not rigid and closed. There was a significant modicum of mobility although mobility only between various serf substatuses. The article examines the nature of the major serf sub-statuses and particularly focuses on the status of "human lease." In a sense analagous to leasing land, the human-lease serf leased his personal freedom of movement and livelihood from his lord and was no longer obligated to work his lord's estate. But he was still a serf. He still had to pay an annual "lease" fee to his lord, and moreover, this linkage to his lord was still passed on to his offspring. The most striking feature of traditional Tibetan social structure emerges not as rigidity or flexibility but rather as the incorporation of a significant potential for mobility with a matrix of pervasive and hereditary serfdom. The institution of human lease reinforced the ideology underlying the estate system while providing the system the flexibility it needed to adapt to changing political and economic conditions.


Results are presented from a towing-tank experiment of propeller-hull interaction conducted in order to provide detailed documentation of the complete flow field appropriate both for explicating the flow physics and validating computational methods. Mean-velocity and pressure field measurements were made for the with and without propeller conditions for the Series 60 CB = .6 hull form, Surface-pressure distributions and wave profiles were measured for both conditions. Resistance and self-propulsion teats were also conducted, An overview of the experiments is given, and some example results are discussed to point out the essential differences between the flows with and without propeller. The results are analyzed to assess the nature of the interaction between the propeller and the hull boundary layer and wake. To this end, use is made of a propeller performance program with both nominal and effective inflows. It is shown that most features of the interaction can be explained as a direct consequence of the propeller loading resulting from its operation with a three-dimensional nonuniform inflow.


This feasibility study reports the use of direct analysis in real-time high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS) in profiling the powders from edible insects, as well as the potential for the identification of different insect species by classification modeling. The basis of this study is the revolution that has occurred in the field of analytical chemistry, with the improved capability of ambient mass spectrometry to authenticate food matrices. In this study, we applied DART-HRMS, coupled with mid-level data fusion and a learning method, to discriminate between Acheta domesticus (house cricket), Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm), Locusta migratoria (migratory locust), and Bombyx mori (silk moth). A distinct metabolic fingerprint was observed for each edible insect species, while the Bombyx mori fingerprint was characterized by highly abundant linolenic acid and quinic acid; palmitic and oleic acids are the statistically predominant fatty acids in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Our chemometrics also revealed that the amino acid proline is a discriminant molecule in Tenebrio molitor, whereas palmitic and linoleic acids are the most informative molecular features of the house cricket (Acheta domesticus). Good separation between the four different insect species was achieved, and cross-validation gave 100% correct identification for all training samples. The performance of the random forest classifier was examined on a test set and produced excellent results, in terms of overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. These results demonstrate the reliability of the DART-HRMS as a screening method in a future quality control scenario to detect complete substitution of insect powders.


During fermentation, the mutant strain Rhizobium meliloti M5N1CS, which induces nodule formation on alfalfa roots, produces a partially acetylated (1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronan. In addition to this exopolysaccharide of high molecular weight, the mutant strain produces oligoglucoronates and cyclic (1-->2)-beta-D-glucans with degrees of polymerization from 17 to 30. Under the conditions applied, magnesium has no effect on cyclic glucan production by the mutant strain, but the succinoglycan production by the wild-type strain Rhizobium meliloti M5N1 increases.


Following a single oral dose of 14C-labeled brotizolam (2-bromo-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-9-methyl-6H-thieno[3, 2-f]-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]-1,4-diazepine. We 941, Lendormin) the plasma level concentration and the total excretion of the radioactivity as well as the plasma level of the unchanged substance was measured in 4 healthy subjects. [14C]-Brotizolam was rapidly absorbed. The elimination half-life of the radioactivity from the plasma was 9.5 h, that of the unchanged [14C]-brotizolam 4.4 h. Using a two-compartment open model, the stimulation of giving 0.5 mg of the drug once daily showed no accumulation of brotizolam and its metabolites. Within the 4-day study 64.9% of the given radioactivity was eliminated renally. The total excretion was 86.5% of the dose. Extraction and thin layer chromatographic fractionation of the renally excreted radioactivity indicated two major metabolites one of which predominated. The metabolites were completely conjugated. Unchanged [14C]-brotizolam was excreted in minor amounts below 2-3% of the dose.


We consider a chip level decision-directed NLMS equalization scheme which targets estimating the total transmitted base station chip sequence in a decision-directed manner and using it as the desired response for equalizer adaptation. For this purpose, we explicitly use only the knowledge of the user-assigned HSPDSCH codes in order to obtain reliable signal components by hard decisions. By exploiting the equivalence between the actual multirate transmission in the sense of containing multiple spreading factors and the multicode pseudo-transmission at the single HSDPA spreading level we use also the estimated pseudo-symbols of other codes via LMMSE weightings. In addition to its reasonable complexity and Max-SINR achieving performance in realistic HSDPA working regimes, the proposed scheme also has the advantage of not requiring the channel parameters. We evaluate its performance by extensive simulations vis-à-vis the Griffiths equalizer which requires channel parameters.


After suffering from chronic and steroid-resistant erosive lichen planus of the glans penis for 2 years, a 42-year-old patient presented to our Institute. The clinical picture was of an erythematous and erosive lesion, superficially covered with sero-fibrinous exudations. Lichen planus was diagnosed by clinical and histological examination. Control routine serum analysis and urinalysis gave normal results, and ciclosporin A was given at a dosage of 3 mg/kg daily. After 2 weeks of therapy, significant regression of erythema and infiltration was seen, so that the patient could be circumcised as planned. After leaving our Institute the patient continued the therapy with ciclosporin A and the monthly controls of kidney and liver function had shown no abnormalities during the 6-month follow-up that had elapsed up to the time of writing.


In this paper, we describe two different kinds of silicon optical modulators both integrated into a silicon on silicon optical channel waveguide which can be realized using a standard bipolar process. The possibility of using standard, well-known technology presents several advantages with respect to III-V optoelectronics. The first device presented is based on a three-terminal active device and exploits the plasma dispersion effect to achieve the desired modulation. The active device used is a bipolar mode field effect transistor; we show how the introduction of the third control terminal introduces some definite advantages with respect to commonly p-i-n driven modulators. The second is an electrically controlled Bragg reflector. In this case, although controlled by a p-i-n diode, fast switching speed is achieved. because lower injection levels are required. Numerical simulations and preliminary experimental results are presented on both devices.


Using green chemistry principles, alternative approaches for the synthesis of commercially important aza-macrocyclic tacn and (bis)tacn derivatives have been investigated to determine the step average and overall efficiency of these synthetic methods. Based on analytical metrics derived from the iSUSTAIN™ toolkit, the Richman–Atkins route for the synthesis of tacn (1) was found to be the more efficient; however an alternate route was shown to be preferable for the synthesis of (bis)tacn (2) compounds. The outcome of this study documents the importance of rigorous analysis of synthetic procedures for such aza-macrocyclic compounds in terms of their green chemistry attributes, in order to delineate how alternative synthetic methods can be ranked, more innovative procedures selected to improve productivity and yield, and synthetic methods deployed to achieve greater levels of waste reduction, reduced use of hazardous chemicals and lower environmental impact.


A white, 16-year-old girl from New Britain, Conn, had multicentric lymphosarcoma, resembling the childhood lymphoma of Africa (Burkitt tumor). She had a characteristic histologic picture at the onset of her illness with jaw and bilateral ovarian involvement. There was a transient complete response to treatment with cyclophosphamide, but she died six months later, after rapidly progressive disease and bone marrow involvement. This case adds documentation to the existence of Burkitt-like tumors outside of central Africa and demonstrates the unusual finding of a terminal reticulum cell leukemia.


Epidermal growth factor-urogastrone (EGF-URO), a polypeptide of about 6000 atomic mass units present in humans, mice, rats, and other mammals that is widely recognized for its mitogenic and acid-inhibitory activities, was observed to cause contraction of helical arterial strips of the rat ileocolic artery and to potentiate the action of KCl on helical strips from the superior (cephalic) mesenteric artery. The contractile effect of EGF-URO in ileocolic preparations displayed marked tachyphylaxis at high EGF-URO concentrations (100 ng/mL). The apparent mean effective concentration for EGF-URO in these tissues was about 10 ng/mL (1.7 nM); the detection of EGF-URO degradation in the organ bath indicated that a half-maximal response may have been achieved at a concentration as low as 50% of this value (i.e., about 0.9 nM). The actions of EGF-URO were abolished by indomethacin (3 microM) and were, in part, mimicked by prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), which contracted the ileocolic preparation and potentiated the action of KCl in the superior mesenteric preparation. In the superior mesenteric preparation, PGF2 alpha alone, like EGF-URO, did not have an appreciable effect on resting tension. The time lag of the EGF-URO effect in the ileocolic preparation (5-6 min to reach peak contraction) corresponded closely with the time course of EGF-URO-stimulated calcium accumulation measured previously in other cell systems. Our results suggest that EGF-URO acts to modulate contractility in vascular tissue via a cyclooxygenase pathway product (possibly PGF2 alpha). Our data point to a role for EGF-URO and possibly other growth factors in the control of vascular function.


Chondral damage to the knee is common and, if left untreated, can proceed to degenerative osteoarthritis. In symptomatic patients established methods of management rely on the formation of fibrocartilage which has poor resistance to shear forces. The formation of hyaline or hyaline-like cartilage may be induced by implanting autologous, cultured chondrocytes into the chondral or osteochondral defect. Autologous chondrocyte implantation may be used for full-thickness chondral or osteochondral injuries which are painful and debilitating with the aim of replacing damaged cartilage with hyaline or hyaline-like cartilage, leading to improved function. The intermediate and long-term functional and clinical results are promising. We provide a review of autologous chondrocyte implantation and describe our experience with the technique at our institution with a mean follow-up of 32 months (1 to 9 years). The procedure is shown to offer statistically significant improvement with advantages over other methods of management of chondral defects.


While there is, under the heading of "morphopragmatics", some research on the relation of pragmatics and word-formation, especially with a focus on diminutives, the major theoretical models of word-formation do not account for the word-formation/pragmatics interface in any systematic fashion. Moreover, in recent contextualist approaches to the semantics/pragmatics interface, the typical grammatical unit referred to is the sentence (including words that constitute a sentence), but not word structure or the morpheme. Drawing on morphological data from German, I will show the influence of pragmatic processes and principles on word-formation, arguing that word structures are also units that may be semantically underdetermined and thus are in need of pragmatic enrichment. Hence morphological theories have to account for pragmatic effects, and contextualist approaches have to account for other entities beyond the ones lying on the "what is said"-"what is implicated" spectrum.


Hamiltonian lattice gauge models based on the assignment of the Heisenberg double of a Lie group to each link of the lattice are constructed in arbitrary spacetime dimensions. It is shown that the corresponding generalization of the gauge-invariant Wilson line observables requires to attach to each vertex of the line a vertex operator which goes to the unity in the continuum limit.


Gysophila hispanica Willk. is an iberian-levantine endemism with optimum in the Maestracensis sector (Castillan-Maestrazgo-Manchego province) and the province of Aragon, which is generally considered a gysum soil element. Analysis of the characteristics of the soils of the locations studied shows a wide edaphic spectrum and indicates that it belongs to halo(gypso)ni trophile taxa.


CONTEXT
'Atypical' has served as a descriptive term in cytology since the birth of the specialty by Dr Papanicolaou. This indeterminate diagnosis often results in repeat biopsies or additional tissue sampling and a needless delay in patient care if used inappropriately. Because of the definitional ambiguity of this term and the associated physician frustration, we have made a concerted effort at Methodist Hospital since 1995 to minimize the use of 'atypical' as a diagnostic category.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether the dissolution of the 'atypical' category has increased our cytologic-histologic discordance rate to more than the published reference range.

DESIGN
From March 3, 2006, through December 31, 2008, all nongynecologic cases with 'atypical/indeterminate' listed as the general diagnostic category were identified and retrieved from our laboratory data files. We then assessed the cytologic-histologic correlation rate during the corresponding time frame.

RESULTS
A total of 48 'atypical' cases (0.2%) from 19 347 nongynecologic specimens were identified. Of the 'atypical' cases, 52% (25 of 48) had intradepartmental consultation, 58% (28 of 48) had additional preparations examined, and 29% (14 of 48) documented limitations because of poor preservation. Our cytologic-histologic discrepancy rate for the period was 5.5% (214 of 3912 cases), with 89.3% (191 of 214 cases) resulting from sampling issues. On review of the small percentage of cytologic interpretative discrepancies, only one case was unhampered by less than 10% tumor cellularity or poor preservation.

CONCLUSIONS
Not using 'atypical' as a diagnostic category, unless defined by Bethesda guidelines, has not affected our cytologic-histologic correlation rate.


ABSTRACT In recent years, regional innovation policies across Europe have relied on the smart specialisation approach to support new path development. However, its focus on endogenous knowledge flows remains a major weakness of the approach. This article argues that smart specialisation has to adopt an outward-looking approach that combines knowledge flows external and internal to the region. Based on four stylised types of regions, the article proposes generic strategies that can be pursued through smart specialisation. In terms of its policy implications, the article argues that policymakers should develop their regions' external connectedness strategically to leverage complementarities in global knowledge flows for new path development.


Understanding the microbial ecology of the mouth is fundamental for understanding human physiology. In this study, metapangenomics demonstrated that different Veillonella species have clear ecological preferences in the oral cavity of healthy humans, validating the site specialist hypothesis. ABSTRACT Veillonella species are abundant members of the human oral microbiome with multiple interspecies commensal relationships. Examining the distribution patterns of Veillonella species across the oral cavity is fundamental to understanding their oral ecology. In this study, we used a combination of pangenomic analysis and oral metagenomic information to clarify Veillonella taxonomy and to test the site specialist hypothesis for the Veillonella genus, which contends that most oral bacterial species are adapted to live at specific oral sites. Using isolate genome sequences combined with shotgun metagenomic sequence data, we showed that Veillonella species have clear, differential site specificity: Veillonella parvula showed strong preference for supra- and subgingival plaque, while closely related V. dispar, as well as more distantly related V. atypica, preferred the tongue dorsum, tonsils, throat, and hard palate. In addition, the provisionally named Veillonella sp. Human Microbial Taxon 780 showed strong site specificity for keratinized gingiva. Using comparative genomic analysis, we identified genes associated with thiamine biosynthesis and the reductive pentose phosphate cycle that may enable Veillonella species to occupy their respective habitats. IMPORTANCE Understanding the microbial ecology of the mouth is fundamental for understanding human physiology. In this study, metapangenomics demonstrated that different Veillonella species have clear ecological preferences in the oral cavity of healthy humans, validating the site specialist hypothesis. Furthermore, the gene pool of different Veillonella species was found to be reflective of their ecology, illuminating the potential role of vitamins and carbohydrates in determining Veillonella distribution patterns and interspecies interactions.


Augmented Reality (AR) technology and games can enhance motivation for learning. When combined with mobile devices, AR technology can promote authentic learning in outdoor environments, such as urban parks. These spaces can be used for Science Education, particularly, for environmental education and nature conservation. The EduPARK project combines these elements and follows a design-based research approach to develop an interactive mobile AR game to be explored by students, teachers and the general public, as visitors, in a specific urban park, integrating four interdisciplinary educational guides. The app development involved four cycles of user testing and evaluation for progressive refinement, according to the users' feedback in each cycle. The focus of this paper is to analyze the users' perceptions in the two last cycles of the app refinement, regarding its learning value and usability. The users were students of different school levels (24 of Basic Education; and 46 of Higher Education). Data collection involved a focus group interview, a questionnaire and the app's usage data. Content analysis, descriptive statistics, and System Usability Scale (SUS) computing were conducted. Results revealed that the EduPARK app promotes learning, enjoyment and is easy to use. It achieved an excellent usability, according to younger students (85.8 of average SUS) and a good usability according to older students (70.9). From the last refinement cycle, the app's final version has emerged, which is freely available to the public in the Google Store. In the future, more evaluation experiences are needed to better understand the benefits of this mobile AR game for learning in urban parks.


A nano-silica-AgNPs composite material is proposed as a novel antifouling adsorbent for cost-effective and ecofriendly water purification. Fabrication of well-dispersed AgNPs on the nano-silica surface, designated as NSAgNP, has been achieved through protein mediated reduction of silver ions at ambient temperature for development of sustainable nanotechnology. The coated proteins on AgNPs led to the formation of stable NSAgNP and protected the AgNPs from oxidation and other ions commonly present in water. The NSAgNP exhibited excellent dye adsorption capacity both in single and multicomponent systems, and demonstrated satisfactory tolerance against variations in pH and dye concentration. The adsorption mainly occurred through electrostatic interaction, though π-π interaction and pore diffusion also contributed to the process. Moreover, the NSAgNP showed long-term antibacterial activity against both planktonic cells and biofilms of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs retarded the initial attachment of bacteria on NSAgNP and thus significantly improved the antifouling properties of the nanomaterial, which further inhibited biofilm formation. Scanning electron and fluorescence microscopic studies revealed that cell death occurred due to irreversible damage of the cell membrane upon electrostatic interaction of positively charged NSAgNP with the negatively charged bacterial cell membrane. The high adsorption capacity, reusability, good tolerance, removal of multicomponent dyes and E. coli from the simulated contaminated water and antifouling properties of NSAgNP will provide new opportunities to develop cost-effective and ecofriendly water purification processes.


The reaction of Cα,O-Dilithiooximes 2 and α-chloroketones afforded 5-(hydroxymethyl)-Δ 2 -isoxazolines 4. α,β-Unsaturated aldehydes and ketones reacted with 2 to give the corresponding acyclic 1,2-addition products 5. The latter were cyclized with phosphorus pentoxide to 5-vinyl-Δ 2 -isoxazolines.


Background: Scarcity of prospective medication non-adherence cost measurements for the Australian population with no directly measured estimates makes determining the burden medication non-adherence places on the Australian health care system difficult. This study aims to indirectly estimate the national cost of medication non-adherence in Australia comparing the cost prior to and following a community pharmacy-led intervention. Methods: Retrospective observational study. A de-identified database of dispensing data from 20,335 patients (n=11,257 on rosuvastatin, n=6,797 on irbesartan and n=2,281 on desvenlafaxine) was analyzed and average adherence rate determined through calculation of PDC. Included patients received a pharmacist-led medication adherence intervention and had twelve months dispensing records; six months before and six months after the intervention. The national cost estimate of medication non-adherence in hypertension, dyslipidemia and depression pre- and post-intervention was determined through utilization of disease prevalence and comorbidity, non-adherence rates and per patient disease-specific adherence-related costs. Results: The total national cost of medication non-adherence across three prevalent conditions, hypertension, dyslipidemia and depression was $10.4 billion equating to $517 per adult. Following enrollment in the pharmacist-led intervention medication non-adherence costs per adult decreased $95 saving the Australian health care system and patients $1.9 billion annually. Conclusion: In the absence of a directly measured national cost of medication non-adherence, this estimate demonstrates that pharmacists are ideally placed to improve patient adherence and reduce financial burden placed on the health care system due to non-adherence. Funding of medication adherence programs should be considered by policy and decision makers to ease the current burden and improve patient health outcomes moving forward.


A multipurpose color image watermarking method is presented to provide © protection and ownership verification of the multimedia information. For robust color image watermarking, color watermark is utilized to bring universality and immense applicability to the proposed scheme. The cover information is first converted to Red, Green and Blue components image. Each component is transformed in wavelet domain using DWT (Discrete Wavelet Transform) and then decomposition techniques like Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), QR and Schur decomposition are applied. Multiple watermark embedding provides the watermarking scheme free from error (false positive). The watermark is modified by scrambling it using Arnold transform. In the proposed watermarking scheme, robustness and quality is tested with metrics like Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Normalized Correlation Coefficient (NCC). Further, the proposed scheme is compared with related watermarking schemes.


Background:Many drugs are removed by the lung. The pulmonary uptake of one drug can be inhibited when a second, highly accumulated drug is administered parenterally or as a chronic oral treatment. The effect of inhalational anesthetics on pulmonary drug uptake has not been extensively studied and may alter pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered drugs. Methods:The uptake of propofol by the lung during a single passage through the pulmonary circulation was studied in four groups of anesthetized cats: spontaneously breathing cats (control group, n = 6), cats whose lungs were mechanically ventilated (n = 6), and cats whose lungs were mechanically ventilated and that were anesthetized with 1% (n = 6) or 1.5% (n = 6) halothane. In an additional group, the single-pass pulmonary uptake of propofol was studied in six spontaneously breathing cats pretreated with fentanyl. The amount of propofol taken up by the lung during the first pass was measured from double indicator-dilution outflow curves using indocyanine green (ICG) as the intravascular reference indicator. Results:The first-pass uptake of propofol (mean ± SEM) was 61.3 ± 4.9% and 60 ± 3.7% of the injected dose in control cats and in cats whose lungs were mechanically ventilated, respectively. Although exposure of the animals to 1% halothane had no significant effect on pulmonary extraction of propofol, the first-pass uptake decreased significantly to 38.8 ± 6.9% in cats exposed to 1.5% halothane compared with control cats and to cats undergoing mechanical ventilation of the lungs without exposure to halothane. Also, in animals pretreated with fentanyl, propofol uptake was reduced to 40 ± 5% compared with the control group. Conclusions:The results demonstrate a substantial extraction of propofol by the lung that is not affected by mechanical ventilation. Inhibition of propofol uptake by 1.5% halothane and by fentanyl provides a potential mechanism of drug-drug interaction that may interfere with the pharmacokinetic profile of propofol, and may alter the amount of propofol needed to achieve or supplement a given depth of anesthesia.


BACKGROUND
While empirical research on creativity has grown steadily over the past 35 years, teachers' beliefs about creativity and their implicit beliefs about teaching for creativity remains understudied, as well as cross-cultural examination of teacher beliefs in this area.

AIMS
This study explored the measurement invariance of beliefs about teaching for creativity (creative self-efficacy, fixed creative mindset, growth creative mindset, desirability of creativity for teaching success and value of creativity for student academic and workplace success).

SAMPLE
American and Chinese educators at two universities were surveyed to rate the degree to which they agreed with statements about beliefs about teaching for creativity (N = 376).

METHODS
Measurement invariance analysis was used Multiple-Groups Confirmatory Factor Analysis with the lavaan package in the R Statistical Programing Environment.

RESULTS
Partial measurement invariance was obtained such that a model with factor loadings constrained equal across samples for four of the five constructs (creative self-efficacy, fixed creative mindset, growth creative mindset, desirability of creativity for teaching success), did not worsen model fitness. Additionally, when factor loadings for items on the value of creativity for student academic and workplace success latent variable were allowed to vary across samples, we found evidence of structural invariance. That is, the covariances among the five latent variables were found to be invariant across samples.

CONCLUSIONS
The major result of this study is that the theoretical structure and relations among five important creative self-constructs is invariant across American and Chinese educational constructs. However, there may be cultural differences in the value of creativity for student academic and workplace success, as perceived by teachers. Future research can focus on calibrating teacher beliefs about teaching for creativity with classroom observation, in American and Chinese educational contexts.


An instructional design ideally should fulfil characteristics such as student-oriented, goal-oriented and take into consideration students' learning development. Existing studies showed that many instructional designs did not fulfil these characteristics. This study employed design research to develop Hypothetical Learning Trajectory (HLT) based RME approach for Grade 7 students in Padang. Initial observations, interview with teachers and students at Junior High School in Padang was carried out to gain insight into teachers' current instructional practice. To date, the study has completed a preliminary design of an instructional sequence, teachers' book and students' book on the Sets. This paper presents researchers' account on the development of preliminary analysis of the teachers' needs and students' needs and development of the mathematics curriculum in Junior High school. The HLT derived through this analysis is presented.


Noncompliance with pharmacologic treatment is common amongst patients suffering from chronic diseases. In psychiatric patients compliance is extremely important in order to prevent recurrence of the disease. Recurrence is associated with readmissions and increased costs to the health system. About 70% of patients suffering from schizophrenia will relapse within a year without medication. This study evaluates the causes of admission and diagnoses of 100 patients consecutively admitted to a closed psychiatric ward between 1.4.2000 and 23.6.2000. Fifty- four of these 100 admissions were associated with medication noncompliance in the last year. Noncompliance was not associated with psychiatric diagnosis, gender, type of medication or form of administration of the medication. The problem of noncompliance should be approached on two levels: the doctor-patient relationship and reorganization of mental health services. On the doctor-patient level, the therapist has to maintain a therapeutic alliance with the patient and his family and adjust the medication accordingly, in order to maximize the benefit and minimize side effects. On the health system level, mental health should be included in the National Health Insurance Law and the Health Funds should take responsibility for mental health as in other medical fields. This may enable the psychiatric patients to be under the care of their general practitioner in continuity with the psychiatric hospital. Thereby, resources should be transferred from the psychiatric hospitals to the community. The availability of the psychiatric community services and their links to the general healthcare system would increase compliance and reduce recurrence, readmissions and the stigma of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders.


Motivation: Microarray technology for profiling gene expression levels is a popular tool in modern biological research. Applications range from tissue classification to the detection of metabolic networks, from drug discovery to time-critical personalized medicine. Given the increase in size and complexity of the data sets produced, their analysis is becoming problematic in terms of time/quality tradeoffs. Clustering genes with similar expression profiles is a key initial step for subsequent manipulations and the increasing volumes of data to be analyzed requires methods that are at the same time efficient (completing an analysis in minutes rather than hours) and effective (identifying significant clusters with high biological correlations). Results: In this paper we propose K-Boost, a novel clustering algorithm based on a combination of the Furthest-Point-First (FPF) heuristic for solving the metric k-centers problem, a stability-based method for determining the number of clusters (i.e. the value of k), and a k-means-like cluster refinement. K-Boost is able to detect the optimal number of clusters to produce. It is scalable to large data-sets without sacrificing output quality as measured by several internal and


Drought has caused serious damage to the water resource system and agricultural production in Shandong Province, China. This study calculated the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) based on the monthly precipitation and average temperature data of 25 meteorological stations in Shandong Province from 1961 to 2017. The trend analysis method and ArcGIS software were utilized to analyze the multi-scale (SPEI-1, SPEI-3, and SPEI-12) spatiotemporal changes of drought. The results revealed that (1) The intensity of drought showed an increasing trend in Shandong Province from 1961 to 2017; (2) The main periods of the drought on the seasonal scale (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) and annual scale were 8 years, 4 years, 15 years, 4 years, and 4 years, respectively; (3) Of the four seasons, the frequency of drought in autumn and winter were the highest. At the annual scale, the high-frequency drought areas were mainly concentrated in the southern mountainous regions; (4) In terms of the spatial change trend of drought, Shandong Province as a whole displayed a trend of becoming wet in the central and southwest regions and dry in the eastern region; and (5) Droughts were discovered to be simultaneously influenced by multiple atmospheric circulation indices in Shandong Province.


Background: Raising a child with a cleft lip and or palate disorder (CLPD) brings many challenges to the parents. Having children with CLPD can be a source of parental psychological distress (PPD). Stress experienced by parents may affect the development of a child. This study was designed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with PPD among parents having children with cleft lip and palate attending a major dental hospital in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in cleft lip and palate clinics of Dental Hospital, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. PPD was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-30. Site of cleft and associated disabilities were recorded on data recording form using clinical records of the children. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 384 parents who accompanied their children to the clinic, 62.5% were mothers. The most common cleft site of the patients was cleft involving lip and palate (32.3%) and the least common site was isolated cleft of the soft palate (8.3%). The most common disability reported was speech problems (41.4%). The prevalence of PPD was 34%. Chi-square statistics showed that PPD was significantly associated with age of the child (P < 0.000), family income (P = 0.011), family structure (P < 0.000), previous knowledge on CLPD (P = 0.045), site of the cleft (P < 0.000), and disabilities associated with particular cleft (P < 0.000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age of the child, family structure, cleft of the hard and soft palate, feeding difficulties, and speech problems were significant predictors for PPD. Conclusion: PPD is an important factor to consider in managing children having CLPD. This finding provides valuable information for the provision of multidisciplinary approach to manage PPD.


Background: Vietnam has undergone a rapid transition in the past 20 years, moving towards a more equal situation for men and women. However, Confucian doctrine is still strong and little is known about men's violence against women within the Vietnamese family. Aim: To improve knowledge of intimate partner violence (IPV) in a Vietnamese context, by focusing on professionals' and trusted community inhabitants' explanations of the violence and their suggestions for preventive activities. Further, to present data on prevalence, risk factors and health effects and to suggest appropriate intervention and prevention activities. Method: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected in the rural district, Ba Vi in northern Vietnam in 2002. Five focus group discussions were held and face-to-face interviews following a questionnaire developed by WHO for violence research were performed. In the epidemiological part, 883 married/partnered women aged 17–60 were included. Biand multivariate analyses were undertaken, with effect modification analyses and calculation of attributable fractions and population attributable fractions. Main findings: In the explorative qualitative study, intimate partner violence was explained as interplay between individual and family-related factors and socio-cultural norms and practices where Confucian ideology exerted a strong influence (paper I). It further revealed that IPV was rarely discussed openly in the community and women subjected to violence kept silent. The epidemiological study revealed that out of the 883 married/partnered women, 30.9% had been subjected to physical violence in their lifetime, and 8.3% in the preceding year. For the combined exposure to physical and sexual violence, the corresponding figures were 32.7% and 9.2%. The most commonly occurring form was psychological abuse (lifetime 55.4%; past year 33.7%). Lifetime experience of sexual violence was reported by 6.6% of the women, and by 2.2% for previous year exposure. In the majority of cases, the violence was exerted as repeated acts (paper II). The risk factors found for lifetime and past year physical/sexual violence were women's low education, husbands' low education, low household income and male polygamy. The pattern of factors associated with psychological abuse alone were husband's low professional status and women's intermediate level of education (paper II). Women who witnessed interparental violence during childhood were significantly more likely to report experience of physical and sexual intimate partner violence in their own relationship at adult age and they also displayed a more tolerant attitude towards violence (paper III). When health effects were investigated, it was found that physical and sexual violence caused chronic pain, injuries and serious mental health problems such as sadness/depression and suicidal thoughts in exposed women (Paper IV). Conclusions: IPV is commonly occurring in rural Vietnam, more so among the low educated and in poorer households. Violence perpetration is a serious violation of women's human rights that causes long-term suffering in exposed women. These findings call for legal and policy actions. Collaboration between the health sector and other bodies at all levels, and with community leaders as spokesmen would help to improve openness and reduce society's tolerance of violence against women.


Liposomes prepared from the cancerostatic octadecyl-(N,N-dimethylpiperidino-4-yl)-phosphate (OPP) were investigated in order to characterize the influence of composition on cytotoxicity and to minimize side effects on the immune system. Differently composed liposomes with respect to charge, cholesterol content and steric stabilization were used. Fluorescence measurements and the MTT assay were applied to investigate the effect of uptake and cytotoxicity, respectively, on J774 mouse macrophages and MT1 human breast cancer cells in vitro. Because of their endocytotic capability, uptake was generally higher for macrophages compared with tumour cells. OPP liposomes, which are negatively charged, cholesterol-poor and sterically stabilized, showed the lowest total and internal uptake by both cell lines. On the other hand, these liposomes were also the most cytotoxic ones for both cell lines investigated, with an inhibitory concentration of between 50 and 80 microM. Cytotoxicity does not correlate with cellular uptake and is most likely caused by other mechanisms. The results demonstrate that cancerostatic liposomes have composition-dependent toxic effects on macrophages which have to be seriously considered. For therapeutic experiments in vivo liposomes should be negatively charged and sterically stabilized and composed of OPP and cholesterol in a molar ratio of approximately 1.


OBJECTIVE
To define and propose clinically useful quantitative measurements of hip hiking and circumduction using standard three-dimensional motion analysis techniques.

DESIGN
We studied pelvic, hip, and thigh motions in 23 subjects with hemiparetic, stiff-legged gait as a result of stroke and compared these motions with those obtained from 23 able-bodied controls.

RESULTS
We observed significantly increased hip abduction on the unaffected limb during stance, with simultaneous elevation of the affected side of the pelvis during swing. We define these differences as hip hiking and, thus, can quantify the degree to which hip hiking occurs by measuring the unaffected coronal hip angle and/or the coronal pelvic angle when the affected limb is in midswing. We also observed a greater than normal coronal thigh angle during midswing of the affected limb that we can use to quantitatively define circumduction. Of note, hip abduction during swing was not increased on the affected swing limb, compared with the control.

CONCLUSIONS
Hip hiking can be defined precisely as unaffected coronal hip and/or pelvic angle when the affected limb is in midswing and circumduction can be defined as greater than normal coronal thigh angle during midswing of the affected limb. These precise definitions should allow us to better communicate and understand the implications of these gait patterns, and can serve as the basis for clinically meaningful quantitative assessment and outcome measurement tools.


INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of military members and their families, with over 400,000 cases among U.S. military members since the start of the pandemic. The objective of this study is to examine and compare COVID-19 vaccination coverage of military members (active duty and Reserve/National Guard) and their family members (spouses, children, and adolescents) to that of their civilian counterparts using a large, nationally representative study.

METHODS
Data from March 2 to May 9, 2022, of the Household Pulse Survey were analyzed for this study (n = 207,758). COVID-19 vaccination status (≥1 dose) was assessed for military members and their spouses, civilians, and children (aged 5 to 11 and 12 to 17 years) from both military and civilian families. Differences between military members, spouses, and their children compared to civilian adults and children were assessed using chi-squared and t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between military status and COVID-19 vaccination after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Reasons for not getting vaccinated for adults and children from military and civilian families were assessed.

RESULTS
Compared to civilian adults and adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, military members were more likely to be vaccinated (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.13). Vaccination coverage between active duty and civilian adults differed by subgroups. For example, among military members, COVID-19 vaccination coverage decreased with increasing age, from 87.5% among those aged 18 to 39 years to 56.0% among those aged ≥55 years. In contrast, among civilian adults, vaccination coverage increased with increasing age, from 78.5% among those aged 18 to 39 years to 91.2% among those aged ≥55 years. Military members were also less likely to be vaccinated than their civilian counterparts if they were Hispanic (68.5% vs. 85.2%), had a Bachelor's degree or higher (87.5% vs. 93.8%), or had $100,000 or more in annual household income (76.7% vs. 92.6%). Military members who had anxiety or depression (70.1%) were less likely to be vaccinated compared to civilian adults (84.4%). Military spouses (74.4%) were less likely to be vaccinated than civilian adults (84.7%). Children and adolescents who were homeschooled (35.1%) or had no preventive checkups in the past year (32.4%) were less likely to be vaccinated than their respective counterparts (52.5% and 54.0%, respectively). Military adults compared to civilian adults were more likely to report lack of trust in the government (47.5% vs. 35.2%) and, for children/adolescents, the belief that the vaccine is not needed (42.1% vs. 28.1%) as reasons for non-vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS
Despite vaccine mandates and the high vaccination coverage found among the majority of military members, disparities exist in some subgroups. Educational interventions and increased communication from trusted leaders, such as medical providers and commanders, could increase confidence in vaccines among military families. Ensuring access to vaccines, empowering healthcare providers to recommend vaccines, and reminding parents of missed vaccinations or preventive checkups can help improve vaccination coverage. Achieving high vaccination among military members and their families is essential in protecting those in the forefront of the pandemic response and promoting the safety and security of the nation.


313 TNF-α induces a range of biological responses associated with apoptosis/survival in many cells. TNF-α stimulates death receptor mediated signaling pathway that activates a downstream protease cascade leading to cell death. On the other hand, TNF-α induces a receptor mediated survival pathway involving activation of a series of protein kinases and NFκB. TNF-α has been shown to be associated with cancer progression. In prostate cancer patients, especially in recurrent tumor patients, the serum level of TNF-α is elevated and is closely correlated with the extent of disease state. Such result suggests that TNF-α is associated with the progression of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, very limited number of studies has been done regarding the effect of TNF-α on AR signaling in prostate cancer cells. We tried to examine whether TNF-α affects AR signaling pathway in LNCaP prostate cells. We found that TNF-α stimulates nuclear translocation of AR. TNF-α increases transcriptional activity of AR significantly in androgen depleted condition. The mRNA and protein level of AR regulated PSA was increased upon TNF-α treatment. The effect of TNF-α on acetylation level of AR was examined by immunoprecipitation study using antibody against acetylated lys. We found that AR acetylation is increased by TNF-α treatment in the absence of androgen. In addition, TNF-α treatment increased CBP/p300 expression in LNCaP cells in the absence of androgen. Taken together our results suggest that TNF-α acts as a non-steroidal activator of AR signaling in LNCaP cells, especially in the absence of androgen. The acetylation of AR signaling by TNF-α may be mediated through activation of CBP/p300.


Quantum computing for real world applications requires large arrays of qubits. This requires advanced integration technologies. In this work, we propose a simple integration method with fine interconnect pitch (10 μm) and close spacing that can overcome the large input and output (I/O) and high wiring level requirements of very large scale of quantum circuits. A system-on-wafer (SoW) packaging concept called superconducting silicon interconnect fabric (superconducting-IF), based on silicon interconnect fabric (Si-IF), is proposed, with the help of a Au interlayer technology onto the superconducting-IF. The fine-pitch and die-to-wafer-scale Au interlayer is the first demonstration of direct metal–metal thermocompression bonding (TCB) that is optimized for superconducting applications without the use of solders. The developed Au interlayer integration technology is demonstrated to be Josephson-junction-compatible (<150 °C), mechanically robust (>30 MPa), and electrically reliable down to 2 K. The mechanical strength of the Au interlayer integration method is optimized through shear tests with a shear force around 150 N on 2 × 2 mm2 dies. The transition temperature (Tc) of Nb, which is at 9 K, is experimentally verified to be unchanged after each fabrication process. Electrical and temperature cycling measurements on over 20 bonded dies of large-pitch Kelvin structures as well as fine-pitch daisy chain structures reveal reliable connections in the low-temperature regime. This work pushes quantum computing a step closer to realize its potential through 3D integration of a very large scale of quantum circuits with a high density of I/O (>10 000 per mm2) as well as high wiring capability and without introducing lossy amorphous dielectrics.


Abstract : The purpose of this Adaptive Management (AM) Process Framework is to describe the AM process for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Missouri River Recovery Program (MRRP) and explain how AM principles will be used in the MRRP to reduce uncertainty and ensure that Program objectives are achieved over time. The AM Process Framework is intended to be broad so that it can be applied to all aspects of the MRRP and be understood by a diverse audience of managers, federal and state agencies, scientists, engineers, the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC), stakeholders, Tribes, and the public. The AM Process described in this document generally follows the U.S. Department of Interior s (DOI) Technical Guide on Adaptive Management and integrates the ideas contained within the USACE Working Draft AM Technical Guide (under development). The AM Process is guided by the following general phases and steps (see Sections 3.1 and 4.4): I. Strategy Development 1. Plan 2. Design II. Strategy Implementation 3. Build and Operate 4. Monitor 5. Assess 6. Adjust This AM Process will be used during development of specific AM Strategies on a Sub-Program basis. This document does not describe the specific objectives or monitoring that will be used for individual Sub-Program AM Strategies, but instead explains the teams involved and the processes that will be underaken in the development and implementation of AM documents. Also described are the processes by which the MRRIC, other stakeholders, and the general public will be engaged as the individual Sub-Program level AM Strategies are developed, the information that will be included in AM documents, and the different types of AM documents that will be developed using the MRRP AM Process. Additionally, this document provides background information on Program-level activities (see Section 2).


Law and technology scholars have been writing about the coming release of fully autonomous vehicles for quite some time, and yet there is a significant gap in that literature. The United States has experienced a technology-driven upheaval in transportation once already, and it did so almost exactly 100 years ago when society transitioned (surprisingly rapidly) from horses to automobiles. No legal scholar has, as of yet, explored that transition at any length and asked what it can teach us about the role law and lawmaking should play in the coming transition between human-driven and fully autonomous vehicles. This is a huge oversight. This Article attempts to remedy this and to explain what we can learn from our earlier transition and how that historical precedent should guide our thinking on the legal issues surrounding autonomous vehicles now. Most notably, history suggests that we are overemphasizing the importance of law during this coming period of transition, particularly as compared to other factors such as economic incentives, convenience factors, and consumer preference.


To identify the nature of the programs offered through Nebras program for the educational environment, and the goals described for Nebras for the educational environment, to identify the external obstacles represented in the social and cultural obstacles and the internal obstacles related to the administrative and technical aspect related to beneficiaries and the environment in which the program is applied. Study population consisted of (15) in charge of the educational environment program in Nebras in Riyadh region. A sample of (370) female students selected from the offices of education: The Guard, Al Nahda education office and Al Rawabi education office. In addition to a sample of (12) female student guides who are in charge of the implementation of the educational environment program in these schools. The study utilized the descriptive analytical approach and used the questionnaire to collect data. The study found that the most prominent programs offered in the educational environment are the awareness programs for female students about how to use their leisure time to benefit them, the most important programs, from the viewpoint of the female students, were introductory bulletins programs of free call service at the National Center for Addiction Consultation, followed in importance by video presentation programs about the national project for drug prevention, the most important objectives described for Nebras for the educational environment were, to raise the level of awareness of female teachers and students about the danger of drugs and psychotropic substances then to enhance self- immunity of female students towards negative practices. The study recommended that the National Committee for Drug Control should pay attention to the necessity of bringing families and the community together in raising awareness of the importance of the educational environment program because they play a fundamental role in supporting the participation of female students in the program, and that the Ministry of Education should allocate specific times and quotas to participate in educational environment programs and empty female students and counselors to participate in these programs. The study also recommended that the school be concerned with activating the material and moral support for the female guides based on the program, and the participating students effectively and motivating them.


Since it is difficult to predict the future using the concept of strategy as options on the future introduced by Peter J. Williamson is a way of circumventing this insecurity. This study further develops this theory by introducing a process or framework for choosing the options based on scenario analysis. By using scenario analysis small glimpses of possible futures can be seen and by selecting options present in two or more scenarios significantly increase the probability of option realisation. The study also contains a discussion on how frequent new options should be added to the options portfolio and how this frequency should be decided upon. Finally the possibility to increase the probabilities of the options by adding a dimension, the environment catalysis dimension, to the model suggested by Williamson is presented. (Less)


Targeting less abundant amino acid residues on the protein surface may realize site-selective protein modification of natural proteins. The relative hydrophobicity of tyrosine combined with the π-π stacking tendency of the aromatic rings results in generally low accessibility. In this study, site-selective protein modification was achieved by targeting surface-exposed tyrosine residues without using a genetic encoding system. Tyrosine residues were modified with N-methylated luminol derivative under single-electron transfer (SET) reaction conditions. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed SET and electrochemically activated SET modified surface-exposed tyrosine residues selectively. N-methylated luminol derivative modified tyrosine residues more efficiently than 4-arylurazole under tyrosine click conditions using HRP and electrochemistry. Tyrosine residues that are evolutionarily exposed only in the comple-mentarity-determining region (CDR) of an antibody were selectively modified by tyrosine click reactions. CDR-modified antibodies were applied to in vivo imaging and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC).


A high-resolution process, voltage and temperature (PVT)-insensitive time-to-digital converter (TDC) is presented, based on a Vernier delay-line, in which the propagation delays in the upper and lower buffer chains are stabilised by two different delay-locked-loops (DLLs). The limitation on its resolution, imposed by DLL jitter and input range of time intervals, is analysed. Simulation results show that the proposed TDC achieves a resolution as high as 22.7 ps while consuming only 2.7 mW.


Purpose: CMR pharmacological stress-testing is well-established to detect myocardial ischemia. Despite stressor and contrast agents appear rather save, contraindications and side effects have to be considered. Substantial costs are further limiting its applicability. Dynamic handgrip exercise(DHE) may have the potential to address these shortcomings as a physiological stressor. We therefore evaluated the feasibility and physiologic stress response of DHE in relation to pharmacological dobutamine-stimulation by cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR).Methods: Two subgroups were prospectively enrolled: (i)volunteers without relevant disease and (ii)patients with known CAD referred for stress-testing. A both-handed, metronome-guided DHE was performed over 2 minutes continuously with 80 contractions/minute by all participants, whereas dobutamine stress-testing was only performed in group(ii). Short axis strain by fast-Strain-ENCoded imaging was acquired at rest, immediately after DHE and during dobutamine infusion. Results: Eighty middle-aged individuals(age 56±17years, 48males) were enrolled. DHE triggered significant positive chronotropic(HRrest:68±10bpm, HRDHE:91±13bpm, p<0.001) and inotropic stress response(GLSrest:-19.4±1.9%, GLSDHE:-20.6±2.1%, p<0.001). Exercise-induced increase of longitudinal strain was present in healthy volunteers and CAD patients to the same extent, but in general pronounced from basal to apical layers(p<0.01). DHE was aborted by a minor portion(7%) due to peripheral fatigue. The inotropic effect of DHE appears to be non-inferior to intermediate dobutamine-stimulation(GLSDHE=-19.5±2.3%, GLSDob=-19.1±3.1%, p=n.s.), whereas its chronotropic effect was superior (HRDHE=89±14bpm, HRDOB=78±15bpm, p<0.001). Conclusions: DHE causes positive ino- and chronotropic effects superior to intermediate dobutamine-stimulation, suggesting a relevant increase of myocardial oxygen demand. DHE appears safe and timesaving with broad applicability. The data encourages further studies to determine its potential to detect obstructive CAD.


The paper highlights the importance of the design of the fiscal features of the federal system of government in ensuring that potential benefits from its adoption are realized. This economic literature on fiscal federalism posits a framework that delineates the potential benefits ensuing from the adopting a federal system of government and expounds on the principles that can guide the design of the elements of the fiscal architecture to achieve the benefits. This paper also presents an approach on how to assess the design of the fiscal aspects of alternative federal models and illustrates its application in evaluating the PDP Laban Model of Philippine Federalism 1.0 and the Gonzales-De Vera model. The approach of the assessment involves benchmarking of the relevant provisions of these two models against the guiding principles emanating from the fiscal federalism. The assessment also considered current practices through a review of the constitutions of various federal countries.


Background This study aims to evaluate dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in clinical practice in Spain. Methods This is a retrospective study including adults with T2D under stable antidiabetic therapy, with either dapagliflozin or sitagliptin ≥6 months, before inclusion. Data about the effectiveness and safety of dapagliflozin are presented. Results A total of 594 patients (61.8±9.9 years, 21.7% cardiovascular disease) were included. After 6 months, HbA1c, weight, blood pressure, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and uric acid significantly decreased (1.63%, 2.88 kg, 4.82/2.70 mmHg, −17.38 mg/g and −0.30 mg/dL, respectively), whereas glomerular filtration rate and haematocrit significantly increased (3.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 1.8%, respectively). No cases of hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, Fournier gangrene, fractures or amputations were reported. Conclusion Thus, dapagliflozin provides a comprehensive cardiometabolic protection in patients with T2D.


The role of the academic in clinical practice has long been debated with no consensus on either what it is or what it should be. This paper suggests that we need to move on from the debate and implement ways of working that are commensurate with the needs of the students in individual organisations whilst fulfilling the requirements of curricula and individual roles. Within one university, a new way of working with partnership placement providers was implemented. This paper outlines the process, experience and outcomes of the initiative and attempts to provide an honest account of the achievements and complexities of such a project.


It is recognized, by most observers who have studied the subject, that alcohol may play an important role in the causation of monstrosities and of structural defects predisposing to later disease. This view is based largely on observations on defective human beings, and the probability of its truth is sufficiently established to warrant further careful experimental analysis. The quality of an offspring depends on two factors, the perfection of the germ cells from which it arises and the nature of the environment in which it develops. Diseased and weakened germ-cells give rise to a defective individual under all circumstances, while perfect germ-cells produce a perfect offspring only when the embryo develops in a normal or favorable environment. These facts may be readily demonstrated in lower vertebrates in which the development of the egg is outside the mother's body. The egg or spermatozoon in such cases may easily be chemically


The associated production of J/psi + gamma at the LHC is studied within the NRQCD framework. The signal we focus on is the production of a J/psi and an isolated photon produced back-to-back, with their transverse momenta balanced. It is shown that even for very large values of transverse momentum (pT of the order of 50 GeV) the dominant contribution to this process is not fragmentation. This is because of the fact that fragmentation-type contributions to the cross-section come from only a q q(bar) initial state, which is suppressed at the LHC. We identify gg-initiated diagrams higher-order in alpha(s) which do have fragmentation-type vertices. We find, however, that the contribution of these diagrams is negligibly small.


Water occurred naturally and it is used widely for drinking, cooking, washing, agricultural activities, population expansion, urbanization, generation of power, and industrialization. Availability and accessibility are used to estimate the percentage of the population using safe water sources. However, potable water is inaccessible and unavailable for use in most of the communities in Nigeria. Therefore, this study access safe potable water sources available for use in three towns in Ikole LGA of Ekiti State, Nigeria. A random sampling approach was adopted by selecting households and respondents for participation in the study. Questionnaires were administered to 40 respondents in each of the three communities chosen giving a total of 120 respondents for this study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that available water sources were streams, rivers, rain, wells, boreholes, and lakes. 41.67 % of the respondents have access to safe water sources and also use water filters. There is the urgent need for Nigeria to invest more in accessing safe water sources for its citizens to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.


In this paper, polyethylene film was treated by APGDLD (atmospheric pressure glow discharge liquid deposition) to polymerize acrylic acid onto the surface to improve its hydrophilicity. The effect of APGD and APGDLD on the surface modification is compared. Influence of various treatment conditions on polymerization degree and contact angle such as applied voltage, discharge gap, reaction gas flow rate and treatment time were investigated. Treating effect was characterized via contact angle measurements, SEM and ATR-FTIR. The results indicated the hydrophilicity of the polyethylene film surface was enhanced and well reserved by APGDLD.


This is the AmeriFlux version of the carbon flux data for the site US-Bn2 Bonanza Creek, 1987 Burn site near Delta Junction. Site Description - The Delta Junction 1987 Burn site is located near Delta Junction, just to the north of the Alaska Range in interior Alaska. All three Delta Junction sites are within a 15-km radius of one another. Composed of a combination of alluvial outwashes, floodplains, and low terraces dissected by glacial streams originating in the nearby Alaska Range. The Granite Creek fire burned ~20,000 ha of black spruce (Picea mariana) during 1987. Approximately half of the dead boles remained upright in 2004, while the other half had fallen over or had become entangled with other boles.


Summary A novel transimpedance-mode first-order all-pass filter configuration is proposed. It uses a single operational transresistance amplifier (OTRA) and few passive components. The proposed circuit is structurally all-pass that does not impose any component matching condition. The proposed circuit is insensitive to parasitic input capacitances and input resistances due to the internally grounded input terminals of the OTRA. It provides an alternative realization of phase equalizers for analog signal processing applications by providing also current-to-voltage conversion. The theoretical results are verified with PSPICE simulations using a CMOS realization of OTRA.


Abstract The aim of this paper is to analyse the challenges facing those practising Hinduism in South Africa. Celebrating the centenary of the SAHMS provides an opportunity to reflect on the past, analyse the present and more importantly to chart the future of Hindus and Hinduism in South Africa. More specifically, the key issues that will be discussed in this paper include: globalisation and internationalisation of culture; influence of Hindu nationalist forces from India; the retreat from self-help, sacrifice and community upliftment; decline in family values; promoting a scripturally based Hinduism; training and accreditation of Hindu priests; addressing the scourge of HIV/AIDS; gender representation in Hindu organisations; and the Hindu contribution to reconciliation, reconstruction and development in South Africa's fledgling democracy. A key contention of this paper is that Hindus need to consider ways in which to contribute towards nurturing and consolidating South Africa's fledgling democracy, as well as assisting in the process of reconciliation, reconstruction and development.


What changes can manufacturers make to reduce waste streams and save money? A recent modification to a successful Department of Energy energy audit program has included a focus on waste minimization for small and medium-sized manufacturers. The program change was incorporated over two years ago and approximately 2000 assessments have been completed nationwide since the change. This paper will examine the results of the combined energy/waste assessments. It will focus on the typical waste recommendations made for three sectors of Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC) 2039. Recommendations vary from typical conservation measures such as recycling pallets and cardboard to direct process modifications that reduce water or chemical usage. While some recommendations are general and can be applied to any industry, others are industry-specific.


Various tasks are reformulated as multi-label classification problems, in which the binary cross-entropy (BCE) loss is frequently utilized for optimizing well-designed models. However, the vanilla BCE loss cannot be tailored for diverse tasks, resulting in a suboptimal performance for different models. Besides, the imbalance between redundant negative samples and rare positive samples could degrade the model performance. In this paper, we propose an effective Asymmetric Polynomial Loss (APL) to mitigate the above issues. Specifically, we first perform Taylor expansion on BCE loss. Then we ameliorate the coefficients of polynomial functions. We further employ the asymmetric focusing mechanism to decouple the gradient contribution from the negative and positive samples. Moreover, we validate that the polynomial coefficients can recalibrate the asymmetric focusing hyperparameters. Experiments on relation extraction, text classification, and image classification show that our APL loss can consistently improve performance without extra training burden.1


This short paper will give the reader the basic understanding of what a table clinic is and how to present one. The material is presented in a generalized format that is quick and easy to read. The intent is to stimulate interest among members of organized dentistry to present table clinics at the local, state and national levels.


When a bulk superconducting material is used as the magnets of an electric motor, the magnetized superconducting pucks are subjected to a varying magnetic field which has a detrimental effect on the trapped field. This may lead to a long term decay of the magnetization of the bulk superconductors. In this paper, we analyze numerically the demagnetization effect on bulk superconductors subjected to a magnetic field applied orthogonally to the initial direction of the trapped flux. The condition of a superconducting sample being exposed to a transverse field with varying magnitude is simulated and is very close to the operating environment in a synchronous machine. The decay of magnetization is calculated. The mechanism is explained in terms of the distortion of current distribution on the cross section of the sample. The long term effect of the application of a transverse field is predicted by the model.


Author(s): Romero, Adam P; Rosky, Clifford J; Badgett, M.V. Lee; Gates, Gary J | Abstract: Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Delaware. We compare same-sex "unmarried partners," which the Census Bureau defines as an unmarried couple who "shares living quarters and has a close personal relationship," to different-sex married couples in Delaware.In many ways, the nearly 2,100 same-sex couples living in Delaware are similar to married couples. According to Census 2000, they live throughout the State, are racially and ethnically diverse, have partners who depend upon one another financially, and actively participate in Delaware's economy. Census data also show that about 12% of same-sex couples in Delaware are raising children. Same-sex couples have higher household incomes but lower rates of homeownership than married couples. Individuals in same-sex couples are more likely to be employed than married individuals.


Ahara plays an important role in our life. Actually, our healthy life mainly depends on the different types of Ahara which we consume in our daily routine. So Acharya Charak mentioned Ahara in the three Upastambha of Ayurveda. Viruddha Ahara , or incompatible diet, is a very important issue discussed by ancient Ayurveda . The substances which are contrary to dhatus behave with Viruddha to them. This Viruddha Ahara may be in terms of prop-erties, combination, processing, place, time, dose etc. or natural composition. The main aim of this review article is to compile and evaluate the concept of Viruddha Ahara . All the descriptions of Viruddha Ahara mentioned in different Ayurvedic texts were critically analyzed and discussed to check their relation. After critically analyzed it is concluded that if due to Viruddha Ahara , various types of diseases appear in our body, so we should take the Ahara according to Ayurvedic concepts mentioned in different Ayurvedic texts.


Ian Ross, president of AT&T Bell Laboratories, has said: &dquo;We have not come very far from the days when C.P. Snow suggested that we were becoming two societies--humanists and technologists--with a greater and greater gap between them.&dquo; These two cultures mistrust each other and often blame each other for many of the ills that befall our civilization. Scientists and technologists see their work as neutral and blame the politicians and the generals if its fruits are used for evil purposes. Humanists don't understand what a technologist does and suspect that it is evil or polluting the environment


The aim of this study was to evaluate how far the variations in the P300 amplitude of the event-related potentials (ERP) are related to the changes in the frequency of P300 occurrence from the polarity histogram. ERP from Cz (10/20 system) in a task of counting one of two different stimuli ("soft" and "loud" tones) presented in a Bernoulli sequence were recorded. A control situation, i. e. stimuli presentation while the subject is reading a book, was also included. For each subject the two situations were presented according to a completely balanced orthogonal experimental design. The analysis of variance showed statistically significant effect of the task, as well as of the experimental period of the P300 amplitude. For each subject the differences in the P300 amplitudes and the corresponding frequencies of occurrence between the two situations were assessed. The results obtained showed that the changes in the frequency of occurrence are mostly associated with the mere presence of absence of P300. Therefore the polarity histogram provides information particularly valuable for the endogenous ERP components and permits quick identification of these components.


We undertook these studies to determine whether a deficient nitric oxide production in genetically hypertensive rats could result from its being scavenged by an excess production of superoxide. In one study we used a porphyrinic microsensor to measure nitric oxide concentrations released by cultured endothelial cells from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). SHRSP cells released only about one third the concentration of nitric oxide as did WKY cells. Treatment of cells with superoxide dismutase increased nitric oxide release, demonstrating that normally nitric oxide is scavenged by endogenous superoxide. The increase in nitric oxide release in response to superoxide dismutase treatment was more than twice as great from SHRSP as from WKY cells, demonstrating the greater amount of superoxide in the hypertensive rats. A direct measure of superoxide with the use of lucigenin demonstrated the presence of 68.1 +/- 7.1 and 27.4 +/- 3.5 nmol/L of this anion in SHRSP and WKY endothelial cells, respectively. The presence of superoxide in the rat aorta was also estimated by quantification of its effect on carbachol relaxation. This relaxation was diminished when endogenous superoxide dismutase was blocked by diethyldithiocarbamic acid. This blockade reduced the relaxation by 51.2 +/- 5.2% in SHRSP aortas and by only 22.0 +/- 8.2% (P = .015) in WKY aortas. Data from these diverse systems are in agreement that superoxide production is excessive in SHRSP tissues. This excess superoxide, by scavenging endothelial nitric oxide, could contribute to the increased vascular smooth muscle contraction and hence to the elevated total peripheral resistance of these rats.


A number of recent studies have demonstrated therapeutic effects of transgenes on the development of muscle pathology in the mdx mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but none have been shown also to be effective in mouse models for laminin alpha2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC1A). Here, we show that overexpression of the cytotoxic T cell (CT) GalNAc transferase (Galgt2) is effective in inhibiting the development of muscle pathology in the dy(W) mouse model of MDC1A, much as we had previously shown in mdx animals. Embryonic overexpression of Galgt2 in skeletal muscles using transgenic mice or postnatal overexpression using adeno-associated virus both reduced the extent of muscle pathology in dy(W)/dy(W) skeletal muscle. As with mdx mice, embryonic overexpression of the Galgt2 transgene in dy(W)/dy(W) myofibers inhibited muscle growth, whereas postnatal overexpression did not. Both embryonic and postnatal overexpression of Galgt2 in dy(W)/dy(W) muscle increased the expression of agrin, a protein that, in recombinant form, has been shown to ameliorate disease, whereas laminin alpha1, another disease modifier, was not expressed. Galgt2 over-expression also stimulated the glycosylation of a gly-colipid with the CT carbohydrate, and glycolipids accounted for most of the CT-reactive material in postnatal overexpression experiments. These experiments demonstrate that Galgt2 overexpression is effective in altering disease progression in skeletal muscles of dy(W) mice and should be considered as a therapeutic target in MDC1A.


Singlet fission (SF) occurs as a result of complex excited state relaxation dynamics in molecular aggregates, where a singlet exciton (FE) state is converted into a double-triplet exciton (TT) state through the interactions with several other degrees of freedom, such as nuclear motions. In this study, we combined quantum dynamics simulation based on the quantum master equation approach with all-atom-based classical molecular mechanics/molecular dynamics to examine the thermal structural fluctuation (i.e., static disorder) effects of intermolecular configuration on SF in pentacene crystal models. In particular, we considered two types of static-disordered models, in which excited states are assumed to interact with nuclear motions of intermolecular modes in the classical mechanical/statistical manner. We found that the introduction of static disorder effects leads to a faster decay of coherence between the FE and charge transfer (CT) states in the early stage of SF, contributing to the accelerations of several FE → TT relaxation pathways. Such acceleration in these models is shown to be attributed to fluctuations in the energies and electronic coupling of the CT states based on relative relaxation factor analysis. The present study is expected to contribute to further development of bottom-up materials design for efficient SF in condensed phases where the exitonic system interacts with nuclear motions in various coupling strengths.


Generation of effector and memory CD8+ T cells is pivotal for the clearance of intracellular infections and forms the basis for vaccination strategies against a wide range of pathogens and anti-cancer immunotherapy. We have generated novel data which shows that the signaling scaffold protein B cell adaptor for PI3-kinase (BCAP) is upregulated in activated CD8+ T cells, links TCR/CD3 engagement to the PI3K signaling cascade and is essential for CD8+ T cell memory formation. To analyze the cell intrinsic properties of BCAP in CD8+ T cells, we used OT-1+ mice which have a high affinity CD8+ T Cell Receptor (TCR) for the ova peptide. We transferred 5,000 WT OT-1+CD45.1+cells and 5,000 BCAPKO OT-1+CD45.2+ cells into CD45.1+CD45.2+ recipients, then infected with Listeria Monocytogenes expressing the ova peptide. We found that BCAP is essential for the proper clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells and BCAP deficiency in CD8+ T cells resulted in a loss of KLRG1+CD127− Terminal Effector Cells (TECs) in favor of KLRG1− CD127+ Memory Precursor Cells (MPCs) in vivo. Strikingly, we observed an enhanced CD8+ T cell contraction phenotype in BCAP deficient CD8+ T cells which led to a significant loss of antigen-specific memory CD8+ T cells. BCAPKO CD8+ T cells were undetectable in 50% of all mice analyzed at day 100 post infection. Therefore BCAP is critical for the formation of CD8+ T cell memory. We found the greatest loss of cells was confined to the recently described KLRG1+CD27loCXCR3loEomeslo effector memory cells, which have potent cytolytic function and anti-cancer capabilities. Finally we found that the ability of BCAPKO memory CD8+ T cells to respond to secondary infection was dysregulated. To conclude, BCAP is essential for the formation of CD8+ T cell memory.


Critical Grain Growth (CGG) in powder metallurgy nickelbased superalloys is defined as abnormally coarse grains growing in a region of critical strain or strain rate after heat treatment above the gamma prime solvus temperature. As these large grains can be detrimental to the fatigue life of an aircraft engine component, a better understanding of the mechanism of this phenomenon is desired. An initial Double Cone (DC) study was performed to examine the effect of initial grain size on the critical strain, and a more focused Right Circular Cylinder (RCC) study was conducted to identify the nature of recrystallization above, at, and below the critical strain. TEM, SEM, X-Ray Diffractometry, and optical microscopy were used to document the dislocation structure, crystallographic grain structure, and secondary phases in the microstructure. It was found that recrystallization, not recovery, occurs above, at, and below the critical strain for CGG after supersolvus heat treatment, and is complete before CGG begins. This result is at odds with current theory that explains CGG as either a recrystallization phenomenon, or driven by dislocation structure in boundaries after recovery. However, this work confirms the theory that recovery occurs for subsolvus temperatures, which has proven to be a method to reduce the severity of CGG. These two results show that recrystallization is required for CGG to occur. Alternative mechanisms for CGG are discussed. Background


Cocaine is rapidly metabolized to major metabolites, benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME), and minor metabolites, norcocaine, p-hydroxycocaine, m-hydroxycocaine, p-hydroxybenzoylecgonine (pOHBE), and m-hydroxybenzoylecgonine. This IRB-approved study examined cocaine and metabolite plasma concentrations in 18 healthy humans who provided written informed consent to receive low (75 mg/70 kg) and high (150 mg/70 kg) subcutaneous cocaine hydrochloride doses. Plasma specimens, collected prior to and up to 48 h after dosing, were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (2.5 ng/mL limits of quantification). Cocaine was detected within 5 min, with mean+/-SE peak concentrations of 300.4+/-24.6 ng/mL (low) and 639.1+/-56.8 ng/mL (high) 30-40 min after dosing. BE and EME generally were first detected in plasma 5-15 min post-dose; 2-4 h after dosing, BE and EME reached mean maximum concentrations of 321.3+/-18.4 (low) and 614.7+/-46.0 ng/mL (high) and 47.4+/-3.0 (low) and 124.4+/-18.2 ng/mL (high), respectively. Times of last detection were BE>EME>cocaine. Minor metabolites were detected much less frequently for up to 32 h, with peak concentrations<or=18 ng/mL for all analytes except pOHBE (up to 57.7 ng/mL). These data improve our knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of cocaine and its major and minor metabolites in plasma following controlled subcutaneous cocaine administration.


This paper examines the likely synthesis of conceptions related to mountains and trees in different belief systems (indigenous animistic, Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic) in the mountain or tree-shaped figure known as gunungan or kayon of the classical Indonesian shadow play Wayang Kulit Purwa and pohon beringin of the Malaysian Wayang Kulit Kelantan . Such a figure belongs uniquely to these two forms of puppetry although in Indonesia, the use of the kayon has spread beyond the shadow play into other newer forms of traditional theatre, as well as into general use. Following a brief discussion of possible origins, meaning and significance of the mountain-tree figure in the Javanese and Kelantan shadow play, this paper presents a detailed visual analysis of two types of Kelantanese pohon beringin puppets. The first is purely arboreal while the second contains living creatures. This article's goal is to establish possible connections with other traditional art forms, such as batik, that are rooted in a common heritage of motifs and symbols.


Based on multiple interviews and observations in St Petersburg, Russia 2016–2021, this article suggests using the theory of sustainable well-being to describe the nexus of sticker art as youth cultural engagement and working life. We assume that this theoretical toolkit is applicable to the analysis of the dynamic relationships between various spheres of young people's lives and tensions caused by diverse societal structures. Our scrutiny reveals that engagement with sticker art may be involved in the quest for well-being and filling voids that working life has failed to fill at the material and ontological levels. The article approaches the post-Fordist work ethic critically, likewise the excessive encroachment of work on young people's lives. The paper challenges the assumptions of the primacy of work in meeting young people's basic needs and analyses how young people acquire personal value through their engagements in DIY youth culture.


A set of regression calculations has been carried out correlating the daily average meson intensity with barometric pressure, atmospheric temperature and neutron monitor intensity. Two complete years of data from a plastic scintillator meson monitor and from a large neutron monitor, operated in a constant-temperature laboratory at Deep River, were used. An exhaustive list of atmospheric temperature parameters was investigated: ground temperature; the heights of the 100, 200, 300 and 400 mb isobaric levels; some recommended combinations of isobaric level heights and temperatures; formulations due to Dorman and to Maeda using temperatures at all the standard isobaric levels; a number of arbitrarily distorted versions of these formations including those recommended by Wada and by Lindgren. It was found that the formulations of Dorman, of Maeda, and of Wada were almost indistinguishable in terms of the available data and yielded by far the best fit among the variables. However, none of the temperature parameters tried was able to fit the day-to-day and the seasonal temperature effects equally well with a single regression coefficient. Use of the following partly empirical temperature parameter resolved the difficulty for routine correction of the Deep River data: 1.045 T ( j ) + 0.215 T ( j ), where T ( j ) is Maeda's temperature correction for day j and T ( j ) is its 31-day running average centered on day j . DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1967.tb01468.x


During the post-prandial period there is a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. This study compared meal-induced changes in flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in patients with Type 2 diabetes with and without evidence of diabetic nephropathy as defined by the presence of macroalbuminuria. The effects on FMD of other factors such as smoking history, antihypertensive treatment and insulin use were also examined. Twelve patients with macroalbuminuria (>300 mg albumin/day) and 12 age- and sex-matched patients with normoalbuminuria (<50 mg albumin/day) participated in the study. Following a 12-hr overnight fast, forearm basal and reactive hyperaemic blood flow was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography before and 2-hr after ingestion of a meal (2750 kJ) consisting of 56% fat, 26% carbohydrate and 16% protein. Plasma lipid and glycaemic indices were measured at the same times. The combined and grouped data was analysed using paired t tests and correlation and regression analyses. The meal resulted in significant increases in plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations. While the meal resulted in a similar increase in basal blood flow rate in both patient groups, post-meal reactive hyperaemic flow increased significantly (p=0.04) in normoalbuminuric patients (mean individual increase: 33%) but remained unchanged in patients with macroalbuminuria (mean individual increase: 4%). The use of antihypertensive agents and insulin was also associated with an attenuated post-prandial hyperaemic response. In summary, our study demonstrated that the degree of renal impairment in patients with Type 2 diabetes may influence vasoactivity following a meal. Patients with evidence of diabetic nephropathy had a decreased post-prandial hyperaemic response, a result that indicated a reduced vasodilator reserve. The mechanism of this reduction in vasodilatation of peripheral vessels during the post-prandial period is probably multifactorial. These changes in vasoactivity have the potential to combine with other cardiovascular risk factors to enhance the development of atheroma.


Author(s): Maurer, Robert | Advisor(s): Rodwell, Mark | Abstract: Demand for wireless data transfer has been increasing rapidly with the rise of smart devices and mobile video streaming. With dozens of wireless applications currently in use and only a finite bandwidth to work with, engineers are challenged to both expand the upward frequency limit of high-performance, high-efficiency wireless systems and to increase the spectral efficiency of the frequency bands already in use. The development of deep sub-um silicon-on-insulator transistor technology and powerful computer-aided circuit designing tools have allowed us to create more affordable silicon-based phased array ICs at frequencies previously achievable by only military applications. The 5th generation of mobile systems (5G) is now expected to use this type of IC to offer increased wireless data capacity in densely-populated areas using mm-wave frequencies. Demand for wireless data is only expected to continue rising, particularly as new IoT applications such as autonomous vehicles become commercially viable.The work presented in this dissertation addresses both the need for expanding the usable frequency spectrum and the need to increase spectral efficiency in available bands. It includes a design for an analog beamforming matrix for a spatially multiplexed phased array receiver in silicon SOI technology, low-power high-linearity w-band amplifiers in InP HBT technology, and ultra-wideband mm-wave power amplifiers in InP HBT technology. Spatially multiplexed phased array transceivers have the potential to greatly increase the spectral efficiency of mm-wave frequency bands by re-using frequency spectrum for many data channels. This type of system can be used to create short-range high-capacity line-of-sight wireless backhaul for crowded city squares or event venues. Mm-wave power amplifiers and high-linearity amplifiers in new 130 nm InP HBT technology represent an IC performance boost which pushes the frequency limits of feasible power-efficient wireless systems. The measured power amplifier ICs produce output power of larger than 16.5 dBm at the 3-dB gain compression condition from 50 GHz to 100 GHz, and a small signal gain of 15 dB over a 90 GHz 3-dB bandwidth. The peak power-added efficiency (PAE) is larger than 8% over that same frequency range. At 90 GHz, the ICs produce 22 dBm of saturated output power and 14.7% PAE. The measured high-linearity amplifier ICs demonstrate an output-referred 3rd order intercept (OIP3) of 22 dBm, a gain of 6.4 dB, and a noise figure below 7 dB at 100 GHz. New designs for an analog MIMO beamforming matrix IC, a 100-165 GHz power amplifier, and an improved w-band high-linearity amplifier are also outlined in this dissertation.


Most osteopathic medical students will take an oath adopted in 1954 by the American Osteopathic Association. We examine this oath to explore its ethical content by focusing on two specific lines. We conclude that the oath would benefit from scrupulous revision to promote patient-centered care.


In recent years, recommender systems have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, while they suffer from a high risk of being attacked due to the growing commercial and social values. Despite significant research progress in recommender attack and defense, there is a lack of a widely-recognized benchmarking standard in the field, leading to unfair performance comparison and limited credibility of experiments. To address this, we propose RecAD, a unified library aiming at establishing an open benchmark for recommender attack and defense. RecAD takes an initial step to set up a unified benchmarking pipeline for reproducible research by integrating diverse datasets, standard source codes, hyper-parameter settings, running logs, attack knowledge, attack budget, and evaluation results. The benchmark is designed to be comprehensive and sustainable, covering both attack, defense, and evaluation tasks, enabling more researchers to easily follow and contribute to this promising field. RecAD will drive more solid and reproducible research on recommender systems attack and defense, reduce the redundant efforts of researchers, and ultimately increase the credibility and practical value of recommender attack and defense. The project is released at https://github.com/gusye1234/recad.


A light collecting probe named Multi-colored Integrated Receiving Optics (MICRO) is experimentally examined to verify its performance. For these purposes, the time-series signals of MICRO probe is compared with those of electrostatic probe and light-guided probe by monitoring, for example, such as OH radical chemiluminescence, CH radical band and droplet Mie scattering. In addition, the experiment was conducted by using laminar premixed Bunsen flame, turbulent premixed Bunsen flame and premixed spray flame, respectively. It was confirmed that the performance of MICRO probe was very useful and convenient to obtain the chemiluminescence signals from local regions in turbulent premixed Bunsen flame and premixed spray flame.


We sought to assess whether there are sex differences in postprandial amino acid (AA) responses to different quantities and sources of dietary protein.

 In a randomized, crossover design, 12 participants [6 males, age: 29 ± 3 y; BMI: 27.1 ± 5.1 kg/m2; mean ± SEM, and 6 females, age: 30 ± 6 y; BMI: 25.0 ± 1.8 kg/m2] completed three 5-h acute feeding trials. They consumed breakfasts containing 10 g of protein from foods (10-PRO), 30 g of protein from foods (30-PRO), and 10 g of protein from foods with an additional 20 g of whey protein isolate (WPI) consumed 120 minutes later (10/20-PRO). Blood samples were collected at times -30, 0, 30, 60, 120, 150, 180, 240, and 300 min relative to breakfast intake.

 For each trial, protein intakes were quantitatively the same for females and males, which resulted in greater protein intakes for females when expressed per kg body mass and liter of plasma volume (Table 1). Plasma AA concentrations did not increase for either sex after 10-PRO (300 min time period) or the first 120 min of 10/20-PRO (before WPI consumed). Plasma total free amino acid (TAA), essential amino acid (EAA), and leucine concentrations (µg/mL) peaked at 240 min for males and at 150, 180, and 240 min respectively, for females, after 30-PRO. TAA, EAA, and leucine concentrations peaked 60 min after consuming 20 g WPI (180 min after breakfast) for 10/20-PRO for both sexes. No differences in composite iAUCpos over 300 min were observed between sexes for 30-PRO. Composite iAUCpos (µg/mL) over 300 min for TAA, EAA, and leucine were greater for females compared to males, by 41, 57, and 40% respectively, for 10/20-PRO.

 Plasma AA responses to consuming a high-protein breakfast are not different between females and males, but are greater for females after consuming a whey protein supplement. This greater increase in AA concentrations for females may be due to greater rates of absorption and/or a greater quantity of protein intake relative to body mass and plasma volume. Males may require more whey protein than females to achieve comparable plasma AA responses.

 Purdue University, Ingestive Behavioral Research Center and Lynn Fellowship to JLH
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