Separation processes in general present a significant challenge in the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic materials. Solid-liquid separation, prior to the concentration of ethanol (for instance, by distillation), is often essential and upstream process conditions may determine how effectively this separation can be performed. In this experimental study, properties of a lignocellulosic solid residue, generated through the enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass, and solidliquid separations after the hydrolysis stage were studied, focusing on the fiber and particle size distribution (FSD and PSD) of the solids. During the course of enzymatic hydrolysis, fiber and particle size distributions of the biomass during and after enzymatic hydrolysis were measured using a fiber tester and a laser diffraction analyzer, respectively, in order to quantify the effect of enzymatic saccharification on the size distribution of the suspended solids. The main target, however, was to investigate the filtration properties of hydrolyzed and agitated suspensions using a pressure filter. The particle size distributions of the filtered samples were measured with the laser diffraction analyzer. Even though the filtration properties were strongly influenced by agitation, the effect on particle size distributions was found to be much smaller. During enzymatic hydrolysis, the most significant reduction in the size of the solids took place rapidly after the cellulase addition. The width of the fibers was not observed to decrease during the hydrolysis stage.


An asynchronous direct-sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) communication system operating over an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel is considered. In many applications, the near-far problem can be the limiting factor. Several near-far resistant receivers have therefore been proposed (e.g., the decorrelating receiver). These receivers assume perfect knowledge of the propagation delay from all users to the receiver. In practice, the delays are estimated and therefore subject to estimation errors. The performance penalty these errors impose on linear detectors, especially the decorrelating detector, is evaluated.


ABSTRACT Newcastle disease, one of the most important health problems that affects the poultry industry around the world, is caused by virulent strains of Newcastle disease virus. Newcastle disease virus is considered to be endemic in several countries in the Americas, including Mexico. In order to control Newcastle disease outbreaks and spread, intensive vaccination programs, which include vaccines formulated with strains isolated at least 60 years ago, have been established. These vaccines are dissimilar in genotype to the virulent Newcastle disease viruses that had been circulating in Mexico until 2008. Here, 28 isolates obtained between 2008 and 2011 from different regions of Mexico from free-living wild birds, captive wild birds, and poultry were phylogenetically and biologically characterized in order to study the recent epidemiology of Newcastle disease viruses in Mexico. Here we demonstrate that, until recently, virulent viruses from genotype V continued to circulate and evolve in the country. All of the Newcastle disease viruses of low virulence, mostly isolated from nonvaccinated free-living wild birds and captive wild birds, were highly similar to LaSota (genotype II) and PHY-LMV42 (genotype I) vaccine strains. These findings, together with the discovery of two virulent viruses at the Mexican zoo, suggest that Newcastle disease viruses may be escaping from poultry into the environment.


Hot-dip galvanized coatings protect steel by providing both cathodic and barrier protection.
When there are concerns with environmental to which the galvanized steel will be exposed,
passivation treatments, for example, can be used to prevent the formation of wet storage
stain. Wet storage stain is caused by the newly galvanized surfaces being covered by
moisture, such as rain, or condensation and having no air flow over the surface. Water
reacts with the zinc metal on the surface to form zinc oxide and zinc hydroxide. Passivation
agent is able to delay the formation of zinc oxides and hydroxides, normally last about six
weeks before being consumed. By that time, galvanized steel begins to form its protective
zinc patina.
Hexavalent chrome passivation on galvanized steel had been used in most of industries. Yet
since year 2000, more countries had started to ban the use of hexavalent chrome.
Hexavalent chrome is known to be carcinogenic. From a health standpoint, hexavalent
chromium is a form of toxic chromium which will lead to health hazard and requires
special disposal procedures. Therefore there is a need for a chromium- free coating in
galvanized metal.
New passivation system based on phosphate can replace the current hexavalent chrome
with same or even higher corrosion protection in certain environments. Passivation coating
is such an economic way to protect the specimen and enhance the performance of the
specimen as good as chromes coating.


One of the most discussed issues in the design community is the performance gap. In this research, we investigate whether part of the gap might be caused by the modelling literacy of design teams. 108 building modellers were asked to comment on the importance of obtaining and using accurate values for 21 common modelling input variables, when estimating annual energy demand by dynamic simulation. The questioning was based on a real domestic dwelling for which high resolution energy data had been recorded. A sensitivity analysis was then conducted using a model of the building by alternating one parameter in each simulation. The effect of each alteration on the annual energy consumption was found and a ranked list generated. The order of this list was then compared to that given by the modellers for the same changes in the parameters. A spearman-ranking value of 0.43 was found and an R value of 0.28, which indicates little correlation between which variables were thought to be important and which proved to be. In addition, there was no correlation between modellers, with many ranking some parameters as important that other thought irrelevant. Using a three-part definition of literacy it is concluded that this sample of modellers, and by implication the population of building modellers, cannot be considered literate. This suggests an opportunity and need for both industry and universities to increase their efforts with respect to building physics education, and if this is done, a part of the performance gap could be closed.


The ruins of Great Zimbabwe are a unique testimony to the Bantu civilization of the Shona between the 11th and 15th centuries (UNESCO, 2010). The study focuses on how the use of virtual environments can be applied to cultural heritage sites in the country as a way of increasing awareness and portraying the cultural diversity and significance of these sites. The 3D model developed by Heinz Ruther (2008) was used, with his permission, as the foundation for an interactive virtual tour of the Great Enclosure. As the model was drawn from range scanner data, the work entailed cleaning and repairing to remove redundant points and restore missing or deformed sections of the site. Texture maps were then developed and applied to dress the site resulting in a photorealistic approximation of the Great Enclosure. Various viewpoints and lighting were then placed in the site to facilitate navigation within the scene. However, limitations were realized in the hardware platform particularly with reference to the limited graphics card memory that acted as a bottleneck for the successful development of the 3D model as the number of polygons increased. Ideally, therefore, a hardware platform with higher specifications is therefore expected to give greater performance and better results. Additional work is therefore necessary to optimize the model, incorporate audio/visual cues and enhance the interactive nature of the resulting tool.


Prose fiction typically consists of passages alternating between the narrator's telling of the story and the characters' direct speech in that story. Detecting direct speech is crucial for the downstream analysis of narrative structure, and may seem easy at first thanks to quotation marks. However, typographical conventions vary across languages, and as a result, almost all approaches to this problem have been monolingual. In contrast, the aim of this paper is to provide a multilingual method for identifying direct speech. To this end, we created a training corpus by using a set of heuristics to automatically find texts where quotation marks appear sufficiently consistently. We then removed the quotation marks and developed a sequence classifier based on multilingual-BERT which classifies each token as belonging to narration or speech. Crucially, by training the classifier with the quotation marks removed, it was forced to learn the linguistic characteristics of direct speech rather than the typography of quotation marks. The results in the zero-shot setting of the proposed model are comparable to the strong supervised baselines, indicating that this is a feasible approach.


Fuel economy is a growing concern for both manufacturers within the automotive sector and consumers. Increasing government legislation is driving towards greener vehicles with reduced CO2 and NOx emissions and greater fuel economy, especially within urban environments. Manufacturers use new technologies in their powertrain systems to tackle these problems. This paper simulates and evaluates the performance of using a half toroidal CVT in series with a conventional multi-speed transmission, by analysing different shifting strategies to optimise fuel consumption and NOx emissions over the NEDC using this novel approach. The results show an 8.83% increase in fuel economy and up to an 11.34% reduction in NOx emissions is possible using this arrangement. The introduction of CVT adds a further 1.18% increase in fuel economy and 3.59% decrease in NOx emissions. The paper concludes that this novel arrangement should be considered by automotive manufacturers as a solution for improvements to powertrain technology.


In this work we present a full-passive flexible multigas sensing tag for the determination of oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and relative humidity readable by a smartphone. This tag is based on near field communication (NFC) technology for energy harvesting and data transmission to a smartphone. The gas sensors show an optic response that is read through high-resolution digital color detectors. A white LED is used as the common optical excitation source for all the sensors. Only a reduced electronics with very low power consumption is required for the reading of the optical responses and data transmission to a remote user. An application for the Android operating system has been developed for the power supplying and data reception from the tag. The responses of the sensors have been calibrated and fitted to simple functions, allowing a fast prediction of the gases concentration. Cross-sensitivity has also been evaluated, finding that in most of the cases it is negligible or easily correctable using the rest of the readings. The election of the target gases has been due to their importance in the monitoring of modified atmosphere packaging. The resolutions and limits of detection measured are suitable for such kinds of applications.


In this work, statistical learning approaches are exploited to discover biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The contributions has been made in the fields of both biomarker and software driven studies. Surprising discoveries were made in the field of blood-based biomarker search. With the inclusion of existing biological knowledge and a proposed novel feature selection method, several blood-based protein models were discovered to have promising ability to separate AD patients from healthy individuals. A new statistical pattern was discovered which can be potential new guideline for diagnosis methodology. In the field of brain-based biomarker, the positive contribution of covariates such as age, gender and APOE genotype to a AD classifier was verified, as well as the discovery of panel of highly informative biomarkers comprising 26 RNA transcripts. The classifier trained by the panetl of genes shows excellent capacity in discriminating patients from control. Apart from biomarker driven studies, the development of statistical packages or application were also involved. R package metaUnion was designed and developed to provide advanced meta-analytic approach applicable for microarray data. This package overcomes the defects appearing in previous meta-analytic packages – 1) the neglection of missing data, 2) the inflexibility of feature dimension 3) the lack of functions to support post-analysis summary. R package metaUnion has been applied in a published study as part of the integrated genomic approaches and resulted in significant findings. To provide benchmark references about significance of features for dementia researchers, a web-based platform AlzExpress was built to provide researchers with granular level of differential expression test and meta-analysis results. A combination of fashionable big data technologies and robust data mining algorithms make AlzExpress a flexible, scalable and comprehensive platform of valuable bioinformatics in dementia research.


Various digital maps are available on the Web. However, common online map systems are unable to meet the demands of all users because these systems consider neither the specific purpose nore the map-reading ability of a particular user. Artificial maps such as sightseeing maps and route maps are useful when the map's perspective is aligned with their users' requests. Artificial maps express geographical information using a variety of mechanisms, such as emphasis, deletion, and transformation. In this work, we focus on the different kinds of emphasis applied to geographical objects, and discuss a method for extracting the degree of emphasis of objects on maps. In addition, we propose a map search system on the basis of the degree of emphasis.


Common mycelium networks (CMNs) of arbuscular mycorrhizas link neighbour plants and thus exhibit important roles in underground communication of substances between plants. In this study, a two-compartmented rootbox separated by 37-μm (mycelium, but not root, can pass through the size mesh) or 0.45-μm (both mycelium and root can't pass through the size mesh) mesh was used, where one compartment was inoculated with Paraglomus occultum. We confirmed whether CMNs establish between trifoliate orange seedlings and have the roles in improving both plant growth and soil properties in receptor plant (the plant inoculated without mycorrhizal fungi but infected by mycorrhizal mycelium of another inoculated plant). A CMN was formed between trifoliate orange seedlings under separation of 37-μm but not 0.45-μm mesh, resulting in a moderate root colonization of receptor plant. The mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased leaf, stem, and root fresh weight and rhizospheric three glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) concentrations, soil organic carbon, and mean weight diameter in the donor plant (the inoculated plant with mycorrhizal fungi). The CMN under 37-µm mesh condition had significantly positive effects on the above growth and soil properties in the receptor plant. Under 0.45-µm mesh, the AMF inoculation in donor plant considerably inhibited biomass production of receptor plant, but increased easily-extractable GRSP, total GRSP, soil organic carbon, and mean weight diameter in receptor plant. It suggested that AMF inoculation and the subsequent CMN establishment would benefit improvement of plant growth and soil aggregation and fertility in donor and receptor plant.


In August 2008, a 52-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a complaint of bleeding upon defecation. The patient underwent lower gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy. PRb indicated a type 2 lesion in one-third of the circumference. The patient was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma by biopsy. Imaging did not reveal any metastasis to other organs. In September, she underwent an abdominoperineal resection of the rectum. Postoperative histopathological findings were PRb, type 2, A, N3, H0, P0, M0, and Stage III b. Adjuvant chemotherapy of oral S-1 was started. In January 2009, contrast-enhanced abdominal CT revealed a pelvic recurrence, and the patient underwent chemoradiotherapy. In October, chest CT showed a 5-mm solitary pulmonary metastasis in the right apex of the lung. In March 2010, chest CT showed a slight enlargement of the tumor in the right apex, but no other metastatic lesion was observed. In April, the patient underwent a thoracoscopic partial pneumonectomy. It has been 16 months postoperatively, and no recurrence has been observed. In the present report, we describe a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal that underwent multidisciplinary treatment including pneumonectomy. We also include a brief literature review.


This paper deals with a tubular slotless linear motor with surface-mounted permanent magnets (PMs). The magnetic field strength and flux density due to the PMs are analytically computed by applying Maxwell's equations. The field problem is solved by introducing a convenient approximation in the PM magnetization, without loss of accuracy in the final solution. The agreement of the analytical results with those obtained by the finite-element method shows the proposed field computation particularly suitable for implemention in motor design software, for a fast analysis of the PM linear motor.


We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel sub-band multiplexed data architecture for chromatic dispersion (CD) mitigation. We have demonstrated 32 GBaud multi-sub-band (MSB) dual-polarization (DP) 16QAM transmission over 2400 km. Using this approach, the transmitted signal bandwidth is divided into multiple narrow-bandwidth sub-bands, each operating at a lower baud rate. Within each sub-band bandwidth, the CD frequency response can be approximated as a linear-phase band-pass filter, which can be considered as an analog delay that does not require compensation. Therefore, the resulting receiver digital signal processing (DSP) is simplified due to the removal of the CD compensation equalizer. In addition, this leads to efficient parallelization of DSP tasks by deploying multiple independent sub-band processors running at a lower clock rate. The proposed system reduces receiver computational complexity and offers 1 dB higher Kerr-nonlinearity tolerance and 2% extended transmission reach in comparison to the conventional single carrier systems.


A solar-powered airplane is proposed to explore the atmospheric environment of Venus. Venus has several advantages for a solar airplane. At the top of the cloud level, the solar intensity is comparable to or greater than terrestrial solar intensities. The Earthlike atmospheric pressure means that the power required for flight is lower for Venus than that of Mars, and the slow rotation of Venus allows an airplane to be designed for continuous sunlight, with no energy storage needed for night-time flight. These factors mean that Venus is perhaps the easiest planet in the solar system for flight of a long-duration solar airplane.


Depolarization was observed in channel waveguides fabricated by ion exchange in glass. This depolarization, as much as 10 percent in distances the order of 5 mm, was apparently due to edge roughness of the channels. A theory is introduced which analyzes this depolarization in terms of coupling between the longitudinal field components in linearly polarized modes of rectangular waveguides. In multimode channel guides it is shown that some depolarization will always be present whenever coupling between modes is large enough to create " m " lines. It is also shown that comparable depolarization may occur in single mode channel guides.


Cataracts are the world's second leading cause of blindness, trailing only uncorrected refractive errors. Based on the 2014-2016 RAAB survey, the blindness prevalence in 15 Indonesian provinces ranged from 1.4% in West Sumatra and 4.4% in East Java. A cataract is a clouding of the intraocular crystalline lens, in which this cloudiness can lead to a decreased vision function, and even it may trigger the emergence of blindness. The blindness caused by cataracts is preventable. This research aims to identify and collect data on the frequency of cataract patient profiles at the Eye Polyclinic of PKU Muhammadiyah Rogojampi Hospital in 2021. The research method utilized in this study was a retrospective descriptive study by applying a cross-sectional approach. The research data were attained from the secondary data, particularly in medical record examinations at PKU Muhammadiyah Rogojampi Hospital. This study was conducted from June to October 2021. The population of this research consisted of all cataract patients at PKU Muhammadiyah Rogojampi Hospital, in which the sample comprised 41 respondents. The data analysis using univariate analysis was denoted in the frequency distribution table. The results demonstrated that out of 41 respondents, 19 patients (46%) were about 60-69 years old, 26 patients (63%) were males, and 12 patients (29%) worked as farmers.


Wafer-level reliability (WLR) testing receives much attention and becomes a major tool for process reliability qualification and in-line monitoring because WLR can provide real-time results for timely improvements. This in-situ test capability is greatly attributed to an automatic parametric tester for sample handling and data collection/analysis. This paper presents a cost-effective WLR test system for a semiconductor maker (an IDM as well as a foundry). The proposed system consists of flexible and extensible algorithm generation, which helps realize low-cost WLR solutions. The key features of our proposed system include cost-effective instrumentation (i.e., an Agilent 4156C parameter analyzer, a semi-auto, and thermal CASCADE 12751 wafer prober, a pulse generator, and a switching matrix) and the software for interface control and data analysis. Compared with the corresponding automatic test equipment (ATE), our system is capable of measuring electrical characteristics with higher accuracy and a wider temperature range. This leads to significant cost saving, much enhanced tool utilization, and improved flexibility. Its great extensibility is especially important for a wafer foundry, which often suffers test capacity shortage when numerous verifications and qualifications are to be done.


A complete modular data acquisition system based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and dedicated for high resolution, fast X-Ray elemental mapping has been designed and realized. The system is suitable for application with both X-ray (XRF) and Charged Particles (PIXE) excitation beams. Each board serves four channels and comprises an analog and a digital section. The analog section is composed of four semi-Gaussian shaping amplifiers with two software-selectable shaping times. The shaping times (150 and 450 ns) were chosen to perform either high rate or best resolution XRF measurements with state-of-the-art silicon drift detectors (SDD). The pulse amplitude is caught by four large bandwidth peak-stretchers whose outputs are multiplexed into a single 10 MHz 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The FPGA operates at 48 MHz clock frequency and controls the whole process. The on-chip RAM stores the four acquired spectra. The spectra are sent to the host PC via USB2.0 interface. Custom made control software provides data visualization and analysis.


Mobile datasets are widely used as firsthand sources for human mobility research. These datasets are often incomplete or have heterogeneous spatiotemporal resolutions, e.g. a dataset is often aggregated or in lack of fields. In many cases, a reliable dataset in human mobility research comes from sampling or merging original datasets, a challenging task. In this paper, we present our experience on creating a reliable dataset describing mobile data traffic in individual's spatiotemporal view. We focus on individuals having enough geographical information and merge their call records from one dataset with the data traffic records extracted from another dataset.
Based on this dataset, we perform an analysis of user demand on mobile data traffic in terms of spatial and temporal behaviors. For each subscriber, sessions are put into a 3-dimensional space in terms of space, time and volume and are clustered by applying DBScan. Characteristics of are revealed from the statistical analysis on clusters. Subscribers are also categorized according to their clusters.


A $d$-regular graph on $n$ nodes has at most $T_{\max} = \frac{n}{3} \tbinom{d}{2}$ triangles. We compute the leading asymptotics of the probability that a large random $d$-regular graph has at least $c \cdot T_{\max}$ triangles, and provide a strong structural description of such graphs.
When $d$ is fixed, we show that such graphs typically consist of many disjoint $d+1$-cliques and an almost triangle-free part. When $d$ is allowed to grow with $n$, we show that such graphs typically consist of $d+o(d)$ sized almost cliques together with an almost triangle-free part.


A258 SNS-032 (formerly known as BMS-387032) is a potent, selective inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase (CDK)s 2, 7 and 9 that inhibits both cell cycle progression and transcription and is currently in Phase I for the treatment of hematological malignancies. We hypothesize that SNS-032 inhibits transcriptional initiation and elongation by blocking the phosphorylation of Ser5 and Ser2 of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA pol II by CDK7 and CDK9, respectively. Short half-life (T1/2) transcripts and proteins are maximally affected by transient exposure to SNS-032. Down-regulation of short T1/2 survival signaling proteins by SNS-032 was recently demonstrated in a MM cell line (RPMI-8226) (Conroy et al AACR 2007). Clinical evidence of SNS-032 target modulation was demonstrated ex vivo in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from treated cancer patients (Hawtin et al, Haematologica 2007;92,suppl 1). In this study, we investigate the in vivo anti-tumor activity of SNS-032 and correlation with potential pharmacodynamic (PD) markers of activity in athymic mouse subcutaneous xenograft models of human acute leukemia (MV4-11 and HL-60) and multiple myeloma (RPMI-8226). Dosing was initiated when tumor volumes were on average at least 200 mm3. Tumor growth was monitored throughout the study and PD endpoints were analyzed by Western blot. Single IP administration of 30 or 15 mg/kg of SNS-032 induces decreased phosphorylation of both Ser2 and Ser5 of RNA Pol II CTD pS2 and pS5 in tumor lysates from mice with MV4-11, HL-60 and RPMI-8226 xenografts, consistent with inhibition of CDKs 7 and 9. This occurs as early as 2 hours post dose and is sustained for at least 6 hours. In HL-60, the effects of SNS-032 on RNA Pol II phosphorylation correlate with down-regulation of the pro-survival protein MCL-1 at 30 mg/kg. PARP cleavage, indicative of apoptosis, is observed at both 15 and 30mg/kg dose levels. Administration of SNS-032 qdx5 at the MTD (30 mg/kg) results in 121% and 130 % tumor growth inhibition (TGI) in HL-60 and RPMI-8226 xenografts, respectively. Moreover, SNS-032 has potent anti-tumor activity against HL-60 xenografts using an intermittent q4d schedule at MTD and ½ MTD, with 119% and 86% TGI, respectively. When 30 mg/kg SNS-032 is administered qdx5 in the HL-60 xenograft model, complete responses are observed in 7 out of 10 animals on day 78; q4d administration of SNS-032 for 3 doses results in complete responses in 6 out of 10 animals on day 78. Animals remain tumor free for at least 78 days post-treatment. Similarly, 5/9 RPMI-8226 engrafted mice have complete responses and do not relapse 78 days following 5 daily doses of 30 mg/kg SNS-032. These results show that in models of hematologic malignancy, the in vivo activity of SNS-032 is associated with modulation of CDK7 and CDK9, modulation of short T1/2 survival signaling proteins such as MCL-1, induction of apoptosis and sustained tumor regression. Taken together, these studies support the therapeutic hypothesis being tested in an ongoing Phase I clinical study of SNS-032 in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma.


Objective: Evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of penile fracture in our practice and
proceeded in literature review. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study regarding clinical
data of three penile fracture patients who have been admitted in urology service of CHU Gabriel Toure
from September 2011 to October 2011. The following
parameters such as age, delay of effective
treatment, causing mechanism, symptoms installation mode, the diagnosis and treatment modalities
were analyzed. Results: Mean age: 26 years old. The diagnosis have been based on anamnesis,
physical examination and ultrasonographic examination results .Early surgical management has
confirmed penile cavernosum disruption and allowed tunical wound repair in all cases. Any post
operatory short term complication occurred. Conclusion: It's important to inform on the risk of penile
fracture when rolling over in bed on erected penile. The diagnosis of penile fracture remains clinic.
Immediate surgical management is necessary for good functional result.


Neurospora sp. produces intracellular carotenoids pigment stored in its conidia, makes orange color appearance. Carotene was extracted from spores using acetone-hexane (2:1) as solvent and virgin coconut oil (VCO) was used to facilitate dilution of carotene extract. The objective of this research was to obtain the appropriate type of encapsulant and proportion of core material to obtain good quality carotene microcapsules for food industry and health purposes.This research was conducted by randomized block design with 2 factors. The first factor was type of encapsulant (soy proteinate isolate, sodium caseinate, and whey protein isolate) and the second factor was proportion of carotene extract (20, 30 and 40% w/w on encapsulant basis).The result of this study showed that microcapsule with sodium caseinate as encapsulant and 30% proportion of carotene extract had the highest microencapsulation efficiency, total carotenes, and carotenes retention values. Whereas microcapsule with soy proteinate isolate and 20% proportion of carotene extract had the highest water content and microcapsule yield. Microcapsule with soy proteinate isolate had the highest red and yellow value, and sodium caseinate had the highest lightness value. The most stable microcapsule during storage at temperature of 70oC was microcapsule with sodium caseinate as encapsulant and 20% proportion of carotene extracts. Key words: carotene, Neurospora sp., protein based encapsulant, microencapsulation


The self-understanding of a national community as a culturally homogeneous and spatiotemporally delimited entity provided the model for a distinct sphere of the social. It was this new understanding of the social as a theoretical category that made sociology possible. The modern nation-state and sociology are intimately linked. But even as social science requires the resources of the nation-state, it is equally dependent on a vigorous civil culture distinct from the state. Society is the ultimate source for the state's legitimacy. Society arises out of an association of which the nation-state, however important, is but one expression.Technological and economic development is now often used as justifications for the nation-state. But in the present global context, the nation-state is no longer the primary source for knowledge or investment, at least for countries such as the Philippines. The boundaries between nation-states have become porous as center and periphery are increasingly intertwined. Under these conditions, identities no longer represent cores but rather intersections of experience.No longer grounded in a local routine of everyday life with its corresponding set of collective images, culture increasingly becomes merely representation or the domain of signifying practices rather than the arena of practical significations. Under these conditions, where culture is not necessarily collectively shared but only synchronically networked, it becomes almost a personal quest rather than a communal affair. The expression of such a diasporal and subjective identity is manifested in the rise of new forms of ethnicities. In these contexts, culture can be visualized as landscapes and experienced as representations.Cartesian space-time assumes the homogeneous nature of extension/duration, such that any point in the system of coordinates can be expressed as a value of a given function. For modernity, the social can be plotted or imagined as one such function, all of whose members are linked to one another spatio-temporally. A nation-state is a collectivity whose functional representation assumes that all its members share a simultaneous present, and hence, a commonly anticipated future. Any point on this set of spatio-temporal coordinates is functionally linked to other points through membership in a common order called the nation-state.Nation-states see themselves as culturally homogeneous to facilitate the rational negotiation of difference. This view of culture is possible (but not necessary) because modernity is based on a sense of simultaneous presentness generating a commonly anticipated future. Modern society is an association of individuals functionally coordinating their actions to this simultaneous present. However, globality is making other presents possible, resulting in a world with an excess of meaning but a lack of sense.A feature of modernity is the crucial role of knowledge for the expression, maintenance and reproduction of power. While knowledge represents a form of power in all societies, certain modes of power can only be expressed through their relationship with knowledge. Hence, the functionalization of society is a pre-condition for power to be exercised through its control of knowledge. Power requires new forms of knowledge, such as social science, for its effectiveness in modern society. A critical social science is necessary to counterbalance modern society's functional goals if social science is also to play an emancipatory role.he indigenization of social science is an attempt to formalize this distinct perspective but its insistence on unproblematically using the nation as its referent limits its usefulness. In the present condition, the nation-state is no longer the primary site for knowledge-production or identity-formation. These practices now involve personal, local, global and other choices, following their increasingly polyvalent nature. In its attempts to imagine the nation through indigenous concepts, a Philippine social science risks essentializing Filipinohood by reducing its differences. Instead, a Philippine social science should explore the rich sources of difference within civil and global society, as well as point out the contingent and narrow interests of nation-states, thereby helping to establish a universal basis for understanding. This understanding sees social science as part of the human quest for emancipation.


The intrarenal hemodynamics of nine dogs were studied using 15 micron diameter plastic radioactive microspheres labeled with either 85Sr or 141Ce injected before and with the alternative isotope injected 30 minutes after the induction of sepsis. Total renal microsphere trapping increased by 30.6 per cent, p less than 0.01, after the induction of sepsis. The glomerular filtration rate was unchanged. Microsphere trapping in the outer and inner cortex increased by 36.9 per cent, p less than 0.005, and by 20.3 per cent, p less than 0.05, respectively, reflecting increased renal blood flow. Fractional renal microsphere distribution in the outer cortex increased from 70.0 to 73.4 per cent, p less than 0.01, following the induction of sepsis. These data confirm that sepsis results in renal vasodilatation. In addition, a shift in intrarenal blood flow to the outer cortex was demonstrated. Since the outer cortex is perfused with blood which first passes through the inner cortex, it can be hypothesized that renal blood flow in septic states may be passing through dilated glomerular vessels unable to trap microspheres in the inner cortex or passing through precapillary open arteriovenous shunts, or both, thereby bypassing inner cortical functioning glomeruli. This may partly explain the decreased renal function associated with increased renal blood flow in septic states.


We examined the hypothesis that the coronary vasomotor responses to etomidate (ETO), propofol (PRO), and sodium thiopental (STP) are mediated through contrasting effects on the resting nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilator tone that opposes adrenergic vasoconstrictor activity in the intact dog. Circumflex flow (CxF) responses to randomized intracoronary microinjections (0.3 mL) of normal saline (NS), alkalinized saline (AS), intralipid (IL), adenosine (ADE, 17 micrograms), acetylcholine (ACh, 1.25 micrograms), ETO (6, 12, 60 micrograms), PRO (30, 60, 300 micrograms), and STP (75, 150, 750 micrograms) were quantified in eight isoflurane-anesthetized dogs with fixed ventricular rates (100 bpm). Injections were repeated during intravenous (IV) infusion (50 mg/kg + 1 mg.kg-1.min-1) of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). ADE and ACh transiently increased CxF to 305% +/- 20% (P < 0.001) and 310% +/- 29% (P < 0.001) of resting values, respectively. ETO had no effect, whereas PRO (300 micrograms) provoked small transient increases in CxF to 135% +/- 4% (P < 0.05) of control. Responses to STP (750 micrograms) were characterized by momentary decreases to 74% +/- 4% (P < 0.001), followed immediately by increases to 183% +/- 11% (P < 0.001) of resting values; NS AS, and IL had no effect. The momentary decreases with STP (750 micrograms) were significantly augmented during NO inhibition with CxF declining to 49% +/- 7% (P < 0.001) of resting values, whereas the secondary increase was unchanged. With L-NAME, CxF responses to ACh were attenuated to 32% +/- 3% (P < 0.001) of control, whereas responses to ADE, ETO, and PRO were unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Aflatoxin B1 is epidemiologically implicated as carcinogen in humans due to
contamination in several agricultural commodities either pre- or post-harvest under
favourable conditions of temperature and humidity. Development of rapid and
sensitive method for detecting aflatoxin B1 is important for food safety and quality to
minimise the exposure of this toxin towards consumers. In this study, the use of
multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) with chitosan (CS) was investigated as a
modifier on the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The modification of
electrode was studied as a platform to fabricate the immunoassay for further
electrochemical reaction to occur. MWCNT was first successfully functionalised via
strong acid treatment (H2SO4:HNO3) by adding carboxylic acid (-COOH) groups and
increased the MWCNT's surface area. The characterisation was done by FTIR and
the additional group was confirmed by the presence of peak at 1715 cm-1 and shorter
nanotube can be seen through FESEM. Based on the electrochemical analysis, the
modification of SPCE with the functionalised MWCNT greatly enhanced the current
response up to 7 times. The modification of SPCE was optimised through various
parameters, which includes pH, scan rate, MWCNT ratio, drop coating volume and
drying condition. Ten microliters of MWCNT:CS (with mixing ratio, 5:1) for
electrode coating and oven dried for 10 minutes at 80⁰C were optimal for electrode
casting. Furthermore, the electrochemical scan was done under 0.1 Vs-1 of scan rate
and PBS pH7 was used throughout this study. An indirect competitive ELISA was
optimised prior to transferring onto the modified electrode. Through checkerboard
study, the concentration of AFB1-BSA at 0.25 μg/mL and anti-AFB1 of primary
antibody at 1/5000 (v/v) gave high absorbance with low IC50 value of 0.0183 ng/mL.
Futhermore, 8% skimmed milk produced the lowest background reading and was
used as blocking agent. By using multi-level factorial design, an interaction plot
between pH, incubation time and incubation temperature was obtained. It can be
deduced that pH 7 with 0.5 hour incubation time at 25⁰C was optimal for the
competition between primary antibody and free antigen to compete for binding site.
From the result, the working range of AFB1 was between 0.001 to 10 ng/mL
(R2=0.9875) and the LOD was found at 0.15 pg/mL. A stable fabrication of AFB1-
BSA onto the modified SPCE was obtained by activating the carboxylic acid groups
using coupling agent, NHS and EDC. AFB1 was quantified indirectly based on the activity of HRP enzyme that caused TMB (ox) to be reduced at potential between 0.2
to 0.3 V, where the peak was detected in electrochemical system. A non-linear
calibration curve was plotted with R2 of 0.9873 and IC50 of 0.0015 ng/mL. The linear
working range was between 0.0001 to 10 ng/mL with LOD of 0.03 pg/mL.
Furthermore, the reproducibility and repeatability of this immunosensor were 4.78%
and 2.71%, respectively. The test using spiked peanut sample gave good recovery of
80-127%. As a conclusion, a sensitive immunosensor with MWCNT/CS base
electrode was successfully developed for detection of AFB1.


Objectives. To compare caregivers' knowledge and practice of key disease prevention household and community practices in two local government areas (LGAs), in one of which Community-Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (C-IMCI) had been implemented.

Design. A cross-sectional design.

Setting. Osun State, Nigeria, between August and September 2007.

Subjects. Mothers or caregivers of children 0 - 59 months of age and their index children.

Results. The IMCI key disease prevention practices were generally better applied in the C-IMCI-compliant LGA than in the non-compliant LGA.

Significant differences were observed in the proportion of caregivers who would wash their hands with soap after using the toilet (p=0.0445), after attending to a child who has passed stool (p=0.000), before feeding a child (p=0.000), before preparing food (p=0.000), and before eating (p=0.0385).

More caregivers from the compliant than the non-compliant LGA had ever used a method to prevent malaria. More than a quarter of caregivers from the non-compliant LGA did not use any method to prevent malaria.

More caregivers from the non-compliant LGA showed deficiencies in their knowledge base of HIV/AIDS infection. Knowledge was particularly poor with respect to mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Only 39% of caregivers from the non-compliant LGA believed that a child can be infected with HIV/AIDS.


The discussion about digital education refers to what should be taught and learned to prepare for requirements of the digital age and which competencies seem essential for coping with prospective challenges. These projections are based upon assumptions about the future. However, they hide underlying suppositions and, thus, withdraw them from further debates. The article contrasts theories from cultural studies about the 'next society' with mostly implicit assumptions underlying current competence catalogs for a digital world. In general, they rely on the idea of technology determining society's development and hide design options in negotiating the future of the most amorphous digital technology. We introduce Bildung's concept in a digital world that has emerged in the public discussion in Germany and describe how Bildung can be interpreted as a teleological concept that relies on generic and domain-specific competencies necessary for building the digital future.


Poets' thoughts about poetry have long been the subject of much attention. Since Classical Antiquity this has given rise to powerful reflections about literature, influencing texts which would then become part of academic discourse. However, these have also been used to help to explain or exemplify questions the academic discipline of Literary Theory have failed to address properly, since such questions related to the process of creation justifiably give attention to the writers' own experiences of such a process. Nevertheless, although the content of texts in which poets explain their own creation or specify key aspects of the literary process has been taken into account, there has not been any systematic study of the formal aspects of the discourse coming from the creator. The reason lies in the fact that the discourse of the creator takes different and variant directions that complicate its definition and distinction in relation to other kinds of similar texts. The first part, theoretical in nature, has emerged from the study of explicit poetics by numerous authors, as well as from critical bibliography. This seeks to identify common characteristics of these texts. Conversely, the second and third parts aims to find the individuality of Colinas' poetics, which manifests itself fundamentally in its content. Because of this, it is the study of the core parts of Colinas' poetic thinking expressed in the trends of his explicit poetics that will constitute a substantial part of this section of research...


The flat spectrum radio quasar 4C +01.02 became one of the brightest active galactic nuclei detected at high redshift (z = 2.1) in gamma rays when it underwent a series of outbursts during several months in 2016. We monitored this source in gamma rays using the Large Area Telescope onboard of the Fermi spacecraft (Fermi-LAT), and in optical using the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO). The highest peak flux detected was F(E > 100 MeV) = (2.8 +/- 0.3) 10^-6 ph cm^-2 s^-1 on
10 July 2016 (MJD 57579, daily average). We also obtained optical spectropolarimetry with the Robert Stobie Spectrograph on the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT-RSS) and observed a degree of linear polarisation of up to 10% during flaring states, and ~1% during a quiescent period. We report recent updates we obtained in our time-domain and spectral studies of this source in July-August 2016, November-December 2016, and July 2017.


In previous work, the small-scale topography evolution of the wafer surface was investigated for a typical interlevel dielectric chemical mechanical planarization process by means of a Fourier analysis of surface profiler scans. It was found that the amplitudes of the individual frequency components decay exponentially at a rate that depends on the respective spatial frequency. In this paper, a physical model of these findings is proposed, based on a linearized approximation of the Greenwood-Williamson approach to describe the contact between the pad and the wafer surface. The frequency dependency of the decay rates is attributed to the visco-elastic properties of the pad material (polyurethane). This connection is consistent with dielectric susceptibility measurements that show that the observed frequency dependency stems from a visco-elastic beta-transition in polyurethane. The resulting model not only describes the experimental data for a previous test pattern but also shows good agreement to measurements of a typical dynamic random access memory topography after chemical mechanical polishing. In addition, the current model reduces the systematic errors of the predicted topography as compared to the previous empirical model.


Ultrafine grained iron carbide material was developed by an atomized powder process, utilizing hipping, pressing and extrusion procedures. The material was made superplastic and behaved like other superplastic ceramics. This observation lead to the following conclusions. Superplastic ceramics and metallic alloys exhibit different trends in tensile ductility in the range where the strain-rate-sensitivity exponent, m, is high. The tensile ductility of superplastic metallic alloys (e.g. fine-grained zinc, aluminum, nickel and titanium alloys) is primarily a function of the strain-rate-sensitivity exponent. In contrast, the tensile ductility of superplastic ceramic materials (e.g. zirconia, alumina, zirconia alumina composites and iron carbide) is not only a function of the strain rate sensitivity exponent, but also a function of the parameter where the steady state strain rate and Qc is the activation energy for superplastic flow. Superplastic ceramic materials exhibit a large decrease in tensile elongation with an increase. This trend in tensile elongation is explained based on a 'fracture-mechanics' model. The model predicts that tensile ductility increases with a decrease in flow stress, a decrease in grain size and an increase. The difference in the tensile ductility behavior of superplastic ceramics and metallic alloys can be related to their different failure mechanisms. Superplastic ceramicsmore » deform without necking and fail by intergranular cracks that propagate perpendicular to the applied tensile axis. In contrast, superplastic metallic alloys commonly fail by intergranular and transgranular (shearing) mechanisms with associated void formation in the neck region.« less


Background To elucidate further from the biomechanical aspect whether microgravity-induced cerebral vascular mal-adaptation might be a contributing factor to postflight orthostatic intolerance and the underlying mechanism accounting for the potential effectiveness of intermittent artificial gravity (IAG) in preventing this adverse effect. Methodology/Principal Findings Middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were isolated from 28-day SUS (tail-suspended, head-down tilt rats to simulate microgravity effect), S+D (SUS plus 1-h/d −Gx gravitation by normal standing to simulate IAG), and CON (control) rats. Vascular myogenic reactivity and circumferential stress-strain and axial force-pressure relationships and overall stiffness were examined using pressure arteriography and calculated. Acellular matrix components were quantified by electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that myogenic reactivity is susceptible to previous pressure-induced, serial constrictions. During the first-run of pressure increments, active MCAs from SUS rats can strongly stiffen their wall and maintain the vessels at very low strains, which can be prevented by the simulated IAG countermeasure. The strains are 0.03 and 0.14 respectively for SUS and S+D, while circumferential stress being kept at 0.5 (106 dyn/cm2). During the second-run pressure steps, both the myogenic reactivity and active stiffness of the three groups declined. The distensibility of passive MCAs from S+D is significantly higher than CON and SUS, which may help to attenuate the vasodilatation impairment at low levels of pressure. Collagen and elastin percentages were increased and decreased, respectively, in MCAs from SUS and S+D as compared with CON; however, elastin was higher in S+D than SUS rats. Conclusions Susceptibility to previous myogenic constrictions seems to be a self-limiting protective mechanism in cerebral small resistance arteries to prevent undue cerebral vasoconstriction during orthostasis at 1-G environment. Alleviating of active stiffening and increasing of distensibility of cerebral resistance arteries may underlie the countermeasure effectiveness of IAG.


One of the most widely used methods to enable Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) combustion is using negative valve overlapping to trap a sufficient quantity of hot residual gas. The characteristics of air motion with specially designed valve events having reduced valve lift and durations associated with HCCI engines and their effect on subsequent combustion are not yet fully understood. In addition, the ignition process and combustion development in such engines are very different from those in conventional spark-ignition or diesel compression ignition engines. Very little data has been reported concerning optical diagnostics of the flow and combustion in the engine using negative valve overlapping. This paper presents an experimental investigation into the in-cylinder flow characteristics and combustion development in an optical engine operating in HCCI combustion mode. PIV measurements have been taken under motored engine conditions to provide a quantitative flow characterisation of negative valve overlap in-cylinder flows. The ignition and combustion process was imaged using a high resolution charge coupled device (CCD) camera and the combustion imaging data was supplemented by simultaneously recorded in-cylinder pressure data which assisted the analysis of the images. It is found that the flow characteristics with negative valve overlapping are less stable and more valve event driven than typical spark ignition in-cylinder flows, while the combustion initiation locations are not uniformly distributed.


The report presents the initial stages of developing analytical techniques for evaluating design and/or control improvement plans on a freeway-corridor basis. It describes the proposed structure of the freeway-corridor model and the first generation version of a major arterial street model (called the MART1 model). Views on control strategies and design improvements are introduced within the corridor framework. Plans for future research are included. /NTIS/


The reliability and validity of any test are important. However, it is difficult to determine both the reliability and validity of tests for young children's motor ability. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to elucidate issues in motor ability testing in order to develop new test items for young children. First, in order to assess the "Test Characteristics" of motor ability, reliability and validity were determined by administering a motor ability test to 304 young children (boys N=159, girls N=145) aged 2-6 years. Practicality was evaluated by teachers who actually conducted the motor ability tests. Next, the following five factors were extracted using defective principal component analysis with a Normal Varimax rotation: "reliability, validity and practicality", "practicality without familiarity of young children", "difficult for young children and general validity", "acceptance for young children and practicality" and "reflection of young children's daily life, practicality and validity". Finally, the relationship between factor scores and movement patterns, physical fitness and measurement characteristics were examined using Quantification Theory Type I. The test items related to flexibility and using the trunk had high reliably, validity and practicality; however, items related to stability did not. The test items related to power and manipulation had low practicality, but were interesting to the young children. The test items that used upper limbs and were related to coordination and stability were difficult for young children, but had high validity. Items related to agility and combination had the opposite characteristics. Test items related to the trunk, muscular endurance and manipulation were not accepted by the young children and had low practicality. Combination and using the lower limbs and trunk had high validity and practicality and reflected young children's daily life; however, agility showed contrary findings. For the development of new items for testing the motor ability of young children, the present findings are useful because few young children's motor ability tests satisfy all "Test Characteristics".


This paper investigates attitudes among educational organisations towards the use of system evaluation for quality improvement in Swedish higher education. The subject of this investigation is the evaluation of the pilot project on advanced vocational education (AVE), which was conducted between 1997 and 1999 by a research team at the Luleå Technological University. The investigation was carried out in the form of a telephone inquiry with a strategic selection of the education organisers. The investigation shows that 65% of the respondents regard the work of the research team, built on the system-evaluation model, as an instrument to inspire confidence and contribute to renewal.


This paper studies the nanojet ejection process by spreading droplets on a solid surface using molecular dynamics simulation based on the Lennard-Jones potential. During the simulation, it was found that the spreading width increased as the aperture dimensions and time increased. An energy wave phenomenon was also found in the simulation. After the ejection process reaches a relatively steady state, the droplets' contact angle ranged from about 30° to 60°. When the atoms were deposited on a moving plate the layer phenomenon became apparent.


Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare, aggressive childhood cancer arising from lung mesenchymal cells. In early stages, these cells reside in the walls of epithelial-lined cysts and may remain dormant or progress to thickened cysts and then highly malignant masses over several years. Familial germline loss-of-function DICER1 variants have been described, although carriers may not be affected. Therefore, we sought to uncover additional genetic events underlying tumor development through whole exome sequencing of 15 tumor/normal pairs. In addition to known loss-of-function germline variants found throughout DICER1, this analysis identified somatic missense mutations clustered in the DICER1 RNase IIIb domain in nearly every case. While the somatic mutations impact novel amino acid residues, expression analysis demonstrated depletion of 5p-derived miRNAs similar to that described in other DICER1-mutant tumors. While mutation rates were relatively high compared to other pediatric solid tumors, most mutations, except those in DICER1 and TP53, appeared to be subclonal. Early stage tumors (PPB Type II) had predominantly single-copy deletion of TP53 whereas late stage tumors (PPB Type III) had secondary TP53 mutations. Several late stage tumors also had activating mutations in RAS pathway members, including NRAS and BRAF. Therefore, compound DICER1 loss appears to be initiating and synergistic with incremental loss of TP53 and acquisition of additional driver mutations. We subsequently characterized this molecular pattern using deep sequencing and immunohistochemistry in an extension cohort of 45 additional tumors. This step-wise series of germline and somatic alterations illustrates a genetic mechanism consistent with the progressive nature of pleuropulmonary blastoma.

Citation Format: Trevor J. Pugh, Weiying Yu, Jiandong Yang, Lauren Ambrogio, Scott L. Carter, Adam Kiezun, Aaron McKenna, Petros Giannikopoulos, Gad Getz, Yoav Messinger, Matthew Meyerson, D. Ashley Hill. Progressive biallelic loss of TP53 is associated with progression of pleuropulmonary blastoma initiated by germline loss and somatic mutation of DICER1. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3806. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3806


The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a large water fowl species widely distributed in Great Britain. They are residential and territorial so often there is no interchange between groups. Swans face many injuries in the wild so are brought into wild life centres for treatment and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to see if their captive behaviour differed from the behaviour of wild conspecifics. This was achieved by performing observations of captive and wild mute swans. From this it was found that several behaviours were more common in captivity these were standing, standing whilst preening or feeding, lying, lying whilst preening or content and walking. Whereas, in the wild behaviours such as swimming, loafing whilst feeding, preening or whilst alert and foraging occurred more often. I found that there was a lack of active behaviours in captivity when compared to the wild. This is due to space restrictions and the absence of enrichment. The importance of encouraging activity and the benefits of enrichment are well acknowledged in most species of animals. However, the use of enrichment for water fowl species has been over looked. Future research is needed examining the behaviour of captive water fowl species and in the development of enrichment devices for this species.


Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed against nuclear antigens such as nucleosomes, DNA and histone proteins found within the body's cells and plasma. Autoantibodies may induce disease by forming immune complexes that lodge in target organs or by crossreacting with targeted antigens and damaging tissue. In addition to autoantibody production, apoptotic defects and impaired removal of apoptotic cells contribute to an overload of autoantigens that initiate an autoimmune response. Besides the well-recognized genetic susceptibility to SLE, environmental and epigenetic factors play a crucial role in disease pathogenesis as evidenced by monozygotic twins typically being discordant for disease. Changes in DNA methylation and histone acetylation alter gene expression and are thought to contribute to the epigenetic deregulation in disease. In SLE, global and gene-specific DNA methylation changes have been demonstrated to occur. Additionally, aberrant histone acetylation is evident in individuals with SLE. Moreover, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have been shown to reverse the skewed expression of multiple genes involved in SLE. In this review, we discuss the implications of epigenetic alterations in the development and progression of SLE, and how therapeutics designed to alter histone acetylation status may constitute a promising avenue to target disease.


Will there be any 'happy dispute' again? A debate among people holding different opinions that does not end with a repetition of the initial idea, but rather with an improvement of one's own beliefs and those of others? In order to achieve this, we need to rely on education which, through deliberative debate training activities, can foster the development of rhetorical and dialectical skills (the ability to persuade and compete) as well as critical thinking and open-mindedness (living together and cooperating). A number of scholars from around the world reflect on the topic both from a theoretical point of view – the significance of debate in a hyperconnected society – and from a practical point of view, the application of educational models and tools to measure their effectiveness.


A universal severity index for acutely ill patients was applied to 794 acute patients treated in eight medical and surgical French intensive care units located in teaching or community hospitals either in Paris or in provincial towns. Measured on the first day in hospital from objective numerical data, the index proved reliable and correlated well with hospital mortality and the sustained therapeutic efforts of the first 24 hours. It could be used in multicentre studies to compare outcomes and evaluate new treatments.


Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), once used as a last-resort therapy, is now considered a lifesaving procedure for thousands of patients with life-threatening diseases worldwide and is frequently used early in the course of treatment for diseases destined to be uncontrollable by non-HCT therapies. Incremental advances leading to reduction of post-transplant morbidity and mortality by better control of graft versus host disease (GVHD), infections, and regimen-related toxicities, coupled with greater donor options, not only significantly increased the utilization and success of this procedure but also allowed many of these patients to enjoy healthy and productive lives after HCT. Emerging concepts in the field are now focused on the expansion of available donor options, further reduction of transplant-related toxicity, and decrease in post-transplant relapse.


In the present investigation, the corrosion behavior of TiN-coated 316L SS was evaluated for use in a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell using dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (DEIS). The TiN coating was developed on 316L SS using the cathodic arc deposition (CAD) technique, with the developed coating confirmed by Raman spectrum. SEM cross-section studies revealed a dense microstructure with a 4 μm thickness of the coating. AFM results showed a high surface roughness for the TiN coating, which enhances the high water contact angle appropriate for the PEMFC operating environment. DEIS studies were carried out at an open circuit potential to 0.6 V with 0.03 V step potential in a solution containing 0.5 M H2SO4 and 2 ppm HF. The variation in impedance behavior in the passive film on the substrate and coating as a function of the potential exhibited distinctive charge-transfer resistance, double-layer capacitance, and coating resistance. An unusual low impedance behavior of the TiN coating was observed at 0.32 to 0.48 V. The corrosion current density, surface resistance, and conductivity for the TiN-coating parameters fulfilled the Department of Energy's (DOE's) 2020 targets. The lower interfacial contact resistance (ICR) value of the TiN coating satisfied the DOE's 2017 target for bipolar plates (BPs) and approached close to the DOE's 2020 targets.


Objectives: Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) usually presents at an advanced stage. Although chemo-radiotherapy has become more popular in treating HPSCC in recent years, surgery with postoperative adjuvant therapy still plays an important role. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinicopathologic factors that predict survival in patients with HPSCC who underwent surgical treatment. Methods: Between 1986 and 1995, 94 previously untreated HPSCC patients who underwent surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy were enrolled. The surgical specimens were reexamined by a single pathologist. The clinicopathologic parameters and prognostic data were analyzed. Results: With a median follow-up of 50 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) were 47%, 60%, and 58%, respectively. Thirty-seven patients (39%) had tumor recurrence. The level of lymph node metastasis was an independent factor in OS, DSS, and RFS. Neck biopsy before surgery, tumor involvement of more than 1 subsite, and extracapsular spread were independent factors in DSS, as was lymphovascular permeation in RFS. Conclusions: The level of cervical lymph node metastasis is the only independent prognostic factor in OS, DSS, and RFS. The addition of postoperative chemoradiotherapy may benefit high-risk cases.


Organic material, about half of which is water soluble, constitutes nearly 80% of the wet-season aerosol mass in the Amazon Basin, while soluble inorganic salts (predominantly ammonium bisulfate) represent about 15%. A detailed analysis of number distributions and the size-dependent chemical composition of the aerosol indicates that, in principle, the sulfate fraction could account for most of the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity. Uncertainty about the chemical speciation of the water-soluble organic component precludes a rigorous analysis of its contribution to nucleation activity. Within reasonable assumptions, we can, however, predict a similar contribution of the organic component to CCN activity as that from sulfate. Because of the nonlinear dependence of droplet nucleation behavior on solute amount, the nucleation activity cannot be attributed uniquely to the inorganic or organic fractions. The role of water-soluble organic compounds as surfactants, however, may be significant (especially in the case of biomass-burning aerosol) and more field measurements are needed to quantify their effects on the surface tension of ambient aerosols. The parametric dependence of the CCN spectra on the physical and chemical properties of the aerosol show that the number distribution, soluble content of the aerosol, and surface tension effects all play an important role in determining CCN spectra. (Less)


The objective of this contract is to extend and optimize UOP's single-stage slurry-catalyzed co-processing scheme. Particular emphasis is given to defining and improving Mo catalyst utilization and cost, evaluating alternative and disposable slurry-catalyst systems, and improving catalyst recycle and recovery techniques. During the previous quarter, a catalyst concentration study was completed. The study showed that the highest nondistillable conversions and liquid yields were achieved using liquid recycle at temperatures in the range of 450--460{degree}C. At these high severity conditions, the liquid product yield and light ends yield were nearly independent of catalyst concentration. During the current quarter a follow-up study was conducted without catalyst. The objective of this study was to determine whether the improved high temperature operability was due to improved hydrodynamics resulting from the use of liquid recycle or whether catalyst, also plays a role, even at small concentrations. The results of bench-scale Run 28 are discussed in this report. 1 ref., 12 figs.


: Even though Deep Learning models are presenting increasing popularity in a variety of scenarios, there are many demands to which they can be specifically tuned to. We present a real-time, embedded system capable of performing the visual inspection of Collective Protection Equipment conditions such as fire extinguishers (presence of rust or disconnected hose), emergency lamp (disconnected energy cable) and horizontal and vertical signalization, among others. This demand was raised by a glass-manufacturing company which provides devices for optical-fiber solutions. To tackle this specific necessity, we collected and annotated a database with hundreds of in-factory images and assessed three different Deep Learning models aiming at evaluating the trade-off between performance and processing time. A real-world application was developed with potential to reduce time and costs of periodic inspections of the company's security installations.


This article is a brief revision on the history of cognitive psychotherapies and their development in Brazil, as well as an evaluation of the different theoretical and practical tendencies of 228 psychologists and 20 psychiatrists from Brazil, who have chosen, among three theoretical intervention models presented in a questionnaire (A- cognitive restructuring; B-cognitive-behavior and C-constructivists) the one that most represented their clinical practices. Other data asked in the questionnaire were: experience time, type of training, approach on training initialization, areas of work, place of work and profession. The results show a crescent expansion of cognitive therapies in Brazil, especially in the last five years, being Rio de Janeiro the city with the higher concentration of professionals in this approach. The great majority of therapists adopt a combination of models A and B in their clinical practices. When only one model is used, model A is the most popular of all three, followed by model B. The school-clinic and the specialization or graduating courses have been predominant in the training of participants. The percentage of professionals working in hospitals is still quite low when compared to those working in clinics or private offices. A reapplication of studies is suggested after 10 years


An alternative method to estimate the specific mass (SM) of silage were evaluated in two studies with corn silages in trench silos. The values of penetrometer resistance were correlated with the SM values obtained with the use of sampling by a metal cylinder and the SM of the silage was estimated by means of regression. Since there was a high positive relationship of penetration resistance of the metallic cone and SM estimated with SM observed, the penetrometer can be used as indirect method for determining the SM of corn silage.


In a former publication (1933) we showed that when the bacterial population of a suspension is determined by inoculating a series of tubes of sterile broth with a sample from a certain dilution, the accuracy is dependent upon the number of tubes used and the bacterial population. Since the latter is an unknown quantity, it is not possible to establish the real accuracy of the determination. We pointed out that this objection could be largely overcome by using several dilutions. It is the object of the present paper to give evidence in support of this thesis. As in the case of a single dilution, the problem involved may be approached from two points of view. If several tubes of broth are inoculated with a certain dilution of a bacterial suspension, another group with a second dilution, and still another with a third dilution, etc., there will be obtained a certain combination of tubes showing growth and no growth. The same combination may also be obtained with a suspension having a different bacterial population. It is possible to calculate the frequency with which this combination will occur for all possible populations, and thus obtain data that may be used for the plotting of a curve. From the equation of this curve, it is possible to determine the standard deviation or the probability that an experimental result lies between certain arbitrary limits, and thus determine the reasonable limits of accuracy. This method has been used by other investigators, notably McCrady (1915), Stein (1919), Greenwood and Yule (1917), and Reed (1925).


Speed, accuracy, and power consumption of electronic devices, are important parameters that should be considered in the design and manufacturing of these devices. In this paper, a new design of modified phase-locked loop, using Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors, is proposed. Using a differential structure of the ring oscillator, the coupled noise of the power supply and the substrate is eliminated. In addition, using active inductor in the oscillator delay cells will cause a marked increase in oscillation frequency. In the presented phase detector circuit, by using a new open loop structure, the detection speed increases significantly. This will remove the divider circuit on loop track. By removing the divider circuit, the noise of the loop will be reduced considrably. The designed circuit is implemented once in MOSFET technology using 0.18 micrometers process and once again in 32nm process of carbon nano-tube field effect transistors technology with 0.9 volt power supply. The center frequency in this process is 68.5 GHz. The value of power consumption is less than 150 nano-watts and the acquisition time is less than 10 picoseconds.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the practical aspects, accuracy, and reproducibility of 2 new automatic handheld tonometers in dogs and compare them with results for 2 established applanation tonometers.

ANIMALS
15 freshly enucleated canine eyes for manometric evaluation and 20 conscious research dogs, 20 client-owned dogs, and 12 dogs with acute glaucoma for clinical tonometry.

PROCEDURE
Calibration curves were determined for all 4 tonometers on 15 enucleated canine eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with each tonometer consecutively in conscious dogs, with the MacKay-Marg applanation tonometer as the reference device. Measurements were repeated in 20 sedated dogs. An induction-impact tonometer was evaluated clinically on dogs with acute glaucoma. Additionally, measurements obtained by an experienced and an inexperienced examiner and with or without use of topical anesthesia were compared.

RESULTS
The portable pneumatonometer was cumbersome and time-consuming. Compared with results for the reference applanation tonometer, and confirmed by manometry, the portable pneumatonometer increasingly underestimated actual IOP values with increasing IOP. The induction-impact tonometer provided accurate and reproducible measurement values. There was a significant strong correlation between the IOP values obtained by the 2 examiners (r2, 0.82) and also with or without topical anesthesia (r2, 0.86). In dogs with glaucoma, the fitted line comparing values for the reference applanation tonometer and induction-impact tonometer closely resembled an ideal 1:1 relationship.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Use of the portable pneumatonometer in dogs appears to have disadvantages. The induction-impact tonometer appears to provide a promising alternative to the use of applanation tonometers in dogs.


Drawing on a database tracking the career of 1,250 top Chinese executives from 1,084 publicly-listed state-owned enterprises (SOEs), this article analyzes differences in career incentives for subsidiaries controlled by the central government compared to those controlled by local governments. It also considers the differences for executives in listed companies close to the parent group compared to those that are heads in distant subsidiaries. We find that in both SOEs and their publicly listed subsidiaries, administrative experience or political connections appear to increase the likelihood of promotion. However, in the case of central SOE subsidiaries, leaders are more likely to be promoted based on financial performance. For both central and local 'direct' SOE groups age is a significant negative factor for promotion, whereas tenure is a significant positive factor.


The synthesis of the tetracyclic core of nakadomarin A is described. The core contains all the heterocycles and the required stereocenters found in the natural product and provides a promising route to the target itself. The strategy utilizes a general, diastereoselective pyrrolidine synthesis that proceeds via a homo 3 + 2 dipolar cycloaddition. The scope of this methodology is also described. [structure: see text]


This article investigates how underlying forms of power can affect the political actions of those in the dominant group, in this case white Australians. To do this we identify connections between the discourses used by white Australians involved in Reconciliation, the power and privilege of whiteness in Australia, and participants' understandings and actions towards Reconciliation. Using Parker's (1992) approach to discourse analysis, four discourses were identified from interviews and focus groups with white Australians involved in Reconciliation. These were labelled 'indigenous project', 'institutional change', 'challenging racism', and 'bringing them together'. We argue that understanding the power relations that underlie the political actions of those in dominant positions is critical to ensuring the goals of anti-racism are achieved. Discourse analysis may allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the power and the potential impacts that may flow from particular positions and how power may be made more visible to the dominant group.


Efficiency and effectiveness are two important key words in the activities of the hospital. A hospital said to be efficient if it is able to use all available resources to generate an added value with minimum waste. Meanwhile, the hospital said to be effective if it is able to provide a performance in line with the vision, mission and objectives of the organization. A hospital said to be efficient if is able to use all available resources to produce an added value with minimum waste. Lean is a management system that focuses on efficiency. Lean is "a philosophy of long-term growth through efforts to increase the value of customers, society, and economy in order to reduce the costs, increase the service time, and improve the quality through the elimination of waste totally". The impact of the lean implementation can be measured using the approach economic values such as; reduction of costs, reducing the pharmaceutical supply in hospitals, and increasing the pharmaceutical supply turnover ratio. In addition to the above, the lean implementation can also reduce the frequency of flaw services, accelerate the process of service, and reduce the waiting time.


The rapid development of technology makes a process of change in all aspects of life. Likewise in literary life, changes occur in works, critics, and literary readers. In essence, literature is a work that aims to convey information and become a medium of communication. Technological developments have an impact on the emergence of cyber literature that is developing in the mass media. This article describes the role of cyber literature in learning Indonesian language and literature in the digital era. The method used in this paper is descriptive qualitative with the type of qualitative research. The discussion in this article is (1) cyber literature, (2) the impact of cyber literature, and (3) the role of cyber literature in learning Indonesian language and literature.The result showed that The negative impact is the plagiarism of literary works. However, the positive impact of cyber literature is that it provides an opportunity to express ideas and creative writings.


Introduction : globally, Tuberculosis (TB) causes about 1.5 million deaths annually. Namibia is among the high burden TB countries with high mortality rates (33/100 000). Tuberculosis is curable; however, treatment outcomes can be influenced by various factors. We conducted a study to describe patients on anti-TB medication and to identify factors associated with poor treatment outcomes in Opuwo District Hospital, 2013-2015. Methods : we conducted a descriptive, cross sectional study by reviewing TB patient's treatment cards from 2013-2015. Data were described in respect of person, place and time. We generated frequencies and proportions. Chi-square test of significance was used to determine association at p-value Results : a total of 358 patients were on TB treatment with the case fatality of 6% (n = 21). The majority 53% (191/358) were males while 47% (167/358) females. The mean age of patients who were on treatment was 35 years, (SD 17, 6), ranged from (1-84) years. Most patients on treatment were from rural areas 71% (291/358). Of 358, 26% (n = 92) patients have completed treatment while 13% (48/358) were lost to follow up. Lost to follow was significantly higher among rural residents, compare to urban residents, (OR = 5, 95% CI:1.18-21.0). Being employed was protective against loss to follow up compare to those who were unemployed (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.15-0.58). Dying from TB while on treatment was associated with TB co-infected with HIV, (OR=4.0, 95% CI: 1.7-10.23). Conclusion : employment status, HIV status and residential addresses were associated with tuberculosis treatment outcome. Health education on importance of TB treatment adherence was conducted. We recommend a comprehensive study to determine the factor associated with lost to follow up among TB patient.


It has been reported that multisampling provides an implicit time diversity and that processing more than one sample per symbol results in achieving improved performance over processing a single sample. We explore this time diversity and develop a novel method for symbol detection from several samples per symbol. The method is based on a Bayesian formulation in which we use sequential Monte Carlo filtering, also known as particle filtering. Particle filtering has been applied to data detection problems with a single sample per symbol, and it has shown promising results. The proposed method is developed for communication systems characterized by time-varying channels. We demonstrate, via computer simulations, that significant performance improvement can be achieved by processing multisamples.


Among many pneumococcal antigens, choline-binding proteins (CPBs) display a high immunogenicity in animal models. This study aims to determine the immunogenicity of CbpM, CbpG and CbpL proteins of Streptococcus pneumoniae in a mice model. The genes were cloned into pET21a expression vector and the recombinant proteins were produced. Mice were immunized with the purified recombinant proteins. Subsequently, the mice were challenged with S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 (2×106 CFU) and their survival and bacterial clearances were followed 24 hours after infection. The antibody responses of the mice were determined by ELISA assay. The opsonophagocytosis assay was performed using rabbit's sera. Passive immunization was carried out using two doses of anti-CbPs antibodies. Finally, these mice were  experimentally infected with virulent bacteria and the protective effects of two doses of 10 and 100 µg/mL by monitoring the survival rate and bacterial clearance were determined at 2, 3 and 7 days after bacterial challenge. The mice actively immunized with CbpM, CbpG and CbpL recombinant proteins showed survival rate of 100%, 85% and 75%, respectively. The survival rates among passively immunized mice groups which received 100 µg/mL dose of anti-CbpM, anti-CbpG and anti- CbpL were 50%, 50% and 25%, respectively. The rates of opsonization with rabbit's antibodies against CbpM, CbpG, and CbpL  at 100 µg/mL doses was 45.6%, 14.7% and 82.3%, and at 10 µg/mL was 12.9%, 12.2% and 9.35%, respectively. Our findings suggest that the recombinant proteins particularly CbpM and CbpG can protect the mice against pneumococcus19F serotype and effectively induce a protective antibody response. Thus, CbpG and CbpM proteins might be used as suitable vaccine candidate in pneumococcal vaccine formulations.


Background: Rehabilitating a compromised site in the maxillary anterior dentition is a challenging task. This case report describes an efficient technique combining the use of free gingival graft (FGG) and a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) for soft tissue augmentation in Class III ridge defect. Method: The surgical procedure consisted of a connective tissue "platform" retained over the edentulous space, facilitating stabilization and suturing of the grafts (FGG and SCTG). The buccal partial thickness flap was coronally advanced over the SCTG and sutured without tension with the palatal flap. Results: The procedure achieved good soft tissue volume and compensated the horizontal and vertical deficiency. Three months post augmentation prosthetic rehabilitation resulted in a highly satisfactory esthetic outcome with a good emergence profile. Conclusion: A single surgical procedure accomplished horizontal and vertical soft tissue augmentation. It resulted in good esthetic outcome in addition to restoring the form and function of a compromised site.


Emission from 7 typical light-duty vehicles under actual driving conditions was monitored using a portable emission measurement system to gather data for characterization of the real world vehicle emission in Shenzhen, including the effects of driving modes on vehicle emission, comparison of fuel consumption based emission factors (g x L(-1) with mileage based emission factors (g x km(-1)), and the average emission factors of the monitored vehicles. The acceleration and deceleration modes accounted for 66.7% of total travel time, 80.3% of traveling distance and 74.6%-79.2% of vehicle emission; the acceleration mode contributed more than other driving modes. The fuel based emission factors were less dependent on the driving speed; they may be utilized in building macro-scale vehicle emission inventory with smaller sensitivity to the vehicle driving conditions. The effect of vehicle technology on vehicle emission was significant; the emission factors of CO, HC and NO(x) of carbureted vehicles were 19.9-20.5, 5.6-26.1 and 1.8-2.0 times the more advanced vehicles of Euro II, respectively. Using the ECE + EUDC driving cycle would not produce the desired real-world emission rates of light duty vehicles in a typical Chinese city.


Background: Physical exercise is one of the major features of human health, as it is involved in several physiological processes and related to major benefits in reducing body fat, myocardial infarction, hypertension and insulin resistance risk. Physical exercise also plays a positive role in achieving psychological well-being that can be defined as a state of happiness and serenity, with low levels of distress, overall good physical and mental health and outlook and a good quality of life. Aim of the paper: To review the positive effects of physical activity on psychological well-being and its possible neurobiological underpinnings, as well as its impact on several neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia and some neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO and Google Scholar databases were searched for full text articles published in the latest thirty years on the benefits that physical activity exerts on psychological well-being. Results: An impressive amount of data support the positive role of physical activity on psychological well-being and a large amount of research has focused on its beneficial effects in improving the symptoms of the main neuropsychiatric disorders, while highlighting its usefulness as an adjuvant option to psychopharmacological treatments and psychotherapy. In particular, exercise would deeply affect CNS morphology and function, through heterogeneous mechanisms including, amongst the others, the production of hormones, neurotransmitters and neurotrophins, the promotion of angiogenesis and neuroplasticity, and the regulation of gene expression. Conclusion: Literature indicates that the promotion of physical activity may work like an adjunctive and/or augmentation strategy to enhance drugs or psychological treatments, or even as an alternative option in major depression.


The aim of this study was to examine the integration process with regard to an integration and voluntary re-settlement project in a rural area in northern Sweden. The project was an attempt to use existing resources in the municipality to attract people with an immigrant background to move from segregated urban environments to a rural municipality. Potential settlers were also recruited abroad. The empirical data were based on eight group interviews with recently arrived immigrant families, and eleven individual interviews with people who played an active role in the project organisation. The results showed that the new families had been integrated into the community to the extent promised by the local authority. The process was facilitated by the resources provided by both parties, but it did not involve significant costs. The immigrants were motivated to move because they wanted a new lifestyle, while the local community was motivated to provide a supportive structure for the new inhabitants because of an awareness of the imminent demographic crisis facing the community due to depopulation. The integration process was strongly influenced by the implicit criteria on which the newcomers were recruited.


BACKGROUND
Infertility is a major problem in Nigeria, which has caused many couples to be burdened with physical, psychological and social issues. IVF (In-vitro fertilization) has played a major role in reducing the burden among infertile couples. However, despite the role of IVF in solving infertility in Nigeria, it is important to address the issue of rising rates of multiple births from IVF. Also to create a balance between the number of embryo transferred and easing the burden couples face from infertility.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the trend/rate in multiple gestations from IVF, identify possible factors responsible and proffer ways to reduce multiple gestation rates.

METHODS
We did a case series review from 2009-2011 of IVF cycles performed at a private clinic with an academic setting in Nigeria. Our primary outcome of interest was multiple gestations/pregnancies All patients identified with outcome of interest, were included in the study sample. We reviewed the IVF process of each patient using medical records from pre-evaluation to clinical pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound. We reported the multiple gestation trend/rate.

RESULTS
25 women with the mean age of 39.9 +/- 7.3 years had multiple pregnancies from 2009 to 2011. Of the 25 women, 24% of the pregnancies, occurred in 2009, 40% occurred in 2010 and 36% in 2011. In 2009, 83% of the pregnancies were twin gestations and 17% triplets. In 2010, 40% were twin gestations, while triplet, quadruplet and quintuplet gestations were 20% each. In 2011, 66% were twin gestations and 34% quadruplet gestation. The factors we identified that could have lead to an increase in multiple gestations from 2009-2010 included improvement in pre-evaluation work up, stimulation protocol, efficacy of the IVF lab and mean of 5 embryos transferred. In 2011, embryo transferred was reduced to 3-4. From 2009 to 2011, mean number of embryos transferred was 4.2 (95% CI: 3.87-4.47).

CONCLUSION
Multiple gestations and associated risk from IVF in Nigeria can be reduced by reduction in number of embryos transferred and possibly by improvement in practice process. As the IVF process becomes more efficacious, fertility centres in Nigeria will not need to transfer up to 4 embryos in order to have a positive pregnancy; and as a result they can move towards two to single embryo transfer.


Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), in human diets are affecting over three billion people globally, especially in developing nations where diet is cereal-based. Wheat is one of several important cereal crops that provide food calories to nearly one-third of the population of the world. However, the bioavailability of Zn and Fe in wheat is inherently low, especially under Zn deficient soils. Although various fortification approaches are available, biofortification, i.e., development of mineral-enriched cultivars, is an efficient and sustainable approach to alleviate malnutrition. There is enormous variability in Fe and Zn in wheat germplasm, especially in wild relatives, but this is not utilized to the full extent. Grain Fe and Zn are quantitatively inherited, but high-heritability and genetic correlation at multiple locations indicate the high stability of Fe and Zn in wheat. In the last decade, pre-breeding activities have explored the potential of wild relatives to develop Fe and Zn rich wheat varieties. Furthermore, recent advances in molecular biology have improved the understanding of the uptake, storage, and bioavailability of Fe and Zn. Various transportation proteins encoding genes like YSL 2, IRT 1, OsNAS 3, VIT 1, and VIT 2 have been identified for Fe and Zn uptake, transfer, and accumulation at different developing stages. Hence, the availability of major genomic regions for Fe and Zn content and genome editing technologies are likely to result in high-yielding Fe and Zn biofortified wheat varieties. This review covers the importance of wheat wild relatives for Fe and Zn biofortification, progress in genomics-assisted breeding, and transgenic breeding for improving Fe and Zn content in wheat.


&NA; The influence of variously processed feedstuffs on the gastrointestinal tract, various blood parameters, and T cell subsets of different localizations was investigated in 36 broilers. Birds were fed a similarly composed feed mixture differing in particle size (coarse vs. fine). Feedstuffs with different particle size distribution were additionally hydrothermally treated (HTT) (without—non‐compacted, pelleted, expanded, and pelleted). The HTT affected BW at slaughtering day and feed intake (P < 0.001). Birds fed non‐compacted feed consumed less feed and were lighter than animals of other feeding groups irrespective of grinding fineness. Proventricular size was influenced by HTT (P < 0.001) but not the weight. Generally, feeding of pelleted feed increased proventricular size. Gizzard weight and length was affected by particle size and HTT (P < 0.01). Non‐compacted feed resulted in heavier but shorter gizzards compared to other feeds except for finely ground expanded and pelleted feed. Organ traits of gizzard and proventriculus were strongly related to the feed intake. The jejunum was heavier in birds fed expanded and pelleted feed compared to animals fed solely pelleted feed (P = 0.030). The intestinal segment weight to length ratio (WL ratio) of duodenum, jejunum, and total small intestine was affected by HTT (P < 0.01). Generally, non‐compacted feed resulted in lowest WL ratios regardless of the particle size distribution. Feeding variously processed feedstuffs also affected white blood cells, blood sodium, and chloride concentrations (P < 0.05) and tended to influence blood carbon dioxide partial pressure and blood total carbon dioxide levels (P < 0.1) in venous blood. Subsets of CD4/CD8 double negative T cells of caecal tonsils were influenced by HTT (P < 0.043). Non‐compacted feed tended to increase these subsets in this localization compared to other feeds. In conclusion, the present study shows that an increased feed intake provoked by feed compaction evoke proventricular and ventricular alterations. Furthermore, feeding of variously processed feedstuffs influences the acid base homeostasis and the local immune system of caecal tonsils.


Memory faults are major forms of software bugs that severely threaten system availability and security in C/C++ program. Many tools and techniques are available to check memory faults, but few provide systematic full-scale research and quantitative analysis. Furthermore, most of them produce high noise ratio of warning messages that require many human hours to review and eliminate false-positive alarms. And thus, they cannot locate the root causes of memory faults precisely. This paper provides an innovative state machine to check memory faults, which has three main contributions. Firstly, five concise formulas describing memory faults are given to make the mechanism of the state machine simple and flexible. Secondly, the state machine has the ability to locate the cause roots of the memory faults. Finally, a case study applying to an embedded software, which is written in 50 thousand lines of C codes, shows it can provide useful data to evaluate the reliability and quality of software