______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Recent studies [Bebchuk and Fried (2002)] have shown that managerial power and negotiations play important roles in the design of executive pay arrangements, suggesting that some CEOs may extract greater economic rent from shareholders when provided with the opportunity. This paper seeks to explore CEOs rentextracting behaviors by examining golden parachute lump sum payments received by target CEOs and other extraordinary gains they negotiated during M&As. These payments are significantly affected by the CEO's characteristics, firm size and whether the CEO is retained but appears to be unrelated to measures of performance. I find that retained CEOs are more likely to negotiate for additional gains but their success rates are dependent on the positions they occupy in the combined company. My analysis also provides evidence that all these extraordinary benefits (negotiated gains and post-acquisition positions) come at the expense of shareholders, highlighting an agency problem where CEOs trade shareholders value in return for their own personal benefits. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________


In the present study, the effects of an ethanol and aqueous extract of saffron Crocus sativus and its constituents safranal and crocin on the stress‐induced reduction in food intake, weight gain and anorexic time in mice were investigated. Male albino mice (20–25 g) were irregularly exposed to a trial of electroshock stress for 7 days. Then, the anorexic time as well as the animal's food intake and weight were recorded. In addition, blood samples were obtained on days 1 and 7 for corticosterone determination. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the aqueous but not the ethanol extract (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the anorexic time. The results were similar for crocin (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg; i.p.). In addition, a reduction in weight gain was observed in the controls as well as in the groups that received alcohol extract or safranal. However, this was not observed in animals treated with aqueous extract or crocin. The plasma corticosterone level did not increase in the aqueous extract and crocin treated animals. It can be concluded that the saffron aqueous extract and its constituent crocin reduce side effects of electroshock stress in mice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


The paper deals with a cohesive crack model in which the cohesive (crack-bridging) stress is a specified decreasing function of the crack-opening displacement. Under the assumption that no part of the crack undergoes unloading, the complementary energy and potential energy of an elastic structure which has a cohesive crack and is loaded by a flexible elastic frame is formulated using continuous influence functions representing compliances or stiffnesses relating various points along the crack. By variational analysis, in which the derivatives of the compliance or stillness functions with respect to the crack length are related to the crack-tip stress intensity factors due to various unit loads, it is shown that the minimizing conditions reduce to the usual compatibility or equilibrium equations for the cohesive cracks. The variational equations obtained can be used as a basis for approximate solutions. Furthermore, the conditions of stability loss of a structure with a growing cohesive crack are obtained from the condition of vanishing of the second variation of the complementary energy or the potential energy. They have the form of a homogeneous Fredholm integral equation for the derivatives of the cohesive stresses or crack opening displacements with respect to the crack length. Loadings with displacement control, load control, or through a flexible loading frame are considered. Extension to the analysis of size effect on the maximum load or maximum displacement are left to a subsequent companion paper.


Tracking of regions in image sequences plays a fundamental role in applications (search and retrieval in video databases, object based coding such as in MPEG-4, surveillance), and although numerous approaches to region tracking have been developed, they all suffer from severe constraints imposed on the nature of the image sequence. Some assume a particular motion model or constrain the range of interframe motion, while others constrain both the region tracked and the background to have uniform and contrasting intensities. As a result, these tracking algorithms become byproducts of algorithms for motion or intensity boundary detection, and thus have limited applicability. We propose a novel algorithm for region tracking that uses the Bayesian framework for tracking previously developed. We extend this framework by re-expressing tracking in terms of Kullback-Leibler divergence of specific probability distributions and generalizing these to empirical distributions computed over image neighborhoods, leading to level set equations in terms of local image statistics. The main novelty of our proposed algorithm is that contrary to other tracking algorithms which are expressed as level set PDEs, the motion is not assumed to be small, nor is the background assumed to be stationary, nor is the region supposed to be uniform and have strong contrast with the background. We illustrate the performance of our algorithm on real image sequences with natural motion.


Sustainability has become of great interest in many fields, especially in production systems due to the continual increase in the scarcity of raw materials and environmental awareness. Recent literature has given significant attention to considering the three sustainability pillars (i.e., environmental, economic, and social sustainability) in solving production planning problems. Therefore, the present study conducts a review of the literature on sustainable production planning to analyze the relationships among different production planning problems (e.g., scheduling, lot sizing, aggregate planning, etc.) and the three sustainability pillars. In addition, we analyze the identified studies based on the indicators that define each pillar. The results show that the literature most frequently addresses production scheduling problems while it lacks studies on aggregate production planning problems that consider the sustainability pillars. In addition, there is a growing trend towards obtaining integrated solutions of different planning problems, e.g., combining production planning problems with maintenance planning or energy planning. Additionally, around 45% of the identified studies considered the integration of the economic and the environmental pillars in different production planning problems. In addition, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are the most frequent sustainability indicators considered in the literature, while less attention has been given to social indicators. Another issue is the low number of studies that have considered all three sustainability pillars simultaneously. The finidings highlight the need for more future research towards holistic sustainable production planning approaches.


Paraquat herbicide disrupts the hormone Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), causes testicular damage and changes in spermatogenesis. This study aims to determine the effect of supplementation of green bean sprout extract (Vigna radiata L.) on FSH levels, Sertoli cell counts in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by paraquat herbicide. This research uses true experimental with posttest only control group design. A total of 25 rats were divided into 5 groups: P0 was given standard feed, P1 was given paraquat 4 4 mg/g BW, P2 was given green bean sprout extract supplement (GBES) dose 21.6 4 mg/g BW and paraquat 4 mg/g BW P3 was given GBES dose 43.2 4 mg/g BW and paraquat is administered orally for 15 days. Measurement of FSH levels using ELISA, while Sertoli cells were observed using testicular histology preparate. Mann-Whitney test resulted significance of p<0.05, which showed that the administration of GBES influenced FSH levels and the number of Sertoli cells. GBES doses of 21.6 4 mg/g BW, 43.2 4 mg/g BW, and 86.4 4 mg/g BW were shown to increase FSH levels and Sertoli cell counts in paraquat-induced Wistar rats. GBES increased FSH levels and the number of Sertoli cells in paraquat-induced rats.


This paper points out some of the difficulties of making accurate power measurements at very low power factors. It deals with the lack of reference standards of known and constant power factor, especially for moderate sized samples and at high voltages. It also points out that a method of measuring an added loss as a check on a given test outfit's accuracy is not a check at all, although it has been used as such in several instances. Reference is made to calorimetrical methods of calibrating a testing outfit and to special forms of resistors that have very low time constant and are suitable for this class of test work.


The errors from doctor prescriptions can cause damage to the patient's health, consequently it is necessary to identify and to prevent them. This work aimed to evaluate if the legal and institutional aspects that are present in doctor prescription at the public and university pediatric hospital to make a diagnosis from the situation, and then to correct the problems. A survey was made was made using a cross-sectional method, where copies of 1,590 prescriptions were studied after the University Committee of Research approved the survey. The average was 4.47 drugs per prescription and following data were detectable: readable--32.39% of the prescriptions were unreadable, 49.81% presented only the commercial name, 5.25% of the drugs were not standardized. Quality of prescription in the chosen hospital needs to be better to avoid medication errors and the health care process gets safer. When prescription is unreadable, they can confuse health professionals and damage patients.


This paper proposes a trajectory analysis method by handling the spatio-temporal property of trajectory. Not using similarity measures of two trajectories, our model analyzes overall path of a trajectory. Learning of spatio property is presented as semantic regions (e.g. go straight, turn left, turn right) that are clustered effectively using topic model. The temporal order of observations on a trajectory is taken into account using HMM for detecting global anomaly. Results of experiments show that modeling of semantic region and detecting of unusual trajectories are successful even in complex scenes.


For Nicolas Party, New Work Scotland Programme 2010

Through the windows of a ground floor apartment four characters are arranged around a kitchen table. A bright light shines above the orange cloth covered surface. HENRY is stylish and charming; he sits proud in the back
left-hand chair with both elbows weightily leaning on the table. MATTHEW leans back on his chair, his relaxed
position causing him to be at a distance to the rest of the group displaying an almost detached manner. PETER is tall, willowy with rather effeminate mannerisms; what he lacks in charm he makes up for in an ignorant
stubbornness. He too is leaning forward, so much so he could almost be on top of the table. His chair is the only one positioned at the front of the table. NADINE is young, her face soft and rosy with rouged lips and cheeks; a timeless beauty. She sits to the right, positioned outwardly so that she is almost facing away from the others. A still life sits to the left of the window depicting a bourgeois dining table stacked with fruit and lavish silver kitchenware, a knife protrudes, balanced under the corner of a silver platter, it signals a forthcoming disaster. It's early evening. Light is beginning to fall.


An overall and comparative ecological risk assessment of heavy metal pollution (including Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, As, and Ni) in surface sediments was conducted for six major shallow freshwater lakes (Taihu Lake, Chaohu Lake, Nansihu Lake, Dongting Lake, Poyang Lake, and Hongze Lake) in China. A spatial database with 339 sediment samples was created through an extensive literature survey. Consensus-based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) were used as the effect thresholds due to the lack of local eco-toxicological information about heavy metals in the six lakes. The results show that the ecological risk of heavy metal pollution in surface sediments is highest in Dongting Lake, followed by Taihu Lake. Lakes Chaohu, Nansihu, Poyang, and Hongze are at a similar risk level, which is a little lower than that of Lake Taihu. High-risk areas that should be given more attention were identified by spatial analysis. The estuaries of the inlets and outlets of Dongting Lake and the Meiliang Bay in Taihu Lake were found to be such areas. Ineffective environmental supervision and management during the recent years of rapid economic and industrial development in China have led to the pollution of lake sediments by heavy metals. Rigid control and effective management measures to prevent heavy metal pollution are urgently needed in China. In addition, it is necessary for China to develop basic research on the local eco-toxicity and SQGs of freshwater sediments to provide a scientific basis for the management of lake sediment pollution.


Background: Although proximal femoral locking compression plates (PF-LCP) have been used with increasing frequency in the fixation of proximal femoral fractures in the pediatric population, there is a lack of literature regarding their use. The purpose of this study was to examine the failure rates of PF-LCP fixation in comparison to other accepted fixation methods within a pediatric population. Methods: Retrospective review identified consecutive children treated for proximal femoral fractures from September, 2008 to February, 2019, who had a minimum follow-up of 12 weeks. Patient charts and radiographs were reviewed, and demographic information was compiled. In the case of failures, timing and method of failure were documented. Results: Sixty-four proximal femoral fractures (61 children) were studied. The average age at the time of presentation was 10.4 years. Twenty-six fractures were treated with PF-LCPs and 38 with other fixation methods (compression hip screws, rigid locked intramedullary nailing, cannulated screws, or a combination of hip screw side plate and intramedullary nailing). Failure occurred in four of the 26 fractures treated with locking compression plating (15.4%), compared to none of the 38 treated with other fixation types (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates an increased risk of failure in proximal femoral fractures treated with locking compression plates (12.9%) compared to 0% other fixation methods (no failures). As a result of this study, we no longer use locked plating systems for pediatric femoral neck fractures at our institution.


field experiment was conducted at the Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil teaching and research farm during the 2010 and 2011 rainy seasons. Five varieties of maize were studied to estimate  components of genetic variance and heritability of some quantitative  characters that might exist among them, under the influence of different levels of Nitrogen fertilizer. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design, and replicated three times. The genotype ×  different levels of nitrogen fertilizer (G × N) influenced the expression of the ear height and yield component. Analysis of variance for plant height revealed highly significant differences among varieties with genotypic coefficient of variation (1.67%) which is smaller than the phenotypic coefficient of variation (1.72%). The estimate of broad-sense heritability was high (0.79), thus showing the presence of considerable amount of genetic variation in total phenotypic variation. While the analysis of variance for ear height showed highly significant differences among genotypic coefficient of variation (0.93%) which is smaller than the  phenotypic coefficient of variation (1.05%). The estimate of broad-sense heritability was high (0.49) indicating the presence of considerable amount of genetic variation in total phenotypic variation. The results confirmed the findings of other researchers on high heritability for plant height. Analysis of variance for grain yield per plot showed greater Genotypic variance than the environmental variance with genotypic coefficient of variation (5.33%) which is smaller than the phenotypic Coefficient of variation (6.24%)and the estimate of broad sense heritability (0.78) was moderately high. Keywords : Heritability, variation, ear height, genes.


The present Investigation conducted on 17 genotypes of African marigold depicted significant differences in all the characters studied. Genotype Pusa Basanti Gainda exhibited maximum mean performance for plant height at peak flowering period (80.00 cm), while minimum was exhibited by Indame Orange (30.90 cm). The coefficient of variation was minimum for flowering duration (GCV-13.27, PCV=13.33) and maximum for seed yield per plant (GCV=53.57, PCV=53.61). Heritabiiity estimates for all the characters were generally very high. High heritabiiity along with high genetic advance was observed for fresh weight of flowers per plant (268.83), seed yield per plant (19.20), no. of flowers per plant (33.43), plant height at peak flowering period (29.52), days commencement to flowering (20.93) and plant spread at peak flowering period (20.11). However, moderates to low genetic advance along with high heritabiiity was observed for flowering duration (19.67), no. of secondary branches per plant (19.14), no. of primary branches per plant (5.91), flower stalk length (3.50), flower diameter (2.54) and 1000 seed weight (1.81).


We present MMT/Megacam imaging of the Leo IV dwarf galaxy in order to investigate its structure and star formation history, and to search for signs of association with the recently discovered Leo V satellite. Based on parameterized fits, we find that Leo IV is round, with ϵ < 0.23 (at the 68% confidence limit) and a half-light radius of rh ≃ 130 pc. Additionally, we perform a thorough search for extended structures in the plane of the sky and along the line of sight. We derive our surface brightness detection limit by implanting fake structures into our catalog with stellar populations identical to that of Leo IV. We show that we are sensitive to stream-like structures with surface brightness μr ≲ 29.6 mag arcsec−2, and at this limit we find no stellar bridge between Leo IV (out to a radius of ∼0.5 kpc) and the recently discovered, nearby satellite Leo V. Using the color–magnitude fitting package StarFISH, we determine that Leo IV is consistent with a single age (∼14 Gyr), single metallicity ([Fe/H] ∼ −2.3) stellar population, although we cannot rule out a significant spread in these values. We derive a luminosity of MV = −5.5 ± 0.3. Studying both the spatial distribution and frequency of Leo IV's "blue plume" stars reveals evidence for a young (∼2 Gyr) stellar population which makes up ∼2% of its stellar mass. This sprinkling of star formation, only detectable in this deep study, highlights the need for further imaging of the new Milky Way satellites along with theoretical work on the expected, detailed properties of these possible "reionization fossils."


Non-Abelian and non-adiabatic variants of Berry's geometric phase have been pivotal in the recent advances in fault tolerant quantum computation gates, while Berry's phase itself is at the heart of the study of topological phases of matter. Here we use ultracold atoms to study the unique properties of spin-1 geometric phase. The spin vector of a spin-1 system, unlike that of a spin-1/2 system, can lie anywhere on or inside the Bloch sphere representing the phase space. This suggests a generalization of Berry's phase to include closed paths that go inside the Bloch sphere. Under this generalization, the special class of loops that pass through the center, which we refer to as \textit{singular loops}, are significant in two ways. First, their geometric phase is non-Abelian and second, their geometrical properties are qualitatively different from the nearby non-singular loops, making them akin to critical points of a quantum phase transition. Here we use coherent control of ultracold $^{87}$Rb atoms in an optical trap to experimentally explore the geometric phase of singular loops in a spin-1 quantum system.


During the hot summer of 2003, reduction of an ice field in the Swiss Alps (Schnidejoch) uncovered spectacular archaeological hunting gear, fur, leather and woollen clothing and tools from four distinct windows of time: Neolithic Age (4900 to 4450 cal. yr BP), early Bronze Age (4100–3650 cal. yr BP), Roman Age (1st–3rd century AD), and Medieval times (8–9th century AD and 14–15th century AD). Transalpine routes connecting northern Italy with the northern Alps during these slots is consistent with late Holocene maximum glacier retreat. The age cohorts of the artefacts are separated which is indicative of glacier advances when the route was difficult and not used for transit. The preservation of Neolithic leather indicates permanent ice cover at that site from ca. 4900 cal. yr BP until AD 2003, implying that the ice cover was smaller in 2003 than at any time during the last 5000 years. Current glacier retreat is unprecedented since at least that time. This is highly significant regarding the interpretation of the recent warming and the rapid loss of ice in the Alps. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Several studies have reported that the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 plays an important role in the fluvoxamine metabolism. However, some other studies have reported that the CYP2D6 genotype has no major impact on the fluvoxamine concentration. This study investigated the dose-dependent effect of CYP2D6-variant alleles on the steady-state fluvoxamine concentration. There were 23 patients whose plasma concentrations of fluvoxamine were measured at 4 doses (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/d). The differences in the plasma fluvoxamine concentration were analyzed between 2 genotype groups divided by the number of CYP2D6-variant alleles (with 0 and 1 or 2 variant alleles). The results demonstrated the nonlinear kinetics of fluvoxamine metabolism, and the degree of nonlinear kinetics decreased as the dose was increased. Significant differences in fluvoxamine concentration were observed between the subjects with 0 variant alleles and the subjects with 1 or 2 variant alleles (P = 0.044) when they were treated by 50 mg of fluvoxamine. There were no significant differences in the plasma concentration of fluvoxamine at 100, 150, and 200 mg/d. The present study suggests that the effect of the CYP2D6 genotype on fluvoxamine metabolism is greater at lower doses of fluvoxamine.


Elevated blood pressure as a major indicator of higher health risks varies considerably around the globe. We examine whether the livability of the environment can account for part of this variation. Overly resource-poor and overly resource-rich countries are expected to be less livable, with elevated blood pressure as a likely result. Male and female populations from 120 countries indeed have higher blood pressures to the extent they have to cope with too few or too many rather than just enough environmental resources. In poorer countries, predominantly located in hotter climes, both genders have higher blood pressures in too difficult-and-expensive environments with more demanding summers or winters (too few resources), than in just-right environments with more temperate summers and winters (optimal resources). In richer countries, predominantly located in colder climes, both genders have higher blood pressures in too easy-and-cheap environments with more temperate winters and summers (too many resources), than in just-right environments with more demanding winters or summers (optimal resources). We conclude that the livability of climate-based demands and wealth-based resources have a heretofore hidden ecological impact on chronic health risks, which may shed novel light also on policies of climate protection and poverty reduction.


In this work, we study the asymptotic distribution of the non-discrete orbits of a finitely
generated group acting linearly on ${\Bbb R}^2$. To do this, we establish new equidistribution
results for the horocyclic flow on the unitary tangent bundle of the associated surface.


mAbs initiated the unprecedented breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy and are rapidly evolving with multiple therapeutic platforms. One next-generation strategy engineers multivalent proteins that ligate single-chain variable fragments targeting cellular effectors, tumor-associated antigens, and cytokines. These developing therapeutics target and regulate cellular effector bioactivity and significantly improve clinical outcomes. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3419–21. ©2016 AACR. See related article by Vallera et al., p. 3440


This study examines whether friend selection, deselection, and socialization differ as a function of the level of cigarette smoking in the friendship group. A total of 1419 students (median age = 16) from upper secondary and vocational schools in Finland were included as targets in the peer network. Targets in the peer network were asked to nominate friends and describe their own cigarette smoking at two time points one year apart. Network analyses revealed similarity arising from selection and deselection on the basis of smoking. Selection effects (i.e., selecting new friends based on similarity) were stronger for adolescents in low-smoking groups. Deselection effects (i.e., dropping friends based on dissimilarity) were stronger for adolescents in high-smoking groups.


Adaptive information processing, comprised of local computations and their efficient routing, is crucial for flexible brain function. Spatial attention is a quintessential example of this adaptive process. It is critical for recognizing and interacting with behaviorally relevant objects in a cluttered environment1. Object recognition is mediated by ensembles of computational units distributed across the ventral visual hierarchy. How the deployment of spatial attention aids these hierarchical computations is unclear. Based on pairwise correlation analysis, two key mechanisms have been proposed: First is an improvement in the efficacy of unique information directed from one encoding stage to another, suggested by evidence along the visual hierarchy2–6. Based on the theoretical results that even weak correlated variability can substantially limit the encoding capacity of a neuronal pool7, a second proposal is an improvement in the sensory information capacity of an encoding stage through a reduction in shared fluctuations8,9. However, pairwise analyses capture both unique and shared components of fluctuations, and therefore cannot disambiguate the proposed mechanisms. To test these proposals, it is crucial to estimate the attentional modulation of unique information flow across and shared information within the stages of the visual hierarchy. We investigated this in the multi-stage laminar network of visual area V4, an area strongly modulated by attention10–12. Using network-based statistical modeling, we estimated the strength of inter-layer information flow by measuring statistical dependencies that reflect how the cortical layers uniquely drive each other's neural activity. We quantified their modulation across attention conditions (attend-in vs. attend-away) in a change detection task and found that deployment of attention indeed strengthened unique dependencies between the input and superficial layers. Using the partial information decomposition framework13,14, we estimated modulation of shared dependencies and found that they are reduced within laminar populations, specifically the putative excitatory subpopulations. Surprisingly, we found a strengthening of unique dependencies within the laminar populations, a finding not previously predicted. Crucially, these modulation patterns were also observed across behavioral outcomes (hit vs. miss) that are thought to be mediated by endogenous state fluctuations15–17. By "decomposing" the modulation of dependency components and in combination with prior theoretical work7, our results suggest the following computational model of optimal sensory states that are attained by either task demands or endogenous fluctuations in brain state: enhanced information flow between and improved information capacity within encoding stages.


Glycosyltransferases (GTs) control the synthesis and structures of glycans. Inactivation and intense allelic variation in members of the GT6 family generate species-specific and individual variations in carbohydrate structures, including histo-blood group oligosaccharides, resulting in anti-glycan antibodies that target glycan-decorated pathogens. GT6 genes are ubiquitous in vertebrates but are otherwise rare, existing in a few bacteria, one protozoan, and cyanophages, suggesting lateral gene transfer. Prokaryotic GT6 genes correspond to one exon of vertebrate genes, yet their translated protein sequences are strikingly similar. Bacterial and phage GT6 genes influence the surface chemistry of bacteria, affecting their interactions, including those with vertebrate hosts.


The Qiyugou gold deposit, located in the East Qinling Orogen, is characterized by porphyry, breccia pipe-hosted and fracture-controlled hydrothermal mineralization. Four intrusive phases are identified in this deposit: pre-mineralization quartz porphyry, syn-mineralization granite porphyry associated with breccia pipe-hosted mineralization, syn-mineralization hornblende monzogranite associated with porphyry mineralization and post-mineralization monzogranite porphyry. These granitoids are metaluminous, alkalic to calc-alkalic, shoshonitic to high-K series, and belong to highly fractionated I-type granitoids. Most of the Qiyugou granitoids show relatively lower Sr/Y (<40) and (La/Yb)N (average = 12.0) than the typical adakite-like rocks. The granitoids are strongly enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with slightly negative europium anomalies (except for hornblende monzogranite) and moderate depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE), mostly plotting in the range of the basement Taihua Group rocks. Zircon U–Pb ages of granite porphyry, hornblende monzogranite and monzogranite porphyry from the Qi189 pluton, and hornblende monzogranite beneath the J4 breccia pipe are 133.4 ± 0.8, 131.3 ± 0.9, 128.0 ± 0.7 and 129.9 ± 0.9 Ma, respectively. The εHf(t) values and TDM2 ages show a variation trend from −37.4 to −11.4 and from 3530 to 1912 Ma, consistent with Hf isotopic features of the Taihua Group. The εHf(t) values have a positive correlation with MgO and negative correlation with SiO2, indicating sustained involvement of mantle-derived materials. Notably, these granitoids have comparable δ18Ozircon values ranging from 5.7 to 5.9‰. The covariations of geochemical and isotopic data indicate that these granitoids were produced by mixing of the partially melted Taihua Group basement with mantle-derived components. The Qiyugou granitoids were generated at different crustal levels by a lithospheric thinning process linked to the tectonic transition from compression to extension at 133–128 Ma. The hornblende monzogranite from the Qi189 pluton was probably more hydrous and resulted from a highly evolved magma after hornblende fractionation, which was favourable for porphyry mineralization. Our study provides insights into the formation of a porphyry gold system associated with a prolonged and active magmatic–hydrothermal system, upwelling of hot asthenosphere and intense mantle–crust interaction. Supplementary material: Tables giving compositions of the granitoids are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5835494


For Edvard Munch (1863-1944), painting was an act of self-liberation. His treatments of fear, desperation, and death still exert a powerful visual and psychological effect on modern viewers. Of all Munch's paintings, "The Scream" (1893), representing a figure tortured by horror, is the most well-known-and certainly one of the most expressive. The artist reflected his innermost feelings in his work: "In reality, my art is a free confession, an attempt to clarify to myself my own relation to life..." Although Edvard Munch cannot be clearly identified with any single movement, he is deemed a pioneer of Expressionism. Every book in TASCHEN's "Basic Art Series" features: a detailed chronological summary of the artist's life and work, covering the cultural and historical importance of the artist; approximately 100 color illustrations with explanatory captions; and a concise biography.


A perusal of the American literature of the last ten years on the pathology of the stomach would indicate that gastric syphilis was a comparatively common condition. Many clinicians report a series of from twenty to thirty cases of syphilis of the stomach and certainly give the impression that not only is gastric syphilis common, but that it is also readily recognized clinically as well as at operation. A few critical reports have inadequately dispelled this idea, and up to the publication of the splendid review of Hartwell 1 there has been no critical analysis of the subject or of the reported data on syphilis of the stomach. Gastric syphilis is not frequent and its clinical and histologic recognition is by no means simple or easy. Among the great number of gastric lesions seen by us within the last few years, there were three cases of peculiar ulcerations which by


Eco-friendly grain refinement of A3003 alloy was studied by addition of non-toxic Al-Ti alloy because of toxic-fluorine in Al-Ti-B alloys which used as a representative grain refiner for aluminum and its alloys. TiAl3 phase in Al-Ti alloy bring to decrease grain size of A3003 alloy. But, grain growth occurred with prolonged holding time due to the solution of Ti into aluminum matrix. In contrast, lasting grain refinement of A3003 alloy was occurred in graphite crucible. It can be mentioned that carbon comes from graphite crucible was combined with Ti solute in aluminum melt and then TiC acts as a heterogeneous nucleation for A3003 alloy.


Purpose: To investigate two long-held beliefs in radiation cytogenetics that were seemingly contradicted by reports that: (a) protracting γ-ray exposures over 0.5 h halves the induced aberration yield compared with acute exposure, and (b) that induced aberration yields in guaranteed first in vitro division metaphases (M1) vary with culture time. Materials and methods: Replicate blood samples were exposed for 3 min to 3.0 Gy γ-rays and standard phytohaemagglutinin stimulated lymphocyte cultures were harvested at 10 times ranging from 45 – 72 h. Forty-eight hour cultures were also made from blood exposed to 3.0 Gy for 30 min. Slides were differentially stained, combining the harlequin method with fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) painting of chromosomes 2, 3 and 5. M1 metaphases were scored for 1- and 2-way translocations involving the painted chromosomes and all unstable aberrations in the full genomes. Results: Dicentric and translocation yields from the 30 min exposure were approximately 10% lower than in 48 h cultures from cells exposed for 3 min, although this reduction is not significant. Dicentric aberration yields from the 3 min exposed cells cultured over the range 45 – 72 h remained constant up to 51 h then rose to a different constant value beyond 60 h. The increase at 60 – 70 h compared with the yield at 48 h was about 50%. A marginal increase at later times was also observed for translocations. Conclusion: The protracted exposure experiment produced results consistent with the G-function hypothesis that models the dose rate effect. Therefore the previous report of a marked departure from this model was not confirmed. The reports of aberration yields increasing with time of arrival at metaphase were confirmed. Possible explanations are discussed; the intercellular distributions of aberrations, or of doses to the cells or heterogeneous radiosensitivity of lymphocyte sub-populations. None alone seems sufficient quantitatively to explain the magnitude of the effect. The implications for biological dosimetry, which employs cultures times of approximately 48 h, are considered to be minor.


Introduction Adequate and safe micronutrient intake is important. Both insufficient and excessive intakes should be prevented as these can be associated with negative health effects. Therefore, the population intake distribution will ideally lay between insufficient and excessive intakes. For the development and evaluation of nutrition and food policy a good estimation of dietary micronutrient intake is of great importance. Aim Three challenges were addressed to improve the estimation of population micronutrient intake distributions: 1) how to estimate current habitual micronutrient intake when (detailed) data are lacking or data from different sources should be combined, 2) how to predict future intakes in order to support policy making, and 3) how to estimate a maximum safe fortification level per food item. The aim of this PhD-thesis is to further develop and apply statistical models which can cope with these challenges. Methods & Results Data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Surveys (DNFCSs) were used to develop and apply statistical models which can cope with the defined challenges. In addition, data from the Dutch food composition database (NEVO) and the Dutch dietary supplement database (NES) were used. Three main methodological improvements have been made. First, the combination of a deterministic approach with probabilistic approaches to be able to take into account uncertainty and variability were needed. This method was applied to estimate habitual iodine and salt intake distributions. From DNFCSs no detailed information was available on the discretionary use of (iodized) salt and no up to date information was available on the use of iodized salt in industrially processed foods. Estimates of the proportion of the population discretionarily using (iodized) salt and the proportion of industrially processed foods applying iodized salt were obtained from other data sources. The model accurately estimates habitual iodine and salt intake distributions when compared with studies measuring urinary iodine and sodium excretion. Additionally a framework was developed to simulate the habitual intake distribution for potential scenarios of future fortification strategies. Within this framework, deterministic and probabilistic approaches were combined when uncertainty or variability had to be taken into account. This framework was illustrated by the estimation of habitual folate-equivalent intake for different scenarios of mandatory or voluntary fortification with folic acid. Further this framework was applied to estimate the habitual iodine intake for several potential changes in the Dutch iodine policy and also for several scenarios of salt reduction strategies. A second methodological improvement was the development of a new statistical model to estimate habitual total micronutrient intake aggregated from food and dietary supplements. Within this 3-part model, habitual intake is estimated separately for a) intake from food for non-users of dietary supplements, b) intake from food for users of dietary supplements, and c) intake from dietary supplements for users only. Habitual total intake for the whole population was obtained by combination of the three separate habitual intake distributions ('first shrink then add'). This 3-part model was illustrated by vitamin D intake for young children. With a more simple 'first add then shrink' approach the estimation of habitual total vitamin D intake distribution may give inconsistent results for the distribution of intake from foods and dietary supplements combined as compared to the intake from food only. In addition, this more simple approach may not be able to cope with multi modal distributions. With the newly developed model this inconsistency problem was solved and the multi-modal shape of the distribution as observed in the 'raw' data was preserved. Third, a model calculating the maximum safe fortification level per 100 kcal of a food was developed for the Dutch situation. By considering the tolerable upper intake level and reasonable high micronutrient intakes from food and dietary supplements, the 'free space' for voluntary fortification was calculated. This amount was divided over the amount of energy intake that can and may be fortified. The model was applied to derive safe maximum fortification levels for vitamin A, D, and folic acid. Based on these results the risk manager decided to legally allow voluntary fortification with vitamin D and folic acid up to a maximum level of 4.5 and 100 μg/100 kcal respectively. Conclusion The methodological improvements have resulted in higher accuracy for estimations of habitual intake distributions, which are essential for nutritional and food policy making. Furthermore, scenario analyses provide (under specific conditions) quantitative insight into proposed changes or areas such as maximum safe fortification levels. Several results and methods described are currently being used in research to assist Dutch and European food and nutrition policy making, which shows these methodologies are of immediate value to the practice of policy development and support.


Preclinical animal models are extensively used in nephrology. In this review, the utility of performing proteome analysis of kidney tissue or urine in such models and transfer of the results to human application has been assessed. Analysis of the literature identified 68 relevant publications. Pathway analysis of the reported proteins clearly indicated links with known biological processes in kidney disease providing validation of the observed changes in the preclinical models. However, although most studies focused on the identification of early markers of kidney disease or prediction of its progression, none of the identified makers has made it to substantial validation in the clinic or at least in human samples. Especially in renal disease where urine is an abundant source of biomarkers of diseases of the kidney and the urinary tract, it therefore appears that the focus should be on human material based discovery studies. In contrast, the most valid information of proteome analysis of preclinical models in nephrology for translation in human disease resides in studies focusing on drug evaluation, both efficacy for translation to the clinic and for mechanistic insight.


The number and diversity of known prokaryotic insertion sequences (IS) have increased enormously since their discovery in the late 1960s. At present the sequences of more than 4000 different IS have been deposited in the specialized ISfinder database. Over time it has become increasingly apparent that they are important actors in the evolution of their host genomes and are involved in sequestering, transmitting, mutating and activating genes, and in the rearrangement of both plasmids and chromosomes. This review presents an overview of our current understanding of these transposable elements (TE), their organization and their transposition mechanism as well as their distribution and genomic impact. In spite of their diversity, they share only a very limited number of transposition mechanisms which we outline here. Prokaryotic IS are but one example of a variety of diverse TE which are being revealed due to the advent of extensive genome sequencing projects. A major conclusion from sequence comparisons of various TE is that frontiers between the different types are becoming less clear. We detail these receding frontiers between different IS-related TE. Several, more specialized chapters in this volume include additional detailed information concerning a number of these.In a second section of the review, we provide a detailed description of the expanding variety of IS, which we have divided into families for convenience. Our perception of these families continues to evolve and families emerge regularly as more IS are identified. This section is designed as an aid and a source of information for consultation by interested specialist readers.


This study has measured the density-normalized effective ionization coefficients (α−η)/N, the electron drift velocity Ve and the diffusion coefficient DL in nitrous oxide (N2O) using a pulsed Townsend technique. The range of the overall density-normalized electric field strength E/N is from 100 Td to 400 Td (1 Td=10−17 V·cm2). From the above plots of (α−η)/N, we have derived the limiting field strength, (E/N)lim ≈ 150 Td, which is the value of E/N at which (α−η)/N = 0.


Ionization of atomic hydrogen by protons has been investigated by means of the 'crossed beam ' technique in which a proton beam from a Van de Graaff accelerator was arranged to intersect a modulated beam of atomic hydrogen produced from a furnace source. The ratio of the cross-section for ionization of atomic hydrogen to that for molecular hydrogen was determined by comparing the signals due to electrons arising from the interaction region when the beam was mainly atomic and when the beam was entirely molecular. The absolute cross-section for ionization of atomic hydrogen by protons was determined from a knowledge of the molecular cross-section. The results are in good agreement with the Born approximation calculations of Bates & Grilling and in fair agreement with the recent low energy data of Fite, Stebbings, Hummer & Brackmann.


The properties of speckle field is studied when Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams illuminate a ground glass plate. The LG vortex beams are generated by a spatial light modulator combing with computer-generated hologram. The relation of speckle size and azimuthal and radial indices and the bright region of the LG beams are analyzed experimentally. Experimental results show that the speckle size decreases linearly with the azimuthal index increasing for certain radial index. Similarly, the speckle size also decreases with the radial index increasing for certain azimuthal index. Moreover, the speckle size is proportional to the negative factor of illuminating area of the LG beam. Further, the negative factor is gradual close to the results of Gaussian beam illuminating with the increasing radial index. ©, 2015, Chinese Optical Society. All right reserved.


Cool roofs are a long-term alternative for the creation of a building's thermal comfort as they can reduce the energy required for cooling demands and mitigate the urban heat island effect, thus benefitting both buildings and cities. Interest in cool roofing has recently escalated and numerous concepts, techniques, and experiences are represented in various studies conducted for hot climates; however, in reviewing the literature, it was found that most of this research is limited to the investigation of these benefits at either the building or city scale. Indeed, only six attempts were found that integrated both scales. To assist with design decisions, several studies have concluded there is an urgent need for a multi-level, interdisciplinary assessment framework, but as yet no such framework has been constructed. Following the literature review, in this study, a general framework is proposed which permits current modelling to progress beyond typical protocols, by including data linking a specific urban microclimate at the neighbourhood/city level with that of a building, thus connecting the microclimatic environment with objective assessment of energy efficiency. It is hoped that this framework will promote the development of exclusive cool roof applications for buildings and outdoor urban settings.


Comatose patients after cardiac arrest should receive active targeted temperature management (TTM), with a goal core temperature of 32-36°C for at least 24 hours. Small variations in brain temperature may confer or mitigate a substantial degree of neuroprotection, which may be lost at temperatures near 37°C. The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between brain and core temperature after cardiac arrest through direct, simultaneous measurement of both. We placed intracranial monitors in a series of consecutive patients hospitalized for cardiac arrest at a single tertiary care facility within 12 hours of return of spontaneous circulation to guide postcardiac arrest care. We compared the absolute difference between brain and core (esophageal or rectal) temperature measurements every hour for the duration of intracranial monitoring and tested for a lag between brain and core temperature using the average square difference method. Overall, 11 patients underwent simultaneous brain and core temperature monitoring for a total of 906 hours of data (Median 95; IQR: 15-118 hours per subject). On average, brain temperature was 0.34C° (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.37) higher than core temperature. In 7% of observations, brain temperature exceeded the measured core temperature ≥1°C. Brain temperature lagged behind core temperature by 0.45 hours (95% CI = -0.27-1.27 hours). Brain temperature averages 0.34°C higher than core temperature after cardiac arrest, and is more than 1°C higher than core temperature 7% of the time. This phenomenon must be considered when carrying out TTM to a goal core temperature of <36°C.


This paper, the cognitive developmental paradigm is proposed for developing and teaching career development courses in secondary schools. This model may be useful in redressing the reluctance with which some educators and students view these courses. Two goals are identified based on this model: formal operational reasoning and experience as a reflective thinker. In addition, the major Piagetian constructs of interaction, equilibration, assimilation and accommodation are pro- posed as a means of intervening in both the structure and function of the career thinking of adolescents. Thus, the developmental paradigm provides a single frame- work in which career development courses can be considered both educational and developmental.


Notodiscus hookeri is the only native land snail of the sub-Antarctic present in Crozet Archipelago. Two shell ecophenotypes co-exist on Possession Island and feed exclusively on lichens [1] that are symbiotic organisms widely distributed in sub-Antarctic islands. To improve our understanding of lichen-snail trophic interactions, the endemic tripartite lichen Argopsis friesiana was selected. The snail belonging to the organic ecophenotype occurs sympatrically with A. friesiana. Profiling and quantification of the major secondary metabolites in the whole lichen were carried out by LC-DAD-MS. Two main compounds were identified, the depside atranorin (8.2 mg g-1 DM) and the depsidone argopsin. Besides, a screening of primary metabolites was carried out to determine which compounds could be useful for the snail energetic demands. Glutamate, glutamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and alpha-alanine were the main amino acids found in the lichen in low concentrations (0.4 mg·g-1 DM). Carbohydrates, including arabitol (10.2 mg g-1), mannitol (4.0.10-4 mg g-1) and sucrose (3.0.10-4 mg g-1), were also identified. In cultivation, N. hookeri snails were fed with fructified thalli of A. friesiana. Snails (n = 20) ate the podetia cortex and phyllocladia but they clearly avoided apothecia, the reproductive organs. This sectorial damage of the lichen by the snail suggested a differential distribution of the metabolites. Therefore, a profiling of secondary compounds was performed by Direct Analysis in Real Time – Mass Spectroscopy (DART-MS) [2] on each morphological part of the lichen (phyllocladia, apothecia, podetia and cephalodia). The identification and distribution of secondary metabolites, fatty acids, amino acids and carbohydrates should help us to determine whether metabolites affect snail feeding choice and which of them could be involved.


Frequently, the analysis of complex phenomena falls beyond the range of applicability of the numerical methods available in the public domain, and demands the design of dedicated algorithms that will approximate, to a specified precision, the mathematical solution of specific problems. These algorithms can be developed from scratch or through the amalgamation of existing techniques. In any case, they need to execute efficiently and robustly. The accurate solution of the full Radial Equilibrium Equation (REE) in Streamline Curvature (SLC) through-flow analyses presents such a case. This manuscript discusses the development, validation and application of an 'intelligent' Dynamic Convergence Control (DCC) algorithm for the fast, accurate and robust numerical solution of the non-linear equations of motion for two-dimensional flow fields. The algorithm was developed to eliminate the large user intervention, usually required by standard numerical methods. Although this hybrid DCC algorithm was specifically developed around a conventional Newton-Raphson scheme, to address the computational challenges presented by SLC-type of analyses, it can also be used in many other applications. The DCC algorithm was integrated into a compressor SLC software and was tested rigorously, particularly at compressor operating regimes traditionally exhibiting convergence difficulties (i.e. far off-design conditions). Typical error histories and comparisons of simulated results against experimental are presented in this manuscript for a particular case-study. For all case-studies examined, it was found that the algorithm could successfully 'guide' the solution down to the specified error tolerance, at the expense of a slightly slower iteration process (compared to a conventional Newton-Raphson scheme).© 2009 ASME


A comparative study of biogas production of different proportions of poultry wastes and cow dung was conducted under the same operating conditions. The study was based on Completely Randomsied Design replicated three times. Three different mix ratios of poultry wastes and cow dung were tested (namely 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3) and all of them were diluted with the same amount of water. Each treatment was replicated three times. Biogas production was measured for a period of seven days and volume of gas produced was determined by water displacement method at room temperature of 25 - 30 o C. Biogas production started on the second day, and reached apex on the sixth day for Digester A (cow dung:poultry wastes r = 1:3). Production reached its peak on the seventh day for Digester B (cow dung:poultry wastes r = 2:2). For Digester C (cow dung:poultry wastes r = 3:1), biogas production started on the second day and attained maximum on fifth day. The average gas production for Digesters A, B and C were 3.84, 3.55, and 3.19 mL respectively. The study shows that the largest volume of biogas production was obtained using the 3:1 mix ratio of poultry wastes to cow dung. Poultry wastes therefore are effective for production of biogas than cow dung. Statistical analysis reveals that wastes fed into the digester and days of experiment were significant at 99% confidence level. The volumes of wastes generated by the digesters were statistically different from each other. Digester A produced the highest mean biogas of 4.48 mL/day and this value was significantly higher than ones produced by Digesters B and C (4.26 and 3.72 mL/day respectively). Finaly, for a developing country like Nigeria, where wastes are not productively used, wastes generated from animal wastes can be effectively managed through conversion into biogas. Wastes are therefore turned to wealth, which increases the income of the society.


Presynaptic inputs determine the pattern of activation of postsynaptic neurons in a neural circuit. Molecular and genetic pathways that regulate the selective formation of subsets of presynaptic inputs are largely unknown, despite significant understanding of the general process of synaptogenesis. In this study, we have begun to identify such factors using the spinal monosynaptic stretch reflex circuit as a model system. In this neuronal circuit, Ia proprioceptive afferents establish monosynaptic connections with spinal motor neurons that project to the same muscle (termed homonymous connections) or muscles with related or synergistic function. However, monosynaptic connections are not formed with motor neurons innervating muscles with antagonistic functions. The ETS transcription factor ER81 (also known as ETV1) is expressed by all proprioceptive afferents, but only a small set of motor neuron pools in the lumbar spinal cord of the mouse. Here we use conditional mouse genetic techniques to eliminate Er81 expression selectively from motor neurons. We find that ablation of Er81 in motor neurons reduces synaptic inputs from proprioceptive afferents conveying information from homonymous and synergistic muscles, with no change observed in the connectivity pattern from antagonistic proprioceptive afferents. In summary, these findings suggest a role for ER81 in defined motor neuron pools to control the assembly of specific presynaptic inputs and thereby influence the profile of activation of these motor neurons.


ground as criteria for dating become more precise and sources are critically re-examined in a broader frame of reference. Yet, vulnerable though they now appear, these older contributions to a fast-developing field of research still present a valuable body of observation and comment. It is a cause for real regret that the opportunity has not been taken, in a I970 reprinting to revise, correct or bring up to date the factual errors and bibliographical imperfections which sometimes mar them. This collection will also, however, perpetuate what is positive and lasting in Professor Prusek's work. The book is alive with a fierce devotion to the literature of his choice. His convinced enthusiasm communicates itself to us with a force we seldom meet in scholarly writing. We find here value judgments which come from the heart: they speak with a distinctively personal, but therefore all the more authentic voice. And this is so not only in the detailed appreciations of vernacular stories, but also, particularly strongly in the prefaces to translations intended for the general reader, now made widely available in the first part of the present volume. Students of Chinese literature will be the richer for having easier access to, for instance, the pieces of P'u Sung-ling, Lao-Es'anyu chi, or 'Boccaccio and his Chinese contemporaries'. This substantial volume is well bound and has a clean, pleasing appearance. Unfortunately it is disflgured by frequent misprints.


The article presents results of the economical and statistical analysis of the main operational performance of development of country farms (peasant ones) of the Vologda region for 2000-2015. It is proved that the role of this way of living in agrosector has repeatedly increased. The group of region areas according to the share of small farms in the agricultural products production is presented. The made calculations demonstrate that out of 26 municipalities 7 it makes more than 70%. According to the basis of the analysis of law-enforcement practice of the Russian legislation the problem in receiving the land plot for performing economic activity by farmers is proved. Excessive pressure of control-and-supervisory authorities on farmers work is proved which leads to the growth of non-productive expenses and failure to meet schedule terms for field works. On the basis of these questionnaires of the agricultural producers in the Vologda region received in 2012-2015 the conclusion on low degree of their innovative activity and their involvement into the creation and innovations approbation process is drawn. The need of the cooperation development as an effective institute allowing solve problems of agricultural products sale and small farms with material resources supply is shown. The list of prime measures which realization will promote the accumulation of production growth rates in peasant farm is determined.


It has been proposed that dualistic conceptions on the mind and the body can affect the practice of health professionals. Religious beliefs have already been described as affecting mind-body dualistic thinking. Another factor that may play a role is knowledge of evolutionary theory, but this relationship has not been explored. In this work, data on knowledge of evolutionary theory and supernatural and dualistic beliefs of 287 Argentinian students of psychology and medicine majors. were collected through a cross-sectional online survey. Information was analyzed to determine whether an association exists between knowledge of evolutionary theory, supernatural beliefs and dualism. We found significant statistical associations between supernatural beliefs and dualism (positive) and between both and knowledge of evolutionary theory (negative). Also, some heterogeneity was found within dualistic questions between theoretical ones and a hypothetical case. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that knowledge of evolutionary theory could challenge mind-body dualistic conceptions.


Mast cells (MC) may be one factor influencing the response of visceral afferent nerves to mechanical and chemical stimuli. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of infiltration and activity of colonic MC in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Biopsy specimens were obtained from the cecum and rectum of 14 diarrhea predominant IBS and 14 normal controls. Electron microscopy was used to determine the number of intact and degranulated colonic MC and to quantify these separately according to the distance between MC and enteric nerves. An increased number of MC in both cecum and rectum in the IBS group in comparison with the control group was demonstrated (p<0.05). Activated MC in close proximity to enteric nerves were significantly increased in both cecum and rectum of the IBS group compared to control group (p<0.005). In addition, activated MC were significantly increased in close proximity to the nerves compared to those in the remote area in both cecum and rectum of the IBS group (p<0.0001). MC were significantly increased and activated in both cecum and rectum of the IBS group compared to controls. MC may play a role in the gut sensory hypersensitivity of IBS.


ABSTRACT The valves of the heart are crucial for ensuring that blood flows in one direction from the heart, through the lungs and back to the rest of the body. Heart valve development is regulated by complex interactions between different cardiac cell types and is subject to blood flow-driven forces. Recent work has begun to elucidate the important roles of developmental pathways, valve cell heterogeneity and hemodynamics in determining the structure and function of developing valves. Furthermore, this work has revealed that many key genetic pathways involved in cardiac valve development are also implicated in diseased valves. Here, we review recent discoveries that have furthered our understanding of the molecular, cellular and mechanosensitive mechanisms of valve development, and highlight new insights into congenital and acquired valve disease. Summary: This Review discusses recent discoveries of molecular, cellular and mechanosensitive mechanisms of valve development in mammals and zebrafish, along with relevance to human congenital and acquired valve disease.


Many human and financial resources are being spent on the asylum determination and appeal processes in order to distinguish those asylum applicants who require protection from those who do not. However, the majority of failed asylum seekers do not leave the country. The lack of an effective removal policy defeats the purpose of having an asylum system at all. In other words, removals of failed asylum seekers are essential to preserve the integrity and credibility of the asylum system. Since forced removals are a crucial component of our asylum system, this paper seeks to examine how they can be made more eflcient and humane. In particular, it examines the recent measures adopted through the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 and proposed measures currently debated at the EU level.


A damage tolerance design requirement for composite fuselage structures is investigated. The dis placement compatibility model, a method used extensively in the design of metallic fuselage structures, is extended for application to a laminated composite structure. Generalized anisotropic elasticity solutions are required, as well as a suitable composite fracture criterion. Two types of damaged structures are investigated, one in which a crack is centered between intact stringers and a second in which a crack is centered over a broken center stringer.


Today's critic must be something of a philosopher as well as a poet. Yet her workremains above all that of the close reader, and the emergence of the valuesembodied by the close reader to stand alongside those of the philosopher andthe poet may be one of the most significant intellectual developments to emergein the post-World War II years.This book analyzes the language poets, Deleuze and Guattari, and above allBenjamin and Derrida, to trace the various dimensions of the task of the critic.It concludes with a major chapter on the significance of Derrida's recent workfor the conceptualization of religion, and with an Afterword examining therole of the Romantic discourse of the fragment in the archeology of all thesediscursive strands.The task of the critic, now invited to pass through the discourses ofphilosophy, poetry, and religion beyond that of close reading, has neverbeen harder-nor have we ever been more in need of it.


Abstract Marine bivalves of the eastern Pacific continental shelf show a strong diversity gradient from the Arctic Ocean to the tropics. This gradient is underlain by strong diversity trends in both infaunal and epifaunal bivalves, contrary to Thorson's influential hypothesis (1952, Verhandlungen der Deutschen Zoologischen Gesellschaft, 1951, 267–327), and is significantly correlated with mean sea-surface temperature; either raw data or a residuals analysis yields p < 0.0001. Patterns differ according to trophic group and phylogeny; however, suspension feeders conform to the general bivalve diversity gradient, as do facultative deposit feeders such as tellinids, while deposit feeding protobranchs do not. Infaunal and epifaunal diversity gradients have different slopes so that their ratio changes with latitude; data on Jurassic and Cretaceous bivalves suggests that this ratio has varied in slope and intercept over geological time.


RepA protein, essential for replication of plasmid Rts1, was found to bind in vivo immediately upstream of the repA promoter in studies with mini-Rts1 derivatives with deletions in the upstream region of repA. We constructed another series of repA mutants that would encode RepA derivatives containing oligopeptide substitutions in place of the carboxyl-terminal six amino acids. These modified RepA proteins could not activate ori (Rts1) at all and showed various degrees of incompatibility, or no incompatibility, toward a mini-Rts1 plasmid. These results suggest that the carboxyl-terminal six (or fewer) amino acids of RepA are important for exerting replication and incompatibility functions. One of the RepA derivatives, which showed an evident incompatibility without initiating replication, was examined for its ability to repress the repA gene.


of Logistic Model Parameters From AM2 Model for Methane Production for Batch Bioreactors. ABSTRACT Modeling the estimation of cumulated methane production generated from batch anaerobic bioreactors is of paramount importance. In this context, there are two main modeling approaches. The first approach is based on developing mathematical expressions representing the processes involved in the bioreactors. The AM1 model is known as the most complete one. However, it is a complicated model as it requires about 80 parameters to be tuned. A model named AM2 which is a simplified version of AM1 has also been developed. It is based on only two microbial growth processes and requires only 13 parameters. Nevertheless, both AM1 and AM2 models do not provide explicit mathematical expressions that enable to estimate the temporal evolution of methane production with respect to the parameters involved in the considered models. These models are much more useful for simulations and graphical visualizations of the dynamical behavior of the state variables including methane production. On the other hand, the second approach suggests semi-empirical or data-driven models which are based on simple explicit mathematical expressions that provide an estimate of the cumulated methane production (Logistic model, Gompertz model, etc.). But, this type of models require the identification of few parameters which are extracted from experimental data. Usually, they are simplistic and use only one growth process and thus cannot exhibit the influence of the many parameters involved in such complex dynamic biotechnological systems. In this paper, to overcome the complexity of the first type of models and to avoid the dependency on experimental data in the second type; an explicit analytical mathematical expression is proposed for estimating the cumulated methane production for batch anaerobic bioreactors. This analytical expression is derived via the adoption of some appropriate approximations performed on the set of differential equations characterizing the AM2 model. Therefore, the proposed analytical expression can be considered as an approximation of the AM2 model itself and this is the first contribution of this paper. Graphical profiles of the cumulated methane production are presented showing that of the proposed logistic expression and that of the AM2 model considered as a reference. To the best of the author's knowledge, no such approach and result have been encountered in the literature. On the other hand, this expression resembles formally to the semi-empiric logistic model. However, the equivalent parameters of the proposed expression as self-defined by the parameters of the AM2 model and do not require experimental data to be identified as it is for the semi-empiric logistic model. Moreover, by comparing the proposed logistic model to the semi-empiric logistic model, an identification of the parameters of the semi-empiric model is linked to the parameters of the AM2 model, providing more insight into the methane production. This can be considered as a second contribution of this paper.


Studies on variation of the streptomycin-producing organism Act. streptomycini 773 on its storage in lyophilized state showed that prolonged maintenance (for 8 years) resulted in increased percentage of "oligospore" (up to 6.9 per cent) and asporogenic (up to 6.0 per cent) variants in the population. The variants had lower transamidinase and antibiotic activity.


In this paper, a new neural network paradigm and its application to recognition of speech patterns is presented. The novel NN paradigm is a multilayer version of the well-known LVQ algorithm from Kohonen. The approach includes the following innovations and improvements compared to other popular neural network paradigms: 1) It is according to the knowledge of the author the first multilayer version of the classical LVQ algorithm, which is usually based on a one-layer neural network architecture. 2) It presents a new NN architecture, since it uses a perceptron-like propagation function for the hidden layers, and an Euclidean-like propagation function for the output layer. 3) Its architecture can be considered as an optimal compromise between the multilayer principle of an MLP and the principle of representing one class by several neurons adopted from classical LVQ. 4) Compared to MLP, the training of an MLVQ network with the same number of neurons is more effective, since only the weights of the winning neuron are updated, as in classical LVQ. 5) It outperforms both, the classical LVQ and the MLP algorithm in most experiments carried out. 6) In the initialization phase, the layers are trained hierarchically, making use of unsupervised information theory-based training algorithms.


The performance and scalability of mobile, base-station-oriented wireless networks with respect to routing and mobility models is addressed in this paper. Using systems-oriented, large-scale discrete event simulation, both performance scalability and complexity scalability are analyzed. Performance scalability addresses the effect of network size on system performance. Complexity scalability, in this case, consists of communication complexity (i.e. amount of control information exchanged to create and maintain network connectivity). Results confirmed the scalability of base-station-oriented networks using the routing, and mobility models, using over 2000 fully dynamic hosts and routers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


In the globalization context, Vietnamese higher education institutions need to fulfill the functions of the third generation university as well as the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution. In this case, the innovation-driven smart university, namely SMARTI model, was proposed. By the approach of the university ecosystem, SMARTI model has been described with 5 core values: digital skills and entrepreneurship; flexibility and connectivity; research and innovation; internationalization; and promotion of social norms. The SMARTI can be governed and benchmarked through the criteria of the university performance metrics (UPM). Preliminary implementations were employed for Vietnam's leading institutions. The results show that these universities have achieved a 5-star standard equivalent to excellent universities in the top 300 in Asia.


In this DFT study, the substrate promiscuity of the binuclear [Fe(II)-Zn(II)] core containing glycerophosphodiesterase (GpdQ) from Enterobacter aerogenes has been investigated through the hydrolysis of three chemically diverse groups of substrates: i.e., phosphomono-, phosphodi-, and phosphotriesters. The hydrolysis of these substrates is studied by comparing stepwise, concerted, and substrate-assisted mechanisms. Both the stepwise and concerted mechanisms occur with similar barriers, while the energetics for the substrate-assisted mechanism are significantly less favorable. Irrespective of the mechanism, active site residue His217 plays a critical role, in agreement with structural, kinetics, and spectroscopic data, but the transition state of the reaction depends on the identity of the substrate (dissociative for the triester paraoxon, associative for the monoester 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (NPP), and in-between for the diesters glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine (GPE) and bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP)). In good agreement with available kinetic and spectrophotometric data, the calculations highlight the preference of GpdQ for diester substrates, followed by tri- and monoesters. For substrates with two different types of scissile bonds (paraoxon and GPE) a clear preference for the bond with the stronger electron withdrawing leaving group was observed. The extensive agreement between experimental data and DFT calculations enhances the understanding of the mechanism of GpdQ-catalyzed hydrolysis and paves the way for the rational design of optimized catalysts for the hydrolysis of different types of phosphoesters.


This research aims at finding out whether Prezi is effective to teach speaking and the students having high creativity have better speaking skill than those having low creativity. This research was carried out at IAIN Salatiga in the academic year of 2015/2016. The population was the second semester students of English Education Department. In this research, the researcher used experimental research method. The researcher took one class for experimental class (TBI D). This class was divided into two groups (the students having high and low creativity). The research instruments consist of students' creativity test and a speaking test. The creativity test and speaking test were readable after they were tried out in class TBI D of English Education Department of IAIN Salatiga. The data were the result of speaking test and it was analyzed by multifactor analysis of variance 2 x 2 (ANOVA). The findings of the research show that: (1) Prezi is effective for teaching speaking; (2) The students who have high creativity have better speaking skill than those having low creativity. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that: Prezi is an effective teaching media to teach speaking and it is suggested to the English Teacher to apply Prezi in teaching speaking. Prezi is suitable for both students who have high and low creativity because it is designed in a variety of formats that helps students to process information and organize their ideas.Key words: Prezi, Teaching Speaking, Creative Students


A full analysis of thermal motion has been carried out for the negative thermal expansion material Sc2(WO4)3 over the temperature range 50−823 K. By obtaining neutron diffraction data from isotopically pure samples of the compositions Sc2(184WO4)3, Sc2(186WO4)3 and natural Sc2(WO4)3, coupled with multidata set refinement methods, it is possible to extract anisotropic thermal parameters for individual atoms throughout the temperature range. Results indicate that the thermal motion of two Sc−O−W bridging oxygen atoms with the largest Sc−O−W angles is better represented by thermal toroids consistent with strong local motion of these units. The thermal behavior of the other oxygen atoms in the structures as a function of temperature is normal. Sc−O and W−O bond lengths corrected for the effect of correlated thermal motion show the expected increase with temperature.


Biofilms are communities of bacteria that exhibit a multitude of multiscale biomechanical behaviours. Recent experimental advances have led to characterisations of these behaviours in terms of measurements of the viscoelastic moduli of biofilms grown in bioreactors and the fracture and fragmentation properties of biofilms. These properties are macroscale features of biofilms; however, a previous work by our group has shown that heterogeneous microscale features are critical in predicting biofilm rheology. In this paper, we use tools from statistical physics to develop a generative statistical model of the positions of bacteria in biofilms. Specifically, the model is a type of pairwise interaction model (PIM). We show through simulation that the macroscopic mechanical properties of biofilms depend on the choice of microscale spatial model. A key finding is that uniform and non-uniform sets of points lead to differing mechanical properties. This distinction appears not to have been previously considered in mathematical biofilm literature. We also found that realisations of a biologically informed PIM have realistic in silico mechanical properties, and have statistical properties that closely match experimental data. We also note that a Poisson spatial point process of suitable number density also yields realistic mechanical properties, but that the spatial distribution of points does not reflect those occurring in our experimentally observed biofilm.


Abstract. Multigene molecular revision of a series of specimens of the rare spongobiotic palaemonid shrimp genus, Onycocaridella Bruce, 1981, collected predominantly from Papua New Guinea, has doubled the known species diversity to six. Of the previously known species, O. monodoa (Fujino & Miyake, 1969) and O. stenolepis (Holthuis, 1952) were analysed in the present study, whereas sequenceable specimens of the type species, O. prima Bruce, 1981, were not available. The present molecular analysis (combined COI, 16S, H3 markers) recovered six separate genetic lineages, indicating the presence of four undescribed species. Three of the latter are described in the present study. Remarkably higher known species diversity of Onycocaridella is thus recorded from a single geographic region – Papua New Guinea. The increased diversity reported here was discovered by application of complementary collecting techniques (hand picking, stone brushing, dead-coral sorting, suction sampling). One of the present new species is also reported from Australia, and O. monodoa is newly recorded from New Caledonia. A revised diagnosis of the genus and a key to identification of all known species of Onycocaridella are provided.


This paper explores the impact on winners of achieving a National Teaching Fellowship. We begin by outlining the genisis and development of the award scheme and touch on the limited literature which is available in this area. Following a description of our methodology, we then present our data. Firstly we focus on who the winners are and then on gender differences, whether the award is a reward or a millstone, and finally the impact on the individual, the degree of institutional support for winners would appear to be a major determinant of whether the award was experiences as a reward or a penalty.


This manual is a guide for non-governmental organizations carrying out child health programs to assess under-five mortality rates and evaluate programs using the CARE Group Model. By following this manual's methodology to establish a Mortality Assessment for Health Programs (MAP) System organizations can collect valid and precise information about vital events and detect statistically significant changes in under-five mortality rates over the life of a child health program. Our hope is that NGOs will find this manual practical and feasible to assess correlations between program activities and mortality trends in a variety of settings.


Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is increasingly being used in radiotherapy planning, with the development of hybrid imaging technology such as PET/CT allowing more accurate volumes being generated for treatment with external beam radiation. This article will discuss the use of FDG PET in radiotherapy planning of various types of malignancies, as well as some pitfalls and practicalities of integrating PET/CT into radiotherapy planning.


High resolution gas phase electronic spectra were recorded for 2,6-diaminopyridine (26DAP) and pyrrolidinobenzonitrile (PYRBN). A comparison of the electronic properties of the nitrogen-containing rings aniline, 2-aminopyridine, and 2,6-diaminopyridine (26DAP) shows that the potential energy surface of the molecule is significantly affected as more nitrogen atoms are added to the system. High resolution, rotationally resolved spectra of four vibrational bands in the S1 - S0 electronic transition of 26DAP were obtained in order to explain these changes. The zigzagging inertial defects point to a double minimum excited state potential energy surface along the coupled amino group inversion vibrational mode, which becomes a four-fold well (and barrier) problem when the existence of two nearly degenerate isomers is taken into account. Assuming that the molecules are in the lower energy, opposite-side configuration, ab initio calculations were performed using the MP2/6-31G** level of theory to create a potential energy surface modeling the simultaneous antisymmetric NH2-inversion mode. The calculated potential energy surface shows a ground electronic state barrier to simultaneous NH2 inversion of ~ 220 cm-1, and a fit to experimental vibrational energy level spacings and relative intensities produces an excited electronic state barrier of ~ 400 cm-1. The ground state barrier is less than that in aniline, but the excited state barrier is larger.Pyrrolidinobenzonitrile (PYRBN), a derivative of DMABN, has been examined here using high resolution fluorescence excitation spectroscopy in the presence of an electric field varying from 0 - 846 V/cm. The b-type fluorescence band reveals that the transition moment is along the short, in plane axis of the molecule. Upon excitation the inertial defect remains unchanged, which suggests that the molecule's planarity remains constant. The dipole moment is found to increase from 8.06 to 10.45 D upon electronic excitation. This analysis of PYRBN leads to many interesting comparisons to 1PP including their transition moments, dipole moments, and inertial defects.


Popular culture consists of the events and artifacts of which everyday life is composed. In McTeague: A Story of San Francisco, the popular culture of 1890's working class San Franciscans is reported by Frank Norris with scrupulous accuracy. In twentieth century versions of McTeague, popular culture continues to be employed in innovative ways. Erich von Stroheim in Greed expands on Norris's use of popular culture in an attempt to create on film a mirror reflection of life. In the opera McTeague, William Bolcom and Robert Altman combine popular culture with elite culture in unconventional ways to bring the stoiry to the musical stage. Finally, on television, in The Real McTeague, unconventional techniques are employed by Robert Altman to tell a multimedia tale with a moral.


Survey of the present state of the chemistry of these polymers and examination of their resistance to various types of degradation show that a ladder structure does not guarantee great stability, although a high degree of structural perfection and highly stable heterocycles confer significantly improved heat resistance, thermal stability, non-flammability, radiation resistance, etc. relative to traditional heteroarylenes. The principal methods for synthesising ladder polyheteroarylenes of high degrees of cyclisation are considered, various modes of practical application are examined, and their prospects are noted. A list of 260 references is included.


The paper presents the experimental research findings for the integral characteristics of processes developing when two-phase liquid droplets collide in a heated gas medium. The experiments were conducted in a closed heat exchange chamber space filled with air. The gas medium was heated to 400–500 °C by an induction system. In the experiments, the size of initial droplets, their velocities and impact angles were varied in the ranges typical of industrial applications. The main varied parameter was the percentage of vapor (volume of bubbles) in the droplet (up to 90% of the liquid volume). The droplet collision regimes (coalescence, bounce, breakup, disruption), size and number of secondary fragments, as well as the relative volume fraction of vapor bubbles in them were recorded. Differences in the collision regimes and in the distribution of secondary fragments by size were identified. The areas of liquid surface before and after the initial droplet breakup were determined. Conditions were outlined in which vapor bubbles had a significant and, on the contrary, fairly weak effect on the interaction regimes of two-phase droplets.


We herein aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol on a mouse model of Parkinson's disease and to explore whether the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway was involved. Thirty male C57 black 6 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) and a treatment group (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine resveratrol) (n=10). The model and treatment groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (30 mg/kg in normal saline) to induce Parkinson's disease. Then the treatment group was administered with resveratrol (20 mg/kg in 0.5 % sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution) on the 1 st d of modeling. The motor coordination ability was studied by the pole climbing test. Astrocyte and microglia activations in the substantia nigra pars compacta were observed by immunohistochemical staining. 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced striatum dopamine release was measured by high performance liquid chromatography and dopamine transporter level was detected with Western blot. SH-SY5Y cell viability and dependence on the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and Western blot, respectively. Resveratrol relieved the motor dysfunction, death of dopaminergic neurons, activation of astrocytes and microglia, as well as reduction of striatum dopamine content induced by neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in vitro . It also alleviated the damage of SH-SY5Y cells induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium. Resveratrol increased the levels of proteins from the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in the mouse model of Parkinson's disease and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated SH-Y5Y cells. Resveratrol exerted neuroprotective effects on the Parkinson's disease model predominantly by regulating the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.


Abstract. Changing agricultural practices from conventional to conservation tillage generally leads to increased weed populations and herbicide use. To gain information about the possible use of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) cover crop as an alternative and sustainable weed-control strategy for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), an experiment was performed at Thiverval-Grignon, France, from 2008 to 2010. We compared conventional and reduced tillage as well as the presence and absence of living mulch (i.e. lucerne) on weeds and wheat production. Percentage soil coverage and aboveground biomass of wheat, lucerne and weeds were measured at the end of grain filling. Weed communities were analysed in terms of composition and diversity. During both seasons, wheat biomass did not significantly decrease in reduced-till trials compared with conventional ones (7.0 and 7.2 t ha–1, respectively, in 2008–09; 6.9 and 7.1 t ha–1 in 2009–10). Regardless of soil management, the percentage soil coverage by wheat significantly decreased when it was intercropped, although wheat biomass was not significantly reduced compared with the sole crop. To minimise cash-crop losses, we studied the competition between wheat, lucerne and weeds, testing various herbicide strategies. Early control of lucerne allowed better balance between weed control and wheat development. In addition, weed communities varied among treatments in terms of abundance and composition, being reduced but more varied in plots associated with lucerne. A functional group analysis showed that grasses benefited from reduced-till conditions, whereas problematic weeds such as annuals with creeping and climbing morphologies were substantially reduced. In addition, annual and perennial broad-leaf species with rosette morphology were also significantly decreased when lucerne was used as living mulch. Wheat production in reduced-till conditions intercropped with lucerne living mulch may be useful for integrated weed management, reducing the need for herbicides.


Providing reliable and efficient communication under fading channels is one of the major technical challenges in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), especially in industrial WSNs (IWSNs) with dynamic and harsh environments. Reliable Reactive Routing Enhancement (R3E) to increase the resilience to link dynamics for WSNs/IWSNs. R3E is designed to enhance existing reactive routing protocols to provide reliable and energy-efficient packet delivery against the unreliable wireless links by utilizing the local path diversity. A biased back off scheme has been introduced, during the route-discovery phase to find a robust guide path, which can provide more cooperative forwarding opportunities. Along this guide path, data packets are greedily progressed toward the destination through nodes' cooperation without utilizing the location information. R3E remarkably improves the packet delivery ratio, while maintaining high energy efficiency and low delivery latency.


Introduction The progression of acute type A aortic dissection may cause immediate death, such that, in the event of its diagnosis, emergency surgery is indicated. Relatedly, an interhospital transfer may prolong the time from diagnosis to surgery. This study therefore investigated how interhospital transfers impact surgical outcomes for acute type A aortic dissection. Materials and Methods After excluding those patients who received deferred surgery for acute type A aortic dissection, 112 patients who received emergency surgery for the condition at our hospital from January 2011 to January 2018 were enrolled. These patients were divided into two groups, one consisting of the patients who were sent directly to our emergency department (group 1) and the other consisting of the patients who were transferred from another hospital after first being diagnosed with type A aortic dissection (group 2). The collected data included the patient demographics, clinical characteristics, operative findings and methods, postoperative outcomes, latest follow-up time, and most recent status. Results There were 59 patients in group 1 and 53 patients in group 2. Univariate analysis revealed that group 1 had significantly more patients with a previous stroke (p = 0.007). Moreover, the average length of time from receiving a computed tomography (CT) scan to entering the operating room (OR) was shorter for the group 1 patients (p < 0.001). However, except for the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (14.5% versus 33.3%, p = 0.024), there was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of the operative findings and outcomes, such as hypotension before cardiopulmonary bypass, hemopericardium, other complications, and survival rate. Multivariate analysis showed that the independent predictors of hospital mortality included age > 61.5 years (p = 0.017), respiratory rate upon admission > 18.5 breaths/minute (p = 0.046), and total bypass time > 265.6 minutes (p = 0.015). For the patients who survived to discharge, log-rank analysis demonstrated similar cumulative survival rates for the two groups (p = 0.62). Further multivariate analysis showed that the risk of death after discharge was associated with the interval between the CT scan and OR entry (hazard ratio = 0.97 per minute; 95% confidence interval, 0.950–0.998; p = 0.037). Conclusion In this study, it was found that interhospital transfer did not influence the surgical outcomes of patients with acute type A aortic dissection. As such, it can be concluded that the transfer of the patients with type A aortic dissection to tertiary hospitals with experienced cardiac surgical teams may not increase the surgical risk.


Objective This study aims to estimate the risk of cervical cancer and impact of treatment and other factors in women referred for high-grade (HG) and low-grade (LG) cytologic changes and discharged from colposcopy. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study identified 14,787 and 41,916 women with a first-time HG and LG cytologic abnormality between 2007 and 2010 and underwent colposcopy within 1 year. Treatment status was determined within the episode of care. Incidence of cervical cancer postcolposcopy was determined up to March 2015. Logistic regression assessed impact of colposcopic care and patient factors on cancer risk. Results A total of 62% HG and 28.5% LG had treatment. A total of 28% and 37% with HG and LG abnormalities had only 1 colposcopic evaluation. Subsequent cancer incidence in the untreated HG group was 1.1% versus 0.3% in the treated group. For the LG group, cancer rates were 0.08% in both treatment groups. In the HG group, those with initial colposcopy only and no treatment had an elevated risk [adjusted odds ratio = 6.6 (95% CI = 3.9–11)] compared with treatment with multiple follow-ups. Other significant factors were advancing age and no screening postcolposcopy. For the LG group, those with initial colposcopy only were more at risk regardless of treatment [adjusted odds ratio = 3.8 (95% CI = 1.8–8.1)] compared with multiple colposcopies. Conclusions Women who are untreated, with index HG cytology, remain at elevated risk for cervical cancer when the colposcopic episode is limited to 1 examination. Centralized programs are required to ensure that such women are not discharged prematurely or lost to follow up from colposcopy and subsequent screening.


In the face of dynamic changes and uncertainties such as pandemics, crises, and war, the banking business is focusing on maximizing its transition to online services. This requires a constant search for innovative banking service channels that reduce irrational operating costs, while ensuring that each client can receive necessary banking services. The article aims to study the trends in the development of innovative marketing technologies in the activities of banks and identify the features of communication channels in the context of digitalization. The article notes that the development of innovative marketing technologies for promoting banking products requires a study of the audience to whom these products and services should be directed. This includes the knowledge and skills of using digital financial technologies. Innovations create new opportunities for products/services, as well as new strategies and commercialization channels. The article outlines the problems of providing banking services using digital information technologies in Ukraine. Four types of business models for the bank's marketing policy in the context of digitalization are identified, namely: closed ecosystem, digital "killer", service model, and aggregator model. The article considers the potential opportunities for customers to use such technologies and the capabilities of banks to develop and implement digital marketing technologies. Digital marketing is described as targeted and interactive marketing, which involves the use of information, financial, and digital technologies and channels. New approaches, innovative tools, and communication channels for digital marketing of banking products and services are identified. The article notes that offline channels are still relevant for banking marketing but emphasizes that the use of digital channels has its own specifics and technologies depending on the market segment and audience. Additionally, it should be noted that the development of innovative marketing technologies requires creative thinking and significant information and analytical support.