Abstract 1794 Preclinical studies have demonstrated synergistic interactions between proteasome and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in diverse hematologic malignancies, including those of B-cell origin. We have previously shown that the combination of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and the HDAC inhibitor romidepsin, administered at extremely low concentrations (∼3–5 nM), results in a striking increase in apoptosis in primary CLL cells, including cells from patients with CLL refractory to standard treatments (Dai Y et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2008). These findings prompted initiation of a phase I trial, using a 3+3 design, with the primary objective of determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for the combination of bortezomib and romidepsin in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocyte leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), indolent B-cell lymphoma, or peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). To date, 11 patients have been enrolled and treated. All of the patients treated have been diagnosed with CLL/SLL (n=11). The male:female ratio was n = 10 (91%):1 (9%); the median age was 56 (range 46–66) years; ECOG performance scores ranged from 0 to 1; and the median number of prior therapies was 4 (range 2–6). The schedule of administration was intravenous bolus bortezomib followed by a 4-hour intravenous infusion of romidepsin on days 1, 8, and 15; on a 28-day cycle. Dose level 1 = bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2, romidepsin 8 mg/m2 (n=3); level 2A = bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2, romidepsin 10 mg/m2 (n=5); and level 2B = bortezomib 1.6 mg/m2, romidepsin 8 mg/m2(n=3). The study is currently enrolling to dose levels 2A and 2B. Adverse events were determined using CTCAE version 4. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were determined per protocol and occur in cycle 1 only. Two DLTs have been observed: 1 at dose level 2A (grade 3 fatigue) and 1 at dose level 2B (grade 3 chills, associated with cytokine release syndrome). Both dose levels will be expanded to 6 DLT-evaluable patients. Non-DLT grade 3 or greater adverse events have included anemia (grade 3, 9%), fatigue (grade 3, 9%), leukopenia (grade 3, 9%), nausea (grade 3, 9%), neutropenia (grade 4, 18%), soft tissue infection (grade 3, 9%), and vomiting (grade 3, 9%). Serious adverse events that were deemed at least possibly related to treatment were grade 3 soft tissue infection with grade 4 neutropenia (1 patient); grade 2 fever/nausea/vomiting which precipitated hospitalization (1 patient); and grade 2 cytokine release syndrome with associated grade 3 shaking chills, and grade 2 nausea/vomiting/diarrhea/oral dysethesia/sweats/photophobia/macular rash (1 patient). All 11 patients treated were evaluable for response. One partial response has been observed to date; the patient (positive for ZAP70; 4 lines of prior chemotherapy) proceeded, after 4 cycles of romidepsin and bortezomib, to allogeneic stem cell transplant. Five patients had a best response of stable disease and 5 had progressive disease. Correlative studies examining pre- and post-treatment expression of NF-κB (nuclear RelA and p52 as a marker of p100 processing), the NF-κB-dependent proteins XIAP and Bcl-xL, and Bim are currently underway. Collectively, these findings indicate that the safety profile is consistent with those reported for bortezomib and romidepsin, with reversible grade 2 to 4 adverse events, in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL. The MTD has not yet been reached. Pending identification of the MTD, phase II evaluation of this therapeutic strategy, if warranted, should determine its activity more definitively in this population. Disclosures: Shea:Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.


This paper describes a video annotation and querying system which is capable of semi-automatic annotation of videos from text. The extracted metadata is aligned with the corresponding video segments. This allows users to query videos according to their semantic content. We have chosen soccer domain to demonstrate the use of the system. The soccer videos are very suitable for our framework, since it is easy to find Web-cast match reports for soccer games. The annotated videos are stored in MPEG-7 format in an object-oriented database. The keyword-based indexing allows fast retrieval of video segments. The system accepts match reports in Turkish which makes querying in Turkish possible.


When the modern electronic computer proposals pioneered by von Neumann, Eckert, Mauchly, and others in the 1940s were under development, the Army and Navy predecessors of today's National Security Agency were quick to realize that their great power and versatility promised exciting improvements in cryptologic applications. Many of the NSA-supported projects were among industry "firsts," and features in several commercial computers directly followed NSA's lead. A survey of the computer developments made by and for NSA is given here, beginning with ATLAS, delivered in December 1950 by Engineering Research Associates, and culminating in the massive LIGHTNING research program.


Abstract The international community inside and outside the Conference of Disarmament is underscoring the need for concluding a fissile material cut-off treaty (FMCT). The Indian government, for a long period, has been sponsoring the idea. Notwithstanding the international stagnation, the issue has been instigating periodic debate in India on the Indian approach. The periodic revival of the issue requires that India revisit its policy on fissile material production as well as its approach towards a possible FMCT. This article examines the question: should India's approach to conclude an FMCT be within the UN institutional framework? The new international reality is pushing for a new context, new realignments and a fresh outlook for an FMCT. India should take its own time to support conclusion of an FMCT so that its national interests and security are not adversely affected.


The article analyzes forensic activity as one of the forms of activity in the field of legal proceedings. A comprehensive analysis of forensic activity has allowed formulating a number of proposals regarding ways and means of improving it.
Ways of improving forensic activities have been identified and proposed: increasing the level of technical and forensic support for the disclosure, investigation and prevention of crimes; implementation of measures to increase the effectiveness of the participation of specialists of expert services in conducting investigative actions and operational-search measures. There is also indicated on improving research activities and introducing into practice new technical and forensic tools, forensic methods and techniques. Conducting forensic records, analytical and organizational work based on the introduction of modern automated systems and technologies; synthesis and dissemination of best practices and analysis of expert practice; improving the selection, training and placement of employees of expert units, strengthening official and executive discipline. Intensification of interaction between the expert services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with other departments of the internal affairs bodies, as well as with other law enforcement agencies, including at the interstate level is described.


Aiming to ensure the safety of the transport infrastructure during operation through the improvement of maintenance policies across Europe, the European Commission opened in 2019 the call for the Coordination and Support Action (CSA) "Monitoring and safety of transport infrastructure". The main goal of this CSA is to support the preparation of a mandate for a CEN standard for the maintenance and control of the European transport infrastructure. In 2020, the CSA was granted to the IM-SAFE project consortium. Based on the analysis of standardisation needs, good practice and available knowledge and technology, the future perspectives of standardisation for the use of monitoring, inspection and testing in managing the safety risks to transport infrastructure has been studied.This contribution presents the scope proposed by the IM-SAFE project for future harmonised European standards in the domain of monitoring, data-informed safety assessment and condition- based and risk-based predictive maintenance policies for bridges and tunnels, considering the integration of digital innovations as enabling technology.


This Dissertation introduces new modulation schemes for single-phase differential-mode Cuk inverter (DMCI) and differential-mode three-phase Cuk inverter (DTCI) to improve inverter efficiency by reducing its circulating power.
The DMCI is a single-stage inverter with low device count. It offers advantages over other topologies because of compactness, higher power density, and reduced cost. It is a promising topology configuration for renewable-/alternative-energy applications encompassing both isolated and non-isolated configurations. The continuous modulation scheme (CMS), which was introduced originally for DMCI, activates all of the modules of the DMCI. The new discontinuous modulation scheme (DMS) deactivates one module in each half line-cycle leading to discontinuous operation of the inverter modules. Chapter 2 outlines the DMS and a mechanism to realize it. The experimental open-loop and closed-loop results of the DMCI using CMS and DMS are provided along with comparisons of their performances. It is shown that, the DMS reduces the circulating power and mitigates the losses of the DMCI, the voltage ratings of the devices of the DMCI are also reduced with the DMS. In contrast, the CMS-based DMCI exhibits wider linearity in its normalized dc-voltage gain and yields reduced harmonic distortion of the output voltage. For DMS, to achieve comparable linearity in normalized dc-voltage gain and distortion, harmonic compensation under closed-loop control is a pathway that has been demonstrated.
The DTCI is introduced in Chapter 3. The DTCI has some advantage over other differential-mode and three-phase topologies, including fewer switches, bidirectional power flow capability, and galvanic isolation. It is a promising configuration for renewable-/alternative-energy applications with isolated as well as non-isolated structures.
 The CMS, which was introduced originally for DTCI, activates all of the three modules of the DTCI. This modulation scheme increases the circulating power in modules and hence increases the inverter power loss. Chapter 3 introduces DMS for DTCI. DMS deactivates one module at a time resulting in a discontinuous operation of DTCI modules. It also outlines DMS and its implementation with a proper control mechanism. The proposed implementation of the DMS is straight forward. The experimental open-loop and closed-loop results of the DTCI using CMS and DMS are provided along with comparisons of their performances. It is shown that, the DMS reduces the circulating power and hence mitigates the losses.
The voltage ratings of the DTCI devices also are reduced with the DMS for the same reason. DTCI exhibits a nonlinear voltage-gain with both CMS- and DMS-based modulations. It has been demonstrated that by feed-forwarding the input voltage and incorporating a static linearization method, the harmonic distortion of the DTCI output is considerably reduced.


Centre of Oriental Studies, Vilnius University The article deals with the main historical and cultural approaches of Europeans to Buddhism in various Asian areas. The intention of author is to turn to discussion of those peculiar forms in which the knowledge of Buddhism was presented. This study sets out its aim to explore the way of engagement of the West with the Buddhist tradition, emphasizing the early period of the encounter and those initial imaginative constructions and early discourses that shaped the nascency of the scholarly discipline. Conclusion is made that Buddhism has been represented in the Western imagination in a manner that reflects specifically Western concerns, interests, and aspirations. Europeans saw themselves as possessing the criteria upon which the judgement of the religious, social, and cultural value of Buddhism rests. Buddhism was constructed, essentialized and interpreted through Western images of the Oriental mind that provided ideological strategies and a hermeneutic filter.


It is now widely recognized that a large number of Cretaceous planktic foraminiferal species are commonly found associated with fully Danian faunas in many K/T boundary sections and deep-sea cores. This "Cretaceous" fauna has traditionally been regarded as representing the reworking of older Cretaceous sediments into younger strata, though recent isotopic data from some species indicates that, at least in these instances, the reworking hypothesis is false. To further test this reworking hypothesis the biogeography of this "Cretaceous" fauna is compared to the underlying uppermost Maastrichtian biogeography and to the biogeography of lowermost Danian planktic foraminiferal faunas. Results show that there is no regular decline in species richness, extinction, or faunal co-occurrence values for this "Cretaceous" fauna at progressively higher (=younger) Danian stratigraphic horizons. Moreover, there is no compelling association between the stratigraphic persistence of this "Cretaceous" fauna and shallow depositional settings. Instead, this fauna is characterized by: (1) a close (and predictive) association between "Cretaceous" and indigenous Danian species richness values throughout the lower Danian, (2) a close numerical and geographic correspondence between Danian speciation and the disappearance of "Cretaceous" species from the Danian fossil record, and (3) a pronounced similarity between changes in the general biogeographic structures of the "Cretaceous" and associated Danian faunas throughout the study interval. These data suggest that the K/T planktic foraminiferal extinction event exhibited a marked geographic structure with low and middle latitude faunas experiencing differentially high extinction rates in the lowermost Danian zones P0 and P1a and high latitude survivor faunas persisting more or less unchanged into the overlying zone, P1b and P1c. Taken together, these results challenge the traditional concept of an instantaneous uppermost Cretaceous planktic foraminiferal mass extinction and its proposed causal connection to bolide impact.


Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the anatomy of the median and ulnar nerves. 2. Perform clinical examination of the upper limb. 3. Analyze examination results to diagnose level of nerve compression. Summary: Numbness and loss of strength are common complaints in the hand surgery clinic. Two nerves that are commonly entrapped (median and ulnar nerves) have several potential sites of entrapment, and in busy clinical practice, the less common sites may be overlooked, leading to wrong or missed diagnoses. This article reviews the anatomy of the median and ulnar nerves, provides tips to assist the busy clinician in diagnosis of site of entrapment(s), and discusses how to simplify surgery. The goal is to help the clinician be as efficient and accurate as possible when evaluating the patient with numbness or loss of strength in their hand.


The Experimental Autonomous Vehicle - West (EAVE-West) submersible testbed has been configured for demonstrating a distributable software architecture for Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (AUV) plan execution. Instead of using a machine planner aboard the AUV, plans are represented and then downloaded to the vehicle. This technique obviates the problems associated with planning and, as a result, the real-time response of the AUV can potentially be improved. A review of the architecture is given and the EAVE-West demonstration system is discussed.


The 14C Quality Assurance Programme coordinated by the IAEA (Rozanski et al. 1992) prepared a set of five new intercomparison materials, including 40–50 ka old subfossil wood excavated from New Zealand peat bogs (IAEA C-4 standard). Statistical analysis of 79 14C measurements made on the wood indicated considerable variation in the results, with a marked skewness toward more modern values. The wide range of results and the possibility of inhomogeneity within the standard prompted the recovery and analysis of replacement material. The new subfossil wood sample is kauri (Agathis australis), at least 50 ka old, excavated from a swamp in Northland. It is in the form of a single plank, 6 m long, weighing 80 kg. It will be forwarded to the IAEA in Vienna for milling and distribution. Subsamples were obtained from both ends of the plank and analyzed by six laboratories. We present here the results of these analyses and compare them with the previous IAEA intercalibration results for the C-4 standard.


We will present the EGRIP CPO (c-axes fabric) dataset and give preliminary interpretations concerning the processes leading to its evolution. 120 bags were selected, with a minimum depth resolution of 15m. Bags were mostly measured continuously, and in total 778 thin sections were prepared, measured and pre-processed on site. Thus, c-axes distribution CPO data are already available, while other parameters on grain stereology are still to be processed at this stage. The CPO patterns found in the upper 1650m at EGRIP show (1) a rapid evolution of c-axes anisotropy compared to lower dynamics sites and (2) partly novel characteristics in the CPO patterns.
(1) Starting the measurements at 118m of depth we find a very broad single maximum distribution. The c-axes align with depth in the upper 400m much more rapidly than seen in ice cores from divides or domes. Down to only 140m depth the almost random CPO develops into a very broad single maximum which is similar to those CPOs found in the shallowest samples of other ice cores. Possible interpretations of these distributions are deformation by vertical compression from overlying layers, or alternatively a temperature-gradient snow metamorphosis. This weak CPO pattern is, however, quickly overprinted in the depth zone below 140m where a progressive evolution towards a vertical girdle distribution is observed. As vertical girdles are produced by extension along flow, the observed distribution indicates that the ice at this depth is deforming rather than just being translated by rigid block movement. From approximately 600m of depth downward we observe crystal orientation anisotropy of a strength comparable to samples from ~1400m of depth at divides (NEEM and EDML). This strong girdle CPO remains rather stable down to approximately 1300m depth, where we reach the ice deposited during the last glacial period. A novel pattern, not observed before in natural ice, is a higher densities of c-axes horizontally oriented within the vertical girdle.
(2) The early onset of deformation seems further supported by the observation of a broad "hourglass shaped" girdle, which seems to develop in some depths into a "butterfly shaped" cross girdle. Another characteristic deserves attention: the distribution density within the girdle. In contrast to observations in deep ice cores so far, the highest density seems to deviate from the vertical direction being (sub-)parallel to the horizontal. The origin of this may lay in the main deformation modes, e.g. a combination of along flow extension with additional deformation modes.
Especially interesting is the cross girdle, which has not yet been observed in polar ice cores so far. We suggest three possible interpretations for its origin: a) In other materials, such as quartz, cross girdles can be interpreted as activation of multiple dislocation slip systems. b) Alternatively, the CPO pattern may reflect reminiscent features from previous deformation modes, which the ice experienced upstream or possibly even outside of the ice stream. This memory effect would point to a relevance of strain dependence of the CPO. c) The cross- /double-girdle might be caused by the early onset of dynamic migration recrystallization under horizontal uniaxial extension.


Abstract In the classroom, we traditionally visualize inferential concepts using static graphics or interactive apps. For example, there is a long history of using apps to visualize sampling distributions. The lineup protocol for visual inference is a recent development in statistical graphics that has created an opportunity to build student understanding. Lineups are created by embedding plots of observed data into a field of null (noise) plots. This arrangement facilitates comparison and helps build student intuition about the difference between signal and noise. Lineups can be used to visualize randomization/permutation tests, diagnose models, and even conduct valid inference when distributional assumptions break down. This article provides an overview of how the lineup protocol for visual inference can be used to build understanding of key statistical topics throughout the statistics curriculum. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.


Recent research has explored the possibility that increased sea-surface temperatures and decreasing pH (ocean acidification) contribute to the ongoing decline of coral reef ecosystems. Within corals, a diverse microbiome exerts significant influence on biogeochemical and ecological processes, including food webs, organismal life cycles, and chemical and nutrient cycling. Microbes on coral reefs play a critical role in regulating larval recruitment, bacterial colonization, and pathogen abundance under ambient conditions, ultimately governing the overall resilience of coral reef systems. As a result, microbial processes may be involved in reef ecosystem-level responses to climate change. Developments of new molecular technologies, in addition to multidisciplinary collaborative research on coral reefs, have led to the rapid advancement in our understanding of bacterially mediated reef responses to environmental change. Here we review new discoveries regarding (1) the onset of coral-bacterial associations; (2) the functional roles that bacteria play in healthy corals; and (3) how bacteria influence coral reef response to environmental change, leading to a model describing how reef microbiota direct ecosystem-level response to a changing global climate.


The Linear Quadratic Gaussian Poisson (LQGP) problem denotes an optimal control problem with linear dynamics and quadratic costs with both Gaussian and Poisson noise disturbances. The LQGP problem provides a benchmark model with sufficient complexity while permitting formal solutions for testing both theoretical and computational methods. The problem is examined and is illustrated with a flexible, multistage manufacturing system application.


The pancreatic acinar cell is a classical model for studies of secretion and signal transduction mechanisms. Because of the extensive endoplasmic reticulum and the large granular compartment, it has been possible by direct measurements to obtain considerable insights into intracellular Ca2+ handling under both normal and pathological conditions. Recent studies have also revealed important characteristics of stimulus-secretion coupling mechanisms in isolated human pancreatic acinar cells. The acinar cells are potentially dangerous because of the high intra-granular concentration of proteases, which become inappropriately activated in the human disease acute pancreatitis. This disease is due to toxic Ca2+ signals generated by excessive liberation of Ca2+ from both the endoplasmic reticulum and the secretory granules.


A novel transparent 4.76 at.% Tm:(Lu2/3Sc1/3)2O3 "mixed" sequioxide ceramic is synthesized by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) at 1800 °C / 195 MPa in an Ar atmosphere. Its structure is studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The spectroscopic properties of the Tm3+ ion are described within the Judd-Ofelt theory, which resulted in intensity parameters of Ω2 = 2.429, Ω4 = 1.078 and Ω6 = 0.653 [10−20 cm2]. For the 3F4 → 3H6 transition, the maximum stimulated-emission cross-section σSE is 7.15 × 10−21 cm2 at 1951 nm. The radiative lifetime of the 3F4 state is 4.01 ms. Under diode-pumping at 802 nm, a microchip Tm:(Lu,Sc)2O3 ceramic laser generated ~1 W at 2100 nm with a slope efficiency of 24%. The spectroscopic and laser properties of the Tm:(Lu,Sc)2O3 ceramic are compared with those of a Tm:LuScO3 single crystal. The ceramic exhibits very broad and flat gain cross sections, which is promising for ultrashort pulse generation.


The increased surface roughness of dental implants has shown enhanced integration of bone tissues to implant surfaces, but may be predisposed to an increased risk of pathogenic bacterial infection and contamination with bacterial products. Tetracycline-HCl (Tc) treatment has been regarded as a practical and effective chemical modality for decontamination and detoxification of contaminated implant surfaces. The purpose of this study was to examine if Tc treatment alters the microstructures of the modified surface of dental implants. For this purpose, dental implants with pure titanium machined surface (MS), sandblasted, large grit, acid-etched surface (SLAS), or anodized surface (AS) were used. The surface of dental implants was rubbed for 30, 60, 90, 120, or 150 sec with sponge pellets soaked in Tc solution (50mg/ml) and in distilled water for 0 and 150 sec as the control group. The specimens were then routinely processed for scanning electron microscopy. The results show that Tc treatment did not change the surface of MS, SLAS, and AS.


High rates of primary production support the great animal biodiversity of the Gulf of California. One of the main limitations to estimate total (PT) and new (PNEW) primary production by 14C and 15N bottle incubations, respectively, is the small number of point samples generated for a particular area, and with very poor time coverage. Satellite ocean color sensors offer an alternative to estimate phytoplankton production rates in the oceans with an ample spatial-temporal variability that is not possible to cover with research vessels. With ocean color sensors in orbit, scientific expectations remain to improve ocean primary production models. Parameters used by these algorithms fall into three categories: environmental, ecological, and physiological. A review is given on studies that have generated information on these parameters for Gulf of California waters, and opportunities for new research are highlighted. Satellite surface pigment (Chls) and irradiance data (PARsat) need to be associated to vertical profiles (Chlz and PARz) generated with a Gaussian distribution function and Lambert-Beer's law, respectively. A detailed description is given of the parameters that characterize this Gaussian function and a vertical attenuation coefficient of PAR variable with z, for different seasons and regions within the Gulf of California. The weakest part of modeling primary production are the photosynthesis-irradiance (P-E) curve parameters: the initial slope, assimilation number, and quantum efficiency, and these give us an opportunity for new research. Summer data to characterize all the set of parameters needed for modeling primary production based on satellite data are the scarcest.


Since the 1980s, neoliberal economic policies have accelerated around the world. The active participation of governments in economic activities began to change. Accordingly, significant shifts have occurred in the composition of public expenditures. In many countries, while investment expenditures decreased proportionally; current expenditures and transfer expenditures increased. However, despite the structural transformation in economic policies, budget deficits remained substantial. Therefore, budget deficits and the effects of these deficits have been constantly discussed in the economic literature. As a result of the EU debt crisis, debates on budget deficits have become one of the main agenda items of many countries, international institutions, and central banks. The negative effects of the deficits which were mainly caused by the financing of consumption expenditures were observed during the crisis. While developed countries can use the budget to support the economic growth process, budget deficits in underdeveloped countries can threaten economic stability. The aim of this study is to test the relationship between budget deficit and economic growth using asymmetric causality approach based on data of the period 1980-2011 for Turkey. According to the findings, contractionary fiscal policies adversely affect economic growth.


The aim of the article is to examine infrastructure classification and assess private financing alternativesfor major groups of physical infrastructure under ownership of state owned enterprises in Latvia.Tasks of the research include examining types infrastructure with a focus on physical infrastructure,explaining importance of physical infrastructure to economy of a country and society, studying physicalinfrastructure financing challenges and problems, conducting a research on a state owned enterprisesin Latvia, which own physical infrastructure, conducting expert interviews to reveal key challenges ofprivate financing alternatives for funding of infrastructure of state owned enterprises in Latvia as wellas drawing corresponding conclusion.Methods used are structured expert interviews, analytic hierarchy process, monographic method, documentanalysis, case study method, and literature review. The empirical research covers ten stateownedenterprises of Latvia, which own physical infrastructure. The major groups of infrastructurecovered by the research are transportation, communication and power. Following key private financingalternatives are considered- commercial bank loans, bond issues as well as public-private partnerships.Seven experts were interviewed to reveal key infrastructure financing challenges faced by stateowned enterprises. Out of seven experts, one expert represents the power industry, two experts operatein the area of communications and four are financing experts covering all infrastructure areas.At the final stage of the research, preferred alternatives for major groups of physical infrastructureunder ownership of state owned enterprises in Latvia derived from expert assessments are presentedand corresponding conclusions drawn.Only one company out of ten subject to research is financed not only by bank loans, but also issuedbonds to attract funding. None of infrastructure objects belonging to these companies is financed viapublic-private partnership.The outcome of the article is an expert interview based hierarchy of suitable financing alternatives forstudied types of infrastructure under ownership of state owned enterprises of Latvia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eis.0.12.20858


Commercial banks are business companies, however, due to their specifics they must be conservative in their decisions, but dynamic in customer service. These two preconditions are vital for surviving in the competitive environment of business. Conservativism is reflected by statics; hierarchy in decision making at the management level ensures fast adoption of strategic decisions, which is regulated by the levels of subordination. Dynamic work of departments in customer service level warrants flexible, fast and qualitative relationships with the users (clients). It is noteworthy that when comparing improvement and adaptation of banks and organizations in general, it can be seen that banks are rapidly introducing innovations, supplementing the scope of their offering with electronic services: electronic banking, payment cards, online credit services, etc.; however, when analyzing the improvement of organizational structures, it can be stated that in banks there is no adjustable organizational structure, thus, rigid relationships remain between the elements of the bank, preventing the development of responsibility and flexibility. The explored scientific literature allows stating that the scientific literature purposely analyzing the bank development process and its consequences to the structure of management as well as to the management of bank network has not been widely analyzed, and the sources of literature are sparse. Scientific literature on the subject of banks more often deals with the management aspects of bank assets' liquidity; it also considers the bank risk management models, while emphasizing the importance of operational risk management. The article is dedicated to revealing the management of the commercial bank network when changing the established organizational structure with the two main parts – static and dynamic. Based on scientific works of management specialists, the essence of the bank and its organizational structure is discussed, process of bank development is revealed, which represents the prerequisite for the new structural model of bank management. Tactical management of the bank ensures its vitality – support and performance of all functions. Strategic management includes the entirety of decisions, which determine the bank's success. Day-to-day management refers to dynamics, and dynamic organizational management structure is, therefore, necessary. Strategic management is statics, and static organizational management structure is, therefore, needed. Strategic management is ensured by the manager of the organization, in this case, of the bank. Manager (of the bank, bank branch, department, division) has to make strategic decisions not as fast as tactical (everyday) ones. Day-to-day decisions cannot be postponed, they must be made immediately, rapidly, in order to ensure smooth process of work, satisfaying the customers. Dynamic model of commercial bank management allows manifestation and revelation of employees' competence, qualification and creativity in routine activities. Moreover, the staff also assume the responsibility and do not digress from the limits of their empowerments. Conceptional model of commercial bank management should be highly beneficial to the bank: more funds could be allocated to scientific research works, market research, training of the staff and improvement of qualification; an opportunity would appear to attract the energetic specialists and managers of high qualification with higher salaries.


On-chip memories, and in particular SRAMs, are among the most critical components in terms of data security because they might contain sensitive data such as secret keys. Whenever a tampering event is detected, one should be able to erase efficiently and rapidly the full content of a memory holding such sensitive data, but current solutions based on simple power-off lead to very long erasure times. In this paper, we present a non-invasive design technique based on an innovative mechanism to remove electric charges from SRAM bitcells still powered on, before refreshing them with a new content not correlated with the previous one. The particularity of this novel hardware countermeasure is to be natively compatible with any SRAM circuit designed from pushed-rule foundry bitcells. We have designed and characterized an 8kB SRAM in 22nm FD-SOI process technology exploiting the proposed security strategy demonstrating an erase operation accomplished in the nanosecond time scale (versus 295µs with the conventional power-off solution) at the cost of an additional area of less than 5%. We have also shown that our solution is more efficient than a solution without prior erasure consisting in writing identical data to all memory addresses in a single clock cycle (1 ns). The use of the latter drops the ratio of zeroized addresses at 92 %, while increasing the operating energy consumption by 2.1x under nominal operating conditions.


The turn of the nineteenth century saw the publication of an abundance of travel narratives and texts in natural history written by maskilic Jews in Hebrew, Yiddish, and German in Hebrew characters. Several of these were maskilic translations of German children's books such as Georg Christian Raff's Naturgeschichte für Kinder or Joachim Heinrich Campe's travel stories for children. Others were fragmentary translations of German science books such as Anton Friedrich Büsching's Neue Erdbeschreibung. These translations were inspired by the maskilim's desire to acculturate their fellow Jews according to the standards of the European "high culture" of their time. The scientific, geographical, and philosophical knowledge offered by the source texts, combined with the rhetoric of voyage and discovery, as well as the stories of domesticating and acculturating "savage" peoples and wild animals, provided the maskilim with a compelling platform for disseminating maskilic knowledge, ideology, and goals.


The seasonal changes in fish assemblage structure and the importance of El Conchalito mangrove swamp was assessed from October 1996 to August 1997. A modified stationary flume net was deployed at the swamp channel just before high tide and operated continuosly until the neap tide during the full moon. A total of 35,138 fish specimens were caught, belonging to 34 species included in 26 genera and 16 families. The fish assemblage changed with seasons, the fish assemblage had the highest species richness (21) and highest relative dominance index (0.77) in summer, but the highest Shannon diversity (2.7 bits/ind.) and Pielou evenness (0.73) in winter. Fish assemblages of summer and autumn had the highest similarity (68%), which reflects environmental changes that drives a sequential pattern in community structure between summer-autumn and autumn-winter clusters. Dominant species also showed a seasonal alternation between Eucinostomus currani (autumn), Albula nemoptera (winter) and Anchoa ischana (spring and summer) by numbers, whereas Diapterus peruvianus (autumn), Mugil curema (winter), Sphoeroides annulatus (spring) and A. ischana (summer) were the dominant species by biomass. The structural analysis of the fish community revealed four dominant species, seven common species and 23 rare species. The importance of the mangrove area of El Conchalito estuary is demonstrated based on the diversity of marine fishes that use this ecosystem as primary habitat for nursery, foraging and recruitment areas, and by its low disturbed conditions.


This article shares a plan for infection control monitoring in an ambulatory surgery unit. Simple, efficient, and effective, the plan meets the unique needs of nurses working in a high-volume unit with rapid turnover of patients where virtually no contact occurs nor is information received about patients after the first 24 hours. The success of the plan depends on the surgeons assuming responsibility for identifying and reporting their patients' postoperative infections. We have found that surgeons will respond if provided with a simple reporting system that requires minimal completion time.


: The levels of estrogen, progesterone, androgen and glucocorticoid receptors were assayed in 70 malignant epithelial tumors of human ovaries. The percentage of progesterone, androgen and glucocorticoid receptor-positive tumors was significantly higher in reproductive patients than in menopausal ones. Well-differentiated serous cystadenocarcinomas showed a higher level of progesterone receptors than those characterized by poor differentiation of cells. It was found that steroid hormone receptor profile of primary tumor may be determined in its metastases into the greater omentum whenever tumor cannot be removed. In cases of preoperative chemotherapy, the percentage of receptor-positive ovarian tumors was lower.


In this study, the productivity of the red watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) crop in arid regions with saline water is examined in relation to the effects of magnetic treatment of irrigation water. The greenhouse experiments compared two treatments (magnetic treatment of irrigation water) and (no magnetic treatment of irrigation water). Magnetic treatment device delta water with a power of 14500 gausses (1.45 T) that was delivered from the company professional hydraulic (CPH) was used for vegetative traits on growing periods and quantitative, qualitative, and chemical production characteristics at maturity. The leaf area and the number of seedlings treated with magnetic water (MW) increased significantly by 8.7 and 1.4%, respectively, compared to control seedlings. Leaf holder length also decreased. Except for plant height prior to branching, it also demonstrated a notable increase in stem characteristics. Magnetic water (MW) enhanced the yield characteristics (quantitative, qualitative, and chemical), resulting in increases in the number of fruits produced per plant 11.4%, fruit weight 2%, the weight of a kilogram of seeds, and yield, respectively with 0.34, 10.34 and 16.5% decrease in fruit peel thickness. Additionally, it revealed that the sugar content had increased by 15.4% and that the acidity and electrical conductivity (EC) had changed. By adding magnetic treatment to irrigation water, fruits ripen earlier and have better texture, traceability and homogeneity.


1691 Mitochondria are central to cellular metabolism. The metabolic pathways of mitochondria include fatty acid oxidation, glucose oxidation, and glutaminolysis. The initial step in glucose metabolism occurs in the cytosol, where glycolysis converts glucose to pyruvate (Figure 1). Normally, glycolysis is coupled to glucose oxidation, meaning that the pyruvate is transported into the mitochondria, where it serves as a substrate for pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). Under pathological conditions such as inhibition of PDH, glycolysis may be uncoupled from glucose oxidation and remain a wholly cytosolic reaction that terminates in the generation of lactate. Metabolism is quite plastic, and the relative importance of each pathway can change in response to environmental stimuli such as substrate availability and the developmental stage of the organism and pathological stimuli such as hypoxia, shear stress, pressure overload, ischemia, and hypertrophy. In addition, the activity of one metabolic pathway alters the activity of competing pathways. Examples of this metabolic crosstalk include the reciprocal relationship between fatty acid and glucose oxidation. Fatty acid oxidation suppresses glucose oxidation through a mechanism called the Randle cycle (Figure 2), named after Phillip Randle, who first described the phenomenon. Another example of metabolic plasticity is the uncoupling of glycolysis from glucose oxidation, socalled aerobic glycolysis. Aerobic glycolysis is also called the Warburg effect, in honor of Otto Warburg, who first described the phenomenon in cancer cells. Warburg et al noted that this shift to glycolysis contributed to the growth and survival advantage of cancer cells. They also observed, but could not explain, accumulation of ammonia in their cancer tissue culture. Ultimately, this proved to relate to a concomitant upregulation of glutaminolysis in cancer cells. Aerobic glycolysis results in a reliance on glycolysis to produce ATP despite the presence of sufficient oxygen to have allowed pyruvate generation and mitochondrial glucose oxidation. Aerobic glycolysis usually reflects active inhibition of 1 or more mitochondrial enzymes, most often inhibition of PDH by PDH kinases (PDKs). These acquired changes in metabolism alter the bioenergetics status, susceptibility to hypertrophy and fibrosis, rates of proliferation and apoptosis, angiogenesis, and contractility of the cell. Importantly, the metabolic choices of the cell can be pharmacologically manipulated, offering the potential for metabolic therapies. In addition to generating ATP, mitochondria are constantly dividing and joining together. These highly conserved and regulated processes are called fission and fusion, respectively. These noncanonical mitochondrial functions (fission and fusion), as well as migration, are called mitochondrial dynamics. Mitochondrial dynamics are important in physiology, participating in oxygen sensing and distributing mitochondria to daughter cells during mitosis. Mitochondrial dynamics are also involved in cellular quality control, notably participating in mitophagy and apoptosis. Acquired and inherited disorders of mitochondrial dynamics are involved in diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), cancer, and cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury. Both metabolic plasticity and mitochondrial dynamics are relevant to the pathogenesis of PAH and offer new therapeutic targets in the pulmonary vasculature and the right ventricle (RV).


Gas separation technology using membrane can effectively remove CO2 from flue gas as well as offer cost-effective installation. However, water vapour in flue gas causes the membrane to swell. Thus, this study focused on the enhancement of the durability and performance of membrane for CO2 and N2 separation where hydrophobic membranes were proposed with the introduction of adipic acid (AA) during preparation. The gas test was carried out using a pure gas permeation set up. A maximum CO2/N2 selectivity of 1.22 and CO2 permeance of 2388 GPU were obtained. Via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a decreasing membrane pore size distribution was observed on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) with increasing AA in methyl salicylate (MS) membrane. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed no bonding changes between raw iPP and membrane fabricated via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method. The highest value of contact angle of the membranes prepared was 106° without the addition of adipic acid. The hydrophobicity was observed to be escalating with the increase of nucleation agent.


Across the country, more and more states, health plans, and provider organizations are focusing on improving care management for low-income individuals with complex medical and social needs. As complex care programs grow, it is imperative to establish which models are most effective. While funding decisions for complex care programs often center on cost and utilization, these measures may provide an overly simplified definition of success or failure. This brief acknowledges the merits of using a cost and utilization framework to evaluate complex care programs, but takes a close look at the limitations in relying solely on this narrow lens. It reviews alternative, non-traditional metrics for assessing the value of complex care models, including whether programs: (1) produce reduced costs or positive impacts elsewhere in the community (e.g., housing stability); (2) improve patient experience of care, health status and associated satisfaction; and/or (3) offer the potential to demonstrate more robust cost and utilization results over a longer term.


This paper studies the determinants of pricing-to-market at the firm level on a sample of developing-country exporters, focusing on how it interacts with firm heterogeneity and trade policy. We use a large cross-country, firm-level panel with export values and quantities by product and destination for all exporting firms in 12 developing and emerging countries for several years. We find that firms in our sample do price to market, i.e. significantly adjust unit values in home currency to exchange-rate variations. The extent of pricing-to-market is quantitatively small but highly significant and homogenous across origin countries. We also find that large, high performance exporters price more to market than smaller ones. More importantly, we identify significant effects of trade policy instruments on pricing-to-market: Higher import tariffs are associated with less pricing to market, whereas non-tariff measures are associated with more. These results suggest that trade policy has deep effects on market power, the direction of which depends on the type of instrument used.


Mobile technology, as most of the other previously created IT artifacts, is not primarily an educational phenomenon; it is rather a social phenomenon that occurs in different parts of the world and in different ways. By using mobile technology individuals blur boundaries between their formal and informal learning environments, especially in regard to distance/online education, where both formal and informal learning often coexist in practice. Nonetheless, widespread use of new technology at large does not routinely lead to effectiveness in education (Levy, 2009). Effective use primarily depends on the specific employed affordances of technology, which have to fit into the target educational/learning environment and students' use contexts and learning practices. Presently mobile technology is engaged to support various learning practices, but sound guidelines and examples of how to design effective mobile learning information systems are however lacking. The present poster introduces a prototype of a cross-platform language learning application developed for beginner second and foreign language students. The development of such prototype is based on the structurational analysis about design requirements for mobile language learning applications for second language students in online/distance higher educational settings. Accordingly to create a deeper understanding of the proposed prototype the design implications are likewise presented.


Patient's visits in the emergency room (ER) increase in number in every year. The increasing number of hospital visits is directly associated with the increasing number of patients who come to the emergency department. The increased number of patients resulted in the buildup of patients in the ER, especially in the Yellow Zone and causing the boarding time after the inpatient decision was decided to be longer. The purpose of this study was to analyze the problems related to variables that have a correlation with the boarding time of the patient after the decision of hospitalization is decided in the yellow zone of the emergency department at RSUD dr. Iskak Tulungagung. The method of this research was analytic observational research with cross sectional approach. The number of samples was 78 respondents. The sampling technique used nonprobability sampling. Pearson test and Spearman test were applied to identify the correlation between variables and multivariate linear regression test was used to find out the most dominant factor in influencing patient boarding time after the decision of hospitalization was made. The result of bivariate test showed the correlation between boarding time with room preparation time (p = 0.000), laboratory test results (p = 0.000), diagnostic time (p = 0.000), and ratio between nurse and patient (p = 0.000). Boarding time was not correlated with time of arrival (p = 0.263) and insurance coverage (p = 0.980). Multivariate analysis with linear regression obtained result of constant value (B = 681.212), ratio between nurse and patient (p= 0.000; B = -861.011), bed occupancy time (p= 0.000; B =0.620) and diagnostic time (p=0.022; B = 2.636). The implication of this research is to get a formula that able to shorten patient boarding time after the decision of hospitalization was made and can give a standart time for boarding time.


Precariously balanced rocks and overturned transformers in the vicinity of the White Wolf fault provide constraints on ground motion during the 1952 M s 7.7 Kern County earthquake, a possible analog for an anticipated large earthquake in the Los Angeles basin (Shaw et al. , 2002; Dolan et al. , 2003). On the northeast part of the fault preliminary estimates of ground motion on the footwall give peak accelerations considerably lower than predicted by standard regression curves. On the other hand, on the hanging-wall, there is evidence of intense ground shattering and lack of precarious rocks, consistent with the intense hanging-wall accelerations suggested by foam-rubber modeling, numerical modeling, and observations from previous thrust fault earthquakes. There is clear evidence of the effects of rupture directivity in ground motions on the hanging-wall side of the fault (from both precarious rocks and numerical simulations).

On the southwest part of the fault, which is covered by sediments, the thrust fault did not reach the surface ("blind" thrust). Overturned and damaged transformers indicate significant transfer of energy from the hanging wall to the footwall, an effect that may not be as effective when the rupture reaches the surface (is not "blind"). Transformers near the up-dip projection of the fault tip have been damaged or overturned on both the hanging-wall and footwall sides of the fault. The transfer of energy is confirmed in a numerical lattice model and could play an important role in a similar situation in Los Angeles. We suggest that the results of this study can provide important information for estimating the effects of a large thrust fault rupture in the Los Angeles basin, specially given the fact that there is so little instrumental data from large thrust fault earthquakes.


A new thermal management application of silicon-based thermoelectric (TE) cooler integrated with high power light emitting diode (LED) is investigated in present study. The silicon-based TE cooler herein is fabricated by MEMS fabrication technology and flip-chip assembly process that is used for high power LED cooling. An electrical-thermal conversion method is used to estimate the junction temperature of LED. Moreover, the integrating sphere is also used to measure the light efficiency of LED. The thermal images photographed by infrared camera demonstrated the cooling function of the silicon-based TE devices. The results also show that high power LED integrated with silicon-based thermoelectric cooler package can effectively reduce the thermal resistance to zero. In addition, the light efficiency of the LED (1 W) will increase under low TE cooler input power (0.55 W), which is about 1.3 times of that without TE cooler packaging.


Objective: Analyze the effect of sodium supplementation, hydration, and climate on dysnatremia in ultramarathon runners. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: The 2017 80 km (50 mile) stage of the 250 km (150 mile) 6-stage RacingThePlanet ultramarathon in 2017 Chilean, Patagonian, and 2018 Namibian, Mongolian, and Chilean deserts. Participants: All race entrants who could understand English were invited to participate, with 266 runners enrolled, mean age of 43 years (± 9), 61 (36%) females, average weight 74 kg (± 12.5), and average race time 14.5 (± 4.1) hours. Post-race sodium collected on 174 (74%) and 164 (62%) participants with both the blood sample and post-race questionnaire. Intervention: Weight change and finish line serum sodium levels were gathered. Main outcome measures: Incidence of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH; <135 mmol·L−1) and hypernatremia (>145 mmol·L−1) by sodium ingestion and climate. Results: Eleven (6.3%) runners developed EAH, and 30 (17.2%) developed hypernatremia. Those with EAH were 14 kg heavier at baseline, had significantly less training distances, and averaged 5 to 6 hours longer to cover 50 miles (80 km) than the other participants. Neither rate nor total ingested supplemental sodium was correlated with dysnatremia, without significant differences in drinking behaviors or type of supplement compared with normonatremic runners. Hypernatremic runners were more often dehydrated [8 (28%), −4.7 kg (± 9.8)] than EAH [4 (14%), −1.1 kg (± 3.8)] (P < 0.01), and EAH runners were more frequently overhydrated (6, 67%) than hypernatremia (1, 11%) (P < 0.01). In the 98 (56%) runners from hot races, there was EAH OR = 3.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.9-25.9] and hypernatremia OR = 8.8 (95% CI, 2.9-39.5) compared with cold races. Conclusions: This was the first study to show that hot race climates are an independent risk factor for EAH and hypernatremia. Sodium supplementation did not prevent EAH nor cause hypernatremia. Longer training distances, lower body mass, and avoidance of overhydration were shown to be the most important factors to prevent EAH and avoidance of dehydration to prevent hypernatremia.


PURPOSE
Quantitative estimation of in vivo organ uptake is an essential part of treatment planning for targeted radionuclide therapy. This usually involves the use of planar or SPECT scans with acquisition times chosen based more on image quality considerations rather than the minimum needed for precise quantification. In previous simulation studies at clinical count levels (185 MBq 111In), the authors observed larger variations in accuracy of organ activity estimates resulting from anatomical and uptake differences than statistical noise. This suggests that it is possible to reduce the acquisition time without substantially increasing the variation in accuracy.

METHODS
To test this hypothesis, the authors compared the accuracy and variation in accuracy of organ activity estimates obtained from planar and SPECT scans at various count levels. A simulated phantom population with realistic variations in anatomy and biodistribution was used to model variability in a patient population. Planar and SPECT projections were simulated using previously validated Monte Carlo simulation tools. The authors simulated the projections at count levels approximately corresponding to 1.5-30 min of total acquisition time. The projections were processed using previously described quantitative SPECT (QSPECT) and planar (QPlanar) methods. The QSPECT method was based on the OS-EM algorithm with compensations for attenuation, scatter, and collimator-detector response. The QPlanar method is based on the ML-EM algorithm using the same model-based compensation for all the image degrading effects as the QSPECT method. The volumes of interests (VOIs) were defined based on the true organ configuration in the phantoms. The errors in organ activity estimates from different count levels and processing methods were compared in terms of mean and standard deviation over the simulated phantom population.

RESULTS
There was little degradation in quantitative reliability when the acquisition time was reduced by half for the QSPECT method (the mean error changed by < 1%, e.g., 0.9%-0.3% = 0.6% for the spleen). The magnitude of the errors and variations in errors for large organ with high uptake were still acceptable for 1.5 min scans, even though the errors were slightly larger than those for the 30 min scans (i.e., < 2% for liver, < 3% for heart). The errors over the ranges of scan times studied for the QPlanar method were all within 0.3% for all organs.

CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that, for the purposes of organ activity estimation, acquisition times could be reduced at least by a factor of 2 for the QSPECT and QPlanar methods with little effect on the errors in organ activity estimates. The acquisition time can be further reduced for the QPlanar method, assuming well-registered VOIs are available and the activity distribution in organs can be treated as uniform. Although the differences in accuracy and precision were statistically significant for all the acquisition times shorter than 30 min, the magnitude of the changes in accuracy and precision were small and likely not clinically important. The reduction in SPECT acquisition time justified by this study makes the use of SPECT a more clinically practical alternative to conventional planar scanning for targeted radiotherapy treatment planning.


The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) 800 MeV proton linear accelerator (linac) operates at a maximum repetition rate of twice the AC power line frequency, i.e. 120 Hz. The start of each machine cycle occurs a fixed delay after each zero-crossing of the AC line voltage. Fluctuations in the AC line frequency and phase are therefore present on all linac timing signals. Proper beam acceleration along the linac requires that the timing signals remain well synchronized to the AC line. For neutron chopper spectrometers, e.g., PHAROS at the Manuel Lujan Jr. Neutron Scattering Center, accurate neutron energy selection requires that precise synchronization be maintained between the beam-on-target arrival time and the neutron chopper rotor position. This is most easily accomplished when the chopper is synchronized to a stable, fixed frequency signal. A new zero-crossing circuit which employs a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) has been developed to increase the phase and frequency stability of the linac timing signals and thereby improve neutron chopper performance while simultaneously maintaining proper linac operation. Results of timing signal data analysis and modeling and a description of the PLL circuit are presented.


Computer graphics education is increasingly important to supply the growing needs of the film, games and virtual reality industries. These industries are demanding ever more realistic computer generated environments. Despite the ready availability of modern high performance graphics cards, the complexity of the scenes being modelled and the high fidelity required of the images means that synthesising such scenes is still simply not possible in a reasonable, let alone real time on a computer. One field of computer graphics, visual perception, does appear to offer the possibility of helping achieve high fidelity virtual environments in reasonable time. By taking into account that it is the human who will ultimately be looking at the resultant images, visual perception is able to exploit knowledge of the human visual system to save significant rendering time by simply not computing those parts of a scene which the human will fail to notice. This paper illustrates the importance of having visual perception as a key component of computer graphics education and considers whether there is a relationship between a student's ability to draw and his/her understanding of perception. If this is the case then drawing too should form an integral part of a modern computer graphics course.


Objectives: Cervical deformity morphotypes based on type and location of deformity have previously been described. This study aimed to examine the surgical strategies implemented to treat these deformity types and identify if differences in treatment strategies impact surgical outcomes. Our hypothesis was that surgical strategies will differ based on different morphologies of cervical deformity. Methods: Adult patients enrolled in a prospective cervical deformity database were classified into four deformity types (Flatneck (FN), Focal kyphosis (FK), Cervicothoracic kyphosis (CTK) and Coronal (C)), as previously described. We analyzed group differences in demographics, preoperative symptoms, health-related quality of life scores (HRQOLs), and surgical strategies were evaluated, and postop radiographic and HROQLs at 1+ year follow up were compared. Results: 90/109 eligible patients (mean age 63.3 ± 9.2, 64% female, CCI 1.01 ± 1.36) were evaluated. Group distributions included FN = 33%, FK = 29%, CTK = 29%, and C = 9%. Significant differences were noted in the surgical approaches for the four types of deformities, with FN and FK having a high number of anterior/posterior (APSF) approaches, while CTK and C had more posterior only (PSF) approaches. For FN and FK, PSF was utilized more in cases with prior anterior surgery (70% vs. 25%). For FN group, PSF resulted in inferior neck disability index compared to those receiving APSF suggesting APSF is superior for FN types. CTK types had more three-column osteotomies (3CO) (p < 0.01) and longer fusions with the LIV below T7 (p < 0.01). There were no differences in the UIV between all deformity types (p = 0.19). All four types of deformities had significant improvement in NRS neck pain post-op (p < 0.05) with their respective surgical strategies. Conclusions: The four types of cervical deformities had different surgical strategies to achieve improvements in HRQOLs. FN and FK types were more often treated with APSF surgery, while types CTK and C were more likely to undergo PSF. CTK deformities had the highest number of 3COs. This information may provide guidelines for the successful management of cervical deformities.


This research utilises an improved dynamic panel model to investigate the environmental effect of different technological resources in the big three regions of China, i.e. the eastern, western and central regions, from 1990 to 2014. The results show that research and development (R&D) capital stock contributes the most to the reduction of carbon emissions, whether at the national or provincial level, but physical capital stock results in an evident increment of carbon emissions in the three regions, especially in eastern China. Human capital stock, on the other hand, causes some mitigation in eastern and central China, except for western China. The spillover of international technology stock from foreign direct investment has less effect on carbon emission abatement than does import trade, though there are distinct regional differences.


Flooding in urban basins is intensifying due to increasing urbanization and climate change and variability. This thesis presents how the effects of climate change and high-intensive rainfall on the urban drainage system and management of flooding in urban areas of were studied in Mumbai, India and Southern Sweden, including Skane
and Gothenburg. Various statistical and analytical tools were applied to study trends and extreme events in two study areas. The impact of climate change on Mumbai was studied using nine GCM simulations with bias correction using DBS methodology. For Gothenburg, RCM output and observations were used to predict the characteristics of rainfall. Through use of transient DBS processed projection data, an impact analysis (climate and extreme value statistics) was performed for the future period of the years 2010 to 2099. Trend analysis using the student t-test and the Mann-Kendall test was also performed. Further, Random Cascade modelling was applied on daily rainfall data to reproduce high temporal resolution data for Mumbai. The method can be used for development of IDF curves. The generated data were used for flood modelling in the area and the generation of flood maps. Trends for monthly, seasonal, and annual precipitation were studied for Mumbai (1951-2004). For Southern Sweden, daily and multi-day precipitation trends were studied. Long-term precipitation trends were determined using the Mann-Kendall test, the student t-test, and linear regression. The trends for rainfall in Mumbai were corroborated with climatic indices using multivariate statistical tools, namely PCA and SVD. PCA was also used for explaining variability in RCM-generated precipitation in Gothenburg. Analytical analyses were made of the drainage systems in Mumbai and Gothenburg. Finally, an integrated two dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic runoff model was used to simulate storm-water flooding and related processes in the metropolitan areas of Mumbai, India. The analysis revealed a high degree of variability in rainfall over Mumbai. A significant decreasing trend for long-term southwest monsoon rainfall was found. Also, a decrease in average maximum daily rainfall was indicated. The southwest monsoon
rainfall over Mumbai was found to be inversely related to the Indian Ocean dipole, the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, and the East Atlantic Pattern. In Southern Sweden, however, annual precipitation has increased significantly due to increasing winter precipitation. There is an increasing trend for maximum annual daily precipitation at
one location where the annual maximum often occurs in winter. The number of events with short return periods is increasing, but the number of other extreme events has not increased. Evaluation of the baseline period using the DBS bias correction method showed that observed and scaled rainfall data are strongly correlated and that
these can represent various key statistics including mean, variance, and extreme values. The analysis of future long-term climate projections revealed a positive significant trend for 4 out of 9 model simulations for daily extreme rainfall during the period 2010-2099. In the case of Gothenburg, the results obtained pointed towards
the usefulness of high resolution RCMs for impact studies. In random cascade modelling, very good agreement between modelled and observed disaggregation rainfall series was found for time scales larger than 1/2 h when short-term data were available. Established IDF-curves showed that the current design standard for Mumbai City has a return period of less than one year. Thus, annual recurring flooding problems in Mumbai appear evident. This was further emphasized in results
from flood modelling and analytical studies.


Ti-based materials are well-known to be good anode materials for lithium ion batteries because of their negligible volume change during the charge/discharge process. Nevertheless, poor electronic conductivity makes them exhibit relatively low capacity. Herein, we report our design of three-dimensional hierarchical Li4Ti5O12–TiO2/MoO2 nanoclusters embedded into carbon nanosheets core/shell porous superstructures for achieving more efficient lithium ion storage. The resulting hybrid makes full use of the advantage of high-capacity MoO2 nanoclusters and robust Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 substrate as well as high-conductivity carbon nanosheets. Such an assembly is highly particular for not only endowing enhanced ion diffusion and rapid electron transfer, but also preventing MoO2 nanoclusters from agglomeration and oxidation. Benefitting from the advantageous structural feature and synergistic effect of the components, the Li4Ti5O12–TiO2@MoO2/C exhibits a high reversible specific capacity of 413 mA g−1 at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 up to 500 cycles, indicating its high stability.


The need of linking medical leadership to the performance of medical institutions on the leadership development of all doctors has started earlier. This study designed to assess the proportionality of male and female leaders in medical field specifically to look the composition and challenges of medical leaders in regional hospitals, taking Dar es Salaam region as a case. On reaching to the intended objectives, Eighty medical and dental doctors from the respective departmental leadership positions within regional hospitals were interviewed and data on demographic and leadership was filled in a special designed questionnaire and data was analyzed by using content analysis method and results reported through tables and graphs altogether. The study findings revealed that, departmental medical leaders around 31- 40 hold senior position as with male predominance. The issue of financial challenge is the most common factor for effective leadership staffing and poor staff morale. It was also identified that, Moreover, the basic criterion used to place and get leaders in regional hospitals is the level of education of a person and therefore, it was identified that, majority of leaders admitted in regional hospitals have leadership educational background. However, researcher found that, there were very few women leaders with high education, most of women leaders in the hospital were possessing certificate only. It was recommended that various strategies have to be set out to promote women into leadership position. Medical postgraduate level should incorporate leadership training as to solve the need of leaders in medical field. Formal leadership education should be set as added criteria for appointment of leaders in medical institutions.


Author(s): Stamper, Ericca Lyn | Advisor(s): Dernburg, Abby | Abstract: For most eukaryotes, recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis is an essential aspect of sexual reproduction. Meiotic recombination is initiated by programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the DNA, which have the potential to induce mutations if not efficiently repaired. The focus of the work presented here is to better understand the mechanisms that govern the initiation of recombination and regulate the formation of DSBs. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used as a model system for these studies. Here I describe the identification of a novel gene, dsb-1, that is required for DSB formation in C. elegans. Through analysis of DSB-1 I illuminate two important regulatory pathways that control the initiation of meiotic recombination and regulate DSB number. The first regulatory pathway presented in this work is the crossover assurance checkpoint, which promotes crossover recombination events on all chromosome pairs to ensure successful meiosis. Under the crossover assurance checkpoint, DSB formation is prolonged when one or more homologous chromosome pair fails to form a crossover precursor. This increase in meiotic recombination initiation events gives cells additional opportunities to produce the crossovers necessary for proper chromosome segregation. I also present evidence for a separate regulatory pathway that functions to limit the number of DSBs. I describe a negative feedback loop that is mediated by DNA-damage response kinases ATM and ATR and acts though DSB-1 to down-regulate DSB formation. This regulatory pathway permits the formation of a limited number of meiotic DSBs, while preventing excess DSB levels. Furthermore, my results demonstrate the resilience of meiotic cells in tolerating excess levels of meiotic DSBs without negative consequences for genomic integrity or crossover regulation.The work presented here provides important insights into the regulation of meiotic recombination initiation. Although the regulatory pathways described here were identified in C. elegans, recent studies suggest that similar regulatory pathways are likely to be conserved in other organisms. Therefore this work is important not only for understanding DSB regulation in C. elegans, but may also shed light on the regulation of meiotic DSBs in other eukaryotic organisms.


Simulation of arsenic clustering in Si at a temperature of 750 degrees Celsius has been carried out. It has been shown that considering the formation of singly or doubly negatively charged clusters that incorporate one or two arsenic atoms and point defects, one obtains a good fit to the measured values of electron density. It is supposed that we have the initial stage of clustering, when the concentration of complexes with one arsenic atom incorporated is high enough and the diffusion of these mobile particles provides for the formation of more stable clusters incorporating two arsenic atoms.


Background: Endogenous Candida endophthalmitis is a rare disease with increasing frequency and poor prognosis. Patients and Methods: The course of endogenous Candida endophthalmitis in 7 eyes of 5 patients (age 2 months to 76 years) was evaluated. Underlying general diseases were diagnosed as colon cancer, diverticulitis, pancreatic insufficiency (with subclavian catheter), ileus and diabetes mellitus. Diagnosis was based on the very typical ocular feature combined with a positive blood or vitreous culture. Intensive antimycotic drug therapy was initiated and pars plana vitrectomy performed as soon as possible. Results: The delay between onset of ocular symptoms and diagnosis amounted to one week and 2 months. In 3 eyes of 2 patients no vitrectomy could be done because of the very impaired state of health. These patients died of their general diseases one week and 2 months, respectively, later. During follow-up (4 weeks to 51 months) three eyes reached visual acuity of 5/10, 4/10 and 1/ 10. One eye reached ½0 after additional surgery because of retinal detachment. In all vitrectomized eyes the diagnosis was substantiated by a positive culture of vitreous fluid. No reccurrence of ocular inflammation was observed. Conclusions : Early vitrectomy seems to be mandatory in each case which is suspected of Candida endophthalmitis. Only with this option it is possible to fix the diagnosis and initiate adequate therapy in due time in order to improve the original poor prognosis.


Common ground refers to the knowledge shared by two communicating parties to enable communication to occur. We suggest that common ground could enhance collaborative care delivery by serving as the linkage between different healthcare team members. Despite research describing the importance of common ground to facilitate communication, little is known about how common ground forms, moments where it is necessary, and barriers to achieving it. To address this shortcoming we studied collaborative care delivery in two settings and then used Grounded Theory methodology to develop a model of common ground. The model contains four main concepts: moments of common ground, barriers to common ground, fabric of common ground, and consequences of weak common ground. Our findings show that common ground is multi-dimensional with both static and dynamic aspects. The results from this paper help us to better understand collaborative care delivery and how to design information and communication technologies to support it.


Secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) is the main neutrophil elastase (HLE) inhibitor found in the upper airways during pulmonary inflammation. It has been shown to be synthesized and secreted in vitro by epithelial cells and has been localized in tracheal glands and bronchiolar epithelial cells by immunocytochemistry. In this study, using immunodetection and immunopurification techniques with specific anti‐SLPI immunoglobulin G (IgG), we show that SLPI is present as a native 14‐kDa molecule in neutrophil cytosol. In addition, we demonstrate that SLPI is the major inhibitor of HLE present in neutrophil cytosol because pre‐incubation with specific anti‐SLPI IgG was able to inhibit completely the anti‐HLE activity of the cytosol. SLPI can be secreted (probably in an inactive form) by neutrophils and its secretion is enhanced when the cells are stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Elafin, an elastase‐specific inhibitor, is also present in minute amounts in neutrophil cytosol and its secretion can be upregulated. The presence of SLPI in the cytosol of neutrophils may serve as a protective screen against proteinases spilling from azurophilic granules. An alternative or supplementary role may be the maintenance of a differentiated phenotype. J. Leukoc. Biol. 61: 695–702; 1997.


An approach to computer-assistant decision making problem is presented in the paper. The recommendations of actions that can be undertaken by an user in order to reach a desired goal are presented in the form of deontological statements. The necessary domain knowledge is provided to the system in the form of a domain ontology. The recommended actions are relatively evaluated by a system of semi-ordering relations suggested by the user. The semi-ordering relations constitute partial selection criteria of qualitative and/or quantitative type. Final solution is based on examination of an evaluation matrix. The method is illustrated by examples.


Objectives: In this study, bioengineered AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) from Spirulina platensis was used to counter the biofilm mediated virulence by Vibrio parahemolyticus. Methods: AgNPs were synthesized from crude Spirulina platensis extract and characterized using UV spectrophotometry, Transmission electron microscope (TEM). Antibacterial effect against aquatic pathogen Vibrio parahemolyticus was carried out. Further, the nanoparticle at sub MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) level were screened for anti-virulence property under in vitro studies which include biofilm inhibition using microtiter plate assay, microscopic analysis under light microscope and SEM (Scanning electron microscope) imaging, EPS (Exopolysaccharide) inhibition, CSH(Cell surface hydrophobicity) inhibition using BATH(Bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbons) assay, swarming and swimming motility inhibition, growth pattern analysis followed by in vivo study in aquatic animal model brine shrimp and its survival percentage along with light microscopic imaging was performed. Results: AgNPs, at 320μg/ml showed bactericidal activity, minimal inhibitory concentration was found to be 160 μg/ml. All anti-virulence assay performed at below sub MIC concentration. Biofilm and EPS showed 63% and 53% inhibition respectively, CSH was found to be decreased 3-fold. Growth pattern at sub MIC compared with non-treated showed similar result. In vivo study increased survival percentage (90%) when treated with AgNPs, compared to untreated (20%). A 7-fold increased resistance to pathogen was found and light microscope also confirms the efficacy of Ag nanoparticle. Conclusion: AgNPs become a substitute to the current commercial antibiotics used in aquaculture against Vibriosis, by functioning as an efficient quorum sensing inhibitor.


Nervous and humoral beta-adrenergic, postjunctional effects on microvascular resistance, on precapillary sphincter tone, and on transcapillary fluid exchange in cat skeletal muscle (Lundvall & Järhult 1974, 1976 a, Lundvall & Hillman 1978 a, b) were evaluated with regard to the beta 1- or beta 2-specificity of the adrenoceptors. Marked beta 2-dilator responses but no significant beta 1-effects were observed. The conclusion was therefore reached that neurogenic as well as humoral beta-adrenergic control of the microcirculation in skeletal muscle is exerted via activation of beta 2-adrenoceptors.


Tracking user browsing data and measuring the effectiveness of website design and web services are important to businesses that want to attract the consumers today who spend much more time online than before. Instead of using randomized controlled experiments, the existing approach simply tracks user browsing behaviors before and after a change is made to website design or web services, and evaluate the differences. To address the effects caused by hidden factors (e.g. promotion activities on the website) and to give fair comparison of different website designs, we propose the LASER system, a unified experimentation platform that enables randomized online controlled experiments to be easily conducted with minimal human effort and modifications to the experimented websites. More importantly, the LASER system manages the various aspects of online controlled experiments, namely the selection of participants into groups, exposure of different user interface features or recommendation algorithms to these groups, measuring their responses, and summarizing the results in the visual manner.


A concept of a suspended robot for surface cleaning in silos is presented in this paper. The main requirements and limitations resulting from the specific operational conditions are discussed. Due to the large dimension of the silo as a confined space, specific kinematics of the robot manipulator is proposed. The major problems in its design are highlighted and an approach to resolve them is proposed. The suggested concept is a reasonable compromise between the basic contradicting factors in the design: small entrance and large surface of the confined space, suspension and stabilization of the robot.


The electroluminescence performance from a novel grafted cyclometalated iridium complex (BuPhNPPy)2Ir(acac) with triarylmine unit, where BuPhNPPy is N,N-di(4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-(2-pyridyl) phenylamine and Hacac is acetylacetone, is demonstrated in the double-layered polymer light-emitting devices (PLEDs). The PLEDs emit intense green phosphorescence at 533 nm with a shoulder peak of 566 nm employing 4 wt.% (BuPhNPPy)2Ir(acac) doped a blend of poly(vinylcarbazole) (PVK) and 2-tert-butylphenyl-5-biphenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD) as the emitting layer. A maximum luminance of 14610 cd/m2 at voltage of 24 V and a maximum external quantum efficiency Eext of 10.4% photons per electron (ph/el) at current density of 32 mA/cm2 are achieved. When the current density is raised to 100 mA/cm2, Eext of the device still remained to 8.3% ph/el. This indicates that the triplet–triplet annihilation is restrained more effectively at high current density. The improvement of electrophosphorescence performances of the iridium complex may be contributed to an ortho-substituent effect of grafted triarylmine unit.


Lignocellulosic biomass (LB) is potentially a relatively inexpensive and abundant feedstock for ethanol production. One of the most challenging steps during the lignocellulosic ethanol production is to convert the carbohydrates in LB to the fermentable reducing sugars (FRS) in an economically viable and environmentally friendly way. The acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of LB in ionic liquids (ILs) has provided a promising technical tool to improve upon the traditional FRS production process. Compared to the conventional FRS production process from LB via the acid or enzymatic hydrolysis method, it has many advantages, such as a simplified process, mild reaction conditions, low acid consumption, and low equipment investment. However, there are still some technical challenges that need to be solved regarding its use at an industrial scale, for example, improving its reaction selectivity, developing effective methods to separate the FRS and ILs, and alleviating the negative effect of the remaining ILs in FRS on subsequent ethanol fermentation. This editorial will give a brief discussion about opportunities and challenges of the acid catalyzed hydrolysis of LB in ILs for ethanol production.


The implications for analysis of innovation in construction of theoretical developments in industrial organisation are considered in this research, as an attempt to outline a new approach to construction innovation incorporating the ideas found in knowledge based, technology centred models. The paper firstly summarises characteristics of the construction industry, focusing on their effects on innovation, before surveying some of the ideas about the sources of innovation and the expansion and application of knowledge. Construction can be seen as an industry with limited scope for knowledge externalities, where the procurement methods used by the industry's clients do not pay for innovation. The following discussion uses recent developments in the research on the economics of innovation and industrial organization theory, such as research intensity and the endogenous sunk costs in competitive, fragmented, low research intensity industries. The effects on R&D of procurement methods and on industry structure are discussed, with a focus on the appropriability of innovations and the role of the client on the Heathrow Terminal 5 project. The paper concludes that the procurement methods used for building and construction projects appears to be a determining factor in the level of innovation in the construction industry


Student of Nursing Program, Faculty of  Medicine and Health Science Soedirman University use internet facility as source of information, communication and entertainment. Nursing student used facility internet both for made available in faculty and also outside faculty. Internet Library of Nursing Program has amounting to 20 computers, all of computers use the processor pentium 4. This facility subscribe to the journal of proquest and ebsco by providing about 600 journals. According to the survey research, the librarian said that there are approximately 40 – 60 students per day using internet. However it cannot be seen yet how its effectiveness is.The aim of this study is to describe the benefit of usage of internet facility to support learning teaching process. This Research is explorative descriptive qualitative. Subject of this  research is student nurses. Collecting data use in depth interview, focus group discussion and documentation study toward visit book of internet facility in Nursing Program Soedirman University Documentation study toward visit book of internet facility in Nursing Program library of Soedirman University on 1 May until 28 June 2007 show that almost the visitor in internet facility are nursing students. Web browser and e-mail are internet facility that are often accessed. Yahoo and Google is the most popular website around nursing student. Internet has role in accomplishment of learning tasks. Nevertheless internet less influence students to do the access faster and to collect task if they get tasks. The usage of internet its felt efficient on time because in looking information is getting faster. But less efficient on cost, because it must spent a lot cost. Generally nursing students feel satisfy to use the internet to look for the information because a lot of information can be got there. Most of students do access internet minim once a week. Although in the beginning they get difficulty to use the internet, they become easier than, because they often access  internet. Several difficulty access internet are: lack of knowledge of website address, keyword, language, items and science of internet. Ability that is owned to access internet is still less. By and then student nurses experience increasing development of knowledge and skill to access.


Abstract. The 2015–2016 strong El Nino event has had a dramatic impact on the amount of Indonesian biomass burning, with the El Nino-driven drought further desiccating the already-drier-than-normal landscapes that are the result of decades of peatland draining, widespread deforestation, anthropogenically driven forest degradation and previous large fire events. It is expected that the 2015–2016 Indonesian fires will have emitted globally significant quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere, as did previous El Nino-driven fires in the region. The form which the carbon released from the combustion of the vegetation and peat soils takes has a strong bearing on its atmospheric chemistry and climatological impacts. Typically, burning in tropical forests and especially in peatlands is expected to involve a much higher proportion of smouldering combustion than the more flaming-characterised fires that occur in fine-fuel-dominated environments such as grasslands, consequently producing significantly more CH4 (and CO) per unit of fuel burned. However, currently there have been no aircraft campaigns sampling Indonesian fire plumes, and very few ground-based field campaigns (none during El Nino), so our understanding of the large-scale chemical composition of these extremely significant fire plumes is surprisingly poor compared to, for example, those of southern Africa or the Amazon. Here, for the first time, we use satellite observations of CH4 and CO2 from the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) made in large-scale plumes from the 2015 El Nino-driven Indonesian fires to probe aspects of their chemical composition. We demonstrate significant modifications in the concentration of these species in the regional atmosphere around Indonesia, due to the fire emissions. Using CO and fire radiative power (FRP) data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Service, we identify fire-affected GOSAT soundings and show that peaks in fire activity are followed by subsequent large increases in regional greenhouse gas concentrations. CH4 is particularly enhanced, due to the dominance of smouldering combustion in peatland fires, with CH4 total column values typically exceeding 35 ppb above those of background "clean air" soundings. By examining the CH4 and CO2 excess concentrations in the fire-affected GOSAT observations, we determine the CH4 to CO2 (CH4 ∕ CO2) fire emission ratio for the entire 2-month period of the most extreme burning (September–October 2015), and also for individual shorter periods where the fire activity temporarily peaks. We demonstrate that the overall CH4 to CO2 emission ratio (ER) for fires occurring in Indonesia over this time is 6.2 ppb ppm−1. This is higher than that found over both the Amazon (5.1 ppb ppm−1) and southern Africa (4.4 ppb ppm−1), consistent with the Indonesian fires being characterised by an increased amount of smouldering combustion due to the large amount of organic soil (peat) burning involved. We find the range of our satellite-derived Indonesian ERs (6.18–13.6 ppb ppm−1) to be relatively closely matched to that of a series of close-to-source, ground-based sampling measurements made on Kalimantan at the height of the fire event (7.53–19.67 ppb ppm−1), although typically the satellite-derived quantities are slightly lower on average. This seems likely because our field sampling mostly intersected smaller-scale peat-burning plumes, whereas the large-scale plumes intersected by the GOSAT Thermal And Near infrared Sensor for carbon Observation – Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) footprints would very likely come from burning that was occurring in a mixture of fuels that included peat, tropical forest and already-cleared areas of forest characterised by more fire-prone vegetation types than the natural rainforest biome (e.g. post-fire areas of ferns and scrubland, along with agricultural vegetation). The ability to determine large-scale ERs from satellite data allows the combustion behaviour of very large regions of burning to be characterised and understood in a way not possible with ground-based studies, and which can be logistically difficult and very costly to consider using aircraft observations. We therefore believe the method demonstrated here provides a further important tool for characterising biomass burning emissions, and that the GHG ERs derived for the first time for these large-scale Indonesian fire plumes during an El Nino event point to more routinely assessing spatiotemporal variations in biomass burning ERs using future satellite missions. These will have more complete spatial sampling than GOSAT and will enable the contributions of these fires to the regional atmospheric chemistry and climate to be better understood.


Science, mathematics, and engineering (SME) disciplines lose potential female professionals as women move to other educational and career paths at higher rates than men. Also, the remaining women tend to cluster into particular fields. I frame these trends as identity-acquisition issues. Using identity theory, I examine links between gender, self-concepts, and perceptions of scientific others, focusing on how these contribute to students' SME interests and the resulting educational trajectories. The sample of 433 talented high school students was drawn from 10 SME summer programs conducted in 1995 and 1996. The students' interests follow common patterns by gender; identity theory helps to explain why. Key findings are as follows: (1) On average, girls' self-concepts are more like their perceptions of same-sex others than those of boys, and more unlike their perceptions of other science students. (2) Discrepancies between self-concepts and perceptions of those in science-related disciplines are associated with lower interest in those disciplines. (3) Discrepancies explain some differences, by sex, in interests.


This paper describes an assignment where students evaluate a current industry using Adam Smith's arguments against monopoly power. Using Smith's arguments, students write a paper describing whether they believe a current industry, such as the US cellular phone carrier industry, suffers from the problems Smith described in The Wealth of Nations. This assignment invites students to take ownership over a current issue while developing a deep understanding of monopolies. By using Smith's criticisms of monopolies, students will also see that economic 'truths' are complicated, even in the classic 'laissez-faire' text.


Minimal invasive osteosynthesis (MIO) should belong nowadays in the armentarium of each trauma surgeon. The tendency to minimize the invasivity of every operation is a logical development considering the goal of each surgeon to reduce the iatrogenic damage caused by the operation. The term 'MIO" stands for this criteria: Fracture zone not opened, reduction by indirect manoeuvres or percutaneously by joy-sticks, small approaches for the application of the implants, intraoperative assessment of the reduction by imaging (fluoroscopy, arthroscopy, endoscopy, etc.). Long time before the definition of "minimal invasive surgery" some technologies in trauma surgery as external fixator or intramedullary nailing already fulfilled these criteria. In the nineties of the 20th century first cases of percutaneously inserted plate osteosynthesis have been reported. This technique got a widespread acceptance under the term of MIPO (minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis) during the last five years, especially pushed with the new angular stable screw-plate systems (LISS, LCP). The main problem of the MIPO-technique is and remains the reduction (no direct manipulation possible) and their intraoperative assessment (no direct visualisation). The balance between the degree of invasivity and the achieved quality of reduction and stability is often difficult to define and must be related to several factors (localisation and type of fracture, local soft tissue conditions, quality of the bone, age and wishes of the patient, available implants, experience of the surgeon, etc.). New technologies as improved imaging, intraoperative navigation and percutaneous reduction tools will help to further reduce the invasivity of fracture surgery in the future.


Love, as a force in human affairs, is still not given much attention or credency by social scientists. With Notes on Love in a Tamil Family, Margaret Trawick places the notion of love prominently in social scientific discourse. Her unforgettable and profusely illustrated study is a significant contribution to anthropology and to South Asian studies. Trawick lived for a time in the midst of one large South Indian family and sought to understand the multiple and mutually shared expressions of anpu--what in English we call love. Often enveloping the author herself, changing her as she inevitably changed her hosts, this family performed before the young anthropologist's eyes the meaning of anpu: through poetry and conversation, through the not always gentle raising of children, through the weaving of kinship tapestries, through erotic exchanges among women, among men, and across the great sexual boundary. She communicates with grace and insight what she learned from this Tamil family, and we discover that love is no less universal than selfishness and individualism.