This article discusses the question of the presence of the category of the family in the media, which most often operate as commercial enterprises these days. At the same time the influence of media communication on the family is underlined. The analysis results in distinguishing between two ways of presenting and treating the family in media broadcasting. The first – objective – resembles the authentic nature and character of this basic social group, while the second – subjective – distorts the image and uses the category of the family as merely material for an producing media offer of any kind. Among other issues, stress is put on the business model of media enterprises, which seriously influences the social communication character of mass media, which results, for example, in the transformation of information into a commodity and the media public into customers.


Deforestation leads to the deterioration of soil fertility which occurs rapidly under tropical climates. Forest rehabilitation is one of the approaches to restore soil fertility and increase the productivity of degraded areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare soil biological properties under enrichment planting and secondary forests at Tapah Hill Forest Reserve, Perak after 42 years of planting. Both areas were excessively logged in the 1950s and left idle without any appropriate forest management until 1968 when rehabilitation program was initiated. Six subplots (20 m × 20 m) were established within each enrichment planting (F1) and secondary forest (F2) plots, after which soil was sampled at depths of 0–15 cm (topsoil) and 15–30 cm (subsoil). Results showed that total mean microbial enzymatic activity, as well as biomass C and N content, was significantly higher in F1 compared to F2. The results, despite sample variability, suggest that the rehabilitation program improves the soil biological activities where high rate of soil organic matter, organic C, N, suitable soil acidity range, and abundance of forest litter is believed to be the predisposing factor promoting higher population of microbial in F1 as compared to F2. In conclusion total microbial enzymatic activity, biomass C and biomass N evaluation were higher in enrichment planting plot compared to secondary forest. After 42 years of planting, rehabilitation or enrichment planting helps to restore the productivity of planted forest in terms of biological parameters.


We present a method for accurate image registration and motion estimation in multidimensional volumes, such as 3D CT and MR images. The method is based on phase from quadrature filters, which makes it insensitive to variations in luminance and other disturbance in the images. The theory is not restricted to any particular kind of motion model or number of dimensions. Experimental results for affine motions in 3D show high accuracy.


The aim of this study was to determine the aerial contaminants affecting pig activity and evaluate the correlation between pig activity and aerial contaminants in a pig confinement building. This experiment was performed in a confinement growing and finishing room, and the data presented in this article was collected over a period of 50 days, with sampling every 2 days from June to September 2003. Air samples were taken in the middle of empty pens on both sides of the pig confinement building. In this study, we demonstrated statistically significant negative relationships between pig activity and temperature, relative humidity and ammonia, while total dust positively regressed with pig activity. Based on these experimental results, we reasoned that increases in temperature, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in the pig building suppressed pig activity and that high levels of total dust in the pig building was attributable to increases in pig activity. The exposure limit values of aerial contaminants, such as particulate matter, gaseous compounds and airborne microorganisms related to the pigs' health should be established in order to promote the performance and welfare of the pigs.


How did the hummingbird become the symbol of the chief Aztec god? Who were the Hero Twins? Why was Venus the planet of war? Did the Maya practise human sacrifice? And did they eat their victims? Who played the ancient ball game? Who were the first consumers of chocolate? What was a war of flowers? The legends and beliefs of the great pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica have baffled and fascinated outsiders ever since the Spanish Conquest. Yet, until now, no single-volume introduction has existed to act as a guide to this labyrinthine symbolic world. This book is the first-ever English-language dictionary of Mesoamerican mythology and religion. Nearly 300 entries, from "accession" to "yoke", describe the main deities, motifs and practices of the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Maya, Teotihuacanos, Mixtecs, Toltecs and Aztecs. Introductory essays provide succinct accounts of Mesoamerican history and religion, while a substantial bibliography details original sources and recent discussions. Entries are illustrated with photographs and newly commissioned line drawings. Mary Miller is Professor of History of Art at Yale University. She is the author of "The Art of Mesoamerica" (1986) and co-author, with Linda Schele, of "The Blood of Kings" (1992), both published by Thames and Hudson. Karl Taube is Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology, University of California at Riverside.


We present a decidable class of first-order formulas in the general theory of stable models that can be instantiated even in the presence of function constants. The notion of an argument-restricted formula presented here is a natural generalization of both the notion of an argument-restricted program and the notion of a semi-safe sentence that have been studied in different contexts. Based on this new notion, we extend the notion of safety defined by Cabalar, Pearce and Valverde to arbitrary formulas that allow function constants, and apply the result to $\raspl$ programs and programs with arbitrary aggregates, ensuring finite groundability of those programs in the presence of function constants. We also show that under a certain syntactic condition, argument-restricted formulas can be turned into argument-restricted programs.


I read with interest article by Inversini et al. (1) in October issue. Hypocalcaemia is most dreaded complication after thyroidectomy and we agree with authors. There is also ample evidence in literature for postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) use to predict the risk of hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy. However it is not possible to have PTH estimation in all patients in third world hospitals where either the facility is not available or all patients cannot afford. In India, almost all government medical college hospitals provide treatment free or at minimum cost which includes admission, bed, operation and bed charges, including meals. Thyroid surgery is practised by specialists as a day care surgery but we keep the patient in hospital for at least two days for hypocalcaemia monitoring. Here day care means that these patients are off fluid and orally allowed with eight hours. Thyroidectomy patient is kept in the hospital for two post-operative days as there is no bed charge. We always want to discharge our patients earlier not because of cost factor but because of patient load and waiting. PTH estimation is not available in all government hospital but calcium and phosphorus is available free of cost.


Assisted living instruments and medical implants, such as wheelchairs and joint prostheses are usually subjected to biaxial or three-axial stresses instead of uniaxial stress. So, authors already developed a servo biaxial fatigue-testing machine, and clarified about the performance evaluation. Moreover, closed-packed hexagonal lattice metal, such as magnesium and titanium, is frequently used for assisted living instruments or medical implants. In this research, fatigue crack propagation tests of magnesium alloy AZ31B and pure titanium TP340C were conducted under conditions of biaxial and uniaxial loading by using a cruciform specimen in a bi-axial fatigue machine, in order to investigate the effect of non-singular stress cycling on the fatigue crack growth properties ⊿K-da/dN. From these comprehensive experiments, in the magnesium alloy, the re-markable effect was found in the specific biaxial load stress ratio on ⊿K-da/dN relation. When biaxial load stress ratio was 0.5, it turned out that the fatigue crack propagation rate of a magnesium alloy becomes very slow. On the other hand, in the titanium, it was confirmed that there is a little influence of a biaxial load stress ratio on ⊿KⅠ -da/dN relation.


Demand response (DR) implementations have recently found wide application areas in the context of smart grids. The effectiveness of these implementations is primarily based on the willingness of end-users to be involved in such programs. In this paper, an interactive and user-friendly interface is presented in order to facilitate and accordingly to increase the participation of end-users in DR programs. The proposed interface has the capability of providing the targeted information about the DR events to end-users and system operators, as well as allowing end-users to interactively monitor and control the progress of their appliances. In addition to its benefits to system operators and thus to the improved operation of power systems, the proposed interface particularly aims to exploit the potential energy-related cost savings by providing the required information and resources to end-users via mobile phone. A separate interface apart from the mentioned end-user oriented interface has also been developed for the system operator to more effectively check the status of DR applications in detail. The capabilities of the proposed concept are evaluated in a real smart home in terms of various aspects.


ABSTRACT Objective: This prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter, community-based study was conducted to compare cyclobenzaprine 5 mg three times daily (TID) orally (CYC5) given for 7 days as monotherapy or in combination with ibuprofen 400 mg TID (CYC5/IBU400) or 800 mg TID (CYC5/IBU800) in adults with acute neck or back pain with muscle spasm. Study design: Eligible patients were 18–65 years old, had cervical or thoracolumbar pain and spasm for ≤ 14 days, and, aside from the prescribed study medications, discontinued treatment with all analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, and skeletal muscle relaxants during the study period. Randomization was 1:1:1 to the three treatment groups. Treatment outcome was assessed after 3 and 7 days of therapy using five patient-rated scales: spasm, pain, patient global impression of change (PGIC), medication helpfulness, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results: A total of 867 patients provided postbaseline data and were included in the intent-to-treat population (CYC5, n = 288; CYC5/IBU400, n = 286; CYC5/IBU800, n = 293). All three treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements from baseline in PGIC, spasm, pain, ODI, and medication helpfulness ( p < 0.001 for all comparisons) after 3 and 7 days of therapy. There were no significant differences in mean PGIC among groups after 3 days of therapy ( p = 0.65 for treatment effect) or after 7 days of therapy (primary endpoint; p = 0.41). A PGIC responder analysis of changes from baseline showed that 88% and 93% of patients reported at least mild improvement after 3 and 7 days of therapy, respectively. All three treatments were well tolerated, with no significant differences between treatments regarding the number of adverse events (AEs) reported or number of patients reporting AEs. The most common AEs in all groups were fatigue, somnolence, dizziness, sedation, and nausea. Limitations of this study include an unblinded design and possible introduction of bias into efficacy and safety results by use of a voluntary telephone reporting system. Conclusions: This randomized, community-based clinical trial demonstrated that combination therapy with cyclobenzaprine 5 mg TID plus ibuprofen was not superior to cyclobenzaprine 5 mg TID alone in adult patients with acute neck and back pain with muscle spasm. All treatments were well tolerated.


In this paper we use a Von Mises transformation to study brine transport in porous media. The model involves mass balance equations for fluid and salt, Darcy's law and an equation of state, relating the salt mass fraction to the fluid density. Application of the Von Mises transformation recasts the model equations into a single nonlinear diffusion equation. A further reduction is possible if the problem admits similarity. This yields a formulation in terms of a boundary value problem for an ordinary differential equation which can be treated by semi-analytical means. Three specific similarity problems are considered in detail: (i) One-dimensional, stable displacement of fresh water and brine in a porous column, (ii) Flow of fresh water along the surface of a salt rock, (iii) Mixing of parallel layers of brine and fresh water.


Frequent, region-wide monitoring of changes in pasture quality due to human disturbances or climatic conditions is impossible by field measurements or traditional ecological surveying methods. Remote sensing imagery offers distinctive advantages for monitoring spatial and temporal patterns. The chemical parameters that are widely used as indicators of ecological quality are crude protein (CP) content and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content. In this study, we investigated the relationship between CP, NDF, and reflectance in the visible–near-infrared–shortwave infrared (VIS–NIR–SWIR) spectral range, using field, laboratory measurements, and satellite imagery (Sentinel-2). Statistical models were developed using different calibration and validation data sample sets: (1) a mix of laboratory and field measurements (e.g., fresh and dry vegetation) and (2) random selection. In addition, we used three vegetation indices (Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI), Soil-adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) and Wide Dynamic Range Vegetation Index (WDRVI)) as proxies to CP and NDF estimation. The best models found for predicting CP and NDF contents were based on reflectance measurements (R2 = 0.71, RMSEP = 2.1% for CP; and R2 = 0.78, RMSEP = 5.5% for NDF). These models contained fresh and dry vegetation samples in calibration and validation data sets. Random sample selection in a model generated similar accuracy estimations. Our results also indicate that vegetation indices provide poor accuracy. Eight Sentinel-2 images (December 2015–April 2017) were examined in order to better understand the variability of vegetation quality over spatial and temporal scales. The spatial and temporal patterns of CP and NDF contents exhibit strong seasonal dependence, influenced by climatological (precipitation) and topographical (northern vs. southern hillslopes) conditions. The total CP/NDF content increases/decrease (respectively) from December to March, when the concentrations reach their maximum/minimum values, followed by a decline/incline that begins in April, reaching minimum values in July.


The paper describes a framework for model checking JavaCard applets on the bytecode level. From a set of JavaCard applets we extract their method call graphs using a static analysis tool. The resulting structure is translated into a pushdown system for which the model checking problem for Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) is decidable, and for which there are efficient model checking tools available. The model checking approach of the paper is tailored to the analysis of inter applet (intra card) communications and we demonstrate it using a prototypical example of a purse applet and a set of loyalty applets.


To improve the performance of permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives powered by the voltage inverter with PWM control, a sensorless control scheme based on a Model Reference Adaptive System (MRAS) a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) based in with fuzzy supervisor structure. The major drawbacks of the conventional MRAS, namely chattering phenomena, high-order harmonics andexternal noise, are discussed. These drawbacks affect the estimated speed accuracy of the MRAS and reduce the control reliability of the system. To eliminate these drawbacks, an FLC is designed and integrated into the MRAS to adjust the observer gain to reduce the chattering in closed loop speed and closed loop current/torque. Comparative simulations using the proposed Fuzzy-MRAS and the conventional MRAS are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed FLC structure. Performance simulations of the overall proposed Fuzzy-MRAS based sensorless control scheme are performed to verify the robustness and control reliability of the system. The results show that the proposed Fuzzy MRAS has satisfactory performances with reduction of total harmonic distortion generated in the phase currents.


This Researching entitled "VOTER'S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN THE BEGINNER'S PARTY DEMOCRACY IN WEST KALIMANTAN PROVINCE Melawi (Studies in the village head elections simultaneously in 2016 in the district of Nanga Pinoh)". The purpose of this study was to determine how the participation of voters with the holding of Village Head Election simultaneously, especially in Sub Nanga Pinoh, Desa Tanjung Sari, and factors supporting and inhibiting the holding of Village Head Election simultaneously in District Nanga Pinoh, Tanjung Sari 2016. The method used in this study is exploratory method with inductive approach. The technique of collecting data from interviews and documentation. While the data processing techniques to the stages of data reduction and decision making. Based on the research results, Electoral Process Village Head simultaneously Melawi delays in because elections (Pilkades) which was delayed in 2014 to 2015 to coincide on the election of the Legislative (pileg) and the Presidential Election (PILPRES), then the Government Melawi refers to Law No. 6 of 2014 and Government Regulation (PP) No. 43 year 2014 About the Village Government, finally implementing Pilkades simultaneously in 2016 that should be held in 2015. supporting factors of voters on the Election of Village Head unison is existence the opportunity given by the government to the voters with the permitted use of ID cards if you have not registered as voters remain. Factors supporting of voters on the Election of Village Heads Simultaneously ie unfavorable geographical conditions in the presence of damaged roads, also in the travel distance far enough and left and right of the road is still a forest. Suggested to the Government of the District Electoral Committee Nanga Pinoh and Village Heads, with the occurrence Giving specific socialization to voters within the scope of the simultaneous Pilkades simultaneous Pilkades itself. In addition to the Providing greater opportunities for voters to express their aspirations and ideas in Pilkades simultaneously in the District of Nanga Pinoh Melawi.


The Trichoderma genus comprises several species of fungi whose diversity of secondary metabolites represents a source of potential molecules with medical application. Because of increased pathogen resistance and demand for lower production costs, the search for new pharmacologically active molecules effective against pathogens has become more intense. This is particularly evident in the case of American cutaneous leishmaniasis due to the high toxicity of current treatments, parenteral administration, and increasing rate of refractory cases. We have previously shown that a fungus from genus Trichoderma can be used for treating cerebral malaria in mouse models and inhibit biofilm formation. Here, we evaluated the effect of the ethanolic extract of Trichoderma asperelloides (Ext-Ta) and its fractions on promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, a major causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the New World. Ext-Ta displayed leishmanicidal action on L. amazonensis parasites, and its pharmacological activity was associated with the low-molecular-weight fraction (LMWF) of Ext-Ta. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated morphological alterations in the mitochondria and the flagellar pocket of promastigotes, with increased lipid body and acidocalcisome formation, microtubule disorganization of the cytoplasm, and intense vacuolization of the cytoplasm when amastigotes were present. We suggest the antiparasitic activity of Trichoderma fungi as a promising tool for developing chemotherapeutic leishmanicidal agents.


Background: With increasing prevalence of obesity, the burden of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) on public health services will increase. It is estimated that 4% of middle-aged men have significant OSA. Current SIGN guidelines for OSA recommend treatment with CPAP if the apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI)≥ 15/hr or oxygen desaturation index (ODI) ≥10/hr. It would be of both clinical and economic benefit, if a simple test like overnight oximetry could be used to screen the patients for moderate or severe OSA. Aims: To assess the sensitivity of ODI≥10 in diagnosing moderate and severe OSA. To assess if other parameters are associated with AHI ≥15/hr in patients with ODI Method: We retrospectively collected data from the medical notes and respiratory polysomnography studies (Visilab) of 250 patients, who were suspected to have OSA. ODI, AHI, Mallampati grade, Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) and pulse rate variability were recorded. Results: 102 patients out of the total of 250 had moderate or severe OSA. 77% of these had ODI ≥10/hr. Mallampati grade was recorded in 75 patients: 84% had grade >2. In patients with ODI 2. AHI correlates significantly with ODI (r=0.82, p Conclusion: More than three quarters of the patients with moderate or severe OSA could have been diagnosed by using overnight oximetry. Mallampati grade >2 appears to predict the presence of significant OSA, even when ODI is


Characteristics of divergent mathematical thinking in eighth grade students Donna Kotsopoulos Wilfrid Laurier University Joanne Lee Wilfrid Laurier University Annalise Clarkson Wilfrid Laurier University Abstract: This research examined the characteristics of eighth grade students who exhibited divergent mathematical thinking during problem solving. Divergent mathematical thinking is defined as creative, efficient, and accurate engagement in the cognitive processes of reasoning, problem-solving, communicating, representing, and proof. Using modified talk-aloud protocols, real-time naturalistic analysis of a group of eighth-grade students' mathematical problem solving were conducted. In total, 344 video-taped episodes were analyzed from six students who completed "mathcam video diaries" of their problem-solving during homework completion. Results suggest that students who exhibited divergent mathematical thinking tended to engage error analysis and mathematical analogy more often than those that did not. Furthermore, those students tended to benefit from productive failure from ill-defined mathematical problems more so than students who did not exhibit divergent mathematical thinking. Implications for student learning, classroom instruction, homework, and for further research will be discussed.


Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of the infectious disease tuberculosis, has a distinct lipid-rich cell wall. Several anti-TB drugs target cell wall biosynthetic pathways. A good understanding of its biosynthesis will provide helpful clues for the development of novel drug targets. A strategy based on random transposon (Tn) mutagenesis with two different screening criteria, altered colony morphology and mycobacteriophage resistance, was developed. Non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis and the fish pathogen Mycobacterium marinum were used for generating Tn-mutant libraries. From the colony morphology screen, two out of eight genes identified from M. smegmatis Tn-mutants and eleven out of twenty from M. marinum Tn-mutants with altered colony morphology were directly involved in cell wall synthesis. One mutant from each species was chosen for further study, the M. smegmatis 3D9 Tn-mutant with the only isocitrate dehydrogenase (icd) gene disrupted and the M. marinum 8G10 mutant with a Tn inserted into the promoter region of MMAR0978 with a deficiency in methoxymycolates production. Four mutants resistant to generalised transducing phage I3 were identified with a Tn insertion in a gene cluster involved in the biosynthesis of the cell wall associated glycopeptidolipids (GPLs), demonstrating the potential of using phage-resistant mutants for identifying cell wall biosynthetic genes.


The third of four lectures at the College de France in 2000 on the subject of conceptual mappings and conceptual structure.


This work utilizes the Bayes formula to vectorize a document according to a probability distribution based on keywords reflecting the probable categories that the document may belong to. The Bayes formula gives a range of probabilities to which the document can be assigned according to a pre determined set of topics (categories). Using this probability distribution as the vectors to represent the document, the text classification algorithms based on the vector space model, such as the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Self-Organizing Map (SOM) can then be used to classify the documents on a multi-dimensional level, thus improving on the results obtained using only the highest probability to classify the document, such as that achieved by implementing the naïve Bayes classifier by itself. The effects of an inadvertent dimensionality reduction can be overcome using these algorithms. We compare the performance of these classifiers for high dimensional data.


Author(s): Dehal, Paramvir S. | Abstract: Background: The VIMSS Computational Core group is responsible for data management, data integration, data analysis, and comparative and evolutionary genomic analysis of the data for the VIMSS project. We have expanded and extended our existing tools sets for comparative and evolutionary genomics and microarray analysis as well as creating new tools for our proteomic and metabolomic data sets. Our analysis has been incorporated into our comparative genomics website MicrobesOnline (http://www.microbesonline.org) and made available to the wider research community. By taking advantage of the diverse functional and comparative datasets, we have been able to pursue large evolutionary studies. Data Analysis: During the course of analysis of various stress responses of DvH, the computational core has continued to develop new statistical analyses of data that take advantage of the predicted regulatory structures (operons, regulons, etc.) from our comparative analyses. This year we have used these analyses to investigate the response of DvH to oxygen stress and pH stress. Our analysis has focused on the combined results from both transcriptomic and proteomic datasets to interpret oxygen stress. Additionally, we have worked with metabolomic datasets within the framework of predicted metabolic activities to find missing pathway members. Data Management: All data generated by ESPP continues to be stored in our Experimental Information and Data Repository (http://vimss.lbl.gov/EIDR/). Researches have access to datasets from biomass production, growth curves, image data, mass spec data, phenotype microarray data and transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic data. New functionality has been added for storage of information relating to mutants and protein complex data, in addition to new visualization for assessing existing data sets such as the phenotype microarrays. The MicrobesOnline Database: The MicrobesOnline database (http://www.microbesonline.org) currently holds over 700 microbial genomes and will be updated quarterly, providing an important comparative genomics resource to the community. New functionality added this year includes the addition of a thousands of phage genomes and plasmids, an updated user interface for the phylogenetic tree based genome browser that allows users to view their genes and genomes of interest within an evolutionary framework, tools to compare multiple microarray expression data across genes and genomes, addition of external microarray data from the Many Microbial Microarrays Database, integration with the RegTransBase of experimentally verified regulatory binding sites and links to three dimensional protein structures of proteins and their close relatives. MicrobesOnline continues to provide an interface for genome annotation, which like all the tools reported here, is freely available to the scientific community. To keep up with the rapidly expanding set of sequenced genomes, we have begun to investigate methods for accelerating our annotation pipeline. In particular we have completed work on methods to speed up the most time consuming process, homology searching through HMM alignments and all against all BLAST. These methods now enable us to deal with the many millions of gene sequences generated from metagenomics. Over the next year, several new features will be added to the MicrobesOnline resource. Microarray expression data will be added from the NCBI GEO database, in addition to datasets generated from the VIMSS team. To supplement the analysis tools we already have, enrichment of functional genes and operon-wise analysis, we will provide tools for comparing multiple experiments across multiple genomes. We will also expand our regulatory binding motif search to incorporate co-expression data to support predictions. Evolutionary Analysis: The computational core continues work on understanding the evolution of regulatory networks. Transcription factors form large para


[1] We present early mid-Holocene records of Sr/Ca, dO and dOsw from marine archives collected in Vanuatu: two Porites sp. corals (6.7–6.5 ka BP) and a Tridacna maxima giant clam (6.2–6.0 ka BP). Sr/Ca, dO, and dOsw were used as proxies for sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS). The fossil geochemical records were compared to modern Porites sp. and T. maxima records. Reconstructed mean SSTs from the two fossil Porites sp. and from the modern coral are similar, implying that the Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP)' southern edge had reached its modern location by 6.7–6.5 ka BP. The post-glacial SST rise in the Southwest Pacific was thus completed by the early mid-Holocene. The two early mid-Holocene corals and the giant clam recorded saltier conditions than modern related to 1) a decoupling between the precipitation regime and the SPCZ due to a northerly position of this climatic feature and 2) an increase of the moisture transport to the extra-tropics, driven by a strengthened or extended Hadley cell. The longest dO coral profile displays an El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal reduced by 20–30% compared to the period 1928–1992, in concordance with the reduced ENSO variability observed in the Pacific area during the first half of the Holocene. However, the decoupling between the SPCZ and the precipitation regime may have also contributed to the weak ENSO signal recorded in the early mid-Holocene coral dO profile.


Purpose of review Eosinophilic esophagitis is an isolated, eosinophilic inflammation of the esophagus. The symptoms are often confused for those of gastroesophageal reflux. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the literature surrounding eosinophilic esophagitis as more than two-thirds of the articles written on the subject have been published within the past 3 years. Because the incidence is rising and the condition is easily diagnosed by endoscopy with biopsy, it is important for physicians to understand the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options available for patients. Recent findings The etiology of eosinophilic esophagitis in children is reported to be associated with an allergic response to food antigens. Because allergy tests are often unable to determine the causative foods, complete elimination of all foods is often required. The diagnosis requires a biopsy of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The condition is diagnosed if the patient's esophageal biopsy depicts over 20 eosinophils per high-powered field despite the use of aggressive acid blockade, biopsies of the stomach antrum and duodenum are normal, and the tissue inflammation resolves when dietary antigens are removed from the diet. While the most commonly involved foods causing eosinophilic esophagitis include milk, eggs, nuts, beef, wheat, fish, shellfish, corn and soy, almost all foods have been implicated. Alternative treatments include esophageal dilatation and medical therapy. Summary This article reviews the past year's literature, concentrating on the pathophysiology, and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis in both children and adults.


Different functional and morphological characteristics in a nonadherent subpopulation of human macrophages recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage. C.M. Skold, C. Barck, J. Lundahl, A. Johansson. ERS Journals Ltd 1995. ABSTRACT: The alveolar macrophages (AMs) constitute a morphologically and functionally heterogenous cell population. The adhesive properties of these cells are important for their role in host defence. To focus on the heterogeneity, a popula- tion of nonadherent macrophages were characterized functionally and morphologi- cally. These cells were then compared with the total alveolar macrophage population. Alveolar cells (>95% alveolar macrophages), were recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from healthy smokers. Nonadherent macrophages were separated by adhesion. The phagocytic capacity and the autofluorescent properties of the cell populations were determined in flow cytofluorometric assays. In addition, electron microscopic evaluation was performed. The alveolar macrophage adhesion to wells coated with albumin increased in a time-dependent manner. After 15 min, median 47%, interquartile range 42-52% (uncoated wells 68%, 67-72%) of the alveolar macrophages were attached; and after 60 min, 56%, 51-58% (uncoated wells 73%, 71-76%) of the alveolar macrophages were attached. The nonadherent alveolar macrophage population had less phago- cytic capacity. The cell autofluorescence increased with increasing cell size and cell complexity/granularity in both populations. The nonadherent cells were more auto- fluorescent, indicating an increased granularity/complexity. These findings were confirmed with electron microscopy. Thus, the nonadherent alveolar macrophages had more cytoplasmic inclusions than the total alveolar macrophage population (vol- ume density median 0.39, interquartile range 0.35-0.46 and 0.31, 0.26-0.34, respec- tively), but less surface protusions. We conclude that in lavage fluid from human smokers there is an ultrastruc- turally specific subpopulation of alveolar macrophages, showing less adhesive prop- erties and impaired phagocytic capacity in vitro. These macrophages may be older alveolar cells or, alternatively, airway macrophages. Since only alveolar macropha- ges from smokers were investigated, we cannot draw any conclusions regarding alveolar cells from nonsmokers. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of the lavaged cells should be taken into consideration when the functional ability of the alveolar macrophages are evaluated.


Huge numbers of different nonlinear structures (double layers, electron holes, nonlinear whistlers, etc., referred to as Time Domain Structures, TDS) have been observed by the electric field experiment on the Van Allen Probes. Some of them are associated with whistler waves. Such TDS often emerge on the forward edges of the whistler wave packets and form chains. The parametric decay of a whistler wave into a whistler wave propagating in the opposite direction and an electron acoustic wave is studied experimentally as well as analytically, using Van Allen Probes data. The resulting electron acoustic wave is considered to be the source of electron scale TDS. The measured parameters of the three waves (two whistlers and the electron acoustic wave) are in good agreement with an assumption of their parametric interaction: ω0=ω1+ω2 and k→0=k→1+k→2 . The bicoherence analysis shows the nonlinear nature of the observed electron‐acoustic waves as well as the whistler wave and electron acoustic wave phase relation. The estimated decay instability growth rate shows that the process of three‐wave interaction can develop in a characteristic time smaller than 1 s, thus, the process is rapid enough to explain the observations. This induced parametric interaction can be one of the mechanisms for quasiperiodic TDS generation in the outer Van Allen radiation belt.


The Lattice Discrete Particle Model (LDPM) is a mesoscale model for heterogeneous materials. Coarse aggregate particles and their surrounding mortar are modeled as rigid polyhedral cells. A tetrahedralization of the particle centers generates a lattice framework where each member is associated with a triangular-shaped plane of contact (facet) between two cells. Behavior is governed by a vectorial constitutive law imposed at the facets. A natural extension for this discrete model is to include the effect of fibers as discrete entities within the mesostructure. Typically, recent modeling advancements account for the contribution of fibers through enhanced constitutive laws, or statistical representations of a micromechanical pullout model. In order to maintain its discrete nature, LDPM incorporates fiber effect by modeling individual fibers, randomly placed within the framework according to a given volume fraction. The number and orientation of fibers crossing each facet is computed, and the contribution of each fiber to the facet response is formulated on the basis of a previously established micromechanical model for fiber-matrix interaction. The theory for the developed model, entitled LDPM-F, is summarized. Calibration and validation is performed through the simulation of structural testing results, including direct tension and confined and unconfined compression.


Sulfide generation and crown corrosion rates increased sharply in reinforced concrete trunk sewers in Los Angeles County during the years following implementation of categorical industrial waste pre treatment requirements. Measured rates of crown deterioration were several times larger than predictions developed using accepted engineering methods and many times faster than rates observed in the same sewers before 1980. To investigate the discontinuous record of crown corrosion in Los Angeles County sewers, relationships between sulfide generation and wastewater quality characteristics were examined for statistical sig nificance. Wastewater concentrations of dissolved and /or total sulfide were correlated with concentrations of several transition metals, including Ni, Fe, Pb, Cd, and Cr. A series of experiments was then undertaken to examine directly the effect of transition metal supplements, alone and in combination on the activities of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in batch reactors and two types of continuous-flow reactors. None of the metals tested individually, at concentrations approaching those in Los Angeles County wastewater before implementation of federally mandated industrial waste pretreatment measures, inhibited sulfide generation. When added together at concentrations that approximated their 1971 1974 levels in county wastewater, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and CN~ inhibited SRB activity in each reactor configuration tested. Results suggest that wastewater quality was an important determinant of sulfide generation and crown corrosion rates in Los Angeles County sewerage. Res. J. Water Pollut. Control Fed, 63, 789 ( 1991 ).


In this paper, we present a low-cost computationally efficient method to accurately assess Gait by monitoring the 3D trajectory of the lower limb (i.e. 3 segments - foot, tibia and thigh, and 2 joints - ankle and knee). Our method utilises a network of miniaturized wireless inertial sensors, coupled with a suite of sophisticated real-time analysis algorithms and can operate in any unconstrained environment. Firstly, we adopt a modified computationally-efficient, highly accurate and realtime gradient descent algorithm to obtain the 3D orientation of each of the 3 segments. Secondly, by utilising the foot sensor, we successfully detect the stance phase of the human gait cycle, which allows us to obtain drift-free velocity and the 3D position of the foot during functional phases of a gait cycle (i.e. heel strike to heel strike). Thirdly, by setting the foot segment as the root node we calculate the 3D orientation and position of the other 2 segments as well as the ankle and knee joints. Finally, we employ a customised kinematic model adjustment technique to ensure that the motion is coherent with human biomechanical behaviour of the leg. Our method is low-cost, is robust to measurement drift and can accurately monitor human gait outside the lab in any unconstrained environment.


Cancer is the second cause of deaths worldwide and is forecasted to affect more that 22 million people in 2020. Despite dramatic improvement in its care over the last two decades, the treatment of resistant forms of cancer is still an unmet challenge. Thus, innovative and efficient treatments are still needed. In this context, we report herein the synthesis and the evaluation of a new class of bioactive molecules belonging to the N-(4-(3-aminophenyl(thiazol-2-yl)acetamide family. Structure-activity relationships could be driven and resulted in the discovery of lead compound 6b. The latter display high in vitro potency against both sensitive and resistant cancer cell lines on three models: melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). 6b leads to cell death by concomitant induction of apoptosis and autophagy, shows good pharmacokinetic properties, and demonstrates a significant reduction of tumor growth in vivo on A375 xenograft model in mice.


Background: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) represent a heterogeneous group of immune-deficiency related lymphoid malignancies occurring after solid organ transplant (SOT) or bone marrow transplant. Monomorphic PTLD (mPTLD) is typically characterized by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), though other mature B and T-cell lymphomas make up a small contribution. In one of the largest prospective clinical trials in PTLD, Trappe et al described a risk stratified sequential treatment approach using rituximab (R) monotherapy induction followed by either (R) consolidation or chemoimmunotherapy (chemoR) based on interim response. The role of cytogenetic and immunohistochemistry (IHC) risk stratification have not been fully described in mPTLD. In this study, we aim to identify clinical factors which may lead to differences in clinical outcomes in mPTLD.
 Methods: Pts diagnosed with mPTLD following SOT at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill were identified by an IRB approved EMERSE query of the medical record. Histologic classification was determined by pathologist review at the time of diagnosis. DLBCL subtype was determined as either germinal center B-Cell (GCB) type, non-GCB type, or unclassifiable using Hans IHC criteria. Double-Hit lymphoma (DHL) was defined as the presence of a MYC rearrangement in combination with either a BCL2 or BCL6 rearrangement by in-situ hybridization. Double expressor lymphoma (DEL) was defined as the presence of MYC and BCL2 co-expression by IHC. Additional copies of MYC or BCL2 were determined by in-situ hybridization. Clinical responses were determined per Lugano criteria. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association of covariates of interest with overall survival (OS).
 Results: A total of 29 pts were diagnosed with mPTLD between 2010 and 2019. The median age at diagnosis was 55 years (range, 19-84 years). Transplanted organs included 16 kidney (56%), 5 lung (17%), 4 liver (14%), 3 heart (10%), and 1 kidney/heart (3%). The median time from transplant to diagnosis was 7.1 years (range, 0.2 to 24.5 years). Sub-classification of mPTLD revealed 11 non-GCB type (38%), 10 GCB type (35%), 7 unclassifiable DLBCL (24%), and 1 PTCL (3%). EBV encoded RNA (EBER) in-situ hybridization was positive in 10 pts (35%) and concurrent EBV reactivation was detected in 7 of the 10 pts.
 Both categorized EBV encoded RNA (EBER) in-situ hybridization, and GCB vs non-GCB type mPTLD did not appear to be significantly associated with OS. mPTLD that was DHL (1 pt), DEL (3 pts), or had extra copies of MYC/BCL2 (3 pts) had significantly shorter OS (p=0.006, Figure 1). The 1 year OS for those with high risk cytogenetics and IHC was 29% [95% CI: 4% to 61%] versus those without at 76% [52% to 89%]. Consistent with prior studies, pts with revised International Prognostic Index (R-IPI) high (3-5) had a significantly shorter OS (p=0.001, Figure 2). The 1 year OS for those with dichotomized R-IPI high was 38% [95% CI: 14% to 63%] versus those with R-IPI low at 87% [95% CI: 56% to 96%].
 All pts had a reduction in immunosuppression at diagnosis. Fourteen pts (48%) were treated with front-line (R) monotherapy. Seven of these pts achieved a CR (50%), 3 pts achieved a PR, 3 pts developed progressive disease and 1 pt died during therapy. Eleven pts (38%) were treated with front-line chemoR. Seven of these pts achieved a CR, 3 pts achieved a PR, and 1 pt died during therapy. Pts who achieved a CR or PR with (R) monotherapy induction had a better OS compared to pts who either had no response to (R) or were treated with chemoR (p=0.01, Figure 3). The 1 year OS for (R) CR/PR was 90% [47% to 99%] versus all other pts including those treated with combination chemoR at 47% [23% to 68%]. Of note, pts who achieved a CR with either (R) induction or chemoR in the front-line setting had borderline significantly improved OS (p=0.06).
 Conclusion: Response to therapy within mPTLD is quite variable. In this study, we reveal a population of mPTLD with particularly poor outcomes (DHL, DEL, and extra copies of MYC/BCL2). To our knowledge, this is the first study to show the dramatic impact of poor risk cytogenetic and IHC findings on clinical outcomes in mPTLD. As seen in other cohorts, high R-IPI score was associated with poor outcomes. Objective response to (R) induction in the front-line setting was associated with improved survival.

 Grover: Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Dittus:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy.


The sexual assault of men is an important issue that has been underexamined in the counseling literature. Regarding the scope of the problem, the available research suggests that men constitute at least 5% to 10% of all sexual assault victims (Coxell & King, 1996; Forman, 1983; Pino & Meier, 1999). Isely and Gehrenbeck-Shim (1997) found that a group of 172 social service agencies across the United States reported seeing more than 3,600 male sexual assault victims between the years 1972 and 1991, with nearly half of these victims being seen in 1991 alone. Kaufman, Divasto, Jackson, Voorhees, and Christy (1980) reported up to a 10% increase in the number of male victims seeking help in a medical center in New Mexico within a 3-year period. Sorenson, Stein, Siegel, Golding, and Burnam (1987) found that 107 out of 1,480 men interviewed about their past sexual experience (approximately 7%) had experienced at least one incident of a forced or coerced sexual contact as an adult. Struckman-Johnson (1991) found that 34% of a sample of 204 male university students reported having experienced at least one coercive sexual situation since the age of 16. These figures stand in sharp contrast to the typical misperception of many laypersons that sexual assault against men typically occurs only in prison or other institutional settings (Donnelly & Kenyon, 1996) and underscore the fact that sexual assault against men likely occurs with a greater frequency than most people realize. Male rape victims may underreport or fail to report assaults for a variety of reasons including fear of being disbelieved, gender role expectations, lack of available treatment, and sexual identity confusion (Donnelly & Kenyon, 1996; Groth & Burgess, 1980; King, 1992; Mezey & King, 1989). This is an unfortunate state of affairs given that male rape victims have been found to experience difficulties related to sexual assault that are very similar to those experienced by sexually assaulted women, including the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (Rogers, 1997). Male rape victims may feel an increased sense of vulnerability and anger or irritability, confusion over their sexual orientation, a loss of self-respect, emotional distance from others, sexual dysfunction, and rape-related phobia (Mezey & King, 1989). Male rape victims also have a higher likelihood of sustaining more physical injuries in an assault, are often victimized by more than one assailant, and tend to seek medical attention for secondary injuries without reporting the rape (Isely & Gehrenbeck-Shim, 1997; Kaufman et al., 1980). Similar to their female counterparts, when male victims of rape do report assaults, they may encounter "blame the victim" types of attitudes and people who subscribe to various myths surrounding rape. Rape myths have been defined as prejudicial, stereotyped, or false beliefs about rape, rape victims, or rapists, and acceptance of rape myths is associated with such factors as gender role stereotyping, sexual conservatism, and an acceptance of interpersonal violence (Burr, 1980, 1991). Greater acceptance of rape myths has also been associated with a greater willingness to attribute blame to a victim of sexual assault (Kopper, 1996). Investigators (cf. Gilmartin-Zena, 1988) have also found sex differences in the acceptance of rape myths and willingness to assign blame to the victim for a rape, with women significantly more likely to reject rape myths than are men and men being more willing to attribute blame to victims of sexual assault than are women (e.g., Cowan & Curtis, 1994; McCaul, Veltum, Boyechko, & Crawford, 1990; Schult & Schneider, 1991). Whatley and Riggio (1993) investigated the effect of sex on willingness to attribute blame to a male rape victim and found that men more than women tended to blame male rape victims. In addition to sex, the amount of physical resistance exerted by a sexual assault victim during a rape has also been shown to influence both the amount of blame people are willing to assign to the victim for the attack and the extent to which people view the assault as a crime (cf. …


Space-vector PWM (SVPWM) gained attention, as a voltage synthesis technique for asymmetrical dual three phase machines (ADTMs); due to its ability to minimize the harmonic content of the output and minimize the switching losses through proper selection of the switching vectors. It has been studied extensively for ADTMs mainly for induction machines with isolated neutrals (2N), such that the inverter is assumed to be the only source capable of inducing harmonics within the stator currents. Thus, by setting the xy subspace voltages to zero, the harmonic content is minimized. However, for dual three phase-permanent magnet synchronous machines (DT-PMSM), the presence of non-sinusoidal rotor flux invokes significant harmonics, mandating non-zero references for the xy plane to ensure proper compensation. This paper invokes the employment of non-zero harmonic references within the SVPWM calculation for the 2N connection, as well as laying out the fundamentals for the single neutral (1N) connection, which is more reliable from fault-tolerance point of view. Also, a simple digital realization is presented, suitable for the 12-, 24-sector SVPWM methods, both continuous and discontinuous modulations. The theoretical findings are corroborated with a 4.4 kW DT-PMSM, demonstrating significant improvement in the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the stator currents.


Sensor-based planning for rod-shaped robots is necessary for the realistic deployment of noncircularly symmetric robots into unknown environments. Whereas circularly symmetric robots have two-dimensional Euclidean configuration spaces, planar rod robots posses three degrees-of-freedom, two for position and one for orientation, and hence have a three-dimensional configuration space, SE(2). In this work, we define the rod hierarchical generalized Voronoi graph (rod-HGVG) which is a roadmap of the rod's configuration space. Prior work in Voronoi-based roadmaps use a retraction of the robot's free space to define the roadmap; here, we break apart the robot's free space into regions where fragments of the roadmap are defined and then connect the fragments. The primary advantage of the rod-HGVG is that it is defined in terms of workspace distance measurements, which makes it amenable to sensor-based planning. This paper also includes a numerical procedure that generates the rod-HGVG edge fragments using only information that is within line of sight of the rod robot. It is worth noting that this procedure does not require an explicit definition of configuration space, i.e., this procedure constructs a roadmap of rod configuration space without ever constructing the configuration space itself.


One of the proposed surgical treatments of Short Bowel Syndrome is the interposition of a distal colon segment between two portions of the remnant small intestine. This method proved to reverse the nutritional disorders caused by this morbid entity. Surgical technique consisted in an 80% small bowel resection and the interposition of a 3 cm segment of distal colon between the remaining jejunum and ileum. After 70 days, the animals were reoperated and the interposed and the distal colon were isolated and tied. By using the method of rapid and successive absorptions of a glucose solution through the intestinal lumen, the relations between the absorption curves of the interposed and the normal colon could be drawn. Results show that the interposed colon segment absorbs more glucose (mean = 1.43 +/- 1.16 mg/dl) than the distal colon (mean = 0.37 +/- 0.29 mg/dl) and that its absorption pattern is similar to the small bowel rather than the colon. These results allow the use of this method for further studies in which the interposed colon adaptation is studied with other nutrients and/or under specific conditions.


Genotyping human papillomavirus (HPV) in clinical specimens is important because each HPV type has different oncogenic potential. Amplification of HPV DNA by PCR with the consensus primers that are derived from the consensus sequences of the L1 gene has been used widely for the genotyping. As recent studies have shown that the cervical specimens often contain HPV of multiple types, it is necessary to confirm whether the PCR with the consensus primers amplifies multiple types of HPV DNA without bias. We amplified HPV DNA in the test samples by PCR with three commonly used consensus primer pairs (L1C1/L1C2+C2M, MY09/11, and GP5+/6+), and the resultant amplicons were identified by hybridization with type‐specific probes on a nylon membrane. L1C1/L1C2+C2M showed a higher sensitivity than the other primers, as defined by the ability to detect HPV DNA, on test samples containing serially diluted one of HPV16, 18, 51, 52, and 58 plasmids. L1C1/L1C2+C2M failed to amplify HPV16 in the mixed test samples containing HPV16, and either 18 or 51. The three consensus primers frequently caused incorrect genotyping in the selected clinical specimens containing HPV16 and one or two of HPV18, 31, 51, 52, and 58. The data indicate that PCR with consensus primers is not suitable for genotyping HPV in specimens containing multiple HPV types, and suggest that the genotyping data obtained by such a method should be carefully interpreted. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1223–1227)


This article re-examines the meaning of the title προσττις given to Phoebe in Rom 16:2—commonly understood in contemporary scholarship as presenting Phoebe as Paul's patron. This position is challenged with reference to recent studies which argue for broadening our understanding of ancient reciprocity beyond the definitions of a patron—client relationship, and also by re-evaluating the semantic range of προσττις/προσττης. It argues that we should see Phoebe and Paul's relationship as working within a general reciprocity dynamic of benefaction, rather than within the specific relationship of the patron-client relationship.


BACKGROUND Scar formation remains a potential problem after surgery or trauma. Factors influencing scar tissue have been recognized, most notably healing time and wound depth. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between healing time and the quality of scar tissue formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Scarring was assessed at 3 and 12 months after treatment in an RCT of 219 patients and consecutive 438 split-thickness skin graft donor sites. The primary end point of the study was healing time and the quality of scar tissue, which was scored by a validated scar scale evaluating scar height, surface, and color. RESULTS The mean time of wound healing was 15.8 days, with a mean scar score of 6.89 at 3 months and 4.66 at 12 months. There was a significant (p < .000001) and linear correlation between healing time and scar quality. Of particular note, at 12 months, all subparameters of the score demonstrated worsening with prolonged time to heal. CONCLUSION The authors could objectively demonstrate that epithelialization time is an important factor influencing scar quality. In contrast to previous assumptions, this correlation follows linearly. It is reasonable then to assume that treatment strategies expediting healing will also improve scar outcome.


: The Kentucky Council on Higher Education has developed a statewide articulated system for allied health education. The articulated system permits entry and exit of prepared professionals at a variety of levels. The six disciplinary clusters included in the system are clinical laboratory sciences, dental auxiliaries, dietetics/nutrition, rehabilitation therapies, radiological sciences, and respiratory therapy. Competency-based education was used as the theoretical framework for developing and negotiating transfer agreements. Types of agreements included the block credit transfer agreement and the course specific transfer agreement. Agreements were negotiated between education systems and between specific programs/institutions. To date, approximately 30 transfer agreements have been negotiated. The process for negotiating transfer agreements included the following sequence: identify programs, develop a theoretical articulation model, rank order transfer agreements, determine the type of agreement, review respective curricula, determine the existing amount of transferable coursework, draft a pre-articulation agreement, schedule a meeting between faculty and administrators to discuss the agreement, and secure authorizing signatures on the final transfer agreement. Facilitators and barriers to negotiating agreements are discussed and recommendations offered for others who may be interested in developing transfer agreements.


In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases in children. Allergic rhinitis (AR) ranks first among other allergic diseases in terms of prevalence and impact on the health and quality of life patients. In various countries of the world, according to various sources, from 10 to 40% of the population suffers. Allergic rhinitis is a serious medical, social and economic problem. In addition, allergic rhinitis, especially with multiple sensitization and insufficiently controlled course, is an independent risk factor for recurrence of respiratory infections and the development of bronchial asthma, and also significantly reduces the quality of life patients.AR is a multifactorial disease in the development of which many factors play a role. The basis of the pathological process in AR is IgE--dependent mucosal inflammation, which is realized under the influence of specific and nonspecific mechanisms and has a Th2 character. The tissues and organs involved in the process determine the formation of complex mechanisms of interaction between the immune, microcirculatory and autonomic nervous systems.The inflammatory process in AR is characterized by a number of features, for example, the presence of minimal persistent inflammation and the priming effect, which in turn is a predisposing factor for the clinical onset and progression of AR. Microcirculatory mechanisms are of great pathogenetic significance in the development of allergic inflammation, including in AR.Depending on the leading pathognomonic trait, it is now customary to distinguish individual phenotypes and endotypes of AR.The phenotype covers the clinically significant properties of AR, but does not reveal the detailed mechanisms of its development, on the basis of which a personalized algorithm for prevention, treatment and prognosis can be created.And the autonomic nervous system is responsible for setting links between the body, ambient and internal environment through the regulation of metabolism, functioning of organs and tissues based on changes in this environment; it also provides the integration of all organs into a single whole acting as one of the main body's adaptive systems.Since the autonomic nervous system governs the body and homeostasis uniting separate pathogenetic links of disease progression and sets the basis for structural and functional unity. In light of this, the failure of neuroregulatory mechanisms takes the lead among the causes of systemic changes in the microvasculature, which, in turn, reflects general pathogenetic processes in the body. The regulatory mechanism is implemented through nerves and reflexes by different neurohumoral factors, their nature has been studied under experimental conditions and is beyond doubt to date.The study of the main indicators of microcirculation and the autonomic nervous system among children with allergic rhinitis in various combinations with concomitant pathology will highlight new AR phenotypes and select an individual treatment and rehabilitation plan for these children.


It is a well known fact that many dynamic games are subject to the curse of dimensionality, limiting the ability to use them in the study of real-world problems. I propose a new method to solve complex large-scale dynamic games using aggregation as an approximate solution. I obtain two fundamental characterization results. First, approximations with small within-state variation in the primitives have a smaller maximum error bound. I provide numerical results which compare the exact errors and the bound. Second, I find that for monotone games, order preserving aggregation is a necessary condition of any optimal aggregation. I suggest using quantiles as a straightforward implementation of an order preserving aggregation architecture for industry distributions. I conclude with an illustration, by solving and estimating a stylized dynamic reputation game for the hotel industry. Simulation results show maximal errors between the exact and approximated solutions below 6%, with average errors below 1%.


This paper presents a design of robust PI-PD position controller for Magnetic Levitation Ball system. The Magnetic Levitation system considered in this work is taken as a ferromagnetic ball suspended in a voltage controlled magnetic field. The Magnetic Levitation system is unstable, because electromagnetic force is very sensitive and there is a noise that creates acceleration forces on the steel ball resulting the instability due to existence of positive poles causing the steel ball to move into the unbalanced region. The robust controller is aimed to keep a steel ball suspended in the air in the desired position by maintaining the balance between the magnetic force and ball's weight. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method is used to tune the gains of the PI-PD controller. The simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the designed controller.


The enormous growth in both Social Security and private pension plans has stimulated much interest in the impact of these retirement programs on individual saving behavior and the level of national saving. The first issue is the extent to which employees covered by pension plans reduce their own direct saving in response to expected retirement benefits; the response of individuals to guaranteed retirement income will determine, to a large extent, their well-being in retirement. For a nation concerned about saving and capital formation, the second issue is the impact of collectivized retirement saving plans on the national saving rate. This impact will depend not only on individual responses to promised pension benefits, but also on the extent to which firms undertake direct saving, and, if they do not, the extent to which shareholders recognize and compensate for unfunded pension liabilities. The effect of pensions on national saving also requires determining the degree to which increased saving induced by favorable tax provisions exceeds the loss of government revenues. ; This paper will lay out the questions that need to be answered in order to determine the impact of private pension plans on saving, highlight those aspects of pensions that may complicate the analysis, summarize the results of empirical research in this area, and finally make recommendations for improvements in the data.


, 499 (2014); 344  Science et al. Takahiro Fukino Noncovalent Forces Manipulation of Discrete Nanostructures by Selective Modulation of This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. clicking here. colleagues, clients, or customers by , you can order high-quality copies for your If you wish to distribute this article to others here. following the guidelines can be obtained by Permission to republish or repurpose articles or portions of articles ):  May 1, 2014  www.sciencemag.org (this information is current as of The following resources related to this article are available online at http://www.sciencemag.org/content/344/6183/499.full.html version of this article at: including high-resolution figures, can be found in the online Updated information and services, http://www.sciencemag.org/content/suppl/2014/04/09/science.1252120.DC1.html can be found at: Supporting Online Material http://www.sciencemag.org/content/344/6183/499.full.html#related found at: can be related to this article A list of selected additional articles on the Science Web sites http://www.sciencemag.org/content/344/6183/499.full.html#ref-list-1 , 9 of which can be accessed free: cites 34 articles This article http://www.sciencemag.org/content/344/6183/499.full.html#related-urls 1 articles hosted by HighWire Press; see: cited by This article has been http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/collection/chemistry Chemistry subject collections: This article appears in the following


Purpose
A comprehensive operational framework is proposed to explain young consumers' (i.e. generations Y and Z) engagement with brands on social media sites (SMSs). This paper aims to synthesize two motivational theories: uses and gratifications (U&G) theory and the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach
A selective literature review was conducted to examine recent publications related to young consumers' brand-driven engagement behavior on SMSs in which either TAM or U&G theory was applied. A three-stage method was used: an initial search was followed by vertical and horizontal searches and then a targeted search of scholarly publications. At each stage, the university's library databases and Google Scholar were searched for relevant, mainly peer-reviewed articles, using appropriate filters and keywords. The articles' references and the studies that cited those articles were added to the initially identified research pool (vertical search), coupled with publications of a similar nature based on keywords (horizontal search). The final stage, the targeted search, involved identifying and adding specific articles (e.g. literature reviews and integrated models).

Findings
After a review of a significant number of U&G and TAM studies, similarities and differences of the two theories were identified, and an integrated operational framework was developed. Based on empirical findings of existing U&G and TAM studies, testable propositions were presented.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed hybrid model and the associated propositions provide a research opportunity to empirically examine how young consumers' motivational (i.e. motivating and demotivating) drivers, normative influence, perceived value and attitudes (toward brand content and engagement) predict intention or actual brand-related behavior on SMSs.

Practical implications
Much of current research indicates that generations Y and Z ("digital natives") spend considerably more time on SMSs than any of the older generations ("digital immigrants"). Thus, brands that aim to target this cohort need to develop successful engagement strategies (e.g. gamification and influencer marketing) on current and emerging SMSs. The suggested conceptualization provides guidelines for companies to effectively use such communication strategies to motivate young people to engage with their brands on sites such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Originality/value
A review of TAM research indicates that it lacks rich motivating/demotivating constructs, and thus borrows from other theories to complement this weakness. An examination of U&G frameworks, particularity Ducoffe (1996)-based models, indicates that these frameworks mainly test engagement with social media advertising but seldom other types of brand-driven engagement on SMSs. In addition, many U&G studies focus less than TAM studies do on outcome variables such as behavioral intentions and behavior. Thus, the authors propose a synthesized U&G and TAM framework that mitigates both theories' weaknesses and builds on their strengths, enriching the growing research on brand-driven engagement behavior via SMSs.


The social environment modulates gene expression, physiology, behaviour and patterns of inheritance. For more than 50 years, this concept has been investigated using approaches that include partitioning the social component out of behavioural heritability estimates, studying maternal effects on offspring, and analysing dominance hierarchies. Recent advances have formalized this 'social environment effect' by providing a more nuanced approach to the study of social influences on behaviour while recognizing evolutionary implications. Yet, in most of these formulations, the dynamics of social interactions are not accounted for. Also, the reciprocity between individual behaviour and group‐level interactions has been largely ignored. Consistent with evolutionary theory, the principles of social interaction are conserved across a broad range of taxa. While noting parallels in diverse organisms, this review uses Drosophila melanogaster as a case study to revisit what is known about social interaction paradigms. We highlight the benefits of integrating the history and pattern of interactions among individuals for dissecting molecular mechanisms that underlie social modulation of behaviour.


The introduction of the Cerec Omnicam acquisition unit in September 2012 presented Sirona with a challenge: con- figuring the existing software version 4 for both the exist- ing Bluecam, which uses still images, and the video-based Omnicam. Sirona has succeeded in making all the features introduced in version 4.2 (such as the virtual articulator or implant-supported single-tooth restorations, both monolithic and two-part designs) work with both camera types, without compromising the uniform, homogeneous look and feel of the software. The virtual articulator (Figs 1a to 1c) now has even more individual configuration options and allows the setting of almost all angles derived from the individual transfer bow based on precalculated average values. The new software version 4.3, presented in July 2014, fixes some minor bugs, such as the time-consuming "empty grinding" after necessary water changes during the grinding process, but also includes many features that noticeably ease the workflow. For example, the important scanning precision in the region of the anterior incisal edges has been improved, which makes the scanning process more reliable, faster, and far more comfortable.


Motor disability and/or ageing can prevent individuals from fully enjoying home facilities, thus worsening their quality of life. Advance s in the field of accessible user interfaces for domotic appliances can represent a valuable way to improve the independence of these persons. An asynchronous P300-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system was recently validated with the participation of healthy young volunteers for environmental control. In this study, the asynchronous P300-based BCI for the interaction with a virtual home environment was tested with the participation of potential end-users (clients of a Frisian home care organization) with limited autonomy due to ageing and/or motor disabilities. System testing revealed that the minimum number of stimulation sequences needed to achieve correct classification had a higher intra-subject variability in potential end-users with respect to what was previously observed in young controls. Here we show that the asynchronous modality performed significantly better as compared to the synchronous mode in continuously adapting its speed to the users' state. Furthermore, the asynchronous system modality confirmed its reliability in avoiding misclassifications and false positives, as previously shown in young healthy subjects. The asynchronous modality may contribute to filling the usability gap between BCI systems and traditional input devices, representing an important step towards their use in the activities of daily living.


OBJECTIVE
To reveal the mechanism of vascular patency in the myocardium after photosensitization immediately after talaporfin sodium (TS) injection in a canine model, we investigated acute injury to vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND DATA
There are many reports of vascular shutdown within the target region in photodynamic therapy with TS. Vascular patency within healthy canine myocardium in which a photosensitization reaction starts immediately after injection of TS has been reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
TS fluorescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and cell lethality were measured with drug contact time (DCT) up to 120 min at 20 μg/mL. Dependence of radiant exposure on cell lethality with 60 min DCT was investigated using two albumin concentrations that corresponded to those in plasma and interstices. Irradiation (21 mW/cm) outside the adventitia of canine cervical veins for 167 or 667 sec was emitted through a diffuser probe 30 min after intravenous injection of TS (2.5 mg/kg). Veins were extracted ∼30 min after the reaction and stained with von Willebrand factor.

RESULTS
Intracellular fluorescence increased, but not cell lethality, with increasing DCT. Cell lethality increased gradually and reached 100% over 20 J/cm2 in the albumin concentration in the interstices. Normal VECs were found at the acute phase over 20 J/cm2 with a TS concentration in plasma of ∼14 μg/mL in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS
VEC injury after a photosensitization reaction to healthy tissue shortly after TS injection might be low enough for the blood vessels to be patent.


This Feature Article reviews recent progress in the tailored assembly of carbon nanotubes and graphene into three-dimensional architectures with particular emphasis on our own research employing self-assembly principles. Carbon nanotubes and graphene can be assembled into macroporous films, hollow spherical capsules, or hollow nanotubes, via directed assembly from solvent dispersion. This approach is cost-effective and beneficial for large-scale assembly, but pre-requests stable dispersion in a solvent medium. Directed growth from a nanopatterned catalyst array is another promising approach, which enables the control of morphology and properties of graphitic materials as well as their assembly. In addition, the aforementioned two approaches can be synergistically integrated to generate a carbon hybrid assembly consisting of vertical carbon nanotubes grown on flexible graphene films. Tailored assembly relying on scalable self-assembly principles offer viable routes that are scalable for mass production towards the ultimate utilization of graphitic carbon materials in nanoelectronics, displays, sensors, energy storage/conversion devices, and so on, including future flexible devices.


3C 207 is a lobe-dominant radio galaxy with a one sided jet and bright knots, spanning a kpc-Mpc scale, which have been resolved in the radio, optical and X-ray bands. This target was confirmed as a γ-ray emitter with Fermi/LAT, but it is uncertain whether the γ-ray emission region is the core or knots due to the low spatial resolution of Fermi/LAT. We present an analysis of its Fermi/LAT data acquired during the past 9 years. Different from the radio and optical emission from the core, it is found that the γ-ray emission is steady without detection of flux variation at over a 2σ confidence level. This likely implies that the γ-ray emission is from its knots. We collect the radio, optical and X-ray data of knot-A, the closest knot from the core at 1.4″, and compile its spectral energy distribution (SED). Although the single-zone synchrotron+SSC+IC/CMB model that assumes knot-A is at rest can reproduce the SED in the radio-optical-X-ray band, the predicted γ-ray flux is lower than the LAT observations and the derived magnetic field strength deviates from the equipartition condition by 3 orders of magnitude. Assuming that knot-A is moving relativistically, its SED from radio to γ-ray bands would be represented well with the single-zone synchrotron+SSC+IC/CMB model under the equipartition condition. These results likely suggest that the γ-ray emission may be from knot-A via the IC/CMB process and the knot should have relativistical motion. The jet power derived from our model parameters is also roughly consistent with the kinetic power estimated with radio data.


This book provides a richly detailed ethnography of Kenyan khat, tracing some of the many national and transnational trajectories this controversial stimulant takes from its centre of production in the Nyambene Hills to consumers in Kenya and throughout the world. The author, guided by his friend and khat connoisseur M'Mucheke, draws out the full economic, social and cultural significance of the substance, situating this significance within current debates on the legality of khat and the global rhetoric of the 'war on drugs'. The work explores how networks of Kenyan khat bring people of diverse backgrounds together in sometimes uneasy relationships, and highlights the vast cluster of meanings this remarkable commodity has accrued in its 'social life'.


Hypothesis The purpose of this study is to offer new anatomic data about the long process of incus (LPI) for stapes surgery. Background Anatomic study of 50 human macerated incudes to measure different parameters of cross sections of the LPI. Methods Step-by-step cutting of the LPI perpendicular to its axis starting from its free end next to the lenticular process. The layer thickness was 0.5 mm. The cutting surfaces were documented with Canon EOS 20D camera, and a standard software tool (MATLAB) was used for automated statistical analysis. Results The LPI had a maximum diameter of 1.15 mm and a minimum diameter of 0.52 mm at the level of 1.5 mm far from the tip of the long process, which is the most common site for stapes prosthesis attachment. Concerning each cross section, having a long and a short diameter, the average long diameter is 0.9011 mm, and the short diameter is 0.6507 mm. Conclusion Our anatomic study revealed wide variations of diameters and shape of the LPI. Best possible crimping of stapes prosthesis depends not only on the shape and diameters of the LPI but also on the vertical surface of the LPI as well. To prevent incus necrosis due to compression of the feeding blood vessels, the maximum contact surface of the loop of stapes prosthesis should be about 1.9 mm in length.


It is clear that attention is not a unidimensional entity. We are all aware of the different aspects and functions of attention, such as focusing, executing, sustaining, and shifting attention. It has also been well documented that different aspects of attention are associated with different brain regions (cortical, subcortical, and midbrain), which are interconnected and organized into an attentional system.1,2 This attentional system is so widespread that it is very vulnerable to damage and dysfunction. The extensiveness of the attentional system and its vulnerability may account for the very high incidence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the population (5% to 10% in children,3 and about 4.4% in adults4). ADHD is a condition with high rates of comorbidity. 4^6 Generally, the rate of comorbidity increases with age.7 Neuroimaging studies of ADHD are thus complicated by the extensiveness of the attentional system and the high rate of comorbidity because the various comorbid conditions exert their own impact on different brain regions and functions. The 2 In Review papers and 1 Original Research paper address some of the challenges of adult comorbidity, as well as recent neuroimaging findings in ADHD. Ms Mariya V Cherkasova and I8 review neuroimaging findings in ADHD. Areas of the brain that are reviewed are the frontostratial circuit, the cerebellum, and the parietal and temporal lobes. For each area, structural and functional (at rest and during cognitive tasks) findings are presented. Although there is strong evidence suggesting that frontostratial dysfunction is central to the pathophysiology of ADHD, there is currently growing evidence that other regions, such as the cerebellum, the parietal lobes, and the temporal lobes may also have an important role in this condition. Findings generally suggest deficits in the brain areas mentioned above, with decreased volumes and decreased perfusions. However, it is also evident that some areas show enlargement (for example, the anterior hippocampus) or hyperfusion (for example, the temporal areas) when they are brought into play to compensate for areas showing deficits. Dr F Xavier Castellanos, a leading expert in neuroimaging in ADHD, and coauthors, Dr Clare Kelly and Dr Michael P Milham,9 present a review that highlights recent advances in the conceptualization of ADHD, which is emerging from neuroimaging and endophenotypic approaches. Their review focuses on recent published literature on the phenomena of resting-state, rntrasubject variability, and diffusion tensor imaging pertaining to ADHD. These approaches are an attempt to address the complex heterogeneity of ADHD and to develop testable models of pathophysiology. These models focus on intrasubject variability, intrinsic brain activity, and reward-related processing. Last but not least, Dr Lucy Cumyn and coauthors10 review findings regarding the comorbidity in adults with ADHD and report on a large study of adults (n = 447) referred for ADHD assessment in our Original Research paper. Axis I and II disorders are compared in adults with and without ADHD. Even though both groups are clinically referred, the ADHD group has significantly higher rates of Axis I (7 1 .9%, compared with 55.5%) and II (50.2%, compared with 38%) disorders. The most common Axis I disorders in the ADHD group include mood, anxiety, conduct, and substance use disorders. The most common Axis II disorders in the ADHD group include obsessive-compulsive, passive-aggressive, depressive, narcissistic, and borderline personality disorders. …


Purpose: The objective of current study is to develop gastro retentive formulation for Moxifloxacin .HCl using various drug release modifiers and performing In-vitro, In-vivo evaluations. Moxifloxacin, novel synthetic fluoro quinolone, antibacterial agent. Methods: Floating, Muco Adhesive tablets of Moxifloxacin.HCl were prepared using variable amounts of HPMCK100M, Lannea coromandelica gum (LCG) by direct compression technique, Wet Granulation technique respectively. Results and Discussion: Formulations were developed, optimized and are checked for pharmacopoeial tests. Results shows that all the factorial batches were lie within the standard limits. Dissolution parameters of all formulations were subjected to kinetic fitting, various statistical parameters were determined. Formulation (GRSOF) containing 50 mg of HPMCK100M and 50 mg of LCG, is the best formulation showing similarity f2=71.734, f1= 4.271 with the marketed product (AVELOX). It follows Higuchi's kinetics, Non-Fickian Diffusion first order kinetics (n= 0.717). In-vivo studies were performed for the GRSOF with 6 healthy rabbits and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined, compared with Avelox and found that GRSOF produced similar results. Stability studies were performed for GRSOF as per ICH guidelines. Results found to be satisfactory. Conclusion: GRSOF expected to improve patient compliance by means of providing good clinical outcome.


Spatial correlation is one of the impairments in multiple- input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication systems. Capacity increases promised by MIMO systems mostly depend on the spatial correlation properties of the radio channels. This letter investigates the connection between these properties and the channel capacity. An analytical formula is derived for the fading correlation function of a uniform circular array (UCA) when the angular energy follows a Laplacian distribution. Computer simulations are carried out to verify the analytical results, such as fading correlation and channel capacity.


Nowadays, the advancement of technology makes the life easier and convenience. Smart home is one of the technology provide a better life environment for the residents. The purpose of this study is to make a systematic and empirical study on the factors and model that influencing the intention to adopt smart home in Malaysia. Clear interface, consistency, attractiveness, information accuracy, information completeness, perceived security and perceived privacy used as the variables to investigate the intention to adopt the smart home. The quantitative method was used in this research. The sample size of this research is 102 respondents. The questionnaire was used for data collection. From the statistical analysis, the result verify that clear interface, consistency, attractiveness, information accuracy, perceived security and perceived privacy have positive impact on the Malaysian householder's intention to adopt smart home. Besides that, the result from clustering analysis shows that, the younger generation or higher education respondents have higher intention to adopt smart home system. By referring this, the practitioner can refer and focus on those variables to develop the smart home that suitable for Malaysian.


Many Engineering Technology students at Penn State Erie The Behrend College tend to struggle with some of the basic concepts in courses in fluid and thermal sciences. According to much of the research it is helpful to have something visual to reinforce classroom lectures. Typically there are separate lab components to these courses with attempt to reinforce the class work, but they do not always address the core concepts that the students are struggling with. A project is underway at Penn State Erie to develop a group of simple exercises for use in a classroom setting which bridge the gap between traditional lectures and the accompanying laboratory experiences. They are intended to last the length of a lecture period, and will not just demonstrate but also help teach the core principle involved. They will use a guided inquiry approach to challenge student misconceptions, and to promote deeper understanding through qualitative reasoning. Currently the project is in the early stages. Initially there will be eight exercises which will be used in four different courses – MET courses in Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer and Fluid Power, and Fluid and Thermal Sciences for Electrical Engineering Technology. This initial group of eight will address basic concepts related to the first law of thermodynamics for closed systems (2 exercises), first law of thermodynamics for open systems, fins, fan sizing, pressure in a fluid column, viscosity and Bernoulli equation. They are currently in different phases of development. Half of them (first law for closed systems, first law for open systems, fan sizing and pressure in a fluid column) have some hardware already built and tested, and are waiting for procedures to be written followed by classroom trial. The others are in the concept and hardware design stages. The plan is to have all eight ready for fall of 2016. This paper addresses several aspects of the project. First, the guided inquiry approach in general is discussed. Then, our plan of how to apply this approach in a classroom setting is laid out with some discussion of lessons learned from using similar but longer exercises in a lab setting. Finally, we give examples of the type of hardware that will be used and the type of worksheets that could be used in concert with the hardware.


In a so called "Great" zonation, "terroir" study is of great importance also in aim of the best exploiting. In the present paper are shown results from the research in Istria with the aim of individuating the influence of soil (terra rossa and flysch) and of altitude on quality of three important autochtone varieties: "Istrian Malvasia", "Porec Rosy Muscat" and "Momjan White Muscat". Final goal was to furnish important elements to vitivinicultural zonation enclosed in a wide context of regulatory plans: vitivinicultural, viticultural, agricultural and general plan of the area. On this purpose, vineyards in full maturity were selected in Porec (80 end 220 msl) and Motovun (50 end 185 msl)) for Istrian Malvasia, in Porec ( 50 msl), and Visnjan (250 msl) for Rosy Muscat, in Momjan (220 and 350 msl) and Porec (50 end 200) for Whit Muscat, growing on terra rossa and flysch. During maturation and harvesting were performed some enochemical parameters (sugars, total acids, pH) and quantitative parameters. After viniflcation chemical and organoleptic analysis of wines were performed. It was also determined the economic quality (QE) of vines. Finally, vines were estimated according to the so called CIMEC methodology considering not only organoleptic quality but also preference, price, cost and profit. On basis of quantitative, enochemical, organoleptic and economic results, some interesting indications came out on the influence of soil type and altitude on productive qualitative, quantitative and business aspects of studied viticultures, objects of zonation ("Great" zonation).


13C Chemical shifts of 4-substituted tricyclenes, 4-substituted camphors, 1-substituted camphenes and the 15N chemical shifts of diazoalkanes are discussed in terms of correlations with Hammett-type parameters, C.N.D.O./2 calculations, steric effects and with the chemical shifts of similar compounds. The beta-chemical shifts of the camphenes, camphors and tricyclenes are rationalised by estimating distances of the beta-carbon to substituent atoms and relating the shifts to the magnitude and direction of the expected 1, 4 and 1, 5 effects. The contribution of field effects to the total chemical shift of carbons is considered, and the correlation of C(2) chemical shifts in camphenes and camphors with linear free energy parameter, sigmaT is taken as indicating a significant contribution from field effects at these carbons. 15N chemical shifts of diazoalkanes appear to be affected by changes in both the mean excitation energy, AE, and the electron density. Dual Substituent Parameter (D.S.P.) correlations of the S.C.S. and electron densities of meta and para-substituted, 1',1',1'-trimethylammonio 2'-benzimides, 1',1'-dimethyl 2'-benzoylhydrazides and acetophenones provide a means of examining electronic transmission in these series. In addition, it is shown that inclusion of a contribution from bond order to the effective electron density accounts for the shift changes observed at the carbonyl carbon. Extended or reduced conjugation between the benzene ring and a O = C - N - N(Me3) group does not appear to alter the mechanism of electronic transmission to the carbonyl carbon, as monitored by the 13C chemical shifts of para-substituted 1',1',1'-trimethylammonio 2'-cinnamimides and 2'-phenylacetimides, although in the latter case electronic transmission to the carbonyl carbon is severely reduced. Long range proton-proton couplings between H3exo and H5 exo in 4-substituted camphors and their nitrimines are shown to correlate with sigmaI and the nitrimine shows diminished values with respect to the parent ketones. From this it is tentatively suggested that the carbon-nitrogen double bond in nitrimines is less polar than the carbonyl bond.


This research presents a methodology to develop a computer system "CSC-Estimate", Computer System for Construction Estimates, that stresses on the early and preliminary stages of estimating the construction costs of any commercial building that also can be used for residential buildings if a reduction factor of 20 to 30 percent is considered. The methodology utilizes tools available between hands, Access 97 the database member of Microsoft Office 97 family and Visual Basic for Application, the child of the Object Oriented Programming Language Visual Basic (6.0). The methodology introduces a new tool to be used for the construction industry in general and for the Canadian industry in particular. "CSC-Estimate" is designed to generate parametric and preliminary estimates to be used by the owner for feasibility purposes, by the architects and engineers for conceptual estimates or when considering alternatives, as well by the contractor for bidding purposes. Two cases consist of actual projects are presented in order to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed model.


We study the statistical limits of testing and estimation for a rank one deformation of a Gaussian random tensor. We compute the sharp thresholds for hypothesis testing and estimation by maximum likelihood and show that they are the same. Furthermore, we find that the maximum likelihood estimator achieves the maximal correlation with the planted vector among measurable estimators above the estimation threshold. In this setting, the maximum likelihood estimator exhibits a discontinuous BBP-type transition: below the critical threshold the estimator is orthogonal to the planted vector, but above the critical threshold, it achieves positive correlation which is uniformly bounded away from zero.


There are three pillars of legal stability in international oil and gas investments: stabilization clauses, expectations of a stable legal framework under an investment treaty and guarantees set out in the host state's domestic legislation. The diverse and pervasive character of stabilization clauses in investment agreements makes them the most important in practice.This article reviews their resilience alongside the other two pillars and concludes that they retain significant advantages. Even in a wider context of policies favouring a lower carbon consumption in the energy sector, and consequent long-term change, such clauses are likely to remain a continuing feature of investment agreements as a legal response to investors' needs for predictability in making long-term commitments.


This article addresses the problem of designing robust tracking controls for a class of robotic manipulators with flexible joints that use only position measurements. This class of flexible-joint robots is perturbed by time-varying parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. A reduced-order observer is constructed to estimate the velocity signals, and then an observer-based robust position feedback tracking controller without velocity measurements will be developed such that all the states and signals of the closed-loop system are bounded and the trajectory tracking errors can be made as small as possible. Consequently, the robust tracking control scheme developed here possesses the properties of computational simplicity and easy implementation. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithms.


A three-point velocity correlation function ⟨v(t1 + t2)v2(t1)v(0)⟩ is introduced for a better understanding of the recent 2D-Raman-THz spectroscopy of the intermolecular degrees of freedoms of water and aqueous salt solutions. This correlation function reveals echoes in the presence of inhomogeneous broadening, which are coined "velocity echoes." In analogy to the well-known two-point velocity correlation function ⟨v(t)v(0)⟩, it reflects the density of states (DOS) of the system under study without having to amend them with transition dipoles and transition polarizabilities. The correlation function can be calculated from equilibrium trajectories and converges extremely quickly. After deriving the theory, the information content of the three-point velocity correlation function is first tested based on a simple harmonic oscillator model with Langevin dynamics. Subsequently, velocity echoes of TIP4P/2005 water are calculated as a function of temperature, covering ambient conditions, the supercooled regime and amorphous ice, as well as upon addition of various salts. The experimentally observed trends can be reproduced qualitatively with the help of computationally very inexpensive molecular dynamics simulations.A three-point velocity correlation function ⟨v(t1 + t2)v2(t1)v(0)⟩ is introduced for a better understanding of the recent 2D-Raman-THz spectroscopy of the intermolecular degrees of freedoms of water and aqueous salt solutions. This correlation function reveals echoes in the presence of inhomogeneous broadening, which are coined "velocity echoes." In analogy to the well-known two-point velocity correlation function ⟨v(t)v(0)⟩, it reflects the density of states (DOS) of the system under study without having to amend them with transition dipoles and transition polarizabilities. The correlation function can be calculated from equilibrium trajectories and converges extremely quickly. After deriving the theory, the information content of the three-point velocity correlation function is first tested based on a simple harmonic oscillator model with Langevin dynamics. Subsequently, velocity echoes of TIP4P/2005 water are calculated as a function of temperature, covering ambient conditions, the supercooled regime a...