Abstract. Forests play a leading role in regional and global terrestrial carbon (C) cycles. Changes in C sequestration within forests can be attributed to areal expansion (increase in forest area) and forest growth (increase in biomass density). Detailed assessment of the relative contributions of areal expansion and forest growth to C sinks is crucial to reveal the mechanisms that control forest C sinks and it is helpful for developing sustainable forest management policies in the face of climate change. Using the Forest Identity concept and forest inventory data, this study quantified the spatial and temporal changes in the relative contributions of forest areal expansion and increased biomass growth to China's forest biomass C sinks from 1977 to 2008. Over the last 30 years, the areal expansion of forests has been a larger contributor to C sinks than forest growth for planted forests in China (62.2 % vs. 37.8 %). However, for natural forests, forest growth has made a larger contribution than areal expansion (60.4 % vs. 39.6 %). For all forests (planted and natural forests), growth in area and density has contributed equally to the total C sinks of forest biomass in China (50.4 % vs. 49.6 %).The relative contribution of forest growth of planted forests showed an increasing trend from an initial 25.3 % to 61.0 % in the later period of 1998 to 2003, but for natural forests, the relative contributions were variable without clear trends, owing to the drastic changes in forest area and biomass density over the last 30 years. Our findings suggest that afforestation will continue to increase the C sink of China's forests in the future, subject to sustainable forest growth after the establishment of plantations.


Samples returned from the Apollo 15 site consist of mare basalts and breccias with a variety of premare igneous rocks. The mare basalts are from at least two different lava flows. The bulk chemical compositions and textures of these rocks confirm the previous conclusion that the lunar maria consist of a series of extrusive volcanic rocks that are rich in iron and poor in sodium. The breccias contain abundant clasts of anorthositic fragments along with clasts of basaltic rocks much richer in plagioclase than the mare basalts. These two rock types also occur as common components in soil samples from this site. The rocks and soils from both the front and mare region exhibit a variety of shock characteristics that can best be ascribed to ray material from the craters Aristillus or Autolycus.


Summary – Perforation of a mitral valve aneurysm is a rare cause of acute mitral regurgitation, and valvular aneurysm formation and its rupture without infectious involvement are unusual. An 80-year-old man was admitted with acute onset and progressive dyspnea. He had no history of chest pain, palpitation, or fever. Laboratory find ings did not suggest any signs of infection. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an aneurysm of the mitral septal leaflet protruding into the left atrium during systole and color-flow Doppler ultrasonography showed severe mitral regurgitation. There was no aortic regurgitation nor evidence for rheumatic involvement of the valvular structures. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure estimated from the tricuspid regurgitation jet was 50 mmHg. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a saccular, thin-walled, mitral valve aneurysm on the atrial surface, expanding during systole and a small tissue defect on the aneurysmatic segment of the mitral leaflet. There were no signs of connective tissue disease. The patient was submitted to surgery. The aneurysmatic and perforated parts on the septal leaflet were resected and an annuloplasty ring was placed. The histopathological examination of the mitral valve tissue showed nonspecific degenerative changes. The postoperative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day.


For the delivery of good‐quality external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in localized prostate cancer, under‐dosage to the peripheral zone (tumour) is one likely cause of poor results. The quality is improved by daily verification of the position of the prostate, and the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in delineation. Currently these are demands on quality that should be incorporated in each radiotherapy department. The use of MRI in staging is also expected to improve patient selection for EBRT. Furthermore, an adequate radiation dose should be delivered. In this overview we describe what the urologist should expect from radiation oncologists to obtain the optimum results for the patients.


Partitions of the set of blocks of a computer logic graph, also called a block graph, into subsets called modules demonstrate that a two-region relationship exists between P, the average number of pins per module, and B, the average number of blocks per module. In the first region, P = KBr, where K is the average number of pins per block and 0.57 ≤ r ≤ 0.75. In the second region, that is, where the number of modules is small (i.e., 1-5), P is less than predicted by the above formula and is given by a more complex relationship. These conclusions resulted from controlled partitioning experiments performed using a computer program to partition four logic graphs varying in size from 500 to 13 000 circuits representing three different computers. The size of a block varied from one NOR circuit in one of the block graphs to a 30-circuit chip in one of the other block graphs.


This paper argues that the understanding of architecture again needs to be widened if the architectural profession is to play an active role in combating climate change. The paper therefore examines past, present and future challenges for building energy consumption in Denmark as the basis for developing a new paradigm for zero-energy architecture. There has been a radical transformation in building energy consumption over the last 30 years, with an absolute reduction in heat consumption and a rapid growth in electricity consumption, reflecting wider technological and social transformations in the movement from an industrial to a knowledge-based society. In new offices it is shown that electricity consumption now dominates the total primary energy consumption, whilst at the same time, climate change means that rising temperatures will result in falling heat demand and increasing cooling demand in the future. With this background, a new paradigm for zeroenergy architecture is developed that reflects the architectural design process. In this way, the architectural focus early in the design process on functional disposition, spatial quality and built form can act as the driving force in the movement towards zero-energy architecture that has good daylighting and indoor comfort, and is adapted to future climate change.


A methodology and analytic expressions are proposed to appropriately allocate the available physical area to through silicon vias (TSVs) and sleep transistors in three-dimensional (3D) ICs with power gating. Power supply noise is minimized by the proposed resource allocation methodology while satisfying the required constraints on leakage current and turn-on time. A comprehensive simulation setup of a three plane 3D IC is developed to evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of the proposed methodology. The proposed expressions exhibit an error of 4% as compared to simulation results. The simulation results also demonstrate that the power supply noise is reduced by more than 46% while satisfying both turn-on time and leakage current.


This study examines the effect of family ownership and board characteristics on Earnings Management (EM) in Jordan. This study combines the explanation provided in Agency Theory (Type II) and Socio-Emotional Wealth Theory (SEW) in order to understand how family firms are motivated for EM practices. This study also investigates the effect of board size, CEO duality and board education on EM practices. Using Modified Jones Model (1991), a sample of 43 Jordanian industrial firms listed in Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) with a total of (258) firm-year observations for the period from 2011-2016 reveals a significant positive association between family ownership and EM but no evidence is found to support that board size, CEO duality and board education have an impact on EM decisions.


Plasma exchange has been used extensively for over 21/2 decades to treat a variety of renal diseases. In this article, the scientific rationale for therapeutic plasma exchange in primary and secondary glomerulonephritis, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome, myeloma cast nephropathy, and allograft rejection are reviewed. The clinical studies that evaluate its efficacy are summarized, with special emphasis on the results of randomized controlled trials, when available. Consensus plasma exchange regimens are presented for diseases in which there is evidence to support its use.


We have modeled a small sample of Seyfert galaxies that were previously identified as having simple X-ray spectra with little intrinsic absorption. The sources in this sample all contain moderately broad components of Fe K-shell emission and are ideal candidates for testing the applicability of a Compton-thick accretion disk wind model to active galactic nucleus (AGN) emission components. Viewing angles through the wind allow the observer to see the absorption signature of the gas, whereas face-on viewing angles allow the observer to see the scattered light from the wind. We find that the Fe K emission line profiles are well described with a model of a Compton-thick accretion disk wind of solar abundances, arising tens to hundreds of gravitational radii from the central black hole. Further, the fits require a neutral component of Fe Kα emission that is too narrow to arise from the inner part of the wind, and likely comes from a more distant reprocessing region. Our study demonstrates that a Compton-thick wind can have a profound effect on the observed X-ray spectrum of an AGN, even when the system is not viewed through the flow.


In Italy, under current legislation, blood collection and productive plasmapheresis are managed by the National Health Service, either directly or indirecly. Donation is voluntary and unpaid. The promotion of donation is addressed to the whole of the population and the organization of periodical donors in associations is encouraged. Donor selection aims at guaranteeing the utmost security of both donors and recipients. Selection procedures are specified by law. Private industries fractionate the source plasma into derivatives. The National Blood and Plasma Plan has an objective to reach an availability of 2,280,000 units of whole blood (i.e. 40 units/1,000 inhabitants) and of 800,000 1 of plasma/annum. At present, whole blood collection covers over 80% of national needs, while plasma production satisfies over 60% of national needs. Self sufficiency in blood and plasma has not so far been achieved. In 1994 the amount of apheresis plasma covers 30% of the amount necessary to achieve self sufficiency. In Italy the technology for plasma collection by apheresis is already adequate in order to reach the above-mentioned objective. On the other hand, in order to reach self-sufficiency, the number of donors undergoing apheresis procedures seems completely insufficient, thus indicating that the priority objective should be the recruitment of new plasma donors.


OBJECTIVE – This paper builds on our previous research in which we found inconsistency within and between
results in empirical studies of software engineering cost estimation which had compared regression and analogy
techniques. To this end, this paper aims to determine why and how these inconsistencies occur. In addition, we
attempt to provide a solution which might reduce inconsistencies in future.
METHOD – We retrieved a sample of 11 journal papers and 9 conference papers which compared both regression and analogy-based prediction methods. Analysis of these papers uncovered inconsistencies within and between results. From this starting point we concluded that researchers should look beyond asking "What is the best prediction system?" Thus we now consider the reasons for these seemingly conflicting results.
RESULTS – We found little consistency between studies both methodologically and in terms of outcome.
CONCLUSIONS – We propose that researchers adopt more rigorous and uniform protocols when empirically
investigating project cost prediction methods and interpreting the results.


Abstract. This paper addresses migrations taking place during the transition from higher education to the labour market. It analyses the reasons why graduates do not return to their rural home region after university, with a case study in Switzerland. Drawing on the mechanisms identified in the literature on internal migration, I propose to conceptualize migration choice as a combination of four logics: utilitarian (job opportunities), calculating (financial elements), affective (social and love life) and sensitive (residential amenities). The analysis of the motives reported by graduates indicates that migration decisions cannot be reduced to a single dimension (although job opportunities are central), are diverse (even within a homogeneous group) and depend on a variety of constraints.


It is very desirable to run programs on a variety of platforms. The only programs today that can run on different platforms are those written in Java. Although methods have been developed to allow cross-language applications, these applications are still mostly be hardware and/or operating system platform dependent. In this paper, we describe a platform-neutral compiler for a C++ like language that generates Java bytecode to run on any platform where a Java runtime is available.


Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a dominantly inherited ataxia caused by expansion of a translated CAG repeat encoding a glutamine tract in the ataxin-1 (ATXN1) protein. Despite advances in understanding the pathogenesis of SCA1, there are still no therapies to alter its progressive fatal course. RNA-targeting approaches have improved disease symptoms in preclinical rodent models of several neurological diseases. Here, we investigated the therapeutic capability of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting mouse Atxn1 in Atxn1154Q/2Q-knockin mice that manifest motor deficits and premature lethality. Following a single ASO treatment at 5 weeks of age, mice demonstrated rescue of these disease-associated phenotypes. RNA-sequencing analysis of genes with expression restored to WT levels in ASO-treated Atxn1154Q/2Q mice was used to demonstrate molecular differences between SCA1 pathogenesis in the cerebellum and disease in the medulla. Finally, select neurochemical abnormalities detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in vehicle-treated Atxn1154Q/2Q mice were reversed in the cerebellum and brainstem (a region containing the pons and the medulla) of ASO-treated Atxn1154Q/2Q mice. Together, these findings support the efficacy and therapeutic importance of directly targeting ATXN1 RNA expression as a strategy for treating both motor deficits and lethality in SCA1.


The wake-sleep algorithm (Hinton, Dayan, Frey and Neal 1995) is a relatively efficient method of fitting a multilayer stochastic generative model to high-dimensional data. In addition to the top-down connections in the generative model, it makes use of bottom-up connections for approximating the probability distribution over the hidden units given the data, and it trains these bottom-up connections using a simple delta rule. We use a variety of synthetic and real data sets to compare the performance of the wake-sleep algorithm with Monte Carlo and mean field methods for fitting the same generative model and also compare it with other models that are less powerful but easier to fit.


Quantum cryptography has been developed from being a theoretical proposal to having real world applications, with companies developing and selling quantum key distribution (QKD) instruments commercially. Although laws of quantum physics guarantee perfect security in the key distribution protocol, several vulnerabilities in the practical implementations have been described and demonstrated. In some of these attacks the eavesdropper has been able to acquire the entire secret key without being detected by the two communicating parties. This thesis describes an experimental setup for automatically characterizing and damaging single photon avalanche photodiodes using a high power laser to damage the diode with the intention to find new weaknesses in QKD systems. Hopefully, the discovery of loopholes will stimulate the researchers and commercial manufacturers to fix their implementations, leading to more secure systems. For a silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) in a passive-quenching circuit, a number of interesting results have been found. It has been shown that we are able to change many of the APDs key characteristics by applying strong illumination. We have been able to reduce the dark count rate of several APDs by up to 80% in a predictable way by strong laser illumination, an effect which is believed to be caused by localized annealing. This is an interesting result not only in the field of quantum cryptography, but perhaps also for improving the manufacturing process of different semiconductor components. Other parameters that have been found to change in interesting ways are the dark current and the breakdown voltage. It has been demonstrated that these changes may compromise the security of QKD systems.


In view of general impactor whose parameters can't be adjusted continually in different conditions, a kind of controlled hydraulic impactor is introduced. Its non-linear mathematical model and simulation model are established. In simulation environment, adjusting opening pressure of pilot valve, supply oil volume and charging pressure of accumulator respectively, influences on the working performance are investigated. Simulation results prove that, working principle of controlled hydraulic impactor is available and its impact performance is superior to traditional impactor. This provides theory basis for innovation and production of a new generation impactor.


This article presents a radio resource optimization model for Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) access networks. The proposed model arranges cells in a multi-tier fashion with increasing coverage radius. Considering the available structure of antennas the optimizer performs dynamic cell merging and cell splitting according to mobile users' demands for efficiently utilizing radio resources. It is proposed an integer programming model with a bi-criteria objective function that tries to minimize the use of network resources as well as to maximize network revenue. The computational demand for obtaining integer solutions increases proportionally to the number of mobile users and also to the number of tiers of antennas. In addition to the integer solutions, an algorithm based on linear relaxation technique is presented, which implies on significant computational time reduction when solving large instances of the problem. Moreover, results are very close to those given by the integer programming formulation.


This study researches the impact that cultural transnationalism has on the identity of second generation Jamaicans in the Greater Toronto Area. Through a focus group interview, five participants provided responses to questions which identified (i) the components of cultural transnationalism in the Jamaican community, and (ii) how second generation Jamaicans create their identity between their Jamaican ancestry and Canadian nationality. The participants were asked about their relationship to Jamaican culture, Canadian identity, and their sense of belonging to both societies. Other themes which emerged from the data such as cultural values, exclusion and survival in Canadian society were also discussed.
The results showed that the second generation is prone to developing a hybrid identity which includes aspects of their national and cultural identity. To explain this phenomenon, I applied the research of Tajfel (1974) and Stryker (1980) which discuss the identity theory and social identity theory, respectively.


The adoption of flow conditions has been the object of growing attention from both academia and industry. The shift from batch to continuous-flow technology is very stimulating from a cultural and technological point of view. Flow technologies represent a rare opportunity for creating new proprietary access routes to complex target compounds and at the same time, they offer an incredible opportunity for increasing the efficiency of known processes that lead to modern, more sustainable future chemical production. While the general utility of flow conditions is truly convincing, its applicability assumes even greater relevance in the synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) due to the complexity of the targets and their high commercial value and also the highly selective chemistry involved. This review highlights the key features of flow chemistry in the synthesis of APIs by describing all the relevant literature in the field over the last 5 years, up to mid-2020. Key chemical aspects of the processes, the equipment used, and the features of the flow procedure are presented.


The conformational possibilities of three different delta-selective opioid peptides, which are DPDPE (Tyr-D-Pen-Gly-Phe-D-Pen), DCFPE (Tyr-D-Cys-Phe-D-Pen), and DRE (Tyr-D-Met-Phe-His-Leu-Met-Asp-NH2, dermenkephalin), were explored using energy calculations. Sets of low-energy conformers were obtained for each of these peptides. The sets consisted of 61 structures for DPDPE, 32 for DCFPE, and 38 for DRE, including various types of rotamers of the Tyr and Phe side-chain groups. Comparison of the geometrical shapes of the conformers was performed for these sets using topographical considerations, i.e., examination of the mutual spatial arrangement of the N-terminal alpha-amino group, and of the Tyr and Phe side-chain groups. The results obtained suggest a model for the delta-receptor-bound conformer(s) for opioid peptides. The model suggests the placement of the Phe side chain in a definite position in space corresponding to the g- rotamer of Phe for peptides containing Phe4 and to the t rotamer for peptides containing Phe. The position of the Tyr1 side chain cannot be specified so precisely. The proposed model is in a good agreement with the results of biological testing of beta-Me-Phe4-substituted DPDPE analogues that were not considered in the process of model construction.


Background The clinical outcomes of patients who decline anti-spike monoclonal antibody therapies for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is not known. Factors associated with the decision to accept or decline the offer for anti-spike monoclonal antibody therapies are not established. This study aimed to identify factors impacting the decision to consent for monoclonal antibody therapies and assess the differences in clinical outcomes of patients who accepted compared to those who declined these therapies. Methods This retrospective cohort study enrolled 2820 adult patients who were offered monoclonal antibody therapies, bamlanivimab and casirivimab-imdevimab, for COVID-19 at Mayo Clinic in the Midwest between 11/19/2020 and 12/31/2020. The primary endpoint is the decision to accept or decline monoclonal antibody treatment. Secondary endpoints were patient-level factors that could have impacted the decision to accept treatment (age, gender, race, ethnicity, primary language spoken, and medical comorbidities). The main clinical endpoint was hospitalization within 28 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Results 59.1% (n = 1669) chose to accept monoclonal antibody therapy, and 40.9% (n = 1151) chose to decline the offer for treatment. Patients were more likely to accept treatment if they were non-Hispanic White, English speaking, identified a spouse or life partner, had a religious affiliation, and possessed more medical comorbidities. Overall, 28-day hospitalization rate was 2.6% (n = 72/2820) and was higher among those who declined (3.3%) than those who accepted monoclonal antibody therapy (2.0%; Rate Ratio = 0.62, 95% Confidence Interval, 0.39-0.98). Conclusions Despite having more comorbidities, patients who accepted monoclonal antibody treatments had a lower rate of hospitalization compared to patients who declined treatment. Several social and cultural factors were associated with the decision to decline therapy, including race, language, ethnicity, and lack of social support. These findings can inform public health efforts to reduce social disparities in the treatment of COVID-19 and increase utilization of monoclonal antibody therapies in high risk populations.


This paper aims to fill the gap in the literature about distributional impacts (who wins and who loses) of implementing new management plans for non-market priced environmental goods and services. The focus is on whether and to what extent, age, gender, presence of large carnivores and income affect willingness-to-pay (WTP) for increasing large carnivore stocks in Sweden. Our results contradict findings from previous studies on large carnivores in the sense that patterns change when different distributional dimensions are analysed together. The results indicate that WTP is independent of the presence of large carnivores, except for the group 'young men'. In general, young men are found to be a disparate group.


Background and aims Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is common in Asian countries, and the clinical outcome of patients with SLE-associated PAH is dramatically impaired. This study aimed to identify the long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with SLE-associated PAH confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC). Methods A multicenter cohort of SLE-associated PAH was established. Baseline and follow-up records were collected. The primary endpoint was death from any cause. The secondary experimental end point was treatment goal achievement (TGA). Results Among the 310 patients enrolled from 14 PAH centres, 282 patients with confirmed mortality statuses were included in the survival analysis, 263 patients with complete follow-up data were included in the TGA study. The median follow-up was 24.0 months. The 1-, 3- and 5 year survival rates were 92.1%, 84.8% and 72.9%, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5 year TGA rates were 31.5%, 53.6% and 62.7%, respectively. Serositis (HR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.26–3.00, p=0.003), 6MWD >380 m (HR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.14–3.31, p=0.014) and CI ≥2.5 L/min×m2 (HR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.16–3.19, p=0.012) were identified as independent prognostic factors of TGA.TGA within 5 years was identified as a factor associated with survival in patients with SLE-associated PAH. Abstract 242 Figure 1 Conclusions TGA was associated with the long-term survival, which supports and provides evidence to the treat-to-target strategy in SLE-associated PAH. Early diagnosis, intervention and heart function preservation are priorities for better long-term outcomes. PAH patients with high SLE activity may benefit from immunosuppressive therapy.


The aerobic granular sludge process optimization is linked to the interdependence of process, biofilm and microbial scales. Stable dense fast-settling granules composed of bacterial guilds for the simultaneous removal of carbonaceous, phosphorous and nitrogenous loads are desired. In this study, two activated inoculation sludges were used to start-up aerobic granular sludge bubble column sequencing batch reactors, one from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that removes carbon biologically, nitrifies, and removes phosphorous chemically, and one from a WWTP removing all nutrients (C-P-N) biologically. The use of the former inoculum in reactors with low upflow aeration velocity (0.018 m s-1) resulted in the wash-out of slow-settling filamentous bulking granules, dominated by heterotrophic filamentous bacterial strains (Leptothrix or Sphaerotilus sp.), independently from pulse or anaerobic acetate-feeding modes. Granules with relatively good settling properties could only be obtained at high aeration velocity (0.040 m s-1), however the granule cores were still dominated by filamentous Flexibacter sp. Well settling aerobic granules were obtained at low aeration velocity with the inoculation sludge from the latter WWTP in combination with alternate anaerobic feeding and aerobic starvation, indicating that the inoculum was of crucial importance for a stable aerobic granular sludge process operated with low impact process parameters.


We exa mined the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with the dominant strand plant species, Ipomoea pes-caprae of the coastal sand dunes of west coast of India. The study reports the impact of rhizosphere edaphic features and disturbance on the species richness and diversity of AM fungi in 10 geographical locations consisting of moderately disturbed dunes (MDD) and severely disturbed dunes (SDD) during wet and dry seasons. The vegetation cover, AM fungal colonization, species richness and diversity were greater in MDD than in SDD, irrespective of seasons. The AM species richness and spore density of both MDD and SDD were strongly correlated with rhizosphere nitrogen. Among the nine rhizosphere edaphic features, the nitrogen and phosphate showed significant difference between MDD and SDD. Pooled data indicate that Glomus mosseae was most dominant, followed by Glomus dimorphicum, Gigaspora gigantea, Acaulospora taiwania, Glomus fasciculatum and Glomus sp. 27SS. Eleven species scored above 10% frequency on MDD, and it was only three species on SDD. G. mosseae, G. dimorphicum and G. g igantea were most common in both MDD and SDD. The changes in AM fungal community on these sand dunes are in r esponse to distu rbance rather than the reflection on temporal patterns of variation.


Part of series designed to demystify and destigmatise ailments that might otherwise set afflicted children apart from their age and peer group.


The effect of vegetation on temperature is an emerging topic in the climate science community. Existing studies have mostly examined the effects of vegetation on daytime temperature (Tmax), whereas this study investigates the effects on nighttime temperature (Tmin). Ground measurements from 53 sites across northeastern China (NEC) from 1982 to 2006 show that early summer (June) Tmax and Tmin increased at mean rates of approximately 0.61 °C/10 year and 0.67 °C/10 year, respectively. Over the same period, the satellite-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) decreased by approximately 0.10 (accounting for 18% of the climatological NDVI for 1982–1991). It is highlighted that a larger increase in Tmax (Tmin) co-occurred spatially with a larger (smaller) decrease in NDVI. Deriving from such spatial co-occurrences, we found that the spatial variability of changes in Tmax (i.e., ΔTmax) is negatively correlated with the spatial variability of changes in NDVI (i.e., ΔNDVI), while the spatial variability of changes in Tmin (i.e., ΔTmin) is positively correlated (r2 = 0.10; p < 0.05) with that of ΔNDVI. Similarly, we detected significant positive correlations between the spatial variability of ΔNDVI and the change in surface latent heat flux (r2 = 0.16; p < 0.01) and in surface air specific humidity (r2 = 0.28; p < 0.001). These findings on the spatial co-occurrences suggest that the vegetation growth intensifies the atmospheric water vapor through evapotranspiration, which enhances the atmospheric downward longwave radiation and strengthens the greenhouse warming effects at night. Thereby, the positive correlation between ΔNDVI and ΔTmin is better understood. These results indicate that vegetation growth may not only exert effects on daytime temperature but also exert warming effects on nighttime temperature by increasing atmospheric water vapor and thus intensifying the local greenhouse effect. This study presents new observation evidence of the effects of vegetation on local temperature.


A five week global warming curriculum for precollege students has been designed as part of the Learning through Collaborative Visualization Project (Pea, 1993). A collaborative version of the curriculum will be enacted in January, 1996, within twenty classrooms located primarily in Illinois, Michigan, and New Jersey. The primary goals for this curriculum are: A. Forge links between students and the scientific community around a topic of common interest. B. Engage students in scientific investigation using current data sets, analysis tools, and computer communication tools. C. Lead students to consider the earth as an interdependent ecological system that can be analyzed in terms of cycles (especially radiative, hydrological, and carbon) and their interactions at multiple ecological hierarchic levels (e-g., different spatiotemporal resolutions; see below).


—In recent years, the increased availability of spectral libraries has resulted in a growing interest in sparse unmixing, which aims to find an optimal subset of library signatures to represent the pixels of remotely sensed hyperspectral datasets as linear combinations of these signatures. Sparse unmixing sidesteps two important drawbacks of the regular spectral unmixing process, namely the difficulty of estimating the number of endmembers, and the process of extracting the endmembers itself, the result of which will vary according to the utilized extraction method. In this work, sparse unmixing is exploited for the first time in the context of multitemporal hyperspectral data analysis and change detection. Change detection by sparse unmixing based on spectral libraries has the important advantage of providing not only pixel-level but also subpixel-level change information for the hyperspec-tral data. The changes that occur in multitemporal datasets due to time or as a result of a significant event are revealed, at subpixel-level, as the abundances of underlying endmembers within a pixel, or as variations in the distribution of these endmembers throughout the scene. The proposed approach is validated by experimental studies on both carefully prepared synthetic datasets and real datasets, using different spectral libraries.


OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not a naltrexone implant is more effective than oral drug therapy and/or behavioral therapy at reducing heroin use in recovering heroin dependent adults. STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published from 2007 to 2010. DATA SOURCE: Three randomized controlled trails comparing naltrexone implants to oral naltrexone, methadone, and usual aftercare found using Ovid, Pub med and Cochrane databases OUTCOME MEASURED: The primary outcomes measured by all three studies all three articles measured frequency of heroin use by self report RESULTS: Hulse et al. found that significantly more patients were abstaining from heroin at the 6 month mark with implant naltrexone as compared to oral naltrexone. Kunøe et al. found that implant naltrexone was significantly better than usual aftercare at reducing total number of days of heroin use. Lobmair et al. found naltrexone implants to be similar to methadone treatment at reducing the number of days of heroin use per month. CONCLUSIONS: Hulse et al. found implantable naltrexone is more effective than oral, and Kunøe et al. found it to be more effective than usual aftercare. Lobamier et al. concludes that methadone is equally effective to the naltrexone implant. These articles suggest that naltrexone implants are as or more effective than other therapies currently being offered. Future studies should be done in order identify individual patient factors that lead to higher efficacy and lower adverse events with implant therapy.


Synthetic biology is an emergent field incorporating aspects of computer sciencemolecular biology-based methodologies in a systems biology context, taking naturallyoccurring cellular systems, pathways, and molecules, and selectively engineering themfor the generation of novel or beneficial synthetic behaviour. This study described theconstruction of a novel synthetic gene circuit, which utilises the inducible downstreamtranscriptional activation properties of the pheromone-response pathway in the buddingyeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the basis for initiation. The circuit was composedof three novel yeast expression plasmids; (1) a reporter plasmid in which the luciferasereporter gene was fused to the iron response element (IRE), and expressed under thecontrol of the pheromone-inducible FUS1 promoter, (2) a repressor plasmid whichconstitutively expressed the mammalian iron response protein (IRP), which can bind tothe IRE in the luciferase mRNA transcript, blocking translation, and (3) a de-repressorplasmid which also utilised the pheromone-inducible FUS1 promoter to express thebacterial LexA protein that represses transcription of the IRP gene, and thereby de-represses luciferase translation.Yeast cultures were propagated in media that selected for cells containing all threeplasmid components of the gene circuit. In these cells, during vegetative growthconditions, reporter gene translation is constitutively repressed by IRP until additionof pheromone. Upon pheromone-induction, the pheromone response pathway up-regulated the expression of the LexA protein which represses transcription of IRP,enabling the translation of luciferase, which is itself up-regulated by the pheromoneresponse pathway. The combination of the repressors functioned to increase the ratioof induction of the reporter gene between pheromone-induced and un-induced states.Proteins and mRNA species expressed by each plasmid were semi-quantified usingSDS-PAGE, Western blot, and RT-qPCR. Luciferase expression was measured using anin vitro whole cell luminescence assay, and the data used to define the circuit ?output?.Metabolic control analysis was used prior to building the circuit in silico, and identifiedthe transcription of IRP, as well as the IRP protein half-life as significant controlpoints for increasing the expression of luciferase in vivo. Modelling resulted inthe development of multiple variations of the circuit, incorporating strong and weakconstitutive promoters for the IRP. For the degradation rate, the IRP was fused with adegradation tag from the PEST rich C-terminal residue of the Cln2 protein, formingIRPPEST , with approximately a 10-fold reduced half-life compared to wild type. Byvarying the promoter strength and half-life of the IRP, the circuit could be tuned in termsof the amplitude and period of luciferase expression during pheromone induction.Simulated annealing and Hooke-Jeeves algorithms were used to estimate model pa-rameter values from the experimental luminescence data, refining the modelling suchthat it produced accurate time course simulation of the circuit output. While furthercharacterisation of the individual components would be advantageous, the constructionof the system represents a completed cycle of extensive modelling, experimentation,and further model refinement.


The field of fusion energy is about to enter the ITER era, for the first time we will have access to a device capable of producing 500 MW of fusion power, with plasmas lasting more than 300 seconds and with core temperatures in excess of 100-200 Million K. Engineering simulation for fusion, sits in an awkward position, a mixture of commercial and licensed tools are used, often with email driven transfer of data. In order to address the engineering simulation challenges of the future, the community must address simulation in a much more tightly coupled ecosystem, with a set of tools that can scale to take advantage of current petascale and upcoming exascale systems to address the design challenges of the ITER era.


A Doberman-German Shepherd cross-bred male dog, previously diagnosed as malignant hyperthermia susceptible, was mated to an unrelated nonsusceptible German Shepherd cross-bred female. The resultant litter was subjected to hematological, biochemical and erythrocyte osmotic fragility testing in an endeavor to predict the susceptibility of individuals to malignant hyperthermia. Laboratory evaluations were repeated at one year of age and the litter subjected to the halothane challenge test. No significant difference in erythrocyte osmotic fragility was found between malignant hyperthermia susceptible and nonsusceptible siblings at six weeks or at one year of age. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, in both malignant hyperthermia susceptible and nonsusceptible animals, increased between six weeks and one year of age. Dantrolene sodium was an effective treatment for malignant hyperthermia in the dog when administered early in an episode and in adequate dosage. The initial sign of a malignant hyperthermia episode was a very rapid increase in end tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide. This finding reinforces the value of capnographic monitoring in anesthesia.


In this work, we have proposed a revolutionary neuromorphic computing methodology to implement All-Skyrmion Spiking Neural Network (AS-SNN). Such proposed methodology is based on our finding that skyrmion is a topological stable spin texture and its spatiotemporal motion along the magnetic nano-track intuitively interprets the pulse signal transmission between two interconnected neurons. In such design, spike train in SNN could be encoded as particle-like skyrmion train and further processed by the proposed skyrmion-synapse and skyrmion-neuron within the same magnetic nano-track to generate output skyrmion as post-spike. Then, both pre-neuron spikes and post-neuron spikes are encoded as particle-like skyrmions without conversion between charge and spin signals, which fundamentally differentiates our proposed design from other hybrid Spin-CMOS designs. The system level simulation shows 87.1% inference accuracy for handwritten digit recognition task, while the energy dissipation is ~1 fJ/per spike which is 3 orders smaller in comparison with CMOS based IBM TrueNorth system.


It is within the realm of the international civil society that religions play out their important public roles as charities and advocacy organizations in globalization. World governance models in the post-Cold War era stress the important role that civil society plays in building and sustaining democracy. Indeed, the participation of the Catholic Church in the "third wave of democratization" confirms this. Yet, twenty-five years after the collapse of international socialism, problems with American-led models of development have come to the fore in glaring ways. Growing wealth inequality and what Gayatri Spivak calls "sustainable underdevelopment" are the norm, and these problems highlight the dangers and instability of liberal economic policies. Religious organizations, and proponents of the Catholic social tradition in particular, have been the strongest voices for advocating social justice and advancing policies that pursue "the common good." Both working to alleviate poverty as charities ([i]NGOs and FBOs) and using their voices as a "public religion" (José Casanova) in civil society, Catholic institutions navigate the historically constructed and contingent boundaries among the three spheres of the state, the market, and civil society. Studying this interplay has provided fruitful theories deconstructing the religious/secular binary. In light of these theories, this thesis applies the critique of liberalism supplied by world-systems analysis to the development of Catholic social thought, in the process highlighting a complex history of complicity and dissent with U.S. liberalism's unfolding hegemony. In circulating Catholic social thought through the economic focused paradigm of world-systems analysis, I explore the possibilities of seeing religion and globalization outside a culturally focused framework. How the social magisterium is responding to the problems of economic globalization in an increasingly unstable world will affect its future legitimacy. I explore where the Church has been and its capacity to be a continuingly proactive force for "social justice" and "the common good."


There are fifteen sugar mills in Bangladesh under Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC). But most of all the mills are being run with losses. For this reason the researchers have taken an initiative to measure the relative efficiencies of individual small size sugar mills as well as large size sugar mills in Bangladesh and to set a target of minimum utilization of inputs in order to maximize production level compared to relatively efficient sugar mills. Besides, an attempt has been taken to provide suggestions to improve efficiencies of the inefficient sugar mills. The study is based on the average data of 2004 to 2013 of six sugar mills. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is applied for assessing efficiencies of individual selected sugar mills. Only input-oriented DEA and output-oriented DEA with CRS technology are used as the main tools to estimate the efficiency measurement in this paper. The objective of the study is to introduce the technique and demonstrate it through an example to show how relative efficiencies can be determined and identify units that are relatively less efficient. On an average, the technical efficiency of sugar mills in the sample has been found approximately 0.97 percent. Aus. J. Acc. Eco. Fin. Vol 1(1), October 2015, P 30-40


But history and modern pop culture know Abbott and Costello for one thing: "Who's on First", the "patter" routine involving the nicknames of the members of a baseball team, The routine's fame has caused it to be, "reprised, updated, alluded to and parodied innumerable times over the years." Through 2015 and 2016 the routine was at the center of a copyright dispute over its use in the Broadway play, Hand to God. The dark comedy/drama involves a fundamentalist church's "puppet club", where young people use sock puppets to act out Biblical and religious stories.
The playwright and producer used an abbreviated but recognizable version of the routine and did not obtain a license or permission to use it. The heirs and successors of Abbott and Costello sued for copyright infringement. In 2015, a trial court found the use of the routine to be a "Fair Use" under Title 17, Section 107 of the Copyright Act. In October, 2016, a Federal appeals court reversed the decision, determining that the use had not been a fair use. The Court's opinion in the case of TCA Television Corp v. McCollum is being seen by some commentators as clarifying one copyright law's more complicated issues, the Fair Use Doctrine's concept of "transformative use".


The process of protein and enzyme systems phosphorylation is necessary for cell growth, differentiation and preparation for division and mitosis. The conformation changes of protein as a result of phosphorylation lead to increased enzyme activity and enhanced affinity to substrates. A large group of enzymes--protein kinases--is responsible for phosphorylation process in cell, which are divided into tyrosine- and serine-threonine-kinases depending on their ability to phosphorylate appropriate amino acid residues. In this review has been considered the functional importance and structure of protein phosphatases--enzymes, which are functional antagonists of protein kinases.


We propose a new method for RCS computation of long internally complex dielectric objects such as wind turbine blades. The method proposed here is an improved iterative algorithm whose convergence is proven. Thanks to the geometrical decomposition technique, three accelerating methods can be used efficiently in an iterative algorithm. The first accelerating method allows the elimination of the internal degrees of freedom with minimal cost. The second accelerating method (matrix compression QR) accelerates all the matrix vector products used in the preconditioning procedure as well as in the GMRES iterative resolution. The third accelerating method consists in using a "geometric neighboring" preconditioner adapted to the physical aspect of the problem.


Documentation and emotions. Balancing paper work and emotional work in the social services This article deals with documentation and documentation requirements in relation to social workers' prerequisites to perform "emotional labour". Inspired by Arlie Hochschild's sociology of emotions and the selected concepts emotional labour, feeling management and "the speed-up", the study aims at illuminating processes unfolding at the intersection of paper work and emotio- nal work. With a focus on social workers with authority-based investigative work tasks, the ana- lysis reveals a somewhat ambiguous picture of how documentation and feelings work together. On the one hand participants describe how documentation practices are used to re ect upon and emotionally "let go" of cases, and that documentation contributes to feelings of "being in control", as well as to the anticipation of what feelings to manage. On the other hand, or at the same time, documentation requirements seem to be a source of anxiety, professional and internal dilemmas and stress, distracting the social worker from emotional management towards the user. ese results nuance earlier research that has predominantly pointed out the negative perceptions and consequences of increased documentation requirements within the social services. (Less)


Mapping lysine methyltransferase substrate selectivity reveals gaps in the proteome-wide curation of lysine methylomes. Lysine methylation is a key regulator of histone protein function. Beyond histones, few connections have been made to the enzymes responsible for the deposition of these posttranslational modifications. Here, we debut a high-throughput functional proteomics platform that maps the sequence determinants of lysine methyltransferase (KMT) substrate selectivity without a priori knowledge of a substrate or target proteome. We demonstrate the predictive power of this approach for identifying KMT substrates, generating scaffolds for inhibitor design, and predicting the impact of missense mutations on lysine methylation signaling. By comparing KMT selectivity profiles to available lysine methylome datasets, we reveal a disconnect between preferred KMT substrates and the ability to detect these motifs using standard mass spectrometry pipelines. Collectively, our studies validate the use of this platform for guiding the study of lysine methylation signaling and suggest that substantial gaps exist in proteome-wide curation of lysine methylomes.


Development theory in the past decade has met with increasingly heavy criticism. Dependency theories, as well as modes of production and world-system approaches, have come to be considered as internally inconsistent and inadequate for explaining the increasing diversity and unevenness of the Third World. This book confronts the theoretical impasse which many feel has been reached. Development scholars from various disciplines review recent changes in research priorities, procedures and orientations, and detect the emergence of new and diverse lines of theoretical development in the field. In particular, they deal with the important meta-theoretical, political, cultural and ethical questions that have come to the fore.


The adhesion strength tests of freshwater ice frozen to concrete material were performed in a reservoir by the precise control-temperature unit of ice at five temperatures (-2 °C, -4 °C, -6 °C, -8 °C, -10 °C) and the displacement rate in a range of 10-4-100 mm/s. The fitting curve of the peak adhesion strength and ice temperature was presented. The test results show that the frozen adhesion strength is very sensitive to the displacement rate. The frozen adhesion strength reaches the peak value at the ductile-brittle transition region, and the region is close to the lower strain-rate with decreasing temperature. The transition region of displacement rate is 3.0×10-4-7.5×10-3 mm/s. The results provide some design parameters for reservoirs in cold regions.


OBJECTIVES
There is increasing evidence of the impact of ultra-processed foods on multiple metabolic and neurobiological pathways, including those involved in eating behaviors, both in animals and in humans. In this study we aimed to explore ultra-processed foods and their link with disordered eating in a clinical sample.

METHODS
This was a single site, retrospective observational study in a specialist eating disorder service using self-report on the electronic health records. Patients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition) diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), or binge eating disorder (BED) were randomly selected from the service database in Oxford from 2017 to 2019. The recently introduced NOVA classification was used to determine the degree of industrial food processing in each patient's diet. Frequencies of ultra-processed foods were analyzed for each diagnosis at each mealtime and during episodes of binging.

RESULTS
A total of 70 female and 3 male patients were included in the study; 22 had AN, 25 BN, and 26 BED. Patients with AN reported consuming 55% NOVA-4 foods, as opposed to approximately 70% in BN and BED patients. Foods that were consumed in a binge pattern were 100% ultra-processed.

CONCLUSION
Further research into the metabolic and neurobiological effects of ultra-processed food intake on disordered eating, particularly on binging, is needed.


-An increase in the number of hepatocellular lysosomes is detectable with the electron microscope in rats bearing a carcinogen-induced sarcoma but not in rats bearing a transplanted Walker tumour. Biochemical studies show an increase in lysosomal enzymes in the liver of both groups of rats, but the increase in the rats bearing a carcinogen-induced sarcoma was greater than that in rats bearing a Walker tumour. This difference is explained by the fact that only gross increases in lysosomal population are likely to be detected in the small samples examined with the electron microscope, but by biochemical methods whereby many grams of tissue are analysed, finer changes may be detected. The collective data to date indicate that an increase in hepatocellular lysosomes and/or lysosomal enzymes occurs in rats and man bearing a variety of tumours and to this there is, as yet, no known exception.


This paper aims to explore and critically analyse the perceptions and experiences of academics in relation to the design and delivery of an innovative Work Based Learning (WBL) programme within an English higher education institution (HEI). These perceptions were gathered through semi-structured interviews and subjected to discourse analysis. Consequently, the key themes which have emerged are: (i) the intensity of the learning experience, (ii) the tensions and pressures amongst academics delivering the programme, for example an expectation that academics "get it right first time", and (iii) learning support for students. The paper concludes with recommendations for future policy and research.


The potential of eelgrass, Zostera marina L., as a sentinel indicator of lead (Pb) pollution in the water column was investigated. Eelgrass was grown in mesocosms that contained ambient sediment collected from sites near the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Jamaica Island Landfill ( JIL) of Kittery, Maine, to test viability of eelgrass in the Shipyard's marine sediment. Eelgrass was also grown in mesocosms at three shoot densities in marine sediment of three Pb concentrations to determine to what extent Pb affects eelgrass growth and whether Pb uptake by eelgrass is affected by plant density. Additionally, eelgrass was used to detect water-borne sources of Pb. Eelgrass was deployed in the water column adjacent to water seepages along the JIL to see if Pb could be detected and whether the seepages near the JIL were indicated as sources of Pb to the estuary. Mesocosm research showed that eelgrass grew well in Shipyard marine sediment, however physiological evidence indicated eelgrass experienced some level of toxicity when exposed to high levels of Pb. Shoots growing in sediment with high Pb concentrations had significantly lower levels of chlorophyll and low Fv/Fm values. Additionally, as shoot density increased, Pb uptake decreased in both rhizomes and leaves of shoots growing in Pb enriched sediment, indicating a density effect on Pb uptake. Leaves of deployed eelgrass accumulated Pb relative to reference shoots (with background Pb levels) at five of the six stations sampled. Highest Pb concentration occurred in shoots that were deployed closest to water seepages, suggesting that the seeps were a source of Pb and that eelgrass tissue Pb reflected Pb exposure. Analysis of stable isotopic composition of Pb in deployed eelgrass leaves and Pb in seep water and sediment indicated that two seepages near JIL were sources of anthropogenic Pb to Jamaica Cove. If eelgrass habitat is restored in Pb contaminated sediment, high eelgrass densities could be planted to bioaccumulate Pb, while maintaining a low tissue Pb burden per plant. Additionally, using Pb isotope ratios in eelgrass expands the use of eelgrass as a sentinel accumulator in the detection of water-borne sources of Pb.


Chronic hepatitis B infection affects >300 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of liver failure and cancer. Current approaches to treatment for chronic hepatitis B involve suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA with the use of nucleoside analogues. Chronic suppressive therapy rarely results in a "functional cure" or absence of detectable HBV DNA in plasma and loss of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen after cessation of therapy. The major obstacles to achieving a functional cure are the presence of covalently closed circular DNA and ineffective/exhaustive immune system. This review focuses on novel approaches to target viral life cycle and host immunity to achieve a functional cure.


The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway has been found to be activated in human pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and in animal models of the disease. Our study tested the hypothesis that a novel, nonselective inhaled PDGF receptor inhibitor, PK10453, would decrease pulmonary hypertension both in the rat monocrotaline (MCT) model and the rat MCT plus pneumonectomy (MCT+PN) model of PAH. PK10453, delivered by inhalation for 4 (D4)- and 8 (D8)-minute exposures 3 times a day for 2 weeks, decreased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) in both the rat MCT and rat MCT+PN models: RVSP was 80.4 ± 2.6 mmHg in the vehicle MCT group (n = 6), 44.4 ± 5.8 mmHg in the D4 MCT group (n = 6), and 37.1 ± 4.5 mmHg in the D8 MCT group (n = 5; P < 0.001 vs. vehicle); RVSP was 75.7 ± 7.1 mmHg in the vehicle MCT+PN group (n = 9), 40.4 ± 2.7 mmHg in the D4 MCT+PN group (n = 10), and 43.0 ± 3.0 mmHg in the D8 MCT+PN group (n = 8; P < 0.001). In the rat MCT+PN model, continuous telemetry monitoring of pulmonary artery pressures also demonstrated that PK10453 prevented the progression of PAH. Imatinib given by inhalation was equally effective in the MCT model but was not effective in the MCT+PN model. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased activation of the PDGFβ receptor compared to the PDGFα receptor in neointimal and perivascular lesions found in the MCT+PN model. We show that imatinib is selective for the PDGFα receptor, whereas PK10453 has a lower half-maximal inhibitor concentration (IC50) for inhibition of kinase activity of both the PDGFα and PDGFβ receptors compared to imatinib. In conclusion, PK10453, when delivered by inhalation, significantly decreased the progression of PAH in the rat MCT and MCT+PN models. Nonselective inhibition of both the PDGFα and PDGFβ receptors may have a therapeutic advantage over selective PDGFα receptor inhibition in PAH.


The United Kingdom (UK) Department for Transport commissioned this research from Parsons Brinckerhoff to identify the extent to which rail terminal stations are likely to be a major constraint on network capacity over the next 30 years. This included understanding the potential theoretical capacity of terminal stations, and in particular the extent to which platform throughput and turnaround requirements were a limiting factor. This reflects the UK's cross-industry Rail Technical Strategy which highlighted station capacity as an area needing attention to cope with forecast demand growth and more intensive train service patterns. Traditional infrastructure solutions are often expensive and disruptive, and this is particularly the case for major terminal stations in constrained city-centre environments. Crucially, this study gives the rail industry and government a new steer to help meet capacity needs and benefit a growing number of passengers. The research will allow the industry to better understand alternatives to traditional infrastructure solutions and to target its investment accordingly – and could have a significant bearing on a more sustainable rail network. The research looked at twenty major UK terminal stations. The authors created a simple station capacity model to assess, on a common basis, the capacity pinch-points in the process of delivering trains and their passengers into the terminus and out again, including demand, rolling stock capacity, platform throughput, and passenger flows. The authors also created platform occupancy charts to show the current platform throughput – believed to be the first time this comparative exercise has been carried out in the UK. The authors found that in most cases, platform throughput capacity is not the limiting factor. More often the station throat or incoming line capacity are the more significant constraints. The authors also highlighted the role of the critical load point – the location where demand is highest. Where this point is not the terminal itself, there may be opportunities to provide additional capacity where it is needed but without adding train movements at the terminal. The research provides a robust evidence base for the current state of terminal operations; methods of presenting capacity and utilisation to enable a better understanding of the most important themes; and examples of best practice to make practical and policy recommendations. The research gives a new perspective on terminal capacity and the wide range of factors and decisions involved in maximising this capacity most cost-effectively. The issues, opportunities and analytical tools explored in the project are widely applicable to any city-centre terminal station in Europe.


Background Exacerbation of chronic glaucoma or acute glaucoma is occasionally observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) because of anterior chamber depth changes during this therapy. Purpose To evaluate anterior chamber depth and axial length in patients during HD sessions. Methods A total of 67 eyes of 35 patients were prospectively enrolled. Axial length and anterior chamber depth were measured using ultrasonic biometry, and these measures were evaluated at three different times during HD sessions. Body weight and blood pressure pre- and post-HD were also measured. Results There was no difference in the axial length between the three measurements (P = 0.241). We observed a significantly decreased anterior chamber depth (P = 0.002) during HD sessions. Conclusion Our results support the idea that there is a change in anterior chamber depth in HD sessions.


An apparatus and method of integrated billing management by real-time session management, and a computer readable medium thereof are provided. The integrated billing management apparatus performs billing management functions, that is, analyzes various messages related to the billing service request, manages sessions in real time, processes reliable billing information data and generates formulaic billing information. Then, the integrated billing management apparatus transmits the result of processing the billing service to the user terminal through the network access device. Therefore, the customer discontents can be responded in real time and customized billing management service based on the amount of service used can be provided form all wired and wireless network services.


Realization of the full potentials of heterostructure bipolar devices with high gain and low noise performance requires qualitatively reliable and quantitatively precise predictive process and performance simulation models. In this review article, the details of the recently proposed extended drift-diffusion model is presented for determining the effect of band offsets on the static current and 1/f noise properties of heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). The model satisfies boundary conditions that govern the carrier transport across the heterointerface and satisfy the current continuity by coupling the electron-hole recombination current across the space charge region to the minority diffusion current in the bulk regions. It is shown that the intrinsic junction resistance to the diffusing minority electrons across the heteroemitter depletion region is stronger (weaker) at small (high) forward biases as compared with that to the recombined electrons and holes. Increasing bias causes a change of nature of 1/f noise from recombination to diffusion type in HBTs. The model should be useful in understanding the effects of interface properties on current transport and 1/f noise performance of HBTs.


New knowledge on foreign migrants in Italy has been recently made available by the results of a national survey carried out during 2005 on a sample of 30,000 units, representative of the whole universe of foreign migrants. Processing of sampling data together with the latest official statistics leads to estimate 3,3 million foreigners coming from the so called "High emigration countries" and living in Italy at 1st July 2005, mainly (85%) in Central-Northern Italy. Legal migrants, in possession of a residence permit, are about 2,8 millions; the evaluation of the total number of migrants without a regular permit of stay is about 540 thousands. The rates related to the latter estimate are higher in Southern Italy (27 per cent) than in Central- Northern regions (14 per cent) and about 16 per cent at national level. Some important changes can be stressed as regard to the geography of origin. If in the early 1990's the pair "North Africa – Central East and South Asia" was still dominating the scene, in the new century Eastern Europe and (to a lesser extent) Latin America have become the privileged areas of origin of migration flows. On 1st July 2005 the most frequent sending country is Albania (460,000 units), followed by Romania (430,000) and Morocco (400,000), whose showed unquestionable leadership until few years ago. At the same time the number of migrants coming from a new entry like Ukraine has become higher than those from a traditional origin like Tunisia; even small countries like Ecuador (90,000 units) or Moldavia (70,000) are becoming more and more important. Therefore, it seems that migration flows to Italy have been recently reoriented -even if without any explicit project- to a pattern of "more similar migrants": East European instead of North Africans and, conversely, Christians (often Catholic) instead of Muslim.


PURPOSE
To further characterize a subgroup of patients exhibiting the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) "diffuse-trickling" phenotype associated with geographic atrophy (GA).

METHODS
In the context of the Fundus Autofluorescence in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (FAM) Study, patients with diffuse-trickling GA were examined and characterized by FAF and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging. Age, sex distribution, and medical history were compared with FAM study patients (n = 288, 60.1% female) with other GA phenotypes (non-diffuse-trickling). In a subset of patients, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) was analyzed.

RESULTS
Patients with diffuse-trickling (n = 61), compared with patients with non-diffuse-trickling GA, had a significantly younger age at first presentation (68.2 ± 11.6 vs. 75.4 ± 8.1 years, P < 0.001), a shift in the proportion of men from 55% in the age group younger than 65 to 19% in the age group older than or equal to 65, and a significantly higher rate of myocardial infarction (MI) in the age group younger than 65 (24% vs. 0%, P = 0.011); all but one patient with MI were male. Further evaluation revealed that in the age group younger than 65, 54% of patients with diffuse-trickling had been hospitalized due to cardiovascular diseases including hypertensive crisis, angina, and MI. Analysis of choroidal thickness revealed a significantly thinner SCT in diffuse-trickling compared with non-diffuse-trickling GA (135.2 ± 56.4 vs. 191.4 ± 77.8 μm, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate an association of diffuse-trickling GA with systemic cardiovascular disorders in the younger study population. Together with the ocular morphologic characteristics including a lobular appearance and a thin choroid, a vascular insufficiency at the level of the choroid may play a pathogenetic role in this distinct GA phenotype. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00393692.).


Commencing from the cultural dichotomy between rural hinterland (Morlach) and urban coastal (Romano-Slavic) Dalmatia, the author studies the similarities and diversities in the accounts of the then-contemporary Venetian-Turkish wars in the works of Dalmatian writers of the 17th and 18th centuries. The analysed corpus of texts is made up of: chronicles of the Makarska Franciscans (P. Šilobadović, N. Gojak, P. Antulović); F. Divnić's historical account of the Candian War in Dalmatia; and works by J. Kavanjin, F. Grabovac and A. Kačić Miošić. The analysis focuses on: the mechanisms used in explanation and contextualisation of the wars in Dalmatia; evaluations of border area war strategy (pillaging and enslavement); the conception of the enemy and inter-Christian divisions (confessional, social, and the like). Finally, the accounts of war in the texts in question (narrative sources) are compared with published archive sources.


Approximately 30% of hypertensive patients have low plasma renin. The deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)/salt model of hypertension exhibits low peripheral RAS activity, but activation of the central RAS. The impact of central RAS activation on the cerebrovasculature is not defined. We tested the hypothesis that activation of the central RAS would impair endothelial function in brain. We produced mild hypertension in male C57BL/6 mice using subcutaneous DOCA and 0.9% salt in their drinking water for 3 weeks (no nephrectomy was performed) followed by studies of isolated arteries
 in vitro
 . Blood pressure was elevated modestly after DOCA/salt treatment (79±2 vs 95±3 mmHg). Endothelial function was severely impaired in cerebral arteries from mice treated with DOCA/salt (e.g. 10 μM acetylcholine: 33±3% vs 4±4%) but was unaffected in similar-sized mesenteric arteries. Because microvascular dysfunction is a key feature of small vessel disease in brain that increases the risk of stroke and cognitive impairment, we examined responses of small cerebral arterioles (baseline diameter ~30 μm)
 in vivo
 using a cranial window. Endothelium-dependent dilation to acetylcholine in cerebral arterioles was reduced by ~75% following DOCA/salt treatment (e.g. 10 μM acetylcholine: 26±5% vs 6±3%). In contrast, endothelium-independent vasodilation to nitroprusside (NO donor) or nifedipine (Ca
 2+
 channel blocker) was similar between groups. Microvascular endothelial dysfunction was not affected by a scavenger of superoxide but was restored to normal by local inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK) with Y27632. Activation of AT1 receptors by angiotensin II can increase ROCK signaling. Local inhibition of AT1 receptors with losartan or inhibition of mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) with eplerenone improved endothelium-dependent dilation in DOCA/salt treated mice to normal levels. RhoA and ROCK2 mRNA expression and total endothelial NO synthase protein expression was similar between groups. These findings suggest that activation of the central RAS profoundly but selectively impairs endothelial function in brain. Our findings identify AT1 receptors, MR and ROCK as key contributors to endothelial microvascular dysfunction in this model of mild DOCA/salt-induced hypertension.


The prevalence of AIDS in Uganda has decreased from 18.5 percent in 1995 to less than 6 percent in 2003. A multisectoral strategy to disseminate HIV/AIDS information throughout society has been credited, in part, for this success. This paper presents the results of interviews with individuals regarding their knowledge of AIDS from different sources of information. The results suggest that personal sources of information through informal channels most likely contributed to behavioral change. With the exception of information transmitted via radio, information and communication technologies (ICTs) were not considered to play an important role in the dissemination of HIV/AIDS information.


The effects of milk pre-acidification on cheesemaking, and the physicochemical and sensory properties of reduced-fat kashar cheese were determined. Four vats of cheese were made using no pre-acidification (control) and pre-acidifying with citric acid to pH 6.0, pH 5.8 and pH 5.6. Each preparation was replicated three times and the samples were analysed after 1, 30, 60 and 90 days storage. The chemical composition of the cheeses was similar following all treatments (p>0.05), but there were differences in pH, titration acidity, penetrometer values, yield, ash and calcium (p<0.05). The pre-acidification processes reduced the yield, but the cheeses had a softer texture. Pre-acidification had significant effects on water soluble nitrogen, 12% TCA soluble nitrogen, protein peptone nitrogen and the ripening index during ripening (p<0.05). All the sensory properties of the cheeses, except exterior appeareance (p<0.05), were similar among the treatments. Pre-acidification had no negative effect on taste and did not cause the formation of any bitter taste. The cheese pre-acidified at pH 6.0 and the control cheese was similar based on yield, but other characteristics were better for the pre-acidified cheese than for the control cheese. Therefore, pre-acidification at pH 6.0 can be suggested as a process for reduced-fat kashar cheesemaking.


When, after years of geological and geophysical exploration, a phosphate mine was discovered at Bu-Craa in 1964, Western Sahara received renewed geopolitical attention. Several countries competing for the control of the world fertilizer market, including Morocco, Spain, France, and the United States, developed diverging strategies to gain control of the mineral. After intense negotiations revolving around the materiality of mining technologies and involving reserve estimations, sabotage, and flexing of diplomatic muscles, Morocco took over the Spanish colony in 1975. While this secured Morocco's place in the world market, it condemned the local population to exile and domination. This article explores three technological stages of the exploitation of phosphate in Western Sahara that underpin the geopolitical history. This perspective yields new visions of cold war technology and postcolonial markets.


Finding approximate occurrences of a pattern in a text using a full-text index is a central problem in bioinformatics and has been extensively researched. Bidirectional indices have opened new possibilities in this regard allowing the search to start from anywhere within the pattern and extend in both directions. In particular, use of search schemes (partitioning the pattern and searching the pieces in certain orders with given bounds on errors) can yield significant speed-ups. However, finding optimal search schemes is a difficult combinatorial optimization problem. Here for the first time, we propose a mixed integer program (MIP) capable to solve this optimization problem for Hamming distance with given number of pieces. Our experiments show that the optimal search schemes found by our MIP significantly improve the performance of search in bidirectional FM-index upon previous ad-hoc solutions. For example, approximate matching of 101-bp Illumina reads (with two errors) becomes 35 times faster than standard backtracking. Moreover, despite being performed purely in the index, the running time of search using our optimal schemes (for up to two errors) is comparable to the best state-of-the-art aligners, which benefit from combining search in index with in-text verification using dynamic programming. As a result, we anticipate a full-fledged aligner that employs an intelligent combination of search in the bidirectional FM-index using our optimal search schemes and in-text verification using dynamic programming that will outperform today's best aligners. The development of such an aligner, called FAMOUS (Fast Approximate string Matching using OptimUm search Schemes), is ongoing as our future work.


Recently, matrix factorization–based recommendation methods have been criticized for the problem raised by the triangle inequality violation. Although several metric learning–based approaches have been proposed to overcome this issue, existing approaches typically project each user to a single point in the metric space, and thus do not suffice for properly modeling the intensity and the heterogeneity of user-item relationships in implicit feedback. In this paper, we propose TransCF to discover such latent user-item relationships embodied in implicit user-item interactions. Inspired by the translation mechanism popularized by knowledge graph embedding, we construct user-item specific translation vectors by employing the neighborhood information of users and items, and translate each user toward items according to the user's relationships with the items. Our proposed method outperforms several state-of-the-art methods for top-N recommendation on seven real-world data by up to 17% in terms of hit ratio. We also conduct extensive qualitative evaluations on the translation vectors learned by our proposed method to ascertain the benefit of adopting the translation mechanism for implicit feedback-based recommendations.


Background: Iron is an essential nutrient for mammals. Accelerated loss of nutrients through hyperproliferation and desquamation from the skin in psoriasis is known. Hepcidin is an important and recently discovered regulator of iron homeostasis. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepcidin expression in psoriasis patients. Materials and Methods: We examined peripheral blood cell counts, serum Fe, ferritin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and hepcidin levels using respectively automated hematology analyzer, Iron assay on the AEROSET system, chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay with automated analyzer, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The independent comparison of Fe, ferritin, IL-6 and hepcidin levels in psoriasis patients and control group (healthy volunteers) revealed lower Fe and higher IL-6, hepcidin levels in psoriasis patients. No significant difference was seen in the ferritin level between the psoriasis and the control group. Conclusions: We think that studies on hepcidin expression in psoriatic plaques will contribute to our understanding the role of iron and hepcidin in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.


The associations between platelet fatty acids and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were studied in 78 institutionalized elderly individuals (27 men and 51 women), aged 67 to 100. Platelet fatty acids were assessed by gas chromatography, and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were quantitated by immunophenotyping using flow cytometry. It was found that women had a higher number of total T-cells (CD3), T-helper (CD3+4+) cells, and B-cells (CD19). However, no gender differences were observed in the percentages of lymphocyte subsets. In elderly men, after adjusting for age and fatty acid intake, the platelet concentration of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was positively related to the percentage of CD3 and CD3+4+ bearing lymphocytes (rs = 0.59, P < 0.05; and rs = 0.55, P < 0.05, respectively), and the concentration of total saturated fatty acids was also positively associated with the percentage of B (CD19) cells (rs = 0.50, P < 0.05). However, similar relationships were not observed in elderly women. No significant associations were found between trans fatty acids and any of the lymphocyte subsets in the study population. These findings suggest that fatty acids may be related to immune function. Any effects may be important in the host immune defence, especially in elderly individuals.


Reaction of the uranium(iii) metallocenium salt [(CpiPr4)2U][B(C6F5)4] with tert-butyl isocyanide (tBuNC) yielded the dicationic uranium(iv) complex [(CpiPr4)2U(CNtBu)4][B(C6F5)4]2 (1), which displays a linear metallocene geometry. Use of crude mixtures of [(CpiPr4)2U][B(C6F5)4], which contain a soluble source of iodide, led instead to isolation of the monocationic uranium(iv) iodide complex [(CpiPr4)2U(I)(CNtBu)2][B(C6F5)4] (2). Adduct formation with no change in oxidation state was observed upon addition of tBuNC to the neutral uranium(iii) species (CpiPr4)2UI, resulting in isolation of (CpiPr4)2U(I)(CNtBu) (3). X-ray crystallographic and IR spectroscopic studies both showed effects ascribed to the presence of multiple strongly donating isocyanide ligands in 1.


Seismic modeling expound the forward process of numerically simulating seismic
waves through the earth model to generate seismic data. Forward modeling includes
two steps which are velocity model building followed by numerical computation of
seismic response. Forward modeling uses either ray tracing or wave equation methods
depending on the geological model dimension. In this study, a 2D acoustic wave
equation method is used to model the salt dome. As for the accurate positioning of
geological events, prestack depth imaging is immensely capable to produce a realistic
image of the depth section which consist various geological structures. However,
developments to this method are necessary to improve the accuracy of the output
depth image in terms of image resolution and positioning. This research focuses on
the effect of the parameters of prestack depth imaging on complex structures such as
salt domes. We investigate the factors and their sensitivity that affect the accuracy of
Kirchhoff depth migration. In the preliminary test, we run a forward modeling of a
salt dome model with varying the acquisition geometry and migration aperture
distance. Our results show that the consideration of acquisition parameter and
migration aperture significantly improves the resolution and quality of the images.


Summary We examined the effects of aerodynamic forces on the mechanical power output of running insects for which kinematic data were available. Drag and lift on the cockroaches Periplaneta americana (a small, rapidly running species) and Blaberus discoidalis (a larger, more slowly moving species) were measured in a wind tunnel. Although lift would be expected to affect power output by altering functional body weight, the magnitude of the lift on these cockroaches was less than 2% of their weight. Drag, which increases the horizontal force that must be exerted to run at a given speed, accounted for 20‐30% of the power output of P. americana running at speeds of 1.0‐1.5ms21, but had a much smaller effect on B. discoidalis . Aerodynamic drag on the body (parasite drag) can significantly increase the mechanical power output necessary for small, rapidly running insects in contrast to larger running animals and to flying insects.


We propose a `phase diagram' for particulate systems that interact via purely repulsive contact forces, such as granular media and colloidal suspensions. We identify and characterize two distinct classes of behavior as a function of the input kinetic energy per degree of freedom $T_0$ and packing fraction deviation above and below jamming onset $\Delta \phi=\phi - \phi_J$ using numerical simulations of purely repulsive frictionless disks. Iso-coordinated solids (ICS) only occur above jamming for $\Delta \phi > \Delta \phi_c(T_0)$; they possess average coordination number equal to the isostatic value ($ = z_{\rm iso}$) required for mechanically stable packings. ICS display harmonic vibrational response, where the density of vibrational modes from the Fourier transform of the velocity autocorrelation function is a set of sharp peaks at eigenfrequencies $\omega_k^d$ of the dynamical matrix evaluated at $T_0=0$. Hypo-coordinated solids (HCS) occur both above and below jamming onset within the region defined by $\Delta \phi > \Delta \phi^*_-(T_0)$, $\Delta \phi \Delta \phi_{cb}(T_0)$. In this region, the network of interparticle contacts fluctuates with $ \approx z_{\rm iso}/2$, but cage-breaking particle rearrangements do not occur. The HCS vibrational response is nonharmonic, {\it i.e} the density of vibrational modes $D(\omega)$ is not a collection of sharp peaks at $\omega_k^d$, and its precise form depends on the measurement method. For $\Delta \phi > \Delta \phi_{cb}(T_0)$ and $\Delta \phi < \Delta \phi^*_{-}(T_0)$, the system behaves as a hard-particle liquid.


We consider the problem of robustifying high-dimensional structured estimation. Robust techniques are key in real-world applications which often involve outliers and data corruption. We focus on trimmed versions of structurally regularized M-estimators in the high-dimensional setting, including the popular Least Trimmed Squares estimator, as well as analogous estimators for generalized linear models and graphical models, using possibly non-convex loss functions. We present a general analysis of their statistical convergence rates and consistency, and then take a closer look at the trimmed versions of the Lasso and Graphical Lasso estimators as special cases. On the optimization side, we show how to extend algorithms for M-estimators to fit trimmed variants and provide guarantees on their numerical convergence. The generality and competitive performance of high-dimensional trimmed estimators are illustrated numerically on both simulated and real-world genomics data.


The TCSC is the electronically-controlled counterpart of the conventional series bank of capacitors. A mature member of the FACTS technology, the TCSC has the ability to regulate power flows along the compensated line and to rapidly modulate its effective impedance. In this paper its performance is evaluated using Individual Channel Analysis and Design. Fundamental analysis is carried out to explain the generator dynamic behavior as affected by the TCSC. Moreover, a control system design for the system is presented, with particular emphasis in the closed-loop performance and stability and structural robustness assessment. It is formally shown that the incorporation of a TCSC operating in its capacitive range improves the dynamical performance of the synchronous machine by decreasing the electrical distance and therefore considerably reducing the awkward switchback characteristic exhibited by synchronous generators. It is also formally proven in the paper that the inductive operation should be avoided as it impairs system operation. In general, the TCSC inclusion brings on fragility into the global system, making it non-minimum phase and introducing adverse dynamics in the speed channel of the synchronous machine. Moreover, it is shown that the minimum-phase condition may also be present in cases featuring high capacitive compensation levels.


The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa (NS) on performance, immune system and gut microflora of Japanese quails under aflatoxicosis. A total of 600 seven-day-old quails chick were randomly allocated to 8 treatments with 5 replicates (15 birds per replicate) as a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement (2×4). Treats included 1) without AFB1-without
NS, 2) without AFB1-with 0.5 percent NS, 3) without AFB1-with 1 percent NS, 4) without AFB1-with 1.5 percent NS, 5) with 2.5 mg/kg AFB1-without NS, 6) with 2.5 mg/kg AFB1-with 0.5 percent NS, 7) with 2.5 mg/kg AFB1-with 1 percent NS, 8)
with 2.5 mg/kg AFB1-with 1.5 percent NS. Various levels of NS significantly affected feed intake (P<0.0002) and weight gain (P<0.0001). Feed intake and weight gain was decreased and FCR increased significantly (P<0.0001) by AFB1. The
interaction between different levels of NS and AFB1 on feed intake (P<0.042) and weight gain (P<0.013) was significant. Adding NS to diet significantly (P<0.025) increased relative weight of Bursa. The highest relative weight of Burs was observed in birds fed diet without AFB1-with 1.5 percent NS. Level of 2.5 mg/kg of AFB1 caused a significant (P<0.003) increase in relative weight of liver. The interaction between different levels of NS and AFB1 on relative weight of Bursa were also significant (P<0.046). All levels of NS in the presence of AFB1 improved the relative weight of Bursa. Different levels of NS in the diet significantly (P<0.011) decreased the number of coliforms, specifically in treat 3 and significantly (P<0.0001) increased lactic acid bacteria and total colony count in treatments 3 and 4, respectively. Level of 2.5 mg/kg of AFB1 significantly increased the number of
coliforms and decreased the number of lactic acid bacteria (P<0.0027) and (P<0.0001). Adding NS at different levels in the diet significantly (P<0.0001) improved antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus and SRBC. The best
antibody titer against the both of immunity test was observed in treat 4. Consecutively level of 2.5 mg/kg of AFB1 significantly (P<0.0012) decreased antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus and antibody titer against SRBC (P<0.0001) in the second injection. Different levels of NS in the diet caused a significant (P<0.0001) difference
in the hematocrit percent, relative weight of heart and MDA. Level of 2.5 mg/kg of AFB1 in the diet decreased hematocrit percent (P<0.0001) and relative weight of heart
(P<0.001) and, also increased MDA significantly (P<0.0001). The interaction between different levels of NS and AFB1 on MDA were significant (P<0.0001). In the presence of AFB1 all levels of NS decreased MDA, but the lowest MDA was
observed in treat 8.


During Run 1 and 2 of the LHC, the LHCb experiment collected the world's largest sample of heavy flavour decays. The precise tracking and particle identification capability of the
experiment, together with the large dataset collected, allow to study the properties of heavy hadrons with unprecedented precision. In these proceedings three recent results are discussed: the observation of two new excited $\Lambda^0_b$ baryons, the search for the $\Xi_{cc}^+$ baryon and the observation of a candidate for the $^3D_3$ state of the charmonium system.


: A virus-specific structure representing a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) associated with cell membranes was found in the cytoplasm of Sendai virus-infected cells of Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma. RNP could be separated from the membranes by recentrifugation of this structure in cesium chloride density gradient. In the liquid fraction, a structure with the same buoyant density possessing infectious activity was found. All structural polypeptides of virions with the exception of the membrane protein are found in the composition of the intracellular and extracellular structures.


The role of magnetic perturbations generated by filaments in the scrape-off layer is investigated by performing simulations of 3D seeded filaments with an electromagnetic numerical code which includes sheath boundary conditions. Depending on the plasma β, three smoothly connecting regimes were identified: an electrostatic regime where the magnetic field is substantially unaffected by the motion of the filament, an intermediate regime where the magnetic field is excited but relaxes within the filament's lifetime and an electromagnetic regime where the frozen-in condition is well satisfied. The electromagnetic effects are found to have a significant impact on the filament dynamics at values of β relevant for fusion devices, including increased midplane radial velocity, bending of the filament and braiding of magnetic field lines. Importantly, a finite Alfvén speed can allow electrical disconnection of the target and the upstream part of the filament, thus removing the slowing down effect associated with the sheath and producing faster filaments and more intense crossfield transport in perturbations that were affected by the sheath in the β = 0 limit.


Personalized recommender systems rely on knowledge of user preferences to produce recommendations. While those preferences are often obtained from past user interactions with the recommendation catalog, in some situations such observations are insufficient or unavailable. The most widely studied case is with new users, although other similar situations arise where explicit preference elicitation is valuable. At the same time, a seemingly disparate challenge is that there is a well-known popularity bias in many algorithmic approaches to recommender systems. The most common way of addressing this challenge is diversification, which tends to be applied to the output of a recommender algorithm, prior to items being presented to users. We tie these two problems together, showing a tight relationship. Our results show that popularity bias in preference elicitation contributes to popularity bias in recommendation. In particular, most elicitation methods directly optimize only for the relevance of recommendations that would result from collected preferences. This focus on recommendation accuracy biases the preferences collected. We demonstrate how diversification can instead be applied directly at elicitation time. Our model diversifies the preferences elicited using Multi-Armed Bandits, a classical exploration-exploitation framework from reinforcement learning. This leads to a broader understanding of users' preferences, and improved diversity and serendipity of recommendations, without necessitating post-hoc debiasing corrections.


Siamese approaches address the visual tracking problem by extracting an appearance template from the current frame, which is used to localize the target in the next frame. In general, this template is linearly combined with the accumulated template from the previous frame, resulting in an exponential decay of information over time. While such an approach to updating has led to improved results, its simplicity limits the potential gain likely to be obtained by learning to update. Therefore, we propose to replace the handcrafted update function with a method which learns to update. We use a convolutional neural network, called UpdateNet, which given the initial template, the accumulated template and the template of the current frame aims to estimate the optimal template for the next frame. The UpdateNet is compact and can easily be integrated into existing Siamese trackers. We demonstrate the generality of the proposed approach by applying it to two Siamese trackers, SiamFC and DaSiamRPN. Extensive experiments on VOT2016, VOT2018, LaSOT, and TrackingNet datasets demonstrate that our UpdateNet effectively predicts the new target template, outperforming the standard linear update. On the large-scale TrackingNet dataset, our UpdateNet improves the results of DaSiamRPN with an absolute gain of 3.9% in terms of success score.


The radiographs of ninety-five fractures of the proximal end of the humerus were classified with the Neer and the AO/ASIF systems by five orthopaedic surgeons who had a special interest in problems of the shoulder. Without access to their initial interpretations, the same five orthopaedic surgeons reevaluated the same radiographs eight weeks later. Intraobserver and intraobserver reliability were found to be fair or poor for both classification systems. Kappa values for the interobserver reliability were 0.40 for the Neer system and 0.53 for the AO/ASIF system. When the fractures were subclassified, according to the recommendations of the AO/ASIF, into groups and subgroups, reproducibility became progressively worse. Intraobserver reliability showed kappa values of 0.60 and 0.58, respectively. A so-called extended radiographic trauma series, consisting of three perpendicular radiographs, was available for thirty-five fractures; the third perpendicular projection did not significantly improve the reproducibility values for either classification compared with those obtained with only two perpendicular projections. We concluded that neither the Neer nor the AO/ASIF classification of fractures of the proximal end of the humerus is sufficiently reproducible to allow meaningful comparison of similarly classified fractures in different studies.


This paper reports the results of a laboratory test program conducted to study the variations of microtexture-related skid resistance of concrete materials with moisture condition, measurement temperature, and surface polishing. The materials used for concrete pavement construction in Singapore were studied. Surface wetting was found to produce a surface-wet frictional resistance considerably lower than the initial surface-dry value. However, neither the surface-wet nor surface-dry measurement was affected by the degree of moisture saturation of the materials tested. Surface temperature had a strong influence on the results of surface-wet tests, but not the surface-dry tests. The temperature-dependent variations was highly correlated to either measurement temperature or viscosity of water, always showing a coefficient of correlation exceeding 0.94 in absolute value. Polishing had the effect of reducing both surface-wet and surface-dry resistance. However, cement mortar specimens were found to respond differently from granite and steel slag aggregates due to differences of their surface wear behaviors in the process of polishing.