ABSTRACT This introduction provides an initial approach to the conceptual framework of infrastructural harm. It draws upon existing scholarship to discuss infrastructures as relational arrangements co-formative of harm. By approaching infrastructures as sites of ongoing socio-political and environmental antagonism, we pay attention to the ways in which infrastructural harm is generated, accretes, and transmutes across different scales and contexts. We consider harm as a process that exceeds the (in)direct consequences of infrastructure operation to extend to other arrangements. Building upon the diverse case studies discussed in this special issue, we investigate how the political and necropolitical properties of infrastructures are entangled with different technologies, judicial forms, policies, regulations and everyday processes. By foregrounding these diverse manifestations of infrastructural harm, together with its material and immaterial expressions, we expand on the existing literature in order to further explore critical codifications of contemporary socio-technical arrangements.


The ultimate goal of crystal engineering is making crystals with a purpose. This means designing de novo molecular solids possessing precise structural and physicochemical properties and inducing subtle modifications to conveniently modulate said properties.
In the continuous quest for novel crystalline materials, it is of fundamental importance to search for new building blocks, explore new interaction modes and new strategies for the modification of the structural properties of solids, such as the formation of co-crystals, salts, complexes or solid solutions.
The research activity performed in my PhD was mainly dedicated to two topics:

1. the design and synthesis of new single-component and multi-component assemblies based on hetero-aryl boronic acids and the investigation of their recognition features;
2. the study of molecular motion in some crystalline complexes and salts and the modification of those dynamics through the principles of crystal engineering.

The first topic is addressed in the second chapter of this thesis. A number of different solid forms were obtained exploiting the various interaction modes of some simple and inexpensive boronic acids, including an exfoliable layered co-crystal, supramolecular zwitterions, a polymeric ternary co-crystal and covalent zwitterionic adducts. The third chapter is dedicated to the latter topic. Supramolecular crystalline complexes and salts possessing parts in rapid motion were synthesised and characterised by means of combined XRD and solid-state NMR analyses. The formation of solid solutions was successfully employed to fine-tune the dynamical properties of those compounds. Finally, the high-pressure behaviour of some supramolecular crystalline rotors was studied by using diamond anvils cells (DACs).


In the present study, nickel foams with an open cell microporous structure were fabricated by the so-called space-holding particle sintering method, which included the adding of a particulate polymeric material (PMMA). The average pore size of the nickel foams approximated 10.5 μm; and the porosity ranged from 70 % to 80 %. The porous characteristics of the nickel foams were observed using scanning electron microscopy and the mechanical properties were evaluated using compressive tests. For comparison, nickel foams with an open-cell macroporous structure (pore size approximately 1.3 mm) were also presented. Results indicated that the nickel foams with a microporous structure possess enhanced mechanical properties than those with a macroporous structure.


Approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime; however, continuing advances in the field of medicine have increased the expected survival rate. With such an increase in survival rate among breast cancer patients, there has been a recent emphasis on quality of life post-surgery. One of the most feared complications following breast cancer surgery is the development of lymphedema. Approximately 20-30% of women treated for breast cancer are affected by the onset of secondary lymphedema. Unfortunately, there is no cure and only a portion of women witness improvements in arm symptoms from the available treatments.

Currently, there is no accepted model to successfully predict which women are at higher risk for development of lymphedema post treatment. An individual's genotype as an identified risk factor is not typically considered when studying patient specific risk information. Since treatment for lymphedema is most successful when initiated early, identification of high risk women through detection of genetic risk factors can aid in early diagnosis, improved treatment outcome, and even prevention which is significant to the field of public health.

Mutations in the HGF and MET genes had been previously identified in breast cancer secondary lymphedema patients suggesting the possibility of a genetic predisposition to development of lymphedema. More recently, findings of mutations in the connexin 47 (GJA12/GJC2) gene in breast cancer secondary lymphedema patients confirmed a genetic predisposition. There are several connexins expressed in lymphatics and further investigation of their involvement with lymphedema onset is warranted.

The purpose of this study is to continue the investigation of the connexin genes and their involvement in secondary lymphedema. This is a case-control study designed to sequence the connexin 40 (GJA5) gene in women treated for breast cancer with and without a diagnosis of secondary lymphedema. In this study, 91 cases and 168 controls were sequenced for the connexin 40 gene. No previously unidentified connexin 40 mutations were found in this cohort of women analyzed. Despite no mutations being identified in connexin 40, further studies of the connexin genes are warranted given their expression and involvement in the lymphatic system.


Use of bale wrapping technology allows beef cow-calf producers to lower their forage costs while improving the nutritional content of stored forages. Using stochastic simulation, we evaluate the cost savings a cow-calf operation may experience by adopting this technology. This technology can lower per head feed costs for larger herds.


The antileishmanial efficacies of 2-n-propylquinoline, chimanines B and D, 2-n-pentylquinoline, 2-phenylquinoline, 2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenylethyl) quinoline, and two total alkaloidal extracts of Galipea longiflora were evaluated in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis or Leishmania venezuelensis. Animals were treated for 4 to 6 weeks postinfection with a quinoline by the oral route at 50 mg/kg of body weight twice daily for 15 days or by five intralesional injections at intervals of 4 days with a quinoline at 50 mg/kg of body weight. The reference drug, N-methylglucamine antimonate (Glucantime), was administered by subcutaneous or intralesional injection (regimens of 14, 28, or 56 mg of pentavalent antimony [Sbv] per kg of body weight daily). Twice-daily oral treatment with chimanine B at 50 mg/kg resulted in a decrease in lesion weight by 70% (P < 0.001) and a decrease in the parasite loads by 95% (P < 0.001). Five injections of chimanine B at intervals of 4 days reduced the lesion weight by 74% and the parasite loads in the lesion by 90% compared with the values for the group of untreated mice. Subcutaneous administration of N-methylglucamine antimonate at 28 mg of Sbv kg per day for 15 days reduced the parasite burden by 95% (P < 0.001), and five intralesional injections at the same concentration reduced the parasite burden by 96% (P < 0.001). Other 2-substituted quinolines, 2-n-propylquinoline administered by the oral and intralesional routes, 2-phenylquinoline administered by the oral route, 2-n-pentylquinoline administered by intralesional injection, and two total alkaloidal extracts of G. longiflora administered by the oral route, had intermediate effects. These findings suggest that chimanine B may be chosen as a lead molecule in the development of oral therapy against leishmaniasis.


We present a novel approach for detecting malicious user activity in databases. Specifically, we propose a new machine learning algorithm for detecting attacks such as a stolen user account or illegal use by a user. Our algorithm relies on two main components that examine the consistency of a user's activity and compare it with activity patterns learned from past access. The first component tests for self-consistency, to determine whether the actions performed by a user are consistent with previous patterns. This engine is based on a probabilistic model that we developed to capture a user's normal behavior. The second component checks for global-consistency, to determine whether a user's actions are consistent with the past actions of similar users. We test our algorithm on access data from SQL databases. Experimental results show that we can keep false positive rates while retaining the overall accuracy level. An outlier detection engine based on the presented methods is now included in the standard offering of IBM InfoSphere Guardium1 with positive user feedback.


Although it is known that hepatic failure occurs in late sepsis, it is not known whether there are alterations in hepatocellular function in early sepsis when hyperdynamic circulation exists in conjunction with hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. To study this, indocyanine green (ICG) clearance and serum levels of hepatic enzymes were measured during early and late sepsis. Sepsis in rats was produced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Ten hours following CLP (early sepsis) total hepatic blood flow (THBF) as measured by hydrogen polarography increased from 23.9 +/- 1.1 to 30.6 +/- 1.4 (ml/min/100 gm). ICG (5 mg/kg body weight--BW) was given intravenously and sequential blood samples taken to determine ICG clearance. ICG half-times (T/2) were 4.99 +/- 0.15 and 6.57 +/- 0.51 minutes for sham-operated and early sepsis rats, respectively (mean +/- S.E., P less than 0.01). SGOT and SGPT levels (IU/ml) increased from 38.1 +/- 0.6 to 69.8 +/- 2.6 and 9.9 +/- 0.4 to 25.6 +/- 1.5, respectively (P less than 0.001). Thus the T/2 of ICG as well as serum levels of liver enzymes increased significantly during early sepsis. Eight additional rats underwent CLP and were tested 16 hours later (late sepsis). THBF in late sepsis decreased to 15.5 +/- 0.5 ml/min/100 gm. ICG T/2 at that time was 8.2 +/- 0.48 min and SGOT and SGPT level were 132 +/- 14.5 and 42 +/- 3.4, respectively (P less than 0.001). These results indicate that heptocellular dysfunction occurs even in the early period of sepsis when THBF is increased. Progressive dysfunction occurs in late sepsis concomitant with a decrease in THBF.


This article explores the enforcement policy adopted by the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA). Due to the lack of any published guidelines in this regard the author traces its policy through the publications made by the ECA and a number of key cases. It is revealed that there are some ambiguities and inconsistencies in the enforcement policy. In certain cases the ECA strictly applies per se prohibitions and rejects any efficiency defences. However, in other cases it adopts a rule of reason analysis and focuses on proving effect rather than applying the stipulated per se prohibition. These factors and others reduce the credibility of the ECA and increase the ambiguities among the business community. However, it is finally noted that the ECA needs more time to adjust its policies and to adopt the most relevant approach thereafter.


Malignant disease of the lung, including the bronchi, is steadily assuming greater importance as the result probably both of increased frequency and of more accurate diagnosis. It is important that the effort should be made to increase our knowledge of the subject in the hope that early diagnosis and proper treatment may reduce the mortality. This hope must be concerned particularly with neoplasms originating in one part; namely, in the bronchus. The term "carcinoma of the lung" suggests a neoplasm of the lung tissue proper, but new growths originating in the lung parenchyma comprise only a small proportion of all lung tumors (perhaps from 10 to 15 per cent). The great majority originate in the bronchi and subsequently invade the lung tissue. It is therefore with neoplasms originating in the bronchi that we are particularly concerned. The main points that we shall discuss are (1) the question of increase in


The question of whether it is at all appropriate to extend privileges and immunities regimes beyond international organizations to the increasingly ubiquitous global public-private partnership structure has received little attention to date in the scholarly literature. This article examines this question through a study of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a permanent global public-private partnership that formally incorporates non-state actors as equal players in its core governance structures. The article concludes that considerations of genesis and administrative law-type analyses of institutional design may, to some extent, substitute for the constituent treaty of classical international law in order to identify which global public-private partnerships should benefit from privileges and immunities, as well as the specific privileges and immunities to be granted in each case to facilitate the effective fulfilment of these partnerships' mandates.


Background: There is little evidence from clinical trials that the use of adrenaline (epinephrine) in treating cardiac arrest improves survival, despite adrenaline being considered standard of care for many decades. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of adrenaline on patient survival to hospital discharge in out of hospital cardiac arrest. Methods: We conducted a double blind randomised placebo-controlled trial of adrenaline in out-ofhospital cardiac arrest. Identical study vials containing either adrenaline 1:1000 or placebo (sodium chloride 0.9%) were prepared. Patients were randomly allocated to receive 1 ml aliquots of the trial drug according to current advanced life support guidelines. Outcomes assessed included survival to hospital discharge (primary outcome), pre-hospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category Score – CPC). Results: A total of 4103 cardiac arrests were screened during the study period of which 601 underwent randomisation. Documentation was available for a total of 534 patients: 262 in the placebo group and 272 in the adrenaline group. Groups were well matched for baseline characteristics including age, gender and receiving bystander CPR. ROSC occurred in 22 (8.4%) of patients receiving placebo and 64 (23.5%) who received adrenaline (OR = 3.4; 95% CI 2.0–5.6). Survival to hospital discharge occurred in 5 (1.9%) and 11 (4.0%) patients receiving placebo or adrenaline respectively (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 0.7–6.3). All but two patients (both in the adrenaline group) had a CPC score of 1–2. Conclusion: Patients receiving adrenaline during cardiac arrest had no statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome of survival to hospital discharge although there was a significantly improved likelihood of achieving ROSC.


Single crystals of clathrate-I Ba8Cu16As30 have been synthesized and their structure and electronic properties determined using synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and first-principles calculations. The structure is confirmed to be Pm3̅ n (No. 223), with lattice parameter a = 10.4563(3) Å, and defined by a tetrahedrally bonded network of As and Cu that forms two distinct coordination polyhedra, with Ba residing inside these polyhedra. All crystallographic positions are fully occupied with no vacancies or superstructure with the Cu atoms, while occupying all framework sites in the network, exhibiting a preference for the 6c site. Agreement between the experimental and theoretically predicted structures was achieved after accounting for spin-orbit coupling. Our calculated Fermi surface, electron localization, and charge transfer, as well as a comparison with the results for elemental As46, provide insight into the fundamental properties of this clathrate-I material.


Internationally, re-introductions of endangered species into their former ranges have largely failed. Here we assess a successful reintroduction program of the endangered trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) and examine factors contributing to this success. Stocking of marked fish (all stocked fish were marked) occurred between 1997 and 2006 in the Ovens River, south-eastern Australia, where trout cod were historically abundant but locally extinct by the 1980s. We found no natural recruits (i.e. from spawnings of stocked fish in the wild) over the age of six, indicating that natural recruitment started at most five years after stocking began. Of the 83 fish we examined for sexual maturity, 12 were immature, 20 were male, and 51 were female. The body length at which 50% of the population can be considered mature was 325 and 250 mm for females and males, respectively. The length at which 90% of the population was mature was 394 and 318 mm for females and males, respectively. The smallest mature female was 245 mm. Average relative fertility was 9 eggs g–1 fish weight. The results we obtained provide valuable insights into the aspects contributing to the success of reintroduction programs for endangered freshwater species.


During an epidemic of dengue type 2 virus in the rural community of Charters Towers, North Queensland, Australia, in 1993, 210 cases presented to the local hospital with signs and symptoms of classic dengue fever. Two cases were noteworthy because of neurologic complications, which included drowsiness, short term memory loss, agitation, and seizure. The cases are presented in detail because they are the first cases of dengue-associated encephalopathy to be documented in Australia. An increasing number of cases of encephalopathy associated with classic dengue fever is being reported world wide, but the etiology of this clinical syndrome remains unknown.


In 2016 Hamburger Kunsthalle launched Drawing Rooms 2 the second in its series of drawing survey shows. This version focused on contemporary developments in drawing and particularly drawing informed through technological and media developments. The roll of animation within these developments, was considered in the show through the inclusion of a show reel of artists films selected by the curator Petra Roettig from Lines Fiction a web based artists animation project developed by Bettina Munk in Berlin. *'Bettina Munk brings together artists who combine drawing and animation to create interaction between the two media.' David Mackintosh 'The Curtain' 2011 was one of the selected animations.
The exhibition included an impressive range of renowned international artists and ran from 25th November 2016 to 21st May 2017. During that time; the year 2016/17, The Hamburger Kunsthalle which is one of the largest museums in Germany had record visitor figures. 562,018.
A dvd addition to the catalogue for Drawing Rooms 1 entitled 'Lines Fiction in der Hamburger Kunsthalle', including Mackintosh's animation was produced for the exhibition.
Deutsche Bank art Magazine said of the show; 'With the exhibition Drawing Rooms the Hamburger Kunsthalle shows how the medium of drawing is conquering space and being set in motion in animations. While the first part of this exhibition project illustrated the development from the 1950s to current positions, the second part focuses on wall drawings, installations, and virtual animations.'


VLBI observations at various stations all over the globe have been carried out since the beginning of the eighties. As VLBI allows to determine tropospheric parameters such as hydrostatic and wet zenith path delays stable and long time series of these parameters exist that can be used for climatological studies. From the wet zenith delays information about trends and periodic variations of the amount of water vapour in the troposphere can be obtained. For example a trend of ∼ +0.7 mm/year in the wet zenith delay will correspond to a trend of ∼ +0.1 mm/year in precipitable water. For assessing the reliability of the linear trends and the amplitudes of annual and semiannual components, data from VLBI, GPS, and the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) were compared. Good agreement was found for the seasonal variations, though the linear trends showed some disagreement. Possible reasons for this disagreement are discussed. Finally, the effect of El Nino events on tropospheric mapping functions and on length-of-day time series is shown.


The production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in compound 48/80‐ or calcium ionophore A 23187‐ activated pleural or peritoneal mast cells was monitored using flow cytometry and the fluorescence indicator dihydrorhodamine 123 (a derivate of rhodamine 123). Mast cell degranulation and ROI production were estimated by flow cytometric fluorescence and light‐scatter analysis. In addition, activation was monitored by spectrofluorimetric measurement of histamine secretion from the cells. We used flow cytometric measurement of narrow and wide angle scatter and fluorescence intensity to distinguish between degranulated and resting mast cells during activation and to monitor the two populations separately. Both stimuli induced a dose‐dependent elevation of ROI production in mast cells which was accompanied by cell degranulation and histamine secretion. These alterations were completely abolished by preincubation of the mast cells with diethyldithiocarbamate (DTC). Using low concentrations of DTC partial decrease of degranulation and histamine secretion was observed while ROI production was blocked. D‐mannitol increased ROI production in stimulated mast cells without a marked effect on degranulation or histamine secretion. The data suggest that mast cell degranulation (histamine secretion) and ROI production are independent processes.


Global motion is very likely to occur in image sequences analysis. For example, it arises if the observer is moving during the sequence acquisition (ego-motion). Our aim is to get a simple method to estimate in a reliable may a set of parameters that can take into account the presence of a global motion component, using only local information. The novelty of our approach is in regarding spatial shift, change of scale, and rotation (corresponding to usual camera effects such as pan and zoom) as a two-dimensional (2-D) Doppler effect. The mathematical treatment is carried on in the complex plane, so that the results can be easily deduced as an extension of the one-dimensional (1-D) case; in this way, we obtain simple expressions, well suited for a practical realization of the estimate. The method has been experimentally validated by both real pictures with a synthetic motion and real image sequences.


Architects work using two tools, each with a different nature: the tool that changes matter into material, and the geometry which gives it order. Both tools have to do with the human ability to understanding the reason for things. Guaman Poma de Ayala and Hernan Ruiz II lived in two distant worlds during the reign of Felipe II, and were interested in drawing as a tool, though in different ways. In the culture of the Incas, preceding the use of iron, rocks were carved using other rocks. The Incas developed their expertise in stone cutting and left us with rocks carved with the utmost intensity. Stone technique allowed Inca culture to find their ideal of beauty. The tools that the Spanish brought to the Andes were much more effective in all ways; but they finish off the Inca technique. The drawings of Hernan Ruiz II show his belief in geometry and perspective as tools of knowledge and design, as well as his trust in drawing with a pencil and paper. The plane was the new tool with which other hands would erect architecture. From that point on, the manual relationship between the architect and his works was carried out in paper, supplanting the true handwork of the work, which would be the task of others. In the same way, today the key and the screen have occupied the architect's worktable. Models are essential. Only with models can the contact with matter, though being replaced, be recover within the design process.


Additive manufacturing allows complexity of manufactured metal structures. Lattice structures hold the most promise for high complexity, tailorable and ultra-lightweight structures. In medical applications, these structures find application especially in bone implants – allowing matching of local elastic modulus of implant to that of bone while also allowing osseointegration. With this new complexity comes new manufacturing quality control and metrology challenges. Traditional metrology tools cannot access the entire structure and the only reliable method to inspect the inner details of these structures non-destructively is by X-ray tomography.


The soluble methanesulphonate of the oxime 2-hydroxyiminomethyl-N-methylpyridinium (P2S) has been used to treat animals poisoned with sarin or ethyl pyrophosphate. The effect of the size of the dose, and its time of administration in relation to poisoning, have been examined. This oxime is very efficient in conjunction with atropine when given either before or after poisoning. About 30 mg./kg. seems to be the optimum therapeutic dose of the methanesulphonate. The significance of this optimum is discussed in relation to the treatment of accidental poisoning by organophosphate insecticides in man.


Purpose

Although manufacturers have traditionally viewed reverse supply chain (RSC) activities as a costly nuisance, more recent research has found that the RSC can contribute to the firm's financial performance. The purpose of this paper is to identify how the RSC can contribute to the firm's financial performance and examine the exogenous contingency factors decisive for the contribution's size. Because the exogenous factors are outside the control of the firm's operations and supply chain management, the factors influence the RSC's financial contribution irrespective of managerial policies and design decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies a systematic literature review using the sequence of planning the review, searching and screening literature, extracting information from the selected literature, and synthesizing and analyzing findings. In total, 112 papers were included.

Findings

The study has identified 15 distinct opportunities for RSC-contribution to the firm's financial performance. The study has identified 56 contingency factors. These are related to market segmentation, customer behavior, product design, and the firm's distributor network. The study includes an interrelationship network between factors and the RSC's contribution.

Practical implications

For managers, the paper shows how the RSC can increase the firm's financial performance and which contingency factors determine whether operating a RSC will be financially viable if implemented.

Originality/value

While extant literature includes several reviews about RSC-related managerial policies and design decisions, this paper contains the very first collection of RSC-contribution opportunities available to manufacturers as well as the first review of exogenous contingency factors.


Barks of six plant barks were screened for potential antibacterial activity. In evaluating antibacterial activity both aqueous and methanolic solvents were used. The plants were Azardirchata indica A. Juss, Terminalia arjuna . (Roxb.ex DC.) Wt. & Arn, Mimosops elengi L ., Morus alba L., Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Willd., and Terminalia chebula Retz.. Antibacterial activity was tested against 5 bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas florescence, Klebseilla pneumonia and Proteus vulgaris .  Two methods, Agar disc diffusion and Agar ditch diffusion method were used to study the antibacterial activity of all these plant barks. P. vulgaris and K. pneumonia were the most resistant bacterial strains. B. subtilis showed strong activity against the tested bacterial strains. Therefore, this can be selected for further investigation to determine its therapeutic potential.


The objective of this article is to propose the approach about engineering factors as a decision model for choosing the type of renewable energy power plant establishment in Thailand with supporting information to increase the number of renewable energy power plant establishments. Reducing energy consumption through the government and energy development from renewable energy plays an important role to strengthen the energy security for the country by increasing economic stability. To conserve the environment and reduce the use of energy from fossils, which is one of the main causes of global warming, the literature about acceptance, consisting of attitude related to usage, performance expectations, expectations of use, social influence, environmental support and government policy with analysis of decision models including interest in products, desire for products, product knowledge and the possibility to buy in the future to create energy security for the country, was reviewed. The government is making an effort to encourage the private sector to install electricity generation systems using renewable energy with support in various fields, including tax measures and the providing of various benefits to create investment incentives, such as academic information support, import duty exemption on raw materials for solar panels, support with funding loans, and revolving funds through financial institutions.


OBJECTIVES
To develop a robust valid and exportable appraisal and assessment process for doctors in training which is portfolio based and works at all hospitals within the deanery. It is called the personal development portfolio.

DESIGN
For every senior house officer, there was a recorded meeting with his or her supervisor, at the beginning, midterm and at the end of the post. An outside assessor witnessed the exit assessment meeting.

SETTING
The Wirral Hospital, a District General Hospital with 72 senior house officers in 10 different specialties was used as a pilot site to develop the process. Then the process was exported and implemented at the other 12 trusts of the deanery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Records were kept of the induction, midterm and exit assessment meetings. A record was kept of the number of senior house officers succeeding and failing at their exit assessments. Also, the number promoted to the specialist registrar grade was recorded.

RESULTS
The process was performed every 6 months on 11 occasions between 2000 and 2005. It involved 72 senior house officers in 10 different specialties. On each occasion, participation usually exceeded 70%: 623 were appraised and assessed and 609 of them (97.8%) had satisfactory exit assessments. For 14 doctors (2.2%), the process identified a cause for concern, which was usually accepted by the doctor and sometimes allowed remedial action to be taken. Twenty-six (4.2%) were promoted to the specialist registrar grade in this period. The process also identified the strengths and weaknesses of the senior house officer posts in the 10 different specialties that had such posts, and was used to encourage good medical teaching practice in them. Over 4 years, we exported the process to all the other 12 Trusts in the Mersey Deanery. Once established, the process was easy to use for both trainees and trainers, although it was time consuming.

CONCLUSIONS
It was possible to develop and implement a portfolio based appraisal and assessment process, which was accepted by senior house officers and their trainers in all specialties at all hospitals within the deanery. Now that the senior house officer grade has been superseded by the Foundation and the training grade years, the principles of the personal development portfolio are being used to appraise and assess doctors in these grades too.


In this paper, we seek to measure how much information a component in a neural network could extract from the representations fed into it. Our work stands in contrast to prior probing work, most of which investigates how much information a model's representations contain. This shift in perspective leads us to propose a new principle for probing, the architectural bottleneck principle: In order to estimate how much information a given component could extract, a probe should look exactly like the component. Relying on this principle, we estimate how much syntactic information is available to transformers through our attentional probe, a probe that exactly resembles a transformer's self-attention head. Experimentally, we find that, in three models (BERT, ALBERT, and RoBERTa), a sentence's syntax tree is mostly extractable by our probe, suggesting these models have access to syntactic information while composing their contextual representations. Whether this information is actually used by these models, however, remains an open question.


Presented paper describes a numerical study of discharge plasma motion. This non-stationary phenomenon with steep gradients and sharp peaks in unknowns is described as a coupled problem of convection-diffusion equation with source term for electron, ion densities and Poisson's equation for electric potential. The numerical method is 2nd order of accuracy in space and time and it uses dynamical adaptation of unstructured triangular mesh. Results of numerical studies included size of computational domain, type of boundary conditions and numerical convergence test are presented.


In the organizational universe strategic changes are necessary and generate repercussions. A considerable part of the state hospitals in São Paulo is management by charities that receive the qualification from social organizations and are chosen by government. The main question about this research relates to the (re) adjust at the hospital caused by new strategies of management that comes through health between the State and the Social Organization of Health for hospital management. Understand that the changes occurred in this space: who makes their occupation, it relates, themselves with whom, what are the repercussions, the opposed strength, et cetera. For this way, it has adopted a qualitative approach involving field research and also bibliography research pointed to the subject of the social organizations, its origin and uses in Brazil, the involved questions and the opposed movements to its use. It also was specified the law in São Paulo and the Management Contract, main tool at its disposal that detail kinds and numbers of treatments, values, quality indicators, among others. The used methodology behaved answer inquiries put through the field research together the hospitals and respective manager charities in the State and Municipality, involving also hospital about direct administration for possible comparisons. The resulted data of the research indicated that the qualified charities acted before in health, previous requirement that would give support to attend the specification from de manager contract. Among the findings, it noticed that the creation of the supplemental law got help from agents that make up the social organizations. The choice of the charities is indicated: it is their option to enroll in run the hospital (made by official announcement), and it is the Secretary of Health's option in choosing which applicant (when there are more than one) is the most indicated for the management. Due to a strength oppose consisted specially by people that work for health, advisors and health's union, in search for legitimate occur to events promoted by charities, by unison speech, by publication that point aspects out like numbers and favorable table of contents. Another item noticed is the distribution of the hospitals and the region where the social organizations act, showing the territorial occupation in health by these charities. The managed health differs in hospitals from direct administration by permanent management strategies, a lot of which also available to the hospitals from direct administration offered by own government, which reinforces the role of intermediaries that research suggests. Keys words: Social Organizations, Health, Government, Management Contract, Intermediaries.


The conventional understanding of microbes as causative agents of disease has led us to fear them and to consider them our deadly enemies. Much less appreciated are the central roles microbes play in shaping the environment and in maintaining plant, animal, and human health. All metazoan organisms – organisms that we can see with the naked eye – exist in lifelong partnerships with vast microbial communities. These "microbiomes" supply metazoans with essential life processes that are not encoded in nonmicrobial genomes. Recent work in microbiology has revealed that microbes, like metazoans, have specific body plans and sensory systems, that they can communicate with each other, and that they orchestrate collective behaviors. Investigations of these ancient yet enduring processes are uncovering the fundamental design principles of life. Microbes are also storehouses of new molecules, biochemical pathways, and materials with medical, industrial, and agricultural relevance. Scientists are harnessing these microbial products in efforts to confront humanity's most pressing problems. This essay explores the wonder, complexity, power, and utility of microbes in the twenty-first century.


Context. Space weather has become acutely critical for today's global communication networks. To understand its driving forces we need to observe the Sun with high angular-resolution, and within large fields-of-view, i.e. with multi-conjugate adaptive optics correction. Aims. The design of a multi-conjugate adaptive optical system requires the knowledge of the altitude distribution of atmospheric turbulence. We have therefore measured daytime turbulence profiles above the New Solar Telescope (NST), on Big Bear Lake. Methods. To this purpose, a wide-field wavefront sensor was installed behind the NST. The variation of the wavefront distortions with angular direction allows the reconstruction of the distribution of turbulence. Results. The turbulence is found to have three origins: 1. a ground layer (<500 m) that contains 55–65% of the turbulence, 2. a boundary layer between 1–7 km comprises 30–40% of the turbulent energy, 3. and the remaining ∼5% are generated in the tropopause, which is above 12 km in summer and between 8 and 12 km in winter. Conclusions. A multi-conjugate adaptive optical system should thus aim at correcting the ground turbulence, the center of the boundary layer at roughly 3 km altitude and, eventually, the upper boundary layer around 6 km altitude.


Abstract We introduced Facebook groups as instructional tools in our industrial design studio courses. One of us experienced the effects of Facebook on freshmen while the other examined it with sophomores and juniors. Our analysis of the data focused on the content of students' posts on Facebook groups, informal student interviews, our experiences in studios, and our reflective cross-evaluation. Our comparative analysis showed that Facebook better serves as a boundary object in the later years of design education. The freshmen, and partly sophomore, were not able to make effective use of this medium for exchanging knowledge. From the perspective of SoTL, this study not only helped us to experiment ways of advancing our pedagogy but also served as a platform for us to discuss and exchange knowledge on teaching and learning that is taking place in studio.


The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and level of readiness, and possible barriers to implementing Mobile Learning as a part of ubiquitous learning. In addition, the study attempted to find out to what extent students are interested in mobile learning. It also aimed to answer the question regarding the readiness of college students to use mobile learning technologies. Furthermore, the level of students experience in electronic learning was examined. The study was conducted to gather valuable data about are the possible advantages and disadvantages of mobile learning, and the barriers do students expect facing when implementing the mobile learning technologies. To answer the research questions, a questionnaire was administered to 1000 college students, with some of them being interviewed for in-depth information. The findings of the study showed that students had highly positive attitudes toward mobile learning, and they had the necessary technical knowledge to implement mobile learning. However, students were found to have very little experience in electronic and mobile learning. Students have mentioned some advantages of mobile learning among which was the possibility of learning outside the classroom and at any time. Some disadvantages were mentioned such as the fact that students might become annoyed with receiving too many text messages per day. Finally, students listed some barriers they expect to face the implementation of mobile learning. The study concluded with suggestions for future research and recommendations to university officials to better implement mobile learning.


As a result of the recent financial crisis, several key institutions urged the IASB and the FASB to re-evaluate their models for loan loss accounting and use more forward-looking information. The paper examines the principal features of the new expected loss approach, taking into account the tensions between accounting and prudential objectives with respect to credit losses. We discuss the rationales for the change introduced by IFRS 9 and explore the differences between the IASB and the FASB models. Based on the notions of accounting conservatism and earnings management, we discuss the potential consequences of the new models. While both the FASB and the IASB model are more conservative than the incurred loss approach, each portrays a different type of conservatism, whose ability to provide information will depend on the bank's business model. We also argue that the differences in business models that prevail in different jurisdictions might help to explain the existence of two expected loss models. Besides, we identify new avenues for further research within the financial sector.


Ebola virus epidemics can be effectively limited by the VSV-EBOV vaccine (Ervebo) due to its rapid protection abilities; however, side effects prevent the broad use of VSV-EBOV as vaccine. Mechanisms explaining the efficient immune activation after single injection with the VSV-EBOV vaccine remain mainly unknown. Here, using the clinically available VSV-EBOV vaccine (Ervebo), we show that the cell-intrinsic expression of the interferon-inhibitor Usp18 in CD169+ macrophages is one important factor modulating the anti-Ebola virus immune response. The absence of Usp18 in CD169+ macrophages led to the reduced local replication of VSV-EBOV followed by a diminished innate as well as adaptive immune response. In line, CD169-Cre+/ki x Usp18fl/fl mice showed reduced innate and adaptive immune responses against the VSV wildtype strain and died quickly after infection, suggesting that a lack of Usp18 makes mice more susceptible to the side effects of the VSV vector. In conclusion, our study shows that Usp18 expression in CD169+ macrophages is one important surrogate marker for effective vaccination against VSV-EBOV, and probably other VSV-based vaccines also.


Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate critical success factors (CSFs) for the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system from a user perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in two successive steps. First, a literature review was conducted to derive CSFs for ERP system implementation. Second, a survey was conducted to evaluate the importance of these CSFs from a user perspective. Data were collected through a questionnaire that was distributed within a German manufacturer and was developed based on the CSFs found in the literature. Gray relational analysis (GRA) was used to rank the CSFs in order of importance from a user perspective.

Findings

The findings reveal that users regard 11 of the 13 CSFs found in the literature as important for ERP system implementation. Seven of the CFSs were classified as the most important from a user perspective, namely, project team, technical possibilities, strategic decision-making, training and education, minimum customization, software testing and performance measurement. Users regarded 2 of the 13 CSFs as not important when implementing an ERP system, including organizational change management and top management involvement.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that the respondents originate from one organization, industry and country. The findings may differ in other contexts, and thus, future research should be expanded to include more organizations, industries and countries. Another limitation is that this study only evaluates existing CSFs from a user perspective rather than identifying new ones and/or the underlying reasons using more qualitative research.

Practical implications

A better understanding of the user perspective toward CSFs for ERP system implementation promises to contribute to the design of more effective ERP systems, a more successful implementation and a more effective operation. When trying to successfully implement an ERP system, the project team may use the insights from the user perspective.

Originality/value

Even though researchers highlight the important role users play during ERP system implementation, their perspective toward the widely discussed CSFs for ERP system implementation has not been investigated comprehensively. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating CSFs derived from the literature from a user perspective.


The legalisation of same-sex marriages in South Africa (1999) was a natural progression from the articles of the South African Constitution (1996), particularly those contained in the Bill of Rights, that safeguard individuals from any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation. A legal right to protection against discrimination does not, however, translate to a society free of prejudice and (covert) discrimination, and this can be clearly seen in the way that deeply biased attitudes towards homosexuality1 emerge in public discourse at the level of the ordinary citizen, as well as the politically powerful. The public statements expressing extreme homophobia by a number of high profile individuals in recent years is of particular concern because it not only communicates prejudicial attitude through message transmission, but reinforces such attitudes amongst the intended audience.  This kind of prejudicial communication is particularly insidious because it is impossible to prove cause and effect, even though legislation against hate speech is based on the assumption that speech communication can have a measurable harmful effect. This article explores the attitudes towards alternative sexual orientation of a sample group of 58 third-year B.Ed. students at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. From the research results reported in this article it appears that there is at least an emerging tolerance towards gays and lesbians amongst the sample of educated young South Africans. This is encouraging in view of the promotion of human rights, social justice and inclusion in a democratic South Africa.


Model-based fault detection and isolation requires a mathematical model of the system behaviour. Modelling is important and can be difficult because of the complexity of the monitored system and its control architecture. The authors use bond-graph modelling, a unified multi-energy domain modelling method, to build dynamic models of process engineering systems by composing hierarchically arranged sub-models of various commonly encountered process engineering devices. The structural and causal properties of bond-graph models are exploited for supervisory systems design. The structural properties of a system, necessary for process control, are elegantly derived from bond-graph models by following the simple algorithms presented here. Additionally, structural analysis of the model augmented with available instrumentation indicates directly whether it is possible to detect and/or isolate faults in some specific sub-space of the process. Such analysis aids in the design and resource optimization of new supervision platforms. Static and dynamic constraints, which link the time evolution of the known variables under normal operation, are evaluated in real time to determine faults in the system. Various decision or post-processing steps integral to the supervisory environment are discussed in this monograph; they are required to extract meaningful data from process state knowledge because of unavoidable process uncertainties. Process state knowledge has been further used to take active and passive fault accommodation measures. Several applications to academic and small-scale-industrial processes are interwoven throughout. Finally, an application concerning development of a supervision platform for an industrial plant is presented with experimental validation. Model-based Process Supervision provides control engineers and workers in industrial and academic research establishments interested in process engineering with a means to build up a practical and functional supervisory control environment and to use sophisticated models to get the best use out of their process data.


Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are critical elements of cell–cell communication. Here, we characterized the outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released by specific clones of Escherichia coli isolated from the Long-Term Evolution Experiment after 50,000 generations (50K) of adaptation to glucose minimal medium. Compared with their ancestor, the evolved clones produce small OMVs but also larger ones which display variable amounts of both OmpA and LPS. Tracking ancestral, fluorescently labelled OMVs revealed that they fuse with both ancestral- and 50K-evolved cells, albeit in different proportions. We quantified that less than 2% of the cells from one 50K-evolved clone acquired the fluorescence delivered by OMVs from the ancestral strain but that one cell concomitantly fuses with several OMVs. Globally, our results showed that OMV production in E. coli is a phenotype that varies along bacterial evolution and question the contribution of OMVs-mediated interactions in bacterial adaptation.


Measles is a dangerous disease that is highly contagious through respiratory droplets. Measles can cause complications such as pneumococcal disease, diarrhea, meningitis. Measles immunization is one of the government's efforts to achieve the measles elimination target by 2020. High and even immunization coverage will form herd immunity and break the chain of measles transmission. The purpose of this study was to know the factors that influence parent's actions in providing immunization measles children in primary school. The research was conducted with a case-control design. The number of samples consisted of 104 case groups and 78 control groups of mothers who have primary school children in the area of Banguntapan Public Health Center, Bantul. Data collected with questionnaires analyzed with Chi-Square and multivariate tests. Variables related to the provision of advanced measles immunization are education level (p-value = 0.03), work status (p-value = 0.01), level of knowledge (p-value = 0.01), family support (p-value = 0, 01) and support of health workers (p-value = 0.01) Whereas unrelated variables are attitude (p-value = 0.17) and the reach of health facilities (p-value = 1.00).The variable that most influences the actions of the parent's in giving advanced immunization against measles are family support with OR = 15,458. Related factors are the level of education, work status, level of knowledge, family support, and support of health workers. The most influential factor in the actions of parents in providing continued immunization against measles was family support.


The discovery of gas and oil reserves in the East Mediterranean Basin (EMB) has put the spotlight on regional tensions between certain coastal States and on their unresolved disputes in relation to the delimitation of their respective maritime areas. The advent of the United Nations' Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has sought to discipline such disputes along the lines of clear legal rules. That said, not all coastal States are parties to it. In the EMB region, three coastal States – namely Israel, Syria, and Turkey – are such parties. Whilst certain customary law provisions may be held to be reflected by UNCLOS provisions, this is not without controversy. Therefore, identifying the applicable customary norms to disputes involving any of these three States becomes a more complex matter further compounded by the fact that, prior to the advent of UNCLOS, State practice had been inconsistent across coastal States. This paper outlines the principal inter-State legal aspects of the delimitation of disputes in the region in relation to the maritime areas that these engage – namely the territorial sea, the continental shelf, and the exclusive economic zone.


This integrative review synthesized evidence on the consequences of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) nonpayment policy on quality improvement initiatives and hospital-acquired conditions. Fourteen articles were included. This review presents strong evidence that the CMS policy has spurred quality improvement initiatives; however, the relationships between the CMS policy and hospital-acquired conditions are inconclusive. In future research, a comprehensive model of implementation of the CMS nonpayment policy would help us understand the effectiveness of this policy.


Purpose: We assessed the impact of using a porcine model on the training of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and compared the training effectiveness between surgeons with and without previous laparoscopic experience. Materials and Methods: Surgeon A had previous laparoscopic experience, with the exception of LPN, while surgeon B had no prior laparoscopic experience. A tumor model was created by subcapsular injection of liquid plastic (Smooth-Cast 320) in the kidney. We recorded the total operation time, the bowel dissection time, the renal pedicle dissection time, the warm ischemic time, the mass resection time, the suture time, and the presence of major complications for each surgeon. Results: The mean operation time was significantly shorter for surgeon A compared to surgeon B (49.1±4.5 and 63.6±8.4 minutes, respectively, p< 0.001). Although the mass resection time was significantly shorter for surgeon A as well, there were no significant differences between the two surgeons in terms of warm ischemia time and suture time. As the training progressed, surgeon B improved in all surgical steps and surgeon A showed improvement in time for warm ischemia and suturing the defect. Five complications occurred (two cases by surgeon A and three cases by surgeon B). Conclusions: A porcine model improved the skills needed for LPN, including shortening the warm ischemia and suture times. LPN is a procedure requiring technically-demanding skills that can be improved by training using a animal model, regardless of the previous laparoscopic experiences. (Korean J Urol 2008;49:868-873) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏


Previous studies have shown that the attitudes of hearing workers toward their hearing‐impaired colleagues strongly contribute to the handicap associated with occupational hearing loss (OHL). In order to characterize such attitudes, a questionnaire has been designed. In phase I, a preliminary version of 45 items was equally divided into measures of beliefs, attitudes and reported behaviors toward co‐workers affected by OHL. Answers from 176 workers from a metal products plant allowed to identify discriminative items that belonged to an appropriate factorial structure. In phase II, answers from 125 miners to a second version of the questionnaire, comprising 32 items, permitted further refinements. The final version was tested with 283 workers from three metal products plants, with a response rate of 86%. Answers on the scale measuring beliefs showed that noise‐exposed workers did not know many of the consequences of OHL. Attitudes toward hearing impaired co‐workers were generally favorable, but this finding appeared to reflect a strong social desirability bias. Reported behaviors indicated that a majority of workers are not inclined to adopt conducts that favor communication with victims of OHL. These findings offer useful clues for developing an awareness raising program on the consequences of OHL. [Work supported by IRSST.]


Light dependence and kinetics of reversible phosphorylation of the D1 reaction center protein of Photosystem II was studied in pumpkin leaves. At growth light, maximal phosphorylation of D1 was observed after illumination of 1 h, with higher phosphorylation rates at stronger irradiances. 70–85% of D1 became phosphorylated, corresponding to the proportion of the protein in appressed thylakoid membranes. Comparison of the kinetics of D1 phosphorylation and photoinactivation of Photosystem II revealed that D1 phosphorylation became saturated before any significant photoinhibition of Photosystem II could be detected. Dephosphorylation of D1 in both dim light and darkness was determined in leaves preilluminated with high light for various periods. Similar rates of D1 dephosphorylation were observed after short preillumination conditions that induce no significant loss of functional Photosystem II centers. In contrast, photodamage to Photosystem II centers significantly decreased the dephosphorylation rate of D1 in darkness, and no dephosphorylation occurred in leaves containing mainly damaged Photosystem II centers. Darkness also blocked the degradation of damaged D1 after photoinhibitory preillumination. Degradation of damagedD1 could be prevented even in dim light by sodium fluoride, an inhibitor of protein phosphatases, indicating that dephosphorylation is a prerequisite for D1 proteolysis. We conclude that in higher plants (i) high light induced photodamage to Photosystem II occurs in the centers containing phosphorylated D1. (ii) Dephosphorylation of phosphorylated and photodamaged D1 is associated with the repair cycle of inactivated Photosystem II and is a light-dependent reaction in vivo. (iii) Dephosphorylation of D1 in functional Photosystem II centers, however, occurs rapidly and independent of light. We suggest that two reversible phosphorylation cycles with spatially segregated protein phosphatases are involved in dephosphorylation of functional and damaged phosphorylated D1, respectively.


In this study, machine learning using support vector machine was combined with three-dimensional (3D) molecular shape overlay, to improve the screening efficiency. Since the 3D molecular shape overlay does not use fingerprints or descriptors to compare two compounds, unlike 2D similarity methods, the application of machine learning to a 3D shape-based method has not been extensively investigated. The 3D similarity profile of a compound is defined as the array of 3D shape similarities with multiple known active compounds of the target protein and is used as the explanatory variable of support vector machine. As the measures of 3D shape similarity for our new prediction models, the prediction performances of the 3D shape similarity metrics implemented in ROCS, such as ShapeTanimoto and ScaledColor, were validated, using the known inhibitors of 15 target proteins derived from the ChEMBL database. The learning models based on the 3D similarity profiles stably outperformed the original ROCS when more than 10 known inhibitors were available as the queries. The results demonstrated the advantages of combining machine learning with the 3D similarity profile to process the 3D shape information of plural active compounds.


CIM-seq is a tool for deconvoluting RNA-seq data from cell multiplets (clusters of two or more cells) in order to identify physically interacting cell in a given tissue. The method requires two RNAseq data sets from the same tissue: one of single cells to be used as a reference, and one of cell multiplets to be deconvoluted. CIM-seq is compatible with both droplet based sequencing methods, such as Chromium Single Cell 3′ Kits from 10x genomics; and plate based methods, such as Smartseq2. The pipeline consists of three parts: 1) Dissociation of the target tissue, FACS sorting of single cells and multiplets, and conventional scRNA-seq 2) Feature selection and clustering of cell types in the single cell data set - generating a blueprint of transcriptional profiles in the given tissue 3) Computational deconvolution of multiplets through a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to determine the most likely cell type constituents of each multiplet.


The paper deals how to improve the differential diagnosis of lymphomas by an immunohistochemical study. The introduction of DNA chips for the study of the gene expression profile in different types of lymphomas has created conditions for the emergence of the new class of protein antibodies--target genes. New immunohistochemical algorithms are being developed; the antibodies, the products of cytogenetic anomalies, chimeric genes emerge, which gives rise to prospects for the wide introduction of immunohistochemistry into pathologoanatomic practice. From the new diagnostic points of view, some types of lymphomas, as given in the September 2008 WHO classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue tumors, are considered.


This thesis describes the design and synthesis of a variety of functionalised phosphine oxides and sulfides, based on the structure of trioctylphosphine oxide, synthesised for the purpose of surface modification of quantum dots. The ability of the ligands to modify the surface chemistry via displacement of the original hexadecylamine capping layer of quantum dots was evaluated. Finally the surface modified quantum dots were investigated for enhancement in their inherent properties and improved compatibility with the various applications for which they were initially designed. Upon the commencement of research involving quantum dots it became apparent that more information on their behaviour and interaction with the environment was required. The limits of the inherent stability of hexadecylamine capped quantum dots were investigated by exposure to a number of different environments. The effect upon the stability of the quantum dots was monitored by changes in the photoluminescence ability of their cores. Subtle differences between different batches of quantum dots were observed and the necessity to account for these in future applications noted. Lastly the displacement of the original hexadecylamine coating with the "designer" functionalised ligands was evaluated to produce a set of conditions that would result in the best possible surface modification. A general procedure was elucidated however it was discovered that each displacement still required slight adjustment by consideration of the other factors such as the difference in ligand structure and the individuality of the various batches of quantum dots. This thesis also describes a procedure for the addition of a protective layer to the surface of quantum dots by cross-linking the functionalised ligands bound to the surface via an acyclic diene metathesis polymerisation. A detailed description of the problems encountered in the analysis of these materials combined with the use of novel techniques such as diffusion ordered spectroscopy is provided as a means to overcome the limitations encountered. Finally a demonstration of the superior stability, upon exposure to a range of aggressive environments of these protected materials compared with those before cross-linking provided physical proof of the cross-linking process and the advantages of the cross-linking modification. Finally this thesis includes the presentation of initial work into the production of luminescent nanocrystal encoded resin beads for the specific use in solid phase combinatorial chemistry. Demonstration of the successful covalent incorporation of quantum dots into the polymeric matrices of non-functionalised and functionalised resin beads is described. Finally by preliminary work to address and overcome the possible limitations that may be encountered in the production and general employment of these materials in combinatorial techniques is given.


The Time Value of Money is a important concept in Financial Management. The Time Value of Money includes the concepts of future value and discounted value or present value. In the present article, the basic notions and illustrate with their application in the field of investment which is presented in the mathematical terms in form of theorems and we also presented the applications of some well known problems with the proof such as mortagage loan problem, investment in bond and an individual who plans to retire in certain years who plan for invest-ment for its future life. We also presented the application of calculus that is limit, derivative and integration in financial management.


Collaborative Virtual Environments are virtual reality spaces that enable participants to collaborate and share objects as if physically present in the same place. These collaboration spaces require strict performance characteristics. Today there are many systems developed specifically for collaboration, including DIVE, CALVIN, and COVEN. At the same time, some relatively new standards that address multiuser virtual environments and shared spaces have become available. In this paper, we evaluate available and emerging standards such us the High Level Architecture (HLA) and Open Community to determine if they appropriately address the needs of such environments.


Background: Phenology is the study of growth of buds; leaf flushing, anthesis, fruiting and leaf fall in relation to seasons or years with climatic factors. Phenological events of three trees and shrubs species were made during 2008-2009 in a banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) dominated forest located between 1700-2200 m elevation in Kumaun Himalaya. After winter dormancy the growth initiation occurred when temperature began to rise continuously and resulted in bud break. Materials and methods: Monthly counts of leaves, flowers, fruits and shoot measurement were made on 150 tagged twigs on ten individuals of each species for initiation, completion and duration of different phenological events. Results: In most species, leaves emerged during spring time (February-March). Across all species, peak number of leaves per shoot (0.34-1.03), peak leaf area per shoot (9.56-52.27 cm2), shoot extension growth (3.43-25.46 cm) and shoot extension period (16-28 weeks) varied considerably. Conclusion: Comparisons with earlier studies indicated that certain phenological events have started to occur early. However, some phenophases did not show any shifts.


PURPOSE
Dietary oxalate may contribute up to 50% to 80% of the oxalate excreted in urine. We studied the urinary response to an oral oxalate load in male and female idiopathic recurrent calcium oxalate stone formers with and without mild hyperoxaluria to evaluate the potential pathophysiological significance of dietary oxalate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 60 recurrent calcium stone formers underwent an oral oxalate load test. Urine samples were obtained after an overnight fast. Each patient then received an oral oxalate load (5 mM. sodium oxalate dissolved in 250 ml. distilled water) and 3, 2-hour urine samples were obtained 2, 4 and 6 hours after the oxalate load. We compared the response to the oxalate load in patients with and without mild hyperoxaluria, and in male and female patients without hyperoxaluria.

RESULTS
The peak urinary response occurred 4 hours after the oral oxalate load in all patients. Those with mild hyperoxaluria had a mean fasting urinary oxalate-to-creatinine ratio +/- SE of 0.027 +/- 0.003 and a mean peak urinary oxalate-to-creatinine ratio of 0.071 +/- 0.006. In comparison, patients with normal oxalate excretion had a fasting and peak urinary oxalate-to-creatinine ratio of 0.018 +/- 0.001 and 0.056 +/- 0.004, respectively (p <0.05). The mean 6-hour increment for urinary oxalate excretion after the oxalate load for patients with hyperoxaluria versus those with normal urinary oxalate excretion was 17.2 +/- 1.9 versus 12.1 +/- 0.98 mg. (p <0.05). In the subset of patients with normal urinary oxalate excretion mean 6-hour cumulative urinary oxalate excretion was 16.8 +/- 1.3 and 13.3 +/- 1.4 mg. in males and females, respectively (p not significant).

CONCLUSIONS
Recurrent calcium stone formers with mild hyperoxaluria have higher fasting urinary oxalate and an exaggerated urinary response to an oral oxalate load compared with recurrent calcium stone formers with normal urinary oxalate excretion. Men and women stone formers without hyperoxaluria excrete similar fractions of an oral oxalate load. Increased gastrointestinal absorption and renal excretion of dietary oxalate may be a significant pathophysiological mechanism of stone formation in patients with mild hyperoxaluria.


In many organizations, the Chief Information Officer is considered to preside over a separate function, providing a service to the business. Discussions about governance are confined to properties of this service, e.g. through a service level agreement. Members of the CIO's staff are often seen as technical experts possessing esoteric skills desired but not understood by other staff. Many researchers have observed a need for businesses to avoid such fragmentation to reap the full benefits of investment in ICT's. However, this research is itself often fragmented – focusing sometimes on software, sometimes on architectures. This paper argues that IS governance should form an integral part of strategic business management. We advocate a shift of perspective in management of IS, from leadership to facilitation. People at all levels require empowerment and support to develop their own IS 'capability'; to make the best use of available technologies and information in context. There is evidence to show that input from a wider community within organizations can lead to an improved realization of value from information technology. The paper will discuss methods which can provide appropriate support for individuals to achieve this. (Less)


Mutations in the BRCA1 associated protein 1 (BAP1) gene cause the BAP1 tumour predisposition syndrome (BAP1-TPDS) with an increased risk of cancers, especially uveal melanoma (UM), mesothelioma, cutaneous melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. UM is a cancer most commonly reported in patients with BAP1-TPDS (31%). The BAP1 is localized on chromosome 3p21.1, and loss of this chromosome (monosomy 3) in UM is associated with risk of metastasis. Loss of nuclear localization of BAP1 in tumour tissue also is associated with adverse outcome. BAP1 is a nuclear-localized deubiquitinating hydrolase. While BAP1 has been categorized as a tumour suppressor, it is not known if a single function of BAP1, or multiple mechanisms, are responsible for this action. BAP1 has multiple proposed functions, including involvement in DNA damage responses, transcriptional activation, chromatin remodelling, and cell cycle regulation. It seems that both nuclear localization and deubiquitinating activity are necessary for BAP1 to act as a tumour suppressor, but BAP1 protein also appears to have functions in the cytoplasm. Currently, it is not known how a loss of BAP1 leads to tumorigenesis of UM, but active research is ongoing to elucidate this.


Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at increased risk of postoperative infectious complications (PIC). There are few studies and conflicting data regarding the risk factors involved in these patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of infectious complications and postoperative mortality in patients with IBD who underwent intestinal surgery, as well as describe the characteristics of our population and identify possible risk factors.

 Retrospective study on patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)) treated in "Virgen de las Nieves" University Hospital between January 2019 and December 2020. Patients who underwent small bowel or colorectal surgery were included. Information regarding demographic and clinical data, procedures, treatments and surgical outcomes were collected. Clinical outcomes documented were postoperative infectious complications and in-hospital mortality. Descriptive inferential were carried out.

 36 patients were included (47.2% male, median age 44.9 years). All the characteristics of our sample are detailed in Figures 1 and 2. Regarding surgical outcomes, 7 patients developed PIC (6 surgical site infection (SSI) and 1 multiple infections including pneumonia, candidemia and SSI). The features of these patients are detailed in Figures 3 and 4.

 Postoperative infectious complications after intestinal surgery are an important cause of morbi-mortality in CD and UC patients. Identifying risk factors early, could help reduce the incidence of these complications.
 Seven patients (19,4%) in our sample developed PIC, mostly SSI. All of them diagnosed of CD, which explains the greater need of surgery in them compared to patients with UC. These patients had more severe disease: penetrating pattern (B3 according to Montreal Classification) and ileocolonic location (L3). Most patients were receiving immunosuppressive treatments by the time of surgery, especially biological treatments. The median time of evolution of the disease was high, describing a profile of disease more advanced.
 Our efforts should be determined to early prevention and treatment of modifiable risk factors during the perioperative period. In order to achieve this aim, further research is needed, with prospective, multicenter and wider population studies, trying to control any confusion factors. Finally, we would like to highlight the need of studies analyzing UC population, as most of them focus on patients with CD.


An antibody to lock dengue virus out Mosquito-borne dengue virus (DENV) is a growing public health threat. Nearly 400 million people are infected annually, and no vaccine is currently available. Fibriansah et al. report that a human antibody (2D22) specific for DENV serotype 2, when given therapeutically, can protect mice from a lethal form of this virus. Structural analysis revealed that 2D22 binds across multiple DENV envelope proteins, which probably blocks the ability of these proteins to assemble into the orientation necessary for viral entry. The epitope where 2D22 binds to the virus may therefore represent a potential vaccine target. Science, this issue p. 88 A human antibody specific for dengue virus locks viral envelope proteins into a conformation that prohibits viral entry. There are four closely-related dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. Infection with one serotype generates antibodies that may cross-react and enhance infection with other serotypes in a secondary infection. We demonstrated that DENV serotype 2 (DENV2)–specific human monoclonal antibody (HMAb) 2D22 is therapeutic in a mouse model of antibody-enhanced severe dengue disease. We determined the cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of HMAb 2D22 complexed with two different DENV2 strains. HMAb 2D22 binds across viral envelope (E) proteins in the dimeric structure, which probably blocks the E protein reorganization required for virus fusion. HMAb 2D22 "locks" two-thirds of or all dimers on the virus surface, depending on the strain, but neutralizes these DENV2 strains with equal potency. The epitope defined by HMAb 2D22 is a potential target for vaccines and therapeutics.


The first-offer effect demonstrates that negotiators achieve better outcomes when making the first offer than when receiving it. The evidence, however, primarily derives from studies of Westerners without systematic power differences negotiating over one issue—contexts that may amplify the first-offer effect. Thus, the present research explored the effect across cultures, among negotiators varying in power, and in negotiations involving single and multiple issues. The first two studies showed that the first-offer effect remains remarkably robust across cultures and multi-issue negotiations. The final two studies demonstrated that low-power negotiators benefit from making the first offer across single- and multi-issue negotiations. The second and fourth studies used multi-issue negotiations with distributive, integrative, and compatible issues, allowing us to show that first offers operate through the distributive, not the integrative or compatible issues. Overall, these results reveal that moving first can benefit negotiators across many organizational and personal situations.


Bitterness perception in mammals is mostly directed at natural toxins that induce innate avoidance behaviours. Bitter taste is mediated by the G protein-coupled receptor TAS2R, which is located in taste cell membranes. One of the best-studied bitter taste receptors is TAS2R38, which recognizes phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). Here we investigate the sensitivities of TAS2R38 receptors to PTC in four species of leaf-eating monkeys (subfamily Colobinae). Compared with macaque monkeys (subfamily Cercopithecinae), colobines have lower sensitivities to PTC in behavioural and in vitro functional analyses. We identified four non-synonymous mutations in colobine TAS2R38 that are responsible for the decreased sensitivity of the TAS2R38 receptor to PTC observed in colobines compared with macaques. These results suggest that tolerance to bitterness in colobines evolved from an ancestor that was sensitive to bitterness as an adaptation to eating leaves.


Abstract Losses of commonly used chemical pesticides from agricultural land may cause serious problems in recipient waters in a similar way to phosphorus (P). Due to analytical challenges concerning determination of glyphosate (Gly), transport behaviour of this widely used herbicide is still not well known. The objective of the present study was to quantify and evaluate leaching of Gly in parallel with P. Leaching losses of autumn-applied Gly (1.06 kg ha−1) via drainage water were examined by flow-proportional sampling of discharge from 20 drained plots in a field experiment in eastern Sweden. Samples were analysed for Gly in particulate-bound (PGly) and dissolved (DGly) form. The first 10 mm water discharge contained no detectable Gly, but the following 70 mm had total Gly (TotGly) concentrations of up to 6 µg L−1, with 62% occurring as PGly. On average, 0.7 g TotGly ha−1 was leached from conventionally ploughed plots, compared with 1.7 g TotGly ha−1 from shallow-tilled plots (cultivator to 12 cm working depth). Higher Gly losses occurred in snowmelt periods in spring, but then with the majority (60%) as DGly. All autumn concentrations of PGly in drainage water were significantly correlated (p<0.001) to the concentrations of particulate-bound phosphorus (PP) lost from the different plots (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.84), while PP concentrations were in turn significantly correlated to water turbidity (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.81). Leaching losses of TotGly were significantly lower (by 1.3 g ha−1; p<0.01) from plots that had been structure-limed three years previously and ploughed thereafter than from shallow-tilled plots. Turbidity and PP concentration also tended to be lowest in discharge from structure-limed plots and highest from shallow-tilled plots. This difference in TotGly leaching between soil management regimes could not be explained by differences in measured pH in drainage water or amount of discharge. However, previously structure-limed plots had significantly better aggregate stability, measured as readily dispersed clay (RDC), than unlimited plots. The effects of building up good soil structure, with strong soil aggregates and an appropriate pore system in the topsoil, on mitigating Gly and P losses in particulate and dissolved form should be further investigated.


Purpose: Angiotensin II is a bioactive peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, acting not only as a vasoconstrictor but also as a growth promoter via angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R). The present study examined AT1R expression in human ovarian carcinoma and attempted to determine whether AT1R blocker could suppress the tumor progression. Experimental Design: Expression of AT1R, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and CD34 was immunohistochemically analyzed in ovarian tumor tissues (n = 99). Effects of AT1R blocker on invasive potential and VEGF secretion in ovarian cancer cells were examined in vitro. Effects of AT1R blocker in vivo were evaluated in a mouse model of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Results: AT1R was expressed in 57 of 67 (85%) invasive ovarian adenocarcinomas and 12 of 18 (66%) borderline malignant tumors but in only 2 of 14 (14%) benign cystadenomas. In invasive carcinomas, VEGF expression intensity and intratumor microvessel density were significantly higher in cases that were strongly positive for AT1R (n = 37) compared with those in cases weakly positive (n = 20) or negative (n = 10) for AT1R. Angiotensin II significantly enhanced the invasive potential and VEGF secretion in AT1R-positive SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells, both of which were completely inhibited by the AT1R blocker candesartan. Administration of candesartan into SKOV-3-transplanted athymic mice resulted in the reduction of peritoneal dissemination, decreased ascitic VEGF concentration, and suppression of tumor angiogenesis. Conclusions: AT1R is functionally expressed in ovarian carcinoma and involved in tumor progression and angiogenesis. AT1R blockade therapy may become a novel and promising strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.


Objective. This study investigated the relationship between physical dimensions of the Eustachian tube and the emergence of primary attic cholesteatoma. Methods. A total of 31 patients with unilateral attic cholesteatoma were selected for radiological comparison. Standard point measurements as well as specific measurements were performed using imaging software. The length, narrowest diameter and bony segment volume, and pharyngeal orifice diameter of both sides of the Eustachian tube (attic cholesteatoma and healthy control ears) were measured and compared. Results. Comparison of the values did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the attic cholesteatoma ears and the healthy control ears in terms of: Eustachian tube height, narrowest diameter, bony segment volume or pharyngeal orifice diameter. Conclusion. No statistically significant difference was found between the cholesteatoma ears and the healthy control ears in terms of the osseous Eustachian tube size. The findings indicate that the Eustachian tube bony segment dimensions and pharyngeal orifice diameter are not factors in attic cholesteatoma development.


ABSTRACT Research demonstrates a causal link between increased exposure to racial discrimination and adverse health outcomes among diverse racial and ethnic populations in the U.S. However, most research on Latinx communities overlooks how discrimination varies according to individual accounts of how their race is perceived by others. To address this gap, our study draws from critical race theory to analyze a new multi-dimensional measure of racial status – 'street race' and its association with discrimination experiences. We analyzed data from the 2015 Latino National Health and Immigration Survey (n = 1,493). Our main dependent variables are experiences of everyday discrimination and our explanatory variables are five mutually exclusive categories of 'street race.' We estimated a series of logistic regression models, which disaggregated the 'street race' measure, to better understand everyday discrimination experiences across street race categories. We found that Latinxs who are racialized on the street as Black or as Arab/Middle-Eastern relative to White were more likely to have experienced discrimination because of their race/ethnicity. They were also more likely to have experienced discrimination in the employment domain, by police, in the housing market, as consumers in shops or restaurants, and while receiving medical care. Employing a critical race approach, our study expands the conceptual measurement of discrimination to incorporate a more nuanced approach that captures interpersonal racism based on 'street race.' Further research will benefit from employing our 'Critical Street-Race' theory for developing equity-focused multi-level interventions at the interpersonal, community, and policy levels.


Dowling-Degos disease (DDD) is a rare genetic disease of the skin (reticulate pigmented anomaly), clinically characterized by flexural brown pigmented reticulate macules, comedo-like papules on the back, neck and pitted perioral or facial scars. We present the case of a 51 year-old man with macrocomedo-like lesions, pitted scars, cysts, hyperpigmented macules in his back, chest, axillae, neck, groin and face. The patient reported having two children, three brothers and a father with a similar condition. The histopathology of the skin biopsies was very characteristic of Dowling-Degos disease, showing dilated follicular, fingerlike projections called rete ridges (dermal pegs), with thinning of the suprapapillary plates, resulting in an "antler-like" pattern and increased pigmentation of the basal layer.


Improved learning algorithm for branch and bound for semi-supervised support vector machines is proposed, according to the greater difference in the optimal solution in different semi-supervised support vector machines for the same data set caused by the local optimization. The lower bound of node in IBBS3VM algorithm is re-defined, which will be pseudo-dual function value as the lower bound of node to avoid the large amount of calculation of 0-1 quadratic programming, reducing the lower bound of each node calculate the time complexity; at the same time, in determining the branch nodes, only based on the credibility of the unlabeled samples without the need to repeatedly carry out the training of support vector machines to enhance the training speed of the algorithm. Simulation analysis shows that IBBS3VM presented in this paper has faster training speed than BBS3VM algorithms, higher precision and stronger robustness than the other semi-supervised support vector machines.


Purpose: This study aims to investigate the legal arrangement and procedural challenges in the implementation of copyright as an object of fiduciary guarantee in business development in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted by using empirical juridical method to examine the provisions of Law No. 28 of 2014 regarding the arrangements of copyright as fiduciary guarantee. Findings: The results showed that the obstacles in realizing copyright as an object of fiduciary guarantee are related to the limited period of protection of intellectual property. Moreover, there is unclear mechanism for determining the assessment of intellectual property assets and the appraisal institutions of intellectual property in Indonesia. Practical implications: Practically, procedural and technical mechanism between institutions are needed to coordinate institutions, such as Bank Indonesia, Director General of Intellectual Property, Collective Management Institution, creators, artists and public appraisal associations to focus on creating institutions that manage Intellectual Property-based financing. Originality/value: This paper provides insights on the contemporary business development in Indonesia by examining the role of copyright as an intangible as an object of fiduciary collateral.


Steppe ecosystems worldwide are affected by agricultural development and generally unprotected. Spanish shrub-steppes contain endangered avifauna, and this paper analyses their state of habitat conservation, the changes that have occurred in the last decade, primary productivity and its relationship with land exploitation and the richness of threatened birds, and avifauna responses to habitat loss. Fifty steppe remnants distributed throughout Spain and inhabited by Dupont's lark Chersophilus duponti, an endangered passerine representative of shrub steppe-like habitat, were studied. The study fragments were generally affected by agriculture exploitation, and steppe cover had significantly decreased in several isolated patches during the period 1991–1999. Steppe habitat recovered slightly in areas with low plant productivity indices, and decreased in extent in the most productive areas, in line with EU (European Union) agricultural policy recommendations to abandon marginal land of low productivity. The low overall primary productivity of Iberian steppes opened the way to industrial activities (mining, waste collection and wind-farming), which in the study areas occurred more frequently in steppe than in other habitat types that are more attractive to the public (woodland) or more productive (farmland). The emerging wind industry little affected the study plots, but the presence of anemometers suggests that the impact is likely to increase in the near future, especially in the largest steppelands. Dupont's lark was sensitive to the fragmentation of its habitat; crowding occurred in isolated and small fragments, possibly as a consequence of habitat constraints and species dispersal dynamics. Fragments inhabited by Dupont's lark also hosted other steppe birds with a high conservation value; the community of endangered birds, mostly adapted to arid conditions, was richest in the less productive sites. Only four shrub-steppe fragments are given some kind of protection throughout Spain, testifying to the limited public awareness about the value of this habitat. Urgent action is required to restore this habitat through abandonment of less productive farmland, and to create a network of protected and connected steppelands, in order to assure the long-term viability of steppe specialists and the preservation of a habitat that is unique in Western Europe. This should be coupled to an effort to increase social consciousness of the ecological value of steppes and arid landscapes in general.


Use of technologies in service encounters can enhance service delivery and increase customer satisfaction in services. Our research develops a numerical taxonomy that provides a deeper understanding of usage and value of customer-facing technology-based innovations in the U.S. restaurant industry. In this study, utility is a proxy for intrinsic customer value. Usage was estimated by past visits to restaurants and utility was calculated by using a specific type of discrete choice experiment known as Best-Worst or max-diff experiment. We offer insights for service strategy technology choices and customer value in service delivery systems research and practice. Furthermore, we advance service science by discussing the inherent management pitfalls of failing to distinguish between technology usage and utility in services.


A 92-year-old woman was referred for the assesment of an asymptomatic subcutaneous tumor that developed after an accidental fall. The mass clinically and radiologically simulated a subcutaneous hematoma. Finally, the histological study was consistent with subcutaneous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.


The aim of the present study was to investigate consumers' awareness, acceptance and attitudes towards functional foods in Turkey. Eight hundred and eight people participated in this study: aged between 20 and 80 years, 38.5% were male and 61.5% were female. Participants were given a questionnaire and were asked to fill it in by themselves to minimize the influence of the interviewer. Results indicated that socio-demographic characteristics such as age, education level and income level are important indicators of consumers' awareness and consumption of functional food. The results show that the female respondents were 2.987 times more aware of functional food than the male respondents. Similarly, the likelihood of respondents having awareness of functional food was 1.431 times greater among those who had a higher educational level than among those with a lower educational level. Consumers who used vitamin supplements were 1.228 times more aware of functional food than other consumers. The results show that older respondents were 3.395 times more aware of functional food than younger respondents. Respondents with a history of familial diseases were more likely than others to have consumed margarine with plant sterol, fruit juices fortified with vitamin C, and breakfast cereals fortified with vitamins and minerals. Those with a diet-related problem were more likely to have consumed cholesterol-lowering products than those without a problem. As a conclusion, this study has shown that socio-demographic characteristics such as age, education and income levels, and prices are important indicators that influence consumers' awareness and consumption of functional food. These results suggest that this type of knowledge could affect consumers' interest in functional foods, and therefore educational strategies might be necessary to encourage the consumption of functional foods.


Two parallel tune measurement systems are installed at GSI SIS-18 based on different principles. The first is called the Tune, Orbit and POSition measurement system TOPOS. Its working principle involves direct digitization of BPM signals at 125 MSa/s, which is used for online bunch-by-bunch position calculation in FPGAs. In the course of this work, position calculation algorithms were developed and studied for real time implementation in the TOPOS FPGAs. The regression fit algorithm is found to be more efficient and robust in comparison to previously used weighted mean algorithm with the baseline restoration procedure. The second system is the Baseband Tune measurement system referred to as BBQ system. The operational principle of this system was conceived at the CERN Beam Instrumentation group and is based on direct diode detection. In the framework of this work, this system was optimized and brought into operation at GSI SIS-18. Front-end data from both systems are used to calculate the tune spectrum every 250−5000 beam revolutions or turns within SIS-18 based on the resolution requirement and the mode of operation. Advanced non-parametric spectrum estimation method like amplitude Capon estimator is compared to the conventional DFT based methods in terms of resolving power and computational requirements for the calculated spectrum. Further the TOPOS and BBQ systems are compared and characterized in terms of sensitivity, reliability and operational usage. The results from both systems are found to be consistent with each other and have their favoured regimes of operation. The effects on tune spectra obtained from both systems were studied with different types of excitations with excitation power levels up to 6 mW/Hz. These systems in association with other beam diagnostic devices at SIS-18 were used to conduct extensive experiments to understand the effect of high intensity beams on the tune spectrum. These careful measurements recorded all the relevant beam parameters,thus leaving out no "free parameters". Several important results were established in course of these experiments. Coherent tune shifts in dependence of intensity gave direct measurements of transverse machine impedances. The high resolution tune spectrum allowed identification of higher order head-tail modes. The relative spectral positions of these head-tail modes when compared with the analytical theory based on the "square well airbag model" gave a direct measurement of the incoherent tune spread in bunched beams. The measurements agreed well with the perturbative treatment applied in the theory only for space charge parameter in the range qsc < 4 after which significant deviations from the theoretical predictions occur. These deviations were understood by using self-consistent simulations and are attributed to the unaccounted role of the pipe impedances in Landau damping of head-tail modes. A novel chromaticity measurement method is demonstrated using temporal separation of each head-tail mode using chirp excitation. Other applications of the parallel tune measurement systems such as linear betatron coupling measurements or tune measurements during acceleration ramps are demonstrated. This work forms a basis for understanding beam dynamics at GSI SIS-18 for high beam currents.


Background We examine the dopamine receptor supersensitivity hypothesis of puerperal psychosis, and explore puerperal changes in the functional sensitivity of this receptor system. Method Dopamine receptor sensitivity was estimated using growth hormone (GH) response to apomorphine challenge following delivery in 37 control women, and 11 deliveries in 10 women at 'high risk' of puerperal psychosis (previous history of puerperal affective or nonpuerperal manic psychosis). Tests were on days 4 or 5, 11 or 12 and at six weeks postpartum. Results Three women developing puerperal psychosis had subsensitive GH responsiveness on day 4. GH response to 67 challenge tests (in control and 'high risk' women) increased between days 4 or 5 and six weeks postpartum (P < 0.05). GH response at six weeks correlated with free thyroxine levels (P < 0.01). Conclusions These three cases do not support the stated hypothesis. Hypothalamic dopamine receptor sensitivity increases during the puerperium; thyroxine might influence this.