The Fog computing paradigm employing multiple technologies is expected to play a key role in a multitude of industrial applications by fulfilling futuristic requirements such as flexible and enhanced computing, storage, and networking capability closer to the field devices. While performance aspects of the Fog paradigm has been the central focus of researchers, safety aspects have not received enough attention so far. In this paper, we identify various safety challenges related to the Fog paradigm and provide specific safety design aspects as a step towards enhancing safety in industrial automation scenarios. We contextualize these ideas by invoking a distributed mobile robots use-case that can benefit from the use of the Fog paradigm.


The stomach clearance following the administration of 210 g Vivasorb in 700 ml water was ascertained in a 22-year-old healthy test subject. In the first hour, 50 g Vivasorb left the stomach, in the second hour 40 g and in the third and fourth hours, 30 g each. By doubling the dilution, the stomach clearance is not accelerated. An isocaloric glucose solution is cleared from the stomach just as rapidly as the Vivasorb solution.


Introduction Systemic weakness is a common chief complaint of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). A well thought out approach to the assessment and workup of these patients is key to diagnostic accuracy and definitive therapy. Case Presentation In this case, a 19-year-old female presented to the ED with generalized weakness and near syncope. She had global weakness in her extremities and multiple electrolyte abnormalities. Discussion This case takes the reader through the differential diagnosis and evaluation of a patient with weakness and profound electrolyte derangements. It includes a discussion of the diagnostic studies and calculations that ultimately led to the patient's diagnosis.


We report on the design, fabrication and measurement of travelling-wave superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) integrated with polycrystalline diamond photonic circuits. We analyze their performance both in the near-infrared wavelength regime around 1600 nm and at 765 nm. Near-IR detection is important for compatibility with the telecommunication infrastructure, while operation in the visible wavelength range is relevant for compatibility with the emission line of silicon vacancy centers in diamond which can be used as efficient single-photon sources. Our detectors feature high critical currents (up to 31 μA) and high performance in terms of efficiency (up to 74% at 765 nm), noise-equivalent power (down to 4.4×10-19 W/Hz1/2 at 765 nm) and timing jitter (down to 23 ps).


Gr16 (chromosome 2, 6.9 cM) is a dominant, grey egg mutation of the domestic silkmoth, Bombyx mori, which produces an opaque instead of a translucent chorion. To determine the underlying cause of this defect, we examined the effects of the mutation on chorion ultrastructure, protein accumulation, and biosynthesis patterns, and on the restriction patterns of early chorion structural genes, using the presumed wild-type progenitor strain, Old European 16 (OE16), for comparison. Cross-sections of mature chorions examined by scanning electron microscopy showed that the inner lamellae were oriented perpendicular, rather than parallel, to the egg surface, with a smaller vertical zone bordered by normally oriented lamellae in the heterozygote, suggestive of codominant expression. This defect first appeared in transmission electron micrographs early in choriogenesis, probably during framework formation and/or expansion stages. Mature chorion protein patterns resolved by isoelectric focusing or two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, synthetic profiles of virtually all chorion proteins following pulse-labeling with tritiated or [14C]glycine, and restriction patterns of early chorion genes examined by Southern blot hybridization were identical between mutant, wild-type, and heterozygote. These observations ruled out a major deletion of chorion structural genes or defects in the production and accumulation of normal chorion proteins as mechanisms underlying the mutation, unlike other putative Gr mutants mapping in its vicinity. The sole difference that we detected was a set of minor, early protein doublets of related size but differing isoelectric point, which showed reciprocal labeling intensities in Gr16 vs OE16 and were codominantly expressed. Preliminary pulse-chase experiments suggested that these proteins may be post-translationally modified forms which undergo differential processing in mutant and wild-type. Based on these observations, we postulate that the Gr16 mutation affects the primary structure of a minor, previously unidentified chorion or follicular cell component which is critical for determining lamellar orientation, and discuss models of how this might function.


Background and aim Psychological stress has been an important factor affecting nurses' health and work performance. However, the assessments of psychological stress have been mainly on the psychological symptoms, but not addressing the workplace exposure to stressors. We developed Nurses occupational stressor scales (NOSS) to quantify the stressors associated with nursing work. Methods NOSS was developed by interviewing 20 registered nurses who reported having potential working stressors from work. A group of experts in nursing, public health, and occupational health selected 47 questions by using Delphi methods. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted using these 47 questions. These questions were later screened by factor analysis, etc. After these processes, 25 questions related to nurses' working conditions remained important and relevant, including five factors, namely, "Hazards from working environment", "Work-life conflict", "Overload", "Shortage of manpower", and "Workplace justice". In 2014–6, a questionnaire survey was carried out in representative 3,786 nurses in medical institutions in Taiwan. Results A total of 3,222 questionnaires were satisfactorily completed by female nurses and were included for final analysis. The mean age of the participants was 31.5 years, and the average work tenure was 10.1 years. Results indicated that stressors of NOSS, including hazards from working environment, work-life conflict, overload, shortage of manpower, and work justice were able to predict high personal burnout, high client-related burnout, self-perceived job stress, job dissatisfaction and intention to leave nursing job. Conclusion We conclude that using the approach of examining workplace stressor, NOSS is a good instrument for predicting nurses' burnout, stress, job dissatisfaction, and intention to leave nursing job.


Business owners are facing with many challenges in an ever changing and more complex business environment. In today competitive business environment is characterized by change and innovation. Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the Thai economy. This research aims to investigate conditions in which Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) will become significant when apply to SMEs business operations. The qualitative methodology was utilized in order to answer the research question. It was found that many SMEs applied SEP as a risk management procedure where there is a high intensity of competition and during rather stable to low economic growth. Moreover, the level of changes in social condition and political tension can also cause the likelihood for many SMEs to apply SEP in the business operation.


Summary
The structural proteins of 14 strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were examined on reduced polyacrylamide gels. Three major and seven minor virus proteins (VP) were found reproducibly, one of the major and one of the minor poly-peptides being glycoproteins (VGP). The three major polypeptides had mol. wt. of 75000 (VGP75), 55000 (VP55) and 42000 (VP42) and the minor polypeptides 180000 (VP180), 110000 (VP110), 55000 (VGP55), 53000 (VP53), 52000 (VP52), 51000 (VP51) and 49000 (VP49). On polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in a non-reduced system one of the minor components, VGP55, migrated to an apparently higher mol. wt. position (between VGP75 and VP55) with all strains of virus examined. Under the same conditions, it was found that VGP75 from some strains was either absent or present in greatly diminished amounts, and a new high mol. wt. glycoprotein appeared. By extraction of this high mol. wt. protein from non-reduced polyacrylamide gels, and electrophoresis of the reduced protein under reduced conditions the major component was found to be VGP75, but VP55 was also present. Amino acid analysis of the three major proteins from three strains of virus showed clear differences between the proteins of the different strains.


Arsenic is a highly toxic metalloid of major concern for public safety. However, microorganisms have several resistance mechanisms, particularly the expression of arsenic pumps is a critical component for bacterial ability to expel it and decrease intracellular toxicity. In this study, we aimed to characterize the biochemical, structural, and genomic characteristics of the Acr3 pump among a group of Exiguobacterium strains isolated from different sites of the arsenic-rich Salar de Huasco (SH) ecosystem. We also determined whether the differences in As(III) resistance levels presented by the strains could be attributed to changes in the sequence or structure of this protein. In this context, we found that based on acr3 sequences the strains isolated from the SH grouped together phylogenetically, even though clustering based on gene sequence identity did not reflect the strain's geographical origin. Furthermore, we determined the genetic context of the acr3 sequences and found that there are two versions of the organization of acr3 gene clusters, that do not reflect the strain's origin nor arsenic resistance level. We also contribute to the knowledge regarding structure of the Acr3 protein and its possible implications on the functionality of the pump, finding that although important and conserved components of this family of proteins are present, there are several changes in the amino acidic sequences that may affect the interactions among amino acids in the 3D model, which in fact are evidenced as changes in the structure and residues contacts. Finally, we demonstrated through heterologous expression that the Exiguobacterium Acr3 pump does indeed improve the organisms As resistance level, as evidenced in the complemented E. coli strains. The understanding of arsenic detoxification processes in prokaryotes has vast biotechnological potential and it can also provide a lot of information to understand the processes of evolutionary adaptation.


Information technology is one of the most sector that continously develop and raise. Irronically, those industry also has the highest turnover rates (13.2%). One of the causes is connected to organizational climate. This study aims to examine the effect of organizational climate on turnover intention by considering job satisfaction as the mediating role in IT (Information Technology) company in Jakarta. Organizational climate is measured by Clior Scale (Zuarez, et.al, 2013) short version with 15 items. Job satisfaction is measured by multidimensional ESI (Employee Satisfaction Index) (Tasios & Giannouli, 2017) with 24 items and turnover intention contains 3 items (Atan, 2016). A quantitative survey was conducted on a non-probability (purposive) sample of 90 employees in IT company in Jakarta. This study uses correlation analysis, multilevel regression and bootstrap to test the direct effect and mediating effect (indirect effect). Correlation test results show that there is a negative correlation between organizational climate and turnover intention, significant correlations also exist between organizational climate and job satisfaction, as well as a negative correlation of job satisfaction and turnover intention. Simple regression analysis indicates that organizational climate is a predictor of job satisfaction, organizational climate and job satisfaction, each of which is a significant predictor of turnover intention. Bootsrapping results show that job satisfaction mediates partially the influence of organizational climate on turnover intention.


This paper attempts to examine the factors affecting cotton production in Multan region using primary source of data. A sample of 60 small farmers, 25 medium and 15 large farmers was randomly selected from two Tehsils namely Multan and Shujabad of district Multan. The Cobb-Douglas Production Function is employed to assess the effects of various inputs like cultivation, seed and sowing, irrigation, fertilizer, plant protection, inter-culturing / hoeing and labour cost on cotton yield. The results depicted that seed, fertilizer and irrigation were found scarce commodity for all category of farmers in district Multan. The Cobb-Douglas Production Function results revealed that the coefficients for cultivation (0.113) and seed (0.103) were found statistically significant at 1 percent level. The Cost-Benefit Ratio for the large farmers was found higher (1.41) than that of small (1.22) and medium (1.24) farmers. There is a dire need to ensure the availability of these scarce inputs by both public and private sectors as these inputs were major requirement of the cotton crop.


Assembled microspherical cathodes have attracted great attention thanks to their high tap density, good rate capability and cycling stability. However, for layered Li-rich transition-metal oxides (LROs), the preparation of uniformly assembled microspheres still faces many challenges due to harsh synthetic conditions and the nature of multiple metal elements. In this work, Li1.17Mn0.50Ni0.16Co0.17O2 assembled microspheres have been prepared by a new route tactfully combining a solvothermal process and a molten-salt method. The use of a solvothermal process is helpful for the preparation of precursors with assembled microspherical morphology, and the addition of complex salts (NaCl and KCl), can increase the uniformity of cation distribution. The product obtained at 800 °C delivers the best electrochemical performances among all samples. At a current density of 300 mA g−1, its initial discharge capacity is larger than 228 mA h g−1, corresponding to a capacity retention ratio of 86.8% after 200 cycles. Even if the current density increases to 2000 mA g−1, its discharge capacity is still as large as 156 mA h g−1. What's more, we discover the moving rate of Li-ions during the sintering process will affect the uniformity of Li2MnO3-like and LiMO2 components in LRO assembled microspheres. This discovery is helpful for the preparation of LRO assembled microspheres with excellent electrochemical performances.


The refrigerant retained on heat transfer surfaces has a deleterious impact on the performance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, which not only increases the thermal resistance between the vapor and surface, but also requires a higher charge to the system. In this work, a new paraffin coating has been applied on condensation surfaces, and R134a condensate retention has been studied on both copper plate and fins with (without) coating. The heat transfer coefficient was measured based on the one-dimensional heat conduction method and the retention was quantified using image processing. The results show that the heat transfer has been enhanced on the coated surfaces under a wide range of subcool degree, with a maximum increase of 27.4% in heat transfer coefficient; a reduced liquid retention has also been observed on paraffin coated fins with the retention area ratio decreased by 35.1% to 47.1% (depending on different subcool) compared to the uncoated fins. This work shows great potentials for reducing retained liquid and enhance heat transfer during refrigerant condensation.


This paper presents a reconfigurable loop antenna with monopole-fed using embedded RF PIN based switches and shorted parasitic elements for GPS applications. The antenna can independently reconfigure multiple polarizations with switchable radiation pattern. Four switched metallic patches are used as parasitic elements to provide a reconfiguration capability to antenna acting as a driven monopole-fed loop. The edge of the parasitic elements is shorted by posts. The parasitic patches are connected/disconnected by using switching, therewith changing the configuration of monopole, to turn changes in the current distribution over the loop surface. The antenna is designed to work on the GPS L1 frequency band. The antenna simultaneously changes the radiation beam in Eand H-planes, and switches among three polarizations (LP, LHCP, and RHCP) in the various modes. The antenna maximum gain among the different modes is tuned between 1.5 and 4.2 dBi.


Modern dairy cattle breeding strategies depend on linkage analysis and quantitative trait loci (QTL) of genes involved in milk yield and composition. This is because of their biological desired quantitative traits that play key roles in milk production. In this study, three genes directly related to milk production: prolactin (PRL), bovine kappa-casein (K-CN) and the pituitary-specific transcription factor (PIT-1) were analyzed in 144 cows. The aim of this study was to identify polymorphisms in the HolsteinFriesian cattle breed in Palestine in relation to the genetic markers and allelic variants of the three genes. Collection of samples depended on an experimental design that was completely randomized (CRD) and blood samples were collected from different cities across the West Bank, Palestine. The genotypes were determined through the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The amplified fragments of PRL (294-bp), K-CN (530-bp) and PIT-1 (451-bp) were digested with RsaI, HindIII and HinfI, respectively. Statistical analysis found that the prolactin allelic substitution (AG, GG) played a role in milk production with a p-value of 0.00643 and α (0.001**), the AG allele of PRL being more favorable for milk production as compared to the GG allele. Genetic variants of the bovine K-CN gene played a role in milk production with a p-value of 0.04071 and α (0.01*), the AA allele possessing more positive effect than the BB and AB alleles. Similarly, the allelic substitution of the PIT-1 gene affected milk production with a p-value of 2.274e-05 and α (0***), the AA allele exercising a more positive effect followed by the AB and BB alleles, respectively. Among the three studied breeds (Friesian, hybrid and local), results show that the Friesian breed possesses higher overall milk production in Palestine as compared to the other two breeds.


Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Problems are used for solving complex problems with quantitative and qualitative criteria. These methods include decision, modeling and analysis process. Decision making activity is the process of determining the optimal decision among the alternatives under the condition of meeting the intended criteria. MCDM has a wide range of application areas. It may be used in problem solving in career planning, personal decision at micro scale, investment decisions at enterprises or strategic decisions at medium scale, and making economic decisions at macro scale. Many studies may be found in literature in which MCDM methods are used. The aim of this study is application and comparison of three MCDM methods such as AHP, ELECTRE and TOPSIS on career planning. The study first gives theoretical information about the three widely used MCDM methods, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), ELECTRE and TOPSIS and then compares the results from the three analysis types in order to find the optimal decision by means of an application. Keywords: Multi Critera Decision Making, Career Planning, AHP, ELECTRE, TOPSIS DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/5-11-07


With the downscaling of CMOS technology, the circuit design margin becomes more and more tight due to wider guardband, which is required to counteract the severer transistor aging and variations. Thus, reliability-enhanced circuit design is urgently needed to reduce the guardband. In this paper, a reliability-enhanced design framework based on approximate synthesis is proposed to completely eliminate the aging guardband. It mainly includes two key parts: first, a forward reliability simulation flow supporting statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) is performed to estimate the path failure rates after aging; if the timing constraints are not satisfied, then a backward delay-driven approximate logic synthesis flow will perform approximate local changes on the critical paths to reduce the delay until the reliability requirement is finally satisfied and no aging guardband is needed. The results show that the approximate circuit has a smaller aged delay than the original circuit, so that the path failure rates are significantly decreased. It indicates that the proposed design flow can convert the timing errors that have fatal impact on applications, into negligible error on low-significance bits to improve the resilience of circuits, which provides a new perspective of reliability-enhanced design at nanoscale.


ABSTRACT
 We describe a three-dimensionally prepared specimen of Baryphracta deponiae from the middle Eocene of Messel (Darmstadt, Germany). Based on a phylogenetic analysis that included the addition of 20 novel scorings for characters previously unavailable for this taxon and the recoding of four additional characters, we found B. deponiae to be nested within Diplocynodon. We propose the new combination Diplocynodon deponiae. The name Baryphracta is thus a junior synonym of Diplocynodon. The small species D. deponiae (∼1 m in total length) shares several features with other species of Diplocynodon, including the presence of two subequal alveoli in the maxilla and dentary, exclusion of the splenial from the symphysis, and the shape of the iliac blade. However, it also differs in a few characters, including the presence of molariform teeth and the extension of osteoderms along the limbs and tail. Such osteodermal cover, which developed very early in ontogeny, easily distinguishes even small-sized specimens of D. deponiae from the co-occurring Diplocynodon darwini. The crocodylian fauna of Messel shows an astonishing diversity including at least seven taxa, with two belonging to the same genus. The two congeners exhibit differences in dentition and size that likely allowed for niche partitioning that minimized competition, thereby allowing them to be syntopic.


Transplantation is a complex area of medicine because when organs or tissues are transplanted from one person to another, the recipient's immune system can reject and destroy the donor organ or tissue, and medication is needed to supress this immune response.The treatments used vary depending on the tissue or organ being transplanted, the level of compatibility between the donor and the recipient, and other factors.


Substitution of an ortho-fluoro or methoxy group in 1- and 2-naphthoic acids furnishing substituted naphthoic acids occurs in good to excellent yields upon reaction with alkyl/vinyl/aryl organolithium and Grignard reagents, in the absence of a metal catalyst without the need to protect the carboxyl (CO(2)H) group. This novel nucleophilic aromatic substitution is presumed to proceed via a precoordination of the organometallic with the substrate, followed by an addition/elimination.


Abstract The study was carried out to investigate the effect of differently processed taro cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) on haematological indices of broiler finishers. For the study, 126 day-old chicks were used. The birds were fed broiler starter diet for pre-experimental period of two weeks, after which they were randomly grouped into six treatments and each treatment had 3 replicates with 7 birds per replicate. The control diet was maize-based while the other treatments contained raw unpeeled, raw peeled, boiled unpeeled, boiled peeled sun-dried taro cocoyam and peels in complete replacement of maize. The experiment lasted 8 weeks. The results of the study showed no significant difference across the treatments for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lymphocyte. The mean value of red blood cell (RBC) counts for birds on raw peeled taro cocoyam diet (2.7 × 106μl-1) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those on control diet (1.9 × 106μl-1). White blood cell (WBC) counts slightly varied across the treatments. There was no significant difference in total protein across the treatments. Birds on control diet had the highest numerical mean value of 4.3g/dl. In terms of cholesterol, birds on peels had the least mean value of 62.5g/dl which was significantly (P < 0.05) different from those on control diet (105.5g/dl). Birds on boiled unpeeled taro cocoyam had the least mean value of 142.1g/dl for glucose level which significantly (P < 0.05) differed from those on control diet (170.7g/ dl). Taro cocoyam is thus a recommended alternative energy source for poultry.


This paper integrates a frictional labour market into a general equilibrium model with incomplete markets. Workers are subject to employment shocks and are able to insure themselves by trading a risk free asset. Firms seek to maximise profits by hiring workers in a frictional labour market. In equilibrium, the level of unemployment, the interest rate, and output are jointly determined. Using a continuous time framework, we show the steady state equilibrium is easier to characterise than competing discrete-time models. In particular, we are able to derive a steady state distribution of wealth, consumption and utility in closed form. The model is then used to address the effect of unemployment insurance on welfare.


Abstract. Design of a metamaterial based on an S-shaped resonator surrounded by a ground frame and excited by using a feeding transmission line on microstrip technology is presented. Since the resonator, ground frame, and its excitation mechanism are all realized on a microstrip, its characterization can be carried out using common laboratory equipment without needing any waveguide components or plane-wave-illumination techniques. The structure presented here may be realized on any microstrip and does not require special materials. The resonator and ground frame are both on the same side of the microstrip, thus the proposed topology may also be populated with active and passive microwave components, and hybrid active, passive, or reconfigurable microwave circuits may be realized. In metamaterial designs that require plane wave illumination, usually many numbers of periodic unit cells are needed; however, in our design, only one cell is capable of achieving metamaterial properties. The constitutive parameters of the metamaterial are retrieved and compared to demonstrate the agreement between simulations and measurements. The proposed topology is also demonstrated in a sensor application, where simulated and measured results agree well. Thus, it can be realized using standard microwave technology and used for numerous applications where metamaterial properties are needed.


This review is devoted to the application of graphite and graphite composites in the science and technology. Structure and electrical properties, as so technological aspects of producing of high strength artificial graphite and dynamics of its destruction are considered. These type of graphite are traditionally used in the nuclear industry. The review relies, generally, on the original results and concentrates on actual problems of application and testing of graphite materials in modern nuclear physics and science and its technology applications. Translated by author from chapter 2 of the russian monograph by Zhmurikov E.I., Bubnenkov I.A., Pokrovsky A.S. et al. Graphite in Science and Nuclear Technique// eprint arXiv:1307.1869, 07/2013 (BC 2013arXiv1307.1869Z


Leptomeningeal metastases (LMs) are common metastatic complications, occurring in at least 5% of patients with disseminated cancer. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology remains the standard for diagnosis and assessment of treatment response, but may be inadequate. Our objective was to compare ventricular and lumbar CSF cytology in patients who had cytologically proven LM and were receiving intra-CSF chemotherapy. Sixty patients with LM, positive lumbar CSF cytology documented at diagnosis, limited extent of CNS disease, and no evidence of CSF flow obstruction were treated with a variety of intra-CSF chemotherapies. All patients underwent a single simultaneous ventricular and lumbar CSF sampling (mean volume of CSF per site examined, 10 ml) to assess response to therapy at either 1 or 2 months after treatment initiation. Ventricular CSF cytology was positive in 44 patients (73%), 35 of whom were also positive by lumbar CSF cytology. Lumbar CSF cytology was positive in 45 patients (75%), of which 35 were also positive by ventricular CSF cytology. Samples were negative at both ventricular and lumbar sites in 6 patients (10%). Paired CSF cytologies were discordant in 19 (32%) patients. The lumbar cytology was negative in 9, whereas the ventricular cytology was positive (lumbar false-negative rate of 17%); the ventricular cytology was negative in 10, whereas the lumbar cytology was positive (ventricular false-negative rate of 20%). In the presence of spinal signs or symptoms of LM, the lumbar CSF cytology was more likely to be positive than was the ventricular (odds ratio = 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-9.56). Conversely, in the presence of cranial signs or symptoms, the ventricular CSF cytology was more likely to be positive than was the lumbar (odds ratio = 2.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-9.71). In this cohort of patients, whose LM was documented initially by positive lumbar CSF cytology, ventricular and lumbar CSF samples obtained during treatment had similar false-negative rates, depending on the site of clinical or radiologic disease. This suggests that both lumbar and ventricular sites must be sampled when assessing treatment response. If clinical or radiographic disease is present only at 1 site, then CSF from that site is more likely to be positive than is CSF obtained from the more distant site.


OBJECTIVEDelayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may result in focal neurological deficits and cerebral infarction, believed to result from critical regional rather than global impairments in cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, the burden of such regional hypoperfusion has not been evaluated by gold-standard voxel-by-voxel CBF measurements. Specifically, the authors sought to determine whether the proportion of brain affected by hypoperfusion was greater in patients with DCI than in SAH controls without DCI and whether the symptomatic hemisphere (in those with lateralizing deficits) exhibited a greater cerebral hypoperfusion burden.METHODSSixty-one patients with aneurysmal SAH underwent 15O PET to measure regional CBF during the period of risk for DCI (median 8 days after SAH, IQR 7-10 days). Regions of visibly abnormal brain on head CT studies, including areas of hemorrhage and infarction, were excluded. Burden of hypoperfusion was defined as the proportion of PET voxels in normal-appearing brain with CBF < 25 ml/100 g/min. Global CBF and hypoperfusion burden were compared between patients with and those without DCI at the time of PET. For patients with focal impairments from DCI, the authors also compared average CBF and hypoperfusion burden in symptomatic versus asymptomatic hemispheres.RESULTSTwenty-three patients (38%) had clinical DCI at the time of PET. Those with DCI had higher mean arterial pressure (MAP; 126 ± 14 vs 106 ± 12 mm Hg, p < 0.001) and 18 (78%) were on vasopressor therapy at the time of PET study. While global CBF was not significantly lower in patients with DCI (mean 39.4 ± 11.2 vs 43.0 ± 8.3 ml/100 g/min, p = 0.16), the burden of hypoperfusion was greater (20%, IQR 12%-23%, vs 12%, 9%-16%, p = 0.006). Burden of hypoperfusion performed better than global CBF as a predictor of DCI (area under the curve 0.71 vs 0.65, p = 0.044). Neither global CBF nor hypoperfusion burden differed in patients who responded to therapy compared to those who had not improved by the time of PET. Although hemispheric CBF was not lower in the symptomatic versus contralateral hemisphere in the 13 patients with focal deficits, there was a trend toward greater burden of hypoperfusion in the symptomatic hemisphere (21% vs 18%, p = 0.049).CONCLUSIONSThe burden of hypoperfusion was greater in patients with DCI, despite hemodynamic therapies, higher MAP, and equivalent global CBF. Similarly, hypoperfusion burden was greater in the symptomatic hemisphere of DCI patients with focal deficits even though the average CBF was similar to that in the contralateral hemisphere. Evaluating the proportion of the brain with critical hypoperfusion after SAH may better capture the extent of DCI than averaging CBF across heterogenous brain regions.


The lack of effective chemotherapy agents and the development of multi-drug resistance in advanced cancers are major encountered issues during treatment phase. The resistance of cancer cells against chemotherapeutic agents may occur as a result of different mechanisms. The identification of molecular pathways involved in drug resistance will yield the occurrence of alternative therapeutic strategies. Sirtuin 2 is one of the NAD-dependent deacetylases. It is involved in carcinogenesis to fulfill oncogenic and tumor-suppressing functions. Therefore, Sirtuin 2 modulation becomes a promising approach in cancer treatments. A better understanding of Sirtuin 2 related pathways is required to provide guidance to alternative cancer treatments. There are several studies about the effects of Sirtuin 2 on various types of cancers in recent years. Within the scope of this review, it is aimed to present the molecular pathways of Sirtuin 2 and its association with chemotherapeutic resistance


The effect of a native synthetic prostaglandin E1 on the blood supply and basic parameters of hemodynamics in acute myocardial ischemia induced by coronary artery occlusion was studied. It was found that the preparation in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg increases the general and collateral coronary circulation by redistributing it into the endocardium of myocardial ischemic lesion. PGE1 increased the systolic discharge and the minute volume of the heart, enhanced the contractile myocardium activity. With an increase of the preparation dose its positive effect was not enhanced.


Metastatic disease is the most frequent intraocular malignancy in adults. The most common sites of origin are breast and lung. The vast majority of metastatic intraocular tumours are carcinomas, and rarely neuroendocrine tumours and sarcomas. Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) constitute a distinct group of gastrointestinal tumours arising from the interstitial cells of Cajal, regulators of peristalsis. The development of imatinib mesylate, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has made a major impact on the management of advanced GISTs. We report the case of a patient with choroidal and systemic disease from a GIST, who underwent therapy with imatinib. An accurate diagnosis is required since therapy may differ from the most common metastatic carcinomas.

A …


Underwater wireless communication systems can be useful for underwater environment observation, catastrophe prevention, ocean resources exploration, ocean organism research, vessel sinking exploration, and so on. However, unlike terrestrial wireless communication, underwater wireless communication should consider factors such as long propagation delay, limited transmission capacity, high bit-error rate due to potential loss in power, ambient noise, man-made noise, multi-path, etc., because of the inherent characteristics of water. Thus, in this paper, we propose a suitable media access control (MAC) protocol that applies a combination of the ALOHA MAC protocol and the handshaking MAC protocol to underwater environment. We further propose a mathematical analysis model that considers end-to-end delay and throughput to evaluate performance. We also verify performance improvement in the proposed scheme in comparison with existing MAC protocols.


In order to theorize about the nature and scope of the philosophical reflection, philosophers have used a wide array of metaphors and analogies, from Plato's cave to Wittgenstein "family resemblances". This paper reviews some of those metaphors and discusses what they show about the nature of philosophy, and most important, about the teaching of philosophy. It is not enough to be in favour of the presence of philosophical dialogue or to demand a specific philosophical subject matter in the curriculum of formal or compulsory schooling. We need to offer a more precise description of the kind of philosophical learning we are proposing, and which educational goals we think that students can achieve if they are exposed to philosophical reflection all along their school life. Philosophical metaphors can help us to present the style of philosophical dialogue we want to implement in our class rooms in order to philosophy empower children in such a way the can think for themselves in a critical, creative and cooperative way.


A burgeoning literature has established that exposure to atrocities committed by in-group members triggers moral-disengagement strategies. There is little research, however, on how such moral disengagement affects the degree to which conversations shape people's memories of the atrocities and subsequent justifications for those atrocities. We built on the finding that a speaker's selective recounting of past events can result in retrieval-induced forgetting of related, unretrieved memories for both the speaker and the listener. In the present study, we investigated whether American participants listening to the selective remembering of atrocities committed by American soldiers (in-group condition) or Afghan soldiers (out-group condition) resulted in the retrieval-induced forgetting of unmentioned justifications. Consistent with a motivated-recall account, results showed that the way people's memories are shaped by selective discussions of atrocities depends on group-membership status.


This paper describes design, construction and some recent tests of three dimensional stacked structures. These structures have great potential to realize compact structures combining multiple different applications in one package. Interconnections used in these stacked structures pay important role in packaging. They not only provide electrical connection, but they also act as mechanical attachment between substrates and are supposed to be reliable as much as possible. Approach mentioned in this paper might lead to increase of 3D interconnection reliability. Goal of this work is development and implementation of reliable 3D stacked structures, where for example LTCC, Al2O3 and also flexible substrates can be connected together in one package by interconnections that are based on vacuum evaporated and galvanically reinforced conductive layers of several types - fixed planar and also elastic ones, both in connection with variable types of solder balls.


Single-well cyclic gas injection (cyclic pressure pulsing) is an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method that includes injecting different types of gases that soaks into formation. In hydraulically-fractured wells, surface area of fracture can help the gas-diffusion process to be more effective. After the injected gas penetrates into the rock matrix, increased pressure and interaction of injected gas with the oil can result in improved production rates. As in all other EOR applications, performance-forecasting is critical to properly design the operational aspects of this application. In situations where a reliable numerical model or reservoir simulator is not accessible, machine learning methods can offer an alternative approach for forecasting the performance in a practical manner. When the dataset used for training is generated from numerical simulation runs, machine learning model serves as a proxy to the reservoir simulator by accurately predicting the performance variables from a set of input parameters. This eliminates the necessity to have access to a reservoir simulator and helps to conduct comprehensive analyses in a timely manner. In this study, various machine learning algorithms were tested to develop predictive models for the cyclic injection process by using a dataset obtained from numerical simulation runs. To design machine learning models, we used the provided database with 5 operational parameters: injection rate, injection time, soaking time, cycle rate, the composition of three injected gases (CO2, N2, CH4) and output as the economic efficiency for each year derived by simulations. Based on the given simulations data, three different machine learning models were constructed: Random Forest, Neural Network, and Multiple Linear Regression. Firstly, data is analyzed by the visualization of input variables and importance identification to observe the correlation between each other and find similar patterns. Secondly, models were created based on input and output variables. Finally, improvement of prediction performance, accuracy optimization, and error computational techniques are applied to each of the three methods using R tool. Among the three algorithms, validation performance of random forests was the best with a coefficient of determination of 0.93.


The CMS computing model anticipates various hierarchically linked tier centres to counter the challenges provided by the enormous amounts of data which will be collected by the CMS detector at the Large Hadron Collider, LHC, at CERN. During the past years, various computing exercises were performed to test the readiness of the computing infrastructure, the Grid middleware and the experiment's software for the startup of the LHC which took place in September 2008. In Germany, several tier sites are set up to allow for an efficient and reliable way to simulate possible physics processes as well as to reprocess, analyse and interpret the numerous stored collision events of the experiment. It will be shown that the German computing sites played an important role during the experiment's preparation phase and during data-taking of CMS and, therefore, scientific groups in Germany will be ready to compete for discoveries in this new era of particle physics. This presentation focuses on the German Tier-1 centre GridKa, located at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, the German CMS Tier-2 federation DESY/RWTH with installations at the University of Aachen and the research centre DESY. In addition, various local computing resources in Aachen, Hamburg and Karlsruhe are briefly introduced as well. It will be shown that an excellent cooperation between the different German institutions and physicists led to well established computing sites which cover all parts of the CMS computing model. Therefore, the following topics are discussed and the achieved goals and the gained knowledge are depicted: data management and distribution among the different tier sites, Grid-based Monte Carlo production at the Tier-2 as well as Grid-based and locally submitted inhomogeneous user analyses at the Tier-3s. Another important task is to ensure a proper and reliable operation 24 hours a day, especially during the time of data-taking. For this purpose, the meta-monitoring tool "HappyFace", which was developed at the University of Karlsruhe, is used in order to allow even non-expert shift crews to monitor and operate a centre continuously and to contact on-call experts, if needed.


Pressure-natriuresis (P-N) is the main compensatory mechanism by which the kidney excretes sodium (Na+) in response to an increase in blood pressure. Extracellular renal interstitial (RI) cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) modulates P-N by binding to an unidentified receptor on the basolateral membrane of renal proximal tubule cells and activating the Src tyrosine kinase signaling cascade. In this study, we hypothesized that the cGMP receptor is the extracellular domain of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA). In uninephrectomized Sprague Dawley rats, the renal perfusion pressure (RPP) was increased from 110 to 140 mmHg by ligating the infrarenal aorta, celiac, and mesenteric arteries, in a standard P-N model. In response to increased RPP, urinary Na+ excretion (UNaV) increased from 0.35±0.065 to 2.19±0.31 umol/min (P<0.0001; N=14). Rostafuroxin, a digitoxigenin derivative that specifically displaces ouabain binding from NKA without inhibiting NKA pump activity, significantly decreased UNaV in a dose-dependent manner, from 2.19±0.31 to 1.38±0.18 (P<0.05; N=8) and to 0.34±0.080 umol/min (P<0.0001; N=6), at RI infusion rates of 2.4 and 12 ng/kg/min, respectively. In contrast, at higher infusion rates, of 60 and 120 ng/kg/min, rostafuroxin increased UNaV to 2.49±0.45 (P=0.60; N=8) and to 3.68±0.49 umol/min (P<0.05; N=8), respectively. Thus, rostafuroxin is a pharmacologic agent with NKA antagonist/agonist activity, depending on dose. To show that cGMP-induced natriuresis depends upon NKA binding, we microinfused cGMP directly into the RI compartment of uninephrectomized Sprague Dawley rats without changing the RPP. We compared UNaV in the second hour period of a 2-hour RI microinfusion of vehicle (0.66±0.086 umol/min; N=5), to rostafuroxin 12 ng/kg/min (0.69±0.11 umol/min; P=0.81; N=6), cGMP 72 ng/kg/min (3.41±0.57 umol/min; P<0.005; N=7), or cGMP together with rostafuroxin (0.64±0.21 umol/min; P=0.93; N=6). The rostafuroxin dose that abolished P-N also nullified the natriuretic response to cGMP. In summary, RI microinfusion of rostafuroxin blocked both pressure- and cGMP-induced natriuresis. These data provide strong evidence that the extracellular domain of NKA serves as a receptor for RI cGMP, which mediates P-N.


Bacterial translocation (BT) is suspected to play a major role in the development of infections in surgical patients. However, the clinical association between intestinal barrier dysfunction, BT, and septic morbidity has remained unconfirmed. The objective of this study was to study BT in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery and the effects of probiotics, selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD), and standard treatment on intestinal barrier function. In a randomized controlled setting, 30 consecutive patients planned for elective pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) were allocated to receive perioperatively probiotics, SDD, or standard treatment. To assess intestinal barrier function, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (mucosal damage) and polyethylene glycol recovery (intestinal permeability) in urine were measured perioperatively. BT was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) harvested early (baseline control) and at the end of surgery ("end-of-surgery" MLNs, after 3h in PPPD patients). Polymerase chain reaction detected bacterial DNA in 18 of 27 end-of-surgery MLNs and in 13 of 23 control MLNs (P = 0.378). Probiotics and SDD had no significant effect on the number of positive MLNs or the change in bacterial DNA during operation. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis showed significantly increased expression of only 4 of 30 inflammatory mediator-related genes in end-of-surgery compared with early sampled MLN (P < 0.05). Polyethylene glycol recovery was unaffected by operation, probiotics and SDD as compared with standard treatment. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels were increased shortly postoperatively only in patients treated with SDD (P = 0.02). Probiotics and SDD did not influence BT, intestinal permeability, or inflammatory mediator expression. Bacterial translocation after abdominal surgery may be part of normal antigen-sampling processes of the gut.ABBREVIATIONS-BT-bacterial translocation; SDD-selective decontamination of the digestive tract; MLPA-multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification; q-PCR-real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; PEG-polyethylene glycol; I-FABP-intestinal fatty acid-binding protein; PPPD-pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy; PCA-patient-controlled anesthesia


To identify the physiological functions of the retinoid-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, mice deficient in RORγ function were generated by targeted disruption. RORγ−/− mice lack peripheral and mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, indicating that RORγ expression is indispensable for lymph node organogenesis. Although the spleen is enlarged, its architecture is normal. The number of peripheral blood CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocytes is reduced 6- and 10-fold, respectively, whereas the number of circulating B cells is normal. The thymus of RORγ−/− mice contains 74.4% ± 8.9% fewer thymocytes than that of wild-type mice. Flow cytometric analysis showed a decrease in the CD4+CD8+ subpopulation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining demonstrated a 4-fold increase in apoptotic cells in the cortex of the thymus of RORγ−/− mice. The latter was supported by the observed increase in annexin V-positive cells. RORγ−/− thymocytes placed in culture exhibit a dramatic increase in the rate of "spontaneous" apoptosis. This increase is largely associated with CD4+CD8+ thymocytes and may, at least in part, be related to the greatly reduced level of expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-XL. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a 6-fold rise in the percentage of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle among thymocytes from RORγ−/− mice. Our observations indicate that RORγ is essential for lymphoid organogenesis and plays an important regulatory role in thymopoiesis. Our findings support a model in which RORγ negatively controls apoptosis in thymocytes.


The Kenya agricultural carbon project is breaking new ground in designing and implementing climate finance projects in the agricultural sector. The project is regarded as an innovative example for climate-smart agriculture within and outside the World Bank. For the first time, while increasing productivity and enhancing resilience to climate change, smallholder farmers in Africa will receive payments for greenhouse gas mitigation based on sustainable agricultural land management. Quantification of carbon sequestration is monitored based on a newly developed carbon accounting methodology. This smart lesson describes the key factors to take into consideration when facilitating the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and access to carbon markets for smallholder farmers.


Presently, it is impossible to develop a completely implantable mechanical self-contained system of extracorporeal circulation that can maintain a patient's heart performance for a long time. In this connection, replacement of a mechanical assister by a biological one is promising as this may clear up a lot of troubles of the mechanical systems. The prominent example of successful realization of the completely implantable self-contained system of extracorporeal circulation is a biotechnological system (BTS) which is formed by dynamic cardiomyoplasty and includes the heart, a cardiac electrode, an implantable blood muscular pump pacemaker (BMPP). A muscular electrode, and muscle autograft that acts as an assister. The authors propose the formalized algorithms of noninvasive postoperative control of the technical links of BTS-BMPP and electrodes. The diagnostic algorithms of BTS containing one- and two-channel BMPP are different and based on electrocardiographic, X-ray, and other noninvasive findings.


Novel bio-nanocomposites containing a biodegradable polymer and graphene oxide (Cellulose/Polypyrrole–graphene oxide or C/Ppy–GO) were prepared by chemical in situ polymerization and the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The biodegradable polymer was prepared by chemical grafting of polypyrrole (Ppy) onto cellulose chains. The samples showed excellent biodegradability with low toxicity against food borne pathogens and can be used for biomedical applications. The samples also exhibited superior photocatalytic activity and can be used for the mineralization of dyes present in industrial effluents. Fluorescence spectra revealed that incorporation of graphene into the polymer chain supports charge separation and lowering of the charge carrier recombination, which in turn favours the photocatalytic activity of the composite. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry was used to measure the redox properties and the current producing ability of the samples. The studies suggest that electrically conducting, biodegradable and biocompatible bio-nanocomposites can be successfully prepared by chemical in situ polymerization for various applications.


Macro fiber composites (MFC) have proven useful as multifunctional material actuators for implementation in intelligent aerospace structures; however, due to nonlinear behaviors such as hysteresis and creep, incorporating sensor feedback is necessary to achieve sufficient control. In our work we use an antagonistic MFC unimorph system to produce a smooth trailing edge deflection in a morphing airfoil. In the past, piezoelectric flex sensors have been used to provide position feedback for the airfoil trailing edge, but these sensors also suffer from hysteresis. To achieve accurate position measurements from the flex sensors, we use time-series machine learning to model the relationship between flex voltage output and the true deflection. After testing offline, a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network is implemented for inference on the hardware system and compared to a traditional linear model. True deflection information is obtained through external laser measurements, providing a context for comparing the accuracy of the mentioned state inference methods. Additionally, the sensor models are used in conjunction with a PD feedback controller to determine performance when controlling the aileron. Another difficulty in MFC actuator application is the change in performance under loading. Therefore, we perform final performance comparisons in a wind tunnel to simulate a realistic environment for the airfoil. We find the presented methods improve state inference performance over the traditional linear method, allowing for more accurate tip control under the aerodynamic loading.


QUAIl1Y CUNICAL SUPERVISION IN TIlE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS: PRINCIPLED APPROACHES TO PRACTICE. Della Fish and Sheila Twinn. Butterworth Heinemann, 1997. 1B1pp. £15.99. ISBN 0 750 62615 1. This is a thought-provoking book that presents clearly some convincing arguments for. the use of a reflective model of supervision to develop quality practice. The book attends to principles rather than providing a blueprint for supervision. It thus offers guidance for supervisors of both qualified practitioners and students. Two contrasting views of professional practice and of teaching and learning are presented: the technical rational view and the professional artistry view. The authors express caution about the former, arguing that it is behavioural, requiring only the development of technical expertise, and that it fails to account for practical competence in different situations. In contrast, the professional artistry view expects professionals to develop their own insights into, and to refine, practice through reflection. investigation and deliberation. It seeks to develop an 'educated understanding' of practice rather than just a mastery of skills. The book is divided into three parts. The first part addresses contextual issues of supervision, views of professionalism and the process of supervision. The second part focuses on the practice of supervision whilst the third considers wider issues that have implications for practice. The authors offer strategies for enabling learning, stressing the benefits of observation and of debriefing using different models of reflection. They follow their own reflective model by providing 'points for reflection' within the text to facilitate readers' critical thinking. They also address issues of assessment of competence, acknowledging the complexity of the task and the difficulty of finding an approach that reflects professional requirements but that also avoids the pitfalls of a technical, competency-based format. The book draws widely on examples from occupational therapy. It serves as one that would enable practitioners to think critically about their own practice as well as to develop the qualities required of an effective supervisor of others' practice. It is essential reading for practitioners and educators alike. Auldeen Alsop, Course Director for Occupational Therapy, South Bank University, London. TALKABOUT A SOCIAL COMMUNICATION SKIllS PACKAGE. Alex Kelly. Winslow Press, 1996. 161pp. £32.50. ISBN 0 B6388 146 7. This social communication skills package is designed to be used with adults or children with social communication difficulties. Alex Kelly's working experience is mainly with learning disabled people but what works with this group makes it suitable for a wide range of clients, for example, those with aphasia or brain damage. It is a very practical book and is userfriendly. The concepts are presented and organised around picture 'mind' maps which summarise the main points and make them easy to understand and memorise. The book is designed to be photocopied, that is, it is spiral bound, and aims to help therapists or teachers to run social skills groups in a more structured way.


Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs, e.g. omeprazole and rabeprazole) are often administered to transplant patients as a treatment or prophylaxis for ulcers after surgery. Since tacrolimus and PPIs share the CYP3A4 system for metabolism, pharmacokinetic interactions are anticipated when they are administered simultaneously. We present a Japanese male patient who underwent a living-donor kidney transplantation having received tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone for immunosuppression. The concentration/dose (C/D) ratio for tacrolimus was markedly higher during the period of treatment with omeprazole than ranitidine or rabeprazole. The results of liver functional tests were within the normal range during the use of these three antacid drugs. Since the higher C/D ratio for tacrolimus when omeprazole was being administered did not result from a decrease in the elimination of tacrolimus due to hepatic dysfunction, drug interaction between omeprazole and tacrolimus was strongly suspected. The present case indicates that rabeprazole can be used safely in place of omeprazole in kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus.


Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) exerts proliferative and antiapoptotic effects, suggesting that it may play a role in tubular regeneration after acute kidney injury. In this study, elevated plasma levels of MSP were found both in critically ill patients with acute renal failure and in recipients of renal allografts during the first week after transplantation. In addition, MSP and its receptor, RON, were markedly upregulated in the regenerative phase after glycerol-induced tubular injury in mice. In vitro, MSP stimulated tubular epithelial cell proliferation and conferred resistance to cisplatin-induced apoptosis by inhibiting caspase activation and modulating Fas, mitochondrial proteins, Akt, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. MSP also enhanced migration, scattering, branching morphogenesis, tubulogenesis, and mesenchymal de-differentiation of surviving tubular cells. In addition, MSP induced an embryonic phenotype characterized by Pax-2 expression. In conclusion, MSP is upregulated during the regeneration of injured tubular cells, and it exerts multiple biologic effects that may aid recovery from acute kidney injury.


The emphasis of the normal, the human aspect and feature in monstrosities is a leitmotif that becomes prevalent in the scientific debate on teratological phenomena in the nineteenth century. The discourse highlights the organisation of the civilising process with regard to creating an antithesis between human and animality. In this respect, anthropology establishes anthropometry as a measuring and classifying instrument, hence supporting concepts of norm and abnormity in the scientific discussion. The classification approach finally translates teratological occurrences into the "human system" with the monstrosity being transformed into a subject of knowledge. Scientific discourse poses and installs the latter as living attraction for medical and anthropological examination, thus stressing boundary permeability between man and animal. Evolutionary theory finally initiates the quest for the missing link between man and ape, with congenital disorders, such as microcephaly, becoming particularly supportive of the idea of a manifesting existence of a primitive pre-human form.


Introduction The Basin-and-Range physiographic province, as outlined by a committee of the Association of American Geographers and the Physiographic Committee of the U. S. Geological Survey,[2][1] extends in the United States from southern Oregon to trans-Pecos Texas, and contains not less than 125 closed drainage basins—that is, basins which have no surface outlets for the water that falls upon them. The mountainous rims of these basins, with their great relief and remarkable exposures of geologic formations and structures, have, from the beginning of explorations in the region, compelled the attention of geologists. In contrast, the interior depressions of the basins, mantled by recent sediments and with surface features that are hardly discernible except by an experienced observer, have received relatively little attention and are commonly regarded as lacking in geologic interest. However, the serious work that has been done in these interior depressions, or basin valleys, has shown that they . . .

 [1]: #fn-2


The NHS sets out to provide holistic care; included under this is a consideration of
clients' spiritual needs. However, the area of spirituality and mental health is underresearched
and there is a concern that spiritual needs are not being met. Traditionally
spirituality has been subsumed under the umbrella of religion, but recently there has been
an emerging field of literature dedicated to the study of spirituality as a concept in its own
right. Although a handful of studies have examined the way in which nurses recognise
and meet the spiritual needs of their clients, to date no study has researched the processes
at play in a client group with psychosis. Furthermore, no study has analysed the
influences that nurses' own beliefs have on this process.
This study employs an interview format and qualitative analysis to examine these
processes. The main findings are that nurses define spirituality in individual ways, with
some equating it with religion and others separating the concepts. These definitions
inform the ways in which they recognise and meet spiritual needs in clients with
psychosis. Because beliefs are so personal and because one of the nurse's primary
therapeutic tools is the self, their beliefs inevitably influence the ways in which they meet
the spiritual needs of their clients with psychosis. This may have the result that some
clients' spiritual needs are going unmet and amongst the recommendations are
suggestions for raising awareness about spirituality in nurses.


Differences in patient characteristics across trials may bias efficacy estimates from indirect treatment comparisons. To address this issue, matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) measures treatment efficacy after weighting individual patient data to match patient characteristics across trials. To date, however, there is no consensus on how best to implement MAIC. To address this issue, we applied MAIC to measure how two attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatments (guanfacine extended release and atomoxetine hydrochloride) affect patients' ADHD symptoms, as measured by the ADHD Rating Scale IV score. We tested MAIC sensitivity to: matched patient characteristics, matched statistical moments, weighting matrix, and placebo-arm matching (i.e., matching on outcomes in the placebo arm). After applying MAIC, guanfacine and atomoxetine had similar reductions in ADHD symptoms (Δ: 0.4, p < 0.737). The results were similar for three of four sensitivity analyses. When we applied MAIC with placebo-arm matching, however, guanfacine reduced symptoms more than atomoxetine (Δ: -3.9, p < 0.004). We discuss the implication of this finding and advise MAIC practitioners to carefully consider the use of placebo-arm matching, depending on the presence of residual confounding across trials. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


In the present study, we calculated the electronic and spectral properties of the one- and two-dimensional carbon and boron nitride materials composed of four-, six- and eight-membered rings (the (4, 6, 6, 8) topology) on the basis of density functional theory, including the band structure analysis for the infinite structures. We found that biphenylene-based two-dimensional (2D) sheets and zigzag-type biphenylene-based one-dimensional (1D) ribbons exhibit a semi-metal character. At the same time, the armchair 1D biphenylene-based ribbons possess a narrow-band-gap structure, while boron nitride 2D sheets, 1D zigzag- and armchair-type ribbons exhibit a wide-band-gap semiconducting nature. Simple single-point calculations with a periodic boundary condition generally underestimate the band-gap values in comparison with band structure calculations accounting for the supercell optimization. But in the general case, both approaches provide a correct explanation of the band-gap value. In this work, we also performed for the first time computational modelling of a novel porous biphenylene-based wide-band-gap carbon allotrope, which demonstrated the complexation ability relative to metal atoms forming the metal–carbon intercalates.


The Space Telescope and Optical Reverberation Mapping Project (AGN STORM) on NGC 5548 in 2014 is one of the most intensive multiwavelength AGN monitoring campaigns ever. For most of the campaign, the emission-line variations followed changes in the continuum with a time lag, as expected. However, the lines varied independently of the observed UV-optical continuum during a 60–70 day "holiday," suggesting that unobserved changes to the ionizing continuum were present. To understand this remarkable phenomenon and to obtain an independent assessment of the ionizing continuum variations, we study the intrinsic absorption lines present in NGC 5548. We identify a novel cycle that reproduces the absorption line variability and thus identify the physics that allows the holiday to occur. In this cycle, variations in this obscurer's line-of-sight covering factor modify the soft X-ray continuum, changing the ionization of helium. Ionizing radiation produced by recombining helium then affects the level of ionization of some ions seen by the Hubble Space Telescope. In particular, high-ionization species are affected by changes in the obscurer covering factor, which does not affect the optical or UV continuum, and thus appear as uncorrelated changes, a "holiday." It is likely that any other model that selectively changes the soft X-ray part of the continuum during the holiday can also explain the anomalous emission-line behavior observed.


Laparoscopic surgery gained a lot of field in human and veterinary medicine, replacing succesfully many invasive surgical techniques. Laparoscopic surgery presents several medical advantages, but equally has a high risk of bleeding accidents (rupture of the vascular pedicle, incorrect ligation or application of vascular clamps). The aim of the study was to illustrate the way to remedy this intraoperatory accidents. Research was carried out on 5 sows that were ovariectomized laparoscopically as an experimental model for human medicine. For addressing these accidents, it can be intervened with lavage (irrigation-aspiration), individualization of the vascular pedicle, pressure and clamping with metal clips or external ligatures in order to completely stop the bleeding. Our study showed the real capacity of this methods to control small and medium intensity haemorrhages, without having a negative impact on surgery outcome and recovery period.


Background Adolescents in Youth Protection facilities are a vulnerable population, with difficult life trajectories; many of their behaviours are health compromising. Method Youth aged 14–17, living in semi-urban and urban youth centers in Quebec were recruited on a volunteer basis to participate in the study. Socio-demographic, drug use, sexual behaviours and health service utilisation data were obtained using a structured, face-to-face interview. A urine sample was collected to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Results Between July 2008 and May 2009, 578 youth were interviewed—(♂—58 %); median age—♂—16; ♀—15. The majority of youth were sexually active (89%); two thirds experienced voluntary coitarche before 14 years of age. Median number of lifetime partners was 6 (♂—8, ♀—5). Over a third (41%) reported group sexual activities. A large proportion of youth experienced 50% or more of their sexual activities under the influence of alcohol—18%, cannabis—37%, other drugs—18%. Lifetime history of "never or rarely" using condoms was 24.7% for vaginal relations and 42.1% for anal relations (♂—33%, ♀—55%). Protection used during last vaginal activity was—double protection (condom and another contraceptive method)—25%; condom only—32%; contraceptive method without condom—20%; no protection—24%. A quarter of girls (28%) and boys (27%) reported an unplanned pregnancy (lifetime). Prevalence of chlamydia was—girls 9%, boys 1.9%. No cases of gonorrhoea were documented. Conclusions Youth in Quebec care centers report many risky sexual behaviours, often associated with drug and alcohol use. Only a quarter of youth used protection to prevention both STIs and pregnancy during their last sexual activity. Their sejour in residential care is an opportune moment to screen these youth for risk behaviours that may compromise their future health and to provide them with personalised prevention education and health services adapted to their reality.


Paper Spray (PS) ionization has been demonstrated extensively for rapid quantitation of pharmaceuticals in dried matrix spots. In this study, experimental and validation parameters of paper spray mass spectrometry were explored. Firstly, the effect on analyte signal response by angular positioning of the paper/spray tip to the mass spectrometer (MS) inlet was studied and found that, the analyte signal response depends on the flow rate of the paper substrate, when the spray tip is positioned in angle to the MS inlet. Secondly, the extent of carryover on the PS system due to the reuse of the paper substrate metal clip holder was evaluated and found to be compound dependent and could be minimal for some compounds even when the metal clip holder is reused. Thirdly, the blood matrix effects in different paper substrates on analyte signal was evaluated and found that, in the absence/presence of a matrix, the absolute signal response/suppression of the analytes varied significantly among the papers. Moreover, the precision value of standard line slopes constructed in six different lots of rat blood was 2.2%, less than the cut-off value of <3–4%, indicating matrix effects in PS-MS could be effectively controlled by the use of a stable isotope labelled internal standard. Finally, a storage effect study on analyte elution from dried blood spots (DBS) showed that DBS storage could impact both analyte extraction and detection sensitivity; hence, pre-moistening of the dried spots with spray solvent prior to MS analysis could minimize this effect on analyte signal response.


Dynamic simulation modelling is increasingly being recognised as a valuable decision-support tool to help guide investments and actions to address complex public health issues such as suicide. In particular, participatory system dynamics (SD) modelling provides a useful tool for asking high-level 'what if' questions, and testing the likely impacts of different combinations of policies and interventions at an aggregate level before they are implemented in the real world. We developed an SD model for suicide prevention in Australia, and investigated the hypothesised impacts over the next 10 years (2015-2025) of a combination of current intervention strategies proposed for population interventions in Australia: 1) general practitioner (GP) training, 2) coordinated aftercare in those who have attempted suicide, 3) school-based mental health literacy programs, 4) brief-contact interventions in hospital settings, and 5) psychosocial treatment approaches. Findings suggest that the largest reductions in suicide were associated with GP training (6%) and coordinated aftercare approaches (4%), with total reductions of 12% for all interventions combined. This paper highlights the value of dynamic modelling methods for managing complexity and uncertainty, and demonstrates their potential use as a decision-support tool for policy makers and program planners for community suicide prevention actions.


Abstract Ingestion of jimsonweed can result in hallucinations. Despite this side effect, the differential diagnosis of jimsonweed toxicity can be difficult, in part, because routine drug screens do not detect this agent. Such a delay in diagnosis not only postpones treatment but may also result in the patient's death. Treatment involves gastric lavage, followed by supportive care. Life-threatening cases entail the cautious use of physostigmine salicylate.


Platonem ferunt didicisse pythagorea omnia. Cicero This paper examines the inherent possibilities for architectural production in automated deposition modeling techniques, primarily explored through the use of industrial robots in combination with plastic deposition heads. These robots, in combination with various polymers, toolpaths and colorations, served as a design ecology for the exploration of emergent behaviors in robotic construction. The relationship between geometry (Euclidian, topological, fractal), mechanical properties of material (plasticity, elasticity, viscosity, resilience), optical properties (color, absorbance, transmittance, scattering), and the gestural qualities of robotic toolpaths constitute the palette adopted for the presented project. The project combines the rigor of a platonic body (Figure 2) with the emergent properties of vague gestures. The introduction of moments of uncertainty in the process produces glitches that are embraced as an opportunity to find novel aesthetic conditions. The profound entanglement with the post-digital realm is discussed as the discursive plane of thinking applied to the project.


Cracking of concrete structures during the hardening phase often seriously compromises not only structure integrity but also durability and long-term service life. Especially for large massive structures, for example, concrete submerged tunnel, the reliable crack risk evaluation at the hardening phase is critical to the successful design. Mineral additives such as silica fume (SF), blast furnace slag (BFS), and fly ash (FA) have been used extensively in production of high-performance concrete in the last decades. The mineral additives such as FA and BFS not only reduce the hydration heat during the hardening phase but also have significant influence on the development of mechanic and viscoelastic properties at an early age. The main objective of the research is to propose a design methodology to select the appropriate composition of concrete for construction of the submerged tunnel. The influence of mineral additives such as FA and BFS on the risk of cracking during the hardening phase was investigated for the massive concrete structure. Five types of concrete mixes denoted as SV40, 40% BFS, 60% BFS, 40% FA, and 60% FA concrete are considered in the current study, and the measurement to reduce the initial temperature is also considered for 60% FA concrete. First, the well-documented material models are verified by calibration of restraint stress development in the TSTM test by using the finite element method (FEM), and then the 3D thermal-structural analysis is performed to assess the cracking risk for the submerged tunnel during the hardening phase. Based on analysis results, the 60% FA concrete has both the lowest maximum temperature and the lowest stress/strength ratio, and the cracking-free design based on the current study ensures the successful construction of the submerged tunnel.


In the era of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, acute cardiac injury (ACI), as reflected by elevated cardiac troponin above the 99th percentile, has been observed in 8%-62% of patients with COVID-19 infection with highest incidence and mortality recorded in patients with severe infection. Apart from the clinically and electrocardiographically discernible causes of ACI, such as acute myocardial infarction (MI), other cardiac causes need to be considered such as myocarditis, Takotsubo syndrome, and direct injury from COVID-19, together with noncardiac conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, critical illness, and sepsis. Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with normal or near-normal coronary arteries (ACS-NNOCA) appear to have a higher prevalence in both COVID-19 positive and negative patients in the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic era. Echocardiography, coronary angiography, chest computed tomography and/or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may render a correct diagnosis, obviating the need for endomyocardial biopsy. Importantly, a significant delay has been recorded in patients with ACS seeking advice for their symptoms, while their routine care has been sharply disrupted with fewer urgent coronary angiographies and/or primary percutaneous coronary interventions performed in the case of ST-elevation MI (STEMI) with an inappropriate shift toward thrombolysis, all contributing to a higher complication rate in these patients. Thus, new challenges have emerged in rendering a diagnosis and delivering treatment in patients with ACI/ACS in the pandemic era. These issues, the various mechanisms involved in the development of ACI/ACS, and relevant current guidelines are herein reviewed.


Kriemler, Susi, Kastė Mateikaitė-Pipirienė, Alison Rosier, Linda E. Keyes, Peter Paal, Marija Andjelkovic, Beth A. Beidleman, Mia Derstine, Jacqueline Pichler Hefti, David Hillebrandt, Lenka Horakova, and Dominique Jean; for the UIAA MedCom Writing Group on Women's Health in the Mountains. Frostbite and mortality in mountaineering women: a scoping review-UIAA Medical Commission recommendations. High Alt Med Biol 00:000-000, 2023. Background: The harsh environment of high altitudes (HA) poses many serious health risks for mountaineers, including cold injuries and death. The aim of this work was to review whether female mountaineers are at special risk for frostbite or death at HA compared with their male counterparts. Methods: The UIAA Medical Commission convened an international author team to review women's health issues at HA and to publish updated recommendations. Pertinent literature from PubMed and Cochrane was identified with additional publications found by hand search. The primary search focus was for articles assessing cold injuries and death in women mountaineers at HA. Results: We reviewed the literature and identified 20 relevant studies: 2 studies on frostbite at HA, plus 7 studies and 1 report for death at HA. An additional 10 studies about frostbite at low altitude were included. We found that female mountaineers at HA were at lower risk of death than their male counterparts, but sex differences in frostbite were inconclusive. Conclusions: The frequency of cold injuries and mortality in female mountaineers is not yet well studied, and the studies that have been published tend to lack precise exposure data. More studies and registries with sex-differentiated data are needed.


Harmful content detection models tend to have higher false positive rates for content from marginalized groups. In the context of marginal abuse modeling on Twitter, such disproportionate penalization poses the risk of reduced visibility, where marginalized communities lose the opportunity to voice their opinion on the platform. Current approaches to algorithmic harm mitigation, and bias detection for NLP models are often very ad hoc and subject to human bias. We make two main contributions in this paper. First, we design a novel methodology, which provides a principled approach to detecting and measuring the severity of potential harms associated with a text-based model. Second, we apply our methodology to audit Twitter's English marginal abuse model, which is used for removing amplification eligibility of marginally abusive content. Without utilizing demographic labels or dialect classifiers, we are still able to detect and measure the severity of issues related to the over-penalization of the speech of marginalized communities, such as the use of reclaimed speech, counterspeech, and identity related terms. In order to mitigate the associated harms, we experiment with adding additional true negative examples and find that doing so provides improvements to our fairness metrics without large degradations in model performance.


: The experimental basis forming the rationale for the reduction of allograft immunogenicity prior to transplantation is described. This is based on the hypothesis that ""passenger leucocytes'' are a major immunogenic stimulus in rejection. Donor pretreatment with high doses of methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide can be used clinically for cadaver donor pretreatment and when combined with an adequate post-transplant chemical immunosuppressive regimen results in an important in improvement in overall results as seen in a series followed for 5 1/2 years.


The Faroe–Shetland Basin, NE Atlantic continental margin, hosts a number of important hydrocarbon fields; although deep water and narrow weather windows mean that drilling costs are considerably higher than for other parts of the UK Continental Shelf. Any additional drilling complications are therefore important to predict and negate as such issues can result in avoidable multi-million pound cost implications. This study focuses on the Corona Ridge, an intrabasinal high which contains the Rosebank Field, where a plethora of drilling issues, of enigmatic origin, are common within a key stratigraphic marker known as the Balder Formation. Drilling fluid loss, bit balling, wellbore breakouts and wellbore 'ballooning', where lost drilling fluid returns to the wellbore, are all recognized within the Balder Formation along the Corona Ridge. We find that many of the drilling incidents can be traced back to both the lithological character of the Balder Formation and the mid-Miocene tectonic inversion of the Corona Ridge. Moreover, we find that this geological explanation has wider implications for exploration in the region, including the mitigation of drilling incidents in future wells through drill-bit selection. Supplementary material: A table detailing the drilling acronyms and terminology used in this study (adapted from Mark et al. 2018) is available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4290602


Our study examines the experiences of 563 youth ordered into restoration services after a judicial finding of adjudicative incompetence. Among this group, 72% were determined to be restored to competence usually within 90 to 120 days of services provided in the least restrictive environment allowed by the courts. These outcomes were achieved using an individualized psycho-educational intervention that combined intensive case management, developmentally informed interactive educational tools, and case integration and mentoring by specially trained restoration counselors. These individualized services were provided to each youth on average three times a week by the restoration counselor contracted to provide services in the location where the youth was residing. No juveniles were admitted for inpatient hospitalization for the purpose of restoration only. Five percent were hospitalized based upon civil commitment criteria or for further psychiatric evaluation or stabilization. Chi-square Automated Interaction Detector (CHAID) analyses were used to create decision trees of the restoration pathways demonstrated by four subgroups of youth: Mental Illness Only (MIO), Mental Retardation Only (MRO), Mental Illness and Mental Retardation (MI-MR), and No Mental Illness and No Mental Retardation (NMI-NMR). The interaction of individual characteristics and interventions varied across the four groups with the highest rates of restoration being achieved by youth in the NMI-NMR group (91%) and the lowest rate among youth in the MRO group (47%). These rates of restoration are comparable to those achieved using residential treatment for youth and inpatient hospitalization for adults.


An intradermal test was developed to screen cattle for infection with the first-instar larvae of the warble flies Hypoderma lineatum and H. bovis. The diagnostic antigen, prepared from the first-instar larvae of H. lineatum, produced a distinct dermal reaction in cattle infected with the first-instar larvae of either species, but not in cattle in which the infection could not be confirmed later either on necropsy or by the appearance of warbles in the back. The reaction to the antigen was unpredictable in cattle with warbles in their backs. The diagnostic property of the antigen was also demonstrated in rabbits and guinea pigs artificially sensitized to the antigen.


The AIST-SHANEL (AIST-Standardized Hydrology-based AssessmeNt tool for chemical Exposure Load) software was developed to estimate detailed and accurate exposure predictions of concentrations of chemicals at watershed areas for use within chemical risk assessment and management in Japan. This software covers the area more than 50% population in Japan. The main technical focus is on the temporal and spatial fate of chemicals in surface water, together with emissions from point sources of various industry and sewage treatment plants and non-point sources of households and agricultural land. Therefore, it is necessary to account for spatial and temporal distributions in exposure concentrations of chemicals with chemical emissions and river discharge. For estimating concentrations of chemicals in surface water on the 1km scale per day or month, a given watershed area was segmented into 1km grids, including 3 compartments of surface water, sediment, surface soil. The exposure concentrations in the watershed area were predicted based on the river discharge and the emission amounts of chemicals at each grid. The discharge was estimated from precipitation amounts in the watershed area. The emission amounts of chemicals based on the PRTR in Japan were allocated to 1km grids within the watershed area using industrial manufacture data, sewerage area data and land use data. The attenuation mechanisms included advection, diffusion, sorption/desorption, settling and resuspension of suspended solids, diffusive exchange between compartments, and biodegradation. Required input parameters in this model were emission data, sewage removal rate and basic chemical-specific properties for the chemical of interest. Here this model was applied to Tama River and predicted the exposure concentrations of some representative chemicals, for example 4-nonylphenol, in terms of ecological risk and risk reduction measures. In this way, this model will enables us to conduct ecological risk assessment in aquatic systems and will be expected as chemical risk assessment tool.


The EU Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) has the purpose to establish a framework for the flood risks assessment and management. It requires the implementation of coordinated measures on a basin-wide level for the reduction of adverse consequences to human health and life. However, mainly direct fatalities are taken into consideration in these plans. To develop more integrated and adaptive risk management and governance it is important to include both direct and indirect consequences. To define effective measures clearer understanding of the relation between floods and impact on human health is needed. We present a first attempt to provide a roadmap for the inclusion of health issues of concern to flood risk management within the Sava River Basin as an example. An overview of the potential flood effects to health issues was made and a roadmap plan was set up to analyse and map these flood risks. We concluded that indirect health effects can contribute significantly to the overall adverse consequences to health, and although relations are complex, a preliminary assessment could be made. Mapping of adverse consequences to health issues in the planning stages should lead to systemic insights and proposed measures in the prevention, protection, and preparedness while considering the characteristics of the river basin or sub-basins. By incorporating a health-risk-analysis in the planning process, health-oriented preparation is not only aimed at improving post-flood relief efforts, but to minimise the actual impacts and decrease post flood recovery time and costs.


The present study consisted of evaluation of cultural practices and pesticides contamination level of tomato in some gardening sites in the region of Boucle du Mouhoun (Burkina Faso). A survey of phytosanitary practices among 30 producers was carried out at the Di and Dedougou sites. The pesticide contamination level of tomatoes collected was determined by the QuEChERS method. The survey revealed a low level of literacy among producers (60%), an increased use of pesticides without adequate protection materials, non-compliance with prescribed doses, use of unregistered pesticides (28%) and poor management of packaging. Chromatophic analysis of the samples detected 16 active substances predominantly organophosphorus (62%). 62.5% of detected compounds (Omethoate, Parathion methyl, Diazinon, Methydathion, Pyridaphethion, Pyrimiphos methyl, Alachlor, 2.4 DDT, lindane, permethrin and Imazalil) are not authorized by the CSP. Among authorized compounds, Dimethoate, Malathion, and Cypermetrin contamination levels higher than the MRLs have been observed. These results confirmed risks of environment contamination and sanitary of farmers and consumers linked to their exposure and consumption of tomatoes. Measures should be taken to raise awareness among market gardeners of good pesticide use practices and the adoption of alternative methods to pesticides to protect environment, gardeners and consumers health.

 Key words: Lycopersicon esculentum, pesticides, contamination, LMRs, Burkina Faso.


The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a promising catalytic process for converting syngas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide (CO)) into valuable hydrocarbons for use as fuels and fine chemicals. However, the FTS reaction is highly exothermic; hence careful process control is required to promote smooth gas flow and avoid the formation of local hot spots inside the catalyst layer. In this work, cobalt (Co)-based paper-structured catalysts with micrometer-size pores were prepared via a papermaking technique and an impregnation method. The FTS reaction was carried out using Co-containing paper composites having different Co loadings, residence times and stacking patterns to investigate the effects of the catalyst layer design on the FTS catalytic efficiency. Catalytically-active metallic Co nanoparticles were successfully synthesized inside the porous fiber networks of the flexible and easy-to-handle paper composites. An alternate stacking arrangement of five Co papers and a designated number of catalyst-free ceramic papers demonstrated higher CO conversion than stacks of the Co papers alone without ceramic spacing layers, despite the same total Co loading and gas residence time inside the catalyst layers. It was assumed that the catalyst-free ceramic papers with porous fiber networks effectively promoted the diffusion of both gas and heat during the exothermic FTS processes. Our paper-structured catalysts with a unique porous architecture allowed fine-tuning of the catalyst layers by stacking the various paper composites. These results are expected to advance catalytic FTS process engineering.


The key factor of providing good performance for any electronic device is by eliminating unwanted reflections those lead to waste energy and, therefore, affect circuit stability. This is done by finding an approach to match both of the circuit's input and output to other in-between connected elements. Amplifiers fall within this category, in this paper, our target is to match the BFR92A transistor to 50ohms input and output loads to achieve 11dB gain at 1.5GHz with 100MHz of bandwidth that it can be used for RF low noise amplifiers. In this research, different approaches were used to utilize and achieve our work requirements by, primarily, using Micro-Wave Office software (M.W.O) to calculate S-Parameters and simulate the amplifier performance. In the first design approach, intermediate line and quarter-wave plate have been used and the results are accurately discussed. Another way to design was by utilizing the stub lines to get preferred gain and bandwidth and, then, comparison has made between both approach's results to examine which is better to use.


Animating natural human motion in dynamic environments is difficult because of complex geometric and physical interactions. Simulation provides an automatic solution to parts of this problem, but it needs control systems to produce lifelike motions. This paper describes the systematic computation of controllers that can reproduce a range of locomotion styles in interactive simulations. Given a reference motion that describes the desired style, a derived control system can reproduce that style in simulation and in new environments. Because it produces high-quality motions that are both geometrically and physically consistent with simulated surroundings, interactive animation systems could begin to use this approach along with more established kinematic methods.


Background: Individuals underrecruited in diabetes studies include those not seen by an endocrinologist and those from rural, low socioeconomic, and racial/ethnic minority groups. Project ECHO Diabetes aimed to recruit historically excluded participants with insulin-requiring diabetes.
 Objective: The purpose of this descriptive analysis is to outline and evaluate our recruitment efforts at 9 sites affiliated with the University of Florida.
 Results: In total, 340 participants with type 1 diabetes and 1225 participants with type 2 diabetes were eligible and approached for recruitment. Local community health centers were funded to recruit for and participate in Project ECHO. Participants were contacted on average 2 times (range 1-13 times) to finalize a consent disposition: Yes, No, or No Response (Table 1) . For those individuals who we categorized as "No Response," the most common reason was lack of reliable contact information.
 Conclusions: Recruiting historically underrepresented populations is feasible with repeated touch points. Funding the partnerships with community health centers, who have the trust of the local community and are equipped to address local needs, was key in our recruitment strategy. Language, a common exclusion criteria and barrier to diverse recruitment, was overcome through multi-lingual study staff.

 A.Addala: None. X.Roque: None. L.Figg: None. C.Anez-zabala: None. C.Clark: None. R.Lal: Advisory Panel; Provention Bio, Inc., Consultant; Abbott Diabetes, Biolinq, Capillary Biomedical, Inc., Deep Valley Labs, Gluroo, Morgan Stanley, Tidepool. M.J.Haller: Advisory Panel; SAB Biotherapeutics , Consultant; MannKind Corporation, Sanofi. D.M.Maahs: Advisory Panel; Abbott Diabetes, Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Consultant; Aditx Therapeutics, Inc., Biospex. A.F.Walker: None.

 The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust


The R package compareGroups provides functions meant to facilitate the construction of bivariate tables (descriptives of several variables for comparison between groups) and generates reports in several formats (LATEX, HTML or plain text CSV). Moreover, bivariate tables can be viewed directly on the R console in a nice format. A graphical user interface (GUI) has been implemented to build the bivariate tables more easily for those users who are not familiar with the R software. Some new functions and methods have been incorporated in the newest version of the compareGroups package (version 1.x) to deal with time-to-event variables, stratifying tables, merging several tables, and revising the statistical methods used. The GUI interface also has been improved, making it much easier and more intuitive to set the inputs for building the bivariate tables. The ?rst version (version 0.x) and this version were presented at the 2010 useR! conference (Sanz, Subirana, and Vila 2010) and the 2011 useR! conference (Sanz, Subirana, and Vila 2011), respectively. Package compareGroups is available from the Comprehensive R Archive Network at http://CRAN.R-project.org/package=compareGroups.


Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at risk for academic failure. Although studies have evaluated the effects of medication on academic outcomes, the literature on non-medication interventions has not received equal attention. This review examined 41 studies that evaluated the impact of non-medication interventions on the academic functioning of students with ADHD. The findings revealed that a broad range of traditional and nontraditional interventions has been used to improve students' academic outcomes, yet systematic lines of research were clearly missing. Moreover, important demographic and descriptive information, such as participant characteristics and classroom settings, were often poorly defined and generally did not reflect the current population of students with ADHD. Despite some indications of promise, significant limitations in the literature allow for few conclusions about intervention effects and generalization. Further systematic research is needed to determine which academic intervention methods hold the most promise for children and youth with ADHD.