Heterogeneous computing come with tremendous potential and is a leading candidate for scientific applications that are becoming more and more complex. Accelerators such as GPUs whose computing momentum is growing faster than ever offer application performance when compute intensive portions of an application are offloaded to them. It is quite evident that future computing architectures are moving towards hybrid systems consisting of multi-GPUs and multi-core CPUs. A variety of high-level languages and software tools can simplify programming these systems. Directive-based programming models are being embraced since they not only ease programming complex systems but also abstract low-level details from the programmer. We already know that OpenMP has been making programming CPUs easy and portable. Similarly, a directive-based programming model for accelerators is OpenACC that is gaining popularity since the directives play an important role in developing portable software for GPUs. A combination of OpenMP and OpenACC, a hybrid model, is a plausible solution to port scientific applications to heterogeneous architectures especially when there is more than one GPU on a single node to port an application to. However OpenACC meant for accelerators is yet to provide support for multi-GPUs. But using OpenMP we could conveniently exploit features such as for and section to distribute compute intensive kernels to more than one GPU. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this hybrid approach with some case studies in this paper.


Ten dispersion relations due to dielectric fluctuations are derived for electromagnetic radiation whose two-point correlation is written as a product of two functions, one in space and the other in time. The time part is assumed to be a Markov process, and five different spatial-correlation functions are considered. The dispersion relations derived are applied to calculate frequency and wave-number dispersions for the irradiance of a monochromatic beam that is used to excite selectively a host species in a solid.


This paper takes wine quality evaluation as the research object, establishes the analysis and evaluation model of wine quality, and explores the influence of physical with chemical indicators of wine grapes and wine on the wine quality. Firstly, the Mann-Whitney U test is used to analyze the wine evaluation results of the two wine tasters, and it is found that the significant difference between the two is small. Then this paper uses the Cronbach Alpha coefficient method to analyze the credibility of the two groups of data. It is found that the credibility of the first group of wine scores is significantly greater than that of the second group and the white wine scores are more reliable than the red wine. Therefore, the first set of data and white wine can be applied for follow-up studies. Next, the principal component analysis is used to extract the main indicators and calculate the factor coefficients as the Ward method in cluster analysis is used to classify the wine into four grades according to the quality score of the wine. Then, based on the extracted principal components that is physical with chemical indicators, this paper does the multiple linear regression analysis of wine quality, and takes the influence of aromatic substances on the aroma of wine in physical with chemical indicators as an example. Regression analysis shows that there is a positive correlation linear relationship between the scores of the aroma of wine and C2H6O, C6H12O2, C3H8O, C11H24, C7H12O2, C5H10O2 and C10H16. It can be judged that the aromatic substances in the wine such as C2H6O have a regular influence on the odor of the wine, and it is inferred that other physical and chemical properties have a similar regular relationship with the wine quality. This provides an effective reference for the analysis and evaluation of wine quality by using physical with chemical indicators such as aromatic substances in wine in the future.


: The cytomorphology of lipid inclusions of Caryophanon latum and Caryophanon tenue was studied in the course of their growth on a solid medium. The paper presents a detailed scheme and microphotographs showing cytomorphological changes in the inclusions of the cultures under study. Staining of the preparations with the lipophilic dye Sudan Black B revealed two types of sudanophilic granules which varied in their location within trichomes, the time at which they appeared in bacteria, and their behaviour toward solvents. These lipid inclusions of Caryophanon are mainly represented by the polymer poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid.


This project is a digital photo representation of ocular histology slides, chosen to represent the basic ocular anatomy course as taught at Pacific University College of Optometry. The purpose of this project is to facilitate the study of ocular histology without requiring access to a microscope and histology slides, or to an internet connection. This Microsoft Powerpoint presentation was prepared by topic using digital photos of the ocular histology slides at Pacific University. These photos were taken through the microscope with a four megapixil Olympus digital camera. Multiple photos were taken of each view of interest, and the best representations of given areas were included in the powerpoint presentation. Many of the photos were of sufficient quality that they were requested for use by Dr. Lee Ann Remington O.D .. Twenty-nine of the images were reproduced in the second edition (2005) ofher textbook: Clinical Anatomy of the Visual System. The series of powerpoint presentations, in their varying forms of evolution, have been freely available to students and faculty at Pacific University over the past two years through access to the College of Optometry Web-based server, Victoria. I have received feedback from several first year students. The program was used to assist their study of the laboratory portion of the ocular anatomy course at Pacific University. Those who used the program particularly liked the formatting and accessibility of the images. They were able to view and print the images while studying on personal computers. I have received other feedback noting the convenience of being able to make a single download and having the information on hand, particularly from students without internet access at home. While appreciated by the target audience for which the program was intended, there have been several critiques that the project is redundant. The information provided is viewed in the laboratory portion of the anatomy course, or available through several optometric and ophthalmologic university websites or publications. While this is true, it doesn't take into consideration the benefit to the projected users of the program; namely the ability to study regardless of microscope access or internet availability. Also to be considered is that several of the images are now available in Dr. Remington's new textbook, however I view this as an endorsement rather than a detraction from this thesis project. RETINA HISTOLOGY SLIDES An Optometric Thesis project by Neil VanderHorst Ocular Anatomy Histology Powerpoint Presentation An Optometric Thesis project by Neil VanderHorst Advised by Lee Ann Remington, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O. Pacific University College of Optometry Doctor of Optometry Degree Submitted October 2005


Purpose: The main aim of this paper was to show different approaches to sustainable consumption and to assess the level of sustainable consumption awareness among young consumers in Poland. The goal is associated with specific objectives, which include showing the effects that consumers and consumption have on socioeconomic development, identifying factors determining consumer behavior, and assessing the impact of sustainable consumption patterns on consumer behavior. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article is based on theoretical considerations supported by the results of own research, presenting tendencies and phenomena in the consumer behavior of young consumers characteristic of sustainable consumption. A survey with the CAWI questionnaire has been used to demonstrate the determinants of this phenomenon. An empirical study was conducted in January 2020. Findings: The results of the survey are showing that young consumers declared behaviors in line with eco-consumption, consisting mainly of re-using of product packaging, shopping in an eco- and intelligent way, purchase and consumption of so-called ecological goods, choosing products coming from their own country. This indicates the awareness of sustainable consumption patterns among respondents, which shows positive changes in the approach of consumers themselves. Practical Implications: The presented considerations are of great importance for practice. They constitute an indicator of which conditions influence the increase of consumption of products. The studies presented in the paper show that sustainable development aspects are not the leading purchase criteria for young consumers. Still, they are likely to remain significant brand differentiators for the buyers provided that their primary criteria for purchase are met, such as acceptable price and quality. Originality/Value: The paper presents the attitudes of young consumers towards ecological products, environmental and social issues and identifies consumer behaviors that affect consumption sustainability. Over the recent years, sustainable consumption has been more and more covered by scientific research. The attitude of young consumers in this subject is of high importance. For that reason, the subject requires a joint approach with the inclusion of enterprises, governments, and consumers.


Research on the relationship between acute physical activity and cognition in children has often found beneficial effects of exercise on a variety of cognitive abilities. One domain that remains underexplored, however, is the relationship between exercise and long-term memory in children, and in particular whether the general-domain effects observed in previous studies could translate to a school-based learning activity, such as vocabulary learning. To address this issue, this study focused on the possible effects that a bout of moderate, aerobic physical activity could have on the immediate and delayed recall of newly acquired word forms and formmeaning connections of children in a school setting. In line with previous research, the results show a positive effect of exercise, but only for word form recall. This study expands our understanding of the differential effects of exercise on memory, while raising questions regarding the possible moderating influence of gender and memory consolidation.


A highly efficient mirrorless OPO tunable in the mid-infrared around 2 μm has been developed and characterized in an original pumping configuration comprising a tunable high power hybrid Ytterbium laser MOPA (Master Oscillator Power Amplifier) in the nanosecond regime. The hybrid pump laser is based on a fiber laser seeder continuously tunable over several GHz at 1030 nm, which is shaped in the time domain with acousto-optic modulators (AOM), and power amplified in a dual stage Ytterbium doped fiber amplifiers, followed by two Yb:YAG bulk amplifiers. The pump delivers up to 3.5 mJ of energy within narrowband 15 ns pulses with a 5 kHz repetition rate. The output was focused into Periodically Poled KTP (PPKTP) crystals with a quasi-Phase Matching (QPM) period of 580 nm, producing Backward Optical Parametric Oscillation (BWOPO), with a forward signal wave at 1981 nm and a backward traveling idler at 2145 nm. We report significant optical to optical efficiencies exceeding 70 % depending on crystal length and input power. As theoretically expected, the forward wave could be continuously tuned over 10 GHz following the pump frequency sweep, while the backward wave remains almost stable, both being free from mode hops. These properties obtained from an optical arrangement without free-space cavities are attractive for future space Integrated Path Differential Absorption (IPDA) Lidar applications, which require robust and efficient tunable frequency converters in the mid-infrared. Additional presentation content can be accessed on the supplemental content page.


The goal of Philosophy of Science after Feminism is to provide the blueprint for a philosophy of science more socially engaged and socially responsible than the philosophy of science we have now, a philosophy of science that can help to promote a science more socially engaged and socially responsible than the science we have now. A central part of this venture is the ideal of socially responsible science, an ideal that evokes a set of interrelated concerns in the minds (and comments) of John Dupré, Kristina Rolin, Miriam Solomon, and Ron Giere. In this paper I set out to answer these concerns and make explicit exactly what is in the offing if I have succeeded.


Our understanding of modern authoritarianism lacks a satisfying explanation for the genuine popularity of autocrats. While most of the literature on authoritarianism focuses on coercion, institutional manipulation, or clientelism, many contemporary autocrats clearly enjoy enthusiastic support even in times of economic stagnation or decline. We argue that part of the solution lies in unpacking the role of emotions in building support for rulers. Drawing on a unique panel survey conducted shortly before and after Russia's annexation of Crimea, we discover that the resulting "rally" around the authoritarian flag involves much more than simply support for the leader or a simple increase in nationalism. Rather, we witness a broad shift in respondents' emotional orientation. Driven by the shared experience of the Crimean "moment," this shift improves people's evaluation of their social, political, and economic surroundings in the present, the future—and even the past. The result is a new explanation of the nonmaterial means through which autocrats may succeed in bolstering their legitimacy.


Based upon social cognitive theory, this study explores the effect of personal and environment factors on Wechat user's continuous intention to use various functions. Online survey is used to collect data from the WeChat users. The results confirms that some personal factors (relationship benefit and performance benefit) have a positive effect on intention to use, while image does not have significant effect. Besides, three social environmental factors, the popularity of WeChat, subjective norm and company guarantee, all have significant impacts. Furthermore, we find that environmental factors' effects are stronger than personal factors. Finally, we propose our theoretical and practical implications according to the findings of this study.


This paper presents a simple and effective Genetic Algorithm (GA) for the two-stage capacitated facility location problem (TSCFLP). The TSCFLP is a typical location problem which arises in freight transportation. In this problem, a single product must be transported from a set of plants to meet customers demands, passing out by intermediate depots. The objective is to minimize the operation costs of the underlying two-stage transportation system thereby satisfying demand and capacity constraints of its agents. For this purpose, a GA is proposed and computational results are reported comparing the heuristic results with those obtained by two state-of-the-art Lagrangian heuristics proposed in the literature for the problem. 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


To address the communication bottleneck problem in distributed optimization within a master-worker framework, we propose LocalNewton, a distributed second-order algorithm with local averaging . In LocalNewton, the worker machines update their model in every iteration by finding a suitable second-order descent direction using only the data and model stored in their own local memory. We let the workers run multiple such iterations locally and communicate the models to the master node only once every few (say L ) iterations. LocalNewton is highly practical since it requires only one hyperparameter, the number L of local iterations. We use novel matrix concentration based techniques to obtain theoretical guarantees for LocalNewton, and we validate them with detailed empirical evaluation. To enhance practicability, we devise an adaptive scheme to choose L , and we show that this reduces the number of local iterations in worker machines between two model syn-chronizations as the training proceeds, successively refining the model quality at the master. Via exten-sive experiments using several real-world datasets with AWS Lambda workers and an AWS EC2 master, we show that LocalNewton requires fewer than 60% of the communication rounds (between master and workers) and less than 40% of the end-to-end running time, compared to state-of-the-art algorithms, to reach the same training loss.


Data acquisition speed is an inherent problem of stepped-frequency continuous-wave (SFCW) radars, which may discourage further usage and development of this technology. We propose an emerging paradigm called compressed sensing (CS) to overcome this problem. In CS, a signal can be reconstructed exactly based on only a few samples below the Nyquist rate. Accordingly, the data acquisition speed can be increased significantly. A novel design of an SFCW ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with high acquisition speed is proposed and evaluated. Simulation by a monocycle waveform and actual measurement by a vector network analyzer at a GPR test range indicate the applicability of the proposed system.


Canadian law lacks a robust "regulatory takings" doctrine, a phenomenon partially explained by Canada's unique constitutional backdrop. Some Canadian provinces have statutes that provide greater protection for certain property rights. Canada also has international trade obligations that require it to protect foreign investors' property rights. The only indirect recognition and remuneration of regulatory takings is encompassed in a longstanding interpretive presumption in favor of compensation in situations involving expropriation. Yet, despite all of these safeguards to protect property rights from regulatory takings and despite recent developments in regulatory takings jurisprudence, property rights receive minimal protection under Canadian law.


Anthocyanins are natural pigments that could be involved in various health effects. Red oranges are an important dietary source of anthocyanins, including cyanidin 3-glucoside (Cy 3-glc) and an acylated derivative, cyanidin 3-(600-malonyl)-glucoside (Cy 3-malglc). The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption and metabolism of red orange anthocyanins in rats fed an anthocyanin-enriched diet for 12 d (approximately 2·8 μmol anthocyanins/d). Furthermore, the absorption of these anthocyanins was studied in both the stomach and intestine using in situ models in rats. Anthocyanin metabolites were identified and quantified by HPLC–electrospray ionization tandem MS and HPLC–diode array detection, respectively. The red orange anthocyanins, Cy 3-glc and Cy 3-malglc, as well as their respective methylated derivatives, were recovered in urine after red orange juice intake. The 24 h urinary excretion of total anthocyanins was low (0·081 (SEM 0·009) % of the ingested amount). However, a high proportion (about 20 %) of red orange anthocyanins was absorbed from the stomach. More Cy 3- malglc than Cy 3-glc was absorbed in the intestine. This study thus indicated that red orange juice anthocyanins were rapidly absorbed from both stomach and small intestine, and then excreted in the urine as intact and methylated forms. Moreover, the absorption and metabolism of acylated anthocyanins and non-acylated anthocyanins were similar.


Stroke patients suffer impairments including sensory, motor, visual, and cognitive areas, as well as gait and balance manifestations making activities of daily living difficult. In such conditions, virtual reality training can be a potential rehabilitation tool in comparison to conventional physical therapy to cater to the burden of this disability; hence, this randomized clinical trial compared the effects of virtual reality training and conventional physical therapy on balance and lower extremity function in stroke patients. /e sample of 68 poststroke participants from Kanaan Physical /erapy and Spine Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan, were divided into N� 34 cases each using the lottery method with one group given virtual reality training and the other received conventional physical therapy. Each group received 60 minutes intervention, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. /e Berg balance scale and the Fugl-Meyer assessment-lower extremity scale were employed for data collection preintervention, immediate postintervention, and 6 weeks postintervention. /e statistically significant differences between virtual reality and conventional physical therapy groups for the Berg Balance score (p< 0.001), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA)-lower extremity domains of FMAmotor function (p< 0.001), FMA-joint pain, and joint range (p< 0.001); however, there is no significant difference (p � 0.202) for time vs. group interaction and significant (p< 0.001) for the time main effect for FMA sensation. Hence, virtual reality training is more effective to restore balance and lower extremity function compared to conventional physical therapy in stroke patients. /e results of the study have significant implications for the clinicians with better case management enhancing quality of life of patients along with the dearth of local literature, thus providing base for future research from a developing country's perspective.


Abstract Pimobendan is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor and calcium sensitizer with inotropic, lusitropic, and rasodilator properties used in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The mechanism of action is by inhibition of PDE III and V and by increasing intracellular calcium sensitivity in the cardiac myocardium. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies have been published in humans, dogs, and cats, but there are no studies in avian species. Pimobendan has been used in birds at the empirical dosage of 0.25 mg/kg q12h. To determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of pimobendan in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis), 3 pilot studies with 2 birds, each receiving 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg PO, provided the basis for the pivotal trials with 6 birds, each receiving 10 mg/kg PO using 2 different suspensions. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 18 hours after drug administration. Plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) by use of electrospray ionization. Because of the erratic and low concentrations of pimobendan, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using naive averaged analysis. Plasma concentrations after commercial pimobendan tablet suspension at 10 mg/kg reached a Cmax of 8.26 ng/mL at 3 hours with a terminal half-life of 2.1 hours, while concentrations after the bulk chemical suspension reached a Cmax of 1.28 ng/mL at 12 hours and had a terminal half-life of 2.3 hours. Further studies evaluating the effect of oral pimobendan in parrots are needed.


In this licentiate thesis, I consider debris disks from an observational, astronomical viewpoint, but also discuss a potential astrobiological application. Debris disks are essentially disks of dust and rocks around main-sequence stars, analogue to the Kuiper- or the asteroid belt in our solar system. Their observation and theoretical modeling can help to constrain planet formation models and help in the understanding of the history of the solar system. After a general introduction into the field of debris disks and some basic debris disk physics, the thesis concentrates on the observation of gas in debris disks. The possible origins of this gas and its dynamics are discussed and it is considered what it can tell us about the physical conditions in the disk and possibly about the dust composition. In this way, the paper associated with this thesis (dealing with the gas in the β Pic debris disk) is set into context. More in detail, we observed the CII emission originating from the carbon-rich β Pic disk with Herschel HIFI and attempted to constrain the spatial distribution of the gas from the shape of the emission line. This is necessary since the gas production mechanism is currently unknown, but can be constraint by obtaining information about the spatial profile of the gas. The last part of the thesis describes our preliminary studies of the possibility of a debris disk containing biomarkers, created by a giant impact on a life-bearing exoplanet.


Objective The exact role of angiotensinogen (AGT) in vascular remodeling has yet to be determined. In the present study, we examined the effects of reducing plasma AGT by intravenous injections with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) against AGT targeted to the liver on vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Design and methods The ODNs against rat AGT were coupled to asialoglycoprotein (ASOR) carrier molecules, which serve as an important method for regulating liver gene expression. Male SHRs (n = 18) and age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (n = 4) were used for this study. All animals were fed a standard rat diet throughout the experiment. At 10 weeks of age, the SHRs were divided into three groups (n = 6); systolic blood pressure (SBP) was similar in each group. The control group received saline, the sense group was injected with the sense ODN complex and the antisense group was injected with the antisense ODN complex. WKY rats were fed for the same period of time. The ASOR-poly(L)lysine-ODN complex was injected into the tail veins twice a week. Results At the end of the treatment, a reduction in AGT mRNA levels in the liver and plasma AGT was observed only in the animals injected with antisense ODNs. Antisense ODNs significantly reduced the plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) concentrations to levels similar to those observed in WKY rats. Antisense ODNs significantly reduced the SBP (180.7 ± 4.4 mmHg) and media cross-sectional areas of the aorta (1.11 ± 0.02 mm2), which were still larger than those seen in WKY rats (140.3 ± 2.1 mmHg, 0.84 ± 0.02 mm2), compared with the SHRs injected with sense ODNs (225.2 ± 4.4 mmHg, 1.24 ± 0.02 mm2) and control SHRs (223.7 ± 4.8 mmHg, 1.25 ± 0.02 mm2). The aortic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and collagen concentrations, which were significantly higher than those seen in WKY rats, did not significantly change among the SHR groups. The aortic AGT, ACE, angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor and angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor mRNA also did not significantly change among the SHR groups. Conclusion On the basis of these findings, plasma AGT is thus considered to play a role in the development of hypertrophy of smooth muscle in the aorta of SHRs, it is thought to have only a slight effect, however, on the remodeling of the matrix tissue when the suppression of hypertension is insufficient.


The life of TiN-coated tools can be improved by a post-coating ion implantation treatment, but the mechanism by which this occurs is still not clear. Nitrogen implantation of both physical-vapor-deposited TiN and CVD TiN leads to surface softening as the dose increases, which has been attributed to amorphization. In this study a combination of transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the microstructure of implanted TiN coatings on cemented carbide for comparison with mechanical property measurements (nanoindentation, residual stress, etc.), made on the same samples. Ion implantation leads to a slight reduction in the grain size of the TiN in the implanted zone, but there is no evidence for amorphization. Surface softening is observed for physical-vapor-deposited TiN, but this is probably due to a combination of changes in surface composition and the presence of a layer of bubbles generated by the very high implantation doses used.


African American women have a lower overall incidence of breast cancer but a higher overall mortality than do white women. African American women with breast cancer present for medical care at an earlier age, with more advanced stage disease, and with higher-risk tumor biology. While the advanced stage at presentation and higher-risk tumor biology appear to account for much of the excess mortality in African American women, differences persist even after controlling for these factors. This paper discusses the factors that may contribute to differences in survival and differences in stage at diagnosis between African American and white women.


To facilitate the use of the NoC techniques an efficient design of the network interface (NI) unit that connects the switched network to the IP cores is required. In this paper, we present a new pipelined NI architecture for NoC. We introduce a new distributed buffer structure that increases area and reduces latency and jitter. The low latency and minimal jitter between packets are obtained through the separation between header and payload memories. The modular design is obtained through the separations between injection and extraction path and between IP and network sides. The latter separation allows IPs and NoC to be designed independently from each other. For evaluating the efficiency of this approach, we use AHB standard at the IP side and we use the most three used flow controls in NoC. A performance study was conducted and NI designs were synthesized with ST 0.13μm CMOS technology using High speed library. Experimental results show that the proposed NIs allow better results in terms of latency, area and dissipated power relatively to the current published state-of-the art NI architectures.


Beyond realising the right of children and young people to be heard in routine interactions, there is much scope for research with (rather than on) children. This is particularly pertinent in the field of inclusive education where there is potential for the voice of children and young people to be a lever for change and to promote inclusive practice. South African inclusion research has, however, given little attention to the perspectives and experiences of children and young people. In advocating for research to listen to the voice of insiders – children who have experienced inclusion and exclusion, this paper explores the dilemma of inclusion research. Selecting some children to participate in inclusion research on the basis of disability or other marker of difference undermines the inclusive endeavour. But without their perspective, we may never expose excluding and marginalising practices and attitudes, even within inclusive contexts. Four research initiatives which highlight this dilemma are described, concluding that the dilemma is unresolvable, but that the ongoing debate is valuable. Ultimately the call is for research that is both participatory and emancipatory, resulting in the reduction of exclusionary cultures and practices and the inclusion of young voices in the discourse that produces inclusion knowledge.


The regular graph of ideals of the commutative ring $R$, denoted by ${\Gamma_{reg}}(R)$, is a graph whose vertex set is the set of all non-trivial ideals of $R$ and two distinct vertices $I$ and $J$ are adjacent if and only if either $I$ contains a $J$-regular element or $J$ contains an $I$-regular element. In this paper, it is proved that the radius of $\Gamma_{reg}(R)$ equals $3$. The central vertices of $\Gamma_{reg}(R)$ are determined, too.


Research was conducted from February to May, 2017 for socioeconomic assessment on maize production and adoption of open pollinated improved maize varieties in Dang district of Nepal. Altogether, 100 samples were taken by simple random sampling from the major maize growing areas and relevant publications were reviewed. Focal Group Discussion and Key Informant Survey were also done. Descriptive statistics, unpaired t-test, probit regression and indexing were used for data analysis using statistical tools- SPSS, STATA and MS-Excel. Probit econometric model revealed that ethnicity (1% level), gender (5% level), area under open pollinated improved maize (1% level), seed source dummy (1 % level) and number of visits by farmers to agrovet (5% level) significantly determined the adoption of open pollinated improved maize varieties. In addition, unpaired t-test revealed that the productivity of open pollinated improved maize varieties was significantly higher (at 1% level) than local; also, the multinational companies' hybrids showed significantly higher productivity (at 1% level) when compared to open pollinated improved varieties. Furthermore, indexing identified- lack of availability of quality seeds and fertilizers (I= 0.86) as the major problem associated with the maize production. Giving aggressive subsidy on open pollinated improved seeds and dealership to registered agrovets for selling the subsidy seeds could enhance the adoption. Moreover, government organizations working in the areas of agricultural extension and research must focus on adoption of open pollinated improved maize varieties among the farmers, substituting the local and developing the high yielding hybrid varieties in Nepal to increase the maize productivity.


Immigration is a growing flow in Italy. Also specific health needs could be imported. We focused on cancer. A systematic search for literature in PubMed was performed on 10th March 2016, limited to articles published between 1st March 1996 and 1st March 2016. Papers were reviewed focusing on: specific risks, prevention and care. Cancer incidence is generally lower for immigrants than for natives, also for the health immigrant effect. However, cancers with an infective etiology may have, among some groups of immigrants, a great relevance. Primary or secondary cancer prevention could be greatly improved among immigrants. Moreover, another specific aspect of immigration is at seeking cancer care for children. Specific preventive strategies should be customized for immigrants to get higher compliance, e.g. for those at high risk for cervical cancers. Moreover, the capability of the Italian health system to cope more comprehensively with sick immigrated children and their families should be improved.


Abstract Sol-gel deposited Pb(Ti,Zr)O3 thin films have been used to integrate pyroelectric arrays on silicon. The arrays of 1×12 (element size of 600 × 1100 mm2) and 1×50 elements (element size of 140 × 1100 mm2) are fabricated by standard photolithography techniques on top of a SiO2/Si3N4 buffer layer which acts as a thermally insulating membrane after micromachining of the silicon. The devices have been characterized using a large aperture blackbody radiation source operating at 423 K. Its radiation is focussed by an infrared optics onto a single element and provides a power density of 67 W/m2. A voltage responsivity of 460 V/W at a chopping frequency of 1 Hz is achieved. The frequency dependencies of the obtained current and voltage responsitivities allow to deduce the thermal and electrical time constants which are compared to thermal finite element calculations and the electrical circuit model.


The migration of parents is believed to be for the sake of children and families left behind. However, its impact on children left behind has been overlooked in Southern Wollo, Ethioipia. The impact of parental migration on the education and behavioral outcomes of children left behind has to be investigated in the migration-prone area. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the migration of parent(s) on the education and behavioral outcomes of children left behind. A total of 622 children of migrating parents and children living with both parents were selected for this study. Data were gathered by using a strength and difficulty questionnaire (SDQ) from children of non-migrating parents and children whose either one or both parents migrated abroad in two weredas of southern Wollo, Ethiopia through the use of a stratified sampling method. Morover18 teachers were selected for an interview and focus group discussion to explore their perception of the influence of migration on the education and literacy of children. The results found that the mean score of LBC with parental migration was 15.86 (SD= 3.18) as compared to children living with intact families with a mean score of 12.06 (SD=3.20). The results of the study demonstrated that a significant mean difference was found between children of migrating parents and children living with both parents (F(1,620)= 219.25, p.01). Interview and FGD results also demonstrated that children experienced isolation, longing, sadness, and lack of motivation in schooling following their parents' migration. To mitigate the problem families, government, and non-government organizations that have a stake in children's well-being and education that can be affected by migration should discharge their responsibilities accordingly. It is necessary to look at the hidden costs of parental migration on children left behind.


OFDM is a promising technique for supporting cooperative transmission in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). To achieve a large diversity gain for combating fast time-varying and frequency-selective fading as well as tolerating imperfect synchronization among mobile nodes, we propose an asynchronous cooperative transmission scheme using distributed unitary space-frequency coded OFDM (USFC-OFDM), which has a lower decoding complexity with no need for any channel estimation and can provide better reliability and robustness when nodes move fast. A TDMA-based cooperative medium access control (CMAC) mechanism and an on-demand cooperative routing protocol are also proposed to support the USFC-OFDM scheme. Through simulation results, we show that the proposed USFC-OFDM scheme can significantly improve the network performance in terms of packet delivery ratio and bit error rate in highly dynamic MANET environments.


Background In The Central Region we are now in the process of building a new hospital. The hospital intends to supply the wards with ready to use drugs and our primary task is to design a facility with sufficient capacity to meet their future demands. The hospital pharmacy made a business case investigating the costs/benefits of buying and operating a syringe filler at the pharmacy, focusing on the top 10 most commonly used injectable drugs. Purpose The primary purpose of the business case was to estimate the requirements for capacity needed at the pharmacy regarding personnel, equipment and production facilities. The secondary purpose was to estimate the running costs of production, following regulations of EU-GMP rules concerning production, batch release and stability testing. Material and methods We had four inputs to take into account: (1) baseline data from the wards; (2) fluctuation in daily use; (3) economy regarding production with longer shelf-life; and (4) new technology (equipment, usable syringes). On the basis of the first two inputs, knowledge about production time of prefilled syringes, need for facilities, personnel, equipment and stability data were calculated as an initial investment and running costs per year. Results We calculated an annual production requirement of 120 000 prefilled syringes using a semi-automated machine to transfer it into syringes. This amount of syringes demands 9 full years' work for 1 person. The initial investment cost amounts to €540 000 and the running costs to €975 000 a year. Conclusion Based on the results, the hospital board has found the concept very interesting, but cannot currently meet the monetary requirement for investment. References and/or acknowledgements Pharmacy technicians Ursula Beeck, Lone Handberg, Birgit Hein and Mette Marie Dam Jacobsen, clinical pharmacist Charlotte Arp, and others. Niels Linde Laursen. No conflict of interest


Teach For America (TFA), a non-profit organization that recruits top-performing recent college graduates and professionals into two-year teaching commitments in low-income urban and rural public school districts, remains a hot topic of research and debate in the education sector. With this dissertation, I explore how TFA is actively preparing its recruits (via its preand in-service support practices) for long-term investments in educational change, both inside the classroom and beyond. I do so via interviews with five TFA alumni (four identified by TFA and one by social media) who are no more than three years removed from the program and who taught in one of two cities in a southeastern state. The interpretive work was informed by my commitments to postcritical ethnography, which seeks to interrogate contexts of power, while at the same time taking seriously issues associated with positionality, reflexivity, objectivity, and representation. The participants shared that educational inequity, service, and career uncertainty/exploration were motivating factors in their decisions to apply to TFA, thus suggesting that TFA has been successful in its attempts to attract service-minded individuals who might not have had an early interest in education. Regarding their pre-service training, the participants all spoke about its intensity, and some described feeling that their training was inadequate. This preparation was supplemented by in-service support and training that was typically provided by TFA staff, alumni, and fellow TFA recruits (as opposed to school-based supports), thus revealing a distinct level of TFA-based insularity. Regarding their post-service activities, all the participants remain in education in some capacity, something that is actively encouraged and facilitated by TFA. However, their continued involvement in education is typically beyond the original placement schools, thus suggesting that TFA and the placement schools could do more to keep corps members teaching in their placement schools, although this


Disordered structures of boron nitride (BN), graphite, boron carbide (BC), and boron carbon nitride (BCN) systems are considered important precursor materials for synthesis of superhard phases in these systems. However, phase transformation of such materials can be achieved only at extreme pressure–temperature conditions, which is irrelevant to industrial applications. Here, the phase transition from disordered nanocrystalline hexagonal (h)BN to superhard wurtzitic (w)BN was found at room temperature under a pressure of 6.7 GPa after applying large plastic shear in a rotational diamond anvil cell (RDAC) monitored by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. However, under hydrostatic compression to 52.8 GPa, the same hBN sample did not transform to wBN but probably underwent a reversible transformation to a high-pressure disordered phase with closed-packed buckled layers. The current phase-transition pressure is the lowest among all reported direct-phase transitions from hBN to wBN at room temperature. Usually, large plastic straining leads to disordering and amorphization; here, in contrast, highly disordered hBN transformed to crystalline wBN. The mechanisms of strain-induced phase transformation and the reasons for such a low transformation pressure are discussed. Our results demonstrate a potential of low pressure–room temperature synthesis of superhard materials under plastic shear from disordered or amorphous precursors. They also open a pathway of phase transformation of nanocrystalline materials and materials with disordered and amorphous structures under extensive shear.


Bagging is a simple yet effective design which combines multiple single learners to form an ensemble for prediction. Despite its popular usage in many real-world applications, existing research is mainly concerned with studying unstable learners as the key to ensure the performance gain of a bagging predictor, with many key factors remaining unclear. For example, it is not clear when a bagging predictor can outperform a single learner and what is the expected performance gain when different learning algorithms were used to form a bagging predictor. In this paper, we carry out comprehensive empirical studies to evaluate bagging predictors by using 12 different learning algorithms and 48 benchmark data-sets. Our analysis uses robustness and stability decompositions to characterize different learning algorithms, through which we rank all learning algorithms and comparatively study their bagging predictors to draw conclusions. Our studies assert that both stability and robustness are key requirements to ensure the high performance for building a bagging predictor. In addition, our studies demonstrated that bagging is statistically superior to most single base learners, except for KNN and Naïve Bayes (NB). Multi-layer perception (MLP), Naïve Bayes Trees (NBTree), and PART are the learning algorithms with the best bagging performance.


We analyze the disinflationary experience between 1979-1993 for two traditionally inflationary countries of the European Monetary System: France and Italy. For each country, a vector autoregressive model is estimated. Shocks in the model combine domestic and foreign sources. The latter capture the world oil price shocks as well as nominal and real shocks originating in Germany. Under investigation is the hypothesis that shocks originating in Germany have a spillover disinflationary effect in France and Italy. The empirical evidence provides support to the validity of this hypothesis. Furthermore, German shocks account for an important share of the total price variance in France and Italy. These results indicate that the interaction between countries of the European Monetary System has contributed to the success of the disinflationary experiences of the eighties. The evidence sheds, therefore, some light on potential benefits that may be further realized as countries of the European Monetary System move towards their objective of achieving a single currency under a unified monetary system.


OBJECTIVE
To identify factors associated with carrying out preventive activities in primary care.

DESIGN
A crossover study through a self-administered questionnaire.

SETTING
Reformed and non-reformed centres of the primary care sub-division of the Barcelona Health Region, Catalan Health Institute.

PARTICIPANTS
134 doctors from reformed centres (primary care teams) and 138 from non-reformed primary care centres (PCC).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
Doctors from the reformed centres used records to a much greater extent (75.3% as against 26.3% for tobacco consumption; 76.2% as against 27.9% for alcohol consumption). Together with the type of centre, some professional characteristics were linked to the likelihood of carrying out preventive activities. These included, in particular, professionals' high valuation of their own effectiveness and professional practices such as the habitual use of a safety belt and anti-flu injections.

CONCLUSIONS
In the reformed centres preventive activities are much more integrated. To optimise their use other important aspects, such as training in skills and improving professionals' perception of their own effectiveness, will have to be considered.


Twenty two cases of aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva managed during a 12 year period are analysed. The right coronary sinus was involved in 14 and the non-coronary sinus in eight cases. It had ruptured in 20 patients while in the other two it had produced right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction. Six patients had associated ventricular septal defect (VSD), and eight had aortic regurgitation (AR), five of these requiring aortic valve replacement (AVR). Aortocameral approach was preferred and was used in 18 patients. Recurrence had occurred in one. Surgical management and results are discussed.


Transition metal-catalysed asymmetric coupling has been established as a robust tool for constructing complex organic molecules. Although this area has been extensively studied, the development of efficient protocols to construct stereogenic centres with excellent regio- and enantioselectivities is highly desirable and remains challenging. Asymmetric transition metal catalysis with light intervention provides a practical alternative strategy to current methods and considerably expands the synthetic utility as a result of abundant feedstocks and mild conditions. This tutorial review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in transition-metal-catalysed asymmetric coupling reactions with light intervention; in particular, a concise analysis of substrate scope and the mechanistic scenarios governing stereocontrol is discussed.


It was shown recently that regions in the time-scale plane can be isolated wherein the prediction error can be attributed to the error of an individual model parameter. A necessary condition for this isolation capacity is the mutual (pairwise) identifiability of the model parameters. This paper presents conditions for mutual identifiability of parameters of linear models and refines these conditions for models that exhibit rank-1 dependency on the parameters.Copyright © 2008 by ASME


Respiratory symptoms in cystic fibrosis are both local and systemic. The local symptoms include cough, sputum, wheezing, haemoptysis and breathlessness, while systemic symptoms of malaise and fever occur with pulmonary infection. There are also interactions between respiratory and gastrointestinal systems in producing symptoms of malaise and weakness and these also contribute to the secondary psychological and social problems that a number of patients with cystic fibrosis experience. These local respiratory symptoms can be attributed in part to lung damage, but are also a manifestation of the CF defect itself. Similarly, lung damage, allergy, haemodynamic and nutritional changes all contribute to the symptom of breathlessness. Further improvement in symptoms in the future will come not only from limiting the lung damage but also from therapy aimed at reversing the CF defect Itself.


A six-point bending test was presented to simulate skin/stiffener debonding under anti-symmetrical loading conditions. A novel rig was design via which the anti-symmetrical bending deformations can be forced on to the specimens. Experimental study on six-point bending test of composite stiffened panels of T700/QY8911 was done by using this rig. The tests are numerically analyzed using the finite element code ABAQUS, modeling the entire stiffened panel by shell elements, and investigating the progressive delamination by means of the cohesive zone model. The results of numerical analyses are compared to the experimental ones in terms of load-displacement curves and debonding positions between skin and stringer. The experimental and numerical resulits show that the anti-symmetrical bending deformation is the main factor which results in the asymmetrical propagation of the debonding between the skin and the stiffener. The failure mechanisms of the test are similar to the ones which induces skin/stiffener debonding during post-buckling in the anti-symmetrical buckling mode.


Major middle-upper Paleozoic paleogeographic elements in both the northern and southern parts of the New England Fold Belt comprise a western volcanic chain, a fore-chain basin, and an eastern nonvolcanic arc-platform-trench complex. These elements developed above a west-dipping subduction zone. Temporary halts in subduction led to minor deformational episodes. During the Late Devonian period, the northern part of the belt was displaced eastward by movement on the west-northwest–striking Tenterfield Fault. Behind the displaced arc immediately north of the fault, an intra-arc basin developed. This was largely filled by sediment during the Carboniferous and was deformed at about the end of the Carboniferous period by reversal of movement on the fault. Subduction ceased throughout the belt in Early Permian time and was followed by major orogenesis. At a late stage in deformation, right-lateral movement on the Demon Fault displaced certain of the paleogeographic elements.


The polyurethane prepolymer terminated with a double bond was synthesized using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), 1,4-butanediol (BDO), and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA). Then, a series of innovative UV-curable polyurethane coatings were prepared by blending ene-terminated polyurethane, fluoroacrylate monomer, and multifunctional thiol crosslinker upon UV exposure. The incorporation of fluoroacrylate monomer and multifunctional thiols into polyurethane coatings significantly enhanced the hydrophobic property, mechanical property, pencil hardness, and glossiness of the polyurethane coatings. This method of preparing UV crosslinkable, hydrophobic polyurethane coatings based on thiol-ene chemistry exhibited numerous advantages over other UV photocuring systems.


Alan R. Spivack, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine; Associate Attending Physician, The Jewish Hospital of St Louis: A 49-year old man had a lifelong history of classic hemophilia with demonstrated factor VIII levels of 1% of normal. (Percentage of normal is determined by comparison of the patient's plasma clotting time to a curve calibrated from dilutions of known normal plasma using specific factor-deficient plasma as substrate.) 1 The patient had multiple joint and soft tissue hemorrhages, both spontaneously and secondary to trauma, for which multiple transfusions of plasma and plasma components had been given. Hepatitis was diagnosed in 1964. In 1972, a pseudotumor of the thigh was surgically resected, resulting in a difficult postoperative course due to prolonged hemorrhage. In 1974, a gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage secondary to peptic ulcer disease was successfully treated with multiple blood and plasma transfusions. Further diagnostic studies during this


This paper studies the characterization of the optimal input and the computation of the capacity of additive quadrature Gaussian mixture (GM) noise channels under an average power constraint. The considered model can be used to represent a wide variety of channels with impulsive interference, such as the well-known Bernoulli-Gaussian and Middleton class-A impulsive noise channels, as well as multiple-access interference channels and cognitive radio channels under imperfect sensing. At first, we demonstrate that there exists a unique input distribution that achieves the channel capacity, and the capacity-achieving input distribution has a uniformly distributed phase. By examining the Kuhn-Tucker alignment conditions (KTCs), we further show that, if the optimal input amplitude distribution contains an infinite number of mass points on a bounded interval, the channel output must be Gaussian-distributed. However, by using Bernstein's theorem to examine the completely monotonic condition, it is shown that the assumption of a Gaussian-distributed output is not valid. As a result, there are always a finite number of mass points on any bounded interval in the optimal amplitude distribution. In addition, by applying a novel bounding technique on the KTC and using the envelop theorem, we demonstrate that the optimal amplitude distribution cannot have an infinite number of mass points. This gives us the unique solution of the optimal input having discrete amplitude with a finite number of mass points. Given this discrete nature of the optimal input, we then develop a simple method to compute the discrete optimal input and the corresponding capacity. Our numerical examples show that, in many cases, the capacity-achieving distribution consists of only one or two mass points.


Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected after the administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) and used as the sole source of hematopoietic stem cells after myeloablative therapy with busulfan (Bu) and cyclophosphamide (Cy). These studies were performed in 12 patients with malignancies (4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 5 breast cancer, 1 testicular carcinoma, 1 Wilm's tumor, and 1 undifferentiated carcinoma) who had bone or bone marrow disease or had low marrow cellularity. rhG-CSF (16 micrograms/kg/d) was administered for 5 to 7 days by subcutaneous injection and PBMC were collected for 2 to 5 days beginning on day 4 after initiation of rhG-CSF, using continuous-flow blood-cell separators that processed 10 to 12 L of whole blood. From a median of three collections, a mean of 24.0 x 10(8) (+/- 10.5 SD) total nucleated cells/kg containing 12.6 x 10(8) (+/- 4.5 SD) mononuclear cells/kg, 7.3 x 10(6) (+/- 4.3 SD) CD34+ cells/kg and 20.5 x 10(4) (+/- 28.1 SD) granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM)/kg were harvested and cryopreserved. After the administration of Bu 14 to 17 mg/kg and Cy 120 to 150 mg/kg, PBMC were thawed and infused. One patient received rhG-CSF after the infusion of PBMC and the remaining 11 patients did not receive postinfusion growth factors. Mean days to recovery of neutrophil levels of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 x 10(9)/L were 11.4 (range, 9 to 13), 12.7 (range, 10 to 15), and 13.6 (range, 11 to 16) and the mean day to platelet transfusion independence was 13.3 (range, 7 to 49). Time to recovery of neutrophils to 0.5 and 1.0 x 10(9)/L and platelets to 20 x 10(9)/L was more rapid than in historical patients treated with Bu and Cy who received marrow alone or marrow followed by the posttransplant administration of rh-G or GM-CSF. No graft failures have been observed with a follow-up of 4 to 12 months. These results indicate that PBMC collected after rhG-CSF lead to rapid hematopoietic recovery after myeloablative chemotherapy.


Aims: To discover the reasons behind invited families' lack of engagement with a family-based childhood obesity programme in a deprived area. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 10 families who were invited to join the programme, but declined to engage. There were two distinct subgroups of participants: those who had no interest in attending the programme and those who showed initial interest yet did not continue attending. The two subgroups were analyzed separately using inductive thematic analysis, and then compared. Results: Analysis identified eight themes overall. For both groups, when the service was perceived to be not needed ('I didn't see how that would help'), the families disengaged with it. For both groups, this perception was partly related to the perceived appearance of their children: either that they were not obese ('I didn't think my son was overweight') or that they were growing into their size. There was also a similarity in both groups that they perceived that they were already following healthy lifestyles. In addition, several of the themes arising from the families who had no initial interest were related to the impact of the letter that parents received detailing the result of their child being weighed and measured at school. This angered parents ('I was disgusted'), and there was a feeling that the approach was too generic. Conclusion: This study identified a number of potential reasons behind why families may decline to engage with a childhood obesity programme in a deprived area. Across all families, if the programme was perceived as not needed, they would disengage. For those who did not engage at all, the initial communication of the child's body mass index (BMI) is crucial. Recommendations include taking a more personal and tailored approach for the initial communication and shifting the focus of the programmes onto healthier lifestyles.


: On the basis of the Verhulst-Pearl equation, a model of cultured cell growth kinetics is devised. Analysing both authors' and literature data, a possibility was shown to use the model for description of growth kinetics of different cultured cell types. The proposed method of analysis of cell growth kinetic characteristics also provides a rapid evaluation of the cell population doubling time and of the relative number of non-dividing cells in the population.


Abstract. A multi-level approach to flood frequency regionalisation is given. Based on observed flood data, it combines physical and statistical criteria to cluster homogeneous groups in a geographical area. Seasonality analysis helps identify catchments with a common flood generation mechanism. Scale invariance of annual maximum flood, as parameterised by basin area, is used to check the regional homogeneity of flood peaks. Homogeneity tests are used to assess the statistical robustness of the regions. The approach is based on the appropriate use of the index flood method (Dalrymple, 1960) in regions with complex climate and topography controls. An application to north-western Italy is presented. Keywords: homogeneity, multi-level approach, regionalisation, seasonality, scale invariance, similarity, tests


This thesis investigates the idea of designing for meditating in healing spaces in order to foster well-being. In this regard, the Rehabilitation Center of The General Hospital, in Ottawa, Ontario, has been chosen as the primary location of the project. The goal of this thesis is to design a space that can support spirituality and sustain happiness in such a way that when passing through and spending time in one such space one would feel different from when they entered. Nature has a catalyst role in the project and will be introduced into the space to settle people's mind and to realize the benefits of practicing Dharma. The project which is integrated with nature while providing a meditative environment for people to learn, contemplate, and to validate the Dharma. It also emphasizes the development of wisdom, facilitating a connection between spirituality, art, and sense of place.


A desire to recreate Minoan palaces, villas, and houses of the Late Bronze Age inspired the author of this book to undertake an eight year research program that has radically modified our conception of the appearance of Cretan dwellings. He not only interprets the use of the rooms that partially survive but reconstructs the guest suites and banquet halls of the vanished upper storeys. Written both as a preparation for a visit to Crete and as an actual guide to the sites," the book is prefaced with an account of the island's geography, history, and culture in antiquity, and packed with illustrations including photographs, plans, reconstructions, and a map of the island showing the sites.Originally published in 1987.The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.


BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor beta (TGF ) is involved in a variety of important cellular functions. The lack of TGF -dependent cell-growth control might be related to oncogenesis, as it has been shown in lung, breast, and colon carcinomas. Current observations have revealed that TGF is rather an inhibiting, not a stimulating, factor as far as malignant tumor development is concerned. Recently, however, there has been a growing number of reports on increased expression of TGF genes in certain tumors. In patients with a diagnosis of non-small-cell lung carcinoma, the tumors expressing high levels of TGF were the ones that had a higher proliferation and metastasis capability, whereas more promising were the cases with lower levels of TGF expression. MATERIAL/METHODS A pilot study of 14 patients was conducted comprising 8 patients with a low-grade lymphoma and 6 patients with a high-grade lymphoma. The QRT-PCR method was employed to assess the activity of TGF 1 and of its receptor types I, II, and III. RESULTS The expression values for TGF 1 and its receptors I, II, and III were twice as high in the group of patients with a diagnosis of high-grade lymphomas as in the group of patients diagnosed with low-grade lymphomas. CONCLUSIONS Results showed a clear difference in TGF 1 expression in patients with NHL depending on the subtype of the lymphoma, suggesting its significant role in the pathomechanism of this group of malignant diseases as well as its potential value as a prognostic factor.


Most skin defects seen in small animal patients are created either by traumatic injury or by surgical resection of a diseased area of tissue. In cats and dogs the elasticity of skin, along with the frequent presence of adjacent loose skin in many areas of the body, allows the primary closure of many wounds. However, techniques to reduce tension or to harvest skin from adjacent areas can help, in some cases, to produce a tension-free closure that is less likely to result in wound-healing complications. A working knowledge of such techniques is essential, as their required use cannot always be predicted preoperatively. In situations where primary closure was anticipated but cannot be achieved due to unforeseen circumstances, these techniques can become invaluable. Many of the techniques described in this chapter are very simple and will often be used in combination during wound reconstruction. The chapter considers Blood supply to the skin; Skin tension; Techniques to overcome skin tension; and Complications of skin flaps. Case examples: Hemimaxillectomy and transposition flap for a maxillary mass; Axillary flaps after excision of a thoracic mass. Operative techniques: Walking sutures; Skin stretching; V-Y plasty; Z-plasty; Single pedicle advancement flap; Bipedicle advancement flap; Rotation flap; Transposition flap; Axillary fold flap; Inguinal fold flap


Strategically located in downtown Denver, this state university is a popular destination for working adults and traditional students alike to get a quality education. The university's College of Business was first accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) in spring 2016. Five undergraduate programs and one graduate program in Accounting were accredited; an undergraduate program in Economics was excluded from AACSB review. Since the initial accreditation, the college added three undergraduate degree programs and a second graduate program (MBA). AACSB standards stipulate assessing general knowledge & skills and subject-specific knowledge & skills for each program. University also requires each program to conduct program assessment every year. Given this huge challenge of assessment for 11 programs that includes data collection, analysis, and planning & implementing intervention to improve student learning, the faculty team was looking for ways to improve the processes to avoid duplication and data storage for easy retrieval. This paper, the first in a twopart series, explains how this challenge is being addressed by the college. Because of six sigma approaches, a technology solution is developed.


Several of Mendelssohn9s minor-mode songs, duets, and choral songs feature a peculiar tonal move: a sudden shift takes us to the relative major (without a "modulation" proper), but the opening minor key soon returns equally abruptly (via its V). Closer examination of these pieces suggests that the composer used the major-mode excursus as a topos, whose associations include the ideas of farewell, wandering, and distance (the latter both in the geographical and chronological sense, in accordance with the shift9s quasi-modal--thus equally exotic and archaic--character). I suggest that this topos may have influenced the tonal structure of at least three large-scale Mendelssohn compositions, all of which are closely related to the same exotic and historical ideas. In the Hebrides Overture the relationship between the primary B minor and the secondary D major is (for a sonata-form movement) exceptionally equal: rather than acting as sharply contrasting tonal areas, they almost appear as two sides of the same key. The first-act finale of the unfinished opera, Die Lorelei, elaborates the original topos in another way: the E-minor-G-major kernel is extended in both directions, resulting in a chain of third-related keys, which eventually takes us back to the opening E level (now turned into major). In the light of this example, the (less complete) third-layered tonal structure of the "Scottish" Symphony may also be understood as growing out from the same miniature song topos.


SMP cluster (CLUMPs) architecture has been widely used to provide scalable high performance computers recently. One distinctive feature over traditional parallel computer architecture is its hybrid memory model, shared memory inside the node and message passing between the nodes. In this paper, we study the hybrid programming model of MPI+OpenMP on CLUMPs architecture. We analyze the implementation mechanism of MPI+OpenMP and give some suggestions about this hybrid programming model on CLUMPs. We also conduct experiments on Dawning3000 super parallel computer, which is CLUMPs architecture, and analyze the results. According to the analysis result, we drew several significant conclusions about MPI+OpenMP programming model on CLUMPs, such as the effective number of threads in one SMP node, memory bus competition and etc.


Many semiconductor products are manufactured with mature technologies involving the uses of aluminum (Al) lines and tungsten (W) vias. High resistances of the vias were sometimes observed only after electrical or thermal stress. A layer of Ti oxide was found on such a via. In the wafer processing, the post W chemical mechanical planarization (WCMP) cleaning left residual W oxide on the W plugs. Ti from the overlaying metal line spontaneously reduced the W oxide, through which Ti oxide formed. Compared with W oxide, the Ti oxide has a larger formation enthalpy, and the valence electrons of Ti are more tightly bound to the O ion cores. As a result, the Ti oxide is more resistive than the W oxide. Consequently, the die functioned well in the first test in the fab, but the via resistance increased significantly after a thermal stress, which led to device failure in the second test. The NH4OH concentration was therefore increased to more effectively remove residual W oxide, which solved the problem. The thermal stress had prevented the latent issue from becoming a more costly field failure.


The double-blind, multi-centric, cross-over, controlled acid test To the Editor: In the Journal of June 23, 1984,one of your reviewers, E.S.R. Hughes, commenting on a "Colour atlas of anterior resection of the rectum" by LockhartMummery et aI., states that the absence of mention of "modern plastic sheets" to protect the wound from contamination "hits the eye". Maybe ProfessorHughes has conducted a double-blind, multi-centric, cross-over, controlledtrial on this matter; but, until he gives us the results, he should not be so dogmatic about a relatively expensive item in support of which there is no conclusiveevidence. K.B. Orr, FRACS Belgrave Street Kogarah, NSW 2217


This paper presents a method to estimate the side resistance of a driven displacement-pipe pile in clay using the stress history and normalized soil engineering parameter (SHANSEP) concept. The side resistance is treated as an adhesion, and this adhesion is normalized to the effective overburden stress. This normalized adhesion is then related to the soil overconsolidation ratio using an adaptation of the SHANSEP concept to separate the normally consolidated behavior from the overconsolidated behavior. This approach provides a rational means of screening representative measurements of undrained shear strength from measurements that may have been affected by sample disturbance. Assessments of the soil overconsolidation ratio are developed with laboratory odometer test data and an empirical approach using laboratory undrained strength data. A database of pile load tests screened for the effects of incomplete set-up and soil-property data screened for the effects of sample disturbance is used to evaluate the normalized side resistance and the relationship of normalized side resistance to overconsolidation ratio.


Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have attracted the attention of many engineering fields and offered excellent mechanical and physical properties as polymer reinforcement. However, their application in composite products with high material demand is complex due to the current production costs. This work explores the use of cellulose microfibers (MF) obtained by a straightforward water dispersion of kraft paper to reinforce polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA) films. To assess the influence of this type of filler material on the properties of biopolymers, films were cast and reinforced at different scales, with both CNC and MF separately, to compare their effectiveness. Regarding mechanical properties, CNC has a better reinforcing effect on the tensile strength of PLA samples, though up to 20 wt.% of MF may also lead to stronger PLA films. Moreover, PHA films reinforced with MF are 23% stronger than neat PHA samples. This gain in strength is accompanied by an increment of the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the addition of MF leads to an increase in the crystallinity of PHA that can be controlled by heat treatment followed by quenching. This change in the crystallinity of PHA affects the hygroscopicity of PHA samples, allowing the modification of the water barrier properties according to the required features. The addition of MF to both types of polymers also increases the surface roughness of the films, which may contribute to obtaining better interlaminar bonding in multi-layer composite applications. Due to the partial lignin content in MF from kraft paper, samples reinforced with MF present a UV blocking effect. Therefore, MF from kraft paper may be explored as a way to introduce high fiber concentrations (up to 20 wt.%) from other sources of recycled paper into biocomposite manufacturing with economic and technical benefits.


Classification is one of the most studied subjects in machine learning. Most classification methods that were developed this last decade either account for structure (interactions, relationships) or attributes (text, numerical, etc). This leads to ignoring significant patterns in a dataset that could only be captured by analyzing the features of an item and its interactions. Collective classification methods use both structure and attributes, often by aggregating data from neighbors of a node and learning a model on the aggregated data. In social networks, the degree distribution of nodes follows a power law where few nodes have many neighbors. High degree nodes have incoming links from low degree nodes of different classes and many nodes have very few edges. Hence, using only local structure may lead to poor predictions. Also, many social networks allow for different types of interactions (retweet, reply, like, etc.) that affect classification differently. This article proposes a collective classification method that makes use of the structure of a network to determine its neighbors. It then presents experiments aimed at detecting jihadi propagandists and malware distributors on social networks.


The diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas is based on clinical, biochemical, and ultrastructural data. The different radiological modalities are employed only for localization, except in the case of nonftinctioning neoplasms, for which a differential diagnosis from adeno-carcinoma can be suggested based on the radiographic images. Generally, the initial evaluation should consist of the noninvasive studies and should be complemented by angiography and, in cases of functioning neoplasms, with pancreatic venous sampling if the preliminary findings are inconclusive. However, the localizing work-up should be terminated when the information obtained is sufficient to determine the therapy that will follow. If the ultrasonic or computed tomographic findings preclude surgical resection, further work-up is obviously unnecessary.


Sorption of ethylene oxide during and after gaseous sterilization is influenced by numerous factors. It was found that ethylene oxide desorption not only depends on material to be fumigated but also to a considerable degree on the wrapping material. Although polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), silicone, aluminum, and glass beads contained no quantities of ethylene oxide detectable by gas chromatography after 72 h of aeration, residual amounts were definitely determined, even after 76 h of aeration in polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, paper products, and compound products of various plastics and paper mixtures. Desorption was, in all cases, found to be better when a mixture of ethylene oxide and methyl formate was used instead of pure ethylene oxide.


Based on the essential equations of transversely isotropic Mechanics in rectangular coordinates, the elastic controlling equations of transversely isotropic problems is transformed into a linear Constant coefficient homogeneous state equation by using double-Laplace transform and its differential properties. Then a general method is given for transversely isotropic elastic subgrade under arbitrary loading by means of the theory of the state space. The results of this paper are close to the calculation results of the finite element method and Bossinesq, as it showing this method is feasible. This paper gives a new method for transversely isotropic elastic subgrade.


Regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) provide a framework of formal criteria to be addressed by providers of initial teacher education (ITE) but these criteria can be interpreted in many different ways. The Initial Teacher Education Research Project (ITERP) has investigated the preparation of intermediate phase (grades 4 to 6) teachers of mathematics and English at five South African universities, selected as representative of the major 'types' of institutions offering ITE. In this article we draw on our analysis of data from this research to describe and discuss the courses in mathematics and English offered by each of the five universities to student teachers specialising in mathematics or English and to 'non-specialists'. We suggest that while there are examples of excellent curriculum design and implementation, none of the universities in the study is fully addressing the challenges of teaching and learning in diverse intermediate phase classrooms. While acknowledging that answering the question "how much of what?" is particularly complex in teacher education contexts in which some students enter university with an inadequate knowledge base from which to develop content and pedagogic knowledge in a number of disciplines and inter-disciplinary fields, we offer some curriculum suggestions for teacher educators to consider.


The efficient generation of meshes is an important component in the numerical solution of problems in physics and engineering. Of interest are situations where global mesh quality and a tight coupling to the solution of the physical partial differential equation (PDE) is important. We consider parabolic PDE mesh generation and present a method for the construction of adaptive meshes in two spatial dimensions using stochastic domain decomposition that is suitable for an implementation in a multi- or many-core environment. Methods for mesh generation on periodic domains are also provided. The mesh generator is coupled to a time dependent physical PDE and the system is evolved using an alternating solution procedure. The method uses the stochastic representation of the exact solution of a parabolic linear mesh generator to find the location of an adaptive mesh along the (artificial) subdomain interfaces. The deterministic evaluation of the mesh over each subdomain can then be obtained completely independently using the probabilistically computed solutions as boundary conditions. The parallel performance of this general stochastic domain decomposition approach has previously been shown. We demonstrate the approach numerically for the mesh generation context and compare the mesh obtained with the corresponding single domain mesh using a representative mesh quality measure.


The need for efficient and scalable big-data analytics methods is more essential than ever due to the exploding size and complexity of globally emerging datasets. Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF) is a well-known explainable unsupervised learning method for dimensionality reduction, latent feature extraction, blind source separation, data mining, and machine learning. In this paper, we introduce a new distributed out-of-memory NMF method, named pyDNMF-GPU, designed for modern heterogeneous CPU/GPU architectures that is capable of factoring exascale-sized dense and sparse matrices. Our method reduces the latency associated with local data transfer between the GPU and host using CUDA streams, and reduces the latency associated with collective communications (both intra-node and inter-node) via NCCL primitives. In addition, sparse and dense matrix multiplications are significantly accelerated with GPU cores, resulting in good scalability. We set new benchmarks for the size of the data being analyzed: in experiments, we measure up to 76x improvement on a single GPU over running on a single 18 core CPU and we show good weak scaling on up to 4096 multi-GPU cluster nodes with approximately 25,000 GPUs, when decomposing a dense 340 Terabyte-size matrix and a 11 Exabyte-size sparse matrix of density 10−6. Finally, we integrate our method with an automatic model selection method. With this integration, we introduce a new tool that is capable of analyzing, compressing, and discovering explainable latent structures in extremely large sparse and dense data.


Electron microscopic studies of dynamic capillary changes demonstrated a tendency towards a progressive decrease of the diameter or a complete occlusion by thrombs. Acute disorders of microcirculation due to a bilateral ligation of common carotid arteries lead not only to different reactions of the capillaries, but to destructive changes in the capillary endothelium. As a result of the developing ischemia, hypoxia has an important pathogenetical significance in disorders of circulation, inasmuch as it exerts influence not only on the nervous tissue, but on the capillaries leading to their dysfunction, an increase of the wall permeability and oedema. The easily developing oedema in conditions of hypoxia, evokes further lesions of the brain tissue which concerns the ultrastructure of cell elements in the whole system: capillaries, glia, neuron.


Achondroplasia is the most common type of inheritant dwarfism. The diagnosis is mainly depended on clinical and plain film presentation. This study mainly focus on the characteristic presentation of plain film in achomdroplasia. We try to find the most consistent presentation and explain it through the development and growth of bone. The presentation in our 16 cases is as follows: Metaphyseal flaring 100% (16/16), Concave backs of vertebral body 100% (4/4), Short & wide tubular bone of hand & foot 85% (12/24). Square iliac bone 78% (11/14), Flare anterior end of ribs 76% (10/13), Decrease interpeduncular distance of lower L-spines 64% (9/14), Proimal < distal tubular bone 33% (5/15). Disproportionately long fibular bone 8% (1/13). We also analyze the heritant characteristics and conclude that most of achondroplasia are caused by mutation. The heritant trait is only 6%. According to bone age study, we found high percentage (31%) of delayed bone maturation.


This paper gives an overview of some of the main research findings regarding the physical health, mental health and health behaviours of looked after children. The paper begins with a child-level discussion of the health needs of looked after children, before considering some factors at the family-level, community-level and societal level which impact on the health of looked after children. The approach taken emphasises the importance of context and illustrates the need to attend to and understand the environment in which children, young people and adults are situated. The emerging implications for policy and practice have a common component in that they require an attendance to the diversity and individuality of looked after children. This is reflected in the call for more targeted data collection, robustness of research, reviews of the effectiveness of current interventions and consistent evaluation.


The aim of the study was to determine the fetal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies conceived during the inactive phase of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fetal and neonatal outcomes in 75 pregnancies of 33 patients with SLE were analyzed. In 19 patients (57.6%) the SLE also had hematological autoimmune presentations prior to gestation, such as anemia, thrombopenia, garnulocytopenia, and antiphospholipid antibody and/or lupus anticoagulant (APA). Out of 75 pregnancies, 19 elective terminations were carried out because the disease was active or for non-medical reasons. The adverse fetal outcomes of those 56 pregnancies which occurred during the inactive phase were compared with those of the control patients. In SLE, the rates of spontaneous abortions (46.4%) and newborns with low (< 2500 gr) birthweight (36.7%) were found to increase roughly three times that of the controls and the perinatal fetal loss (16.7%) also increased significantly as compared with the control group (28.5 per thousand). APA noted at any time before pregnancy increased the low birthweight rate (75%) six fold and the perinatal loss (33.3%) more than ten fold but did not affect the rate of spontaneous abortions. Any kind of hemocytopenias without APA, noted before pregnancy did not worsen the fetal outcome in SLE. Neonatal lupus was diagnosed in 2 out of the 30 newborns. Our results suggest that among the hematologic manifestations of SLE presenting before pregnancy, APA can predict the high risks of low birthweight and perinatal fetal loss as opposed to hemocytopenias.


Concentrations of minor and trace elements (Li, Rb, Sr, Ba, Fe, and Mn) in interstitial water (IW) were found in samples collected during Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 166 from Sites 1005, 1006, and 1007 on the western flank of the Great Bahama Bank (GBB). Concentrations of Li range from near-seawater values immediately below the sediment/water interface to a maximum of 250 μM deep in Site 1007. Concentrations determined during shore-based studies are substantially lower than the shipboard data presented in the Leg 166 Initial Reports volume (range of 28–439 μM) because of broad-band interferences from high dissolved Sr concentrations in the shipboard analyses. Rubidium concentrations of 1.3–1.7 μM were measured in IW from Site 1006 when salinity was less than 40 psu. A maximum of 2.5 μM is reached downhole at a salinity of 50 psu. Shipboard and shore-based concentrations of Sr2+ are in excellent agreement and vary from 0.15 mM near the sediment water interface to 6.8 mM at depth. The latter represent the highest dissolved Sr2+ concentrations observed to date in sediments cored during the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) or ODP. Concentrations of Ba2+ span three orders of magnitude (0.1–227μM). Concentrations of Fe (<0.1–14 μM) and Mn (0.1–2 μM) exhibit substantially greater fluctuations than other constituents. The concentrations of minor and trace metals in pore fluids from the GBB transect sites are mediated principally by changes in pore-water properties resulting from early diagenesis of carbonates associated with microbial degradation of organic matter, and by the abundance of detrital materials that serve as a source of these elements. Downcore variations in the abundance of detrital matter reflect differences in carbonate production during various sea-level stands and are more evident at the more proximal Site 1005 than at the more pelagic Site 1006. The more continuous delivery of detrital matter deep in Site 1007 and throughout all of Site 1006 is reflected in a greater propensity to provide trace elements to solution. Concentrations of dissolved Li+ derive principally from (1) release during dissolution of biogenic carbonates and subsequent exclusion during recrystallization and (2) release from partial dissolution of Li-bearing detrital phases, especially ionexchange reactions with clay minerals. A third but potentially less important source of Li+ is a high-salinity brine hypothesized to exist in Jurassic age (unsampled) sediments underlying those sampled during Leg 166. The source of dissolved Sr2+ is almost exclusively biogenic carbonate, particularly aragonite. Concentrations of dissolved Sr2+ and Ba2+ are mediated by the solubility of their sulfates. Barite and detrital minerals appear to be the more important source of dissolved Ba2+. Concentrations of Fe and Mn2+ in anoxic pore fluids are mediated by the relative insolubility of pyrite and incorporation into diagenetic carbonates. The principal sources of these elements are easily reduced Fe-Mn-rich phases including Fe-rich clays found in lateritic soils and aoelian dust.


The Metalock method is a mechanical joining technique most commonly employed in cracked castings of iron, aluminum and steel. The marine diesel engine designer MAN Diesel & Turbo uses the Metalock method for crack patching in large cast iron components. The service life of these components can thereby be extended, reducing both replacement costs and environmental impact. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanical behavior of the Metalock method. This was studied by full scale testing, using a non-contact deformation measurement technique known as digital image correlation (DIC), of cast iron specimens joined together by the Metalock method. Furthermore, finite element (FE) simulations were performed, and verified by experimental results, in order to study the mechanical behavior in detail and to carry out a parametric study on some of the components included in the joint. Experimental tests show that using the DIC technique gives a good possibility to verify the strain-field achieved by FE simulations and improving the understanding of the Metalock joining technique.


This contribution is about the design and synthesis of various sulfonated hyperbranched poly(arylene oxindole)s (SHPAOs) with different substituents via a convenient A2 + B3 polycondensation and subsequent sulfonation as water-soluble and recyclable acid catalysts for the conversion of cellulose to levulinic acid (LA). Whereas their molecular weight (from 2.7 × 103 to 20.2 × 103), acid density (from 3.4 to 4.8 mmol H+ per g) as well as the polymer structure, viz. hyperbranched or linear analogues, only slightly affect the catalytic performance, the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents on the isatin polymer building block is key to their catalytic efficiency. Among all polymer catalyst designs studied, the use of 5-Cl-SHPAO provided the highest LA yield of almost 50%, directly obtained from ball-milled cellulose in aqueous medium at 165 °C, being twice the LA yield of that of unsubstituted SHPAOs. The presence of the 5-chloro-substituent substantially facilitates the hydrolysis of the glycoside bonds. The close vicinity of the oxindole functionality to the sulfonic acid group seems essential to realize such high hydrolysis rates, as chemical protection of the NH group or sulfonation at other positions lead to substantially lower LA yields. The presence of the 5-chlorine substituent also retards the glucose isomerisation rate, while slightly increasing the HMF conversion rate to LA. As a result, the catalytic reaction progresses in conditions of low concentrations of the most reactive intermediates, fructose and HMF, that otherwise could lead to considerable humin formation. Though hydrophobic interactions are usually invoked to explain such catalytic effects, this contribution suggests also a significant role of the steric proximity of the sulfonic acid group to the oxindole NH group, enabling a kinetic optimization of the reaction cascade through molecular design of the catalytically active acid site.


Internet based demand and supply control system is expected as an effective solution for saving fossil fuels by controlling power consumption automatically with taking account of environmental information. KNIVES is one of this systems and it uses distributed and cooperative power control algorithm. In 2007, the latest prototype of KNIVES has been developed and be operated so as to evaluate in real environment. KNIVES aims to improve the total efficiency of energy utilization in general household. The distributed and cooperative control is considered to improve the advantages of demand control system even if the controlled building is a small-scale customer. In this paper, the table-based scheduling method adapted to the distribute DSM is introduced. Furthermore, the enhancement of this method in order to aware environmental amenity is also indicated.


Background: Clopidogrel is a prodrug metabolized by cytochrome P450-2C19. Drugs inhibiting this enzyme might reduce its antiplatelet activity. In order to reduce gastrointestinal bleedings, proton-pump inhibitors are usually prescribed in association with clopidogrel. The study aims at assessing the clinical importance of interactions between clopidogrel and inhibitors of CYP2C19. It also aims to evaluate any possible factors that may reduce the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Particular attention was devoted to possible gender differences in responsiveness to treatment with clopidogrel or clopidogrel plus proton-pump inhibitors. This analysis is a retrospective case-control observational study carried out by the University Hospital of Ferrara. Methods: Subjects were patients who had received clopidogrel from 01-01-2008 to 31-12-2008. For them, we analysed hospital admissions and data of drug prescriptions relative to dispensing of drugs cytochrome P-450-2C19 inhibitors. Patients were subdivided into case and control groups based on the occurrence or not of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular secondary events during therapy with clopidogrel. Results: The study focused on 781 patients, 20.1% of which (n.157) experienced secondary effects. The mean age is 70 years old. Men (67% of the analyzed population) experienced secondary events more than women (OR 1.54; CI 95% 1.04 - 2.28; p < 0.03). 70% of patients took PPIs and we noticed that the risk of secondary events increased by 2.2% with respect to the remaining patients (20.77% vs 18.57%; OR 1.15; CI 0.78 - 1.70; p = NS). Among PPIs, lansoprazole is the most used. For this subgroup the risk is 5.2% higher (risk in those exposed of 23.75% vs 18.57% in those not exposed; or 1.37, 95% CI 0.92 - 2.03; p = NS). The interaction with PPIs is particularly interesting only among women, with a risk 6.3% higher (17.46% exposed, 11.11% non exposed). The risk remains the same among men. Conclusions: Analyzed data show an increase in cardiovascular or cerebral secondary events for patients exposed to PPIs. It also demonstrated the existence of differrent gender in therapeutic response to clopidogrel.


Conflicts between individual fundamental rights are both pervasive and problematic in the system of the European Convention on Human Rights. This paper is an attempt to illuminate these two dimensions, as well as a plea for taking conflicts of rights more seriously within the Convention legal order. The paper uses a comparative law perspective to demonstrate that the Convention system operates with an exceptionally broad category of 'conflicts between individual fundamental rights'. The size and location of this category are attributable, at least in part, to the Convention system's exclusive reliance on a rights-based perspective and the corresponding absence of any 'division of powers' jurisdiction for the European Court of Human Rights. This institutional set-up, unique among (quasi)-constitutional courts, coupled with the absence of a 'thick' understanding of democracy at the European level, pushes the Court towards framing a large proportion of conflicts between individual and collective interests before it as conflicts between individual fundamental rights. Although current institutional arrangements significantly limit possibilities for the Strasbourg Court to modify its approach, the paper does propose a number of ways in which the ECHR could take conflicts of fundamental rights more seriously. These suggestions focus on situations in which framing a conflict as a clash between individual rights may be suboptimal, suscpicious, or both. The situations identified are those in which (1) individuals are opposed to the 'rights' of majorities, (2) individuals are opposed to the 'rights' of public officials, and (3) cases in which the distribution of, or access to, public resources is a central issue.