As feature sizes in semiconductor devices continue to shrink, it is of upmost importance to synthesize materials that can accommodate the
 drastic degree of scaling. One such material receiving great attention is molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), which is a semiconducting
 two-dimensional (2D) material in its most favorable few-layer form. The distinctive electrical properties make few to single-layer
 MoS2 a potential candidate to replace silicon in many microelectronic devices. MoS2 research is commonly conducted
 on mechanically exfoliated films due to the high quality, low defect layers that can be prepared. However, exfoliation is not a scalable
 method due to the lack of dimensional control and poor layer reproducibility. Currently, there is a lack of suitable methods for integrating
 MoS2 films into manufacturing. Thus, there is a need for scalable industry-compatible processing methods to enable integration
 of MoS2 in modern electronics manufacturing.
 One processing technique that can be used for MoS2 integration is atomic layer deposition (ALD). This technique is suitable
 because of its self-limiting, vapor-phase surface reactions used for thin film deposition. This process offers low temperature deposition
 of thin and conformal films with angstrom level control. This method is commonly used in high volume manufacturing, making it a clear choice
 as the processing technique that can be used for MoS2 integration. One drawback, however, is the lack of in-depth knowledge
 of ALD MoS2 thin films. By investigating the nucleation and growth of MoS2 films, key insights can be established to
 allow for greater control over the deposition process and resulting material quality. This understanding of the ALD nucleation process can
 also help identify new processing methods, such as area-selective ALD (ASALD). ASALD can further support the efforts towards
 MoS2 integration. This process can help solve the issue of placement errors found in standard lithography patterning. It can
 additionally provide another tool for creating complex device structures. Lastly, other processing techniques such as atomic layer etching
 (ALE) are also critical in manufacturing. Similar to ALD, ALE is the complementary vapor phase technique for layer-by-layer etching of
 uniform thin films. Combined, ALD and ALE provide scalable approaches for precise atomic layer processing and advanced manufacturing. To
 realize these useful processing methods, efforts need to be made to better understand the film substrate interactions and subsequent film
 growth or removal.
 In this work, we present the study of the early stages of growth and nucleation of MoS2 films on common metal oxide surfaces
 used in semiconductor manufacturing. We show the temperature dependence of nucleation over the range of 150-250 °C. This work identifies
 that hydroxyl concentrations on metal oxide surfaces are directly related to the disassociation of MoF6 precursor on the substrate
 surface. This precursor disassociation leads to metal fluoride bonding, revealing the interface layer formation between deposited
 MoS2 films and the substrate. Film morphology was additionally studied, revealing the critical role that temperature has on
 growth mechanisms during MoS2 ALD. At increased growth temperatures, MoS2 films exhibited higher degrees of
 MoS2 bonding and crystalline grains oriented perpendicular to the growth surface. This study of the nucleation and growth
 process provides a greater understanding of 2D film-substrate interactions and offers more control over processing. Additionally, this
 work explores ASALD of MoS2 films on common semiconductor surfaces by exploiting inherent differences in surface chemistry
 between substrate materials. Selective ALD was established between various materials including alumina and thermal oxide substrates. To our
 knowledge, this is the first ASALD process for a 2D material that achieves selectivity without the use of inhibitors. Lastly, we established
 a new thermal ALE process for the removal of MoS2 films. This work identifies the removal of the MoS2 films by means
 of fluorination and oxidation to create volatile moly-oxyfluoride byproducts. This method was shown to etch both amorphous and crystalline
 ALD films, where the etch rates were highly dependent on crystallinity and temperature.
 This work provides insights and processing required for MoS2 integration into nanoscale electronics, as well as many other
 applications. By the study of both the deposition and etching of MoS2 films, we provide a greater depth of knowledge that will
 be required for MoS2 integration into nanoscale manufacturing.


Abstract In seismic exploration, multiple reflections traditionally have been labeled as unwanted signal, and a huge effort has been made to remove them. Despite great advancements, proper removal of multiple reflections is still not fully achievable. Especially in the last decade, the industry has started to realize that the large part of reflection energy that is "lost" in multiple reflections might not be wasted after all. Traditional multiple removal must be replaced by a closed-loop imaging process that uses all surface and internal multiple scattering in the data to illuminate our reflectors from both above and below.


Frequency switched transmit diversity (FSTD) is a simple diversity technique which can be easily combined with existing multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) schemes to support an increased number of transmit antennas. For the MIMO-OFDM based on FSTD, this letter proposes a reduction scheme of peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). The proposed scheme generates signal candidates (SCs) by mapping the subparts of OFDM symbols onto multiple antennas under the criterion of reducing correlation among the SCs. The proposed scheme is shown to provide good PAPR performance and to allow a low-complexity detection of the transmitted SC without side information.


Using 13C spin relaxation NMR in combination with molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, we characterized internal motions within double-stranded DNA on the pico- to nano-second time scale. We found that the C–H vectors in all cytosine ribose moieties within the Dickerson–Drew dodecamer (5′-CGCGAATTCGCG-3′) are subject to high amplitude motions, while the other nucleotides are essentially rigid. MD simulations showed that repuckering is a likely motional model for the cytosine ribose moiety. Repuckering occurs with a time constant of around 100 ps. Knowledge of DNA dynamics will contribute to our understanding of the recognition specificity of DNA-binding proteins such as cytosine methyltransferase.


IEC61850-9-1/2 defined the sampling value transmission which is an important model in the IEC61850 standards. In-depth understanding of 9-1 and 9-2 agreement has great significance to develop substation automation system that meets the IEC61850 standards. This paper introduces the content and the implementation methods of the 9-1 and 9-2 agreement in detail. The analysis and comparison are made to 9-1 and 9-2 from the sampling value transmission content, the communication methods, the network forms, the SCSM mapping way and so on. The applications of the two protocols in the actual project are compared and point of view is put forward. It is significant to learn and master the IEC61850 standards and the IED equipment process bus's communicating design.


The open magnetic flux content of the magnetosphere varies during substorms as a result of dayside and nightside reconnection. The open flux can be calculated from the area of the polar cap, delineated by the open‐closed field line boundary (OCB). This study presents a superposed epoch analysis of the location of the OCB and the change in the magnetic flux content in individual nightside MLT sectors during substorm growth, expansion, and recovery phases. Far ultraviolet (FUV) observations from the IMAGE satellite are used to derive a proxy of the OCB location. In the hour prior to substorm onset, the total nightside flux content increases by up to 0.12 GWb on average, resulting in an equatorward expansion of the OCB. Following substorm onset, the OCB contracts toward the pole as the open magnetic flux content decreases by up to 0.14 GWb on average, but the rate of decrease of the total nightside open flux content differs by 5–66% between the three IMAGE far ultraviolet instruments. The OCB does not contract poleward uniformly in all nightside magnetic local time (MLT) sectors after substorm onset. Close to the substorm onset MLT sector, the OCB contracts immediately following substorm onset; however, the OCB in more dawnward and duskward MLT sectors continues to expand equatorward for up to 120 minutes after substorm onset. Despite the continued increase in flux in these sectors after substorm onset, the total nightside flux content decreases immediately at substorm onset, indicating that the nightside reconnection rate exceeds the dayside rate following substorm onset.


We propose a new strategy for narrow band, active array imaging of weak localized scatterers when only the intensities are recorded and measured at the array. We consider a homogeneous medium so that wave propagation is fully coherent. We show that imaging with intensity-only measurements can be carried out using the time reversal operator of the imaging system, which can be obtained from intensity measurements using an appropriate illumination strategy and the polarization identity. Once the time reversal operator has been obtained, we show that the images can be formed using its singular value decomposition (SVD). We use two SVD-based methods to image the scatterers. The proposed approach is simple and efficient. It does not need prior information about the sought image, and it guarantees exact recovery in the noise-free case. Furthermore, it is robust with respect to additive noise. Detailed numerical simulations illustrate the performance of the proposed imaging strategy when only the intensities are ...


The ability to characterize molecular features of cancer from liquid biopsies is resulting in the development of innovative health care for patients. Longitudinal changes in the mutational profiles of DNA isolated from liquid biopsies are being used to better understand and monitor the development, progression, and evolution of therapy resistance in cancer patients. To define changes in the mutational landscape and predict drug susceptibilities in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) patients, we used whole exome analysis to profile circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from eight selected time points of a patient enrolled in the Intensive Trial of OMics in Cancer clinical Trial (ITOMIC-001). The patient initially received weekly cisplatin infusions followed by additional targeted therapy. Peripheral blood samples were collected at specific time points over a period of 272 days following enrollment in the clinical trial. Our data indicates that the identified mutations in genomic DNA isolated from CTCs and ctDNA can be used to understand and mitigate the impact of tumor heterogeneity in addition to identifying clinically relevant mutations at these selected time points. To further increase the resolution of our analysis, we profiled ctDNA from these samples to a higher depth targeting only clinically relevant genes. These analyses increased the sensitivity of detection and identified additional targets that could have been used for therapeutic intervention. In addition to sequence variants, copy number variations (CNVs) have also been significantly associated with the development of metastasis and changes in CNVs have been used to monitor disease progression. We performed a bioinformatics analysis of genomic instability and CNVs across 32 different time points from ctDNA from the same patient throughout the treatment period. The genomic instability number (GIN) calculated for each of the 32 time points seems to mirror the overall CTC burden in the patient at each time point tested. CNV analysis is ongoing and these data sets are being further analyzed in combination with TCGA data to define possible cancer driver genes for the functional prediction of significant TNBC candidate alterations and the results of these analyses will be presented. Citation Format: Kellie Howard, Kimberly Kruse, Brianna Greenwood, Elliott Swanson, Mathias Ehrich, Christopher K. Ellison, Taylor Jensen, Sharon Austin, Arturo Ramirez, Debbie Boles, John Pruitt, Elisabeth Mahen, Jackie L. Stilwell, Eric P. Kaldjian, Michael Dorschner, Sibel Blau, Marcia Eisenberg, Steve Anderson, Anup Madan. Using liquid biopsies and NGS as tools to analyze mutation burden and copy number variation in the blood of a patient with triple negative breast cancer to better inform therapeutic targets [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2757. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2757


In ATSC-compliant DTV broadcasts, PSIP data provide DTV receivers with tuning information, electronic program guide data, as well as other information supporting a variety of functions. When the DTV broadcasting signal is received by a cable provider, multiplexed and carried on a cable network, the PSIP data need to be preserved and transformed to comply with cable standards. Otherwise, cable-ready DTV receivers may not be able to tune to the signal. In light of this need, the NCTA and CEA have reached an agreement regarding the carriage of PSIP on cable. This paper explores the issues surrounding the adaptation of PSIP data to the cable environment, including the consequences of merging multiple terrestrial transport streams into a single cable transport stream. The paper also presents a sample design and implementation of a system to support PSIP carriage on cable as highlighted by the NCTA-CEA agreement.


OBJECTIVES
Our objectives in this study were to differentiate between pancreatic cancer (PC) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) in cases with localized stenosis of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) by an intraductal ultrasound (IDUS) probe which were detected on pancreatogram.

METHODS
We inserted the IDUS probe (30 MHz) into the MPD in all cases and scanned the stenotic site in 23 of 26 cases (88.5%) in vivo. In all 26 patients, the stenotic site was surgically resected, and IDUS scanning was also performed on the resected specimens. Findings from IDUS were compared with those from histology. The diagnostic ability of IDUS was compared with that of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), computed tomography (CT), and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP).

RESULTS
The IDUS images of localized stenosis were classified into two types: type I showed an echorich area surrounded by an echo-poor margin and was found in 14 PC patients and one CP patient; type II showed a ring-like echolucent band surrounded by a fine reticular pattern and was found in 11 CP. Therefore, we considered that type I tended to be characteristic of PC, whereas type II tended to be characteristic of CP. Sensitivities of EUS, CT, ERP, and IDUS in diagnosing PC were 92.9% (13/14), 64.3% (9/14), 85.7% (12/14), and 100% (14/14), respectively. Specificities of EUS, CT, ERP, and IDUS were 58.3% (7/12), 66.7% (8/12), 66.7% (8/12), and 91.7% (11/12), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
IDUS examination might be useful in the diagnosis of patients with localized stenosis of the MPD, but its precise role in the diagnostic work-up of patients with pancreatic diseases remains to be determined by further studies.


Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy in reducinng expulsive anger. Materials and Methods: This is a pre-test and post-test semi-experimental study with control group. The study population included 32 patients with expulsive anger that reffered to Amir kabir remedial education center based on psychiatrist diagnosis and were randomely divided into case (dialectical behavior therapy) and control group. The case group was educated the dialectical behavior therapy skills for 16 sessions from 2 until 2.5 hours at teamly. To collect data, the patients filled Eysenk expulsive questionnaire before and after intervention. Considering no necessary assumptions were fulfilled to conduct the multivariate analysis of covariance and variance, so, the univariate analysis of variance was used. Results: The results of variance analysis proved that dialectical behavior therapy significantly reduced expulsive angers. Conclusion: With due attention to the results, it can be said that dialectical behavior therapy leads to reducing expulsive angers in treated patients, thus, this method can be included in interventional programs for target groups in psychotherapy centers. Aslo, it helps to improve the life of patients by reducing expulsive angers.


When letters containing anthrax spores were mailed within the United States in the fall of 2001, concerns about bioterrrorism mushroomed. Funding for bioterrorism-related research by the NIH climbed from $340 million in 2002 to nearly $1.7 billion in each of the next two years. Anxiety was fueled in part by intelligence reports that Al Qaeda, the group behind the September 11 attack, had also sought biological weapons capabilities.

The deliberate dissemination of anthrax bacteria capped a decade of unsettling incidents concerning biological weapons. In 1992, Russian President Boris Yeltsin acknowledged that the former Soviet Union had developed tons of anthrax, plague, and other forbidden warfare agents. A few years later, pressed by United Nations weapons inspectors, Iraqi officials admitted to an illegal biological arsenal far more extensive than previously acknowledged. In each case, Western analysts were surprised by the magnitude of the subterfuge.

The discoveries about the state programs came amid troubling findings about nonstate actors as well, most notably the Aum Shinrikyo group. This Japanese cult released the chemical sarin in the Tokyo subway in 1995 and on other occasions unleashed anthrax spores. The sarin caused death and injury, but the anthrax turned out to be from a nonlethal strain that harmed no one. Still, the threat of germ weapons gained increasing attention. Media reports and warnings by public officials suggested that the United States was unprepared for a bioattack.

In assessing these and other issues in The problem of biological weapons, Milton Leitenberg mounts a multi-front critique on US policy. He maintains that government officials and the media have exaggerated the threat of bioweapons, especially by nonstate actors. These exaggerations, he believes, probably had the unintended effect of stimulating interest in biological weapons by Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. He also disparages the large expansion of biodefense research and development for two reasons. First, the amount of money now going toward this research is disproportionately large compared with that being spent in other public health areas. Second, the expanded research programs are likely to increase what Leitenberg terms "the wrong kind of interest" in biological weapons and, in consequence, promote their proliferation.

Whether or not the threat of bioweapons and bioterrorism has been exaggerated is largely a matter of perception. True, until now, pathogenic organisms have rarely been used as weapons of war. Japan's release of plague bacteria over China in the 1930s and 1940s was a singular exception. Incidents of bioterrorism are also rare. In fact, the only recorded deaths from bioterrorism in the US resulted from the anthrax attacks in 2001. Biological weapons have been used infrequently due to difficulty in obtaining and processing the pathogens, uncertainty that they will affect an intended target, and, in some cases, moral inhibitions.

For Leitenberg, the infrequency of use arises largely from the technical challenges in producing an effective bioweapon. If not for this, he contends, efforts to mount bioattacks by the Aum Shinrikyo cult and other nonstate actors would have been successful. There is some merit to this presumption. But the technical complexity argument was surely weakened when in 1984 members of the Rajneesh cult released salmonella bacteria in Oregon restaurants. More than 750 people became ill, though none died. The seed bacteria were obtained from a commercial supplier, grown and processed under the supervision of a nurse, and dispensed when cult members poured a liquid mixture containing salmonella on food in salad bars. With similar simplicity, a more virulent strain of bacteria might be unleashed with devastating effects.

For much of the nation, the anthrax attacks in 2001 was a frightening event. Perhaps a half-dozen letters were mailed, each containing about a gram of spores. Anthrax spores evidently had leaked from the envelopes and left a trail of contamination. Anthrax-infected government buildings, postal facilities, and news offices were shut down, and people everywhere were afraid to open mail. Twenty-two people became ill; five of them died.

Leitenberg claims that the public believed, inappropriately, that bioterrorism had become the most urgent public health problem because of "massive and frequently misleading media attention" about the anthrax attacks. But this view was based on a survey taken on November 8, 2001, one week after a New York woman died of inhalation anthrax despite no known contact with the bacterium. The New York Times said her death suggested a "widening threat," and The Washington Post said it might "signal a new front" in the anthrax attacks. Such expressions in the media were proper because no one knew how she became infected or when the outbreak would end. The end did not come until November 21, with the death of a Connecticut woman.

During the outbreak, 30,000 people at risk of exposure received prophylactic antibiotics, which doubtless saved many from infection. If the anthrax strain had been drug resistant, and if hundreds of anthrax letters had been mailed, the toll could have been far greater. In this respect, the anthrax attacks demonstrated a frightening potential. On this matter and others, Leitenberg's book, while uneven, offers provocative assessments about an important subject.


BACKGROUND
Loss of medullary sympathoexcitatory neurons may contribute to baroreflex failure, leading to orthostatic hypotension in multiple-system atrophy (MSA). The cardiovascular responses to chemoreflex activation in MSA have not been explored to date.

OBJECTIVES
To determine whether ventilatory and cardiovascular responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia during wakefulness are systematically impaired in MSA.

DESIGN
Case-control study.

SETTING
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

PATIENTS
Sixteen patients with probable MSA (cases) and 14 age-matched control subjects (controls).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Minute ventilation, blood pressure, and heart rate responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia during wakefulness. Hypercapnia was induced by a rebreathing technique and was limited to a maximal expiratory partial pressure of carbon dioxide of 65 mm Hg. Hypoxia was induced by a stepwise increase in inspiratory partial pressure of nitrogen and was limited to a minimal arterial oxygen saturation of 80%. Ventilatory responses were assessed as slopes of the regression line relating minute ventilation to changes in arterial oxygen saturation and partial pressure of carbon dioxide.

RESULTS
In cases, ventilatory responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia were preserved, despite the presence of severe autonomic failure, while cardiovascular responses to these stimuli were impaired. Among cases, hypercapnia elicited a less robust increase in arterial pressure than among controls, and hypoxia elicited a depressor response rather than the normal pressor responses (P < .001 for both).

CONCLUSIONS
Ventilatory responses to hypercapnia and hypoxia during wakefulness may be preserved in patients with MSA, despite the presence of autonomic failure and impaired cardiovascular responses to these stimuli. A critical number of chemosensitive medullary neurons may need to be lost before development of impaired automatic ventilation during wakefulness in MSA, whereas earlier loss of medullary sympathoexcitatory neurons may contribute to the impaired cardiovascular responses in these patients.


A solid immersion lens (SIL) has the advantage of easily decreasing the spot size for high data density in optical recording. To accurately obtain the optical tunneling effect for a high-N.A. SIL, we calculated the optical tunneling beam characteristics, using electromagnetic theory. Tunneling beam spot-size dependence on polarization direction and energy-transfer efficiency are also clearly shown.


Congenital transmission of T. cruzi in Cochabamba affects 6% of newborns from infected mothers. Only limited information is available on the type of transmitted parasites. However, it is well established that T. cruzi isolated from various vectors as well from host animals are highly heterogeneous. In our presentation we analyse aspects of molecular heterogeneity of T. cruzi and we review methods used for the molecular typing of T. cruzi lineages. Experimentally, we performed the PCR amplification of "Sequence-characterised region Markers" for typing T. cruzi isolated from umbilical blood of newborns in Cochabamba. We compared these results with those we obtained from general infected population. All 16 analysed, congenitally infected samples were of lineage IId. Our data also indicated that this lineage was found in about 80% of samples originated from general infected population in Cochabamba.


Our main objective is to analyze the effects of policy instruments that could provide agricultural producers economic incentives to the adoption of innovative cropping practices and thereby allow a reduction of pesticide use. To do so, we combine economic data, reflecting the intensive cropping practices currently used in France, and experimental agronomic data, on a low input technology, to estimate econometric models. These models are then used to conduct policy simulations. Our results show that without public incentives producers would not adopt the new technology. We also show that a tax on pesticides generates larger effects when these low input practices are available to farmers.


Providing wireless service without spatial restriction has been realized due to rapid growth of IEEE 802.11 based wireless technologies. Recently, available bandwidth ("AB") estimation of the wireless medium has received much attention with the widespread use of real-time multimedia applications which requires certain level of QoS (Quality of Service) guarantees. In this paper, we propose an Accurate Passive Bandwidth Estimation (APBE) considering a factor which has been ignored by the previous works: the RTS (Request to send) and CTS (Clear to send) overheads in estimating the "AB". APBE performs "AB" estimation with correct measurement of i) the proportion of DIFS and back-off, ii) packet collision probability, iii) acknowledgement delay, and iv) channel idle time in the measurement period and additionally considers the overhead caused by the RTS and CTS procedure. The performance of APBE has been compared with the previous works and from the simulation results, it is clear that APBE outperforms the existing research in terms of accuracy. Based on correct estimation of "AB" in wireless networks, efficient network resource management, QoS guarantees of multimedia applications, and effective admission control can be realized.


The paper attempts to assess the correlation between the evolution of the price level, the volume and value of production and the costs and agricultural income of poultry and egg market in Poland. The in efficiency have been expressed by the coefficients cost-absorption, productivity, and efficiency of grain production in Poland. The range covered a long period of time, i.e. 20 years. The survey was conducted from the perspective of the two sub-periods. First, the pre-accession took over the years 1994-2003, the second entered into in the years 2004-2013. This made it possible to give a comparative considerations. Based on the survey, it turned out that, despite the high degree of concentration and specialization of chicken farms in the market efficiency of production of poultry and eggs remained at a relatively low level. This confirms therefore that manufacturers operate in conditions so. "technological treadmill."


The Radioactive Beam Experiment REX-ISOLDE [1–3] is a pilot experiment at ISOLDE (CERN) testing the new concept of post acceleration of radioactive ion beams by using charge breeding of the ions in a high charge state ion source and the efficient acceleration of the highly charged ions in a short LINAC using modern ion accelerator structures. In order to prepare the ions for the experiments singly charged radioactive ions from the on-line mass separator ISOLDE will be cooled and bunched in a Penning trap, charge bred in an electron beam ion source (EBIS) and finally accelerated in the LINAC. The LINAC consists of a radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator, which accelerates the ions up to 0.3 MeV/u, an interdigital H-type (IH) structure with a final energy between 1.1 and 1.2 MeV/u and three seven gap resonators, which allow the variation of the final energy. With an energy of the radioactive beams between 0.8 MeV/u and 2.2 MeV/u a wide range of experiments in the field of nuclear spectroscopy, astrophysics and solid state physics will be addressed by REX-ISOLDE.


In this paper, we study algorithm substitution attacks (ASAs), where an algorithm in a cryptographic scheme is substituted for a subverted version. First, we formalize and study the use of state resets to detect ASAs, and show that many published stateful ASAs are detectable with simple practical methods relying on state resets. Second, we introduce two asymmetric ASAs on symmetric encryption, which are undetectable or unexploitable even by an adversary who knows the embedded subversion key. We also generalize this result, allowing for any symmetric ASA (on any cryptographic scheme) satisfying certain properties to be transformed into an asymmetric ASA. Our work demonstrates the broad application of the techniques first introduced by Bellare, Paterson, and Rogaway (Crypto 2014) and Bellare, Jaeger, and Kane (CCS 2015) and reinforces the need for precise definitions surrounding detectability of stateful ASAs.


The reasons for differences in the Na,K-ATPase activity in rat erythrocyte ghosts obtained by hypoosmotic hemolysis in 10 mM Tris-HCl buffer pH 7.6 in the absence ("Tris-ghosts") and presence ("EDTA-ghosts") were investigated. Structurally different detergents (Triton X-100, Tween-20 and sodium deoxycholate) taken at optimal concentrations increased the enzyme activity in a similar way, i. e., 4-fold in "Tris-ghost" and by 30% in "EDTA-ghosts", the absolute activity of Na,K-ATPase in both preparations being levelled out. In the absence of EDTA, only 50-60% of the maximal enzyme activity could be revealed. Thus, in non-nuclear erythrocyte ghosts the maximal Na,K-ATPase activity can be revealed only upon a combined use of a detergent and chelator. It is concluded that the activating effect of the detergents consisting in the increase of the membrane permeability is realized on the outer surface of the membrane, whereas that of EDTA is localized on its inner surface, which is probably due to the disintegration of the cytoskeleton as a result of attachment of membrane-bound Ca2+.


Time series based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) methods are being increasingly explored. In this study, Autoregressive (AR) models were used to fit the acceleration time histories of a 3-storey laboratory structure under excitation by earthquake records in several damaged and undamaged states. The coefficients of the AR models were used as inputs into an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the ANN was trained to relate the AR coefficients to the damage at each storey. The results showed that proposed method was able to detect, locate and quantify the damage in the structure with a very high accuracy.


The traditional view of equity analysts is that they are a source of new information about future cash flows. We broaden this view by demonstrating that equity analysts are also a substantive source of new information about priced risk. In particular, we document that, when announced, changes in analyst risk ratings distinctly and significantly affect equity returns, and are generally followed by significant changes in Fama–French factor loadings. Also, while less frequent than credit rating changes, equity risk rating changes are timelier, and with a larger overall stock price impact than credit rating changes.


The mineralogy of mare basalts reflects the chemical composition of the magma source, as well as the physical and chemical environment of the rocks' formation. This is significant for understanding the thermal evolution of the Moon. In this study, the spatial distribution of mineralogy on the lunar northern nearside basalts was mapped using the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) data. The study area, which is an elongated mare, Mare Frigoris and northern Mare Imbrium, was mapped and characterized into 27 units based on multi-source data, including spectrum, terrain and element abundance. We extracted 177 M3 spectra from fresh craters. Spectral parameters such as absorption center and band area ratio (BAR) were obtained through data processing. The variation of mafic minerals in this region was acquired by analyzing these parameters. The basaltic units in eastern Mare Frigoris, which are older, have been found to be dominated by clinopyroxene with lower CaO compared to the returned lunar samples; this is similar to older basaltic units in Mare Imbrium. The basaltic units of western Mare Frigoris and Sinus Roris which are younger have been found to be rich in olivine. The late-stage basalts in Oceanus Procellarum and Mare Imbrium show the same feature. These widespread olivine-rich basalts suggest uniqueness in the evolution of the Moon. Geographically speaking, Mare Frigoris is an individual mare, but the magma source region has connections with surrounding maria in consideration of mineral differences between western and eastern Frigoris, as well as mineral similarities with maria at the same location.


Multi-target tracking (MTT) is the task of localizing objects of interest in a video and associating them through time. Accurate affinity measures between object detections is crucial for MTT. Previous methods use simple affinity measures, based on heuristics, that are unable to track through occlusions and missing detections. To address this problem, this paper proposes a novel affinity measure by leveraging the power of single-target visual tracking (VT), which has proven reliable to locally track objects of interest given a bounding-box initialization. In particular, given two detections at different frames, we perform VT starting from each of them and towards the frame of the other. We then learn a metric with features extracted from the behaviours (e.g. overlaps and distances) of the two tracking trajectories. By plugging our learned affinity into the standard MTT framework, we are able to cope with occlusions and large amounts of missing or inaccurate detections. We evaluate our method on public datasets, including the popular MOT benchmark, and show improvements over previously published methods.


Techniques for the study of intracellular ions are used widely in biology, including for the tracking of calcium waves or ions affecting pH within living cells. The ability to monitor changes in intracellular ion concentrations over time is vital for our understanding of signaling and functional pathways in cellular systems. These pathways are central to many fundamental processes such as muscle contraction and synaptic nerve signal transmission. Ion channels that span the outer cell membrane open or close in response to extracellular and intracellular signals, potentially altering how the cell behaves. These fluctuations can be visualized and quantified using ratiometric microscopy and special fluorescent dyes designed to bind specific ions, such as the FURA-2 indicator dye specific to calcium ions. Changes in the photophysics of the dye as it binds to its target ion allows for quantitation of the bound and unbound ratio, and thus the concentration of the ion under investigation. This webinar will introduce the viewer to the current state of technology in this important field as well as cover the latest advances in microscopy for ion signaling research. View the Webinar


The goal to build a knowledge base, making "permanent" the user evaluations experiences on search results, constitutes the main motivation of this paper. In information retrieval systems, an experience is a search instance, represented by a search context and a set of evaluated document results. In this paper, we propose a search context model, characterized by the user's profile and query. Similarity functions between users' profiles and search contexts are defined, on the basis of the proposed model. The reuse process consists in expanding the initial user query by the documents terms contained in the similar instances. In contrast with the Rocchio method, these documents are those validated beforehand by users, having "similar" profiles as the current user, and being in a "similar" search situation. Our proposition enables to reduce system interactions with the user during his/her search session. These features were carried out in the COSYDOR (Cooperative System for Document Retrieval) project, based on Inrermedia (Oracle 8i). Tests and evaluations are carried out using the test corpus of TREC (Text Retrieval Conference). The results show, for first search iterations, a significant improvement of performance compared to that of Internsedia. This work is carried out within the framework of a regional project, in which the sight deficient users constitute our application case. This research represents a considerable contribution for these users, considering their use difficulties of current information retrieval systems (too interactive systems, accessibility problems, etc).


Microalgae are the major producers of biomass and organic compounds in the aquatic environment. Among them there are toxic species (mainly dinoflagellates) known to have the potential to form Harmful Algal Blooms, the so called HABs. HABs are occurring more often and at new locations. In general, knowledge about biogeographic distribution of harmful algae in the northern hemisphere is limited and patchy. During this project, we will study the seasonal dynamics of marine protists, with special emphasis on toxic algae in the North Sea. Samples will be taken from four geographical distinct locations in the
German Bight and from the Orkney Islands. Protist community composition will be assessed by Illumina sequencing and a newly developed fully automated biosensor system. The latter allows for automated sampling and filtration of water samples and automated detection of selected toxic algal species, while the detection is based upon electro chemical quantification of RNA by sandwich hybridization. Here we show first results of calibrating the biosensor for selected toxic algae that are known to occur in the North Sea. Furthermore, we also show preliminary results of the characterization of protist communities from spring to autumn 2016 at four different observation locations in the North Sea via Illumina sequencing.


sphincter (EAS) had a significant higher SMCS than women without (2 vs 3.5; p = 0.02). Univariate analysis showed an association between a higher SMCS with a residual defect of the EAS (1.55 (95% CI 0.04-3.07); p = 0.045) and with higher parity (0.85 (0.02-1.67); p = 0.046). We also found that higher SMCS was associated with higher Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) (1.28 (95% CI 0.67-1.89); p < 0.001) and higher score on Cleveland Clinic Constipation score (CCCS) (0.36 (95% CI 0.18-0.54); p < 0.001). There were no associations between SMCS and residual defect IAS, levator avulsion, hiatal area during maximal Valsalva, grade of OASIS, maternal age, BMI, higher birth weight and time of postnatal ultrasound. In multivariate analysis we only found that BSS (1.54 (95% CI 0.94-2.14); p = < 0.001) and CCCS (0.47 (95% CI 0.28-0.65); p = < 0.001) were significantly associated with SMCS. 22% of the SMCS can be predicted by this model. Conclusions: Residual defect of EAS is associated with high SMCS, but not the strongest predictor. The strongest predictors were high score on BSS and CCCS. In patients with OASIS it is therefore important to routinely enquire after symptoms of constipation (CCCS) and consistency of their feces (BSS). Management should focus on achievement of normal defecation and fecal consistency.


An existing model of desert pavement formation suggests desert pavement clasts rise vertically on an accreting eolian mantle and the underlying vesicular horizon coevolves with pavement formation. Results presented here support this model and provide a mechanism whereby eolian material is transported from the ground surface to ped interiors, thereby increasing the thickness of the vesicular horizon underlying desert pavements. Basaltic desert pavements in the Cima Volcanic Field are underlain by a vesicular horizon with strong coarse columnar and strong medium platy soil structure. Peds collected from three sites along a topographic gradient were subsampled into seven ped domains to quantify physical, chemical, and micromorphological properties within peds and along the topographic transect. Ped interiors have up to 40% clay and 12% CaCO 3 whereas sediments adhering to ped sides have <7% clay and 2% CaCO 3 . Argillans and siltans lining platy surfaces in ped centers and bottoms indicate desert dust is translocated vertically along the macropores between peds and horizontally along platy boundaries to ped interiors. Once soils develop a strong columnar and platy structure, translocation to ped interiors is enhanced. Calibrated radiocarbon ages between 5440 and 5045 BP for Av ped centers suggest enhanced dust flux and pedogenesis occurred during the drier middle Holocene, an inference supported by luminescence dating and correlations with regional eolian chronologies.


In spite of two centuries of extensive debate, a consistent framework of the classical theory of population on which economists can universally agree has not been established. This means that either the theory lacks consistency or it has been misunderstood in important ways. This paper attempts to settle this issue by arguing that the latter was the case, revealing prevailing misconceptions. Since a large amount of these misconceptions most probably arose from the lack of a consistent nomenclature, the paper intends to clarify the classical theory of population by employing unambiguous definitions of the principle of population, the Malthusian trap, positive checks and preventive checks to population. The classical theory of population can then be applied to analyze the transition from economic stagnation to economic growth. As a result, numerous current theories trying to explain the transition to growth that are based on an increase of pro-
duction will prove secondary when compared to the great preventive check.


This paper addresses a new approach, called the optimal path estimation method (OPEM), to implement the time optimal bang-bang control. The method is based on feedback information obtained by estimating the distance from the present state to the switching surface along the optimal trajectory. A fuzzy algorithm is used for the implementation of the control logic. Advantages of the proposed method over traditional bang-bang control method are illustrated by numerical simulations of a multimachine infinite-bus power system.


A new, highly adaptable, framework for the simulation of bit dynamics is introduced. The new software, dubbed Three Dimensional Bit Dynamics (TDBD), is implemented as object- orientated code and designed to meet current and future research needs. The software uses a triangulated mesh to represent the bit and rock surface geometry. A novel method for updating the rock surface as the bit drills is presented. This method uses information from both the bit and rock surface to allow for general motion of the bit (including whirl). It also limits the number of operations required to maintain the shape quality of the elements in the rock surface mesh. This method avoids the costly operation of removing elements and remeshing the resulting hole. A derivation of the equations of motion of a roller cone bit is presented as an example of coupled rotating rigid bodies. The equations are derived using the virtual power method which naturally handles the constraint between the bit body and the cones. A state-of-the-art numerical integrator is applied to the equations to produce an algorithm suitable for use in a bit dynamics software application. The integrator is a composition of adjoint first order integrators (reminiscent of the approach used earlier in Reference [47] to derive an explicit midpoint Lie method). It maintains the properties of the original three degree-of-freedom integrator: second order convergence, symplecticness, remarkable accuracy, and momentum conservation. This algorithm can be applied to other applications where rotating rigid bodies are coupled through an axis that allows rotation. The force model from Reference [33], used for calculating the forces on a bit resulting from rock removal, is implemented within the framework and used to evaluate the software. The weight-on-bit and torque-on-bit are compared to laboratory data. Two polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits are used to calibrate the force model and a third is run in the software to predict the laboratory data


This exploratory mixed-methods study uses grounded theory to examine the organizational and individual dimensions of Family Responsibilities Discrimination (FRD) and perceptions of FRD as a phenomenon and emerging law. By employing a primarily qualitative embedded research design, semi-structured interviews and exit surveys were conducted in three New Jersey public schools to study a sample of teachers and similarly situated professional staff to investigate these topics. This study is the first of its kind to examine FRD, as opposed to gender discrimination, in relation to public sector employees, specifically public school professionals. The results of the analysis of the data, consisting of qualitative themes extracted from the interviews and descriptive statistics from the exit surveys, show that current organizational factors not only fail to mitigate effects of FRD on the work/family balancing act but sometimes contribute to them, and that there is a lack of awareness of the legal concept of FRD, despite knowledge of the existence of discrimination against people with family responsibilities. Based on these preliminary results, recommendations for future research and action in the field are suggested.


Background: Hip dysplasia is common in patients with Hurler syndrome (HS). However, its prevalence and optimal management is not yet clear because of the rarity of the disease and the prior short life span of these patients. Recent advances in the management of these children using allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) has significantly increased their life expectancy, with many surviving into adulthood. This review was conducted to describe the experience of a single center with hip dysplasia in HS after HCT. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of hip dysplasia in a consecutive series of patients with HS treated with HCT from 1985 to 2008. Results: At 4.5 (±2.9) years after HCT all 51 children (102 hips) with HS showed acetabular dysplasia and proximal femur valgus deformity. Mean age at HCT was 1.6±0.9 years. Forty hips (39%) underwent hip reconstructive osteotomies at mean age of 6.8±3.1 years. Significant radiographic improvement was noted in all radiographic parameters at 5.4±3.7 years after hip surgery (P<0.001). Acetabular index improved from 33.3 degrees (±7.9) preoperative to 24.7 degrees (±8) after surgery, lateral center edge angle improved from −5.3 degrees (±10.9) to 35.2 degrees (±17.8), migration index from 50.7% (±15.7) to 9.6% (±13.6), and femoral-neck-shaft angle from 150.9 degrees (±5.8) to 130.8 degrees (±12.4). Ten of the 40 hips underwent only proximal femoral varus derotation osteotomy and 30 underwent combined proximal femoral varus derotation osteotomy+pelvic osteotomy. Conclusions: This study reports high prevalence of hip dysplasia (100%) in patients with HS. As significant radiographic improvement was achieved in those patients treated with surgical interventions we recommend annual orthopaedic evaluation of hips in patients with HS after HCT and intervention with reconstructive femoral and pelvic osteotomies for their hip dysplasia. Level of Evidence: Level III.


To gain an understanding of the prevalence, utilization patterns, and practice implications of the use of Native American healers together with the use of physicians, we conducted semistructured interviews at an urban Indian Health Service clinic in Milwaukee, Wisc, of a convenience sample of 150 patients at least 18 years old. The mean age of patients was 40 years, and the sex distribution was 68.7% women and 31.3% men. Thirty tribal affiliations were represented, the largest groups being Ojibwa (20.7%), Oneida (20.0%), Chippewa (11.3%), and Menominee (8.0%). We measured the number of patients seeing healers and gathered information on the types of healers, the ceremonies used for healing, the reasons for seeing healers, and whether patients discuss with their physicians their use of healers. We found that 38.0% of the patients see a healer, and of those who do not, 86.0% would consider seeing one in the future. Most patients report seeing a healer for spiritual reasons. The most frequently visited healers were herbalists, spiritual healers, and medicine men. Sweat lodge ceremonies, spiritual healing, and herbal remedies were the most common treatments. More than a third of the patients seeing healers received different advice from their physicians and healers. The patients rate their healer's advice higher than their physician's advice 61.4% of the time. Only 14.8% of the patients seeing healers tell their physician about their use. We conclude that physicians should be aware that their Native American patients may be using alternative forms of treatment, and they should open a respectful and culturally sensitive dialogue about this use with their patients.


Abstract. Global overviews of upcoming flood and drought events are
key for many applications, including disaster risk reduction initiatives.
Seasonal forecasts are designed to provide early indications of such events
weeks or even months in advance, but seasonal forecasts for hydrological
variables at large or global scales are few and far between. Here, we present
the first operational global-scale seasonal hydro-meteorological forecasting
system: GloFAS-Seasonal. Developed as an extension of the Global Flood
Awareness System (GloFAS), GloFAS-Seasonal couples seasonal meteorological
forecasts from ECMWF with a hydrological model to provide openly available
probabilistic forecasts of river flow out to 4 months ahead for the global
river network. This system has potential benefits not only for disaster risk
reduction through early awareness of floods and droughts, but also for
water-related sectors such as agriculture and water resources management, in
particular for regions where no other forecasting system exists. We describe
the key hydro-meteorological components and computational framework of
GloFAS-Seasonal, alongside the forecast products available, before discussing
initial evaluation results and next steps.


There has never been any doubt that an important part of Thrasyboulos' forces in his campaign at Phyle and in the Peiraieus was non-Athenian. Lysias in his funeral oration, 2. 66 ff., gives fulsome praise to the xenoi who fought and died for the return of the democracy. Other honours paid to the living are recorded by Aeschines, 3. 187 f., and in the inscription I.G. II. 10, a decree followed by a list of names grouped by Athenian tribes, some of which are certainly non-Athenian. However, little has been said about who these people were, or why they chose to help the return.


The Post-PC revolution is bringing information access to a wide range of devices beyond the desktop, such as public kiosks, and mobile devices like cellular telephones, PDAs, and voice based vehicle telematics. However, existing deployed Internet services are geared toward the secure rich interface of private desktop computers. We propose the use of an infrastructure-based secure proxy architecture to bridge the gap between the capabilities of Post-PC devices and the requirements of Internet services. By combining generic content and security transformation functions with service-specific rules, the architecture decouples device capabilities from service requirements and simplifies the addition of new devices and services. Security and protocol specifics are abstracted into reusable components. Additionally, the architecture offers the novel ability to deal with untrusted public Internet access points by providing fine-grain control over the content and functionality exposed to the end device, as well as support for using trusted and untrusted devices in tandem. Adding support for a deployed Internet service requires a few hundred lines of scraping scripts. Similarly, adding support for a new device requires a few hundred lines of stylesheets for the device format. The average latency added by proxy transformations is around three seconds in our unoptimized Java implementation.


Research on regulatory focus theory (Higgins, 1997) suggests that performance increases if instructions fit with sportspersons' dispositions. Sportspersons who chronically focus on wins (i.e., promotion-oriented individuals) perform best if instructions frame the objective as a promotion goal (e.g., "Try to hit!"). By contrast, sportspersons who chronically focus on losses (i.e., prevention-oriented individuals) perform best if instructions frame the objective as a prevention goal (e.g., "Try not to miss!"). Recent theorizing also suggests that regulatory focus interacts with task difficulty. In an experiment, we assessed soccer performance as a function of chronic focus, instructional focus, and task difficulty. Results support that task difficulty moderates the effects of fit on performance; fitting instructions to match the sportsperson's chronic regulatory focus improved performance in the easy rather than the difficult task. Findings are discussed regarding the role of regulatory fit in altering subjective pressure during sports performance.


In his first short-story collection since "The Acid House", Irvine Welsh sets us five tricky questions. In "Rattlesnakes" how do three young Americans find themselves lost in the desert, and why does one find himself performing fellatio on another while being watched by the bare-breasted Madeline and two armed Mexicans? Who is the mysterious Korean chef who has moved upstairs to Chicago socialite Kendra Cross, in "The D.O.G.S. of Lincoln Park'", and what does he have to do with the disappearance of her faithful pooch Toto? In the title story, can Mickey Baker - an ex-pat English bar-owner ducking and diving on the Costa Brava - manage to keep all his balls in the air: maintaining his barmaid Cynthia's body weight at the sexual maximum while attending to the youthful Persephone and dodging his persistent ex-wife and a pair of Spanish gangsters? By what train of events does Raymond Wilson Butler, writing a biography of a legendary US film director in "Miss Arizona" come to end up as a piece of movie memorabilia? And how, in the novella "The Kingdom of Fife" will Jason King - diminutive ex-trainee jockey and Subbuteo star of Cowdenbeath - fare in the world of middle-class female equestrians, and will he ever enjoy the tender and long-anticipated charms of Jenni Cahill and her remarkable jodhpurs? All of these questions are posed, and answered, in these five extraordinary stories: stories that remind us that Irvine Welsh is a master of the shorter form, a brilliant storyteller, and - unarguably - one of the funniest and filthiest writers in Britain.


In wireless sensor networks, retransmission caused by collision induces the increase in delay and energy consumption. Therefore, this paper presents a collision-aware routing protocol based on cross-layer in wireless sensor networks(CARP), CARP no longer uses the traditional hop-count as routing metric, but introduces collision degree and energy level as the basis of routing and route adjustment. CARP uses the cross-layer design to realize the network protocol information sharing and calculate the collision degree. When establishes the route, CARP can avoid the high collision degree areas. CARP uses the residual energy and initial energy to calculate the energy level. So CARP will choose the more residual energy nodes as the relay nodes. Thus it equalizes network energy consumption and prolongs network lifetime. The simulation results show that CARP has a better performance in the packet loss, the average delay and energy efficiency than AODV.


There is an inherent relationship between the shape and the corresponding stress intensity factor (SIF) distribution of a crack. A typical inverse problem of linear elastic fracture mechanics about a crack, i.e. to predict the shape of a crack assuming that some information of SIF distribution is known, is presented. A finite-element based numerical procedure is used to determine the shape, correspondingly the SIF, of a mode-I planar crack based on a specified SIF distribution. The crack front is modeled using cubic splines, which are determined by a number of control-points. The crack front shape is achieved iteratively by moving control-points based on a gradientless algorithm. Numerical examples for planar cracks in through-cracked and surface-cracked plates with finite thickness and width are presented to show the validity and practicability of the proposed method. The SIFs obtained by present method are compared with the known solutions for cracks with same dimensions. The presented method is considered to be a promising alternative to the evaluation of SIFs and the prediction of shape evolution for fatigue cracks.


BACKGROUND
Cytokines produced by macrophages and neutrophils participate in the host's defense mechanism; in infectious processes. Interleukins such as LI-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) also have a role in these acute phase mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE
Assess the effect of sodium naproxen on the serum concentration of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF in acute infectious process. MATERIAL A METHODS: Eighteen patients with clinical diagnosis of acute purulent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis were randomly assigned to one of two groups of 9 patients each.

RESULTS
The patients in the first group received sodium naproxen and those in the other group received placebo. Patients of both groups received procaine G penicillin. Patients in the group receiving sodium naproxen showed improvement of the infectious and febrile syndromes within 72 hours. Patients receiving placebo showed signs and symptoms; of the infections and febrile syndromes for more than three days.

DISCUSSION
Patients receiving treatment with sodium naproxen had a statistically significant reduction of the serum concentration of IL-1b as compared to basal and 72 h measurements; there were also statistically significant differences with respect to patients receiving placebo. IL-6 and TNF did not change in any of the groups. These results show that serum IL-1b levels dropped in both groups with a more striking reduction in the group receiving sodium naproxen , that also showed a faster improvement of the symptoms.


The huge amount of free‐form unstructured text in the blogosphere, its increasing rate of production, and its shrinking window of relevance, present serious challenges to the public policy analyst who seeks to take public opinion into account. Most of the tools which address this problem use XML tagging and other Web 3.0 approaches, which do not address the actual content of blog posts and the associated commentary. We give a tutorial review of latent semantic analysis and the self‐organizing maps, as considered in this context, and show how to apply the self‐organizing map over a probabilistic latent semantic space to the problem of completely unsupervised clustering of unstructured text in such a way as to be entirely independent of spelling, grammar, and even source language. This provides an algorithm suitable for clustering free‐form commentary with a well‐structured test environment. The algorithm is applied to academic paper abstracts instead, treated as unstructured text as though they were blog posts, because this set of documents has a known ground truth. The algorithm constructs a word category map and a document map in which words with similar meaning and documents with similar content are clustered together. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2014, 4:71–86. doi: 10.1002/widm.1112


Organ segmentation of medical images is a key step in virtual imaging trials. However, organ segmentation datasets are limited in in terms of quality (because labels cover only a few organs) and quantity (since case numbers are limited). In this study, we explored the tradeoffs between quality and quantity. Our goal is to create a unified approach for multi-organ segmentation of body CT, which will facilitate the creation of large numbers of accurate virtual phantoms. Initially, we compared two segmentation architectures, 3D-Unet and DenseVNet, which were trained using XCAT data that is fully labeled with 22 organs, and chose the 3D-Unet as the better performing model. We used the XCAT-trained model to generate pseudo-labels for the CT-ORG dataset that has only 7 organs segmented. We performed two experiments: First, we trained 3DUNet model on the XCAT dataset, representing quality data, and tested it on both XCAT and CT-ORG datasets. Second, we trained 3D-UNet after including the CT-ORG dataset into the training set to have more quantity. Performance improved for segmentation in the organs where we have true labels in both datasets and degraded when relying on pseudo-labels. When organs were labeled in both datasets, Exp-2 improved Average DSC in XCAT and CT-ORG by 1. This demonstrates that quality data is the key to improving the model's performance.


This study examines the successful mobilization of the movement Y'en a marre (We're fed up) in Senegal in the run-up to the presidential elections in February and March 2012. The article traces this success back to the framing strategies applied by Y'en a marre and its creative use of resources. It is argued that an essential factor in the mobilization was the linkage established by the group between its protests against the third term bid of President Abdoulaye Wade and the precarious living conditions of Senegalese youth. Furthermore, Y'en a marre succeeded in presenting its protests as peaceful and constructive and thereby refuted common negative stereotypes of the youth and the Hip-Hop movement. By using the Hip-Hop movement and rap as resources to spread its message and mobilize new followers, Y'en a marre was able to compensate for its scarce financial resources.


Thin-film compound semiconductor photovoltaic solar cells have demonstrated efficiencies of nearly 20% and are leading candidates to provide lower-cost energy due to potential advantages in manufacturing and materials costs. To fulfill the promise, a number of technical issues are being addressed, including a lack of fundamental understanding of these unique materials, devices and processes for large-area deposition. This book focuses on advances in the materials science, chemistry, processing and device issues of thin-film compound semiconductor materials that are used, or have potential use, in photovoltaic solar cells and related applications. Topics include: growth and performance of compound thin-film solar cells; novel materials and processes; defects and impurities; industrial perspectives; contacts and interfaces; grain boundaries and inhomogeneities; and structural, optical and electronic characterization.


The primary objective of this study was to determine management practices concerning mastitis in Brandenburg, Germany, the prevalence of mastitis pathogens in dairy cows, and their resistance to selected antimicrobial agents. A further objective was to study the potential effect of parity and stage of lactation on the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates against ampicillin. Milk samples for microbiological culture were collected from 4 groups of clinically healthy cows (first lactation, >1 lactation, >50 d in milk, and >250 d in milk; 8 cows/group) in 80 dairy herds. Resistance of gram-positive pathogens against 6 antimicrobial agents was tested using the broth microdilution method. Mastitis pathogens were isolated from 26.4% of the milk samples. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS, 9.1% of quarters) and Corynebacterium bovis (7.3%) were the pathogens most frequently isolated. Among the major pathogens, Staph. aureus (5.7%) and Streptococcus uberis (1.0%) had the highest prevalence. Streptococcus agalactiae was isolated in samples from 29% of the herds. Although the prevalence of most pathogens was higher in older cows, the prevalence of CNS was higher in primiparous cows. Results of the mastitis control questionnaire showed that cows with clinical mastitis were transferred to a sick cow pen in 70% of the herds. Cephalosporins were the drug of first choice for treatment of clinical mastitis cases followed by fixed combinations of antimicrobial agents, beta-lactamase-resistant penicillins, and penicillin. Most farmers treated cows 3 to 4 times per case. Cloxacillin, alone or in combination, and penicillin were most often used for dry-cow therapy. Antimicrobial resistance of the pathogens was within the range of other reports. Resistance of Staph. aureus to ampicillin increased significantly during the first lactation. Further research is required to determine the factors that lead to the selection of Staph. aureus strains that are resistant to ampicillin during the first lactation.


The vestibular system contributes to the generation of conjugate eye movements, spatial orientation, and postural control. The functional connections of the vestibular end-organs and of the descending vestibulospinal pathways and their importance to postural control were reviewed in the previous paper by Keshner and Cohen (pp. 320-330). This paper reviews the ascending vestibular pathways, the visual/vestibular interactions, and the role of the vestibular system in oculomotor control and spatial orientation.


The present study highlights the fungi toxicity of Cleistanthus collinus extracts which is known for being toxic and frequently used for homicidal and suicidal purposes contains three identical compounds, viz. Cleistanthin A, B and C (diphyllin glycosides) in addition to other secondary metabolites, Three different concentrations of leaf and bark methanol extract (0.5, 1 and 2%) were tested that inhibit the mycelial growth of the test fungi F. verticilloides, M. phaseolina (V), M. phaseolina (M), P. guepinii, C. gloeosporioides (M), C. gloeosporioides (P) and P. archeri which are seed borne pathogens of endemic forest trees. Percentage inhibition of mycelial growth varied with different concentrations barks and leaf extracts.  2011 Trade Science Inc. INDIA


: Several adapted rigid contact lens wearers were given duplicates of their present lenses made in different plastics. They were required to wear each material on each eye for a period of four hours. Both the average wetting angle and its range of values for each material was compiled. All lenses tended to give similar average wetting angles but ranges of angles for the PMMA/siloxanyl materials were greater than that for PMMA and GP IITM. Both values should be utilized when evaluating the wettability of a specific material.


Background: Adult studies have suggested that magnesium intake may regulate C-reactive protein (CRP) and muscle mass, known risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. Given the large deficiencies in magnesium intake in adolescents, we aimed to investigate sex and race differences in dietary magnesium intake and test the hypothesis that lower magnesium intake is associated with higher CRP and lower muscle mass. Methods: A total of 766 black and white adolescents, 14 to 18 years old (51% black; 50% female) were previously recruited. Diet was assessed with four to seven independent 24-h recalls. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), leptin, resistin, and adiponectin were measured using fasting blood samples by ELISA. Results: There were sex and race differences in the daily consumption of magnesium. The average daily magnesium intakes were 200.66 ± 7.09 mg and 205.03 ± 7.05 mg for males and females, respectively, far below the recommended amounts of 410 mg for males and 360 mg for females. White subjects (217.95 ± 6.81 mg/day) consumed more than black subjects (187.75 ± 6.92 mg/day). Almost none of the adolescents met the recommendations. Adjusted multiple linear regressions revealed that lower magnesium intake was associated with higher hs-CRP and lower fat-free mass (FFM) (p-values < 0.05). Higher hs-CRP was associated with lower FFM. Moreover, an interaction between magnesium intake and hs-CRP on FFM was identified (p-value < 0.05). Lower magnesium intake amplified the inverse relationships between hs-CRP and FFM (p-values < 0.05). Conclusion: Magnesium consumption in our adolescents was far below daily recommended levels with male and black subjects consuming less than female and white subjects. Lower magnesium intake was associated with higher CRP and lower muscle mass. Low magnesium intake may also augment the inverse relationship between CRP and FFM.


Generally, in empirical financial studies, the determination of the true conditional variance in GARCH modelling is largely subjective. In this paper, we investigate the consequences of choosing a wrong conditional variance specification. The methodology involves specifying a true conditional variance and then simulating data to conform to the true specification. The estimation is then carried out using the true specification and other plausible specification that are appealing to the researcher, using model and forecast evaluation criteria for assessing performance. The results show that GARCH model could serve as better alternative to other asymmetric volatility models.


17O electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) studies at X-band (9-GHz) and Q-band (35-GHz) microwave frequencies reveal that the [4Fe-4S]+ cluster of substrate-free aconitase [citrate (isocitrate) hydro-lyase, EC 184.108.40.206] binds solvent, HxO (x = 1, 2). Previous 17O ENDOR studies [Telser et al. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 4840-4846] had disclosed that Hx17O binds to the enzyme-substrate complex and also to complexes of enzyme with the substrate analogues trans-aconitate and nitroisocitrate (1-hydroxy-2-nitro-1,3-propanedicarboxylate). We have used 1H and 2H ENDOR to characterize these solvent species. We propose that the fourth ligand of Fea in substrate-free enzyme is a hydroxyl ion from the solvent; upon binding of substrate or substrate analogues at this Fea site, the solvent species becomes protonated to form a water molecule. Previous 17O and 13C ENDOR studies [Kennedy et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84, 8854-8858] showed that only a single carboxyl, at C-2 of the propane backbone of cis-aconitate or at C-1 of the inhibitor nitroisocitrate, coordinates to the cluster. Together, these results imply that enzyme-catalyzed interconversion of citrate and isocitrate does not involve displacement of an endogenous fourth ligand, but rather addition of the anionic carboxylate ligand and a change in protonation state of a solvent species bound to Fea. We further report the 17O hyperfine tensor parameters of the C-2 carboxyl oxygen of substrate bound to the cluster as determined by the field dependence of the 17O ENDOR signals. 17O ENDOR studies also show that the carboxyl group of the inhibitor trans-aconitate binds similarly to that of substrate.


The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the role of the visual pigment in retinal damage and its contribution to initial pathways in the pathogenesis of age-related macular-degeneration (AMD). Initially, the kinetics of all-trans-retinal (ATR) hydrolysis from opsin and its reduction to retinol formation were determined. Based on the results, singlet oxygen generation was investigated as a function of ATR position and the availability of cofactors required for retinol formation. The yield of singlet oxygen generated by ATR increased upon hydrolysis of ATR from opsin and further, upon its release to the disc membrane. The presence of ATP and NADPH did not influence the signals significantly. (Photo)cytotoxicity studies revealed that both ATR and its degradation products (dATR) are toxic to cells, with dATR having a more deleterious effect. Toxic effects of dATR were prevented by a-tocopherol, retinol and phosphatidylethanolamine, whereas none of hydrophilic antioxidants tested exerted a substantial effect. Both ATR and dATR exhibited a similar ability to generate singlet oxygen when excited with visible light, whereas products of ATR degradation were characterised by greater photosensitising properties than ATR for shorter wavelengths. The yield of singlet oxygen for retinol was lower than for ATR in acetone. Although, retinyl ascorbate has a great potential to be a strong singlet oxygen quencher, the difference in the quenching rate was not found to be statistically significant when compared with all-trans-retinol or ascorbyl palmitate. Accumulation of products of rhodopsin bleaching increased the formation of lipofuscin-like inclusion bodies. Exposure of cells to light was associated with higher levels of fluorescence characteristic for oxidised cellular components. In summary, the results suggest that products of visual pigment bleaching may contribute to the toxic effects of light on the retina. In conjunction with published findings, it supports the theory that ATR can play an important role in causing RPE dysfunction as occurring in retinal aging and AMD.


The acid ionization constant (pKa) values of 2-(3H)-benzoxazolinone and its 17 derivatives were determined in buffered solutions by UV–vis spectrophotometry, potentiometry, and capillary zone electrophoresis techniques. The pKa values of the studied compounds are found to be in the range of 9.01 to 7.15. The advantages and limitations of each technique are discussed. The results suggest that the removal of a proton from the molecule occurred on the nitrogen atom of the 2-(3H)-benzoxazolinone ring and the analgesic/anti-inflammatory activities of the benzoxazolinone derivatives decrease when the pKa values of the compounds increase.


This paper proposes an ontology-based grid architecture model in terms of the universal knowledge grid (UKG) for building large-scale distributed knowledge system on the grid. UKG emphasizes geographically distributed high-performance knowledge discovery applications and knowledge integration services. Five core components have been identified: an intelligent composer for user interface, an ontology server providing data integration ontology services, data mining ontology services, knowledge integration ontology services, a metadata directory server maintaining the metadata describing all the data, tools and knowledge, metadata database (db) stores metadata and a knowledge base as container for knowledge. An application example on foreign exchange management (FEM) is also presented.


This study seeks to estimate the rate by which inputs in Australian pig production are substituted for one another when prices change. It employs a dual approach to response analysis. Using cost shares of inputs and input price indexes for the period 1977-78 to 1990-91, a set of equations derived from a transcendental logarithmic function is estimated with symmetry and homogeneity constraints imposed. The results indicate that, with the exception of the demand for feed which is a vital production input, pig producers are very responsive to own price changes. The estimated elasticities generally differ in magnitude from similar studies of the Australian agricultural sector, and suggest that, at a lower level of aggregation, farmers are more flexible in changing input mix.


Introduction. Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is rising in the non-HIV population and associates with higher morbidity and mortality. The aggressive immunosuppressive regimens, as well as the lack of stablished guidelines for chemoprophylaxis, are likely contributors to this increased incidence. Herein, we have explored the underlying conditions, immunosuppressive therapies, and clinical outcomes of PCP in HIV-negative patients. Methods. Retrospective analysis of PCP in HIV-negative patients at Mayo Clinic from 2006–2010. The underlying condition, immunosuppressive therapies, coinfection, and clinical course were determined. PCP diagnosis required symptoms of pneumonia and identification of the organisms by visualization or by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. A total of 128 cases of PCP were identified during the study period. Hematological malignancies were the predisposing condition for 50% of the patients. While 87% had received corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies for >4 weeks prior to the diagnosis, only 7 were receiving PCP prophylaxis. Up to 43% of patients were not on daily steroids. Sixty-seven patients needed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 53 received mechanical ventilation. The mortality for those patients requiring ICU was 40%. Conclusions. PCP diagnosis in the HIV-negative population requires a high level of suspicion even if patients are not receiving daily corticosteroids. Mortality remains high despite adequate treatment.


In the United States, escalating rates of homelessness and human immunodeficiency virus infection have provided a background for the resurgence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This scourge of tuberculosis has disproportionately affected groups of reproductive-age women who have limited access to health care. Despite wide reporting of an increased incidence of tuberculosis, a low index of suspicion continues to delay diagnosis of the disease in pregnant women. As a result, a newborn diagnosed with congenital infection often becomes the index case for maternal infection. To become proficient in the prenatal diagnosis of tuberculosis, clinicians must make an in-depth review of the clinical signs and symptoms consistent with tuberculosis a routine part of obstetrical screening. Once diagnosed, tuberculosis is treated as aggressively in pregnancy as it is in the nonpregnant patient.


The impact of Non-Governmental Organizations' reconstruction activities in Bosnia and Kosovo was largely determined by the nature and content of two dominant relationships. The first is the donor countries-International NGO (INGO) relationship. To grasp the importance of this relationship, it suffices to mention that, at the global level, donors give around five times more funds to INGOs (and more precisely to their own national NGOs) than to Local NGOs (LNGOs). The second is the International NGO-LNGO relationship. With respect to the first relationship, donor countries had a clear hegemonic position vis-a-vis INGOs. In turn, INGOs developed a hegemonic position towards LNGOs. These hegemonic relationships undermined the quality and effectiveness of aid disbursed and failed to promote the development of an open and democratic civil society. More interestingly, although most donors and INGOs got involved in the post-conflict reconstruction of both countries, very weak learning processes seem to have operated in the region. A comparative examination of the two reconstruction efforts reveals that the manifestation of many inefficiencies and failures was indeed even more acute in Kosovo than in Bosnia.


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Perceptual biases are widely regarded as a window into the computational principles underlying human perception. To understand these biases, previous work has proposed a number of conceptually different and even seemingly contradicting ingredients, including attraction to a Bayesian prior, repulsion from the prior due to efficient coding, and central tendency effects on a bounded range. We present a unifying Bayesian theory of biases in perceptual estimation. We theoretically demonstrate an additive decomposition of perceptual biases into attraction to a prior, repulsion away from regions with high encoding precision, and regression away from the boundary. The results reveal a simple and universal rule for predicting the direction of perceptual biases. Our theory accounts for, and leads to new understandings of biases in the perception of a variety of stimulus attributes, including orientation, color, and magnitude.


In this work, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was used as a material to fabricate superhydrophobic lotus-leaf-like surfaces through soft-lithographic duplication. In the process, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp was prepared by replica molding against the surfaces of fresh lotus leaves that functioned as masters. A dispersion of octadecylamine-modified reduced graphene oxide (ODA-RGO) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) was used as "ink". The lotus-leaf-like surfaces were fabricated by microcontact printing on the solid substrates. The results showed that due to the good processibility of the ODA-RGO dispersion, the printed layers display papillary micro/nano-structures with high fidelity to the surfaces of lotus leaves. The RGO-based lotus-leaf-like surfaces possess superhydrophobic characteristics with a water contact angle larger than 160° and the contact angle hysteresis less than 5°. Due to the excellent chemical stability of the RGO sheets, as-prepared surfaces show remarkable superhydrophobic stability. The lotus-leaf-like surfaces maintain the superhydrophobicity after heating treatment at 150 °C for 24 h or being exposed to corrosive solutions with different pH values for 12 h. The present findings prove that the RGO-based material is an ideal candidate for fabrication of environment-durable lotus-leaf-like surfaces, which can be expected to have applications in different areas.


This document explains and demonstrates how to prepare your camera-ready manuscript for Trans Tech Publications. The best is to read these instructions and follow the outline of this text. The text area for your manuscript must be 17 cm wide and 25 cm high (6.7 and 9.8 inches, resp.). Do not place any text outside this area. Use good quality, white paper of approximately 21 x 29 cm or 8 x 11 inches (please do not change the document setting from A4 to letter). Your manuscript will be reduced by approximately 20% by the publisher. Please keep this in mind when designing your figures and tables etc. There should be 60 pounds of space above the caption and 6 pounds of space below it before the text continues. There should be 6 pounds of space above other information of the author, such as name, address and so on. Corresponding author is optional. Keywords-Occupation ; Career Education ; Classic Resource; Sharing System;Network.;


These Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne EPFL, n° 1055 (1992)Institut d'informatique fondamentaleLaboratoire d'intelligence artificielle Reference doi:10.5075/epfl-thesis-1055Print copy in library catalog Record created on 2005-03-16, modified on 2017-05-12


Network Coding (NC) can significantly help increase the efficient use of network resources. However, directly applying NC to wireless networks is not an effective design solution. Wireless channels are prone to bit errors due to fading, possibly generating erroneous decisions at the relay nodes while applying NC. Furthermore, the broadcast nature of wireless channels may provide a direct communication link between source and destination nodes. In order to combat fading channel impairments, and also to exploit the inherent spatial diversity provided through the direct link, network coded cooperation (NCC) techniques should be incorporated to the NC systems for wireless networks. This tutorial provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in the NCC systems, combining the powerful tools of NC and cooperative communication, in order to increase data transmission rates and robustness of multiple source wireless networks.


Three experiments that document a powerful false memory effect in recall and recognition are reported. Subjects studied lists of items related to critical nonpresented themes (e.g., sleep, needle) and then completed recognition and/or recall tests, as well as various metamemory tasks (e.g., remember/know, source monitoring). Results showed that the critical nonpresented items were recalled and recognized nearly as often as studied items. False recognition of critical nonpresented items did not decrease over a 24-h retention interval, whereas the recognition rate for studied items did decrease significantly. The false memory effect also increased across successive recall tests. Subjects' responses on the metamemory tasks indicated that they experienced the critical nonpresented items as being very similar to the presented items that were recalled and/or recognized. Subjects were even willing to indicate which of two persons speaking the study items had spoken the critical nonpresented items that were recalled. Results are discussed in terms of fuzzy trace theory and it is argued that these false memory effects represent memory illusions that may yield important insights into normal human memory processes.


The demand for wind energy grows at exponential rates. At the same time, improving reliability and reduced operation and maintenance costs are the key priorities in wind turbine maintenance strategies. This paper provides information about a novel online oil condition monitoring system to recommend a solution to the mentioned priorities. The presented sensor system enables damage prevention of the wind turbine gear-box by an advanced warning time of critical operation conditions, and an enhanced oil exchange interval realized by a precise measurement of the electrical conductivity, the relative permittivity and the oil temperature. A new parameter, the WearSens® Index (WSi) is introduced. The mathematical model of the WSi combines all measured values and its gradients in one single parameter for a comprehensive monitoring to prevent wind turbines from damage. Furthermore, the WSi enables a long-term prognosis on the next oil change by 24/7 server data logging. Corrective procedures and/or maintenance can be carried out before actual damage occurs. First WSi results of an onshore wind turbine installation compared to traditional vibration monitoring are shown.


Summary Motivation This article discusses the use of educational technology (EdTech) in girls' education at PEAS (Promoting Education in African Schools) schools in rural Uganda during the Covid‐19‐related school closures. Purpose This article addresses a research gap surrounding the potential use of EdTech to support girls' education, focusing on the barriers to girls' EdTech use and how technology might be used to enhance girls' education in disadvantaged rural areas—specifically their academic learning and their social and emotional learning. Methods and approach A sequential, explanatory mixed‐methods case‐study approach was used. Quantitative exploration of a dataset of 483 Ugandan students, from 28 PEAS schools, was first conducted, followed by interviews with PEAS staff to elucidate the reasons and context behind the findings. Findings Findings show that female students are less likely than male students to have access to their caregivers' phones for learning. The form of EdTech that appeared to be most beneficial for girls' academic learning was radio; girls also had significantly more interest in tuning into radio broadcasts than boys did. Also, poorer boys were more likely to be influenced by SMS messages than wealthier boys. Apart from gender‐based differences, students with more highly educated parents found SMS messages more helpful, and phone calls from teachers appeared to help boost younger students' self‐confidence. Policy implications The findings suggest that policy‐makers need to: carefully consider provision of education through multiple modes of EdTech in order to ensure that it reaches all students; ensure that caregivers are involved in the strategies developed for girls' education; make EdTech interventions interactive; and consider language in EdTech interventions. Given the gender differences which emerged, the findings are of relevance both to supporting the continuation of educational provision during periods of school closure, and also in terms of finding additional ways to support girls' education alongside formal schooling.


Abstract Purpose: To assess the prevalence of an abnormal number of ribs in a cohort of fetuses and neonates with trisomy 21 and compare this with a subgroup of fetuses without anomalies. Materials and methods: Radiographs of 67 deceased fetuses, neonates, and infants that were diagnosed with trisomy 21 were reviewed. Terminations of pregnancy were included. The control group was composed of 107 deceased fetuses, neonates, and infants without known chromosomal abnormalities, structural malformations, infections or placental pathology. Cases in which the number of thoracic ribs or presence of cervical ribs could not be reliably assessed were excluded. The literature concerning vertebral patterning in trisomy 21 cases and healthy subjects was reviewed. Results: Absent or rudimentary 12th thoracic ribs were found in 26/54 (48.1%) cases with trisomy 21 and cervical ribs were present in 27/47 (57.4%) cases. This prevalence was significantly higher compared to controls (28/100, 28.0%, Χ2(1) = 6.252, p = .012 and 28/97, 28.9%, Χ2(1) = 10.955, p < .001, respectively). Conclusions: Rudimentary or absent 12th thoracic ribs and cervical ribs are significantly more prevalent in deceased fetuses and infants with trisomy 21.


Mt. Fuji has ejected a huge amount of basaltic products during the last 100,000 years. Even though the region around Mt. Fuji is tectonically active, the seismicity below Mt. Fuji is low, resulting in little knowledge about the seismic structure there. To gain more insight into the magma-plumbing system, we obtain the seismic structure beneath Mt. Fuji by the receiver function (RF) technique. Cross sections of RF amplitudes reveal two distinct velocity boundaries around Mt. Fuji, at depths of 40?50 km and 20?30 km, which we interpret to be the boundary between the crust-mantle transition layer (CMTL) and the uppermost mantle of the Izu-Bonin arc (IBA) and the velocity discontinuity just below the region where low- frequency earthquakes (LFEs) of Mt. Fuji have occurred, respectively. The velocity boundary at about 50-km depth shows a clear gap just beneath Mt. Fuji. We suggest that this gap represents a weaker velocity contrast zone through which the magma of Mt. Fuji ascends from the Pacific (PAC) plate. We investigate the velocity structure around Mt. Fuji by simulated annealing inversion of receiver functions. Velocity structure are constrained by combining receiver functions and dispersion curves. Each dispersion curve is calculated using the velocity structure obtained from an ambient noise surface wave tomography by Nishida et al. (2008). Preliminary calculation reveals that a low-velocity region around 20 km depth explains all the characteristics of RFs near Mt. Fuji, leading us to interpret the high velocity boundary just below the LFE region as the lower boundary of Mt. Fuji's magma chamber.


While the use of complementary waveforms has been considered as a technique for providing essentially perfect range sidelobe performance in radar systems, its lack of resilience to Doppler is often cited as a reason not to deploy it. This work describes and examines techniques both for providing Doppler resilience as well as tailoring Doppler performance to specific aims. The Doppler performance can be varied by suitably changing the order of transmission of multiple sets of complementary waveforms. We propose a method which improves Doppler performance significantly in specific Doppler ranges by arranging the transmission of multiple copies of complementary waveforms according to a suitable choice from the first order Reed-Muller codes. We provide both a theoretical analysis and computer simulations of the Doppler response of waveform sequences constructed in this way.


> Give every individual the right amount of exercise, not too little and not too much.1
>
> —Hippocrates

Physical activity has long been tied to good health. Hippocrates was guided by his theory of balanced humors to advocate that absolutely everyone, young or old, needs exercise, but not too much. A landmark 1953 study noted that drivers of public trolleys in London had twice as many acute coronary syndromes as did conductors of the same trolleys, the only notable difference being that conductors walked as they collected tickets and drivers sat.2,3 In the decades since this seminal epidemiological observation, nearly every aspect of human physiology has been demonstrated to benefit from exercise, ranging from lung and cardiac function to cognition and aging (Figure 1). The same decades, however, have witnessed a dramatic sedentarization of the US population (despite the newfound popularity of recreational exercise). Today, the consequences of sedentary lifestyles, synergizing with dramatic increases in caloric intake, are ubiquitous and devastating.

Figure 1.
The many long-term benefits of regular endurance exercise.

Exercise is a fundamental component of the human condition. Humans are the only primates capable of sustained long-distance running, and this behavior likely significantly shaped the evolutionary departure of humans from other primates.4 For example, the need for heat dissipation during prolonged physical activity likely favored loss of body hair and the proliferation of sweat glands, thereby considerably altering the human form.5,6 Endurance exercise thus not only is good for us but in fact is part of what defines us. Not surprisingly, the study of exercise, including its mechanics, physiology, and health benefits, has long garnered fascination. Over the last decade, new molecular techniques have ushered in a new era of exercise research, focused on understanding fundamental mechanisms. The wealth of new information is staggering. …


Forbes & Lin derived simple equations to link the properties of magnetic reconnection in the corona to observed signatures of solar flares. We measured the photospheric magnetic fields and the flare ribbon separation speeds then applied these equations to derive two physical terms for the magnetic reconnection rates: the rate of magnetic flux change φrec involved in magnetic reconnection in the low corona and the electric field Erec inside the reconnecting current sheet (RCS) that is generated during magnetic reconnection. The central interest in this work is to investigate and quantify the statistical correlation between the magnetic reconnection rate and the corresponding flux-rope acceleration. From a sample of 13 well-observed two-ribbon flares, which are associated with filament eruptions or coronal mass ejections (CMEs), the acceleration of erupting filaments is found mainly in the range of 0.05-0.4 km s-2, up to 3 km s-2. Correspondingly, the maximum Erec and φrec mostly occur in the range of 0.2-5 V cm-1 and 0.5-6 × 1018 Mx s-1, respectively. A positive and strong correlation is found with a cross-correlation coefficient of 0.94-0.97 between the magnetic reconnection rate and the acceleration of erupting filaments that represents the early stages of flux-rope eruptions in the low corona. However, the inferred reconnection rate is not correlated to the acceleration of CME fronts measured by the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) observations in the range of 2-30 solar radii (the correlation coefficient is less than 0.2). A reasonable correlation is found between the reconnection rate and the velocity of CMEs, which indicates the cumulative acceleration of CMEs from the low corona to the LASCO C2 field of view. The temporal correlation between the magnetic reconnection rate and the flare nonthermal emissions has also been verified in this paper.