It is in the realm of new technology that many of the FTC's most significant recent cases have arisen and such cases particularly raise concerns about the scope of regulation and limits on the agency's discretion. Facing novel data security questions, the agency has pushed the bounds of its authority over unfair and deceptive acts and practices (UDAP) to constrain firms trying to experiment and adapt in the face of developing technology. Similarly, by expressing myriad concerns about business methods and practices in high-tech firms — among them Intel, N-Data, Twitter, Google, Facebook Apple and Amazon — and investigating issues ranging from privacy to search engine design to patent enforcement to integrated circuit fabrication, the Commission has pushed the bounds of its Section 5 authority. The FTC must always weigh the costs of intervention (and the costs of getting it wrong) against the costs of doing nothing. But what, and who, will limit the discretion of a majority of FTC Commissioners in assessing these trade-offs? In technology the question becomes, how should the FTC regulate technology? What's the right mix of the certainty businesses need and the flexibility technological progress demands? One thing is certain: a top-down, administrative regulatory model of regulation is ill-suited for technology. The most important, most welfare-enhancing reform the FTC could undertake is to better incorporate sound economic- and evidence-based analysis in both its substantive decisions as well as in its process. While the FTC has a strong tradition of economics in its antitrust decision-making, its record in using economics in other areas is mixed (or at least opaque). Meanwhile, a review of some recent decisions at the agency suggests that the Commission is inconsistent in its application of economic principles. In this paper I discuss several important aspects of the FTC's process and substantive decision-making, particularly those that bear on its regulation of technology. In doing so, I assess the contribution (or lack thereof) of proper economic analysis to the Commission's decisions and how it has contributed and can better contribute to the Commission's goal of promoting consumer welfare. The paper draws significantly on Commissioner Josh Wright's decision-making (as well as some of that of fellow Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen) to highlight the role of economics at the FTC. Wright's approach has often been adopted by the Commission (most notably under economically-minded past Chairmen like Tim Muris and Bill Kovacic). But, as I will discuss, there are some glaring exceptions, particularly in the FTC's consumer protection enforcement practices.


: Interrelation between the level of the serum lysozyme and the count of the leucocytes, as well as the severity of the disease was found in testing of the peripheral blood of 133 patients with acute Sonnei and Flexner dysentery. It is recommended to use the lysozyme index in the clinical practice as one of the additional criteria for estimation of the severity of acute dysentery.


: Forty postoperative patients with clinical and roentgenographic findings suggestive of subphrenic abscess were evaluated by early and delayed 67Ga scintigraphy. Early 67Ga scintigraphs obtained 6 hr after injection correctly localized seven right and five left subphrenic abscesses. In no instance was an abscess present on delayed scintigraphs that was not evident on the 6-hr study. Two patients with left subphrenic abscess had false-negative results on both early and delayed scintigraphy. No false-positive studies were recorded. Early 67Ga scintigraphy can be a valuable noninvasive adjunct of the diagnosis of subphrenic abscess.


OBJECTIVES
To determine the current practice of abdominal fascial closure among provincial general surgeons. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of surgeons choosing absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures. Secondary objectives included determining knowledge and attitudes of surgeons to evidence-based medicine and concordance of current practice with level I evidence.

DESIGN
A survey.

SETTING
The province of Ontario.

PARTICIPANTS
One hundred general surgeons.

METHODS
A stratified random sample of community and academic surgeons was assembled and a questionnaire was mailed to them. Common clinical scenarios and questions pertaining to attitudes and knowledge of evidence-based medicine were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Use of absorbable versus nonabsorbable suture material. Willingness to change current practice on evidence-based level I reports.

RESULTS
Most surgeons (86%) chose an absorbable suture for abdominal fascial closure. Nonabsorbable suture was chosen by 58% of surgeons in the highly contaminated surgical scenario. Eighty-one percent of surgeons indicated they would be willing to change their current practice of fascial closure if there was evidence that the incidence of wound complications was reduced. Polyglactin (Vicryl) was the most commonly chosen suture.

CONCLUSIONS
The current practice of abdominal fascial closure among Ontario general surgeons is in disagreement with the findings from a recent meta-analysis, recommending a nonabsorbable suture for a 32% relative risk reduction in the incisional hernia rate. The majority of surgeons employ a continuous absorbable closure in common surgical scenarios. A definitive randomized controlled trial comparing continuous nonabsorbable closure versus continuous absorbable closure is warranted.


Background Whilst uptake of the GSF is widespread there is a lack of evidence to demonstrate how it supports GPs and district nurses to deliver palliative care in primary care. This small study provides insight into the use of GSF meetings within 3 GP practices within NHS Forth Valley. Aim To identify how GP practices make use of GSF meetings in order to improve palliative care in primary care. Methods GP practices that were considered as 'good examples', in relation to use of GSF, were invited to take part in the study. 8 GSF meetings were observed and tape recorded. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data, providing order to the data set and allowing for key themes to emerge and be identified. Results There is ongoing uncertainty amongst GPs related to the criteria for when/what patients should be on the palliative care register, especially for patients with long term condition other than cancer. There was much variation between the GP practices in regards to how many patients they had on the register from 5–54 and this was not in the expected relation to size of practices. GSF meetings were constructed through informal dialogue without any use of formal documents for assessment or management plan. GSF meetings were used for a brief update on the patient condition and situation, key symptom and how they were coping at home. Only one of the three practices used GSF meetings systematically to check if documents related to Advance Care Planning were in place. Conclusion It appeared that the main benefits of the uptake GSF was related to increased awareness, for those who attended the meeting, of the patients' current situation, possible supporting better coordination of care. However it is unclear how the information sharing benefitted patients in relation to clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to explore how uptake of the GSF improves clinical outcomes.


As the first survey of the history of women in Russia to be published in any language, this book is itself an historic event -- the result of the collaboration of the leading Russian and American specialists on Russian women's history. The book is divided in to four chronological parts corresponding to eras of Russian history: (I) Kievan/Mongol (10th - 15th centuries); (II) Muscovite ( 16th - 17th centuries); (III) 18th century; and (IV) 19th - early 20th centuries. Each part gives coverage to four main topics: (1) The role of prominent women in public life, with biographical sketches of women who attained prominence in political or cultural life; (2) Women's daily life and family roles; (3) Women's status under the law; (4) Material culture and in particular women's dress as an expression of their place in society.


The work detailed in this thesis investigates the behaviour of the hydrodynamic interaction effects acting on an unappended AUV manoeuvring in proximity to a larger moving underwater vehicle such as a submarine. The investigation examined the steady-state and transient interaction effects on the hydrodynamic coefficients of the AUV as a function of the relative: speed, longitudinal position, lateral position, and size between the two submerged vehicles. The work involved extensive development of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models to simulate the manoeuvres in order to map the interaction behaviour. Experimental Fluid Dynamics (EFD) involving captive-model tests of the two vehicles were carried out to validate and supplement the CFD data.
The results show that the hydrodynamic interaction acts to attract and repel the AUV at the stern and bow regions around the submarine, respectively. The magnitude of these attraction and repulsion interaction effects varied significantly due to small changes in the relative longitudinal position, suggesting the need of an accurate and fast responsive control system for the AUV to adequately maintain its trajectory around the submarine. These adverse interaction effects were found to be minimal around amidships of the moving submarine, suggesting a safe path for the AUV to approach or depart the submarine laterally within that region. In addition, the interaction effects on the hydrodynamic coefficients of the AUV were shown to reduce as the relative speed of the latter increased.
Due to the need to simulate large relative motions between the two vehicles, this thesis also investigate and identifies the merits of two dynamic mesh techniques within ANSYS CFX (i.e. Immersed Solids, and AMP Re-Meshing) to simulate multiple bodies in relative motion. Although the numerical models behind the techniques have undergone substantial development in recent years, as they are beta-features in ANSYS CFX there are currently no existing studies demonstrating their capabilities in modelling multiple bodies in relative motion. The developed CFD simulation models are suitable for future work involving appended AUVs and the coupling with a control system for manoeuvring simulations of multiple underwater vehicles.


In one of its earliest debates, the first federal Congress divided over the question of whether the president could remove executive officers. Long neglected by historians, the episode has received ample attention from constitutional scholars who have interpreted it as a crucial contest over the scope of presidential power. However, the debate's significance owes less to these implications than it does to the language of constitutional essentialism that it produced. In the aftermath of ratification, American politicians were still reckoning with what it meant to be subject to the authority of a supreme, written constitution and in so doing debated not only the meaning of specific constitutional clauses but more generally the kinds of interpretive practices that could legitimately accompany Americans' governing document. The removal debate began because the Constitution, other than specifications for impeachment, was silent on removal. Some contended that, given this silence, nobody could remove. Most disagreed and as justification contended that Congress enjoyed discretion to fill the document's silences. However, those who favored removal divided over who could remove: the president alone or in conjunction with the Senate. In waging this disagreement the two sides grounded their rival interpretations in two separate sources of authority: the ''nature of things'' and the original intent of the Constitution's framers. In retreating from arguments built on congressional discretion in favor of ones premised on fixed constitutional meaning, politicians constructed a powerful language of constitutional essentialism that implied that the Constitution was equipped with unchangeable meaning.


In this paper, we propose an outlier-robust regularized kernel-based method for linear system identification. The unknown impulse response is modeled as a zero-mean Gaussian process whose covariance (kernel) is given by the recently proposed stable spline kernel, which encodes information on regularity and exponential stability. To build robustness to outliers, we model the measurement noise as realizations of independent Laplacian random variables. The identification problem is cast in a Bayesian framework, and solved by a new Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) scheme. In particular, exploiting the representation of the Laplacian random variables as scale mixtures of Gaussians, we design a Gibbs sampler which quickly converges to the target distribution. Numerical simulations show a substantial improvement in the accuracy of the estimates over state-of-the-art kernel-based methods.


We examine whether large neural language models, trained on very large collections of varied English text, learn the potentially long-distance dependency of British versus American spelling conventions, i.e., whether spelling is consistently one or the other within model-generated strings. In contrast to long-distance dependencies in non-surface underlying structure (e.g., syntax), spelling consistency is easier to measure both in LMs and the text corpora used to train them, which can provide additional insight into certain observed model behaviors. Using a set of probe words unique to either British or American English, we first establish that training corpora exhibit substantial (though not total) consistency. A large T5 language model does appear to internalize this consistency, though only with respect to observed lexical items (not nonce words with British/American spelling patterns). We further experiment with correcting for biases in the training data by fine-tuning T5 on synthetic data that has been debiased, and find that finetuned T5 remains only somewhat sensitive to spelling consistency. Further experiments show GPT2 to be similarly limited.


The production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induced by LPS in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the patients with malignant and benign ovarian tumors were determined. Decreased production of TNF were observed in the patients with malignant ovarian tumor. In the advanced cases, TNF were lower than that in the early ones, which may indicate the progression of the tumors. These findings suggested that the TNF may be a useful indicator to diagnose the malignant tumors and prognosticate the tumors' developing.


Quality of Life: An Introduction to the Concept follows two
main objectives: – to explain why quality of life is not a
topic of simple or unambiguous answers and why it is possible
to perceive it from different points of view, – to give the
reader basic starting points for understanding, interpretation
and measurement of this extraordinarily complex and
increasingly popular concept. The book brings an overview of
basic characteristics of quality of life and then it proceeds
to a detailed discussion of content aspect and definition of
this phenomenon on the basis of its dualisms and
multidimensionality. By means of simple examples it
demonstrates basic principles and procedures used in the
measurement of quality of life. The final chapter is dedicated
to selected problems of interdisciplinary research and to a
brief introduction to geography of quality of life.


Long-term medical treatment options for atrial fibrillation (AF) include rate-control as well as rhythm-control therapy with various antiarrhythmics. However, because of the limited efficacy and potential side effects of these medications, percutaneous and surgical ablations in AF patients have evolved as alternative or additional approaches to achieve rhythm-control. Nonetheless, arrhythmia recurrences may also occur after these procedures. Thus, the search for complementary treatment options continues.Ranolazine possesses antiarrhythmic effects in atrial myocytes via blockade of sodium channels. These properties facilitate AF suppression in animal models and human subjects. We report a patient with persistent AF that was refractory to medical management and percutaneous catheter ablation. She has remained in sinus rhythm for at least 18 months after the initiation of ranolazine.


The techno-economic grid of the Internet looks set to fulfil its autopoietic potentials as a global and multi-dimensionally immersive knowledge and memory archival network. This research project moves through a series of Digital Sociology case studies that mimic the changes in paradigms of the WWW from 2005-2010 in the forms of Web 1.0 to 2.0 and beyond to augmented reality and the cloud. Netmodern social theory is an emergent and speculative product of the research findings of this thesis and the subjective experiences of the researcher in experiencing and explaining digital realities in the research. All of the case studies employ practice-based approaches of original investigation through digital interventions completely immersed in particular waves of innovation and change. The role of the researcher shifts from administrator to mediator and observer as the very fabric of the social web transforms and evolves. The suggestion of the research findings is that you need to actually look at everything differently in order to study the research objects of emergent social agency and forms in digital media. Existing forms of critical analysis and methodological frameworks, particularly those concerned with conceptual models of media literacy or collective intelligence are insufficient as explanatory methods. Studying media literacy is most concerned with 'how' we create and interact in online social life beyond issues of simple accessibility. The focus of collective intelligence research is 'what' knowledge is available for interaction and a canvas for relationships between agency and knowledge forms. All of the case studies in this research project speak to and critique the intersections and relationships of emergent social agency and forms prevalent in Digital Sociology. The collective case studies explore online academic communities (BlogScholar), agency and popularity in the Twitter social network (Twae) and a variety of representations of collective intelligence in action (Web 2.0 cases studies). The research results suggest that the Internet is not so much intersecting with as it is being culture, economy, and technology.


Anxiety appears to be a strong risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD) and specifically fatal IHD. However, no randomly assigned, controlled, clinical trial targeting anxiety yet exists demonstrating an impact on objective cardiac outcomes. Situational anxiety is frequent in cardiac populations and can diminish quality-of-life by increasing symptoms/disability and result in unnecessary medical system utilization. "Noncardiac" chest pain is common both in patients with objective coronary disease and in patients whose cardiac workup is negative. Both presentations of chest pain respond to cognitive/behavioral therapy, and imipramine has been found to be effective for chest pain unaccompanied by coronary disease. Because anxiety-like symptoms overlap with symptoms of IHD (eg, chest pain, dyspnea, dizziness, palpitations) and can be caused by organic factors, the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety in these populations require special considerations.


In this paper, we characterize the stability region of the two-user broadcast channel. First, we obtain the stability region in the general case. Second, we consider the particular case where each receiver treats the interfering signal as noise, as well as the case in which the packets are transmitted using superposition coding and successive decoding is employed at the strong receiver.


An accepted fact worldwide is that, advertisements are the most important source of income for any media product. However, in case of News channels in India, they are the only traditional source of income because the other source, "subscription" is more of an expense head than a reliable stream of income. This is because, while, a majority of news channels in India are not paid for, all of them have to spend a lot of money for carriage of their signals and placing them at a prominent position in the list of channels as compared to their competitor. According to FICII KPMG media and entertainment industry report 2012, news channels are paying subscription fees which are disproportionately higher than their revenue from subscription. Since this has left news channels over dependent on their advertisement income, they are ever exploring new ways of placing advertisements on screen. While on one hand this has left their screen space highly cluttered on the other hand the marketing teams of news channels are creating a lot of innovations to integrate their news content with the advertisement. This paper has reviewed different news channels and after discussing with media marketing and media planning experts has tried to categorize different ways of placing advertisements on television which are being practiced today.


This article focuses on researching quality of life in old age. Based on a review of the relevant literature, it argues that research has not reflected sufficiently the multifaceted nature of quality of life and has relied too much on the judgements of professionals rather than older people. It concludes that quality of life research in general has under‐emphasised the importance of material factors in people's lives. With regard to older people, research shows that relatively poor quality of life, as reported by older people themselves, is associated with only a minority and, among this minority, twice the proportion of older women to men. The article ends with an outline of the new Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Growing Older Research Programme on Extending Quality Life, which in three years time promises to provide usable information for policy makers and practitioners about the determinants of quality of life in old age.


Many developers have begun to realize that heterogeneous multi-core and many-core computer systems can provide significant performance opportunities to a range of applications. Typical applications possess multiple components that can be parallelized; developers need to be equipped with proper performance tools to analyze program flow and identify application bottlenecks. In this paper, we analyze and profile the components of the Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) Computer Vision algorithm written in OpenCL. Our profiling framework is developed using built-in OpenCL API function calls, without the need for an external profiler. We show we can begin to identify performance bottlenecks and performance issues present in individual components on different hardware platforms. We demonstrate that by using run-time profiling using the OpenCL specification, we can provide an application developer with a fine-grained look at performance, and that this information can be used to tailor performance improvements for specific platforms.


New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards for Visual and Performing Arts, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Technology, 21st Century Life and Careers, Mathematics, and Language Arts Literacy. New Jeresy Core Curriculum Content Standards for Mathematics


Abstract This article reconsiders the role of money in three dimensions of monetary policy: an empirical dimension concerning the link between money and macro-economic target variables, a theoretical dimension concerning the role of monetary aggregates in models of monetary policy, and a strategic dimension, concerning the use of monetary aggregate in the design and communication of monetary policy strategies. We review recent research and present empirical evidence for the euro area and other countries. We show that money growth is a reliable indicator of euro-area inflation in the medium and long run. In contrast, the usefulness of money to predict short-run inflation is small in times when inflation and money growth are both low and relatively stable. We show that, although the presentation of models of monetary macro-economics has changed, the role of money is still the same within these models. The strategic role of money changes over time: money moves to the foreground, when inflation is too high, and it stays in the background when inflation is low. Since there is little reason to believe that inflation will always be low in the euro area, we expect that money will regain importance in the ECB's monetary policy strategy sooner or later.


Released in 1967, Roman Polanski's Dance of the Vampires (also known as The Fearless Vampire Killers) tells the tale of two intrepid vampire hunters, Professor Abronsius and his assistant, Alfred, who take up residence at a small village inn near the dreaded vampire Count von Krolock's castle. The inn is owned and occupied by the Jew Shagal, along with his wife Rebecca,4 his beautiful daughter, Sarah, and the blond-haired, blue-eyed, buxom Christian maid, Magda,5 who is the focus of Shagal's sexual obsessions. Despite his unceasing efforts to possess her, Magda remains intact, safe within her bedroom, where she works and sleeps within sight of her crucifix. One night, having been bitten by Krolock and now a vampire himself, Shagal returns to the inn for another chance at the lovely Magda. He appears at her window and breaks through the glass, creeping forward through the shadows as vampires are wont to do. Seeing him, she recoils in horror, reaches above her head for the crucifix hanging on the wall, and holds it out against him, convinced that he will shrink back. Instead, Shagal narrows his eyes as he gazes upon the crucifix, turns his head coyly to one side and, waving one hand in playful dismissal of Magda's foolishness, chortles in a stereotypical Jewish brogue, "Oy, for you've got the wrong vampire!" The character of the Jewish vampire is used for comic effect in Polanski's satirical Dance of the Vampires. Beneath the audience's laughter, however, the vampire Jew reflects a long history of anti-Judaism in European culture that began in the late-twelfth and early-thirteenth centuries with the systematic application of Aristotelian natural philosophy to issues of theology.6 Scholars working in the academic milieu of the medieval university combined the authority of Aristotelian discourse with that of learned medicine to construct the paradigmatic Christian and male body, which was both pure and perfect; against this perfect male body, they created its inverted "other," the un-Christian female body, which was impure, corrupt, and even poisonous. Cast into this latter category, the imaginary body of the male Jew became cold and feminine, evil and calculating, sexually rapacious and starving for warm, moist blood: the paradigm of the heretical mother - the witch - who cannibalizes her young. The anatomy and physiology of the vampire in F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu: Ein Symphonie des Grauens (1922) depicts Count Orlock as a strange creature who first appears, in a medium-long-distance shot, emerging from the dark recesses of his castle through a shadowy archway, clasping his hands to his chest as if chilled.7 His facial features are not discernible. As H utter8 approaches, however, the creature is suddenly revealed. Protruding from layers of dusty black woolen clothing and tucked beneath a black, brimless, Cantor's hat,9 Nosferatu's gaunt and pallid face, shot in three-quarter profile, seems to float. While the vampire's pallor evokes that of John Polidori's Lord Ruthven, whose otherwise handsome face has a "deadly hue" that "never gained a warmer tint."10 Nosferatu's distinct physiognomy owes more to Bram Stoker's vision of Count Dracula, with whom he shares kohl-rimmed eyes, impossibly shaggy eyebrows with wiry "hair that seemed to curl in its own profusion," an exaggerated hooked nose with "peculiarly arched nostrils," and enormous, pale, "extremely pointed" ears.11 Exaggerating these already groteseque features of Stoker's Count Dracula, Murnau sculpts a sinister creature whose anatomical traits and physiological drives are grounded in the imaginary body not just of the vampire but of the monstrous, blood-thirsty, rapacious Jew.12 The vampire turns his head slowly to full profile, visually elongating his beaked face and his bent frame. Later, at the dinner table, Nosferatu crouches behind an enormous parchment, his black, close-set eyes only inches away from the legal documents that will bring him to London. …


This article reports on a study using Piagetian clinical methodology to examine the early writing development of 56, urban, Spanish-speaking preschoolers in a metropolitan area of the United States. In addition, the article draws upon findings by the Expert Study (Flippo, 1998) to underscore the types of instructional environments that have proven the most efficacious for the literacy growth of young, second-language learners. Following much of the same protocols of the classic study by Ferreiro and Teberosky (1982) in Argentina, the study attempted to replicate some of the patterns found in Latin American children's early writing with those from similar backgrounds in an urban area in the United States. For the most part, the developmental patterns found twenty years earlier were also observed in the U.S. sample of preschoolers, with the exception that the four-year-old children in the present study were performing more at the level of the five-year-olds in the South American sample.


Today's innovative technologies offer remarkable advantages in our daily lives, but they also give rise to concerns that these technological advancements will adversely impact individuals' privacy. The traditional notions of information privacy were based on personal control over data about oneself, an antiqued notion in a time where pervasive surveillance has rendered it nearly impossible for individuals to protect information privacy on their own. Key privacy concerns arise because it is nearly impossible to be left out of the intertwined digital and Internet world. Those who choose not to use the Internet, smartphones, tablet computers, electronic mail and online social network platforms, nevertheless remain trapped in the inescapable digital net, with others able to track their personal data.This essay includes suggestions for reconstructing traditional privacy theories. The traditional notice-and-choice principle has failed to protect the information privacy. Privacy should be determined by both individuals' subjective feelings and objective social norms. The government has a constitutional obligation to protect the right to privacy by constructing basic information privacy protection principles. Furthermore, this essay proposes an approach to constructing a social-value-oriented information privacy theory. Among others, in determining the context of privacy, if no social precedents are available, the particular social activity's consequences, purposes, and values may first be identified, and then these results may be used to trace back to the starting point and consider how to regulate social activities.


Over the last two decades free-space optical communication (FSO) has become more and more interest- ing as an adjunct or alternative to radio frequency commu- nication. This article gives an overview of the challenges a system designer has to consider while implementing an FSO system. Typical gains and losses along the path from the transmitter through the medium to the receiver are in- troduced in this article. Detailed discussions of these topics can be found in this special issue of the Radioengineering Journal.


Cerebellar ataxia is a neurodegenerative disorder leading to severe motor incoordination. Recently it has been suggested that cannabinoids play a role in modulation of ataxic symptoms. In order to understand the possible therapeutic effect of cannabinoids for management of cerebellar ataxia, we used cannabinoid agonist/antagonists to target the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) in the 3 acetyl pyridine (3AP) mouse model of ataxia. The role of the CB1R was examined by using three different doses of the CB1R agonist, WIN55,212-2 (WIN; 0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/kg) administrated 30 min prior to 3AP (55 mg/kg, i.p.) which leads to motor impairment through destruction of the inferior olive. In some recordings, the CB1R antagonist AM251(1 mg/kg) was given in combination with WIN. Locomotor activity and motor coordination were impaired by 3AP, and the application of WIN did not ameliorate this effect. However, the abnormal gait, rearing and grooming caused by 3AP were prevented by co-administration of AM251 with WIN. While the addition of the CB1R antagonist inhibition improved some ataxic symptoms, there was no effect of AM251 on balance or locomotor activity when co-administrated with WIN. Behavioral testing indicated that not only did WIN fail to exert any protective effect on ataxic symptoms, it exacerbated ataxic symptoms, suggesting that CB1R agonists may not be the ideal therapeutic drug in this disorder. When taken together, the findings from the present study indicate that cannabinoid modulation of ataxia symptoms may not act solely through CB1Rs and other cannabinoid receptors should be consider in future studies.


The main goal of this work is to develop an ultrasonic high frequency method for characterization of thin layers. The development of high frequency acoustic transducers for longitudinal waves and shear waves on silicon has enabeled the characterization of thin films deposited on this substrate. Three types of transducers have been achieved : (i) single crystal LiNbOSubscript text3 Y+163° for shear waves generation, and (ii) Y+36° for longitudinal waves, bonded and thinned on silicon substrate to achieve ultrasonic transducers in the frequency range 300-600 MHz ; (iii) thin films ZnO transducers were realized due to sputtering technologies working in the frequency range 1 GHz- 2.5 GHz. Using an inversion method and a network analyser which provide the scattering S11 parameter of the transducer versus the frequency we deduce the elastic properties of films deposited on the wafer surface. Thanks to these transducers the acoustic properties of thin films such as SU-8 based nanocomposites (doped with TiO2 , SrTiO3 or W nanoparticles) will be presented. In order to achieve mechanical impedance matching between silicon and water we control the mass of the embedded particles which provide a way to adjust the elastic properties of the characterized material. In another application an Indium metallic layer have been characterized in the high frequency range. We also use this method to characterize dielectric permittivity of the ZnO transducers.


: Human Resources managers are distressingly aware that more than half the middle and senior managers (40- and 50-year-olds) in their organizations are technologically incompetent. Having spent millions on technology, most corporate CEOs, many of whom can't use a computer either, are drawing a bead on middle managers who are passively resisting the computer revolution. Physician executives are no exception. Given the current shortage of physician managers with good track records and people skills, can middle managers skirt technology issues until retirement if they dance slowly enough? It's doubtful. Organizations are using new tactics to bar technically challenged managers from their ranks: They will only interview candidates with mastery of specific software and they're posting job opportunities on their web sites. Those who still believe they can ride out the computer revolution may want to rethink that strategy.


A hybrid finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)/Haar multiresolution time-domain (MRTD) technique for the time-domain analysis of microwave structures is proposed in this paper. The salient features of the presented algorithm are, first, its inherent stability that stems from the matching of the dispersion properties of FDTD and Haar MRTD and, second, its applicability to arbitrarily high wavelet order MRTD schemes. Thus, the application of the MRTD technique to the modeling of open structures and inhomogeneous circuit geometries is facilitated. In particular, the straightforward implementation of perfectly matched layer type and Mur's absorbing boundary conditions is attained. The fact that the proposed interface involves no spatial or temporal interpolations or extrapolations indicates its potential to efficiently connect FDTD and Haar MRTD.


Abstract We examined bat collision mortality, activity and species composition at an 89-turbine wind resource area in farmland of north-central Iowa from mid-Apr. to mid-Dec., 2003 and mid-Mar. to mid-Dec., 2004. We found 30 bats beneath turbines on cleared ground and gravel access areas in 2003 and 45 bats in 2004. After adjusting for search probability, search efficiency and scavenging rate, we estimated total bat mortality at 396 ± 72 (95% ci) in 2003 and 636 ± 112 (95% ci) in 2004. Although carcasses were mostly migratory tree bats, we found a considerable proportion of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus). We recorded 1465 bat echolocation call files at turbine sites (  =  34.88 call files/detector-night) and 1536 bat call files at adjacent non-turbine sites (  =  36.57 call files/detector-night). Bat activity did not differ significantly between turbine and non-turbine sites. A large proportion of recorded call files were made by Myotis sp. but this may be because we detected activity at ground level only. There was no relationship between types of turbine lights and either collision mortality or echolocation activity. The highest levels of bat echolocation activity and collision mortality were recorded during Jul. and Aug. during the autumn dispersal and migration period. The fatality rates for bats in general and little brown bats in particular were higher at the Top of Iowa Wind Resource Area than at other, comparable studies in the region. Future efforts to study behavior of bats in flight around turbines as well as cumulative impact studies should not ignore non-tree dwelling bats, generally regarded as minimally affected.


This thesis puts forward the category of 'strayed home.' Might it be possible to locate public

spaces which are temporarily transformed by the homely things that take place in them?

Places which permit or invite intimate ways of behaving? Through an interrogation of a

series of spaces in which people do things in public that might be thought of as private the

thesis asks questions about habitual experience of space, about attachments to practices and

places. Each chapter presents a close reading of a strayed home that takes into account its

cultural representations (in film, literature and advertisements) alongside a reading of the

space as the author finds it today. The collision of these imaginary and immediate spaces is

explored as inseparable from the way space is experienced. As such the thesis follows the

logic and the poetry of everyday speech and imagery and the way realities of expression

shape reality.

Taking the Jewish tradition of eruv as its starting point the thesis moves from the

launderette, to the sleeper-train, the fire escape, the greasy spoon and then to the postcard.

Each space (or object) is explored separately but themes that emerge highlight the

simultaneous pleasure and trauma involved in the experience of a strayed home. These

spaces are at once too small and pleasurably confined, sites of exposure but also encounter,

of contagion but also mixing, of solitude and of society. These are spaces which trouble our

natural sensitivity to time and space but which permit a certain and rare figuring of the one

through the other. The handling of time in these spaces or the way in which they disrupt the

handling of time is suggestive for conceptions of home, domesticity and privacy. This

investigation suggests that wasted time, as well as the other bodily wastes of dirt, sound and

smell, might be integral to what it is that makes a space (temporarily) a home.


The human glycoprotein MUC1 mucin plays a critical role in cancer progression. Breast, ovarian, and colon cancer cells often display unique cell-surface antigens corresponding to aberrantly glycosylated forms of the MUC1 tandem repeat. In this report, (15)N- and (13)C-labeled forms of a recombinant MUC1 construct containing five tandem repeats were used as substrates to define the order and kinetics of addition of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) moieties by a recombinant active form of the human enzyme UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase I (ppGalNAc-T1; residues 40-559). Heteronuclear NMR experiments were performed to assign resonances associated with the two serines (Ser5 and Ser15) and three threonines (Thr6, Thr14, and Thr19) present in the 20-residue long MUC1 repeat. The kinetics and order of addition of GalNAc moieties (Tn antigen) on the MUC1 construct by human ppGalNAc-T1 were subsequently dissected by NMR spectroscopy. Threonine 14 was shown to be rapidly glycosylated by ppGalNAc-T1 with an initial rate of 25 microM/min, followed by Thr6 (8.6 microM/min). The enzyme also modified Ser5 at a slower rate (1.7 microM/min), an event that started only after the glycosylation of Thr14 and Thr6 side chains was mostly completed. Ser15 and Thr19 remained unglycosylated by ppGalNAc-T1. Corresponding O-glycosylation sites within all five tandem repeats were simultaneously modified by ppGalNAc-T1, suggesting that each repeat behaves as an independent substrate unit. This study demonstrated that the hydroxyl oxygens of Thr14 and to a lesser extent Thr 6 represent the two dominant substrates modified by ppGalNAc-T1 within the context of a complex MUC1 peptide substrate. More importantly, the availability of defined isotopically labelled MUC1 glycopeptide substrates and the relative simplicity of their NMR spectra will facilitate the analysis of other transferases within the O-glycosylation pathways and the rational design of tumor-associated MUC1 antigens.


This study is a retrospective review to evaluate factors associated with the risk of pneumocephalus following craniofacial resection and the management of tension pneumocephalus. Twenty-two craniofacial operative procedures were reviewed in 18 patients entered into the Neurosciences Critical Care Unit, Johns Hopkins Hospital, during a 54 month period, from 1986-1991. Pneumocephalus developed after 7 of 22 operations; of these seven, two developed tension pneumocephalus. The use of lumbar cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) drainage during the operation correlated most strongly with the development of pneumocephalus. The diagnosis of esthesioblastoma also correlated significantly. Both episodes of tension pneumocephalus occurred after craniofacial resection in which lumbar drainage of CSF was performed. Tension pneumocephalus was successfully treated in these two patients with a combination of air evacuation and medical management of raised intracranial pressure. Transient diabetes insipidus developed in both patients. The risk of pneumocephalus following craniofacial procedures is significant, and may be increased by the use of lumbar drainage of CSF intraoperatively. Rapid neurologic deterioration following craniofacial resection may be caused by the development of tension pneumocephalus. Early diagnosis of tension pneumocephalus and aggressive management of raised intracranial pressure may be important in preventing serious neurological complications.


As an alternative to the classical waveguides, such as the H-waveguide and the rectangular waveguide, the groove waveguide has been used at millimetre wavelengths for the last couple of decades. Most of these properties are attributed to the open sides of the guide, which reduce the wall losses. This article describes a semisymmetrical groove guide resonator that is designed and analyzed analytically, numerically, and experimentally. The numerical simulations are performed via a powerful time-domain simulator based on the finite-difference, time-domain (FDTD) method. Both Cartesian- and cylindrical-coordinate FDTD packages are developed and used for the simulations. The purpose in using cylindrical-coordinate FDTD is to calibrate Cartesian-coordinate FDTD and to see the error introduced due to discretization. A measurement setup with an adjustable support platform in the frequency range of 20-40 GHz is used in the experiments.


Foveated sight as observed in some raptor eyes is a motivation for artificial imaging systems requiring both wide fields of view as well as specific embedded regions of higher resolution. These foveated optical imaging systems are applicable to many acquisition and tracking tasks and as such are often required to be relatively portable and operate in real-time. Two approaches to achieve foveation have been explored in the past: optical system design and back-end data processing. In this paper, these previous works are compiled and used to build a framework for analyzing and designing practical foveated imaging systems. While each approach (physical control of optical distortion within the lens design process, and post-processing image re-sampling) has its own pros and cons, it is concluded that a combination of both techniques will further spur the development of more versatile, flexible, and adaptable foveated imaging systems in the future.


Information technology (IT) projects are implemented in organizations to provide benefits. This paper reports the research findings into the process of benefits management by project managers in IT projects in Perth, Western Australia. It was found that IT project managers have a strong propensity towards efficiency benefits rather than effectiveness benefits. A significant majority of IT project managers do not assign Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to project benefits, which makes it difficult to assess if benefits have been delivered. Project managers tend to focus on managing deliverables rather than the benefits that should result from utilization of the deliverables. Many of the findings indicate that there is significant room for improvement in the formal effective application of project benefits management.


Summary Natural rubber (NR) is a nonfungible and valuable biopolymer, used to manufacture ~50 000 rubber products, including tires and medical gloves. Current production of NR is derived entirely from the para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The increasing demand for NR, coupled with limitations and vulnerability of H. brasiliensis production systems, has induced increasing interest among scientists and companies in potential alternative NR crops. Genetic/metabolic pathway engineering approaches, to generate NR‐enriched genotypes of alternative NR plants, are of great importance. However, although our knowledge of rubber biochemistry has significantly advanced, our current understanding of NR biosynthesis, the biosynthetic machinery and the molecular mechanisms involved remains incomplete. Two spatially separated metabolic pathways provide precursors for NR biosynthesis in plants and their genes and enzymes/complexes are quite well understood. In contrast, understanding of the proteins and genes involved in the final step(s)—the synthesis of the high molecular weight rubber polymer itself—is only now beginning to emerge. In this review, we provide a critical evaluation of recent research developments in NR biosynthesis, in vitro reconstitution, and the genetic and metabolic pathway engineering advances intended to improve NR content in plants, including H. brasiliensis, two other prospective alternative rubber crops, namely the rubber dandelion and guayule, and model species, such as lettuce. We describe a new model of the rubber transferase complex, which integrates these developments. In addition, we highlight the current challenges in NR biosynthesis research and future perspectives on metabolic pathway engineering of NR to speed alternative rubber crop commercial development.


We aimed to evaluate the effects of solvents and different time intervals on the extractions of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of the pulp of the Citrus macroptera. The pulp of the fruit was extracted for one and two hours separately with four types of solvent namely- methanol, ethanol, acetone and water. Total phenolic content was determined by using Folin-Ceucalteu method, while ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH radical-scavenging activities, alpha amylase inhibition assay, and the inhibition of the lipid per-oxidation were used to test their antioxidant properties. Both the acetone extractions showed better extraction efficacy in the phenolic content extraction whereas water extractions showed higher antioxidant properties in TAC and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Our present study indicates that both time and solvent extractions played a vital role in the extraction of phenolic contents and their antioxidant properties of C. marcoptera. We propose water as more suitable solvent to extract this fruit considering its extraction efficacy as well as its availability and use.


Garrè's sclerosing osteomyelitis or periostitis ossificans with a radiographic 'onion skin' appearance is a separate clinical entity. The new bone formation underneath the periosteum is a response of periosteum to stimulation by low grade infection. This may occur in a variety of other developmental, metabolic, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of bone. A case of mandibular giant cell granuloma of a central type associated with Garrè's sclerosing osteomyelitis is presented and the literature is reviewed.


placentas of double survival and double intrauterine fetal deaths (IUFD) after laser coagulation for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and to correlate these findings to clinical outcome. Methods: Placentas originated from the participating Eurofoetus centres. All cord vessels were injected with dyed barium sulphate. A digital photograph of the chorionic surface angioarchitecture and single shot digital Rx angiograms were made. The presence and diameter of any missed anastomoses on the chorionic surface and of any hidden angiographic connections were determined. Results: Fifty placentas were analysed, 7 of double IUFD and 43 of double survivors. TTTS had resolved in all double survivors, except for 1 case with recurrent TTTS. The type and diameter of missed anastomoses on the chorionic surface correlated with the clinical outcome. Placentas with missed large arterio-venous/veno-arterial anastomoses (AV/VA) (N = 8) were from cases with recurrent TTTS or double IUFD (unless compensated by a large arterioarterial anastomosis (AA)). Next, missed small AV/VA (N = 4) without AA resulted in isolated (i.e. without TTTS) discordant Hb levels requiring intrauterine transfusion. Finally, when there were no missed anastomoses (N = 34), TTTS had resolved in all cases and outcome was good, although 1 case had discordant hemoglobin values treated with a single intrauterine transfusion and 4 others had discordant hemoglobin at birth. On Rx angiography, potential hidden connections were present all but 1 case. Conclusion: Coagulation of all anastomoses visible on the chorionic surface seems adequate to treat TTTS. However, hidden connections in the depth of the cotyledon could not be excluded and may be involved in lesser degrees of intertwin transfusion.


Mammary gland biologists have long assumed that differentiated secretory epithelial cells undergo programmed cell death at the end of lactation and that the alveolar compartment is reconstituted from undifferentiated precursor cells in subsequent pregnancies. It is generally agreed that the remodeled gland in a parous animal resembles that of a mature virgin at the morphological level. However, several physiological differences have been noted in comparing the responses of mammary epithelia from nulliparous versus parous females to hormonal stimulation and carcinogenic agents. We present genetic evidence that an involuted mammary gland is fundamentally different from a virgin gland, despite its close morphological resemblance. This difference results from the formation of a new mammary epithelial cell population that originates from differentiating cells during pregnancy. In contrast to the majority of fully committed alveolar cells, this epithelial population does not undergo cell death during involution or remodeling after lactation. We show that these cells can function as alveolar progenitors in subsequent pregnancies and that they can play an important role in functional adaptation in genetically engineered mice, which exhibit a reversion of a lactation-deficient phenotype in multiparous animals. In transplantation studies, this parity-induced epithelial population shows the capacity for self-renewal and contributes significantly to the reconstitution of the resulting mammary outgrowth (i.e. ductal morphogenesis and lobulogenesis). We propose that this parity-induced population contributes importantly to the biological differences between the mammary glands of parous and nulliparous females.


Abstract. A new spatio-temporal dataset from the ongoing Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) provides an unprecedented look at the spatial and temporal patterns of snow water equivalent (SWE) over multiple years in the Tuolumne Basin, California, USA. We found that fractional snow covered area (fSCA) significantly improves our ability to model the distribution of SWE based on relationships between SWE, fSCA, and topography. Further, the broad availability of satellite images of fSCA facilitates the transfer of these relationship to different years with minimal degradation in performance (r2 = 0.85, % MAE = 33 %, % Bias = 1 %) compared with models fit on the same day, by considering variations in SWE depth as expressed by differences in fSCA between years. The crux of this proposition is in selecting the model to transfer. We offer a method with which to select a model from another year based on the similarity in SWE distribution at existing snow pillows in the area. Comparison of the best transferred predictions and the selected predictions results in a mild decrease in r2 (0.02) and moderate increases in % MAE (15 %) and % Bias (10 %). The results motivate further refinement in the technique used to select the best model because if these dates can be identified then SWE can be modeled at accuracy levels equivalent to models generated from ASO data collected on the day of interest. Lastly, we found that models from ASO observations of anomalously low snowpacks in 2015 still transferred to other years, although the same cannot be said for the reverse. This research provides a first attempt at extending the value of ASO beyond the observations and we expect ASO will continue to provide insights for improving water resource management for years to come.


Background—Reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP reduction) during the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure is strongly and independently associated with worsening renal function. Our objective was to determine whether SBP reduction or titration of oral neurohormonal antagonists during acute decompensated heart failure treatment negatively influences diuresis and decongestion. Methods and Results—SBP reduction was evaluated from admission to discharge in consecutive acute decompensated heart failure admissions (n=656). Diuresis and decongestion were examined across a range of parameters, such as diuretic efficiency, fluid output, hemoconcentration, and diuretic dose. The average reduction in SBP was 14.4±19.4 mm Hg, and 77.6% of the population had discharge SBP lower than admission. SBP reduction was strongly associated with worsening renal function (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–2.9; P=0.004), a finding that persisted after adjusting for parameters of diuresis and decongestion (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–3.2; P=0.002). However, SBP reduction did not negatively affect diuresis or decongestion (P≥0.25 for all parameters). Uptitration of neurohormonal antagonists occurred in >50% of admissions and was associated with a modest additional reduction in blood pressure (⩽5.6 mm Hg). Notably, worsening renal function was not increased, and diuretic efficiency was significantly improved with the uptitration of neurohormonal antagonists. Conclusions—Despite a higher rate of worsening renal function, blood pressure reduction was not associated with worsening of diuresis or decongestion. Furthermore, titration of oral neurohormonal antagonists was actually associated with improved diuresis in this cohort. These results provide reassurance that the guideline-recommended titration of chronic oral medication during acute decompensated heart failure hospitalization may not be antagonistic to the short-term goal of decongestion.


We describe a case of euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia in whom clinical and laboratory investigations strongly supported the diagnosis of generalised thyroid hormone resistance.


The present study is an analysis of recent changes (1981-2016) in air temperature across the north-eastern region of Italy (NERI), located in a transition zone influenced by the Mediterranean and continental climatological regimes. Annual and seasonal trends in mean maximum and minimum temperatures as well as in selected extreme indices are investigated using high-quality and homogenised daily data deriving from a distributed network of 50 weather stations. The results reveal an overall widespread warming, particularly intense in spring and summer, with significant positive trends in mean and daytime (maximum-related) temperature extremes, especially at lower altitudes. No substantial elevation dependency is observed for trends in minimum-related temperature indices, which are generally characterised by lower spatial variability. Comparable positive and negative trends are identified in the frequency and duration of warm- and cold-related extremes indices. Finally, the influence on temperature extremes of dominant large-scale circulation modes in southern Europe (North Atlantic Oscillation [NAO] and East-Atlantic [EA] pattern) is examined. The results indicate that especially NAO-induced changes can explain observed temperature trends over the NERI, while the impact of the EA pattern is slightly weaker.


Abstract The aim of the study was to compare the densities of red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in the arboretum and a neighbouring forest and to investigate which tree species the squirrels used. The study was conducted in the area of the Rogów Arboretum (53.76 ha) and the so-called Zimna Woda and Wilczy Dół forest complexes (altogether 536 ha), all being part of an Experimental Forest Station in Rogów. The density of squirrels in the arboretum and the neighbouring forest was estimated and compared by means of snow tracks on transect routes. Changes in the abundance of squirrels throughout one year as well as their behaviour were determined on the basis of direct observations along transects running through the arboretum. More than half of the area of the arboretum was searched in order to record feeding signs of squirrels. Additionally, trees with bark stripping were recorded. The density of snow tracks was higher in the arboretum (0.19 tracks/100 m/24 h) than in the neighbouring forest (0.09 tracks/100 m/24 h). The largest number of observations of red squirrels along transects was made between February and April, in July and August and in October and November. In about half of the cases, squirrels were feeding on one of six non-native tree species (most often on cones of Macedonian pine, Pinus peuce). Feeding signs were found on 39 plots (17%) and 16 different tree species. The most numerous feeding signs were found on plots with Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and also on plots with the western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Swiss pine (Pinus cembra), mountain silverbell (Halesia monticola) as well as shagbark (Carya ovata) and shellbark hickories (C. laciniosa). On eight plots, trees with signs of bark stripping were found, most commonly on Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera). Its soft bark was probably used to build dreys. In the area of the arboretum, the natural food sources (seeds of native trees) are supplemented with numerous non-native tree species, which seeds are also consumed by squirrels. The highly abundant and diverse food sources promote a higher density of the red squirrel in the area of the arboretum. Additionally, when tree seeds are scarce in the neighbouring forest, squirrels migrate into the arboretum.


We develop an online adaptive dynamic programming(ADP) based optimal control scheme for continuous-time chaotic systems. The idea is to use the ADP algorithm to obtain the optimal control input that makes the performance index function reach an optimum. The expression of the performance index function for the chaotic system is first presented.The online ADP algorithm is presented to achieve optimal control. In the ADP structure, neural networks are used to construct a critic network and an action network, which can obtain an approximate performance index function and the control input, respectively. It is proven that the critic parameter error dynamics and the closed-loop chaotic systems are uniformly ultimately bounded exponentially. Our simulation results illustrate the performance of the established optimal control method.


Currently the most popular secure protocol is SSL(Secure Sockets Layer), but it has some negative aspects: First, it imposes a heavier burden on handheld wireless devices, and when a certificate uses PKI(Public Key Infrastructure) e.g. RSA algorithms, it takes a long time to establish a secure connection between client and server. This paper proposes a lightweight protocol based on the SSL protocol, which is more suitable for handheld wireless devices operating under low-capabilities, low-bandwidth and error-prone wireless links. The new lightweight SSL protocol has designed the SSL to reduce the client computational load, leaving the computational intensive operation on the server side. The client does not need to generate and encrypt the pre_master secret nor calculate the master secret. The only operation the client needs to perform is to decrypt the master secret it has received from the server. Moreover it is able to reduce the response time between client and server using SSL session reuse. It is more suitable to securely connect handheld wireless devices and servers.


Hybrid system theory lies at the intersection of the fields of engineering control theory and computer science verification. It is defined as the modeling, analysis, and control of systems that involve the interaction of both discrete state systems, represented by finite automata, and continuous state dynamics, represented by differential equations. The embedded autopilot of a modern commercial jet is a prime example of a hybrid system: the autopilot modes correspond to the application of different control laws, and the logic of mode switching is determined by the continuous state dynamics of the aircraft, as well as through interaction with the pilot. To understand the behavior of hybrid systems, to simulate, and to control these systems, theoretical advances, analyses, and numerical tools are needed. In this paper, we first present a general model for a hybrid system along with an overview of methods for verifying continuous and hybrid systems. We describe a particular verification technique for hybrid systems, based on two-person zero-sum game theory for automata and continuous dynamical systems. We then outline a numerical implementation of this technique using level set methods, and we demonstrate its use in the design and analysis of aircraft collision avoidance protocols and in verification of autopilot logic.


In rodent models of diabetes, there are expression deficits in nerve growth factor (NGF) and in mRNA for its high-affinity receptor, trkA, leading to decreased retrograde axonal transport of NGF and decreased support of NGF-dependent sensory neurons, with reduced expression of their neuropeptides, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Treatment of diabetic rats with intensive insulin normalized these deficits, and treatment with exogenous NGF caused dose-related increases, giving levels of NGF and neuropeptides that were greater than those of controls. Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) mRNA was also deficient in leg muscle from diabetic rats, and administration of recombinant NT-3 to diabetic rats increased the conduction velocity of sensory nerves without affecting motor conduction velocity. In regenerating nerves after experimental crush injury, expression of NGF in the nerve trunk is increased in diabetes to a greater extent than in controls, but this is offset by a greater reduction in the neuronal expression of trkA in dorsal root ganglia of diabetic rats. Nonetheless, targeted administration of exogenous NGF via impregnated conduits stimulated regeneration in both control and diabetic rats. These findings implicate deficient neurotrophic support in diabetic neuropathy and suggest that its correction should be a paramount therapeutic target.


Health informatics is increasingly of interest due to its potential in making our health care systems safer. The term 'health or medical informatics' refers to the "application of information technologies to optimise information management within all aspects of health care delivery" [1]. A research project has been initiated to explore the effectiveness of hospital clinicians and their professional group by developing tools to support electronic wireless access to medical literature, patient records and hospital databases. PDAs and other portable devices are considered as technologies that enable such access, but their suitability for clinicians depends on a range of organisational and technical issues including privacy and security of the systems. This paper introduces a selection of different technologies including signature recognition and a range of fingerprint scanning technologies designed for authentication and authorisation and critically evaluates their merits in accessing the health care systems.


Fifty-one years old male with shortness of breath increased by effort since one year. The patient was smoking 30 packs of cigarette per year. Inspiration sounds were decreased on the left hemithorax. Pulmonary function test results were; FEV1: 2.21 L (60%), FVC: 3.22 L (70%), PEF: 3.71 L (42%), FEV 1/FVC: 68.6%. The computerized thorax tomography, showed a 155x127 mm soft tissue mass on the left anterior mediastinal region, pressing vascular structures, and heart, and causing atelectasis on the upper lobe. Incisional biopsy was taken from the mass via mediastinotomy at a differenet hospital; the pathology result was malignant diffuse lymphoma. PET-CT was applied for staging. 2R mediastinum hypermetabolic lymph node station, with 14.5 mm diameter was detected (SUV max: 5.4). The mass SUV max: was 8.7. Chemotherapy was applied to the patient with diagnose of lymphoma. However, due to lack of regression of mass, biopsy slides were reexamined; the diagnosis was changed to be carcinoid tumor. The mass was decided to be surgically removed by median sternotomy. The mass was quite vascular, and had tight adhesions between the lung and pericardium. The result of frozen section of the mass was reported to be atypical carcinoid tumor. The mass was removed totally. Mesh was placed instead of excised pericardium. The mass weight was 1300gr, size was 17.5x 15x 9.5 cm. No tumor was detected within surgical margins. Chromogranin, Synaptofizin, CK, and CD 56 was positive at the immunohistochemical panel. Microscopic findings were confirmed atypical carcinoid tumor. In conclusion, mediastinal carcinoid tumors are very rare. Their origin of tumor is difficult to determine. Surgery is the current treatment method.


Prostaglandin-regulated cyclic AMP metabolism in human erythroleukaemia (HEL) cells was similar to that previously described in platelets [Ashby (1989) Mol. Pharmacol. 36, 866-873], displaying prostaglandin-concentration-dependent desensitization that could be explained by the presence of separate stimulatory and inhibitory prostaglandin receptors. Pertussis toxin abolished prostaglandin-concentration-dependent desensitization, indicating that the process is mediated through a pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein. Treatment of HEL cells for 4 days with the inducer dimethyl sulphoxide enhanced prostaglandin-concentration-dependent desensitization, but did not alter the initial rate of cyclic AMP synthesis or the amount of Gi2 alpha measured by immunoblotting, suggesting that the inhibitory receptor was selectively induced by changing the cells to a more platelet-like form.


Aim of the study To determine whether liver-directed therapies (LDT) and no therapy affect waiting list times for liver transplant candidates from a single center. Material and methods This retrospective study included patients > 12 years of age diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2014 and June 2019 and followed until the date of transplant, date of delisting, loss to follow-up, or date of death. Waiting list time and associated factors were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards methods. Results A total of 181 patients met the selection criteria. The mean age was 60 years with standard deviation (SD) of 7.8 years. Sixty-six percent underwent transplant, and 64% were classified within the Milan criteria. Men had a lower median waiting list time than women (191 days vs. 236 days, p = 0.0093). The overall median survival time or time to transplant for 50% of the population was 218 days (95% CI: 195-235). Men displayed a 3.1-fold (95% CI: 1.5-6.2) higher probability of transplantation than women (p = 0.002). Patients who received no therapy had a 5-fold higher probability of undergoing transplantation than patients under arterial LDT (HR [95% CI]: 5 [1.2, 20], p = 0.02). Patients under combined LDT displayed a 70% reduced probability of transplantation compared to patients who received arterial LDTs (p = 0.0009). Conclusions LDT was associated with a prolonged stay on the transplant list, likely due to the presence of an aggressive liver tumor. However, LDTs allow the patient to remain active on the liver transplant list, increasing their chances of undergoing transplantation.


Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common disorder in pregnancy. The association of trans fatty acids (TFA) intake and risk of GDM have been reported; It remains unclear whether dietary TFA can influence GDM risk. We examined the effect of low TFA dietary intakes during pregnancy on risk of GDM. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was performed on 800 pregnant women who were randomly divided into 393 intervention and 407 comparison groups with gestational age ≥7 weeks. In the intervention group, the diet of pregnant women was designed in such a way that their daily intake of TFA content was less than1% but in control group, the daily intake of TFA content was not changed. The dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire for three non-consecutive days at the beginning of the pregnancy before week 7, and at 13, 25 and 35 weeks. Diagnosis of GDM was performed using a 3-hour glucose tolerance test with 100 g glucose at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Results: 14 women in the intervention group (5%) and 31 women in the control group (8%) were diagnosed with GDM. Chi-square test did not show any significant difference between two groups (P=0.08). Cox model was used and the variables were examined in four multivariate models that none of the modals showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the incidence of GDM. Conclusion: It seems that the diet with low trans-fatty acid content has no effect on the incidence of GDM.


Accurate measurement of fuel quality is critical for automotive applications as it impacts engine performance and emissions. A number of techniques have been proposed to measure fuel quality including acoustic wave speed sensors, chemometric modeling, near-infrared spectrophotometry, Raman spectroscopy etc. All of these techniques are complex in nature and require expensive equipment. In contrast, we propose a novel, simple and rapid method for estimating fuel quality in field environments. This involves measuring the evaporation time of fuel droplets in the Leidenfrost state, and using the results of statistical data analysis conducted on an experimental data bank comprising evaporation time data for similar droplets. The Leidenfrost state refers to a liquid droplet hovering on its own vapor layer on a superheated surface. To showcase our approach, evaporation time was measured for droplets consisting of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and water blends with varying parameters such as IPA fraction (0-1), droplet volume (20–100μL) and surface temperature (200–340 °C). The resulting data bank (96 data points) was used to train and evaluate the performance of a polynomial regression (using a semilogarithmic transformation) model in predicting the evaporation time as a function of the above-mentioned parameters. R2 accuracies of 97.34% (training data), 96.82% (test data), 97.46% (total) and a relative error within ± 0.25% for the entire dataset was obtained using the regression model, which highlights the predictive capabilities of our approach.


Linear potential-flow theory is used to study the loads imposed on finite line arrays of rigid, bottom-mounted, surface-piercing, vertical cylinders by surface water waves. Perturbations in the locations of the cylinders are shown to damp the resonant loads experienced by the unperturbed array. A relationship is established between the damping and the phenomenon of Anderson localisation. Specifically, the Rayleigh–Bloch waves responsible for the resonant loads are shown to attenuate along the array when perturbations are introduced, resulting in localisation when the attenuation rate is sufficiently large with respect to the array length. Further, a new, efficient solution method for line arrays is introduced, capable of capturing the Rayleigh–Bloch wave modes supported by unperturbed arrays from the scattering characteristics of an individual cylinder.


Structural investigations at room temperature revealed that TbNi2 does not crystallize in the Laves phase structure, but shows a superstructure of the Laves phase with the space group F-43m. Susceptibility, specific heat, magnetostriction and magnetoresistance measurements on polycrystalline specimens showed an additional magnetic phase transition at TR = 14 K below the Curie temperature of TC = 36±0.2 K. In order to clarify the nature of this magnetic phase transition at 14 K, elastic neutron diffraction below and above TR and TC was performed. The analysis of these data showed that this transition at TR is due to the rotation of the Tb moments on three of the total of eight non-equivalent Tb sites in the rhombohedrally distorted unit cell in the magnetic ordered state. This rotation of these Tb moments is out of the [111] direction into a plane perpendicular to the space diagonal. The cause for this magnetic instability is due to an interplay of the regularly arranged vacancies in the superstructure and the crystal field level position which has been studied by inelastic neutron scattering.


The aim of the study was to review the international experience in providing oncological care during the COVID-19 pandemic. A literature search was conducted across the Medline, Cochrane Library, Elibrary and PubMed databases to select publications dealing with various aspects reflecting the state and capacity of oncological care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample included 44 articles meeting the selection criteria. The new coronavirus, known as SARS-Cov-, has become a worldwide threat and a serious health problem in 2020. The pandemic of this infection has had an impact on the management of cancer patients. According to studies conducted in China and the United States, patients with malignancies are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. This has led many oncologists to change their daily cancer treatment practices. An individual approach should be taken when considering the potential risk and beneficial effects of anticancer therapy in the population of cancer patients. A decision to delay the onset of cancer therapy should be made on an individual basis. Strict adherence to sanitary and epidemiological rules, as well as minimization of outpatient visits, can reduce the number of the infected and prevent the spread of the disease among cancer patients. Telemedicine consultations, which allow infectious exposures to be reduced, can be an option of choice.


The deep ocean floor between the Clarion and Clipperton fracture zones (NE equatorial Pacific) has the highest known manganese nodule abundance in the world oceans. A detailed analysis of MR1 (Mapping Researcher 1, 11–12 kHz) sonar images and free-fall grab data in the Korean manganese nodule field areas reveals a close relationship between side-scan sonar characteristics of the seafloor and manganese nodule abundance. Eight sonar facies are identified based on back-scattering intensity and distribution patterns. These sonar facies can be interpreted as (1) volcanic seamounts (facies I-1), (2) bounding faults of abyssal hills (facies I-2 and II-1), (3) lava flows or volcanoclastic mass-flow deposits around the volcanic seamounts (facies I-3 and II-2), (4) crests of abyssal hills (facies II-1), (5) abyssal troughs between abyssal hills (facies III-1), (6) relatively flat areas (facies II-3 and III-2). In the areas where facies II-1 (abyssal hill crests with thin sediment cover) and II-3 (relatively flat areas draped by thin sediments) are dominant, manganese nodules occur abundantly. In contrast, zones comprising facies III-1 (abyssal troughs with thick sediment cover) and III-2 (relatively flat areas covered by thick sediments) are characterized by low abundance of manganese nodules. This relationship between distribution of sonar facies and manganese nodule abundance implies that (1) the qualitative difference in acoustic reflectivity of long-range side-scan sonar with some ground truth data is useful for regional assessment of manganese nodule occurrence over wide areas in a reasonable time, and (2) seafloor topography and sediment thickness are important controlling factors for regional occurrences of manganese nodules.


This thesis examines newspapers and correspondence of public men in the era of the Mexican war to provide some answers to pertinent questions regarding the South's role in the Mexican War. It attempts to reveal to some degree whether Southerners uniformly supported the war, whether their support arose from an expansionist sentiment or a desire to extend the area of slavery, whether any strong opposition to the war existed in the South, and why they supported or opposed it.


Abstract A numerical model is presented in which a viscous layer flows in response to differential loading by deltaic sedimentation. No density effects are cconsidered; the mobile layer and overlying sediments deform solely in response to differential thicknesses of sedimentary overburden. Modelling results include the following key features: (1) sedimentary depocentres are asymmetric and spoon-shaped, with flat-lying shelf strata grading laterally into foreset slope strata at a prograding shelf-slope break; (2) the locus of deformation is controlled by the position of the shelf-slope break; and (3) a displaced bulge of mobile substrate migrates seaward faster than the shelf-slope break progrades. Using viscosities characterisitic of natural salt (η = 1016 to 1019 Pa s), the sensitivity of the model to several parameters is examined. Increasing the mobile layer thickness increases the rate of substrate withdrawal in a manner similar to decreasing its viscosity. A shorter sediment transport distance results in steeper depositional slopes and faster substrate withdrawal. Comparison with a Miocene example from offshore Texas demonstrates that structures qualitatively attributed to differential loading can be successfully modelled using reasonable values for sediment supply, relative sea-level rise, and substrate thickness.


BACKGROUND
Uterine dehiscence is a rare but potentially severe obstetric complication for both mother and child. In most cases of uterine dehiscence, there is a previous history of caesarean section (1-3). However, studies show that any operation on the uterus raises the risk of later uterine (scar) dehiscence or even uterine rupture during pregnancy. The risk of uterine scar dehiscence following prior uterine incision is estimated to be 4-5% (4-6), the risk of uterine rupture 0.5-0.8% (7). In terms of risk of dehiscence, the location of the scar (upper versus lower uterine segment) and the thinning of the uterine wall < 3.5 mm (measured by ultrasound) are important risk factors (1, 5). Studies have demonstrated that there is a correlation between the thickness of the lower uterine segment at 37 weeks of gestation and the associated risk for uterine dehiscence or rupture during labor. Importantly, uterine dehiscence does not involve the fetal membranes or the uterine serosa.
Uterine dehiscence mostly occurs at the end of the second trimester. Diagnosis is often made by ultrasound and can be confirmed and further specified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without any radiation exposure of the fetus.


Apparatus and method for atomic layer deposition on a surface of a substrate (6) in a treatment space. A gas supply device (15, 16) is present for providing various gas mixtures to the treatment space. The gas supply device (15, 16) is arranged to provide a gas mixture with a precursor material to the treatment space for allowing reactive surface sites to react with precursor material molecules to give a surface covered by a monolayer of precursor molecules attached via the reactive sites to the surface of the substrate. Subsequently, a gas mixture comprising a reactive agent capable to convert the attached precursor molecules to active precursor sites is provided. A plasma generator (10) is present for generating an atmospheric pressure plasma in the gas mixture comprising the reactive agent.


Contemporary cities have emerged as a result of diverse urban and architectural transformations, new interventions and redevelopment, as well as through a cycle of abandonment and regeneration. New categories of resulting spaces are generated through these processes. Simultaneously, generic spaces are becoming new urban centralities, arguably to the detriment of local identity. City centre malls, for instance, are flattening the uniqueness of the cities by re-proposing similar characters across various locations and contexts. Non-places, empty spaces and urban voids are cases in point that deserve and require further investigation. Nowadays, in a period of economic recession, developments based on demolitions and reconstructions are not always suitable. Against this context, areas of abandonment appear to offer potential for development that is at once both creative and sensitive to local contexts. This research explored the urban and architectural phenomenon of abandonment, and investigated the discrepancy between academic expected qualitative design of re-use and real solutions often adopted during projects of regeneration. The study took Aberdeen city as its concrete focus, exploring methods to connect more strongly the environment of cultural challenges (the academy), and the environment of the urban and social priorities (the local government), in an effort to define a network of reciprocal collaborations. Typo-morphology and rhythmic urban analysis, together with sites observation utilising mental maps, were the main methods used to investigate specific abandoned spaces in Aberdeen. Furthermore, through three urban workshops delivered in collaboration with Aberdeen City Council, Robert Gordon University, International College RGU and the University of South of Florida, the research explored collaborative ways to transform knowledge of urban and architectural re-use into actual practice. This work represents an original contribution to knowledge through the presentation of a conceptual system of mutual collaboration between the main authorities and institutions within the city of Aberdeen, and proposes a framework for delivering workshops in partnership. On the one hand, the academy may significantly influence the urban evolution through cultural and creative input. On the other, the city council may consider the cognitive process of academic analysis of the city, developing strategies to improve the quality of the city spaces in terms of liveability and valuable social environment.


Following the examination of extensive collections from the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), the Southeastern Regional Taxonomic Center (SERTC), and other regional institutions, 18 species of the family Mysidae are recognized and described from the South Atlantic Bight
(Cape Lookout, North Carolina to Cape Canaveral, Florida). This report includes synonymies of previous records, as well as new species distribution records. Previous
regional accounts of Metamysidopsis munda and Metamysidopsis mexicana are attributed to Metamysidopsis swifti. New regional records are established for Amathimysis brattegardi, Heteromysis beetoni, and Siriella thompsonii. Two other species tentatively identified as
Amathimysis sp. (nr. serrata) and Mysidopsis sp. (cf. mortenseni) may represent new taxa. Neobathymysis renoculata is included and discussed as a potential regional species. An illustrated key to the species currently known from the South Atlantic Bight is presented.
Relevant taxonomic, distributional, and ecological information is also included for each species. (PDF file contains 45 pages.)


The paper considers boundaries of memory necessary and sufficient for storage of undirected ordered rooted connected graphs, both numbered and unnumbered. The introduction contains the basic definitions and the problem statement. A graph is rooted if one of its vertices is marked as a root. A graph is ordered if for each of its vertices all the incident edges are ordered (numbered). A graph is numbered if all its vertices are numbered with different integer numbers (from 0 to n -1, where n is the number of vertices). Two undirected ordered graphs G and G` are weakly isomorphic if there exists a one-to-one correspondence between their vertices, for which corresponding vertices has the same degrees (numbers of incident edges) and two edges having corresponding ends and the same numbers in these ends, also have the other ends corresponding. Isomorphism of rooted graphs should also correspond their roots. Isomorphism of numbered graphs should also correspond the vertices with the same numbers. Graphs are considered up to weak isomorphism. It is shown that the memory necessary and sufficient for storage of any graph has the size Q( mlogn ) for numbered graphs, Q( n +( m - n +1) logn ) for unnumbered graphs with the number of vertices n and the number of edges m , and Q( n 2 logn ) for graphs without multiple edges and loops with the number of vertices n . It is also shown that the memory sufficient for storage of an edge sequence of length O ( n ) or a spanning tree, has the O ( nlog ( n D)) or O ( nlog D) size, respectively, where D is the maximum vertex degree.


This study investigates the job satisfaction of information technology (IT) professionals in an environment where computer aided software engineering (CASE) tools are used. Although the recent downturn in the economy might have temporarily eased the IT labor shortage, issues of recruitment and retention of qualified personnel are key to the success of IS development projects. This study presents a model of the combination of CASE tool usage and job satisfaction as related to internal career orientation. Two hypotheses based on this model were tested using empirical evidence collected through a survey method. The first examines whether the career orientation of IS personnel influences their job satisfaction. The second incorporates the impact of CASE tool usage on this relationship. The results indicate that in a CASE tool environment, personnel with a predominant technical career orientation have more job satisfaction than those with a predominant managerial tation. However, there is a significant and positive synergy between the sophistication of the CASE tool used and managerial competence orientation leading to higher job satisfaction. These findings indicate that combating the IT personnel shortage through task automation may also increase worker satisfaction, thereby decreasing turnover. Careful selection of the CASE tool for use may result in this win-win situation.


Classification of objects is an important area of research and application in a variety of fields. In the presence of full knowledge of the underlying probabilities, Bayes decision theory gives optimal error rates. In those cases where this information is not present, many algorithms make use of distance or similarity among samples as a means of classification. The K-nearest neighbor decision rule has often been used in these pattern recognition problems. One of the difficulties that arises when utilizing this technique is that each of the labeled samples is given equal importance in deciding the class memberships of the pattern to be classified, regardless of their `typicalness'. The theory of fuzzy sets is introduced into the K-nearest neighbor technique to develop a fuzzy version of the algorithm. Three methods of assigning fuzzy memberships to the labeled samples are proposed, and experimental results and comparisons to the crisp version are presented.


Real photonic waveguides are affected by structural imperfections due to fabrication tolerances that cause scattering phenomena when the light propagates through. These effects result in extrinsic propagation losses associated with the excitation of radiation and backscattering modes. In this work, we present a comprehensive review on the extrinsic loss mechanisms occurring in optical waveguides, identifying the main origins of scattering loss and pointing out the relationships between the loss and the geometrical and physical parameters of the waveguides. Theoretical models and experimental results, supported by statistical analysis, are presented for two widespread classes of waveguides: waveguides based on total internal reflection (TIR) affected by surface roughness, and disordered photonic crystal slab waveguides (PhCWs). In both structures extrinsic losses are strongly related to the waveguide group index, but the mode shape and its interaction with waveguide imperfections must also be considered to accurately model the scattering loss process. It is shown that as long as the group index of PhCWs is relatively low (ng<30), many analogies exist in the radiation and backscattering loss mechanisms with TIR waveguides; conversely, in the high ng regime, multiple scattering and localization effects arise in PhCWs that dramatically modify the waveguide behavior. The presented results enable the development of reliable circuit models of photonic waveguides, which can be used for a realistic performance evaluation of optical circuits.


The congestion problem in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is quite different from that in traditional networks. Most current congestion control algorithms try to alleviate the congestion by reducing the rate at which the source nodes inject packets into the network. However, this traffic control scheme always decreases the throughput so as to violate fidelity level required by the applications. In this paper, we present a solution that sufficiently exerts the idle or underloaded nodes to alleviate congestion and improve the overall throughput in WSNs. To achieve this goal, a traffic-aware dynamic routing (TADR) algorithm is proposed to route packets around the congestion areas and scatter the excessive packets along multiple paths consisting of idle and underloaded nodes. Utilizing the concept of potential in classical physics, our TADR algorithm is designed through constructing a hybrid virtual potential field using depth and normalized queue length to force the packets to steer clear of obstacles created by congestion and eventually move toward the sink. The simulation results show that the proposed solution improves the overall throughput by around 370 percent as compared to MintRoute, which is one of benchmark routing protocols. Furthermore, TADR scheme has low overhead suitable for large-scale, dense sensor networks.


Studies of cohesion focus on pre-war networks of insurgency organizers and war-time socialization processes, but do not account for cohesion in civil wars involving spontaneous mobilization, where leaders lack sufficient integration in communities for mobilization and socialization of fighters. This paper shifts attention from insurgency organizers to fighters and disaggregates the concept into horizontal cohesion, or the risks taken by fighters for one another, and vertical cohesion linking fighters to local and central commanders, or the risks taken as part of the unit. While quotidian and local ties bond fighters to one another and local commanders in the small group context, units might fight to protect their own members rather than contribute to the broader struggle. This commitment to the insurgency depends on how fighters understand the benefits of victory and costs of loss in the war. The argument is supported by fieldwork-based analysis of the Georgian-Abkhaz war of 1992-1993 and has implications for cases of spontaneous mobilization characterizing the post-Soviet space and, more recently, the Arab Uprisings. It suggests that most mobilization takes place in a social setting, but insurgent organizations are not the only setting for collective decisions to join the fighting and develop cohesion among fighter groups.


The purpose of the present study was to assess the local periodontal status in haemodialysis patients and to correlate the findings with the quality and quantity of oral hygiene and smoking status. Each patient was clinically examined and filled in a questionnaire regarding the oral hygiene habits and smoker status. The subjects presented mean PI values of 58.00±20.7% and 63.5±16.4% bleeding areas; the mean periodontal pocket number was of 77±23, the clinical attachment loss 4.93±1.13 mm and periodontal probing depth – 4.36±0.59 mm. A high number of heavy smokers (29±1.34) was recorded; the smoking status was positively correlated with pocket depth and attachment loss. Also, a high number of patients accused the sensation of xerostomia. The long-term effective plaque control measures are a necessity for the CKD patient. A better understanding of the systemic and oral abnormalities in individuals with renal disease will help dentists and oral healthcare workers to render efficient oral care and plan preventive regimens tailored to individual needs.