The present contribution is the sequel to a paper written by Messrs. R. Fuchs, L. Hopf, and H. Hamburger, and proposes to show that the methods therein contained can be practically utilized in computations. Furthermore, the calculations leading up to the diagram of moments for three airplanes, whose performance in war service gave reason for complaint, are analyzed. Finally, it is shown what conclusions can be drawn from the diagram of moments with regard to the defects in these planes and what steps may be taken to remedy them.


Our results from seismic anisotropy analyses reveal for the
first time the complex spatial variability of the characteristics of
subsurface tectonic structures associated with ridge propagation.
The significance lies in the fact that these variations are found at
a locality with few lineaments or fissures at seafloor level. The overlap
region between mid-ocean ridge segments at 98N on the East
Pacific Rise is characterized by aligned cracks that are structurally
more closely related to the propagating-ridge segment. These
aligned cracks, which are approximately parallel to the ridge segments,
provide conclusive observational evidence for establishing
the nontransform nature of overlapping spreading centers, especially
those with overlap basins covered by volcanic edifices. The
aligned cracks of the 98039N overlapping spreading center are
more similar to the ridge-parallel lineaments observed between
overlapping axial-summit collapse troughs than those found at
larger overlapping spreading centers. Our results therefore suggest
that the lithospheric deformation between overlapping ridge segments
depends on ridge offset and that this dependency may be
thermally related.


OBJECTIVES
To identify in vivo microscopic substrates of the dermoscopic patterns of melanocytic lesions and to correlate them with histopathologic features.

DESIGN
Before excision, lesion areas that showed characteristic dermoscopic patterns were imaged by dermoscopy and confocal microscopy and directly correlated with histopathologic features.

SETTING
Departments of Dermatology of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Hospital Clínico of Barcelona, between July 2006 and March 2007. Patients Patients with 202 melanocytic lesions, corresponding to 76 melanomas, 114 nevi, and 12 Spitz or Reed nevi.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Correlation of dermoscopic patterns in melanocytic lesions with confocal microscopic findings and conventional histopathologic findings.

RESULTS
Characteristic architectural and cytologic substrates were identified in vivo with the use of confocal microscopy and correlated with histopathologic features. Pigment network atypia was evidenced through confocal microscopy as a disarrangement of dermoepidermal junction architecture and cellular atypia. Pigmented globules consisted of cell clusters, corresponding to melanocytic nests identified on histopathologic analysis. Black dots correlated with intraepidermal reflective spots or with large pagetoid cells in nevi and melanoma, respectively. Blue structures usually consisted of numerous pleomorphic cells, corresponding to malignant melanocytes and inflammatory cells in melanomas, whereas plump bright cells, corresponding to melanophages on histopathologic analysis, characterized benign lesions. Within regression, a retiform distribution of collagen fibers, which sometimes intermingled with melanophages and rarely with nucleated cells, was observable.

CONCLUSIONS
The knowledge of the cytologic and architectural aspects of the different dermoscopic patterns, as they appear by in vivo confocal microscopy, may guide the user to the identification of specific substrates in melanocytic lesions and consequently the interpretation of the dermoscopic features.


Apex predators and plant resources are both critical for maintaining diversity in biotic communities, but the indirect (cascading) effects of top-down and bottom-up forces on diversity at different trophic levels are not well resolved in terrestrial systems. Manipulations of predators or resources can cause direct changes of diversity at one trophic level, which in turn can affect diversity at other trophic levels. The indirect diversity effects of resource and consumer variation should be strongest in aquatic systems, moderate in terrestrial systems, and weakest in decomposer food webs. We measured effects of top predators and plant resources on the diversity of endophytic animals in an understorey shrub Piper cenocladum (Piperaceae). Predators and resource availability had significant direct and indirect effects on the diversity of the endophytic animal community, but the effects were not interactive, nor were they consistent between living vs. detrital food webs. The addition of fourth trophic level beetle predators increased diversity of consumers supported by living plant tissue, whereas balanced plant resources (light and nutrients) increased the diversity of primary through tertiary consumers in the detrital resources food web. These results support the hypotheses that top-down and bottom-up diversity cascades occur in terrestrial systems, and that diversity is affected by different factors in living vs. detrital food webs.


During the last few years, due to medical and surgical evolution, patients with increasingly severe diseases causing multiorgan dysfunction are frequently admitted to intensive care units. Therapeutic options, when organ failure occurs, are frequently nonspecific and mostly directed towards supporting vital function. In these scenarios, the kidneys are almost always involved and, therefore, renal replacement therapies have become a common routine practice in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Recent technological improvement has led to the production of safe, versatile and efficient dialysis machines. In addition, emerging evidence may allow better individualization of treatment with tailored prescription depending on the patients' clinical picture (e.g. sepsis, fluid overload, pediatric). The aim of the present review is to give a general overview of current practice in renal replacement therapies for critically ill patients. The main clinical aspects, including dose prescription, modality of dialysis delivery, anticoagulation strategies and timing will be addressed. In addition, some technical issues on physical principles governing blood purification, filters characteristics, and vascular access, will be covered. Finally, a section on current standard nomenclature of renal replacement therapy is devoted to clarify the "Tower of Babel" of critical care nephrology.


Background: Thrombocytopenia is a common feature of sepsis and may involve various mechanisms often related to the inflammatory response. This study aimed at evaluating factors associated with thrombocytopenia during human septic shock. In particular, we used a multiplex analysis to assess the role of endogenous sepsis mediators. Methods: Prospective, observational study. Thrombocytopenia was defined as an absolute platelet count <100 G/L or a 50% relative decrease in platelet count during the first week of septic shock. Plasma concentrations of 27 endogenous mediators involved in sepsis and platelet pathophysiology were assessed at day-1 using a multi-analyte Milliplex human cytokine kit. Patients with underlying diseases at risk of thrombocytopenia (hematological malignancies, chemotherapy, cirrhosis, and chronic heart failure) were excluded. Results: Thrombocytopenia occurred in 33 (55%) of 60 patients assessed. Patients with thrombocytopenia were more prone to present with extrapulmonary infections and bacteremia. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was frequent (81%) in these patients. Unbiased hierarchical clustering identified five different clusters of sepsis mediators, including one with markers of platelet activation (e.g., thrombospondin-1) positively associated with platelet count, one with markers of inflammation (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha and heat shock protein 70), and endothelial dysfunction (e.g., intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) negatively associated with platelet count, and another involving growth factors of thrombopoiesis (e.g., thrombopoietin), also negatively associated with platelet count. Surrogates of hemodilution (e.g., hypoprotidemia and higher fluid balance) were also associated with thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Multiple mechanisms seemed involved in thrombocytopenia during septic shock, including endothelial dysfunction/coagulopathy, hemodilution, and altered thrombopoiesis.


Catalytic hydropyrolysis is an emerging and promising technology for producing cellulosic biofuels. Ex situ catalytic hydropyrolysis offers additional benefits of operational flexibility and catalyst performance. The unique feature of a two-step ex situ hydropyrolysis vapor upgrading process has been demonstrated for the first time using a double fluidized-bed reactor system. Product distribution (35.2–46.7% C5+ organic yield on a carbon basis) and oxygen content of the organic liquid product (2–17 wt%) can be tailored by adjusting process conditions. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry were used to identify oxygen functionalities and representative species in the organic liquid products. The structural information was further related to product stability, a key property pertaining to product storage, transportation, and processing. Unlike pyrolysis oil, the products contained minimal amounts of reactive oxygenates (e.g., aldehydes, acids, sugars, and other multifunctional oxygenates) that could cause stability issues. As a result, the products were stable in storage at 40 °C for 2 months. Further thermal stability tests show that all of the products were more stable than pyrolysis oil and soybean oil at elevated temperatures. The products with 6 wt% oxygen or less showed high thermal stability (behaving much like a petroleum distillate hydrotreater feed in the tests) and possessed low total acid number (<1 mg KOH per g), indicating good petroleum refinery compatibility.


The early development of sleep-wake and food-intake rhythms in human infants is reviewed. The development of a 24h day-night rhythm contains two observable developmental processes: the alterations in the periodic structure of behavior (decreased ultradian, increased circadian components) and the process of synchronization to external time (entrainment). The authors present the results of their studies involving 26 German children and compare them with previous investigations. In their research, it became evident that, during the first weeks of life, the time pattern of sleep-wake and food-intake behavior is characterized by different ultradian periodicities, ranging from 2h to 8h. In the course of further ontogenesis, the share of ultradian rhythms in the sleep-wake behavior decreases, while it remains dominant for food-intake behavior. The circadian component is established as early as the first weeks of life and increases in the months that follow. Besides, the authors' study supports the notion of broad interindividual variation in ultradian rhythms and in the development of a day-night rhythm. Examples of free-running rhythms of sleep-wake and food-intake behavior by various authors are strong indicators of the endogenous nature of the circadian rhythms in infants and show that the internal clock is already functioning at birth. It is still uncertain when the process of synchronization to external and social time cues begins and how differences in the maturation of perceptive organs affect the importance of time cues for the entrainment. Prepartally, the physiological maternal entrainment factors and mother-fetus interactions may be most important; during the first weeks of life, the social


The rate of diffusion through a membrane is directly proportional to temperature; as temperature increases, so does the rate of diffusion. Why does the rate of diffusion vary as it goes through a membrane? Nobody has adequately answered this research question, because previous work has yet to prove the correlation between temperature and the rate of diffusion. This experiment provides a well-supported hypothesis that shows the direct correlation between temperature and the rate of diffusion.  This research will help others to understand all processes of diffusion, and apply the concept of the direct proportionality to the concepts of cellular respiration, enzyme activity, kidney function, and all other places where diffusion takes place.


This paper presents the design and implementation of a crypto processor, a special-purpose microprocessor optimized for the execution of cryptography algorithms. This crypto processor can be used for various security applications such as storage devices, embedded systems, network routers, security gateways using IPSec and SSL protocol, etc. The crypto processor consists of a 32-bit RISC processor block and coprocessor blocks dedicated to the AES, KASUMI, SEED, triple-DES private key crypto algorithms and ECC and RSA public key crypto algorithm. The dedicated coprocessor block permits fast execution of encryption, decryption, and key scheduling operations. The 32-bit RISC processor block can be used to execute various crypto algorithms such as Hash and other application programs such as user authentication and IC card interface. The crypto processor has been designed and implemented using an FPGA, and some parts of crypto algorithms has been fabricated as a single VLSI chip using 0.5 /spl mu/m CMOS technology. To test and demonstrate the capabilities of this chip, a custom board providing real-time data security for a data storage device has been developed.


abstract:This article describes a wayfinding study conducted in an urban, academic library to better understand the experiences of multilingual student populations. The study, which incorporated traditional user experience methods and video ethnography, exposed communication obstacles and spatial challenges encountered by students of English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) when attempting information retrieval tasks. After outlining the methodology and examining qualitative findings, the authors discuss how study findings prompted a reevaluation of local practices, service models, and staff training protocols. Finally, the authors explore the potential for qualitative, empathy-based wayfinding studies to transform library practices and spaces.


Transcriptional repression of ubiquitin B (UBB) is a cancer-subtype-specific alteration that occurs in a substantial population of patients with cancers of the female reproductive tract. UBB is 1 of 2 genes encoding for ubiquitin as a polyprotein consisting of multiple copies of ubiquitin monomers. Silencing of UBB reduces cellular UBB levels and results in an exquisite dependence on ubiquitin C (UBC), the second polyubiquitin gene. UBB is repressed in approximately 30% of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients and is a recurrent lesion in uterine carcinosarcoma and endometrial carcinoma. We identified ovarian tumor cell lines that retain UBB in a repressed state, used these cell lines to establish orthotopic ovarian tumors, and found that inducible expression of a UBC-targeting shRNA led to tumor regression, and substantial long-term survival benefit. Thus, we describe a recurrent cancer-specific lesion at the level of ubiquitin production. Moreover, these observations reveal the prognostic value of UBB repression and establish UBC as a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer patients with recurrent UBB silencing.


We present a simple and universal camera calibration method. Instead of extensive setups we are exploiting the accurate angular positions of fixed stars. High precision is achieved by compensating the interfering error sources. Our approach uses a star catalog and requires a single input image only. No additional user input information such as focal length, exposure date or position is required. Fully automatic processing and fast convergence is achieved by performing three consecutive steps. First, a star segmentation and centroid finding algorithm extracts the sub-pixel positions of the luminaries. Second, an initial solution for the most essential parameters is determined by combinatorial analysis. Finally, the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is applied to solve the resulting non-linear system. Experimental results with several digital consumer cameras demonstrate high robustness and accuracy. The introduced method is advisable for applications where large calibration targets are required.


Resistance welding is used extensively in manufacturing industries, the most popular being spot welding in the automotive industry. Despite spot welding being in use for over a century, there has been relatively little development of sensors for monitoring the process in real-time. Most existing systems use current, voltage and electrode force to give an indication of welding quality, however these systems do not provide warning of changes in the welding environment. These changes could include material variability or electrode condition, which could result in weak weld nuggets. Presented in this paper is an investigation of a system that utilises an array of sensors, including current, voltage, infrared and ultrasonic that is capable of monitoring the spot welding process as it is performed. This system utilises wireless sensor technology to transmit data from the welding arms to a sensor connected to a base computer where the data can be analysed. The wireless link is particularly useful when retrofitting the sensor cluster to existing installations.


Pasta is a traditional wheat-based food, whose popularity, indisputable in Italy and progressive in Europe as well as in America and in the East, is essentially due to the nutritional and sensory qualities that have made it an attractive source of carbohydrates, enviable and difficult to replace in a healthy and balanced diet. The overall pasta quality is highly influenced by raw materials and production technologies. As far as the raw material, the protein content and the gluten quality of semolina are crucial factors in achieving good texture and cooking performance of the final product. Among the technological processes, the drying step is the most delicate and important The aim of the thesis was to evaluate the effect of raw material, technological processes and cooking methods on pasta quality. The work is split into three cases study. The object of first case study was to evaluate the effect of semolina from both mono-varietal and commercial mix durum wheat on qualitative characteristics of dry pasta; moreover, for each semolina was conducted a study on the effects of high and very high drying temperature on final product in order to assess if and how drying method could affect pasta. Six monovarietal semolina and two commercial mix were used to produce spaghetti than subjected to drying according to two different drying cycles: high temperature (75 ° C) and very high temperature (90 ° C) drying cycles thus obtaining a total of sixteen samples, two for each semolina sample. In the second case study, was evaluated the cooking quality of alternative cooked pasta with the purpose to understand which may be the best (reducing time and /or energy) alternatives to traditional cooking. Four different hollow shapes coming from the same production lot were used; pasta sample were than underwent to passive cooking and microwave cooking. Pasta quality was evaluated by means of sensory, physical and structural analysis by using traditional cooking as reference
Finally the third study aimed to asses the influence of chickpea flour and microwave drying operation on starch digestibility and glycemic index of composite legume-wheat pasta. A substitution of 20% chickpea flour was made with respect to the reference sample (100% semolina). Six pasta samples were prepared from 100% semolina, semolina (80%) and raw chickpea flour (20%), semolina (80%) and cooked chickpea flour; each sample was than subjected to traditional drying (40°C; RH 80%) and an optimized microwave drying.. The results showed that chemical, physical, and sensory analysis were all very sensitive to changes in pasta quality.
Raw material, process operations and cooking influenced the qualitative characteristics of pasta.
The addition of different ingredients in pasta improved the nutritional characteristics of final product. The use of new technologies of drying brought advantages in terms of reduction of time and cost.


Treating people with cardiovascular disease and COPD causes significant clinician anxiety. β-Blockers save lives in people with heart disease, specifically postinfarction and heart failure. COPD and heart disease frequently coexist and people with both disorders have particularly high cardiovascular mortality. There are concerns about giving β-blockers to people with concomitant COPD that include reduced basal lung function, diminished effectiveness of emergency β-agonist treatments, reduced benefit of long-acting β-agonist treatment and difficulty in discriminating between asthma and COPD. β-Blockers appear to reduce lung function in both the general population and those with COPD because they are poorly selective for cardiac β1-adrenoceptors over respiratory β2-adrenoceptors, and studies have shown that higher β-agonist doses are required to overcome the β-blockade. COPD and cardiovascular disease share similar environmental risks and both disease states have high adrenergic and inflammatory activation. β-Blockers may therefore be particularly helpful in reducing cardiovascular events in this high-risk group. They may reduce the background inflammatory state, and inhibit the tachycardia and hypertension associated with both the endogenous adrenaline and high-dose β-agonist treatment associated with acute exacerbations of COPD. Some studies have suggested no increased and, at times, reduced mortality in patients with COPD taking β-blockers for heart disease. However, these are all observational studies and there are no randomised controlled trials. Potential ways to improve this dilemma include the development of highly β1-selective β-blockers or the use of non-β-blocking heart rate reducing agents, such as ivabridine, if these are proven to be beneficial in randomised controlled trials.


Soil degradation remains a global environmental phenomenon that is interpreted differently in different environments, despite its global dimension in terms of loss of soil fertility from crop fields in most of the major agricultural regions of the word. This study reports the results of a quantitative index (indices) developed to assess soil degradation associated with agricultural land uses for two contrasting topographies. The study also, identifies the basic underlying pattern of the interrelationship between the soil properties in a part of the Northern Guinea Savanna belt of Nigeria. Using thirteen soil properties, three indices are developed namely: organic nutrients, cation exchange capacity, and soil texture. The indices range from 34.3 % for Ca and 33.7 % for CEC for fallow land to 68.8 % for Na and 57.8 % for OC for continuously cultivated farms on hillslope and flatland sites, respectively. The organic nutrients index was the most degraded index in both sites. The results of the analysis of factor scores for the three land Use types on both sites show two to three basic underlying relationships among the soil properties analyzed, with continuously cultivated farms being the worst degraded then fallow plots with forest fields being the least degraded. The study recommends that the agricultural quality of the soil be evaluated by monitoring only these few soil properties in the study region.


This paper describes a 16-b fixed point digital signal processor (DSP), especially its multiply-accumulate (MAC) unit, memories, and instruction set. By adopting a redundant binary multiplier and a variable pipeline structure, this DSP's MAC unit, compared to a conventional MAC unit, consumes about 15% less power and operates 24% faster. Furthermore, its double-speed MAC mechanism can realize twice the performance of a single MAC operation while consuming only 69% more power. By being able to more finely control which portions of memory are activated, the data ROM and data RAM's precharge current was reduced to about 1/8 of the conventional ROM and RAMs. We redesigned the instruction set and reduced its width from 32 b to 24 b based on the analysis of data generated by simulating an application program on our previous DSP. The reduction in instruction width made our on-chip instruction memory size 33% smaller than the previous one. This chip is fabricated with a 0.5-/spl mu/m double-metal-layer CMOS process and achieves 80-MOPS-peak double speed multiply-accumulate performance.


Although it is often in the interest of individuals to implement networking strategies that erode their team's social capital, it is unclear under what conditions such a social dilemma is more or less likely to occur. We focus on brokerage and closure as two dimensions of social structure where tension arises between individual networking strategies and team performance. Adopting a multilevel perspective, and focusing on closed teams with the presence of a clear leader, we analyze two complementary moderators of this social dilemma that are fundamental to the existence of teams: the task complexity facing the team under consideration, and the individualist versus collectivist shared value orientation of its members. We find that an increase in either of these makes the social dilemma more likely to occur. Counterintuitive conclusions pertaining to these moderators are discussed.


Many previous analyses of multifunctionality in agriculture claim there is positive jointness between the production commodities and nonmarket goods and services. Those analyses have not treated acreage as an endogenous variable. This leads to several errors in terms of the analysis of policy impacts, and hence also the policy advice. The main contribution of this paper is the development of an analytical framework where acreage is endogenously determined. This framework is then used to demonstrate that any policy that influences resource allocation also affects agricultural commodity production. Hence, there is no such thing as a fully decoupled support. The impacts on commodity markets from direct payments to environmental goods and services are, however, smaller than the distortions from policies that inflate commodity prices.


The effects of preparation on perceived and imagined memory descriptions were examined in previous research (Manzanero & Diges, in press). Preparation produced more detailed reports for both internal and external memories, but also it reduces statements' qualities. Now, descriptions of imagined and perceived events under two different preparation levels were given to be discriminated respect of their origin (source monitoring judgments). Results showed descriptions were more likely to be attributed by judges to perception than to imagination if descriptions contained moderate levels of sensorial and contextual details than if they contained high or low levels of sensorial and contextual details. Moreover, people use some of the same cues to judge the source of other people's memory descriptions as they use in making attributions about the source of their own memories.


Large meandering paleochannels on the flood plain of the middle Ogeechee River in southeast Georgia represent wet paleoclimate during late Pleistocene and early Holocene time and show no indication of downcutting in response to eustatically lower sea level. Radiocarbon dates indicate that the paleomeanders were active at ∼31–28 ka and ∼8.5–4.5 ka. Bivariate regression models that correlate modern channel dimensions to the discharge of low-magnitude floods (1–5 yr recurrence interval) indicate that paleodischarge of floods during those times was at least double that of modern floods, thus suggesting a wetter paleoclimate. These data corroborate independent studies of pollen and paleoclimate simulations that indicate wet early to middle Holocene (9–3 ka) conditions that were characterized by intensified monsoonal circulation. Paleoclimate conditions at ∼31–28 ka are less well known. Our analysis of the middle Ogeechee River flood plain indicates the absence of base-level response (downcutting) to eustatic sea-level lowering because the beds of the paleochannels are at approximately the same elevation as the bed of the modern channel. This supports recent arguments that the geomorphic response of coastal-plain streams to sea-level lowering is most apparent in deltaic and shelf environments and may not be recognized very far upstream from the coast.


Abstract In linearly stable shear flows at moderate Reynolds number, turbulence spontaneously decays despite the existence of a codimension-one manifold, termed the edge, which separates decaying perturbations from those triggering turbulence. We statistically analyse the decay in plane Couette flow, quantify the breaking of self-sustaining feedback loops and demonstrate the existence of a whole continuum of possible decay paths. Drawing parallels with low-dimensional models and monitoring the location of the edge relative to decaying trajectories, we provide evidence that the edge of chaos does not separate state space globally. It is instead wrapped around the turbulence generating structures and not an independent dynamical structure but part of the chaotic saddle. Thereby, decaying trajectories need not cross the edge, but circumnavigate it while unwrapping from the turbulent saddle.


BACKGROUND
Childhood interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a spectrum of diseases including many different rare lung conditions. We present a family with an unusual presentation of ILD in association with rheumatologic and immunologic abnormalities.

METHODS
Eight children with a common father were evaluated for evidence of lung disease in association with rheumatologic findings. All underwent routine history and physical examination, hematologic evaluation, and chest radiography and/or CT scan of the chest. Seven children underwent a more extensive immunologic evaluation. Those who were able underwent pulmonary function testing, and four children underwent lung biopsy.

RESULTS
Six of eight children with a common father were found to have radiographic findings consistent with ILD. These children also had evidence of autoimmune disease with joint symptoms, alopecia, rheumatoid factor production, and hypergammaglobulinemia. Open-lung biopsy in four children revealed a spectrum of pulmonary lymphoid proliferations ranging from reactive lymphoid hyperplasia to lymphoid interstitial pneumonia.

CONCLUSION
The findings of ILD and autoimmunity in a kindred of children suggest a novel genetic disorder of autosomal dominant pattern and variable penetrance. Although the precise pathogenesis remains unclear, these cases provide valuable insight into childhood ILD.


Sydenham's chorea (SC) is a neurological manifestation following group A Streptococcus infection (GABHS) and has been proposed as an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. Other movement and psychiatric manifestations following GABHS have been recognised and termed Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS). It is proposed that PANDAS may be caused by the same antibody as SC. As the symptoms of PANDAS are identical to Tourette's syndrome (TS), the possibility that TS might turn out to be an autoimmune disorder has implications for the treatment and understanding of these disorders. Evidence of GABHS was found in all patients with SC and PANDAS and 60% of patients with TS. Autoantibodies against basal ganglia (ABGA) were found in all acute SC and PANDAS patients. Only 25% of TS patients were ABGA positive. There was little evidence for ABGA in controls. There was a higher prevalence of ABGA in systemic diseases associated with GABHS but this did not reach significance. ABGA bound to proteins with molecular weights (40, 45, 60 and 98 kDa) and these responses were variably found in SC, PANDAS and TS. The identification of these antigens proved to be problematic due to contamination with other proteins with the same molecular weights. Neurone specific enolase (NSE) was identified as one of the antigens. As this protein was not specific to basal ganglia it cast doubt as to the specificity of ABGA. Interestingly, however, enolase is also found on the surface of GABHS and has extensive homology with human enolase, thus lending support to the possibility of molecular mimicry derived autoimmunity.


of the Dissertation RF-Powered Internet of Things by M. Yousof Naderi Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering Northeastern University, December 2015 Dr. Kaushik Chowdhury& Dr. Stefano Basagni, Advisers Wireless charging through directed radio frequency (RF) waves and ambient RF energy sources is an attractive solution to power small wireless devices. RF-based wireless charging can potentially realize battery-less sensor networks and eliminate the need for external power cables or periodic battery replacements. However, the coexistence of data communication and energy comes at the cost of new challenges, which this research tackles holistically through a combination of system level design, experimentation, analysis and protocol formulation. First, a stochastic tool for analyzing nodal residual energy and lifetime distribution is proposed. Our analytical framework models an energy harvesting sensor as a stochastic semi-Markov process and introduces a new analysis technique, called energy transient analysis. The framework returns, with fine granularity, the energy consumed during various protocol-related functions, as well as the incoming energy via harvesting. As a second contribution, the opportunities and challenges of RF energy harvesting are identified through extensive practical testing. This study lays out essential network design guidelines for separating energy transmitter (ET) operations and those of the RF energy harvesting nodes in the spatio-temporal and frequency domains. It also examines the energy interference among concurrent RF waves that may result in destructive combinations of the net signal energy if the ETs are randomly placed. To verify the experimental findings, a set of closed form equations for omni-directional ETs is developed that accurately captures the locations where the ET action is cumulative. Next, a medium access control called RF-MAC is designed for ET and sensor coordination that jointly selects energy transmitters and their frequencies based on the collective impact on charging time and energy interference, sets the maximum energy charging threshold, requests and grants energy, and decides the access priority of both data and energy. Finally, a planning and network resource management framework for powering small form factor sensor node called HYDRA is introduced that uses distributed ad hoc beamformingcapable ETs and leverages cognitive ambient energy harvesting from cellular and TV spectrum bands.


The so-called structure parameters are firstly introduced to indicate their influence on nonlinear viscoelastic behavior and the corresponding nonlinear evolution equation is then derived based on the linear one proposed by Biot by means of thermodynamics of irreversible process. As a worked example, the above nonlinear evolution equation is applied to a viscelastic rod of the ideal viscoelastic solid to predict its uniaxial creep behavior. Under the strain-induced anisotropic effect due to the configurationally structure changes, the originally isotropic rod gradually becomes transversely isotropic one during the creep deformation process. The final results show that (i) when the applied longitudinal stress is below a certain value, the creep strain will get towards an asymptotic value at a decreasing strain rate, and that (ii) when over this value, it will initially increase at a decreasing strain rate and then at an accelerative rate after overcoming a critical point.


Predicting the click-through rate of an advertisement is a critical component of online advertising platforms. In sponsored search, the click-through rate estimates the probability that a displayed advertisement is clicked by a user after she submits a query to the search engine. Commercial search engines typically rely on machine learning models trained with a large number of features to make such predictions. This inevitably requires a lot of engineering efforts to define, compute, and select the appropriate features. In this paper, we propose two novel approaches (one working at character level and the other working at word level) that use deep convolutional neural networks to predict the click-through rate of a query-advertisement pair. Specifically, the proposed architectures only consider the textual content appearing in a query-advertisement pair as input, and produce as output a click-through rate prediction. By comparing the character-level model with the word-level model, we show that language representation can be learnt from scratch at character level when trained on enough data. Through extensive experiments using billions of query-advertisement pairs of a popular commercial search engine, we demonstrate that both approaches significantly outperform a baseline model built on well-selected text features and a state-of-the-art word2vec-based approach. Finally, by combining the predictions of the deep models introduced in this study with the prediction of the model in production of the same commercial search engine, we significantly improve the accuracy and the calibration of the click-through rate prediction of the production system.


PURPOSE: To identify cognitive and noncognitive variables as predictors of the admission into medical school of African American college students who have participated in summer academic enrichment programs (SAEPs). METHOD: The study sample comprised 309 African American college students who participated in SAEPs at the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine from 1980 to 1989 and whose educational and occupational statuses were determined by follow-up tracking. A three-step logistic regression was used to analyze the data (with alpha = .05); the criterion variable was admission to medical school. The 17 predictor variables studied were one of two types, cognitive and noncognitive. The cognitive variables were (1) Scholastic Aptitude Test mathematics (SAT-M) score, (2) SAT verbal score, (3) college grade-point average (GPA), (4) college science GPA, (5) SAEP GPA, and (6) SAEP basic science GPA (BSGPA). The noncognitive variables were (1) gender, (2) highest college level at the time of the last SAEP application, (3) type of college attended (historically African American or predominately white), (4) number of SAEPs attended, (5) career aspiration (physician or another health science option) (6) parents who were professionals, (7) parents who were health care role models, (8) evidence of leadership, (9) evidence of community service, (10) evidence of special motivation, and (11) strength of letter of recommendation in the SAEP application. For each student the rating scores for the last four noncognitive variables were determined by averaging the ratings of two judges who reviewed relevant information in each student's file. RESULTS: In step 1, which explained 20% of the admission decision variance, SAT-M score, SAEP BSGPA, and college GPA were the three significant cognitive predictors identified. In step 2, which explained 31% of the variance, the three cognitive predictors identified in step 1 were joined by three noncognitive predictors: career aspiration, type of college, and number of SAEPs attended. In step 3, which explained 29% of the variance, two cognitive variables (SAT-M score and SAEP BSGPA) and two noncognitive variables (career aspiration and strength of recommendation letter) were identified. CONCLUSION: The results support the concept of using both cognitive and noncognitive variables when selecting African American students for pre-medical school SAEPs.


This paper covers some of the past accomplishments of DEA and its future prospects. It starts with the engineering-science definitions of efficiency and uses the duality theory of linear programming to show how, in DEA, they can be related to the Pareto-Koopmens definitions used in welfare economics. Some of the models that have now been developed for implementing these concepts are then described and properties of these models are examined for weaknesses and strengths along with different measures of distance that may be used to determine their optimal values. Relations between the models are also demonstrated en route to delineating paths for future developments. These include extensions to different objectives such as satisfactory vs. full (or strong) efficiency. They also include extensions from efficiency to effectiveness evaluations of performances as well as extensions to evaluate social-economic performances of countries and other entities where inputs and outputs give way to other categories in which increases and decreases are located in the numerator or denominator of the ratio (=engineering-science) definition of efficiency in a manner analogous to the way output (in the numerator) and input (in the denominator) are usually positioned in the fractional programming form of DEA. Beginnings in each of these extensions are cited and the role of applications in bringing further possibilities to the fore is highlighted.


DOCSIS Provisioning of EPON is rapidly becoming the technology of choice for cable operators looking for a cost-effective way to deploy high-data-rate Metro Ethernet Forum services in FTTx architecture. This unique combination of Ethernet passive optical network for data transport and field-proven DOCSIS provisioning systems opens a new chapter for business services. Support for mobile backhauling, metro Ethernet point-to-point, voice, and data service is available today, with metro Ethernet point-to-multipoint and multipoint-to-multipoint services support expected to be added in the future.


Cognitive Psychology
When you place a bet, you need to estimate your chance of winning, and you also need to know the accuracy of your estimate. That is, when the odds appear to be in your favor, but you're not entirely sure, you'll make a smaller wager than when you're rock-solid certain. Adults who are good judges of their own accuracy tend to be better at problem-solving, regulating their emotions, and thinking critically, among other skills. Vo et al. wondered whether this also holds true for children. The authors found that 5- to 8-year-old children are pretty good at making judgments about their accuracy when it comes to estimating quantities, but they don't evaluate themselves as well when comparing facial emotions.

Psychol. Sci. 25 , 10.1177/0956797614538458 (2014).


This work summarizes the results of a neutronic study on the HCLL blanket for a DEMO-type fusion reactor. The analysis is based on three-dimensional Monte Carlo calculations using the MCNP-4C code. It comprises the assessment of the shielding efficiency in terms of the radiation loads to the superconducting TFcoils and the neutron induced production of He and H gas in the steel structure of the blanket and at locations where the welding of pipe connections is assumed. The analysis is performed utilizing three-dimensional 9sector model representing the modular HCLL breeder blanket developed by CEA. The shielding performance of the blanket/shield/vacuum vessel system is assessed at the torus mid-plane considering three variants of a twocomponent shield, arranged in between the central inboard modules and the Vacuum Vessel. Estimates of radial distributions of the He and H gas production in the steel structure of the blanket are obtained and the radial depth where the re-weldability criterion for the He production <1 appm is fulfilled is identified.


In order to comply with the European Union's ambitious renewable targets for 2020, extensive investments in wind generation capacity have been made. Wind power plants are located primarily where the resource is available, which can lead to local transmission constraints during certain periods. In order to avoid transmission congestions, short-term measures that increase system operation costs such as topological maneuvers, conventional generation redispatch and wind curtailment are taken by the system operator. In this context, this paper performs a cost-benefit analysis of the installation of a Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) device to avoid transmission congestions in a Spanish area dominated by wind generation contributing to a more efficient integration of wind power. Furthermore, it is computed the additional wind power that could be integrated with the installation of this device.


Introduction: Central nervous system has the low potential for regeneration of damaged neurons. The lack of suitable treatments for neurodegenerative diseases has placed the huge financial burden on the community. Stem cells have self-renewing capabilities and can differentiate into adult cell types under the appropriate conditions. The chemical properties of some plants affect the growth rate and cell proliferation. Previous studies have shown that Olibanum plant plays a role in the formation of dendritic spines and neuronal regeneration. In the present study, the effect of olibanum on the differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) to neuron was investigated. Material and Methods: Bone marrow stem cells were cultured in a Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, 10% fetal bovine serum, Fibroblast growth factor 2, and Epidermal growth factor (DMEM, FBS, FGF2, and EGF). Olibanum extract 5%, 10%, and 20% were added to culture medium. Then microscopic observations, MTT assay, and immunocytochemistry examination were used to assess morphological, proliferation and differentiation factors. Results: Microscopic observations and viability cell test showed that the 5% Olibanum extract was non-toxic to BMSCs. Immunocytochemistry result denoted that 5% Olibanum extract can increase the differentiation of BMSCs into neuron-like cells. However, when Olibanum extract 10% and 20% were added to the culture medium, such an increase was not seen in treated groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the application of 5% Olibanum extract in cell culture medium was shown to have a suitable effect on BMSCs differentiation into the neuron.


In many environments, tournaments can elicit more effort from workers, except perhaps when workers can sabotage each other. Because it is hard to separate effort, ability and output in many real workplace settings, the empirical evidence on the incentive effect of tournaments is thin. There is even less evidence on the impact of sabotage because real world acts of sabotage are often subtle manifestations of subjective peer evaluation or "office politics." We discuss a real effort experiment in which effort, quality adjusted output and office politics are compared under piece rates and tournaments. Our results suggest that tournaments increase effort only in the absence of office politics. Competitors are more likely to sabotage each other in tournaments and, as a result, workers actually provide less effort simply because they expect to be the victims of sabotage. Adjusting output for quality with the rating of an independent auditor shrinks the incentive effect of the tournament even further since output tends to become more slipshod.


Biochemical symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and a sharp reduction in the number of T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were recorded in children suffering from glomerulonephritis. During the combined therapy using the compound "oksidevit " (1-hydroxyvitamin D3) the parameters characterizing D-vitamin providing became normal, and the number of T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood was recovered.


We report the direct measurement of the 7Be solar neutrino signal rate performed with the Borexino detector at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. The interaction rate of the 0.862 MeV 7Be neutrinos is 49±3stat±4syst counts/(day·100 ton). The hypothesis of no oscillation for 7Be solar neutrinos is inconsistent with our measurement at the 4σ C.L. Our result is the first direct measurement of the survival probability for solar νe in the transition region between matter-enhanced and vacuum-driven oscillations. The measurement improves the experimental determination of the flux of 7Be, pp, and CNO solar νe, and the limit on the effective neutrino magnetic moment using solar neutrinos.


PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to measure volumes of normal lacrimal glands (LGs) using magnetic resonance imaging in African-Americans (AAs) and whites and to evaluate relationships of LG volumes to demographic factors.

METHODS
A retrospective chart review was performed searching for "optic neuropathy" and "optic neuritis," cross-referencing patients who had orbital MRI with and without contrast. Cases were excluded with known history of orbital trauma or surgery, previous diagnoses known to affect LG size, and poor image quality. LGs were outlined in consecutive axial and coronal slices, and volumes were generated using OsiriX software; cross-sectional area of the orbit was measured by outlining the bony orbit in largest axial section.

RESULTS
One hundred orbits from 50 patients were included (26 AAs, 24 whites). Mean LG volumes as measured in coronal and axial section were 0.714 and 0.671 cm, respectively; mean orbital area was 10.42 cm. Axial orbital size was found to be highly correlated (P < 0.01) with LG volume. No significant correlation was found with LG volume and age, sex, race, or laterality.

CONCLUSIONS
This article presents normal values for LG volumes by MRI of AAs and whites. LG volumes were highly correlated with orbital size, a relationship which has not been explored in the recent literature. Such an assessment of LG size relative to patients' orbital dimensions may be more clinically useful than comparison to population-based measures of normal LG volume alone. We found no statistically significant relationship between LG volume and race, sex, age, or laterality.


New multimodulus-based adaptive algorithms are being devised for blind phase recovery in QAM communication systems. Analysis of stationary points, sensitivity, steady-state misadjustment, convergence time and tracking ability are being provided. The proposed algorithm is compared with two existing adaptive algorithms and it is shown that the proposed algorithm can provide much better performance in terms of convergence time and steady-state jitter at the cost of complexity.


In this paper we argue that Ricoeur's concept of suspicion is significant for present-day neurocognitive studies on literature, with regard to the issues of embodiment, bodily simulation, and interpretation of textual latent meanings. Ricoeur's practice of suspicion is one of the two poles of our present inquiry on literary texts, being the second a neurohermeneutic approach that we have developed in past studies (Gambino and Pulvirenti,  Storie, menti, mondi ; "Neurohermeneutics. A Transdisciplinary Approach to Literature"). We will refer to Ricoeur's hermeneutics of suspicion, a principle which is often quoted in literary critical discourse but not always precisely defined, considering it as an act of mistrustful interpretation, which bases on intersubjectivity and aims to disclose latent and hidden meanings in sign systems, specifically in literary texts, which is the field of our inquiry. In the perspective of what we here define as  neurohermeneutics of suspicion , the reader becomes an interpreter, questioning the text with regard to its multilayered surface features as marking inferential clues unveiling secondary meanings. The meaning-making process depends on a creative act of the reader's imagination embodying mental (re-)construction of the situation described by a text. Therefore, suspicious interpreting does not rely in either the text, the author, the reader or the cognitive and cultural context, but in their complex and dynamic relationship, pivoting around the common human nature rooted in corporeity. We claim that particularly in the postcritical venture, Ricoeur's hermeneutics may be helpful in refiguring the pleasure of deciphering the fictional worlds of literature, challenging the reader to "play" with the text intended as a terra incognita of inexhaustible multiple meanings.


Neutrophil-activating factor (NAF), a 72-amino acid peptide produced by human monocytes, induced plasma leakage and neutrophil accumulation after intradermal injection in rabbits (10(-11) to 10(-9) mol/site). NAF was about three times more potent than fMet-Leu-Phe, but considerably less potent than endotoxin. The response to NAF was not inhibited by the endotoxin inhibitor polymyxin B or the protein synthesis inhibitor actinomycin D. Histology of NAF-induced lesions showed large numbers of neutrophils, but no monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, or lymphocytes were observed. Intravascular neutrophil accumulation, aggregate formation, and venular wall damage were also apparent. In vitro, NAF stimulated rabbit neutrophils as shown by the release of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. This study demonstrates that NAF elicits a rapid inflammatory response in vivo with massive neutrophil emigration, which is qualitatively similar to that observed with other chemotactic agonists.


Even though many security schemes proposed for wireless sensor networks protect transmitted data content from being revealed to different types of attacks and fulfill most of the desired security requirements, they are not addressing concealing the privacy of the contextual information. Contextual information such as event occurrence, event time, and event location can be exposed to an adversary by just monitoring network packet transmission. This kind of information is very important because it can leak location information of key nodes or even detected events themselves. Therefore, proposing a contextual unobservability scheme is a challenging task in sensor networks considering many issues: the broadcast nature of the wireless channel, the different attacker models, the network resource constraints, and the overhead on system performance. Most of the existing location privacy schemes are not addressing all these issues and are either not efficient against global adversaries or degrade significantly network performance. Thus in this paper, we propose an efficient location contextual anonymity scheme for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network (WMSN) that exploits the cross-layer joint design among the application, routing, and MAC layers. Our proposed location unobservability scheme combines the source coding technique, probabilistic packet transmission, multipath routing, and priority-based dropping policy to enhance the efficiency level of the provided privacy service without noticeably affecting the Quality of Service (QoS) requirement for delivering multimedia content in WMSN. Performance evaluation results show that our proposed privacy mechanism outperforms other proposed location privacy techniques in terms of privacy efficiency (safety period) and network performance (end-to-end delay and energy consumption).


This research explored the lived experience of becoming an Applied Sport and Exercise Scientist. To become an accredited independent practitioner within the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science neophyte practitioners are required to undertake supervised experience. A review of contemporary literature revealed a paucity of research exploring the training and development of applied practitioners within sport and exercise science. Consequently, educational learning theory provided a vehicle from which to understand and critique related literature and provide context to analytical interpretations.
Van Manen's (1990) hermeneutic phenomenological approach to human science guided the research process. This provided a middle ground between description and interpretation from which to explore participant experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen supervisees and nine supervisors to elucidate the lived experience of becoming an Applied Sport and Exercise Scientist. Digitally recorded data were transcribed verbatim and analysed via phenomenological thematic analysis. Template analysis was drawn upon to support the analytical process and assist in organisation of themes. To gain an in-depth understanding of participant experience the hermeneutic circle provided a means of remaining cognisant of fore-conceptions, whilst allowing original findings to emerge.
A number of themes were identified from which two essential themes were derived from the essential structure of the experience; 'Being and learning relationships are predicated upon the emotion derived from interpersonal relationships' and 'Mutual participation enables movement towards independence'. Establishing trust and an emotional bond provided meaning within the supervisory dyad. Active participation from both supervisee and supervisor enabled reciprocity and supervisee development.
This research raises awareness for supervisees, supervisors and supervisory processes regarding the importance of interpersonal relationships within the training and development of applied practitioners. Future research is suggested to focus upon both supervisees' and supervisors' longitudinal experiences and their recommendation for the introduction of formal peer mentoring post accreditation.


This book treats all of the most commonly used theories of the integral. After motivating the idea of integral, we devote a full chapter to the Riemann integral and the next to the Lebesgue integral. Another chapter compares and contrasts the two theories. The concluding chapter offers brief introductions to the Henstock integral, the Daniell integral, the Stieltjes integral, and other commonly used integrals. The purpose of this book is to provide a quick but accurate (and detailed) introduction to all aspects of modern integration theory. It should be accessible to any student who has had calculus and some exposure to upper division mathematics.


Myeloma remains largely incurable and there is an unmet need for new therapies. B-cell maturation antigen(BCMA) is an attractive therapeutic target due to its restricted expression on normal and malignant plasma cells(PC). A natural ligand for BCMA is a proliferating ligand(APRIL) which also naturally binds another antigen expressed on myeloma cells: Transmembrane activator and CAML interactor(TACI). APRIL is an attractive binder as it is a compact, self-protein which binds both BCMA and TACI with high affinity. BCMA and TACI expression was quantified on tumour cells from a large number of patients to explore the clinical utility of targeting these antigens. Tumour BCMA expression was found in all patients, persisted with relapse and extramedullary spread and low levels was associated with improved patient outcome. However BCMA expression was variable, often low and TACI was co-expressed on tumour from 78% of patients. Recognising that dual antigen targeting of BCMA and TACI may increase target antigens on tumour and reduce the risk of antigen negative disease escape, an APRIL based chimeric antigen receptor(ACAR) was optimised and in vitro activity against BCMA and TACI targets demonstrated. Target kill was seen at low levels of antigen and low effector to target ratios and further, potent ACAR efficacy was demonstrated in vivo in an intramedullary murine myeloma model. A targeted mutagenesis strategy was also used to generate a BCMA specific APRIL mutant. When APRIL mutant was used in a CAR(ACAR-mut), specificity was confirmed for BCMA targets, however there was no significant T cell expansion against primary tumour. In a second strategy, APRIL based bispecific molecules were engineered consisting of a CD3 specific single chain variable fragment linked to an APRILWT(APRILiTE). Preliminary studies using unpurified and unquantified protein in co-cultures of target and activated T cells, demonstrated cytolysis of BCMA expressing cells and primary myeloma cells using APRILiTE. Therefore, APRIL based therapeutic strategies provide a novel and promising approach to immunotherapy in myeloma.


At frequencies between 50 MHz and several GHz, Jupiter's radio spectrum is dominated by synchrotron radiation, emitted by high energy electrons magnetically confined in a region close to the planet (e.g. Jovian radiation belt). For over the past 40 years ground-based observations have demonstrated that this radio signal simultaneously varies over different time scales, from less than a day up to year periods. These variations are controlled by the spatial evolution of the relativistic electron population surrounding the planet inside Io's orbit. Recent analyses of Hisaki EUV data of Io plasma torus' east-west asymmetry tend to support that large-scale dawn-dusk electric fields, driven by solar irradiation and solar wind on different time scales, can govern the dynamical behavior of Jupiter's electron belt. We combine different datasets of Juno (magnetometer), solar radio flux and irradiation, Hisaki (extreme ultraviolet, after Nov. 2013), and ground-based observations of Jupiter (GAVRT before 2013; VLA, GMRT after 2012) with established models of solar wind propagation and solar radiation at Jupiter to investigate the synchrotron emission variability during Juno's cruise (mid-Aug. 2011 to June 2016). In this paper, we discuss our preliminary results for periods when Juno is in near alignment with the Sun and Jupiter, and witnesses while en route to Jupiter - large perturbations in the interplanetary magnetic field which would suggest that some features in the solar wind could be responsible for the occurrence of variations in the synchrotron emission a couple of weeks later. Jupiter, Juno,


Insecticide resistance is a broadly recognised and well-studied management problem resulting from intensive insecticide use, which also provides useful evolutionary models of newly adapted phenotypes to changing environments. Two common assumptions in such models are the existence of fitness costs associated with insecticide resistance, which will place the resistant individuals at a disadvantage in insecticide-free environments, and the prevalence of random mating among insecticide-resistant and -susceptible individuals. However, cases of insecticide resistance lacking apparent fitness disadvantages do exist impacting the evolution and management of insecticide resistance. Assortative mating, although rarely considered, may also favour the evolution and spread of insecticide resistance. Thus, the possible existence of both conditions in the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais), a key pest of stored cereals, led to the assessment of the mating behaviour and reproductive fitness of insecticide-resistant and -susceptible weevil strains and their reciprocal crosses. The patterns of female and male mating choice also were assessed. Although mating behaviour within and between weevil strains was similar without mate choice, mating within the resistant strain led to higher reproductive output than within the susceptible strain; inter-strain matings led to even higher fertility. Thus, no apparent fitness cost associated with resistance seems to exist in these weevils, favouring the evolution of this phenotype that is further aided by the higher fertility of inter-strain matings. Mate choice reduced latency to mate and no inter-strain preference was detected, but female weevils were consistent in their mate selection between 1st and 2nd matings indicating existence of female mating preference among maize weevils. Therefore, if female mate selection comes to favour trait(s) associated with insecticide resistance, higher reproductive fitness will be the outcome of such matings favouring the evolution and spread of insecticide resistance among maize weevil populations reverting into a management concern.


Using immunocytochemical techniques and antibodies that specifically recognize xyloglucan (anti-XG), polygalacturonic acid/rhamnogalacturonan I (anti-PGA/RG-I), and methylesterified pectins (JIM 7), we have shown that these polysaccharides are differentially synthesized and localized during cell development and differentiation in the clover root tip. In cortical cells XG epitopes are present at a threefold greater density in the newly formed cross walls than in the older longitudinal walls, and PGA/RG-I epitopes are detected solely in the expanded middle lamella of cortical cell corners, even after pretreatment of sections with pectinmethylesterase to uncover masked epitopes. These results suggest that in cortical cells XG and PGA/RG-I are differentially localized not only to particular wall domains, but also to particular cell walls. In contrast to their nonoverlapping distribution in cortical cells, XG epitopes and PGA/RG-I epitopes largely colocalize in the epidermal cell walls. The results also demonstrate that the middle lamella of the longitudinal walls shared by epidermal cells and by epidermal and cortical cells constitutes a barrier to the diffusion of cell wall and mucilage molecules. Synthesis of XG and PGA/RG-I epitope-containing polysaccharides also varies during cellular differentiation in the root cap. The differentiation of gravitropic columella cells into mucilage-secreting peripheral cells is marked by a dramatic increase in the synthesis and secretion of molecules containing XG and PGA/RG-I epitopes. In contrast, JIM 7 epitopes are present at abundant levels in columella cell walls, but are not detectable in peripheral cell walls or in secreted mucilage. There were also changes in the cisternal labeling of the Golgi stacks during cellular differentiation in the root tip. Whereas PGA/RG-I epitopes are detected primarily in cis- and medial Golgi cisternae in cortical cells (Moore, P. J., K. M. M. Swords, M. A. Lynch, and L. A. Staehelin. 1991. J. Cell Biol. 112:589-602), they are localized predominantly in the trans-Golgi cisternae and the trans-Golgi network in epidermal and peripheral root cap cells. These observations suggest that during cellular differentiation the plant Golgi apparatus can be both structurally and functionally reorganized.


Aim: ErbB2 is overexpressed in about 25% of breast cancers. It modulates myocardial development and function in the heart. Trastuzumab (T), an anti-ErbB2 inhibitor, has improved the prognosis of patients with breast cancer, but is related to an increased risk of asymptomatic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (3–34%) and heart failure (2–4%). The mechanisms of T cardiotoxicity are not entirely known and can include changes in Ca2+ regulation related to blockade of ErbB2. Here, we aim at assessing whether ranolazine (RAN), diminishing intracellular Ca2+ through its inhibition of late Ina, blunts T cardiotoxicity in vivo. Methods: To evaluate cardiac function in vivo, fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) were measured by echocardiography M-Mode in C57BL6 mice, 2-4 mo old, pretreated with RAN (750mg/kg/day, a dose comparable to the one used in humans) per os for 3 days. RAN was then administered for additional 7 days, alone and together with T (2.25 mg/kg/day ip), according to our well established protocol. Results: In our in vivo studies, after 7 days with T, FS decreased to 49 ± 1.5%, p < 0.01 vs 60 ± 0.5% (sham), and EF to 81 + 2%, p < 0.01 vs 91 ± 1% (sham). RAN alone did not change FS (59 ± 2%) nor EF 89 ± 1%. Interestingly, in mice treated with RAN and T, RAN prevents the reduction of EF and FS vs T alone (FS was 58 ± 1%, EF was 90 ± 1%, p = 0.01 and p < 0.01 respectively). Conclusions: In our mouse model, T produces LV dysfunction and RAN blunts T cardiotoxic effects. We plan to test RAN as a cardioprotective agent with other target-therapy drugs in our experimental models and to define the mechanisms of cardioprotection.


In this paper we evaluated ECG descriptors for classification or recognition of patients with coronary artery (CA) stenosis applying CARDS algorithm and binary regression methods in different-age patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). 199 patients with stale angina pectoris and without ischaemic ECG changes were investigated (140 male and 59 female). One hundred of them (84 male and 16 female) were younger than 60 years and 99 patients (56 male and 43 female) were 60 years old and older. The patients were divided into two main groups according to CA stenosis degree: stenosis of CA lumen ≥ 50% and stenosis of CA lumen ≤30%. Digital ECG was recorded for all patients (discretisation parameters 12 bit, 2 kHz, recording interval of 10 s, 12 standard leads). ECG parameters of depolarization and repolarization were evaluated by computer software, created at Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas medical university. On the ground of multivariate logistic model we developed a risk score for suspicion of CA stenosis. Sensitivity and specificity of CA 70 lesions ≥ 50% was 90.4 % and 52.3% when risk score was higher than 6., and 76.9 % and 76% when risk score was higher than 7 in patients younger than 60 years. Sensitivity and specificity of CA lesions ≥ 50% was 89.2 % and 65.2% when risk score was higher than 5 in patients 60 years and older. Tabl. 4, bibl. 5 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).


The study of microbial evolution is hindered by the fact that microbial populations leave few fossils. We hypothesized that bacterial cells preserved in ancient ice could be used as a molecular fossil record if their DNA could be extracted and sequenced. Channels formed along triple junctions of ice crystals contain liquid "veins" in which microbial cells may be preserved intact. Since vertical motion through the ice matrix is impossible, microbes found in ice cores are representative of microbes present at the time the ice was formed. We detected chlorophyll fluorescence in intact ice cores taken from Greenland and Antarctica. Flow cytometric analysis localized at least some of this fluorescence to particles < 1 μm in diameter. Metagenomic analysis of meltwater indeed revealed sequences similar to modern strains of the picocyanobacterial genera Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, and some of these sequences were distinct from any sequences known from modern oceans or glacial environments. Our study is a first proof-of-concept of the use of ice cores as records of microbial evolution, and we suggest that future genetic studies with higher vertical resolution in the cores might shed light on the pace and character of evolution of these ecologically important cells.


In order to identify prognostic features associated with in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) a prospective study was designed. A total of 130 first episodes of CPA were seen during a 6 month period. In 34 cases (26%) cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was attempted and 17 showed a positive response (recovery of cardiac automatism for more than 15 min). Median survival time in those who recovered was 38 hr. Only two patients were discharged alive from the hospital. Practice of CPR was strongly and inversely associated with the degree of anticipation on the occurrence of CPA held by the physician in charge. Age was the only variable prognostically associated with response to CPR, being the younger group (less than 40 yr) those with the worst prognosis. Aside of age and the possible beneficial effect of infection, there were no other demographic, clinical, therapeutic or other circumstances of the episode associated with response to CPR. The need of response systems to CPA, always in standby and reiterative training, is stressed.


This paper examines the effect of adult literacy program participation on household consumption in Ghana. The adult literacy programs in Ghana are of special interest because they are more comprehensive than standard literacy programs and incorporate many additional topics. We use community fixed effects combined with instrumental variables to account for possible endogenous program placement and self-selection into program participation. For households where none of the adults have completed any formal education we find a substantial, positive, and statistically significant effect on household consumption. Our preferred estimate of the effect of participation for households without education is equivalent to a 10% increase in consumption per adult equivalent. The effects of participation on welfare for other households are smaller, not statistically significant, and become smaller the more educated the household is. We find positive and statistically significant effects of participation on literacy and numeracy rates, although the increases are too small to be the only explanation for the welfare effects. There is also evidence that participants are more likely to engage in market activities and to sell a variety of agricultural goods. Taking account of both direct cost and opportunity cost, we argue that the social returns of adult literacy programs are substantial.


Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a dendritic cell subset that secrete type I IFNs in response to microbial stimuli. The scaffold protein, CD2-associated protein (CD2AP), is a marker of human pDCs as it is highly expressed in this cell type. Recently, in human pDCs, decreased CD2AP expression appeared to enhance the production of type I IFNs via an inhibitory receptor-induced signaling cascade. In this study, we sought to determine the role of CD2AP in murine pDCs using CD2AP knockout (KO) mice. CD2AP was dispensable for the development of pDCs and for the upregulation of activation markers following stimulation. Loss of CD2AP expression did not affect the production of type I IFNs stimulated by TLR ligation, and only slightly impaired type I IFN production when inhibitory pathways were engaged in vitro. This was also confirmed by showing that CD2AP deficiency did not influence type I IFN production by pDCs in vivo. Because CD2AP plays a role in regulating actin dynamics, we examined the actin cytoskeleton in pDCs and found that activated CD2AP KO pDCs had significantly higher levels of actin polymerization than wild-type pDCs. Using two different inflammation models, we found that CD2AP KO pDCs have a defect in lymph node migration, correlating with the defects in actin dynamics. Our work excludes a role for CD2AP in the regulation of type I IFNs in pDCs, and suggests that the major function of CD2AP is on the actin cytoskeleton, affecting migration to local lymph nodes under conditions of inflammation.


Objective: To develop and validate a prediction model for adverse pregnancy outcomes at the time of gestational diabetes (GDM) diagnosis to stratify care. Research Design and Methods: A prediction model development and validation study was conducted on data from a retrospective population-based study. The outcome to be predicted was a composite for adverse pregnancy outcome: hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, large-for-gestational (LGA) age neonate, neonatal hypoglycaemia requiring intravenous therapy, shoulder dystocia, perinatal death, neonatal bone fracture and nerve palsy. Results: Predictors of the composite adverse pregnancy outcome were: fasting and 1 hour glucose from the diagnostic OGTT, gestational age of GDM diagnosis, previous macrosomia, previous pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, previous LGA, ethnicity, weight at GDM diagnosis and parity. The apparent performance of the model was reasonable: c-statistic was 0.691 (95% CI, 0.662 - 0.720) and the calibration plot showed near perfect agreement between predicted and observed risks (Figure 1). Conclusions: A promising prediction model for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM was developed. Model estimation using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator method is currently underway to correct for over-optimism. External validation and decision curve analysis will determine suitability for clinical application. Disclosure S. Cooray: None. J. Boyle: None. G. Soldatos: None. J. Zamora: None. B.M. Fernandez-Felix: None. J. Allotey: None. S. Thangaratinam: None. H. Teede: Other Relationship; Self; Roche Diagnostics France. Funding National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (APP1151242); Australian Academy of Science; Diabetes Australia Research Program; Medical Research Future Fund of Australia; Australian Government Department of Education and Training (7167_2019)


This article is based on an EAA session in Kiel in 2021, in which thirteen contributors provide their response to Robb and Harris's (2018) overview of studies of gender in the European Neolithic and Bronze Age, with a reply by Robb and Harris. The central premise of their 2018 article was the opposition of 'contextual Neolithic gender' to 'cross-contextual Bronze Age gender', which created uneasiness among the four co-organizers of the Kiel meeting. Reading Robb and Harris's original article leaves the impression that there is an essentialist 'Neolithic' and 'Bronze Age' gender, the former being under-theorized, unclear, and unstable, the latter binary, unchangeable, and ideological. While Robb and Harris have clearly advanced the discussion on gender, the perspectives and case studies presented here, while critical of their views, take the debate further, painting a more complex and diverse picture that strives to avoid essentialism.


Tuberculosis has been regarded as a counter-regulatory process to cancer. The development of tumors in the kidney that is affected by tuberculosis is considered as extremely rare, almost impossible case. The analysis of the literature on combined/sequential damage of urogenital organs by tuberculosis and cancer, and own clinical observation were performed. The case history of 72-year-old patient who sought medical advice for violation of urination is described. Previously he suffered from tuberculosis of the lungs and prostate cancer, and he was healed. The PSA level was 11 ng / mL. Urethroprostatogram showed a large cavity with calcification in the prostate. Biopsy of the prostate gland was performed; histologically solid-glandular cancer, Gleason 7 (3 + 4) was confirmed. There were no signs of tubercular inflammation. Radical prostatectomy was caried out; in the section, prostate caverns were filled with large fragments calcified caseation.Pathomorphological evaluation of surgical material has revealed proliferative glandular prostate cancer with invasion into the capsule of both lobes. In seminal vesicles invasion into muscle layer was detected. Tuberculosis can predetermine conditions for the development of a malignant tumor. In any case, the increase in PSA levels is an indication for prostate biopsy, especially if the patient had a history of long-term infectious inflammation of the prostate gland.


Twenty patients underwent chest wall reconstruction using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(ePTFE) soft tissue patch following resection between June 1996 and December 2012. The patients included 15 men and 5 women, aged 18 to 80 years. The indications for resection included 4 primary tumors, 8 metastatic tumors, and 8 infiltrating tumors. The lesions were located anteriorly in 10 patients, laterally in 5 patients and posteriorly in 5 patients. Skeletal resection involved an average of 2 ribs in 19 patients, and a partial sternectomy in 1 patient. The size of chest wall defects ranged from 20 to 210 cm2( mean, 69.8 cm2). Lung resection was performed in 7 patients included a wedge resection, 5 lobectomy, and a bilobectomy. Chest wall defects were closed primarily with ePTFE soft tissue patch. There were no critical complications or postoperative mortalities. The mean follow-up in all patients is 72.7 months. Recurrence of malignancy occurred in 10 patients included a local recurrence in 1 patient, and metastases in 9 patients. The overall postoperative 5-year survival rate is 61.0%. Non-rigid prosthetic reconstruction with ePTFE soft tissue patch provides satisfactory outcome. New prosthetic materials have to be examined whether they are superior to ePTFE soft tissue patch.


In November 2008, the National Library of Sweden decided to change their standard classification system from the Swedish Library Classification System (SAB) to the american Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). One of the main reasons to this transition was the assumption of gaining the possibility to exchange and import catalogue posts by using an outspread international classification system. Throughout the years, it has been disputed whether DDC's treatment of music has been the most suitable. The system has been criticized for being biased in favor of Western music and not being updated with the growth of new music. The purpose of this study is to examine the opinions among librarians connected to the music area on how this classification transition went, and how it has affected their work. The primary questions concerned with this study are if the interviewees perceive that there is a problem by using DDC for music and if so, how? Additionally, does this change also affect the library users, or is it only the librarians? The method I am using to examine these questions is qualitative interviews based on Steinar Kvale and Svend Brinkmann's thoughts in their book Den kvalitativa forskningsintervjun. The theories that will be used for this thesis are theories concerning functional requirements of classification systems. The results show that the interviewees' opinions are that DDC's notation tends to be long, which affects the usability of the system. The interviewees' perception is that DDC is also lacking in its treatment regarding musical recordings and the popular music area. One of the main reasons for this shortage is because there is basically no other library outside of Sweden that is classifying such material with DDC, which means that the information exchange with countries abroad has so far been rather exiguous.


This article discusses issues in measuring lexical diversity, before outlining an approach based on mathematical modelling that produces a measure, D, designed to address these problems. The procedure for obtaining values for D directly from transcripts using software (vocd) is introduced, and then applied to thirty-two children from the Bristol Study of Language Development (Wells 1985) at ten different ages. A significant developmental trend is shown for D and an indication is given of the average scores and ranges to be expected between the ages of 18 and 42 months and at 5 years for these L1 English speakers. The meaning attributable to further ranges of values for D is illustrated by analysing the lexical diversity of academic writing, and its wider application is demonstrated with examples from specific language impairment, morphological development, and foreign/second language learning.


Given an acyclic directed graph where vertices represent computational tasks, arcs represent transfer of control, and two labels—called input and output logics—associated with each vertex show either the concurrency or the mutual exclusiveness of tasks, procedures are given to determine a lower and an upper bound on the number of processors required for maximum parallelism. The lower bound is obtained via a mean path length approach, while the upper bound is based on the structure of the graph. A detailed algorithm is given for the latter. First, some reduction rules are applied yielding a subset of the vertices which can be performed in parallel. Then the maximum cut in the graph is determined taking into account mutually exclusive vertices. Results are given for example graphs.


We present an efficient and practical lock-free implementation of a concurrent priority queue that is suitable for both fully concurrent (large multi-processor) systems as well as pre-emptive (multi-process) systems. Many algorithms for concurrent priority queues are based on mutual exclusion. However, mutual exclusion causes blocking which has several drawbacks and degrades the system's overall performance. Non-blocking algorithms avoid blocking, and are either lock-free or wait-free. Previously known non-blocking algorithms of priority queues did not perform well in practice because of their complexity, and they are often based on non-available atomic synchronization primitives. Our algorithm is based on the randomized sequential list structure called Skiplist, and a real-time extension of our algorithm is also described. In our performance evaluation we compare our algorithm with some of the most efficient implementations of priority queues known. The experimental results clearly show that our lock-free implementation outperforms the other lock-based implementations in all cases for 3 threads and more, both on fully concurrent as well as on pre-emptive systems.


The ionization kinetics of sodium diluted in argon is studied in a shock tube, in which the test gas mixture is ionized by a reflected shock wave and subsequently quenched by a strong rarefaction wave. A Langmuir electrostatic probe is used to monitor the variation of the ion number density at the reflection shock wave region. The working state of the probe is in the near fi-ee fall region and a correction for reduction of the probe current due to elastic scattering in the probe sheath is introduced. At the temperature range of 800 to 2600 K and in the ambience of argon gas, the three-body recombination rate coefficient of the sodium ion with electron is determined: 3.43 x 10(-14)T(-3.77) cm(6).s(-1).


The turbulent flow around a cavitating controllable pitch propeller (CPP) is simulated by solving the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, to investigate the dynamic effects on cavitation when the pitch of propeller blades is changed at different pitch adjustment velocities (PAVs). The process of changing the pitch at prescribed PAVs is controlled by a user-defined function (UDF) in the software FLUENT, and during the process, the time-dependent flow domain is re-discretized at each time step with dynamic meshes. The SST k-ω turbulence model and the cavitation model proposed by Schnerr and Sauer are employed in the simulation. The numerical simulation approach is first validated against model experiments for a fixed pitch propeller (FPP) working in the open water. A grid dependence study is carried out to determine a proper mesh resolution for the simulation of such cavitating flows; then the hydrodynamic performance as well as the extent and volume of the sheet cavities obtained from the RANS simulations are compared with experimental data. Then influences of the PAV on the hydrodynamic performance and cavity geometry are investigated. The CPP blades are rotated around the spindle axes to change the pitch, and the movement is controlled by a UDF. The PAV is prescribed and kept constant in the process of adjusting the pitch. At different PAVs, the unsteady thrust and torque, pressure distributions on blade surfaces and propeller disk, cavity geometry, as well as cavitation volume of the cavitating flow are compared with each other to assess the dynamic effects of the PAV.


Abstract Global energy consumption is expected to increase dramatically in the next decades, driven by rising standards of living and a growing population worldwide. The increased need for more energy will require enormous growth in energy generation capacity, more secure and diversified energy sources, and a successful strategy to tame greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy systems provide significant environmental benefits in comparison to the conventional energy sources, thus contributing, to the sustainable development of human activities. Sometimes however, their wide scale deployment has to face potential negative environmental implications. These potential problems seem to be a strong barrier for a further dissemination of these systems in some consumers. We assess the potential environmental intrusions in order to ameliorate them with new technological innovations and good practices in the future power systems. The analysis provides the potential burdens to the environment, which include noise and visual intrusion, greenhouse gas emissions, water and soil pollution, energy consumption, labor accidents, impact on archaeological sites or on sensitive ecosystems, and negative and positive socio-economic effects.


Based on the current study of planetary roller screw(PRS), a summary of how to match the main parameters of the PRS is obtained. A mathematic model for contact analysis is developed, where series of equivalent balls are used to replace the rounded profile of the roller. At the same time, the formula of axial contact deformation of the PRS is derived. Then a simplified finite element model of the PRS is established and the contact analysis is conducted by FEA. The FEA results and the theoretical ones agree well with each other, so the accuracy of the calculation method and the validity of the equivalent method are verified.


The acetylene test for nitrogen fixation has been an important tool in reassessing the ability of various groups of micro-organisms to fix nitrogen (Parejko & Wilson, 1968; Millbank, 1969; Hill & Postgate, 1969). As a result of this reassessment, it has been found that several aerobic genera such as Azotomonas, Pseudomonas, Nocardia, Pullularia and yeasts probably do not fix N2; on the other hand, nitrogen fixation has proved to be far more widespread among the sulphate-reducing bacteria of the genus Desulfovibrio than was earlier thought (Reiderer-Henderson & Wilson, 1970). This communication reports evidence for fixation by type strains of mesophilic, spore-forming, sulphate-reducing bacteria, genus Desulfotomaculum (Campbell & Postgate, 1965), including strains originating from the rumens of hay-fed sheep. Some data with type strains of Desulfovibrio are included to supplement the findings of Reiderer-Henderson & Wilson (1970).


In this paper, we propose a novel maximum likelihood (ML) decoding scheme based on the combination of depth- and breadth-first search methods on a partitioned tree for multiple input multiple output systems. The proposed scheme first partitions the searching tree into several stages, each of which is then searched by a depth- or breadth-first search method, possibly exploiting the advantages of both the depth- and breadth-first search methods in an organized way. Numerical results indicate that, when the depth- and breadth-first search algorithms are adopted appropriately, the proposed scheme exhibits substantially lower computational complexity than conventional ML decoders while maintaining the ML bit error performance.


The folivorous beetle Cassida rubiginosa was introduced to New Zealand to control the weed, Californian thistle (Cirsium arvense). Although Californian thistle is the primary host, many other thistles are accepted hosts. The objective of this study was to test if the beetle can reduce the fitness of marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre). A potted plant experiment was established with four treatments (0, 50, 100, and 200 larvae/plant). Plant growth (width, height, and number of branches) and reproductive performance (number of flowers, seeds, seed weight and percent germination) parameters were measured. No significant differences were found for any of the measured parameters, except percent germination. Higher larval densities (100 and 200) resulted in approximately 10% less germination compared with lower densities (0 and 50). Under these experimental conditions, C. rubiginosa had minimal impact on the performance of marsh thistle. For the beetle to have an impact, it would likely need to attack smaller, non-bolting rosettes, or be combined with additional stressors that might be encountered in a natural field population.


The acoustic field reflected from a region containing spherical scatterers is most often estimated by use of the coherent field; that is, the field resulting from the summed scattered fields from the scatterers, averaged over all possible configurations of scatterer locations. It is this ensemble-averaged coherent field which is equivalent to the field reflected from a homogeneous medium with properties which can be derived mathematically using ensemble-averaging techniques. Such properties include the effective density, and the effective wavenumber, which can be derived from multiple scattering theories, or by other homogenisation methods. Experimentally, although ensemble-averaging can be effected in practice in fluid systems due to the motion of the scatterers during the measurement time-scale, measurements in solid materials have fixed locations of scatterers. Averaging can only be achieved by using "large" sample areas, multiple samples or measurements in different locations, or "large" receiver areas. However, in the context of NDE applications we are interested in the field resulting from a specific region of material, rather than the average over a large region. Our study addresses the question of when the coherent field (resulting from averaging over many scatterer configurations) can be used as an accurate description of the field reflected by a region of scatterers at fixed locations. In this paper we present results of simulations of the scattered reflected field from a region of solid material containing spherical cavities. Simulations of single realisations of scatterer locations are compared with the coherent field, to demonstrate the validity or otherwise of the use of the coherent field to describe the response of a particular configuration of scatterers.


A multi-State, quasi-experimental study was conducted as a longitudinal, two-year follow-up of participation in an online, on-demand professional development (PD) program. The purpose was to ascertain whether student gains were sustained in a second year of PD participation. Data verified gains in Year 1 versus Pre-PD baseline, with continued gains in Year 2 atop those achieved in year 1 of PD participation, reflecting a positive trend and continued advantage over non-PD schools in the same districts. Results showed that student in PD schools gained 7.7% (p<.01) more in Math in year 2 atop 18.9% (p<.001) gains from year 1, versus gains of 0.5% (ns) and 4.2% (p<.01) for non-PD schools in the same districts. Similarly, students in the PD schools gained 10.2% (p<.01) more in Reading in year 2 atop 18.9% (p<.001) gains from year 1, versus gains of 0.5% (ns) and 4.2% (p<.01) for non-PD schools in the same districts. Total gains from baseline for PD schools were 28.1% (p<0.001) in Math for PD schools versus 4.7% (p<0.01) for the same districts collectively, and 30.2% (p<0.001) in Reading for PD schools versus 6.0% (p<0.01) for the same districts collectively. Findings support the high-participation use of Internet-based, on-demand professional learning for improving teacher effectiveness and sustained impacts on student performance.


How do the idealised promises and purposes of urban informatics compare to the material politics and practices of their implementation? To answer this question, I ethnographically trace the development of two data dashboards by strategic planners in an Australian city over the course of 2 years. By studying this techno-political process from its origins onward, I uncovered an interesting story of obdurate institutions, bureaucratic momentum, unexpected troubles, and, ultimately, frustration and failure. These kinds of stories, which often go untold in the annals of innovation, contrast starkly with more common framings of technological triumph and transformation. They also, I argue, reveal much more about how techno-political systems are actualised in the world.


The Food and Feeding habit of the glass schilbid Parailia pellucida was investigated with 654 stomachs using the numerical, frequency of occurrence and points methods such that 368 (56%) were empty while 286 (44%) contained food items. In the numerical method the number of different food items were counted and recorded. For the frequency of occurrence method, all stomachs containing particular food items were recorded while in the points method; points or marks were allocated to the food items based on their relative volumes in the stomachs. The degree of fullness was estimated by an arbitrary 80 points scale allotted as follows: empty stomach (o); trace (10); quarter-full (20); half-full (40); three-quarter full (60) and fully distended stomachs, 80 points. Observed food items were cladocera, copepoda, insecta, nematoda, ostracoda, rotifera, algae, fish remains/eggs, sand and unidentified organisms. By the numerical composition, cladocerans were predominant, (63.8%) algae (24.96%), rotifera (4.67%), copepoda (4.5%) and insecta (1.74%). By the frequency of occurrence method, cladocera was dominant in (39.8%), algae (21.8%), while insects , copepods and rotifers constituted 13.6%, 10.4% and 9.5% respectively. In the points method, Cladocerans scored the highest (81.6%), copepods (6.3%) while insects, rotifers and algae scored 4.22%, 3.86% and 3.18% respectively. The primary food items of P. pellucida with the index of food significance (IFS) ≥ 3% include cladocerans such as diaphanosoma (35.4%), bosmina (34.95%), pseudosida spp (17.71%) and copepod cyclop spp (5%). The major secondary food items (IFS ≥ 0.1 to < 3%) were brachionus (rotifer) (2.35%), monoraphidium (algae) (1.91%) and bosminopsis (cladoceran) of 1.56%. The diet breadth of P. pellucida based on the Shannon - Wiener function (H) computed from the IFS data H ( IFS ) was -1.42. Food richness (i.e. food items with IFS ≥ 0.1%) observed, consisted of 12 food items with cladocera as dominant ranging from 17.17–35.4% and ceratopogon (Dipteran insect) of 0.1%, as the least. Feeding was most intense in April, (19%) closely followed by February (18.9%) and December (18.4%) while the least intensity of 0.2% was obtained in July. P.pellucida of all sizes fed most intensively on cladocerans with a steady increase in mean intensity from the smallest (4.1-5.0cm) size group (92.11) to a maximum (418.62) in the 8.1 – 9.0cm SL size class and declined thereafter. A similar trend in feeding intensity also occurred with algae ranging from 38.87 in the 4.1 – 5.0cm SL class to 182.24 in the 8.1 – 9.0 cm SL class.