Research was conducted using 124 female college students and 50 male college students from a small, Midwestern university. The present study was conducted to look at the relations among the concepts of resilience, optimism and meaning. Each of the 174 participants completed five questionnaires: Life Orientation Test-Revised, Attributional Style Questionnaire, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Social Adjustment Scale-Self Report and a demographics questionnaire. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression showed that dispositional optimism, explanatory style optimism, and meaning do significantly explain variance accounted for in resilience with each adding something over and beyond the other variables. Both measures of optimism, the LOT-R and ASQ, significantly correlated with resilience. What was not predicted was that the presence of meaning would have a negative correlation with resilience. Additionally, dispositional optimism and explanatory style optimism were found to negatively correlate with having meaning.


Prior efforts in bilateral teleoperation under communication delay have mainly yielded control algorithms that sacrifice performance in order to guarantee robust stability. In contrast, this paper proposes a multimodel predictive controller that can enhance the teleoperation transparency in the presence of a known constant delay. Separate controllers are designed for free motion/soft contact and contact with rigid environments, with switching between these mode-based control laws occurring according to the identified contact mode. Performance objectives such as position tracking and tool impedance shaping for free motion/soft contact, as well as position and force tracking for contact with rigid environments, are incorporated into a multi-input/multi-output state-space representation of the system dynamics. New Artstein-type state and measurement transformations are proposed to generate delay-free dynamics suitable for output-feedback control, based on the original dynamics with delays in various input and output channels. The application of the continuous-time linear quadratic Gaussian control synthesis to the resulting mode-based delay-free dynamics yields control laws that guarantee closed-loop stability and enhanced performance in each phase of teleoperation. The robustness of the mode-based controllers with respect to parametric uncertainty is analyzed. Experimental results with a single-axis teleoperation setup demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach


Taking the possible relevance of animal sacrifice in the context of modern industrial food production as a starting point, the article examines the ethical and analytical status of industrially slaughtered animals, the transformation of violence within the slaughterhouse, the biopolitical articulation between literal and figurative logics of sacrifice and the question of whether non-human animals can meaningfully be described as "bare life." The discussion links these issues to questions of human violence, arguing that an adequate understanding of biopower must today perforce incorporate non-human life within the analytical horizon. In closing, the article proposes the term "necroavailability" as a neologism that formally captures the bare life's variable quality of being or not being available for destruction.


Properties of solitary waves propagating in a two-layer fluid are investigated comparing experiments and theory. In the experiments the velocity field induced by the waves, the propagation speed and the wave shape are quite accurately measured using particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) and image analysis. The experiments are calibrated with a layer of fresh water above a layer of brine. The depth of the brine is 4.13 times the depth of the fresh water. Theoretical results are given for this depth ratio, and, in addition, in a few examples for larger ratios, up to 100[ratio ]1. The wave amplitudes in the experiments range from a small value up to almost maximal amplitude. The thickness of the pycnocline is in the range of approximately 0.13–0.26 times the depth of the thinner layer. Solitary waves are generated by releasing a volume of fresh water trapped behind a gate. By careful adjustment of the length and depth of the initial volume we always generate a single solitary wave, even for very large volumes. The experiments are very repeatable and the recording technique is very accurate. The error in the measured velocities non-dimensionalized by the linear long wave speed is less than about 7–8% in all cases. The experiments are compared with a fully nonlinear interface model and weakly nonlinear Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) theory. The fully nonlinear model compares excellently with the experiments for all quantities measured. This is true for the whole amplitude range, even for a pycnocline which is not very sharp. The KdV theory is relevant for small wave amplitude but exhibit a systematic deviation from the experiments and the fully nonlinear theory for wave amplitudes exceeding about 0.4 times the depth of the thinner layer. In the experiments with the largest waves, rolls develop behind the maximal displacement of the wave due to the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. The recordings enable evaluation of the local Richardson number due to the flow in the pycnocline. We find that stability or instability of the flow occurs in approximate agreement with the theorem of Miles and Howard.


Past sociological inequality research focused on (labor) market outcomes, while neglecting the even more important role of wealth. In our study we investigate the distribution of wealth among the elderly across Europe within the framework of Esping-Andersen's typology of welfare states. Using SHARE data, our analyses suggest (1) that there is strong variation in the distribution of wealth between European countries, and (2) that patterns of wealth inequality differ strongly from patterns of income inequality. Surprisingly high levels of wealth disparity were found in the social democratic welfare regimes commonly known as very egalitarian societies. We conclude that Esping-Andersen's scheme requires reconsideration because it is based on a one-sided understanding of social stratification not accounting for the central role of wealth in the stratification process.


Modelling plays a major role in the evolution of scientific knowledge and is an objective for students' literacy in science. The emergence of accessible and powerful computational technologies imposes the development of a specific curriculum focusing on the study of science by computer modelling. This paper presents the results of investigating the possibilities of integration of computational modelling activities in Physics lessons, at high school level. Through the activities we propose here we will highlight the generality and transferability of models, by applying a unique mathematical model to solve problems that, at first sight, have nothing in common. The simulations we built with GeoGebra software and VPython programming language can be tailored both to the study of optical phenomena such as inferior or higher mirage, and to solving the famous problem of the brachistochrone. The interdisciplinary learning context, based on problem solving, calls for the application of knowledge from various fields: trigonometric and algebraic calculus, Euclidian geometry elements, Snell's law of refraction, energy conservation law, knowledge of programming and use a graphical software in modelling. The problem which students start from when investigating requires determining the fastest path between two points, separated by strips in which the propagation speeds are different. Using the achieved models, students can infer that in the case of the non-friction sliding motion, the cycloid is the fastest path. The simulations of motions were performed with GeoGebra, based on the kinematic equations, and with the VPython programming language, using the dynamic equations. The proposed modelling activities foster the development of students' transversal and transferable skills in mathematics, physics and computational technology.


The Cowdray engravings are a set of images recording Henry VIII's campaign in France during the summer of 1544 and the events of 19th July 1545 in Portsmouth, the Solent and the Isle of Wight, showing the attempt by the forces of the French King, Francis 1st, to invade England and wrest the crown from Henry. One of the most notable events that occurred during the "Battle of the Solent" was the loss of King Henry VIII's vice flagship, the Mary Rose, and her sinking is clearly shown in this picture. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is employed to gather geographical information from the image thereby developing a digital map of the battle. From this a potential scenario for the sinking of the Mary Rose is proposed. web address = http://www.myoldmap.com/dominic/maryrose/ Click on Organisation below to go to website


Objective: To identify predictors of epilepsy and clinical relapses in children presenting with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Methods: Children presenting with ADEM between 2005 and 2017 and tested clinically for MOG-Ab were identified from three tertiary paediatric neurology centres in the United Kingdom. Patients were followed up for a median of 6 years (range, 1–16 years). Results: A total of 74 children were studied (38 females; median age at first presentation: 4.5 years (range, 1.4–16 years)). MOG-Ab was positive in 50/74 (67.6%) of cases, and 27 (54%) of MOG-Ab positive children presented with a neurological relapse over time. MOG-Ab was more frequently positive in the relapsing group than in the monophasic group (27/31 vs 23/43; odds ratio 5.9 (95% CI: 1.8–19.7); p = 0.002). 16/74 (22%) children had seizures during the acute presentation with ADEM and 12/74 (16.2%) patients were diagnosed with post-ADEM epilepsy. The diagnosis of post-ADEM epilepsy was more frequently observed in children with relapsing disease than monophasic disease (10/31 vs 2/43; odds ratio 9.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0–48.7); p = 0.003), in children who had positive intrathecal oligoclonal bands than those with negative bands (4/7 vs 4/30; odds ratio 8.7 (95% CI: 1.4–54.0); p = 0.027) and in children who had positive MOG-Ab than negative MOG-Ab cases (11/12 vs 39/62; odds ratio 6.5 (95% CI:0.8–53.6); p = 0.051). Conclusion: A higher relapse rate and a greater risk of post-ADEM epilepsy in children with MOG-Ab-associated disease may indicate a chronic disease with immune-mediated seizures in these children.


The Huanglong park area of the Sichuan Province of China is a unique scenic area of the world. It is known for its thousands of aquamarine-colored pools that are formed behind naturally formed rimstone dams of travertine (calcite) along a cold water stream. The travertine, based on its crystalline structural analysis, is of biological origin. This makes sense since the temperature of the waters of Huanglong varies from 5 to 7 °C and thus geochemical crystallization does not occur as it does in other locations around the world possessing thermal pools whose structures are primarily formed through cooling processes. Fungi and bacteria were discovered associated with both leaves associated with the calcite dams as well as in the older parts of well-established dams. Several species of Phytium, a phycomycete and an endophyte, accounted for over 45 % of all of the fungi successfully isolated from the well-established dam samples and at least 85 % in the floating leaf samples. Saprolegnia spp. (Phycomycetes) along with Phoma spp. (Ascomycetes) were noted along with Mortierella sp. as other dam-associated fungi. The fungal hy-phae observed on dead leaf material as well as in the calcite dams directly served as nucleation points for the formation of crystalline CaCO 3. Eventually, these crystals grow large enough to fuse to make calcite plates which form the main structural feature of all of the travertine dams in this area. Interestingly, each of the individual crystals associated with the dams has an associated hole in its core where a fungal hypha used to reside as observed by scanning electron micros-copy. While diatoms were present in the analysis, they too seem to contribute to the structure of the dams but in a minor way. The only bacteria isolated from the older dam of this aquatic environment were Pseudomonas spp. and their role in dam formation is uncertain. Huanglong is a unique and beautiful place, and the water features present in this area can definitely be attributed to those fungal architects that encourage calcite crystal formation.


This paper presents a simulator designed to enable simulations and performance analysis of different estimation algorithms and methods in the sensor array processing problems for postgraduate level statistical and array signal processing lesson. This simulator has been prepared using graphical user interface (GUI) capabilities of MATLAB being used widespread in engineering subjects. User constitutes simulation environment itself by entering the desired parameters and is able to choose different methods and algorithms for frequency, direction of arrival and signal waveform estimations. Antenna configuration has been chosen as uniform linear array (ULA). The aim is to develop a simulator which provides the postgraduate students to fully comprehend the methods used to truly find related parameters in simulation conditions and enables to make a performance analysis of the methods by means of root-mean squared error (RMSE) in the same conditions.


Epidemiological theory predicts that pathogens of high virulence should not become endemic. We show, using an empirically based lattice map model, that a pathogen that is too virulent to persist if its host population is spatially well mixed, can persist if the host population is spatially distributed, because of internally generated complex spatial dynamics, provided that the area occupied by the host population is sufficiently large. The dynamics are not an artefact of spatial or temporal discretization. The results uncover a mechanism for the persistence of virulent pathogens, suggesting a means by which pathogens of high virulence could achieve sustained as well as short-term biological pest control.


The amateur and home photographers today take many more photos than they ever would have with film cameras, and the sorting process alone can be an ominous and time consuming chore. Unlike Photoshop, Lightroom enables the photographer to organize, process, and output large numbers of files and effectively streamline the so called digital workflow, reducing the work and enhancing the flow of processing digital photographs. All the features of Lightroom such as moving the cursor directly on the image to adjust it, which are intended to simplify digital editing for the professional photographer, also make the photo editing process easier for the amateur. For once the professional level application is easier to use for everyone. This book provides the general photo enthusiast easy to follow steps to get past the intimidation factor of "a professional tool." Teach Yourself Visually Adobe Photoshop Lightroom will simplify the "photo geek speak," explain the interface and tools so the average person with a digital camera will feel comfortable and be able to start organizing, editing, and outputting photos right away.


In early 2021, the US Census Bureau will begin releasing statistical tables based on the decennial census conducted in 2020. Because of significant changes in the data landscape, the Census Bureau is changing its approach to disclosure avoidance. The confidentiality of individuals represented "anonymously" in these statistical tables will be protected by a "formal privacy" technique that allows the Bureau to mathematically assess the risk of revealing information about individuals in the released statistical tables. The Bureau's approach is an implementation of "differential privacy," and it gives a rigorously demonstrated guaranteed level of privacy protection that traditional methods of disclosure avoidance do not. Given the importance of the Census Bureau's statistical tables to democracy, resource allocation, justice, and research, confusion about what differential privacy is and how it might alter or eliminate data products has rippled through the community of its data users, namely: demographers, statisticians, and census advocates.

The purpose of this primer is to provide context to the Census Bureau's decision to use a technique based on differential privacy and to help data users and other census advocates who are struggling to understand what this mathematical tool is, why it matters, and how it will affect the Bureau's data products.


Thermoreflectance microscopy is a well established method for the thermal imaging of (opto)electronic components and ICs. The technique combines submicron spatial resolution with excellent temperature resolution (10mK can be achieved). The dynamic thermal behavior can be studied using either a transient pulsed boxcar or frequency domain approach, the latter including homodyne and heterodyne lock-in systems. Temporal scales in the nanosecond range can be resolved. The basic principles of the various methods are reviewed, and their associated advantages and drawbacks are compared. We also propose a novel heterodyne technique as an alternative to the 'four bucket' method that has been used so far. Our approach greatly reduces the timing complexity while eliminating a major source of systematic error. Illustrative case studies present the transient and AC heat diffusion in integrated gold heaters, and separate imaging of Joule and Peltier effects in a 20×20μm2 thermoelectric microcooler.


Building on/with expansive soils with no treatment brings complications. Compacted expansive soils specifically fall short in satisfying the minimum requirements for transport embankment infrastructures, requiring the adoption of hauled virgin mineral aggregates or a sustainable alternative. Use of hauled aggregates comes at a high carbon and economical cost. On average, every 9m high embankment built with quarried/hauled soils cost 12600 MJ.m-2 Embodied Energy (EE). A prospect of using mixed cutting-arising expansive soils with industrial/domestic wastes can reduce the carbon cost and ease the pressure on landfills. The widespread use of recycled materials has been extensively limited due to concerns over their long-term performance, generally low shear strength and stiffness. In this contribution, hydromechanical properties of a waste tyre sand-sized rubber (a mixture of polybutadiene, polyisoprene, elastomers, and styrene-butadiene) and expansive silt is studied, allowing the short- and long-term behaviour of optimum compacted composites to be better established. The inclusion of tyre shred substantially decreased the swelling potential/pressure and modestly lowered the compression index. Silt-Tyre powder replacement lowered the bulk density, allowing construction of lighter reinforced earth structures. The shear strength and stiffness decreased on addition of tyre powder, yet the contribution of matric suction to the shear strength remained constant for tyre shred contents up to 20%. Reinforced soils adopted a ductile post-peak plastic behaviour with enhanced failure strain, offering the opportunity to build more flexible subgrades as recommended for expansive soils. Residual water content and tyre shred content are directly correlated; tyre-reinforced silt showed a greater capacity of water storage (than natural silts) and hence a sustainable solution to waterlogging and surficial flooding particularly in urban settings. Crushed fine tyre shred mixed with expansive silts/sands at 15 to 20 wt% appear to offer the maximum reduction in swelling-shrinking properties at minimum cracking, strength loss and enhanced compressibility expenses.


After reporting a restatement, firms are motivated to improve their market credibility and enhance their information environment. One potential management strategy is to reach for "lightning rods" receiving substantial media attention: accounting changes associated with increased conservatism and transparency. Such an opportunity is provided in today's market in the form of stock options and variable interest entities (VIEs)— kin to special purpose entities (SPEs) that evoked attention as a consequence of their role in the Enron debacle. Firms sending these high-profile accounting signals are rewarded. An "event-study" approach quantifies the boost in market-adjusted return experienced by the portfolio of firms when they send their signal. This evidence that signaling adds value for stockholders has implications for both policy setters and market participants. Quality of earnings monitoring analyses and governance "worst boards" listings are considered from a corroborative and motivation perspective.


An investigation was conducted to determine the vehicle of infection of an outbreak of food poisoning in a large metropolitan building early in 1988. A questionnaire was distributed to 700 people who had eaten in the building during the week of the outbreak, and attack rates for specific food were calculated. Food and stool samples, environmental samples, and eggs and environmental swabs from the egg suppliers were examined microbiologically. Altogether 474 questionnaires were returned, 120 people reporting gastrointestinal illness. The illness was significantly associated with foods containing mayonnaise. Salmonella typhimurium definitive type 49 was isolated from 76 of the 84 stool samples containing salmonella and from five of the eight samples taken from the chicken house of the main egg supplier. Mayonnaise was probably the vehicle of infection, which was caused by S typhimurium definitive type 49.


The purpose of this study is to know the bi-language mask of Tcheonzamun expression; the real meaning. The researchers utilized two methods: interpretation through Korean pronunciation and  utilization of Chinese character.  The aim of this work is to explain in plain terms the title of this work, 'As the miserable and fungus-like small plant becomes a big and favourite tree'.  The researchers tried to know the meaning of 'BiPa' in the poem.  And the researchers considered that it was a weapon that seemed to be more efficient than the weapons of other countries at that time.

 Key words: Maeg people, Tcheonzamun (The Thousand Character Essay), 753rd to 768th characters, stand straight.


ABSTRACT: Prior researchers reported that children's creativity development displays a nonlinear trajectory. This article investigated the association of age, years of schooling, and domain-specific knowledge in the development of children's creativity in mathematics. DISCOVER math assessment was used to measure mathematical knowledge; originality, flexibility, and elaboration (OFE); and fluency as indexes of students' creativity. Participants included 841 first- to fifth-grade students from 4 schools. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that domain knowledge was progressively associated with fluency and OFE from lower to upper grades, whereas age was so associated only in lower grades. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that years of schooling significantly contributed to students' creativity even after domain knowledge was partialed out. Students displayed peaks and slumps as a function of age and domain knowledge, but not as a function of grade. Knowledge at the level of 2 SDs above the mean was found to be the threshold for creativity at the level of 1 SD above the mean.


A gold-palladium (AuPd) solid solution alloy was successfully deposited on the genetically engineered tobacco mosaic virus (TMV1Cys) by the biosorption of Au(III) and Pd(II) precursors and the reduction of the Au(III) and Pd(II) to their respective metals or metal alloy. The resulting morphologies of alloy nanoparticles deposited on the TMV1Cys were observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the AuPd alloy formation was supported with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). In addition, selected alloy nanoparticles on the TMV1Cys were analyzed further with electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to confirm the presence of gold and palladium. Our result implies that biotemplated metal mineralization is a potentially useful methodology to prepare alloy nanoparticles.


Background
Hypertension (HTN) and atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly co-exist. An improvement in control of HTN in a subset of patients undergoing AF ablation was previously demonstrated by our group. In the present study, we aimed to assess whether left atrial (LA) size based on transthoracic echocardiography may predict the patients who demonstratebetter HTN improvement after ganglionated plexus ablation (GPA) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods
This was a retrospective chart review of patients with AF and HTN who underwent GPA+PVI. Patients were divided into 2 groupsbased on LA size: Patients with normal LA size and patients with LA enlargement. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) levelswere compared at baseline, and 3, 6, and 12 months post-ablation. The primary endpoints of the study weremean systolic blood pressure change compared between groups from baseline to 12-months, as well as the absolute difference in systolic blood pressure at 12 months follow-up.Medical therapy for HTN was also assessed before the procedure, and at 12 months post-procedure.

Results
53 patients (37 with LA enlargement, 16 with normal LA size) met inclusion criteria. At 12 months follow-up, SBP was 136.46 ± 22.38 mmHg in patients with LA enlargementand 118.25 ± 9.81 mmHg in patients with normal LA size (estimated difference of 19.04 ± 6.98 mmHg, p = 0.01). Patients with normal LA size were on significantly fewer anti-hypertensive agents at 12 months (2.33 ± 1.49 vs. 1.44 ± 1.21, p < 0.05).

Conclusions
In patients undergoing PVI+GP ablation, normal LA size may predict HTN improvement at 12 months post-procedure. Normal LA size may identify hypertensive AF patients for whom autonomic modulation could be an effective therapy.


The scanning n-tuple technique (as introduced by Lucas and Amiri, 1996) is studied in pattern recognition tasks, with emphasis placed on methods that improve its recognition performance. We remove potential edge effect problems and optimize the parameters of the scanning n-tuple method with respect to memory requirements, processing speed and recognition accuracy for a case study task. Next, we report an investigation of self-supervised algorithms designed to improve the performance of the scanning n-tuple method by focusing on the characteristics of the pattern space. The most promising algorithm is studied in detail to determine its performance improvement and the consequential increase in the memory requirements. Experimental results using both small-scale and real-world tasks indicate that this algorithm results in an improvement of the scanning n-tuple classification performance.


Benzene, toluene and xylene are the major pollutants in the petroleum industry leads to global concern due to toxicity. Isolating microorganisms which are acquainted polluted sites would be meaningful to eliminate the BTX completely. Among various bacterial isolates Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus sterothermophilus, Flavobacterium haparinum, Sphingomonas aromaricivorans, Burkholderica cepacia, Micrococcus, Alcaligenes, and Aeromonas, known to be common in all the sites. Among these Pseudomonas putida Species found to be predominant in all the samples and degrading BTX to a greater extent. Among the various organisms used P. putida was able to degrade the maximum amount of 0.52mg/l/hr benzene when these substrates were used as single substrate. But toluene and xylene were degraded at the value of 0.42 mg/l/hr and 0.30 mg/l/hr respectively. There was a slight increase in the rate of degradation when these substrates used as dual mixer (BT, TX and BX). The BT was removed at 0.45 mg/l/hr and 0.60mg/l/hr respectively. It was also different when they were used as mixed substrates (0.4mg/l/hr, 0.5mg/l/hr and 0.21mg/l/hr of benzene, toluene and xylene respectively). Exceptionally the maximum of 0.72mg/l/hr of toluene was degraded by Micrococcus lutes when it was used as dual substrate with benzene.


This pilot study sought to examine the perceptions of women academics at BU towards possible gendered barriers to progression that they may have experienced during their academic careers, together with a consideration of possible solutions. The study followed in the wake of an earlier Women's Academic Network (WAN) survey of members, where blocks to progression appeared to be a dominant concern. Accordingly three focus group discussions were held with WAN voluntary participants to explore the topic in more detail. A range of outcomes are anticipated from this study. Firstly, it offers some useful thematic findings from BU academic staff to begin to develop a dialogue within BU, involving the University Executive Team and Human Resources, with a view to raising greater awareness of barriers that may have a gendered component. The recommendations from this study can assist BU in developing its ambitions to create a more gender-sensitive working environment facilitating institutional change towards developing a more equal gendered playing field. In turn this is likely to assist the University in relation to its initiatives towards achieving Athena Swan status at institutional and faculty levels. In addition the findings emerging from this study will be used to develop a peer-reviewed journal paper. Finally, the study provides a useful springboard to develop a larger project encompassing other HEIs both national and international.


Today it is not known – neither qualitatively not quantitatively how large the impact can be of the promoters on sensitivity to hydrogen-air detonation in hypothetical accidents at hydrogen-containing installations, transport or storage facilities. Report goal is to estimate theoretically an effect of hydrogen-peroxide (as representative promoter) on sensitivity to detonation of the stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen gas mixtures. The classical H2-O2-Ar (2:1:7) gas mixture was chosen as reference system with the well established and unambiguously interpreted experimental data. In kinetic simulations it was found that the ignition delay time is sensitive to H2O2 addition for small initial H2O2 concentrations and is nearly constant for the large ones. Parametric reactive CFD studies of twodimensional cellular structure of 2H2-O2-7Ar-H2O2 detonations with variable hydrogen peroxide concentration (up to 10 vol.%) were also performed. Two un-expected results were obtained. First result: detonation cell size is practically independent upon variation of initial hydrogen peroxide concentration. For practical applications it means, that presence of hydrogen-peroxide did not change drastically sensitivity of the stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen gas mixtures. These theoretical speculations require an experimental verification. Second result: for large enough initial H2O2 concentrations (> 1 vol.% at least), a new element of cellular structure of steady detonation wave was revealed. It is a system of multiple secondary longitudinal shock waves (SLSW), which propagates in the direction opposite to that of the leading shock wave. Detailed mechanism of SLSW formation is proposed.


Jason Hawkes, Britain's leading aerial photographer, has been taking to the skies with his camera for more than fifteen years. In this, his latest collection of aerial photographs in Britain, he has trained his camera on the fields of Hampshire, the beaches of Norfolk, the Cardiff skyline and the oil rigs of the North Sea. Familiar parts of the country take on a new dimension when viewed from above, and this book lets you see landmarks as you've never seen them before. Photographs are accompanied by informative text from award-winning travel author Mike Gerrard, which tells you more about the subject you can see in the picture. Five features give greater detail about certain aspects of the British landscape. These include Britain's coastline, cathedrals and castles, industrial heritage, maritime Britain and literary landscapes.


This article deals with the question of how to effectively position yourself when leading change. On the one hand, this question includes the issue of positioning yourself in relation to your surroundings and their dynamics in the first place; on the other hand, it includes the issue of positioning yourself effectively. We consider a self-positioning to be effective when it combines an increased probability of impact (change is achieved) with an increased probability of acceptance (change is sustainable). Resolving these issues may feel tedious at times. The patterns in this article are designated to people who have experienced the need for positioning themselves effectively when leading change in the field of knowledge work as, for example, a manager, a consultant, or a coach.


THE PRESENT WORK ANALYZES THE INTERACTION AMONG THE MECHANISMS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE "OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE, BOARD COMPOSITION AND LEVERAGE"; FOCUSING IN THE STUDY AND CONTROL OF THE DIRECTION. AFTER VERIFYING THAT THE OWNERSHIP FAMILY CONSTRAINING THE MANAGERS MANIPULATION ACCRUALS, THE EFFECT OF THE CONTROL MECHANISMS IS ANALYZED ON THE DISCRETIONARY ACCRUALS SEPARATING THE SAMPLE BY OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE "FAMILY AND NONFAMILY", FINDING THAT CONTROL MECHANISMS WHICH WERE IMPORTANT, STOPPED BEING BECAUSE ONE OF THEM, SPECIALLY THE STRUCTURE OF FAMILY OWNERSHIP, ALLEVIATES TO THE AGENCY PROBLEMS AVOIDING INCURRING ADDITIONAL CONTROL MECHANISMS LIKE THE DEBT. FOR THE ANALYSIS OF THE DATA WE LEFT FROM A STUDY OF CROSS SECTION WITH TWO MODELS, ONE THAT WE DENOMINATED GLOBAL WHERE THE STUDY IS MADE CONSIDERING THE SAMPLE OF JOINT FORM, AND ANOTHER ONE TO WHICH WE DENOMINATED INDIVIDUAL, IN WHICH WE MADE THE ANALYSIS DIVIDING THE SAMPLE IN FAMILY AND NONFAMILY FIRMS. FOR IT, WE HAVE USED A SET OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE QUOTED IN MEXICAN STOCK MARKET DURING 2003 AND 2004. AS VARIABLE REPRESENTATIVE OF MANAGERS MANIPULATION WE HAVE TAKEN THE DISCRETIONARY ACCRUALS OBTAINED FROM THE APPLICATION OF THE MODEL OF JONES IS ITS VERSION OF CROSS SECTION.


The authors present a novel method to estimate absolute blood flow velocity in coronary arteries from biplane angiograms. Spatial and temporal velocity variations are derived giving simultaneously a direct geometric and an indirect functional index of stenosis severity, stenosis ratio and coronary flow reserve. No prior assumption concerning stenosis geometry is made. Deformable models are used to track a coronary artery segment dynamically in three dimensions. A densitometric map is obtained by summing densities across sections at every position along the previously calculated path and at every time of the cardiac cycle. An advection relationship between density and velocity is observed. The spatiotemporal velocity map is a solution of a nonlinear least-squares scheme. A simulation protocol based on simple geometric conformations and blood flow properties is used to assess numerical stability and immunity towards noise. Predicted results for temporal velocity variations are compared with the intracoronary Doppler recordings to test the model assumptions for basal state and hyperaemia examinations of the same patient. The stenosis ratio was accurate to within 3% for a simulated additive Gaussian noise with a standard deviation of 0.14. The limits of agreement between angiographic and Doppler velocities were -11.4 and for a peak value of (basal state) and -16.8 and for a peak value of (hyperaemia), corresponding to 18 and 3.5% errors on the average peak values and a 16% error on the coronary flow reserve. To summarize, the advection model derivation and its solution are presented. Simulated and experimental results corroborate the validity of the numerical schemes and support clinical applicability.


Many cancer genomes are extensively rearranged with highly aberrant chromosomal karyotypes. These genome rearrangements, or structural variants, can be detected in tumor DNA sequencing data by abnormal mapping of se-quence reads to the reference genome. However, nearly all cancer sequencing to date is of bulk tumor samples which consist of a heterogeneous mixture of normal cells and subpopulations of cancers cells, or clones, that harbor distinct somatic structural variants. We introduce a novel algorithm, Reconstructing Cancer Karyotypes (RCK), to reconstruct haplotype-specific karyotypes of one or more rearranged cancer genomes, or clones, that best explain the read alignments from a bulk tumor sample. RCK leverages specific evolutionary constraints on the somatic mutation process in cancer to reduce ambiguity in the deconvolution of admixed DNA sequence data into multiple haplotype-specific cancer karyotypes. In particular, RCK relies on generalizations of the infinite sites assumption that a genome re-arrangement is highly unlikely to occur at the same nucleotide position more than once during somatic evolution. RCK's comprehensive model allows us to incorporate information both from short and long-read sequencing technologies and is applicable to bulk tumor samples containing a mixture of an arbitrary number of derived genomes. We compared RCK to the state-of-the-art method ReMixT on a dataset of 17 primary and metastatic prostate cancer samples. We demonstrate that ReMixT's limited support for heterogeneity and lack of evolutionary constrains leads to reconstruction of implausible karyotypes. In contrast, RCK's infers cancer karyotypes that better explain read alignments from bulk tumor samples and are consistent with a reasonable evolutionary model. RCK's reconstructions of clone- and haplotype-specific karyotypes will aid further studies of the role of intra-tumor heterogeneity in cancer development and response to treatment. RCK is available at https://github.com/raphael-group/RCK.


W-incorporated diamond-like carbon (W-C:H) films were fabricated by a hybrid beams system consisting of a DC magnetron sputtering and a linear ion source. The W concentration (1.08∼31.74 at.%) in the film was controlled by varying the sputtering current. The cross-sectional topography, composition, and microstructure of the W-C:H filmswere investigated by SEM, XPS, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. The mechanical and tribological properties of the films as a function of Wconcentration were evaluated by a stress-tester, nanoindentation, and ball-on-disk tribometer, respectively. The results showed that films mainly exhibited the feature of amorphous carbon when W concentration of the films was less than 4.38 at.%, where the incorporated W atoms would be bonded with C atoms and resulted in the formation of WC1-x nanoparticles. The W-C:H film with 4.38 at.% W concentration showed a minimum value of residual compressive stress, a higher hardness, and better tribological properties. Beyond this W concentration range, both the residual stress and mechanical properties were deteriorated due to the growth of tungsten carbide nanoparticles in the carbon matrix.


Modern Bible translations are often more sensitive to the needs of their intended readers than to the right of biblical texts to be heard on their own terms as religious artefacts from the ancient Mediterranean world. Since all biblical documents linguistically embody socio-religious meanings derived from ancient Mediterranean societies, they also need to be experienced as different, even alien, by modern readers. Without an initial culture shock in encountering a Bible translation modern people are held prisoners by Western translations of the Bible. Therefore, translations should instil a new sensitivity among modern readers to the socio-cultural distance between them and the original contexts of the Bible. In order to help facilitate this historical awareness, a new generation of "value added" translations must, in creative and responsible ways, begin to provide a minimum amount of cultural information to assist modern readers in assigning legitimate meanings to the linguistic signs encapsulated on the pages of the Bible.
(Acta Theologica, Supplementum 2, 2002: 30-43)


Standard p-type 12 cm Cz Si wafers were implanted by helium ions. The implanted and nonimplanted samples were subsequently subjected to nitrogen plasma treatment and final vacuum annealing. SEM studies have shown the absence of large-scale defects on the top wafer surface and the presence of a layer revealing contrast with surrounding silicon on the cleavage surface at a depth corresponding to the projected range Rp. Scanning over a crater formed by ion sputtering has exposed no defects to the depth of Rp and beyond. At the same time, at a depth of Rp there is a layer with the morphology (structure) significantly different from the surrounding defect-free areas. The measurements of transverse conductivity have shown that the wafer with the formed nitrogen-contained layer possesses dielectric properties with a breakdown voltage up to 15 V.


Building dependable autonomic solutions has become a critical challenge for present IT firms. Building autonomic systems is hard since part of the administration's complexity has shifted from administration to systems. Although Autonomic computing can rely on numerous existing domains, methods and architectures are required. In this paper, we propose an architecture for building autonomic managers via the opportunistic collaboration of very specialized and coherent modules: administration tasks. In particular, we discussed the possibility of adapting the management dynamically depending on the context so has to produce resilient managers. We conclude this paper by presenting an example of such adaptation on a sample application pertaining to home automation.


Fertilizer recommendations seldom account for agro-climatic conditions, which are important factors that determine the response to fertilizer and the optimal rate of fertilizer. The nitrogen fertilizer response to open pollinated and hybrid canola types will also impact optimal nitrogen rates. This study used quantile regression to model canola yield response to nitrogen fertilizer. Quantile regression can apply different weights to the residuals, facilitating a response estimation where the agro-climatic conditions are not limiting and the yield response is due to the variable of interest. The economically optimal levels of fertilizers were calculated using the proposed and the conventional least squares procedures of the two canola types in western Canada. Results showed that the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on yield depended on the canola type and on the estimation procedure. Optimal levels of nitrogen for open-pollinated canola were estimated as 91, 115, and 134 kg ha-1 for severe, moderate and low levels of agro-climatic constraints. Hybrid had a higher yield potential, and also required more nitrogen fertilizer (137, 142, and 158 kg ha-1). Unlike conventional approach, proposed approach could benefit producer by recommending less (more) fertilizer when the crop response to fertilizer is expected to be low (high) due to agro-climatic conditions.


Anthropogenic impact represents a major pressure on ecosystems, yet little is known about how it affects symbiotic relationships, such as mycorrhizal symbiosis, which plays a crucial role in ecosystem functioning. We analyzed the effects of three human impact types – increasing urbanity, introduction of alien plant species (alienness) and modifications in plant species distribution ranges (as a proxy for naturalness) – on plant community overall mycorrhization (including arbuscular, ecto-, ericoid and orchid mycorrhizal plants) and arbuscular mycorrhization (indicating the degree of forming mycorrhizal symbiosis at plant community level using the relative abundance of mycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal plants, respectively). The study was carried out in three habitat types, each dominated by a distinct mycorrhizal type – ectomycorrhizal woodlands, ericoid mycorrhizal heathlands and arbuscular mycorrhizal grasslands – at the regional scale in the Netherlands. The response of community mycorrhization and arbuscular mycorrhization to anthropogenic influence showed contrasting patterns, depending on the specific aspect of human impact. Community mycorrhization responded negatively to urbanity and positively to increasing alienness, while arbuscular mycorrhization showed the reverse trend. More natural heathlands were found to be more mycorrhizal and less arbuscular mycorrhizal. The strongest responses were detected in woodlands and heathlands, while mycorrhization in grasslands was relatively insensitive to human impact. Our study highlights the importance of considering mycorrhizal symbiosis in understanding and quantifying the effects of anthropogenic influence on plant communities, especially in woodlands and heathlands.


In the several recent centuries, maggots have been used to treating infected and necrotic wounds. After using frequently of maggot debridement therapy especially in the half first of 20 th century, the attention to this method of debridement has dramatically declined. The reason of this disinclination was introducing antibiotics. However, due to several reports of antibiotic resistance emergence maggot debridement therapy has gained popularity again. Since antibiotic resistance maggots are under the auspices of physicians used in humans treat chronic ulcers which is not responding to common treatments. Studies shows that maggots not also are practically debriding ulcers but also disinfect wounds and effectively helping granulation tissue formation. Especially maggots have greater disinfection effect on wounds colonized by gram positive bacteria than gram negative bacteria. In comparison with helpful effects, their adverse effects are negligible. Yuck factor which is meaning difficulties in obtaining patient permission for maggot debridement therapy is one of the problems in maggot therapy debridement. In some cases, just a slight pain and bleeding in treating area with maggots is reported. Nowadays, for eliminating side effects of maggot debridement therapy biobags which maggot secretions can go cross through it and absorbing exudation while allowing oxygen to reach the maggots.


In cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), the cost and time to develop and evaluate appropriate genetic populations have limited the number of intensive and complete heritability studies. Herein, three agronomic and 17 fiber quality traits were assessed for heritability and correlation analyses on progeny rows in an okra-leaf cotton population of 208 families. Progenies were advanced in succeeding generations by a single-seed descent. Comparison between F2:3 and F2:6 generations for individual traits and individual progeny by trait revealed significant differences between the two generations. Heritability estimates (h 2 . 0.60), and correlations within and between (r . 0.55) F2:3 and F2:6, generations have practical applications for the simultaneous improvement of multiple fiber traits. Fiber strength was positively correlated to 2.5 and 50% fiber span length and negatively correlated to short fiber content. Number of neps was positively correlated to number of seed coats, and short and immature fiber content, and negatively correlated to mean fiber fineness and maturity ratio. The genetic potential for improving agronomic and fiber traits may exist in populations with this alternative leaf morphology, okra-leaf type. Mass selection may be effective for improving most of the above traits (h 2 . 0.60). However, pedigree, sibs, and progeny tests need to be used to achieve higher genetic progress. Selection may be applied as early as the F3 when selection units can be replicated. Thereafter, antagonistic trait correlations may become neutral or favorable in later generations, facilitating improvement of fiber quality.


In the time from 1980 to 1987 58 patients underwent a conservative or operative treatment of spondylitis and spondylodiscitis according to the individual clinical and radiological features. In early or moderately advanced stages of the disease conservative therapy was performed. Under bedrest and antibacterial or tuberculostatic drug therapy bony fusion of the affected vertebral bodies was achieved in 50% of the pyogenic cases. In tuberculous spondylitis fusion rate was 83%. Persistent septic changes, progressive neurological symptoms and gross vertebral damage are indications for surgery. In those cases removal of the focus and intercorporal spondylodesis was performed. Bony union occurred in every cases. At follow-up examination, 3 years after the onset of therapy on an average, 42 patients had no complaints according to the vertebral column. As the results of our study show spondylitis and spondylodiscitis should according to the clinical and radiological features be lead to a differentiated operative or conservative treatment. Then good clinical results are to be supposed.


The focus of this study was to highlight different kinds of errors and variations that emerge in the writings of
ESL students. The participants of the study were twelve TESL undergraduate students from the Faculty of Educational Studies at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Students' written descriptions on a picture stimulus were collected and qualitatively analyzed. Then, the emerging errors in their descriptions were categorized into the linguistic and surface structure taxonomies. The findings revealed different grammatical errors in their writings which were basically related to the categories of verb phrases and noun phrases in either simple or compound/complex sentences that resulted in giving misinformation, one of the categories in surface structure. Some variations were also found in the word choice of the students in the three ethnic groups of the study, whereby these choices might be the reflections of their cultural background and world view. The results could help material developers to develop the necessary tasks and exercises and teachers to devise the best teaching strategies for overcoming these kinds of errors in ESL learners' writings.


EVERY YEAR, THE 12 SCIENTIFIC sections of the American Physiological Society each select a physiologist prominent in their scientific domain to deliver a distinguished, named lecture at the Society's annual meeting (Experimental Biology). In 2011, the Environmental and Exercise Physiology section chose Michael Joyner, MD, from the Mayo Clinic for this honor, named the Edward Adolph Lecture. Joyner's lecture appears in this issue of the Journal of Applied Physiology (3) complementing his related narrative that recently appeared in the Journal of Physiology (4). He used this occasion to continue to promote the importance of the discipline of physiology, not just as a discipline that has delivered huge advances in understanding, diagnosing, and treating human and other animal disease, but as the cornerstone of what is currently the major biomedical research push— translational research. Simply put, physiology and physiological research remain the essential links between genes and clinical care. Translational research just cannot be accomplished without physiology. Joyner provocatively contrasted the relative failure (to date at least) of the molecular revolution of the past 30 or so years to deliver on its own promises of cures, against the successes of physiology. Whether you buy Joyner's stance or not, there is no question that the genomic revolution has had a major effect on the discipline of physiology. In many ways it has been a double-edged sword. The enormous impact of two editorials in 1987 [by then Director of the (NHLBI), Dr. Claude Lenfant, and Director of the NHBLI Lung Division, Dr. Suzanne Hurd] in the American Review of Respiratory Disease (1, 2) technically still promoted a balance between physiology and molecular biology, but clearly suggested that investigators wishing for research support through NHLBI had better get molecular, was but one blow to physiology that has since led to the disappearance, reorganization, and/or renaming of many former departments of physiology around the world; especially in the USA and UK. We have come dangerously close to losing the foundations of physiology as the masters who built those foundations have been lost. It was then ironic, to say the least, when Lenfant himself later complained that the molecular revolution had not so far produced adequate results, when he concluded (5): "Enthusiasm for gene-centered medicine is contagious, and I am certainly not immune to it. In my view, however, the fundamental issue remains the same. Enormous amounts of new knowledge are barreling down the information highway, but they are not arriving at the doorsteps of our patients." There is, however, light at the end of the physiological tunnel that is not the headlamp of an onrushing train: The molecular revolutionaries have started to recognize the need for a partnership with physiology. Increasingly, they are coming to those few physiologists left and asking for help in studying the significance of their genetic and genomic discoveries. They have even invented a new discipline "Systems Biology"—which of course is physiology. To this point, systems biology mostly addresses the interactions among genes to produce functional effects within cells. This will eventually build into larger and larger units of structure and function, and one day, we will proudly know that handshaking between molecular biology and physiology was the key research community transformation that advanced our ability to diagnose and treat disease. Physiology cannot do it alone, and molecular biology cannot do it alone. While there is light at the end of our tunnel, remaining passive about our discipline and waiting for reductionists to knock on our doors may not get us to the end of that tunnel. We think we are in a period of incredible opportunity for physiology, precisely because of the genomic revolution and the resulting push for translational research— but we have to get the word out beyond our own ranks. We just have to become individually and collectively much more active in explaining the importance of our discipline to the rest of the world. As we all know, that is better done with data than with table banging. This has been recognized for some time, and both the American Physiological Society in North America and the Physiological Society in the UK have been and will continue to be active in meeting with funding agencies and political decision-making bodies to explain the importance of the discipline through examples. Equally importantly, we have, and will continue to, put a lot of societal energy and resources into what we call the "pipeline"—the physiologists of the future who are currently in primary school, secondary school, college, or university. They and their teachers need to be exposed to more physiology and thereby become excited by it. In this way, we can play a major role in ensuring the future of the discipline and, as a result, in translating basic discoveries into clinical care. We just cannot let this unique opportunity slip by and thank Dr. Joyner for his provocative thoughts and timely encouragement. This should be a great springboard to a call for action to all physiologists, wherever you live and work. We need you to promote your discipline, not hide it. We urge you to speak to your local and national politicians and funding agencies about how physiology is essential to successful translation of molecular discoveries. We urge you to visit schools and colleges to promote and maybe even help teach physiology. We urge you to rebadge your Departments of Everything-But-Physiology back to Departments of PhysThis article is being simultaneously published in 2011 in The Journal of Physiology; Physiology News; American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology; American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism; American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology; Journal of Applied Physiology (6); and Physiology. David Paterson is Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Physiology. Peter Wagner is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Applied Physiology. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 301: F461–F462, 2011; doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00336.2011. Editorial


Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases that cleave and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM). Membrane-type 3 MMP (MT3-MMP) is a membrane-anchored MMP, which has recently been shown to 'shed' from the cell surface in a soluble form upon proteolytic cleavage. Shed MT-MMPs can activate gelatinase-A in vitro and have been directly linked to the metastatic potential of many cancers. Here we examined the effect of ectopic expression of full-length tethered and shed (soluble) forms of MT3-MMP during Xenopus laevis development. Injection of mRNA coding for full-length tethered MT3-MMP resulted in the delayed onset of gastrulation and subsequent defects. Phenotype severity and the frequency of embryo death were dose-dependent. Dose-dependent defects were also observed with the injection of mRNA of the soluble form, but the phenotypes and frequencies of death were greater. Histological analysis of injected embryos demonstrated defects in the organization of axial structures, such as the neural tube and somites. Embryos injected with full-length MT3-MMP mRNA showed no significant changes in expression levels of the tissue specific genes endodermin, chordin and muscle actin when examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. In contrast, embryos injected with the soluble form of MT3-MMP exhibited decreased expression of these same marker genes. In addition, while full-length tethered MT3-MMP failed to alter gelatinase activity, a 50% increase was measured in response to injection of the soluble form, suggesting that the two forms of this protein could play distinct roles during embryogenesis.


We tested the hypothesis that mother birds counterbalance the negative effects of hatching asynchrony for later–hatched chicks by increasing the yolk androgen concentrations in consecutive eggs of their clutch. In doing so, they may adaptively tune each offspring's competitive ability and, thus, growth and survival. However, evidence in support of this hypothesis is contradictory. The yolk concentrations of maternal androgens in the eggs of black–headed gulls increase significantly with the laying order of the eggs in a clutch. We experimentally tested the functional consequences of this increase on chick development under natural conditions by injecting eggs with either an oil or androgen solution. We created experimental clutches in which androgen levels either stayed constant or increased with laying order while controlling for differences in egg quality by using only first–laid eggs. We then compared development, growth and survival between these broods. Androgen treatment enhanced embryonic development because androgen–treated eggs hatched half a day earlier than controls, while their size at hatching was similar to oil–treated controls. Androgen treatment did not increase chick survival, but it enhanced growth. Androgen–treated, third–hatched chicks had a higher body mass and longer legs than thirdndash;hatched chicks that hatched from oil–treated eggs. At the same time, growth of first chicks (which were all oil treated) was reduced by the presence of two androgen–treated siblings, suggesting that yolk androgens enhance the competitive ability of later–hatched chicks. Our results support the hypothesis that transfer of different amounts of androgens to the eggs of a clutch is a mechanism by which mothers maximize their reproductive output.


Considering the undeniable role of education in the development of societies, identifying educational methods is a worthwhile topic. The principal objective of this research is to identify the methods of entrepreneurial teaching in affective learning domain using the "Edutainment" approach. The affective domain is mentioned in Bloom's learning taxonomy (1956) beside cognitive and psychomotor domains. In this study, which is conducted using a qualitative method, the experiences of 13 of the experts in the field of education and entrepreneurship has been documented through semi-structured interviews and the coding method has been used for analysing the experiences. The results indicate that teachers employ 4 accordant methods with the Edutainment approach for teaching entrepreneurship in the affective learning domain of students which are guest lecturer, educational workshop, role-playing and field trips. Recognizing these entrepreneurial teaching methods can aid both entrepreneurship tutors and educational policy makers in formulation and preparation of entrepreneurship lesson plans and curriculum.


We report the 888 MHz radio detection in the Rapid ASKAP Continuum Survey (RACS) of VIK J2318−3113, a z = 6.44 quasar. Its radio luminosity (1.2 × 1026 W Hz−1 at 5 GHz) compared to the optical luminosity (1.8 × 1024 W Hz−1 at 4400 Å) makes it the most distant radio-loud quasar observed so far, with a radio loudness R ∼ 70 (R = L5 GHz/L4400 Å). Moreover, the high bolometric luminosity of the source (Lbol = 7.4 × 1046 erg s−1) suggests the presence of a supermassive black hole with a high mass (≳6 × 108 M⊙) at a time when the Universe was younger than a billion years. Combining the new radio data from RACS with previous ASKAP observations at the same frequency, we found that the flux density of the source may have varied by a factor of ∼2, which could suggest the presence of a relativistic jet oriented towards the line of sight, that is, a blazar nature. However, currently available radio data do not allow us to firmly characterise the orientation of the source. Further radio and X-ray observations are needed.


Background: The ECLAMC (Estudio Colaborativo Latinoamericano de Malformaciones Congenitas) is an epidemiological surveillance program for congenital defects that operates in Chile since 1969. Aim: To communicate the frequency of disabling congenital defects in Chile in the period 1982-1997. Material and methods: A review of the ECLAMC registry, choosing 12 congenital defects: amelia, limb amputations, limb reductions, arthrogryposis, hip luxation and subluxation, spina bifida, hydrocephaly, microcephaly, cephalocele, talipes equinovarus, Down syndrome and multiple abnormalities. Results: In the study period, 283,403 births occurred and 7,917 newborns were malformed (7,654 born alive and 263 stillbirths). The congenital defects prevalence rates appeared higher in Chile than in other Latin American countries, specially among stillbirths. Among the studied maternity hospitals, the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile, showed the higher prevalence of congenital defects. Rancagua and the Navy Hospital in Valparaiso have a high frequency of Down syndrome. Global rates in Chile and in the rest of ECLAMC for specific defects, do not have significant differences, except for hip subluxation, that has a lower incidence in Chile. Conclusions: The ECLAMC allows to have a good knowledge of the prevalence of congenital malformations in Latin America (Rev Med Chile 2001; 129: 67-74).


BIM use is on the rise in New Zealand with popular software packages, including Revit and ARCHICAD, adopting a semi-automated simulation platform. This allows architects and designers to calculate the thermal and energy performance of their designs. This paper identifies the strengths and weaknesses of these semi-automated simulation platforms. The objective is to investigate how accurate their assumptions are in determining a reliable output for use in achieving compliance with Clause H1 of the New Zealand Building Code. To achieve this, this paper reports a comparative study that examines the program's ability to calculate construction R-values, interpret thermal properties and simulate energy performance. The results from this study show that if used as delivered there is a significant difference between the simulation results of the two software packages, due to the assumptions built into the default settings. It also identifies the disadvantages of the inbuilt construction R-value calculators and explores a potential path to resolving this through redefining the inputs of thermal properties.


Bisphenol A (BPA) is an extensively used chemical with endocrine disrupting properties. Although animal and in vivo studies have suggested possible effects of BPA on levels of gonadotropic hormones, human studies are limited and inconclusive. The study examined whether environmental BPA exposure was associated with gonadotropic hormones levels in men. A total of 560 men aged 18–55 years were recruited from Sandu County, Guizhou Province, China. We collected urine samples for measurement of BPA, and blood samples for measurement of reproductive hormones. We examined serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and total testosterone (T). Relative risk (RR) was obtained by log-binominal regression to explore the association between urinary BPA level and hormone levels. BPA was detected in 70.4% of urine samples, with a geometric mean of 0.50 μg/gCr. Men with detectable levels of BPA had a 1.52-fold increased risk of having a high LH level (>75th percentile) when compared with men with undetectable levels of BPA, after adjustment for potential confounders (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–2.21). The association persisted and slightly intensified among current smokers (adjusted RR (aRR) = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.05–2.95), while it weakened among non-smokers (aRR = 1.17, 95%CI: 0.69–1.96). Urinary BPA level was associated with an increased FSH level among smokers (aRR = 1.64, 95%CI: 1.01–2.67). Urinary BPA level was inversely associated with total T level among males with body max index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 although this association was of borderline significance (aRR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.26–1.05). In conclusion, environmental exposure to BPA was associated with increased serum levels of LH and FSH in male smokers, along with decreased serum levels of total T in men with BMI≥25 kg/m2. These findings suggest that the effects of environmental BPA exposure on hormone levels might be modified by smoking and BMI.


OBJECTIVES The incidence of arterial hypertension post-renal transplantation has been reported to be 48.6%. The present study investigated the usefulness of echo Doppler in detecting renal artery stenosis and the effects of arterial pressure control and hypotensive agents on the vascular resistance of the renal graft. METHODS A total of 234 echo Doppler studies were done in 110 patients. The pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), acceleration and mean velocity (MV), maximum systolic (SVMX) and minimum diastolic (DVMN) velocities of the external iliac, renal, segmental, interlobar and arcuate arteries were determined. RESULTS In the stenotic segment, an elevation of SVMX was observed, followed by turbulent flow in the post-stenotic segment in 73% of the cases with arterial stenosis. The hypertensive patients had a higher external iliac artery RI than the normotensives. The beta-blockers reduced the RI in large vessels (external iliac), the vasodilators in medium-sized extraparenchymal vessels (segmental) and the calcium antagonists changed the PI in the smaller caliber intraparenchymal vessels (interlobar and arcuate). CONCLUSIONS Evaluation by echo Doppler is the first diagnostic approach in patients suspected as having arterial stenosis of the renal graft. It permits evaluating blood flow changes from hypertension and hypotensive agents.


Abstract Compressional (P) and shear (S) wave velocities across the olivine-spinel transformation in Fe2SiO4 were investigated in situ using combined synchrotron X-ray diffraction, X-ray imaging, and ultrasonic interferometry up to 5.5 GPa along the 1173 K isotherm. The onset of the spinel to olivine transformation at 4.5 GPa and olivine to spinel transition for Fe2SiO4 at 4.8 GPa was concurrently observed from X-ray diffraction, the amplitude of the ultrasonic signals, the calculated velocities, and the ratio of P and S wave velocities (vP/vS). No velocity softening was observed prior to the fayalite to spinel transition. The velocity contrasts across the Fe2SiO4 spinel to fayalite phase transition are derived directly from the measured velocities, which are 13 and 12% for P and S waves, respectively, together with a density contrast of 9.4%. A comparison with literature data indicates that the changes in compressional-wave velocity and density across the olivine-spinel transformation in Fe2SiO4 are comparable to those with different iron concentrations in the (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 solid solution, whereas the shear wave velocity contrast decreases slightly with increasing iron concentration


Water is mixed with the crude oil to form complex multiphase fluid during oil extraction process. Some of the traditional methods to measure the relative amount of water mixed with the crude oil (known as water-cut or WC) are intrusive, which are prone to wear and tear. Few other methods, used for WC sensing, are either unable to cover full range (0-100% WC) or require good mixing of the production fluid to be sensed accurately. This paper presents a unique and robust design of a dual spiral microwave resonator, which has been integrated on the extended throat of a venturi. Venturi measures the flow rate of the overall fluid while the microwave resonator measures the relative fraction of water in oil. Unlike existing meters, the presented design is fully non-intrusive, covers full WC range and does not require any mixing of production fluid for accurate measurement. The meter has been designed to withstand harsh field conditions of 1000 psi pressure and 125°C temperature and its performance has been validated in a commercial industrial flow loop with variable salinity conditions. "Phase inversion" phenomenon where the mixture changes from "oil continuous" to "water continuous" or vice versa, has been characterized thoroughly under varying test conditions. Microwave sensor's resonance frequency ( ${\text f}_{o}$ ) and quality (Q) factor are used to measure WC in oil continuous and water continuous conditions respectively. The meter has been tested over wide range of flow rates and full range (0-100%) of WC. Liquid flow rate accuracy of ±3% and water cut accuracy of ±2% has been obtained from the industrial flow loop measurements.


In general, households use old technology for asset allocation decisions. Target-risk portfolio models are pervasive across the industry, and risk-profile questionnaires continue to form the foundation for strategic asset allocation decision-making. Better technology would utilize liability relative optimization and a holistic balance sheet and incorporate behavioral finance considerations. However, these concepts have not been integrated into most practitioners' businesses, even though the core work on each was completed 20–30 years ago. The authors propose a scalable, total wealth model for integrating liability relative optimization into households' portfolios. The basis for the model is an asset segmentation approach that refl ects the nuances of a households' balance sheet and future objectives and enables liability relative optimization and total wealth considerations to be applied appropriately.


Background and aims: The mucosa in ulcerative colitis (UC) is replete with antibody producing plasma B cells and polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN). This combination of effector cells requires a crosslinking antigen to evoke an antibody driven PMN inflammatory response via their Fc receptors. The stimulus for activation is thought to be commensal bacteria colonising the gut mucosa. The aim of this investigation was to compare the principal culturable bacterial populations on the rectal mucosa of UC patients, and to determine whether specific antibodies towards these bacteria can activate infiltrating PMN through opsonisation. This would provide an explanation for this chronic inflammatory condition. Methods: Bacteria colonising rectal tissue were characterised using chemotaxonomic techniques. Systemic antibody responses were measured against total antigens and surface antigens of these organisms in UC and Crohn's disease (CD) patients, together with healthy controls. Antibody enhancement of the respiratory burst in PMN was also investigated, against a range of mucosal isolates. Results: Distinct differences were observed in some bacterial populations in UC biopsies, which were generally reflected in antibody responses towards these organisms. UC patients had higher IgG responses to surface antigens, primarily IgG1, whereas the response in CD was mainly IgG2. Antibodies from UC patients greatly enhanced the respiratory burst in PMN, in response to individual bacterial species. Conclusions: Changes in mucosal bacteria, and a switch from internal to surface antigen/antibody reactivity of a predominantly IgG1 type, leads to greater opsonisation of the respiratory burst in PMN, providing a mechanism for maintaining the inflammatory state in UC.


Separate biological treatment of sludge liquor, produced when dewatering digested sludge at wastewater treatment plants, can be favourable in achieving sufficient nitrogen removal. The treatment has the potential to decrease volume requirements and electrical energy and external carbon consumption. The characteristics of sludge liquor (high temperature, high ammonium concentration, low COD:N ratio) support high autotrophic growth rates. These conditions also favour nitrite accumulation, which makes a short-cut nitrification-denitrification process, i.e. nitritation-denitritation, possible, e.g. in an SBR or in a chemostat. As there is no need for external carbon dosage to achieve around 89 % nitrogen reduction in the nitritation-anammox process, it provides an interesting alternative to the nitritation-denitritation process. However, the very slow-growing anammox bacteria require long start-up periods, sufficient inoculum from other plants and extra knowledge for operators. The nitritation-anammox process can be configured in a oneor two-reactor system in floc-type suspended growth, granular or moving-bed biofilm systems. Today, the floc-based systems in SBRs are the most widely used nitritation-anammox systems in full-scale applications, possibly because most old sludge liquor treatment plants are SBRs. Furthermore, the floc-based system has the lowest electrical energy consumption and the start-up period can be very short because of the use of inoculation.


Vitamin K1 (VK1) plays an important role in the modulation of bleeding disorders. It has been reported that ω-hydroxylation on the VK1 aliphatic chain is catalyzed by cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2), an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of eicosanoids. However, the mechanism of VK1 ω-hydroxylation by CYP4F2 has not been disclosed. In this study, we employed a combination of quantum mechanism (QM) calculations, homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and combined quantum mechanism/molecular mechanism (QM/MM) calculations to investigate the metabolism profile of VK1 ω-hydroxylation. QM calculations based on the truncated VK1 model show that the energy barrier for ω-hydroxylation is about 6-25 kJ/mol higher than those at other potential sites of metabolism. However, results from the MD simulations indicate that hydroxylation at the ω-site is more favorable than at the other potential sites, which is in accordance with the experimental observation. The evaluation of MD simulations was further endorsed by the QM/MM calculation results. Our studies thus suggest that the active site residues of CYP4F2 play a determinant role in the ω-hydroxylation. Our results provide structural insights into the mechanism of VK1 ω-hydroxylation by CYP4F2 at the atomistic level and are helpful not only for characterizing the CYP4F2 functions but also for looking into the ω-hydroxylation mediated by other CYP4 enzymes.


Soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) reproduces on the roots of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and can cause reductions in plant growth and seed yield. The molecular changes in common bean roots caused by SCN infection are unknown. Identification of genetic factors associated with SCN resistance could help in development of improved bean varieties with high SCN resistance. Gene expression profiling was conducted on common bean roots infected by SCN HG type 0 using next generation RNA sequencing technology. Two pinto bean genotypes, PI533561 and GTS-900, resistant and susceptible to SCN infection, respectively, were used as RNA sources eight days post inoculation. Total reads generated ranged between ~ 3.2 and 5.7 million per library and were mapped to the common bean reference genome. Approximately 70–90% of filtered RNA-seq reads uniquely mapped to the reference genome. In the inoculated roots of resistant genotype PI533561, a total of 353 genes were differentially expressed with 154 up-regulated genes and 199 down-regulated genes when compared to the transcriptome of non- inoculated roots. On the other hand, 990 genes were differentially expressed in SCN-inoculated roots of susceptible genotype GTS-900 with 406 up-regulated and 584 down-regulated genes when compared to non-inoculated roots. Genes encoding nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat resistance (NLR) proteins, WRKY transcription factors, pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins and heat shock proteins involved in diverse biological processes were differentially expressed in both resistant and susceptible genotypes. Overall, suppression of the photosystem was observed in both the responses. Furthermore, RNA-seq results were validated through quantitative real time PCR. This is the first report describing genes/transcripts involved in SCN-common bean interaction and the results will have important implications for further characterization of SCN resistance genes in common bean.


Aims; Genus Edwardsiella possesses the solitary species, perceived as pathogenic to humans i.e. Edwardsiella tarda. Gastroenteritis is the primary manifestation caused by E. tarda but sporadically, extra-intestinal infections also have been reported. Methods; Here we report a case of gluteal abscess caused by E. tarda. Result & Conclusions ; Human seems to be infected with Edwardsiella through ingestion or inoculation into a wound. The possibilities of this isolate as a potential causative agent of extra-intestinal infections needs to be studied.


Abstract Because of linkages between markets for new and used durable goods, economic policies that target new durable good markets, such as tax incentives or antitrust legislation, are likely to affect used goods markets as well. I use a simple theoretical model to illustrate how an exogenous shock to prices of new durable goods affects prices and trade frequencies of corresponding used goods. The model predicts that if prices of new durable goods increase, then prices of used goods will also increase. In addition, if the distribution of consumer preferences for quality are relatively concentrated among those with a high preference for quality, then trade in used good markets will slow. The predictions of the model are supported by an empirical analysis of the market for new and used wide-body commercial aircraft following a major change in effective aircraft prices caused by the Tax Reform Act of 1986. The Act effectively increased prices of new aircraft by an average of $6.5 million. At the same time, used aircraft prices increased by an average of $2.9 million to $7.7 million and used aircraft sales fell between 23 to 36 percent. These results suggest that policies that affect new durable good markets can have significant effects on used markets as well.


In 2004 the concept of lovemarks was introduced in marketing science by Kevin Roberts [1]. It aims to extend the concept of brands and the development of brand management by creating products that consumers will love and at the same time respect. The corporate brand can become a lovemark because of the company's products, but as a concept a lovemark in no way implies purchase, awareness or loyalty of a particular product. The corporate brand can become a lovemark over time, from the obvious infusion of quality and value in all its activities. Consequently, it is possible (if not necessary) to separate the concepts of lovemarks (which may solely refer to the corporate brand) and brands (products). Based on the above, two scales of variables are correlated and data is displayed on the plane (lovemark scale y axis and brand awareness-loyalty scale x axis), creating a matrix with four distinct areas that categorize the awareness of the product and associate it with feelings that are portrayed for the corporate brand. Lovemark Scale: A qualitative or quantitative method can be used to extract the emotions of the sample towards the corporate brand. The creation of three classes is recommended (-1, negative feeling about the company (hatemark), 0 neutral feelings, +1 lovemark). Brand Awareness Scale: It is proposed to create five classes that portray sentiments (and the efficiency of advertizing) towards the brand (0 no awareness, 0.25 lacking awareness, 0.5 brand awareness, 0.75 somewhat loyal, 1.00 brand loyalty). Applications of the Model: In its static form, the matrix can portray clusters and patterns of consumer emotions. With the initial separation of the concepts of lovemarks and brands and their imminent correlation, clustering of data is facilitated and the extraction of efficient strategies for either the corporate brand or for the product (either to two) is greatly expedited. By extension, the company has an advantageous method for the selection of appropriate business and marketing strategies. An examination of the matrix over time transforms it from an imaging into a feedback and monitoring method, because it is able to assess the outcome of strategic decisions and how exactly these strategic decisions are reflected on the customer base


Recent years see cache partitioning techniques employ commercial way partitioning to great effect. Techniques like partitioning build analysis on miss curves. However, the various forms of partitioning run into the issue of core scaling, requiring multi-tenant partitions and analysis of how workloads behave when sharing ever shrinking resources. We observe surprising variations in performance which can be disjoint with variations in cache misses that encourage such analysis. We present Capacity Curve Annotation and Feature Extraction, methodologies for annotation, feature extraction, and analysis of sensitivity studies based on performance curves.


Abstract : To validate the flight track dispersion algorithms currently in the ROUTEMAP and MR^NMAP noise models, measurements of the lateral distribution of flight operations were conducted on five low-altitude Military Training (MTRs). This distribution defines the spread in aircraft position across the width of the route. Included were three instrument routes and two visual routes having various widths and flight operation characteristics. Two methods were used to determine the distribution on the MTRs; acoustic measurements and radar tracking. The first method used a linear array of noise monitors, spanning the width of the route, to record overflight noise levels and thus estimate the aircraft position along the array. Due to limitations with this procedure, radar tracking was used as an alternate method The results, using both methods, indicate that flight tracks are distributed across MTRs in Gaussian form and the standard deviation of tracks is generally proportional to the route width. These findings support the results of previous studies which were used to develop the flight track dispersion algorithms. A recommendation has been made to formally adopt these algorithms for use in both models.


A key component of vitamin E can be synthesized without use of expensive transition metal catalysts. [Also see Report by Uyanik et al.] Tocopherols are naturally occurring fat-soluble antioxidants that protect living cells against highly reactive free radicals. The best-known example is D-α-tocopherol, the most biologically active ingredient in vitamin E. Their potent antioxidative properties result from the 6-hydroxy chroman (6-chromanol) motif, which is a hidden hydroquinone. The 6-chromanol unit readily reacts with fatty acid peroxide radicals to give stabilized chromanoxyl radicals and far less reactive hydroperoxides (1); both intermediates can then be degraded by the cell safely. Because of their unique antioxidative properties, tocopherols are widely used components in human and animal nutrition additives. On page 291 of this issue, Uyanik et al. (2) report a low-cost synthesis method for making tocopherols with high biological activity.


Who governs and how they govern is central to the questions of power, control and citizenship that are at the core of a democratic society. The Uluru Statement from the Heart is the outcome of the 12 First Nations Regional Dialogues culminating in the National Constitutional Convention at Uluru in May 2017. There the First Peoples from across the country formed a consensus position on the form constitutional recognition should take. This article argues that the Uluru Statement from the Heart affirms a commitment to 'active citizenship' that draws from a belief in the equal power of the governors and the governed. This understanding of the Uluru Statement from the Heart enables it to be promoted as a document for all Australians, both in the spirit of reconciliation and in its affirmation of a commitment to an equality underpinning Australian citizenship in the 21st century. By examining how citizenship in Australia has evolved as a legal concept and by reflecting on how law is a fundamental tool for providing a 'meaningful limitation of the lawgiver's power in favour of the agency of the legal subject', this article examines the Uluru Statement from the Heart as a commitment to the importance of recognising the nature of the proper relationship between the law giver and those subject to the law — the citizenry. To exercise power within a democratic framework, as opposed to brute force or sheer will over the subject, involves recognising the agency of the citizenry. This idea not only enables reconciliation to be a meaningful and restorative act but one that recalibrates the exercise of power in Australia to benefit all Australians by affirming a commitment to all Australians equal citizenship as active agents.


Background Several studies from USA and Europe have suggested the outcome for HIV-infected patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) has improved, concurrent with both the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and improved management of respiratory failure. This study examined outcomes and prognostic factors for HIV-infected patients admitted to our ICU over a 10-year period. Methods Retrospective study of HIV-infected adults admitted to a UK University-affiliated hospital ICU between January 1999 and March 2009. Information collected included patient demographics, receipt of HAART (no patient began HAART while on the ICU), reason for ICU admission and hospital course. Outcomes were survival to ICU and hospital discharge. Comparison was made against outcomes for general medical patients admitted to the same ICU. Multivariate analysis was used to assess prognostic factors. Results 192 HIV-infected patients had 222 admissions to the ICU. Among these 192 patients, 116 required mechanical ventilation and 43 renal replacement therapy. Their ICU admission was due to an HIV-associated diagnosis in 113 patients; 37 patients had Pneumocystis pneumonia. Survival to ICU discharge and hospital discharge was 78% and 70%, respectively, compared with 75% and 68% among 2065 general medical patients admitted to the ICU on 2274 occasions over the same time period. HIV infection was newly diagnosed (on this hospital admission) in 42 patients; among this group ICU and hospital survival was 69% and 57%, respectively. Factors associated with ICU survival were age (OR=0.97, 95%CI 0.93 to 1.00, per 10 year increase), haemoglobin (OR=1.33, 95%CI 1.07 to 1.65, for an increase of 1 g/dl), APACHE II score (OR=0.56, 95%CI 0.39 to 0.90, per 10 unit increase), receipt of HAART (OR=2.88, 95%CI 1.29 to 6.42) and need for mechanical ventilation (OR=0.18, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.43). Conclusions In the era of HAART the outcome from ICU for HIV-infected patients was comparable to that among general medical patients. These data infer neither HIV infection itself, nor an HIV-associated diagnosis should preclude referral to the ICU. The poorer outcome among those with newly diagnosed HIV infection underscores the need to encourage HIV testing outside of Genitourinary Medicine clinics.


Purpose: This study examines the impact of job burnout on the social workers' mental health in public and private sector.
Material and Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in which 103 social workers who were working in public (n=56) and private (n=47) sector of the Thessaly region in Greece. Data were collected with a questionnaire including socio-demographic and work-related characteristics, the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Independent t-test, anova and Pearson coefficient were used in statistical analysis.
Results: Emotional exhaustion was positively related to somatic symptoms (r=0.470, p<0.001), anxiety/insomnia (r=0.429, p<0.001), social dysfunction (r=0.365, p<0.001), depression (r=0.252, p=0.010) and overall mental burden (r=0.518, p<0.001) of social workers. Personal achievements were negatively related to somatic symptoms (r=-0.326, p=0.001), anxiety/insomnia (r=-0.266, p=0.007), social dysfunction (r=-0.321, p=0.001), depression (r=-0.444, p<0.001) and overall mental burden (r=-0.444, p<0.001). Also, depersonalization was positively associated with somatic symptoms (r=0.218, p=0.027), anxiety/insomnia (r=0.317, p=0.001) and overall mental burden (r=0.258, p=0.009).
Conclusion: All dimensions of burnout had a significant effect on mental health disorders of social workers in labor


We analyze how twenty graduates of a Batterer Intervention Program constructed autobiographical stories about their relationships with women they assaulted. We focus on the presentation of gendered selves via narrative manhood acts, which we define as self-narratives that signify membership in the category "man" and the possession of a masculine self. We also show how graduates constructed self-narratives as a genre that was oppositional to organizational narratives: rather than adopting the program's domestic violence melodrama or preferred conversion narrative, graduates used the larger culture—especially "bitch" imagery and sometimes racialized discourse—to construct tragedies. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of narrative analysis for research on batterers' accounts and manhood acts, and also shows how oppositional genre-making can be a method to resist organizational narratives.


SemEval 2016 Task 12 addresses temporal reasoning in the clinical domain. In this paper, we present our participation for relation extraction based on gold standard entities (subtasks DR and CR). We used a supervised approach comparing plain lexical features to word embeddings for temporal relation identification, and obtained above-median scores.


Drug-facilitated sexual assaults (DFSA) currently represent overwhelming issue in its multidisciplinary approach. They occur when alcohol or drugs are used to compromise an individual's ability to consent to a sexual act. These substances facilitate a perpetrator to commit sexual assault because they inhibit a person's ability to resist and can prevent them from remembering the assault. If on the one hand alcohol remains the most commonly used drug in crimes of sexual assault, on the other hand drugs being used by perpetrators in crimes of sexual assault include, but are not limited to, Rohypnol (but also other benzodiazepines can be used), GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid), GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone), ketamine and others. The authors briefly examine the main issues of GHB-facilitated sexual assault in forensic investigation, drawing the attention of the whole scientific community to the importance of a correct assessment of each GHB-FSA, even when it is only suspected and by providing some practical advices.


Study Design. This was a prospective clinical comparative study of surgical outcomes for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes between nonelderly and elderly patients with CSM who underwent laminoplasty. Summary of Background Data. Age at the time of surgery influences the surgical outcome. We designed a large-scale study of the surgical outcome for CSM from a single operative procedure used exclusively in elderly patients. Methods. A total of 520 consecutive patients with CSM (331 men; 189 women) who underwent double-door laminoplasty were included. Mean age was 62 years (range, 23–93), and mean duration of disease was 20.1 ± 32.0 months. Average postoperative follow-up period was 33.3 ± 15.7 months. Patients were divided into 3 groups by age: nonelderly (<65 years), young-old (65–74 years), and old-old (≥75 years). The number of patients in each group was 287, 143, and 90. Pre- and postoperative neurological status was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system for cervical myelopathy (JOA score). Results. Mean pre- and postoperative JOA scores in nonelderly, young-old, and old-old groups were 11.0 and 14.4, 10.2 and 13.2, and 8.7 and 11.8 points, respectively. The elderly group showed significantly low recovery rates of JOA scores compared with the nonelderly group (P < 0.0001). However, mean achieved JOA scores (postoperative JOA score − preoperative JOA score) were 3.4, 3.0, and 3.1 in nonelderly, young-old, and old-old groups, respectively, with no significant difference among these groups (P = 0.17). Conclusion. Pre- and postoperative JOA scores were low in elderly patients. However, the achieved JOA score was almost similar among the 3 groups. Thus, elderly patients could obtain reasonable recovery after cervical laminoplasty.


Quantum resource theory formulations of thermodynamics offer a versatile tool for the study of fundamental limitations to the efficiency of physical processes, independently of the microscopic details governing their dynamics. Despite the ubiquitous presence of non-Markovian dynamics in open quantum systems at the nanoscale, rigorous proofs of their beneficial effects on the efficiency of quantum dynamical processes at the bio-molecular level have not been reported yet. Here we combine the resource theory of athermality with concepts from the theory of divisibility classes for quantum channels, to prove that memory effects can increase the efficiency of photoisomerization to levels that are not achievable under a purely thermal Markovian (i.e. memoryless) evolution. This provides rigorous evidence that memory effects can provide a resource in biological quantum dynamics, and, more generally, quantum thermodynamics at the nanoscale.


The results of the European Parliament Elections 2014 demonstrated a rise of Euroscepticism in the EU. The reasons of this are a lack of information about the EU in the Member States and insufficient mechanisms for debate and citizens' engagement in decision making. The analysts explain it also by the weakness of providing a forum for the development of common identity and legitimacy of the European public sphere. This thesis looks at media as mechanisms of the European public sphere. The thesis examines institutional models of two transnational audiovisual media on European affairs supported by the European Commission: the Euronews television and the Euranet Plus radio network. The author considers the roles of Euronews and Euranet Plus in the European public sphere and in attempting to reduce Euroscepticism.


This article considers the mechanics of acceptance in the law of contract, focusing on the question of whether the silence of an offeree can effect acceptance. It finds the rule in Felthouse v Bindley (1862) alive and well, but creating problems for judges anxious to find agreements in place. The article considers whether there is, as sometimes suggested, a 'duty to speak' and dismisses this, along with any other supposed exceptions to the rule, concluding that silence cannot effect acceptance, but that conduct can do so unless an offeree 'speaks' to contradict inevitable inferences from conduct. The article also argues that acceptance as such is not required for agreement, but rather the communication of apparent acceptance is the required element which, taken together with an offer, forms an agreement.


: Linking records from two or more data sets with information on an issue allows us to identify those belonging to the same individual. The linkage process can be manual, deterministic, or probabilistic. Probabilistic linkage was developed for those situations where there is no single identifier, the number of identifying variables is limited, and they have little discriminating power. Considering the possibilities for the linkage to be correct or incorrect and based on the degree of agreement among variables and their frequencies, this process weights each variable. This manuscript presents linkage techniques, describes probabilistic linkage step by step, and illustrates it with examples taken from the actual operation of our services.