Background.
Most cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) recipients are elderly, have multiple comorbid conditions, and are at increased risk of CIED infection (CIEDI). Current guidelines recommend complete device removal in patients with CIEDI to prevent relapse and mortality. However, comorbidities or other factors may preclude device removal, thus prompting a nonsurgical approach that includes chronic antibiotic suppression (CAS). There are limited data on outcomes of patients receiving CAS for CIEDI.

Methods.
We retrospectively screened 660 CIEDI cases from 2005 to 2015 using electronic health records and a CIEDI institutional database and identified 48 patients prescribed CAS. Primary outcomes were infection relapse and survival.

Results.
The median age was 78 years, and 73% (35/48) were male. The median Charlson comorbidity index was 4. Common pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (21%, 10/48) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (19%, 9/48). At 1 month after hospitalization, 25% (12/48) of patients had died, of whom only 1 initiated CAS; 67% (8/12) of these had staphylococcal infections. Of the 37 patients who initiated CAS, the most common antimicrobials were trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, penicillin, and amoxicillin (22%, 8/37 each). Estimated median overall survival was 1.43 years (95% confidence interval, 0.27-2.14), with 18% (6/33 survivors) developing relapse within 1 year. Of the 6 patients who relapsed, 2 (33%) subsequently underwent CIED extraction.

Conclusion.
CAS is reasonable in select patients who are not candidates for complete device removal for attempted cure of CIEDI. Nevertheless, 1-month mortality in our sample of CAS-eligible patients was high and reflective of high rates of comorbid conditions.


This essay develops a new method to diagnose inconsistency in dichotomous choice contingent valuation with follow-up questions: in particular, downward bias in the mean WTP. It is shown that the previous methods aimed to explain this inconsistency in responses have ignored statistical inconsistency: non-perfect correlation between the initial and follow-up responses and thus have provided wrong predictions to explain respondents' inconsistency pattern. In addition, from an application of our method, it has been proven that one model can not encompass all other possible inconsistency patterns in responses. Test results show that the behavioral inconsistency patterns are different both within and between data sets


Ectopias of the ostia ureteris are generally accepted to be divided into intra- and extravesical ones. It is expedient to divide this abnormality into lower (that of the ureteral ostium below and more medial than the normal site) and upper (that of above and more lateral than the normal site) ectopias of the ostia ureteris. The lower ectopia may be intra- and extravesical. The upper ectopia may be also intra- and extravesical. In ureteral ostial ectopia, the passage of urine from the kidney into the urinary bladder is impaired due to either mechanical ureteral obstruction or vesicoureteral reflux. The lower intravesical ectopia of the ostium ureteris is frequently associated with ureterocele. The study was undertaken to examine 242 patients with ectopia of the ostia ureteris, including those with extravesical (5.3%), intravesical (93.8%) and associated (0.9%) ectopias. Lower ectopia of the ostia ureteris was observed in 28.5%, upper, in 64.5%, and associated ones in 7%. The authors outline 14 different combinations of various types and variants of ureteral ostial ectopias which were observed in 25 patients. The diagnosis of such complicated abnormalities may be made only on the basis of knowledge of all the variants of lower and upper ectopias of the ostia ureteris. All these abnormalities require surgical correction.


Experimental and theoretical evidence indicates that GABAergic neurotransmission is fundamental for the synchronization of neuronal activity. In particular, the role of GABA in epileptiform activity has received increased attention due to, among others, the fact that the GABA‐mediated potentials can be depolarizing, and hence excitatory, in some circumstances. Evidence is presented here that bicarbonate efflux via GABAA receptors in interneurons and pyramidal cells of the CA1 hippocampal area contribute to depolarizing GABAA‐mediated potentials in an in vitro nonpharmacological seizure‐like model of status epilepticus. Seizure‐like and interictal activity was evoked in rat horizontal hippocampal slices using a superfusing solution with low magnesium concentration (0.5–0.9 mm). Whole‐cell recordings from stratum oriens–alveus interneurons and CA1 pyramidal cells revealed that, during epileptiform activity, some GABAA‐mediated potentials were depolarizing, and were suppressed by the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor ethoxyzolamide as well as by the GABAA‐receptor antagonist bicuculline. These observations indicate that the depolarizing potentials observed during epileptiform activity reflect both glutamatergic and GABAA‐receptor‐mediated activity, and adds further support for the important role of GABAergic interneurons in promoting long‐range synchronization.


Fiber-based flexible piezoelectric composites with interdigitated electrodes, namely Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) structures, strike a balance between the deformation and actuation force capabilities for effective underwater bio-inspired locomotion. These materials are also suitable for vibration-based energy harvesting toward enabling self-powered electronic components. In this work, we design, fabricate, and experimentally characterize an MFC-based bio-inspired swimmer-energy harvester platform. Following in vacuo and in air frequency response experiments, the proposed piezoelectric robotic fish platform is tested and characterized under water for its swimming performance both in free locomotion (in a large water tank) and also in a closed-loop water channel under imposed flow. In addition to swimming speed characterization under resonant actuation, hydrodynamic thrust resultant in both quiescent water and under imposed flow are quantified experimentally. We show that the proposed design easily produces thrust levels on the order of biological fish with similar dimensions. Overall it produces thrust levels higher than other smart material-based designs (such as soft material-based concepts), while offering geometric scalability and silent operation unlike large scale robotic fish platforms that use conventional and bulky actuators. The performance of this untethered swimmer platform in piezoelectric energy harvesting is also quantified by underwater base excitation experiments in a quiescent water and via vortex induced-vibration (VIV) experiments under imposed flow in a water channel. Following basic resistor sweep experiments in underwater base excitation experiments, VIV tests are conducted for cylindrical bluff body configurations of different diameters and distances from the leading edge of the energy harvesting tail portion. The resulting concept and design can find use for underwater swimmer and sensor applications such as ecological monitoring, among others.


RELEASE AND PREDATION OF ROVE BEETLE, Paederus fuscipes. (COLEOPTERA STAPHYLINIDAE), AGAINST THE EGGS AND LARVAE OF Helicoverpa armigera (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) I N SOYBEAN FIELD Paederus fuscips is an important predators in soybean fields, including toward Helimverpa armigera. Predation evaluation using a cage are very common, giving significant suppressed the exposed pest population. However, predation evaluation in open space is rarely conducted. This study was to investigate the dispersal capability of P. fuscips, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the beetle release in the predation on H. amigera eggs and larvae. Observations were made in a soybean field in Mekarwangi Village, Cianjur, during soybean planting season in 2005 and 2006. I n the dispersal study, all beetles were collected from the field and tagged on the elitra. As many as 1187 tagged beetle were released. The dispersal was observed in the area within a radius of 40 m from the release point. I n the predation study, eggs and larvae of H.armigera from laboratory rearing were used as the prey. Soybean plots with exposed prey were treated by releasing the beetle with different densities, i. e., 100-400 beetles, and a control. The released beetles were from laboratory rearing and beetles were collected from the field. The study indicated that the tagged beetles that were released to the soybean field actively move but their dispersal were relatively slow. Until 5 days after release, most beetles were remain in the area surrounding release point, within a radius of 5 m. Release of predators to the soybean field, suppressed H. armigera egg and larva populations for both vegetative and generative stages, but were not significantly different between treatment and control plots, except for the egg population on vegetative stage. It indicates that population of the natural predator in soybean field were very complex and potential to be used for controling pest populations. Thus, it is important to manage soybean field that can support the role of predators in the field. Key wom's predator release, Paederus fuscipq predation, Helicoverva amigera


Patterns of variation in mortality can be studied by measuring changes in selected life table functions. A model is proposed in which the rate of change over time in the life table survivorship probability at any age has been assumed as proportional to the product of its own value and its complementary probability or the probability of dying by that age, where the proportion is the same for all ages and depends only on the time duration between successive life tables. The end result is that the logit functions of the survivorship probabilities at two points in time are linearly related with a slope of one. The projecting power of the model has been tested by using U.S. life tables for the years 1950 and 1970 as well as Coale and Demeny's regional model life tables. In the latter case, the model produced surprisingly close matches even when the expectations of life differed by as much as 20 years.


We study height fluctuations around the limit shape of a measure on strict plane partitions. It was shown in our earlier work that this measure is a Pfaffian process. We show that the height fluctuations converge to a pullback of the Green's function for the Laplace operator with Dirichlet boundary conditions on the first quadrant. We use a Pfaffian formula for higher moments to show that the height fluctuations are governed by the Gaussian free field. The results follow from the correlation kernel asymptotics which is obtained by the steepest descent method.


Renin secretion at the level of renal juxtaglomerular cells appears to be controlled mainly by classic second messengers such as Ca2+, cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, which in turn exert their effects through oppositely acting protein kinases and probably also by affecting the activity of ion channels in the plasma membrane. Thus, protein kinase A stimulates renin secretion, whilst protein kinase C and protein kinase G II inhibit renin secretion. Moreover, Cl- channels could be involved in the mediation of the inhibitory action of Ca2+ on renin secretion. This review summarizes our present knowledge about the possible actions of these kinases in renal juxtaglomerular cells and considers pathways in the organ control of renin secretion.


INTRODUCTION
the aging of the spanish population has increased in the last decades; in Santander, 24,73 % of the population are elderly people. Adherence to the recommendations for a healthy diet in this group has been associated with improved health status and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES
to assess the degree of adherence to the recommendations issued by the Healthy Eating Guide for Primary Care and Citizen Groups of the SENC (2018) in a non-institutionalized population sample between 65 and 79 years of age in the municipality of Santander (Spain).

METHODS
this was a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study. A total of 317 individuals aged 71.8 (± 4.1) years, attending three Primary Care Centers (CAP) of the Cantabrian Health Service (SCS), participated. A self-developed questionnaire was extracted from the 2018 SENC Guide recommendations. The relationship between two independent qualitative variables was analyzed using the chi-squared test, considering significant a p-value < 0.05.

RESULTS
adherence to the recommendations in foods for daily consumption was: water (23 %), cereals and potatoes (12,9 %), fruits (50,2 %), vegetables (16,7 %), olive oil (61,8 %) and dairy products (39,1 %). For weekly-consumption foods it was: fish (12 %), white meats (17 %), eggs (19,9 %), legumes (75,1 %) and nuts (36,9 %).

CONCLUSIONS
the results obtained show a low adherence to SENC recommendations except for legumes. For this reason, it is necessary to influence this population group in order to improve their dietary habits.


If we consider that the very basic element of a children's story is its appeal to world literature, then a text like Pinocchio exists for and in translation. However, how the extra linguistic material functions and how it is dealt with in translation is the concern of this paper. Because Pinocchio has become an item of world literature by way of its translations, the allegory created by Carlo Collodi about the reality of the Italian situation post-Unification has been lost in English translation and replaced in the target culture by a pedagogical set of moral codes in order to replenish the story's meaning. Consequently, the value of reading texts comparatively manifests in reconciling what is lost with what is gained. Reading the English translations in light of the original Italian story reveals respective intricacies of both cultures and validates the process of translation as a privileged mediator.


Road infrastructure projects are increasingly placed in their wider land-use context because of the functional relationships they have with surrounding areas. These more inclusive area-oriented planning processes typically involve a complex of interdependent but institutionally fragmented actors. Effective operationalization of collaborative strategies therefore remains difficult. Various policies introduce spatial design efforts to the infrastructure planning processes as a strategy to deal with these issues. This paper explores experiences in the Netherlands that have placed spatial design in vital positions in the process. An exploration of literature from the fields of spatial design, planning, and geography teaches us that design approaches, in such cases, may be applied to serve as a communicative modus that fosters dialogue, creativity, and eventually an inclusive and shared story about an area's future. We interviewed designers experienced in serving that role and asked them whether and how such objectives are achieved. Consecutively, in order to come to practical lessons for exploitation of the merits indicated by the interviewees, we studied two projects that the interviewees considered best practices. We conclude that a combination of technical and relational design can effectively help a fragmented group of actors to find a shared and meaningful story and make integral choices on infrastructure projects, framed within a wider area's development. Ensuring effective iterations between technical and relational design requires institutionalization of the coordinative capacities of design, as well as the right mindset among participants. This way, the employment of such design approaches facilitates effective operationalization of collaborative governance at the infrastructure/land-use interface.


Turgor pressures, stomatal resistances, and transpiration rates were measured during a 50-day period in leaves of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. 'Indianapolis White') plants grown in nutrient solution with 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 µg/ml Cd added as CdSO₄. At harvest, dry weight and Cd concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves were determined. Leaf abscission occurred on Cd-treated plants. Turgor pressures were highest in plants grown with 0.01 µg/ml Cd and lower in plants treated with 0, 0.1, and 1.0 µg/ml Cd. Stomatal resistances were lowest in plants grown with 0.01 µg/ml Cd and progressively higher in plants treated with 0, 0.1, and 1.0 µg/ml Cd. Results indicated that quantities of Cd permitted in irrigation water in the United States (0.05 µg/ml) might be detrimental to growth because of reduced turgor pressure and increased stomatal resistance.


A. Lukešová, J.R. Johansen, M.P. Martin and D.A. Casamatta. 2009. Aulosira bohemensis sp. nov.: further phylogenetic uncertainty at the base of the Nostocales (Cyanobacteria). Phycologia 48: 118–129. DOI: 10.2216/08-56.1 Aulosira bohemensis sp. nov. was isolated from a wet meadow soil in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. It shares all the features of the majority of other Aulosira species, including isopolar development with intercalary heterocytes and apoheterocytic akinete development. It differs from all other species through the production of hormogonia perpendicular to the trichome axis following akinete germination. Morphologically the genus Aulosira appears closest to Nodularia, however, phylogenetic placement of A. bohemensis based on 16S rRNA was distant from that taxon. Aulosira falls within the Nostocaceae, with possible sister taxa in Trichormus, Mojavia and Nostoc. Despite the variety of phylogenetic analyses performed, we were unable to obtain bootstrap support for its position in any tree, and its correct phylogenetic position within the Nostocaceae remains unresolved.


In 2001, civil disturbances took place in Bradford, Burnley and Oldham. After these events community cohesion was introduced and this concept has recently become progressively at the forefront in public policy debates. The term was effectively developed as a direct response to the civil disturbances in 2001 as Oldham, Burnley and the City of Bradford were at the epicentre of disorder at this time. The civil disturbances have widely been understood by central government as resulting from a lack of social cohesion. The concept of community cohesion is seen, by central government, to be the solution to solving the issues of segregation among communities. This paper critically examines, from a policy context, the debates around community cohesion. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in Oldham in Greater Manchester, the paper presents an insight into how community cohesion is perceived by policy makers and residents.


by Koichi Ogawa, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Seiichi Kaga and Kazuhiko Sakaguchi The combination of welding condition (optimum welding condition) which produced maximum tensile strength of S45C carbon steel friction welded joint under the notched tensile test specimen condition was investigated using response surface method. As a result, the combination of welding condition to yield maximum tensile strength at the weld was attained through a steepest ascent path. And, a second-order equation predicting the weld strength was accurately established. By the result of confirmation experiments using the predicting equation, a successful weld was obtained under the optimum welding condition. But, the optimum welding condition requires comparatively larger burn off quantity. Therefore, it is needed to consider a economical view such as less burn off quantity. Moreover, the observation of the successful welds showed that a fine grain ferrite perlite layer having comparatively low hardness widely distributed over the heat affected zone of the weld.


Arabidopsis thaliana T-DNA transformants were screened for mutations affecting seed fatty acid composition. A mutant line was found with reduced levels of linolenic acid (18:3) due to a T-DNA insertion. Genomic DNA flanking the T-DNA insertion was used to obtain an Arabidopsis cDNA that encodes a polypeptide identified as a microsomal [omega]-3 fatty acid desaturase by its complementation of the mutation. Analysis of lipid content in transgenic tissues demonstrated that this enzyme is limiting for 18:3 production in Arabidopsis seeds and carrot hairy roots. This cDNA was used to isolate a related Arabidopsis cDNA, whose mRNA is accumulated to a much higher level in leaf tissue relative to root tissue. This related cDNA encodes a protein that is a homolog of the microsomal desaturase but has an N-terminal extension deduced to be a transit peptide, and its gene maps to a position consistent with that of the Arabidopsis fad D locus, which controls plastid [omega]-3 desaturation. These Arabidopsis cDNAs were used as hybridization probes to isolate cDNAs encoding homologous proteins from developing seeds of soybean and rapeseed. The high degree of sequence similarity between these sequences suggests that the [omega]-3 desaturases use a common enzyme mechanism.


EDITOR,-I was very interested to read the paper by Moreea et al from the Leeds General Infirmary comparing a set of British and American guidelines for the use of skull radiography in children.' If statistically valid, their conclusion that we should follow the American guidelines would result in a considerable financial saving and reduction in unnecessary and potentially harmful radiation. However, there are a couple of points of confusion which their paper introduces. Firstly, their guidelines compare British criteria for x ray with American criteria for NO x ray. The list of criteria for NO x ray reads: "Asymptomatic; Headache; Scalp laceration/ contusion/abrasion/haematoma; Dizziness; Absence of other risk criteria." This is clearly nonsense, as it would imply that anybody with, say, a scalp laceration does not need an x ray-notwithstanding any other signs or symptoms that may be present. The paper from which these recommendations are taken, by Masters et al,2 divides patients into three groups: a high risk group, requiring neurosurgical consultation or emergency CT, a low risk group requiring discharge with head injury advice, and a moderate risk group in whom close observation is recommended and possibly skull x ray, although CT should also be considered. Masters et al gave a list of criteria which would indicate that a patient should be in the moderate risk group. These were not reproduced by Moreea et al and without them it is, of course, impossible to follow the guidelines. For the record, these criteria are:


This chapter argues that fictional engagement with terrorists must be considered in relation to a larger cultural process of meaning-making. As a form of extreme communication actions that we classify as "terrorist" do not speak for themselves; they are symbolic messages that require interpretation, and this interpretation is a key element of the cultural response to terror. Accordingly, fictional depictions of terrorists cannot be understood independently of the highly contested discursive terrain in which political actions are legitimized or delegitimized in the name of either terrorism or counterterrorism. Drawing on the examples of Don DeLillo's "Falling Man" and Martin Amis' "The Last Days of Muhammad Atta," the present chapter enquires into how literary imaginations of terrorists have both responded and contributed to the discourse as to the "why" of 9/11. It comes to the conclusion that both texts ultimately rely on familiar stereotypes, ranging from the misguided youth to the evil psychopath. Moreover, and more significantly, they marginalize the political causes of Islamist terrorism by suggesting that these causes are only of secondary relevance to the perpetrators, who have more personal reasons for becoming involved in a terrorist conspiracy. In this sense, these (and other) fictional approaches to the hijackers of September 11, 2001, are blind to "the real grievances and political agency of those who choose to violently resist Western foreign policy" (Richard Jackson), resorting, instead, to comforting myths about the weakness, deviance, and abnormality of the terrorist "other."


Fe x Co 1 - x Si is a metal with helical spin structure in the concentration range 0.2<x<0.95 although the end members are a narrow-gap semiconductor (FeSi) and a diamagnetic semimetal (CoSi). We have studied the electronicstructure of Fe x Co 1 - x Si (x=0.5, 0.8) using ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. With Fe substitution for Co, the structure due to the transition-metal 3d states is shifted toward lower binding energies, qualitatively consistent with the prediction of the rigid-band model. Although the superposition of the spectra of FeSi and CoSi better describes the x dependence of the global spectral features than the rigid-band model, the x dependence near the Fermi level (E F ) is better described by the rigid-band model. The appearance of magnetic order in Fe x Co 1 - x Si may thus be explained by the rigid-band model, which predicts that the density of states at E F is low or zero for CoSi and FeSi but becomes large for intermediate x. We also find a weak temperature dependence around the Fermi level, qualitatively consistent with the increase in the electrical resistivity below the Neel temperature (T N ).


In August 2009, there was a 2.5 m long rupture in the longitudinal seam weld of a crude oil pipeline in France. The failure caused a spillage of approximately 2000 cubic metres in a protected area. This rupture caused the authorities to withdraw the permit to operate a 260 km long section of this pipeline.The pipeline had a similar failure in August 1980. The 1980 failure was attributed to a fatigue crack initiating at the inner side of the longitudinal weld. There was evidence of 'roof topping' along this weld.Penspen Ltd., UK were contracted by the pipeline operator Societe du Pipeline Sud Europeen (SPSE) to carry out an independent investigation into the cause of the 2009 failure, review and confirm the actions needed for safe short term operation to allow internal inspection, and determine a safe future life for the pipeline.The failed pipe specimen was not immediately available for inspection. An initial analysis indicated that purely an analytical evaluation would not provide conclusive results, due to variability in material properties, geometry and loading. It was decided that a better understanding of the behaviour of defects in the pipe, and the fatigue performance, was required.A detailed laboratory programme of burst and fatigue testing on a section of line-pipe was recommended. The tests were carried out on a combination of 'defect-free' ring specimens, and ring specimens with initial Electric Discharge Machined (EDM) slits to represent crack-like defects. These tests showed:1. BURST TESTS: The failure pressures of the burst tests could be predicted using a recognised industry model. Roof topping, laminations and inclusions, and toughness variations were found to have no noticeable effect on the defect size at failure.2. FATIGUE TESTS: The fatigue test results showed that defect-free rings had a fatigue life one order of magnitude longer than those containing an EDM slit, and that the fatigue life of a defect-free ring could be predicted using a standard S-N method. In addition, it was found that crack growth was conservatively predicted using standard fatigue fracture mechanics.The fatigue test results showed that the 1980 and the 2009 failures were caused by a combination of cyclic pressure loading, roof topping, and a pre-existing weld defect (probably present when the pipeline went into service in 1972).This paper provides an overview of the failure investigation, with a discussion of the ring testing, supporting tests, and fracture surface inspection.Copyright © 2012 by ASME


This study aims to obtain empirical evidence about the influence of national culture on fraud risk. The lack of literature that discusses fraud risk makes researchers interested in researching the relevance of national culture to understanding the risk of fraud so that it can help reduce fraud. Six dimensions of Hofstede's national culture were used in this study. As well, the Corruption Perception Index is proxied to measure fraud risk.The population in this study are countries in the world registered with the Corruption Perceptions Index 2018 by the Transparency International organization. The sample selection used a purposive sampling method and selected 81 sample countries. Multiple linear regression analysis was used as an analytical tool in this study.The results of the analysis of this study reveal that the dimension of power distance has a positive and significant effect on the risk of fraud. The dimensions of individualism, long-term orientation and indulgence negatively and significantly affect the risk of fraud. On the other hand the dimensions of uncertainty avoidance and masculinity have a positive but not significant effect on risk to the risk of fraud.


Accurate repair of DNA is critical for genome stability and cancer prevention. DNA double-strand breaks are one of the most toxic lesions and can be repaired using the high-fidelity homologous recombination (HR) pathway. HR is highly conserved and uses a homologous template for repair. One central HR step is RAD51 nucleoprotein filament formation on the single-stranded DNA ends. RAD51 filament formation is required for the homology search and strand invasion steps of HR. RAD51 activity is tightly controlled by many positive and negative regulators, collectively termed the RAD51 mediators. The human RAD51 paralogs (RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D, XRCC2, XRCC3, and SWSAP1) are RAD51 mediator proteins that are highly conserved throughout eukaryotes and structurally resemble RAD51.They assemble into subcomplexes, BCDX2, CX3, and the Shu complex,to promote the HR activity of RAD51. The RAD51 mediators function to nucleate, elongate, stabilize, and disassemble RAD51 during repair. RAD51 paralog mutations are found in many breast and ovarian cancers as well as other cancer types. Despite their discovery three decades ago, few advances have been made in understanding their function. This work identified that the C. elegans Shu complex is functionally conserved from yeast and is composed of two RAD-51 paralogs, RFS-1 and RIP-1, which bind SWS-1. Disruption of the worm Shu complex results in DNA damage sensitivity and reduced RAD-51 foci showing for the first time that the Shu complex promotes HR in higher eukaryotes. In subsequent studies in human cell lines,this work demonstrated that disruption of the human RAD51 paralog, RAD51C,through cancer-associated point mutations can also cause DNA damage sensitivity and reduced HR. The conserved Walker A motif of human RAD51C is particularly important for maintaining protein-protein interactions of the BCDX2 and CX3 complexes and maintaining HR proficiency that we propose is critical for prevention of breast and ovarian cancers.Together, this work sheds light onto the function of the RAD51 regulators and their role in maintaining genome stability.


Space-time processing for co-channel interference (CCI) rejection and equalization with antenna arrays may provide large gains over space-only processing, especially in interference limited scenarios. However, taking the temporal correlation of the noise and CCI process into account leads to sequence detection with higher complexity as compared to space-only processing that neglects this correlation. We propose the use of the generalized Viterbi algorithm for sequence detection with lower complexity. Special cases include the M-algorithm and the delayed decision feedback sequence estimator. A relevant comparison between spatial and spatio-temporal processing with sequence detectors of the same complexity may thus be performed. Numerical examples show substantial gains for spatio-temporal processing as compared to space-only processing also in this case when the optimality of the sequence detector is traded for interference rejection.


AIMS
Research using nationally representative and community samples demonstrates a robust association between early onset of drinking and increased likelihood of numerous adverse outcomes. However, little is known about the subsequent drinking that occurs early in the drinking career. The present study dissects the transition from any alcohol use to treatment entry by taking a fine-grained approach to examining the attainment and progression of drinking events in a sample of adolescents in substance use treatment.

DESIGN/SETTING
Data were taken from the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study for Adolescents (DATOS-A), a multi-site, community-based study of adolescents entering treatment.

PARTICIPANTS
Respondents included 3331 youth aged 12-18 years (mean = 15.75) admitted to treatment in 1993-95 (74% male, 52% white, 24% African American, 20% Hispanic).

MEASUREMENTS
Age of attainment was obtained for five drinking-related milestones, including first drink of alcohol, first time drunk, first monthly drinking, first drank five or more drinks/day on a weekly basis and first drank five or more drinks/day on a daily basis.

FINDINGS
Most milestones were attained at a very early age, and average progression through adjacent drinking events was relatively swift, Movement through early drinking milestones was accelerated in girls and white youth. Youth who reported their first drink at an early age (age 10 or younger) showed slower progression, suggesting the existence of distinct processes underlying early use and drinking transitions within an individual.

CONCLUSIONS
This study provides data relevant to understanding drinking progression/natural history in a large clinical sample, especially for differences by gender and ethnicity. The findings have implications for the identification of intermediate stages that might benefit from selected intervention programs.


BACKGROUND AND AIMS
It is widely believed that the 2018 decline in overdose deaths in the United States was attributable to a range of public health interventions; however, this decline also coincided with the regulation and decline in use of potent fentanyl analogs, especially carfentanil. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between overdose deaths and carfentanil availability in the United States.

DESIGN
Secondary analysis of drug overdose deaths from the Center for Disease Control and carfentanil exhibit data from drug seizures submitted to drug crime labs and published by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Trends in overdose deaths were compared in states with high carfentanil exhibits with states with low or no carfentanil exhibits.

SETTING
United States.

CASES
A total of 1,035,923 drug overdose death records in the United States from 1979 through 2019 were studied.

MEASUREMENTS
The outcomes studied were number of overdose deaths and mortality rates by state.

FINDINGS
Drug overdose deaths have been closely tracking along an exponential curve. The years 2016 and 2017 witnessed a hyper-exponential surge with increases in overdose deaths of 11,228 (+21.4%), and 6,605 (+10.4%), respectively. Subsequently in 2018, drug overdose deaths declined by -2,870 (-4.1%). This rise and then fall coincided with a surge and then decline in carfentanil drug seizure exhibits during these same years: 0 (2015), 1292 (2016), 5,857 (2017) and 804 (2018). The majority of carfentanil exhibits were localized to a few states. The 2018 decline in overdose deaths in the top five states with the greatest spike in carfentanil exhibits in 2017 (Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Michigan) was 2,848, which accounted for nearly all of the total US decline.

CONCLUSIONS
The 2016-2017 acceleration and then 2018 decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States was associated with the sudden rise and then fall of carfentanil availability. Given the regional variation, carfentanil's decreased availability may have contributed to the reduction in overdose deaths in 2018.


Received: Revised: Accepted: January 16, 2012 March 06, 2012 May 12, 2012 In this study we analysed some of the serum enzymes, urea and creatinine to understand the pathological changes occurring in different organs of broilers due to urea and copper. The feeding for 15 days at or higher than 2% urea + 1gm copper sulphate caused significant rise in serum ALT, AST, AKP and creatinine. With further increase in time of 15 days, the levels of urea and LDH also increased significantly, this was seen even in birds fed 1% urea + 250 mg copper sulphate. We found increase in serum urea even in 1% urea fed birds and in all other groups where combination was used, however, serum creatinine increased significantly (P<0.05) only in birds fed 2% urea+1 gm copper sulphate or higher than these levels. The combined use of urea and copper sulphate resulted in changes in moisture, ash, crude protein and potassium in thigh and breast meat of broilers. The results of the present study suggest damaging effects of higher levels of urea and copper, alone or together and change in meat quality with lower protein contents and higher salt levels in meat of broilers. Thus the use of urea and copper sulphate together is not recommended in broilers, especially at 1% urea and 250mg copper sulphate or higher. The results of the study can be helpful to poultry farmers, pathologists and nutritionists who are involved in augmentation the meat quality and also to general public with special reference to people having hypertension as the meat salt levels may be higher with use of the these compounds in the broiler ration. ©2012 PVJ. All rights reserved


Background: Corresponding with the T helper cell type 1/T helper cell type 2 hypothesis, autoimmune and allergic diseases are considered pathologically distinct and mutually exclusive conditions. Co-occurrence of autoimmune disorders and allergy within patients, however, has been reported. Transgenerational co-occurrence of autoimmune and allergic disease has been less often described and may differ from the intra-patient results. Aims: To test the hypothesis that autoimmune disorders in parents are a risk factor for the development of an allergic disease in their offspring. Methods: Prospectively registered (by academic general practitioners) International Classifications of Primary Care (ICPC) for diagnoses of autoimmune disorders and allergy within families were evaluated (n=5,604 families) by performing multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: The presence of any ICPC-encoded autoimmune disorder in fathers appeared to be associated with an increased risk in their eldest children of developing an allergy (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% CI 1.042 to 1.794). Psoriasis in fathers was particularly shown to be of influence (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.061 to 2.117) and, although any ICPC-encoded autoimmune disease in mothers was found not to be of significance, the combined international code for registering rheumatoid arthritis/ankylosing spondylitis in mothers was OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.031 to 2.852). Conclusions: The occurrence of ICPC-encoded autoimmune disorders in parents, especially psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis/ankylosing spondylitis, significantly increases the occurrence of allergic disease in their children. After validation in follow-up research in a larger sample, these results may lead to the inclusion of 'parental autoimmune condition' as a risk factor in the general practitioner's diagnostics of allergic disease.


This paper explains how the solutions of appropriate adjoint equations can be used to estimate the errors in important integral quantities, such as lift and drag, obtained from CFD computations. These error estimates can be used to obtain improved estimates of the integral quantities, or as the basis for optimal grid adaptation.
The theory is presented for both finite volume and finite element approximations. For a node-based finite volume discretisation of the Euler equations on unstructured grids, the adjoint analysis makes it possible to prove second order accuracy. A superconvergence property is proved for a finite element discretisation of the Laplace equation, and references are provided for the extension of the analysis to the convection/diffusion and incompressible Navier-Stokes equations.

This paper was presented at the symposium Computing the Future II: Advances and Prospects in Computational Aerodynamics to honour the contributions of Prof. Earll Murman to CFD and the aerospace community.


This paper seeks to make a contribution to the discussion on what clinical work consists of in biomedicine. It draws on the comparison between two clinical practices: (1) cancer genetics of breast/ovarian and colon cancers; and (2) psychiatric genetics of autism and its related syndromes. We argue that the clinic does not reflect genetic reductionism, nor does it entail a straightforward return to the previous clinical tradition. We show that the clinic is affected by three changes in the practices that we studied. The first change concerns clinical settings: clinical work is now performed by 'bioclinical collectives', gathering researchers and clinicians from various disciplines and activities, and conjointly searching biology and pathology. The second change concerns the content of clinical work that we propose to call 'clinic of mutations'. This clinic involves the intense work of collecting and comparing multiple and heterogeneous data to document the biological nature and the clinical relevance of mutations, whose status is ambiguous and whose effects are uncertain. The third change concerns the dynamics of clinical work, which is now overlapping with research. As a consequence, the elaboration of a judgment and a medical decision is no longer a matter of simply making a diagnosis or prognosis. Rather it consists in accounting for nosographic domains and descriptive and interpretive models of diseases, into which mutations may plausibly play a role. We conclude with a discussion of the form of objectivity underlying clinical work in biomedicine. Our contention is that in the current post-genomic era, thinking of genetic markers as objective proofs of a disease or a risk of disease is definitely inappropriate. Rather, the clinic has to constantly produce the meaning and relevance of mutations and biomedical entities that tend to proliferate and regularly invade the clinical settings.


HIV/AIDS is the main cause of death in Uganda. Access to ARVs is therefore
a vital component of the right to health. Human rights treaties oblige Uganda to implement the right to health progressively within the available resources. Uganda has undertaken measures to fight HIV/AIDS though prevention, education, and support for people living with HIV/AIDS. Uganda has also committed to providing free ARV drugs to people in need. However, these measures are being threatened by the introduction of trade-related
intellectual property (IP) laws that risk limiting affordability and access to ARVs. Structural, economic, social and human factors like poverty, low GDP, malnutrition, shortage of medical personnel and equipment for diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS and corruption have hindered access to ARVs. Questions remain unclear as to which categories of persons are accorded priority of access to free treatment access. The result has been a regression
on the right to health. East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights Vol. 14 (1) 2008: pp. 69-103


This research argues for an analysis of textual and cultural forms in the American horror film (1968-
1998), by defining the so-called postmodern characters. The "postmodern" term will not mean a period of
the history of cinema, but a series of forms and strategies recognizable in many American films. From a
bipolar re-mediation and cognitive point of view, the postmodern phenomenon is been considered as a
formal and epistemological re-configuration of the cultural "modern" system.
The first section of the work examines theoretical problems about the "postmodern phenomenon" by
defining its cultural and formal constants in different areas (epistemology, economy, mass-media): the
character of convergence, fragmentation, manipulation and immersion represent the first ones, while the
"excess" is the morphology of the change, by realizing the "fluctuation" of the previous consolidated system.
The second section classifies the textual and cultural forms of American postmodern film, generally
non-horror. The "classic narrative" structure – coherent and consequent chain of causal cues toward a
conclusion – is scattered by the postmodern constant of "fragmentation". New textual models arise,
fragmenting the narrative ones into the aggregations of data without causal-temporal logics. Considering the
process of "transcoding"1 and "remediation"2 between media, and the principle of "convergence" in the
phenomenon, the essay aims to define these structures in postmodern film as "database forms" and
"navigable space forms."
The third section applies this classification to American horror film (1968-1998). The formal
constant of "excess" in the horror genre works on the paradigm of "vision": if postmodern film shows a
crisis of the "truth" in the vision, in horror movies the excess of vision becomes "hyper-vision" – that is
"multiplication" of the death/blood/torture visions – and "intra-vision", that shows the impossibility of
recognizing the "real" vision from the virtual/imaginary. In this perspective, the textual and cultural forms
and strategies of postmodern horror film are predominantly: the "database-accumulation" forms, where the
events result from a very simple "remote cause" serving as a pretext (like in Night of the Living Dead); the
"database-catalogue" forms, where the events follow one another displaying a "central" character or theme.
In the first case, the catalogue syntagms are connected by "consecutive" elements, building stories linked by
the actions of a single character (usually the killer), or connected by non-consecutive episodes about a
general theme: examples of the first kind are built on the model of The Wizard of Gore; the second ones, on
the films such as Mario Bava's I tre volti della paura. The "navigable space" forms are defined: hyperlink a,
where one universe is fluctuating between reality and dream, as in Rosemary's Baby; hyperlink b (where two
non-hierarchical universes are convergent, the first one real and the other one fictional, as in the Nightmare
series); hyperlink c (where more worlds are separated but contiguous in the last sequence, as in Targets); the
last form, navigable-loop, includes a textual line which suddenly stops and starts again, reflecting the pattern
of a "loop" (as in Lost Highway).
This essay analyses in detail the organization of "visual space" into the postmodern horror film by
tracing representative patterns. It concludes by examining the "convergence"3 of technologies and cognitive
structures of cinema and new media.


Background & Aim: Ruta graveolens(R.G) has been used for sexual impotence in men and abortion in women. In this study the effect of aqueous extract of this plant has been investigated on testis tissue and spermatogenesis. Material and Methods: For this reason as an experimental research, animals were allocated to three groups as control which did not receive anything, vehicle which received only normal saline, and experimental which received ruta extract. Lethal dose 50(LD 50) of extract was considered as 560mg/kg. Based on this, sub LD 50 dose of aqeous extract i.e 280mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once every other day for one week. A month after the last injection the animals were deeply anesthetized and dissected. Blood was collected intracardically for hormonal assay. The testis were extruded, weighed and then fixed for histological studies. For statistical analysis ANOVA and Tukey as a post hoc test were used. Results: Intraperitoneal injection of 280mg/kg R.G showed nonsignificant changes in body weight and testicular weight and induced a significant decrease in the number of type A spermatogonia(P<0.01) and primary spermatocyte(p<0.05) in experimental group as compared to control and vehicle. There were no significant differences in number of type B and spermatozoid between the groups. There was increase in thickness of tunica albugina and decrease in number of sertoli cells in experimental group as compared to control(P<0.01) and vehicle(P<0.05) which was significant. Also there was a decrease in number of Leydig cells, testosterone and LH levels in experimental group which was not significant. Conclusion: The aqueous R.G diminishes the reproductive system activity and might be useful a substances for birth control process.


The influence of local substrate loads, both monomeric (glucose) and dimeric (saccharose) ones, on the interrelations between the hydrolysis and transport processes was studied under conditions of a chronic experiment on rats with isolated portions of the small intestine. The use of different substrate loads (glucose, saccharose) made it possible to reveal a difference in the response of various portions of the small intestine. The distal portions are more sensitive to loading than the proximal ones.


The question of whether central banks should target stock prices so as to prevent bubbles and crashes from occurring has been hotly debated. This paper analyses this question using a behavioural macroeconomic model. This model generates bubbles and crashes. It analyses how 'leaning against the wind' strategies, which aim to reduce the volatility of stock prices, can help in reducing volatility of output and inflation. We find that such policies can be effective in reducing macroeconomic volatility, thereby improving the trade-off between output and inflation variability. The strength of this result, however, depends on the degree of credibility of the inflation-targeting regime. In the absence of such credibility, policies aiming at stabilising stock prices do not stabilise output and inflation.


This study examined the influence of family rejection, social isolation, and loneliness on negative health outcomes among Thai male-to-female transgender adolescents. The sample consisted of 260 male respondents, of whom 129 (49.6%) were self-identified as transgender and 131 (50.4%) were self-identified as cisgender (nontransgender). Initial multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the transgender respondents, when compared to the cisgender respondents, reported significantly higher family rejection, lower social support, higher loneliness, higher depression, lower protective factors (PANSI-positive) and higher negative risk factors (PANSI-negative) related to suicidal behavior, and were less certain in avoiding sexual risk behaviors. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the exogenous variables of family rejection, social isolation, and loneliness were significant predictors of both transgender and cisgender adolescents' reported levels of depression, suicidal thinking, and sexual risk behaviors. The implications of these findings are discussed.


PurposeGiven the context of accountability-driven policy environments, research has shown that school leaders perceive bureaucratic rules and protocols in negative ways, but they also utilize organizational structures and routines to lead changes. To better understand both enabling and hindering mechanisms of bureaucracy in schools, this study explores how Korean school principals understand and perceive bureaucratic structures using a lens of ambivalence. The authors draw on Weber's theory of bureaucracy, with a particular focus on the paradoxical aspect of bureaucracy that might be experienced by individuals within the system.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzed qualitative data collected from 26 in-depth interviews with 10 Korean school principals between 2013 and 2015. The authors used the multiple cycles of coding to explore patterns and themes that emerged from the participants' responses.FindingsThe analysis of this study showed that the participants' ambivalent responses toward bureaucracy were particularly salient in three areas where formal organizational structures were changing through policy initiatives: teacher evaluation, electronic approval system and school-based management promoting decentralized decision making. The study participants reflected on how such changes can enable and/or hinder schools to achieve organizational goals and collective values, from the viewpoints of multiple aspects, which led to their ambivalent responses to bureacratic structures in school settings.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of school organizations by revisiting Weber's theory of bureaucracy in school settings. Using the lens of ambivalence enabled us to reconcile school principals' contradictory perceptions toward bureaucracy, which complicates analyses of tensions and paradoxical responses found in leadership practices within school systems.


Proteus spp. are opportunistic multidrug resistant enterobacteria associated with diverse clinical diseases in domestic animals. However, Proteus infections in domestic animals are often misdiagnosed or considered contaminants in microbiological cultures rather than a primary agent of disease. Descriptions of Proteus infections in domestic animals are typically restricted to case reports, retrospective studies, or surveillance of other microorganisms. The present study investigated multiple antibiotic resistance indices, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and ESBL production in 73 strains of Proteus mirabilis (n = 69) and Proteus vulgaris (n = 4) isolated from domestic animals with various clinical manifestations. In dogs, the pathogen was most commonly associated with cystitis (48.21), enteritis (21.42%), otitis (14.29%), and conjunctivitis (3.57%). In bovines, the microorganism was predominant in cases of enteritis (22.22%), abscess (11.11%), otitis (11.11%), omphalitis (11.11%), and peritonitis (11.11%), and in organ fragments (11.11%). In equines (50.0%) and cats (100.0%), diarrhea was the main clinical sign. In vitro standard disk diffusion assay showed that the most effective antimicrobials against the isolates were imipenem (98.63), norfloxacin (95.89), amikacin (95.89), levofloxacin (90.41), ceftriaxone (87.64), and florfenicol (87.67). In contrast, the isolates commonly showed resistance to novobiocin (95.89), azithromycin (57.53), and trimethropim/sulfamethoxazole (39.73). Among the 73 isolates, the efficacy of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin according to MICs was 87.67%, 86.30%, 84.93%, and 82.19%, respectively. The MIC50 values of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were, respectively, 1.0, 0.004, 0.03, and 1.0 µg/mL. Thirty-three strains (45.21%) showed a antimicrobial multiple resistance index of ? 0.3. Multidrug resistance profiles of isolates were observed most frequently in dogs (n = 25; 75.76%), particularly in those with cystitis (n = 13; 52.0%), followed by bovines (n = 4; 12.12%), equines (n = 2; 6.06%), and cats (n = 2; 6.06%). Two (2.7%) strains, obtained from canine skin and feces, were diagnosed phenotypically as ESBL-producers. Here, we observed the diversity of Proteus infections in domestic animals. The presence of multidrug-resistant isolates and ESBL-producers reinforces the need for appropriate antimicrobial use and in vitro antimicrobial tests to support therapy.


Abstract For many years the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae has largely been attributed to its antiphagocytic polysaccharide capsule. Recent evidence, however, indicates that certain pneumococcal proteins play an important part in the pathogenesis of disease, either as mediators of inflammation or by directly attacking host tissues. Pneumococci carrying defined mutations in the genes encoding any one of at least three pneumococcal proteins (the toxin pneumolysin, the major pneumococcal autolysin, and pneumococcal surface protein A) have significantly reduced virulence. Pneumococcal hydrolytic enzymes, such as neuraminidase, hyaluronidase, and IgA1 protease may also contribute to colonization and/or invasion of the host. Several of these proteins (or their detoxified derivatives) are protective immunogens in animal models and therefore warrant consideration for inclusion in human antipneumococcal vaccine formulations.


Airway acidification has been consistently observed in airway inflammatory conditions and is known to cause cardiorespiratory symptoms that are, at least in part, mediated through the activation of bronchopulmonary C fibers and the subsequent reflexes. Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR(2)) is expressed in a variety of cells in the lung and airways and is believed to play a role in airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of PAR(2) activation on the acid signaling in rat bronchopulmonary C-fiber sensory neurons. Our RT-PCR results revealed the expression of mRNAs for transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and four functional acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) subunits 1a, 1b, 2a, and 3 in these sensory neurons. Preincubation of SLIGRL-NH(2), a specific PAR(2)-activating peptide, markedly enhanced the Ca(2+) transient evoked by extracellular acidification. Pretreatment with PAR(2) agonists significantly potentiated both acid-evoked ASIC- and TRPV1-like whole cell inward currents. Activation of PAR(2) also potentiated the excitability of these neurons to acid, but not electrical stimulation. In addition, the potentiation of acid-evoked responses was not prevented by inhibiting either PLC or PKC nor was mimicked by activation of PKC. In conclusion, activation of PAR(2) modulates the acid signaling in pulmonary sensory neurons, and the interaction may play a role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammatory conditions, where airway acidification and PAR(2) activation can occur simultaneously.


We consider superconductivity in the light of the quantum gravity theoretical framework introduced in [1]. In this framework, the degree of quantum delocalization depends on the geometry of the energy distribution along space. This results in a dependence of the critical temperature characterizing the transition to the superconducting phase on the complexity of the structure of a superconductor. We consider concrete examples, ranging from low to high temperature superconductors, and discuss how the critical temperature can be predicted once the quantum gravity effects are taken into account.


Named entity recognition in life sciences is reported to achieve up to 0.9 F-score when tested on test corpora. The results which are obtained for casually chosen texts are usually not as good. We believe that the task may still be underestimated, together with the basic tasks of tokenization. We present here the problems which we have encountered in our attempt to identify gene names and chemical substance names in research articles. The two problems which information extraction has to cope with are language variation and ambiguity. Both are present not only in unstructured texts but also in the nomenclature of life sciences. We also note the discrepancies between the nomenclature registered in terminologies and the actual use of terms in texts. These problems are intimately entangled with text segmentation problems.


An onboard charger is responsible for charging the battery pack in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). In this paper, a 3.3-kW two-stage battery charger design is presented for a PHEV application. The objective of the design is to achieve high efficiency, which is critical to minimize the charger size, charging time, and the amount and cost of electricity drawn from the utility. The operation of the charger power converter configuration is provided in addition to a detailed design procedure. The mechanical packaging design and key experimental results are provided to verify the suitability of the proposed charger power architecture.


There is a general consensus that welfare states influence urban inequality patterns in cities experiencing increases in immigration. Whereas much of the existing research focused on the extent to which welfare states affect the well-being of immigrants after their admission, this study focuses on how immigration policy regimes affect the extent to which immigrant flows, and subsequent labour supply, match variations and fluctuations in the composition of demand in urban labour markets. In particular, the article develops a comparison between Malmö and Genoa, an Italian and a Swedish city with similar urban histories that display considerably different patterns of urban inequality. Immigration to Malmö was fuelled largely by humanitarian emergencies in the countries of origin and occurred in a period of economic decline for the city. The growth of the immigrant population was associated with a worsening of the labour market situation for immigrants and an increase in ethnic residential segregation. Immigration to Genoa was mainly driven by demand for cheap labour, particularly in the private-care sector. Therefore, the growth of the immigrant population was associated with an ethnic segmentation of the labour market, but it also resulted in a more dispersed distribution of immigrants than in Malmö. The differences in the urban inequality patterns in Malmö and Genoa can be only partly explained by policies affecting the living conditions of admitted immigrants. An important role has also been played by the immigration policy regimes of the two countries, which prescribed the integration potential of immigrant flows.


DOI:10.31629/jit.v2i1.3205 Abstract The Punge intersection in Banda Aceh City is a four-armed intersection without traffic control devices such as traffic lights and roundabouts. The intersection performance from visual observation is currently very low, especially during peak hours. Therefore, it is presently considered necessary to evaluate road performance and carry out alternative handling planning. One alternative handling is to plan a roundabout at the intersection. Thus, this study aims to obtain road performance by comparing the use of a roundabout and without a roundabout. Analysis and planning using the MKJI and PTV Vissim 10.00-02 software methods. It requires data on traffic volume, road geometry, and environmental conditions around the location. The analysis of roundabout planning with the widening of each arm with the MKJI and Vissim methods produce the level of services to deliver the best decisions for improving the intersection performance.


ZEB2 is a key factor in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a program controlling cell migration in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. We demonstrated a role of ZEB2 in migration and anchorage-independent cell growth in ovarian cancer, as shown by ZEB2 silencing. We found that the RNA-binding protein HuR bound the 3′UTR of ZEB2 mRNA, acting as a positive regulator of ZEB2 protein expression. In Hey ovarian cell line, HuR silencing decreased ZEB2 and ZEB1 nuclear expression and impaired migration. In hypoglycemic conditions ZEB2 expression decreased, along with ZEB1, vimentin and cytoplasmic HuR, and a reduced cellular migration ability was observed. Analysis of ZEB2 and HuR expression in ovarian cancers revealed that nuclear ZEB2 is localized in tumor leading edge and co-localizes with cytoplasmic HuR. In a series of 143 ovarian cancer patients high expression of ZEB2 mRNA significantly correlated with a poor prognosis in term of both overall survival and progression- free survival. Moreover, at immunohistochemical evaluation, we found that prognostic significance of ZEB2 protein relies on its nuclear expression and co-localization with cytoplasmic HuR. In conclusion our findings indicated that nuclear ZEB2 may enhance progression of EMT transition and acquisition of an aggressive phenotype in ovarian cancer.


Summary: Recent advances in neurodiagnostic technology, new insights into fundamental neuronal mechanisms of epilepsy, and rapid developments in molecular genetics have greatly improved our understanding of epileptic seizures and epileptic disorders since 1981, when the current International Classification of Epileptic Seizures was adopted, and since 1989, when the International Classification of Epilepsies, Epileptic Syndromes, and Related Disorders was adopted. Although both have been universally accepted and have proven to be of considerable clinical value, it has become clear that more is needed for specific applications of growing importance, such as presurgical evaluation, clinical pharmacology trials, and epidemiological studies. Therefore, an International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) task force has evaluated the need for revising our current classification and terminology and has begun developing four specific documents. The first is a descriptive terminology for ictal phenomena, incorporating some of the concepts included in the preceding paper by Dr. Hans Lüders; however, this will be a glossary, not a classification. The second is a classification of epileptic seizures based on known or presumed pathophysiological and anatomic substrates, to replace the current classification, which is based entirely on phenomenology. The third is a classification of epileptic syndromes and epileptic diseases, adapted from the current Classification of Epilepsies, Epileptic Syndromes, and Related Disorders, which will take into account the fact that disorders with unique etiologies, such as a single gene, should be considered diseases, and which will be reorganized for maximum practical application to differential diagnosis. The fourth is a new classification of functional disability due to seizures or epilepsy, based on a new impairment classification for neurological disorders being developed by the World Health Organization. Working groups are currently in the process of developing each of these documents, and their chairs would benefit from any comments or suggestions from those who ultimatelly will be using these systems of classification and terminology.


This paper discusses the main characteristics and presents a comparative analysis of three synchronization algorithms based respectively, on a phase-locked loop, a Kalman filter and a discrete Fourier transform. It will be described the single and three-phase models of the first two methods and the single-phase model of the third one. Details on how to modify the filtering properties or dynamic response of each algorithm will be discussed in terms of their design parameters. In order to compare the different algorithms, these parameters will be set for maximum filter capability. Then, the dynamic response, during input amplitude and frequency deviations will be observed, as well as during the initialization procedure. So, advantages and disadvantages of all considered algorithms will be discussed.


Objectives To determine if the amount of salt delivered by standard salt shakers commonly used in English independent takeaways varies between those with five and 17 holes; and to determine if any differences are robust to variations in: the amount of salt in the shaker, the length of time spent shaking, and the person serving. Design Four laboratory experiments comparing the amount of salt delivered by shakers. Independent variables considered were: type of shaker used (five or 17 holes), amount of salt in the shaker before shaking commences (shaker full, half full or nearly empty), time spent shaking (3s, 5s or 10s), and individual serving. Setting Controlled, laboratory, conditions. Participants A quota-based convenience sample of 10 participants (five women) aged 18–59 years. Main Outcome Measures Amount of salt delivered by salt shakers. Results Across all trials, the 17 holed shaker delivered a mean (SD) of 7.86g (4.54) per trial, whilst the five holed shaker delivered 2.65g (1.22). The five holed shaker delivered a mean of 33.7% of the salt of the 17 holed shaker. There was a significant difference in salt delivered between the five and 17 holed salt shakers when time spent shaking, amount of salt in the shaker and participant were all kept constant (p<0.001). This difference was robust to variations in the starting weight of shakers, time spent shaking and participant shaking (ps</ = 0.001). Conclusions Five holed salt shakers have the potential to reduce the salt content of takeaway food, and particularly food from Fish & Chip shops, where these shakers are particularly used. Further research will be required to determine the effects of this intervention on customers' salt intake with takeaway food and on total dietary salt intake.


Dynamic simulation requires the computationally expensive calculation of joint accelerations, while in kinematic simulation these accelerations are known based on a given trajectory. This paper describes a hybrid kinematic and dynamic simulation method that can be applied to the simulation of running machines to speed up the computations over that of a dynamic simulation. This is possible because much of the time the legs of a running machine are in the air and their trajectories are directly specified and tightly controlled. The method is more flexible than dynamic simulation alone because it allows joints to be either motion-controlled or force-controlled. It is general to all robotic systems with tree structures, and fully motion-controlled or force-controlled kinematic loops. It should work best for machines with appendages that are motion-controlled, such as those encountered in underwater and space manipulation.


The air temperature increase in urban centers can lead to problems such as increased energy consumption associated to air conditioning, the intensification of pollution, human discomfort and health problems. In this context, the building envelope plays an important role in urban thermal equilibrium. Energy efficiency rating systems for buildings (LEED—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, AQUA—High Environmental Quality, PROCEL Edifica, etc.) stimulate energy efficiency actions in the built environment, considering, for example, the envelope and energy efficiency initiatives in buildings. Research carried out recently has shown that monitoring of buildings can provide important information about building performance, supporting building control strategies and enabling actions aimed at improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort. More specifically, wireless sensors are also being used to monitor buildings. This work proposes and presents the development of a surface temperature sensor that can support actions to enhance energy efficiency in the built environment, meeting the requirements proposed by the energy efficiency rating systems of buildings. This sensor must have characteristics such as low cost, the storage capacity of a large amount of data and the possibility of remote monitoring of the collected temperatures. Computer simulations and validation tests were carried out showing that the proposed sensor allows the remote monitoring (using a wireless transmission system) of the surface temperature in buildings, respecting the requirements of high storage capability and low cost.


The European Commission recently published a proposal for a Directive on the protection of whistle-blowers reporting breaches of EU law. This proposal is welcomed not only by the legal community but also by many citizens who desire more transparency. The recent scandals revealed by whistle-blowers along with the active role of the European Parliament have led the European Commission to propose this important text of the proposed Directive. The whistle-blower is recognised as an enforcement tool for the EU and is a key component in helping to ensure the successful enforcement of EU law. There is one element, however, that is not discussed by the European Commission: financial rewards for the whistle-blowers.1 The United States, especially in the financial sector, has adopted a system of financial awards. Europe, on the other hand, is resistant to introducing such incentives. The aim of this paper is to introduce the proposal for a Directive and to highlight the problems that such a step may create at the EU level.


This thesis aims at a critical investigation of Kurdish author Mehmed Uzun's four selected novels through the lens of ethno-symbolism. In this regard, by focusing on a lengthened period of time, attention is paid to shifting and also unchanging margins of the imagined Kurdish nationalism depicted in the novels of Uzun along with the changing socio-political atmosphere of Turkey. The study starts with socio-political account of Turkey, beginning from the last century of the Ottoman Empire, until the present situation of Turkish politics regarding the Kurdish question and Kurdish nationalism. Particular consideration is given to momentous turning points which also had an influence on the novelistic discourse of Uzun. By analyzing the selected novels of Uzun concomitantly with the theoretical and historical setting of Kurdish nationalism and Kurdish question in Turkey, this thesis suggests answers to the question of "How are the exact elements used in the discourse of Kurdish nationalism utilized in the novels and did they change within time?" The overall analysis shows that, within time Uzun's novelistic discourse which was burdened heavily with Kurdish ethno-symbolic elements, changes within time with his focus on multiculturalism and relatively distancing himself from the ethnic understanding of nationalism, whereas he continues follow a Kurdish nationalist discourse. As a conclusion it can be said that with ethno-symbolic and cultural elements, also the concept of victimization forms the basis of Uzun's Kurdish nationalist discourse within his novels.


With the conceptual tool of "Pareto optimum" (or "Pareto frontier"), this article offers an explanation as to why the 1965 Korea-Japan normalization was achieved at that particular time. No existing single factor can sufficiently explain the outcome. The exclusive focus of the existing literature on favorable domestic and international conditions only after General Park Chung-hee's military coup in 1961 blinds us to the long-term learning process of the two states. We also need to ask a non-question: Why was normalization so delayed even under favorable conditions at the time? Based on counterfactual analysis, this article argues that without the coup, normalization would have been achieved much faster and in a way more conducive to the genuine Korea-Japan reconciliation. The complicated political situation caused by Park's military coup delayed rather than accelerated the normalization. Refocused analysis suggests that an America-centric approach turns our attention away from the simple but crucial fact that Korea and Japan themselves were most responsible for determining their own bilateral relations, and that the U.S. role in Korea-Japan relations was significant but not determining. Key words: Korea-Japan relations, East Asian politics, Parento frontier Introduction: Necessity for Refocusing When we read about the successful conclusion of the 1965 South Korea-Japan (hereafter, Korea-Japan) normalization of relations, we see that most experts focus on the facilitating factors, such as President Park Chung-hee's pragmatic leadership,1 U.S. pressure,2 backdoor networks,3 domestic politics, and the international situation. For instance, criticizing the leadershipfocused analysis, Victor Cha argues that4 Another factor critical to the materialization of a treaty in 1965 was the subtle but significant efforts of the United States to consolidate the Japan-Korea axis in response to heightened cold-war tensions in the region. . . . By 1964 . . . increasingly tense cold-war circumstances in Asia prompted a marked change in U.S. attitudes. . . . The normalization treaty sheds light on the difficulties of using historical-animosity and leadership variables. . . . [I]n fact, acute historical animosities and anti-treaty sentiments were present on both sides. . . . Instead, confluence of U.S. cold war security imperatives and domestic realpolitik in Tokyo and Seoul produced the settlement.5 Contrary to Cha's emphasis, the U.S. pressure on Korea and Japan to normalize relations had been fundamentally a constant factor despite some "subtle" differences in its intensity.6 Mean- while, Cha downplays the significance of the normalization as he argues that the signing of a basic relations treaty hardly represented the start of a new era of amiable relations, pointing out mass demonstrations against the settlement and residual animosity in the years immediately following the signing of the treaty.7 However, as I will substantiate, his argument is founded on selective evidence.8 After the normalization treaty was signed, Korea-Japan cooperation actually accelerated, even before the Nixon Doctrine in 1969.9 This article seeks to explain why normalization of relations was achieved in 1965. No single cause sufficiently explains the particular outcome. All the factors mentioned above played some positive roles in the normalization process. However, this article introduces a different perspective. First, because the Korea-Japan normalization treaty was achieved by President Park's administration, the existing literature tends to emphasize various facilitating factors that were present during the period of 1961-1965. Scholars naturally have paid attention to the negotiations that took place between 1961 and 1965. However, this exclusive attention to the 1961-1965 period blinds us to the long-term learning process of the two states since their first conference in 1951. Therefore, what is needed is a longterm focused analysis of the process. …


In a genome-wide search, linkage of hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP), a muscle disease with autosomal dominant inheritance, to chromosome 1q31-32 and cosegregation with the gene encoding the L-type calcium channel/DHP receptor alpha 1 subunit has been reported (Fontaine et al., 1994). Here we show the extended haplotypes of a large HypoPP family who made the detection of the gene product possible. Sequencing of cDNA synthesized from RNA isolated from muscle specimens of two affected family members revealed a G-to-A transition of nucleotide 3716. This base exchange predicts a substitution of histidine for arginine 1239 located in segment IVS4 of the channel protein. By restriction fragment analysis, the mutation was detected in the genomic DNA of all affected family members. Myotubes cultured from the muscle specimens also revealed the mutation suggesting the expression of mutant L-type calcium channel/DHP receptors. Whole-cell recordings of 20 such myotubes showed a strong reduction of the DHP sensitive, slowly activating and inactivating L-type current density to 30% of the current in normal controls. A rapidly activating and inactivating current component (third-type), which is distinct from the also occurring T-type current, was increased. We conclude that HypoPP is a disease of the skeletal muscle DHP receptor. The point mutation in repeat IV of the protein may have a similar effect as drugs which downregulate the channel activity by binding to this domain.


Nadler has proved a fixed point theorem for XxZ where X is a complete metric space and Z is a metric space with the fixed point property. Rhoades discussed 125 contractive conditions and gave some results about these contractive conditions. In this paper we improve Nadler's results by weakening the conditions on the spaces and by enlarging the class of mappings by Rhoades type contractive conditions in the first variable. Here we extend the class of metric spaces Z by the class of uniform spaces for which Nadler type fixed point theorems holds.


We introduce a new model-based approach for automatic quantification of colocalizations in multichannel 3D microscopy images. The approach uses different 3D parametric intensity models in conjunction with a model fitting scheme to localize and quantify subcellular structures with high accuracy. The central idea is to determine colocalizations between different channels based on the estimated geometry of the subcellular structures as well as to differentiate between different types of colocalizations. A statistical analysis was performed to assess the significance of the determined colocalizations. This approach was used to successfully analyze about 500 three-channel 3D microscopy images of human soft tissue tumors and controls.


In order to perform quantitative photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) it is desirable to have a method of obtaining the absolute absorption coefficient of a sample from PAS measurements alone. The photoacoustic signal contains both amplitude and phase data and this paper discusses a method by which this information may be used to determine the absolute absorption coefficient of condensed samples. Experimental results on ions in aqueous solution are also presented.


The biomaterials requirements for osteochondral (OC) defects restoration simultaneously include adequate mechanical behavior, and the prevention of bacterial adherence and biofilm formation, without impairing local tissue integration. Bilayered and hierarchical scaffolds combining a cartilage-like layer interconnected to an underlying subchondral bone-like layer appeared as innovative technological solutions able to mimic the native OC tissue hierarchical architecture. This study is focused on the assessment of the combined compression-shear stresses and possible bacterial biofilm formation of hierarchical scaffolds prepared from a horseradish peroxidase-crosslinking reaction of silk fibroin (SF) combined with zinc (Zn) and strontium (Sr)-doped β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for OC tissue regeneration. Scaffolds with undoped-β-TCP incorporation were used as control. Results showed that the bilayered scaffolds presented suitable aptitude to support compression and shear loading for OC tissue, with better mechanical properties for the ZnSr-containing structures. Young and shear moduli presented values close to 0.01 MPa in the region 10–20% strain. The investigation of biomaterials surface ability to prevent biofilm formation showed reduced bacterial adhesion of Escherichia coli (E. coli, gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, gram-positive) on both scaffolds, thus suggesting that the proposed hierarchical scaffolds have a positive effect in preventing gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria proliferation.


"Principles of Grammar and Learning" is concerned with the nature of linguistic competence and with the cognitive structures underlying its acquisition and use. During the past several decades many linguists and psychologists have come to the conclusion that genetically determined categories and principles specific to language are needed to account for the form and acquisition of grammatical systems. William O'Grady argues here for quite a different conclusion, proposing that adequate grammars can be constructed from a conceptual base not specific to language. To support this thesis, O'Grady develops a well-articulated, single level, categorial-type grammar that he uses to analyze syntactic categories, extraction, anaphora, extraposition, and quantifier placement in English and other languages. He shows that such grammars can be constructed via general learning strategies from notions such as dependency, adjacency, precedence, and continuity, and that the available acquisition data points to the emergence of the principles he proposes. While exploratory, this book provides one of the few serious attempts to develop a theory of grammar and learning that does not posit faculty-specific innate principles. "Principles of Grammar and Learning "is an exemplary attempt to bring together issues and data from syntactic theory, language acquisition, and the more general study of the human mind.


Context: Bug fixing is the process of ensuring correct source code and is done by developer. Automated debugging and bug fixing solutions minimize human intervention and hence minimize the chance of producing new bugs in the corrected program. Scope and Objectives: In this study we performed a detailed systematic literature review. The scope of work is to identify all those solutions that correct software automatically or semi-automatically. Solutions for automatic correction of software do not need human intervention while semi-automatic solutions facilitate a developer in fixing a bug. We aim to gather all such solutions to fix bugs in design, i.e., code, UML design, algorithms and software architecture. Automated detection, isolation and localization of bug are not in our scope. Moreover, we are only concerned with software bugs and excluding hardware and networking domains. Methods: A detailed systematic literature review (SLR) has been performed. A number of bibliographic sources are searched, including Inspec, IEEE Xplore, ACM digital library, Scopus, Springer Link and Google Scholar. Inclusion/exclusion, study quality assessment, data extraction and synthesis have been performed in depth according to guidelines provided for performing SLR. Grounded theory is used to analyze literature data. To check agreement level between two researchers, Kappa analysis is used. Results: Through SLR we identified 46 techniques. These techniques are classified in automated/semi-automated debugging and bug fixing. Strengths and weaknesses of each of them are identified, along with which types of bugs each can fix and in which language they can be implement. In the end, classification is performed which generate a list of approaches, techniques, tools, frameworks, methods and systems. Along, this classification and categorization we separated bug fixing and debugging on the bases of search algorithms. Conclusion: In conclusion achieved results are all automated/semi-automated debugging and bug fixing solutions that are available in literature. The strengths/benefits and weaknesses/limitations of these solutions are identified. We also recognize type of bugs that can be fixed using these solutions. And those programming languages in which these solutions can be implemented are discovered as well. In the end a detail classification is performed.


Design and synthesis of inorganic micro/nanocrystals with target phase/morphology is a focal theme in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Herein, a novel in situ topotactic transformation synthesis strategy, Y4O(OH)9NO3 → Y(OH)2.02F0.98 → YOF towards YOF:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Tb, Yb/Er, Yb/Tm) microcrystals has been reported. We have elaborated the in situ topotactic transformation from Y4O(OH)9NO3 to Y(OH)2.02F0.98 based on the topotactic structural matching, where similar anisotropic channel structures along the c-axis and the analogous coordination structure of lanthanide ions were involved. We have also extended this synthesis strategy to the topologically isomorphic Y(OH)3 and β-NaYF4 and found that the fine difference in structural evolution during the transformation processes led to different morphological evolutions for the two. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, we report such an in situ topotactic transformation with a high degree of crystal lattice rearrangement, where enneagonal channels transformed into hexagonal channels while maintaining the morphology contour. Moreover, we have systematically investigated the influences of experimental variables on the morphology, size, and composition of the final products. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of the as-prepared YOF:Ln3+ microcrystals were emphasized by demonstrating the multicolor emissions via downconversion and upconversion luminescence. Our study may provide significant guidance towards the synthesis of inorganic micro/nanocrystals with a target phase structure/morphology on the basis of topotactic structural matching.


: Teeth have always been considered a factor of beauty and are, to this day, perceived as an indicator of age, health and even social status. During the 18th century oral beauty was particularly threatened by the spread of caries due to increasing consumption of sugar, heavy metal poisoning induced by the use of cosmetics, or by syphilis therapy with mercury, still common at the time. Consequently, over the course of the century, the demand for aesthetic improvement grew among the social elite before spreading to all strata of the population. Emerging modern dentistry tried to meet these requirements by inventing various new treatment methods. However, with missing means for long-term aesthetic and functional rehabilitation, efforts primarily focused on improving cosmetic aspects. Beauty Health. Abstract Teeth have always been considered a factor of beauty and are, to this day, perceived as an indicator of age, health and even social status. During the 18th century oral beauty was particularly threatened by the spread of caries due to increasing consumption of sugar, heavy metal poisoning induced by the use of cosmetics, or by syphilis therapy with mercury, still common at the time. Consequently, over the course of the century, the demand for aesthetic improvement grew among the social elite before spreading to all strata of the population. Emerging modern dentistry tried to meet these requirements by inventing various new treatment methods. However, with missing means for long-term aesthetic and functional rehabilitation, efforts primarily focused on improving cosmetic aspects.


This research paper elaborates upon the concept of Smart Cities and the evolution of the term itself throughout history in order to outline the emergence of two distinct schools of thought: technocentric and humancentric, which have shaped smart cities. The paper also categorizes smart cities based on these two perspectives and outlines the operational tactics associated with them. After discussing and summarizing the pros and cons of both perspectives, the viewpoint of a socio-technical system-based model for conceptualizing and re-thinking the smart city narrative is presented. This People, Activity, Context and Technology (PACT) based socio-technical ecosystem model and the manner in which it can overcome the shortcomings of the technocentric and the humancentric modes of thinking is thus presented as a way to understand the city and as a laboratory for initiating an ecology of informed smart innovations.


Background: We investigated the association between muscle strength and the prevalence of advanced fibrosis among individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using a nationwide cross-sectional survey. Methods: Individuals, 20 to 79 years of age, from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) from 2014 to 2016 were selected (n = 14,861), with sample weights applied. Muscle strength was quantified as the hand grip strength (HGS) divided by the body mass index (BMI); low muscle strength (LMS) was defined as the lowest quartile (Q1) of the HGS/BMI scores for our sample population. NAFLD was defined by hepatic steatosis index (HSI) >36 (NAFLDHSI). The highest quartile of NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) (FibrosisNFS) was used to define advanced fibrosis. Results: In a crude analysis, LMS was associated with the increased prevalence of NAFLDHSI (OR 3.62, 95% CI 3.25-4.03), which remained significant even after adjustment for age, sex, obesity, and insulin resistance (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.30-2.18). Even in those without obesity, individuals with LMS had a higher prevalence of NAFLDHSI compared to those without LMS (OR 1.93, 95% CI, 1.42-2.63). Among individuals with NAFLDHSI (n = 3,320), LMS was also associated with the presence of advanced fibrosis (FibrosisNFS) even after adjustment for age, sex, obesity, and insulin resistance (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.09-2.58). Conclusion: Muscle strength is independently associated with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis. Disclosure S. Kang: None. M. Moon: None. B. Koo: None.


Parallel and distributed computing (PDC) is now considered a threshold concept for computing, and is embedded in computing curricula across the globe. While the costs of traditional computing clusters have made developing practical activities challenging, the rise of low-cost computers, particularly the Raspberry Pi, has led to an exploration of how PDC can be taught to students using Raspberry Pi clusters. Building on this work, we report our experiences from developing a series of low-cost Raspberry Pi clusters for use with open distance university students. Based on survey results from 484 students, we argue that our work demonstrates the benefits that remote practical activities can have for teaching PDC concepts, as well as engaging students. We conclude with a discussion of two key challenges: supporting active learning through student-led programming on the clusters, and supporting lower-performing students at a distance.


Abstract We investigate the task of retrieving information from compositional distributed representations formed by hyperdimensional computing/vector symbolic architectures and present novel techniques that achieve new information rate bounds. First, we provide an overview of the decoding techniques that can be used to approach the retrieval task. The techniques are categorized into four groups. We then evaluate the considered techniques in several settings that involve, for example, inclusion of external noise and storage elements with reduced precision. In particular, we find that the decoding techniques from the sparse coding and compressed sensing literature (rarely used for hyperdimensional computing/vector symbolic architectures) are also well suited for decoding information from the compositional distributed representations. Combining these decoding techniques with interference cancellation ideas from communications improves previously reported bounds (Hersche et al., 2021) of the information rate of the distributed representations from 1.20 to 1.40 bits per dimension for smaller codebooks and from 0.60 to 1.26 bits per dimension for larger codebooks.


This book explores the potential and challenges of implementing evolutionary phylogenetic methods in archaeological research, by discussing key concepts and presenting concrete applications of these approaches. The volume is divided into two parts: The first covers the theoretical and conceptual implications of using evolution-based models in the sociocultural domain, illustrates the sorts of questions that these methods can help answer, and invites the reader to reflect on the opportunities and limitations of these perspectives. The second part comprises case studies that address relevant empirical issues, such as inferring patterns and rates of cultural transmission, detecting selective pressures in cultural evolution, and explaining the nature of cultural variation. This book will appeal to archaeologists interested in applying evolutionary thinking and inferential methods to their field, and to anyone interested in cultural evolution studies


Virginia Woolf a highly appreciated writer both for her literary-critical insight and innovative writing techniques explores the role and character of women in society to reveal the truth and reality of their nature. Woolf in her works surfaces forth the inner discomfort of apparently integrated and a whole individual. In "The Lady in The Looking Glass: A Reflection" (1929) Woolf employs the stream of consciousness technique to communicate the thoughts of a narrator who ponders an image of Isabella Tyson to unveil the nature of truth and reality of her person by opening the intricate layers of her appearance. This paper explores the concept of the split self with reference to the character of Isabella to see the impact of the other on/in the construction of self. Lacan's concept of the mirror stage is used as a theoretical framework to see how Isabella's character is put in the external symbolic order and is alienated from its own history to examine how the self can be conceptualized and affected by the interplay of various forces and the inside form in and through other. This study demonstrates that Isabella's self-image is the distorted product of the ideal ego and ego ideal and is made and changed by acting towards others to make them believe what they see in her as true of her.


A MULTI-METHOD EXAMINIATION OF HOMICIDE INVESTIONATIONS ON CASE OUTCOMES By SHILA RENE HAWK December 1, 2015 Committee Chair: Dr. Dean Dabney Major Department: Criminal Justice and Criminology Approximately a third of homicide cases go unsolved each year. Research focused on understanding what affects homicide clearance rates is often methodologically underdeveloped and has produced mixed findings. These deficiencies compromise the ability of researchers to provide important guidance to police practitioners seeking to develop best practices. Under-specified modeling and limited access to accurate sources of homicide investigation data are two potential and interconnected reasons for the inconsistencies found in previous studies. The purpose of this study was to expand the literature on homicide case outcomes as follows: 1) to organize predictors into five substantive domains (involved subjects, event circumstances, case dynamics, ecological characteristics, and investigator factors) and operationalize multiple measures of each as viable predictors of clearance outcomes; 2) to explore the utility of using original and verified police data with a larger number of nuanced data points than previously documented in modeling efforts; and 3) to forward a unique multi-method account of the factors that predict homicide case outcomes that can be readily replicated in future studies. Data were collected from one Southern metropolitan police department's 2009 to 2011 homicide investigations (N = 252). Access to official homicide case files allowed for key subject, incident, and evidentiary information to be obtained. Critical investigation details and context were added to the case file data via interviews and survey administration efforts involving the lead detectives that worked the cases. The dataset was further supplemented with Census data. Subsequent analyses included examination of the data quality and multivariate logistic regressions. A comparison of the dataset after the first stage of data collection to the final product was conducted to understand the extent to which the dataset were improved. The multi-method process resulted in more precision to the data recorded from case files, significant reductions in missing data, and heightened detail on key variables. Consequently those data allowed for specification of a multivariate model that included multiple measures from all of the homicide investigation domains. Those results suggest the expanded data more accurately captured the factors that predict clearance outcomes as measures within all five domains were significant predictors of investigation closure. A Multi-Method Examination of Homicide Investigations on Case Outcomes