Phally, a genital polymorphism found in some species of self-compatible pulmonates (Mollusca: Gastropoda), presents an opportunity to examine factors maintaining outcrossing within an animal species in the presence of recombination. Euphallics, aphallics, and hemiphallics can selffertilize but only euphallics develop a functional penis and prostate allowing them to donate sperm. Taxa containing aphallics and/or hemiphallics are rare within pulmonates (occurring in about 0.3% of species and genera) and are found near the tips of the phylogenetic tree at the species and genus level, suggesting that the loss of male outcrossing ability is unstable and has limited evolutionary potential. Phylogenetic analysis based on parsimony reveals that male outcrossing ability has been lost a minimum of 13 times. We find no unambiguous evidence of reversions from aphally and/or hemiphally back to pure euphally. In plants, self-fertilization is often associated with habitat and geographic range, and these variables, together with body size, have been hypothesized as factors facilitating the evolution of aphally. When we control for phylogeny using comparisons of sister taxa, loss of male outcrossing ability is associated with geographic range but not body size or habitat. Furthermore, polyploidy is not associated with the loss of male outcrossing ability, contrary to predictions that low levels of inbreeding depression in polyploids will facilitate the evolution of aphally and/or hemiphally


A growing body of literature has been examined and discussed the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on student learning at the college level. Intrinsically motivated individuals have been able to develop high regards for learning various types of course information without the inclusion of external rewards or reinforcements. In contrast, extrinsically motivated individuals rely solely on rewards and desirable results to act as a catalyst for their motivation. Both types of motivation may not have the same effect on college student learning and performance. Intrinsically motivated individuals have a number of advantages over extrinsically motivated individuals because there is evidence showing that intrinsic motivation can promote student learning and achievement better than extrinsic motivation. From the perspectives of college instructors, this article briefly reviews the benefits and drawbacks of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. In addition, a discussion of the significance of both types of motivation and their applications in a college classroom setting has been provided. ********** Research on motivation has burgeoned over the past four decades. As a result, much has been learned about the nature of students' motivation (Wigfield, 1997). During the past half century, a variety of crucial motivational beliefs, values, and goals have been identified and examined (Wigfield, 1997). These beliefs, values, and goals relate to performance of college students, choice of activities to pursue, and persistence on such activities (Gram and Weiner, 1996; Pintrich and Schunk, 1996). Even if students believe they are fully competent and proficient at an activity, they will not complete such activity if there are no incentives present. Motivation is an internal state that arouses learners, steers them in particular directions, and keeps them engaged in certain activities (Ormrod, 2008). Motivation often determines whether and to what extent students actually learn a challenging task, especially if the cognitive and behavioral processes necessary for learning are voluntary and under their control. Once college students have learned how to do something successfully, motivation is largely responsible for whether they continue to do it (Ormrod, 2008). College students are usually motivated in one way or the other. For instance, some students may learn the subject matter being presented in class, while others may be more interested in obtaining good grades, outperforming classmates, pleasing their instructors and parents, or simply completing assignments as quickly and painlessly as possible (Ormrod, 2008). All of these motives have an approach quality to them: a desire to achieve certain learning outcomes (Ormrod, 2008). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are two major categories with which college students are engaged in the process of learning new knowledge and skills. Both types of motivation may not the exact same effect on student learning and performance at the college level (Ormrod, 2008). The objective of this article is to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in relation to student learning (achievement and performance) from the perspectives of college instructors. Benefits of Intrinsic Motivation Like most college instructors, they are concerned about students' intrinsic motivation for learning (Schunk et al., 2008). College students who are intrinsically motivated have a number of advantages over students who are extrinsically motivated (Table 1). For instance, intrinsically motivated students work on academic tasks because they find them enjoyable and interesting. Task participation is its own reward and does not depend on explicit rewards or other external constraints (Schunk et al., 2008). There is evidence showing that intrinsic motivation is positively correlated with learning, achievement, perception of competence and self-efficacy, and is negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and frustration (Gottfield, 1985 and 1990; Lepper et al. …


The aim of research is to assess the correlation between socio-demographic factors and swimming activity among the working population of Warsaw. The questionnaire survey included 4405 randomly selected residents of Warsaw. The correlation between the swimming activity and the variables characterizing the socio-demographic structure of the respondents were assessed by log-linear modelling. The significance of the impact of factors included in the analysis was determined using the chi-square test. Thirty-five per cent of the respondents declared recreational swimming. Gender, age, BMI, education, occupation, and income were significantly related to the swimming activity. Women (33%) – compared to men (38%) – were almost 1.2 times less likely to participate in swimming; similarly, overweight people (33%, OR = 0.90) and obese people (33%, OR = 0.92). People from Warsaw from 20-29 years (43%), with higher education (40%), incomes above the national average (40%), and representing the profession of an actor (52%), swam relatively more often. The results of the study might help in developing marketing plans and market segmentation strategies, as well as in forecasting the development trends of the leisure activity.


Single Display Groupware (SDG) is a research area that focuses on providing collaborative computing environments. Traditionally, most hardware platforms for SDG support only one person interacting at any given time, which limits collaboration. In this paper, we present laser pointers as input devices that can provide concurrent input streams ideally required to the SDG environment. First, we discuss several issues related to utilization of laser pointers and present the new concept of computer controlled laser pointers. Then we briefly present a performance evaluation of laser pointers as input devices and a baseline comparison with the mouse according to the ISO 9241-9 standard. Finally, we describe a new system that uses multiple computer controlled laser pointers as interaction devices for one or more displays. Several alternatives for distinguishing between different laser pointers are presented, and an implementation of one of them is demonstrated with SDG applications.


Happy Cow Steak is a restaurant in Bogor which offers western menu with steak as its main product. The aim of this research was to find out the characteristic of Happy Cow Steak's consumers, buying decision process, and consumer satisfaction. There were 90 respondents participating in this reserach. The methods used in this study were descriptive analysis, Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), and Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). The research showed that the majority of consumers who visited Happy Cow Steak Restaurant were women, 21-30 years old, income between Rp 500.000 to Rp 1.499.999 per month, bachelors and senior high school, graduate students, not married, and lived in Bogor. There were five stages which the happy cow steak consumers had in their buying decision making process, i.e. need recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase decision, and post-purchase behavior. Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) showed that the steak cutlery availability, restaurant cleanness, and restaurant comfort were the priority to be improved to meet customer satisfaction. Based on Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) test, consumer satisfaction level of Happy Cow Steak Restaurant was 71, 94 percent implying that the customers were satisfied.


Integrated optical true time delay lines attract lots of attention for optically controlled mm-wave beam steering due to its low-loss/broadband performance and stable/compact system architecture. However, for remotely-controlled networks, the techniques that require local-site actively-tuned elements would make the network control more complicated. A passive design using wavelength-tuning is regarded as a promising candidate. In this paper, an integrated wavelength-tuned optical mm-wave beamformer with doubled delay resolution is proposed and demonstrated in a generic InP platform. A bidirectional looped-back arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) module acts as the stepwise tunable delay unit. By introducing an extra AWG router for delay mode (positive/negative) selection and a bidirectional optical interface, a pure λ-tuned, resolution-doubled optical delay network is realized without using any active component (e.g. heaters, current injection) at the local site. This photonic passive design is more beneficial to the remotely-controlled mm-wave beam steering system. Furthermore, the AWG router potentially allows multi-port wavelength switching to support the scaling-up of the network. The fabrication-caused delay error of <1.1 ps is experimentally verified on-chip. A further proof-of-concept 38-GHz fiber-wireless beam steering system with a 186° angular steering is experimentally demonstrated using QAM-4 modulation. Accurate mm-wave phase shifts originated from the proposed optical beamformer are obtained, which proves the effectiveness of the tunable integrated beamformer.


Stability of solutions of the problems is an important aspect for application purposes. Since its introduction by Datko [7], the concept of exponential stability has been developed in various types of stability by various approaches. The existing conditions use evolution operator, evolution semigroup, and quasi semigroup approach for the non-autonomous problems and a semigroup approach for the autonomous cases. However, the polynomial stability based on C0-quasi semigroups has not been discussed in the references. In this paper we propose a new stability forC0-quasi semigroups on Banach spaces i.e the polynomial stability and polynomial dichotomy. As the results, the sufficient and necessary conditions for the polynomial and uniform polynomial stability are established as well as the sufficiency for the polynomial dichotomy. The results are also confirmed by the examples.


Interferon is the most important mediator of natural immunity, which suggests the use of interferon inducers as therapeutic and preventive agents in the treatment of acute respiratory diseases (ARDs) in children classified into a group of sickly and repeated-ARD patients. The article describes cycloferon--a drug belonging to the group of endogenous interferon inductor--and its mechanism of action, shows its prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy in children with recurrent ARDs. The clinical and pharmacological effectiveness of cycloferon has been confirmed by studying the proteomic profiles of blood plasma in sickly children.


This article integrates literature on social movements and migration to examine how migration shapes both the cognitive and social foundations of collective action in origin communities. Using longitudinal data and in-depth interviews from rural China, the author finds that outward migration spurs collective resistance in origin communities and shapes the form and scale of collective action. Migration fosters noninstitutionalized rather than institutionalized collective action, because it induces relational diffusion that empowers peasants to mobilize and employ more effective resistance strategies. This holds more for small- and medium-size collective action than for large-scale mobilizations, mainly because out-migration can also trigger community disintegration that inhibits larger-scale action. Furthermore, local social institutions condition the role of migration: migration has a stronger positive impact in close-knit villages embedded in strong lineage networks than in less cohesive villages. The author contextualizes the findings against the distinct institutional arrangements in China, which were originally engineered to disenfranchise rural-origin people but which instead have inadvertently politicized migrants and peasants alike.


How should governments respond to the increasing domestic and international pressures to finance antiretroviral therapy for AIDS patients? Once prohibitively expensive outside rich countries, antiretroviral therapy is now increasingly affordable, especially in India where patent laws and a dynamic pharmaceutical industry have facilitated the production and marketing of some of the best available drug combinations at prices below a dollar a day. This title projects the future implications of three alternative AIDS treatment financing policies for the health burden of AIDS in India and for its overall health expenditures. The Indian government's 2004 treatment initiative contains elements of all three of these options. Written by an interdisciplinary team of AIDS experts, the book presents new data on the supply and demand for antiretroviral treatment in India and new models of the epidemiological effects and the financial costs of alternative policies. The book shows that the lower prices of antiretroviral therapy, plus the fact that therapy can reduce transmission by the treated patient, imply that such therapy could save healthy years of life at a cost of between $146 and $280 per year. However, these conclusions depend on the assumption that treatment has no effect on risk behavior in key populations which account for most of the epidemic's spread. Sensitivity analysis reveals that multiplier effects due to behavioral responses would overwhelm the direct biological effects of treatment, leading the authors to recommend that India proceed cautiously. Careful monitoring of the population's response to treatment availability should suggest how to maximize the beneficial effects of treatment on risk behavior and to avoid the perverse effects.


During the last decade hexagonal manganites (h-RMNO3) have been a widely researched topic. This is mainly due to their multiferroic property that makes them a potential material for use in future electronics, data storage and sensors. The multiferroic property consists of the combination of ferroelectricity and magnetic order. In general, hexagonal manganites are assigned to the polar P63cm-space group and show ferroelectric behaviour at room temperature. However, recent experimental and computational studies on InMnO3 have shown deviating dielectric properties for this material. Both ferroelectric and paraelectric behaviour have been detected, which have raised questions regarding which space group is the most stable for InMnO3. The two proposed space groups in literature are ferroelectric, polar, P63cm and paraelectric, non-polar, P 3̄c1. In this project the effect of point defects on the relative stability of P63cm and P 3̄c1 is investigated through a first-principles study using density functional theory. From previous work it has been shown that interstitial and vacant oxygen decrease the energy difference between P 3̄c1 and P63cm, hence disfavour the polar structure. In this project the ground-state energies for both space groups with In-vacancies are found, the phase transition between non-polar P 3̄c1 and polar P63cm are investigated and the effect of point defects of the polarization of P63cm is studied. With In-vacancies present in InMnO3 under oxidizing (ox.) conditions the non-polar P 3̄c1 phase has the lowest energy and is therefore the most stable. Stoichiometric InMnO3 is an insulator but has shown to turn metallic when In-vacancies under ox. conditions are present. This was found for both the polar and non-polar phase. InO-vacancy pairs created in a reducing environment favoured the polar P63cm structure. Under these conditions the non-polar P 3̄c1 phase turned metallic, while the polar P 3̄c1 stayed insulating with some signs of shallow states in the band gap. The phase transition study revealed the presence of an activation energy barrier between stoichiometric P 3̄c1 and P63cm. This activation energy barrier increased with point defects of interstitial and vacant oxygen present, decreased for In-O-vacancy pairs and disappeared for In-vacancies at ox. condition. The polarization of P63cm increased with point defects of vacant oxygen and decreased substantially with In-vacancies present. The study has shown the great importance of point defects for the stability of the two phases in InMnO3, and has revealed a possible transition from insulator to metal with certain point defects present.


AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE WARSAW II MEETING ON ATMOSPHERIC COMPUTATIONS TO ASSESS ACIDIFICATION IN EUROPE JOSEPH ALCAMO and JERZY BARTNICKI International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Schlossplatz 1, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria (Received June 1, 1988; revised June 20, 1988) Abstract. Three topics are discussed in this report: sensitivity/uncertainty analysis of long range transport models, the interface between atmospheric models of different scales, and linkage between atmospheric and ecological models. In separate analyses oflong range transport models, it was found that uncertainty of annual S deposition was mostly affected by uncertainty of wind velocity, mixing height and wet deposition parameterization. Uncertain parameters collectively caused S deposition errors of around 10-25% (coefficient of variation) in the models examined. The effect of interannual meteorological variability on computed annual S deposition was relatively small. Different methods were presented for combining models of regional and interregional scale. It was found to be more important to include interregional information in regional-scale models for annual computations compared to episodic computations. A variety of linkage problems were noted between atmospheric and ecological models. The vertical distribution of pollutants and 'forest fittering' of pollutant deposition were found to be important in ecological impact calculations but lacking in the output of most interregional atmospheric models.


In order to make sound decisions regarding arsenate contamination in soil and water environments, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of arsenate sorption and desorption over extended periods. The major objectives of this study were to determine the effects of aging or residence time on the kinetics of arsenate sorption and desorption on goethite, and to combine spectroscopic x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and macroscopic studies in order to determine sorption and desorption mechanisms over time at pH 4 and 6. Sorption studies, conducted from 4 min to 12 mo, showed that arsenate sorption on goethite increased with time. Sorption was initially rapid, with over 93% arsenate being sorbed in a 24-h period at pH 6. Similar arsenate adsorption behavior was observed at pH 4. Analysis of the samples with extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) revealed that there exist two distinct atomic shells surrounding the adsorbed As. The closest atomic shell was identified as an O atom, the next shell out was identified as an Fe atom. The As-Fe bond distance of 3.30 A, derived from XAFS data, is indicative of a bidentate binuclear bond forming between the arsenate atoms and the goethite surface. This is in agreement with the findings of previous researchers. Analysis of the As EXAFS from samples incubated for various periods indicated that the molecular environment did not change over time. Complimentary desorption kinetic studies showed that when aging was increased, there was no significant change in the amount of arsenate desorbed from goethite by PO 4 3- . Initially, desorption was quite rapid with >35% of the total adsorbed As being desorbed within 24 h at pH 6. After the initial rapid desorption, only a small amount of additional desorption occurred at longer times. A significant amount of arsenate remained bound to the goethite after 5 mo of desorption even though the PO 4 3 desorptive solution was three times stronger than the initial arsenate sorptive solution. Sulfate was much less effective at promoting arsenate desorption; at pH 6, no more than 2.5% of the total sorbed arsenate desorbed over a 5-mo period. Desorption results at pH 4 were similar to the desorption behavior at pH 6. The XAFS analyses of PO 4 3- desorbed arsenate samples showed that the molecular environment of the adsorbed arsenate did not change.


A technique of constructing crude, low-resolution Spectral Energy Distributions (SEDs) for galaxies in distant clusters, using a set of intermediate bandwidth filters and a CCD detector, is developed which is capable of redressing many of the problems which have previously beset work in this field. The technique has been used to study galaxies in the distant clusters 0016+16 (z = 0.54) and Abell 370 (z = 0.37).These SEDs are then used to individually classify each object in the CCD field, ascribing both an estimated redshift and a galaxy type. The SEDs have been extended into the rest-frame ultraviolet (~ 270 nm) by imaging high redshift galaxies in blue passbands. Monitoring the behaviour of the Colour-Magnitude effect in the optical and -ultraviolet (uv) regions, indicates the presence of a new class of object which exhibits excess emission in the uv whilst having optical colours similar to nearby E/SO galaxies. The significance of this uv-excess is addressed by examining the available uv spectroscopy of nearby early-type galaxies obtained from observations carried out on the International Ul traviolet Explorer satellite. This study, in conjunction with a series of crude evolutionary models, leads to the conclusion that the uv-excess is most likely a manifestation of evolutionary differences in the spectral properties of galaxies at high redshifts, resulting from increased levels of star formation. Having developed such methods for using distant clusters of galaxies as evolutionary probes, a catalogue of candidate distant clusters is constructed from high contrast copies of deep 4m photographic plates. Finally, a series of possible future observations bcised on such a resource, combining a wide range of techniques, is outlined.


INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF THE SYNAPTIC TRANSCRIPTOME IN ETHANOLRESPONSIVE BEHAVIORS By Megan Anne O'Brien, M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014. Major Director, Michael F. Miles, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neurology Alcoholism is a complex neurological disorder characterized by loss of control in limiting intake, compulsion to seek and imbibe ethanol, and chronic craving and relapse. It is suggested that the characteristic behaviors associated with the escalation of drug use are caused by long-term molecular adaptations precipitated by the drug's continual administration. These lasting activity-dependent changes that underlie addictionassociated behavior are thought, in part, to depend on new protein synthesis and remodeling at the synapses. It is well established that mRNA can be transported to neuronal distal processes, where it can undergo localized translation that is regulated in a spatially restricted manner in response to stimulation. Through two avenues of investigation, the research herein demonstrates that behavioral responses to ethanol result, at least in part, from alterations in the synaptic transcriptome which contribute to synaptic remodeling and plasticity. The synaptoneurosome preparation was utilized to enrich for RNAs trafficked to the synapse. Two complementary methods of genomic profiling, microarrays and RNA-Seq, were used to survey the synaptic transcriptome of DBA/2J mice subjected to ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization. A habituating expression profile, characteristic of glucocorticoid-responsive genes, was observed for a portion of synaptically targeted genes determined to be sensitive to repeated ethanol exposure. Other ethanol-responsive genes significantly enriched for at the synapse were related to biological functions such as protein folding and extra-cellular matrix components, suggesting a role for local regulation of synaptic functioning by ethanol. In a separate series of experiments, it was shown that altered trafficking of Bdnf, an ethanol-responsive gene, resulted in aberrant ethanol behavioral phenotypes. In particular, mice lacking dendritically targeted Bdnf mRNA exhibited enhanced sensitivity to low, activating doses and high, sedating doses of ethanol. Together these experiments suggest that ethanol has local regulatory effects at the synapse and lays the foundation for further investigations into the role of the synaptic transcriptome in ethanol-responsive behaviors. Supported by NIAA grants R01AA014717, U01 AA016667 and P20AA017828 to MFM, F31AA021035 to MAO, and NIDA


The coaching process is a holistic, complex and context-specific enterprise. Thus, we cannot assume the simple transfer of research findings and recommendations from one situation to another. Yet, at the same time, there are sufficient similarities in what coaches do that allow them to be distinguished as coaches. Partly as a result of this paradoxical similarity and difference, the development of a universal model of the coaching process has been a popular but highly criticised endeavour. Consequently, the field of coaching lacks a theoretical framework around which its fragmented knowledge can be organised. This poster presents a new grounded model of the coaching process, developed during a longitudinal, mixed-methods case study of an "apex" rugby union coach. The grounded model helps to make sense of the complexity and scope of the coaching process in this one case, and serves to frame richer insights into the operational interactions of its components during the messy realities of coaching practice. In this sense, it is not promoted as a universal model of coaching, but as a heuristic device intended to contribute a much needed context-specific portrait of the coaching process. The extended value of the grounded model is to offer a framework for examining agreement and variation in other contexts, and thus to the development of a morphology of coaching as a recognisable but ill-defined enterprise.


We consider the problem of learning linear prediction models with model misspecification bias. In such case, the collinearity among input variables may inflate the error of parameter estimation, resulting in instability of prediction results when training and test distributions do not match. In this paper we theoretically analyze this fundamental problem and propose a sample reweighting method that reduces collinearity among input variables. Our method can be seen as a pretreatment of data to improve the condition of design matrix, and it can then be combined with any standard learning method for parameter estimation and variable selection. Empirical studies on both simulation and real datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in terms of more stable performance across different distributed data.


People's attitudes are at the center of social relations and to the heart of the dynamics of social processes. Attitudes are rarely idiosyncratic, but more often they are grounded in the groups we belong to. During the last two decades, research on intergroup attitudes has been enriched by indirect measures assessing spontaneous (implicit) attitudes that are distinguished from controlled (explicit) ones. Whereas explicit attitudes can form and change quickly, implicit attitudes are assumed to stem from long-term experiences and to be resistant to change (Greenwald & Banaji, 1995; Wilson, Lindsey, & Schooler, 2000). However, there is accumulating evidence that implicit attitudes in general and towards social groups in particular can form quickly based on descriptive information (Gregg, Seibt, & Banaji, 2006) or mere group membership (e.g., Otten & Moskowitz, 2000). Concerning the malleability of attitudes towards social groups, empirical evidence is diverse (see Blair, 2002 for the malleability of implicit attitudes; and Gregg et al., for their stability). Recent theorizing takes the diverse findings on the relative malleability of implicit and explicit attitudes into account and addresses their underlying processes and operating systems (e.g., Gawronski & Bodenhausen, 2006; Petty, Brinol, & DeMarree, 2007). It is still an ongoing debate why and when attitudes generally form and change (Gawronski & Sritharan, 2010). Specifically little attention has been paid to the influence of group membership on forming and changing intergroup attitudes.


Abstract The integrated plasma control approach provides a systematic method for designing plasma control algorithms with high reliability and for confirming their performance off-line prior to experimental implementation. This approach includes construction of plasma and system response models, validation of models against operating experiments, design of integrated controllers that operate in concert with one another as well as with supervisory modules, simulation of control action against off-line and actual machine control platforms, and iteration of the design-test loop to optimize performance. Using this approach, required levels of robustness to model uncertainties and off-normal events can be quantified and incorporated in the design process. The DIII-D digital plasma control system (PCS) enables application of this method by providing a flexible programming environment and an architecture for real-time parallel operation of a set of computers that executes the large set of control algorithms needed for exploration of the advanced tokamak regime. The present work describes the DIII-D PCS and the approach, benefits, and progress made in integrated plasma control as applied to the DIII-D tokamak, with implications for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor design and other next-generation tokamaks.


In this article Lynne Sears Williams of Calgary describes her family's decision to leave for the US, where her husband, Dr. Jim Williams, will pursue his career in family medicine. The decision was not made easily, she writes, but eventually a love for Canada was outweighed by her husband's desire to practise medicine without the financial and other constraints facing physicians in Canada.


| The issue of controlling values of various parameters of an evolutionary algorithm is one of the most important and promising areas of research in evolutionary computation: It has a potential of adjusting the algorithm to the problem while solving the problem. In this paper we (1) revise the terminology, which is unclear and confusing, thereby providing a classi cation of such control mechanisms and (2) survey various forms of control which have been studied by the evolutionary computation community in recent years. Our classi cation covers the major forms of parameter control in evolutionary computation and suggests some directions for further research.


This paper examines the impact of two important geometrical parameters, namely the thickness and source/drain extensions on the performance of low doped p-type double lateral gate junctionless transistors (DGJLTs). The three dimensional Technology Computer-Aided Design simulation is implemented to calculate the characteristics of the devices with different thickness and source/drain extension and based on that, the parameters such as threshold voltage, transconductance and resistance in saturation region are analyzed. In addition, simulation results provide a physical explanation for the variation of device characteristics given by the variation of geometric parameters, mainly based on investigation of the electric field components and the carries density variation. It is shown that, the variation of the carrier density is the main factor which affects the characteristics of the device when the device's thickness is varied. However, the electric field is mainly responsible for variation of the characteristics when the source/drain extension is changed.


A bonelike apatite layer was formed on metallic substrate ( Commercial grade Titanium)
when Calcium silicate was used as a catalyst for the apatite nucleation, and simulated body
fluid was used as a medium for the apatite growth. The apatite-forming ability detected by
EDX, the molal' ratio of CajP=1.70, indicating that calcium silicate coatings have the ability
to induce the bone-like apatite nucleation and growth on their surfaces from SBF. It is
assumed that particular silicate oligomers with structures such as dimer, linear trimer and
cyclic tetrarner contribute to the apatite nucleation the most. The apatite layer was formed
not only OIl limited surfaces but also on the whole surfaces of Titanium Substrate .. This
biomimetic method is expected to enable the bone like apatite coating on various kinds of
materials with complex shapes. Apatite interface was observed under a scanning electron
microscope after 72 hours soaking in stimulated bodyfluid. The apatite layer formed by the
biomimetic process was confirmed to consist of small crystals of apatite from EDX chemical
analysis. This type of apatite biocomposite expected to be useful as bone-repairing
material! bone implant.
The coatings formed on the metal surface were characterized by using X-ray
diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis
(EDXJ, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM, tapping mode image). The surface properties
such as coaling thickness, topography, roughness, were also measured by AFM and coating
hardness and coating strength were measured by scratch test.


Abstract Cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy and spectroscopy combined with SHRIMP ion probe measurements were carried out on detrital zircons from the Cretaceous Weferlingen quartz sand (Germany) to distinguish and characterize different zircon populations. Investigations by CL microscopy, SEM-CL and BSE imaging show that there are three main types of zircons (general grain sizes of 100-200 μm): (1) apparently weakly zoned, rounded grains with relict cores, (2) well rounded fragments of optically more or less homogeneous zircon grains showing CL zoning predominantly parallel to the z-axis, and (3) idiomorphic to slightly rounded zircon grains typically showing oscillatory euhedral CL zoning. A fourth type of low abundance is characterized by well-rounded grain fragments with an irregular internal structure showing bright yellow CL. High-resolution CL spectroscopic analyses reveal that blue CL is mainly caused by an intrinsic emission band centered near 430 nm. Dy3+ is the dominant activator element in all zircons, whereas Sm3+, Tb3+, Nd3+ have minor importance. Yellow CL (emission band between 500 and 700 nm) is probably caused by electron defects localized on the [SiO4] groups (e.g. related to oxygen vacancies) or activation by Yb2+ generated by radiation. Variations of the integral SEM-CL intensity are mainly controlled by the intensity of the broad bands and the Dy3+ peaks. SHRIMP analysis provides in situ high-resolution U-Pb dating of single zircon grains and confirms different ages for the evaluated different zircon types. The measurements show that the U-Pb ages of the zircons from Weferlingen scatter over a wide range (340 to 1750 Ma), backing up earlier conclusions that the quartz sand from Weferlingen is quite heterogeneous in terms of provenance.


An appreciation of the role of reflection in professional development is encouraging more and more research scholars, teachers, and teacher trainers to locate research in the classroom. And, most of them collect data using the questionnaire. Given the situation, it is useful to acquire fresh insights into the questionnaire as a research method in L2 situations. Our study demonstrates that respondents may find exploratory questions threatening both cognitively and linguistically, and choose not to respond to them. This will lead to a low response and return rate of the questionnaire. Although a great deal of guidance is available on the design and administration of the research tool, there appears to be very little research on the relationship between the nature of the open-ended questions and the low response rate, especially in the ESL context. The findings of this study show that researchers, investigating classroom-related issues, can use the workshop as an alternative tool for data on unobservable phenomena such as attitudes, perceptions, and opinions. Between the two research methods, the workshop is less threatening than the questionnaire for two reasons. It allows interaction among peers, encourages them to think on the issues through reflective activities, and facilitates their learning from the experience.


long term use of herbicide can pose serious threat to environment. Alternative strategies to chemical herbicide in weed control have received increasing attention nowadays.
Sea water could be used to control weed in salt tolerant turfgrass areas. The experiment was conducted in the rain shelter at Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, Sandakan
Campus, UMS in pots under a sand culture system to examine the response of turfgrass and common local weed species. The sandy soil had electrical conductivity (EC) of
0.24 dSm-l, organic carbon 0.09%, nitrogen 0.34%, with pH 5.23. Eight grassy weed species were used namely Axonopus compressus, Chrysopogon aciculatus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Digitaria ciliaris, Digitaria fuscescens, Digitaria sanguinalis, Poa annua. l, Sporobolus diander. The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of different concentration of sea water application for grassy weed control in Cynodon dactylon turfgrass and to categorise grassy weed species according to its susceptibility to sea water. All weed species and the control C dactylon (Bermuda) were subjected to five different salinity treatments, namely 0 dS m-l (distilled water), 12.2 dS mol, 24.4 dS mot, 36.5 dS m-l and 48.7 dS mol. The EC of collected sea water
was 48.7 dS mol. Pots were arranged in a completely Randomised design (CRD) with four replications. The treatment means were compared by least Significance Differences (LSD) at the 5% probability level. The parameters measured were injury level, shoot
fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and total dry matter. Injury symptoms were visually evaluated as an indicator of current conditions of weeds
and bermudagrass at 3, 7, 14,21 and 28 day after initial sea water exposure. At the end of the experiment shoots and roots were harvested. Results showed that the response
to salinity varied among species. Based on the present study weeds could be categorized as highly susceptible, moderately susceptible and highly tolerant. Highly susceptible
weeds include some grassy weeds (Axonopus compressus, Chrysopogon aciculatus, Digitaria ciliaris and Digitaria fuscescens). Moderately susceptible weed speCies was
Digitaria sanguinalis. Besides Cynodon dactylon, Poa annua. land Sporobolus diandrus was found to be moderately tolerant to salt water treatments (48.7 dS mol). Among the
weed tested at day 21 D. ciliaris was completely killed at 48.7 dS m-l with 100% injury level. Poa annua. l, S. diander and C dactylon (control) was the least sensitive grass at
all higher concentration of sea water with injury level of 45%, 47% and 6% respectively at 48.7 dS m-l on day 28. These results conclude that sea water could be used for
selected grassy weed (A. compressus, C aciculatus, D. ciliaris and D. fuscescens) control in turf species C dactylon turfgrass field. This option would be particularly attractive to managers of turf located near coastal areas where brackish or sea water can be readily made available for Irrigation at the same time reduce weed populations. As for the tolerant weed species which experienced less than 50% injury level further research should be done to identify the minimum amount of sea water needed over complete
control of the weeds and maybe mixture of sea water and herbicides application can be used to control tough weeds and indirectly reduce the amount of herbicide use.


This paper presents a simple, easy-to-use structural macroeconometric model designed to generate quarterly forecasts of four key macroeconomic variables – the exchange rate, the interest rate, the inflation rate, and the GDP growth rate.  The model's appeal is the ease by which timely forecasts, based on sound economic principles, can be made.  This is important from a corporate planner's perspective especially when macroeconomic events heavily influence the direction of a firm's growth.  The model is estimated by ordinary least squares using quarterly Philippine data from 1981:1 to 2000:3.  Historical simulations, both static and dynamic, were conducted to gauge the tracking ability of the model.  The first sample application makes a forecast of the four variables for the year 2001 based on the recently concluded EDSA II and assumptions on other exogenous variables: liquidity follows its trend growth; CPSD/GDP = -4 percent and CA/GDP = 9 percent.  The unprecedented discrete movement of the exchange rate from 54.7 to 47.5 pesos per dollar shifts the end-of-year forecast of 2.3 percent GDP growth to 3.1 percent.  The second example computes for the 2001 growth rate that is compatible with a government deficit of 225 billion pesos.  Growth with this deficit level turns out to be 2.7 percent.  Monte Carlo simulations were conducted so that forecast confidence intervals can be obtained.


Progress testing in the Netherlands was originally developed at Maastricht University. Since the late 1990s, a collaboration has started between three medical schools to jointly produce and administer the progress test. Currently, the progress test is administered to five out of eight medical schools in the Netherlands. The collaboration has led to substantial decrease in necessary resources per participating school. Also, the data provide a rich source for comparisons between schools and can be instrumental in inducing improvements to the curricula. Logistics of large-scale administrations and possible differences of views on item quality could be seen as a disadvantage. Also, it is not always easy to fit the test in the local regulatory structure, because it is only partly owned by each individual school. Important lessons for us have been that the advantages of the collaboration clearly outweigh the disadvantages. Of course, good collegial communication is needed, but this is not enough: a legal binding agreement has to be drawn up. Most importantly, such a collaboration creates a critical mass to enable multi-centre research and development projects on progress testing.


The utility of spinal fusion for patients with chronic low back pain is controversial. The aim ofthe current study is to find out whether spinal fusion benefits the patients or not. Additionally,two outcome scales, the Balanced Inventory for Spinal Disorders (BIS) and Oswestry Low BackPain Disability Index (ODI), are compared to detect which one is preferable. A prospectiverandomized study concerning spinal fusion has recently been performed in Sweden. 74 patientsaged 18 to 65 with low back pain lasting longer than one year were randomized into twotreatment groups: a fusion group and a non-fusion group. Evaluation of the physical sensationsbased on several outcome scales were conducted both before and one year after the treatment.Elisabeth Svensson's Method, which measures the level of changes both from systematic andindividual aspects, was applied to analyse the effect of spinal fusion. Measures of disorder(D) and order consistency (MA) were calculated when comparing the two outcome scales. Theconclusions are that spinal fusion has shown significant advantages over non-surgical treatmentmethods, and that BIS is recommended over ODI.


Use of radio waves is a very common choice for proximity fuzes. The stand-off distance for fuzes varies between a lower and an upper limit depending on the electromagnetic reflectivity of terrain (target). If the reflectivity of the terrain is comparably higher, the return power at the receiver reaches to the threshold level more quickly and the stand-off distance increases. The work presented here introduces an approach to estimate the height of airborne ballistic platforms more precisely compared with the conventional fuzes regardless of the reflection properties of the terrain. Independent measurements of the rate of change of voltage from the receiver and the rate of change of height (from Doppler shift) allow the height to be estimated when the terrain reflectivity is unknown.


Antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria is a serious public health issue. The growing threat is a cause for concern and action to prevent the emergence of new resistant strains and the spread of existing ones to humans via the environment. This study aimed at identifying fecal pathogens in drinking water obtained from rural Andean households from Cajamarca, Peru, and measuring the antibiotic resistance profile of Escherichia coli. The study was embedded within a community-randomized controlled trial among 102 communities in the northern highlands of the Cajamarca region, Peru. Of 314 samples, 55.4% (95% CI [49.7, 61.0], n = 174) were identified as thermotolerant coliforms. Among the samples positive for thermotolerant coliform, E. coli was isolated in 37.3% (n = 117), Klebsiella spp. in 8.0% (n = 25), Enterobacter spp. in 5.1% (n = 16), and Citrobacter spp. in 2.5% (n = 8). Of the 117 E. coli samples, 48.7% (95% CI [39.4, 58.1], n = 57) showed resistance to any antibiotic. The E. coli antibiotic resistance profile showed highest resistance against tetracycline (37.6%), ampicillin (34.2%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (21.4%), and nalidixic acid (13%). Some 19.7% (95% CI [12.9, 28.0], n = 23) of the E. coli isolates displayed multidrug resistance, defined as resistance to at least three classes of antibiotics. The CTX-M-3 gene, which encodes extended-spectrum resistance to beta-lactamase antibiotics, was found in one isolate. The high prevalence of fecal contamination in drinking water highlights the importance of household water treatment methods. Likewise, the high levels of antibiotic resistance found indicate a need for further research to identify the origins of potential environmental contamination, misuse, or inadequate disposal of antibiotics.


Reparative processes in the sciatic nerve of rats were studied by histological methods after a cryogenic injury with a combined and separate action of drugs Lactovit and Balise-2. The animals were divided into 5 groups: I--intact animals; II--control animals; III--animals treated with Balise-2; IV--animals treated with Lactovit; V--animals treated with both Balise-2 and Lactovit. In the nerve trunk within 75 days after injury (the maximum period of observation) the amount of thick myelin fibers with a diameter 6.8 mkm in the second group was 18%, in the third group--36%, in the fourth group--40%, in the fifth group--48%. Balise-2 mainly influenced differentiation of nerve fibers, while Lactovit first increased growth of the axons and then accelerated their differentiation and myelinization. Joint application of the drugs resulted in convergence of positive effects which was expressed by the greatest degree of reparation of the nerve trunk in the animals of the fifth group as compared with control.


In its purest form, the law of contracts is premised on the ideal of a transaction between parties of equal bargaining strength, who enter a mutually binding and beneficial agreement through the give and take of an open and fair negotiation. But the realities of a modern market economy have required adjustments to that ideal. The law pertaining to adhesion contracts provides an apt example of one such adjustment. In those agreements, the negotiated contract gives way to the form contract in order to promote efficiencies of scale that will benefit both businesses and consumers (and the economy in general) by permitting the parties to forego the formalities of negotiation and mutual assent. This alteration to contract law was justified to allow businesses to reduce their transaction costs, which translates as a benefit to consumers in the form of lower prices for goods and services. Any such adjustment, however, should not undermine the basic idea of a mutually beneficial agreement between the parties.


The world is on the cusp of major transformations of energy systems, with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems providing one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels. Amongst the countries moving to take advantage of the new production possibilities thus being opened up is Taiwan, employing in this new sector its characteristic strategies of fast followership that it has perfected in earlier industrial shifts involving semiconductors, ICT products and flat panel displays. This paper provides an interim assessment of Taiwan's early entry strategies, involving a focus on mainstream crystalline silicon solar cells, as well as entry into emerging niche sectors such as thin-film second-generation cells and concentrated solar cells utilizing novel semiconductor materials. Taiwan firms' fast-follower strategies are highlighted and assessed in light of the literature on industrial dynamics and catch-up processes generally. The paper makes a contribution to theory in building nine propositions regarding fast followership, based on prior industrial experiences and this latest episode in the solar PV industry. Taiwan's strategies as a model for China are discussed, while the paper proposes Taiwan as an alternative to the "closed" and "open" models of photovoltaic diffusion identified for Japan and the USA.


Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of arbidol in the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). Method(s): Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case-control studies on the efficacy and safety of arbidol for COVID-19, influenza, andother respiratory virus infections were collected by searching related database at home and abroad and network platform for preprint of Health Science Papers (medRxiv) (up to April 25, 2020). Quality of the enrolled studies was evaluated by bias risk assessment tool of Cochrane collaboration network and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Meta-analysis and descriptive analysis of relevant outcome indicators were performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Result(s): A total of 15 studies were enrolled in the study, including 7 cohort studies with high-quality and 8 RCTs, 6 of which were with low bias risk and the other 2 of which were with medium bias risk. Among these studies, 8 were on arbidol treatment for COVID-19, including 5 retrospective cohort studies, 2 prospective cohort studies, and 1 RCT, and involving 809 patients (479 patients in the arbidol group and 330 in the control group);7 were RCTs on arbidol treatment for influenza or other respiratory virus infections, involving 1 471 patients (745 patients in the arbidol group and 726 in the control group).In these studies, patients were treated with arbidol (0.15-1.2 g daily for 5-21 d) in the arbidol group while with the other antiviral agents or without any antiviral drug in the control group. Meta analysis on the efficacy and safety of arbidol in treatment for COVID-19 showed that the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) nucleic acid negative conversion rate in the arbidol group was significantly higher than that in the control group [71.7% (109/152) vs. 58.8% (94/160), relative risk (RR)=1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.67, P=0.04];the difference of time taken for 2019-nCoV nucleic acid negative conversion between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (standardized mean difference=-0.17, 95%CI: -0.72-0.38, P=0.55);the difference of disease improvement rate shown by chest CT on day 7 after treatment between the 2 groups was not statistically significant [46.2% (30/65) vs. 50.7% (36/71), RR=0.88, 95%CI: 0.39-1.98, P=0.76];and the difference of incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 groups was not statistically significant [16.9% (39/231) vs. 19.2% (47/245), risk difference (RD)=-0.03, 95%CI: -0.10-0.04, P=0.44]. Meta analysis on the safety of arbidol in treatment for influenza and other respiratory virus infections showed that the incidence of adverse reactions in the arbidol group was significantly lower than that in the control group [5.9% (44/745) vs. 11.3% (82/726), RR=0.52, 95%CI: 0.37-0.74, P<0.01]. Conclusion(s): Arbidol could effectively increase the 2019-nCoV nucleic acid negative conversion rate and it might be safe to treat COVID-19 using arbidol.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.


In business and government organizations, information systems often handle sensitive data about individuals and other organizations, using various kinds of identifiers. The growing cooperation of organizations results in the need to share and exchange such data. This collection and sharing, however, is affected by privacy concerns, and organizational and technical issues have to be solved and taken into account. This paper describes the results of an exploratory study in the government sector, focusing on the way public organizations manage identity-related data and the sharing of such data, either with other public agencies or with private organizations. Despite significant progress in harmonizing the legal and administrative provisions and technical standards in the European Union, there are still considerable cross-country differences regarding this subject. These differences—together with the growing mobility of goods, persons, and related data within the European Union—cause particular challenges for information systems in digital government in this region. After discussing and defining the key notions and methodology of the study, we present the status quo in 18 out of 25 EU member states and compare it to the results of a prior study by the same network done in 2001. Finally, we draw conclusions about identity management in cross-border contexts.


Countries with ongoing conflict or those which experienced a long drawn out war are beset with social problems and economic slowdown. Armed conflict disrupts family life and governance. Local conflict adversely affects the provision of health services, schooling, and public utilities in the immediate vicinity. Relationships among residents are fractured, and existing power structure loses or diminishes its authority. Several studies worldwide have documented the effects of armed conflict on the communities where they occur. It seems, however, that the direct consequences of war in terms of deaths, injuries, and damage to physical infrastructures prove to be much easier to measure than the long-term impact of exposure to violence on people's mental health. The prevalence of mental health problems can rise significantly after natural disasters and conflict (Whiteford, 2005). Marcelino, et al. (2000) recorded that since 1986, poverty, human rights violations, evacuations, and terrorism, among others, affected mostly children eight years old and below. A body of literature on children and war documented the travails the young suffer — the trauma and physical violence they experienced. In particular, it is indicated that conflict implicates their ability to learn in school and threatens their chances for long-term psychosocial stability (Machel, 1996).


Numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the bearing behaviour of steel foot pipe. Main mechanical affections occur at the lateral zone, and the maximal stress occurs at the lateral end of the pipe. With the increase of cross direction load, the maximal stress increases and exceeds the strength of material, and the pipe is pulled out. The influencing factors of bearing capacity of the steel foot pipe were studied. Some important results different from engineering experiences are as following: 1) to steel foot pipe that can not penetrate the soft base, its reasonable dip angle is very small for its low longitudinal bearing capacity; 2) steel pipe with diameter of 42mm is unsuitable for foot steel pipe because its low cross bearing capacity; 3) to a given geological condition and pipe parameter, the reasonable length of steel pipe is certain, extra longer pipes can't obtain larger capacity; 4) surrounding rock near the support structure should be especially reinforced by drilling grouting holes along the whole steel pipe.


We propose a mixed environment for tele-meeting between a real human and computer-generated virtual humans. For the natural interactions among the participants, the mixed environment is augmented by the visual and aural cues that are crucial for tele-meeting. As the real and virtual worlds are seamlessly coupled, the proposed system can give the participants the sense of tele-presence. The system may be applied to immersive tele-meeting, tele-education, and interactive TV programs.


Thin-film transistors (TFTs), which use zinc oxide (ZnO) as an active layer, were fabricated and investigated in detail. The transport properties of ZnO deposited by spray pyrolysis (SP) on a TFT structure are studied in a wide range of temperatures, electrical conditions (i.e., subthreshold, above-threshold linear, and saturation regions), and at different channel lengths. It is shown that ZnO deposited by SP is a nanocrystalline material; its field-effect mobility is temperature activated and increases with carrier concentration. On the basis of this analysis, we propose the multiple-trapping-and-release (MTR)-transport mechanism to describe the charge transport in ZnO. By means of numerical simulations, we prove that MTR is a suitable approach, and we calculate the density of states. We show that the tail states extend in a wide range of energy and that they strongly influence the transport properties. Finally, an analytical physical-based DC model is proposed and validated with experiments and numerical simulations. The model is able to reproduce the measurements on devices with different channel length in a wide range of bias voltages and temperatures by means of a restricted number of parameters, which are linked directly to the physical properties of the ZnO semiconductor. For the first time, the charge transport in the ZnO is investigated by means of the MTR, and a consistent analysis based on experiments, numerical simulations, and analytical modeling is provided.


Levosimendan, is a new calcium sensitiser with 2 major effects. First, levosimendan acts as a positive inotropic agent by binding calcium dependently to cardiac troponin C. Second, levosimendan activates adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium (K (ATP)) channels. Thus it has vasodilatory properties and cardioprotective effects at a dose enhancing myocardial contractility. These unique properties of levosimendan might be of great advantage in patients with myocardial ischemia simultaneously requiring inotropic support. The concept of perioperative inoprotection is presented in 6 patients with acute ischemia undergoing emergent cardiac surgery.


Abstract. For the modelling of the flood routing in the lower reaches of the Freiberger Mulde river and its tributaries the one-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling system HEC-RAS has been applied. Furthermore, this model was used to generate a database to train multilayer feedforward networks. To guarantee numerical stability for the hydrodynamic modelling of some 60 km of streamcourse an adequate resolution in space requires very small calculation time steps, which are some two orders of magnitude smaller than the input data resolution. This leads to quite high computation requirements seriously restricting the application – especially when dealing with real time operations such as online flood forecasting. In order to solve this problem we tested the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). First studies show the ability of adequately trained multilayer feedforward networks (MLFN) to reproduce the model performance.


What makes helping relationships - or social interventions in general - so sensitive to abuse? These problems are directly related to the nature of the helping relationship. The core of this relationship is the inequality, the asymmetry, between the helper and the person being helped, and the dependence of the latter. Asymmetry is the driving force behind every social intervention and at the same time its weakest point. Handling asymmetry in an appropriate manner constitutes a major part of the work of the intervening party. This asymmetry makes heavy demands on the professional attitude of the intervening party i.e. the helper. Is s/he capable of dealing with dependence in an acceptable way? Is s/he well-versed in her/his profession? This article contains a comprehensive sketch of many of the possible dangers and pitfalls which beset asymmetric intervention relations. At the end it will be argued that, for a better understanding, the proximity of helping and power has to be taken into account.


A tool, AFDCONTROL, is developed to help the operators of pressurized water reactors predict axial flux difference (AFD) and find the control rod positions for power maneuvers. AFDCONTROL has used an off-line procedure to simulate AFD. After adopting a long-cycle strategy as the fuel management policy of Maanshan nuclear power plant (MNPP), AFD control during the power reduction near end of cycle (EOC) becomes more difficult than before. In this study, we have used AFDCONTROL to simulate this trend. AFDCONTROL suggests that AFD (even at higher burnup conditions) can be controlled by extending the power reduction rate. After implantation of the AFDCONTROL tool in MNPP, the operators of MNPP units have used AFDCONTROL to find the control rod sequences and positions under certain power reduction rates to control AFD without violating limits, especially at EOC of the high-burnup cycle.


Abstract We find that the requirement of model interpretations to be faithful is vague and incomplete. With interpretation by textual highlights as a case study, we present several failure cases. Borrowing concepts from social science, we identify that the problem is a misalignment between the causal chain of decisions (causal attribution) and the attribution of human behavior to the interpretation (social attribution). We reformulate faithfulness as an accurate attribution of causality to the model, and introduce the concept of aligned faithfulness: faithful causal chains that are aligned with their expected social behavior. The two steps of causal attribution and social attribution together complete the process of explaining behavior. With this formalization, we characterize various failures of misaligned faithful highlight interpretations, and propose an alternative causal chain to remedy the issues. Finally, we implement highlight explanations of the proposed causal format using contrastive explanations.


Cytoplasm of maturing amphibian oocytes possesses a factor that induces germinal vesicle breakdown. This factor was extracted from Rana pipiens eggs and assayed by microinjection in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The activity of this factor is Mg-dependent, Ca-sensitive, and associated with heat-labile protein. Centrifugation on a sucrose density gradient revealed that the factor exists in three different molecular sizes.


This Article reviews and comments upon selected developments in copyright law during the period of September 1999 through August 2000. Copyright developments during this period trace the rapid digitization and globalization of copyright markets. They also reflect new legal regimes, including the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA") and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property ("TRIPS"), designed to bolster copyright in the face of digitization and globalization. This Article briefly examines each reported case concerning the DMCA. It also reviews the World Trade Organization dispute settlement panel ruling that provisions of Section 115(1) of the United States Copyright Act violate TRIPS. This past year has also seen numerous constitutional challenges to copyright law, including several First Amendment challenges. This Article chides courts for generally failing to apply the O?Brien test for content-neutral regulation to First Amendment challenges to copyright. Concomitantly, it lauds the court in Universal City Studios v. Reimerdes for applying O?Brien to defendants? First Amendment challenge to the DMCA. The Article also reviews a number of cases concerning more traditional copyright issues, as well as a case spanning back to the parchment millennium, the Israeli Supreme Court decision in the Dead Seas Scrolls litigation.


Smarter Approach to Nuclear Expenditures Act - Prohibits using funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2013 or thereafter: (1) to arm a B-2 or B-52 aircraft with a nuclear weapon; (2) for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDTE (3) to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; or (4) for the B61 or W78 life extension program. Requires that, beginning in FY2013, the Navy shall include no more than eight operational ballistic-missile submarines available for deployment. Prohibits the use of DOD funds: (1) for FY2013-FY2023 to procure an SSBN-X submarine, and (2) for FY2024 and thereafter to procure more than eight such submarines. Prohibits using DOD funds for FY2013 or thereafter: (1) to maintain more than 200 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), (2) to maintain more than 250 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, (3) for the RDT&E or procurement of a new ICBM, or (4) for the medium extended air defense system. Prohibits using DOD or Department of Energy (DOE) funds for FY2013 or thereafter for: (1) the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project, (2) the chemistry and metallurgy research replacement nuclear facility, and (3) the uranium processing facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex. Requires an initial and subsequent annual reports from the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to Congress outlining their respective plans to carry out the requirements of this Act. Directs the President to submit annually to Congress a comprehensive accounting by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the amounts obligated or expended by the federal government for each nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during the fiscal year covered by the report and the life cycle of such weapon or program.


ZnO thin films have been deposited onto the glass substrates by the sol-gel spin coating method at different chuck rotation rates. The effect of deposition parameters on the structural, optical and electrical properties of the ZnO thin films was investigated. The crystal structure and orientation of the ZnO thin films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The optical absorbance and transmittance measurements were recorded by using a double beam spectrophotometer. The optical absorption studies reveal that the transition is direct band gap energy. The I-V plots of the ZnO thin films were carried out in dark and under UV-illumination. The result shows the obtained ZnO thin films can be used as a photovoltaic material.


This study reports on the prevalence and correlates of perceived historical loss among 459 North American Indigenous adolescents aged 11-13 years from the northern Midwest of the United States and central Canada. The adolescents reported daily or more thoughts of historical loss at rates similar to their female caretakers. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that our measure of perceived historical loss and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale were separate but related constructs. Regression analysis indicated that, even when controlling for family factors, perceived discrimination, and proximal negative life events, perceived historical loss had independent effects on adolescents' depressive symptoms. The construct of historical loss is discussed in terms of Indigenous ethnic cleansing and life course theory.


Bevacizumab (Avastin®) is a recombinant monoclonal antibody that inhibits growth and maintenance of tumour blood vessels by binding to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Among various other indications, it is licensed by the EMA for the front-line treatment of adult patients with advanced (FIGO stages IIIB, IIIC and IV) epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer (since 2011). To date, bevacizumab is not approved for the first-line treatment of patients with ovarian cancer by the FDA. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the addition of bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, two randomised controlled trials, ICON7 and GOG-0218, were included in this report. Although both trials initially showed an improvement of progression-free survival (PFS) when bevacizumab was added to standard chemotherapy, the overall benefit for the patients was modest. In the ICON7 trial, an updated analysis (results published in 2015) even showed no difference in PFS between the treatment groups. Regarding overall survival (OS), there was no significant difference between the treatment groups in both trials: in the ICON7 trial, a gain of 0.9 months in restricted mean survival has been shown; patients of the GOG-0218 trial did not achieve any gain in OS by receiving study treatment. However, the benefits in OS and PFS were greater among patients who had a high risk for progression than in lower-risk patients. The benefit in restricted mean survival time for high-risk patients of the ICON7 trial was 4.8 months when bevacizumab was added to standard chemotherapy. There were no significant differences in the quality of life of patients between the treatment groups of both trials. Adverse events (AEs) were more frequent in patients who received additional bevacizumab compared to standard chemotherapy. The addition of bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer showed no survival benefit in the overall study population. However, high-risk patients with a poor prognosis achieved a benefit in OS, although it has to be considered that the increase is based on data of the ICON7 trial using an unlicensed dose of bevacizumab. Furthermore, the improvements in PFS are not statistically significant. Hence, high additional costs and increased AEs stand in contrast to modest efficacy improvements. However, the impact of any prolongation of the patient's life might be relevant, even if the addition of bevacizumab is not associated with an improved quality of life. Since the ICON7 trial was conducted with an unlicensed dose of bevacizumab, it is difficult to assess the applicability of the results and, not least, their impact on the treatment costs.


Studies suggest that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is causally related to abnormal cardiovascular autonomic control in adults, but this has not been established in pediatric OSAS. The goal of this study was to quantify autonomic system dysfunction, as manifested by cardiovascular response abnormalities, in children with OSAS. During wakefulness, we continuously measured the ECG, arterial blood pressure and airflow in each subject. These measurements were made during the following conditions: spontaneous breathing in the supine posture (baseline), spontaneous breathing in the standing posture (orthostatic stress); tracking of the subject's own prior spontaneous breathing pattern while supine (mental stress), and during a cold face challenge. Using spectral analysis and modeling techniques, we sought to computationally delineate the physiological mechanisms that mediate these abnormalities. Our preliminary results suggest that the autonomic effects of pediatric OSAS differ from those in adult in that parasympathetic activity remains relatively normal despite the elevated peripheral sympathetic drive


Due to excessive current densities, electromigration (EM) may trigger a permanent open- or short-circuit failure in signal wires or power networks in analog or mixed-signal circuits. As the feature size keeps shrinking, this effect becomes a key reliability concern. Hence, in this paper, we focus on wiring topology generation for avoiding EM at the routing stage. Prior works tended towards heuristics; on the contrary, we first claim this problem belongs to class P instead of class NP-hard. Our breakthrough is, via the proof of the greedy-choice property, we successfully model this problem on a multi-source multi-sink flow network and then solve it by a strongly polynomial time algorithm. Experimental results prove the effectiveness and efficiency of our algorithm.


Flameless venting is a sort of dual mitigation technique allowing, in principle, to vent a process vessel inside a building where people are working without transmitting a flame outside the protected vessel. Existing devices are an assembly of a vent panel and a metal filter so that the exploding cloud is forced to go through the filter. Within the frame of ATEX Directive, those systems need to be certified. To do so a standard (NF EN 16009) has been issued describing which criteria need to be verified / measured. Among them , the "efficiency" factor as defined earlier for standard vents. This implies that flameless venting systems are basically considered as vents. But is it really so? The practical experience of INERIS in testing such systems is presented in this paper. Schematically, with a flameless vent the pressure is discharged but not the flame so that combustion is proceeding to a much longer extent inside the vessel than with a classical vent. Therefore the physics of the explosion is different. This question is discussed on the basis of experimental results and some implications on the practical use and certification process are drawn.


As an unconventional energy source, the development of shale oil plays a positive role in global energy, while shale oil is widespread in organic nanopores. Kerogen is the main organic matter component in shale and affects the flow behaviour in nanoscale-confined spaces. In this work, a molecular dynamic simulation was conducted to study the transport behaviour of shale oil within kerogen nanoslits. The segment fitting method was used to characterise the velocity and flow rate. The heterogeneous density distributions of shale oil and its different components were assessed, and the effects of different driving forces and temperatures on its flow behaviours were examined. Due to the scattering effect of the kerogen wall on high-speed fluid, the heavy components (asphaltene) increased in bulk phase regions, and the light components, such as methane, were concentrated in boundary layers. As the driving force increased, the velocity profile demonstrated plug flow in the bulk regions and a half-parabolic distribution in the boundary layers. Increasing the driving force facilitated the desorption of asphaltene on kerogen walls, but increasing the temperature had a negative impact on the flow velocity.


Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of arrhythmia in the world. As the population ages, it is estimated that the prevalence of AF will increase by 2.5 fold in the next 50 years.1 At the same time, diabetes has become a pandemic disease in the western world as well as in developing countries. Independent risk factors for chronic AF include hypertension, heart failure, valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathy. The development of AF is likely to be multifactorial and the mechanism is elusive, while there is emerging evidence on the correlation between AF and diabetes mellitus (DM). DM and AF share common antecedents such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and obesity. Population-based studies suggested that DM is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation.2 Both DM and AF are marked predictor for stroke and mortality. The causal relation between DM and AF is still debatable and will be discussed


Thin films of hafnium aluminate, with varying aluminum content, have been deposited by liquid injection metalorganic chemical vapor deposition using the metal alkoxide precursors hafnium methyl-methoxy-propanolate and aluminum iso-propoxide. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the films were amorphous at aluminum concentrations above 7 at. %. Postdeposition annealing indicated that the oxide-transition temperature from amorphous to crystalline increased with aluminum content. Medium-energy ion scattering showed that up to 900 °C, internal oxidation of the silicon substrate had been inhibited. The capacitance–voltage characteristics of the films significantly improved following annealing in dry air.


I combine a regression discontinuity design with rich data on academic and labor market outcomes for a large sample of Florida students to identify the returns to four-year college for students on the academic margin of college admission. In addition, I develop a theoretical model of college choice with and without credit constraints that allows for intuitive tests of the importance of credit constraints within this population. I find that students who obtain high school grades just above the threshold value for admissions eligibility at a large public university in Florida are much more likely to attend a four-year college and much less likely to attend a community college than students with grades just below the threshold. The earnings returns to a year of four-year college for affected students are 8.7 percent, nearly identical to returns to college for the population of Florida high school students. Consistent with the credit constraints hypothesis, poorer students who are more likely to be credit constrained work more while in college and realize higher post-college returns.


This experiment was carried out to determine the effect of mulberry-leucaena foliage mixed feed on protein digestibility and VFA production using an in vitro gas production study. Mulberry was mixed with one of 2 leucaena varieties ( Leucaena leucocephala hybrid and Leucaena leucocephala local) at 3 levels (0, 25 and 50%). Study was conducted in completely randomized design. Mulberry foliage, leucaena and mixtures of mulberry-leucaena were incubated for 24 hours in glass syringes. Parameter recorded were gas production, in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD), in vitro N digestibility (IVND) and VFA production. Results of the study showed that supplementation of leucaena to mulberry decreased IVOMD, gas production and protein digestibility in the rumen buffered medium. The mixture of mulberry and leucaena hybrid at ratio 50% resulted in the lowest IVND than other treatment. However it increased protein digestibility in acid pepsin incubation as an estimate of protein availability in intestine. Gas production decreased in mulberry leucaena mixtures was followed by decreased total VFA production. Tannin derived from leucaena hybrid supplementation to mulberry at ratio 1 : 1 was most effective to decrease protein digestion in the rumen and to increase protein digestibility in acid pepsin incubation. In conclusion mixing of hybrid leucaena hybrid with mulberry foliage was able to protect protein degradation from mulberry in the rumen.


This report summarises conclusions from an evidence-based workshop which evaluated major clinical strategies for the management of the full spectrum of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, with an emphasis on medical management.

The disease was defined by the presence of oesophageal mucosal breaks or by the occurrence of reflux induced symptoms severe enough to impair quality of life. Endoscopy negative patients were recognised as the most common subgroup; most of these patients can be diagnosed by a well structured symptom analysis. There is a consistent hierarchy of effectiveness of available initial and long term therapies that applies for all patient subgroups. Lifestyle measures were judged to be of such low efficacy that they were rejected as a primary therapy for all patient subgroups. Proton pump inhibitor therapy was considered the initial medical treatment of choice because of its clearly superior efficacy which results in the most prompt achievement of desirable outcomes at the lowest overall medical cost. It was acknowledged that most of patients require long term management and that any maintenance therapy should be chosen by step down to the regimen that is still effective, but least costly. Endoscopic monitoring of routine long term therapy was considered inappropriate, on the basis that control of symptoms is an acceptably reliable indicator of healing in patients with oesophagitis.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery was recognised as a significant therapeutic advance, the results of which, however, depend substantially on the experience of the surgeon. There are currently no published direct comparisons of cost and efficacy outcomes of optimal medical and surgical therapies for reflux disease. To a significant degree, the choice between medical and surgical therapy should depend on informed patient preference.

Substantial advances have occurred recently in the understanding and treatment of reflux disease. By contrast, there has been relatively little research into the best …


Livestock grazing is the most widespread commercial use of federal public lands. The image of a herd grazing on Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service lands is so traditional that many view this use as central to the history and culture of the West. Yet the grazing program costs far more to administer than it generates in revenues, and grazing affects all other uses of public lands, causing potentially irreversible damage to native wildlife and vegetation. The Western Range Revisited proposes a landscape-level strategy for conserving native biological diversity on federal rangelands, a strategy based chiefly on removing livestock from large tracts of arid BLM lands in ten western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming. Drawing from range ecology, conservation biology, law, and economics, Debra L. Donahue examines the history of federal grazing policy and the current debate on federal multiple-use, sustained-yield policies and changing priorities for our public lands. Donahue, a lawyer and wildlife biologist, uses existing laws and regulations, historical documents, economic statistics, and current scientific thinking to make a strong case for a land-management strategy that has been, until now, "unthinkable." A groundbreaking interdisciplinary work, The Western Range Revisited demonstrates that conserving biodiversity by eliminating or reducing livestock grazing makes economic sense, is ecologically expedient, and can be achieved under current law.


In this paper, the sulfate resistance properties of concrete under loading action are studied. The concrete specimens with different water/cement ratio are prepared and correlative corrosive experiments are carried out under single damage factor (SDF) and multiple damage factors (MDF), which is relative with drying and wetting cycles. Dynamic elastic modulus is taken to characteristic the sulfate resistance properties of concrete under the action of loading, drying and wetting cycles and sulfate corrosion. Results show the corrosion mechanisms of sulfate attack due to single damage factor and multiple damage factors were not all the same, and multiple damage factors could indicate the concrete structure due to sulfate attack more exactly.


Towards A Systematic Investigation of Weakly Coupled Free Fermionic Heterotic String Gauge Group Statistics Matthew B. Robinson, B.S. Chairperson: Gerald B. Cleaver, Ph.D. We investigate several issues regarding weakly coupled free fermionic heterotic string model building. After reviewing the necessary background, we first address an alternative interpretation of the GSO projection in terms of the Weyl conditions on the root space of the gauge group of a given model. We develop an algorithm to systematically generate and analyze string models very efficiently by linearizing the constraints. Next we investigate free fermionic model building from the approach of quantum computing algorithms. We also consider a few unique and interesting gauge groups which can arise in non-standard ways using this method. Then we develop a variation of the well known "NAHE" basis of (quasi)-realistic models with initial observable sector gauge group SO(10) that offers the possibility of a new class of models with an initial observable sector gauge group of E6. Finally we consider several topics regarding the applications of Optical Unification in string models.


Six months have passed since the Thai military has ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and taken over power. The situation in the country has not eased since then. The military-installed government has proven to be unable to restore peace in the south and to bring the economy back on track. It faced severe problems in providing evidence on Thaksin s alleged corruption. Rumours about the rulers intention to reduce the scope of public participation perpetuated the public's growing feeling of mistrust. With a down-spiralling economy and a security situation worse than before the coup uncertainty took hold of the Thai citizens and pressed on the government to deliver its ambitious promises timely.


Freshly isolated hepatocytes are considered the gold standard for in vitro studies of hepatic drug disposition. To ensure a reliable supply of cells, cryopreserved human hepatocytes are often used. ABC-superfamily drug efflux transporters are key elements in hepatic drug disposition. These transporters are often considered lost after isolation of hepatocytes. In the present study, the expression and activity of ABC transporters BCRP, BSEP, P-gp, MRP2, MRP3, and MRP4 in human and rat cryopreserved hepatocytes were investigated. In commercially available human cryopreserved hepatocytes, all drug efflux transporters except human BCRP (hBCRP) exhibited similar expression levels as in fresh liver biopsies. Expression levels of hBCRP were 60% lower in cryopreserved human hepatocytes than in liver tissue, which could lead to, at most, a 2.5-fold reduction in hBCRP-mediated efflux. Fresh rat hepatocytes showed significantly lower levels of rat BCRP compared with liver expression levels; expression levels of other ABC transporters were unchanged. ABC transporters in human cryopreserved cells were localized to the plasma membrane. Functional studies could demonstrate P-gp and BCRP activity in both human cryopreserved and fresh rat hepatocytes. Inhibiting P-gp–mediated efflux by elacridar in in vitro experiments significantly decreased fexofenadine efflux from hepatocytes, resulting in an increase in apparent fexofenadine uptake. The results from the present study clearly indicate that ABC transporter-mediated efflux in freshly isolated as well as cryopreserved rat and human hepatocytes should be taken into account in in vitro experiments used for modeling of drug metabolism and disposition.


Freesias are popular garden plants in the family Iridaceae.
Freesia
spp.
have been reported to be infected by various viruses:
Bean yellow mosaic
virus
,
Freesia mosaic virus
,
Cucumber mosaic virus
,
Tobacco rattle virus
(Brunt, 1995) and ophioviruses (Vaira
et al
., 2006). In April 2007, leaf
samples showing chlorotic streaks were collected from Kangra region of
Northern India. These samples were tested for the presence of potyviruses
using an indirect ELISA kit (Agdia) as per the manufacturer's instructions.
A positive result was obtained from one of the ten collected samples. Total
RNA was extracted from this positive leaf sample using RNAqueous®
RNA isolation kit (Ambion). RT-PCR was performed with a degenerate
potyvirus primer pair (P9502 & CPUP), which amplifies the partial coat
protein (CP) gene and 3
′
-UTR region of the viral genome (Van der Vlugt
et al
., 1999). An amplicon of ~650 bp was obtained, which was cloned into
pGEM®-T Easy vector (Promega) and sequenced. Analysis showed that
the sequence shared 98% identity with the only sequence of the tentativelynamed
Spiranthes mosaic virus 2 (SpMV2; GenBank Accession No.
AY685219), reported from
Spiranthes cernua
in USA (Guaragna
et al
.,
2006). In order to sequence the full CP gene, primers were designed using
the available SpMV2 sequence. The complete CP gene and 3
′
-UTR was
amplified, cloned and sequenced. A sequence of 1026 bp was submitted to
the EMBL Database (Accession No. AM748701). This sequence showed
97% identity with a partial sequence (429 bp) of
Freesia mosaic virus
(FreMV; EF203688) obtained from a Dutch
Freesia
isolate, this short
sequence is the only one available for FreMV. The Indian isolate showed
less than 86% homology at the amino acid level with any other potyvirus.
A host range study using the Indian isolate was carried out using
Freesia
and
Spiranthes
spp. The isolate could not be transmitted to the orchid; but
it did infect
Freesia
, showing mild chlorotic symptoms, typical of FreMV
infection. Based on the biological and sequence data, the present isolate
has been identified as FreMV. This study also supports the case that
SpMV2 is in fact an isolate/strain of FreMV, rather than being a distinct
virus. This is the first report of FreMV in India.


Soil fertility is defined as the capacity of a specific kind of soil to function, within natural or managed ecosystem boundaries to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and support human health and habitation. Perhaps no other living organism in the soil is as important as an earthworm in helping to increase soil health. Earthworms are the most commonly occur in the soil. The activities of burrowing and feeding by earthworms have many valuable effects generally on soil quality for crop production. Earthworms increase soil aeration, infiltration, structure, nutrient cycling, water movement, and plant growth. Earthworms are one of the major decomposers of organic matter. They get their nutrition from microorganisms that live on organic matter and in soil material. When they move through the soil eating, earthworms form tubular channels or burrows. These burrows can persist for a long time in the soil. Earthworm burrows increase soil porosity which increases the amount of air and water that get into the soil. Increased porosity also lowers bulk density and increases root development. Earthworm excrement or casts increase soil fertility because it contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Earthworm casts also contain microorganisms which increase in abundance as organic matter is digested in their intestines. The cycling of nutrients from organic matter and the increase in microorganisms facilitates plant growth. They cast along with binding agents released by earthworms also improve soil structure and increase aggregate stability. The soil biota benefits soil productivity and contributes to the sustainable function of all ecosystems. The cycling of nutrients is a critical function that is essential to life on earth. Earthworms (EWs) are a major component of soil fauna communities in most ecosystems and comprise a large proportion of macrofauna biomass. Their activity is beneficial because it can enhance soil nutrient cycling through the rapid incorporation of detritus into mineral soils. In addition to this mixing effect, mucus production associated with water excretion in earthworm guts also enhances the activity of other beneficial soil microorganisms. This is followed by the production of organic matter. So, in the short term, a more significant effect is the concentration of large quantities of nutrients (N, P, K, and Ca) that are easily assimilable by plants in fresh cast depositions. In addition, earthworms seem to accelerate the mineralization as well as the turnover of soil organic matter. Earthworms are known also to increase nitrogen mineralization, through direct and indirect effects on the microbial community. The increased transfer of organic C and N into soil aggregates indicates the potential for earthworms to facilitate soil organic matter stabilization and accumulation in agricultural systems, and that their influence depends greatly on differences in land management practices.


Background: Children born with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) must undergo corrective surgery for survival, arterial switch being the standard surgical procedure. The sympathetic in- nervation of the heart may be damaged during the operation. This study was designed to deter- mine whether adults who were born with TGA and who had arterial switch operation (ASO) in in- fancy exhibit denervation of the heart, measured as heart rate variability (HRV) with electrocar- diography (ECG). Methods: Nine patients with transposition of the great arteries (four men and five women; mean age 26 ± 1 years) who underwent the ASO at a mean age of 85 ± 35 days, and nine healthy adults (five men and five women; mean age 26 ± 2) were included in the study. Car- diac autonomic nerve function was determined by the variation in RR intervals during maximal deep breathing, monitored by continuous ECG. The mean values were calculated for each group from six inspirations (I) and expirations (E), and the E:I ratios were calculated. Results: The E:I ra- tio did not differ between patients with an arterial switch and healthy controls (P = 0.161). Two patients had signs of denervation of the heart up to 30 years after the arterial switch operation. Conclusions: Reinnervation of the heart may take place in patients who have undergone the ASO in infancy, and these patients would not necessarily suffer from autonomic dysfunction. The HRV, measured by ECG, has the potential to identify arterially switched patients at risk of developing silent myocardial ischemia. * Corresponding author.


Many solutions of General Relativity appear to allow the possibility of time travel. This was initially a fascinating discovery, but geometries of this type violate causality, a basic physical law which is believed to be fundamental. Although string theory is a proposed fundamental theory of quantum gravity, geometries with closed timelike curves have resurfaced as solutions to its low energy equations of motion. In this paper, we will study the class of solutions to low energy effective supergravity theories related to the BMPV black hole and the rotating Wave-D1-D5-brane system. Time travel appears to be possible in these geometries. We will attempt to build the causality violating regions and propose that stringy effects prohibit their construction. We will show how the geometry is corrected and that, once corrected, causality is preserved. We will track our chronology protection proposal in the dual conformal field theory. The absence of closed timelike curves in the geometry coincides with the preservation of unitarity in the conformal field theory. The agent of chronology protection for the geometries studied here mirrors the enhancon mechanism, a mechanism string theory employs to resolve a class of naked singularities


MIDAS‐P is a plant expression vector with blue/white screening for iterative cloning of multiple, tandemly arranged transcription units (TUs). We have used the MIDAS‐P system to investigate the expression of up to five genes encoding three anti‐HIV proteins and the reporter gene DsRed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The anti‐HIV cocktail was made up of a broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody (VRC01), a lectin (Griffithsin), and a single‐chain camelid nanobody (J3‐VHH). Constructs containing different combinations of 3, 4, or 5 TUs encoding different components of the anti‐HIV cocktail were assembled. Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of the genes of interest decreased beyond two TUs. Coexpression of the RNA silencing suppressor P19 dramatically increased the overall mRNA and protein expression levels of each component. The position of individual TUs in 3 TU constructs did not affect mRNA or protein expression levels. However, their expression dropped to non‐detectable levels in constructs with four or more TUs each containing the same promoter and terminator elements, with the exception of DsRed at the first or last position in 5 TU constructs. This drop was alleviated by co‐expression of P19. In short, the MIDAS‐P system is suitable for the simultaneous expression of multiple proteins in one construct.