AIM
The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between non invasive echo-Doppler parameters of diastolic function and invasively measured end-diastolic left ventricular (LV) filling pressures in patients with normal or depressed LV function.

METHODS
The patient population was composed of 44 subjects, (34 men and 10 women) 52% with normal ventricular function, who underwent echo-Doppler and hemodynamic evaluation within 24 hours between the two exams.

RESULTS
LV end-diastolic pressure was statistically different (P=0.022) in the 4 subgroups divided on the basis of the mitral flow pattern in the overall population and in the patients with depressed LV function, but not in those with normal LV function. In the overall population LV end-diastolic pressure was significantly correlated with: 1) E/A ratio of mitral flow (r=0.45, P=0.002); 2) mitral E wave peak velocity (r=0.39, P=0.017); 3) isovolumic relaxation time (r=-0.34, P=0.01); 4) left atrial diameter (r=0.33, P=0.037); 5) duration of retrograde A wave of pulmonary venous flow (r=0.33, P=0.03); 6) Pulmonary vein D wave peak velocity (r=0.29, P=0,05). Multivariate analysis showed that the correlation between the echo-Doppler variables and LV end-diastolic pressure was statistically significant only in patients with depressed LV function, but not in those with normal function.

CONCLUSION
Among the echo-Doppler variables examined, those derived from transmitral flow and pulmonary vein flow show the best correlation with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure; however, the correlation is statistically significant only in patients with depressed LV function. Thus, the echo-Doppler evaluation of LV diastolic function should take into account this limitation and should be based on a multiparametric approach.


Background: Aging is a progressive process beginning with life and ending with death. There is a massive growth in elderly population and age associated diseases. Depression is frequently associated with aging, associated comorbidities and treatment compliance in this fragile age group.
Aims and Objective: To study prevalence of depression in elderly using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and its associated risk factors.
Method: Three hundred elderly (≥ 60years) patients were assessed at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur in an observational, cross sectional study using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Correlation with associated risk factors were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 12.0.
Results: Prevalence of depression was 29.3% of which 62 (20.67%) were mildly depressed and 26 (8.67%) were severely depressed. Depression was significantly higher in elderly subjects with comorbid chronic disease (p 0.0001), inadequate sleep (p 0.001), absent social participation (p 0.002) and in those who did not engage themselves in daytime work or hobbies (p 0.0002).
Conclusions: Depression is common in elderly, its undiagnosed and overlooked. Prevention of risk factors and early diagnosis may significantly reduce morbidity, mortality and improve quality of life.


Age-associated memory impairment occurs frequently in primates. Based on the established importance of both the perforant path and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in memory formation, we investigated the glutamate receptor distribution and immunofluorescence intensity within the dentate gyrus of juvenile, adult, and aged macaque monkeys with the combined use of subunit-specific antibodies and quantitative confocal laser scanning microscopy. Here we demonstrate that aged monkeys, compared to adult monkeys, exhibit a 30.6% decrease in the ratio of NMDA receptor subunit 1 (NMDAR1) immunofluorescence intensity within the distal dendrites of the dentate gyrus granule cells, which receive the perforant path input from the entorhinal cortex, relative to the proximal dendrites, which receive an intrinsic excitatory input from the dentate hilus. The intradendritic alteration in NMDAR1 immunofluorescence occurs without a similar alteration of non-NMDA receptor subunits. Further analyses using synaptophysin as a reflection of total synaptic density and microtubule-associated protein 2 as a dendritic structural marker demonstrated no significant difference in staining intensity or area across the molecular layer in aged animals compared to the younger animals. These findings suggest that, in aged monkeys, a circuit-specific alteration in the intradendritic concentration of NMDAR1 occurs without concomitant gross structural changes in dendritic morphology or a significant change in the total synaptic density across the molecular layer. This alteration in the NMDA receptor-mediated input to the hippocampus from the entorhinal cortex may represent a molecular/cellular substrate for age-associated memory impairments.


Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed at the interface in lithium-ion batteries plays an important role in isolating electrons and permeating ions during charging/discharging processes. Therefore, the formation of a good interface is crucial for better battery performance. In this study, additives based on adiponitrile (ADN) and trimethyl borate (TMB) were employed to broaden the electrochemical window and form a good SEI layer. Electrochemical Atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) was used for in situ studies of film-formation mechanisms in high-voltage electrolytes on high-temperature pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), as well as Li- and Mn-rich (LMR) materials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) combined with electrochemical methods revealed a synergistic reaction between the two additives to form a more stable interfacial film during charging/discharging processes to yield assembled batteries with improved cycle performance, its capacity increased from below 100 mAh/g to 200 mAh/g after 50 cycles. In sum, these findings would have great significance for the development of high voltage lithium-ion batteries with enhanced performance.


This paper examines the description of the funeral ritual to be performed for a lay Digambara Jain which is provided by Somasenabhattāraka in his Traivarnikācāra , written in Maharashtra in 1610. This description represents the fullest textual account hitherto available of premodern Jain mortuary ceremonial for a non-renunciant. Despite Jainism's consistent rejection of brahmanical śrāddha ceremonies intended to nourish deceased ancestors, Somasenabhattāraka clearly regards the performance of these as a necessary component of post-funerary commemoration. The paper focusses on Somasenabhattāraka's references to arāddha and the ancestors and suggests how categories deriving from brahman ritual ideology were maintained in a devalorised form in the Digambara Jain context.


The species diversity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (in experimental and control areas) in Dnipro, the large industrial city in the Steppe Dnieper region had been investigated. The scientific experiment was performed on the territory of a natural park "Druzhba" (control), artificial garden "Kirilivka" (experiment) and the industrial area of the Dnepropetrovsk Wagon Train Plant, WTP (experiment). The optimizing and protective effects of animal environmental component for the growth and development of wood crops (for example Robinia genus plant object which dominates in study area) by morphometric parameters of the leaf blade (length, width, area, and weight) as a part of the photosynthetic apparatus (in experimental and control objects) had been discovered. The mathematical models of a variation of these morphometric characteristics depending on environmental conditions have been constructed towards control.


Auden wrote around the time of the war, and many of his poems include salutary lessons about and deep insights into the experience of soldiers and refugees in conflict situations ('Refugee Blues' for example). It is almost impossible to not notice the linking of stories on migration and the refugee crisis and the immediacy of terrorist threats on global news channels and in the press. November 2015 will be remembered for terrorist attacks in Paris and Mali. The attacks galvanised world governments to take a unified position on preventing and countering all brands of terrorism. The colours of the French flag have become idiomatic of resistance and resilience, and many have found solace in expressions of unity. This unity has also mobilised governments collectively to consider more actions, including air strikes in Syria. Overall, a cohesive, proportionate and dignified response is more likely to subvert the terrorist strategy that seeks to provoke extreme measures and consequential political unrest that might emerge in response to oppressive, discriminatory, draconian or persecuting measures. There are also media lessons to learn, to perhaps not overreport, a little like careful reporting of suicidal events to avoid epidemics, or more thoughtful language for describing mental illness to combat stigma. Despite humanitarian responses, at the same time there is a perceived threat from migrants and refugees; freedom of movement across borders in the EU is now proposed to explain how the Paris attacks were planned and executed in different countries. The risks of mental illness among migrants, refugees, victims of trauma and torture, those exposed to war and conflict are well established, so we might expect greater demands on mental health and social care services. Yet, following Paris, more resources will be committed to counter-terrorism, demonstrating a wider impact of terrorism on public health through the loss of investment and greater strain on public finance. As with all extreme and rare events, predicting terrorist attacks and countering them is not easy, and the evidence base for doing so is evolving and largely focused on those who have already raised suspicion about risk and threat to public safety. The impact onmental health is both through raised worries about the levels of perceived threat as well as the direct effects of trauma, loss, and shattered moral frameworks that are not easily restored. Other victims include those facing exodus and forced migration, perhaps fleeing conflict zones, by negotiating risky journeys and threats to their safety, identity and anticipated life plans. Children who face such experiences are unable to process powerful affects that arise in response to conflict are therefore more especially vulnerable. Garralda's editorial in this issue (pp. 4–6) highlights how trauma might be a determinant of hallucinations, some of which may be clinically relevant. Violence in general is a major global threat to public health, especially gender-related violence and violence towards children and young people. Thirty-five per cent of women worldwide report intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence, and 30% of women in a relationship report physical or sexual violence by their partner; risk factors include low education, witnessing violence between parents, exposure to abuse during childhood and attitudes accepting violence and gender inequality. WHO suggests there are evidence-based primary preventive interventions including school-based programmes in highand low-income countries, microfinance combined with community initiatives tackling gender inequality; and improving communication and relationship skills. Furthermore, prevention should also target situations of conflict, post-conflict and displacement, as women often suffer more violence in such situations. Prevention of violent offending is a priority on which we need more evidence and insights from research in forensic psychiatry. Fazel et al 's 10-country study (pp. 17–25) of over 12 000 people discharged from secure hospital shows significant mortality, suicide, readmission and reoffending rates, with recommendations for more targeted preventive interventions. Ouellet-Morin et al's longitudinal study (pp. 42–47) shows that MAOA gene-related risks of future antisocial behaviour interact with the levels of violence to which young children were exposed. Children exposed to war, conflict and forced migration surely are at risk of such outcomes and this mandates preventive interventions at times of conflict. Adversity may trigger stress pathways that contribute to risks of future psychosis, perhaps through sympathetic and parasympathetic moderation. New research shows low vagal tone to be important, as it may explain the very common finding of poor emotional regulation and impaired executive function in schizophrenia (Clamor et al, pp. 9–16). Childhood adversity may also explain obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD); Brooks et al (pp. 34–41) report that larger brain volumes may reflect neurodevelopmental pathology in adults with OCD, driven perhaps by historical experiences of childhood adversity. This issue of the BJPsych also reports new findings on affective disorders, dementia, and OCD. Alzheimer's disease and dementia generally are a major threat to public health, although good scientific progress is now being made on better identifying the role of amyloid protein (see Harrison & Owen, pp. 1–3). Identifying endophenotypes should help improve targeting of future treatments. For example, López-Solà et al (pp. 26–33) show complex phenotypes of comorbid anxiety and OCD. Previous studies of ethnic density show low associations with higher risks of schizophrenia and selfharm but the study by Du Preez et al (pp. 49–55) suggests no associations with postnatal depression and personality in general. Visual impairment seems important for the development of seasonal affective disorder and this may help to better understand affective disorders more generally (Madsen et al, pp. 56–61). Suicidal thoughts and anxiety persist longer in those with the melancholic subtype of depression (Lamers et al, pp. 62–68), offering an opportunity to better identify this subgroup for more active and intensive treatment. Two interventions for affective disorders seem to be very effective: functional remediation improves psychosocial outcomes in bipolar disorder (Bonnin et al, pp. 87–93) and internetbased acceptance and commitment therapy in depression (Potts et al, pp. 69–77). Yatham et al's study of adjunctive treatments in acute bipolar depression (pp. 78–88) shows that agomelatine is no better than placebo, an important negative finding with definitive treatment consequences. A clear positive or negative finding helps to improve practice, and so psychiatric research is flourishing producing incremental advances, yet in contrast, we know so little about terrorism and why people attack the countries in which they are raised and secure. Better knowledge, research and preventive applications of psychiatric, forensic and behavioural sciences must be given as much priority as counter-terrorism and preparedness if we are to truly prevent and protect, and nurture positive mental health.


: Reflux is a common complication in patients who have undergone gastric surgery. These patients have bile reflux, often associated with gastric disease, and are resistant to conservative management. In this study the authors have reviewed 124 patients who were treated surgically for reflux that occurred after gastric operations. They were assessed preoperatively by history, radiologic investigation, manometry with pH and endoscopy. Seventeen patients were treated by Belsey hernia repair, 42 by partial fundoplication gastroplasty and 65 by total fundoplication gastroplasty. Thirty-seven patients required additional gastric surgery. Continued reflux was the commonest problem postoperatively; it was effectively corrected by total fundoplication gastroplasty. Of eight patients who had persistent bile gastritis, four had had bile drainage as part of their operation for reflux. From this study the authors conclude that total fundoplication gastroplasty is the most effective procedure to control reflux, but it must be carefully tailored to avoid overcompetence and dysphagia. Associated gastric problems should be treated simultaneously.


For the safe operation of pumps, it is essential to examine the operation parameters. Operation deviating from the operational parameters defined by the manufacturers would damage the pumps. The majority of specialists who are experts at pump technology and fluid mechanics are familiar with cavitation and aware of its detrimental effects. Firstly, in my study I will briefly present the cavitation as a phenomenon taking place during operation and its counting method. Then I state the results of our measurements carried out during the operation of a pump built in a system type Nocchi CB8038T. My goal is to call the attention to the proper way of the operation of centrifugal pumps, the cavitation generated during operation as a harmful phenomenon and its development examined in practice by us.


Summary Simulation models are heuristic tools for integrating diverse processes and help to increase our understanding of complex processes and systems. Models that predict crop development can serve as decision-support tools in crop management. This paper describes a phenology simulation model for the winter wheat shoot apex and reports validation and sensitivity analysis results. The complete developmental sequence of the winter wheat shoot apex is quantitatively outlined and correlated with commonly recognised phenological growth stages. The phyllochron is used to measure the thermal time between most phenological growth stages, thereby increasing the flexibility over the growing degree-day (GDD) and photothermal approaches. Nineteen site-years covering a range of climatic conditions, cultural practices and cultivars across the Central Great Plains, USA, are used to validate the model. Validation results show that the predicted phyllochron (108 GDD) agrees well with the observed phyllochron (107 GDD) for ten cultivars. Mean seedling emergence is predicted to within 2 days in almost all of the 19 site-years. The ability of the model to predict growth stages accurately increased successively from jointing to heading to maturity. Maturity is generally predicted to within 5 days of the observed day. After validation, recalibration of the phyllochron estimates between growth stages are provided, and corrections for mesic and xeric conditions are suggested. Further validation of the entire developmental sequence of the shoot apex is recommended.


From his early years to the 1940s, Angelo Tasca, who had quickly acquainted himself with French culture and would later even become a French citizen, dedicated much thought to French socialism, which he always considered of great importance. His approach to this question, however, changed significantly during the period, reflecting the evolution in Tasca's thinking, especially about Marxism, in the 1930's. Having started with the idea that the study of the French socialist tradition could enlighten the genesis of Marxism and was thus interesting mainly as a forerunner to this more developed approach of socialism, Tasca soon began to take an interest in French socialist thought for its own sake, discovering its richness and consistency. He found in Fourier, Blanqui or Jaures kinships with his own ideas and an answer to some facets of Marxism that he progressively rejected: he drew an opposition between its idealism and Marxist determinism, saw in it an alternative to state socialism, and preferred its quest for universalism over the exaltation of class war. It gradually supplanted Marxism as an inspiration for a renewed contemporary socialism.


Abstract Building on Pratt and Haraway's ideas of the contact zone, we examine the soundscape in two maritime boundaries: the Bali Strait and the Strait of Georgia. Both places, imbued with colonial histories, are rich in ecological diversity and signify different degrees of violence perpetuated against those who attempt to cross their geopolitical boundary zones. Using practices taken from sensory, multispecies, sonic and autoethnography, we explore how sound and listening offer a textural analysis of space, a way to sense and experience histories and the possibility of listening as activism.


In 1971, the term "marine ranching" first appeared at a conference organised by the Japanese Department of Aquaculture, suggesting a concept for a system of sustainable food production from marine biological resources. In recent years, with the continual development of science and technology, marine ranching has received considerable attention as a new form of modern marine fishery production, and has so far achieved good results where it has been carried out. Alluding to the grazing of cattle and sheep on grassland, on a basic level marine ranching can be interpreted as grazing animals such as fish, shrimp and shellfish in the sea. Reef fishing offers a salient example. While reefs readily attract fish, in recent years natural reefs have declined as a result of marine engineering practices and destructive fishing methods. In response, artificial reefs are springing up. In terms of marine ranching, the formation of artificial reefs is a fundamental  ecological project.


Introduction: Various kinetic models have been proposed for calculating oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and consumption (CMRO2) assuming that, in tissue, oxygen is instantaneously metabolised into water [1,2] or allowing for different washout rates for oxygen and water [3,4]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate performance of different kinetic models for analysing dynamic [15O]O2 studies. Methods: Eleven studies consisting of a 3 min [15O]CO scan and 10 min dynamic [15O]H2O and [15O]O2 (bolus inhalation) scans were performed. Scans were acquired in 3D mode using an HR+ PET scanner. On-line continuous arterial blood sampling was performed to derive an input function. Data were analysed using models specified in Table 1. Type I models used the assumption of instantaneous metabolism of oxygen [1,2]. In its simplest form CBV was fixed to the value obtained from the CO scan, and CBF and Vd to those from the H2O scan. Variations of this model used CBV, CBF and/or Vd as fit parameters. Model II consisted of two parallel single tissue compartments, allowing for different washout rates for oxygen and water [3,4]. Model III contained a two-tissue compartment model for oxygen and a single tissue compartment model for water. Model performance was evaluated by goodness of fit using weighted residual squared errors (WRSE) and Akaike criterion (AIC), and by regression analysis of OEF and CMRO2. Results: and discussion: According to both WRSE and AIC, models II and III provided 'better' fits than type I models. For type I models use of Vd as fit parameter provided better fits than reusing it from the [15O]H2O scan, consistent with preference for models II and III that use separate washout rates for oxygen. Use of Vb as fit parameter provided more accurate fits than use of CBV obtained from [15O]CO scans. Regression analysis showed a fair to good correlation of OEF (coefficient = 0.67 to 0.73) and CMRO2 (coefficient=0.77 to 0.80) for most models compared with model 1A, i.e. the model that has been used routinely in the past. Models allowing for different oxygen washout rates, however, provided on average 5 to 20% lower OEF and CMRO2. Conclusions: Models II and III, which are not based on the assumption of instantaneous metabolism of oxygen into water in tissue, provide more accurate fits of dynamic [15O]O2 studies than conventional (type I) models, which is consistent with experimental findings of Seki et al. [3]. OEF and CMRO2 values may, on average, differ up to 20%, depending on the actual model being used.


In Northern Ireland (NI), determinations of whether the crime of rape has occurred require consideration of the accused's reasonable belief in the complainant's consent (the 'reasonable belief threshold'). Drawing on the rich body of feminist scholarship critiquing this threshold, this article makes two core contributions. First, through a thematic analysis of trial transcripts and news reports from the high-profile 2018 'Rugby Rape Trial' in NI, the article illustrates how trial narratives around consent and reasonable belief in consent 'responsibilise' the complainant while minimising the (in)actions of the accused. Second, the article evaluates the proposal in the 2019 Gillen Review that this threshold should be reworded to take account of the accused's failure to take steps to ascertain the complainant's consent. It is argued that, while this proposal has the potential to subtly redistribute narratives of responsibility, such potential can only be realised through a change in prosecutorial practice to ensure attention to the 'steps to ascertain consent' provision.


The numerous cushion-shaped tooth-bearing plates attributed to the stem group osteichthyan Lophosteus superbus, which are argued here to represent an early form of the osteichthyan inner dental arcade, display a previously unknown and presumably primitive mode of tooth shedding by basal hard tissue resorption. They carry regularly spaced, recumbent, gently recurved teeth arranged in transverse tooth files that diverge towards the lingual margin of the cushion. Three-dimensional reconstruction from propagation phase-contrast synchrotron microtomography (PPC-SRµCT) reveals remnants of the first-generation teeth embedded in the basal plate, a feature never previously observed in any taxon. These teeth were shed by semi-basal resorption with the periphery of their bases retained as dentine rings. The rings are highly overlapped, which evidences tooth shedding prior to adding the next first-generation tooth at the growing edge of the plate. The first generation of teeth is thus diachronous. Successor teeth at the same sites underwent cyclical replacing and shedding through basal resorption, producing stacks of buried resorption surfaces separated by bone of attachment. The number and spatial arrangement of resorption surfaces elucidates that basal resorption of replacement teeth had taken place at the older tooth sites before the addition of the youngest first-generation teeth at the lingual margin. Thus, the replacement tooth buds cannot have been generated by a single permanent dental lamina at the lingual edge of the tooth cushion, but must have arisen either from successional dental laminae associated with the individual predecessor teeth, or directly from the dental epithelium of these teeth. The virtual histological dissection of these Late Silurian microfossils broadens our understanding of the development of the gnathostome dental systems and the acquisition of the osteichthyan-type of tooth replacement.


We report common-base medium power amplifiers designed for G-band (140-220 GHz) and W-band (75-110 GHz) in InP mesa double HBT technology. The common-base topology is preferred over common-emitter and common-collector topologies due to its superior high-frequency maximum stable gain (MSG). Base feed inductance and collector emitter overlap capacitance, however, reduce the common-base MSG. A single-sided collector contact reduces Cce and, hence, improves the MSG. A single-stage common-base tuned amplifier exhibited 7-dB small-signal gain at 176 GHz. This amplifier demonstrated 8.7-dBm output power with 5-dB associated power gain at 172 GHz. A two-stage common-base amplifier exhibited 8.1-dBm output power with 6.3-dB associated power gain at 176 GHz and demonstrated 9.1-dBm saturated output power. Another two-stage common-base amplifier exhibited 11.6-dBm output power with an associated power gain of 4.5 dB at 148 GHz. In the W-band, different designs of single-stage common-base power amplifiers demonstrated saturated output power of 15.1 dBm at 84 GHz and 13.7 dBm at 93 GHz


BACKGROUND
Animal models suggest that compounds containing a nitrosyl group (N-nitroso compounds (NNO)) can act as potent transplacental carcinogens. Many common drug formulations have the potential to undergo nitrosation in vivo. The association between maternal use of nitrosatable drugs during pregnancy and development of brain tumours in the offspring was examined in a SEER-based case-control study.

METHODS
Maternal exposure to nitrosatable drugs during pregnancy was compared among 361 childhood brain tumour cases and 1083 matched controls recruited through random-digit dialing.

RESULTS
There was no increase in risk observed for childhood brain tumours overall (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.69-1.94) or for astrocytomas individually (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.50-2.69). A slight elevation in risk was noted for medulloblastomas (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 0.28-7.62) and 'other' tumours (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 0.56-2.86), however, both estimates were based on small numbers.

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that no increased risk of childhood brain tumours was associated with maternal exposure to nitrosatable drugs. The study results should be viewed with caution given the imprecision of the point estimates as well as the lack of data on specific timing and dosage of exposure and degree of nitrosatability of drugs taken.


This paper presents the algorithm and software developed for parallel simulation of spiking neural networks on multiple SpiNNaker universal neuromorphic chips. It not only describes approaches to simulating neural network models, such as dynamics, neural representations, and synaptic delays, but also presents the software design of loading a neural application and initial a simulation on the multi-chip SpiNNaker system. A series of sub-issues are also investigated, such as neuron-processor allocation, synapses distribution, and route planning. The platform is verified by running spiking neural applications on both the SoC Designer model and the physical SpiNNaker Test Chip. This work sums the problems we have solved and highlights those requiring further investigations, and therefore it forms the foundation of the software design on SpiNNaker, leading the future development towards a universal platform for real-time simulations of extreme large-scale neural systems.


Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel are required to withstand considerable physical and psychological hardship. Research examining resilience and mental health among SOF personnel is limited and has provided mixed results; in addition, minimal research has been undertaken on the subjective experiences of adversity and the process of resilience among SOF personnel. This unique qualitative study describes the lived experience of Canadian SOF personnel, the challenges they face, and the factors they believe impact their resilience. Seventy Canadian SOF personnel participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews. A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that operational demands, paired with an organizational culture of performance, were important stressors for most participants, negatively affecting both themselves and their families. SOF organizations select members with resilient characteristics; however, the same characteristics that make these members resilient also lead to self-imposed pressure to perform and avoid taking time for proper recovery. Team members were reported to help such members process difficult or traumatic experiences and facilitate their seeking care. Findings provide insight into the adverse experiences that participants encountered while serving in an SOF organization and the intertwined individual, social, and organizational factors affecting their resilience. Results point to the importance of managing and mitigating the impact of high operational tempo and a culture of performance to protect the health and wellness of SOF personnel and their families.


We characterize a two tier heterogeneous network, consisting of classical sub-6 GHz macro cells, and multi radio access technology (RAT) small cells able to operate in sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave (mm-wave) bands. For optimizing coverage and to balance loads, we propose a two-step mechanism based on two biases for tuning the tier and RAT selection, where the sub-6 GHz band is used to speed-up the initial access procedure in the mm-wave RAT. First, we investigate the effect of the biases in terms of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) distribution, cell load, and user throughput. More specifically, we obtain the optimal biases that maximize either the SINR coverage or the user downlink throughput. Then, we characterize the cell load using the mean cell approach and derive upper bounds on the overloading probabilities. Finally, for a given traffic density, we provide the small cell density required to satisfy system constraints in terms of overloading and outage probabilities. Our analysis highlights the importance of deploying dual-band small cells, in particular, when small cells are sparsely deployed or in case of heavy traffic.


We combine nine previously proposed measures to construct an index of political polarization among US adults. We find that the growth in polarization in recent years is largest for the demographic groups least likely to use the internet and social media. For example, our overall index and eight of the nine individual measures show greater increases for those older than 75 than for those aged 18–39. These facts argue against the hypothesis that the internet is a primary driver of rising political polarization.


We revisit the reactor antineutrino anomaly using the recent reactor flux independent determination of sizable theta?13 by considering the full set of the absolute reactor electron antineutrino flux measurements. When normalized to the predicted flux of Mueller et al. [1], the new world average, after including results from Palo Verde, Chooz, and Double Chooz, is 0.959 +- 0.009 (experiment uncertainty) +- 0.027 (flux systematics). Including the data with kilometer baseline, the new world average is only about 1.4 sigma lower than the unity, weakening the significance of the reactor antineutrino anomaly. The upcoming results from Daya Bay, RENO, and the Double Chooz will provide further information about this issue.


Background. Current therapies for genital herpes have only partial efficacy. Helicase-primase inhibitors are novel, potent inhibitors of herpes simplex virus replication. Methods. This randomized trial assessed the safety and efficacy of ASP2151 for episodic therapy of recurrent genital herpes. Participants self-initiated with ASP2151 (100, 200, or 400 mg daily for 3 days), ASP2151 (1200 mg as a single dose), placebo for 3 days, or valacyclovir (500 mg twice daily for 3 days). The primary efficacy endpoint, time to lesion healing excluding aborted lesions, was analyzed using a proportional hazards model. Statistical significance was determined by P 5 .01. Results. Of 695 adults enrolled, 437 experienced a recurrence and received study drug. Median time for lesion healing excluding aborted lesions was 139.8 hours with placebo, 119.6 hours with ASP2151 (100 mg; hazard ratio [HR], 1.40; P5 .065), 106.2 with ASP2151 (200 mg; HR, 1.40; P5 .081), 115.9 with ASP2151 (400 mg; HR, 1.25; P5 .25), 102.1 with ASP2151 (1200 mg; HR, 1.72; P5 .007), and 113.9 with valacyclovir (500 mg twice daily; HR, 1.42; P5 .077), indicating improvement in all treatment groups except ASP2151 (400 mg). Incidence of treatmentemergent adverse events was similar across groups. Conclusions. Three-day or single-day courses of ASP2151 appear to be effective and safe options for treatment of episodes of recurrent genital herpes. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00486200.


Menkes syndrome is a disorder that affects copper levels in the body. It is characterized by sparse, kinky hair; failure to gain weight and grow at the expected rate (failure to thrive); and deterioration of the nervous system. Additional signs and symptoms include weak muscle tone (hypotonia), sagging facial features, seizures, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Children with Menkes syndrome typically begin to develop symptoms during infancy and often do not live past age 3. Early treatment with copper may improve the prognosis in some affected individuals. In rare cases, symptoms begin later in childhood.


Constructing quantum computers and other quantum devices requires the ability to leverage quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement – but these effects are fragile and therefore hard to maintain. Recently, scientists at Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris demonstrated a novel method for controlling the quantum properties of light by probing a superconducting circuit in a cavity with microwave photons to control the energy levels that photon quanta can occupy. [17]


Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the indications and outcomes of dynamic splinting (DS) of the arthrofibrotic knee in the pediatric population. Methods: Seventy-four patients (41 males, 33 females) with postoperative arthrofibrosis treated with DS after an index knee surgery were reviewed. Median age was 13 years (range, 4 to 18 y), and median follow-up was 17 months (interquartile range, 10 to 28 mo). Demographics, index surgery procedure, preoperative and postoperative knee range of motion (ROM) measurements, treatment length and subsequent need for manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), and surgical lysis of adhesions (LOA) were evaluated. A ROM deficit was defined as lack of extension ≥10 degrees or lack of flexion <130 degrees. Successful improvement of ROM was defined as an increase of ≥10 degrees in flexion, extension, or both. There were 23 patients with flexion deficit only, 17 with extension deficit only, and 34 with combined flexion and extension deficits. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess median improvement in ROM. Patients were classified into 4 surgical groups: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction without meniscal repair (n=19), ACL reconstruction with meniscal repair (n=12), tibial spine fracture repair (n=21), and other (n=22). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of failure of DS requiring MUA and LOA. Results: A total of 57 patients with flexion deficits showed median improvement of 30 degrees in flexion (95% confidence interval, 0-90 degrees; P<0.001), and 51 patients with extension deficits showed median improvement of 7 degrees in extension (95% confidence interval, 0-60 degrees; P<0.001). DS was associated with ROM improvement in 84% and avoided the need for surgery in 58% of all 74 patients included in the study. Multivariate analysis of the ACL with meniscus repair subgroup revealed that each 1-month delay in DS treatment was associated with a 5-fold increased risk of undergoing a LOA (P=0.007). Thirty-six (63%) patients with flexion deficit avoided need for surgery, whereas 26 (51%) patients with extension deficits avoided surgery. Conclusions: Our data suggest that DS is an effective method to increase knee ROM and reduce the need for subsequent MUA/LOA in the pediatric and adolescent patient with arthrofibrosis after an index knee surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV—retrospective case series.


BACKGROUND
Evidence suggests that older patients are less frequently placed on the waiting list for kidney transplantation (KT) than their younger counterparts. The trends and magnitude of this age disparity in access to first KT and repeat KT (re-KT) remain unclear.

METHODS
Using the US Renal Data System, we identified 2 496 743 adult transplant-naive dialysis patients and 110 338 adult recipients with graft failure between 1995 and 2018. We characterized the secular trends of age disparities and used Cox proportional hazard models to compare the chances of listing and receiving first KT versus re-KT by age (18-64 y versus ≥65 y).

RESULTS
Older transplant-naive dialysis patients were less likely to be listed (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.18) and receive first KT (aHR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.87-0.89) compared with their younger counterparts. Additionally, older patients with graft failure had a lower chance of being listed (aHR = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.38-0.41) and receiving re-KT (aHR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.72-0.81). The magnitude of the age disparity in being listed for first KT was greater than that for re-KT (Pinteraction < 0.001), and there were no differences in the age disparities in receiving first KT or re-KT (Pinteraction = 0.13). Between 1995 and 2018, the age disparity in listing for first KT reduced significantly (P < 0.001), but the age disparities in re-KT remained the same (P = 0.16).

CONCLUSIONS
Age disparities exist in access to both first KT and re-KT; however, some of this disparity is attenuated among older adults with graft failure. As the proportion of older patients with graft failure rises, a better understanding of factors that preclude their candidacy and identification of appropriate older patients are needed.


The experimental observation that vanadate superlattices (LaVO3)m/SrVO3 show ferromagnetism up to room temperature (Lüders U. et al., Phys. Rev. B, 80 (2009) 241102(R)) is investigated by means of density functional theory, and the band structure for m = 5 and 6 is calculated. A buckling of the interface VO2 layers is found in both cases, but subtle differences in bond length lead to very different properties for even and odd values of m: in the even case, the two interface VO2 layers effectively decouple from the adjacent LaO layers due to a strong bond length enhancement. This results into a local inversion of the orbital occupancy and to the confinement of the charge carriers. In the odd case, the amplitude of the bond length variation is smaller, so that the charge carriers spill into the deeper-lying VO2 layers, and spin-polarised interfaces are obtained.


BACKGROUND
  Several diagnostic and screening instruments are available for child and adolescent eating disorders. However, limitations have been identified in many of these.

METHOD
  We review the most frequently used assessment measures for eating disorders in children and adolescents.

RESULTS
  Several of the available instruments have significant limitations, although relevant strengths are identified.

CONCLUSIONS
  Limitations in the current available instruments for child and adolescent eating disorders should be addressed in order to improve recognition and treatment.


: The home care community must take appropriate measures to ensure that PPS does not undermine the values and principles of home care. The temptation of PPS to achieve profit at the expense of quality of care and access to services must be confronted by the home care community through reinforced values systems and concrete risk management measures.


The accelerated expansion of the Universe was proposed through the use of Type-Ia supernovae (SNe) as standard candles. The standardization depends on an empirical correlation between the stretch/color and peak luminosity of the light curves. The use of Type-Ia SNe as standard candles rests on the assumption that their properties (and this correlation) do not vary with redshift. We consider the possibility that the majority of Type-Ia SNe are in fact caused by a Quark-Nova detonation in a tight neutron-star-CO-white-dwarf binary system, which forms a Quark-Nova Ia (QN-Ia). The spin-down energy injected by the Quark-Nova remnant (the quark star) contributes to the post-peak light curve and neatly explains the observed correlation between peak luminosity and light curve shape. We demonstrate that the parameters describing QN-Ia are NOT constant in redshift. Simulated QN-Ia light curves provide a test of the stretch/color correlation by comparing the true distance modulus with that determined using SN light curve fitters. We determine a correction between the true and fitted distance moduli, which when applied to Type-Ia SNe in the Hubble diagram recovers the ΩM = 1 cosmology. We conclude that Type-Ia SNe observations do not necessitate the need for an accelerating expansion of the Universe (if the observed SNe Ia are dominated by QNe Ia) and by association the need for dark energy.


Maternal health is still a public health problem in developing countries, especially in low-resource settings rural and poor communities. The main aim of this article is to critically evaluate and explore the situation of maternal health in Nepal based on published or unpublished governmental or nongovernmental organization's scientific reports regarding maternal health. We found that there were several direct or indirect causes and affecting factors of maternal death in Nepal, which are preventable. Women have been facing different consequences during pregnancy and delivery, attributed to lack of proper knowledge or less available and affordable health facilities in rural communities. Therefore, there is needed an essential maternal health knowledge to women and also establish health facilities with a quality health care service on affordable and accessible to prevent maternal death and minimize complications.


With regard to the comments of Dr R Ahmad and coworkers (7 February, p 372) it is interesting that their patients undergoing carpal tunnel release did not have arthropathy affecting large joints. This suggests that the carpal tunnel syndrome, though often seen in association with the arthropathy that affects large joints, may have a different pathogenesis. It is therefore perhaps not surprising that synovial iron deposits were rare in their patients. Amyloid deposits may be a factor in the carpal tunnel syndromes, and some patients with amyloidosis associated with plasma cell dyscrasias are known to develop this complication.3


The unanimously accepted dependence of the static stability of the lower troposphere on the prevailing weather has, so far, not been expressed quantitatively. This work is the first systematic attempt at expressing this dependence quantitatively. Two weather classifications, an index expressing the activity of the atmospheric temperature inversion layers, and various other inversion statistics are considered for this purpose. Radiosonde data from Hemsby (UK) are used. Lamb's weather classification, which is used initially, shows clear differences in the statistics of inversions for different weather classes. The anticyclonic class is associated with the maximum activity, and the cyclonic class with the minimum activity. The weather class is also shown to affect the vertical variation of the activity of inversions. Differences in the activity of inversions due to the weather class are maximized in the layer 900–800 mb. Given that it is within this layer where the top of the atmospheric boundary layer is usually found, this result is of particular importance for air pollution modelling. An alternative weather classification is also used with the objective of associating inversion statistics not just to a particular weather type, but also to the physical reasons that are responsible for their formation. This classification shows that, in the absence of an anticyclone, the activity of inversions is rather independent of the prevailing weather pattern. However, when the anticyclonic category is also included, the differences become significant. As the results of this work express quantitatively the strong dependence of inversion statistics on the prevailing weather, they can be used for the creation of correction factors for many characteristics related to an inversion climatology (e.g. for the annual cycle of the activity of inversions). Such corrections are necessary in cases where the weather types in the study period do not reflect their frequency in the average climate. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society


The United States must address its health care problems head on to ensure a thriving middle class and global competitiveness. Many employers are ambivalent about their future role as sponsors of health coverage and poolers of health risk and skeptical about government solutions. Nonetheless, employers have often been innovative purchas- ers of health care, and they maintain an interest in investing in public health/prevention and research to develop stronger evidence about efficacy. Whether or not employers want to remain the dominant mechanisms for pooling risk and purchasing coverage, they must partner with government and consumers to send stronger, more consistent signals to pro- viders to deliver value. (Health Affairs 27, no. 3 (2008): 686-687; 10.1377/hlthaff.27.3 .686)


Objective To determine the economic impact of the introduction of carbetocin for the prevention of post partum haemorrhage (PPH) at caesarean section, compared to oxytocin. Study The model is a decision tree conducted from a UK National Health Service perspective. 1500 caesarean sections (both elective and emergency) were modelled over a 12 month period. Efficacy data was taken from a published Cochrane meta-analysis, and costs from NHS Reference costs, the British National Formulary and the NHS electronic Medicines Information Tool. A combination of hospital audit data and expert input from an advisory board of clinicians was used to inform resource use estimates. The main outcome measures were the incidence of PPH and total cost over a one year time horizon, as a result of using carbetocin compared to oxytocin for prevention of PPH at caesarean section. The use of carbetocin compared to oxytocin for prevention of PPH at caesarean section was associated with a reduction of 30 (88 vs 58) PPH events (>500ml blood loss), and a cost saving of £27,518. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, carbetocin had a 91.5% probability of producing better outcomes, and a 69.4% chance of being dominant (both cheaper and more effective) compared to oxytocin. At price, the introduction of appears to provide improved clinical outcomes along with cost savings, though this is subject to uncertainty regarding the underlying data in efficacy, resource use, and cost.


Mental health is an important determinant of communities' well-being, influenced not only by individual attributes, but also by social and organisational environments in which people work and live. Despite studies examining mental health status among specific populations, few attempts are evident that focus on solution designs for detecting and measuring impact of mental health conditions. In this study, we develop a construct utilising design science research principles for outlining common vocabulary around the problem, and solution design relevant to a mental health management system. For the case of IT professionals, the developed construct is informed through a social-media based dataset containing more than 65,000 cells and 100 attributes potentially identifying influencing factors. Machine learning techniques are applied to the dataset to discover new findings for this specific group. It is anticipated that the analysis reported in this study would contribute in developing other electronic health management systems both for communities and healthcare professionals.


Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In England, the government has adopted a population-wide prevention program for cardiovascular disease, the NHS Health Check program. The program has sparked controversies over the evidence base and feasibility of implementation. We aim to provide an update on the debate and program implementation. In conclusion, the evidence base for the NHS Health Check program has a number of uncertainties and program delivery has been suboptimal. It is important to continue monitoring and evaluating the program to provide the evidence base for future policy direction.


A new method providing enhanced sensitivity for the analysis of oligonucleotides using an on-line coupled system of reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) has been developed. The presented method allows the use of the standard gradient elution of 0.1 M triethylammonium acetate (TEAA) buffer (adjusted to pH 7.0 with acetic acid) and acetonitrile that is typically used for the separation of oligonucleotides in RP-HPLC. An added feature of this method is the ability to combine and mix additional 0.1 M imidazole in acetonitrile after the separation column for improved ESI-MS performance. This is similar to the post-column reaction method in liquid chromatography (LC) and the liquid sheath flow method in LC/ESI-MS, both of which offer the advantage of not compromising the chromatographic separation conditions. The application of this new method is demonstrated to afford improved sensitivity for the analysis of oligonucleotides (20-50 mer) via on-line coupled HPLC/ESI-MS analysis and purification systems.


Oil separation has been a major problem in peanut butter, which is prevented by incorporating stabilizers. This additive forms a network structure at low temperatures, which entraps the oil thereby, preventing its separation. The structure also imparts a viscoelastic property to peanut butter. The objective of the study was to 1) develop a rapid testing method based on centrifugation, and 2) characterize the viscoelastic properties of peanut butter using controlled stress rheometry. Centrifugation technique helped in predicting the shelf life of stabilized peanut butter as 1-2 yr at 21-24 °C storage. Creep recovery and time sweep tests performed using advanced rheometer were useful in monitoring the deterioration of peanut butter during the three-month storage at 35 °C. INDEX WORDS: Peanut butter, Centrifugation, Oil separation, Structural Strength, Accelerated storage, Controlled stress rheology, Creep, Oscillatory tests, viscoelastic properties INVESTIGATION OF CENTRIFUGAL AND RHEOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES TO PREDICT STABILITY OF PEANUT BUTTER


Chapter 1 Introduction What Economics Is About Uses of Economic Theory The Scope of Economics Individuals, Families, and Households A Note on Terminology Outline of the Book Appendix: A Review of Supply and Demand in the Labor Market Chapter 2 Women and Men: Historical Perspectives The Source of Gender Differences: Nature versus Nurture-The Ongoing Debate Factors Influencing Women's Relative Status Women's Roles and Economic Development The U.S. Experience Chapter 3 The Family as an Economic Unit: Theoretical Perspectives The Simple Neoclassical Model: Specialization and Exchange Disadvantages of Specialization Advantages of Families Beyond Specialization Transaction Cost and Bargaining Approaches Appendix: Specialization and Exchange: A Graphical Analysis Chapter 4 The Family as an Economic Unit: Evidence Time Spent in Nonmarket Work Estimating the Value of Nonmarket Production The American Family in the Twenty-First Century Chapter 5 The Labor Force: Definitions and Trends The Labor Force: Some Definitions Trends in Labor Force Participation Trends in Labor Force Attachment of Women Trends in Hours Worked Trends in Gender Differences in Unemployment Chapter 6 The Labor Supply Decision The Labor Supply Decision Some Applications of the Theory: Taxes, Child Care Costs, and Labor Supply Analyzing the Long-term Growth in Women's Labor Force Participation Recent Trends in Women's Labor Force Participation: Has the Engine of Growth Stalled? Analyzing Trends in Men's Labor Force Participation Black and White Participation Differentials: Serious Employment Problems for Black Men Appendix: The Income and Substitution Effects: A Closer Look Chapter 7 Evidence on Gender Differences in Labor Market Outcomes Gender Differences in Occupations The Gender Pay Ratio Gender Differences in Union Membership Gender Differences in Self-Employment Gender Differences in Nonstandard Work Chapter 8 Gender Differences in Educational Attainment: Theory and Evidence Chapter Highlights Supply and Demand Explanations: An Overview What Is Human Capital? Evidence on Gender Differences in Educational Attainment The Educational Investment Decision The Rising College Wage Premium Education and Productivity Gender Differences in Educational Investment Decisions: the Human Capital Explanation Gender Differences in Educational Investment Decisions: Social Influences and Anticipation of Discrimination Policy Issues: Title IX-Sports, Academics, and the Status of Single-Sex Education Explaining Women's Rising Educational Attainment Chapter 9 Other Supply-Side Sources of Gender Differences in Labor Market Outcomes: On-the-Job Training, Family Gaps, Psychological Attributes and Math Test Scores On-the-Job Training and Labor Market Experience Why do Firms Pay Tuition Benefits? Gender Differences in Labor Market Experience The On-the-Job Training Investment Decision Experience and Productivity Gender Differences in Training Investment Decisions Occupations and Earnings Family-Related Earnings Gaps Gender Differences in Psychological Attributes A Closer Look at Gender Differences in Math Test Scores Chapter 10 Evidence on the Sources of Gender Differences in Earnings and Occupations: Supply-Side Factors Versus Labor Market Discrimination Labor Market Discrimination: A Definition Analyzing the Sources of Gender Differences in Labor Market Outcomes Empirical Evidence on the Sources of Gender Differences in Earnings The Declining Gender Pay Gap Empirical Evidence on the Causes and Consequences of Gender Differences in Occupations Appendix: Regression Analysis and Empirical Estimates of Labor Market Discrimination Chapter 11 Labor Market Discrimination: Theory Theories of Labor Market Discrimination: An Overview Tastes for Discrimination Subtle Barriers Statistical Discrimination The Overcrowding Model Institutional Models (including dual labor markets) Feedback Effects Chapter 12 Government Policies to Combat Employment Discrimination Rationales for Government Intervention Equal Employment Opportunity Laws and Regulations Effectiveness of the Government's Antidiscrimination Effort Affirmative Action Comparable Worth Chapter 13 Changing Work Roles and Family Formation Economic Explanations for Family Formation Marriage Divorce Cohabitation: Opposite-Sex and Same-Sex Couples Fertility Chapter 14 The Changing American Family and Implications for Family Changing Family Structure Poverty: Incidence and Measurement Implications for Children's Well-Being Chapter 15 Government Policies Affecting Family Well-Being Policies to Alleviate Poverty Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Child Support Enforcement Employment Strategies Taxes, Specialization, and Marriage Federal Income Tax Social Security Chapter 16 Balancing the Competing Demands of Work and Family The Competing Demands of Work and Family Rationales for Government and Employer Policies to Assist Workers Family Leave Child Care Other Employer-Provided Family Friendly Policies Chapter 17 Gender Differences Around the World: An Overview Indicators of Women's Economic Status Labor Force Participation Occupations Earnings Educational Attainment Fertility Housework Women's Role in Government and Their Standing Before the Law Cultural Factors Women's Status: An Assessment Economic Development, Globalization, and Women's Status Chapter 18 Gender Differences Around the World: A Closer Look at Specific Countries and Regions A Comparison of the United States to Other Economically Advanced Countries Challenges Facing Women in Developing Countries Countries of the Former Soviet Bloc Countries of the Middle East and North Africa


This work evaluates and applies a multi-modality approach to enhance blood flow measurements and haemodynamic analysis with phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow MRI) in cerebral aneurysms (CAs). Using a library of high-resolution velocity fields from patient-specific computational fluid dynamic simulations and in vitro particle tracking velocimetry measurements, the flow field of 4D flow MRI data is reconstructed as the sparse representation of the library. The method was evaluated with synthetic 4D flow MRI data in two CAs. The reconstruction enhanced the spatial resolution and velocity accuracy of the synthetic MRI data, leading to reliable pressure and wall shear stress (WSS) evaluation. The method was applied on in vivo 4D flow MRI data acquired in the same CAs. The reconstruction increased the velocity and WSS by 6–13% and 39–61%, respectively, suggesting that the accuracy of these quantities was improved since the raw MRI data underestimated the velocity and WSS by 10–20% and 40–50%, respectively. The computed pressure fields from the reconstructed data were consistent with the observed flow structures. The results suggest that using the sparse representation flow reconstruction with in vivo 4D flow MRI enhances blood flow measurement and haemodynamic analysis.


The consequences of hearing loss in terms of perceived activity limitation and participation restriction were studied in a general population of 343 adults with hearing impairment using the Hearing Disability and Handicap Scale. Coping was measured by the Sense of Humour Questionnaire and the Communication Strategies Scale and combined with objective and subjective audiological variables and demographic factors (age, gender and education). In stepwise linear modelling, several variables contributed significantly to the outcome (adjusted R2=53.3% for activity limitation and 47.2% for participation restriction). Audiological factors explained most of the variance in activity limitation (R2=37.1%), while coping factors were the main predictors for participation restriction (R2=35.2%). Maladaptive behaviour in the Communication Strategies Scale was the strongest predictor and explained 13.7% and 32.4% of the variance in activity limitation and participation restriction, respectively. More frequent use of maladaptive behaviour was related to larger limitation and restriction. This study adds to the understanding of factors that negatively influence daily life in terms of activity limitation and participation restriction. This may in turn have consequences for aural rehabilitation efforts.


Our ability to understand the complex interactions of biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes in the ocean is still limited by the lack of integrative and interdisciplinary observation infrastructures. The main purpose of the open-ocean infrastructure FRAM (FRontiers in Arctic marine Monitoring) is permanent presence at sea, from surface to depth, for the provision of near real-time data on climate variability and ecosystem change in an Arctic marine environment. The Alfred-Wegener-Institut I Helmholtz-Zentrum fur Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI), together with partner institutes in Germany and Europe, aims at providing such infrastructure for the polar ocean as a major contribution to international efforts towards comprehensive Global Earth Observation. The FRAM Ocean Observing System targets the gateway between the North Atlantic and the Central Arctic, representing a highly climate-sensitive and rapidly changing region of the Earth system. It will serve national and international tasks towards a better understanding of the effects of change in ocean circulation, water mass properties and sea-ice retreat on Arctic marine ecosystems and their main functions and services. FRAM integrates and develops already existing observatories, i.e. the oceanographic mooring array HAFOS (Hybrid Arctic/Antarctic Float Observing System) and the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site HAUSGARTEN. It will implement existing and next-generation sensors and observatory platforms, allowing synchronous observation of relevant ocean variables, as well as the study of physical, chemical and biological processes in the water column and at the seafloor. Experimental and event-triggered platforms will complement observational platforms. Products of the infrastructure are continuous long-term data with appropriate resolution in space and time, as well as ground-truthing information for ocean models and remote sensing.


This draft paper on the human rights of the elderly attempts to give an overview of the rights challenges that this growing population creates globally. It suggests that attention to the human rights of the elderly is a relatively recent phenomenon borne from a perception that older persons raise specific challenges in terms of human rights, that are not appropriately addressed by the prevailing medical or welfare paradigms. Some of the salient features of the elderly as a category of humanity are highlighted including the difficulty of defining "old age", the paradox that the old may be both powerful and vulnerable, and the dilemmas raised by inter-generational justice. Beyond existing domestic and international instruments, a concrete look is given at how human rights issues play out in subtly different and sometimes novel way for the elderly. Apart from examining discreet rights or clusters of rights, the paper suggests a number of emerging cross-cutting problems. For example, "ageist" discrimination is increasingly becoming a concern in societies that idealize youth. The difficulties encountered by some older persons also take some focus away from the state, to the family, care institutions and even the global legal order.


Due to limited resources and the threats to the security, a challenging problem is how to implement secure pairwise communications among any pair of sensors in a wireless sensor network. An energy-based key management (EKM) scheme was proposed in this paper. This scheme stored identifier, residual energy and the pairwise keys into each node in the key pre-distribution phase, searched for better secure links according to the identifier and residual energy, and then took multiplied times hash functions to implement the security for EKM scheme the view of the multi-hop communication. Both analytical evaluations and extensive simulations of EKM scheme were provided. The results indicate that EKM scheme has lower energy consumption and longer the lifetime of the network, and reduces the probability of nodes capture


Abstract In the Netherlands, until recently, public messages in case of a large chemical fire, routinely contained phrases such as: 'no hazardous materials have been detected in the smoke', 'there is no danger to public health', and 'people are recommended to stay indoors and close doors and windows'. Such messages not only fail to adequately inform people about risk, they are also inherently inconsistent. That is, the advice to stay clear from the smoke makes little sense unless there is a potential danger of the smoke. To improve risk communication in case of major fires, we developed several alternative risk messages and tested them in a digital experiment. We found that participants who read alternative messages that included the phrase: 'all smoke is harmful' considered the message more credible and less inconsistent than those who read the routine message. However, they also perceived the risk as higher. Participants who read an alternative message in which a qualification of the extremely low chance of developing cancer by inhaling the smoke was added, considered the message just as credible but also more clear. Moreover, they had lower perceptions of risk than those who read the alternative message without a qualification of risk. Responses with respect to adherence to recommendations or expectations towards government actions did not differ depending on the message. Based on our findings, we conclude that a public warning in case of major fires should take the public perspective into account, fitting the content s to the needs of the final receivers, and conveying a clear, consistent and informative message to enhance a basic understanding of the risk involved and the rationale of recommendations. This will not only enhance trust and credibility it may also reduce concerns and promote adherence to recommendations.


The research on human-robot interaction (HRI) has been an emerging topic of interest for both basic research and customer application. The studies specially focus on behavioral and cognitive aspects of the interaction and the social contexts surrounding it. HRI issues have long been a part of robotics research because the goal of fully autonomous capability has not been met yet. One of the most challenging problems is giving the robots an understanding of how to interact with human beings at the same logical level so that they may function not as passive tools, but rather as active agents that can drive the human interaction, instead of merely reproducing a sequence of movements. Hence, these robots must have higher level cognitive functions that include knowing how to reason, when to perceive and what to look for, how to integrate perception and action under changing conditions, etc. These functions will enable robots to perform more complex tasks which require tight human interaction; consequently, the robots can perform high level interactions such as teaching motor skills to unskilled people. Such functions include the extraction of symbolic descriptions based on the integration of the information coming through the robotpsilas sensors and the analysis of these descriptions to decide the action to be carried out in order to improve the humanspsila performances. In this paper; in particular, some approaches and applications towards enhancing the understanding of the human performance to implement the evaluation module of the proposed general transfer skill system (from robot to human) are described.


Most of the literature on exchange rate regimes has focused on the developed countries. Since the recent crises in emerging markets, however, attention has shifted to the choice of exchange rate regimes for developing countries, especially those that are more integrated into the world capital markets. In Too Sensational, W. Max Corden presents a systematic and accessible overview of the choice of exchange rate regimes. Reviewing many types of regimes, he shows how the choice of an exchange rate regime is related to both fiscal policy and trade policy. Building on the theory of optimum currency areas, Corden develops an analytic framework of three approaches (nominal anchor, real targets, and exchange rate stability) and three polar exchange rate regimes (absolutely fixed, pure floating, and fixed but adjustable). He considers all other regimes to be mixtures of two or three of the polar regimes. Beginning with theory and later turning to case studies of countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America, Corden focuses on how economies react to negative and positive shocks under various exchange rate regimes. He examines in particular the Asian and Latin American currency crises of the 1990s. He concludes that although "too sensational" crises have discredited fixed but adjustable regimes, the extremes of absolutely fixed regimes or pure floating regimes need not be chosen.


A classic application of description length is for model selection with the minimum description length (MDL) principle. The focus of this paper is to extend description length for data analysis beyond simple model selection and sequences of scalars. More specifically, we extend the description length for data analysis in Gaussian graphical models. These are powerful tools to model interactions among variables in a sequence of i.i.d Gaussian data in the form of a graph. Our method uses universal graph coding methods to accurately account for model complexity, and therefore provide a more rigorous approach for graph model selection. The developed method is tested with synthetic and electrocardiogram (ECG) data to find the graph model and anomaly in Gaussian graphical models. The experiments show that our method gives better performance compared to commonly used methods.


Abstract Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) was used to determine microstructural evolution in AA6082-T6 welds processed by the Bobbin Friction Stir Welding (BFSW). This revealed details of grain-boundaries in different regions of the weld microstructure. Different polycrystalline transformations were observed through the weld texture. The Stirring Zone (SZ) underwent severe grain fragmentation and a uniform Dynamic Recrystallisation (DRX). The transition region experienced stored strain which changed the grain size and morphology via sub-grain-boundary transformations. Other observations were of micro-cracks, the presence of oxidization, and the presence of strain hardening associated with precipitates. Flow-arms in welds are caused by DRX processes including shear, and low and high angle grain boundaries. Welding variables affect internal flow which affects microstructural integrity. The shear deformation induced by the pin causes a non-uniform thermal and strain gradient across the weld region, leading to formation of mixed state transformation of grain morphologies through the polycrystalline structure. The grain boundary mapping represents the differences in DRX mechanism I different regions of the weld, elucidates by the consequences of the thermomechanical nature of the weld. The EBSD micrographs indicated that the localised stored strain at the boundary regions of the weld (e.g. flow-arms) has a more distinct effect in emergence of thermomechanical nonuniformities within the DRX microstructure.


The crosstalk between the BM microenvironment (niche) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is critical for HSC regeneration. Here, we show that in mice, deletion of the Fanconi anemia (FA) genes Fanca and Fancc dampened HSC regeneration through direct effects on HSCs and indirect effects on BM niche cells. FA HSCs showed persistent upregulation of the Wnt target Prox1 in response to total body irradiation (TBI). Accordingly, lineage-specific deletion of Prox1 improved long-term repopulation of the irradiated FA HSCs. Forced expression of Prox1 in WT HSCs mimicked the defective repopulation phenotype of FA HSCs. WT mice but not FA mice showed significant induction by TBI of BM stromal Wnt5a protein. Mechanistically, FA proteins regulated stromal Wnt5a expression, possibly through modulating the Wnt5a transcription activator Pax2. Wnt5a treatment of irradiated FA mice enhanced HSC regeneration. Conversely, Wnt5a neutralization inhibited HSC regeneration after TBI. Wnt5a secreted by LepR+CXCL12+ BM stromal cells inhibited β-catenin accumulation, thereby repressing Prox1 transcription in irradiated HSCs. The detrimental effect of deregulated Wnt5a/Prox1 signaling on HSC regeneration was also observed in patients with FA and aged mice. Irradiation induced upregulation of Prox1 in the HSCs of aged mice, and deletion of Prox1 in aged HSCs improved HSC regeneration. Treatment of aged mice with Wnt5a enhanced hematopoietic repopulation. Collectively, these findings identified the paracrine Wnt5a/Prox1 signaling axis as a regulator of HSC regeneration under conditions of injury and aging.


Using multiple streams can improve the overall system performance by mitigating the data transfer overhead on heterogeneous systems. Prior work focuses a lot on GPUs but little is known about the performance impact on (Intel Xeon) Phi. In this work, we apply multiple streams into six real-world applications on Phi. We then systematically evaluate the performance benefits of using multiple streams. The evaluation work is performed at two levels: the microbenchmarking level and the real-world application level. Our experimental results at the microbenchmark level show that data transfers and kernel execution can be overlapped on Phi, while data transfers in both directions are performed in a serial manner. At the real-world application level, we show that both overlappable and non-overlappable applications can benefit from using multiple streams (with an performance improvement of up to 24%). We also quantify how task granularity and resource granularity impact the overall performance. Finally, we present a...


Based the CAE technology, the paper introduced the application of Moldflow Insight in injection mold design of mobile phone cover. First, we must preprocess the finite element model, including importing three-dimensional model, meshing, and process setting. And then, we can use preliminary simulation analysis to determine the number and location of the gate. Finally to filling, cooling, packing and warpage analysis for part which can help us to find the causes from warpage generated. By optimizing the molding process parameters, adjusting the dwell pressure and the dwell time we can get less warpage, which can meet the precision demand of parts, consequently, the result can provide gist for the mold designers to design and for the injection molding technologist to process parameter adjustment.


Impacts of meteorite are important phenomenon for the planetary geology. Since these processes cannot be experimented in laboratories, numerical hydrodynamical simulations of the impact process play important role. For these processes, particle based numerical hydrodynamical simulations have several advantages over grid-based methods, because these processes often involve large deformation of target and oblique impacts. The Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is a widely used particle based numerical hydrodynamical scheme. It is first developed in astrophysical field. Recently, it was adopted to the impact cratering. However, it has been pointed out that the standard SPH formulation has difficulties in the treatment of contact discontinuity; an unphysical repulsive force acts between two different materials, such as rock and water. Thus, we have developed new particle based hydrodynamical, Density Independent SPH (DISPH), which overcomes this difficulty. We have developed a new massively parallel particle based numerical hydrodynamical simulations code by means of DISPH. We adapted Framework for Developing Particle Simulator (FDPS), which enables us to perform high-performance parallel particle simulations easily. We will show the results of impacts of the tuff to the water with both DISPH and SSPH.


In this research paper, results are obtained from Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) push-off specimens - double L shape subjected to direct shear loading. Different parameters considered are compressive strength, percentages of steel fiber, presence of aggregate and shear reinforcement. The results show that increasing in steel fiber content starting from 0.0% and ending with 1.5% leads to increases in the shear strength by (261%) and attempt to decrease its brittleness. The presence of steel fiber content enhances and improves the tensile strength and  the shear strength. Using RPC in constructing the specimens enhances the shear strength by 29.6% compared with NSC specimen.
Shear strength increased by 25% when the compressive strength increased from 75 to 90MPa. The presence of transverse steel rebar in the direction of shear line increased the shear strength by (108.3%) as compare with the specimen without shear rebar. The presence of small aggregate in RPC mix creates an increase in the shear strength by (9.1%).


The bone-like self-organized hydroxyapatite/collagen (HAp/Col) nanocomposite sponge was prepared from HAp/Col nanocomposite fibers. We analyzed osteogenic activity of human osteoblastic MG63 cells in the HAp/Col sponge under pressure/perfusion culture. Collagen (Col) sponge was used as a control. The MG63 cells were attached well and showed good proliferation in the HAp/Col sponge. The total DNA content in the HAp/Col sponge was approximately 1.8 times greater than that in the Col sponge at 21 days. The MG63 cells showed good osteogenic gene expression in the HAp/Col sponge by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. These result suggested that HAp/Col sponge can be useful for bone tissue engineering scaffold materials.


A decision problem faced by cottongrowers using irrigation is that of deciding the soil moisture level at which irrigation should occur. A simulation model was developed so that the effect on cotton yield of irrigation at different soil moisture levels could be explored. The output from the model was used to develop relationships enabling the determination of an optimal decision rule. The results indicate that under most situations heavy irrigation in the period "first open flowers to first open bolls" will be profitable.


The practice of pumping gases which inhibit combustion for purposes of controlling or extinguishing mine fires is now universally accepted. The practice has been used many times in coal mines in India and the experiences are reviewed. The procedures relating to a membrane based nitrogen generator and to a combustion gases generator are descriptionbed. The physical properties, practical requirements and economic implications of using different gases is briefly reviewed. Some aspects of the practice as related to mine fires in certain collieries in other countries are dealt with.


In any kind of business HR is the best sources. Directions to draw in excellent work power to make full use of employees' limits and prospective outcomes with a particular deciding objective to help accomplish the sincere objectives are the issues that every innovator should think about.
Staff getting ready is an amazingly key bit of Human Resource Management HRM. It is a path for the organization to consider their delegates and a way to deal with offer aid agents to make best practice they could call their own abilities. It is also a procedure to help specialists to become professionals at what they do. With the aid of HRM business accomplishment is mostly guaranteed.
The inspiration driving this hypothesis is to help every instructive in the motel business to find out the centrality of staff planning.
The hypothetical part displays HRM Strategic Human Resource Management SHRM and staff planning. It focuses on staff setting up its noteworthiness and the favorable circumstances that analyze the theory part.
The definite part expresses an examination of both quantitative and subjective systems respondents in Hilton Hotel and Resorts. The hotel has taken an interest for this immensity of staff setting up and could be in a dangerous condition if administrations dont consider trainings significance.


Children with visual impairments tend to be less active and have lower levels of fitness than their sighted peers (Haegele & Porretta, 2015; Houwen, et al., 2009). Barriers such as a lack of professional preparation for teachers, and the attitudes of the public towards people with visual impairments, are currently keeping many children with visual impairments out of physical activity. Some of the barriers to physical activity for children with visual impairments have not changed significantly in the past 20-30 years. More physical activity options specifically for people with visual impairments do exist, but they are not easily available for all children with visual impairments. The barriers identified need to be studied more deeply, so the root of the barrier can be determined, and the steps to eliminate or lessen it can be taken. Subscribe to Palaestra


2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH*) scavenging activity-guided fractionation of a leaf extract of Thymus vulgaris led to the isolation of the radical scavengers rosmarinic acid 1, eriodictyol, taxifolin, luteolin 7-glucuronide, p-cymene 2,3-diol, p-cymene 2,3-diol 6-6'-dimer, carvacrol, thymol, and a new compound, 2. The fractionation was considerably facilitated by using an on-line HPLC detector for radical scavenging activity. In this detector activity is monitored as the disappearance of the color of a postcolumn added stable radical after reacting with radical scavengers in a reaction coil. Compound 2, which consists of rosmarinic and caffeic acid moieties linked via a C-3'-C-8' ' ether bridge, was mainly elucidated by various NMR techniques and CD. Phenylpropanoid trimer 2 was a weaker and stronger radical scavenger than rosmarinic acid 1 in off-line TEAC and DPPH* assays, respectively.


Hybrid rice is derived from a cross between the cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) as the female parent and the restorer line as the male parent. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of several new plant type (NPT) rice lines as restorers of the CMS female parent and to elucidate the performance of the hybrid combinations. The research was carried out from December 2019 to November 2020 at Babakan Sawah Baru Experimental Station, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. The hybrids were evaluated in the field together with the CMS female parent, male parents, and two check varieties, namely Ciherang and hybrid P05 Prima Seed. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. The results showed that two male parental lines, IPB189-F-10-3-2 (T6) and IPB189-14-1-1 (T9), had a hybrid seed yield per hill of 66.04 g and 75.27 g, respectively. These two parents have the restorer gene (R) which is substantiated by the good characteristics of the number of filled grains and total grain per panicle of the two hybrids. The potential hybrids CMS x IPB189-F-10-3-2 and CMS x IPB189-14-1-1 had a positive heterosis for panicle length and 1,000 grain weight, and could be evaluated in future research.
Keywords: CMS; heterosis; heterobeltiosis; rice hybrid


Despite widespread roll out of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected persons in sub-Saharan Africa. Host immune response is central to the pathogenesis, and not only influences susceptibility to infection, but clinical presentation and outcome. Animal studies suggest that macrophage activation is a crucial component of the host immune response but human studies are limited. This thesis aims to characterize the activation state of CSF macrophages and blood monocytes in persons with HIV-associated CM, assess the effect of ART on the immune response, and identify immune correlates of severe disease and poor outcome.

A prospective cohort study was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa (Innate Immunity in Cryptococcal Disease (IICD)). Persons with HIV-associated CM were enrolled and the immune response in CSF and blood examined using flow cytometry and cytokine analysis. Soluble markers of macrophage activation (sCD14, sCD163) and the ex vivo responses of whole blood and monocytes to TLR ligands and cryptococcal preparations were also measured. Additional CSF and serum samples were obtained from the Cryptococcal Optimal ART timing (COAT) trial (South Africa and Uganda) to examine the immune consequences of earlier ART initiation in cryptococcal meningitis. In this trial, earlier ART was associated with increased mortality in CM compared with a deferred ART strategy (8 days vs. 5 weeks post CM diagnosis respectively).

CSF flow cytometry showed that CD8 T cells were the most common cells in the CSF followed by neutrophils and CD4 T cells. Both CD14+ and CD14- CSF macrophages were identified and expressed a range of surface markers associated with different activation states. Cryptococci were identified using flow cytometry as CD45 negative cells; cryptococcal counts using flow cytometry showed a very strong correlation with quantitative culture. There was no suggestion that raised intracranial pressure occurred as a result of a pro-inflammatory response; instead, persons with high intracranial pressure had a greater CSF fungal burden, a significantly reduced CSF cellular infiltrate (particularly CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells and double negative T cells) and larger cryptococcal cells. Contrary to animal studies, there was no association between macrophage activation and fungal burden.

ART appeared to have a more profound effect on the immune response at site of disease (CSF) compared to the blood. In the IICD study, ART was associated with an increased frequency of CD4 T cells and decreased frequency of CD8 T cells in the CSF, along with increased expression of CD206 and CD16 on the surface of CSF monocyte- macrophages, suggesting an alternatively activated (M2) phenotype. These changes were closely related to plasma HIV viral load, even in subjects not taking ART.
In the COAT trial, participants who received earlier ART initiation were more likely to have a CSF cellular infiltrate by day 14 compared to those in the deferred ART arm (8 days vs. 5 weeks post CM diagnosis respectively). This primarily occurred among persons with an initial paucity of CSF cellular response, the same sub-group identified in the COAT trial to be at highest risk of mortality following early ART initiation, and the same group previous shown in cohort studies to be at increased risk of IRIS. Furthermore, participants in the Kampala earlier ART arm had increased sCD14 and sCD163 concentrations in their CSF at day 14 suggesting increased macrophage activation in the central nervous system (CNS). These findings are supportive of the hypothesis that the increased mortality associated with earlier ART initiation in the COAT trial was immunologically driven.

Finally, immune correlates of fatal outcome were examined. Persons who died by week 12 in the IICD study were noted to have a lower proportion of double negative T cells and lower concentrations of IFN-γ in the CSF at baseline. Non-survivors also had evidence of increased immune activation in the blood, elevated IL-10, decreased monocyte HLA-DR expression, impaired monocyte TNF-α response to LPS, and decreased IFN-γ responses to LPS in whole blood. These features are consistent with those of monocyte anergy and the compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome. The cause for this immune signature among persons with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis was not clear and warrants further study; the downstream effects of HIV-1 induced immune activation or the immune modulatory effects of cryptococcal capsule are both possibilities.


Linear stability of fully developed flows of air over water is carried out in order to study nonlinear effects in the generation of solitons by wind. A linear stability analysis of the basic flow is made and the conditions at which solitons first begin to grow is determined. Then, following [10], the non-linear stability of the flow is examined and the quintic non-linear Schrödinger equation is derived for the amplitude of disturbances. The coefficients of the non-linear Schrödinger equation are calculated from the eigenvalue problem which determines the stability of air-water interface. An asymptotic and a numerical stability analysis is carried out to determine the neutrally stable flow conditions for air-sea interface. Four different profiles are considered for the airflow blowing over the surface of the sea, namely, plane Couette flow (pCf), plane Poiseuille flow (pPf), laminar and turbulent boundary layer (L,TBL) profiles. For each of the above cases the shear flow counterpart in the water is assumed to be a pPf. A nonlinear stability analysis results in the nonlinear Schrödinger equation ∂A ∂τ − a2 ∂A ∂ξ2 = d1 d1r A+ κA|A| +$A|A|, where ξ and τ are local variables, and the amplitude of the surface wave is proportional to A. The complex constants a2, d1, κ and $ are evaluated from the linear stability of the two-fluid interface. The profile for the initial condition considered here is that of the Stokes wave η = a cos kx+ 1 2 ak cos 2kx, where a is the amplitude and k is the wavenumber of the surface Stokes wave. It is shown that the above amplitude equation produces 'snake' solitons [9] for pCf, pPf and LBL profiles, with striking similarities. On the other hand, for TBL we observe a very violent surface motion. For cases of pCf and LBL remarkable similarity is observed with observations made at sea. We conclude that the effect of nonlinearity in the airflow over the sea surface is much larger than nonlinear interactions in the water, and hence it is not possible to decouple the motion in the air and the water for finite amplitude wind-wave interactions, particularly in the case of wind-generated solitons in shallow waters.