We assess the total factor productivity of 35,752 manufacturing establishments before and after management buyouts (MBOs). MBO plants are less productive than comparable plants before the transfer of ownership. They experience a substantial increase in productivity after a buyout, which appears to be due to measures undertaken by new owners to reduce the labor intensity of production, via outsourcing of intermediate goods and materials. These findings, which are pervasive across industries, imply that MBOs reduce agency costs and enhance economic efficiency. Our evidence is consistent with Jovanovic and Rousseau (2002), who suggest that ownership changes shift resources to more efficient uses and to better managers.


More than 40 of the most commonly encountered street drugs were subjected to several spot tests. These tests were carried out in a special sequence leading to the construction of a flowsheet. Thus, with a limited number of simple tests, it is possible to identify tentatively or narrow down the drug. Since each drug investigated was subjected to all selected tests, whether such tests were developed for this type of compound or not, some unexpected and undocumented results were obtained.


The Taum Sauk Pumped Storage Powerplant in Reynold County, Missouri (USA) was constructed between 1960 and 1963 to store water for generation during peak daytime power demands. The plant consists of a lower reservoir, which is sited along the East Fork of the Black River, and an upper reservoir, which is formed by a kidney-shaped rock-fill dike approximately 50 to 87 ft (15.2 to 26.5 m) high, capped by a 10-ft (3.05 m) concrete parapet wall set on crest that is 12 ft (3.66 m) wide. The Upper Reservoir held 4,600 acre-ft (5.67 billion liters) when filled. A variety of design/construction flaws, an instrumentation programming error, and human errors contributed to a catastrophic failure of the Upper Reservoir on December 14, 2005. Malfunctioning and improperly programmed and/or placed sensors failed to indicate that the reservoir was full and did not shut down the facility9s remaining pump unit until water had been overflowing for 6 to 7 minutes. This overflow undermined the parapet wall and scoured the underlying embankment, leading to a complete failure within that time frame. The peak discharge from this outbreak flood was estimated to be 289,000 cfs (8,184 m 3 /s), obliterating most of Johnson Shut-ins State Park, where, miraculously, only five people were injured. The flood pulse was significantly mollified by capture within Lower Taum Sauk Reservoir, and the maximum discharge over the Lower Taum Sauk Dam was limited to just 1,600 cfs (45.3 m 3 /s), precluding any significant downstream damage.


In this paper we report on the inaugural meetings of the Musical Care International Network held online in 2022. The term "musical care" is defined by Spiro and Sanfilippo (2022) as "the role of music—music listening as well as music-making—in supporting any aspect of people's developmental or health needs" (pp. 2–3). Musical care takes varied forms in different cultural contexts and involves people from different disciplines and areas of expertise. Therefore, the Musical Care International Network takes an interdisciplinary and international approach and aims to better reflect the disciplinary, geographic, and cultural diversity relevant to musical care. Forty-two delegates participated in 5 inaugural meetings over 2 days, representing 24 countries and numerous disciplines and areas of practice. Based on the meetings, the aims of this paper are to (1) better understand the diverse practices, applications, contexts, and impacts of musical care around the globe and (2) introduce the Musical Care International Network. Transcriptions of the recordings, alongside notes taken by the hosts, were used to summarise the conversations. The discussions developed ideas in three areas: (a) musical care as context-dependent and social, (b) musical care's position within the broader research and practice context, and (c) debates about the impact of and evidence for musical care. We can conclude that musical care refers to context-dependent and social phenomena. The term musical care was seen as useful in talking across boundaries while not minimizing individual disciplinary and professional expertise. The use of the term was seen to help balance the importance and place of multiple disciplines, with a role to play in the development of a collective identity. This collective identity was seen as important in advocacy and in helping to shape policy. The paper closes with proposed future directions for the network and its emerging mission statement.


Imaging systems as ultrasound, sonar, laser and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are subjected to speckle noise during image acquisition. Before analyzing these images, it is often necessary to remove the speckle noise using filters. We combine properties of two mathematical morphology filters with speckle statistics to propose a signal-dependent noise filter to multiplicative noise. We describe a multiscale scheme that preserves sharp edges while it smooths homogeneous areas, by combining local statistics with two mathematical morphology filters: the alternating sequential and the self-dual reconstruction algorithms. The experimental results show that the proposed approach is less sensitive to varying window sizes when applied to simulated and real SAR images in comparison with standard filters.


Quadrature sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters require a feedback path for both the I and the Q parts of the complex feedback signal. If two separate multibit feedback digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are used, mismatch among the unit DAC elements leads to additional mismatch noise in the output spectrum as well as an I/Q imbalance. This paper proposes new quadrature bandpass (QBP) mismatch shaping techniques. In our approach, the I and Q DACs are merged into one complex DAC, which leads to near-perfect I/Q balance. To select the unit DAC elements of the complex multibit DAC, the well-known butterfly shuffler and tree structure are generalized towards a complex structure, and necessary constraints for their correct functioning are derived. Next, a very efficient first-order QBP shaper implementation is proposed. Finally, the newly presented complex structures are simulated to prove their effectiveness and are compared with each other with respect to performance


: Background: In recent years, there has been increasing interest from health authorities in avoiding consumer exposure to opium alkaloids in food. Thus, recent cases of intoxication and false positive drug tests, from the consumption of poppy seeds and food, have been detected. In order to know more certainly the concentration of these substances in food and to establish more reliably the consumption of these toxics in the population, data on their presence in food should be further collected. These compounds are found at ultra-trace levels in complex matrices, so it is important to develop efficient analytical methods based on selective analytical techniques and adequate sample treatment, which is key to avoid matrix effects. Scope and approach: This review summarizes the actual situation of opioids in food products. It establishes the cause of their presence in food, the risk of consumption and actions to prevent their exposure. In addition, it sums the techniques of sample treatment and analysis of all available articles on opioids in different samples. Key findings and conclusions: The studies that have been made of opioids are mainly about morphine. For this reason, there is a need to do more studies with all of them. Besides, most of the studies are in biological samples, following consumption of poppy seeds or foods. Therefore, there is to develop and validate new methods that are effective for complex matrices such are foods, to know exactly the actual exposure to consumers and how to decrease it. Suggested Reviewers


Problem statement: Given the high contribution of tourism industry in the Malaysian economy, Malaysia has a vast view to increase its market share of the international tourist arrivals in the Asia Pacific region. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the long run and short run demand for tourism from top ten markets (country). Approach: To accomplish this objective the ARDL bound test approach to cointegration was carried out for quarterly time series data from 1998:Q1 to 2007: Q3. A three-stage procedure followed to test the direction of causality. In the first stage the order of integration was tested using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips Perron (PP) unit root tests. The second stage involved testing for the existence of a long-run equilibrium relationship between arrivals, income, tourism price, tourism substitute price and travel cost. The third stage involved constructing standard Granger-type causality tests augmented with a lagged error-correction term where the series were cointegrated. Results: The result of ADF and PP unit root tests confirmed that all variables were stationary at first difference. In addition the results indicated that a long run relationship and between variables. Conclusion: The results indicated that tourists from these ten countries seem to be highly sensitive to the price and the alternative destinations are complementary to Malaysia. In addition the results showed that the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS, 2003) had a negative affects significantly affected Malaysia's tourism demand.


This paper analyses monotonic and low cycle tension compression and pure bending characteristics of specimens with electromechanically hardened surface. The performed experiments showed that under monotonic tension strength characteristics (σpl, σ0.2, σ u) are increasing and strain characteristics (eu, ψ) are decreasing. During cyclic stress limited tension compression at low loading levels both the width of plastic strain hysteresis loop and accumulated plastic strain are decreasing, therefore the lifetime is increasing. Under pure bending this tendencies persist, but in this case the lifetime at all loading levels is larger than the lifetime at tension compression.


It has been suggested that tissue-specific expression of the genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) leads to local generation of angiotensin (ANG) II with specific physiological implications. We demonstrate here that an intracellular RAS exists in adrenal glomerulosa cells; 60 h after bilateral nephrectomy and hemodialysis, renin and prorenin were eliminated from the circulation, whereas intra-adrenal renin content increased (control rats: 2 +/- 0.5 ng ANG I.mg-1.h-1; anephric rats: 25 +/- 2). Thus renin is produced locally within adrenal cells. We obtained immunocytochemical and biochemical evidence for the presence of renin within intramitochondrial dense bodies of the zona glomerulosa. After nephrectomy, dense bodies increased in number, size, and renin content (control rats: 2.5 +/- 0.7 ngANGI.mg-1.h-1; anephric rats: 43 +/- 7). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was also present within mitochondria and their dense bodies. In addition, in adrenal cortex of anephric rats, giant dense bodies were observed, which contain renin and strongly react with an anti-angiotensinogen antibody. The localization of renin, ACE, and angiotensinogen at these sites provides new evidence for the existence of an intracellular adrenal RAS.


The European Union (EU) and United States (US) are the world's two largest and most influential legal jurisdictions for corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The pressures of international economic competition have lead to a flurry of M&A activity in these locales in the post-Cold War period. Given the economic impact and, in many cases, political sensitivity of some M&As, it has become critical that transatlantic regulators reach similar decisions with regard to M&A approval, denial, or modification. Incongruent decisions lead to uncertainty in the marketplace, and the possible loss of global economic competitiveness and respect for regulatory processes and outcomes. In this paper, we explore the efforts made by the US and EU over the past two decades to enhance cooperation in merger policies and processes. We argue that, despite a couple of high-profile cases to the contrary, the US and EU have made great strides in reducing uncertainty in the M&A regulatory process by institutionalizing a series of formal agreements and working groups that have served to provide the foundation for a transatlantic merger environment that may serve as a model for cross-border regulatory cooperation in the 21 st century.


The use of composite materials, mainly reinforced thermoplastic has increased on the polymer industry, mainly the polypropylene resins (PP) reinforced by glass fibers (GF). The ionizing radiation can promote alterations in the polymeric chains by scission and crosslinking reactions. The objective of this work is to study the effect of the ionizing radiation in the properties of the polypropylene long fiber glass reinforced thermoplastic. Pellets with 1,3 cm of length, contend 15wt% of the unidirectional long glass fiber were obtained by extrusion and, subsequently, the samples were molded by injection, irradiated and submitted to thermal and mechanical tests. The mechanical (tensile and impact) properties and thermal (HDT and Vicat softening temperature) of irradiated and non irradiated reinforced thermoplastic were determined. The doses of the irradiation of the samples were 30, 50 and 100 kGy in a source of 60Co. The results showed a reduction in the thermal and mechanical performances indicating a degradation of the polymeric matrix.


To evaluate the potential contribution of thyroidal secretion to the relative excess of triiodothyronine (T3) production in hyperthyroidism and to investigate the effects of treatment, iodine (127I), T3 and thyroxine (T4) were measured in digests of thyroid tissue obtained at surgery from 13 patients with Graves' disease. In 11 normal human thyroid glands, 127I content was 630 +/- 60 (all values mean +/- SE in mug/ wet weight) T4, 254 +/- 39 and T3 21 +/-3. The T4I was 26 +/- 3% of the total iodine and the molar ratio T4/T3 was 11 +/- 1. The 13 patients with Graves' disease were divided into three groups. Eleven were clinically euthyroid (Groups I and II) and had received either iodide or iodide plus a thiourea derivative before surgery. Two subjects (Group III) received only propranolol. In Group I (n = 8), mean thyroidal 127I content was 320 +/- 50, T4 was 115 +/- 9 and T3 22 +/- 4. The molar ratio T4/T3 was 5.9 +/- 1 and T4I was 26 +/- 2% of the total. Group II patients (3) had the lowest preoperative serum T4 (less than 2.5 mug/dl) and T3 (less than ng/dl) concentrations with TSH elevated in only one (7 muU/ml). Thyroidal 127I was 100 +/- 26, T49 +/- and T3 1.3 +/- 0.3. The % T4I was 5 +/-2. The two chemically hyperthyroid subjects had a mean tissue 127I of 450; T4, 295 and T3, 56, the T4/T3 ratio was 4.5 and % T4I was 42. There was no correlation between tissue 127I and T4/T3 within either the normal or Graves' disease group. Since adequate clinical and chemical control of hyperthyroidism with antithyroid drugs and iodine was attained in the 8 Group I subjects without a decrease in the % T4I or T3I below that of normal thyroids, it suggests that inhibition of iodotyrosine coupling is not required for this effect. The % T4I was below normal only in patients with marked suppression of serum T4 and T3 concentraions. The lack of correlation between tissue 127I and T4/T3 ratio in the treated patients suggests that the lower T4/T3 ratio in Graves' thyroids is independent of intrathyroidal iodine concentrations. This hypothesis is strengthened by the similarly low T4/T3 ratio in untreated subjects with near normal tissue 127I content. Assuming that the thyroid hormones are secreted in the ratios present in these digests, one can estimate that direct secretion by the thyroid could contribute most, of not all, of the excess T3 production in Graves' disease.


Some time ago, when a non-medical friend had a baby with Down's syndrome and asked me for a book to read, I was hard pressed to recommend one. Happily, this would no longer apply, as this excellent little book fits the bill admirably. The book is the latest in a series which aims to inform the lay public about common medical problems, and is intended primarily as a guide for parents of a child with Down's syndrome. Attitudes to Down's syndrome have changed markedly in the last 20 years: more children are reared at home, and there are better opportunities for education and integration into the community. The growth of parents' associations, and the philosophy of normalisation, treating the disabled adult appropriately for his or her age rather than as a child, have both helped to bring about these changes. This book, written by a developmental paediatrician, is in tune with this philosophy but maintains a realistic view of the achievements of persons with Down's syndrome. The book offers comprehensive advice on problems from infancy to adulthood. Parents describe their reactions and feelings at the time of diagnosis in their own words, and ways of coping at this difficult time with partners, other children, relatives, and friends are suggested. The features of Down's syndrome and its chromosomal basis are discussed. The wide range of developmental progress in Down's syndrome is illustrated, and ways of stimulating the child at different ages are outlined. The recommended guidelines for health maintenance, while not always routine in this country, for example, annual tests for hypothyroidism, argue for high standards of general health care. The complications of Down's syndrome, such as congenital heart disease, are well covered, as are behavioural problems and the techniques ofbehavioural modification. The chapters of the book which deal with education and services available for children with Down's syndrome are of necessity rather general, as the book is sold in North America and Australia as well as the UK. Assessment, early intervention, and preschool groups are discussed, and parents are advised of the educational options available and of how to ensure that their child receives appropriate schooling. The final section is concerned with adulthood, dealing with adolescence, sexuality, socialisation, employment, independence, and ageing. The situation in the UK with regard to the civil rights of intellectually disabled adults is compared unfavourably to other countries which have guardianship legislation. Controversial treatments, such as plastic surgery, sensory integration programmes, and diets are sensibly evaluated. The last chapter concerns the management of future pregnancies and the book ends with useful addresses and an index. Although there is no bibliography, other selfhelp books for parents are recommended in the text. The book is well written, with clear explanations of technical terms, and is illustrated with diagrams, drawings, and attractive photographs. I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to parents. It should find a place in every special care baby nursery for the use of parents and staff, and in every child development centre, paediatric department, and genetic department.


Recent developments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have had consequences on the urban environment. Minimizing the impact of urban development on the natural environment and the trend to improve the ecological performance of buildings are the main concerns of sustainable and low energy building practices in Abu Dhabi. These ideologies have been acknowledged by international architectural firms to designing and constructing new projects that are energy efficient, environmental friendly, and architecturally remarkable. Despite the fact that the UAE is one of the hottest countries in the Gulf region, the use of glazed facades in modern buildings has gained increasing popularity because of the better views, pleasant indoor environment, and the building's prestige. These design approaches usually come with an increased operational cost due to the higher solar gain. This paper investigates the increasing interest in integrating intelligent glass facades into sustainable buildings in the UAE in order to increase energy efficiency by improving thermal comfort and reducing cooling loads; improve occupants' performance and comfort; and save the environment by minimizing the negative environmental impact. The study investigates typical glazed facade buildings exposed to the UAE environment, to understand the effect of the building skin on the energy demands in a hot climate. To reduce energy uses in buildings, advanced systems, including Double Skin Facade strategies have been tested and integrated into a high performance building. These strategies are to be developed, based on an individual funded research project carried out by the author, and the experience of previous researchers and building users


This research is concerned with applying evolutionary algorithms to explore the creation and optimisation of authentic and novel human character faces. Utilising computer software to create an authentic three-dimensional character face usually requires a graphic artist to spend a considerable amount of time and attention to painstaking detail to evolve authentic facial topology. Given that character faces share many common properties of proportion and relative positioning of facial components such as eyes, nose and mouth, then perhaps some novel face may be evolved from some standard base face through a user-centred application of a stochastic search process. Further, can such a system support the non-visually creative practitioner in the realisation of his or her own conceptual visualisations of an authentic character representation? An initial investigation applying these ideas within the context of a 3D modelling environment (Maya) to creating a human face and parametrically generate faces with varying characteristics for head shape, eye, nose, and mouth is reported. This work involves the integration of an interactive evolutionary process which utilises user-selected mesh components within the Maya environment.


OF THESIS THE RELATIONSHIP OF SELF-ESTEEM ON PORNOGRAPHY VIEWERSHIP AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION IN GERMAN COUPLES The current study aimed to examine the relationship between husbands' and wives' perceptions of self-esteem and relationship satisfaction as mediated through the frequency of pornography viewership at the individual and dyadic level. Using the VSA model, this study utilized the pairfam dataset, which is a nationally representative German sample. Data from 369 participants were analyzed using three structural equation models; a combined male and female anchor model, a male only anchor model, and a female only anchor model. This current study found that males' and females' self-esteem was significantly related to higher levels of relationship satisfaction for themselves and for their partner. Males frequency of viewing pornography with their partner was associated with an increase in relationship satisfaction for their partner. Frequency of individually viewing pornography for females was found to be associated with a decrease in relationship satisfaction for their partner. Female self-esteem was associated with higher frequency of viewing pornography together with their partner. Overall, varying definitions of what pornography may be, the perceptions of pornography being viewed in the relationship, and the impact it has on couple relationships were explored.


Coopetition, the joint occurrence of competition and cooperation between two actors on more than one activity is an emerging topic of research. As Bengtsson and Kock (2014) mentioned, there is an exponential increase in published papers that tackle the problems and opportunities surrounding coopetition. Coopetition as a phenomenon has received an increased attention since Raymond Noorda, CEO and founder of Novell, first introduced the concept in the 1980s (Luo, 2007). Though, not only has the academic realm seen an increase, the business world has moved towards a more cooperative identity in relation to their competitors. Where partnerships used to be looked upon as second best solution (Beamish, 1988), it is now changing rapidly with the increase of joint ventures and other forms of partnerships (Pastor & Sandonis, 2002, p. 245). This empirically explorative study uses data extracted from an established Asian high-technology company. With 61 respondents ranging from regular employees to top management, correlation and regression analyses have been conducted to draw conclusions about the role of internal coopetition for learning within organizations based upon the previously mentioned variables. In conclusion, parts of the inter-organizational theory on coopetition can be adapted and used in an intra-organizational framework. Though more importantly, it is proven that in order to increase organizational learning from within the company, the coopetition intensity should be maintained on high levels.


Large-scale distributed systems typically contain many heterogeneous components [16]. To manage these types of systems, applications and administrators must be able to monitor the status and proper functioning of system resources. This paper describes the design and use of a distributed object visualization environment (DOVE) that supports monitoring and visualization of applications and services in heterogeneous distributed systems. In this paper, we use DOVE as an exemplar to illustrate how frameworks and components, such as CORBA services and Java Beans, can be combined with patterns, such as Visitor and Observer, to build reusable, scalable, and maintainable software monitoring tools and distributed applications. DOVE itself is a framework, which provides an integrated set of components that defines a reusable architecture for a family of related monitoring and visualization applications. Conventional monitoring and visualization tools, such as BMC Patrol [1] or IBM NetView, have generally evolved without explicit concern for software qualities like modularity, reuse, or flexibility. Therefore, it's hard for these legacy tools to adapt rapidly to changing application requirements and endsystem/network environments. Support for adaptability is important since requirements of customers and environmental changes force developers to constantly maintain and enhance their software. In this paper, we illustrate how DOVE achieves a high degree of modularity, reuse, and flexibility by using OO techniques, patterns, CORBA, Java, and C++. This paper is organized as follows: Section 2 gives an overview of the DOVE software architecture; Section 3 deContact author. scribes the design of DOVE's main components, i.e., the DOVE Browser, DOVE Agent, and DOVE MIB; and Section 4 presents concluding remarks.


Abstract In the Middle–Upper Jurassic boundary of the External Subbetic, there are abundant discontinuities with neptunian dikes and sills composed of Callovian–lower Tithonian deposits. In cavities developed on a slope with escarpments, cryptobiontic communities were preserved in life position. These cavities were excavated beneath a hardground covering the upper surface of Bathonian oolitic limestones deposited in very shallow pelagic carbonate platforms. The biogenic crusts are composed mainly of serpulids and Frutexites—laminated dendrolitic microstructures—and, secondarily, by sessile foraminifera. The serpulids were pioneer organisms during colonization of the walls of small cavities in stressed shadow-cryptic environments. Serpulid aggregates then grew downward from the top walls of the cavities. The colonization of serpulid tubes was mainly after the death of organisms, first by microborers, secondly by Frutexites, and later by sessile foraminifera. The preferential colonization of these cryptic environments by serpulids can be interpreted as due to possible photophobic behavior and or the possibility of avoiding space competition or predation.


Neither the report by Meyer and Abdel-Bari regarding thyrocalcitonin-like activity in an extract derived from a medullary carcinoma of the thyroid gland (March 7 1968) nor the editorial summarizing the possible roles of thyrocalcitonin in relation to disease mentioned the most recent report of Williams and his associates. Their experience suggests that appreciable amounts of (PGs) prostaglandins were present in tumor tissue in 4 of 7 cases of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Elevated blood levels of PGs were detected in 2 of these patients--both of whom had diarrhea. Although the patient of Meyer and Abdel-Bari was not reported to have had this particular symptom diarrhea has been described in association with a significant number of medullary carcinomas. The group of long-chain fatty acids classified as PGs has myriads of diverse activites in biologic systems. Stimulation of intestinal smooth muscle is 1 of these and may be the reason for the otherwise unexplained intestinal hyperactivity. Also since the assay for thyrocalcitonin is nonspecific it is conceivable that some of the PGs have a similar acute hypocalcemic and hypophosphatemic effect although this has apparently not been reported to date. (Authors modified)


The influence of the outer diameter of the constraining region on the stress-induced birefringence in high-birefringence fibers is investigated for three fiber structures. Generally, the outer diameter should be three times larger than the mean diameter of the stress-producing regions to ensure that the birefringence is close to maximum.


Objective: To investigate the correlation between objective and subjective evaluation of patients with total hip replacement. Design: Prospective preliminary trial comparing the Western Ontario and McMaster University questionnaire (WOMAC) and gait analysis preoperatively and three months postoperatively. Setting: A German academic orthopaedic centre specializing in total hip replacement surgery. Subjects: Seventeen patients (median age 70 years) with hip osteoarthritis. Intervention: All patients had had a primary unilateral total hip replacement. Main measures: WOMAC questionnaire to assess self-perceived health status and gait analysis to determine objective gait parameters. Results: Performance of walking as well as subjective judgement of health status improved following surgery (gait speed P = 0.0222; stride length P = 0.038; stance phase ratio P = 0.0466; WOMAC P < 0.0001). However, the correlation between gait parameters and WOMAC was poor (r = -0.27 or less). Correlation between changes of walking parameters and WOMAC was bad to good (r = 0.01 to r = -0.72). Conclusion: The WOMAC questionnaire might not reflect walking performance. The addition of gait analysis is recommended to gain objective information about the quality of gait.


The known cause of cardiac conduction disturbances predicts the cardiovascular side effects inducing severe arrhythmia by the use of atypical antipsychotic i.e. Aripiprazole The efficacies in co-morbidities absolutely risk the warning detection of sudden death cause with major mental disorders interacting the mechanism in the predisposing malignancy factors. Therefore, we believe to improve dose-dependent inhibition coding the life-threatening ventricular tachycardia based on cardiac toxicity issue regulate the evaluation of testing drug criteria in clinical practice.


The area studied is situated in the North East of Nigeria and consists of a rock complex known as the Older Granites to differentiate it from the granites of the ring - dyke complexes, termed the Younger Granites. The rocks in the district are classified as metasediments, migmatites, Biotite Granite, Biotite Hornblende Granite, Fayalite Quartz Monsonite and Quartz Diorite. In the field the rocks were examined in detail and a geological map of the area constructed. The contant relationships of the members of the OlderGranites are described and results of detailed petrographical examination given. In particular, a study has been made of the microstructures, including perthite and myrmekite; from various considerations the microstructure appear to indicate a metasomatic origin for large microcline crystals found in these rocks. Various lines of evidence for and against both magmatic and metasomatic origins for the Bauchi rocks are examined; the equivocal nature of much of this evidence is stressed. The weight of petrographic and field evidence, backed by the plutonic setting and spatial distribution of the different rocks, is thought to indicate a metasomatic origin for the migmatites, the Biotite Granite and the Biotite Hornblende Granite. The Quartz Diorite and the Fayalite Quartz Monzonite are demonstrated to be related the Charnockite series; they originated by a soaking of the Biotite Granite and the Biotite Hornblende Granite respectively with dilute basic magma or solutions under deep seated conditions. It is suggested that the basic solution could have originated from the basic material displaced in the zones of granite and migmatites. The petrology of the Bauchi rocks is considered in the light of problems relating to granites and charnockites in general. The account includes ten chemical analyses of' rocks from the Bauchi area, as well as optical data on the minerals and numerous modal analyses.


BACKGROUND: COPD guidelines report that systemic corticosteroids are preferred over inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of exacerbations, but the inhaled route is considered to be an option. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the efficacy and safety of inhaled corticosteroids for COPD exacerbations. The second objective was to provide pharmacologic and clinical perspectives of inhaled corticosteroids for COPD exacerbations. METHODS: The primary outcome was a change in FEV1 baseline versus the last measured value. Secondary outcomes were a change in (PaO2) and (PaCO2) baselines versus the last measured values; FEV1, PaO2, and PaCO2 at 24 or 72 h; and hyperglycemia. RESULTS: Each of the 9 studies included in the meta-analysis was conducted in subjects who were hospitalized and not critically ill. Our meta-analysis indicated that high-dose nebulized budesonide 4–8 mg/d was noninferior to systemic corticosteroids on the change in FEV1 between baseline and the last measured value (mean difference of 0.05, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.12, P = .13) and PaCO2 (mean difference of −1.14, 95% CI −2.56 to 0.27, P = .11) but of inferior efficacy for PaO2 changes (mean difference of −1.46, 95% −2.75 to −0.16, P = .03). Hyperglycemia was less frequent with high-dose nebulized budesonide (risk ratio, 0.13; 95% CI 0.03–0.46; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our meta-analysis with a change in FEV1 as the primary end point, high-dose nebulized budesonide was an acceptable alternative to systemic corticosteroids in hospitalized subjects with COPD exacerbations who were not critically ill. Additional well-designed prospective studies are needed in both the acute care and ambulatory settings. We provide perspective on how this evidence might be applied in clinical practice.


This curated event was realised as a scripted train journey from Glasgow Central Station to Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, Nitshill. The context was Doubtful Occasion: a creative symposium based on artist Christine Borland's research into WW1 objects in Glasgow Museums' collection, Thursday, 5 October 2017. The symposium included my related paper: 'the train starts – it stops – it starts again (effort, stasis, and the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre)'.


Summary: Fourteen children between 2.5 and 16 years of age were studied to provide a quantitative estimate of the changes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse amplitude in hypophysial portal plasma during puberty. Responses to physiologic doses of synthetic GnRH were measured [induced luteinizing hormone (ΔLH) and induced follicle-stimulating hormone (ΔFSH)] and compared with spontaneous fluctuations in gonadotropins [spontaneous luteinizing hormone (ΔaLH) and spontaneous follicle-stimulating hormone (ΔaFSH)]. One to four low-dose (0.0125 or 0.025 μg/kg IV) pulses of GnRH were given every 2 hr between 0800 and 1600 or 2200 and 0400 hr. Maximal peripheral plasma concentrations of GnRH one mm after pulses averaged 107 ± 25 pg/ml (S.E.) (0.0125 μg/kg dose) and 218 ± 33 pg/ml (0.025 μg/kg dose). In early pubertal children, the maximal ΔLH was similar to or less than the maximal nocturnal ΔaLH (maximum, ΔLH 7.0 ± 0.2 versus maximum ΔaLH 7.0 ± 1.3 mIU/ml in boys, 7.0 ± 1.2 versus 16.0 ± 3.0 mIU/ml in girls). Luteinizing hormone (LH) responses were low or undetectable in children whose bone ages were less than 10 years. When discernible, LH pulse frequency was similar during daytime and nighttime sampling periods in early pubertal boys. However, two hourly injections of GnRH given during the day did not simulate the initial nocturnal rise in LH. Overall mean ΔFSH and ΔaFSH were similar in three prepubertal female patients (3.0 ± 0.2 versus 2.8 ± 0.2 mIU/ml). ΔFSH was greater than ΔaFSH in two patients with gonadal dysgenesis (bone ages, 2.5 and 5 years) and in one prepubertal girl. The gonadotropin responses seen in early pubertal children suggest that the amplitude of nocturnal GnRH pulses is equal to or greater than that previously reported in normal men.Speculation: Direct measurement of hypophysial portal plasma concentrations of GnRH in human beings is unpractical. Nevertheless, detailed comparison of spontaneous fluctuations in plasma follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones with gonadotropin responses induced by a known concentration of exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) should provide reasonable estimates of GnRH pulse amplitude. The current studies suggest that: (1) in early pubertal children, the amplitude of nocturnal GnRH pulses equals or exceeds that of normal men; (2) the initial nocturnal rise in plasma LH characteristically noted in early pubertal boys is the result of a transient increase in the frequency of GnRH secretion; and (3) if GnRH is secreted episodically before puberty, GnRH pulse amplitude is low.


Abstract Switches from migratory (diadromous) to nonmigratory (freshwater) life histories are known to have occurred repeatedly in some aquatic taxa. However, the significance of the loss of diadromy as an initiator for speciation remains poorly understood. The rivers of New Zealand's South Island house a species flock of recently derived nonmigratory galaxiid fishes known as the Galaxias vulgaris complex. Members of this complex are morphologically and genetically similar to the diadromous G. brevipinnis found in New Zealand and southeastern Australia. We hypothesised that South Islandys G. vulgaris complex (at least 10 nonmigratory lineages) represents a number of independent radiations from a migratory G. brevipinnis stock, with repeated loss of diadromy. Sequence data were obtained for 31 ingroup samples (G. vulgaris complex and G. brevipinnis) plus four outgroup taxa. A well‐resolved phylogeny based on 5039 base pairs of the mitochondrial genome suggests that diadromy has been lost on three separate occasions. Thus, speciation in these galaxiid fishes is partly an incidental phenomenon caused by switches from diadromous to nonmigratory strategies. However, much of the subsequent nonmigratory diversity is monophyletic, suggesting that drainage evolution (vicariance) has also played a major role in cladogenesis. Levels of sequence divergence among major ingroup lineages (1.6–12.7%) suggest that the radiation is considerably older relative to Northern Hemisphere (postglacial) complexes of salmonid, osmerid, and gasterosteid fishes. Sympatric taxa are not monophyletic, suggesting that their coexistence reflects secondary contact rather than sympatric speciation. The monophyly of New Zealand G. brevipinnis is well supported, but both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear sequences indicate that G. brevipinnis is paraphyletic on an intercontinental scale. The divergence (maximum 11.5%) between Tasmanian and New Zealand G. brevipinnis, although large, supports marine dispersal rather than vicariance as the principle biogeographic mechanism on an intercontinental scale.


As a capacity mechanism is currently being designed in France, a new capacity market will be created. The French transmission system operator RTE needed to conduct some studies on this market behaviour and the parameter influences. This report analyses in detail the French capacity mechanism and presents a model of the capacity market in order to study it. It then introduces a simulator called CLeMix that uses this model to run Monte Carlo and Agent based simulations. Several studies concerning the actors strategies and possible use of market power are then presented and their results analysed.


Caron, KE, Burr, JF, and Power, GA.. The effect of a stretch-shortening cycle on muscle activation and muscle oxygen consumption: a study of history-dependence. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Stretch-shortening cycles (SSCs) are observed in a variety of human movements and are associated with increases in performance. Few studies have considered the effects of stretch-induced residual force enhancement (rFE) and shortening-induced residual force depression (rFD) during an SSC, and none have considered these properties during voluntary contractions. With force matched via a robotically resisted Smith machine, we hypothesized that in the isometric steady-state following an SSC (a) muscle activation (electromyography) of the knee and hip extensors would be greater and (b) muscle oxygen consumption be higher than the reference isometric condition (ISO), but less than the rFD condition. Subjects (n = 20, male, 24.9 ± 3.9 year) performed a squat exercise over 100-140° knee angle and a matched ISO at the top and bottom of the squat. After active shortening, the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and gluteus maximus (GM) showed activation increase in the rFD-state compared with ISO (∼15%, ∼11%, and ∼25% respectively). During the isometric steady-state following the SSC, there was no difference in activation as compared with ISO for VM, VL, but GM showed an activation increase of ∼15%. VM and VL showed an activation increase in the rFD-state compared with the isometric steady-state following SSC (∼16 and ∼10% respectively). Muscle oxygen consumption (tissue saturation index) was not different during the isometric steady-states following rFD and SSC compared with ISO. During a voluntary SSC exercise, the activation increase expected in the FD-state was attenuated, with no change in muscle oxygen consumption. The concomitant role of rFE and rFD during a voluntary position-matched SSC seems to counteract shortening-induced activation increase and may optimize movement economy.


Objectives. The aim was to study the clinical features of PMR/GCA and clinical predictors of treatment response during a 40-week follow-up period. Methods. Clinical data on 77 patients with newly diagnosed PMR/GCA who were treated with oral glucocorticoids were gathered at baseline and during a 40-week follow-up period. A unilateral temporal artery biopsy (TAB) and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) PET/CT were undertaken at diagnosis. In total, each patient was seen on five occasions (i.e. baseline and weeks 4, 16, 28 and 40). Treatment response was assessed by considering clinical evaluations and results of inflammatory markers. Results. Of 77 patients [49 (63.6%) female; mean age 71.8 (8.0) years], 64 (83.1%) patients had pure PMR, 10 (13.0%) concomitant PMR and GCA, and 3 (3.9%) pure GCA. The patients reported that clinical symptoms, apart from scalp pain and duration of morning stiffness, improved significantly at week 4 and remained lower at week 40 compared with the relative frequencies at baseline. Besides, all components of physical examination showed significant improvement and remained lower at week 40 compared with the baseline. A complete response was seen in 68.7, 62.9, 44.1 and 33.3% of patients at weeks 4, 16, 28 and 40, respectively. Several clinical features, including female biological sex, younger age, fewer relapses and a lower level of baseline ESR, were significantly associated with a better treatment response. Treatment response during the follow-up period was independent of TAB results and fluorodeoxyglucose uptakes on 18 F-FDG PET/CT at diagnosis. Conclusion. Obtaining valid disease-specific outcome measures for evaluating treatment efficacy in PMR and GCA that can be applied universally is clearly an unmet clinical need. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02985424.


Introduction: Clavicle fractures represent 2.5% of fractures in adults and almost 44% of shoulder injuries. The treatment is usually non-surgical with good results; however, significantly displaced fractures can be associated with high non-union rate and therefore many would advocate surgical fixation. This is traditionally carried out by direct approach over the clavicle but an infraclavicular approach has also been used for clavicular fixation. The aim of this study was to identify the main indications for surgical intervention at our unit and patient satisfaction following surgery. We also wanted to compare the direct and the infraclavicular surgical approaches in relation to the outcome of surgical intervention. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study looking at all the clavicle fractures managed surgically over 5 years at our department. Information relating to surgical indication, surgical approach, complications, outcome, patient satisfaction, and oxford shoulder score were collected. Results: A total of 35 patients were identified, the majority were males (n = 25) and most (n = 29) were working at the time of injury. The commonest indication for surgery was displacement with shortening (n = 16). The infraclavicular approach was used in the majority of patients (n = 21), the rest (n = 14) had direct incision. Evidence of radiological and union was achieved in all patients after an average of 13 (8-24) weeks. There were no major complications but minor complications were reported in 28% and 19% of cases with direct and infraclavicular approaches, respectively. Plates were removed from six symptomatic patients; infraclavicular (n = 2) and direct approach (n = 4). Four asymptomatic plates were removed on patients' requests. All patients returned to work (after an average 2.6 months), had good oxford shoulder score between 12-20, regardless of the surgical approach used. All patients except one would recommend it to a friend. Conclusion: Our study showed excellent surgical outcome for displaced clavicle fractures supported by the high union rate, good oxford shoulder score, high return to work rate, and good patient's satisfaction. The number of minor complications and symptomatic metal work removal was less in the infraclavicular approach.


This paper presents a Listed Real Estate Investment Valuation Model that was developed to investigate the movement in indirect real estate investment through the consideration of the underlying assets of property loan stock companies. Specific reference is given to information that is made available to shareholders by way of annual financial statements in order to determine the extent to which shareholders can make investment decisions based on this information. The study enhances the knowledge of direct vs. indirect real estate investment behaviour and provides more insight into price discovery in the property sector.


From analysis of clinical material of more than 1,000 patients with surgical diseases of the abdominal organs obtained by modern examination methods and processing developed by the author, including diagnostic, prognostic, and preventive procedures and methods, and from the results of pathopharmacological study of the venous bed in 500 patients who died in the early postoperative period, the main aspects of postoperative phlebothrombosis and thromboembolism of the pulmonary arteries were studied: their frequency, localization, early diagnosis, dynamics of changes, dependence on some risk factors, etc. The decisive rule of individual preoperative prognostication of postoperative venous thrombosis was developed and tested in the surgical clinic with 76% statistical significance. The use of the processing developed by the author reduced the incidence of postoperative thromboembolic complications in various groups of risk by 5-36 times and did not cause increased bleeding of the wound.


Arctic wildlife can be exposed to environmental chemical contamination due to long-range transport and subsequent deposition. Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are emerging chemicals of concern, found at high concentration in Arctic abiota but low levels in biota, including in polar bear and ringed seal adipose tissue currently under study. OPE metabolism was investigated in East Greenland polar bears and ringed seals using enzymatically-active liver microsomes. Organophosphate triester metabolism rate and extent were found to be greater in polar bears than ringed seals. Chemical structure and physical properties of OPEs affected metabolism; notably, bulkier, alkyl-substituted triphenyl phosphates had decreased metabolism in both species. The degradation of OPEs with aryl and alkyl substituents occurred at a greater rates in polar bears and ringed seals respectively. The structure-dependent metabolism of eleven OPEs have important implications for regulatory and risk assessments, as some compounds have little to no toxicokinetics data available in the current literature.


For over twenty-four (24) months, the Commission on Judgment Debts and Akin Matters has interacted with a cross-section of the Ghanaian public, made up mostly of public officials, on the issue of court cases mounted against the State and several of its institutions for the past twenty-three years leading to huge judgment debts against the people of Ghana. One of the major issues that came to the fore was Probity and Accountability on the part of public officials in the performance of their official duties for which they are paid from the tax-payers' money. The fact, however, is that one cannot talk about 'Accountability' without the idea of 'Corruption' rearing its ugly head, as the absence of the former nurtures the latter. This paper therefore examines the issue of probity and accountability by critically analysing the position of the law and the reality in the Ghanaian system. Keywords: Accountability, Probity, Corruption, Public Officials, Ghana


We consider the evolution in full general relativity of a family of linearly unstable isolated spherical neutron stars under the effects of very small perturbations as induced by the truncation error. Using a simple ideal-fluid equation of state, we find that this system exhibits a type I critical behaviour, thus confirming the conclusions reached by Liebling et al (2010 arXiv:1001.0575v1) for rotating magnetized stars. Exploiting the relative simplicity of our system, we are able to carry out a more in-depth study providing solid evidence of the criticality of this phenomenon and also to give a simple interpretation of the putative critical solution as a spherical solution with the unstable mode being the fundamental F-mode. Hence for any choice of the polytropic constant, the critical solution will distinguish the set of subcritical models migrating to the stable branch of the models of equilibrium from the set of subcritical models collapsing to a black hole. Finally, we study how the dynamics changes when the numerical perturbation is replaced by a finite-size, resolution-independent velocity perturbation and show that in such cases a nearly critical solution can be changed into either a sub- or supercritical one. The work reported here also lays the basis for the analysis carried in a companion paper, where the critical behaviour in the head-on collision of two neutron stars is instead considered (Kellerman et al 2010 Class. Quantum Grav. 27 235016).


Cloud and big data technologies are now converging to enable organizations to outsource data in the cloud and get value from data through big data analytics. Big data systems typically exploit computer clusters to gain scalability and obtain a good cost-performance ratio. However, scheduling a workload in a computer cluster remains a well-known open problem. Scheduling methods are typically implemented in a scheduling framework and may have different objectives. In this paper, we survey scheduling methods and frameworks for big data systems, propose a taxonomy and analyze the features of the different categories of scheduling frameworks. These frameworks have been designed initially for the cloud (MapReduce) to process Web data. We examine sixteen popular scheduling frameworks and discuss their features. Our study shows that different frameworks are proposed for different big data systems, different scales of computer clusters and different objectives. We propose the main dimensions for workloads and metrics for benchmarks to evaluate these scheduling frameworks. Finally, we analyze their limitations and propose new research directions.


Software system design-especially design of large, complex, distributed systems-is inherently difficult to learn and to teach. The received view in software engineering is that truly exceptional designers evolve through practice and that much of the knowledge they employ in design is implicit or tacit in their modes of work. One problem is the lack of well-established theories and axioms for software design and the challenge of showing the relationship between those axioms that do exist and the activities evident in design practice. Another is the challenge of imparting to students an appreciation for the human, organizational, and social factors that affect the design process. We believe that some of the knowledge required for competent design may be surfaced and reified through deliberate reflection on the nature of software design questions, the options identified in response to these questions, and especially the criteria that are identified and applied to selection of a design option. This paper describes an approach that uses design questions, options, and criteria (QOC) as a vehicle for software system design education.


This paper verifies the impact of equity portfolio on bank management, underscoring the importance of managing the risks involved and suggesting "management of sensitivity to equity price risk" as a risk management technique that takes into account the correlation between equity price risk and credit risk. To do this, the paper focuses on the high correlation between "expected default probability estimated by the option-approach (Merton method)" using equity price information and " spread over Libor" observed in the bond market. This is used to calculate sensitivity (delta and vega) to changes in the equity price and its volatility. According to calculations for a sample portfolio, these two sensitivities have a degree of utility in measuring the distribution of risk exposure and in using equity price index futures and options as hedges. In the hedging of vega risk (which tends to reflect credit risk) in particular, long put positions in equity price index options are shown to be potentially effective.


Perturbative availability poisons (PAPs) add small changes to images to prevent their use for model training. Current research adopts the belief that practical and effective approaches to countering PAPs do not exist. In this paper, we argue that it is time to abandon this belief. We present extensive experiments showing that 12 state-of-the-art PAP methods are vulnerable to Image Shortcut Squeezing (ISS), which is based on simple compression. For example, on average, ISS restores the CIFAR-10 model accuracy to $81.73\%$, surpassing the previous best preprocessing-based countermeasures by $37.97\%$ absolute. ISS also (slightly) outperforms adversarial training and has higher generalizability to unseen perturbation norms and also higher efficiency. Our investigation reveals that the property of PAP perturbations depends on the type of surrogate model used for poison generation, and it explains why a specific ISS compression yields the best performance for a specific type of PAP perturbation. We further test stronger, adaptive poisoning, and show it falls short of being an ideal defense against ISS. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of considering various (simple) countermeasures to ensure the meaningfulness of analysis carried out during the development of PAP methods.


Purpose To describe and validate a novel portable smartphone-based infrared pupillographer. Materials and Methods A prototype infrared smartphone pupillographer device was custom designed for this project. Infrared video and photo pupillography were attempted on 12 patients with different clinical pupillary examination findings. Captured pupillography media files were assessed by three masked investigators, and the agreement between their qualitative clinical evaluation was tested against the evaluation of the neuro-ophthalmologist who performed the real-time examination and pupillography. Quantitative measurements of the pupillary diameter were performed by three investigators using a custom designed smartphone application on three different smartphones and on a personal computer. Measurements obtained by the three investigators using the smartphone and the desktop computer were compared. Results Infrared video pupillography of high quality was successfully captured for light and near pupillary reflexes, and infrared still photographs were obtained in light and dark conditions in 23 eyes of the 12 patients. Examination findings included relative afferent pupillary defect (n = 5), normal pupillary examination (n = 4), anisocoria (n = 2), and relative afferent pupillary reflex by reverse (n = 1). There was 100% agreement in the qualitative pupillary evaluation of the masked investigators compared with real time clinical examination. Quantitative measurements of pupillary size obtained on the smartphone and desktop computer showed excellent agreement among the three investigators with intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient ranging from 0.982–0.986 (P<0.001) and 0.995 (P<0.001) for the smartphone and the desktop computer groups, respectively. Level of agreement ranged between −0.27 and 0.32. Mean pupil diameter errors were 0.03 ± 0.15 mm between groups (P = 0.248). Conclusion This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of smartphone-based infrared pupillography for high quality photo and video documentation of pupillary examination at the bedside and in the clinic with accurate and reproducible measurements of the pupillary size in light and dark conditions.


Study Design. A retrospective study examining the clinical features, management, and treatment outcome of patients with spinal tuberculosis (TB). Objective. To determine the influence of disease severity and treatment modality on outcome of patients with spinal TB. Summary of Background Data. Although anti-TB chemotherapy is now the mainstay treatment for spinal TB, it may not be applicable to all situations, especially in patients with risk of deformity, instability, and progression of neurologic deficit. Methods. In this retrospective study (1994–2003), medical records and radiographic findings of patients with spinal TB were reviewed at 7 teaching hospitals in South Korea. The duration of triple chemotherapy with isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol, disease severity, operative procedures, and outcome were analyzed. The outcome was assessed as both favorable and unfavorable according to predefined criteria. Results. A total of 137 patients were diagnosed with spinal TB during the study period. Twenty-one patients were lost to follow-up and excluded from analysis. The mean age was 44.07 ± 16.57 years. The most common vertebral area involved was the lumbar (44.8%). The mean number of vertebra involved was 2.25. The mean angle of kyphosis was 21.58°. Forty-seven patients (35.1%) had severe symptoms. Radical surgery was carried out in 84 (62.2%) patients. Twenty patients were treated with short-term chemotherapy, while 96 under long-term. At the end of chemotherapy, 94 patients had achieved a favorable status and 22 an unfavorable one. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of gender, chemotherapy duration, or the severity of spinal TB; however, age (P = 0.025; odds ratio = 0.963; 95% confidence interval 0.932–0.995) and radical surgery (P = 0.043; odds ratio = 3.047; 95% confidence interval 1.038–8.942) were significantly related to a favorable outcome by logistic analysis. Conclusions. Our results showed that a younger age and radical surgery in conjunction with anti-TB chemotherapy were significant favorable prognostic factors.


In the present work, degradation of reactive orange 4 dye (RO4) has been investigated using hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) reactor. During the experiments carried out that time, these conditions or parameters are followed. The different concentration effects are constant prime operating parameters such as pressure and solution pH at 5 bar and 2, respectively. The degradation of RO4 has obtained higher at concentration of 40 ppm.


A series of polyurethane (PUR)/poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) simultaneous
interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) with different PURJPEMA composition
ratios was prepared and characterised. For each IPN, the glass transition behaviour
was determined by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and modulated temperature
differential scanning calorimetry (M-TDSC), whereas the morphology
was examined by transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Finally, the mechanical and thermal properties were investigated using tensile testing
and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). [Continues.]


An investigation of collision dynamics of nanoparticles for a broad range of impact factors and collision speeds is presented. The investigation is based on molecular dynamics simulations in conjunction with the Lennard-Jones interaction potential thus making the results applicable for a broad range of material properties. Identification criteria are used to classify the collision dynamics into different collision modes and submodes. Detailed analysis of the collision processes reveals the existence of coalescence and stretching separation modes, which are further classified according to their dynamics into sticking; slide-and-locking; droplet; normal stretching separation; stretching separation with satellite droplets; and shearing-off modes. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons with previous molecular dynamic studies and analytical prediction models derived for macroscopic droplet collisions are also discussed. The investigation reveals that the reflexive separation mode, which has been observed in macroscopic droplet collisions, does not occur for nanoparticles consisting of 10 000 or less atoms. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.74.235415


The envelope model allows efficient estimation in multivariate linear regression. In this paper, we propose the sparse envelope model, which is motivated by applications where some response variables are invariant with respect to changes of the predictors and have zero regression coefficients. The envelope estimator is consistent but not sparse, and in many situations it is important to identify the response variables for which the regression coefficients are zero. The sparse envelope model performs variable selection on the responses and preserves the efficiency gains offered by the envelope model. Response variable selection arises naturally in many applications, but has not been studied as thoroughly as predictor variable selection. In this paper, we discuss response variable selection in both the standard multivariate linear regression and the envelope contexts. In response variable selection, even if a response has zero coefficients, it should still be retained to improve the estimation efficiency of the nonzero coefficients. This is different from the practice in predictor variable selection. We establish consistency and the oracle property and obtain the asymptotic distribution of the sparse envelope estimator.


Compound non-homogenous Poisson processes with periodic claim intensity rates are studied in this work. A risk process related to a short term periodic environment and the periodicity for its compound claim counting process are discussed. The ruin probabilities of compound non-homogenous Poisson processes with periodic intensity function are also discussed, in which the embedded discrete risk model and the average arrival rate risk model are presented and bounds for the ruin probability of the continuous-time risk model are derived. We introduce a more general Poisson process model with double periodicity. Here the periodic environment does not repeat the exact same pattern every year but varies the short term peak over a relatively long period, with different levels in each year. Illustrations of periodicity for short and long term Poisson models and numerical examples for ruin probabilities are also given.


In 539 consecutive stroke patients admitted to a rehabilitation department, we studied the possible role of atrial fibrillation as a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism by analyzing a series of relevant clinical data in patients with and without atrial fibrillation and in patients with and without venous thromboembolic complications. Deep venous thrombosis as well as advanced age and cardiac disease were significantly (/><0.001) more frequent in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, in a model of simultaneous logistic regression carried out on the presence or absence of venous thromboembolic complications, atrial fibrillation was the only significant risk factor. In view of the morbidity and mortality linked to deep venous thrombosis, our findings argue for preventive anticoagulation therapy in stroke patients suffering from atrial fibrillation and merit further study. (Stroke 1991^2:760-762)


Since global warming has reached critical levels, limitations have been placed on the use of certain fluoride-containing refrigerants by F-Gas regulations. The EU F-Gas Regulation has introduced quotas for the use of refrigerants with a global warming potential(GWP) greater than 150. Hydrofluorocarbons(HFCs) from restricted refrigerants are widely used in heat pump systems. Considering the environmental impact of these refrigerants, it is important to look for long-term alternatives to comply with F-gas regulations. Hydrocarbon(HC) refrigerants are shown as suitable alternatives for heat pump applications. R290 as HC refrigerant is a potential refrigerant suitable for existing HFCs systems due to zero ODP and low GWP. In heat pump systems, there are many system components or parameters that are effective in condensing the air passing through the evaporator. It is very important to know how these elements affect the condensation performance in different design situations. In this study, the effect of different parameters such as capillary length, charge amount and evaporator tube volume on the condensation performance of a R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant heat pump was investigated by the experimental design approach. The experimental results obtained was compared with the theoretical model. It has been determined that the most effective parameter on the condensation performance is the capillary tube length with the effect of 35%.


I study the effects of long-run inflation and income taxation in an economy where households face uninsurable idiosyncratic risks. I construct a tractable competitive search framework that generates dispersion of prices, income and wealth. I analytically characterize the stationary equilibrium and the policy effects on individual choices. Quantitative analysis finds that monetary and fiscal policies have distinctive effects on macro aggregates, such as output, savings, wealth dispersion, income and consumption inequalities. There can be a hump-shape relationship between welfare and the respective policies. Overall, welfare can be maximized by a deviation from the Friedman rule, paired with distortionary income taxation.


The electric conductivity can potentially be used as an additional diagnostic parameter, e.g., in tumor diagnosis. Moreover, the electric conductivity, in connection with the electric field, can be used to estimate the local SAR distribution during MR measurements. In this study, a new approach, called electric properties tomography (EPT) is presented. It derives the patient's electric conductivity, along with the corresponding electric fields, from the spatial sensitivity distributions of the applied RF coils, which are measured via MRI. Corresponding numerical simulations and initial experiments on a standard clinical MRI system underline the principal feasibility of EPT to determine the electric conductivity and the local SAR. In contrast to previous methods to measure the patient's electric properties, EPT does not apply externally mounted electrodes, currents, or RF probes, thus enhancing the practicality of the approach. Furthermore, in contrast to previous methods, EPT circumvents the solution of an inverse problem, which might lead to significantly higher spatial image resolution.


Sally Hart Wilson is one of several lawyers who, on behalf of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, have filed a class-action suit seeking better protections for Medicare beneficiaries in HMOs. The experience of the lead plaintiff (one of 15) in Grijalva v. Shalala illustrates the down side of Medicare HMOs, says Ms. Wilson. Grigoria Grijalva, 71, an enrollee with diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, anemia, and a uremic bladder, complained to her physician about pain in her foot. But the physician's treatment was inadequate, the complaint alleges, and as a result her right leg was amputated. In subsequent years, the lawsuit says, the HMO denied necessary skilled nursing home days and skilled home health services and never sent a notice of denial or a description of her appeal rights, as Medicare requires.


The Snf2 chromatin remodeler, DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1) facilitates DNA methylation. In flowering plants, DDM1 mediates methylation in heterochromatin, which is targeted primarily by MET1 and CMT methylases and is necessary for silencing transposons and for proper development. DNA methylation mechanisms evolved throughout plant evolution, whereas the role of DDM1 in early terrestrial plants remains elusive. Here, we studied the function of DDM1 in the moss, Physcomitrium (Physcomitrella) patens, which has robust DNA methylation that suppresses transposons and is mediated by a MET1, a CMT, and a DNMT3 methylases. To elucidate the role of DDM1 in P. patens, we have generated a knockout mutant and found DNA methylation to be strongly disrupted at any of its sequence contexts. Symmetric CG and CHG sequences were affected stronger than asymmetric CHH sites. Furthermore, despite their separate targeting mechanisms, CG (MET) and CHG (CMT) methylation were similarly depleted by about 75%. CHH (DNMT3) methylation was overall reduced by about 25%, with an evident hyper-methylation activity within lowly-methylated euchromatic transposon sequences. Despite the strong hypomethylation effect, only a minute number of transposons were transcriptionally activated in Ppddm1. Finally, Ppddm1 was found to develop normally throughout the plant life cycle. These results demonstrate that DNA methylation is strongly dependent on DDM1 in a non-flowering plant; that DDM1 is required for plant-DNMT3 (CHH) methylases, though to a lower extent than for MET1 and CMT enzymes; and that distinct and separate methylation pathways (e.g. MET1-CG and CMT-CHG), can be equally regulated by the chromatin and that DDM1 plays a role in it. Finally, our data suggest that the biological significance of DDM1 in terms of transposon regulation and plant development, is species dependent.


MORRISSEY, PATRICK DESMOND. Fabrication, Distortion, and Metrology of Shrink Fit Electrical Connections. (Under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey W. Eischen) The fabrication of pulsed-power experiments on systems such as ATLAS at Los Alamos National Labs requires assembly of shrink fit or press fit joints. These joints are used to carry large electrical currents on the order of several megamperes for Z-pinch cylindrical implosions of thin-walled cylinders. The joints, which represent the shrink fit or press fit interfaces between cylindrical components (1100 aluminum liners and copper glide planes), are also called on to support mechanical stresses. As a result, the integrity of these joints is critical to the success of the mission. The analytical challenge for investigating these components lies in the presence of a partial shrink fit, that is, a shrink fit in which the length of contact between mating cylinders does not equal the entire length of at least one of the components. Such a design leads to stress distributions that are impossible to calculate using standard shrink fit theory that is analytically tractable. Arguably more important, however, is the varying radial deflection profile along the length of the liner that results from the partial shrink fit. For the success of these experiments, uniform implosions are deemed to be highly beneficial; thus, determining how to predict and compensate for liner deflection profiles is crucial. The primary issues at hand include the following: mechanics of the interference fits, physical description of the contact surfaces between the liner and glide planes, joint void (gap) description, and material property effects. Furthermore, for the shrink fit design of ATLAS Generation I, liner geometry alterations were investigated for potential performance improvement, particularly for the elimination of joint interface gaps and lower stress magnitudes. For the modified ATLAS design that included components designed to compress and distort other elements (Generation II), effects of localized geometry modifications were investigated for the same purposes. Composite liners, i.e., liners with two constituent materials, were also examined, along with potential problems such as cylindrical out-of-roundness on the precision scale. To investigate these issues, finite element analysis models have been created and compared to experimental data. A measurement technique has been developed to compare radial deflection profiles of diamond turned thin-walled shrink fit test specimens to finite element models of corresponding geometry. Verification of the computer generated finite element models with experimental results could provide tremendous aid in accurately predicting the shape, deflection, and stress distribution of such cylindrical elements. FABRICATION, DISTORTION, AND METROLOGY OF SHRINK FIT ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS


Abstract Background: The management of psychiatric inpatients exhibiting severely disturbed and aggressive behaviour is an important educational topic. Well structured, IT-based educational programmes (eLearning) often ensure quality and may make training more affordable and accessible. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of an eLearning course for personnel on the rates and duration of seclusion and mechanical restraint among psychiatric inpatients. Methods: In a cluster-randomized intervention trial, the nursing personnel on 10 wards were randomly assigned to eLearning (intervention) or training-as-usual (control) groups. The eLearning course comprised six modules with specific topics (legal and ethical issues, behaviour-related factors, therapeutic relationship and self-awareness, teamwork and integrating knowledge with practice) and specific learning methods. The rates (incidents per 1000 occupied bed days) and durations of the coercion incidents were examined before and after the course. Results: A total of 1283 coercion incidents (1143 seclusions [89%] and 140 incidents involving the use of mechanical restraints [11%]) were recorded on the study wards during the data collection period. On the intervention wards, there were no statistically significant changes in the rates of seclusion and mechanical restraint. However, the duration of incidents involving mechanical restraints shortened from 36.0 to 4.0 h (median) (P < 0.001). No statistically significant changes occurred on the control wards. Conclusions: After our eLearning course, the duration of incidents involving the use of mechanical restraints decreased. However, more studies are needed to ensure that the content of the course focuses on the most important factors associated with the seclusion-related elements. The eLearning course deserves further development and further studies. The duration of coercion incidents merits attention in future research.


In the 18th century, questions abound on the new branch of sciencethat is the discipline of aesthetics. In connection with this, first inFrance and England, then also in the German sphere of thought,artistic genius as the producer of an aesthetically valued artworkbecomes an object of interest. The term 'genius' enters Germanvernacular in the middle of the 18th century, when the scholarand philosopher Johann Georg Hamann commences his life work.Interpretations of the works of Hamann, an influential irrationalistor anti-rationalist of the Enlightenment era, are topical even today.At the time, the Enlightenment-inspired, nascent German geniustheory is greatly influenced by the French tradition. However,Hamann becomes a radical changer of the concept of genius. Duringhis sojourn in London (1757–1758), Hamann undergoes a religiousconversion, which subsequently becomes a catalyst for his entireworks and philosophy. Influenced by the British empiricist geniustradition, from his first writings (Socratic Memorabilia and Aestheticsin a Nutshell), Hamann enters into dispute with the spirit of theEnlightenment that dominates German aesthetics, represented byGottsched, Mendelssohn, Lessing, etc., remaining in oppositionthroughout his creative career. In his innovative literary works, richin metaphors, he proposes his own holistic idea of genius, whichcentres around an artistic genius with a God-given talent, whosecreativity is directly connected to his faith in God and the perfectnature he created. Hamann's poetic artist, who creates his worksthrough divine sensation, is not limited by a single rule or law, noris he bound by the taste preferences of his audience. Hamann doesnot see artistic creation as a pleasurable artefact which enhancesnature by rational rules, which has to adhere to the limits of goodtaste – that view was prevalent and dominant at the time, especiallyin the French and German Enlightenment ideology. He highlightsthe idea of art as a metaphysical creative process which stems fromfeelings and sensations through faith, which has a deep spiritual meaning. Hamann's works, in which he addresses the questions ofart and genius, are not dry postulations, but the author's originalvisions of ingenious creation, which stand out by their intriguinginnovative structure, and often by ironic and humorous undertones.Hamann's concept of the artistic genius is one of the cornerstonesof German early romanticism, it has influenced numerous authorsin the 19th century and extended into the 20th century throughexistentialist literature. Hamann's vision of genius does not haveequivalents in the list of genius treatments, it is unique in both contentand form. Hamann's ideas of genius will remain topical in every erawhen subjective views of art are in focus, which stem from the innercreative freedom of the artist, a creative who crosses boundaries andignores conventions, whose aspiration is guided by something thatcannot be subjected to ordinary explanations. The time has arrivedon the spiral of history today when the phenomenon of the artist isyet again at the centre of discussions, and there is no reason to doubtthat artistic genius will continue revealing itself in times to come.


The Spanish Language Today describes the varied and changing Spanish language at the end of the twentieth century. Suitable for introductory level upward, this book examines: * where Spanish is spoken on a global scale * the status of Spanish within the realms of politics, education and media * the standardisation of Spanish * specific areas of linguistic variation and change * how other languages and dialects spoken in the same areas affect the Spanish language * whether new technologies are an opportunity or a threat to the Spanish language. The Spanish Language Today contains numerous extracts from contemporary press and literary sources, a glossary of technical terms and selected translations.


Reclamation and application of sewage heat energy is a good choice for sustainable development and an effective mean of energy-saving and output-reducing. By analyzing the capacity, temperature and quality of sewage of Guiyang, we obtained the basic conditions for the application of sewage heat energy in Guiyang. The results showed that the sewage of Guiyang was resourceful, and have occurrence of large amount of cold (hot) energy. There was an obvious temperature difference between sewage temperature and atmosphere temperature. Sewage was lightly corrosive. The application conditions of sewage heat energy were suitable. Sewage heat is a clean energy which is easy to recycle. Three factors, including capacity, temperature and quality of sewage, are considered if sewage heat energy was applied. 3 factors of 10 sewage treatment plants and their subsidiary pipe network in Guiyang were monitored and analyzed to verify the application conditions of sewage heat energy in Guiyang. From the perspective of energy-saving and output-reducing, an effective way is explored to develop new energy sources in Guiyang[1,2].


Abstract Some microsporidian parasites belonging to the genus Nosema infect bees. Previous phylogenies of these parasites have produced alternative, conflicting relationships. We analyzed separately, and in combination, large and small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences of Nosema species infecting bees under neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian frameworks. We observed a sister relationship between Nosema ceranae and Nosema bombi, with Nosema apis as a basal member to this group. When compared to their respective hosts (Apis cerana, Bombus spp., and A. mellifera), 2 plausible evolutionary scenarios emerged. The first hypothesis involves a common ancestor of N. bombi host-switching from a historical Bombus lineage to A. cerana. The second suggests an ancestral N. ceranae host-switching to a species of Bombus. The reported events offer insight into the evolutionary history of these organisms and may explain host specificity and virulence of Nosema in these economically important insects.


Neurologist Dr. Jonathan Pincus personally examined and probed into the family and medical history of numerous serial killers and other violent criminals to analyze what creates and triggers the violent instinct. He discovered that virtually all suffered severe abuse as children, as well as brain damage and mental illness. In these gripping, terrifying stories, Pincus concludes that violent criminal behavior is the catastrophic product of a dysfunctional brain coupled with an abusive environment. Focusing on these critical factors, how can we prevent the development of potentially violent persons from a young age before the damage becomes irrevocable? And how do we evaluate chances of rehabilitation? "[A] rigorous, troubling, and profoundly humane book."-Leon Wieseltier, The New Republic "An urgent wake-up call for the nation...a must-read for every professional engaged in the administration of criminal justice."-Samuel Dash, Georgetown University Law Center


Sanctions are designed to reduce the amount of resources available to the targeted actor and have the potential to be an effective tool for bringing disputing sides in a civil conflict to the bargaining table by altering incentives for continued fighting. Thus, there is reason to believe that sanctions can shorten the duration of civil conflicts. However, once sides in a conflict have moved to the use of violence to settle their dispute, it is hard for sanctions, in isolation, to impose enough cost to convince warring factions that settling a conflict has greater value than what could be expected from continued fighting. In this article, we argue that sanctions, in isolation, are unlikely to affect the duration of civil conflicts. However, when sanctions are combined with military interventions they can contribute to conflict management strategies resulting in shorter civil conflicts. We test our expectations empirically using data on civil conflicts from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program Armed Conflict Database and data on economic sanctions from the Threat and Imposition of Economic Sanctions Database. Our results suggest that the best hope for sanctions to shorten the duration of civil conflicts is if they are used as part of a comprehensive international response that includes institutional sanctions and military interventions.


Expression of the cell adhesion molecules including E‐cadherin and its cytosolic binding proteins, α‐ and β‐catenins, has been widely studied in a variety of tumours, but not, to date, in thymic epithelial tumours. To observe the expression pattern of these adhesion molecules, immunohistochemical stains for E‐cadherin (E‐CD) and α‐ and β‐catenins were performed on 89 cases of thymoma which were classified as cortical (57 cases), mixed (18 cases), and medullary (14 cases), based on the classification of Marino and Müller‐Hermelink. The majority of cortical thymomas showed diffuse and homogenous membrane immunoreactivity for these molecules (88 per cent for E‐CD; 86 per cent for α‐catenin; 91 per cent for β‐catenin) and the remaining cases showed heterogeneous immunoreactivity, whereas almost all mixed and medullary thymomas revealed decreased expression or were negative. In each histological subtype of thymoma, the expression did not correlate with invasion or with the presence of myasthenia gravis. These results indicate that the expression of E‐CD and α‐ and β‐catenins is more closely associated with the histological subtypes of thymoma than with their biological behaviour. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Machine learning architectures are readily available, but obtaining the high quality labeled data for training is costly. Pre-trained models available as cloud services can be used to generate this costly labeled data, and would allow an attacker to replicate trained models, effectively stealing them. Limiting the information provided by cloud based models by omitting class probabilities has been proposed as a means of protection but significantly impacts the utility of the models. In this work, we illustrate how cloud based models can still provide useful class probability information for users, while significantly limiting the ability of an adversary to steal the model. Our defense perturbs the model's final activation layer, slightly altering the output probabilities. This forces the adversary to discard the class probabilities, requiring significantly more queries before they can train a model with comparable performance. We evaluate our defense under diverse scenarios and defense aware attacks. Our evaluation shows our defense can degrade the accuracy of the stolen model at least 20%, or increase the number of queries required by an adversary 64 fold, all with a negligible decrease in the protected model accuracy.


Lord Byron's reputation in Russia's literary imagination might surprise those who remember him not only as a multifaceted poet or political commentator, but also as a sexual libertine. Following his death in Greece, the tempestuous Byron came to stand for both freedom and romanticism in Russia, especially for the poets who would become associated with the Decembrist Uprising, a failed attempt by liberal nobles to reform the absolutist state by military coup in 1825. Perhaps even more importantly, Byron also became identified with the primary candidate for the role of Russia's national poet: Alexander Pushkin. Though much as been written about Pushkin's "Byronic apprenticeship," this article focuses on how Pushkin's responses to the English poet led him to depart from—and even conflict with—a specifically political version of Byronism promoted by his contemporaries. In particular, it analyzes Russian poetic response to Byron's death, including works by Pushkin, Ivan Kozlov, Wilhelm Küchelbecker, Kondraty Ryleev, and Dmitry Venevitnov. It also considers Pushkin's "To the Sea" (1824), analyzing an extended polemic with Prince Pyotr Viazemsky about Byron's political legacy that this poem initiates.


Legal problem solving is arguably one of the most important skills that a student of law must learn. Despite this, law schools have traditionally placed little emphasis on how problem solving skills are developed. Students have often been left to acquire the skills themselves through legal skills text books or general tutorial discussions. In recognition that 'time poor' students of today are less likely to be motivated to 'self-learn' such skills, an effective and engaging assessment regime has been introduced into first year contract law at James Cook University, which aims to scaffold the development of legal problem solving skills.

As part of an integrated FYE program, the innovative program involves a number of highly authentic tasks which are relevant to the learner at their stage of learning. As the students' knowledge base, skills base and confidence develops, the tasks become more complex and the students are required to take more responsibility for their learning. Through the use of constructive alignment the assessment tasks are explicitly linked to the subject content and learning outcomes of both the contract law subject and the whole of the FYE program. Assessment tasks include email negotiation exercises, simple hypothetical memos from a Senior Solicitor to a trainee, peer reviews and group work assessed through the use of wikis. The results have demonstrated a higher degree of engagement with the subject as a whole and improved problem solving skills and academic results.


In this thesis we describe a series of studies assessing the effectiveness of targeted therapeutics that inhibit Notch signaling or the HER2 receptor in serous gynecologic cancers. In the first part of the thesis, we have confirmed previous data by showing expression of Notch1 and Notch3 in ovarian cancer. Inhibition of the Notch pathway with a gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI) reduced cell proliferation of ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. We subsequently utilized patient derived serous ovarian cancer xenografts to study the efficacy of this GSI in vivo and demonstrated single agent anti-tumor activity in half of the analyzed tumors. In addition, a synergistic effect of treatment with GSI in combination with paclitaxel on xenograft growth was found in all analyzed tumors known to be clinically platinum resistant. These findings support previous data showing involvement of Notch signaling in chemoresistance. In addition to our research on Notch inhibition in ovarian cancer, this thesis comprises the first study to date of Notch signaling and the therapeutic targeting of this pathway in uterine serous carcinoma (USC). Expression of Notch1 was shown in the majority of analyzed USCs and in vitro treatment with GSI decreased proliferation of USC cell lines. Furthermore, GSI monotherapy in vivo reduced tumor growth in a subset of cell line derived and patient derived USC xenograft models. Moreover, GSI treatment augmented the anti-tumor activity of paclitaxel and carboplatin in half of the primary human USC xenograft cohorts.

In the second part of this thesis, we have assessed the efficacy of HER2 inhibition in USC using the monoclonal anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib. In our cohort of USC specimens, a 24% rate of HER2 gene amplification and a 55% HER2 over-expression rate were found. None of the analyzed cell lines or primary human USCs responded to in vitro or in vivo trastuzumab therapy. In contrast, lapatinib as single agent reduced proliferation of all USC cell lines in vitro and in vivo inhibited tumor growth only in the HER2 amplified xenografts. The most robust anti-tumor activity was observed in HER2 amplified xenografts when lapatinib was combined with trastuzumab. No in vivo efficacy of anti-HER2 therapy was found in non-HER2 amplified xenografts, suggesting HER2 gene amplification to be a biomarker for response to HER2 inhibition in USC. Next, we investigated p95HER2 expression in USC and high grade endometrioid endometrial cancer. Expression of this truncated variant of the HER2 receptor has been associated with trastuzumab resistance in breast cancer. We observed a lower degree of total HER2 expression with a proportionally higher p95HER2 expression level in USC and high grade endometrioid tumors, as compared to co-analyzed breast carcinomas. The differential p95HER2 expression levels between breast cancer and USC provide rationale for the trastuzumab resistance observed in USC.

In conclusion, the reported preclinical effectiveness of inhibition of Notch and HER2 in ovarian and uterine serous carcinomas suggests that these targeted therapies are promising strategies in serous gynecologic tumors, warranting further investigation in a clinical setting.


Dr. A, like every other dermatologist, performs myriad skin biopsies during the course of her workweek. She explains to her patients in detail the purpose of the biopsy; the possible need for further treatment pending the biopsy results; and mentions that there may be a scar at the biopsy site. She gave this information before performing a curette biopsy on the face of a 25-year-old actress. In her chart notes Dr. A writes, "biopsy discussed in detail with patient." There is nothing in the chart documenting any discussed risk of scarring. No written consent form is obtained. Unfortunately, the biopsy


The aim of this study is to demonstrate a small part of the opportunities of statistical methods and software for the Chalcolithic dwellings' architecture. It represents the problems which limit this kind of research. This study utilizes the statistical approach to analyze the Chalcolithic dwellings in Northeastern Bulgaria. The area provides great opportunities. It includes entirely excavated Chalcolithic settlements or ones with completely excavated building layers – Vinitsa, Golyamo Delchevo, Ovcharovo, Omurtag, Polyanitsa, Radingrad and Targovishte. A total of 628 Chalcolithic buildings have been analyzed. The information has been systemized and entered into an electronic table. It has been statistically processed via the statistical software. As a result, a number of conclusions have been drawn. They reflect the chronological dependencies, the exposure, the shape and the size of the dwellings, their inner plan and arrangement.


Abstract. Warming in the Arctic during the past several decades has caused glaciers to thin and retreat, and recent mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet is well documented. Local glaciers peripheral to the ice sheet are also retreating, but few mass-balance observations are available to quantify that retreat and determine the extent to which these glaciers are out of equilibrium with present-day climate. Here, we document record mass loss in 2009/10 for the Mittivakkat Gletscher (henceforth MG), the only local glacier in Greenland for which there exist long-term observations of both the surface mass balance and glacier front fluctuations. We attribute this mass loss primarily to record high mean summer (June–August) temperatures in combination with lower-than-average winter precipitation. Also, we use the 15-yr mass-balance record to estimate present-day and equilibrium accumulation-area ratios for the MG. We show that the glacier is significantly out of balance and will likely lose at least 70% of its current area and 80% of its volume even in the absence of further climate changes. Temperature records from coastal stations in Southeast Greenland suggest that recent MG mass losses are not merely a local phenomenon, but are indicative of glacier changes in the broader region. Mass-balance observations for the MG therefore provide unique documentation of the general retreat of Southeast Greenland's local glaciers under ongoing climate warming.


Most previous seq2seq summarization systems purely depend on the source text to generate summaries, which tends to work unstably. Inspired by the traditional template-based summarization approaches, this paper proposes to use existing summaries as soft templates to guide the seq2seq model. To this end, we use a popular IR platform to Retrieve proper summaries as candidate templates. Then, we extend the seq2seq framework to jointly conduct template Reranking and template-aware summary generation (Rewriting). Experiments show that, in terms of informativeness, our model significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, and even soft templates themselves demonstrate high competitiveness. In addition, the import of high-quality external summaries improves the stability and readability of generated summaries.