Abstract Spit-platforms have not drawn much attention, despite their expected importance for understanding sediment transport mechanisms leading to siltation of tidal channels. In this article, the complex sediment transport pattern on a shallow spit-platform in the Danish Wadden Sea is described based on measurements from four current meters deployed on the spit-platform in a low- and a high-energy period. The hydrodynamic characteristics at the four stations are different in terms of impact from tidal and wave-induced currents. The sediment enters the spit-platform as sandbars oriented perpendicular to the shore migrating alongshore, because of wave activity, until the sediment reaches an ebb-dominated tidal channel. In and near this channel, the sediment is transported downdrift by the ebb-tidal currents until the sand enters a shallow dissecting ebb channel, where the sand is transported obliquely offshore and deposited on a small ebb-tidal delta. This zigzag pattern of sediment transport continues until all ebb channels (up to four) are bypassed. On the subtidal flats between the most downdrift ebb channel and the main tidal channel, the sediment is transported the remaining distance into the main tidal channel or onto the tidal flat in the lagoon landward of the spit-platform. During higher-energy conditions, the sediment transport is more affected by wave-induced currents, leading to high transport rates in the shallow parts of the spit-platform and less transport in the horizontally restricted channels.


Strigolactones (SLs) regulate plant development and induce seed germination in obligate root parasitic weeds, e.g. Striga spp. Because organic synthesis of natural SLs is laborious, there is a large need for easy-to-synthesize and efficient analogs. Here, we investigated the effect of a structural modification of the D-ring, a conserved structural element in SLs. We synthesized and investigated the activity of two analogs, MP13 and MP26, which differ from previously published AR8 and AR36 only in the absence of methylation at C-3′. The de-methylated MP13 and MP26 were much more efficient in regulating plant development and inducing Striga seed germination, compared with AR8. Hydrolysis assays performed with purified Striga SL receptor and docking of AR8 and MP13 to the corresponding active site confirmed and explained the higher activity. Field trials performed in a naturally Striga-infested African farmer's field unraveled MP13 as a promising candidate for combating Striga by inducing germination in host's absence. Our findings demonstrate that methylation of the C-3′ in D-ring in SL analogs has a negative impact on their activity and identify MP13 and, particularly, MP26 as potent SL analogs with simple structures, which can be employed to control Striga, a major threat to global food security.


This paper presents the motion characteristics for high-speed catamarans travelling in waves. Two mathematical models, threedimensional translating-pulsating source distribution technique and three-dimensional pulsating source distribution technique, are used for predicting the motions of the wave-piercing catamaran in oblique waves. The comparison between numerical predictions and experimental data carried out in SSPA shows a good agreement except the one around the resonance regions of pitch motion. It may be due to the nonlinear effects of centre bow with large pitch motions in waves. The phase angles show some scatters in the high frequencies region at stern waves. The dynamic motions of the wave-piercing catamaran have been investigated by means of short-term statistical analysis with three-dimensional pulsating source distribution technique. The comparison of seakeeping performance between the conventional catamaran and the wave-piercing catamaran has been discussed.


The presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in malt and malt beverages has been linked to the direct flame drying of malt. Similar drying procedures are used in the preparation of a variety of foods, such as non-fat dry milk, soy proteins and dried cheeses. A survey of some of these processed foods for volatile N-nitrosamines has shown that low levels of NDMA are present, along with N-nitrosomorpholine in one sample of soy protein isolate. This paper describes the procedures used for the analysis of a variety of processed dried foods for volatile nitrosamines and reports the results obtained.


Recanalization of the basilar artery is not always achieved with intraarterial fibrinolysis. We report two cases of thromboaspiration in the basilar artery in which recanalization with fibrinolysis was successful. Thromboaspiration requires favorable anatomy and a fresh nonadhesive clot. It reduces the time for recanalization, has no hemorrhagic risk, and may prevent distal clot migration. Thromboaspiration may be attempted as an adjunct or alternative to intraarterial fibrinolysis for basilar artery recanalization.


This paper talks about psychotherapy to various psychiatric disorder based on hadith. It was found that many hadith of Rasulullah saw. mentioned the solutions which can be used as therapy to heal various psychiatric disorder. It mentioned that zikr, dua and istighfar may heal hallucinating problem, depression, and 'Gegana'. As stress can be relieved through communicating to God, stubbornness and hard-hearted also healed by seeking for God forgiveness and try to open the heart by doing full submission to Him. As reciting God's names and calling him continuously may provide the feel of peace and secure, those who tortured by bad tempered or heartbroken may healed by fasting. If these psychotherapy taught by prophet Muhammad were applied consistently, undoubtedly, Muslims will be spared form any psychiatric disorders as mentioned.


This paper presents scientific studies about optimization models for analysis of processes occurring during simulated operation on single cylinder compression ignition engine. The rate of heat released ROHR was obtained experimentally, and by simulation. For validation of the parameters that influence the shape of the combustion heat, released rate has been optimized by designing and running a set of experiments followed to obtain a range of information about minimum and maximum values of response parameters, where the best have been selected results to obtain the objectives. The optimization process was intended improve the results of simulations by minimizing the distances between the values obtained from model simulations and experimental measurements on the laboratory engine. Working method systematically changing the model parameter values simulated by optimization algorithm selected and the settings specified by this parameter. In our case, the optimization process intended to improve the results of simulations by minimizing the distances between the values obtained from simulations on a theoretical model and experimental measurements of the compression ignition engine laboratory. Optimization method used in our case is Genetic Algorithm and is a global search method in the model based on the analogy of natural biological evolution. A population of solutions is improved by creating the descent from these by applying the survival principle of the solution most adapted to the model. After optimizing, the coefficients of injection cycles have been repeated all the simulations, and results were analyzed using Impress Chart post processing program, which by graphical analysis tools output data obtained allows comparison of simulation results with laboratory measurements and validation results for the rate of heat released. Reduced costs and facilities optimization model offers several advantages in obtaining accurate results from simulations, which relies on accurate data and parameters originally introduced in the simulation program. Using computer simulations to validate the experimental measurements we are sure to obtain accurate results in research work.


Background and Aim : The views and opinions of people at different time, depending on the situation, are changeable. One of the hardest stages of human life which undergoes major changes is studentship period. Many factors can cause changes in students' perspective regarding field of study and future career. This study aimed to determine the perspective of public health students at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences about their field of study and career prospects and its related factors. Methods : In this cross-sectional study, 110 public health students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences who were enrolled in the first semester 2014-2015, were entered the study through census method. The data collection tool was a two-part questionnaire with 18 questions about the attitude of students regarding their education and career prospects and some demographic questions. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS 21 and statistical formulas. Findings : 85 (3.77%) of the subjects were female and the rest were male. The average age of them was 21.69 ± 1.75. The average score of the students perspectives about their field of study and career prospects was 26.23± 5.84 and 24.57± 6.45 respectively, which represented a negative view toward their field of study and career prospects which were not seen by the analyzed variables of statistical relationship (0.05 <p). Conclusion : The results showed that students' attitudes to their field of study and career prospects are negative. University officials' attention to this issue seems necessary so by better planning create more confidence in their students.


Individually, diabetes and sleep disorders (SDs) have a detrimental impact on physical and emotional health. The concomitance of diabetes and SDs has also revealed a myriad of negative implications regarding general health and overall well-being. The extent and primacy of this relationship is elusive due to significant rates of inadequate or under diagnoses of SDs; as well as, the multitude of intervening variables that are associated with disease symptomatology. However, previous research indicates that diabetes not only decreases sleep quality, but SDs may also augment the risk of developing diabetes. The multilateral nature of diabetes in concomitance with SDs presents distinct challenges in daily self-management of diabetes, as SDs have been shown to compromise cognition, psychological well-being, general health, and overall quality of life. A comparative literature review was conducted and numerous case-studies were surveyed that analyzed data from those with a SD and diabetes diagnosis compared to those diagnosed with a SD. Results suggest a comorbid relationship presenting in SD and diabetes. Case-studies revealed those with SDs and diabetes had a considerably higher incidence of other physiological and psychological conditions, including: heart failure, heart attack, stroke, chronic lung disease, thyroid disease, depression, and stress.


Objectives To clarify whether a greater number of cardiovascular diseases or a larger burden of disease are associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in an unselected general population. Design A population-based cross-sectional postal survey. Settings A random sample of the Swedish general population aged 40–79 years matched for national distributions of age, gender and region. Participants Out of 6969 eligible individuals, 4910 (70.5%) participated. Primary and secondary measures To create a reference database for HRQoL outcomes in the general population. To assess certain diseases and their relation to HRQoL. Methods Predefined cardiovascular diseases and HRQoL were assessed from validated questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30). Aspects of HRQoL included in the analyses were global quality of life, physical function, role function, emotional function, fatigue and dyspnoea. Individuals were categorised into: 'good function' versus 'poor function' and 'no or minor symptoms' versus 'symptomatic'. Multivariable logistic regression calculated OR with 95% CI for poor HRQoL. The exposures were the number of cardiovascular diseases and the subjective disease burden. Results Out of the 4910 participants, 1358 (28%) reported having a cardiovascular disease and hypertension was most common. Reporting a greater number of cardiovascular diseases was associated with an increased risk of poor HRQoL, especially regarding dyspnoea. The OR for symptomatic dyspnoea was 1.37 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.74) for participants with one cardiovascular disease, 4.81 (95% CI 3.24 to 7.13) for two diseases and 4.18 (95% CI 2.24 to 7.80) for those with three or more cardiovascular diseases. Among the 271 participants who assessed their cardiovascular disease burden as major, the highest risk for poor HRQoL was found for physical function (OR 6.18, 95% CI 3.72 to 10.30). Conclusions Increased number of cardiovascular diseases and a greater burden of disease are generally associated with poorer HRQoL in people with cardiovascular disease from an unselected population.


A multi-environment yield trial is important to understand the genotype by environment interaction and to select high performing and stable crop varieties. The aim of this study was to identify high yielding and stable hybrid maize varieties for mid altitudes of Rwanda, to compare the performance of new hybrid varieties with commercial checks, and to determine the extent of genotype by environment interaction. Maize is a staple crop used to fight hunger and malnutrition in developing countries. Different varieties have been released to increase yield including Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs) and hybrids. Genotype by Environment interaction is an issue that all breeding program need to overcome. In the future, improved varieties will be needed in order to increase income for farmers and help in food security Field experiments were conducted to assess the performance and the stability of 27 maize varieties in the mid altitudes zone of Rwanda in the Cyabayaga, Rubona and Bugarama sites. The experimental design was alpha lattice (0,1) with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were collected for a number of characters i.e. silking, Antesis-Silking Interval (ASI), plant height, plant aspect, ear per plant, husk cover, ear aspect, ear rot and grain yield. Data were analyzed by GenS Stat statistical computer package, Discovery Edition. ANOVA and AMMI analysis were applied to assess the performance and the stability of varieties and the degree of genotype by environment interaction (G×E). In addition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were conducted to assess relationships between varieties. The results showed that RHM1706, RHMM1701, RHM1409, RHMM1707, WH509, RHMM1704, RHM407, WH101, RHMM1710, RHMM1708, PAN53 and RHM104 were stable across locations. Furthermore, the evaluated varieties were found to cluster into five groups. Varieties found to be most stable are recommended for further use.


This paper analyzes strategies of controlling the linguistic responses of prosecution witnesses that were employed by two accused persons in a grievous-bodily-harm case involving family members at a magistrate's court in Kenya. The accused persons were ordinary rural women. The first one was a middle aged woman while the second was a young lady in her twenties. Prosecution witnesses, on the other hand, were two young children aged 12 and 14. The study analysed audio–recorded court proceedings lasting about 13⁄4 hours using a discourse analytic approach and found that the range of controlling strategies used by the defendants included aggressive questioning styles, the use of multiple questions, formulaic questions, epistemological challenges and accusatory remarks against the witnesses. Although the lay defendants demonstrated an unusual level of awareness of cross-examination strategies, the paper questions where they would have learnt such strategies and proposes further research on this area.


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 4D-MRA is a promising technique in the diagnosis and follow-up of cAVMs. The purpose of this study was to compare 4D-MRA in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of cAVMs with DSA or intraoperative findings as the standards of reference regarding qualitative and quantitative parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive patients with cAVMs (30 women) underwent both 4D-MRA and DSA. Preoperative 4D-MRA was excluded from analysis in 1 patient (movement artifacts). Twenty-five patients underwent surgery on cAVMs and underwent both imaging modalities pre- and postoperatively. 4D-MRA was performed with either 0.5-mol/L gadolinium-diethylene-triamine pentaacetic acid (group 1: voxel size, 1.1 × 1.1 × 1.4 mm3; 608 ms/dynamic frame; 19 patients) or 1.0-mol/L gadobutrol (group 2: voxel size, 1.1 × 1.1 × 1.1 mm3; 572 ms/dynamic frame; additional alternating view sharing; 37 patients). Two readers independently reviewed 4D-MRA and DSA regarding the Spetzler-Martin classification, arterial feeders, and postoperative residual filling. Vessel sharpness, vessel diameter, and VBC of 4D-MRA were quantified. RESULTS: Preoperative Spetzler-Martin classification 4D-MRA and DSA ratings matched in 55/55 patients (Spetzler-Martin grades: I, 12; II, 22; III, 15; IV, 5; V, 1), and 93/100 arterial feeders were correctly identified by preoperative 4D-MRA (7 additional arterial feeders identified by DSA only: group 1, 3/19; group 2, 4/36). Postoperative 4D-MRA and DSA matched in 25/25 patients (residual filling, 1/25). Vessel sharpness and diameters did not differ substantially between the 2 groups. VBC was significantly higher in group 2 (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: 4D-MRA is a reliable tool that allows predicting Spetzler-Martin classification and postoperative residual filling; it hence allows substituting DSA in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of patients with cerebral AVMs.


Daytime Net Ecosystem CO2 uptake (NEE) in an Amazon forest has been shown to increase significantly during smoky periods associated with biomass burning. We investigated whether the increase in CO2 uptake is caused by increased irradiance in the lower canopy, which results from increased above‐canopy diffuse light, or by decreased canopy temperature, which results from decreased above‐canopy net radiation. We used Sun photometers measuring aerosol optical depth to find nonsmoky (Aerosol Optical Depth (AOT) < 0.35), smoky (AOT > 0.5) and very smoky (AOT > 0.7) periods for the Tapajos region in the Amazon. Using a network of subcanopy photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) sensors, we detected a ∼4 μmol m−2 s−1 increase in subcanopy diffuse light during smoky periods relative to nonsmoky periods. Using a pyrgeometer to measure upwelling longwave radiation and, hence, canopy surface temperature, we found a ∼0.5°C cooling relative to air temperature during smoky periods. We modeled subcanopy irradiance based on the subcanopy PPFD sensors and combined this with subcanopy leaf photosynthesis measurements to determine how the increased lower canopy light affected NEE. We used the relationship between temperature and NEE measured by eddy covariance to determine the effect of decreased canopy temperature on canopy CO2 uptake. We found that the increase in CO2 uptake at high aerosol optical depths is primarily a result of increased shaded light in the subcanopy (accounting for ∼80%) and to a lesser extent the effect of decreased canopy temperature (accounting for ∼20%).


In vitro studies suggest that stress may generate random standing variation, and that different cellular and ploidy states may evolve more rapidly under stress. Yet this idea has not been tested with pathogenic fungi growing within their host niche in vivo. Here, we analyzed the generation of both genotypic and phenotypic diversity during exposure of Candida albicans to the mouse oral cavity. Ploidy, aneuploidy, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and recombination were determined using flow cytometry and ddRADseq. Colony phenotypic changes (CPs) in size and filamentous growth were evident without selection, and were enriched among colonies selected for LOH of the GAL1 marker. Aneuploidy and LOH occurred on all chromosomes (Chrs), with aneuploidy more frequent for smaller Chrs and whole Chr LOH more frequent for larger Chrs. Large genome shifts in ploidy to haploidy often maintained one or more heterozygous disomic Chrs, consistent with random Chr missegregation events. Most isolates displayed several different types of genomic changes, suggesting that the oral environment rapidly generates diversity de novo. In sharp contrast, following in vitro propagation isolates were not enriched for multiple LOH events, except in those that underwent haploidization and/or had high levels of Chr loss. The frequency of events was overall 100 times higher for C. albicans populations following in vivo passage compared to in vitro. These hyperdiverse in vivo isolates likely provide C. albicans with the ability to adapt rapidly to the diversity of stress environments it encounters inside the host. Author summary Adaption is a continuous dynamic process that requires genotypic and phenotypic variation. Here we studied the effects of a single passage in a mouse oropharyngeal model of infection on the appearance of diversity in C. albicans, a common commensal of the human oral cavity and GI tract. We found that variation could be rapidly detected following oral colonization, with the frequency of genome change being considerably higher with pre-selection for recombination and colony phenotypic changes. Importantly, one third of all isolates had multiple genome changes, significantly higher than expected by chance alone. We suggest that some cells in the population are naturally hypervariable and that they are a major source of diversity upon which selection can act in stressful conditions in vivo and in vitro.


There has been a link established between post-surgical dysphonia and thyroidectomy procedures and various studies identify that a large percentage of these patients have dysphonia after surgery. Most of these incidences of dysphonia resolve six months after the procedure but there are reported cases of dysphonia that persists longer than six months and which are unrelated to any potential complications that could cause dysphonia. There may be a percentage of patients who present with dysphonia before surgery which would indicate that the resilient dysphonia is related not to the surgery but rather to their baseline vocal quality. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a percentage of patients who are scheduled for thyroidectomies that have dysphonia and if there are any screening methods (subjective or objective) that surgeons may use to refer these potential cases of dysphonia for a full voice evaluation before the surgery. Eleven patients were included in this study. Each patient was a candidate for thyroidectomy and elected to have the procedure performed by Dr. Walter E. Pofahl the cooperative surgeon for this study. For each patient the following protocol was administered: background questions targeting factors that may indicate an increased risk of dysphonia Voice Handicap Index Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice and Voice Evaluation Suite. This protocol was designed to measure present dysphonia subjectively by gaining the patients' and the investigator's opinion of dysphonia and objectively through acoustic measurements. Graphical comparisons of the data revealed several "risk factors" surgeons could keep in mind and the CAPE-V may be a useful tool for pre-surgical referral.


In this paper, we present our research on automated matching of Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) images acquired at different scales and resolutions. Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT [1]) is a method of selecting, describing, and matching key points of images. We apply SIFT to images generated with an STM to detect corresponding points and calculate exact transformation matrices. The matching procedure is modified in order to improve the results in this context. The long term goal of our research is to perform automated atom manipulation with an STM. For this purpose, the abilities to build a map of the surface, to recognize the position of the STM tip, and to handle spatial uncertainties are important for sophisticated control algorithms. SIFT has several possible applications in this context, for instance drift measurements and hierarchical maps for tip navigation.


BACKGROUND
Monitoring the evolution of the cancer burden in Europe is of great value. Estimates of the cancer burden in Europe have been published for 2004 and estimates are now being presented for cancer incidence and mortality in Europe for 2006.

METHODS
The most recent sources of cancer incidence and mortality data have been collected and projections have been carried out using short-term prediction methods to produce estimated rates for 2006. Additional estimation was required where national incidence data were not available, and the method involved the projection of the aggregations of cancer incidence and mortality data from representative cancer registries. The estimated 2006 rates were applied to the corresponding estimated country population to obtain the best estimates of the cancer incidence and mortality in Europe in 2006.

RESULTS
In 2006 in Europe, there were an estimated 3,191,600 cancer cases diagnosed (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) and 1,703,000 deaths from cancer. The most common form of cancers was breast cancer (429,900 cases, 13.5% of all cancer cases), followed by colorectal cancers (412,900, 12.9%) and lung cancer (386,300, 12.1%). Lung cancer, with an estimated 334,800 deaths (19.7% of total), was the most common cause of death from cancer, followed by colorectal (207,400 deaths), breast (131,900) and stomach (118,200) cancers.

CONCLUSIONS
The total number of new cases of cancer in Europe appears to have increased by 300,000 since 2004. With an estimated 3.2 million new cases (53% occurring in men, 47% in women) and 1.7 million deaths (56% in men, 44% in women) each year, cancer remains an important public health problem in Europe and the ageing of the European population will cause these numbers to continue to increase even if age-specific rates remain constant. Evidence-based public health measures exist to reduce the mortality of breast and colorectal cancer while the incidence of lung cancer, and several other forms of cancer, could be diminished by improved tobacco control.


Autism spectrum disorder is a complex life-long neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social skills, language, learning, cognitive function, physical abilities, and behavior. Moreover, autism is becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada and abroad. Inevitably, law enforcement professionals will interact with the autistic population in their duties; however, many exchanges produce poor outcomes. Physical restraint is often used, and the benefit of autism-trained Crisis Intervention Teams is underutilized, especially in Canada. In addition, current training outcomes for law enforcement professionals are ephemeral and unlikely to yield mastery. This article argues three antidotes to improve service delivery and reduce risk: Crisis Intervention Teams that incorporate autism training; methodologically sound and rigorously evaluated practical training; and community outreach, which creates relationships proactively and fosters trust. Future research should: analyze the outcomes of autistic-trained Crisis Intervention Teams; determine qualitatively what the population with autism and their stakeholders seek in a comprehensive training curriculum; and determine the success of nascent training courses and community outreach goals.


We present thermal observations of 44 Jovian Trojan asteroids with diameters D ranging from 5 to 24 km. All objects were observed at a wavelength of 24 μm with the Spitzer Space Telescope. Measurements of the thermal emission and of scattered optical light, mostly from the University of Hawaii 2.2 m Telescope, together allow us to constrain the diameter and geometric albedo of each body. We find that the median R-band albedo of these small Jovian Trojans is about 0.12, much higher than that of "large" Trojans with D>57 km (0.04). Also the range of albedos among the small Trojans is wider. The small Trojans' higher albedos are also glaringly different from those of cometary nuclei, which match our sample Trojans in diameter, however, they roughly match the spread of albedos among (much larger) Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects. We attribute the Trojan albedos to an evolutionary effect: the small Trojans are more likely to be collisional fragments and so their surfaces would be younger. A younger surface means less cumulative exposure to the space environment, which suggests that their surfaces would not be as dark as those of the large, primordial Trojans. In support of this hypothesis is a statistically significant correlation of higher albedo with smaller diameter in our sample alone and in a sample that includes the larger Trojans. This correlation of albedo and radius implies that the true size distribution of small Trojans is shallower than the visible magnitude distribution alone would suggest, and that there are approximately half the Trojans with D>1 km than previously estimated.


Many authors have examined lot sizing, scheduling and sequence of multi-product flow shops, but most of them have assumed that set up times are independent of sequence. Whereas dependence of set up times to sequence is more common in practice. Hence, in this paper, we examine the discussed problem with hypothesis of dependence of set up times to sequence and cyclic schedule policy in basic period form. To do so, a mixed integer non-linear programming (NLP) model is developed for this problem. To solve the model these techniques are applied: Heuristic G-group for determining the frequency of item production and assigning product to periods and three meta heuristic methods including hybrid Particle swarm optimization , hybrid Vibration damping optimization hybrid genetic algorithm are used to determine the sequence and economic lot sizes of each item. In addition, to compare these methods, some random problems are produced and computation of them shows the substantial superiority of hybrid Particle swarm optimization.


Abstract. The Mediterranean region is one of the climate hotspots where the climate
change impacts are both pronounced and documented. The HyMeX
(Hydrometeorological Mediterranean eXperiment) aims to improve our
understanding of the water cycle from the meteorological to climate scales.
However, monitoring the water cycle with Earth observations (EO) is still a
challenge: EO products are multiple, and their utility is degraded by large
uncertainties and incoherences among the products. Over the Mediterranean
region, these difficulties are exacerbated by the coastal/mountainous regions
and the small size of the hydrological basins. Therefore, merging/integration
techniques have been developed to reduce these issues. We introduce here an
improved methodology that closes not only the terrestrial but also the
atmospheric and ocean budgets. The new scheme allows us to impose a spatial
and temporal multi-scale budget closure constraint. A new approach is also
proposed to downscale the results from the basin to pixel scales (at the
resolution of 0.25∘). The provided Mediterranean WC budget is, for
the first time, based mostly on observations such as the GRACE water storage
or the netflow at the Gibraltar Strait. The integrated dataset is in better
agreement with in situ measurements, and we are now able to estimate the
Bosporus Strait annual mean netflow.


This report deals with a fundamental problem of feedforward active noise control systems in ducts, the acoustic feedback from the canceling actuator to the reference detector. A natural solution to this problem is to use a unidirectional actuator. The starting point of this study is the JMC source that is an ideal unidirectional actuator but is difficult to realize. Potential unidirectional threeelement actuator systems are surveyed systematically by modifying and approximating the JMC source in various ways. As a result, one realizable ideal unidirectional three-element source configuration and four nearly unidirectional approximations of it are discovered. Also two-element unidirectional JMC actuators are handled, in which the elements act as a dipole with the monopole effect included in the same elements. As a result, one ideal unidirectional twoelement solution and six approximations of it are found. The inter-channel delay in the control structure of the two-element actuators is optimized so that the residual sound pressure downstream or upstream from the unidirectional source will be minimized, or the delay is omitted altogether. The two-element ideal solution and its approximations are derived for each three ways of handling the delay. The output volume velocities of all the three variations of two-element Ideal Source are mutually identical and independent of the inter-channel delay optimization, and are also identical with those of Swinbanks' two-element actuator, although the procedure of attaining them is quite different. Especially the delayless version of two-element Ideal Source has the advantage of no separate phase shift between the volume velocities of the elements, which turns out to be advantageous in the practical implementation of digital control systems. Using the unidirectional solutions with no inter-channel delays makes is possible to achieve simplified control algorithms and reduce the computing time or improve the performance. Digital control of some of the structures and their practical limitations are considered. Examples of realizable digital control systems are given.


Recent worldwide terrorist attacks and hoaxes have heightened awareness that more incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD) may occur in the United States. With federal funding assistance, local domestic preparedness programs have been initiated to train and equip emergency services and emergency department personnel in the management of large numbers of casualties exposed to nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) agents. Hospital pharmacies will be required to provide antidotes, antibiotics, antitoxins, and other pharmaceuticals in large amounts and/or have the capability for prompt procurement. Pharmacists should become knowledgeable in drug therapy of NBC threats with respect to nerve agents, cyanide, pulmonary irritants, radio-nucleotides, anthrax, botulism, and other possible WMD.


The influence of HRT , oxidic time and anoxidic time on the carbon and nitrogen removal of integrated oxidation ditch with continuous flow and intermittent aeration was studied by cross experiment method. The results show that the anoxidic time has the most distinct influence on removal ratio of BOD5 and TN in the system and the oxidic time has a distinct influence on BOD5 as well .When HRT , oxidic time and anoxidic time of the system is 8h , 2 h and 2 h respectively , the effluent quality and the removal ratio for BOD5 are <20 mg/ l and 85. 2 % and for TN are < 20 mg/ l and 55. 5 % respectively.


Dual diagnosis (DD) is the co-occurrence, in the same person, of a mental disorder (MD) and a substance use disorder (SUD). Nowadays, the study of the personality with DD is realized mainly from a categorical view, focusing on the detection of personality disorders and not on the traits associated to DD and the possible differential profile compared to those patients with only MD or SUD. Studies analyzing personality traits of patients with DD and their possible differential profile are very limited. However, existing data indicates that DD patients show higher levels of Sensation Seeking, Impulsivity, Harm Avoidance and Neuroticism; and lower levels of Persistence, Self-Direction, Self-Transcendence and Cooperation. Therefore, DD is associated to personality characteristics that suggest more disruptive behaviors, fewer resources for recovering and keeping abstinent and worse prognosis compared to those with only one disorder. Progress in the characterization of personality traits in DD, taking into consideration the methodological aspects to be improved could allow better adaptation of the integrated treatment of these patients in the future.


In the last decade, the United Nations and the African Union have forged a close partnership in matters of international peace and security. This article attempts to shed light on the multifaceted role of the UN in the strategic and operational planning and evolution, as well as the funding, of regional (African Union) peace support operations. Such involvement goes well beyond a simple authorization by the UN Security Council and raises crucial questions in respect of the allocation of responsibility between the UN and the African Union. The analysis of the relevant responsibility allocation clauses showcases that a holistic approach should be adopted that does not micromanage the different aspects of the UN involvement in regional missions, but treats them as an aggregate that should be taken into account as a whole when allocating responsibility. Otherwise, the soft or indirect (but crucial) influence exercised by the UN will inevitably escape responsibility.


In this paper, a novel adaptive waveform selection method is proposed for radar target tracking. In order to minimize the target state estimation MSE (Mean Square Error) on each tracking step, we adjust the PRI (Pulse Recurrence Interval) and pulse width of the emission signal with the constraint of average power. In this method, the position measurement CRLB (Cramer-Rao Lower Bound) is used to define the observation noise power, and then the relationship between the tracking performance and the waveform parameters is established to decide the optimal PRI. Simulations show that this method can improve the tracking accuracy effectively and dynamically.


Understanding the biogeochemical cycling of mercury is critical for explaining the presence of mercury in remote regions of the world, such as the Arctic and the Himalayas, as well as local concentrations. While we have good knowledge of present-day fluxes of mercury to the atmosphere, we have little knowledge of what emission levels were like in the past. Here we develop a trend of anthropogenic emissions of mercury to the atmosphere from 1850 to 2008-for which relatively complete data are available-and supplement that trend with an estimate of anthropogenic emissions prior to 1850. Global mercury emissions peaked in 1890 at 2600 Mg yr(-1), fell to 700-800 Mg yr(-1) in the interwar years, then rose steadily after 1950 to present-day levels of 2000 Mg yr(-1). Our estimate for total mercury emissions from human activities over all time is 350 Gg, of which 39% was emitted before 1850 and 61% after 1850. Using an eight-compartment global box-model of mercury biogeochemical cycling, we show that these emission trends successfully reproduce present-day atmospheric enrichment in mercury.


The ability of the potential chemopreventive agent S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethylphosphorothioic acid (WR-2721) to protect against radiation-induced mutagenesis at the hprt locus and cell killing was studied using CHO-AA8 cells incubated for 30 min at 37 degrees C in growth medium containing its active thiol 2-[(aminopropyl)amino]ethane-thiol (WR-1065). In parallel experiments, the thiol and disulfide forms of the drug present in cells and incubation medium were determined in order to identify which, if either, of the components were associated with the observed protective effects. Treatment with 4 mM WR-1065 produced significant intracellular levels of the thiol (WRSH) and disulfide (WRSS) forms of the drug, but also caused dramatic elevation of cellular glutathione (GSH) and cysteine levels, accompanied by marked protection against 60Co gamma-photon- and neutron-induced cell killing and mutagenesis. When drug-treated cells were transferred to drug-free medium and incubated for 4 h at 37 degrees C, levels of WRSH and WRSS and protection against cell killing decreased markedly, whereas levels of GSH and cysteine and protection against mutagenesis showed little change. GSH and cysteine levels were not associated with protection against radiation-induced mutagenesis, as established by experiments performed with buthionine sulfoximine to block GSH synthesis. These data do not support the hypothesis that modulation of GSH or cysteine levels by WR-1065 is a major mechanism accounting for protection. Protection against mutagenesis was seen for cells incubated in medium with concentrations of added WR-1065 as low as 10 microM, where cellular levels of WRSH and WRSS became difficult to measure (< or = 5 microM) and no protection against cell killing was found. An unexpected observation was that cells incubated in 40 microM WR-1065 incorporated the drug much more rapidly than expected for uptake by passive diffusion and concentrated the drug to a marked degree; this indicates that a cell-mediated transport system is involved in the uptake of WR-1065 at low drug concentrations.


Performance of the first-order anti-aliasing integration sampler used in software-defined radio (SDR) receivers is analyzed versus all practical nonidealities. The nonidealities that are considered in this paper are transconductor finite output resistance, switch resistance, nonzero rise and fall times of the sampling clock, charge injection, clock jitter, and noise. It is proved that the filter is quite robust to all of these nonidealities except for transconductor finite output resistance. Furthermore, linearity and noise performances are all limited to design of a low-noise and highly linear transconductor.


A multicenter randomized study was carried out to compare the efficacy of combined therapy with a GnRH analog (goserelin) + an oral contraceptive (OC) containing ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone acetate and same OC alone in the treatment of severe hirsutism. The effect of these two therapies was assessed in a subjective and an objective evaluation of hair growth. According to the subjective evaluation, judged by physician and patient. 95% of patients obtained a partial response. The objective response was assessed by measuring the mean diameter of hair from 3 different areas and 1 control area. The decrease in hair diameter compared to pretreatment was statistically significant for both treatments, mainly for the abdomen and face. The difference between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. Therefore, we assume that OC alone remains the treatment of choice for hirsutism. However, the addition of the GnRH analog to OC needs further investigation and could be justified for patients with no response to standard monotherapy.


Background of this study is motivated by the students who have many problems about have no readiness, have no knowledge, and have not been informed about employment opportunities in out of school education. The study aims to reveal that there is a relationship between parental social support and self concept with stability of career decision. The study uses quantitative method of correlational. The Subject of this study is a consisting of 75 people. The research instrument used is a questionnaire and used a Likert scale. The data of this study are analyzed using multiple regression. The results of this study indicate that there is a very significant relationship between social support of parents, Self Concept with Stability of Career Decision.


Abstract Purpose: This review summarizes the conclusions and recommendations of the new National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Commentary No. 26 guidance on radiation dose limits for the lens of the eye. The NCRP addressed radiation protection principles in respect to the lens of the eye, discussed the current understanding of eye biology and lens effects, reviewed and evaluated epidemiology, and assessed exposed populations with the potential for significant radiation exposures to the lens while suggesting monitoring and protection practices. Conclusions: Radiation-induced damage to the lens of the eye can include the loss of clarity resulting in opacification or clouding several years after exposure. The impact is highly dependent on the type of radiation, how the exposure of the lens was delivered, the genetic susceptibilities of the individual exposed, and the location of the opacity relative to the visual axis of the individual. The preponderance of epidemiological evidence suggests that lens damage could occur at lower doses than previously considered and the NCRP has determined that it is prudent to reduce the recommended annual lens of the eye occupational dose limit from an equivalent dose of 150 mSv to an absorbed dose of 50 mGy. Significant additional research is still needed in the following areas: comprehensive evaluation of the overall effects of ionizing radiation on the eye, dosimetry methodology and dose-sparing optimization techniques, additional high quality epidemiology studies, and a basic understanding of the mechanisms of cataract development.


MoS2/graphene composites were synthesized through the concurrent reducing of (NH4)2MoS4 and graphene oxide sheets with assistance of different cationic surfactants (DTAB, OTAB and TBAB) followed by heat treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere. The effects of the three cationic surfactants on the microstructures and electrochemical performances of the composites for reversible lithium storage were investigated. The MoS2 in the composites prepared with assistance of DTAB or OTAB displays single-/few-layer structure, while the layered MoS2 sheets with about 6–7 layers are observed in the composite prepared with assistance of TBAB. The former two composites exhibit greatly enhanced electrochemical performance for reversible Li+ storage. In particular, MoS2/graphene composite prepared with assistance of OTAB delivered a high reversible capacity of 1056 mA h g−1 with excellent cycle stability and good rate capability. The significant improvement in the electrochemical performances is attributed to the roubest composite structure and the synergistic interactions between graphene and single-/few-layer MoS2. This work also presented a facile process to prepare MoS2/graphene composites, in which the layer number of MoS2 sheets could be adjusted to a certain extent by using different cationic surfactants.


We are at the beginning of a new industrial revolution with the merging of textiles and electronics. Current markets for clothing and electronics have been separate. Medical devices have been developed for 'ill people' with little aesthetic appeal and wearable technology has not been readily accepted by some intended markets due to badly designed user-interfaces. Little has been done to address the design requirements of older wearers with regard to aspects of human physiology in terms of sizing, fit, predominant posture, thermal regulation, moisture management, protection and the psychological 'feel good factor'. Emerging technologies may be confusing to traditional clothing designers, while electronics and medical experts are not normally conversant with textile technology. A shared 'language' and vision is needed to easily communicate between these sectors and older wearers. The application of smart textiles in a clothing 'layering system' may enhance the quality of life of the active ageing. To be acceptable, clothing must be comfortable, stylish and function reliably in relation to the technical, aesthetic and cultural userneeds. This paper will focus on the needs of the 65-75 year old age group who have experienced the influence of design throughout their lives. A design methodology, driven by meaningful end-user research, will be introduced that addresses the potential for a comfortable and stylish clothing system to promote the wellness and autonomy of this growing community.


Noninvasive monitoring of matrix development in tissue-engineered cartilage constructs would permit ongoing assessment with the ability to modify culture conditions during development to optimize tissue characteristics. In this study, chondrocytes seeded in a collagen hydrogel were exposed for 20 min/day to pulsed low-intensity ultrasound (PLIUS) at 30 mWcm(-2) and cultured for up to 5 weeks. Biochemical assays, histology, immunohistochemistry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed at weeks 3 and 5 after initiation of growth. The noninvasive MRI measurements were correlated with those from the invasive studies. In particular, MRI transverse relaxation time (T2) and magnetization transfer rate (k(m)) correlated with macromolecular content, which was increased by application of PLIUS. This indicates the sensitivity of MR techniques to PLIUS-induced changes in matrix development, and highlights the potential for noninvasive assessment of the efficacy of anabolic interventions for engineered tissue.


With the rapid development of the advanced two-phase flow experimental technologies, more experimental databases with extended measurement ranges have been established to support the two-phase flow model development. The advantage of the Two Fluid model in modeling the complex two-phase flow phenomena over the mixture models stands out. One key aspect in the Two Fluid model development is the accurate modeling of the interfacial area between phases, which is strongly related to the interfacial mass, momentum, and energy transfer. As a closure relation of interfacial area concentration (interfacial area per unit volume) for the Two Fluid model, the Interfacial Area Transport Equation (IATE) provides dynamic predictions on the interfacial area change. It substantially solves the shortcoming of using flow-regime-dependent empirical correlations that can introduce numerical discontinuities between flow regimes. The IATE has been extensively developed over the past twenty-five years. Many studies targeted on improving its prediction capability by developing bubble interaction source terms based on their experimental data. The existing models are usually based on medium and large flow channels, yet the models may not be physically fit the small flow channels. The major reason is that the wall effect can have a larger influence on the two-phase flow in a small flow channel, as the surface area to volume ratio greatly increases. Therefore, the primary objectives of this study are to physically investigate the wall effect on two-phase flow and develop a generalized IATE by extending the application range of existing IATE from large and medium flow channels to small flow channel.To achieve the objective, this study established a rigorous database of air-water two-phase flows in a small diameter pipe with its inner diameter of 12.7 mm, focusing on the bubbly-to-slug transition regime. The experimental analysis was performed on the pipe wall effect on the interfacial characteristics, based on the current experimental database and the existing experimental database collected on vertical pipes of different sizes. It is observed that 1) the pipe wall effect can alter the non-uniform radial two-phase distribution; 2) the bubbly-to-slug flow regime transition in a small diameter pipe happens in a smaller void fraction than in a large diameter pipe; 3) the bubble coalescence phenomenon can be more dominant for small pipe flow, and an intensive intergroup transfer can happen for the two-group interfacial area transport in two-phase flows. As the interfacial area transport is directly related to the two-phase geometrical configuration, the two-phase geometrical parameters, void fraction and relative bubble size, are identified as the key parameters for modeling.In the modeling of IATE source terms, the high geometrical scalability of the model is realized by properly including the wall effect into the modeling consideration. The following major improvements on the existing models are: 1) the inertia subrange assumption on the turbulent-driven interaction is properly improved; 2) the bubble-induced turbulent-driven interactions such as wake entrainment is revised by considering the wall effect on the wake region. In summary, models of bubble interaction due to random collision, wake entrainment, turbulent impact, and shearing-off are revised based on the existing studies on the IATE source terms development. The newly proposed interfacial area transport models are evaluated against an experimental database with 112 test conditions in total from a wide range of experimental pipe diameters from 12.7 mm to 304.8 mm. The new models can accurately capture the drastic intergroup transfer of void fraction and interfacial area concentration between two groups in transition flows. Overall, the relative error of void fraction and interfacial area concentration comparing with the experimental data are within ±15\% and ±10\%, respectively.


There are many interactions between noncommutative algebra and representation theory on the one hand and classical algebraic geometry on the other, with important applications in both directions. The aim of this book is to provide a comprehensive introduction to some of the most significant topics in this area, including noncommutative projective algebraic geometry, deformation theory, symplectic reflection algebras, and noncommutative resolutions of singularities. The book is based on lecture courses in Noncommutative Algebraic Geometry given by the authors at a Summer Graduate School at MSRI in 2012 and, as such, is suitable for advanced graduate students and those undertaking early post-doctorate research. In keeping with the lectures on which the book is based, a large number of exercises are provided, for which partial solutions are included.


Geology in general as found in the Quran was briefly presented during Poster Session B, Annual Geological Conference 2004, Kangar. In this current paper, other verses in the Quran more specifically applicable to volcanic activities, earthquakes and tsunamis are given. Interpretations from a geologist's point of view are made, which are considered more logical compared to previous interpretations by non-geologists. Specific references are made to: l.The Aceh earthquake and tsunami on 26th December, 2004 (more than a quarter million loss of lives), and 2. The earthquakes in Iran on 22nd February, 2005 (more than 400 loss of lives). It is quite conclusive that the Quranic verses considered are related to geological phenomena involving volcanic activities, earthquakes and tsunamis. There is no doubt that remedial actions will be taken to restore the damages created by the recent tsunamis. More research will be carried out as an effort to find ways to reduce loss of lives and property damage, for example, the tsunami early warning system, but above all, a strong call is made to mankind to pay very serious attention to religious and moral issues.


Projectors are currently undergoing a transformation as they evolve from static output devices to portable, environment-aware, communicating systems. An enhanced projector can determine and respond to the geometry of the display surface, and can be used in an ad-hoc cluster to create a self-configuring display. Information display is such a prevailing part of everyday life that new and more flexible ways to present data are likely to have significant impact. This paper examines geometrical issues for enhanced projectors, relating to customized projection for different shapes of display surface, object augmentation, and co-operation between multiple units.We introduce a new technique for adaptive projection on nonplanar surfaces using conformal texture mapping. We describe object augmentation with a hand-held projector, including interaction techniques. We describe the concept of a display created by an ad-hoc cluster of heterogeneous enhanced projectors, with a new global alignment scheme, and new parametric image transfer methods for quadric surfaces, to make a seamless projection. The work is illustrated by several prototypes and applications.


BACKGROUND
We assessed the predictive accuracy of a simple risk score, modified age, creatinine clearance, ejection fraction (ACEFmodif) score, for outcome of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS AND RESULTS
We prospectively included 703 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI. Patients were divided into low, middle and high ACEFmodif tertiles. Increased ACEFmodif score was associated with a significantly higher 1-year mortality rate (22%, 28% and 36%, P<0.01) and higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI; 10%, 10% and 22%, P<0.01). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, ACEFmodif score was the only independent predictor of AKI. On multivariate Cox regression, ACEFmodif score was an independent predictor of 1-year cumulative mortality. Although the area under curve (AUC) showed that all risk scores poorly predicted the incidence of AKI and 1-year cumulative mortality, ACEFmodif score was more efficient in predicting the incidence of AKI compared with STS, LES and ES II (AUC, 0.61, 0.55, 0.54, 0.57, respectively). Furthermore, ACEFmodif score had similar accuracy in predicting 1-year mortality compared with other risk scores (AUC, 0.61, 0.61, 0.61, 0.61, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
ACEFmodif score may provide useful information for predicting AKI, 30-day and 1-year mortality in patients undergoing TAVI, but these results need further confirmation.


Rad4p is a DNA damage recognition protein essential for global genomic nucleotide excision repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we show that Rad4p binds to the heterochromatic HML locus. In a yeast mutant lacking Rad4p, an increased level of SIR complex binding at the HML locus is accompanied by an altered, more compact heterochromatin structure, as revealed by a topological analysis of chromatin circles released from the locus. In addition, gene silencing at the HML locus is enhanced in the rad4Δ mutant. Importantly, re-expression of Rad4p in the rad4Δ mutant restores the altered heterochromatin structure to a conformation similar to that detected in wild-type cells. These findings reveal a novel role of Rad4p in the regulation of heterochromatin structure and gene silencing.


Predation, egg production and survivorship of Laricobius nigrinus Fender, L. rubidus, LeConte, and L. osakensis Montgomery and Shiyaki (proposed), predators of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, Annand, were investigated in the laboratory and in the field. In individual assays, L. rubidus oviposited fewer eggs than either L. nigrinus or L. osakensis. In assays containing congeneric or conspecific groups of adult Laricobius, L. osakensis preyed upon the greatest number of ovisacs. When all three species were together, the numbers of ovisacs preyed upon were similar to the mean of all three individual species. Adult predators fed on few eggs and did not exhibit any species preference. The numbers of A. tsugae ovisacs fed upon did not differ significantly by groups of congeneric or conspecific Laricobius larvae. Laricobius adults and larvae had high survival rates throughout all experiments. In the field, predators were enclosed in sleeve cages with both high (> 120 ovisacs) and low (< 90 ovisacs) A. tsugae densities for 1 wk. All branches with caged beetles had significantly greater numbers of ovisacs preyed upon than branches caged without beetles. No differences in predation or egg production were found among the conspecific and congeneric groupings. Predation was uniformly higher at the high prey-density than at the low prey-density. Survivorship among predators did not differ significantly at either prey density. Results from both laboratory and field experiments suggest that these species are able to co-exist and can be in the same location for biological control of A.


OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative risk of developing endometrial neoplasia after treatment with oestrogens alone or in conjunction with progestogens. DESIGN: Prospective cohort follow up study, average observation period 5.7 years for each patient. To have a 90% chance of detecting a relative risk of 2.0 with 95% significance the study required 78,000 person years of observation. SETTING: Community based cohort. PATIENTS: Women aged over 35 who were prescribed non-contraceptive oestrogens in the Uppsala health care region during April 1977 to March 1980 were identified from pharmacy records. Of all prescriptions issued, 95% were identified. Patients from the cohort who developed endometrial neoplasia were identified from the cancer registry of the Uppsala health care region. Compliance, sociodemographic data, and lifetime exposures to oestrogen and cyclically added progestogen were assessed by questionnaire in a sample of the cohort. The final cohort consisted of 23,244 patients (133,373 person years). The prevalence of university education, oophorectomy, and hysterectomy was higher in the cohort than the general population; no other confounding factors were identified. MEASUREMENTS: The total number of person years was divided into exposure groups by inference from the data from the questionnaire. Compensation was made for the excess of hysterectomies. Specimens from all cases of endometrial neoplasia in the cohort and 90% of cases in the general population were studied blind histopathologically. Characteristics of treatment of all women who had endometrial neoplasia were assessed by questionnaire. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Seventy four cases of carcinoma and 33 cases of premalignant lesions occurred in the cohort. The relative risk of endometrial carcinoma was 1.8 (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 3.2) after exposure to any oestrogen compound without progestogen for more than six years; 2.2 (1.2 to 4.4) after more than three years' exposure to conjugated oestrogens without progestogen; and 2.7 (1.4 to 5.1) after more than three years' exposure to oestradiol compounds without progestogen. When carcinoma and premalignant lesions were considered together the results were similar but the relative risk was higher. Risk of carcinoma did not increase when progestogens were cyclically added to oestrogens for the entire treatment period (relative risk 0.9 (0.4 to 2.0]. CONCLUSIONS: Use of oestrogens without progestogens is associated with a twofold to threefold increase in risk of endometrial neoplasia. Use of progestogens either removes this increased risk or delays its onset. A further follow up of the cohort is essential to analyse the risks with greater statistical power.


Artificial Bee Colony algorithm was the best optimal algorithm proposed by Karaboga in Karaboga, having the following advantages, such as good stability, excellent ability of solution, less control parameters, simple and easy achievable computation, etc. It also had some disadvantages, such as premature convergence in its later period, poor accuracy in its development, etc. Therefore, a new-typed centroid improvement strategy is introduced in the paper for improving the searching ability of the artificial bee colony algorithm. This research is experimented by the common six kinds of testing functions. The centroid strategy introduced in the paper can effectively enhance the searching ability of the artificial bee colony algorithm in terms of the results so that the continuous development of the algorithm in its later period cannot be prematurely converged and the majority of the testing functions can be obviously improved.


This paper describes the growth of polypyrrole (PPy) layers over polystyrene (PS) nanofibers via a vapor phase polymerization process. PS nanofibers were produced through electrospinning of PS solutions containing chemical oxidants capable of polymerizing pyrrole monomers. The electrospun PS nanofibers provided a robust and stable template for growth of conducting polymer nonwoven porous mats. A mixture of tetrahydrofuran, acetone, and butanol was able to dissolve both hydrophobic PS and ionic salts (oxidants). Two chemical oxidants widely used in PPy synthesis – ferric chloride and ferric tosylate – were compared. Upon exposure to pyrrole vapor, both oxidants produced PPy conducting polymers over PS nanofibers. The ferric tosylate containing template fibers showed much faster PPy growth kinetics than the ferric chloride containing fibers. The PPy growth on ferric tosylate containing template fibers produced highly faceted fibers and gave a higher degree of crystallization of PPy than the PPy grown with ferric chloride containing templates. The intrinsic doping of PPy was slightly higher in the PPy layers grown with ferric tosylate. The combination of higher degrees of crystallization and doping resulted in a higher conductivity for PS–PPy nanofiber mats produced with ferric tosylate than those produced with ferric chloride.


The SIMNET program, the first large scale application of distributed simulation to tactical team training, is briefly described. Its success has fostered interest in distributed simulation technology and has provided a foundation for the requirements of the next generation of visual systems. The most challenging requirements for such systems specific to the needs of ground based tactical training environments are presented. An architectural approach to the design of an image generator (IG) satisfying these requirements is discussed. This includes a high level system diagram and the architectural concepts which provide solutions to high level occulting, localization of image complexity due to many moving models, dynamic allocation of processing resources, independent scalability of polygon and pixel processing, the need for standard interfaces, and simulation of special environmental effects such as tactical smoke. Architectural efficiencies and performance levels obtained with these methods are quantified.<<ETX>>


A series of experiments has been conducted on a two-dimensional NACA 66 (MOD) foil to examine the effects of viscosity and nuclei on cavitation inception. In this paper the main discussions center on two foil angles having different types of pressure loadings to represent a propeller blade section operating at design and off-design conditions. At one degree design angle of attack the foil experiences a rooftop-type gradually varying pressure distribution. At three degrees off-design angle of attack the foil experiences a sharp suction pressure peak near the leading edge. Cebeci's viscid/inviscid interactive code is used to compute the viscous scale effects on the development of the boundary layer, lift, drag and pressure distribution on the foil. Chahine's multibubble interaction code is used to compute the effect of nuclei, test speeds, foil size and foil surface on traveling bubble cavitation. Both computer codes are found to agree satisfactorily with the experimental measurements reported here. Two assumptions commonly used to predict full scale surface cavitation from model tests are examined experimentally and theoretically. The first assumption states that cavitation inception occurs when the static pressure reaches the vapor pressure. On the contrary, the experiments showed that the water flowing over the foil surface sustained significant amounts of tension during inception of midchord bubble cavitation as well as leading edge sheet cavitation. The second assumption states that there is no scale effect on the values of negative minimum pressure coefficient. In the case of a rooftop-type pressure loading, the second assumption is supported by the pressure numerical calculations. However, in the case of a pressure loading with a strong suction peak near the leading edge the value of negative minimum pressure coefficient is as much as 12 to 15 percent lower on a model than at full scale.


Abstract CRISPR-Cas9 system has been widely used for efficient genome editing. Although the structures of Cas9 protein in complex with single-guided RNA (sgRNA) and target DNA have been resolved, the molecular details about the formation of Cas9 endonuclease R-loop structure remain elusive. Here we examine the DNA cleavage activities of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpyCas9) and its mutants using various target sequences and study the conformational dynamics of R-loop structure during target binding using single-molecule fluorescence energy transfer (smFRET) technique. Our results show that Cas9–sgRNA complex divides the target DNA into several distinct domains: protospacer adjacent motif, linker, Seed, Middle and Tail. After seed pairing, the Cas9 transiently retains a semi-active conformation and induces the cleavage of either target or non-target strand. smFRET studies demonstrate that an intermediate state exists in prior to the formation of the fully stable R-loop complex. Kinetics analysis of this new intermediate state indicates that the lifetime of this state increases when the base-pairing length of guide-DNA hybrid duplex increases and reaches the maximum at the size of 18 bp. These data provide new insights into the process of R-loop formation and reveal the source of off-targeting in CRISPR/Cas9 system.


An electrically alterable, floating-gate, nonvolatile memory transistor has been developed, with a cell area of under 500 /spl mu/m/SUP 2/, and using an advanced n-channel, polysilicon gate process. Cell programming occurs via hot-electron injection, exhibiting three distinct operating regimes. Erase, on the other hand, is based on field emission from floating gate to control gate. The magnitude of electrical erase is determined by applied bias, device parameters, and processing history, particularly the interlevel oxidation temperature. Analysis of experimental data shows that electrical erase does change programming characteristics significantly, and must be accounted for in circuit design. A 5-V, 16K high-speed EAROM has been developed which shows successful programming and erase behaviour at nominal voltages of 25 and 35 V, respectively.


In this work, the coupling of magnetoplasmon polaritons (MPP) to surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs) in near-field radiative heat transfer is theoretically investigated. The system is composed of two parallel graphene-coated SiO2 substrates. By applying an external magnetic field, the separated branches of MPPs can couple with SPhPs to form tunable modes. The behavior remolds the energy transport of the system. The relative thermal magnetoresistance ratio can reach values of up to 160% for a magnetic field of 8 T. In addition, the thermal stealthy for the coated graphene is realized by tuning the intensity of fields. This work has substantial importance to graphene-based magneto-optical devices.


Acute urinary retention is characterized by a sudden interruption of urinary output; urine is retained in the bladder due to either functional or obstructive anatomic factors, and cannot be voided. The main causes of acute urinary obstruction are benign prostatic hyperplasia, constipation, prostate adenocarcinoma, urethral stenosis, clot retention, neurological disorders, following surgery, calculi, drugs, or urinary tract infections. A transvestite patient, aged 55 years, described having had liquid silicone subcutaneously injected in various parts of the body, the last one four years ago. He complained of absent urinary output during the last 14 hours. The physical examination revealed skin deformation due to migration of implants; a hard nodule (characterized as a foreign body) was present in the preputium and a diagnosis of acute urinary retention was made; an unsuccessful attempt to exteriorize the glans for urinary catheterization, was followed by therapeutic cystostomy. Acute urinary retention has not been mentioned in the medical literature as a complication of liquid silicone subcutaneous injection.


Two inducible temperate bacteriophages ΦS9 and ΦS63 from Clostridium perfringens were sequenced and analyzed. Isometric heads and long non-contractile tails classify ΦS9 and ΦS63 in the Siphoviridae family, and their genomes consist of 39,457 bp (ΦS9) and 33,609 bp (ΦS63) linear dsDNA, respectively. ΦS63 has 3′-overlapping cohesive genome ends, whereas ΦS9 is the first Clostridium phage featuring an experimentally proven terminally redundant and circularly permuted genome. A total of 50 and 43 coding sequences were predicted for ΦS9 and ΦS63, respectively, organized into 6 distinct lifestyle-associated modules typical for temperate Siphoviruses. Putative functions could be assigned to 26 gene products of ΦS9, and to 25 of ΦS63. The ΦS9 attB attachment and insertion site is located in a non-coding region upstream of a putative phosphorylase gene. Interestingly, ΦS63 integrates into the 3′ part of sigK in C. perfringens, and represents the first functional skin-element-like phage described for this genus. With respect to possible effects of lysogeny, we did not obtain evidence that ΦS9 may influence sporulation of a lysogenized host. In contrast, interruption of sigK, a sporulation associated gene in various bacteria, by the ΦS63 prophage insertion is more likely to affect sporulation of its carrier.


AIM
To evaluate the inflammasome activation and the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)-δ agonist treatment in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) models.

METHODS
Male C57BL/6J mice were classified according to control or high fat diet (HFD) with or without PPAR-δ agonist (GW) over period of 12 wk [control, HFD, HFD + lipopolysaccharide (LPS), HFD + LPS + GW group]. HepG2 cells were exposed to palmitic acid (PA) and/or LPS in the absence or presence of GW.

RESULTS
HFD caused glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis. In mice fed an HFD with LPS, caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1β in the liver were significantly increased. Treatment with GW ameliorated the steatosis and inhibited overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In HepG2 cells, PA and LPS treatment markedly increased mRNA of several nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family members (NLRP3, NLRP6, and NLRP10), caspase-1 and IL-1β. PA and LPS also exaggerated reactive oxygen species production. All of the above effects of PA and LPS were reduced by GW. GW also enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPK-α.

CONCLUSION
PPAR-δ agonist reduces fatty acid-induced inflammation and steatosis by suppressing inflammasome activation. Targeting the inflammasome by the PPAR-δ agonist may have therapeutic implication for NAFLD.


The objective of this study was to explore the geological origin of glauconite, which is believed to precipitate and mature very slowly (~1 Myr) in neritic environments (shallow water, oceanic coastal zones, at water depths of 100–200 m) with very low sedimentation rates. A series of simulation experiments was designed and carried out in sealed tubes placed in an oven and heated to a constant temperature of 50°C (±2°C) for 60 or 150 d. The parent materials used for these experiments were two low-Fe montmorillonites with different crystallinities. The montmorillonites were introduced to solutions with concentrations of 0.02–0.1 mol/L Fe3+ and 0.05–0.2 mol/L K+ with various values of pH and Eh. The products were analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The morphological changes from parent material to product were observed under SEM, which revealed the formation of a flaky mineral (e.g. a product formed in the interstitial spaces between montmorillonite crystals). The formation of a flaky mineral indicates that the product is a layer silicate. Qualitative analysis of XRD patterns revealed that the main product phase was a mica group mineral and the d060 value was consistent with the presence of glauconite (0.152 nm) and/or Fe-illite (0.150 nm). A glauconite and Fe-illite mineral assemblage formed in a weakly acidic solution, while Fe-illite, mixed-layer Fe-illite, and montmorillonite formed in neutral and alkaline solutions. Stretching vibrations of Fe(III)Fe(III)OH-AlFe(II)OH and/or MgFe(III)OH were observed in FTIR spectra (3550–3562 cm−1) of the products formed in acidic solutions, which along with the g = 1.978 ESR signal indicated that Fe(III) entered octahedral positions in the tetrahedral/octahedral/tetrahedral layer (TOT) platelets. The AlFe(II)OH-MgFe(III)OH (3550–3562 cm−1) and AlFe(III)OH (870 cm−1) vibrations were only observed in products formed in neutral and alkaline solutions. Analysis of the Mössbauer spectra showed that Fe(III) substituted for Al and Mg in the cis octahedral sites of montmorillonite. The simulation experiments demonstrated that the pH and redox conditions (Eh) of the environment controlled the nature of the product mineral species. Results of the present study revealed that glauconitization and illitization occurred under different conditions, where glauconitization preferentially occurred in an acidic environment and illitization preferentially occurred in a nearly neutral to alkaline environment.


Abstract The integration of denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) simultaneously converts ammonium, methane, and oxidized nitrogen species (nitrite and nitrate) to harmless N2 and CO2. This integrated and complementary process achieves the nitrogen and carbon cycles in wastewater with the potential to be applied widely at full scale to realize energy-positive wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this review, we summarize the collaborative and competitive interactions of DAMO–Anammox microorganisms and systematically evaluate the challenges for the full-scale application of integrated DAMO–Anammox for wastewater treatment, including their extremely slow growth rate, low metabolic activity, and limited nitrogen and methene removal rate. We examine comprehensively the critical role of bioreactor design (attached, suspended, and granular sludge systems) for biomass retention and substrate transfer. The paper also discussed strategies involving trace elements (Cu(II) and Fe(II)), Zero Valent Iron (ZVI), and External Electrostatic Fields (EEFs) to enhance the DAMO–Anammox microbial activities. Further review is provided on the addition of Humics, quinone-compound anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDs), Fe(III), Mn(IV) as electron acceptors through extracellular electron transfer (EET) and couple with autotrophic denitrification (AuDen) (H2S and Fe(II)) to accelerate nitrogen and methane removal. Finally, a conceptual design of innovative WWTPs based on the integrated DAMO–Anammox was proposed. Graphical abstract


Because of the many instances in which compensation has been denied, trauma as a factor in producing appendicitis deserves attention. The pathologic evidence agrees with well known experimental observations. When there is a history of trauma to the abdominal wall, followed by symptoms and signs of peritoneal irritation, the examiner should bear in mind the possibility of an inflammation of the appendix. Von Neumann 1 reported that trauma plays a part in the cause of acute appendicitis in 6.6 per cent of the cases. The four cases reported here occurred in 101 appendectomies, making trauma an etiologic factor in 4 per cent. The Idaho Commission 2 said that appendicitis from strain is not a probability, and rarely, if ever, occurs. In a case 3 which occurred in California, the employee suffered a strain while lifting heavy objects, and felt a severe abdominal pain. Autopsy six days later revealed a ruptured


A 62-year-old woman had proptosis of the right eye, decreased visual acuity of the left eye, and no other focal neurologic deficits. She had a grand mal seizure 1 month before admission. The CT and MR studies showed extensive bone destruction of the margins of the right orbit, the floor of the middle cranial fossa, the right cavernous sinus, and much of the calvaria. There was considerable dural disease and tumor in the right orbit, paranasal sinuses, and scalp, as well as mucoceles of the left ethmoidal sinus with desiccated secretions. The diagnosis was adenosquamous carcinoma, an aggressive tumor related to both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.


The existence of a man and woman who have no kinship so that it is lawful to marry her, in a lonely place without being ac companied by a mahram of the male or female side. This khalwat is a crime that is not subject to hudud punishment and kafarah punishment. This form of khalwat crime is included in the category of ta'zir finger whose number of punishment is not limited. In the Qur'an and Sunnah this khalwat act is highly reproached, but not clearly regulated in the Qur'an and Sunnah. So this act can be entered into the ta'zir group. All deeds that should (need) be forbidden to fulfill the common good (community). This prohibition must necessarily be made on the basis of community agreement / consensus in ways that are considered eligible. In North Aceh, the khalwat actors who are close to the power are hard to touch with the law, it is not surprising to all of us to remember that the law in this country is not yet the commander but the law is merely a bargaining position in everyday life.


Two epidemiologic studies have reported increased risk of childhood leukemia associated with the length of time children watched television (TV) programs or played video games connected to TV sets. To evaluate magnetic field exposures resulting from these activities, the static, ELF, and VLF magnetic fields produced by 72 TV sets used by children to watch TV programs and 34 TV sets used to play video games were characterized in a field study conducted in Washington DC and its Maryland suburbs. The resulting TV-specific magnetic field data were combined with information collected through questionnaires to estimate the magnetic field exposure levels associated with TV watching and video game playing. The geometric means of the ELF and VLF exposure levels so calculated were 0.0091 and 0.0016 microT, respectively, for children watching TV programs and 0.023 and 0.0038 microT, respectively, for children playing video games. Geometric means of ambient ELF and VLF levels with TV sets turned off were 0.10 and 0.0027 microT, respectively. Summed over the ELF frequency range (6-3066 Hz), the exposure levels were small compared to ambient levels. However, in restricted ELF frequency ranges (120 Hz and 606-3066 Hz) and in the VLF band, TV exposure levels were comparable to or larger than normal ambient levels. Even so, the strengths of the 120 Hz or 606-3066 Hz components of TV fields were small relative to the overall ambient levels. Consequently, our results provide little support for a linkage between childhood leukemia and exposure to the ELF magnetic fields produced by TV sets. Our results do suggest that any future research on possible health effects of magnetic fields from television sets might focus on the VLF electric and magnetic fields produced by TV sets because of their enhanced ability relative to ELF fields to induce electric currents.


Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the ionizing radiation exposure in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study in which all patients presented with suggestive symptoms of COVID-19 were included. The study was carried out in a university-affiliated private hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. Biological radiation dose exposure (cumulative effective dose: CED) was evaluated in millisievert (mSv) units. Results A total of 1410 patients were included in the study. Of all study subjects, 804 patients (57%) underwent only one chest computed tomography (CT) procedure. Six hundred and six patients (43%) had two or more chest CT procedures. Median CED was 6.02 (min–max:1.67–16.27) mSv. The number of patients who were exposed to ≤ 5 mSv were 149 (24.6%), whereas 457 patients (75.4%) were exposed to >5 mSv. Conclusion The radiation exposure in COVID-19 patients seems unjustifiably high. Awareness should be increased as to the proper use of chest CT in COVID-19 as per to the society recommendations.


Many school districts in Pennsylvania face severe cuts in basic education funding from the state as well as the loss of funding caused by students exiting the school district to charter and cyber charter schools. These diminishing revenues are pushing many school districts to reduce staff and programs. On top of these cuts, some districts have had to raise taxes to cover their remaining funding deficiencies. These funding challenges could threaten the financial stability of many small school districts and possibly, their very existence.

This research study focuses on understanding the needs of the local community and business leaders concerning the impacts of taxation, workforce preparation, and the creation of a viable local economic climate. This study examines the local school district's role and the superintendent's responsibilities, along with those of local community and business leaders, in promoting economic development and creating a sustainable local tax base. Specifically, this study compares two competing educational strategies, Academic Excellence and Economic Gardening. In researching how these two strategies are implemented, this study concluded that superintendents have a role as a catalyst for economic development through the development of business, education, and community partnerships.

To maintain the anonymity of the study region and the study's participants, the region was renamed to the Olympus Mount Region of Pantheon County. Specifically, this study focused on a metropolitan area of the Olympus Mount Region in Pantheon County. Choosing this region enabled the research to focus on a community that, within a five mile radius, contained three distinct economic growth rings generated from the life cycle of the steel and other related manufacturing industries. The chosen study area demonstrated the divisions among municipalities based on their economic viability. Investigating this geographic area exclusively offered depth of insight and context to the research less feasible in a more broadly designed research project. Future researchers of education and economic development are asked to consider using data-rich region-based models for case studies where appropriate.


Big geospatial data is an emerging sub‐area of geographic information science, big data, and cyberinfrastructure. Big geospatial data poses two unique challenges. First, raster and vector data structures and analyses have developed on largely separate paths for the last 20 years. This is creating an impediment to geospatial researchers seeking to utilize big data platforms that do not promote heterogeneous data types. Second, big spatial data repositories have yet to be integrated with big data computation platforms in ways that allow researchers to spatio‐temporally analyze big geospatial datasets. IPUMS‐Terra, a National Science Foundation cyberInfrastructure project, addresses these challenges by providing a unified framework of integrated geospatial services which access, analyze, and transform big heterogeneous spatio‐temporal data. As IPUMS‐Terra's data volume grows, we seek to integrate geospatial platforms that will scale geospatial analyses and address current bottlenecks within our system. However, our work shows that there are still unresolved challenges for big geospatial analysis. The most pertinent is that there is a lack of a unified framework for conducting scalable integrated vector and raster data analysis. We conducted a comparative analysis between PostgreSQL with PostGIS and SciDB and concluded that SciDB is the superior platform for scalable raster zonal analyses.


This collection of essays explores efforts to control and prevent cancer in North America and Europe. On both sides of the Atlantic, control programs emerged in the early twentieth century, and most were focused on early detection and treatment. Yet, those initiatives took very different forms in different countries. Experts disagreed on how to persuade the public to go to their doctors, what should be the role of public education, how cancer services should be delivered, who should provide them, which forms of therapy were most appropriate to particular cancers, and where to draw the line between therapy and prevention. Focusing on the United States and Britain, this volume examines why these differences emerged, how they shaped national programs of control, and how control programs in the early twentieth century presaged and set the conditions for the emergence of prevention-oriented programs in the 1960s and 1970s. Featuring works by leading medical historians on subjects such as the portrayal of cancer in the movies, feminist surgeons, risk factors for breast cancer, and the emergence of clinical trials, Cancer in the Twentieth Century will engage historians of medicine and public health as well as health policy analysts, medical sociologists and anthropologists, and medical researchers and practitioners.


Lamoille Canyon cuts through the northern Ruby Mountain metamorphic core complex and exposes the deep interior, which is characterized by highly metamorphosed miogeoclinal sedimentary rocks and various late Cretaceous and Tertiary granitic intrusions.

Late Cretaceous granitic rocks in Lamoille Canyon can be broadly divided into two groups based on field relations: equigranular two-mica granitic gneiss and pegmatitic sillimanite-bearing two-mica granitic gneiss. The former rock unit is distinct in its higher concentrations of Fe, Mg, Na, Ca, Sr, V, Zr, Zn, Hf, but lower K, Rb, Th. In spite of these elemental differences, both of the late Cretaceous granitic units in this region are strongly peraluminous, have similar S^18 values, and are closely associated in the field. The origin of the pegmatitic two-mica granitic gneiss is best modeled by muscovite dominated dehydration melting of a metapelitic source, whereas the equigranular twomica granitic gneiss formed by plagioclase-imited biotite dehydration melting of a metapelitic source.

Oligocene biotite monzogranite and related tonalitic dikes were emplaced in middle crustal levels (5-6 kbar). The biotite monzogranite suite consists of three geochemically distinct sub-groups. Group I shows characteristic geochemical features of A-type granite and is likely to have been generated by reaction of mantle-derived basaltic magma with either Archean orthogneiss or Proterozoic metapelite, leaving abundant plagioclase, orthopyroxene, and clinopyroxene as cumulative phases. Compared to group I, group II lacks characteristics of A-type granite. Partial melting of a metapelitic source explains most of the observed geochemical and stable isotopic data of group II. Geochemical variations within group I and group II can be explained by fractional crystallization but the possibility of minor crustal assimilation cannot be excluded. The compositions of tonalitic dikes are best explained by magma mixing between mantle derived (?) basaltic magma and granitic magma of the biotite monzogranite suite.

Systematic geochemical comparison between the late Cretaceous and Oligocene granitic intrusions suggests temporal transition from early deep-seated crustal anatexis of a garnet-bearing source in a thickened crust, to later interaction between mantle-derived magma and crust, or high-temperature biotite-dehydration melting in a shallower crustal environment.


Paragangliomas are very occasionally located in the nasal cavity. In this article, we present a 32-year-old female case with a sinonasal paraganglioma with atypical histopathological morphology. In our case, sinonasal paraganglioma consisted of lipoblast-like vacuolated cells instead of the typical Zellballan histological pattern. The prognosis of a nasal paraganglioma is not very clear. The present article is important, as it describes the first case report of a sinonasal paraganglioma with atypical lipoblast-like vacuolated cells with a nine-year follow-up.


Perennial forage grasses in the Northern Great Plains are often grazed under water-limiting conditions. The effects of defoliation and soil moisture dynamics on herbage yield, tiller recruitment and number of crown positions for 2 perennial forage grasses were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment at Mandan, N.D. Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. &D.R. Dewey] and Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski] were grown at 75, 50, or 40% of field capacity and left as undefoliated controls or defoliated at 10-day intervals to an 8- or 4-cm stubble height. Cumulative herbage yield exhibited defoliation level by soil moisture (P = 0.0001) and species by defoliation (P = 0.007) interactions. Yield decreased with increasing defoliation intensity at 75 and 50% of field capacity, but at 40% of field capacity only the most intense defoliation level was significantly affected. Russian wildrye produced more herbage (1.97 g plant(-1)) than intermediate wheatgrass (1.36 g plant(-1)) under severe defoliation level. Increased defoliation intensity (P = 0.0001) but not water availability (P > 0.05) decreased tiller numbers. Pooled across all treatments, Russian wildrye produced 10 tillers per plant and intermediate wheatgrass produced 7 (P = 0.0001). This may partially explain Russian wildrye's greater grazing tolerance. The number of crown positions (potential axillary bud sites in the bottom 20mm of the plant) was similar between species suggesting that increased tiller numbers in Russian wildrye occurred because its axillary buds were more readily activated than intermediate wheatgrass. Moderate and severe defoliation reduced the number of crown positions on parent seedlings to only 62 and 50% of the number of crown positions of control seedlings, respectively. Water stress decreased (P = 0.004) number of crown positions at 40% of field capacity but only when crown positions of both parent and daughter tillers were pooled. In this experiment, defoliation had a greater effect than water stress. Moisture level mainly affected tiller size not numbers. The interaction between defoliation and water stress should be examined in field studies to foster improved management of these 2 grasses. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v55i1_hendrickson


PHOTOX AND CERTHRAX: THE CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVEL MONO-ADP-RIBOSYLTRANSFERASE TOXINS Danielle D. Visschedyk Advisor: University of Guelph, 2012 Prof. Rod Merrill Pathogenic bacteria use an arsenal of toxic protein virulence factors to cause disease in host cells. The mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase (mART) toxins are a family of exotoxins produced by pathogens which contribute to a wide range of diseases including cholera, diphtheria and whooping cough. Specifically, mART toxins act by transferring ADP-ribose from NAD to target proteins in host cells, altering or inhibiting target activity with deleterious downstream effects. Recently, in silico analyses have revealed two novel mARTs, Photox and Certhrax, from pathogenic organisms. Photox, from Photorhabdus luminescens was successfully expressed and purified from E. coli and was shown to target actin, specifically at Arg177. This covalent modification inhibits actin polymerization and leads to observed cytotoxicity in yeast cells. Photox has 35% identity with SpvB from Salmonella enterica, which allowed for a structural model to be built, showing the location of all characteristic mART active site components, and the binding site for potential inhibitors. Certhrax originates from Bacillus cereus G9241, implicated in a number of severe pneumonia cases. Certhrax shares 31% sequence identity with anthrax lethal factor from Bacillus anthracis; however, we demonstrated that the toxicity of Certhrax resides in the mART domain, whereas anthrax uses a metalloprotease mechanism. In vivo tests employing toxin gene expression in yeast, and receptormediated infection of mammalian, cells showed the extreme cytotoxicity of Certhrax (LD50 = 100 pg/mL against mouse macrophage cells), making it 60 times more toxic than its infamous counterpart, anthrax lethal factor. In vitro analysis indicated that Certhrax possesses NAD glycohydrolase activity, characteristic of many mART toxins, but we continue to search for the natural host protein target of this toxic enzyme. We determined the crystal structure of Certhrax to 2.2 A, which illustrates a close structural similarity with anthrax lethal factor. Furthermore, we identified several small molecule inhibitors which show protection against Certhrax both in vitro and in vivo. We determined a 1.9 A crystal structure of one inhibitor in complex with Certhrax. Through identification and characterization of novel mART enzymes, we seek to better understand this family of toxic enzymes to aid in the discovery and development of more potent therapeutics.


Continued automation and declines in low-skill shares of GDP have been widespread globally and linked to inequality. We examine the long-term, global consequences of policies that foster automation or address the distributional consequences of it, using a six-region global macro model. Results depend on whether welfare criteria are Rawlsian, emphasizing the performance of low-skill households, Benthamite, which aggregate pecuniary measures, capital-owner friendly, or simply based on real GDP. Even where automation delivers only bias against the low skilled, we find that the fostering it is a dominant strategy under all but the Rawlsian criterion. We then consider a post automation scenario in which worker displacement is significant, examining inequality constraining but balance-preserving fiscal interventions, such as tax-financed "earned income tax credits". These generate only small international spillover effects and are for the most part not preferred under all criteria except the Rawlsian one.