Periodicity is one of the most common phenomena in the physical world. The problem of periodicity analysis (or period detection) is a research topic in several areas, such as signal processing and data mining. However, period detection is a very challenging problem, due to the sparsity and noisiness of observational datasets of periodic events. This paper focuses on the problem of period detection from sparse and noisy observational datasets. To solve the problem, a novel method based on the approximate greatest common divisor (AGCD) is proposed. The proposed method is robust to sparseness and noise, and is efficient. Moreover, unlike most existing methods, it does not need prior knowledge of the rough range of the period. To evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method, comprehensive experiments on synthetic data are conducted. Experimental results show that our method can yield highly accurate results with small datasets, is more robust to sparseness and noise, and is less sensitive to the magnitude of period than compared methods.


A renewed interest in the thought and the works of Alberto Beneduce does not only serve to reflect again on a protagonist of the Italian events of the XX century, but it is also a way to address some central themes of the evolution of the Italian economy and to verify the relevance of his theories in the light of recurring economic crises and the role of the State as support to industrial development. The essential participation of Beneduce to the processing government decisions, with the aim of overcoming an adverse phase of the Italian economy, led to the gradual shift from an old-fashioned financial and productive structure to a modern industrial structure, which, after World War II, would have been able to compete at international level. In fact, public intervention was not inspired to conventional schemes, but to the need for a more streamlined and effective State action in the economy, introducing the logic of private enterprise in the management of the authorities he helped form. On such basis, «Beneduce system» was built, which provided a model for accelerating Italian industrialization and promoting economic growth throughout the country. The analysis of a complex personality like Beneduce's rests on his experience, his education and his ideas, as well as on the multiform aspects of his commitment and the value of his reform, originating from the strong influence of Nitti and conducted with great autonomy in the different institutional roles he covered. Alberto Beneduce, along with other emblematic figures, represented the paradigmatic experience of a strategy aimed at strengthening enterprises and markets, in major financial and manufacturing sectors of the country, in order to modernize Italy through an approach that anticipated development policies from the top and the extraordinary intervention.


The authors report a new case of acute pericarditis in a 21 month-old girl, occurring on the fourth day of a meningococcal meningitis. The patient's recovery from the pericarditis was achieved thanks to a surgical drain in association with antibiotherapy, and despite a relapse after a puncture. On the basis of this case and the literary data reviewed, they endeavor to assess the frequency of this rare complication, to examine the most likely physiopathological hypothesis and to study the most effective treatment.


Author(s): Shybut, Mikel | Advisor(s): Staskawicz, Brian J | Abstract: Cassava is an essential food crop relied on by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) is the causal agent of cassava bacterial blight (CBB) and the leading destructive bacterial pathogen of cassava. Xam utilizes a unique class of type three effectors known as transcription activator-like (TAL) effectors (TALEs) to activate specific host genes that contribute to virulence and bacterial growth. In Xam, TALEs are often localized to plasmids. TALE-containing plasmids of other Xanthomonas ssp. have been shown to be conjugative, providing a mechanism for the horizontal transfer of TALE virulence components. Here, I characterize the two-TALE containing plasmid pXam46 of Xam isolate CIO151, providing a full draft sequence, TALE virulence assays, and evidence for its mobilizing ability. The potential horizontal transfer of TALEs suggests that TALEs which confer a strong virulence phenotype may be well conserved amongst Xam communities. I screened a subset of 22 global Xam isolates spanning 28 years of evolution from 5 countries over 3 continents for their TALE repertoires. I identified one pair of highly conserved TALEs, including a single repeat variable diresidue (RVD) variant of a pXam46 localized TALE, and 3 additional well-conserved TALEs. Of the two highly conserved TALEs, both contribute to bacterial growth in planta and one is associated with a water soaking disease phenotype. The remaining 3 well-conserved TALEs did not show any measurable contributions to virulence. Some plants contain an evolutionary mechanism to defend against TALEs, carrying executor resistance (R) genes containing TALE binding elements upstream of disease resistance genes. I found that the highly conserved TALE of pXam46 triggers a specific, transcriptionally dependent HR-like phenotype in the non-host Nicotiana benthamiana. Employing RNA-seq, I have identified a list of candidate TALE-upregulated genes that may be involved in the defense response of N. benthamiana. Identifying TALE-triggered R genes as well as conserved TALEs and their susceptibility targets can assist in the design of durable resistance strategies against Xam. Successful strategies may include stacking promoters of multiple conserved TALEs in front of R genes or modifying cassava susceptibility gene promoters to abrogate TALE binding. It is my hope that the basic biology described herein may assist in those efforts.


The aim of this study is to get insight the interaction between Indonesian H274Y mutant neuraminidase with four inhibitors. Not only to seek preferable inhibitor to be used, but also to investigate the interaction occurred, especially hydrogen bonds formed. Hydrogen bonds analysis and its interaction energies calculation showed that zanamivir is the most preferable inhibitor with 13 hydrogen bonds formed and –439.96 kcal/mol. Laninamivir would be an alternative inhibitor since it has 10 hydrogen bonds and –307.19 kcal/mol. The investigation of ΔSAS showed almost all active site residues buried when interacted with inhibitors. Only a few residues have an increases ΔSAS. Lipinski rule analysis showed that zanamivir and laninamivir would be best taken by injection or inhalation.


In this paper, the effects of electric pulse on solidified structure and graining process of near eutectic Al-5%Cu alloy have been investigated during solidified process. It was treated with different pulse voltages at 740°C in this experiment, and established the cooling curve. The results show that the improvement of alloy casting macro-segregation and solidification structure refinement by electric pulse discharging; The change of the solidified casting structure has a preferable coincidence relation with the change of the cooling curve, and analysis of the cooling curve shows that the best granular effect has a maximal supercooling on the curve.


In this paper, the vibration analysis of uniform laminated composite sandwich beam with a viscoelastic core was studied. The governing equation of motion of the laminated composite sandwich beam has been derived based on higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) in finite element model (FEM). The developed finite element model has been validated in terms of natural frequencies with the experimental values and the available literature. Various parametric studies have been performed to examine the impact of the core thickness, ply orientation and aspect ratio of the uniform laminated composite sandwich beam in response to free vibration for various boundary conditions. From the results it was concluded that that natural frequencies could be increased with increasing the core thickness and decreased with increasing the aspect ratio.


Settlement plates are widely used in ecological studies as a simple and effective way to assess recruitment and growth of sessile benthic communities. Plate material and surface complexity, positioning, size, attachment method, placement within the reef and duration of deployment can all influence the communities that recruit. Using different plate types can affect study reproducibility and skew results, yet no standardised guidelines exist for monitoring crustose coralline algae (CCA), a key bioindicator of changing seawater carbonate chemistry. Here, we compare 6 experimental tile materials (including plastic, ceramic and glass tiles) at 2 orientations (horizontal and vertical) for CCA community recruitment and calcification across 3 habitats (back reef, fore reef crest and reef slope). CCA were 20% more abundant, calcified faster and were twice as speciose on fore reef habitats. Community composition also varied with tile material and orientation. Vertically oriented surfaces and plastic and limestone tiles produced the closest approximation of real-world communities. Horizontal surfaces appeared to encourage coralline recruitment, particularly in light-limited environments, but also attracted greater herbivory. PVC tiles were the optimal approach when all factors were considered, as they generated a percent cover representative of adjacent reef communities and produced more consistent calcification estimates (across space and time), as well as being cheaper and easier to work with. Selection of plate type and deployment methods will ultimately depend on the experimental question; here we describe the benefits and costs of each material and/or orientation and suggest the adoption of PVC tiles as an optimal overall approach for monitoring CCA.


Purpose – Seeks to examine how far Michael Lipsky's theory of discretion as it relates to public sector professionals as "street-level bureaucrats" is still applicable in the light of public sector reform and in particular the introduction of increased managerial control over professionals. Design/methodology/approach – The main thesis in Lipsky's work, Street-Level Bureaucracy, that street-level bureaucrats devise their own rules and procedures to deal with the dilemmas of policy implementation is linked to public sector reform over the past 25 years or so. The article differentiates between three forms of discretion, rule, task and value and assesses the extent to which these different forms of discretion have been compromised by reform. Examples are drawn principally from the literature on school teachers and social workers Findings – The findings suggest that the rule-making (hence bureaucratic) capacity of professionals at street-level is much less influential than before although it is questionable whether or not the greater accountability of professionals to management and clarity of the targets and objectives of organisations delivering public policy has liberated them from the dilemmas of street-level bureaucracy. Research limitations/implications – The work has focussed on the UK and in particular on two professions. However, it may be applied to any country which has undergone public sector reform and in particular where "new public management" processes and procedures have been implemented. There is scope for in-depth studies of a range of occupations, professional and otherwise in the UK and elsewhere. Practical implications – Policy makers and managers should consider how far the positive aspects of facilitating discretion in the workplace by reducing the need for "rule-making" to cope with dilemmas have been outweighed by increased levels of bureaucracy and the "de-skilling" of professionals. Originality/value – Lipsky's much cited and influential work is evaluated in the light of public sector reform some 25 years since it was published. The three forms of discretion identified offer the scope for their systematic application to the workplace.


We compared the uptakes and intracellular locations of four 14-membered-ring macrolides (roxithromycin, dirithromycin, erythromycin, and erythromycylamine) in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in vitro. Intracellular location was assessed by cell fractionation and uptake kinetics in cytoplasts (granule-poor PMNs). Trapping of dirithromycin within PMN granules (up to 80% at 30 min) was significantly more marked than the intracellular trapping of the other drugs (erythromycylamine, 45% +/- 5.1%; erythromycin, 42% +/- 3.7%; roxithromycin, 35% +/- 3.0%). A new finding was that, in the absence of extracellular calcium, the uptakes of all of the macrolides by PMNs and cytoplasts were significantly impaired, by about 50% (PMN) and 90% (cytoplasts). Furthermore, inorganic Ca2+ channel blockers inhibited macrolide uptake in a concentration-dependent manner, with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 1.6 to 2.0 mM and 29 to 35 microM, respectively, for Ni2+ and La3+. The intracellular distributions of the drugs were unchanged in the presence of Ni2+ and La3+ and in Ca(2+)-free medium supplemented with ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. The organic Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine had no effect on macrolide uptake, whereas verapamil inhibited it in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. These data show the importance of extracellular Ca2+ in macrolide uptake by phagocytes and suggest a link with Ca2+ channels or a Ca2+ channel-operated mechanism.


Consumer choices reflect not only price and quality preferences but also social and moral values, as witnessed in the remarkable growth of the global market for organic and environmentally friendly products. Building on recent research on behavioral priming and moral regulation, we found that mere exposure to green products and the purchase of such products lead to markedly different behavioral consequences. In line with the halo associated with green consumerism, results showed that people act more altruistically after mere exposure to green products than after mere exposure to conventional products. However, people act less altruistically and are more likely to cheat and steal after purchasing green products than after purchasing conventional products. Together, our studies show that consumption is connected to social and ethical behaviors more broadly across domains than previously thought.


Summary The geology of Central Java can be defined in terms of distance from volcanic centres located along the spine of the island. Coarse ejecta are reworked on the upper volcanic slopes to form a scree, and coarse to medium grade fluviatile sequences slope downwards. At the base, shallow marine sedimentation along a rapidly retreating coast line has created a clay-sand sequence. This variety of depositional facies has produced a lithological inhomogeneity that poses problems of aquifer delineation, and makes the cuttings from direct-flush rotary drilling difficult to interpret. Geophysical logging of the volcanic sediments also presents difficulties as gamma logs lack features because of high background counts so that resistivity logs have to be used to locate well screens. Unconfined conditions exist on the upper and intermediate slopes of the volcanoes while beneath the lower slopes and coastal plains is an upper unconfined aquifer overlying lower, confined aquifers. Despite geological and hydrogeological inhomogeneity, approximate groundwater head distributions can be reasonably determined in the unconfined areas; multilayering makes this difficult in the confined areas. Groundwater development for irrigation is seen as a long-term aim in the unconfined areas of the intermediate slopes of the volcanoes. Further groundwater development, by manipulating the aquifers' specific yield and its high potential recharge currently lost to flood flow, appears to be feasible. Accurate assessment of the potential development is difficult due to the complex hydrogeology and extensive existing groundwater use. Development will therefore be slow and require careful planning.


INTRODUCTION The Secretary of the Air Force remarked recently that the United States Air Force (USAF) spent approximately $6.6 billion on aviation fuel in fiscal year 2006. This is $1.6 billion more than budgeted for that year alone (Wynne, 2007). In 2005 the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) purchased $4.96 billion worth of Jet Propellant -8 (JP-8) and Jet Propellant Thermally Stable (JPTS), over $1.4 billion more than the previous year (DESC Fact Book, 2006). The need to address these rapidly increasing fuel costs demands the collective attention of Department of Defense (DoD) leaders and government lawmakers. One option is for the military to abandon its consumption of unique, custom-blended fuels and instead use the same commercially available fuels that the airlines use. In this spirit, our research investigates the technical feasibility and cost of using Jet A to replace JP-8 at multiple Northwestern United States military installations. In this paper, we map the relevant bulk JP-8 supply chain to determine the commodity price for the Pacific Northwest and identify options for storing and issuing Jet A in lieu of JP-8. We also determine if the applicable military aircraft or equipment can use Jet A as a primary or alternate fuel. We conclude with a cost assessment of feasible options. Our research is important and directly useful in fuels pricing and analysis for two main reasons. First, we established a new and more accurate "apples to apples" pricing comparison, which was adopted as the new standard by the two agencies necessary to enact a switch from JP-8 to Jet A fuel. We also showed that a switch to Jet A fuel in the Pacific Northwest would not show a savings as suggested by a 2007 C4e study, but instead would cos more. BACKGROUND Although commercial aircraft routinely receive JP-8 fuel at military bases and military aircraft occasionally receive Jet A fuel when landing at commercial locations, little documentation explores the overall impact of a complete shift in the DoD's first tier fuel requirement from JP-8 to Jet A. Most fuel related studies focus on fuel economy improvements and cost avoidance efforts in the logistics field, rather than a complete switch to a conventional commercial product. This study helps determine if a switch from JP-8 to Jet A is feasible and if any costs can be avoided through such actions. The aspect of feasibility refers to the substitutability of Jet A for JP-8 and is critically important, as any cost analysis would be meaningless if Jet A could not be used. Although more research is needed in this area, we found that most USAF aircraft are already certified to use Jet A fuel and there are no substantial barriers for its widespread use. The sheer fuel volume our military consumes and the logistical implications of ensuring the availability of fuel for any and all military mission requirements drives DoD policy development concerning JP-8. In order to reduce logistics related hazards, the military services agree to use a single fuel, JP-8, for both air and land-based missions. Following a 2004 revision to the single battlefield fuel concept, the demand for JP-8 grew exponentially when it became the DoD fuel of choice (DoD Directive 4140.25, 2004). Increased military demand, coupled with the growing price of crude oil, further emphasizes the DoD's continued JP-8 reliance and possible vulnerabilities. To switch from JP-8 to Jet A, at least two DoD petroleum agencies must be in agreement before the Air Force and other military branches can adopt commercial jet fuel usage for military applications. The Air Force Petroleum Office (AFPET) is responsible for determining the feasibility of using particular jet fuels while DESC is accountable for jet fuel purchasing agreements between the government and commercial fuel refineries. Therefore, without AFPET's technical certification and favorable DESC cost analysis, new jet fuels cannot be considered as options for the United States armed forces. …


The principle of 'treat to target' embraces an indispensable approach to the prevention of some of the most prevalent diseases: diabetes, arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease. These highly ubiquitous disorders account for most deaths and disabilities worldwide. Preventive treatment is thus a matter of paramount priority.

How did 'treat to target' come about? The rationale for this therapeutic paradigm is based on a comprehensive evidence base that is—fair to say—unique to cardiovascular medicine. Few areas in contemporary medicine have investigated hundreds of thousands of patients with a given condition just to scrutinise one particular therapeutic intervention, such as the lowering of blood pressure with a given agent, or such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol lowering by a statin.

What do we mean by 'comprehensive evidence base'? Clinical trials demonstrate that to reduce cardiovascular events in individuals with hypertension, blood pressure lowering (eg, to <150/100 mm Hg) is effective, and more intensive blood pressure lowering (eg, to <140/90 mm Hg) is more effective.1 Likewise, to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with established ischaemic heart disease through lipid lowering, a statin is more effective than placebo, aggressive statin therapy is more effective than lenient statin therapy, and in patients receiving aggressive statin therapy the lowest risk is associated with the lowest LDL-cholesterol levels.2 This preventive treatment strategy aiming at lowering LDL-cholesterol has been coined as the concept of 'the lower the better'. Incidentally, the aphorism 'the lower the better' is just a linguistic corollary to the dictum 'treat to target'. Taken together, this evidence base essentially teaches us that treating patients to goal confers the …


Introduction: Help at birth is one of the historically oldest volunteers supports that a woman has offered to another woman. One of the reasons for high maternal and infant mortality was identified as a lack of basic medical knowledge among the woman who helped during birth and this required immediate action to secure the survival of nations. When the Church and government made demands for education and professional license, the voluntary help at birth transformed into an educated and paid profession for women. The study aimed to describe the evolution of women's education and the midwifery profession in Nordic countries from the 1600s until today.
Methods: Historical and contemporary documents, research and grey literature, are drawn together to provide a historical description of the midwifery professional development and education in Nordic countries.
Results: In the Nordic countries, governments from the 1600s had significant problems with high maternal and infant mortality. Most vulnerable were unmarried women and their children. To change the trend, northern countries had been inspired by France, Holland, England, and Germany, which had introduced education and a professional license for midwives. The targeted and systematic investment in midwifery education, followed by industrialization and welfare development in Nordic countries, has resulted in one of the highest survival rates for mothers and infants in the world today. In parallel with this, it has created the first female paid profession in history. Today, midwifery education is at the university level in all Nordic countries, and the certified midwife is responsible for pre- and post-natal care and normal birth. In Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, the midwife's responsibility also includes contraception counseling and prescription of drugs for birth control purposes.
Conclusions: The education and professional licenses have contributed to a progressively improved care of birth women and infants. The professional and licensed midwife is positioned in society as an essential player in the current development of pre- and post-natal care. Furthermore, the graduated and licensed midwife positioned herself as the first paid professional female profession in modern history.


Predator prey interactions have the potential to shape patterns of natural selection. For prey, avoiding detection by predators is of primary importance; however prey species risk detection by movement. Other than crypsis, prey species also use secondary defenses when detected by a predator. The most common secondary defense is flight. Flight initiation distance describes the distance between a prey item and a predator where the benefits of fleeing outweigh the benefits of remaining stationary. There are many factors that influence flight initiation distance including ontogenetic stage, ability to escape, and the degree of crypsis. Of these, the ontogenetic effects on escape velocity and flight initiation distance are likely to be substantial. Juvenile and hatchling animals typically have a lower absolute velocity than adults. If escape velocity is a key variable in survival, then juveniles may be forced to tolerate shorter flight initiation distances than adults. As a result, they may switch anti-predator tactics or be susceptible to higher predation risk than adults. Hence, flight initiation distance of juveniles may be optimized such that their decreased locomotor abilities and use of immobility for concealment changes at a particular body size. I examined this hypothesis in Sceloporus woodi, a small terrestrial lizard. Field measurements of escape velocity were recorded on an ontogenetic series of lizards using high speed video. Maximal running velocity was also quantified on a laboratory raceway to examine if the velocities used by lizards in the field are reflective of maximal velocities as measured in the lab, or if other variables, such as muscle size and limb size, are correlated with flight initiation distance and running performance. I found that hind limb morphology scales isometrically with body size. Maximum velocity in the lab increased with size, adults being fastest and hatchlings being slowest (F2, 97 = 12.6088, P = <0.0001). Escape velocity in the field did not vary between adults, juveniles, and hatchlings (F2, 24 = 2.39, P = 0.114). Flight initiation distance increased as body size increased (F2, 39 = 3.32, P = 0.047). Larger animals did not allow close approach of a human predator presumably escaping early and to avoid the need to use high sprint velocities to escape. Smaller lizards, due to slower sprint velocities, must use behavior to compensate for decreased sprint velocity. Small lizards remained immobile longer, allowing close approach of the predator, likely relying on crypsis to remain concealed. By remaining immobile longer, smaller lizards did not attract unnecessary attention of the predator and likely increase the probability of being required to use sprinting to escape predation. Isometric scaling coupled with the findings for sprint and escape velocity allow all classes to perform similarly thus optimizing hatchling and juvenile survival. INDEX WORDS: Sceloporus woodi, Ontogeny, Locomotor performance, Allometry, Flight initiation distance, Escape behavior


We study the influence of screening effect on quantum decoherence for charge qubit and the process of quantum information storage. When the Bux produced by the circulating current in SQUID loop is considered, screening effect is formally characterized by a LC resonator. Using large-detuning condition and Frhlich transformation in the qubit-cavity-resonator system, we calculate the decoherence factor for charge qubit and the effective qubit-cavity Hamiltonian. The decoherence factor owns a factorized structure, it shows that screening effect is a resource of decoherence for charge qubit. The effective Hamiltonian shows that the screening effect results in a frequency shift for charge qubit and a modified qubit-cavity coupling constant induced by a LC resonator.


ABSTRACT Data spanning long time periods, such as that over 1860–2012 for the UK, seem likely to have substantial errors of measurement that may even be integrated of order one, but which are probably cointegrated for cognate variables. We analyze and simulate the impacts of such measurement errors on parameter estimates and tests in a bivariate cointegrated system with trends and location shifts which reflect the many major turbulent events that have occurred historically. When trends or shifts therein are large, cointegration analysis is not much affected by such measurement errors, leading to conventional stationary attenuation biases dependent on the measurement error variance, unlike the outcome when there are no offsetting shifts or trends.


Due to the large amount and high complexity of trace data, microservice trace analysis tasks such as anomaly detection, fault diagnosis, and tail-based sampling widely adopt machine learning technology. These trace analysis approaches usually use a preprocessing step to map structured features of traces to vector representations in an ad-hoc way. Therefore, they may lose important information such as topological dependencies between service operations. In this paper, we propose TraceCRL, a trace representation learning approach based on contrastive learning and graph neural network, which can incorporate graph structured information in the downstream trace analysis tasks. Given a trace, TraceCRL constructs an operation invocation graph where nodes represent service operations and edges represent operation invocations together with predefined features for invocation status and related metrics. Based on the operation invocation graphs of traces TraceCRL uses a contrastive learning method to train a graph neural network-based model for trace representation. In particular, TraceCRL employs six trace data augmentation strategies to alleviate the problems of class collision and uniformity of representation in contrastive learning. Our experimental studies show that TraceCRL can significantly improve the performance of trace anomaly detection and offline trace sampling. It also confirms the effectiveness of the trace augmentation strategies and the efficiency of TraceCRL.


BACKGROUND
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown cause. Due to its protean and nonspecific clinical manifestations, the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as well as prognosis, are not well defined.

OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on sarcoid heart disease and present an approach to its diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.

METHODS
MEDLINE and PreMEDLINE searches of all available English-language articles and case reports from 1966 to 2002 were performed. Search terms included 'sarcoidosis' and 'heart diseases', with a variety of medical subject subheadings.

RESULTS
Clinical disease often includes heart block, dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with sarcoidosis are at increased risk of sudden death. Because the yield of endomyocardial biopsy for definitive diagnosis is low, the diagnosis is often made with a combination of electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, echocardiography, myocardial perfusion imaging and, most recently, magnetic resonance imaging. For symptomatic patients, medical therapy may include a trial of steroids and immunosuppressive therapy. Monoclonal antibodies against tumour necrosis factor may be employed in refractory cases. Heart block warrants a permanent pacemaker, while ventricular tachyarrhythmias are typically amiodarone-unresponsive, requiring implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

CONCLUSIONS
Although there are no large, randomized trial data on cardiac sarcoidosis, the literature suggests that making the diagnosis is clinically important. Unlike the situation in isolated pulmonary disease, cardiac involvement implies a poor prognosis. The diagnosis often requires high clinical suspicion with a combination of radiological and nuclear imaging. Therapy with steroids may halt progression of left ventricular dysfunction, while arrhythmias warrant device therapy.


Context. A new class of super-luminous transients has recently been identified. These objects reach absolute luminosities of M-u < -21, lack hydrogen in their spectra, and are exclusively discovered by non-targeted surveys because they are associated with very faint galaxies. Aims. We aim to contribute to a better understanding of these objects by studying SN 2006oz, a newly-recognized member of this class. Methods. We present multi-color light curves of SN 2006oz from the SDSS-II SN Survey that cover its rise time, as well as an optical spectrum that shows that the explosion occurred at z similar to 0.376. We fitted black-body functions to estimate the temperature and radius evolution of the photosphere and used the parametrized code SYNOW to model the spectrum. We constructed a bolometric light curve and compared it with explosion models. In addition, we conducted a deep search for the host galaxy with the 10 m GTC telescope. Results. The very early light curves show a dip in the g-and r-bands and a possible initial cooling phase in the u-band before rising to maximum light. The bolometric light curve shows a precursor plateau with a duration of 6-10 days in the rest-frame. A lower limit of M-u < -21.5 can be placed on the absolute peak luminosity of the SN, while the rise time is constrained to be at least 29 days. During our observations, the emitting sphere doubled its radius to similar to 2 x 10(15) cm, while the temperature remained hot at similar to 15 000 K. As for other similar SNe, the spectrum is best modeled with elements including O II and Mg II, while we tentatively suggest that Fe III might be present. The host galaxy is detected in gri with 25.74 +/- 0.19, 24.43 +/- 0.06, and 24.14 +/- 0.12, respectively. It is a faint dwarf galaxy with M-g = -16.9. Conclusions. We suggest that the precursor plateau might be related to a recombination wave in a circumstellar medium (CSM) and discuss whether this is a common property of all similar explosions. The subsequent rise can be equally well described by input from a magnetar or by ejecta-CSM interaction, but the models are not well constrained owing to the lack of post-maximum observations, and CSM interaction has difficulties accounting for the precursor plateau self-consistently. Radioactive decay is less likely to be the mechanism that powers the luminosity. The host is a moderately young and star-forming, but not a starburst, galaxy.


Despite much recent rhetoric predicting growing conflict, even wars, over water, the weight of historical evidence points overwhelmingly to peaceful resolution of such conflicts. Water in fact tends to act as a catalyst for cooperation.


Today, fossil fuel shortages and climate change impacts have led mankind to the search for an alternative energy. With many advantages, bioenergy is a promising source to replace conventional energy. However, biofuel productions in the first and second generation are likely to add more concerns to the problems in water scarcity and threats to food security. Meanwhile, third generation biofuels obtained from microalgae and cyanobacteria are able to overcome existing challenges thanks to their rapid growth rates, abilities to fix CO 2 , high yields in lipid extraction and capabilities to be grown in non-arable lands. Microalgae and cyanobacteria appear to be the only ones among renewable sources that are capable of producing a wide range of biofuels including biohydrogen, biomethane, bioethanol and biodiesel.
In this study, we present an overview about microalgae and cyanobacteria use for the production of biofuels in fundamentals, including their biology, cultivation systems taking into account the hydrodynamic conditions, harvesting, and processing. The review also provides a general picture at the current status of this renewable energy industry.


This paper examines the relationship between traditional and modern methods of architectural investigation, namely: the 'sketch', the 'physical model' and the 'computer'. It aims to test two propositions put forward by two schools of thought regarding the architectural 'method'. The first suggests that the introduction of the computer as a working method would lead to the demise of the more traditional methods of sketching and model making. The second acknowledges the potential of technology but maintains that the computer as a device for abstraction is less effective than traditional systems of representation. A framework, based on the critical review of literature, was established and used as an intellectual vehicle for testing both propositions. It partly revolved around linking Popper's three worlds of knowledge, the subjective, the physical and the objective to the three variables: the sketch, the physical model and the computer. The study concludes that although computers are superior in dealing with complexity, design fixation, and performance analysis of design alternatives, this power does not constitute a sufficient condition, as a cause, for the demise of traditional working methods, as an effect to follow. On the other hand, the biggest strength of traditional methods of sketching and model making is not in the link between drawing and 'visual thinking', as purported by many authors, but it is the material sense of the 'physical' model that gives rise to other senses such as 'touch' and 'physicality'. The missing notion of physicality from both 3D objects and materials generated by the computer is undoubtedly its downfall.


Many people learn technical concepts best in a hands-on environment,
and Internet protocols and standards are no exception. Internet
Research Labs (IRL) will facilitate a platform and encourage the
technical community (seasoned professionals and newcomers alike) to
discuss, collaborate, design and develop utilities, ideas, sample code
and solutions that show practical implementations (Proof of Concept)
of existing IETF standards. These labs may also be used by the IETF
Mentoring Program and/or EDU teams for hands-on training to mentees or
newcomers. This base draft intends to provide a high-level overview of
the concept of Internet Research Labs in terms of objectives,
requirements, challenges and deliverables without going into details
of a specific lab, technology or an IETF Working Group (WG). After
this draft matures and gains traction within the IETF community, we
foresee more and more Internet drafts for the specific labs.


Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used in many fields, because of its outstanding force measurement ability in nano scale. Some coating layers are used to enhance the signal intensity, but these coating layers affect the spring constant of AFM cantilever and the accuracy of force measurement. In this paper, the spring constants of rectangular cantilever with different coating thickness were quantitatively measured and discussed. The finite element method was used to analyze the nonlinear force-displacement behavior from which the cantilever's normal and torsional spring constants could be determined. The experimental data and the numerical results were also compared with the results from other methods. By considering the influence of coating layers and real cantilever geometries, the more accurate force measurements by AFM cantilever can be obtained.


Introduction: The allergic march describes the assumed course of allergic disease. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of allergic manifestations from infancy into school age and the relationship between early manifestations and allergic disease at school age.

Methods: Data were obtained from a longitudinal study of children born in western Sweden. Parents answered questionnaires at 6 months and 1, 4.5 and 8 years of age. The response rate at 8 years was 80% of the questionnaires distributed (4,051/5,044).

Results: Overall, onset and course of allergic diseases was in line with the assumed allergic march, see Figure.

![Figure][1]

The prevalence of any allergic disease was more common in infancy (26%) compared to preschool (15%) and school age (16%).

In a stratified logistic regression analysis, an increased risk of allergic disease at school age was seen with increasing numbers of allergic manifestations in infancy, i.e. one manifestation adjusted OR 3.1 (2.5-3.8), two or more aOR 9.2 (6.7-13.2) compared with symptom free subjects. Of those with two or more allergic manifestations in infancy, 44 % were symptom-free at school age vs 71% of those with only one early manifestation and 89 % of those who were symptom free in infancy.

Conclusion: Allergic disease at school age was related to the presence of allergic manifestations in infancy. However, 71% of children with only one early manifestation were symptom-free at school age.

 [1]: pending:yes


The present study analyzes the optimal distribution of a limited amount of high thermal conductivity material to enhance the heat removal of circular 3D integrated circuits, IC. The structure of the heat spreader is designed as a composite of high thermal conductivity (Boron Arsenide) and moderate thermal conductivity (copper) materials. The volume ratio of high-conductivity inserts to the total volume of the spreader is set at a fixed pertinent ratio. Two different boundary conditions of constant and variable temperature are considered for the heat sink. To examine the impact of adding high-conductivity inserts on the cooling performance of the heat spreader, various patterns of the single and double ring inserts are studied. A parametric study is performed to find the optimal location of the rings. Moreover, the optimal distribution of the high-conductivity material between the inner and outer rings is found. The results show that for the optimal conditions, the maximum temperature of the 3D IC is reduced up to 10%; while the size of the heat sink, and heat spreader can be diminished by as much as 200%.


The article explores the production of historical narratives in two national museums, the National Museum of Ireland (Dublin, Republic of Ireland) and the Ulster Museum (Belfast, Northern Ireland) in the context of political reconciliation. In 1998, the Irish and British governments associated with most of Northern Ireland's political parties, agreed to set the bases for restoring peace through the Good Friday Agreement. This was in this context that the two national museums arranged exhibitions for the bicentenary of the 1798 Rebellion, which had been at the heart of the opposition between nationalist and unionist conceptions of the relations between Ireland and Britain. The purpose of the article is to question how, and to what extent, the organisation of the commemorations impacted on the construction of historical narratives in the two national museums in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The two commemorative exhibitions and their organisation reveal how the 1990s politics of reconciliation contributed to building new historical narratives in Ireland and Northern Ireland's national museums. However, I argue that the two exhibitions were still representative of the opposition between cultural diversity and national unity supported respectively in Northern Ireland and in the Republic.


This chapter discusses research on contracting in supply chain management and beyond. It examines the limitations sections of research on contracting in interorganizational relationships (IORs) published in the decade 2010 to 2019. A synthesis of contracting-related limitations reveals four major sets of issues. First, current conceptualization and operationalization of IOR contracting usually build on a simplified characterization of contracts. More effort should be exerted to study a larger number and variety of provisions in relation to distinct types of contracts, functions of contracts, and contract management. Second, more attention should be devoted to studying a larger number and variety of antecedents to and consequences of contract design and management. In addition, the need for a more systematic investigation of moderators and their effects has been repeatedly indicated in the literature. Third, studies on IOR contracting should focus more on contract dynamics and its interplay with relational and other governance mechanisms as well as the link between contracts and their performance implications. These dynamics should be studied in relation to temporal factors, critical events, and learning. Finally, the chapter notes that findings to date tend to have a narrow generalizability, because studies usually draw on a limited number of theories, use data from a limited number of actors, and mostly rely on subjective and perceptual data. Building on this synthesis, fruitful opportunities for future research into IOR contracting are discussed.


Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a neoplasia characterized by proliferation of a myeloid cell lineage and chromosome translocation t(9;22) (q34;q11.2). As in the case of most cancers, the average telomere length in CML cells is shorter than that in normal blood cells. However, there are currently no data available concerning specific individual telomere length in CML. Here, we studied telomere length on each chromosome arm of CML cells. In situ hybridization with peptide nucleic acid probes was performed on CML cells in metaphase. The fluorescence intensity of each specific telomere was converted into kilobases according to the telomere restriction fragment results for each sample. We found differences in telomere length between short arm ends and long arm ends. We observed recurrent telomere length changes as well as telomere length maintenance and elongation in some individual telomeres. We propose a possible involvement of individual telomere length changes to some chromosomal abnormalities in CML. We suggest that individual telomere length maintenance is chromosome arm–specific associated with leuke-


If information professionals are to measure the value of their services, they must talk directly to users and listen to what they have to say about their lives, as well as measuring the service in terms of value for money. Whilst acknowledging the necessity of data concerned with processes and procedures, the concept of value can only be fully explored by going to the individual user directly, within a specific context. Researchers must make the anecdotal believable, trustworthy, worthy of being considered alongside other types of hard data, and a constructivist approach to collecting, analysing and presenting qualitative data can be used effectively to achieve this. The UK government has pledged to deliver public services to meet the needs of citizens, not the convenience of service providers, by involving and meeting the needs of all different groups in society. Its Best Value review represents one of the most far reaching challenges facing those responsible for local services. Can its framework provide the flexibility to support all those who have a stake in measuring value of library and information services?


A high-resolution seismic profile over the Layered Series of the Bjerkreim-Sokndal layered intrusion provides a high-quality seismic image of one of the rock types frequently cited as a source of dense lower crustal reflectivity. The data interpretation is controlled by a detailed comparison with exposed geology directly up-plunge and has implications for reaching a better understanding of deep crustal reflectivity. Reflections are produced by boundaries between major (≥100 m) lithologic units of moderately differing average composition, and small-scale modal layering (centimeters to several meters) contributes in a minor way. The seismic image provides a standard useful for identifying layered mafic intrusions within the upper and middle crust and for understanding their internal structure. The Bjerkreim data also imply that areas of highly reflective lower crust where underplating is believed to have occurred can result from internal lithologic layering resulting from fractionation and repeated influxes of magma to a closed system. The data show that highly developed modal layering can appear seismically transparent due to destructive interference.


Desogestrel, gestodene, and norgestimate represent a new generation of progestins designed for use in oral contraceptives. A high degree of efficacy has been retained in these progestins, and the adverse metabolic impact exhibited by older progestins has been reduced considerably. The clinical profile of each progestin, as it is marketed in Europe in combination with ethinyl estradiol, is reviewed. Direct comparisons are made whenever applicable. The major advantages of these formulations over the older combined oral contraceptives are that they have less effect on lipid metabolism and on carbohydrate metabolism, and they are less androgenic. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.


The selective vulnerability of the basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) is responsible for most of the clinical alterations in learning and memory processes that are characteristic of the Alzheimer?s disease (AD). The loss of cholinergic neurons and muscarinic receptors (MR) in the nucleus basalis of Meynert has been reported in AD. The endocannabinoid system is a neuromodulator of the BFCS, but there are controversial reports regarding the cannabinoid effects in learning and memory processes.The animal models of cholinergic impairment mimick the main histopathological and behavioral effects observed in patients. The MR antagonism, e.g. using scopolamine (SCOP), is used as a model of amnesia in rodents. The intraparenchymal administration of 192-IgG-saporin (SAP) in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis eliminates cholinergic neurons leading to learning and memory deficits.Then, the present study evaluates the modulation of spatial and working memory with the Barnes Maze following a subchronic treatment with a low dose (0.5 mg/kg) of WIN55,212-2 (WIN) in both the SCOP and SAP models of learning and memory deficit. In the SCOP model, the administration of WIN protects learning and memory impairment during the probe trial, recorded as the time spent in the target quadrant (WIN + SCOP: 78 ± 13 sec vs VEH + SCOP: 45 ± 3 sec; p ? 0.001). A similar effect of the treatment was observed in the SAP model (SAP: 50 ± 3 sec vs SAP + WIN: 82 ± 7 sec; p ? 0.001). This effect was specifically mediated by CB1 receptors, since it was blocked by the co-administration of the specific CB1 antagonist, SR141716A (0.5 mg/kg) (SAP: 49 ± 3 sec vs SAP + WIN + SR: 48 ± 5 sec). However, higher doses of WIN (3 mg/kg) induced negative effects in learning and memory in control (C) rats, but positive and comparable to the lower dose in the SAP model (C: 89 ± 3 sec, C + WIN-3 mg/kg: 48 ± 3 sec; SAP: 49 ± 3; SAP + WIN-3 mg/kg: 80 ± 12 sec).The CB1 activation by low doses of the cannabinoid agonist WIN are able to block the amnesic effects induced by SCOP and also the learning and memory impairment produced by the BFCS pathway degeneration. CB1 agonists could contribute to improve the clinical symptoms of AD.


Gamification is an innovative approach to foster motivation. It refers to the use of game elements in non-game contexts. This article adopts a differentiated view on the topic of gamification and investigates, how and why different game elements can address different motivational mechanisms. At first, the concept of gamification and specific game elements characteristic of gamification are described. After that, different motivational perspectives were analyzed and motivational mechanisms in form of effect hypotheses were derived from these perspectives. To investigate the motivational pull of gamification, game elements are matched with motivational mechanisms. Our theoretical inquiry shows that gamification potentially addresses motivational mechanisms and thereby fosters motivation. These theoretical results can be used for the effective design of gamification environments and represent a basis for empirical research. Further research is required to confirm these theoretical findings.


Research guide for history. Includes information for finding primary and secondary resources in books, ebooks, databases, journals, and digital collections.


Electricity networks are undergoing a period of rapid change and transformation, with increased penetration levels of renewable-based distributed generation, and new influences on electricity end-use patterns from demand-manageable loads and micro-generation. This creates a number of new challenges for the delivery of a reliable supply of electrical energy. The main aim of this PhD research is to provide a methodology for a more detailed and accurate assessment of the effects of wind-based distributed generation (DG) and demand side management (DSM) on transmission network operation. In addition, the work investigates the potential for co-ordinated implementation and control of DG and DSM to improve overall system performance. A significant amount of previous literature on network integration of DG and DSM resources has focused on the effects at the distribution level, where their impact is direct and often easily observed. However, as penetration levels increase, DG and DSM will have a growing influence on the operation and management of the bulk transmission system. Modelling and analysis of the impact of embedded and highly-dispersed DG and DSM resources at transmission voltage levels will present a significant challenge for transmission network operators in the future. Accordingly, this thesis presents a number of new approaches and methodologies allowing for a more accurate modelling and aggregation of DG and DSM resources in power system studies. The correct representation of input wind energy resources is essential for accurate estimation of power and energy outputs of wind-based DG. A novel modelling approach for a simple and accurate representation of the statistical and temporal characteristics of the wind energy resources is presented in the thesis. An "all-scale" approach to modelling and aggregation of wind-based generation is proposed, which is specifically intended for assessing the impact of embedded wind generation on the steady state performance of transmission systems. The methodology allows to include in the analysis wind-based generation at all scales and all levels of implementation, from micro and small LV-connected units, through medium-size wind plants connected at MV, up to large HV-connected wind farms. The thesis also presents an assessment of the potential for DSM in the UK residential and commercial sectors, based on the analysis and decomposition of measured demands at system bulk supply points into the corresponding load types. Using a section of the Scottish transmission network as a case study, a number of DG and DSM scenarios are investigated in detail. These results demonstrate the importance of accurately modelling the interactions between the supply system and various DG and DSM schemes, and show that the aggregated effects of highly-distributed DG and DSM resources can have significant impacts on the operation of the bulk transmission system.


Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) are increasingly being seen as a means of mitigating the pressing concerns of traffic-related pollution. While hybrid vehicles are usually designed with the objective of minimizing fuel consumption, in this paper we propose a engine management strategies that also consider environmental effects of the vehicles to pedestrians outside of the vehicles. Specifically, we present the optimisation-based engine energy management strategies for PHEVs that attempt to minimize the environmental impact of pedestrians along the route of the vehicle, while taking account of route-dependent uncertainties. We implement the proposed approach in a real PHEV and evaluate the performance in a hardware-in-the-loop platform. A variety of simulation results are given to illustrate the efficacy of our proposed approach.


Prior literature related to gender and risk propensity would suggest that females are risk-averse, compassionate, and value ethics over return. This ideology of traditional gender norms stereotypically implies that females may be more likely to engage in ethical investing, as there is inherently less risk in investing in companies with strong corporate social responsibility. On the other hand, males are often portrayed as risk-seeking, competitively motivated, and valuing profits over principle, thus may be more willing to compromise ethics if the ends justify the means. The following paper seeks to investigate this relationship between gender and ethical investing, as examined by a study of business students. Respondents were randomly distributed a survey with either an environmental scandal, a personal ethical scandal, or no scandal at all and were prompted to select a portfolio of four stocks with the various financial and ethical positions. The study results contradicted the hypothesis that female students were more likely to respond to the ethical scenario and revealed that it was the males who were more responsive. The study also indicated that the participants were more concerned about environmental scandals than personal ethical scandals, such as an embezzlement incident. The results most likely represent a shift in dynamics where Millennials and Generation Z are generally more socially conscious than prior generations of investors.


Field and laboratory studies indicate that geotextile mats constructed from palm leaves are an effective, sustainable and economically viable soil conservation technique. The three-year (2005–08) EU-funded BORASSUS Project (Contract Number INCO-CT-2005-510745) is evaluating their long-term effectiveness in controlling soil erosion and assessing their sustainability and economic viability. These studies are in progress in 10 countries, both in the 'industrial north' (in Europe) and in the 'developing south' (Africa, South America and South-East Asia). This paper focuses on agro-environmental applications and potential in the 'developing south' (The Gambia, South Africa, Brazil, China, Thailand and Vietnam). Biogeotextiles offer potentially novel bioengineering solutions to environmental problems, including technologies for soil conservation, sustainable plant production and use of indigenous plants, improved ecosystem management, decreasing deforestation, improving agroforestry and cost-effective geotextile applications in diverse environments. Biogeotextiles may provide socio-economic platforms for sustainable development and the benefits for developing countries may include poverty alleviation, engagement of local people as stakeholders, employment for disadvantaged groups, small and medium enterprise (SME) development, earning hard currency, environmental education and local community involvement in land reclamation and environmental education programmes. These benefits are achieved through: (a) promotion of sustainable and environmentally-friendly palm agriculture to discourage deforestation, promoting both reforestation and agroforestry; (b) construction of palm geotextiles enabling development of a rural labour-intensive industry, particularly encouraging employment of socially-disadvantaged groups and (c) export of palm geotextiles to industrialized countries could earn hard currency for developing economies, based on the principles of fair trade.


It has become increasingly clear that dynamics plays a major role in the function of many protein systems. One system that has proven particularly facile for studying the effects of dynamics on protein-mediated chemistry is the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center from Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Previous experimental and computational analysis have suggested that the dynamics of the protein matrix surrounding the primary quinone acceptor, QA, may be particularly important in electron transfer involving this cofactor. One can substantially increase the flexibility of this region by removing one of the reaction center subunits, the H-subunit. Even with this large change in structure, photoinduced electron transfer to the quinone still takes place. To evaluate the effect of H-subunit removal on electron transfer to QA, we have compared the kinetics of electron transfer and associated spectral evolution for the LM dimer with that of the intact reaction center complex on picosecond to millisecond time scales. The transient absorption spectra associated with all measured electron transfer reactions are similar, with the exception of a broadening in the QX transition and a blue-shift in the QY transition bands of the special pair of bacteriochlorophylls (P) in the LM dimer. The kinetics of the electron transfer reactions not involving quinones are unaffected. There is, however, a 4-fold decrease in the electron transfer rate from the reduced bacteriopheophytin to QA in the LM dimer compared to the intact reaction center and a similar decrease in the recombination rate of the resulting charge-separated state (P(+)QA(-)). These results are consistent with the concept that the removal of the H-subunit results in increased flexibility in the region around the quinone and an associated shift in the reorganization energy associated with charge separation and recombination.


The paper explored the benefits that accrue to Ghanaian craft exporters from subcontracting ties and the regulatory mechanisms (or the lack of them) that bind (or undermine) their integration into the global market. The benefits that accrue to the exporters for participating in the informal subcontracting arrangement include access to finance, buyer contact services, product development and quality control services. Power to enforce trade terms, effective monitoring, sanctions and trust are critical in enabling informal subcontracting arrangements to work effectively. The strong positions of buyers and export agents in the craft value chain enable them to apply sanctions to extract compliance from the exporters whereas the weak position of the export vendors implies the lack of sanctioning authority over the rogue artisan subcontractors. The government's promotion programmes could be tailored to help develop the capacities of the artisans to design new products, as well as re-orient them to imbibe the work ethics that would enable them to succeed in the export market. State power can be used to formulate craft industry specific patenting laws that address design copying. Keywords: Ghana; Export; Network; Craft


Through a qualitative study of the field of supplementary education of the disabled in Turkey, this research first explores the changing field dynamics after marketization. I find that the practices of the profit-maximizer new entrants, and the changes in the beneficiaries and the workforce, coupled with institutional weaknesses lead to the degeneration of the sector. Second, I analyze the pressures exerted on the social enterprises and present a framework showing the differing levels of vulnerability to those pressures based on particular organizational characteristics. Later, I elaborate on the strategic responses of 10 incumbent social enterprises through comparative case studies. The responses vary from proactive acts of scaling, increasing free services, increasing high-income beneficiaries, creating alternative resources, to reactive strategies of decreasing free services, decreasing quality investments, cost cuttings in expenses, reducing high-cost beneficiaries, seizing, and finally quitting the market. Reasons for the differing responses are vision and cohesion of the board, imprinting effects and legitimacy of the organization, entrepreneurial orientation, escalation of commitment, level of engagement, frame of reference, and pro-social values of the founders, as well as the socioeconomic situation of the region. A mission drift, on the other hand, occurred in a situation when the organization was found with equal emphasis on profit and social value rather than a pure social aim, when its ownership structure became fragmented, when exposed to pressure from small shareholders for profit coupled with a pressure on the main shareholder to stay in the business, and when it embedded itself in profit-maximizers'network.


This step-by-step book guides you through the process of creating awesome iPhone apps using Xcode 4. As a beginner's guide, it focuses on getting you through all the major learning points in a smooth, logical order while showing you how to avoid some common pitfalls. If you want to learn how to build iPhone applications that compete with the rest and make your mark within the iPhone industry, this book is for you. You should have some basic programming experience with Objective-C, and a good understanding of OOP, as well as some knowledge of database design. No knowledge of Xcode 4 is required.


: The authors collected detailed histories of illicit drug use in the Army in individual interviews with a stratified random sample of 262 enlisted men at six military posts across the United States. Approximately half of the sample (N equals 128) were classified as drug users; 90 of these individuals were identified as career multiple-drug users. Most of these subjects used a variety of drugs in frequently changing patterns. The authors emphasize the individualistic nature of drug use and question the appropriateness of an addiction model for most users of illicit drugs.


their race and their faith. The point of tattooing the cross in that position was that at that time no Moslem would admit the sign of the cross inside his house, and no slave or concubine would be of any use if he or she had his or her right thumb or hand chopped off; so the sign meant death or freedom. It is to be hoped that there is no need for such practices to-day, though this week we are specially asked to remember the refugee problem. It is sad to have to add that practically all these Armenian refugees' perished shortly after they were repatriated in a massacre that took place as soon as the French withdrew from Syria, but this pathetic and heroic use of tattooing surely deserves noble mention in the long and curious history of the practice of pigmenting the human skin.-I am, etc., Winsford, Chesbire. W. N. LEAK.


The success of invading species can be restricted by interspecific interactions such as competition and predation (i.e. biotic resistance) from resident species, which may be natives or previous invaders. Whilst there are myriad examples of resident species preying on invaders, simply showing that such an interaction exists does not demonstrate that predation limits invader establishment, abundance or spread. Support for this conclusion requires evidence of negative associations between invaders and resident predators in the field and, further, that the predator-prey interaction is likely to strongly regulate or potentially de-stabilise the introduced prey population. Moreover, it must be considered that different resident predator species may have different abilities to restrict invaders. In this study, we show from analysis of field data that two European predatory freshwater amphipods, Gammarus pulex and G. duebeni celticus, have strong negative field associations with their prey, the invasive North American amphipod Crangonyx pseudogracilis. This negative field association is significantly stronger with G. pulex, a previous and now resident invader in the study sites, than with the native G. d. celticus. These field patterns were consistent with our experimental findings that both resident predators display potentially population de-stabilising Type II functional responses towards the invasive prey, with a significantly greater magnitude of response exhibited by G. pulex than by G. d. celticus. Further, these Type II functional responses were consistent across homo- and heterogeneous environments, contrary to the expectation that heterogeneity facilitates more stabilising Type III functional responses through the provision of prey refugia. Our experimental approach confirms correlative field surveys and thus supports the hypothesis that resident predatory invertebrates are differentially limiting the distribution and abundance of an introduced invertebrate. We discuss how the comparative


Abstract Three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) is a modality of choice for prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations. But 3D-four-dimensional US(4D US) is of utmost importance also to achieve pregnancy. 3D US plays an important role for diagnosis of PCO, to assess ovarian reserve and response and thus to decide optimum stimulation protocols. It adds to the information on follicular maturity and endometrial receptivity, thus improving the chances to achieve pregnancy for patients under treatment for fertility. 3D hystero-contrast-salpingography (HyCoSy) has also proved itself to be one of the best modalities for assessment of tubal patency. In this article, the role of 3D and 4D US is discussed for the following. I. Pretreatment assessment of the females desiring fertility which includes assessment of uterus and fallopian tubes. II. Monitoring of infertile females undergoing treatment. III. Assessment of very early pregnancy – especially in abnormal locations.


The thesis presents a system to automate a manual/repeatable process in an Auckland, New Zealand manufacturing facility using predominantly machine vision techniques. An overview of the research [3] has been accepted into The 2nd International Conference on Control and Computer Vision (ICCCV 2019). A manual/repeatable process has previously been required in the production of zinc die cast products. Where a worker stands at the end of a conveyor and picks up incoming die cast outputs for processing. To automate the process, a machine vision proof of concept was developed including four elements. The proposed system decides whether the incoming die cast objects are face up or down on the conveyor, determines the robot pick location and object orientation and conducts a quality control measure to check whether the correct cast is in production. The proposed system was successfully capable of checking the cast face, determining the robot pick location and orientation along with checking for error for a set of four die cast samples provided by the company. In some cases, small levels of error were corrected for using post vision manufacturing processes including mechanical nests and custom built robot gripping tools.


The article discusses translation as a critical approach to how we see culture. According to the anthropologist Marianne Gullestad culture is part of mechanism of exclusion when it is linked to identity or "sameness". Belonging to the same culture becomes a criterion for being included into a society, whereas having a different cultural belonging is a criterion for exclusion. Culture is thus placed within an oppositional logic of same-different. By seeing a parallel between languages and cultures, translation indicates another kind of thinking which is not based on this oppositional logic and hence question the reason for exclusion and inclusion. By the help of philosopher Paul Ricoeur the article looks at Martin Luther's translation of the Bible in the 16 century as an example of how to avoid seeing linguistic sameness and difference as the only point of departure for thinking relations between languages, and analogically speaking: relations between cultures.


Unsteady vortex-airfoil interaction experiments at transonic Mach numbers ranging from 0.7 to 0.85 and airfoil chord Reynolds numbers of 3.5 X 106 to 5.5 x 10 6 were conducted in the University of Texas at Arlington high Reynolds number transonic wind-tunnel facility. The experiments were designed to simulate a two-dimensional blade-vortex interaction problem frequently encountered in rotocraft applications. The interaction experiments involved positioning a two-dimensional vortex generator upstream of a NACA 0012 airfoil section and impulsively pitching the vortex generator airfoil such that the starting vortex interacts with the downstream airfoil. The vortex generator was pitched about its 0.25 chord position with nondimensional pitch rates in the range of 0.004-0.008. Experiments were conducted at several vortex core positions above and below the downstream airfoil. The results indicate a substantial change in the pressure distribution over the leading 30% of the interacting airfoil. Experimental data for Mach numbers representing supercritical flows over the airfoil resulted in a very strong interaction of the vortex and the airfoil shock wave; at close encounters, these interactions resulted in unsteady local flow separation of the leading 40970 of the airfoil chord. Experiments with stronger vortices at supercritical Mach numbers resulted in a forward propagation of the shock wave. The pressure distribution of the downstream airfoil was not sensitive to Reynolds number variations for the range of Reynolds numbers simulated in the test program.


One dimensional heat transfer analysis during centrifugal casting of aluminum-silicon base composite containing graphite particles has been studied. For this purpose, a finite difference technique has been adopted. The results indicate that the thickness of the region in which dispersed graphite particles are segregated due to centrifugal force, is strongly influenced by speed of rotation of the mold. The thickness of graphite rich region near the inner periphery decreases with increase in speed thereby increasing the volume fraction of dispersion. The solidification time of the casting is also dependent upo.n the speed of rotation of the mold, and it decreases with increase in speed. This study also indicates that the presence of particles increase the solidification time of the casting.


The tremendous value--both intellectual and commercial--of genomic sequence is now generally recognized. The publicly funded International Human Genome Project must deliver the human sequence as rapidly as possible, while retaining its standards of high accuracy and complete mapping. The pressure is being met by increasing capacity to accelerate the release of unfinished data and to bring forward the target date for completion.


Harvest prices used to determine crop insurance payments for corn and soybeans policies in Midwest states are based on settlement prices of Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) during the month of October. October has come to an end, and 2016 harvest prices are known. The 2016 harvest price for corn is $3.49 per bushel, 10% lower than the $3.86 projected price. The soybean harvest price is $9.75 per bushel, 10% higher than the $8.85 projected price.


Iron acquisition is well studied in pathogens, and successful virulence is often attributed to iron acquisition by siderophore and heme uptake; however, the role of iron uptake in mutual symbiotic interactions is not as well understood. The mutual symbiosis between Vibrio fischeri and the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, is a well-characterized system in which iron uptake has been implicated as a symbiotic factor. Four studies have implicated iron uptake in the symbiosis: 1) A TnLux reporter assay revealed that siderophore is more highly expressed by V. fischeri in the light organs of juvenile squid compared to V. fischeri in liquid culture; 2) Microarray data showed that genes for siderophore production are upregulated in the light organs of adult squid; 3) A siderophore deficient glnD mutant of V. fischeri had a persistence defect in the light organ that was complemented by addition of iron to the seawater; and 4) A V. fischeri mutant in which the heme uptake locus was deleted had a persistence defect in the squid light organ that was apparent in competition with the ancestor strain V. fischeri ES114. I hypothesize that iron uptake by siderophore is necessary for persistence of V. fischeri in the squid light organ, complementary to heme uptake, and that due to the toxic nature of iron, sequestration by siderophore contributes oxidative stress response. To assess the role of iron uptake in the interaction between V. fischeri and the Hawaiian bobtail squid we utilized several strategies: 1) I identified itron uptake systems available to V. fischeri by bioinformatically comparing known iron uptake systems against the genome; 2) To reveal potential avenues by which iron uptake is regulated in V. fischeri, we identified genes that influence siderophore biosynthesis by screening a transposon mutant library for siderophore phenotypes; 3) I assessed the physiological role, in growth and oxidative response, of several of the iron uptake genes previously identified; and 4) I directly assessed the symbiotic ability of mutants deficient in iron uptake. The bioinformatic search revealed several siderophore uptake systems, as well as the previously described heme uptake system; however, only one siderophore biosynthesis system, for aerobactin, was identified. In screening the mutant library, I identified many genes in the flagellar locus and the cellular biosynthesis locus that positively influence siderophore production as well as two quorum sensing genes, AinS and RpoQ, and several cell wall biogenesis/oxidative sensing genes that negatively influence siderophore production. We determined that aerobactin biosynthesis does not contribute to oxidative stress response but does contribute to growth in iron limiting conditions, suggesting a purely nutritional role for siderophore in the symbiosis. When we tested the symbiotic ability of an iucA mutant deficient in siderophore, we could not demonstrate a persistence defect; however, we did find that two siderophore uptake mutants have a competitive defect 24 hours after inoculation, suggesting that siderophore contributes to symbiotic fitness. These findings suggest that regulation of iron uptake in V. fischeri involves more than just response to iron levels, and that iron uptake regulation is intertwined with symbiotically relevant traits. Due to the monospecific nature of the symbiosis, it is unlikely that the non-aerobactin uptake systems contribute to the symbiotic ability of V. fischeri; however, it is clear that aerobactin does contribute to symbiotic ability by conferring a growth advantage over other strains deficient in aerobactin uptake.


The Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel form the largest estuary in the UK. The estuary receives organic contaminants, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from diverse sources. Although hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity has been widely used as a biomarker for organic contamination in fish, its activity can be affected by a number of seasonal and environmental factors. We therefore measured EROD activity in the liver of European eels Anguilla anguilla and flounders Pleuronectes flesus, 2 abundant species in the Severn Estuary. Fish were collected from the water-intake screens of 2 nuclear power stations, located at Oldbury-upon-Severn and Hinkley Point, every 2 to 4 wk between March 1996 and February 1998. EROD activity in eels showed pronounced seasonal variation. Maximum activity (656 to 820 pmol min -1 mg -1 protein) occurred in the warmest summer months and lowest activity (117 to 128 pmol min -1 mg -1 protein) in the coldest winter months. EROD activity was also elevated during the summer in flounders (470 to 650 pmol min -1 mg -1 protein) but the highest EROD activities (up to 1546 pmol min -1 mg -1 protein) occurred in the winter/spring when spawning occurs in this species. However, these elevations occurred even in immature 1+ and 2+ flounders, suggesting that some other physiological/endocrinological cycles relating to day length may also be involved. Intraperitoneal injection of benzo[a]pyrene resulted in increased EROD activity in both species to levels similar to the maximum observed in fish from the field. The results confirm that pronounced variation in EROD activity is associated with season and age in eels and flounders and these factors should be considered when employing this biomarker in the field.


This study explored perspectives of secondary social studies teachers, who reported using live media broad-casts to engage students in an examination of terrorism on 9/11. Specifically, this study queried these teachers' perceptions of preparedness on 9/11 to engage it as a learning event. Respondents (N=29) in one Mid-Atlantic state who were teaching in secondary social studies classrooms on September 11, 2001 (9/11), were asked to reflect on their level of preparedness to adapt and implement real-time teaching to address unfolding events. A Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test for matched pairs revealed that respondents' current perceptions of self-efficacy to teach about an unfolding terrorist act were positively modified by their experiences teaching about terrorism on 9/11 [Z = -4.507, p <.001 (two tailed)]. Respondents reported gains in confidence to teach about terrorism because of their teaching experiences on 9/11. Results add to the small knowledge base on the topic, even as they highlight the need for further research on the classroom response to 9/11.


The generation and migration processes, as well as the influence of secondary processes, on oil and natural gas accumulated in Lower Cretaceous–lower Miocene strata of the central part of the Ukrainian outer Carpathians are discussed. Type II and II/III kerogens from the Oligocene–lower Menilite beds of the Boryslav-Pokuttya nappe generated oil and natural gas mainly during the middle stage of the oil window. These hydrocarbons accumulated in the fields of the Boryslav-Pokuttya and Skiba nappes. Water washing is the dominant secondary process occurring in many accumulations, regardless of reservoir rock, whereas biodegradation is insignificant and is clearly evident only in natural gas from one seep in the abandoned Starunia ozocerite mine. All hydrocarbon gases are thermogenic and were generated from mixed organic matter containing various proportions of type II and III kerogens. Only one natural gas accumulation in the Pivnichna Dolyna field contains some microbial hydrocarbon contribution. Carbon dioxide mainly originated from thermogenic kerogen decarboxylation and sporadically from microbial processes. Molecular nitrogen was mainly generated during low-temperature thermal transformation of organic matter and could also partly originate from NH4-rich illites of the clayey facies of the Oligocene–lower Miocene Menilite beds. The integration of the geochemical data with geological setting and maturation history of source rocks enabled us to reconstruct hydrocarbon migration paths, revealing the complicated trap-filling process.


in a modern company, the ownership of a company usually will spread out . in other side, daily operation activityof a company was done by the manager as the agent or representation of a company's owner. however, they control the company themselves. that can cause conflict of interest between the manager and the owner, in effort to increase company's value or prosperity of stockholder ( company's owner ). conflict of interest can be minimized by controlling mechanism, which equate that interest, and will create a cost called agency cost. the problem of a agency can be eliminated by paying devidend, because the paying if devidend will eliminate discretionary fund which is available for the manager (Easter Brook, 1994). this is what the writer expect in the in this research by observing in the influence of Agency Cost to decision of dividend polici of go-public company in Indonesian money market ( Study of Jakarta Stock Excange). the writer expect that this research is going to be a reference for the company in making decision dealing with the policy of dividend sharing of a company and as a mean of reference for other research. this research is not the only research, which is dealing with Agency Cost. there are many other researches which try to find the relationship between Agency Cost with accompany's value dividend. however, they have different time and object, whereas this research is not replication of other research because its time and objects are differnt. research methode used is Mainstream approach by using instrument of the analysis Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis, in order to find relationship of Agency Cost, which is measured (proxy) by variable of number of ordinary stocholder, collateralizable asset, free cash flow and the ownership of stock by insider with variable interrelated to divend policy measured by dividend payout. according to calculation by using medium SPSS, the result equation mode : Dividend Payout Ratio = 2.015-0.140 Insider + 0.426 Disperse + 93.812 Free Cash Flow + 1.505 Collas, co-relation coefficient R and determination coefficient R-square resulted is 0.482 and 0.233. accuracy model can be seen from opportunity value (p-value) Test F and tesr t in ANOVA give significance of test F 0.005 (significant in level 1%), and Free Cash Flow 0.065 (significant in level 1%), while the dominance of free variableinfluence to non-free variable in a series are(1) Disperse, (2) Free Cash Flow, (3) INsider, and (4) Collas. dealing with the research, for the management there are many theoris about dividend policy that can be consideration for the manager, and the one of the theoris is agency cost.


In recent years, nonlinear processing with continuous-wave lasers has been demonstrated to be a facile means of rapid nanopatterning of organic monolayers down to the sub-100 nm range. In this study, we report on laser patterning of thiol-based organic monolayers with sub-wavelength resolution. Au-coated silicon substrates are functionalized with 1-hexadecanethiol. Irradiation with a focused beam of an Ar+ laser operating at λ=514 nm allows one to locally remove the monolayer. Subsequently, the patterns are transferred into the Au film via selective etching in a ferri-/ferrocyanide solution. Despite a 1/e2 spot diameter of about 2.8 μm, structures with lateral dimensions down to 250 nm are fabricated. The underlying nonlinear dependence of the patterning process on laser intensity is traced back to the interplay between the laser-induced transient local temperature rise and the thermally activated desorption of the thiol molecules. A simple thermokinetic analysis of the data allows us to determine the effective kinetic parameters. These results complement our previous work on photothermal laser patterning of ultrathin organic coatings, such as silane-based organic monolayers, organo/silicon interfaces and supported membranes. A general introduction to nonlinear laser processing of organic monolayers is presented.


The feeding habits of Esomus danrica was carried out from the Maijan wetland and fish landing sites at Guijan Ghat of Brahmaputra River, upper Assam. The lowest relative length of gut (RLG) of E. danrica was found as 1.24 (± 0.52) in >5 cm group whereas the highest as 1.6 (± 0.7) in 4-5 cm length group. It reveals that the fish falls in the category of carni-omnivorous fishes. The gastro somatic index (GSI) ranged from 1.799 ± 1.396 (Dec) to 6.499 ± 2.690 (Apr) for males and from 1.81 ± 0.700 (Nov) to 5.960 ± 1.497 (Apr) for females. In male, the minimum GSI (3.31 ± 1.7) observed in immature stage and maximum (5.14 ± 1.04) in mature stage. In case of females, the minimum (2.4 ± 1.1) and maximum (4.55 ± 1.3) were recorded in maturing and ripe stage respectively. The active feeding was recorded during November (66.7%), moderate feeding during May (61.8%), while poor feeding during August (48.6%). Empty stomach was also recorded throughout the year with little percentage. Again, the highest active feeding (41.1%) was recorded in ripe species; moderate feeding (47.4%) and poor feeding (25%) in mature and immature stage respectively while the highest percentage of the empty stomach (25%) was observed in immature.


The article is devoted to the origins of V.S. Makanin's prose, which the author finds in the works of Y.V. Trifonov. In order to identify the presence and influence of Y.V. Trifonov the author considered those components Makanin's artistic world as the "Moscow text", poetics of everyday life and the concept of "self-flowing life", the system of characters, the essence of the conflict between the characters ("lucky man"/"unlucky fellow"), the motif of "runaway". The study brings to light the general artistic creativity code that reveals the genesis of Trifonov's ideas and images in Makanin's prose: the elegiac tone of the descriptions of the old Moscow replaced dispassionate sketching stages of capital's urbanization, the intelligent person was rethinking as the "middle man", a situation of moral compromise tapered to embarrassing situations, the motif of "runaway" is deprived of positive content and becomes a kind of escapism.


This paper compares the three major semi-invasive optical approaches, Photon Emission (PE), Thermal Laser Stimulation (TLS) and Electro-Optical Frequency Mapping (EOFM) for contactless static random access memory (SRAM) content read-out on a commercial microcontroller. Advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are evaluated by applying those techniques on a 1 KB SRAM in an MSP430 microcontroller. It is demonstrated that successful read out depends strongly on the core voltage parameters for each technique. For PE, better SNR and shorter integration time are to be achieved by using the highest nominal core voltage. In TLS measurements, the core voltage needs to be externally applied via a current amplifier with a bias voltage slightly above nominal. EOFM can use nominal core voltages again; however, a modulation needs to be applied. The amplitude of the modulated supply voltage signal has a strong effect on the quality of the signal. Semi-invasive read out of the memory content is necessary in order to remotely understand the organization of memory, which finds applications in hardware and software security evaluation, reverse engineering, defect localization, failure analysis, chip testing and debugging.


: In this study we presents: 6 subglottic stenosis, 2 subglottic hemangiomas, 2 laryngeal webs, 2 laryngeal cysts and 1 laryngoesophageal cleft. Were diagnosed during laryngotracheobronchoscopies performed to 220 newborns and small children that showed as main finding: stridor, voice change or aspiration syndrome. The stenosis, hemangiomas and cleft were resolved spontaneously. In the webs and cysts surgical correction was required. Here we will expound upon clinical, diagnostical and therapeutic aspects of these rare congenital laryngeal anomalies.


Abstract: Repaired fossil skeletons provide the opportunity to study predation rates, repair mechanisms, and ecological interactions in deep time. Trilobites allow the study of repaired damage over long time periods and large geographic areas due to their longevity as a group, global distribution, and well-preserved mineralized exoskeletons. Repair frequencies on trilobites from three sites representing offshore marine environments in the Iberian Chains (Spain) show no injuries on 45 complete redlichiid thoraces from Minas Tierga (Huérmeda Formation, Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4), or 23 complete Eccaparadoxides pradoanus thoraces from Mesones de Isuela (Murero Formation, Cambrian Series 3, Drumian). Ten injuries on 69 E. pradoanus thoraces from Purujosa (Murero Formation, Cambrian Series 3, Drumian) were noted. There is no evidence for laterally asymmetric predation or size selection on the trilobites in this study. Weak evidence for selection for the rear of the thorax is documented. A series of injured trilobites illustrates four stages of the healing process. Analysis of injury locations and frequency suggests that injuries to these trilobites are predatory in origin. Semilandmark analysis of previously described exoskeletons with unrepaired damage assigned to the ichnotaxon Bicrescomanducator serratus alongside newly collected damaged exoskeletons from Purujosa (Mansilla and Murero Formations, Stage 5, Drumian), Mesones de Isuela (Murero Formation, Drumian), and Minas Tierga (Huérmeda Formation, Stage 4) found that shapes of biotic and abiotic breaks could not be distinguished.


Water is constantly flowing through the landscape in response to weather events and most often, in the form of streams and rivers. This water flow carries micro-organisms, dissolved chemicals and sediment, which define water quality. We need to understand these flowand quality-patterns and how they change in order to properly manage the water resources of river basins. Hydrological analysis and modelling of water flow and quality are provided by hydrological simulation models, whilst GIS describes the physical environment through which the water flows. Integrating hydrological modelling and GIS involves connecting geospatial data, which describe the physical environment, with hydrological process models, which explains how water moves through the environment. Even though there is a significant synergy between geospatial and temporal water resources information, it is difficult to capture because, up to now, the data (geospatial and temporal) have been held in different formats and archiving environments. One of the aims of this project was therefore to create a geodatabase (GBase) where geospatial and temporal data are captured and stored in one environment. Another aim was to achieve communication and data exchange between GBase, HYDSTRA, a hydrological database and BASINS, an environmental analysis system. The overall purpose, however, was to create an integrated platform, including the above programmes, to provide tools to pre-process data for different independent models, which can then be used to investigate the impact of changes or developments in the river basin. The Modder River Basin, which forms part of the Upper Orange Water Management Area in South Africa, was used as study area.


This paper analyses the use of Information Technology (IT) tools in the management of Intellectual Property (IP) in collaborative projects involving groups of firms and their customer organisations in the design, development, manufacture and maintenance of complex products. We find that IT tools have long offered management capacities that have not been fully utilised. Through an in-depth study of IP management practice in collaborative defence projects we analyse the slow diffusion of available technological solutions and identify two contrasting models to set up inter-organisational networks for the exchange of large amounts of technical data.


Latino families who express a higher degree of familism are characterized by positive interpersonal familial relationships, high family unity, social support, interdependence in the completion of daily activities, and close proximity with extended family members. Retention of cultural values, such as familism, may be linked to positive health outcomes; however, little is known about how families retain culture of origin values in the face of acculturation pressures. The current study explores acculturation influences as indexed by language preference and household education on maternal and child familism. Mothers and children of Mexican descent (fourth grade students) (n = 219) completed measures of demographics, household education, language preference, and familism. Three hypotheses were examined. First, we predicted that lower household education would be correlated with higher familism scores. However, contrary to our prediction, a higher familism score was significantly associated with a higher level of household education (p < .05). Second, we predicted that higher child familism would be associated with the preference for speaking Spanish. Children who preferred to use both English and Spanish (p < .01) or English alone (p < .05) had higher familism scores than those who preferred Spanish. Third, we predicted that lower child familism scores would be associated with greater differences in mother and child language preferences. There were no significant differences in child familism based on differences between parent and child language. Protective influences of cultural maintenance deserve further attention in longitudinal studies and in relation to the physical and mental health of youth.


The performance of the Diskin and Green-Ampt and the Nash cascade hydrologic models for runoff simulation were examined within the humid foot-slope sub-catchments of Mt Kenya. The major parameters of the models were treated as conceptual and derived with the help of the Schuffled Complex Evolution optimization algorithm due to their high degree of non-linearity and spatio-temporal variability. The relevant catchment based parameters were derived from spatial datasets with the help of GIS. A split-sampling procedure was used to apportion the selected observed rainfall-runoff events for calibration and validation purposes. For use in runoff generation and transformation, the models were combined into Nash-Cascade Green-Ampt and Nash-Cascade Diskin, and subsequently used to replicate the response of five upstream sub-catchments (6-26 km2) of the basin. Furthermore, a local regional analysis involving relating conceptual and physically based model parameters using transfer functions was also tested for the Nash-Cascade Diskin to enable extended use in the ungauged catchments of the same basin. From the results obtained, the Nash-Cascade Green-Ampt model generally produced better results for shorter runoff events predominant in the lower parts of the regions. The Nash-Cascade Diskin model provided better estimates for runoff events with longer durations. The model was also noted to be more dependable for higher intensity rainfall events. From the regional analysis, sufficiently reliable transfer functions were successfully developed. However, the regional efficiency was noted to diminish with the increasing number of conceptual parameters to be regionalized. Generally, both models demonstrated adequate dependability for use in extended hydrological predictions.


PDT appears capable of treating small, superficial, endoluminal tumors. As the therapeutic light penetration currently goes no further than 1 cm, bulky neoplasms will remain resistant to this form of therapy. Second-generation photosensitizers that are activated by light wave-lengths with greater tissue penetration are under development. Similarly, solid-state lasers that require minimal maintenance and facilities are becoming available. Randomized trials comparing PDT with laser thermal ablation are underway. PDT will likely find a niche in the treatment of superficial tumors.