Genetic diversity and relatedness were assessed among three most common commercial watermelon cultivars in Kenya; one newly introduced commercial cultivar from the U.S., one Kenyan landrace and one wild (Citrullus colocynthis) accession. The six accessions were grown in the field for two seasons under sub humid tropical conditions. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Data was collected on morphological features of watermelon which include vine, leaf, flower, fruit and seed characteristics. A descriptor list with 21 morphological (qualitative and quantitative) characters was adopted from Diez et al., (2005) and Jarret and Griffin, (2007) and was refined and used in characterization. The data was used to calculate genetic similarity and to construct a dendrogram using the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA). Data on quantitative characters was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SAS statistical package and effects declared significant at 5% level. The procedure PRINCOMP was then used to perform a principle component (PC) analysis using six quantitative variables and accessions plotted on two dimensions using the first two principle components (PC1 and PC2). The cluster analysis results demonstrated high morphological diversity (54-42%) between unimproved accessions (wild accession and landrace) and commercial cultivars and low morphological diversity (8-27%) among commercial cultivars. The ANOVA conducted on quantitative characters of cultivated accessions demonstrated highly significant variation between accessions. Results of the principle component analyses for the six quantitative traits indicated that the first two PCs explained 68% and 29% (a total of 97%) of the total variation. The low morphological diversity observed among commercial cultivars emphasizes the need to expand the genetic base of the cultivated watermelon in Kenya.


The mechanisms by which n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) decrease colon tumor formation have not been fully elucidated. Examination of genes up- or down-regulated at various stages of tumor development via the monitoring of gene expression relationships will help to determine the biological processes ultimately responsible for the protective effects of n-3 PUFA. Therefore, using a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design, we used Codelink DNA microarrays containing ∼9000 genes to help decipher the global changes in colonocyte gene expression profiles in carcinogen-injected Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were assigned to three dietary treatments differing only in the type of fat (corn oil/n-6 PUFA, fish oil/n-3 PUFA, or olive oil/n-9 monounsaturated fatty acid), two treatments (injection with the carcinogen azoxymethane or with saline), and two time points (12 hours and 10 weeks after first injection). Only the consumption of n-3 PUFA exerted a protective effect at the initiation (DNA adduct formation) and promotional (aberrant crypt foci) stages. Importantly, microarray analysis of colonocyte gene expression profiles discerned fundamental differences among animals treated with n-3 PUFA at both the 12 hours and 10-week time points. Thus, in addition to demonstrating that dietary fat composition alters the molecular portrait of gene expression profiles in the colonic epithelium at both the initiation and promotional stages of tumor development, these findings indicate that the chemopreventive effect of fish oil is due to the direct action of n-3 PUFA and not to a reduction in the content of n-6 PUFA.


In this work, the problem of structural deformation with two-phase flow of carbon sequestration is presented. A model to simulate miscible CO2 injection with structural deformation in the aqueous phase is established. In the first part of this paper, we developed analytical solution for the problem under consideration with certain types of boundary conditions, namely, Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. The second part concerns to numerical simulation using IMPDES scheme. A simulator based on cell-centered finite difference method is used to solve this equations system. Distributions of CO2 saturation, and horizontal and vertical displacements have been introduced.


Tracking in WiMAX networks is gaining a lot of interest; especially after the mobile WiMAX became one of the emerging technologies that promote low-cost deployment and evolving to provide IP-based services of high mobility including providing location-based services (LBS). Therefore, locating users in a cheap way that depend on the available network resources is becoming more and more interesting and an active topic for researchers. In this paper we consider the problem of tracking in WiMAX networks depending on SCORE observations. The provided examples show that with efficient measurement data processing and with the help of already available data (street maps), plausible results can be achieved.


Many group living mammals minimize the costs of sociality by forming stable affiliative
relationships, termed social bonds, with other group members. These bonds are highly
adaptive as they increase fitness, and strongly bonded partners often provide each other with
social support. However, the dynamics of hormones and behavior regulating social bonds
between adults in non-reproductive contexts under natural conditions remain elusive. Three
major neuroendocrine systems regulate animal behavior – the oxytocinergic system, the
hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
axis. Oxytocin is the primary hormone implicated in bond formation in mammals, while
the HPG axis is involved in regulating reproductive behaviors, and the HPA axis regulates
metabolism and helps individuals cope with social challenges. Each system is able to interact
with the other in ways that can fine-tune animal behavior and bonding. The steroid peptide
theory of social bonds (S/P theory) proposes that testosterone mediates a trade-off between
competition and nurturing/bonding. Thus, the S/P theory predicts that the ideal physiological
conditions to induce bond formation is high oxytocin coupled with low testosterone levels.
Additionally, the HPA axis is highly responsive to the state of an individual's social bonds and
support network. Investigating the interplay between physiology and bond formation under
natural conditions is an important element of linking sociality to fitness. While methodologies
for measuring hormone concentration non-invasively opens up many opportunities to study
this interplay under natural conditions, these methods require validation to ensure that their
measurements are biologically meaningful.
The overarching aim of this thesis was to use the S/P theory as a framework to study the
relationship between oxytocin and testosterone in relation to social bonding between adults
and nurturing male infant care under in natural conditions in male Barbary macaques (Macaca
sylvanus). As previous studies have suggested that oxytocin release after bonding behaviors is
potentially partner specific, I tested for specificity of oxytocin release after two bonding behaviors
– grooming and male-infant-male interactions. Furthermore, I predicted low testosterone to
occur during male bonding and nurturing infant care as the S/P theory predicts that testosterone
mediates a trade-off between competition and nurturing. Simultaneously, I predicted that
cortisol levels would be negatively correlated with male-infant-male interactions, a behavior
that strengthens male bonds and is predictive of coalitionary support. Over the course of my
studies I collected over 4000 hours of behavioral data and 650 urine samples from 14 adult males
Barbary macaques from a semi-free ranging population. Within this dataset, urine samples were
time-matched to social interactions of interest. These events resulted in 152 urine samples for
oxytocin and 650 urine samples for testosterone and cortisol each. I additionally collected 32
urine samples from eight immature males for hormone measurement validation purposes. I conducted a validation of commonly used testosterone and cortisol enzyme immunoassays
(EIA) to assess gonadal and adrenocortical activity from the urine of male Barbary macaques.
Measurements from EIA were compared to those measured by liquid chromatography–mass
spectrometry (LC–MS) to determine whether EIA measurements accurately reflected the
concentration of the target hormones in urine samples. I found that cortisol EIA measurements
from unprocessed urine had a strong positive correlation with measurements from LC–MS
in both adult and immature males. This strong correlation suggests that the cortisol EIA
antibody does not substantially cross-react with other metabolites and is suitable to assess
adrenocortical activity in male Barbary macaques of both age classes. EIA measurements of
testosterone had a strong positive correlation with LC–MS, but only if steroids in the urine were
deconjugated via an enzymatic hydrolysis prior to measurement by EIA in adult males. By
contrast, testosterone EIA and LC–MS measurements of samples from immature males did not
correlate significantly. As expected, testosterone in adult males was significantly higher than
those of immature males when measured by LC–MS but not by EIA, biologically validating
testosterone measurements of LC–MS but not EIA. Collectively, these results suggest that the
testosterone EIAs are suitable to assess gonadal activity in adult but not immature males, and
only if an enzymatic hydrolysis of steroids is performed prior to analysis.
I investigated oxytocin in relation to two bonding behaviors, specifically grooming and
male-infant-male interactions. Oxytocin was higher after grooming with any partner. I
could not formally test whether oxytocin release was partner specific after grooming as most
grooming occurred between bond partners. Nevertheless, this finding is in line with the S/P
theory as well as previous studies that found elevated oxytocin following non-sexual affiliative
behaviors in other species. Naturally elevated oxytocin levels following grooming interactions
did not increase the probability to accept a solicitation for help (from any partner) during
an agonistic conflict. It may be that oxytocin does not universally increase the propensity to
cooperate, although I cannot exclude the possibility that oxytocin may promote cooperation
with bonded partners in within-group conflicts. Following male-infant-male interactions,
oxytocin was only elevated after interactions with non-bond partners but not after interactions
with bond partners. Furthermore, male-infant-male interactions were negatively associated
with testosterone and cortisol. These results support the S/P theory proposing that low
testosterone is beneficial for bonding. Collectively, these results suggest that male-infant-male
interactions serve to create new bonds while not physiologically affecting existing ones. Lastly,
testosterone and cortisol levels were both positively correlated with male infant care, suggesting
that this behavior is conducted under competitive rather than nurturing contexts. As males
preferentially interact with infants based on their past mating success with the mother, infant
care could take a protective role, as with most other Old World primates. Alternatively, infant
care could be considered mating effort as it increases future copulations with the mother.
Over the course of these studies, I have touched upon the core aspects that define the study of
behavioral endocrinology. First, I corroborated previous calls for the need to validate steroid
EIAs for each new species or sample matrix, something that needs to be remembered now that
these methods are more common. Then, collectively, I was the first to investigate the joint levels of oxytocin, testosterone, and cortisol in relation to bonding behavior between same-sex
adults under natural conditions. Overall, my thesis provides general support for the S/P theory
and demonstrates the benefit of investigating several major hormonal axes regulating animal
social behavior, particularly with regards to social bonding. Further studies involving multiple
theoretical frameworks and hormonal axes will help elucidate the dynamics of bond formation
and maintenance between adults.


Increasing evidence implicates mitochondrial dysfunction in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are considered a possible cause and this mechanism might be shared with the aging process and with other age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). We have recently proposed a computerized method for mutated mtDNA characterization able to discriminate between AD and aging. The present study deals with mtDNA mutation-based profiling of PD. Peripheral blood mtDNA sequences from late-onset PD patients and age-matched controls were analyzed and compared to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS). The chaos game representation (CGR) method, modified to visualize heteroplasmic mutations, was used to display fractal properties of mtDNA sequences and fractal lacunarity analysis was applied to quantitatively characterize PD based on mtDNA mutations. Parameter β, from the hyperbola model function of our lacunarity method, was statistically different between PD and control groups when comparing mtDNA sequence frames corresponding to GenBank np 5713-9713. Our original method, based on CGR and lacunarity analysis, represents a useful tool to analyze mtDNA mutations. Lacunarity parameter β is able to characterize individual mutation profile of mitochondrial genome and could represent a promising index to discriminate between PD and aging.


The ability to modulate sensitivity in sensory systems is essential for useful information to be extracted from fluctuating stimuli in a wide range of background conditions. The mechanisms underlying sensitivity regulation in insect primary olfactory neurons are poorly understood. Here we reveal that dephosphorylation of OrcoS289 that occurs upon prolonged odor exposure is a mechanism underlying reduction in odorant sensitivity in Drosophila primary olfactory neurons in both sexes. OrcoS289A mutants, unable to phosphorylate this position, have low intrinsic odorant sensitivity that is independent of altered expression or localization. A phosphomimetic allele, OrcoS289D, has enhanced odorant sensitivity compared with wild-type controls. To explore the functional ramifications of this phosphorylation in vivo, we generated phospho-specific antiserum to OrcoS289 and show that phosphorylation at this residue is dynamically regulated by odorant exposure with concomitant modulation of odorant sensitivity. OrcoS289 is phosphorylated in the sensitized state, and odorant exposure triggers dephosphorylation and desensitization without altering receptor localization. We further show that dephosphorylation of OrcoS289 is triggered by neuronal activity, and not conformational changes in the receptor occurring upon ligand binding. Mutant flies unable to regulate Orco function through phosphorylation at S289 are defective for odor-guided behavior. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying regulation of insect odorant receptors in vivo. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We have uncovered a mechanism underlying olfactory receptor sensitivity regulation in Drosophila. The phosphorylation state of OrcoS289 is altered in an odorant-dependent manner and changes in phosphorylation affect receptor sensitivity without changing subcellular localization. We show that neuronal activity triggers the phosphorylation changes and that this phenomenon is important for odorant-guided behaviors in Drosophila. This phosphorylation site is conserved in other insects, including mosquitoes, indicating this mechanism may be a target for manipulation of insect behaviors in the future.


3D Building change detection has become a popular research topic along with the improvement of image quality and computer science. When only building changes are of interest, both the multi-temporal images and Digital Surface Models provide valuable but not comprehensive information in the change detection procedure. Therefore, in this paper, belief functions have been adopted for fusing information from these two sources. In the first step, two change indicators are proposed by focusing on building changes. Both indicators have been projected to a sigmoid curve, in which both the concordance and discordance indexes are considered. In order to fuse the concordance and discordance indexes and further fuse the two change indicators, two belief functions are considered. One is the original Dempster-Shafer Theory (DST), and the most recent one is Dezert-Smarandache Theory (DSmT). This paper shows how these belief-based frameworks can help in building change detection problem. Besides using different belief functions in obtaining the global BBAs, four decision-making criteria are tested to extract final building change masks. The results have been validated by compared to the manually extracted change reference mask.


This study examined the similarities and differences between two literary works, Giambattista Basile's Sun, Moon, and Talia and Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty, emphasizing gender roles. The authors examined how both male and female characters were portrayed in the short stories. To analyze this problem, the qualitative methodology was employed. The data sources were acquired through library research. The primary data came from the two short stories, while the supporting data came from other sources such as journals, e-books, and other internet-based material that was relevant. In both stories, male characters are stronger, more powerful, and more dominant than their female counterparts, as indicated by the study's findings. This analysis also found that both stories were presented differently by their respective authors, with Sun Moon and Talia depicting the patriarchal structure more explicitly than Disney's Sleeping Beauty.


Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) provides the possibility of education through interaction and social construction of knowledge using information technology, and takes advantage of these tools to allow learners to participate and have an educational interaction within a virtual environment. Chat is one of the most effective tools in CSCL due to its availability and ease of use by learners. It is also one of the most important ways to help in the educational debates, as well as the possibility to exchange and share ideas at any time and at any place. This paper presents a model that is able to semi-automatically analyze the content of the chat considering the altruistic dimension and, its reverse, selfishness. The approach is building on Mikhail Bakhtin's dialogism theory and Stefan Trausan-Matu's polyphonic model in order to measure collaboration starting from the altruistic or selfish interactions among the important threads discussed in the chat. Therefore, the model provides analytical results and numerical indicators of the degree of altruism for each student's utterances, which measures individual participations and the extent of his/her contribution in the discussion of educational topics that were raised. Accordingly, the inferred altruistic dimension of the conversation is computed by the ratio of the number of utterances referring to the threads of the other students and the number of utterances a student is referring to its own thread. The altruistic dimension helps teachers and students assess the success of the achievement of the dialogue of the educational group. This would be reflected on how students manage their discussions away from hooking to their own ideas and knowing the extent to which students accept the ideas and opinions of others, in addition to achieving the main goal of collaborative learning and in unifying ideas to reach valuable information that helps in raising the level of teamwork. On the other hand, by knowing the results of altruistic dimension, it may help teachers to develop plans and strategies capable of integrating the students in an interactive learning environment. Moreover, it may allow students to reach a more positive and altruistic behaviour by accepting the views of others and helping them.


Systemic corticosteroid therapy for patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has become increasingly commonplace over the past two decades. This practice was controversial because a number of small clinical trials provided inconclusive evidence about efficacy. Experience from recent trials indicates that systemic cortico-steroids are modestly effective in this setting. Systemic corticosteroids administered to hospitalized patients reduces the absolute treatment rate by about 10%, increases the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) by about 100 mL, and shortens the hospital stay by 1 to 2 days. Treatment should not extend longer than 2 weeks. The optimal starting dose is not known. Hyperglycemia and possibly an increased rate of secondary infections are expected complications of treatment.


Abstract Purpose: Size and density measurements of the ablation zones on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic metastases of primary breast or colorectal cancer were acquired over time. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five liver metastases [colorectal cancer (CRC): n = 16; mean size: 19.6 ± 8.5 mm; breast cancer (BC): n = 9; 27.9 ± 13.6 mm] in 15 patients (CRC: n = 11; age: 65.4 ± 6.5 years; BC: n = 4; 62.0 ± 13.8 years) treated by RFA were included in this retrospective study. All patients had undergone postinterventional serial follow-up using multidetector CT (MDCT) (1 day/1/4/7/10/14/18/23/>24 months) without evidence of local tumor recurrence during the follow-up. The ablation zones were evaluated using a commercial software tool (Syngo CT Oncology) in order to determine volumetric, RECIST-, WHO- and density changes over the course of time. Results were compared by applying repeated measures analysis of variance and displayed graphically. Results: The RF ablation zones demonstrated significant shrinkage (P ≤ 0.05) over the first 7 months (volume, RECIST, WHO) of the follow-up. Follow-up after 7 months did not show any significant changes in size (P > 0.05) (mean volume (ml): 55.2/34.7/26.3/16.5/12.7/10.0/8.9/8.1/7.5; RECIST (mm): 58.7/49.3/43.7/37.8/34.2/31.3/29.1/27.3/24.8; WHO (mm2): 2458.3/1769.3/1341.8/1027.1/870.1/720.2/649.0/570.4/511.3). Mean density values decreased significantly between 1 day (58.9 HU) and 1 month (47.5 HU) after the procedure. Conclusion: Typical changes in size and density values of RF-induced, recurrence-free ablation zones after RFA of hepatic metastases of colorectal and breast cancer were acquired, showing a significant decrease in density of the ablation zone within the first month and significant shrinkage within the first 7 months after RFA.


In this paper, we propose and study a semi-random model for the Correlation Clustering problem on arbitrary graphs G. We give two approximation algorithms for Correlation Clustering instances from this model. The first algorithm finds a solution of value $(1+ \delta) optcost + O_{\delta}(n\log^3 n)$ with high probability, where $optcost$ is the value of the optimal solution (for every $\delta > 0$). The second algorithm finds the ground truth clustering with an arbitrarily small classification error $\eta$ (under some additional assumptions on the instance).


Ego-motion estimation for an agile single camera moving through general, unknown scenes becomes a much more challenging problem when real-time performance is required rather than under the off-line processing conditions under which most successful structure from motion work has been achieved. This task of estimating camera motion from measurements of a continuously expanding set of self-mapped visual features is one of a class of problems known as Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) in the robotics community, and we argue that such real-time mapping research, despite rarely being camera-based, is more relevant here than off-line structure from motion methods due to the more fundamental emphasis placed on propagation of uncertainty. We present a top-down Bayesian framework for single-camera localisation via mapping of a sparse set of natural features using motion modelling and an information-guided active measurement strategy, in particular addressing the difficult issue of real-time feature initialisation via a factored sampling approach. Real-time handling of uncertainty permits robust localisation via the creating and active measurement of a sparse map of landmarks such that regions can be re-visited after periods of neglect and localisation can continue through periods when few features are visible. Results are presented of real-time localisation for a hand-waved camera with very sparse prior scene knowledge and all processing carried out on a desktop PC.


Background: Scrub typhus is a rickettsial disease endemic in many parts of India. It is a zoonosis spread by the bite of ticks and mites. Materials & Methods: The present retrospective study describes the clinical profile of eighteen pediatric scrub typhus cases who were hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital during the period of 21st January 2010 to 20th December 2010. In all the cases diagnosis was confirmed by Weil Felix test. Results: All children presented with fever. Eschar was present in 72% cases. 61% had abdominal pain and 44% had vomiting. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, conjuctival congestion and cough were present in 88%, 72%, 61%, 34% and 28% respectively. Diarrhea and rash was present in 22% of children. Alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were elevated in 83%, 88% and 72% respectively. 34% had either hematuria or Proteinuria. 55% had thrombocytopenia. Hypoalbuminemia was detected in 72% cases. 88% had hepatic dysfunction, 22% had acute respiratory distress and 28% had hypotension. Chloramphenicol and doxycycline were the antibiotics used for treatment of the cases. All children responded well to antibiotics and there were no mortalities. Conclusion: Scrub typhus can lead to life threatening consequences in children if left undiagnosed and untreated. Therefore early detection of the disease and prompt treatment with the antibiotics can be life saving.


We investigated Saudi patients with familial and sporadic Keratoconus for mutations in the Superoxide dismutase 1, soluble (SOD1) gene. We sequenced the entire coding region, exon-intron boundaries and intron 2 encompassing a 7-bp deletion in clinically confirmed Keratoconus patients (n = 55) and 100 ethnically matched healthy controls. All cases and controls were unrelated. Sequencing the SOD1 gene revealed the presence of four nucleotide changes and all were non-coding. Those were g.12035 C4A; g.13978 T4A; g.12037 G4A and g.11931 A4C with similar frequencies in patients and controls. All four sequence changes were benign polymorphisms with no apparent clinical significance. Additionally, the 7-bp deletion in intro2 reported previously, were not detected in any of our Keratocnus cohort. In our Keratoconus cohort, no pathogenic SOD1 mutation(s) was identified.


Clear, step-by-step screen shots arranged in two-page lessons show you how to tackle more than 140 Flash CS3 Professional tasks. No long-winded explanations, just easy, visual directions for performing such necessary operations as creating objects, symbols, and instances; controlling playback with the Timeline; adding interactivity with buttons; organizing project assets with the Library; creating animation with tweens; and adding sound and video . Helpful sidebars offer practical tips and tricks, and its all presented for the visual learner.


This paper is an econometric investigation of the determinants of the real value of the South African rand over the period 1984-2006. The results show a relatively good fit. As so often with exchange rate equations, there is substantial weight on the lagged exchange rate, which can be attributed to a momentum component. Nevertheless, economic fundamentals are significant and important. This is especially true of an index of the real prices of South African mineral commodities, which even drives out real income as a significant determinant of the rand's value. An implication is that the 2003-2006 real appreciation can be attributed to the Dutch Disease. In other respects, the rand behaves like currencies of industrialized countries with well-developed financial markets. In particular, high South African interest rates raise international demand for the rand and lead to real appreciation, controlling for a forward-looking measure of expected inflation and a measure of default risk or country risk. It is in the latter respects, in particular, that the paper hopes to have improved on earlier studies of the rand.


An experiment is reported which compares directional forecasting performance of experts, novices and simple statistical models over three time horizons on a task involving probabilistic forecasts of exchange rate movements. Probability-judgement accuracy analyses illustrated no clear overall performance differences between experts and novices, but significant differences between the groups on various important components of judgement suggested that the groups obtained their similar overall scores using different cognitive strategies. Striking horizon effects and expertize–horizon interactions were also observed. The subjects performed better than a random walk forecaster, but worse than the random walk with constant drift and first-order autoregressive models. Composite human judgement, however, not only improved on individual judgement but, also, surpassed the simple statistical models in many instances. Possible explanations are offered for these results, suggestions are made for future research, and practical implications are emphasized.


A 74-year-old woman presented with a 2-day history of cough, dyspnea and wheezing following aspiration of a tetracycline tablet. She developed a left lower lobe pneumonitis, and bronchoscopy revealed left main bronchus narrowing and exudate. The course of this patient is discussed in reference to the available literature on toxic aspirations.


The aim of the study was to compare how the population of pine (Pinus sylvestris) and spruce (Picea abies) have changed between 1927 and 2013 in the oak landscape south of Linkoping. A field study was carried out in 22 two kilometre lines which also had been studied in 1927. In these lines, which where ten meters broad and had a direction from west to east, the pines and spruces were counted, measured and classified by steam diameter. The obtained result was that the basal steam area (m²/ha) had increased for pine (44%) and spruce (57%) between 1927 and 2013. The amount of trees had increased in all diameter classes except thinner pine and spruce with a diameter of 5-10cm. The increase for pine in the three largest diameters (35-40cm, 40-45cm and >45cm) was 34%, 96% and 297%, respectively, and for spruce 221%, 508% och 400%. The reason why young pine had decreased since 1927 can be increased browsing by moose (Alces alces), a decline in natural rejuvenation, or the large-scale change in forest management since 1927.


We present new 450 and 850μm SCUBA data and 1.3 mm MAMBO data of the dwarf galaxies II Zw 40, He 2-10 and NGC 1140. Additional ISOCAM, IRAS as well as ground based data are used to construct the observed mid-infrared to millimeter spectral energy distribution of these galaxies. These spectral energy distributions are modeled in a self-consistent way, as was achieved with NGC 1569 (Galliano et al. 2003, AA (ii) a very small (∼3-4nm) average size of grains, consistent with the fragmentation and erosion of dust particles by the numerous shocks; (iii) a significant millimetre excess in the dust spectral energy distribution which can be explained by the presence of ubiquitous very cold dust (T = 5-9 K) accounting for 40 to 80% of the total dust mass, probably distributed in small clumps. We derive a range of gas-to-dust mass ratios between 300 and 2000, larger than the Galactic values and dust-to-metals ratios of 1/30 to 1/2. The modeled dust size distributions are used to synthesize an extinction curve for each galaxy. The UV slopes of the extinction curves resemble that observed in some regions in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The 2175 A bumps of the modeled extinction curves are weaker than that of the Galaxy, except in the case of II Zw 40 where we are unable to accurately constrain the 2175 A bump carrier.


This paper presents an analysis of flood flows in the Coyote Wash at the proposed high level nuclear waste repository site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Estimates of the hydrographs at various points in this wash resulting from the 100 year storm and from the probable maximum storms are developed based upon the Soil Conservation Service TR-20 model and are compared with other results. Flows in this particular wash are particularly critical due to the adjacent location of the proposed exploratory shafts. The resulting hydrographs at the site of the exploratory shaft pad will be delineated. These flows will serve as a basis for facility design.


Prototype samples of preforms and associated fibers have been designed and fabricated through MCVD process to investigate the role of fluorine (F) and germanium (Ge) doping elements on the radiation sensitivity of silica-based glasses. We characterized the behaviors of these canonical samples before, during and after 10 keV X-ray irradiation through several spectroscopic techniques, to obtain global information (in situ absorption measurements, electron paramagnetic resonance) or spatially-resolved information (confocal microscopy, absorption and luminescence on preform). These tests showed that, for the Ge-doped fiber and in the 300-900 nm range, the radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) can be explained by absorption bands associated with the following radiation-induced point defects: Ge(l); Ge-NBOHC and GeX. Other defects such as GeE' Ge(2); and Ge-ODC are generated but do not contribute in this spectral domain. For the F-doped sample, the different point defects identified, SiE', Si-NBOHC and Si-ODC(II), are unable to reproduce the RIA spectra for energies lower than 4 eV. We suggest that the radiation-induced absorption in this part of the spectrum is due to chlorine-related species, probably CI0 radiolytic groups that absorb at around 3.5 eV. The comparison between the sensitivities of the preform and the fiber reveals the influence of the drawing process on the glass response. Its effect is strongly dose-dependent for the germanosilicate glass. The drawing process seems to be responsible for the main part of the defects generated at low doses (<1 Mrad).


This study looked at the use of augmented reality to combine real scenery with virtual sound to improve the interactivity of teaching aid and provide handicapped children with a more intuitive learning method. The focus is on the development of augmented reality applications for special education. The key components are identifying tags for augmented reality, web-cam device and image processing device. The study was divided into preparation phase and experiment phase. The preparation phase was used to train teacher involved in this study while the experiment phase generated feedback from the actual use of this system by handicapped children who were the subjects of the study. The system was used for children from 4th grade to 8th grade. The design of the teaching materials offered both the teachers and the handicapped children a novel learning method.


The age-related degree of ossification of the sternum and the long leg bones (femur, tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus) of chickens was determined both macroscopically and radiographically in ten broilers ranging from 7 to 14 weeks in age, and in four laying hens of different ages and breeds. The caudal half of the sternal crest was still cartilaginous in 14-week-old broilers. This relatively slow ossification rate of the sternum interfered with accurate age determination. The length of the long bones of the shank varied with age but was also breed dependent. In contrast, the diaphyseal diameter of the long leg bones and the thickness of the articular cartilage covering the femoral head, femoral condyles and proximal tibiotarsal surface varied little in 7 to 14-week-old broilers. The thickness of the femoral and proximal tibiotarsal articular cartilage was more than 3 mm in broilers and less than 1 mm in the older laying hens. The closure of the growth plates in the tibiotarsus and the tarsometatarsus was the most reliable criterion for age determination in broilers.


Effective public management cannot be imagined without an efficiently functioning civil service apparatus. It is often stated that people working in the civil service are driven by idealistic motives, however, to ensure the implementation of the state's objectives, the efficiency and quality of civil servant activities, adequate motivational incentives of civil servants are necessary. The article analyzes theoretical and analytical aspects of the motivational incentives of civil servants: the concept of incentives for civil servants, their value and typology, empirical level of investigation and the experience in the motivation of civil servants at the level of the local government. Theoretical and analytical analysis revealed that the motivation system for civil servants must be balanced, based on the combination of monetary, moral, political, normative and emotional stimuli as well as responding to the motives of civil servants and increasing their job satisfaction. The results of the research showed that the civil servants in Lithuanian municipalities are mostly motivated by moral and normative, and less often by political and monetary incentives. Institutions mostly focus on the willingness of civil servants to contribute to the creation of a society's well-being, to carry out their duty to the public and to serve as well as loyalty and commitment to the institution and promotion of personal development. The study highlighted the importance of the management and direct management in motivating civil servants.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.17.3.21952


Introduction. The worldwide emergence of carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria makes the development of simple tests mandatory to identify antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Enzymatic and membrane barriers are the prominent resistance mechanisms described in these bacteria. Several tests are currently used to detect carbapenemase activities.Aim. However, a simple test for the identification of membrane-associated mechanisms of resistance is not yet available and this mechanism is often inferred after the exclusion of a carbapenemase in carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.Methodology. Different media (liquid and solid) containing a membrane permeabilizer were tested to identify the existence of a membrane barrier. Here, polymyxin B nonapeptide (PMBN) was selected to bypass the role of impermeability in clinical carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, including Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae , Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella aerogenes isolates. In parallel, the expression of porins (OmpC and OmpF types) was checked in the various bacterial strains in order to search for a correlation between the restoration of susceptibility and the expression of porin.Results. Using a large number of clinical isolates, PMBN associated with a carbapenem allowed us to detect porin-deficient isolates with a sensitivity ranging from 89 to 93 % and a specificity ranging from 86 to 100 %.Conclusion. This paves the way for a diagnostic assay allowing the detection of this membrane-associated mechanism of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae.


The turbulent properties of flow in rivers are of fundamental importance to aquatic organisms yet are rarely quantified during routine river habitat assessment surveys or the design of restoration schemes due to their complex nature. This thesis uses a detailed review of the literature to highlight the various ways in which plants and animals modify the flow field, how this can deliver beneficial effects; and how turbulence can also generate threats to growth and survival. The thesis then presents the results from detailed field assessments of turbulence properties undertaken on low, intermediate and high gradient rivers to advance scientific understanding of the hydrodynamics of rivers and inform effective habitat assessment and restoration. A reach-scale comparison across sites reveals spatial variations in the relationships between turbulent parameters, emphasising the need for direct measurement of turbulence properties, while a geomorphic unit scale assessment suggests that variations in turbulence at the scale of individual roughness elements, and/or within the same broad groupings of geomorphic units (e.g. different types of pools) can have an important influence on hydraulic habitat. The importance of small-scale flow obstructions is further emphasised through analysis of the temporal dynamics of turbulence properties with changes in flow stage and vegetation growth. The highest magnitude temporal changes in turbulence properties were associated with individual boulders and vegetation patches respectively, indicating flow intensification around these sub-geomorphic unit scale features. Experimental research combining flow measurement with underwater videography reveals that more sophisticated turbulence parameters provide a better explanation of fish behaviour and habitat use under field conditions, further supporting direct measurement of turbulent properties where possible. The new insights into interactions between geomorphology, hydraulics and aquatic organisms generated by this work offer opportunities for refining habitat assessment and restoration design protocols to better integrate the important role of turbulence in generating suitable physical habitat for aquatic organisms.


With the social reform and economy development, both laid-off and employment of university students become the more important social problems. Based on the re-employment project of intelligent building, the technical training characteristics and training strategy have been analyzed. Moreover, in order to improve the professional training effect, some factors should been pay more attention and guaranteed primarily, such as improvement the publicity of related departments, students learning basis and ideological trends, quality education and creative ability training, reasonable arrangement of the training mode, widen training form and so on.


How morphology and systematics come together through morphological analysis, homology hypotheses and phylogenetic analysis is a topic of continuing debate. Some contemporary approaches reject biological evaluation of morphological characters and fall back on an atheoretical and putatively objective (but, in fact, phenetic) approach that defers to the test of congruence for homology assessment. We note persistent trends toward an uncritical empiricism (where evidence is believed to be immediately "given" in putatively theory‐free observation) and instrumentalism (where hypotheses of primary homology become mere instruments with little or no empirical foundation for choosing among competing phylogenetic hypotheses). We suggest that this situation is partly a consequence of the fact that the test of congruence and the related concept of total evidence have been inappropriately tied to a Popperian philosophy in modern systematics. Total evidence is a classical principle of inductive inference and does not imply a deductive test of homology. The test of congruence by itself is based philosophically on a coherence theory of truth (coherentism in epistemology), which is unconcerned with empirical foundation. We therefore argue that coherence of character statements (congruence of characters) is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition to support or refute hypotheses of homology or phylogenetic relationship. There should be at least some causal grounding for homology hypotheses beyond mere congruence. Such causal grounding may be achieved, for example, through empirical investigations of comparative anatomy, developmental biology, functional morphology and secondary structure.


Investigation of an Empirical Methodology for Linking Value of Time with Census Tract Median Income. (December 2006) William Radney Stockton, B.S., Texas A&M University; M.Eng., Texas A&M University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Roger Smith This research examines a new methodology for prospectively estimating the willingness of travelers to use a toll road by combining travel time saved with the income of the prospective customer base. The purpose of the research is to facilitate network level planning by allowing some reasonable predictions of acceptable toll rates from readily available data and estimation techniques. Methods of estimating user benefit resulted in simulated distributions of value of user time. Values of time are linked to census tract income data for the user population to produce value of time as a percentage of income as an indicator. As relevant literature acknowledges the tendency toward increased toll road usage at higher income levels, it is hypothesized that linking estimates of value of time directly to household income would produce a more useful indicator of the travel market than do conventional indicators. Techniques for prospectively estimating the travelshed of a toll road are compared with the actual travelshed, as reflected in user home census tracts, as a means of evaluating the efficacy of those techniques in estimating the market area of a prospective toll road. Results show that considering value of time as a percentage of census tract median income provides an improved portrayal of the toll road market, as usage of the toll road increases with increasing income. Using census tract median income as the income parameter has shortcomings, in that it produces anomalous results at very low population levels. Of the two methods of estimating the travelshed, the visual estimation approach was not satisfactory, leaving the analyst to use select link analyses instead.


Diffuse reflectance FT-IR spectra of methanol and ethanol on Amberlyst 15 and on a synthesized acidic resin catalyst indicate that alcohol molecules are adsorbed by forming hydrogen bridges with the −SO3H sites of the catalyst and among themselves. Some of the alcohol molecules were found to be strongly chemisorbed by dissociation of one or two hydrogen atoms. Isobutylene was also found to be strongly adsorbed by forming a bridged structure between the adsorbed alcohol molecules and the −SO3H groups. DRIFT spectra verified the presence of adsorbed ether molecules formed as a result of surface reaction and supported a Langmuir−Hinshelwood-type reaction mechanism.


We consider the speculative prospect of superintelligent AI and its normative implications for governance and global policy. Machine superintelligence would be a transformative development that would present a host of political challenges and opportunities. This paper identifies a set of distinctive features of this hypothetical policy context, from which we derive a correlative set of policy desiderata—considerations that should be given extra weight in long-term AI policy compared to in other policy contexts. Our contribution describes a desiderata "vector field" showing the directional change from a variety of possible normative baselines or policy positions. The focus on directional normative change should make our findings relevant to a wide range of actors, although the development of concrete policy options that meet these abstractly formulated desiderata will require further work.ly formulated desiderata will require further work.


This paper is a discussion of the B2E e-business model from the perspectives of employee services and organisational management. It includes literature to support B2E as employee services and organisational management with benefits to both. Intranets and portals are technologies supporting the implementation of the B2E e-business model which are also discussed. A case study is included to understand the application of the B2E model in a large organisation. Case study analysis indicates that the B2E e-business model is a service to the employees, however, these services are to support organisational efficiencies.


Abstract Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), also called hereditary multiple osteochondromas, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by multiple osteochondromas that grow near the growth plates of bones such as the ribs, pelvis, vertebrae and especially long bones. The disease presents with various clinical manifestations including chronic pain syndromes, restricted range of motion, limb deformity, short stature, scoliosis and neurovascular alteration. Malignant transformation of exostosis is rarely seen. The disease has no medical treatment and surgery is only recommended in symptomatic exostoses or in cases where a malignant transformation is suspected. HME is mainly caused by mutations and functional loss of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes which encode glycosyltransferases, an enzyme family involved in heparan sulfate (HS) synthesis. However, the peculiar molecular mechanism that leads to the structural changes of the cartilage and to osteochondroma formation is still being studied. Basic science studies have recently shown new insights about altering the molecular and cellular mechanism caused by HS deficiency. Pediatricians, geneticists and orthopedic surgeons play an important role in the study and treatment of this severe pathology. Despite the recent significant advances, we still need novel insights to better specify the role of HS in signal transduction. The purpose of this review was to analyze the most relevant aspects of HME from the literature review, give readers an important tool to understand its clinical features and metabolic-pathogenetic mechanism, and to identify an effective treatment method. We focused on the aspects of the disease related to clinical management and surgical treatment in order to give up-to-date information that could be useful for following best clinical practice.


In Bayesian vector autoregressive models, the Litterman or Minnesota Prior is widely used. However, in some cases, the Minnesota prior is not the best prior distribution that can be used. Thus, other prior dis- tributions can also be applied. In this paper, as well as the Minnesota prior, four other prior distributions have been studied. Based on these prior distributions, five different Bayesian vector autoregressive models have been built to forecast the Turkish unemployment rate and the in- dustrial production index for the two periods of the year 2008. Finally, the five priors have been compared with each other according to the forecasting performances of the models that they are used in.


Acid deposition causes the forest decline and the acidification of lakes and marshes. Furthermore, historic stone monuments, which were made of marble, limestone, and so on, have been reported to be deteriorated by acid deposition and concrete structures may be deteriorated as well. There are few studies on the effects of acid rain on mortar and concrete, though the effects of CO2 and SO2 have been studied. Deterioration of concrete structures by acid rain is guessed to proceed as follows. (1) Dissolution of aggregate, hydrated and unhydrated materials at the surface. (2) Conversion of CaCO3, which is formed by carbonation of hydrated materials, to water soluble salts. (3) Elution of the salts at the surface and development of stress by deposition of the salt beneath the surface. (4) Cracking by formation of corrosion materials such as ettringite, which occupy a large volume. (5) Cracking and spalling by the corrosion of reinforcing steel, which is lead to by neutralization and penetration of chloride and sulfate. At present, there is no obvious evidence showing that deterioration of well-constructed concrete structures is accelerated by acid rain, though the investigation is limited.


Abstract. To elaborate stratospheric ozone depletion processes, measurements of diffusion coefficients of selected gas phase molecules (i.e. HCl, CH3OH, HCOOH and CH3COOH; Katsambas et al., 1997; Kondratyev and Varotsos, 1996; Varotsos et al., 1994, 1995) in ice in the temperature range 170–195 K have been analyzed with respect to the mechanisms and rates of diffusion. It is argued that the diffusion in ice of these compounds is governed by a vacancy – mediated mechanism, i.e. H2O vacancies are required to diffuse to lattice sites adjacent to these compounds prior to the diffusion of the corresponding molecule into the vacancy sites. In addition, we show that the diffusion coefficients of these compounds exhibit a specific interconnection, i.e. a linear relationship holds between the logarithm of the pre-exponential factor, Do, and the activation energy E. The physical meaning of this interconnection is discussed.


The tapeworm Ligula intestinalis occurs in the body cavity of its cyprinid second intermediate host, in this study the roach Rutilus rutilus, and inhibits host gonadal development. The mechanism by which infected fish are prevented from reproducing is unknown. Comparison of parameters, such as body length and weight, and condition factor and age, between infected and uninfected individuals, indicated only minor effects of parasitism on growth and condition. In contrast, seasonal gonadal development, as observed in uninfected fish, did not occur in infected fish, and gonads remained small and blocked at the primary oocyte stage in female roach. As immature ovaries and testes are still present, the parasite is presumed to act upon the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis of the fish to inhibit further development of reproductive organs. We investigated the Ligula/fish interaction at the level of the pituitary gland by determination of gonadotrophin (LH) content using a heterologous RIA for carp (Cyprinus carpio) LHbeta subunit. The results indicated that the pituitary glands of infected roach contained approximately 50% less LH than non-infected fish. After the cloning and sequencing of roach LHbeta subunit, we measured roach LHbeta mRNA levels by real-time RT-PCR. A corresponding 50% reduction in LHbeta mRNA pituitary levels was determined. These results reflect a significant and measurable effect of parasitism on the pituitary gland, and lend support to the hypothesis that excretory/secretory products released from the parasite interact with the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis of the fish host and thus inhibit gonadal development.


Self-care treatments with bed of nails or spike mats have gained increased popularity world-wide; advertised as a method for pain reduction and wellbeing. Scientific studies regarding effects are still lacking. The aim of the present study was to investigate if daily relaxation on a spike mat for three weeks could induce beneficial effects. Participants were 36 individuals suffering from muscle tension pains in their back or/and neck. They were randomly assigned to a control group or an experimental group, who were treated with 15 minutes daily rest during three weeks on the spike mat. Significant reduced experienced worst pain intensity was found. There were no effects on normal pain intensity, optimism, anxiety, depression, stress, energy, or sleep quality. The participants appreciated the treatment, but their enthusiastic verbal reports of experienced beneficial effects could not be verified in the statistical analyses. The reduction of worst pain may be explained by the gate-control theory, where competing stimuli applied over the affected area produce a pain reduction. It can also be an effect of placebo or the relaxation. More research on relaxation on a spike matis needed before its possible effects can be confirmed. No negative effects were found in the present study, but it has to be remembered no studies investigating risks for treatment on spike mats exist.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of smoking in the adult population of Brazil, in order to propose recommendations for the reduction of tobacco use.

METHODS
This was a population-based, cross-sectional study including a sample composed of residents (> 18 years of age) of the capital cities of 26 Brazilian states and in the Federal District of Brasília, Brazil. For the determination of sample size, a 95% confidence interval and a 2% sample error were defined. The participants were selected and interviewed by means of the Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL, Telephone-based System for the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases).The proportion of smokers and the number of cigarettes smoked per day were estimated and stratified according to sociodemographic variables. In addition, the male/female ratio was estimated for the prevalence of smoking.

RESULTS
The prevalence of smoking was 16.1% (20.5% among males and 12.4% among females). The proportion of adults that reported smoking > 20 cigarettes a day was 4.9%, being greater in males (6.5% vs. 3.6%). The prevalence of smoking was greater among individuals with a lower level of education (< 8 years of schooling). The number of cigarettes smoked per day by males was approximately the double that smoked by females.

CONCLUSIONS
The VIGITEL estimates indicate a reduction in the prevalence of smoking, which was, however, still greater among males than among females. The VIGITEL has been fundamental to monitoring smoking, as well as to informing decisions regarding public policies for health promotion and the prevention of chronic nontransmissible diseases.


The role of higher education institutions is reflected in its learning outcomes. The learning outcomes contribute to develop quality professionals by enhancing competency in subject knowledge and intellectual capability, grooming professionalism and employability skills. Still further it contributes to emotional and social maturity, sound character, sharp business acumen, strong scientific temper and strategic thinking among the learners. This could be materialized only through imparting comprehensive, continually enhanced and global quality professional education supported by a sound quality management system. Quality policy contributes to institutionalizing the quality assurance processes. Commitment to providing quality teaching and learning through well designed and systematic curriculum delivery using multitude of learning experiences is at the core of this policy. A variety of quality assurance processes are institutionalized focusing around teacher quality, curriculum delivery and pedagogy, research and training, skill development of students, orientation programmes for overall personality development and broad range of activities which equip the students to face challenges and take up risks with courage. Academic Audit gives feed-back on its efficiency. The observations from the audit are utilised for institutional improvement.


This paper explores empirically the relationship between the high and persistent unemployment in Spain and the profitability on invested capital. It is shown that there exists a negative long-run relationship between the two variables, an unemployment-profit rate trade-off (UPRT). A conditional equation with constant parameters relating the unemployment rate to the profit and capacity utilization rates is derived. Exogeneity tests indicate that profit rate and capacity of utilization are weak, strong, and super exogenous for the parameters of the unemployment equation.


: Morphometrical and biochemical findings favouring the view that an exocytotic mechanism is involved in the release of corticosteroid hormones are reviewed. Acute stimulation provokes a notable increase in the number of dense granules in adrenocortical cells of some mammalian species. Stereology shows that the increase in the volume density of granules is of the same order of magnitude as that of the intracellular concentration of corticosteroid hormones, as evaluated by radioimmunological techniques. Electron dense granules do not display cytochemically demonstrable peroxidase or acid-phosphatase activity, and the increase in their volume density is not associated with an enhanced activity of many typical lysosome enzymes. Vinblastine, an antimicrotubular agent which interferes with exocytotic mechanisms, induces a parallel rise in both the volume density of granules and the intracellular hormonal concentration. The putative granular fraction, isolated by differential centrifugation from adrenal homogenates obtained from vinblastine and ACTH treated rats, possesses a corticosterone concentration higher than other subcellular fractions, excluded postmicrosomal supernatant.


Background: One of the primary debilitating secondary health conditions experienced by individuals living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is chronic pain. Approximately, over 30% of SCI patients endure chronic pain after sustaining the injury, and engage in opioid pharmacotherapy as the first form of treatment. The increase in use and misuse of prescribed opioids for chronic pain can lead to both physical and psychological health risks. This danger is exacerbated by the notion that a large percentage of the SCI population have a pre-existing condition of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. This study will examine how pain is actually being addressed through non-pharmaceutical methods among the SCI adult population.
Experimental Design: Employing a cross-sectional web survey design with a convenience sample of adults with a SCI. A Qualtrics survey is currently being administered to known individuals with SCIs via email. The survey questions will illuminate what pain management strategies are being implemented in the SCI population within the US.
Anticipated Results: The results from the data will provide insight on what non-pharmacological interventions can be employed in place of or in combination with the pharmacological management. This will allow community-based rehabilitation therapies to incorporate appropriate pain management strategies.
Potential Impact: Non-pharmacological interventions may hold the answer in treating chronic pain in the SCI population by limiting or eliminating the use of opioids. This study will help develop the most appropriate non-pharmacological intervention to test in quasi-experimental clinical trials, and ultimately minimize the use of opioids for chronic pain.


The risk for endemicity of ASF in the eastern neighbouring countries of the EU and spread of ASFV to unaffected areas was updated until 31/01/2014. The assessment was based on a literature review and expert knowledge elicitation. The risk that ASF is endemic in Georgia, Armenia and the Russian Federation has increased from moderate to high, particularly due to challenges in outbreak control in the backyard production sector. The risk that ASFV will spread further into unaffected areas from these countries, mainly through movement of contaminated pork, infected pigs or contaminated vehicles, has remained high. In Ukraine and Belarus, the risk for ASF endemicity was considered moderate. Although only few outbreaks have been reported, which have been stamped out, only limited activities are ongoing to facilitate early detection of secondary spread. Further, there is a continuous risk of ASFV re-introduction from the Russian Federation, due to transboundary movements of people, pork or infected wild boar. The number of backyard farms is greatest in the west of Ukraine and westwards spread of ASFV could result in an infected area near the EU border, difficult to control. In Georgia, Armenia and the Russian Federation, the risk for endemicity of ASF in the wild boar population is considered moderate, mainly due to spill-over from the domestic pig population, whereas in Ukraine and Belarus this was considered to be low. In those areas in the Russian Federation where wild boar density is high, this risk may be higher. Intensive hunting pressure in affected wild boar populations may increase the risk for spread, possibly with severe implications across international borders. The risk for different matrices to be infected/contaminated and maintain infectious ASFV at the moment of transportation into the EU was assessed and ranged from very high for frozen meat, to very low for crops. © European Food Safety Authority, 2014


We investigate the general relativistic dynamics of Robertson-Walker models with a nonlinear equation of state (EoS), focusing on the quadratic case P=Po+αρ+βρ2. This may be taken to represent theTaylor expansion of any arbitrary barotropic EoS, P(ρ). With the right combination of Po, α and β, it serves as a simple phenomenological model for dark energy, or even unified dark matter. Indeed we show that this simple model for the EoS can produce a large variety of qualitatively different dynamical behaviors that we classify using dynamical systems theory. An almost universal feature is that accelerated expansion phases are mostly natural for these nonlinear EoS's. These are often asymptotically de Sitter thanks to the appearance of an effective cosmological constant. Other interesting possibilities that arise from the quadratic EoS are closed models that can oscillate with no singularity, models that bounce between infinite contraction/expansion and models which evolve from a phantom phase, asymptotically approaching a de Sitter phase instead of evolving to a "big rip". In a second paper we investigate the effects of the quadratic EoS in inhomogeneous and anisotropic models, focusing, in particular, on singularities


: This essay discusses negativity as the force underpinning social antagonism, with particular reference to the fleeting moment of hope experienced in Argentina in December 2001. It proposes that Que se vayan todos (QSVT) was an act of negation that ventured beyond the capitalist reality of crisis, and openned another dimension that does not correspond to the facts of the recuperation of QSVT by the state in 2003. By engaging with Bloch's notion of 'real as process' the paper problematises 'factual reality' and argues that the 'real as process' informs both the process of valorization of capital and the process of prefiguring a reality that is not-yet. In moments of negation/creation like QSVT, value is confronted by hope. Negation creates an excess that occupies a wide space in the reality of struggle that cannot be appropriated by the state.


The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate parents' perceptions of service access for their adult children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Access includes accommodation, acceptability, availability, and affordability (4 As) of services. This study examined which of the 4 As presented the biggest challenges across multiple types of services needed. Fifty-one parents of adult children with ASD participated in semistructured interviews sharing perceptions of support services available for their adult children. Parents discussed eight types of services (case management, educational programs, employment and employment supports, physical/mental health care, housing, day program or respite care, social life and recreation, and transportation). Based on parent perceptions, services were inconsistently accessible, difficult to obtain, and inadequate. Trained social workers and health care professionals are needed to provide and coordinate services for adults with ASD.


Polyamides containing amino acid residues were synthesized through a chemoenzymatic route. At first, monomers containing amino acid esters at both ends were prepared from amino acid esters and bifunctional acid chlorides through a Scotten-Baumann reaction under organic condition. Diamine was used as bifunctional nucleophilic reagent to aminolysis the amino acid ester bonds of these monomers under protease catalysts, leading to the polycondensation to form the desired polyamides containing amino acid residues. Spectra characterizations confirmed the structure of obtained polyamides. The factors that influence the polymerization, including the type of enzymes, the amount of enzymes, and the water contents in the solvent, were also discussed. It is expected that the obtained polyamides have the potential for biomaterial applications.


Abstract Herein, we describe Litomosoides salazari n. sp. collected from the body cavity of the yellow bat, Lasiurus ega, from Bolivia. This new species of filarioid nematode is most closely related to the carinii group and is characterized by its relatively small size with the vulva located slightly posterior to the esophago-intestinal junction; an arrow-shaped buccal capsule; and a short, rounded tail. New host and locality records for both Litomosoides hamletti and L. chandleri in phyllostomid bats, and L. brasiliensis occurring in both phyllostomid and vespertilionid bats, are provided. The morphological variability of the specimens is documented by providing comparative measurements of 3 known species. Litomosoides brasiliensis occurs in 6 species of bats from Bolivia and was the most common species of filarioid nematode encountered. All 4 species of nematodes, including the new species, were found in sympatry at Chijchijpa, a locality in the Yungas of Bolivia.


AIM: Most neoplastic cells express diminished levels of tropomyosin (TM) family of actin-binding proteins, which leads to the formation of poorly organized cytoskeleton. The aberrant cytoskeleton is hypothesized to contribute to the neoplastic phenotype through deregulation of intracellular signaling. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether reorganization of cytoskeleton modulates signaling pathways. METHODS: We have utilized ras-transformed NIH3T3 (DT) cells and those transduced with TM1 (DT/TM1) as a model system. DT cells are highly malignant whereas the DT/TM1 cells contain reorganized cytoskeleton and exhibit revertant phenotype. Activation status of ras oncogene in DT and DT/TM1 cells was measured by GTP loading. Activation status and subcellular localization of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) was measured in total, cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments by immunoblotting and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Transduction of TM1 does not alter the activation status of oncogenic ras. Both parental DT and DT/TM1 cells exhibit similar levels of activated ERK in total cellular lysates, whereas DT/TM1 cells contain significantly less phosphorylated ERK (pERK) in the nuclear fraction. Disruption of cytosekeletal integrity results in increased nuclear content of pERK, suggesting that tropomyosin-1-induced microfilaments are critical for curtailing the nuclear accumulation of activated ERK, and may contribute to the anti-oncogenic effects of TM1. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that spatiotemporal regulation of ERK by cytoskeleton is an important mechanism. Furthermore, aberrant microfilaments, present in neoplastic cells, fail to restrict nuclear localization of ERK, and hence contribute to deregulated ERK signaling.


The present study evaluated the efficacy of a multicomponent, classroom-based intervention in reducing preschoolers' behavior problems. The Chicago School Readiness Project model was implemented in 35 Head Start classrooms using a clustered-randomized controlled trial design. Results indicate significant treatment effects (ds = 0.53-0.89) for teacher-reported and independent observations of children's internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Moreover, there was some evidence for the moderating role of child gender, race/ethnic group membership, and exposure to poverty-related risk, with stronger effects of intervention for some groups of children than for others. Findings contribute to a growing area of research on poverty and preventive intervention in early childhood.


This study focuses on test loading program and evaluation for pedestrian bridge. On the basis of the finite element analysis, numerical model of Lv River Bridge, which is a steel box pedestrian suspension bridge, is established. Moreover, field static load test is done and the results of tests are compared to the theoretical values. Results show that the measured result fits well with the theoretical result and bridge is in the situation of elastic deformation, and the strength and stiffness satisfy the need of design.


NSLS-I1 is a medium energy storage ring of 3GeV electron beam energy with sub-nm.rad horizontal emittance and top-off capability at 500mA. Damping wigglers will be used not only to reduce the beam emittance but also for broadband sources for users. CryoPermanent Magnet Undulators (CPMUs) are considered for hard X-ray linear device, and permanent magnet based Elliptically Polarized Undulators (EPUs) are for polarization control. Rigorous R&D plans have been established to pursue the performance enhancement of the above devices as well as building new types of insertion devices such as high temperature superconducting wiggler/undulators. This paper describes the details of these activities and discuss technical issues.


We consider the task of designing sparse control laws for large-scale systems by directly minimizing an infinite horizon quadratic cost with an $\ell_1$ penalty on the feedback controller gains. Our focus is on an improved algorithm that allows us to scale to large systems (i.e. those where sparsity is most useful) with convergence times that are several orders of magnitude faster than existing algorithms. In particular, we develop an efficient proximal Newton method which minimizes per-iteration cost with a coordinate descent active set approach and fast numerical solutions to the Lyapunov equations. Experimentally we demonstrate the appeal of this approach on synthetic examples and real power networks significantly larger than those previously considered in the literature.


Cerebral palsy is the most common neurodevelopmental motor disability in children. The condition requires medical, educational, social, and rehabilitative resources throughout the life span. Several countries have developed population-based registries that serve the purpose of prospective longitudinal collection of etiologic, demographic, and functional severity. The United States has not created a comprehensive program to develop such a registry. Barriers have been large population size, poor interinstitution collaboration, and decentralized medical and social systems. The Cerebral Palsy Research Registry was created to fill the gap between population and clinical-based cerebral palsy registries and promote research in the field. This is accomplished by connecting persons with cerebral palsy, as well as their families, to a network of regional researchers. This article describes the development of an expandable cerebral palsy research registry, its current status, and the potential it has to affect families and persons with cerebral palsy in the United States and abroad.


The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence green purchasing behaviors of Malaysian consumers and observes if the factors affecting green purchasing behavior differ by demographic profile. Respondents in this study were consumers from various age groups, education level, ethnic group, type of occupation and income level. The results shows that the best predictor for green purchasing behavior is environmental attitude followed by perceived environmental responsibility; environmental concern, perceived seriousness of environmental problems, perceived effectiveness of environmental behavior and government's role. While for demographic variables, only age group is significant in explaining the environmental factors. The result of the research can serve as a guideline for firms to strategize their marketing approaches that caused buying behavior while analyzing the demographic characteristics would give firms better knowledge towards targeting these groups of people. This study also offers practical guidelines to marketers who are planning to target the Malaysian market. The understanding on the changing consumption pattern of Malaysian consumers and the value of attachment, they gave to the environment provides useful insights that are especially pertinent to an improved understanding of green purchasing behavior in the South East Asia context.


A new design method based on linear quadratic control theory is developed for the design of PWM rectifiers with sinusoidal input current. PWM rectifiers are promising because they can supply DC power while keeping a sinusoidal current with unity in the fundamental power factor. There are two types, a voltage-fed rectifier and a current-fed rectifier. The former is required to simultaneously control both the fundamental power factor and direct voltage, while the latter does so for both the fundamental power factor and direct current. State feedback control is essentially suited for multi-input and multi-output systems such as these. Here a discrete-time optimal regulator is applied to their control because it provides a microprocessor-based robust feedback system without steady-state errors in response to a step reference and/or disturbance change. The regulator is implemented using a digital signal processor. Experimental results demonstrate the validity.


It is known that bone remodeling process advances under the control of mechanical stress in the body. Synthetic biomaterials, such as hydroxyapatite, are widely used to repair various bone defects. Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and the related materials are bioactive and bioresorbable materials (Suzuki O. Jpn Dent Sci Rev 49: 58, 2013). The OCP materials show an osteoconductivity if implanted in various bone tissues. However, the resorption of the materials is enhanced under load bearing conditions, which is restored again if the assumed mechanical stress is alleviated. The effect of the mechanical stress on the biomaterial implantation condition was simulated using a culture device, which utilizes deformation of PDMS membrane deformation (Masuda T et al. J Biotechnol 133: 231, 2008), by analyzing bone tissue related cells, including osteoblasts. It is likely that the bone regeneration with the biomaterials could be controlled depending on the extent of the mechanical stress.


In order to survive, small burrowing mammals need to remember the locations of escape burrows. Therefore, it is important to know what types of landmarks are used to aid navigation in the wild. The author tested the ability of free-ranging Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus) to locate escape burrows when local (e.g., vegetation pattern, local relief), global (e.g., forest edge, mountain outline), or both types of landmarks were obstructed. Results suggest that squirrels need both local and global landmarks of the environment for successful navigation, and that the upper portion of the horizon is especially important for orientation. Moreover, the lack of information from one type of landmark (local or global) cannot be completely compensated by the other type.


Mortality, growth and conception development after placentation are affected by capacity and placenta function which are influenced by hormonal and growth factor to succed pregnancy till birth. Growth hormone is protein or polypeptide hormone. It influences protein metabolism, increases amino acid up take, carbohydrate metabolism, gluconeogenesis, fat mobilizatin, minerals metabolism and the development of cartilage that will lead to growth. The purpose of this research is to observe the effectiveness of somatotropin on the growth of fetus. Forty pregnant rat were divided to 4 groups, they were K (not given somatotropin), A (given somatotropin 9 mg/kg BW at 12 to 20 days of pregnancy), B (given somatotropin  9 mg/kg BW at 2 to 11 days of pregnancy), C (given somatotropin  9 mg/kg BW  at 2 to 20 days of pregnancy). Parameters observed were ovulation rate, implantation rate, development/growth of uterus and placenta, size of fetus, and pups growth. The result showed that somatotropin could increase implantation succed, development of uterus and placenta that are followed by good performance of reproduction during pregnancy and also birth body weight pups. Keywords: Somatotropin, Pregnancy, Pups.


This paper analyzes the spiritual background of the Mura Region Slovenian priest Stevan Kuzmi 'a (1723-1779) oeuvre, especially the circumstances and sources of his translation of the Bible, looking for the answer if he really translated the New Testament from Greek as it is stated in the title. Hungarian Calvinists were provided with two translations of the Bible when the Slovenian version was made, thanks to Gyorgy Barany and Janos Szabo Sartorius. The structure, content and message of the forewords written by Jozsef Torkos to Stevan Kuzmi 's Slovenian and Andras Torkos's Hungarian translation of the Bible is similar. In Kuzmi 's case the use of Hungarian patterns can be proved by borrowings from Hungarian, word formation based on Hungarian models as well as Hungarian governments and idioms. Stevan Kuzmi aimed at the purity of the Mura Region language but he had to borrow also from other languages to translate the complex Biblical text properly. He created a great work for Slovenians, raising the Mura Region Slovenian onto the level of a standard language.


We study regularity and non-existence properties for some free-interface problems arising in the study of limiting vorticities associated to the Ginzburg-Landau equations with magnetic field in two dimensions. Our results imply in particular that if these limiting vorticities concentrate on a smooth closed curve then they have a distinguished sign; moreover, if the domain is thin then solutions of the GinzburgLandau equations cannot have a number of vortices much larger than the applied magnetic field.


On 22 February 2011,a magnitude Mw 6.3 earthquake occurred with an epicenter located near Lyttelton at about 10km from Christchurch in Canterbury region on the South Island of New Zealand (Figure 1). Since this earthquake occurred in the midst of the aftershock activity which had continued since the 4 September 2010 Darfield Earthquake occurrence, it was considered to be an aftershock of the initial earthquake. Because of the short distance to the city and the shallower depth of the epicenter, this earthquake caused more significant damage to pipelines, traffic facilities, residential houses/properties and multi-story buildings in the central business district than the September 2010 Darfield Earthquake in spite of its smaller earthquake magnitude. Unfortunately, this earthquake resulted in significant number of casualties due to the collapse of multi-story buildings and unreinforced masonry structures in the city center of Christchurch. As of 4 April, 172 casualties were reported and the final death toll is expected to be 181. While it is extremely regrettable that Christchurch suffered a terrible number of victims, civil and geotechnical engineers have this hard-to-find opportunity to learn the response of real ground from two gigantic earthquakes which occurred in less than six months from each other. From geotechnical engineering point of view, it is interesting to discuss the widespread liquefaction in natural sediments, repeated liquefaction within short period and further damage to earth structures which have been damaged in the previous earthquake. Following the earthquake, an intensive geotechnical reconnaissance was conducted to capture evidence and perishable data from this event. The team included the following members: Misko Cubrinovski (University of Canterbury, NZ, Team Leader), Susumu Yasuda (Tokyo Denki University, Japan, JGS Team Leader), Rolando Orense (University of Auckland, NZ), Kohji Tokimatsu (Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan), Ryosuke Uzuoka (Tokushima University, Japan), Takashi Kiyota (University of Tokyo, Japan), Yasuyo Hosono (Toyohashi University of Technology, Japan) and Suguru Yamada (University of Tokyo, Japan)


‐ Climate change affects the water cycle, in particular drought and flood risks are increasing, so there are intensifying impacts on water security and freshwater availability. According to the assessment of global risks provided by the World Economic Forum in 2015, water crises are at the top of the ranking due to their potential in causing negative impacts on the economy and welfare across countries. It is widely acknowledged that efficient water resource management plays a key role in reducing the vulnerabilities of communities and economies and the provision of drinking water and its preservation are keystone worldwide in the implementation of adaptation strategies. Mismanagement of water resources and competition for their use have worsened the consequences of water scarcity in countries which traditionally suffered from water scarcity and indeed started to cause water shortage in those countries in which traditionally water resources availability was consistent. In this respect the drought that occurred in Italy in summer 2017, proved the vulnerability of the Country and challenged water service providers in supplying high quality water and matching water demand with resource availability. This issue is particularly crucial in Italy, where there is a lack of investments in infrastructures and water facilities and an efficient management of water services is still far from being implemented. In recent years, the reports by the National Authority (ARERA) highlighted the urgent need for investments in new infrastructures and in maintenance of the existing ones and pushed towards the optimization of service operation. Due to ever stringent budget constraints and lack of financial resources, it is of primary importance to identify top priorities in ranking investments which accounts for service cost minimization, service quality maximization and environmental cost minimization. In this paper we propose an innovative theoretical valuation framework and implement a multi-criteria approach to support investment decisions in the water service sector. In detail we provide an AHP model to rank investments and select optimal investments in water infrastructures. Key-Words: Water service sector, Urban water management, Decision Support Systems, AHP, Water regulation, Water service, Economic evaluation of projects, Multi-criteria analysis


A learning automaton systematically updates a strategy to enhance the performance of a system output. The authors apply, a variable-structure learning automaton to achieve a best compromise solution between the economic operation and stable operation in a power system when the loads vary randomly. Both the generation cost for economic operation and the modal performance measure for stable operation of the power system are considered as performance indices for multi-objective optimal operation. In particular, it is shown that the S-model learning automata can be applied satisfactorily to the multi-objective optimisation problem to obtain the best trade-off between the conflicting objectives of economy and stability in the power system.


We have designed asynchronous standby circuits for a pager decoder which dissipate four times less power and are 40% larger in size than synchronous designs. For the total pager unit this means a 37% reduction in power dissipation for nearly no additional area. The decoder chip, which apart from the standby circuits is completely synchronous, has been fabricated and was first-time-right. Two problems had to be solved to incorporate asynchronous subcircuits in a synchronous environment: synchronization and testing. A synchronization scheme is described that allows a free intermixing of asynchronous and synchronous modules and a test strategy is proposed in which the scan test facilities in the synchronous environment are used to test the asynchronous modules. One function is prevalent in the standby circuits, namely counting. In the appendix we present the asynchronous design of a so-called loadable counter whose power consumption does not depend on its size.


We present a phase field model for coherent phase transition and its application to the self-assembled arrangement of second phase particles in coherent phase transition. The model developed here is free from the interface instability due to the contribution of chemical free energy and correctly describes elastically inhomogeneous system. It is observed that coherent misfit strain and anisotropy of elastic constants induce the interface instability that brings about the particle splitting and the self-assembled alignment of second phase particles. Their arrangement to the elastically soft direction occurs only in the system where the elastic contant of the precipitates is larger than that of the matrix phase.


For the Boom and Receptacle Air Refueling, in order to locate the spatial position of the refueling receptacle, an object locating method is developed based on Speeded-up Robust Feature (SURF) algorithm. Firstly, SURF feature vector matching algorithm is used to detect and collect suitable SURF feature points in left and right images produced by binocular stereo vision system separately. Then the point that shows the same spatial position in both left and right images can be located through process such as deleting wrong matching points and calculating the image coordinate of the target point. Finally, the three-dimensional coordinates of the target points could be rebuilt in the camera's coordinate system. According to the results of experiments, this method has good robustness and practicability.


A method for measuring head tremor and rotation in spasmodic torticollis using specially devised instrument is described in detail. Repeated measurements in ten patients with spasmodic torticollis have revealed this method to be consistently reproducible regarding both the rotation and tremor of the head. Analysis of the tremor recordings from these patients reveals basically two types of head tremor, (a) a regular tremor varying in rate from 4 to 7 cycles per second and (b) an irregular tremor which varies in frequency as well as amplitude at different times of recording. This method provides quantitative data regarding the two outstanding features of spasmodic torticollis, viz: head rotation and head tremor, and is especially suited for comparing clinical response to various forms of treatment as well as studying the natural history of this disease.


In the past several decades Building Energy Management Systems (BEMSs) have become vital components of most modern buildings. BEMSs utilize advanced microprocessor technology combined with extensive sensor data collection and communication to minimize energy consumption while maintaining high human comfort levels. When properly tuned and operated, BEMSs can provide significant energy savings. However, the complexity of the acquired sensory data and the overwhelming amount of presented information renders them difficult to adjust or even understand by responsible building managers. This inevitably results in suboptimal BEMS operation and performance. To address this issue, this paper reports on a research effort that utilizes Computational Intelligence techniques to fuse multiple heterogeneous sources of BEMS data and to extract relevant actionable information. This actionable information can then be easily understood and acted upon by responsible building managers. In particular, this paper describes the use of anomaly detection algorithms for improving the understandability of BEMS data and for increasing the state-awareness of building managers. The developed system utilizes modified nearest neighbor clustering algorithm and fuzzy logic rule extraction technique to automatically build a model of normal BEMS operations and detect possible anomalous behavior. In addition, linguistic summaries based on fuzzy set representation of the input values are generated for the detected anomalies which increase the understandability of the presented results.


Objectives: The study aimed to determine the demographics of the clients attending a primary care based tobacco cessation clinic, examine the characteristics regarding current tobacco use among clinic attendees, identify the methods associated with previous successful quit attempts and attitudes towards and perceptions regarding the role of pharmacotherapy in tobacco cessation and determine current levels of tobacco use among attendees, reasons for successes and relapses, satisfaction with the service provided and suggestions for improvement. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Arima Health Facility during the period March 1st to June 30th 2013 using both quantitative and qualitative measures. Results: A total of 31 patients were interviewed during the study period. Amongst smokers who tried to quit cigarette smoking in the past, Willpower (n = 11) was cited as the most common method that assisted in smoking cessation. However, amongst clinic attendees the most popular perceived methods for promoting tobacco cessation amongst respondents was joining a Tobacco Cessation clinic (n = 23), followed by Quitting on your own (n = 13) and seeing a Physician (n = 8). Significant gaps in knowledge exist regarding the role and availability of pharmacologic agents in promoting tobacco cessation, 22.6% of respondents were not using tobacco at the time of the study and 96.7% of all patients attending this clinic would recommend it to a friend or co-worker who is trying to quit using tobacco. Conclusion: This study highlights the knowledge, attitudes, practices, perceptions and expectations of clients accessing care at this tobacco cessation clinic in order to obtain a better understanding of the demographics of the clients and provide feedback on what is being done to date. It is hoped that the baseline findings of this study will serve a useful purpose for improving the quality of care by addressing deficiencies in knowledge and meeting the expectations of the clients. The results will enable future efforts geared towards assessing the effectiveness of the interventions provided at this clinic.


Homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) has been identified as a promising way to increase the efficiency of the spark-ignited engine, while maintaining low emissions. The challenge with HCCI combustion is excessive pressure rise rate, quantified here with Ringing Intensity. Turbocharging enables increased dilution of the charge and thus a reduction of the Ringing Intensity. The engine used is an SI four cylinder base with 2.2\emph{L} displacement and is equipped with a turbocharger. Combustion phasing control is achieved with individual intake/ exhaust cam phasing. Fuel injection with spray guided design is used. Cycle resolved combustion state is monitored and used for controlling the engine either in closed or open loop where balancing of cylinder to cylinder variations has to be done to run the engine at high HCCI load. When load is increased the NOx levels rise, the engine is then run in stoichiometric HCCI mode to be able to use a simple three-way catalyst. The fuel used is 95 RON pump gasoline and injection strategies are evaluated in order to maintain low soot levels and high efficiency. Limitations and benefits on operating range are examined between 1000 and 3000 rpm. This paper investigates how to extend the HCCI range and how to reduce the high pressure rise rate with: increased boost from turbocharging, external EGR and different injection strategies. A higher boost pressure was found to extend the load range. It is shown that the limitation from high RI, NOx or soot is not the same in all engine speed and load points. By turbocharging the engine in HCCI mode there is greater flexibility to increase the range of practical operating points. (Less)


Over two dozen global atmospheric chemistry models contributing to the Aerosol Comparisons between Observations and Models (AeroCom) project were used in this study to drive the Los Alamos sea ice model to simulate the black carbon (BC) concentration in melting snow on Arctic sea ice. Measurements of BC during the melting season show concentrations in the range 2.8–41.6 ng•g−1 (average: 15.3 ng•g−1) in the central Arctic Ocean and Canada Basin. Most results from models contributing to the Phase I project were within the 25th and 75th percentiles of the observations, and the multimodel mean was slightly lower than that of the observations. In contrast, there was larger divergence among the Phase II model simulations and the mean value of BC was overestimated. The multimodel mean bias was −3.1 (−11.2 to +6.7) ng•g−1 for Phase I models and +3.9 (−9.5 to +21.3) ng•g−1 for Phase II models. The differences between the models of the two phases were probably attributable to the updated aerosol scheme in the new contributions, in which removal processes are parameterized by considering the actual dimensions and chemical compositions of the particles. This means the removal mechanism acts in a way that is more selective and leads to more BC particles being transported to the Arctic. In addition, higher spatial resolution could be another important reason for overestimation of BC concentration in snow in Phase II models. Citation:Pan S F, Duan M K. Large spread across AeroCom Phase II models in simulating black carbon in melting snow over Arctic sea ice. Adv Polar Sci, 2020, 31(4): 289-296, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2020.0026


Direct measurements of Single vibronic Level InterSystem Crossing (SLISC) have been performed on the fluorenone molecule in the gas phase, by time resolved photoelectron and photoion spectroscopy. Vibronic transitions above the S1 nπ* origin were excited in the 432-420 nm region and the decay of S1 and growth of T1(3)ππ* could be observed within a 10 ns time domain. The ionization potential is measured as 8.33 ± 0.04 eV. The energy of the first excited triplet state of fluorenone, T1 has been characterized directly at 18 640 ± 250 cm(-1). The internal conversion of S1 to S0 is found to amount to ∼15% of the population decay, thus ISC is the dominant electronic relaxation process. ISC, although favored by the S1(1)nπ*-T1(3)ππ* coupling scheme, is 3 orders of magnitude less efficient than in the similar molecule benzophenone. Thus, the planarity of the fluorenone molecule disfavors the exploration of the configuration space where surface crossings would create high ISC probability, which occurs in benzophenone through surface crossings. The time evolution of S1 fluorenone is well accounted for by the statistical decay of individual levels into a quasi-continuum of T1 vibronic levels.