In previous papers surface dispersion data have been combined with the results of deep seismic refraction data to derive a regionalization of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system and to investigate the presence of significant heterogeneity down to depths of 350 km along two profiles in the North European Fennoscandian area; a regionalized upper mantle model for the whole area down to more than 400 km is given as cross sections. We have extended that approach to North America. The older part of the shield shows lid thickness up to more than 100 km with, if any, weak shear velocity contrast to the underlying layer. The surrounding areas are characterized by a thinner lid; a stronger low-velocity zone to lid contrast may be found in peripheral areas. A map of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system has been derived, permitting a better regional resolution of the shear-wave velocity distribution with depth beneath different regions of North America. The correlation between the lithosphere-asthenosphere system structure and other geophysical data is commented as well as the results for North America and those obtained for the corresponding North European area, in order to outline the geophysical characteristics of shield areas that might give useful constraints for the geodynamic behaviour of the plates to which they belong.


Loudness recruitment, an abnormally rapid growth of perceived loudness with sound level, is a common symptom of sensorineural hearing loss. Following acoustic trauma, auditory-nerve rate responses are reduced, and rate grows more slowly with sound level, which seems inconsistent with recruitment (Heinz et al., However, rate-level functions (RLFs) in the central nervous system may increase in either slope or saturation value following trauma (e.g., Salvi et al., Hear. Res. 147:261–274, 2000), suggesting that recruitment may arise from central changes. In this paper, we studied RLFs of neurons in ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) of the cat after acoustic trauma. Trauma did not change the general properties of VCN neurons, and the usual VCN functional classifications remained valid (chopper, primary-like, onset, etc.). After trauma, non-primary-like neurons, most noticeably choppers, exhibited elevated maximum discharge rates and steeper RLFs for frequencies at and near best frequency (BF). Primary-like neurons showed the opposite changes. To relate the neurons' responses to recruitment, rate-balance functions were computed; these show the sound level required to give equal rates in a normal and a traumatized ear and are analogous to loudness balance functions that show the sound levels giving equal perceptual loudness in the two ears of a monaurally hearing-impaired person. The rate-balance functions showed recruitment-like steepening of their slopes in non-primary-like neurons in all conditions. However, primary-like neurons showed recruitment-like behavior only when rates were sum-mated across neurons of all BFs. These results suggest that the non-primary-like, especially chopper, neurons may be the most peripheral site of the physiological changes in the brain that underlie recruitment.


SUMMARY The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of cuboidal cells that lies in close association with the rod and cone photoreceptors. This epithelium has diverse features, three of which are discussed in some detail in this review, namely the daily phagocytosis of rod and cone outer segment fragments that are shed from their distal ends; the uptake, processing, transport and release of vitamin A (retinol) and some of its visual cycle intermediates (retinoids); and some of the aspects of its apical and basolateral membrane polarity that are the reverse of most other epithelia. Phagocytosis takes place at the apical surface via membrane receptor-mediated processes that are not yet well defined. Retinol uptake occurs at both the basolateral and apical surfaces by what appear to be separate receptor-mediated processes. The release of a crucial retinoid, 11-cis retinaldehyde (11-cis retinal), occurs solely across the apical membrane. Delivery of retinol across the basolateral membrane is mediated by a retinol binding protein (RBP) that is secreted by the liver as a complex with retinol (vitamin A). Within the cell, retinol and its derivatives are solubilized by intracellular retinoid binding proteins that are selective for retinol (cellular retinol binding protein, CRBP) and 11-cis retinoids (cellular retinal binding protein, CRALBP). Release of 11-cis retinal across the apical membrane and re-uptake of retinol from the photoreceptors during the visual cycle is promoted by an intercellular retinoid binding protein (IRBP). Na,K-ATPase, the membrane-integrated enzyme required to set up the ion gradients that drive other ion transporters, is largely localized to the apical membrane. This is the reverse of most epithelia. The RPE expresses the enveloped viral G protein and hemagglutinin on its basolateral and apical surface, respectively and does not appear to possess a general scheme for reversal of memrane protein polarity. Therefore possible alternative mechanisms for this reversal in Na,K-ATPase polarity are discussed. They include unique domains in the primary amino acid sequence of Na,K-ATPase subunits, cytoskeletal elements and components of the extracellular matrix. The precise mechanism remains unresolved.


We describe the microfabrication and use of elastomeric and rigid two-level microfluidic networks (µFNs), made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) or Si, for patterning surfaces. The first level corresponds to microchannels and the second to via holes through the µFNs serving as filling and venting ports. µFNs in PDMS are manufactured using a `sandwich' replication from a microfabricated four inch mold structured with SU-8 photoresist, which is planarized by mechanical polishing. µFNs in Si are microfabricated using deep reactive ion etching. Both types of µFNs can be positioned onto a substrate, creating sealed microchannels, filled with different liquids, flushed, removed and reused. These two-level µFNs allow us to access the ports from the rear, minimize interchannel crosstalk, and are economic of solutions. The channels are made wettable so that the liquids can flow spontaneously into the conduits, but stop at the venting ports. The sealing of the conduits usually requires that either the µFN or the substrate be soft. A strategy for using hard two-level µFNs, in Si, for patterning hard substrates is presented: despite voids in-between the µFN and the substrate, a water-based solution can be guided by hydrophilic microchannels over a hydrophobic surface. Adjusting the wetting properties of the various surfaces is key to preventing undesired spreading of solutions. We illustrate our concepts by micromolding colored photocurable polymers on glass and patterning proteins as lines on a polystyrene surface.}


Diabetes mellitus, a multifactorial disorder, is related to the intestinal microbiota via numerous molecular mechanisms. The vast increase in the prevalence of diabetes and its associated complications requires a natural and safe solution. There is a growing evidence of gut microbiota effi ciency in improving insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and metabolic complications in diabetic patients. Probiotics are defi ned as live microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, exert health benefi ts to the host. Probiotics can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce autoimmune responses by modulating intestinal microbiota and decreasing the infl ammatory reactions and oxidative stress. Recent evidences show that the intestinal microbiota infl uences the host through modulating intestinal permeability and mucosal immune response, manipulating eating behaviors by appetite-regulating hormones, including agouti related protein (AgRP), glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and neuropeptide Y, and controlling gut endocannabinoid (eCB) system which is now believed to be associated with infl ammation and diabetes. Moreover, intestinal microbiota control the host metabolism by affecting energy extraction from food and by biochemically converting molecules derived from the host or from gut microbes themselves. Experimental studies and clinical trials support the hypothesis that the modulation of the intestinal microbiota by probiotics, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may be effective in prevention and management of diabetes. This review will highlight the current evidences in probiotic effectiveness and future prospects for exploring probiotic therapy in prevention and control of diabetes.


The infection of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have caused more than 150,000 deaths, but no vaccine or specific therapeutic antibody is currently available. SARS-CoV-2 relies on its spike protein, in particular the receptor binding domain (RBD), to bind human cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for viral entry, and thus targeting RBD holds the promise for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this work, a competitive biopanning strategy of a phage display antibody library was applied to screen blocking antibodies against RBD. High-affinity antibodies were enriched after the first round using a standard panning process in which RBD-His recombinant protein was immobilized as a bait. At the next two rounds, immobilized ACE2-Fc and free RBD-His proteins were mixed with the enriched phage antibodies. Antibodies binding to RBD at epitopes different from ACE2-binding site were captured by the immobilized ACE2-Fc, forming a "sandwich" complex. Only antibodies competed with ACE2 for recognizing RBD at the same or similar epitopes can bind to the free RBD-His in the supernatant and be subsequently separated by the Ni-NTA magnetic beads. Top 1 lead from the competitive biopanning of a synthetic antibody library, Lib AB1, was produced as the full-length IgG1 format. It was proved to competitively block the binding of RBD to ACE2 protein, and potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection of ACE2-overexpressing Hela cells with IC50 values of 12nM. Nevertheless, top 1 lead from the standard biopanning of Lib AB1, can only bind to RBD in vitro but not have the blocking or neutralization activity. Our strategy can efficiently isolate the blocking antibodies of RBD, and it would speed up the discovery of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.


Cycloserine is a WHO group B drug for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data for cycloserine when dosed as terizidone are sparse. The aim of this analysis was to describe the population pharmacokinetics of cycloserine when administered as terizidone and predict the doses of terizidone attaining cycloserine exposures associated with efficacy. The plasma cycloserine level was measured 2 to 6 weeks after treatment initiation in patients hospitalized for second-line tuberculosis treatment. ABSTRACT Cycloserine is a WHO group B drug for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data for cycloserine when dosed as terizidone are sparse. The aim of this analysis was to describe the population pharmacokinetics of cycloserine when administered as terizidone and predict the doses of terizidone attaining cycloserine exposures associated with efficacy. The plasma cycloserine level was measured 2 to 6 weeks after treatment initiation in patients hospitalized for second-line tuberculosis treatment. The pretreatment MICs of cycloserine were determined for the clinical isolates. We enrolled 132 participants with rifampicin-resistant TB; 79 were HIV positive. The median pretreatment MIC was 16 mg/liter. A one-compartment disposition model with two clearance pathways, nonrenal (0.35 liters/h) and renal (0.43 liters/h), described cycloserine pharmacokinetics well. Nonrenal clearance and the volume of distribution were allometrically scaled using fat-free mass. Smoking increased nonrenal clearance by 41%. Simulations showed that with daily doses of terizidone (750 mg and 1,000 mg for patients weighing ≤45 kg and >45 kg, respectively), the probability of maintaining the plasma cycloserine concentration above the MIC for more than 30% of the dosing interval (30% T>MIC) (which is associated with a 1.0-log10-CFU/ml kill in vitro) exceeded 90% at MIC values of ≤16 mg/liter, but the proportion of patients achieving 100% T>MIC (which is associated with the prevention of resistance) was more than 90% only at MICs of ≤8 mg/liter. Based on a target derived in vitro, the WHO-recommended doses of terizidone are effective for cycloserine MICs of ≤8 mg/liter, and higher doses are required to prevent the development of resistance.


Background: Nanocarriers of different materials are being developed to improve their efficacy in various current treatments. We propose to use xylitol to establish a novel nano-immunotherapy administered sublingually to bring the different molecular compounds directly in contact with the immune cells located in the oropharyngeal mucosa. The ultra-low doses allow to avoid any side effects and to have a very regulatory impact on various signaling pathways in the cell. This is of course also valid for viruses, where genes and molecules responsible for their virulence can also be the subject of the same type of regulation. This manuscript presents a case of a close relationship between a chronic inflammatory rheumatism, in this case ankylosing spondylitis, and a virus of the Parvoviridae family, the well-known Parvovirus B19.
Methods and Findings: To reach our objective of immunogenetic regulation, we act first at the epigenetic level by introducing microRNAs in our formulas, in order to use their formidable post-transcriptional regulatory potential. In application of the rules of Hormesis, the ultra-low doses used in our formulas will allow a fine tuning of the post-transcriptional regulatory action of micro-RNAs, and thus promote a true modulation of the corresponding gene expression. As in the description of the clinical case, the approach of the BI(G)MED is holistic i.e. globalizing, seeking to identify the various actors involved in the development of a chronic disease, starting of course with different types of well-known microorganisms. This therapeutic approach obviously requires a very rigorous preliminary diagnostic procedure, which will allow to support the treatment with precise biological data. Thus, in the clinical case presented, the demonstration of a reactivation of parvovirus B19 and the neutralization of the latter by an appropriate therapy has made it possible to stabilize the evolution of a formidable chronic disease and to significantly improve its medium-term prognosis.
Conclusions: The description of this clinical case makes it possible to highlight not only the density of the interactive processes taking place in our cells, but also their tremendous potential for self-regulation, provided that the latter is the subject of an appropriate therapeutic approach i.e. biomimetic. This is the condition to ensure the return to an effective cellular homeostasis.


Purpose

This paper aims to advocate the need for educational leadership to understand and consider the immediate role and challenges associated with the unique values and characteristics of an age-diverse population and their impact on teaching and the facilitation of learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the review of the generational and diversity literatures and related organizational best practices to identify key definitions and empirical findings and to develop recommendations which can be deployed in future research and practice in different types of organizational settings.

Findings

This paper provides insights into how organizational leaders can promote a multicultural environment that leverages multi-generational differences. Also, the present study offers innovative pedagogical approaches that can help better prepare future business leaders for these challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The study attempts to reignite the debate through a detailed review that describes the current understanding of generational differences among four generational cohorts. Given the research approach, the recommendations may lack generalizability.

Practical implications

This paper advocates the need to understand generational differences to manage the challenges associated with differences in attitudes, values and preferences regarding leadership, human resource practices and organizational change initiatives.

Social implications

Organizations which create environments that are value-based and that support divergent views and values of each of the cohorts, create a positive outcome for both the organization and its employees.

Originality/value

This paper enhances knowledge and understanding at the theoretical and practical levels, enabling business leaders and faculty to gain insight regarding the generational differences and unique characteristics of four organizational workgroups – Veterans, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y.


Ideology constitutes a roadmap for the operations of viable political parties in a democratic society. It is the most outstanding yardstick for differentiating amongst political parties in a multi-party democracy. The enthronement of civilian rule in May 1999 heralded the proliferation of political parties which are either ideologically sterile or indistinguishable in Nigeria. This tendency is often associated with the urge to widen the political space for democratic opportunities and development. Nonetheless, this paper argued that the multiplication of such parties in Nigeria is essentially driven by insatiable pursuit of private material interest of their members. Thus, anchoring analysis within the paradigmatic orientation of the Marxist Political Economy, the paper examined the role of private material interest on the proliferation of non-ideology-based political parties in the country. Amongst other things, the paper recommended that the formation of parties and political contestations should be defined purely by political ideology.


Diffractaic acid (DA) is a naturally occurring depside derivative found in several lichen species. It has a wide range of important biological effects such as analgesic and antiviral properties, although its cytotoxic, cytogenetic and oxidative effects have not been investigated in human blood tissue yet. Therefore, increasing concentrations (1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mgL-1) of DA was added into human whole blood cultures. 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess the cell viability and/or cytotoxicity and genotoxic damage potential of DA using chromosome aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests were performed. In addition, oxidative alterations were determined by the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) assays. The results revealed that DA reduced cell viability at higher concentrations than 50 mgL-1. The all tested concentrations of DA were non-genotoxic. In vitro treatments with DA led to increases of TAC levels in the cultured blood cells without changing the TOS levels as compared to the control group. Consequently, DA exhibited a significant non-mutagenic and antioxidant potential in vitro.


This paper empirically compares nine image dissimilarity measures that are based on distributions of color and texture features summarizing over 1,000 CPU hours of computational experiments. Ground truth is collected via a novel random sampling scheme for color and via an image partitioning method for texture. Quantitative performance evaluations are given for classification, image retrieval, and segmentation tasks, and for a wide variety of dissimilarity measures. It is demonstrated how the selection of a measure, based on large scale evaluation, substantially improves the quality of classification, retrieval, and unsupervised segmentation of color and texture images.


Scaling anonymity networks offers unique security challenges, as attackers can exploit differing views of the network's topology to perform epistemic and route capture attacks. Anonymity networks in practice, such as Tor, have opted for security over scalability by requiring participants to share a globally consistent view of all relays to prevent these kinds of attacks. Such an approach requires each user to maintain up-to-date information about every relay, causing the total amount of data each user must download every epoch to scale linearly with the number of relays. As the number of clients increases, more relays must be added to provide bandwidth, further exacerbating the total load on the network. In this work, we present Walking Onions, a set of protocols improving scalability for anonymity networks. Walking Onions enables constant-size scaling of the information each user must download in every epoch, even as the number of relays in the network grows. Furthermore, we show how relaxing the clients' bandwidth growth from constant to logarithmic can enable an outsized improvement to relays' bandwidth costs. Notably, Walking Onions offers the same security properties as current designs that require a globally consistent network view. We present two protocol variants. The first requires minimal changes from current onion-routing systems. The second presents a more significant design change, thereby reducing the latency required to establish a path through the network while providing better forward secrecy than previous such constructions. We implement and evaluate Walking Onions in a simulated onion-routing anonymity network modelled after Tor, and validate that Walking Onions indeed offers significant scalability improvements for networks at or above the size of the current Tor network.


Surk, made from buttermilk, whey or fresh white cheese produced from raw milk adding some spices, namely thyme and hot pepper, etc., is a traditional Turkish cheese. In this research, three different surk cheeses were produced with thyme, hot pepper and their mixture and were examined for microbiological, physicochemical and organoleptic properties. The log counts per gram of the surk cheeses for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophs, lypolytic bacteria, proteolytic organisms, coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, enterococci, yeasts and moulds as well as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were determined. The pH value, titratable acidity%, total solid%, fat%, fat/TS%, total nitrogen%, protein%, water-soluble nitrogen%, ripening index, NaCl% and NaCI/TS were analysed. Although differences between the organoleptic characteristics of surk samples were not statistically significant, the surk sample produced with pepper had the most acceptable organoleptic characteristics.


The sustainability of bio-based products, especially when compared with fossil based products, must be assured. The life cycle approach has proven to be a promising way to analyze the social, economic and environmental impacts of bio-based products along the whole value chain. Until now, however, the social aspects have been under-investigated in comparison to environmental and economic aspects. In this context, the present paper aims to identify the main social impact categories and indicators that should be included in a social sustainability assessment of bio-based products, with a focus on the consumers' category. To identify which social categories and indicators are most relevant, we carry out a literature review on existing social life cycle studies; this is followed by a focus group with industrial experts and academics. Afterwards, we conduct semi-structured interviews with some consumer representatives to understand which social indicators pertaining to consumers are perceived as relevant. Our findings highlight the necessity for the development and dissemination of improved frameworks capable of exploiting the consumers' role in the ongoing process of market uptake of bio-based products. More specifically, this need regards the effective inclusion of some social indicators (i.e., end users' health and safety, feedback mechanisms, transparency, and end-of-life responsibility) in the social life cycle assessment scheme for bio-based products. This would allow consumers, where properly communicated, to make more informed and aware purchasing choices, therefore having a flywheel effect on the market diffusion of a bio-based product.


A vision system for automated parts inspection is proposed. The system is equipped with learning capabilities such that it automatically selects from a set of sample parts a minimum, but effective inspection region within the camera's field of view for parts discrimination. A binary template is formed within the inspection region which is then used for parts inspection by template matching. The inspection speed is enhanced by keeping the inspection region small and by making the matching task uncomplicated. A simple learning algorithm based on statistical pattern recognition theory is employed, which only requires the system to be taught by a training set of good and defective parts without specific defect identification or location. The system is applicable to most 2-D industrial parts inspection.


A new chromogenic substrate for laccases and peroxidases, 1,8-diaminonapthalene, was used to detect phenoloxidase activity in gels after SDS-PAGE. This substrate has several advantages over other widely used phenoloxidase stains in that it is inexpensive, and the oxidized product has both high molar absorptivity and very low solubility. Furthermore, neither the substrate nor the product is known to have toxicity problems of the type associated with many other phenoloxidase stains. The sensitivity of detection using 1,8-diaminonapthalene was comparable to that obtained using the most sensitive stains commonly used for phenoloxidases, e.g., 3,3-diaminobenzidine, and was close to that attainable for protein detection using silver staining. Zymograms developed with 1,8-diaminonapthalene can be used with video densitometry to monitor the specific enzymatic activity of phenoloxidases during enzyme purification.


Quaternions have been a popular tool in 3D computer graphics for more than 20 years. However, classical quaternions are restricted to the representation of rotations, whereas in graphical applications we typically work with rotation composed with translation (i.e., a rigid transformation). Dual quaternions represent rigid transformations in the same way as classical quaternions represent rotations. In this paper we show how to generalize established techniques for blending of rotations to include all rigid transformations. Algorithms based on dual quaternions are computationally more efficient than previous solutions and have better properties (constant speed, shortest path and coordinate invariance). For the specific example of skinning, we demonstrate that problems which required considerable research effort recently are trivial to solve using our dual quaternion formulation. However, skinning is only one application of dual quaternions, so several further promising research directions are suggested in the paper.


Bacteria come in an array of shapes and sizes, but the mechanisms underlying diverse morphologies are poorly understood. The peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall is the primary determinant of cell shape. At the molecular level, much of the studied morphological variation results from the regulation of PG synthesis enzymes involved in elongation and division. These enzymes are spatially controlled by cytoskeletal scaffolding proteins, such as FtsZ, MreB, and DivIVA, that both recruit and organize the PG synthesis complex. How then do cells define alternative morphogenic processes that are distinct from cell elongation and division? To address this question, we have turned to the specific morphotype of Alphaproteobacterial prosthecae, or "stalks". Stalk synthesis is a specialized form of zonal growth, which requires PG synthesis in a spatially constrained zone to extend a thin cylindrical projection of the cell envelope. The morphogen SpmX defines the site of stalk PG synthesis, but SpmX is a PG hydrolase. How then does a non-cytoskeletal protein, SpmX, define and constrain PG synthesis to form stalks? Here we report that SpmX and the bactofilin BacA act in concert to regulate stalk synthesis in Asticcacaulis biprosthecum. We show that SpmX acts to recruit BacA to the site of stalk synthesis. BacA then serves as a stalk-specific topological organizer that anchors the PG synthesis complex, including its recruiter SpmX, to the base of the stalk, where stalk PG synthesis occurs. In the absence of BacA, cells produce "pseudostalks" that are the result of unconstrained PG synthesis correlated with the mislocalization of SpmX. Finally, we show that BacA is required to inhibit the default function of PG synthesis machinery in cell elongation/division and to prevent DNA entry at the site of stalk synthesis defined by SpmX. Therefore, the protein responsible for recruitment of a morphogenic PG remodeling complex is uncoupled from the protein that topologically organizes the complex.


Preventing future crime has become an increasingly dominant function of the criminal law of many liberal democracies. This "preventive turn" has led to a profound debate on the legal and ethical boundaries of the "preventive state." However, the concept at the core of preventive justice—the dangerousness of the offender—has attracted relatively little attention in the current debate. This is remarkable, as the legal establishment of dangerousness permits intrusive preventive measures, such as preventive detention for an indeterminate period of time. In the past, various concepts of dangerousness have been developed by criminal law scholars. We discuss these concepts in a chronological order to demonstrate how the meaning of dangerousness has evolved over time, and how it has been shaped by concurrent developments in forensic psychiatry and penology. Our description of the state of the art of legal scholarship on the concept of dangerousness also shows the lack of a fully developed theory of dangerousness, and therefore the necessity of further research. We identify five "aspects" of the concept of dangerousness on which scholars have widely diverging views. These five aspects are intended to guide further research on the concept of dangerousness in preventive criminal law.


Background Expensive optoelectronic systems, considered the gold standard, require a laboratory environment and the attachment of markers, and they are therefore rarely used in everyday clinical practice. Two-dimensional (2D) human pose estimations for clinical purposes allow kinematic analyses to be carried out via a camera-based smartphone app. Since clinical specialists highly depend on the validity of information, there is a need to evaluate the accuracy of 2D pose estimation apps. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the accuracy of the 2D pose estimation of a mobility analysis app (Lindera-v2), using the PanopticStudio Toolbox data set as a reference standard. The study aimed to assess the differences in joint angles obtained by 2D video information generated with the Lindera-v2 algorithm and the reference standard. The results can provide an important assessment of the adequacy of the app for clinical use. Methods To evaluate the accuracy of the Lindera-v2 algorithm, 10 video sequences were analyzed. Accuracy was evaluated by assessing a total of 30,000 data pairs for each joint (10 joints in total), comparing the angle data obtained from the Lindera-v2 algorithm with those of the reference standard. The mean differences of the angles were calculated for each joint, and a comparison was made between the estimated values and the reference standard values. Furthermore, the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error, and symmetric mean absolute percentage error of the 2D angles were calculated. Agreement between the 2 measurement methods was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC[A,2]). A cross-correlation was calculated for the time series to verify whether there was a temporal shift in the data. Results The mean difference of the Lindera-v2 data in the right hip was the closest to the reference standard, with a mean value difference of –0.05° (SD 6.06°). The greatest difference in comparison with the baseline was found in the neck, with a measurement of –3.07° (SD 6.43°). The MAE of the angle measurement closest to the baseline was observed in the pelvis (1.40°, SD 1.48°). In contrast, the largest MAE was observed in the right shoulder (6.48°, SD 8.43°). The medians of all acquired joints ranged in difference from 0.19° to 3.17° compared with the reference standard. The ICC values ranged from 0.951 (95% CI 0.914-0.969) in the neck to 0.997 (95% CI 0.997-0.997) in the left elbow joint. The cross-correlation showed that the Lindera-v2 algorithm had no temporal lag. Conclusions The results of the study indicate that a 2D pose estimation by means of a smartphone app can have excellent agreement compared with a validated reference standard. An assessment of kinematic variables can be performed with the analyzed algorithm, showing only minimal deviations compared with data from a massive multiview system.


Litter and microbes are key drivers of nutrient cycles, particularly in arid ecosystems where decomposition rates are low. Locust control in arid regions represents a potentially important hazard to microbes, because local taxa are unlikely to have adapted to pesticide exposure and operations often occur during times of high microbial activity. We monitored the response of aboveground litter decomposition and soil bacteria functional diversity to aerial applications of fipronil (a chemical pesticide) barrier treatments and Metarhizium acridum (a fungal biopesticide) blanket treatments. Decomposition was monitored over 2 years (before and after treatments) using a replicated litter-bag experiment, whereas changes in bacteria functional diversity were measured over 1 month. Analysis of litter mass loss indicated there were no pesticide treatment effects relative to control. Less litter decomposed in small than large mesh bags, and less litter decomposed during the second year of the study. Litter had higher mean nitrogen (N) and carbon (C), and a lower C:N ratio, during the first year of the study. In contrast, within-treatment site analysis revealed a significant increase in litter mass remaining in bags at M. acridum-treated subsites. However, these values were only 4% different from control sites, suggesting that the effect detected may not be biologically significant. There appeared to be no pesticide treatment effect on bacterial community functional diversity and no significant temporal variation. The lack of large-scale pesticide treatment effects suggests that arid zone fungi and bacteria are resilient to such disturbances. Differences in decomposition was explained by differences in the activity of arthropods and in the shade provided by the two mesh sizes, and an annual decline could be attributed to lower litter C and N content and lower annual rainfall in Year 2. Results show the temporal variation possible in decomposition and microbe community measures in arid systems.


Introduction: The optimal clinical setting and cell product characteristics for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in multiple myeloma (MM) are uncertain. In CLL patients treated with anti-CD19 CAR T cells (CART19), prevalence of an early memory (early-mem) T cell phenotype (CD27+ CD45RO- CD8+) at time of leukapheresis was predictive of clinical response independently of other patient- or disease-specific factors and was associated with enhanced capacity for in vitro T cell expansion and CD19-responsive activation (Fraietta et al. Nat Med 2018). T cell fitness is therefore a major determinant of response to CAR T cell therapy. In an accompanying abstract (Cohen et al.), we report that higher percentage of early-mem T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio within the leukapheresis product are associated with favorable clinical response to anti-BCMA CAR T cells (CART-BCMA) in relapsed/refractory MM. Here, we compare leukapheresis samples from MM patients obtained at completion of induction therapy (post-ind) with those obtained in relapsed/refractory (rel/ref) patients for frequency of early-mem T cells, CD4/CD8 ratio, and in vitro T cell expansion.
 Methods: Cryopreserved leukapheresis samples were analyzed for the percentage of early-mem T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio by flow cytometry and in vitro expansion kinetics during anti-CD3/anti-CD28 bead stimulation. Post-ind samples were obtained between 2007 and 2014 from previously reported MM trials in which ex-vivo-expanded autologous T cells were infused post-ASCT to facilitate immune reconstitution (NCT01245673, NCT01426828, NCT00046852); rel/ref samples were from MM patients treated in a phase-one study of CART-BCMA (NCT02546167).
 Results: The post-ind cohort includes 38 patients with median age 55y (range 41-68) and prior exposure to lenalidomide (22), bortezomib (21), dexamethasone (38), cyclophosphamide (8), vincristine (2), thalidomide (8), and doxorubicin (4); median time from first systemic therapy to leukapheresis was 152 days (range 53-1886) with a median of 1 prior line of therapy (range 1-4). The rel/ref cohort included 25 patients with median age 58y (range 44-75), median 7 prior lines of therapy (range 3-13), and previously exposed to lenalidomide (25), bortezomib (25), pomalidomide (23), carfilzomib/oprozomib (24), daratumumab (19), cyclophosphamide (25), autologous SCT (23), allogeneic SCT (1), and anti-PD1 (7). Median marrow plasma cell content at leukapheresis was lower in the post-ind cohort (12.5%, range 0-80, n=37) compared to the rel/ref cohort (65%, range 0-95%). Percentage of early-mem T cells was higher in the post-ind vs rel/ref cohort (median 43.9% vs 29.0%, p=0.001, left figure). Likewise, CD4/CD8 ratio was higher in the post-ind vs rel/ref cohort (median 2.6 vs 0.87, p<0.0001, mid figure). Magnitude of in vitro T cell expansion during manufacturing (measured as population doublings by day 9, or PDL9), which correlated with response to CART19 in CLL, was higher in post-ind vs rel/ref cohort (median PDL9 5.3 vs 4.5, p=0.0008, right figure). Pooling data from both cohorts, PDL9 correlated with both early-mem T cell percentage (Spearman's rho 0.38, multiplicity adjusted p=0.01) and CD4/CD8 ratio (Spearman's rho 0.42, multiplicity adjusted p=0.005). Within the post-ind cohort, there was no significant association between early-mem T cell percentage and time since MM diagnosis, duration of therapy, exposure to specific therapies (including cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, or lenalidomide), or bone marrow plasma cell content at time of apheresis. However, in the post-ind cohort, there was a trend of toward lower percentage early-mem phenotype (29% vs 49%, p=0.07) and lower CD4/CD8 ratio (median 1.4 vs 2.7, p=0.04) among patients who required >2 lines of therapy prior to apheresis (n=3) compared to the rest of the cohort (n=35).
 Conclusion: In MM patients, frequency of the early-mem T cell phenotype, a functionally validated biomarker of fitness for CAR T cell manufacturing, was significantly higher in leukapheresis products obtained after induction therapy compared to the relapsed/refractory setting, as was CD4/CD8 ratio and magnitude of in vitro T cell expansion. This result suggests that CAR T cells for MM would yield better clinical responses at early points in the disease course, at periods of relatively low disease burden and before exposure to multiple lines of therapy.
 Figure. Figure.

 Garfall: Novartis: Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Consultancy; Amgen: Research Funding; Bioinvent: Research Funding. Cohen:GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kite Pharma: Consultancy; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; Poseida Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding; Bristol Meyers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Fraietta:Novartis: Patents & Royalties: WO/2015/157252, WO/2016/164580, WO/2017/049166. Davis:Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Inc.: Patents & Royalties. Levine:CRC Oncology: Consultancy; Brammer Bio: Consultancy; Cure Genetics: Consultancy; Incysus: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Tmunity Therapeutics: Equity Ownership, Research Funding. Siegel:Novartis: Research Funding. Stadtmauer:Janssen: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; AbbVie, Inc: Research Funding. Vogl:Karyopharm Therapeutics: Consultancy. Milone:Novartis: Patents & Royalties. June:Tmunity Therapeutics: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Tmunity Therapeutics: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Immune Design: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Celldex: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Immune Design: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding. Melenhorst:Novartis: Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Tmunity: Research Funding; Shanghai UNICAR Therapy, Inc: Consultancy; CASI Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy.


The paper analyses the gold panning saga in Zimbabwe's mineral-rich Mashonaland West Province. It focuses on the Angwa-Pote Basin in the wake of the deteriorating economy and the land redistribution programme. Of particular interest are the ramifications of massive job losses in mining, commercial farming and urban areas on alluvial gold panning, which in many instances is the only resort for scores of embattled households. It is argued that traditional methods of checking the negative outcomes of gold panning have been rendered impotent. The discussion examines this fast evolving gold rush by positioning it within the wider national and local contexts. The contributing factors to the rise and persistence of this phenomenon are explained at length. Finally, the conclusion is made that if deeper insights into the new gold rush are to be gained more research is necessary.


Two teen-age girls died from a progressive neurological disease diagnosed at autopsy as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The presenting symptom in one patient was loss of vision; in the other, akinetic seizures. One patient lost central vision in one eye, then in the other. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed a macular lesion consisting of edema, pigmentation, and hole formation. The other patient did not have visual complaints during the illness, and retinal lesions were not demonstrated during life, except for some pallor of the optic discs. At autopsy, however, lesions of the retinas were noted. Both patients showed numerous inclusion bodies in the brain and neuronal cells of the retinas. To our knowledge, inclusion bodies previously have not been demonstrated in retinal lesions of patients with this disease.


Technology is profoundly reshaping international and domestic monetary and payment systems. Catalysts include the launch of Bitcoin in 2009, the announcement of Facebook's Libra cryptocurrency proposal and China's announcement of its Digital Yuan, both in 2019, and COVID-19 in 2020. The Ukraine invasion in 2022 has combined these pre-existing trends with geopolitics and the weaponization of digital finance. This paper analyses the geopolitical and strategic dimensions of how technology is reshaping the international monetary and payments systems. Recent developments pose major challenges for governments, policymakers and regulators. While Bitcoin and its thousands of progenies could be ignored safely by central banks as a challenge to monetary sovereignty, Facebook's proposal for Libra, the first global stablecoin, brought an immediate and potent regulatory response globally. This proposal by a private technology firm to move into the traditional preserve of sovereigns – the creation of money – was always likely to trigger both a strong regulatory response and the launch of other rival sovereign digital currencies. China moved first with its Digital Yuan (eCNY) – an initiative that has provoked a chain of central bank digital currency (CBDC) projects around the globe. In turn, COVID-19 has driven digitalization to new heights, particularly in electronic payments. Into this environment, the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the response led by Europe and the United States focusing on the weaponization of the existing international monetary and payment system, has highlighted the power of the existing Western-led monetary and payments architecture and the potential risks of dependence on that system. While China's Digital Yuan was originally developed with a mostly domestic focus, when as we expect, it is unleashed for use beyond China, we foresee it will be the catalyst for most major economies – and many others – to issue their own sovereign digital currencies, if they have not already done so, as these nations strive to retain and strengthen their own monetary and financial sovereignty through technology. Looking forward, new technologies present the possibility of building a new international monetary system, not dominated by any single monetary hegemon. While it is now possible (echoing Libra) to build a global technological framework for money and payments, under the existing framework of the IMF Articles of Agreement, we suggest – while potentially optional from the standpoint of efficiency – the geopolitics of a multipolar world coupled to the evolution of enabling technologies will result in a small number of major power / major economy CBDCs and currency areas, eliminating the historical pattern of monetary hegemony. There is a clear need to redesign systems to reduce this likelihood and support international monetary and payment arrangements as a public good.


This paper presents an empirical analysis of the linkage between external timber trade in Ghana and the increased incidence of illegal chainsaw operations which do not only threaten the country's forests and other natural resources but also the erosion of the basis for sustainable agriculture which is the main-stay of the country's economy. It uses ethnographic data from case studies of a recent research in selected forest reserves fringe communities in High Forest Zone of the country to explain the frustrations of local people with government policies that favour export to the neglect of local demand for timber and wood products. Although government pronouncements suggest that it is gaining an upper hand in the battle against illegal logging operations, evidence on the ground suggests that the greater part of the lumber on the local markets is supplied through illegal means predominated by itinerant chainsaw operators and their urban financiers . The paper concludes that the country's forest and tree resources face massive degradation and overexploitation if the government does not take a bold decision on illegal logging, especially the activities of chainsaw operators. An option, though unpalatable and politically sensitive, may be the mainstreaming of chainsaw operations through the re-introduction of limited permits to registered local groups of timber traders and their chainsaw operators to supply the domestic market. This should be under a system which enjoins such groups to be collectively responsible for the activities of their members. And, the government should also strengthen the Forestry Services Division (FSD) to design and operationalize an enhanced monitoring and surveillance system of logging activities.


Doug Wyatt was formerly a fellow scientist at the Savannah River Site, working in regional characterizations, facility siting, geotechnical and geophysical studies, and environmental characterization. Wyatt received his Ph.D. in geological sciences from the University of South Carolina and his M.S. degree in geology and geophysics from Vanderbilt University. Wyatt is currently a senior scientist and technical advisor at the National Energy Technology Laboratory.Frank Syms is currently a principal geologist at the Savannah River Site, specializing in geotechnical exploration and characterization. Frank received an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina.

During the initial characterization and engineering studies of the Savannah River Site (SRS), performed by the Corps of Engineers, numerous zones of lost circulation, grout take, and rod drop were noted in the unconsolidated coastal-plain sediments. Large foundation-grouting programs (pressure grouting) discovered that intervals of microchanneling and fracturing occurred during pumped grout programs (Aadland et al., 1995; Wyatt, 2000). Ongoing drilling activities at the SRS commonly report zones of lost circulation and rod drop, generally thought to be soft zones (Aadland et al., 1995). In many cases, rod drops and lost circulation are caused by soft zones and possible microchanneling; however, an abundance of cone penetrometer test (CPT) data, combined and correlated with borehole geophysical logs, suggests that many coastal-plain sediments may be subject to hydraulic fracturing during drilling operations. In many cases, environmental drilling contractors or rig site personnel do not routinely measure their drilling fluid pressures or weights, add pump pressures to calculations, or calculate grout pressure on key stratigraphic zones. Hydraulic fracturing may be the cause of some of the lost circulation problems in unconsolidated sediments and may cause problems if key aquitards or confining units are damaged.

Comparing and using data from CPT and geophysical data, particularly the formation multitester …


This webinar, presented on 3 July 2018, provides an overview of the progress and key lessons learnt from three major Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) trials in Australia. It covers: ARRB/ConnectEast/VicRoads development of road certification criteria for partially automated vehicles on motorways through testing of a range of vehicles equipped with traffic sign recognition, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Queensland's Connected and Automated Vehicle Initiative's C-ITS Pilot which is testing eight C-ITS use-cases on 500 vehicles on arterial and motorway roads in Ipswich. NSW Centre for Road Safety Cooperative Intelligent Transport Initiative's (CITI) project which is the first large scale evaluation of C-ITS applications in heavy vehicles. The webinar was presented by Chris Jones, Niko Limans, Samantha Taylor, Dr Miranda Blogg and John Wall.


Forgotten Voices of the Great War by Max Arthur (in association with the Imperial War Museum), (London: Ebury Press, 2002) sold over 250,000 copies and was the first of a series of fourteen forgotten voices books that used first-hand accounts from the Imperial War Museum's Sound Archive. Their commercial success spawned a raft of publications that promised to introduce readers to the authentic experiences of men and women who had survived major conflicts in the twentieth century. This thesis will argue that, while the books expose individual lives that might otherwise be overlooked, the narrative structure serves to flatten out, rather than amplify, personal testimony. The books largely fail to explore how an interviewee's experience was shaped by wider geo-political pressures or considerations of gender, rank, geography and age and how events influenced the narrator's subsequent life.

This thesis argues that, while my work has been subject to the same commercial considerations as the forgotten voices books, I have, nevertheless, developed a form of oral history that can be 'popular' but mindful of the complex intellectual demands, conundrums and opportunities of oral history. Further, I maintain that my books have made a unique contribution to the genre that has become known as 'creative non-fiction'. Analysis of my three books: Waiting for Hitler, Voices from Britain on the Brink of Invasion (London: Hodder, 2006); The Barbed-Wire University: The Real Lives of Allied Prisoners of War (London: Aurum, 2011) and Army Wives: The Women Behind the Men who Went to War (London: Aurum, 2016) shows how I achieved this in a way that honours the traditions of oral history and the individuals who take part in it.


This paper presents a methodology to design a sparse multiband ranging signal with a large virtual bandwidth, from which time delay and carrier phase are estimated by a low complexity multivariate maximum likelihood (ML) method. In the estimation model for a multipath channel, not all reflected paths are considered, and time delay and carrier phase are estimated in a step-wise manner to further reduce the computational load. By introducing a measure of dependence and a measure of bias for a multipath reflection, we analyse the bias, precision and accuracy of time delay and carrier phase estimation. Since these two indicators are determined by the signal spectrum pattern, they are used to formulate an optimization for signal design. By solving the optimization problem, only a few bands from the available signal spectrum are selected for ranging. Consequently, the designed signal only occupies a small amount of signal spectrum but has a large virtual bandwidth and can thereby still offer a high ranging precision with only a small bias, based on the low-complexity simplified ML method. Numerical and laboratory experiments are carried out to evaluate the ranging performance of the proposed estimation method based on sparsely selected signal bands. Relative positioning, in which we only measure a change in position, based on either the time delay estimates or the carrier phase estimates, is presented as a proof-of-concept for precise positioning. The results show that positioning based on only 7 out of 16 signal bands, sparsely placed in the available spectrum, achieves a decimeter level accuracy when using time delay estimates, and a millimeter level accuracy when using carrier phase estimates. Compared with the case of using all available bands, and without largely decreasing the positioning performance, the computational complexity when using the sparse multiband signal can be reduced by about 80%.


In this article, we use magnetic nanoparticles to explore the three‐dimensional natural upward force flow within a quadrangular cuboid under the influence of a sloping magnetic flux. We consider three forms of thermic conditions on the bottom surface of the cavity, such as uniform surface temperature, constant heat flux, and temperature varied parabolically in space. The Galerkin‐type finite element method is used to solve the unitless leading equations of implicit physical systems. Ferrite‐water nanofluid is the default, used to study the flow field, thermal field, and concentration field other than the regular Nusselt number. We examined the influence of many model parameters, especially the thermal Rayleigh number, volumetric nanoparticles fraction, the Hartmann number, nanoparticles formation, and the predisposition of magnetic flux. The influence of the position of the thermal flux on the lower surface of the thermal field cavity is also studied. The heat transfer rate of various magnetic nanofluids is compared. Our simulated data echoed nicely with the available experimental one. The results show that Mn‐Zn ferrite‐kerosene nanofluid exhibits advanced heat transportation more than the other nanofluids studied. For lower dimensions of aspect ratio and nanoparticle diameter, higher heat transfer is obtained. Compared with other boundary conditions studied, the uniform temperature on the bottom surface of the cuboid provides a higher heat transfer rate.


We have performed time of flight (TOF) analysis to determine the intensity of ion distribution from tin based plasma for a range of charged tin ions (Sn1+-Sn10+). A Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm with a full width at half maximum pulse duration of 5.2 ns was used to create the plasma under vacuum with a base pressure of 10−6 Torr. The plasma formation occurred on a custom made optical system, which could be rotated with respect to the detector so TOF analysis could be preformed at various angles of emission, while maintaining a normal angle of incidence for the laser pulse with respect to the target. The detector used was an energy sector analyser (ESA), which is a well-characterised diagnostic capable of measuring ion energy and discriminating by charge state. Analysis was performed on ions of various charge states, with energy/charge state ratios ranging from 3 keV to 50 eV, for angles of emission from the plasma ranging from 90 to 15 degrees.


NbPRp27 from Nicotiana benthamiana Domin. is highly similar to NtPRp27, which is a secreted protein from Nicotiana tabacum L. belonging to pathogen-inducible genes comprising the PR17 family of pathogenesis-related proteins. A collection of related genes from plants in several plant families showed that their deduced amino acid sequences clustered according to plant family. Expression of NbPRp27 was not detectable in healthy leaves or stems but was expressed at high levels in roots. Expression was induced by wounding, BTH, ethylene, methyl jasmonate, ABA and NAA, but not by drought, heat or cold stress. Expression was induced by infection with the hemibiotrophic pathogens, Colletotrichum destructivum, Colletotrichum orbiculare and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci. For infections with the Colletotrichum species, expression increased more slowly during biotrophy than necrotrophy, but the reverse was true for P. syringae pv. tabaci. Virus-induced silencing of NbPRp27 did not affect the lesion number produced by the Colletotrichum species but did reduce basal resistance to P. syringae pv. tabaci permitting higher bacterial populations. Based on sequence similarities, PRp27 proteins have been hypothesised to have protease activity and may contribute to resistance by exhibiting direct antimicrobial activity in the apoplast, releasing of antimicrobial compounds from the plant matrix or releasing elicitors from pathogens to induce resistance.


The objective of this study was to describe a sample of regular visitors to a public park, evaluate their quality of life, and compare the results. Participated a random sample of 201 individuals of both genders, and three age groups: adolescents, adults, and elders. The research took place at a public park. The instruments used were the WHOQOL-Bref, and the Socioeconomic Evaluation Scale-ABIPEME, and a questionnaire for participants description. The reasons why people visit the park are its convenience, beauty, security, and cleanliness; there they listen to music, take care of their well-being, and make friends. The elders visit the park to prevent diseases or to prevent the aggravation of a disease they suffer from; adults to prevent diseases; and adolescents for the pleasure of being at the park. The results indicated that achieving a good quality of life is related not only to an individual's economic position, but also to other elements, such as a high level of education, social acquaintances and leisure hours


Ostracism is readily detected and results in a number of negative reactions. For example, social exclusion is argued to interfere with self-regulation. Some recent work found that the negative effects of ostracism are more pronounced and prolonged in socially anxious people. Based on these findings we tested whether: (1) ostracism impairs self-regulation, and (2) such impairment persists longer in socially anxious people, as classified through the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE). In Study 1, we found that relative to included participants (nonostracized controls), ostracized participants reported higher felt ostracism and ate more unhealthy but palatable biscuits at Time 1. After a 45-minute delay, only ostracized participants with higher levels of social anxiety reported continued felt ostracism and excessive eating. Similarly, in Study 2, self-regulation was defined as consuming an unpleasant, but healthy, beverage. We again observed a pattern of prolonged regulatory impairment only for ostracized socially anxious participants. Implications for the long-term impact of the exclusion of the socially anxious are discussed, as are the limitations of relying on the FNE as the sole measure of social anxiety.


In this study, three clinopyroxene-enriched upper mantle xenoliths, petrographically classified as wehrlite, were investigated from the Nógrád–Gömör Volcanic Field with the use of X-ray microtomography. Our main goal was to quantify the volume of the glass phase and the vesicles to reveal their three-dimensional distribution. Among the studied wehrlite xenoliths, one is weakly and two are strongly metasomatized. The two latter wehrlite xenoliths are characterized by higher modal amount of glass and vesicles, which suggests a genetic connection between glass and concomitant vesicles, and the metasomatic agent. The glass, which was a melt at mantle conditions, forms an interconnected network. This may explain the presence of the electromagnetic anomaly with high electrical conductivity beneath the study area. Our study contributes to the better understanding of melt migration and its metasomatic effect in the lithospheric mantle beneath monogenetic volcanic fields.


Introduction: We sought to assess the incidence of severe neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in monochorionic twins treated for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and compare it to the incidence in uncomplicated monochorionic twins. Material and Methods: We included TTTS pregnancies treated by fetoscopic selective laser coagulation (FSLC) or umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) in 2004–2015. Primary outcome was severe NDI defined as cerebral palsy, bilateral blindness or bilateral deafness (ICD-10 diagnoses), and severe cognitive and/or motor delay (assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaires [ASQ]). Results: A total of 124 children after TTTS and 98 controls were followed up at 25 months of age (SD 11.4). Severe NDI was found in 8.9% of the TTTS children (10.5% [9/86] after FSLC; 5.3% [2/38] after UCO) compared to 3.1% in the control group (p = 0.10). The odds ratio for severe NDI was 1.8 in cases versus controls (p = 0.37). The total ASQ score was significantly lower in the TTTS group than in controls (p = 0.03) after FSLC (p = 0.03) and after UCO (p = 0.14). Discussion: Children after TTTS appear to have a higher risk of severe NDI and score significantly lower on the ASQ compared to monochorionic twins from uncomplicated pregnancies.


Pilot‐scale testing of an innovative ground water remediation technology was conducted in a source zone of a trichloroethene‐contaminated Superfund site in Tucson, Arizona. The technology is designed to enhance the removal of low‐solubility organic contaminants from heterogeneous sedimentary aquifers by using a dual‐screened vertical circulation well to inject and extract solutions containing a complexing sugar (hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin (HPCD]). Prior to initiating the pilot test, tracer tests were conducted to determine hydraulic characteristics of the vertical flow field and to evaluate trichloroethene‐elution behavior during water flushing. The pilot test involved injecting approximately 4 m3 of a 20% HPCD solution into the upper screened interval of the well and extracting from the lower screened interval. The results of the pilot test indicate that the cyclodextrin solution increased the rate of trichloroethene removal from the aquifer. The concentrations of trichloroethene in the ground water extracted from the lower screened interval of the well increased by a factor of three (∼750 μg/L) in the presence of the cyclodextrin pulse, compared to concentrations obtained during previous water flushing (∼250 μg/L). Furthermore, the concentration of trichloroethene in water collected from the circulation well under static conditions was reduced to 6% of the levels measured prior to the test.


This article examines the relationship between the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and learning and teaching, particularly in distance education contexts. We argue that environmental changes (societal, educational, and technological) make it necessary to adapt systems and practices that are no longer appropriate. The need to adapt, however, can be perceived as being technology-led and primarily concerned with requiring academic staff to develop their skills in using ICT. We provide a critique of continuing professional development (CPD) for using ICT in teaching and learning that does not entail examining the impact of environmental changes upon the assumptions, goals, and strategies which underlie and shape an organisation's educational practices. In particular, we oppose CPD that concentrates on the individual teacher and their use of ICT. Instead, we contend that professional development should focus upon the scholarship of teaching and learning, and must also reflect the wider organisational context within which ICT is managed and used.


With the onset of the age of space travel, asteroid missions have been steadily gaining interest. The pristine
nature of asteroids due to their preserved state since the formation of the Solar System is an opportunity
to unravel many mysteries about the Solar System. Also with the ever-growing need for resources, asteroids
prove to be a plentiful source. With the discovery of asteroids in the close vicinity of our planet and a probable
threat to the preservation of life, a need for defence missions has also arisen. With many successful missions
like NEAR to Eros, Rosetta to Comet 67P, Hayabusa to Itokawa, Hayabusa 2 to Ryugu, OSIRIS-REx to Bennu,
etc., the requirement of precise navigation with autonomous guidance and control for future missions has
been established.
The ever-growing need for better computational speed and accuracy has led to the development of new
representations for attitude and position of the spacecraft in the past. The usual methods of representations
of position and attitude (pose) are the Cartesian coordinates and quaternions. A recent development is the simultaneous representation of the pose of the spacecraft using dual quaternions which are eight-dimensional
vectors. As of February 2019, a variety of missions using dual quaternions for relative navigation, rendezvous
and docking, entry, descent and landing have been conceptualised. Recent studies have narrowed down from
the existing guidance algorithms to, Successive Convexification and Sampling Based Model Predictive Optimisation, as future prospects for autonomous guidance of missions. These missions are limited by the lack of
instantaneous ground control due to operations at very far distances from Earth.
In this thesis, an attempt to incorporate these state-of-the-art guidance technologies to asteroid missions
has been made. The novelty in this thesis is, using dual quaternions for SC pose and attitude representation
to autonomously guide the spacecraft for mapping an asteroid and perform a touch and go descent using
sampling-based motion predictive optimisation and successive convexification respectively. To achieve this
objective, this thesis first browses through past missions to establish the requirements of a mission to asteroids. Then it explores the augmented algebra of dual numbers and their application in the concept of dual
quaternions. It then works towards establishing the dynamics and kinematics in the asteroid centred rotating
frame using dual quaternions along with modelling the environment around the asteroids. This thesis delves
into the method of convex optimisation to present its existing algorithms and develop a dynamic successive
convex optimisation method to achieve better results as compared to the method developed by Mao et al.
(2016). The thesis establishes the initialisation of a sampling-based model predictive optimisation method
for autonomous mapping of a target asteroid.
After the development and verification of these algorithms, different scenarios have been designed to
find out the robustness of the dynamic successive convexification method. The scenarios have been run by
both the Cartesian quaternion and dual quaternion based algorithms. They are found to behave similarly
in their results, besides the latter being computationally more expensive as proved by different theses so
far. The algorithm performs better than the one developed by Szmuk et al. (2017), but faces difficulties with
badly scaled problems as is the nature of missions to asteroids. The software used for the thesis is ECOS,
which faces numerical problems in these mission scenarios even when the problem is feasible and has an
optimal result. The availability of a solution to the optimal control problem depends on the scaling of the
penalty weights used in the cost function to penalise virtual controls and trust region, which are used to
prevent infeasibility and bound the problem, respectively. It also depends on finding an appropriate final
time for the descent along with the number of nodes for discretisation. This research proves, that successive
convexification indeed provides a speedy solution for an autonomous precision descent but needs further
work to make it robust and stable. The outcome of this thesis is to carry out further research to understand the
complex relations, between the scale of the problem, simulation parameters for the optimal control problem
and final time in order to make the algorithm robust and safe for an autonomous mission. Another important
future research prospect is to incorporate the sampling based model predictive optimisation, for the SC to
autonomously map the target body and help in selecting a landmark for a descent


Recent works have shown that supervised models often exploit data artifacts to achieve good test scores while their performance severely degrades on samples outside their training distribution. Contrast sets (Gardneret al., 2020) quantify this phenomenon by perturbing test samples in a minimal way such that the output label is modified. While most contrast sets were created manually, requiring intensive annotation effort, we present a novel method which leverages rich semantic input representation to automatically generate contrast sets for the visual question answering task. Our method computes the answer of perturbed questions, thus vastly reducing annotation cost and enabling thorough evaluation of models' performance on various semantic aspects (e.g., spatial or relational reasoning). We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on the GQA dataset and its semantic scene graph image representation. We find that, despite GQA's compositionality and carefully balanced label distribution, two high-performing models drop 13-17% in accuracy compared to the original test set. Finally, we show that our automatic perturbation can be applied to the training set to mitigate the degradation in performance, opening the door to more robust models.


BACKGROUND/AIMS
Problems after Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication therapy include recurrence of Hp-negative peptic ulcers. We investigated the pathophysiological characteristics of Hp-negative recurrent ulcer scars, and performed proton pump inhibitor (PPI) maintenance therapy as a new therapy for prevention of recurrence in patients with Hp-negative recurrence after Hp eradication and investigated its usefulness.

METHODOLOGY
The subjects were 21 patients with Hp-negative recurrent peptic ulcers after Hp eradication (gastric ulcer: 19, duodenal ulcer: 2) and 25 patients with non-recurrent ulcers (gastric ulcer: 20, duodenal ulcer: 5). The mucosa from the ulcer scar lesion was endoscopically obtained from patients, and HE staining, CD68 immunohistochemical staining, and investigation of the mucosal expression levels of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were performed by ELISA. Patients with recurrence after eradication were divided into two groups at the time of ulcer scar after the first treatment, and received maintenance therapy: the intermittent treatment group that received lansoprazole (LPZ), 30 mg/day, on two days on weekends (gastric ulcer: 9, duodenal ulcer: 1) and the ranitidine (RAN) 150 mg/day daily treatment group (gastric ulcer: 8, duodenal ulcer: 1).

RESULTS
Infiltration of CD68-positive inflammatory cells was observed in the lamina propria mucosae over the epithelial layer in ulcer scars of the Hp-negative recurrent ulcer group compared with the non-recurrent ulcer group, and TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma significantly increased (27.22+/-6.23 pg/mg, 52.12+/-5.41 pg/mg vs. 4.23+/-2.14 pg/mg, 7.11+/-3.06 pg/mg, P<0.001). In the RAN maintenance therapy group, the ulcer recurred within 10 months in all patients, while the ulcer recurred in only one patient in the intermittent LPZ treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS
These results suggested that the pathophysiological characteristic of Hp-negative recurrent ulcer scar lesions after eradication was infiltration of inflammatory cells, mainly monocytes/macrophages, in the lamina propria mucosae over the epithelial layer, and this may be a key factor in ulcer recurrence. Furthermore, intermittent PPI therapy using LPZ may be a useful maintenance therapy for prevention of recurrence in these cases.


The National Minimum Curriculum (NMC) of Malta recommends the use of the country's second language, English, for the teaching of mathematics. The aim of my study was to enhance the local medium-of-instruction debate by focusing on the use and development of a mathematics register, and distinguishing between issues relevant to second-language classrooms and ones more generally applicable Assuming a social perspective of learning, I used a grounded methodology, thus generally allowing my reflections to develop out of the data I collected. The research design consisted of lesson observations in two primary classrooms and interviews with the teachers and pupils. I concluded that the use of English in class created tensions with other NMC principles; I also noted variations in the way some mathematical words were used when compared to what I might expect as part of an English mathematics register. On the other hand, the frequency of pupils' use of mathematical vocabulary during lessons seemed to depend on the teacher's pedagogic approach. Also applicable to general mathematics classrooms appeared to be three conditions I identified as important for word meanings to be effectively shared with pupils: frequency of use, clarity, and significance, that is, how crucial a word appeared to be when used.


An experiment was carried out to study the effect of probiotics, acidifiers and their combination on broiler growth performance and blood chemistry. A total of 220 day old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four experimental diets in a completely randomized design. Diet A basal diet as control, diet B basal diet supplemented with 500g/ton probiotic (bacillus subtilis), diet C supplemented with 2kg/ton organic acids (citric acid, fumaric acid, D-L malic acid, lactic acid, orthophosphoric acid), diet D supplemented with mixture of acidifier (2kg/ton) plus probiotic (500g/ton).Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were recorded on weekly basis throughout the experiment period. Blood serum parameters measured were glucose, albumin, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. The results showed that statistically there was no significant increase in body weight gain at weeks 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of age. The body weight of broiler chickens was significantly increased at weeks 2 of age when adding 0.05% bacillus subtilis. Dietary treatments had significant effect at second and third weeks on FCR. The data indicated that there were no significant effects of treatment on all blood parameters measured at day 21. However, at day 42 the cholesterol and triglyceride levels were numerically decreased as probiotic and acidifier were added. Birds fed diet contained 0.2% organic acid recorded the highest levels of serum glucose and lowest levels of serum calcium. While the highest value of serum calcium was obtained by birds received mixed diet (diet D). It concluded that inclusion of probiotic and probiotic plus acidifier to broiler chickens diets improved live body weight, blood serum parameters were not affected except blood calcium and glucose.


Problem. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Educational Statistics estimate that part-time faculty now comprises almost half of the faculty labor force; many believe this statistic has been gravely underestimated. Powerful unions like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) believe that universities are relying too heavily on part-time faculty members and that this over-reliance threatens the quality of higher education today. The debate surrounding the use of part-time faculty seems to focus on issues of instructor confidence, loyalty, and student satisfaction. Many question whether a part-time faculty member can deliver quality instruction and contribute to the community of learners as well as their full-time tenured counterparts. This dissertation explores whether peer mentoring is an effective means to increase confidence, loyalty to the organization, and student satisfaction scores among part-time faculty members. Method. An ex post facto research design was used to explore the quality of a previous peer-mentoring experience and its relationship to several dependent variables. The sample was comprised of the eligible 600 part-time faculty who taught in the School of Business at a large, private, Christian, mid-western university. Data were collected using an online survey instrument, comprised of four subscales. After the data were collected, descriptive statistics were generated and a Pearson r was calculated and correlational matrixes generated to initially determine what, if any, significant relationships existed between the independent and dependent variables. Linear regression models were generated to answer the research hypotheses. Results. One of the study's major findings was the significant relationship that exists between mentoring and instructor confidence. Independent variables, such as age and gender, did not significantly affect these results. However, part-time faculty who taught for other universities tended to score higher in the measure of instructor confidence than those with experience teaching only for the University. While the fidelity or the quality of the mentoring program was not significantly related to instructor confidence, it was significantly related to institutional loyalty. This finding was independent of the type of mentor and the other demographic variables, including teaching at other universities. This was a surprising find, particularly in light of the way teaching at multiple institutions is portrayed negatively in the literature. Finally, the research asked whether part-time faculty members who received mentoring have students with higher means on end-of-course survey forms, which are used to measure student satisfaction. The data analysis revealed that no significant relationship exists between mentoring and student satisfaction scores. The research design and response rate (25%) limit the ability to generalize from these findings. Conclusions. The research re-affirmed that mentoring is an effective management strategy. Part-time faculty members who receive mentoring tended to score significantly higher on measures of instructor confidence. The quality of the peer-mentoring experience did not appear to be as important as the fact that mentoring, in some form or another, occurred. In addition, teaching at other universities did not negatively influence the significant relationship between mentoring, instructor confidence, and institutional loyalty. Secondly, the quality or fidelity of the mentoring program seems to be important as it relates to institutional loyalty. While any type of mentoring could result in increased confidence, if the goal of the University is to develop a sense of institutional loyalty, then developing a quality mentoring program and fostering quality mentoring relationships would seem to be important. This study found no significant relationship between a faculty member's self-reported perception of a peer-mentoring experience and the level of student satisfaction. That no relationship was found in the course of this study does not mean that a relationship does not exist. It could be that the instrument used to measure student satisfaction was not valid or that the "halo effect" influenced the student ratings. Finally, I developed subscales created to measure instructor confidence and the fidelity of the mentoring program, which have the potential to aid further research and administrators in the development of both professional development activities and organizational mentoring programs. Further research can use alternative strategies for improving the estimates of reliability and validity of these two instruments.


Abstract Agri-food supply chains refers to the connections that exist across the agri-food stakeholders from farm to fork related processes. In this environment, operations like planning and control are critical to enhance agri-food supply chains performance and decisions, which are considered complex mainly because the presence of a high variety of information and variables that are required to be managed simultaneously. Hence, the use of a combination of methods, methodologies and multidisciplinary approaches are one of the key trends in research to handle these complexities. The purpose of this is to benefit the agri-food sector by identifying sustainable solutions that will enhance social opportunities, as well as livelihoods, local and national economies. From this, impacts are expected in terms of providing stakeholders with validated scenarios to improve agri-food supply chain resilience, establish agri-food decision-making guidelines to enhance agriculture quality delivery and strengthen agri-food stakeholders position in local and global supply chains. However, since the interdependencies between agri-food stakeholders are related to several agri-food activities, resources and systems, the establishment of collaborative business models across the agri-food supply chain has turned more important than ever, specially to support global agri-food supply chains, food safety and traceability in response to the sustainable global challenges. Therefore, aligned with the H2020 RUC-APS research project, this research focuses in addressing key decision-making challenges in agri-food supply chain environments by connecting key operations management methodologies to collaborative research approaches in the regions of Europe, Asia and South America. The objective is to identify the operations management situations where decisions are made difficult by uncertainty in the agri-food domain, within the study and implementation of Operations Management based approaches in agri-food supply chains.


Methanol as a biofuel is an environmentally friendly substitute for pure diesel and can be obtained from biomasses. The use of biofuels such as methanol for the combustion process is associated with positive impacts on the environment. Using pure methanol or a blend of diesel/methanol fuel in motorized vehicles has been proposed by researchers. In this paper, pure methanol was injected into the combustion chamber of a ISM 370 HD diesel engine and the exhaust emissions were evaluated by using AVL FIRE CFD code software at four engine speeds (1200, 1400, 1600 and 1800 rpm). Additionally, the influences of EGR mass fraction and various injection timings were investigated. In order to validate the simulation results, in-cylinder mean pressure and rate of heat release (RHR) were compared with experimental data, and the results gave an acceptable agreement. The obtained results from the conducted simulation showed that the use of methanol fuel in the combustion chamber dramatically reduced the amount of exhaust emissions such as NO, soot, CO, and CO2 to 90%, 75%, 40%, and 26%, respectively. In addition, a mass fraction of EGR (20%) caused a reduction in the amount of exhaust NO to about 12%. It was determined that when a system is equipped with a fueling system at 3 deg before top dead center (BTDC), the exhaust NO and soot are reduced by 5.8% and 3%.


Formation of bile and generation of bile flow are driven by the active secretion of bile salts (BS), lipids and electrolytes into the canalicular and bile duct lumens followed by the osmotic movement of water. Although the transporting proteins involved in solute secretion have been cloned and their coordinated interplay defined both in health and disease, boosted by the discovery of the aquaporin water channels, only recently has considerable attention been addressed to the mechanism by which water, the major component of bile (> 95%), moves across the hepatobiliary epithelia. This review summarizes the novel acquisitions in liver membrane water transport and functional participation of aquaporin water channels in multiple aspects of hepatobiliary fluid balance. Emerging evidences suggesting involvement of aquaporins in the metabolic homeostasis of the hepatobiliary tract are also discussed.


The subject of this article is the identification of engine exhaust emissions of two-wheel vehicles under laboratory conditions. For this purpose, analysis of road and time emission of gaseous compounds: HC, CO, CO 2 , NO x from a motorcycle equipped with an engine with a displacement volume of 0.7 dm 3 and a maximum power of 55 kW was made. The tests were performed on a dynamometer station designed for testing two-wheel vehicles. The speed characteristic was taken from the European type approval test WMTC, consisting of three parts. Each of these parts lasted 600 seconds and was characterized by a different maximum vehicle speed value. The mobile AXION R/S apparatus part of the PEMS device group was used in the research. What is more, the exhaust emissions results were referred to the values listed by the exhaust emission standard met by the tested vehicle (Euro 4 standard). Laboratory tests presented in the article are only intended as a basis for further research, which includes exhaust emission tests from two-wheel vehicles in real operating conditions.


One hundred forty-five multiparous sows were used in a performance trial to evaluate the use of BMD® (bacitracin methylene disalicylate) on sow and litter performance during lactation in a herd with no previously documented history of Clostridium perfringens type C or D. Between day 96 and 100 of gestation, sows were allotted to one of two dietary treatments, either a diet containing 250 g/ton of BMD or the control diet with no antibiotic. Sows were fed the experimental diets until weaning (approx. 20 d). Litters were equalized to approximately 10 pigs per sow within 48 hrs postfarrowing. Piglets were transferred only within treatment. Piglets on sows fed the BMD treatment had a reduced incidence of diarrhea (P=.10); however, the antibiotic had no effect on sow or litter performance.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 18,1993


Heavy use of N fertilizers delays plant senescence in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and results in slow grain filling and a low harvest index. This study investigated whether senescence is enhanced by a controlled soil drying during the late grain-filling stage and whether such an enhancement can lead to better remobilization of reserved C to the grains. Two wheat cultivars were raised in pots and one was grown in the field. Two levels of nitrogen, either normal (NN) or high (HN) amounts, were applied at heading. Controlled soil drying was imposed 9 d after anthesis until maturity. Leaf water potential and conductance for the soil-drying treatments were lower during the day but completely recovered by the early morning. Photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content in the flag leaves declined more quickly in the soil-drying treatments than in the well-watered ones, indicating that soil drying enhanced senescence. Nonstructural carbohydrate in the stem and sheath at maturity was greatly reduced, and the partitioning of fixed C from flag leaves into the grains and the final harvest index were significantly increased by soil drying under both nitrogen treatments for the three cultivars. Soil drying shortened the grain-filling period but grain-filling rate was substantially increased by all the soil drying treatments except one NN treatment with severe soil drying in the pot experiment. Soil drying actually increased the grain yield at HN in both experiments. We conclude that senescence induced by controlled soil drying during grain filling can promote the remobilization of prestored assimilates to the grains, accelerate grain filling, and improve yield in cases where senescence is unfavorably delayed by heavy use of nitrogen.


The relevance of the topic is obvious: snacks are very common in Russia as a product which is used to satisfy hunger on the go. But their market can be filled with both high and low-grade quality products. To be sure in the type of product, you need to know about raw materials, manufacturing technology, and methods of product identification. Moreover, modern people try to monitor their nutrition. This is evidenced by the development of such areas as functional nutrition. Therefore, snacks should not just be properly prepared, they should meet the standards of healthy nutrition. The aim of the article was to study the composition and properties of pumpkin oil, mustard cake and starter cultures of microorganisms, their influence on the quality indicators of meat snacks, the development of recipes and technologies of meat snacks with vegetable components, and the assessment of their quality, taking into account consumer preferences. Literature sources were analysed and patents were searched. This work will allow us to create competitive meat snacks that combine high consumer and functional properties, and recommend their implementation on an industrial scale at meat processing enterprises.


This paper investigates the value relevance of segment earnings in railroad companies. Operating profits in transportation and real estate business are value relevant. While operating losses in leisure business contains large noise, positive earnings is value relevant. Earnings in other segments are irrelevant. These results do not deny the prevailed thought that the diversification does not necessarily contribute to the growth of firm value. Operating revenues and expenses, investments, depreciation amount, and asset balances in each segment, which are mandated to disclose in Japan, are value relevant. In this sense, current disclosure regulation has a rational basis. Although the regulation on train fares was revised in the tide of deregulation, we cannot find the change in the relation between segment earnings and stock prices. The change of regulatory circumstances does not significantly influence the allocation of earnings over periods. On the other hand, accounting cross subsidization, i.e. the transfer of expenses from non-transportation segment to transportation segment, was reduced in second half period under investigation, as compared with the first half period. The change of regulatory circumstances affects the allocation of earnings among segments. However, the accounting subsidization (that is, the transfer of expenses) does not decrease the relevance of operating profits in segments. Discretionary allocation does not impair the information value of earnings. The transfer of expenses form non-transportation segment to transportation segment can increase the operating revenues in transportation segment, which is more certain than operating revenues in non-transportation segment, through cost principle in rate regulation and the transferred earnings is positively associated with firm value.


The purpose of this study was to conduct an assessment of Allan Gardens' urban forest and to investigate the value of environmental and aesthetic benefits it provides the City of Toronto. This project used the Street Tree Resource Analysis Tool for Urban Forest Managers (STRATUM) model to assess forest structure, function, and monetary value of benefits. Soil in Allan Gardens was also investigated to determine the growing conditions for park trees. Results indicate that Allan Gardens maintained 309 trees that provide $60,407 annually in net annual environmental and property value benefits to the City of Toronto. Soil conditions in the park were found to be highly variable, where some locations were highly compacted and may be restricting tree root growth. To sustain and enhance these benefits in the future, Toronto's urban forest requires dedicated management and maintenance that includes new plantings, but prioritized protection and maintenance of existing trees and soil.


Building cooling heating power (BCHP) systems as a kind of distributed energy resource have shown a great potential in improving energy efficiency and meeting multiple energy demands in buildings. In this paper, we present a BCHP system driven by solar energy with flat‐plate solar collectors. A modified system efficiency is introduced to evaluate the whole day performance of the system more accurately. Based on the mathematical models and simulation platform established, we have investigated the influences of some key thermodynamic parameters, namely condensation temperature, turbine inlet temperature and turbine inlet pressure on the system performance. In order to find the optimum combination of these parameters that leads to the best performance, we have performed parametric optimization by means of the genetic algorithm. Results indicate that the best performance and the highest efficiency of the system are achieved when the working fluid reaches its saturated state and the corresponding efficiencies of the system operating in the combined heating power mode, the combined cooling power mode and the power production mode turn out to be 19.10%, 27.24% and 10.47%, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Seasonal variations of the potential of Gulf coast marshes to degrade crude oil naturally or under nutrient-enhanced conditions is essentially unknown. Seasonal variations in crude oil mineralization were determined under ambient and enhanced nutrient conditions for both a fresh- and a salt-water marsh in Louisiana's Barataria basin over a 1-yr period. Mineralization of ( 14 C) phenanthrene and hexadecane was measured by radiorespirometry in marsh soil slurries dosed with crude oil under ambient and enhanced nutrient conditions. Background nutrient conditions in these marsh systems, as well as numbers of hydrocarbon-utilizing microorganisms, were also monitored. Seasonal variations were found in both marsh systems, although they were greater in the salt marsh. Seasonal trends in mineralization rates were different for phenanthrene and hexadecane as well as for each marsh. Hexadecane mineralization rates ranged from 0.2 to 2.4%/d (ambient nutrient conditions) and 3.1 to 10.4%/d (enhanced nutrient conditions) for the salt marsh and 0.81 to 3.1%/d (ambient nutrient conditions) and 2.1 to 7.3%/d (enhanced nutrient conditions) for the fresh marsh. Phenanthrene mineralization rates ranged from 0.5 to 4.5%/d (ambient nutrient conditions) and 1.9 to 12.1%/d (enhanced nutrient conditions) for the salt marsh and 2.8 to 5.5%/d (ambient nutrient conditions) and 2.4 to 5.6%/d (enhanced nutrient conditions) for the fresh marsh. Nutrient enhancement reduced the lag time of hexadecane mineralization in both salt and fresh marsh soils but had little effect on phenanthrene mineralization lag time. The population of hydrocarbon utilizers was correlated to phenanthrene mineralization rates under ambient and enhanced nutrient conditions in the fresh marsh, and to hexadecane mineralization rates under ambient and enhanced nutrient conditions for the salt marsh. Mineralization rates of phenanthrene and hexadecane appear to be uncorrelated for both marshes. Both the fresh marsh and salt marsh soils examined had a substantial capacity to degrade representative crude oil components under ambient conditions. Nutrient enhancement had the greatest benefit in the salt marsh studies, and seasonal differences in the rates of hexadecane and phenanthrene mineralization under both ambient and enhanced nutrient conditions were significant.


Traditionally, vector-based semantic space models use word co-occurrence counts from large corpora to represent lexical meaning. In this article we present a novel framework for constructing semantic spaces that takes syntactic relations into account. We introduce a formalization for this class of models, which allows linguistic knowledge to guide the construction process. We evaluate our framework on a range of tasks relevant for cognitive science and natural language processing: semantic priming, synonymy detection, and word sense disambiguation. In all cases, our framework obtains results that are comparable or superior to the state of the art.


Situating their argument in the context of the Western world's five-hundred-year history of marriage, the authors of this work reveal what factors encourage marriage and cohabitation in a contemporary society where marriage and the relationships between women and men have changed dramatically. While many people still choose to marry without first cohabiting, others elect to cohabit with varying degrees of commitment or intentions of eventual marriage. The authors' controversial findings suggest that family history, religious affiliation, values, projected education, lifetime earnings, and career aspirations all tip the scales in favor of either cohabitation or marriage. This book lends new insight into young adult relationship patterns and will be of interest to sociologists, historians, and demographers alike.