Electronic energy structure and features of optical interband transitions of InAs quantum dots-in-a-well structures are studied via photoreflectance (PR) and temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. InAs dots were grown with and without InGaAs capping layer and embedded in GaAs/AlAs quantum wells. Experimental results revealed that the 5 nm thick InGaAs capping layer significantly improves PR and PL signal intensity. Moreover, a shift of the quantum dot ground-state optical transition to lower energy by about 120 meV was observed. The red-shift of the ground-state transition is associated mainly with an increase of dot size and decrease of strain within quantum dots. Furthermore, the origin of PL intensity quenching with temperature is discussed in terms of electronic energy structure revealed from PR spectra and calculations performed within effective mass approximation.


In a recent paper (Edwards, Lindman, and Savage, 1963), psychologists have been urged to adopt a Bayesian personal probability approach to statistical inference. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that a Bayesian logical probability approach may be superior to the personal probability approach. The concepts of frequency, personal and logical probability are defined and the characteristics and advantages of Bayesian approaches are discussed. It is shown that a theory of personal probability is dependent upon utility or preference theory. The problem of Bayes postulate is described and it is shown that an explication of the concept of logical probability is dependent upon the solution of this problem. Some work of Novick and Hall directed toward the solution of this problem is discussed. Finally, an attempt is made to integrate the concepts of personal and frequency probability within the framework of the theory of logical probability.


Psychiatric evaluations of violent political crime were mostly performed on a case-by-case basis in a forensic environment, which made them unduly dependent on categories of presumed dangerousness and legal responsibility, rather than on a clinical definition of their mental status. In referring to such "clinical" definitions, the disorder we have in mind is not limited to the major, agitated psychotic manias or mixed states. The presence of a dominant temperament, or protracted hypomania, is enough by itself to explain an individual's engagement in a wide range of activities, not necessarily sociopathic or violent. We put forward the hypothesis that formal and transpolitical radical choices, either in favor of an illegal lifestyle or of activities involving a high level of risk, may be linked with certain mental states, especially when considering small clandestine groups showing a high level of internal ideological consensus, and a no-return attitude toward a commitment to radical choices. Available data about the psycho(patho)logical profile of terrorists are still hard to come by. The only available studies are those on identified living terrorists (judging by the trials of those who personally admitted to having been terrorists), and statistical data imply a number of documented cases belonging to the same terrorist organization. In Italy, the period often called the "years of lead [bullets]" displays an interesting viewpoint for the study of terrorist psychology, for two main reasons: first of all, it is a historically defined period (1968–1988), and second, the number of ascertained participants in terrorist activities was quite large.


This paper offers some reflections on a number of methodological and personal issues associated with researching homelessness, particularly in the Scottish context. It opens with an examination of the political and social construction of statistics on homelessness. It highlights the limitations of official data sources, and outlines the problems in quantifying (or even estimating) the extent of one of the most extreme manifestations of homelessness—rough sleeping. It identifies some other practical difficulties in conducting research amongst homeless people, such as setting and meeting interview targets, and questions the perceived level of risk in conducting face-to-face work with street homeless people. The second part of the paper considers a range of ethical tensions, posing a series of dilemmas which can arise for an academic researching homelessness. It is suggested that these issues and concerns could be widely applied to social policy research, and are therefore of equal relevance to academic researchers involved with any groups affected by poverty and social exclusion. Drawing on recent controversial practice debates, the paper questions the role of the researcher in perpetuating the so-called 'homelessness industry'. Finally, the paper argues that the researcher should seek opportunities to enhance user-involvement policy development as well as research. The paper suggests that researchers in the field of homelessness occupy a privileged position, providing a link between homeless people, agencies responsible for policy and practice, and politicians. It concludes that research can make a real contribution to understanding and alleviating homelessness. This, it argues, is the only valid justification for making a living out of homelessness research.


From the anatomical and physiological point of view th eyelid may be divided into three layers: a deep layer, comprising the tarsi and the canthal tendons with the levator aponeurosis and the lower lid retractors, the orbicularis muscle layer, and the skin. The surgical particularities of each of these layers are outlined. In the management of eyelid injuries the meticulous reconstruction of the medial canthal tendon and canthus is of paramount importance. Only after this are the lids closed from medially to laterally and from deep to superficial tissues.


Abstract Background Well-documented barriers have limited the widespread, sustained adoption of screening and intervention for substance use problems in health care settings. mHealth applications may address provider-related barriers; however, there is limited research on development and user experience of such applications. Objective This user experience study examines a provider-focused point-of-care app for substance use screening and intervention in health care settings. Method This mixed-methods study included think-aloud tasks, task success ratings, semistructured interviews, and usability questionnaires (e.g., System Usability Scale [SUS]) to examine user experience among 12 health coaches who provide substance use services in emergency department and primary care settings. Results The average rate of successful task completion was 94% and the mean SUS score was 76 out of 100. Qualitative data suggested the app enhanced participants' capability to complete tasks efficiently and effectively. Participants reported being satisfied with the app's features, content, screen layout, and navigation and felt it was easy to learn and could benefit patient interactions. Despite overwhelmingly positive user experience reports, there were some concerns that the app could negatively affect patient interactions due to reductions in eye contact and ability to build rapport. Conclusion Using the "Fit between Individuals, Task, and Technology" framework to guide interpretation, overall results indicate acceptable user experience and usability for this provider-focused point-of-care mobile app for substance use screening and intervention as well as favorable potential for adoption by health care practitioners. Such mobile health technologies may help to address well-known challenges related to implementing substance use services in health care settings.


"This paper studies multi-unit ascending (English) auctions with a buyer's option. The buyer's option gives the winner of an auction the right to purchase any number of units at the winning price. We develop a theoretical model and derive the optimal strategies for the bidders. The model predicts various behavioral implications (e.g., the winner never exercises the option, the price declines…) that are tested using a unique data set on wine auctions held at the Paris-based auction house Drouot. We also analyze why the buyer's option is used. Estimating the model in a structural econometric way, and using counterfactual comparisons, we find that the buyer's option does not affect the seller's revenue (relative to a system where the units are auctioned sequentially without the option). Drouot, however, saves a lot of time with the option and this effect represents a considerable amount of money. The time-saving effect seems thus to be the primary purpose of the buyer's option." Copyright Blackwell Publishing 2005.


A numerical procedure has been developed to investigate the nonlinear and strain-rate-dependent deformation response of polymer matrix composite laminated plates under high strain-rate impact loadings. A recently developed strength of materials based micromechanics model, incorporating a set of nonlinear, strain-rate-dependent constitutive equations for the polymer matrix, is extended to account for the transverse shear effects during impact. Four different assumptions of transverse shear deformation are investigated to improve the developed strain-rate-dependent micromechanics model. The validities of these assumptions are investigated using numerical and theoretical approaches. A method to determine through the thickness strain and transverse Poisson's ratio of the composite is developed. The revised micromechanics model is then implemented into a higher-order laminated plate theory that is modified to include the effects of inelastic strains. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the mechanical response of composite plates under high strain-rate loadings. Results show that the transverse shear stresses cannot be neglected in the impact problem. A significant level of strain-rate dependency and material nonlinearity is found in the deformation response of representative composite specimens.


Scientists Identify how Antibody Blocks Prostate Cancer growth in Animal Models, May Lead to a New Targeted Therapy Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center have uncovered the mechanism by which an antibody blocks the growth of prostate cancer in animal models, a discovery that could pave the way for development of a new molecularly targeted therapy. The antibody, called 1G8 and discovered by UCLA scientists, signals the prostate cancer cells to stop growing and die, said Dr. Robert E. Reiter, a Jonsson Cancer Center researcher and professor of urology. The antibody proved effective in several different animal models of prostate cancer, Reiter said, indicating that is could be a potent cancer fighter. The research appears in the Oct. 15, 2005 issue of Cancer Research, a journal published by the American Association for Cancer Research. The 1G8 antibody binds to prostate stem cell antigen or PSCA, a cell surface protein discovered by Reiter that is found in about 95 percent of early stage prostate cancers and about 87 percent of prostate cancers that have spread to the bones. PSCA also is found in bladder and pancreatic cancers, Reiter and his team previously discovered, so a new targeted therapy developed from the antibody may also prove effective in battling those cancers. "The big question with antibodies has been, how do they work?" said Reiter, senior author of the study. "Do antibodies recruit the immune system to kill the cancer or do they send a signal that tells the cancer cells to stop growing? This study shows how the antibody works, so we'll know how to apply it in the clinical setting." The 1G8 antibody has two parts, one that binds with PSCA and one that binds with macrophages, the immune system's killer cells. Reiter and his team fragmented the antibody, separating the part that binds to PSCA and testing it alone in the animal models to see how it affected the prostate cancer cells. Even without engaging an immune response, the antibody blocked the growth of the prostate cancer cells. "The fragments we created were unable to bind to the immune system, but they retained the same activity the whole antibody showed, so we proved that 1G8 must work by signaling the cancer cells to stop growing and die," Reiter said. "That's important because it provides a lot more information about what PSCA does and how antibodies work. It also suggests that PSCA is a very good target for therapy and that our antibody, in particular, is extremely active and binds to a region on the cell surface protein that may be an optimal target for a new treatment." Molecularly targeted therapies are the new wave of cancer therapy, homing in on what is broken or mutated in the cancer cells and leaving the healthy cells alone. Because they only target the cancer cells, these therapies typically cause few side effects, if any, and are much easier for patients to tolerate. The next step, Reiter said, is to test the 1G8 antibody in human clinical trials, probably in about a year. This study is the result of years of laboratory research and is part of the Jonsson Cancer Center's Specialized Program of Research Excellence in prostate cancer, a National Cancer Institute-funded program to discover new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat prostate cancer. "This work from start to finish is a UCLA discovery, true translational research that will go from the lab bench to the patient bedside," Reiter said. Prostate cancer will strike more than 232,000 men in the United States this year alone, killing more than 30,350. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, according to the American Cancer Society. UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center comprises more than 240 researchers and clinicians engaged in cancer research, prevention, detection, control, treatment and education. One of the nation's largest comprehensive cancer centers, the Jonsson Cancer Center is dedicated to promoting research and translating the results into leading-edge clinical studies. In July 2005, the Jonsson Cancer Center was named the best cancer center in the western United States by U.S. News & World Report, a ranking it has held for six consecutive years.


49 patients after ovariectomy (OE) and 26 women after hysterectomy (HE) were examined. Psychiatrist's care was necessary for all of them because of marked mental disorders. The development of asthenic and dysthymic disorders was most typical after OE. OE induced the increase of depressive symptoms which acquired the neurotic and reactive signs when additional factors joined. Mental disorders after HE occurred as psychopathological symptoms of pseudopremenstrual syndrome and depressive and asthenic alterations in the pattern of menopausal syndrome. The development of hypochondriac personality was found in 22.5% of cases after OE and in 46.1% of patients after HE. Principles of therapeutic policy (correction of vegetovascular disturbances by combined application of substitution hormonal therapy, psychotropic drugs and psychotherapy) are formulated.


Failing Law Schools. By Brian Z. Tamanaha. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2012. 216 pp. $25.00 cloth.The jig is up. Countless articles have exposed the disconnect between legal education and legal practice, and countless more have exposed the fibs of some law schools when it comes to reporting certain information to U.S. News and World Report. Whatever we have been doing wrong has finally caught up with us. Among the loudest and bravest voices excoriating law schools is Brian Tamanaha, the William Gardiner Hammond Professor of Law at the Washington University School of Law.And "excoriating" is not an exaggeration. Even in his preface, Tamanaha starts out with the assertion that "law schools are failing abjectly in multiple ways" (p. ix). He attributes those failures to the American Bar Association's process of self-regulation, the selfishness of law professors who want to research more and teach less, the corrupting influence of U.S. News & World Report's rankings, and the business model of most law schools. In so doing, he gives voice to a lot of the frustrations that many of us feel when we hear our colleagues claim that the system is not broken and does not need fixing (e.g., Rapoport 2006, 2012).What makes his book so interesting is that it is not the screed of an outsider who pulls together secondhand stories in order to speculate about legal education. Rather, he is a true insider. He is a law professor who has also served as an interim dean. (True to his gutsiness, he served as interim dean while he was still an untenured professor.) He has seen legal education from all three vantage points: law student, professor, dean. What he has seen troubles him greatly, and it should trouble all of us.The book is divided into four sources of the crisis in legal education. He starts with the accreditation process, moves from there to the way in which faculty preferences work against changing legal education, turns to what I refer to as the "lies, damned lies, and statistics" involved with chasing the U.S. News & World Report rankings, and concludes with some dire predictions about law schools' ability to continue along their self-destructive path. If ever there were a time to quote Yeats (1956, pp. 184-85)- "The centre cannot hold"-then, based on Tamanaha's book, this is it.I devoured the book but, then, I am fascinated by the changes in the legal profession and how those changes might eventually lead to changes in legal education. I like reading the types of research done by folks like Bill Henderson, Andy Morriss, Jim Chen, Jeffrey Lipshaw, Paul Campos, Bernie Burk, Dave McGowan, and Deborah Jones Merritt. (I know-Campos is persona non grata among many of my colleagues, a fact that Tamanaha recognizes in his book, on pp. 77-78.) The problem is not with what Tamanaha is saying. The problem is that the people who most need to read (and think about whether they agree with) these critiques are not necessarily the ones most motivated to do that.These critiques are scary. They paint a very real picture of an educational system with, at best, perverse incentives and, at worst, venal behavior. In short, they make us feel bad.And they should. When we shiftaround our pedagogical priorities (like which students to admit; which students should get the big scholarships) to chase the ordinal ranking of a news magazine that does not even publish much news any more, we should feel bad-especially when the bulk of that magazine's rankings are based on painfully small sample sizes (the reputational surveys), inputs that say nothing about the quality of the school's educational program (LSATs and undergraduate GPAs), and easily manipulated outcome measures (placement).1But changing our priorities will, for all but a handful of elite law faculties, mean admitting that we cannot all be Yale, or Harvard, or Stanford, and that we must give up the attempt to replicate what those schools are doing. …


In many real-world applications, data are collected in the form of a stream, whose feature space can evolve over time. For instance, in the environmental monitoring task, features can be dynamically vanished or augmented due to the existence of expired old sensors and deployed new sensors. Furthermore, besides the evolvable feature space, the data distribution is usually changing in the streaming scenario. When both feature space and data distribution are evolvable, it is quite challenging to design algorithms with guarantees, particularly theoretical understandings of generalization ability. To address this difficulty, we propose a novel discrepancy measure for data with evolving feature space and data distribution, named the evolving discrepancy. Based on that, we present the generalization error analysis, and the theory motivates the design of a learning algorithm which is further implemented by deep neural networks. Empirical studies on synthetic data verify the rationale of our proposed discrepancy measure, and extensive experiments on real-world tasks validate the effectiveness of our algorithm.


Specific patterns of cytokine secretion by CD4(+) T helper (Th) cells determine the nature of immune effector responses. Using a multiparameter, flow cytometric fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) assay that detected cytoplasmic mRNA within intact cells, we assessed antigen-specific cytokine expression in rhesus macaque Th cells. In the peripheral lymphocytes of immunized rhesus macaques, FISH detected antigen-induced cytokine gene expression in single Th cells. Analysis of simultaneous cytokine expression by single cells demonstrated that the recall immune response consisted of Th cells expressing either a Th1 (IL-2(+)/IFN-gamma(+)) or a Th2 (IL-4(+)/IL-6(+)) cytokine pattern. In addition to the classic Th subsets, Th cells expressing only one of two Th1 or Th2 defining cytokines were common following antigen restimulation. The data gathered with the FISH assay suggest that, in primates, the immune response to recall antigens consists of nonclassic Th cells, as well as a mixture of polarized Th1 and Th2 T cells.


We shall revisit the conventional treatment of open quantum devices based on the Wigner-Function formalism. Our analysis will show that the artificial spatial separation between device active region and external reservoirs -properly defined within a semiclassical simulation scheme- is intrinsically incompatible with the non-local character of quantum mechanics. More specifically, by means of an exactly-solvable semiconductor model, we shall show that the application of the conventional boundary-condition scheme to the Wigner transport equation may produce highly non-physical results, like thermal injection of coherent state superpositions and boundary-driven negative probability distributions.


A new built-in self-test (BIST) methodology for register transfer level (RTL) data paths is presented. The proposed BIST methodology takes advantage of the structural information of the RTL data path and reduces the test application time by grouping same-type modules into test compatibility classes (TCCs). During testing, compatible modules share a small number of test pattern generators at the same test time leading to significant reductions in BIST area overhead, performance degradation and test application time. Module output responses from each TCC are checked by comparators leading to substantial reduction in fault-escape probability. Only a single signature analysis register is required to compress the responses of each TCC which leads to high reductions in volume of output data and overall test application time (the sum of test application time and shifting time required to shift out test responses). This paper shows how the proposed TCC grouping methodology is a general case of the traditional BIST embedding methodology for RTL data paths with both uniform and variable bit width. A new BIST hardware synthesis algorithm employs efficient tabu search-based testable design space exploration which combines the accuracy of incremental test scheduling algorithms and the exploration speed of test scheduling algorithms based on fixed test resource allocation. To illustrate TCC grouping methodology efficiency, various benchmark and complex hypothetical data paths have been evaluated and significant improvements over the BIST embedding methodology are achieved.


The Aid for Trade (AFT) initiative, launched in 2005 to help developing and especially the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) integrate the rules of the World Trade System adopted in the Uruguay Round turned out to be more about mobilizing support for the stalled Doha Round negotiations. A decade later, a broadened AFT agenda has eluded effective evaluation. The recently concluded Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) provides an ideal opportunity to narrow the scope of AFT activities to heed the call for 'Managing for Development Results' (MfDR). The article reviews the evidence on trade costs distinguishing between LDCs and Landlocked LDCS (LLDCs). The article also includes new estimates of time in transit for international parcel data that is measured relatively accurately. New estimates provide support for allocating a greater share of AFT funds towards LDCs and particularly towards LLDCs, both groups showing higher trade costs than comparators and less progress in reducing trade costs since 1995. On average, time in customs for imports and exports are also significantly higher for both groups than for their respective comparators. LDCs and LLDCs have systematically lower scores for the components in the new Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Trade Facilitation Indicator (TFI). These new estimates suggest that a successful implementation of the TFA, defined as moving halfway towards the frontier value of the TFI for the respective country grouping could reduce trade costs for imports of LDCs by 2.5% and by 4.5% for LLDCs. Even though there is more to trade costs than customs management, monitoring implementation of the TFA would be part of the Istanbul Program of Action (IPoA) and a stepping stone towards the concrete trade performance targets that have lacked in AFT activities so far.


This book describes the landscape of cloud computing from first principles, leading the reader step-by-step through the process of building and configuring a cloud environment. The book not only considers the technologies for designing and creating cloud computing platforms, but also the business models and frameworks in real-world implementation of cloud platforms. Emphasis is placed on learning by doing, and readers are encouraged to experiment with a range of different tools and approaches. Topics and features: includes review questions, hands-on exercises, study activities and discussion topics throughout the text; demonstrates the approaches used to build cloud computing infrastructures; reviews the social, economic, and political aspects of the on-going growth in cloud computing use; discusses legal and security concerns in cloud computing; examines techniques for the appraisal of financial investment into cloud computing; identifies areas for further research within this rapidly-moving field.


Two studies were conducted to investigate the effect of mental imagery training on the magnitude and strength of individuals' self-effiracy for a dart throwing task, and to compare the utility of single-subject and group design studies in investigating imagery in the motor skill domain. The first study employed a multiple-baseline-acrosssubjects design, in which six 'n=6) subjects were administered a 15-session mental imagery training program following baseline sessions of varying lengths. The first ten imagery training sessions included a three minute relaxation component, followed by four minutes of specific imagery training (incorporating self-perception iiragery and imagery vividness and controllability training). Subjects were then asked to stand, perform a one minute centering exercise, and to image successful performance of the task. This was immediately followed by the completion of a selfefficacy and imagery rating scale, and actual performance of the task while blindfolded. Two subjects showed that their self-efficacy magnitude for the task had increased as a result of the intervention, one subject demonstrated an increase in self-efficacy strength due to imagery traininc, and all subjects evidenced a change in their overall pattern of performance from the baseline to intervention phases. The second study used a more traditional group design in which nineteen (n-19) randomly assigned subjects were administered a similar 15-session mental imagery training program. These subjects were compared to a control group of nineteen (n=19) subjects on their ratings of self-efficacy magnitude and strength prior to, immediately following, and eight days after the completion of the imagery intervention. For this study, the intervention differed from the multiplebaseline study, in that the subjects were not required to complete the self-efficacy or imagery rating scales on each day of the intervention, and were not required to physically perform the task. Two 2 X 3 Analyses of variance showed no significant differences between the control and experimental groups on ratings of self-efficacy magnitude or strength. It was concluded from the multiple-baseline study that imagery was able to enhance self-efficacy for the dart throwing task in subjects who were high ability imagers, had previous experience at throwing darts, believed in the performance-enhancing capabilities of mental imagery training, and had been exposed to relaxation and imagery procedures prior to the study. It was concluded from the group design study however, that imagery had no effect on self-efficacy for the dart throwing task for subjects who had previous experience at imagery training, and who believed in the potential for imagery to enhance performance. A comparison of the two designs demonstrated the effectiveness of the single-subject design study in more fully investigating imagery's effect on various aspects of motor skill performance. In particular, the importance of high imagery ability, the use of more task specific measures of imagery ability, and the possibility that performancebased sources of efficacy information may be the only avenue for enhancing self-efficacy for certain individuals, were issues that were raised as a result of the single-subject design study. It was further concluded that the systematic use of such designs provided a practical, relevant and comprehensive evaluation of the effect of imagery on aspects of motor skill performance, although the complementary use of both types of research was recommended.


The objective of this work was to present the daily energy requirements of dairy heifer calves extracted from the National Research Council (2001) publication: Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle, during the year 2012 at the Alfredo Volio Mata Experiment Station with the purpose of making this information more available to potential users in Costa Rica and Latin America. The calf requires special care and attention in order to survive from birth to weaning and beyond. From a nutritional point of view, establishing the energy require-ments of the young calf could help producers provide diets in order to meet nutrients demands for optimum growth and good health.


"Philip Sherrard is truly a prophet for our present age, a messenger whose winged words are addressed not so much to the twentieth century in which he lived as to the twenty-first century that is now unfolding." With this depiction metropolitan Kallistos Ware described the English poet and theologian Philip Sherrard, whose legacy and writings has a prophetic urgency in light of our current crises. For Sherrard, whose encounter with modern Greek poets in the 1950s led him to a study of the theological roots of Orthodoxy, the basic ecological challenge is not technological or economic but spiritual. Without a contemplative frame of mind, "the eye of the heart", we cannot see the world in God. And only if we see the world in God can we overcome the present crisis. The leitmotif in Sherrards work is what he terms a "theantropocosmic vision" – a vision of man and nature which makes it possible for us to perceive and experience both ourselves and the world we live in as sacred realities. Our human vocation, as priests of the creation, is to reveal anew the holiness of nature, raising up the world from its fallen state and rendering it once more transparent to the divine glory.


In this study, mechanical and tribological properties of Cr coatings obtained from a Cr(III) sulfate bath with addition of the heterocyclic compound (HCC) prepared on mild steel have been investigated. The chromium plating electrolyte containing the HCC additive enables us to deposit the Cr coatings at low (20°C) temperature and low current densities. Small amounts (from 20 to 60 mgl–1) of HCC were added to the Cr(III) sulfate bath in order to study the effects of HCC on coating formation. At an optimal concentration of 40 mgl–1, the HCC additive to the solution ensures a high surface microhardness of the Cr deposits obtained (HV0.05 = 1036 kg mm–2) without a subsequent heat treatment. The dry sliding wear tests have shown that the Cr coatings have both a low friction coefficient and a low wear rate. The Cr(III) bath with the HCC additive is more eco-friendly and requires less energy compared with a conventional Cr(III) process.


In this study, tailor-welded blanks (TWBs) composed of A5052P-O aluminum and AZ31B-O magnesium alloys were produced by the friction stir welding process. The sound surfaces without large defects were successfully obtained at the tool rotation speeds ranging from 1000 to 1400rpm under the constant tool traverse speed of 300mm/min, and the surface roughness was decreased in the friction-stir-welded zone (SZ) with the increase in the tool rotation speed. Also for 100, 300 and 500 mm/min, the sound surfaces without large defects were obtained under the constant tool rotation speed of 1400 rpm. The increase of the tool traverse speed led to the decrease in the surface roughness of the SZ. In the SZ, the bonded interface was clearly evident with plastic flow pattern between the aluminum and magnesium alloys, although an onion ring pattern was not formed. During tensile testing, the TWBs were fractured in the SZ at the early stage of the plastic deformation, i.e. strain hardening region, without remarkable area reduction near the fracture region. The TWBs exhibited the similar average tensile strength, showing that there were not noteworthy changes in the tensile strength as a function of the tool rotation speed. The average tensile strength, however, was slightly decreased with the increase in the tool traverse speed. It is noticeable that, in all cases, the joint efficiency of the TWBs exceeded 62%, and the maximum average tensile strength of about 143 MPa was obtained at 1400 rpm under the tool traverse speed of 100 mm/min, which was nearly equivalent to the joint efficiency of about 72%. The average total elongation of the TWBs was about 2% or less considerably lower than those of the base metals, without significant changes as functions of the tool traverse speed and the tool traverse speed.


BACKGROUND
Studies of the effects of prenatal nutrition on neurodevelopment in humans are complicated because poor nutrition occurs in the context of psychosocial stressors and other risk factors associated with poor developmental outcomes.

OBJECTIVE
Under controlled experimental conditions, we tested an effect of prenatal nutrition on neurodevelopmental outcomes in the nonhuman primate.

DESIGN
Juvenile offspring of 19 female baboons, whose diets were either restricted [maternal nutrition restriction (MNR)] or who were fed ad libitum (control), were administered the progressive ratio task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Activity, persistence, attention, and emotional arousal were coded from videotapes. These established, reliable methods were consistent with those used to assess individual differences in the behaviors of school-age children.

RESULTS
MNR offspring (3 female and 4 male offspring) had significantly fewer responses and received fewer reinforcements on the progressive ratio task than did control offspring (8 female and 4 male offspring). MNR offspring showed a more variable activity level and less emotional arousal than did control offspring. Female MNR offspring showed more variable and lower levels of persistence and attention than did female control offspring. Thus, under controlled experimental conditions, data support a main effect of prenatal nutrition on highly translatable neurodevelopmental outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS
Nutritional interventions during pregnancy have been successfully used to target neurodevelopmental problems, such as increasing folic acid intake during pregnancy to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects. Results from the current study can be used to support the testing of nutritional preventive interventions for the most-common childhood behavior problems.


The standard tournament selection samples individuals with replacement. The sampling-with-replacement strategy has its advantages but also has issues. One of the commonly recognised issues is that it is possible to have some individuals not sampled at all during the selection phase. The not-sampled issue aggravates the loss of diversity. However, it is not clear how the issue affects GP search. This paper uses a round-replacement tournament selection to investigate the importance of the issue. The theoretical and experimental results show that although the issue can be solved and the loss of diversity can be minimised for small tournament sizes, the different selection behaviour in the round-replacement tournament selection cannot significantly improve the GP performance. The not-sampled issue does not seriously affect the selection performance in the standard tournament selection.


Widespread use of crop management practices that reduce the effect of corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) larval feeding damage on maize (Zea mays L.) plant lodging or grain yield production would reduce grower reliance on chemical pesticides. Nitrogen fertilizer placement can affect root system morphology and distribution within the soil profile. This study was conducted to determine if N fertilizer placement can be used as a tool to improve maize tolerance to rootworm infestation. The effects of planting time broadcast or split-applied (planting-cultivation) banded N (UAN ; 28-0-0 N-P-K) treatments on root larval feeding damage, root pull resistance, lodging, grain yield, and survival of larvae to adult stage under different levels of controlled rootworm larval infestation were investigated. Results of the 3-yr field experiment suggest that root systems were generally larger (greater root pull resistance) under banded N (85 kg plant -1 ) than under broadcast N (68 kg plant -1 ) at the time when rootworm larval feeding had ceased. Lodging (stem greater than 30° from vertical) in broadcast N plots (51%) was greater than that seen in banded N plots (41%). If tolerance to rootworm larval feeding damage is defined by the presence of a large root system and by the ability of the stem to stand erect, then banded N fertilizer placement can help improve tolerance to corn rootworm larval feeding damage.


We present our experience with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma at the University of Michigan over 13 years and review prior published data. We conducted a retrospective review of 19 patients who presented to a tertiary care academic center multidisciplinary skull base clinic with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma between 1995 and 2008. Overall survival was 22% at 5 years, and the estimated 5-year distant metastasis-free survival was 35%. At 2 years, local control was 83%, regional control was 50%, and distant control was 83%. Local control was best in those patients treated nonsurgically, as was median survival, though this was not statistically significant. Nodal disease in the neck, either at presentation or at recurrence, was noted in 26% of patients. Survival for sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma remains poor. It is possible that up-front radiation or chemo-radiation will lead to better local control rates, though surgery remains a mainstay of treatment. In all cases, the cervical nodes should be addressed with primary treatment.


Patients with a carotid artery occlusion and a haemodynamically significant contralateral stenosis have an increased risk of incurring a stroke. Based on the results of a series of 33 patients our conclusion is that the surgical therapy of choice should be endarterectomy of the stenotic artery irrespective of which side the symptoms are located on. Only those patients who continue to have TIA's on the side of the occlusion after endarterectomy of the stenotic side should be considered for an ECIC bypass.


Worldwide, one in eight deaths is due to cancer. Cancer causes more deaths than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined [1]. When countries are grouped according to economic development, cancer is the leading cause of death in developed countries and the second leading cause of death in developing countries [2]. Rates of cancers common in Western countries will continue to rise in developing countries if preventive measures are not widely applied [3-5]. Projections based on the GLOBOCAN 2012 estimates predict a substantive increase to 19.3 million new cancer cases per year by 2025, due to growth and ageing of the global population. Incidence has been increasing in most regions of the world, but there are huge inequalities between rich and poor countries. More than half of all cancers (56.8%) and cancer deaths (64.9%) in 2012 occurred in less developed regions of the world, and these proportions will increase further by 2025 [6]. By 2030, the global burden is expected to grow to 21.4 million new cancer cases and 13.2 million cancer deaths [7]. Rates of cancers will continue to rise by 2035 with 23,980,858 new cancer cases [3-5]. In addition to the human toll of cancer, the financial cost of cancer is substantial [8-10]. Cancer has the most devastating economic impact of any cause of death in the world [10]. Data limitations do not allow estimating the worldwide economic costs of cancer. However, portions of the total costs of cancer have been estimated to be as high as $895 billion (US) worldwide [9,10]. It is estimated that more than half of all cancer cases and deaths worldwide are potentially preventable [3-5,7].


Background Behavioral habits are often initiated by contextual cues that occur at approximately the same time each day; so, it may be possible to identify a reflexive habit based on the temporal similarity of repeated daily behavior. Mobile health tools provide the detailed, longitudinal data necessary for constructing such an indicator of reflexive habits, which can improve our understanding of habit formation and help design more effective mobile health interventions for promoting healthier habits. Objective This study aims to use behavioral data from a commercial mindfulness meditation mobile phone app to construct an indicator of reflexive meditation habits based on temporal similarity and estimate the association between temporal similarity and meditation app users' perceived health benefits. Methods App-use data from June 2019 to June 2020 were analyzed for 2771 paying subscribers of a meditation mobile phone app, of whom 86.06% (2359/2771) were female, 72.61% (2012/2771) were college educated, 86.29% (2391/2771) were White, and 60.71% (1664/2771) were employed full-time. Participants volunteered to complete a survey assessing their perceived changes in physical and mental health from using the app. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the ability of the temporal similarity measure to predict future behavior, and variable importance statistics from random forest models were used to corroborate these findings. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between temporal similarity and self-reported physical and mental health benefits. Results The temporal similarity of users' daily app use before completing the survey, as measured by the dynamic time warping (DTW) distance between app use on consecutive days, significantly predicted app use at 28 days and at 6 months after the survey, even after controlling for users' demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, total app sessions, duration of app use, and number of days with any app use. In addition, the temporal similarity measure significantly increased in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for models predicting any future app use in 28 days (AUC=0.868 with DTW and 0.850 without DTW; P<.001) and for models predicting any app use in 6 months (AUC=0.821 with DTW and 0.802 without DTW; P<.001). Finally, a 1% increase in the temporal similarity of users' daily meditation practice with the app over 6 weeks before the survey was associated with increased odds of reporting mental health improvements, with an odds ratio of 2.94 (95% CI 1.832-6.369). Conclusions The temporal similarity of the meditation app use was a significant predictor of future behavior, which suggests that this measure can identify reflexive meditation habits. In addition, temporal similarity was associated with greater perceived mental health benefits, which demonstrates that additional mental health benefits may be derived from forming reflexive meditation habits.


Abstract We show, under the assumption that factoring is hard, that a model of PV exists in which the polynomial hierarchy does not collapse to the linear hierarchy; that a model of exists in which NP is not in the second level of the linear hierarchy; and that a model of exists in which the polynomial hierarchy collapses to the linear hierarchy. Our methods are model-theoretic. We use the assumption about factoring to get a model in which the weak pigeonhole principle fails in a certain way, and then work with this failure to obtain our results. As a corollary of one of the proofs, we also show that in the failure of WPHP (for definable relations) implies that the strict version of PH does not collapse to a finite level.


As one of the most prominent cocoa and clove producers globally, Indonesia needs to develop a chocolate signature with unique characteristics due to the international cravings and high consumption of chocolate compared to other confectionery products. There are three main types of chocolate-based on their compositions: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. However, milk chocolate has been discovered to be a much-preferred type due to its taste and flavor, but its innovative development is limited despite consumers' interest. Moreover, clove leaves have been less utilized despite their ability to be further processed to the essential oil, which possesses a potency of health benefits such as antioxidant activity due to its main bioactive compounds and its usefulness a flavor in food. This study was, therefore, aimed to determine the effects of adding several concentrations of clove leaves essential oil at 0.1% (F1), 0.2% (F2), and 0.3% (F3) on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of milk chocolate bars as well as to define the best formula to achieve the optimum product . The results showed different trends at each concentration, while the best formula was recorded at the addition of 0.2% (F2) clove leaves essential oil to the milk chocolate bar, and the panelists further confirmed this.


The process of tight junction degradation was followed in a cell line of human colon adenocarcinoma. Tight junctions are degraded by 2 mechanisms: (1) breakdown of junctional elements to intramembrane particles; (2) bleb formation by which tight-junctional elements are internalized into the cytoplasm or excluded into the medium. It is suggested that the first mechanism allows preservation of membrane particles for re-use, whereas the second is a mechanism by which the cells eliminate unneeded junctional elements.


Language teachers usually face issues regarding the most effective methods of teaching. Teaching language to nonnative speakers of English involves certain problems and challenges at all levels of instruction. Due to the unsatisfactory results of focus on forms and focus on meaning instructions and their inevitable inadequacies, focus on form instruction along with its multiple techniques are regarded as a better candidate for classroom instruction. Focus on form instruction does not only pay attention to the importance of the communicative language teaching, but it also maintains the value of occasional and overt study of L2 grammatical forms. It is considered a more promising pedagogical choice than focus on forms and focus on meaning because of its communicatively need-oriented attention to form and its saliency in the language acquisition process. Focus on form may be essential to push learners beyond communicatively effective language toward target-like second language ability. It may also be part of a more efficient language learning experience in that it can speed up natural acquisition processes.


Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma are the two most common pediatric malignant bone tumors. Patients who present with metastatic disease or relapse have a dismal average 5-year survival of only 20%. Novel therapeutic approaches are desperately needed. The melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM/CD146/MUC18) is highly expressed in sarcoma and metastatic pediatric tumors. MCAM depletion inhibits Ewing sarcoma cell migration in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. High MCAM levels in patient tumors are associated with poor survival in Ewing sarcoma. MCAM therefore constitutes a unique and novel target for immunotherapy against MCAM+ sarcomas. We previously demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cell engineered to express chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against CD20 significantly reduced tumor burden, prevented tumor dissemination, and extended survival of treated mice compared to mock NK treatment in humanized Burkitt lymphoma xenograft mouse model. We hypothesize that anti-MCAM CAR NK cell will enhance the inherent NK-sarcoma cytotoxicity by better targeting sarcoma cells. Here we develop an anti-MCAM CAR NK cell and investigate its efficacy in promoting NK cell cytotoxicity against Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma. MCAM expression in sarcoma cell lines and tumor samples were validated by flow cytometry and western blotting. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are expanded into NK cells ex vivo using K562-mbIL21-41BBL artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPC). Anti-MCAM CAR NK cells are generated by non-viral electroporation of anti-MCAM CAR mRNA into expanded NK cells. Anti-MCAM CAR NK cytotoxicity is evaluated in vitro by luciferase based cytotoxicity assay. We detected various levels of MCAM expression in Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma cell lines and tumors. In addition, we noticed an interesting patchy expression pattern of MCAM in the Ewing sarcoma tumor sample. Importantly, we found a significantly increased cytotoxicity of anti-MCAM CAR NK cells compared to mock NK cells (59.9±10 vs 13.3±3.7 at E:T ratio of 5:1, p=0.006; and 65.6±7 vs 13.7±3.4 at 10:1, p=0.004) against Ewing sarcoma TC71 cells after co-culturing for 4 hours. A similar result was observed at the time point of 48 hours (91.5±8 vs 59±0.5 at E:T of 5:1, p=0.018). Anti-MCAM CAR NK cells also showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity against U2OS osteosarcoma cells compared to mock NK cells (32.6±23.2 vs 0.5±19.5 at E:T of 0.5:1, p=0.004; 47.1±27.4 vs 10.2±24 at E:T of 1:1, p=0.001) at the time point of 48 hours. In summary, these findings demonstrated enhanced efficacy of anti-MCAM CAR NK cells compared to mock NK cells against Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma cells and support a further preclinical investigation whether targeting MCAM by CAR NK will limit sarcoma growth and/or metastasis and increase survival in vivo. Citation Format: Aliza Gardenswartz, Wen Luo, Jeremy M. Rosenblum, Janet Ayello, Mitchell S. Cairo. Targeting Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma with anti-MCAM chimeric antigen receptor modified NK cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6594.


Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite as a kind of promising photovoltaic material is booming due to its low-cost, high defect tolerance, and easy fabrication, which result in the huge potential in industrial production. In the pursuit of high efficiency photovoltaic devices, high-quality absorbing layer is essential. Therefore, developing organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite thin films with good coverage, improved uniformity, and crystalline in a single pass deposition is of great concern in realizing good performance of perovskite thin-film solar cell. Here, it is found that the introduction of suitable amounts of LiI plays a dramatically positive role in enlarging the grain size and reducing the grain boundaries of absorbing layer. In addition, the carrier lifetime and built-in potential of the LiI doped perovskite device are observed to increase. Thus, it leads to about 15% gain in solar cell efficiency comparing to that without the LiI doping. Meanwhile, a hysteresis reduction is observed and 18.16% power conversion efficiency is achieved in LiI doped perovskite device, as well.


Abstract Among the numerous references to music in the writings of poet, composer, and Burgundian chronicler Jean Molinet, none is more puzzling than a passage from his Roman de la rose moralise (ca. 1500) that describes the misadventures of a note—a minim—fallen victim to Fortune. As it rides her wheel, it becomes a maxima and then a minim again, while its pitch is raised, then lowered. Another passage linking Fortune with transposition and mensural change occurs in Molinet9s Petit traictie soubz obscure poetrie . Both stories are exempla divorced from their immediate contexts, raising the possibility that Molinet may have been influenced by specific musical compositions related to Fortune. Aspects of notational usage and cantus-firmus manipulation in the Fortuna desperata masses of Jacob Obrecht and Josquin des Prez make these works—especially the latter—likely influences for Molinet9s strange digressions. And Molinet9s exempla, insofar as they can help clarify previously misinterpreted aspects of both works, are an important early example of musical hermeneutics. The difficult relationship between Molinet9s musical stories and the ostensibly sacred texts from which they digress also offers insight into the devotional functions of secular mass models.


Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the prerequisites of value co-production by a communication consultant and workshop participants during a communication improvement programme carried out in a medium-sized family firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from a socio-constructivist view of learning that emphasises participatory processes. It utilises the value co-production concept, referring to collaborative, dialogic activities between the consultant and the client. The theoretical framework includes the transcoder, re-interpreter, and free creator roles of a consultant as realised in a consultancy process characterised by dialogic interaction and equity. The approach is qualitative, and the data come from the expectations of the management team, a video recording of a communication improvement workshop, insights produced in the workshop, and a research journal.

Findings

The roles of a consultant were found to be those of organiser, transcoder, re-interpreter, and co-creator. Additionally, a dialogue facilitator role was highlighted as a central prerequisite of value co-production. The importance of a positive spirit in consultancy sessions was questioned because problems can thereby be hidden behind positivity. The value of confusing or even destructive episodes was emphasised as a source of new perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations related to the quality of the video recordings, and that the company employees did not yet evaluate the value gained in the long run.

Practical implications

This paper shows that a communication consultant gains insights from company representatives' insider views in conflict-management situations, and that these conflicts can be useful for organisational learning.

Originality/value

This study contributes to research into strategic communication because it provides new knowledge about the consultant-client interface, particularly in value co-production, in the few studies conducted in the context of SMEs. The study utilises the novel research methodology of video analysis.


Two novel carbazole based compounds, namely 9,9′,9′′,9′′′-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluoro-[1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl]-3,3′′,5,5′′-tetrayl)tetrakis(9H-carbazole) (CzF) and 9,9′,9′′,9′′′-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluoro-[1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl]-3,3′′,5,5′′-tetrayl)tetrakis(3,6-di-tert-butyl-9H-carbazole) (TCzF), were designed and synthesized for application as host materials in phosphorescence organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Tetrafluorophenylene was selected as the linking bridge to tune the photophysical and optoelectronic properties of these two compounds. Extremely high glass transition temperatures of 198 °C and 330 °C were detected for them. Green phosphorescence OLEDs were fabricated by vacuum evaporation using CzF and TCzF as hosts and tris[2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N] iridium(III) (Ir(ppy)3) as a doped emitter. Good performance was obtained with a maximum current efficiency of 66.3 cd A−1 (corresponding to an external quantum efficiency of 18.3% and a power efficiency of 46.24 lm W−1) for the CzF hosted device. TCzF exhibited an inferior performance relative to CzF, which was attributed to the presence of insulating tert-butyl groups on the surface of TCzF.


The development of national law must be built through the process of discovery, development, and adaptation of Indonesian volkgeist as well as compromises with various laws that exist and live in the society. The development of national law covers several aspects including: the development of legal material, apparatus as well as infrastructure and facilities of Pancasila as the noble values and become the basis for the life of the nation and state. Therefore, the values in Pancasila must also be used as the foundation of our country in the development of national law, especially in the development of legal material and apparatus.


Through this paper the robust approach to monitoring volcanic aerosols by satellite is applied to an extended set of events affecting Stromboli and Etna volcanoes to assess its performance in automated detection of eruptive clouds and in monitoring pre-eruptive emission activities. Using only NOAA/AVHRR data at hand (without any specific atmospheric model or ancillary ground-based measurements) the proposed method automatically discriminates meteorological from eruptive volcanic clouds and, in several cases, identified pre-eruptive anomalies in the emission rates not identified by traditional methods. The main merit of this approach is its effectiveness in recognising field anomalies also in the presence of a highly variable surface background as well as its intrinsic exportability not only on different geographic areas but also on different satellite instrumental packages. In particular, the possibility to extend the proposed method to the incoming new MSG/SEVIRI satellite package (which is going to fly next year) with its improved spectral (specific bands for SO 2 ) and temporal (up to 15 min) resolutions has been evaluated representing the natural continuation of this work.


Autostereoscopic displays utilizing slanted lenticular sheets produce specific artifacts. These artifacts affect the perception of a 3D scene, and are caused by a process which can be modeled as inter-channel crosstalk. We propose methodology for measuring such a crosstalk for arbitrary multiview 3D display. The measured data might be used for optimizing multiview image sets for a given display.


OBJECTIVE: Determine the clinical features and the survival of patients with gastric cancer invading the muscularis propia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of the patients with gastric cancer invading the muscularis propia, that had undergone surgical treatment at the National Cancer Institute (INEN) between 1950 and 1999. We considered age, sex, location of the tumor, regional lymph node metastases (N), distant metastases (M), TNM stage and survival. RESULTS: 202 patients had gastric cancer invading the muscularis propia, the mean age was 60.03 years, 105 (52%) were females, in 69% the neoplasm was in the antrum and in 22% in the body. We found regional lymph node metastases in 48% and distant metastases in 1%; 52.1% was in the IB TNM stage and 3.1% in the IV. The five year survival rate using Kaplan Meier was 66%, patients with N0, N1, N2 and N3 had 78%, 70%, 25% and 0% respectively.


Morphometric studies were undertaken using the brains of six African giant rats. The mean of weights and lengths (tip of the olfactory bulb to the caudal border of the cerebellum) were observed tobe 4.88  0.183g and 4.40  0.193g, respectively. Similarly, the mean weight and length of the cerebellum and the forebrain were fund to be 0.642  0.61g and 3.317+0.119g and 1.133+0.056cm and 2.75+0.1057cm. These values account for 13 and 68.4% and 23.90 and 57.09% of the total weight and length, respectively. The olfactory bulb accounts for 19.01% of the total brain length. Grossly, the olfactory bulb was observed to be large, this may facilitate many kinds of experimental procedures such as studies on the general neurobiology of olfaction. The low position of the rhinal sulcus restricts the paleocortex to a relatively small region (about one quarter of the total cerebral hemisphere). The surface of the cerebral cortex was observed to be smooth (lissencephalic). Keywords : Morphometric, cerebellum, forebrain, African giant rat. Tropical Veterinarian Vol. 23 (3 &4) 2005: pp. 87-92


A novel water-compatible hypercrosslinked resin modified by p-aminophenol was synthesized with chloromethylated polystyrene and p-aminophenol by Friedel-Crafts reaction. The objective of this work was to study the adsorption performances for salicylic acid onto p-aminophenol resin. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of salicylic acid onto p-aminophenol resin was superior to XAD-4 resin. It is seen that the maximum adsorption capacity is observed at pH of 3.0. It was found the adsorption dynamics obeyed the pseudo-first-order rate equation and the intra-particle diffusion was the rate-limiting step. The maximum adsorption capacity of salicylic acid for p-aminophenol resin was measured to be 283.7 mg/g with the equilibrium concentration at 404.6mg/L. The micropore structure, the pore diameter of p-aminophenol resin, the hydrogen bond between p-aminophenol resin and salicylic acid bring the larger adsorption capacity.


The capillary tuft of glomeruli of the hagfish mesonephros contains both 'low'-pressure and 'high'-pressure glomerular vessels (LPGVs and HPGVs). The existence of the HPGV raised the possibility that pressure filtration could occur in the hagfish kidney when the blood pressure was sufficiently high. Therefore, measurements of glomerular capillary pressure were made in HPGVs and LPGVs whilst single glomeruli were perfused with hagfish Ringer's solution that contained the colloid Ficoll 70. Calculations of the effective colloid osmotic pressure in perfused capillaries were made; these showed that hydrostatic pressures within the HPGV were inadequate to effect pressure filtration except at high rates of perfusion. However, high rates of perfusion provoked perfusion pressures that exceeded the highest values measured in the renal blood supply of lightly anaesthetised hagfish. It was concluded that some process other than pressure filtration must account for formation of the primary urine by hagfish glomeruli. The proportion of the perfusate that became urine, the single glomerulus filtration fraction (SGFF), bore a strong positive relationship to the vascular resistance of perfused glomeruli. Both the SGFF and the vascular resistance were inversely related to the rate of perfusion except when that rate was very high. From these two observations it was concluded that at least two flow pathways exist in hagfish glomeruli: one that has a high vascular resistance and that contributes to the elaboration of the urine, and one that has a low vascular resistance and does not contribute to urine formation. The possible anatomical location of the various flow pathways through hagfish glomeruli and how they may function are discussed.


A field experiment was conducted at Paklihawa Campus of the Institute of  Agriculture and Animal Science, Rupandehi, Nepal, during Oct 2004 to Feb  2005 to study the effects of boron and phosphorus on the soil nutrient status,  nutrient uptake by plant and yield of cauliflower ( Brassica oleracea var.  botrytis L.) variety Snowball-16 . Sixteen treatment combinations, including  four levels of boron (0, 0.65, 1.3, 1.95 kg boron ha-1) and four levels of  phosphorus (0, 30, 60, 90kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 ) were included. The soil was loamy  with very low in boron. Curd yield, harvest index, boron and phosphorus  uptake by plant and available boron in soil were significantly increased by  the application of boron and phosphorus in soils. Available phosphorus in  soils after the crop harvest was significantly increased by phosphorus  application. The highest curd yield, boron and phosphorus uptake by plant as  well as available boron and phosphorus in soils after the crop harvest were  obtained from the application of 1.3 kg boron with 60 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 . The  boron uptake by plant was decreased by the application of more than 1.3kg  boron ha -1 while the phosphorus uptake was increased with increased  application of phosphorus upto 90 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 . There were quadratic  responses of curd yield, harvest index and plant boron uptake to the applied  boron; quadratic response of plant phosphorus uptake to the applied  phosphorus, while responses of curd yield, and harvest index to the applied  phosphorus were linear. Highly significant positive correlations between  curd yield and leaf boron content (r = 0.68**) as well as curd yield and plant  phosphorus content (r = 0.79**) were observed. In conclusion, the combined  application of 1.3 kg boron and 60 kg P 2 O 5 ha -1 was found to be the best for  cauliflower production under Paklihawa soil conditions of Rupandehi district  and can be recommended to the growers of this region. Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 9, 2009, pp. 56-66 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v9i0.11642


We propose different convex alphabet relaxation schemes for vector precoding in MIMO broadcast channels using binary, quaternary and octonary modulation. Expressions are presented for the probability of the different precoding schemes to achieve interference-free communication over singular channels. The energy of transmission is evaluated in the many user limit using the replica method from statistical physics. An alternative channel inversion technique is proposed which makes purely real binary alphabets perform as well as their complex extensions, resulting in reduced complexity in the optimization process. The relevance of the asymptotic analysis is confirmed by finite size simulations.


AIM
To evaluate the effects of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) on adhesion of gastric cancer cell line BGC-823 and expression of integrin beta1, CD44V6, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2).

METHODS
BGC-823 cells were transfected transiently with adenovirus-Ang-1 (Ad-Ang-1). Cells transfected transiently with adenovirus-green fluorescent protein (Ad-GFP) and untransfected cells were used as a negative and blank control group, respectively. The cell adhesion rate between cell and extracellular matrix (ECM) was determined by cell adhesion assay. To investigate whether Ang-1 could reinforce gastric carcinoma metastasis, we performed migration and invasion assays in BGC-823 cells. The mRNA and protein expression of integrin beta1, CD44V6, uPA and MMP-2 were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The expression of integrin beta1 and CD44V6 was measured by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS
BGC-823 cells were transfected successfully. The adhesion rate increased significantly in the Ad-Ang-1 group (P < 0.05). The Ad-Ang-1-transfected group had a significant increase in migration and invasion compared with that of the mock-transfected and Ad-GFP groups. The mRNA and protein expression of integrin beta1, CD44V6, uPA and MMP-2 in the Ad-Ang-1 group was higher than that in the Ad-GFP and blank control groups (P < 0.05). Compared with mock-transfected and Ad-GFP groups, integrin beta1 and CD44V6 expression intensity greatly increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
Transfection of Ang-1 into human gastric cancer cell line BGC-823 can significantly increase expression of integrin beta1 and CD44V6, by which cell adhesion and metastasis to the ECM are promoted.


In this study, the viscoelastic properties of quartz and kaolin suspensions in seawater were analysed considering two distinct conditions: pH 8 and 10.7. Creep and oscillatory sweep tests provided the rheological parameters. An Anton Paar MCR 102 rheometer (ANAMIN Group, Santiago, Chile) was used with a vane-in-cup configuration, and the data were processed with RheoCompassTM Light software (ANAMIN Group, Santiago, Chile). The outcomes were associated with the formation of solid species principally composed of magnesium precipitates. The magnesium in solution reduced in the presence of quartz (68 wt %), from 1380 to 1280 mg/L. Since the difference was not large regarding the solid-free seawater, the disposition of solid complexes at pH 10.7 was expected to be similar. The jump in pH caused both yield stress and viscoelastic moduli to drop, suggesting that the solid precipitates diminished the strength of the particle networks that made up the suspension. For the kaolin slurries (37 wt %), the yield stress raised when the pH increased, but unlike quartz, there was significant adsorption of magnesium cations. In fact, the concentration of magnesium in solution fell from 1380 to 658 mg/L. Dynamic oscillatory assays revealed structural changes in both pulps; in particular, the phase angle was greater at pH 8 than at pH 10.7, which indicates that at more alkaline conditions, the suspension exhibits a more solid-like character.


ABSTRACT In this study, we found that the E6-associated protein (E6-AP/UBE3A) directly interacts with and coactivates the transcriptional activity of the human progesterone receptor (PR) in a hormone-dependent manner. E6-AP also coactivates the hormone-dependent transcriptional activities of the other members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Previously, it was shown that E6-AP serves the role of a ubiquitin-protein ligase (E3) in the presence of the E6 protein from human papillomavirus types 16 and 18. Our data show that the ubiquitin-protein ligase function of E6-AP is dispensable for its ability to coactivate nuclear hormone receptors, showing that E6-AP possesses two separable independent functions, as both a coactivator and a ubiquitin-protein ligase. Disruption of the maternal copy of E6-AP is correlated with Angelman syndrome (AS), a genetic neurological disorder characterized by severe mental retardation, seizures, speech impairment, and other symptoms. However, the exact mechanism by which the defective E6-AP gene causes AS remains unknown. To correlate the E6-AP coactivator function and ubiquitin-protein ligase functions with the AS phenotype, we expressed mutant forms of E6-AP isolated from AS patients and assessed the ability of each of these mutant proteins to coactivate PR or provide ubiquitin-protein ligase activity. This analysis revealed that in the majority of the AS patients examined, the ubiquitin-protein ligase function of E6-AP was defective whereas the coactivator function was intact. This finding suggests that the AS phenotype results from a defect in the ubiquitin-proteosome protein degradation pathway.


There has been increasing awareness of the use of intuitional imaging techniques to describe a damage event in the engineered structures. A Lamb wave-based diagnostic imaging approach was developed in this study, by fusing the prior probabilities established by the sensors of an active sensor network at different spatial positions of the structure under inspection. Rather than pinpointing the damage location and shape with definitive parameters, such an approach was intended to probabilistically predict the occurrence of a damage event, which is in nature more consistent with the implication of 'estimating' damage in SHM than traditional approaches. As validation, the approach was employed to detect mono- and dual-delamination in CF/EP laminates, and the results were represented in probability contour diagrams, where the structural damage became intuitional. Other major benefits of the approach include the independence of its effectiveness on the number of damage and enhanced tolerance to noise/uncertainties.


The transverse crack, which is the most dangerous damage among the various types of rail defects, is developed from shelling near the rail running face, and grows perpendicular to the rail surface. Therefore, to assure the safety of rolling stocks, it is necessary to investigate the fatigue crack growth behavior of a gas pressure welded part of rail steel under mode I and mixed mode loadings. In this study, the fatigue crack growth behavior under the mixed mode was discussed by using comparative stress intensity factor ranges proposed by Richard. In addition, to evaluate the effect of the crack closure quantitatively, the crack opening load was determined a using clip-on gauge and computerized image processing system. As a result of this, a mixed mode crack growth rate regardless of the stress ratio could be correlated with the effective comparative stress intensity factor ranges derived from the crack opening loading.


We have previously developed a mouse model of insulin-resistant diabetes by targeted inactivation of the insulin receptor gene. During studies of gene expression in livers of insulin receptor-deficient mice, we identified a novel cDNA, which we have termed sirm (Son of InsulinReceptor Mutant mice). sirm is largely, albeit not exclusively, expressed in insulin-responsive tissues. Insulin is a potent modulator of sirm expression, and sirm mRNA levels correlate with tissue sensitivity to insulin. The product of the sirm gene is a serine/threonine-rich protein with several proline-rich motifs and an NPNY motif, conforming to the consensus sequence recognized by the phosphotyrosine binding domains of insulin receptor substrate and Shc proteins. However, Sirm bears no extended homologies with other known proteins. Based on the sequences of the proline-rich domains, we sought to determine whether Sirm binds to the SH3 domains of FYN and Grb-2. We demonstrate here that Sirm binds to FYN and Grb-2 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and that insulin treatment results in the dissociation of the Sirm·FYN and Sirm·Grb-2 complexes. We also show that Sirm is a substrate for the kinase activity of FYN in vitro. Based on the patterns of expression of sirm, its regulation by insulin, and the interactions with molecules in the insulin signaling pathway, we surmise that Sirm plays a role in modulating tissue sensitivity to insulin.


This work explores the relationships between wildfires and landslide susceptibility in various regions of the world. The results outline the complexity of these relationships and have permitted to derive some conclusions on the smaller amounts of precipitation needed for landslide triggering in burned areas and on the seasonal shift in landslides occurrence. I am reporting below some suggestions for paper revision.


: In this paper, new attitude determination algorithms using pseudolite signal phase measurements are developed and presented with realistic simulations. Pseudolite signals are used to replace GPS signals which are often not available due to blocking by nearby large structures, for example, a crew return vehicle under the International Space Station. A new observation model needs to be applied because spherical wavefronts are present for pseudolite signals, which are much closer to the antennas than GPS signals. Both static and filtering methods are developed. An iterative algorithm using the Levenberg-Marquardt method and a nonlinear Predictive filter provide a deterministic solution; however, they are not suitable for moving cases. Instead, the nonlinear Predictive filter, the extended Kalman filter and the Unscented filter using angular velocity measurements as well as pseudolite signal phase measurements are developed. In the convergence comparison, the Unscented filter and the Predictive filter show more robust behavior than that of the extended Kalman filter.


In this paper, a generalized plane strain model capable of predicting interface stresses is developed. The analysis of free edge stresses of composite laminates subjected to uniform axial strain by using the generalized plane strain model developed with help of commercially available FEA software Abaqus. The results are compared with previously published results and 3D analysis to validate the model. This model can predict the interlaminar stresses accurately and can be used as a computational tool to predict the interlaminar stresses of different laminate under mechanical loading.


Of the plethora of social problems with which government has had to contend in recent history, few have generated more controversy than the non-therapeutic use of drugs. Many of those which are currently in common use did not exist fifty years ago; but the most dramatic growth in non-therapeutic use has been experienced with a drug that man has known for centuries: marijuana.1 Known generically as Cannabis sativa, internationally as Indian hemp, popularly as marijuana, and in American slang as "pot" or "grass," the drug was introduced to the United States as an intoxicant by itinerate Mexican farm workers in the early decades of this century. The acknowledged use of marijuana in the ghettos and communities of ethnic minorities for several decades stimulated no public outcry with the exception of the sensational press campaigns which led to the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.


The conductance of a single molecule connected to two gold electrodes was determined by repeatedly forming thousands of gold-molecule-gold junctions. Conductance histograms revealed well-defined peaks at integer multiples of a fundamental conductance value, which was used to identify the conductance of a single molecule. The resistances near zero bias were 10.5 ± 0.5, 51 ± 5, 630 ± 50, and 1.3 ± 0.1 megohms for hexanedithiol, octanedithiol, decanedithiol, and 4,4′ bipyridine, respectively. The tunneling decay constant (βN) for N-alkanedithiols was 1.0 ± 0.1 per carbon atom and was weakly dependent on the applied bias. The resistance and βN values are consistent with first-principles calculations.


Current models of early mouse development assign roles to stochastic processes and epigenetic regulation, which are considered to be as influential as the genetic differences that exist between strains of the species Mus musculus. The aim of this study was to test whether mouse oocytes vary from each other in the abundance of gene products that could influence, prime, or even predetermine developmental trajectories and features of derivative embryos. Using the paradigm of inbred mouse strains, we quantified 2010 protein groups (SILAC LC‐MS/MS) and 15205 transcripts (RNA deep sequencing) present simultaneously in oocytes of four strains tested (129/Sv, C57Bl/6J, C3H/HeN, DBA/2J). Oocytes differed according to donor strain in the abundance of catalytic and regulatory proteins, as confirmed for a subset (bromodomain adjacent to zinc finger domain, 1B [BAZ1B], heme oxygenase 1 [HMOX1], estrogen related receptor, beta [ESRRB]) via immunofluorescence in situ. Given a Pearson's r correlation coefficient of 0.18–0.20, the abundance of oocytic proteins could not be predicted from that of cognate mRNAs. Our results document that a prerequisite to generate embryo diversity, namely the different abundances of maternal proteins in oocytes, can be studied in the model of inbred mouse strains. Thus, we highlight the importance of proteomic quantifications in modern embryology. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001059 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001059).


Analog non-volatile memory (NVM)-based accelerators for deep neural networks perform high-throughput and energy-efficient multiply-accumulate (MAC) operations (e.g., high TeraOPS/W) by taking advantage of massively parallelized analog MAC operations, implemented with Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's current law on array-matrices of resistive devices. While the wide-integer and floating-point operations offered by conventional digital CMOS computing are much more suitable than analog computing for conventional applications that require high accuracy and true reproducibility, deep neural networks can still provide competitive end-to-end results even with modest (e.g., 4-bit) precision in synaptic operations. In this paper, we describe a 14-nm inference chip, comprising multiple 512$\times$ 512 arrays of Phase Change Memory (PCM) devices, which can deliver software-equivalent inference accuracy for MNIST handwritten-digit recognition and recurrent LSTM benchmarks, by using compensation techniques to finesse analog-memory challenges such as conductance drift and noise. We also project accuracy for Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks performed with a state-of-art large Transformer-based model, BERT, when mapped onto an extended version of this same fundamental chip architecture.


Birnie, Boyle, and Redgwell's International Law and the Environment places legislation on the protection of the environment firmly at the core of its argument. It uses sharp and thorough analysis of the law, sharing knowledge and experience. The chapters provide a unique perspective on the implications of international regulation, promoting a wide understanding of the pertinent issues impacting upon the law. The text starts by looking at international law and the environment. It looks at the rights and obligations of states concerning the protection of the environment. The text also considers interstate enforcement which includes state responsibility, compliance, and dispute settlement. It moves on to consider non-state actors such as environmental rights, liability, and crimes. Climate change and atmospheric pollution are given some consideration. The text also examines the law of the sea and protection of the marine environment. Conservation is dealt with in detail, including the conservation of nature, ecosystems, and biodiversity and marine living resources. Finally, the text looks at international trade.


Migration strategies in fishes comprise a rich, ecologically important, and socioeconomically valuable example of biological diversity. The variation and flexibility in migration is evident between and within individuals, populations, and species, and thereby provides a useful model system that continues to inform how ecological and evolutionary processes mould biodiversity and how biological systems respond to environmental heterogeneity and change. Migrating fishes are targeted by commercial and recreational fishing and impact the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Sadly, many species of migrating fish are under increasing threat by exploitation, pollution, habitat destruction, dispersal barriers, overfishing, and ongoing climate change that brings modified, novel, more variable and extreme conditions and selection regimes. All this calls for protection, sustainable utilization and adaptive management. However, the situation for migrating fishes is complicated further by actions aimed at mitigating the devastating effects of such threats. Changes in river connectivity associated with removal of dispersal barriers such as dams and construction of fishways, together with compensatory breeding and supplemental stocking can impact on gene flow and selection. How this in turn affects the dynamics, genetic structure, genetic diversity, evolutionary potential, and viability of spawning migrating fish populations remains largely unknown. In this narrative review we describe and discuss patterns, causes, and consequences of variation and flexibility in fish migration that are scientifically interesting and concern key issues within the framework of evolution and maintenance of biological diversity. We showcase how the evolutionary solutions to key questions that define migrating fish - whether or not to migrate, why to migrate, where to migrate, and when to migrate - may depend on individual characteristics and ecological conditions. We explore links between environmental change and migration strategies, and discuss whether and how threats associated with overexploitation, environmental makeovers, and management actions may differently influence vulnerability of individuals, populations and species depending on the variation and flexibility of their migration strategies. Our goal is to provide a broad overview of knowledge in this emerging area, spur future research and development of informed management, and ultimately promote sustainable utilization and protection of migrating fish and their ecosystems.


SUMMARY: A bacterium capable of growth on trans-2-butene was isolated from soil and identified as a Nocardia sp. The isolate also grew on propane, butane, pentane and hexane; gaseous and volatile 1-alkenes did not support growth. Intact cells grown on trans-2-butene or butane oxidized all n-alkanes, 1-alkenes, 2-alkenes and alcohols tested. Simultaneous adaptation studies, inhibitor experiments and measurements of enzyme activities in crude extracts indicated a degradative route of trans-2-butene via crotonic acid and of butane via butyric acid. The key enzymes in the proposed pathways were induced by growth on either trans-2-butene or butane. The induction of these enzymes and the substrate specificities of the enzymes suggest a relation between trans-2-butene and butane degradation.


Fanconi anemia is a rare autosomal recessive or X-linked genetic disease characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, various developmental anomalies, and cancer predisposition. Fanconi anemia complementation group A (FANCA) gene is one of the 15 disease-causing genes and has been found to be mutated in ∼60% of Fanconi anemia patients. Except for its constituent role in the ubiquitin ligase of the Fanconi anemia core complex, no other biochemical activity has been identified thus far. Using purified protein, we observed that human FANCA has intrinsic affinity to nucleic acids. FANCA binds to both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA; however, its affinity to single-stranded DNA is dramatically higher. FANCA also binds to RNA with an intriguingly higher affinity than its DNA counterpart. A patient-derived FANCA truncation mutant, Q772X, has diminished affinity to both DNA and RNA. On the contrary, the complementing C-terminal fragment of Q772X, C772-1455, retains the differentiated nucleic acids binding activity (RNA>ssDNA>dsDNA), indicating that the nucleic acids binding domain of FANCA is primarily located at its C-terminus. Using DNA and RNA ladders, we determined that the minimum numbers of nucleotides required for FANCA recognition are ∼30 for both DNA and RNA. By testing the affinity between FANCA and a variety of DNA structures, we found that a 5' flap or tail on DNA facilitates its interaction with FANCA. In addition, we observed that FANCA greatly stimulates the endonuclease activity of flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), which processes 5' flap structures. Our study reported that purified human FANCA binds to nucleic acids with strong preference for single-stranded forms. Our finding suggests that FANCA FANCA may participate in maintenance of replication forks by regulating removal of Okazaki fragment during maturation of lagging strand replication. Citation Format: Liangyue Qian, Fenghua Yuan, Paola Rodriguez-Tello, Xinliang Zhao, Limin Song, Gennaro D9Urso, Chaitanya Jain, Yanbin Zhang. FANCA binds to nucleic acids and stimulates endonuclease activity of FEN1. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1286. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1286


Reducing sickness absence and speeding up return to work following absence is usually beneficial for employees and organisations. However, current theory on sickness absence is not sophisticated enough to meaningfully inform policies which adequately promote employee wellbeing. This research aimed to explore employees' decisions about taking sickness absence and returning to work and to identify factors which help employees to remain in or return to work. Two studies are presented. Study 1 was a systematic review evaluating the evidence that cognitive-behavioural (CBT) pain management improves work outcomes (return to work, sickness absence and hours worked) in employees with chronic pain. Fifteen studies were reviewed. A meta-analysis of a subgroup of four good or adequate quality studies showed no effect of intervention. Other high and adequate quality studies found no effect of intervention, with one exception. Lower quality studies lacked appropriate control groups, therefore conclusions could not be drawn about their effectiveness. Overall, insufficient evidence was found that CBT pain management improves vocational outcomes. Complex interventions, which target workplace and health issues, may be required. Study 2 was a grounded theory study of sickness absence among NHS staff in South Wales. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 18 employees. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Charmaz's (2006) approach to grounded theory. A new process model of sickness absence is presented which goes beyond established theories. The establishment of the legitimacy of absence and its negotiation with others, particularly health professionals and managers, were core to the model. The absence process was complex, with different factors becoming important at different points in time, including the type and severity of illness; the work context; the employees' beliefs about illness and work; their values and support. Line managers had a key role in managing absence but may require additional support and training. Health psychologists should now turn their attention to understanding the specific beliefs which are relevant to absence from work in order to further develop theories of sickness absence.


Snow water equivalent (SWE) is a critical parameter for climatological and hydrological studies over northern high-latitude areas. In this paper, we study the usability of the Helsinki University of Technology (HUT) snow emission model for the estimation of SWE in a Canadian boreal forest environment. The experimental data (airborne passive microwave and ground-based data) were acquired during the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study winter field campaign held in February 1994 in Central Canada. Using the experimental dataset, surface brightness temperatures at 18 and 37 GHz (vertical polarization) were simulated with the HUT snow emission model and compared to those acquired by the airborne sensors. The results showed an important underestimation at 37 GHz (-27 K) and an overestimation at 18 GHz (10 K). In this paper, we demonstrate that the errors in the model simulations are due mainly to the extinction coefficient modeling, which is a function of snow grain size. Therefore, we propose a new semiempirical function for the extinction coefficient, based on an empirical correction to the Rayleigh scattering expression. Results presented in this paper show that the proposed function improves the HUT model accuracy to predict brightness temperature in the experimental context considered, with a mean error of /spl plusmn/5 K and /spl plusmn/9 K, respectively, at 18 and 37 GHz, and a negligible bias (less than 4 K) in both cases. These errors are comparable in magnitude to the accuracy of the radiometers used during the airborne flights. SWE was retrieved using the modified HUT snow emission model based on an iterative inversion technique. SWE was estimated with a mean error of /spl plusmn/10 mm and a negligible bias. Only a rough knowledge of mean snow grain size /spl phi/~ was required in the inversion procedure. The effects of possible errors on mean snow grain size /spl phi/~ are presented and discussed.


Abstract This article examines the Kantian thesis of the a priori nature of our knowledge of space. Because it makes the representation of objects possible as external to us and all others, and consequently, as distinct and individualized, space (whatever its structure may be) claims the status as necessary condition and as apriori possibility of all knowledge. However, in the light of various physical, psychological and philosophical considerations, it seems that the particular structure allocated by Kant to space (i.e. uniqueness, infinity, continuity, homogeneity, isotropy, Euclidean character and three-dimensional character) is neither necessary nor a priori but is rather contingent and dependent on experience. For this reason a pragmatist relativization of the transcendental approach appears to be necessary: the structure of space which makes knowledge possible is not apriori in an absolute sense, but rather, it is determined within the context of a certain practice, which is characterized by a certain mode of interaction with the environment and reveals particular empirical constraints to which this spatial structure must fit.


This article examines the T2 relaxation characteristics of the median nerve. Knowledge of the T2 relaxation time is essential to optimize clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols and to enhance the visibility of pathophysiological changes in tissues. The T2 relaxation time of the median nerve is short relative to the T2 of other tissues like white and gray matter, for instance, and it decreases with increasing field strength of the MR scanner. A T2 relaxation time of (cid:1) 50 milliseconds (ms) and (cid:1) 20 ms were reported at 1.5 T and 7 T, respectively. Detailed measurements at 3.0 T revealed a biexponential decay characterized by two T2 components, at (cid:1) 30 ms and (cid:1) 100 ms, with normalized amplitudes of (cid:1) 80% and (cid:1) 20%, respectively. These two components possibly result from spatial compartmentation of water into intra-axonal and interaxonal spaces. The ability to assess microanatomical compartments within the median nerve could provide a method to study in vivo biophysical properties of nerves and could offer a means to investigate neurodegenerative diseases.


A review of electron optical bench literature is presented, and the designs of two optical benches used by the authors are described. One bench was designed for testing individual electrostatic electron lenses and in‐line optical systems, for example, emission electron microscopes and transmission electron microscopes. It has been in operation for many years. The second electron optical bench is new. It is a branched system designed for several purposes: to study correction of spherical and chromatic aberration with an electron mirror, and to gain experience with low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) optics. The alignment of the electron optical support structure is independent of the vacuum housing, and the bench is designed to be operated either horizontally or vertically. As a demonstration of the performance of the new bench in the horizontal mode, a test pattern on a silicon surface was imaged with LEEM optics.


Among the various systems taught in the preclinical phases, the nervous system is more challenging to learn than other systems. In this report, a novel teaching methodology, 'real-life scenario (RLS) blended teaching' is described and its effectiveness in facilitating inquisitive learning in undergraduate medical students was evaluated. This mixed-method study was conducted among three groups (Group-1; n=83, Group-2; n=85, and Group-3; n=79) of undergraduate medical students (18-20 years) in the neurology and behavioral sciences module. RLS was presented to students in the form of demonstrations, role-plays, videos, and group activities. Group-1 students underwent traditional teaching-learning sessions. Group-2 students underwent RLS blended sessions and were provided with multiple mini-assignments in a vignette format. Group-3 students received RLS blended sessions, multiple mini-assignments, peer discussions, multiple formative assessments, and facilitator feedback sessions. The student performances on different exams were compared in terms of their Group, and their perceptions of RLS were documented. Students exposed to RLS sessions blended with multiple assignments, peer discussions, multiple formative assignments, and facilitator feedback sessions performed well in the final summative assessments (67.87%) compared to those exposed to RLS sessions and assignments (50.21%) or exposed to traditional teaching alone (50.34%). RLS sessions increased students' curiosity and motivated them to learn the subject well. RLS sessions stimulated student interest and facilitated their learning. RLS along with effective use of multiple assignments, formative assessments and/or feedback sessions significantly improved student learning. This demonstrates the effectiveness of this active method in teaching various subjects with appropriate modifications.


OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of surgical isolation of the left atrial posterior wall encompassing the ostia of the pulmonary veins for the treatment of atrial fibrillation of rheumatic etiology. METHODS: Prospective and randomized study of patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease, persistent atrial fibrillation for 6 months or longer, age < 60 years, and left atrial diameter < 65 mm. The patients were randomly distributed into 2 groups as follows: surgical valvular treatment (control group) and surgical valvular treatment associated with isolation of the left atrial posterior wall according to the "cut-and-sew" technique (treated group). RESULTS: Twenty-nine individuals were operated upon, 27 of whom (13 in the control group and 14 in the treated group) were regularly followed up. The patients of both groups did not differ in regard to their basal characteristics. The mean follow-up time was 11.5 months in the control group and 10.3 months in the treated group. The cumulative frequencies of the patients without atrial fibrillation were significantly greater in the treated group both in the perioperative (P=0.0035) and late (P=0.0430) phases. CONCLUSION: Surgical isolation of the left atrial posterior wall encompassing the ostia of the pulmonary veins is an effective form of treating atrial fibrillation in rheumatic mitral valve disease.