Summary and Conclusions
This study of the lesions of pellagra does not give any direct insight into the origin or cause of the disease. The cutaneous lesions give no evidence of being infectious in nature. The lesions of the mouth, tongue and colon are integral parts of the disease in the light of both clinical and pathological evidence. The changes in the alimentary tract do not appear to be simple, inflammatory changes, and some underlying and contributory factor must be necessary for their production.
Pellagra is a disease in which the lesions are confined to epithelial surfaces without extension to deeper tissues or organs. The cutaneous lesions are very difficult to classify dermatologically. In the evolution of the skin lesions the following stages can be recognized: The stage of injury or fibrolytic stage; reaction or the dermatitic stage; repair; compensatory vascular ectasis, or the erythematous stage; and the cicatricial or atrophic stage.
The sequence and character of the cutaneous changes are consistent with the theory that they are photodynamic effects. They do, as a matter of fact, bear slight resemblance to some of the lesions of x-ray dermatitis, particularly those described by Wolbach (5). The photodynamic hypothesis could be very satisfactorily applied to the cutaneous lesions if it were not for the fact that the reaction in the tongue, pharynx and esophagus is essentially the same. Some other factor than radiant energy must be responsible for the reaction in the skin and mucous membranes. The lesions of the mouth and tongue admit of the same exact division into stages as the cutaneous lesions; injury, reaction, compensatory vascular ectasis, and atrophy.
The changes described seem to furnish sufficiently definite criteria for the evaluation of results in experimental attempts at the production of the disease.


Some publisher advertising networks provide features intended to help advertisers bid more efficiently with a single bid in many publishers' click auctions at once – Smart Pricing on the Google Display Network is one example. Typically such features involve discounting advertiser bids or prices for clicks on publisher websites according to how click values vary across sites (for some appropriate measure of advertiser value). Contrary to concerns that such features necessarily result in reduced publisher (and network) revenue we find that, in many simple cases, the modified auction dynamics produce rational incentives for advertisers to bid more – and spend more – than they would without the benefit of these features. So if advertisers act in their own interest then publishers and networks stand to make more revenue as well.


A concise summary is given of the history of display technology and new display devices coming in the near future. CRT display including CRT projection display was for a long time the only device capable of exhibiting moving picture images applicable to TV receivers. To improve bulky and heavy structure of CRT, FPDs have been developed and are available in the market nowadays. Typical FPDs, namely LCD and PDP, have been applied to TV sets. Especially, LCD has many application fields, because of its size variation and high-resolution capability. However, picture quality of current FPD are still inferior to that of the CRT, and new types of flat panel display with high picture quality under development has come into the market in the near future. Some examples are OLED and FED. The presentation also introduce key technologies that realize those displays


This study investigated the impediments to the effective application of ICTs in Tanzania's teachers' training colleges (TTCs). It was conducted in 2015 at Bunda, Butimba, Morogoro, Murutunguru TTCs and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training headquarters. Data were collected from 134 students, tutors and other officials using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The study established purposes for which respondents made use of the pedagogical ICTs and identified the constraints that hamper the adoption of ICTs to be unreliable connectivity, inadequate pedagogical skills, low broadband, lack or inadequate technical support, lack of necessary ICT equipments or unreliable ICT equipments/facilities and power interruption. Basing on these findings, the study recommends recruiting ICT technicians for technical support, providing adequate and reliable ICT facilities, improving power supply to colleges, and ensuring reliable connectivity to colleges in a bid to to enhance pedagogical ICT integration in teachers' training colleges .


The dialectic between continuity and change lies at the heart of international law, which seeks to foster peaceful, just, and prosperous relations among nations. International law endeavors to govern the future by applying, in the present, norms that are inherited from the past. Nonetheless, everything flows and in an ever-changing world, some change is needed within the international legal system to ensure its stability especially in time of crisis. Not only can crises constitute means for the development of international law, but they can test, undermine or ultimately buttress the structure of international law. This article explores the connection between crisis, continuity, and change in international investment law and arbitration. It seeks to answer the following question: can international investment law successfully address the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis? Or will the pandemic change the field of international investment law as we know it? After briefly discussing a range of procedural matters, the article focuses on substantive aspects, namely, the kinds of claims that can be filed, the kind of defences that can be raised, and how arbitral tribunals can adjudicate such matters. In this way, the article ultimately concludes that both continuity and change are necessary for ensuring the health and wealth of nations and justice among them.


Mobilising resources via foreign direct investment (FDI) has become an important channel to achieve economic progress in African countries due to a lack of domestic resource mobilisation. Along with its recent socio-economic expansion and increasing integration into the global economy, Africa has experienced major developments in inward FDI. The question then arises whether the increase in FDI inflows has contributed to the improved socio-economic conditions in African countries, in terms of providing a better quality of life and employment prospects. By empirically analysing data from the Financial Times (fDi Markets) and World Bank (Open Data) using instrumental variable (IV) estimation over 2003-2017, this study finds that FDI can contribute to improving the quality of life and employment prospects of people living in African countries. There is also evidence that the type of FDI conducted matters for job creation as well as the relative employment rates of women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Only when FDI is labour-intensive, do positive direct employment effects exist while there is no evidence of indirect spillover effects. The results from this study bring to light the skills gap that exists in the continent, in which a lack of skills prevents African countries from reaping the employment benefits associated with more skills-demanding (knowledge-intensive) FDI. Remarkably, women in SSA seem to be an exception and are actually able to gain from knowledge-intensive FDI activities brought in by multinational enterprises (MNEs).


Optimal transport distances have found many applications in machine learning for their capacity to compare non-parametric probability distributions. Yet their algorithmic complexity generally prevents their direct use on large scale datasets. Among the possible strategies to alleviate this issue, practitioners can rely on computing estimates of these distances over subsets of data, {\em i.e.} minibatches. While computationally appealing, we highlight in this paper some limits of this strategy, arguing it can lead to undesirable smoothing effects. As an alternative, we suggest that the same minibatch strategy coupled with unbalanced optimal transport can yield more robust behavior. We discuss the associated theoretical properties, such as unbiased estimators, existence of gradients and concentration bounds. Our experimental study shows that in challenging problems associated to domain adaptation, the use of unbalanced optimal transport leads to significantly better results, competing with or surpassing recent baselines.


This handy brochure includes a full-color map identifying access routes to the boat ramps and marinas in Wakulla County, plus the latest information on scallops and scalloping, the recommended equipment you will want to bring, and a few tasty recipes for preparing Florida's best summertime catch. Written by Savanna Barry and published by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant College Program. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg149
Revised May 2019.


In this paper, we exploit the idea of decomposition to match buyers and sellers in an electronic exchange for trading large volumes of homogeneous goods, where the buyers and sellers specify marginal-decreasing piecewise constant price curves to capture volume discounts. Such exchanges are relevant for automated trading in many e-business applications. The problem of determining winners and Vickrey prices in such exchanges is known to have a worst-case complexity equal to that of as many as (1+m+n) NP-hard problems, where m is the number of buyers and n is the number of sellers. Our method proposes the overall exchange problem to be solved as two separate and simpler problems: 1) forward auction and 2) reverse auction, which turns out to be generalized knapsack problems. In the proposed approach, we first determine the quantity of units to be traded between the sellers and the buyers using fast heuristics developed by us. Next, we solve a forward auction and a reverse auction using fully polynomial time approximation schemes available in the literature. The proposed approach has worst-case polynomial time complexity and our experimentation shows that the approach produces good quality solutions to the problem. Note to Practitioners- In recent times, electronic marketplaces have provided an efficient way for businesses and consumers to trade goods and services. The use of innovative mechanisms and algorithms has made it possible to improve the efficiency of electronic marketplaces by enabling optimization of revenues for the marketplace and of utilities for the buyers and sellers. In this paper, we look at single-item, multiunit electronic exchanges. These are electronic marketplaces where buyers submit bids and sellers ask for multiple units of a single item. We allow buyers and sellers to specify volume discounts using suitable functions. Such exchanges are relevant for high-volume business-to-business trading of standard products, such as silicon wafers, very large-scale integrated chips, desktops, telecommunications equipment, commoditized goods, etc. The problem of determining winners and prices in such exchanges is known to involve solving many NP-hard problems. Our paper exploits the familiar idea of decomposition, uses certain algorithms from the literature, and develops two fast heuristics to solve the problem in a near optimal way in worst-case polynomial time


Abstract This study targeted the effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of high-strength steel bolts. High-strength steel bolt samples were manufactured by sequential cutting, cold forming, heading and heat treatment. All sample bolts were M12, and the material was 30MnB4. During the heat treatment, quenching and tempering were applied to high-strength steel. Stress-strain curves were obtained for the steel bolt samples after different heat treatments. The mechanical properties of the steel bolts, such as yield strength, tensile strength, hardness and elongation, were determined for the various heat treatments. It was concluded that heat treatment is an important process that changes the microstructure of the steel bolts and their mechanical properties. By heat treatment at different temperatures it is possible to obtain high-strength steel bolts with different properties.


The structural protein-coding genomic regions of dengue virus type 1 (DEN-1) strains representing three distinct topotypes (Thailand, Philippines and Caribbean) were cloned and sequenced. In addition the envelope (E) nucleotide sequences of two recent Caribbean topotype DEN-1 isolates were obtained by direct RNA sequencing. The nucleotide sequence of the DEN-1 viruses in the structural gene region was found to be highly conserved with greater than 95% nucleotide sequence homology and with less than 4% change in the amino acid sequence. Although there was a less than 2% change in the nucleotide sequence of DEN-1 E proteins, strains could be differentiated by the clusters of nucleotide changes. Furthermore, the deduced amino acid changes in the E protein were clustered primarily within the proposed immunologically reactive regions. Genomic nucleotide sequence comparisons did not define geographical or virulence markers but located unique clusters of nucleotide/amino acid changes for each of the three topotypes of DEN-1 viruses examined.


Abstract Aims: To evaluate the C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as diagnostic tools for early onset infection in preterm infants with early respiratory distress (RD). Methods: CRP and IL-6 were quantified at identification of RD and 24 h after in 186 newborns. Effects of maternal hypertension, mode of delivery, Apgar score, birth weight, gestational age, mechanical ventilation, being small for gestational age (SGA), and the presence of infection were analyzed. Results: Forty-four infants were classified as infected, 42 as possibly infected, and 100 as uninfected. Serum levels of IL-6 (0 h), CRP (0 h), and CRP (24 h), but not IL-6 (24 h) were significantly higher in infected infants compared to the remaining groups. The best test for identification of infection was the combination of IL-6 (0 h) 36 pg/dL and/or CRP (24 h) 0.6 mg/dL, which yielded 93% sensitivity and 37% specificity. The presence of infection and vaginal delivery independently increased IL-6 (0 h), CRP (0 h) and CRP (24 h) levels. Being SGA also increased the CRP (24 h) levels. IL-6 (24 h) was independently increased by mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: The combination of IL-6 (0 h) and/or CRP (24 h) is helpful for excluding early onset infection in preterm infants with RD but the poor specificity limits its potential benefit as a diagnostic tool.


We show how the ability to accumulate human capital through formal education and through a learning-by-doing process that occurs on the job affects the dynamic behavior of the human capital stock under a liquidity-constrained and a non-constrained case. When there are alternatives to formal schooling in the accumulation of human capital, investing resources in increasing school enrollment rates in low-income countries may not be the most efficient means of increasing the human capital stock. In addition, removal of liquidity constraints may not be sufficient to escape a development trap.


The relationship between promoter sequences that mediate Viviparous1 (VP1) transactivation and regulation by abscisic acid (ABA) in the wheat Em promoter was investigated using deletion analysis and directed mutagenesis. The Em1a G-box is strongly coupled to VP1 transactivation as well as to ABA regulation; however, the Em promoter includes additional components that can support VP1 transactivation without ABA responsiveness or synergism. Oligonucleotide tetramers of several G-box sequences, including Em1a, Em1b, and the dyad G-box element from the UV light-regulated parsley chalcone synthase gene, were sufficient to confer VP1 transactivation and the synergistic interaction with ABA to the -45 cauliflower mosaic virus 35S core promoter. These data suggest that VP1 can activate transcription through at least two classes of cis-acting sequences, including the G-box elements and the Sph regulatory motif found in the C1 promoter. The contrasting roles of these motifs in the Em and C1 promoters suggest a basis for the differential regulation of the corresponding genes by VP1.


The effects of weld nugget size, base metal strength, mode of loading and pre-strain of base metal on the load bearing capacity of spot-welds have been investigated using two varieties of interstitial free steel sheets. The effect of bake hardening treatment after spot-welding of prestrained sheets has also been examined using an ultra low carbon bake hardening grade steel. The major results infer that: (i) the load bearing capacity of spot-welds increases with increasing nugget size and base metal strength, (ii) the load bearing capacity of spot-welds increases with increasing pre-strain of base metal, (iii) the remnant dislocation density around the spot-weld increases with increasing pre-strain, (iv) the strength of spot-welds on pre-strained sheets does not alter significantly after the baking treatment, but baking treatment increases the strength of pre-strained base metals, and (v) the location of failure is commonly at the interface of HAZ/base metal for tensile-shear specimens and at the HAZ for cross-tension specimens.


Is statutory interpretation an activity that all courts should perform the same way? Courts and commentators implicitly so conclude. I believe that conclusion is wrong. Statutory interpretation is a court-specific activity that should differ according to the institutional circumstances of the interpreting court. The U.S. Supreme Court is not the model all other courts should emulate. I identify three kinds of institutional differences between courts that bear on which interpretive methods are appropriate: (1) the court's place in the hierarchical structure of appellate review, (2) the court's technical capacity and resources, and (3) the court's democratic pedigree, particularly as reflected in methods of judicial selection. Attending to these institutional factors would yield insights for both judicial practice and academic theory. In terms of prescriptions for courts, the differences justify a heterogeneous regime in which courts at different levels of the judicial hierarchy use somewhat different interpretive methods. But even apart from my specific recommendations, the larger point is that scholars need a normative account of what lower-court statutory interpretation should look like. Such a normative framework would help us evaluate the lower courts' output (which is becoming the subject of an important and growing body of descriptive work) and determine which of the Supreme Court's practices should – and should not – be followed in the lower courts.


Introduction: Aleurites moluccanus (L.) Willd. is a large tree with a wide global distribution. All parts of the tree have been used medicinally and the nut is consumed in a variety of cuisines. Despite this, A. moluccanus nut extracts have not been rigorously examined growth inhibitory properties against many bacteria, including the bacterial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of A. molucca-nus nut solvent extractions was investigated by disc diffusion and growth time course assays against a panel of bacterial triggers of autoimmune diseases. The growth inhibitory activity was further quantified by MIC determination. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Results: Methanolic and aqueous A. moluccanus nut solvent extracts were potent inhibitors of all of the bacterial triggers of autoimmune diseases screened in this study. The methanolic extract displayed the most potent bacterial growth inhibitory activity. It was particularly potent against the bacterial triggers of rheumatoid arthritis (MICs of 438 and 215 µg/mL against reference and clinical Proteus mirabilis strains; MIC of 187 µg/mL against Proteus vulgaris ). The methanolic extract was also a good inhibitor of K. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes growth with MICs < 1000 µg/mL. The aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts were also potent bacterial growth inhibitors, albeit with slightly higher MIC values. The antibacterial activity of the methanolic and aqueous A. moluccanus nut extracts were further investigated by growth time course assays which showed significant growth inhibition in cultures of P. mirabilis, K. pneumpniae and S. pyogenes within 1 h of exposure. All extracts were determined to be nontoxic in the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay, indicating their safety for prophylactic use in preventing these autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Conclusions: The lack of toxicity of the A. moluccanus nut extracts and their growth inhibitory bioactivity against the bacterial triggers of rheumatoid arthritis, anky-losing spondylitis and rheumatic heart disease indicate their potential in the development of new therapies targeting the onset of these diseases.


Background: The present research aimed to predict the preventive behaviors of COVID-19 in the light of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT).Methods: The present cross-sectional research was conducted in 2 months (March 2020-April 2020) in Hormozgan Province of Iran. The research population comprised all residents above 15 years of age. They received an online questionnaire survey in two parts, demographic information along with PMT constructs. To analyze the data, independent t-test and one-way anova test, Multiple linear regression and the statistical technique of path analysis and structural equation modeling was used. All statistical calculations and hypothesis testing were performed using spss21 and Amos21 software and a significant level of hypothesis testing was considered to be 0.05Results: A total number of 2,032 subjects participated in this research, the mean age of whom was 34.84±9.8 (R=15-98). The majority of participants were between 31 - 40 years old, female (60.4%), married (72%), urban residents (87.3%), holding a Bachelor's degree or higher (58.8%) and employed (58.8%). Statistically significant positive correlation coefficients were estimated between preventive behaviors of COVID-19 and perceived vulnerability (r=0.192, p<0.001), perceived severity (r=0.092, p<0.001), response efficacy (r=0.398, p<0.001) ,self efficacy (r=0.497, p<0.001) and protection motivation (r=0.595, p<0.001). Statistically significant negative correlations were found between behavior and maladaptive behavior rewards (r=-0.243, p<0.001) and perceived costs (r=-0.121, p<0.001). Conclusions: The present findings showed that maladaptive behavior reward and fear predicted protective behaviors negatively; response efficacy and self-efficacy predicted protective behaviors positively. The effect of self-efficacy was the strongest among all. The information provided in this research can contribute to policy-making in the country.


Soils tend to shrink when they lose moisture. In particular, fine-grained soils are susceptible to shrinkage and the resulting volume change. Shrinkage can cause cracking of soils that can adversely influence the engineering properties and behavior of the soils. The adverse effects include decreased strength of the cracked soils and increased flow through the soils. The objective of this research is to review previous studies, explain the problems encountered, and then suggest a way forward for future studies. The study shows that when there is an increase in soil density, there is a decrease in the volume of the voids in the soil, and this comes with an attendant reduction in volume shrinkage, which in turn causes a decrease in cracks in the soil. This shows that the type of clay (soil) has a direct effect on volume changes. Moreover, the study showed that treatment by cement and lime is not suitable. Treatment with fiber is a good method used to curtail and resist shrinkage in tensile force, but it is not suitable for all types of soil. In addition, microscopic analysis is a powerful method used in determining volume change. Consequently, itis recommended that scanning microscopy and digital image analysis be used for all analyses of soil with or without fiber and nanomaterial.


s: Argonaute 2 (Ago2) is the essential component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) that binds miRNAs and promotes mRNA degradation. Extracellular vesicle (EV)-carried miRNAs have been shown to influence gene expression and functional phenotypes in recipient cells. Many investigators have found Ago2 in EVs and it is postulated that Ago2 is a major transporter of miRNAs into small EVs (SEVs), such as exosomes. Others have reported that extracellular Ago2 is nonvesicular. I will discuss issues that may lead to diverging results and show data on the role of culture conditions in the detection of Ago2 in SEVs. Page 22 Extracell Vesicles Circ Nucleic Acids 2020;1:20-56 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/evcna.2020.10


The vascular endothelium is an indispensable organ in the regulation of tonicity and vascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction is a marker of atherosclerosis and contributes to the atherogenic process and the development of atherothrombotic complications. Endothelial dysfunction is the common meeting point among factors for vascular risk and launches complex cellular and biochemical interactions that are characterized by oxidative stress and an intense inflammatory response. The strategic importance of the concept of endothelial dysfunction arises from the following facts: its diagnosis is simple, it allows the identification of asymptomatic arteriosclerotic subjects with a high risk of developing atherothrombotic complications, it is reversible, and it responds to various therapeutic strategies.


This paper presents the analysis of the energy consumption of scroll type compressors. The study has included the data of several AHRI reports: (especially AHRI-11 and AHRI-21) as well as data from other source. A total of 8 different scroll compressors, of different size, some of them tested with various refrigerants (R134a, R32, R410A, R404A...) have been considered in the study. The values of the compressor consumption, and of the corresponding compressor efficiency, and the shape of the corresponding response surfaces, for all the studied compressors and refrigerants, have been analyzed with the objective of understanding better the dependence of the energy compressor consumption on the operating conditions and the refrigerant. The analyzed data include tests following different superheat control, i.e. constant superheat or constant return temperature, so the effect of the inlet temperature on the energy consumption and efficiency are also discussed. The paper includes the analysis of the compressor consumption as dependent of the temperatures of the tested points, and alternatively as dependent of the corresponding pressures, and as a result it will be shown that the representation as a function of pressures is more universal than the one made with temperatures. Two simple correlation polynomials, based on suction and discharge pressures, are presented, which require less empirical information and have better interpolation-extrapolation characteristics than the AHRI standard correlation.


Objectives: We tested the hypothesis whether a semiautomated method for automatic quantification of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images based on texture analysis (TA) could identify patterns associated with an abnormal neurobehavior in small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. Methods: Ultrasound and MRI were performed on 91 SGA fetuses at 37 weeks of GA. Delineation of five brain regions from MRI scans was performed: bilaterally in two levels of the frontal lobe, basal ganglia and mesencephalon and in one single area in cerebellum. All neonates underwent a neonatal behavioral assessment scale (NBAS) test at 42 ± 1 weeks. Scores from NBAS test were classified as abnormal (cases) if ≥ 1 areas were < 5th centile and normal (control) if all areas were > 5th centile. Textural features were obtained from all the delineated areas using AQUA software. A classification algorithm based on feature selection of individual regions and discriminant analysis was used. The ability of the textural features from the different ROIs to predict neonatal neurobehavioral performance was analyzed using machine learning methods. Results: Based on NBAS scores, our sample was classified into 42 cases and 49 controls. Neither maternal clinical characteristics nor perinatal outcomes or age at NBAS test differed significantly between the two groups. The estimated accuracies to predict an abnormal neurobehavioral performance based on TA were 95.12% for the frontal lobe, 95.56% for basal ganglia, 93.18% for Mesencephalon and 83.33% for cerebellum. Conclusions: Fetal MRI brain TA is a potentially useful tool to predict those SGA fetuses that are at risk for an abnormal neurodevelopment.


: Introduction and Aim: All societies in the world are experiencing burgeoning numbers of "elders", defined as persons aged 65 year and older. It is expected that at least 40% of the population over 75 years need extensive health care services in the last years of their lives. Countries with an ageing society have developed long term care policies for older people. In Iran, as the rate of transferring the elderly to the nursing homes is increasing, it would be important to investigate the experience of self-determination, respect and value among elderly people living in these settings. The powerlessness results in loss of hope. In addition, older adults who feel powerless may also lose their independence. In this situation, family members or health professionals take over and make decisions for them. Elders' empowerment can promote their quality of life and well-being. This study aimed at description of the experience of powerlessness in elderly who are living in nursing homes. The research question was "how is the experience of powerlessness in elderly who are living in nursing homes? Materials and Methods: The qualitative phenomenological approach with purposive sampling was used in this study. Participants in this study were elderly residents of private and governmental nursing homes in Esfahan city. Sampling continued till data saturation occured with 10 participants. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. Researcher used field notes for completing data collection process. Colaizzi's method was applied for data analysis. The rigor criteria of the present study were based on transferability and credibility. Results: Three themes were extracted from the data (structural components of the experience), including: 1) compulsory tolerance, 2) Waiting for exiting permit, and 3) Constrained autonomy. Conclusion: In this study, some participants experienced lack of ability in changing conditions and also compulsory tolerance of the situation, two main findings from which the concept of powerlessness was perceived. Transferring to nursing home is a source of fear and anxiety in the end years of life. For the institutionalized elders, empowerment can come through participating in making decisions regarding patient care and other aspects of life in this setting. In addition, mental, spiritual and physical needs of elders should be met through whole care, because simply focusing on physical needs deprive hopeful, meaningful and purposive life in nursing homes.


The incorporation of metaphors into everyday language use has formed the basis of scholarly investigation for decades. Particular attention has been given to conceptual metaphors, which are seen as essential tools for individuals to interpret and process various ideas and experiences. Within the milieu of metaphorical speech, metaphors of war have frequently been applied across a range of domains including politics, business, and sport. Within the sporting context, the notion of 'Sport is War' has been discussed in relation to various football codes, baseball, and tennis. In this article, we examine this metaphor in relation to professional stage-race cycling, a sport known for its combative, tactical, and physically demanding nature. We focus specifically on cycling commentary of the 2016 Tour de France—thus recalibrating the metaphor as 'Cycling is War.' Our findings show that war metaphors are prevalent in cycling commentary and are particularly useful in highlighting aspects of the sport inclusive of competition, strategy, power, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Through these categories, the cycling is war metaphor can be said to have the potential to elevate viewer engagement as well as add insight into the technicalities of the sport and expand on previous understandings of sport/war metaphors.


The main objective of this work is to study the performance and emission characteristics ofcompression ignition (CI) engine using compressed natural gas (CNG) for the following conditions. (i) At constant speed by varying injection pressure and load (ii) Dual fuel combustion phenomenon. The conventional fuels like petrol and diesel for internal combustion engines are getting exhausted at an alarming rate, due to tremendous increase in the vehicular population. Further, these fuels cause serious environmental problems as they release toxic gases into the atmosphere at high temperatures and concentrations. Some of the pollutants released by the engines are un-burnt hydro carbons (UBHC), CO, NOx, smoke and particulate matter. In view of this and many other related issues, these fuels will have to be replaced by alternative and eco-friendly fuels. A 4-stroke, single-cylinder, vertical, stationary diesel engine has been considered for the purpose of experimentation. It is modified suitably to run on the dual fuel mode. CNG gas-air mixer is incorporated on the intake side of the engine. The fuel injection system is also altered so that it injects only the pilot fuel. The engine performance is better on CNG compared to pure diesel up to engine loads of about 75.67%.

 Key words: Dual-fuel, emissions, compressed natural gas (CNG), performance


Introduction The increase in the amount, type, and format of information available on the Web has affected information-seeking behavior (Fidel, et al., 1999). Current information is important to everyone. The philosophical emphasis on direct, experiential acquisition of knowledge in the material, physical plane of existence is an important component of information seeking. Individuals have personal reasons for seeking certain forms of information (Leckie, Pettigrew, and Sylvain, 1996). Abels (2004) observes that from 1998-2000, both use of the Internet and expenditures for monographs increased. The library is the most widely-used source of information available to literate societies. Librarians must be aware of the kind of information being sought and how it can be obtained. Because of the rapidly escalating cost of purchasing and archiving print journals and electronic media, the library has the duty to provide and maintain efficient services. Related Studies The literature of information seeking behavior of faculty is wide-ranging. Significant and interesting studies include Suriya, Sangeetha and Nambi (2004), Sethi (1990), Prasad (1998), Shokeen and Kushik (2002), Bane and Melheim (1995), Al-Shanbari and Meadows (1995), Reid (1995), Abdullah (1995), Challener (1999), Reneker (1992), and Bandara (1993). Further reading is included in the References section of this article. Most studies of information-seeking behavior have been done in developed countries, with much less data having been gathered on the developing world. No study has been undertaken in Tamil Nadu on the information seeking behavior of law faculty. This study investigates the information-seeking behavior of law faculty at the Central Law College, Salem. Methodology The study used a questionnaire, which was less time-consuming and economical for a scattered population. The population of the study consisted of the 64 full-time academic staff working in the Central Law College, Salem. Guest faculty are included in the population. The survey instrument had two sections. Section 1 collected personal information such as gender, academic rank, highest qualification, and teaching experience. Section 2, comprising 10 questions, collected data on the information-seeking behavior of the respondents. Questions in this section focused on the following areas: information sources used by the respondents, use of Central Law College library, adequacy of library collections, library use and computing skills of respondents, and the use of IT-based library sources and services. In order to ensure reliability and effectiveness of the instrument, the questionnaire was pilot tested on ten final year students. The pre-testing exercise was undertaken to identify any problems that potential respondents might face in understanding questions posed to them. Results of the pilot study showed that respondents were able to understand the questions and their responses were interpretable. In order to save time and ensure better response rate, the questionnaires were personally distributed to the academic staff in their offices in May 2008. Fifty-six (87.5 percent) filled-in questionnaires were returned within two weeks of distribution. Results and Discussion Respondents Of the 56 respondents, 5 (8.92) were Professors, 7 (12.5%) Senior Lecturers, 19 (33.92%) Lecturers, and 25 (44.61%) Guest Lecturers. Forty-seven (83.92 %) of the respondents hold a master's degree. The largest number of respondents, nineteen (33.92%), have been teaching for five years or less. Seven (12.5%) have between 6 and 10 years of teaching experience, and 13 (23.21 %) have between 11 and 20 years. Seventeen (30.35 %) respondents have 21 or more years of teaching experience. Twenty-nine (51.78 %) of the respondents were male and 27 (48.21 %) were female. Library Skills Respondents were asked to provide a self-assessment of their library skills. …


Construction of nanomaterials has been developed from both top-down and bottom-up approaches. In these approaches, surfactant-templated mesoporous materials are promising because of their tunability, uniformity and reproducibility in both the size and shape of produced mesopores. Mesoporous silica materials have been widely and deeply investigated in the early stage, basing on the sol-gel chemistry of silicate. Although insulating mesoporous silica cannot be directly applicable to electrode materials, the mesoporous silica films and their hybrid films are recently applied as hard templates and electrodeposition of metals inside the mesopores realizes the formation of metal nanowire assembly, which has parallel orientation to the electrode surface. Furthermore, the mesoporous silica film with perpendicularly oriented mesochannels are prepared and used as hard-template, resulting in the fabrication of metal nanowire assembly standing on the electrode surface. On the other hand, conductive materials are recently fabricated as mesoporous structure by the surfactant-template method. Mesoporous carbon becomes the most conventional mesoporous conductive material and has been investigated as the electrode material mainly applicable to energy conversion. By introducing catalyst particles and ionomers inside mesochannels, triple phase boundary can be constructed and the application toward cathode electrode in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) has been investigated.


It is estimated that 2.5 million people in India are HIV positive. Set within the context of the role of communication in addressing social justice issues, this paper describes a qualitative study of Indian journalists' opinions about the quality of press coverage of HIV/AIDS in India, including its socially responsible nature, if present, the role of public journalism in this coverage, obstacles to and ways of improving this coverage, and the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS strategic campaigns. The data were gathered from nine journalists in two Indian cities representing English or local (Gujarati) language newspapers. The general consensus was that coverage had created awareness. Traditional news values were the filters for selecting HIV/AIDS stories rather than any overriding socially responsible approach. The journalists were unanimously against getting involved in communities and then reporting on them as some definitions of social responsibility public journalism suggest because this would compromise their objectivity. Obstacles to good coverage included the need to understand the topic (time consuming) and the need to have an open mind (not always present) and suggestions to improve coverage included messaging in Bollywood films, which have a hold on the Indian public. Journalists had mixed views on the effectiveness of campaigns addressing HIV/AIDS. Some felt that these had done a reasonable amount of good work, others that NGOs wasted money.


Objective: The present study investigates the potential relationship between craniosynostosis and any changes in endocranial vasculature. The hypothesis that crania from rabbits with familial, nonsyndromic coronal suture synostosis and crania from rabbits with experimental immobilization of the coronal suture are associated with altered form of the middle meningeal vessels and dural venous sinuses is tested. Design: Silicone rubber endocasts from 14 adult New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with familial nonsyndromic coronal suture synostosis (five with bilateral coronal suture synostosis and nine with unilateral coronal suture synostosis) were made to assess middle meningeal vessel and dural venous sinus form. For comparative purposes, endocasts were made from 25 rabbits with normal, patent coronal sutures and 10 rabbits with experimental immobilization of the coronal suture. Impressions of the dural venous sinuses were assessed for depth and width. The area of the confluens of sinuses was also assessed. Impressions of the middle meningeal vessels were assessed for depth, width, and degree of convolution. For width of the dural venous sinuses and area of the confluens of sinuses, comparisons among groups were made with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). For depth of the dural venous sinuses and impressions of the middle meningeal vessels, comparisons among groups were made using a Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA. Results: Crania with familial coronal suture synostosis had significantly (p , .05) reduced posterior dural venous sinus dimensions when compared with both crania from rabbits with experimental immobilization of the coronal suture and rabbits with normal coronal sutures. Crania with both coronal suture synostosis and experimental immobilization had significant increases in dimensions of the middle meningeal vessels relative to normal crania. In addition, casts from rabbits with unicoronal suture synostosis showed marked asymmetry in the dural venous sinuses. Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that craniosynostosis is associated with alterations in endocranial vasculature. These changes are most likely a secondary response to synostosis rather than a causal factor and may reflect increased intracranial pressure, decreased intracranial volume, and local accumulations and reductions of cerebrospinal fluid in the posterior region of the skull and immediately deep to the coronal suture.


Nephrolithiasis is highly prevalent across all demographic groups in the Western world and beyond, and its incidence rates are rising. In addition to the morbidity of the acute event, stone disease often becomes a lifelong problem that requires preventative therapy to diminish ongoing morbidity. Across the majority of stone types, increased fluid intake and targeted dietary modifications are mainstays of therapy. Specific dietary interventions associated with reduced calcium stone risk include adequate dietary calcium intake and restriction of sodium, protein, and oxalate intake, among others. Pharmaceutical therapy may be required if lifestyle changes are insufficient to minimize risk of stone recurrence, and must be targeted to the specific metabolic abnormalities portending risk for a given patient. Therapeutic options for idiopathic calcium stone disease include thiazides, citrate salts, and uric acid-lowering agents. Alkali salts are also the treatment of choice for uric acid stone disease. Management of struvite stone disease is largely surgical, but acetohydroxamic acid is a proven second line therapy. Cystinuria requires lifestyle modifications and may call for thiol-binding agents. Significant heterogeneity of the clinical population with stone disease has previously limited opportunities for large randomized controlled trials. However, as clinical phenotypes and genotypes are increasingly clarified, there are mounting opportunities for targeted randomized controlled trials in stone prevention. In the meantime, the currently available evidence for both lifestyle and pharmacologic interventions is reviewed herein.


The ability of three dithiolethione cancer chemopreventives, oltipraz 1, anetholedithione (ADT) 2, 1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T) 3, and the major metabolite, 4, of 1, to induce the cytoprotective enzyme NQO1 in Hepa 1c1c7 cells and the inhibition of this induction by catalase are demonstrated. The ability of 1, 3, and 4 to form O(2)(*) has been reported, and it is here demonstrated that 2 decomposes in the presence of GSH to form, upon addition of the nitrone spin trap DMPO, the DMPO-OH adduct that is detectable by EPR. Decomposition of 2 in the presence of GSH elicits, upon the addition of hydroethidine and excitation at 510 nm, fluorescence at 580 nm that is diminished by the addition of superoxide dismutase. The compound 4, is a product of the reduction of 1, and it is demonstrated that 2 and 3 decompose in the presence of reductants such as thiolates and NaBH(4), followed by addition of CH(3)I, to form the dimethylated products of reductive cleavage of the S(1)-S(2) bond. The same products are isolated subsequent to lysis in buffer containing CH(3)I of Hepa 1c1c7 cells treated with 2 or 3. Reductive cleavage of 2 and 3 in aqueous ethanol by NaBH(4) in an argon atmosphere, followed by acidic destruction of remaining borohydride and neutralization and introduction of O(2) results in the reformation of 2 and 3 to the extent of 80 and 33%, respectively. The data in toto are consistent with a model in which dithiolethiones, generally, undergo reductive cleavage in Hepa 1c1c7 cells, thereby resulting in the generation of O(2)(*) that dismutates to H(2)O(2), that subsequently, by direct or indirect means, effects the nuclear translocation of transcription factor Nrf2, that upregulates phase 2 enzyme expression.


Purpose To evaluate tissue reactivity to, and the stability of, glaucoma drainage device materials placed under rabbit conjunctiva in vivo. Methods Disks (diameter, 3 mm; thickness, ∼0.3 mm) fabricated from poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS), silicone, stainless-steel, or glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen (GACLC) were inserted under rabbit conjunctiva. Conjunctival and scleral sections obtained at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery were immunostained for α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). The ratio of the maximum thickness of the α-SMA–positive conjunctiva to the scleral thickness (α-SMA/S ratio) was calculated. The in vivo stability of the drainage devices at 12 weeks after insertion was evaluated. Results The mean α-SMA/S ratios of the SIBS and silicone groups were lower than that of the stainless-steel group at 4 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05), and that of the SIBS group was lower than that of the GACLC group (P < 0.05). The ratios at 8 weeks after surgery were lower in the SIBS and silicone groups than in the GACLC group (P < 0.01). The ratios at 12 weeks after surgery were lower in the SIBS and silicone groups than in the GACLC group (P < 0.05). The surface areas of GACLC disks explanted from conjunctivae were significantly lower than that of intact disks (P < 0.01). Conclusions SIBS and silicon were highly biostable and exhibited less tissue reactivity than GACLC in vivo. Translational Relevance Comparisons of materials using animal models can predict the clinical stability and safety of such materials in humans.


Coral reef is the most productive marine ecosystem in coastal waters. Unfortunately, this ecosystem has
already suffered from non-sustainable human use including destructive fishing practices (bombing and
cyanide), coral mining, over fishing, settlement pollution and uncontrolled tourism development. These
affected the production of those fisheries resources in coral reefs. In order to manage those resources,
such alternative to destructive use need to be studied.
This paper reports alternative solution to destructive fishing practices on coral reefs. The
study has been carried out at Padaido Marine Tourism Park, the District of Biak Numfor, West Papua
province, for about 2 weeks, 9-18 June 2001. Survey method was used during the study. The data were
collected using Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA)'s method, with members of fisher group as the
participants.
Three kinds of reef fish groups are identified at the Padaido Islands waters, i.e. major group,
target group, and indicator group. These include ornamental and consumption fishes. Fish were caught
with several fishing gears; while some of them are identified as destructive fishing practices, e.g. bomb,
cyanide fishing. However, some of them can be recommended as sustainable fishing technologies, i.e.
(1) squid jig, (2) troll line, and (3) hand line.


Abstract. North Cascade glacier annual balance measured on 10 glaciers from 1984–2006 yielded mean annual balance (ba) of −0.54 m/a, and −12.38 m cumulatively. This is a significant loss for glaciers that average 30–60 m in thickness, 20–40% of their entire volume. Two observed glaciers, Lewis Glacier and Spider Glacier, no longer exist. The ba of North Cascade glaciers is reliably calculated, correlation coefficient 0.91, using 1 April snowpack water equivalent and ablation season temperature. Utilizing ba from 10 glaciers 1984–2006 and net balance (bn) from South Cascade 1960–2005, a set of forecast rules for glacier mass balance were derived utilizing October–April Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Multivariate El Nino Southern Oscillation index values. The forecast rules provide a correct assessment in 41 of the 46 years for South Cascade Glacier and 20 of 23 years for NCGCP glaciers. Glacier annual balance forecasting is an important step for summer water resource management in glacier runoff dominated stream systems. The forecast for North Cascade glaciers in 2007 is for a negative ba.


The article represents the main results of comparative analysis of dynamics and causes of primary disability among population of able-bodied age of Stavropolsky Kray and the Republic of Ingrushetia. The authors focus their attention namely on primary disability as a variation of higher risk of development of preventable disability. The presented data can be applied in decision making concerning the activities decreasing the level of primary disability on the regional level.


Cellulose biocomposites are widely used in industry as a low-cost engineering material with plant fiber reinforcement. However, chemical and microstructural heterogeneity causes low strength, low strain-to-failure, high moisture sensitivity, and odor and discoloration problems. Efforts toward improved performance through fiber orientation control, increased fiber lengths, and biopolymer use are reviewed. Interfacial strength control and moisture sensitivity are remaining challenges. As an attractive alternative reinforcement, high-quality cellulose nanofibers obtained by wood pulp fiber disintegration can be prepared at low cost. These nanofibers have high length/diameter ratios, diameters in the 5–15 nm range, and intrinsically superior physical properties. Wood cellulose nanofibers are interesting as an alternative reinforcement to more expensive nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes. Nanopaper and polymer matrix nanocomposites based on cellulose nanofiber networks show high strength, high work-of-fracture, low moisture adsorption, low thermal expansion, high thermal stability, high thermal conductivity, exceptional barrier properties, and high optical transparency. The favorable mechanical performance of bioinspired foams and low-density aerogels is reviewed. Future applications of cellulose biocomposites will be extended from the high-volume/low-cost end toward high-tech applications, where cellulose properties are fully exploited in nanostructured materials.


Recently angels have made a remarkable comeback in the popular imagination; their real heyday, however, was the Middle Ages. From the great shrines dedicated to Michael the Archangel at Mont-St-Michel and Monte Garano to the elaborate metaphysical speculations of the great thirteenth-century scholastics, angels dominated the physical, temporal, and intellectual landscape of the medieval West. This book offers a full-scale study of angels and angelology in the Middle Ages. Seeking to discover how and why angels became so important in medieval society, David Keck considers a wide range of fascinating questions such as: Why do angels appear on baptismal fonts? How and why did angels become normative for certain members of the church? How did they become a required course of study? Did popular beliefs about angels diverge from the angelologies of the theologians? Why did some heretics claim to derive their authority from heavenly spirits? Keck spreads his net wide in the attempt to catch traces of angels and angelic beliefs in as many portions of the medieval world as possible. Metaphysics and mystery plays, prayers and pilgrimages, Cathars and cathedrals-all these and many more disparate sources taken together reveal a society deeply engaged with angels on all its levels and in some unlikely ways.


Academic and popular opinions agree that Canadian public life has become wholly secularized during the last hundred years. As this book acknowledges, religion has indeed lost most of its influence in education, politics and various interest groups. But this rigorously researched volume argues that religion was one of the early institutional bases of the public sphere, and although it has since become differentiated from the state, it should not be overlooked or underestimated by historians and sociologists of modern Canada. A compilation of scholarly case studies, it addresses the continuing influence of religion on modern, 'secular' institutions and thus on shaping communal identities. Van Die's book brings together some of Canada's leading historians of religion - including an entry by distinguished US historian, Mark Noll. Religion and Public Life in Canada shows an awareness of the effects of issues such as gender, ethnicity, and regionalism, and considers the recent influence of previously 'outsider' religions such as Judaism and Sikhism. By challenging the assumption that religion has become a matter only of private concern, and by showing its historical and continued relevance to public life, the book takes the debate over secularization on to an entirely new plane of concern.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY * CPAs MUST EXERCISE CAUTION TO CAPTURE CORRECT income in respect of the decedent (IRD) deductions on clients' returns. Since clients typically don't understand the issue well enough to volunteer the existence of IRD, CPAs must make sure they ask clients the right questions to elicit the information they need to prepare a return. * ONE OF THE CRITICAL TAX-COMPLIANCE ISSUES CPAs help their clients with is the proper reporting of IRD--income a decedent is entitled to at the time of his or her death but which is not properly includible on any federal income tax re turn. It also includes income triggered by reason of death, including IRA distributions. * WHILE IRD IS TAXABLE TO A BENEFICIARY WHEN he or she receives it, the law permits the beneficiary to deduct any estate taxes attributable to the income. This itemized deduction is not subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income limitation. Beneficiaries who do not itemize get no deduction. * THE COURTS DISAGREE AS TO HOW TO HANDLE certain types of IRD. This is particularly true for income to which the deceased had no enforceable right, such as a discretionary bonus paid following death. CPAs should be aware different circuit courts of appeal have had different approaches as well. * IRD RETAINS THE CHARACTER IT WOULD HAVE HAD in the decedent's hands--for example, income that would have been Long-term capital gain to the decedent is taxed as such to the recipient. CPAs can calculate the estate tax attributable to IRD using the "net value" concept. In the case of multiple beneficiaries, each recipient can deduct his or her proportionate share of the tax. A Wall Street Journal report addressed the value of income in respect of the decedent (IRD) as an income tax deduction. The report said the combined effects of practitioners' not realizing a client's income item constituted IRD and not knowing how to handle the deduction made the treatment of IRD on tax returns "probably the most prevalent error today with respect to estate taxes." This article briefly reviews the concept of income in respect of the decedent, explains IRD application issues resulting from the integration of the federal estate tax and income tax systems and suggests ways CPAs can avoid missing the IRD deduction. THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCURACY Many CPA firms maintain tax practices that address compliance issues. According to a national survey by the Texas Society of CPAs, tax services were the source of 48% to 52% of all lees. One primary area of practitioner concern relates to obtaining the information necessary to properly prepare a client's tax return. To help eliminate possible mistakes and omissions, CPAs need to use special diligence in gathering information. Once thought to be relatively obscure, IRD deductions are becoming more common. Big-ticket IRD items such as distributions from IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s and other tax-sheltered retirement plans of affluent baby boomers have been growing in past decades and will be worth millions when owners bequeath them to estate beneficiaries. Distributions from these plans constitute gross income to the beneficiary and could be subject to marginal federal in come tax rates as high as 35%. Plan balances also are subject to estate tax rates as high as 48%--a double whammy. Together, these taxes can severely reduce the size of a beneficiary's inheritance. Proper handling of IRD tax issues, therefore, is critical to sheltering retirement plan accumulations from tax. Current federal tax provisions allow an IRD deduction on the beneficiary's income tax return for federal estate taxes attributable to IRD taxed on the deceased's federal estate tax return. BALANCING DIFFERENT TAX SYSTEMS The term IRD refers to income a decedent is entitled to at the time of his or her death but which is not properly includible as gross income in any federal income tax return. …


This research is one part of preliminary work for integrated structural-functional energy storage concrete by using porous artificial lightweight aggregate and phase change material. Lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) has been applied more and more extensively in recent years, but high water absorption of porous artificial lightweight aggregate (LWA) is inconvenient for LWAC production. In order to improve LWA application, in this paper, two aspects of lightweight aggregate (LWA) study have been carried out, namely, a) LWA surface modification. The effects of different concentration of surface modifier on water absorption of modified LWA were studied. b) Mechanical properties of lightweight aggregate concrete made of the unmodified and modified LWAs Through comparing the water absorption of unmodified and modified LWAs, it can be known that the surface modification for LWA can reduce the water absorption obviously. The three kinds of lightweight concrete possess nearly same strength at 7-day and, at 28-day, the strength of LWAC using 1:20 modified LWA is highest and that of LWAC using 1:5 modified LWA is lowest. 28 days compressive strength of LWAC using 1:20 modified LWA could be up to 46.1MPa.


A carrier-rotation PWM technique to solve the voltage unbalancing problem of flying capacitors in the flying capacitor multilevel inverter (FCMI) is proposed. The PWM technique equalises the utilisation of phase leg voltage redundancies corresponding to the charging and the discharging state of individual flying capacitors during one switching period of all the switches. Therefore, the charging and the discharging quantities of the flying capacitors are equal, which causes the average variation of the flying capacitor voltages to become zero and keeps their voltage stable during a minimum specified period. The proposed PWM technique also has the same switch utilisation and the reduced harmonic content of the output voltage since the switching frequency of each switch is identical and all the carrier signals are in phase. Hence, it is more suitable for the FCMI than the phase-shift PWM method. The proposed PWM technique is analysed in a flying capacitor three-level inverter and is then expanded to an N-level FCMI (N>3). Simulation and experimental results on the laboratory prototype flying capacitor three-level inverter confirm the validity of the proposed PWM technique.


Acoustic emission(AE) is defined as the transient elastic waves thar are generated by the rapid release of energy. The advantage of AE is that very early crack growth can be detected well before a highly stressed component may fail. At present, an exact diagnosis is the most reliable means for determining the soundness of structures during power plant operations. AE monitoring has been applied successfully in power plants to determine mechanical problems, pressure vessel integrity and external valves leaks, vacuum leaks, the onset of cavitation in pumps and valves, the presence of flow(or no flow) in piping and heat exchange equipment, etc. Acoustic emission(AE) technology has recently strengthened its application base, and practitioners' understanding of the technique's fundamentals. This paper introduces the methods of a survey and assessment on AE monitoring applications in nuclear, fossil and hydraulic power plant. The main objective of this paper was to obtain information on various applications of AE technology in power plant.


Tsunami remain a focal point of coastal engineering research, particularly when interacting with near-shore bathymetry and coastal developments. A recent push in experimentation involving long waves has led to novel methods, to generate and accurately control long waves in laboratories. This work showcases a recent implementation of a pump-driven long wave generation, with novel control strategies, an optimized inlet geometry, and an extra-wide and uniquely long propagation flume with the overall aim to provide the latest insight into experimental long wave generation.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/ZR0r88i2ev0


The model proposed in this article relates permeability to porosity measurements that can easily be performed in the laboratory. The pore size distribution (PSD) curve is updated with strains and damage. The updated volumetric fractions of natural pores and cracks are introduced in the expression of permeability. Contrary to classical permeability models based on PSD integrations, the model proposed in this article accounts for possible changes in the porosity modes: one mode for undamaged samples and two modes for cracked samples. The proposed approach also accounts for varying states of damage, as opposed to classical fracture network models, in which the cracks pattern is fixed. The only material parameters that are required to describe the microstructure are the lower and upper bounds of the pores size for both natural pores and cracks. All the other PSD parameters involved in the model are related to macroscopic parameters that can easily be determined in the laboratory, such as the initial void ratio. The framework proposed in this article can be used in any damage constitutive model to determine the permeability of a brittle porous medium. Drained triaxial compression tests have been simulated. Before cracks initiation, permeability decreases while the larger natural pores are getting squeezed. After the occurrence of damage, permeability grows due to the increase of cracks density. The model performs well to represent the influence of the confining pressure on damage evolution and permeability variations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


This thesis analyses the most significant biographical representations of Euripides in antiquity, covering depictions of Euripides in Greek comedy, an imaginary dialogue of late Hellenistic origin, selected Hellenistic epigrams, a late imperial novel in letters, a passage in Gellius' Attic Nights, the anonymous Genos Euripidou, and the Suda lexicon. In chapter 1, I explore the representation of Euripides in Greek comedy, both in the extant plays of Aristophanes and in selected fragments from Old and Middle Comedy. I argue that the fourth century BC witnessed a major transformation in the representation of Euripides, as discussions about the work become detached from discussions about the author. This claim is supported by my findings in chapters 2 and 3, which discuss Hellenistic accounts of the life of Euripides in a group of Hellenistic epigrams and in Satyrus' Bios Euripidou: representations of Euripides now mirror the processes of canonisation. In chapter 4, I contend that the narrative function and coherence of the pseudo-Euripidean letters have not received the scholarly attention they deserve. I am proposing a new way of looking at these letters in the literary and philosophical context of the Second Sophistic. In chapter 5, I identify the depiction of Euripides in Gellius' Attic Nights, the anonymous Genos Euripidou, and the Suda lexicon, and propose a new appreciation of these later attestations of a biographical interest in Euripides. In the conclusion I give a synopsis of my results and an outlook on the questions raised by my thesis. I argue that a re-assessment of the much neglected ancient sources concerning the life of Euripides contributes to a better understanding of the ancient mechanisms of reception and canonization of Euripides and his work.


The enzymatic carboligation of aldehydes (C–C bond formation) catalyzed by benzaldehyde lyase (BAL) affords chiral α-hydroxy-ketones under mild reaction conditions in aqueous media. To enhance substrate and product availability under aqueous conditions, processes are often set-up using either DMSO as co-solvent, or MTBE as second organic phase. Although efficient, DMSO leads to difficulties in separation during downstream processing, with wastewater formation. MTBE provides a cleaner and straightforward work-up, but its petrochemical origin, together with its poor degradability, gives rise to environmental concerns. Herein it is reported that 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) is a promising candidate to substitute DMSO or MTBE in lyase-catalyzed reactions. 2-MTHF can be derived from bio-based resources (e.g. levulinic acid), and it is abiotically degraded by air. When BAL is added to buffer-2-MTHF (5% v/v) mixtures, enzyme remains stable with a half-life of 178 ± 8 h, with productivities (benzoin synthesis) of 10 g benzoin L−1h−1. Several BAL-catalyzed aldehyde carboligations were assessed under those conditions, leading in all cases to high isolated yield (quantitative in majority), and to high enantioselectivity (up to >99%). Furthermore, preliminary results obtained with two phase systems in the BAL-catalyzed benzoin synthesis afforded 60 g benzoin L−1 in 24 h (ee > 99%). Therefore, 2-MTHF may be a valuable (co)solvent, not only to tackle environmental concerns, but also in terms of practical, efficient biocatalysis.


SUMMARY: Marginal leakage was investigated in vitro on C1-I amalgam fillings, placed alone and placed with two different bonding agents (Adaptabond, Heliobond). Teeth were immersed in 2% basic fuchsin dye solution, after thermal cycling. Dye penetration degree was evaluated according to the index suggested by Going. Results was significantly better in experimental groups than control group. Bonding agents were found effective in reducing micro leakage around the margins of amalgam restorations.


OBJECTIVE
Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is an uncommon type of large bowel obstruction. This study sought to determine serum sodium concentrations in patients with SV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The records of 89 patients with SV and 40 patients with obstructive rectosigmoid cancer (ORC) were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS
The mean serum sodium concentrations in patients with SV and in those with ORC were 138.4±4.5 mEq/L and 137.7±3.2 mEq/L, respectively (t:0.7, P>0.05). The numbers of hyponatremic and hypernatremic patients were 13 vs. 4 and 1 vs. 0, respectively, in the SV and ORC groups (x2:0.5, P>0.05).

CONCLUSION
No cause-effect relationship was determined between serum sodium concentrations and SV.


The migration pattern of lymphocytes labelled with indium-111 was followed in a patient with B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with a murine monoclonal anti-idiotype antibody. During the early phase of continuous infusion of antibody rapid fluxes of labelled lymphocytes into and out of the blood were seen. Dynamic scanning showed immediate uptake in the lungs; thereafter activity decreased in the lungs and increased in the liver. Studies of labelled and unlabelled cells in the circulation showed that treatment resulted in the removal of lymphocytes from the blood which was repopulated from an extravascular compartment. Tumour cells were shown to be cleared from the blood by the reticuloendothelial system in the liver. Indium-111 should be used circumspectly because it may cause chromosomal damage in labelled cells, but it is clearly useful as a radiolabel for following the migration pathways of lymphocytes in vivo.


In an effort to reduce Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in the mining industry, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting research to develop noise controls for mining equipment whose operators exceed the Permissible Exposure Level (PEL). The process involves three steps: 1) Noise source identification (NSI), 2) development of noise controls, and 3) evaluation of the developed noise controls. For the first and third steps, microphone phased array measurements are typically conducted and data are processed using the conventional beamforming (CB) algorithm. However, due to the size and complexity of the machines, this task is not straight forward. Furthermore, because of the low frequency range of interest, i.e., 200 Hz to 1000 Hz, results obtained using CB may show poor resolution issues which result in inaccuracy in the noise source location. To overcome this resolution issue, two alternative approaches are explored in this paper, namely the CLEAN-SC algorithm and a variarion of an adaptive beamforming algorithm known as Robust Capon Beamformer (RCB). These algorithms were used along with the CB algorithm to process data collected from a horizontal Vibrating Screen (VS) machine used in coal preparation plants. Results with the array in the overhead position showed that despite the use of a large array, i.e., 3.5-meter diameter, the acoustic maps obtained using CB showed "hot spots" that covered various components, i.e., the screen deck, the side walls, the I-beam, the eccentric mechanisms, and the electric motor. Thus, it was not possible to identify which component was the dominant contributor to the sound radiated by the machine. The acoustic maps obtained using the RCB algorithm showed smaller "hot" spots that in general covered only one or two components. Nevertheless, the most dramatic reduction in "hot" spot size was obtained using the CLEAN-SC algorithm. This algorithm yielded acoustic maps with small and well localized "hot" spots that pinpointed dominant noise sources. However, because the CLEAN-SC algorithm yields small and localized "hot" spots, extra care needs to be used when aligning the acoustic maps with the actual pictures of the machine. In conclusion, use of the RCB and the CLEAN-SC algorithms in the low frequency range of interest helped pinpoint dominant noise sources which otherwise would be very hard to identify.© 2009 ASME


A study examined the hypothesis that learning strategy coupled with efficacy-building teaching interactions would lead to greater strategic learning than learning strategy instruction alone. A reading comprehension strategy was taught to 184 students from 4 Los Angeles County (California) public and independent schools. Included were 65 fifth-graders, 69 sixth graders, and 50 seventh-graders. Of those, 95 were male and 89 female. Both the control and the experimental groups received 300 minutes of instruction/testing over 5 days. Self-report measures of learning strategy use and efficacy beliefs relative to strategy competency were administered and compared to gains in application of the strategy to reading passages and number of paragraph patterns identified. Multivariate analysis of covariance indicated that students who received the efficacy-building strategy instruction believed that they were more competent in the task than'students receiving learning strategy instruction alone. In addition, findings revealed that students in the efficacy-building learning strategy instruction scored higher on two different achievement tests than the students receiving learning strategy instruction alone. The results of the investigation support the importance of students' efficacy beliefs in teaching new strategies. (Four tables of data and a 2-part appendix, containing instructional practices and instructional procedures, are included; contains 44 references.) (Author/CR) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS.are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************


This article explores dominant ideological framings of the economic crisis that began in 2008, by examining shifting meanings of consumer citizenship in the US. The consumer citizen was a central figure in Keynesian ideology—one that encapsulated important assumptions about the proper relationship between production and consumption and the appropriate arenas for citizen engagement with the economy. Taking Wal-Mart as a case-study example, the article analyzes the way that corporate actors have flattened and reconfigured the concept of consumer citizenship in the US—promoting the "consumer" over the "citizen" and the "worker," which had previously been important aspects of the concept—and have replaced Keynesian-era conversations about the proper balance between production and consumption with a rhetoric of choice between low prices and high wages.


Sea level oscillated between 5500 and 3500 years ago at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina (33 o 33'N, 79 o 02'W). The oscillation is well constrained by marsh foraminiferal zonations. For the same time interval, data from Nova Scotia indicate an acceleration in sea-level rise and a report from the Gulf of St. Lawrence suggests an oscillation of sea level at the same time. The implications are: (1) there was a eustatic sea-level oscillation of about 2 m in the mid-Holocene on the east coast of North America that is not detectable in present geophysical models of relative sea-level change; (2) if an anthropogenically derived global warming of 4 o C takes place, sea level may rise as much as 2 m in 500 yr along the east coast of North America. It appears that the initial rapid rise is recorded all along the eastern seaboard of North America, but detection of the subsequent fall is dependent on existing glacio-isostatic effects (either subsidence or rebound) that are independent of eustatic sea level.


Structure, composition and control system of a novel automated balancing machine which can realize automated measurement and correction are introduced. A data acquisition card is used to obtain the real-time unbalanced signal. The magnitude of rotor's unbalance and the mass need to be removed is calculated according to the unbalanced measurement principle. Then the feed which is needed to complete the correction is deduced. The AC servo motors with high precision and fast response are used to achieve fast and accurate unbalance measurement and correction. A prototype according to the principle is manufactured to test the thinking. Experiments proved that the unbalance reducing rate at one time correction more than 95%. It is necessary to further industrial development.


We subjected pigs to three different handling treatments as we moved them through a 300m handling course. Despite traveling the same distance as the others, pigs moved at a moderate pace with only a board, quiet voice and gentle slaps, were essentially unstressed by the procedure. Pigs handled aggressively, at a fast pace, with shouting and slapping, but without use of electric prods had a higher incidence of stress, but none showed extremes that might lead to animal losses. Use of the electric prod resulted in a large proportion of the pigs showing both behavioural and physiological signs of stress, with some being extreme to the point of stumbling and falling. We should minimize the use of the electric prod by changing our handling techniques and/or modifying our load out facilities.


In March 2014 Oxford Archaeology East undertook a desk based assessment to examine the available historical and archaeological resources relating to Anglian House, Ambury Road South, Huntingdon (centred at TL 23829 71960). The work was commissioned by Anglian Water as part of a pre-planning application for a proposed re-development of the site. The aim of this assessment is to determine the archaeological potential of the proposed development site and the possible impact any future work could have on any archaeological remains.
Anglian House lies within the historic core of Huntingdon and there is a wealth of documentary and cartographic sources pertaining to the area. There have also been numerous archaeological investigations carried out in the vicinity. Taken in conjunction, these sources indicate that there is a high probability of archaeological remains surviving within the bounds of the site.
Specifically, the site lay close to the edge of the putative Late Saxon settlement, which makes it of particular interest with regards the development of Huntingdon during this period.
The majority of the evidence within the vicinity of the proposed development site dated to the medieval and post medieval periods and, most importantly, may include elements of the sites of the church of St Germain and the Hospital of St John The Baptist, both major early medieval sites within the town.
During the post-medieval and modern periods, the south and eastern part of the site was subject to numerous phases of construction and demolition associated firstly with the Grammar School and latterly with the construction of Anglian House itself.


This paper continues a series of reflections on the challenges of developing and deploying decision and information systems (DIST) for environmental management. Our focus is on the additional challenges being posed by funders to evaluate the outcomes (changes in the world beyond the research institute). This is a significant raising of the bar for DIST, particularly when many still struggle to overcome the simple hurdle of being used at all. The paper reflects on the challenge of evaluating outcomes, placing it in the context of conventional analysis of DIST performance (for example validation, software testing and utility assessment). Several particular challenges are identified, the intangibility of many outcomes, the difficulty of receiving credit for post project outcomes, how to disentangle cause and effect for changes that occur, how to decide the relative importance of outcomes and finally a failing to recognise that despite best endeavours research may still be ignored. The paper then presents a simple evaluation process conducted as part of a transdisciplinary research project that uses model based indicators to communicate the consequences of climate change to land managers and generate discussion of likely adaptations to management. The outcomes of the evaluations were that the process provided new information and raised awareness of the specific research being carried out. The project was also successful in changing views on climate change for a majority of attendees; particularly where the existing levels of knowledge were limited. Yet despite the relative success of the evaluation process and the useful lessons learned, designing an evaluation process and interpreting the findings remains a serious challenge. The authors conclude by questioning whether outcome evaluation is a vital requirement for successful DIST development or does it generate expectations that cannot be met?


ABSTRACT The study of the spatio-temporal dynamics of surface soil moisture (SSM) drydowns integrates the soil response to climatic conditions, drainage and land cover and is key to advances in our knowledge of the soil–atmosphere water exchange. SSM drydowns have also been employed to compare soil moisture spatio-temporal behaviour between different data sources such as satellite-derived data and land–surface models, difficult to compare with standard methodologies. However, the errors introduced by satellite effective sampling frequencies (SF) and by different methodologies employed to define a drydown period have until now not been properly addressed in the literature. Here, SSM from microwave remote sensing products operating at L, C and X frequency bands are analysed together with SSM from a land–surface model in southeastern South America during 2010–2014, at seasonal and annual scales. We use an SSM-based drydown detection methodology and an exponential model to estimate the drydown time scale. The errors generated by the SF and by using SSM instead of precipitation to define the start of the drydown period are examined using a synthetic soil moisture model. Most of the products can detect the negative correlation between aridity conditions and drydown time scales (faster soil drying in the semiarid west and slower – and noisier – towards the wetter east). The Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) L-band product reproduces the smoothest drydown time scale spatial patterns at the annual and seasonal scales and displays large seasonal contrasts, although its error due to SF is the highest among the three products. The Organizing Carbon Hydrology In Dynamic Ecosystems (ORCHIDEE) land–surface model resampled by the SF of each product shows better agreement with SMOS, followed by the X-band product. The agreement is higher over the southern Pampas Plains, a region with high coverage of satellite-derived data and flat topography. SSM observational errors generate higher relative uncertainties for drydown time scales longer than 8 days, while the SF is more relevant for shorter drydowns. Also, the SF has a larger impact than soil depth, particularly in the dry season, when sparse temporal coverage misses short drydowns. Soil texture influence is captured by SMOS and ORCHIDEE, revealing slower drydowns for finer textures at the annual scale. Our results show that the soil drying behaviour is comparable between microwave remote sensing products and a land–surface model and that the observational errors and the SF are important sources of uncertainty to consider when interpreting drydown results.


Destruxin A (DA) is a cyclodepsipeptidic mycotoxin isolated from the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae. It has insecticidal activity against host insect's innate immunity system, but the molecular mechanism is not yet elucidated. In our previous experiment, four HSPs (heat shock proteins, BmHSP70-3, BmHSP75, BmHSP83, and BmHSCP) were characterized from the specific protein electrophoretic bands of Bombyx mori Bm12 cell line treated with DA in the test of drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), which implied that these HSPs might be kinds of DA-affinity proteins, or DA induces them up-regulated expression. Therefore, in current research, the interactions of DA and HSPs were explored through analysis of bio-layer interferometry (BLI) employing FortBio OcteteQK. The expression levels of HSPs genes were surveyed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results indicated that DA had no interactions with BmHSP70-3, BmHSP75, and BmHSP83, but had affinity to BmHSCP with a KD value of 88.1 μM, in BLI analysis. However, the expression levels of all HSPs genes were significantly up-regulated after the Bm12 cells were treated by DA. In conclusion, DA can induce the four HSPs expression in Bm12 cells, but DA only binds to BmHSCP. Our research provides new insights on understanding of the action mechanisms of destruxins.


ABSTRACT
Objectives9.4% of pregnant women in Wales are prescribed medicines for asthma. Prescription of asthma medicines in early pregnancy is associated with increased prevalence of congenital anomalies (aOR 1.20, 1.08 - 1.34). The literature offers less consensus on more common adverse outcomes: premature delivery (<37 weeks), small for gestational age (<10th growth centile) (SGA), and failure to breastfeed.
ApproachRoutinely collected data from the all-Wales health and social care linked electronic databank (the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage [SAIL]) were interrogated. Data from the Office of National Statistics birth and deaths registry, the National Community Child Health Database (NCCHD), the Patient Episode Database for Wales, primary care prescription records and the Congenital Anomaly Register (CARIS) 2000-2010 were linked. Growth centiles were calculated from WHO standards. Prescriptions were classified using ATC categories and BTS guidelines. We included live born singletons without congenital anomalies. We excluded infants exposed to medicines known to carry higher risks than asthma medicines: insulin, AEDs, coumarins. Odds ratios, with 95% CIs, were calculated for use of asthma medicines 1 year either side of pregnancy.
Results357,989 pregnancies were identified in NCCHD 2000-2010. Data were available on 117,717 at delivery and 38,665 on breastfeeding at birth and 6-8 weeks 2004-2010. Data loss was due to suboptimal GP participation.Delivery before 37 weeks' gestation and SGA were more common in those prescribed: any short acting beta2 agonists (SABA) (OR 1.12[CI 1.04-1.20], 1.15[1.08-1.28]); inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (1.07[0.97-1.19], 1.18[1.09-1.29]); systemic corticosteroids (1.34[1.13-1.60], 1.23[1.06-1.43]).
At birth and 6-8 weeks, breastfeeding was less prevalent amongst those prescribed: SABAs (OR 0.90[CI 0.86-0.95], 0.87[0.82-0.93]); ICS (0.88[0.82-0.95], 0.85[0.78-0.93]); systemic corticosteroids (0.86 [0.76-0.98], 0.80[CI 0.69-0.94]).
ConclusionPrescription of asthma medicines is associated with higher prevalence of conditions predisposing to childhood ill-health. While routinely collected data is unable to account for confounding by indication, and the impact of asthma cannot be disentangled from that of its treatment, these findings indicate that prescription of asthma medicines offer a useful marker to target additional support throughout pregnancy and lactation.
FundingThis paper was developed from the EUROmediCAT project.


Background—Atrial fibrillation (AF) is accompanied by re-expression of fetal genes and activation of proteolytic enzymes. In this study both aspects were addressed with respect to troponin I (TnI) isoform expression. Methods and Results—Western blotting and real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction were used to study TnI isoform expression in patients with paroxysmal or chronic AF and in goats after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks of AF. In addition to cardiac TnI (cTnI), low expression of slow-twitch skeletal TnI (ssTnI) protein was found in 60% of patients in sinus rhythm or paroxysmal AF and in 8% of patients with chronic AF. In adult goat atrium, ssTnI protein expression was undetectable. Calcium-dependent degradation of cTnI protein was found in 1 or 2 of 6 animals after 1 to 4 weeks of AF. Although always low, ssTnI mRNA levels were significantly higher in patients who expressed ssTnI protein than in those who did not. Relative ssTnI mRNA expression was significantly lower in patients with paroxysmal AF and chronic AF than in those in sinus rhythm. In goats there was a tendency toward higher relative levels of ssTnI at the onset of AF followed by a normalization when AF had become sustained. Conclusions—Atrial re-expression of ssTnI during paroxysmal AF in patients and during the first 2 weeks of pacing-induced AF in goats does not seem to be part of the process of AF-associated cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation but seems to result from transient cardiomyocyte stress at the onset of AF.


The use of DNA as a structural material has been intensively developed since its inception in the early 1980s. The potential of DNA structures in the field of materials science is hampered by current approaches to augmentation. It is not currently possible to alter the targeting of heterogenous additional elements to structures once they have been made. The post hoc patterning of DNA architectures is therefore of great importance. The bacterial protein Recombinase A (RecA) may be able to provide this function.

This thesis will discuss the patterning of DNA structures with RecA. RecA has been shown to pattern linear dsDNA strands with high levels of efficiency. To test the potential of RecA to pattern more complex DNA, novel strategies for creating DNA topologies have been explored. This work has produced DNA strands containing regions of base pair mismatching and with terminal three-way junctions.

A method has also been developed for the creation of a 200 base product with unpaired branched junctions, using four synthetic oligomers in a scaffolded cycling ligation reaction with a heat stable ligase. A method to create longer DNA strands with three-way junctions at the termini has also been developed.

RecA patterning of a structure with internal mismatches was carried out. Mismatches proximal to the patterning area led to an increase in patterning efficiency with an increase in mismatch length. When the mismatch was separated from the patterning region a more complex relationship was observed, with intermediate-length mismatches resulting in a decrease in pattering efficiency. The introduction of a nick in the phosphate backbone proximal to the patterning region also increased patterning efficiency.

Two further DNA structures were produced on which patterning did not prove possible. The ligase chain reaction was shown to produce DNA strands that could be incorporated into a structure with central base pairing and terminal single stranded DNA regions. Attempts to create three-way junctions from these structures were not successful. A second structure was created through treatment of double stranded DNA from the polymerase chain reaction. Single strands of DNA were produced that could be annealed to produce terminal three-way junctions. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated the correct annealing of this structure. However, it did not prove possible to pattern these structures with RecA.

Recombinant RecA production through bacterial induction produced soluble protein at a high yield. There was some evidence of DNA contamination and the purified protein showed low activity.


Standard cosmology has many successes on large scales, but faces some fundamental difficulties on small, galactic scales. One such difficulty is the cusp/core problem. High resolution observations of the rotation curves for dark matter dominated low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies imply that galactic dark matter halos have a density profile with a flat central core, whereas N-body structure formation simulations predict a divergent (cuspy) density profile at the center. It has been proposed that this problem can be resolved by stellar feedback driving turbulent gas motion that erases the initial cusp. However, strong gravitational lensing prefers a cuspy density profile for galactic halos. In this paper, we use the most recent high resolution observations of the rotation curves of LSB galaxies to fit the core size as a function of halo mass, and compare the resultant lensing probability to the observational results for the well defined combined sample of the Cosmic Lens All-Sky Survey (CLASS) and Jodrell Bank/Very Large Array Astrometric Survey (JVAS). The lensing probabilities based on such density profiles are too low to match the observed lensing in CLASS/JVAS. High baryon densities in the galaxies that dominate the lensing statistics can reconcile this discrepancy, but only if they steepen the mass profile rather than making it more shallow. This places contradictory demands upon the effects of baryons on the central mass profiles of galaxies.


Fallen branches, logs, and tree stumps are a valuable habitat in forests, giving food and shelter to many organisms, including earthworms. Unfortunately, deadwood is often removed from forests because its value is not fully appreciated. We wanted to overcome this by developing a sampling method for earthworms living in deadwood in forests. By testing our new sampling method in oak forests, we found that including deadwood in earthworm surveys improves our knowledge of forest earthworm populations. We also found a greater number of young earthworms in deadwood, where conditions were warmer and moister than in the soil. By surveying deadwood for invertebrates, such as earthworms, we can better understand the important role that deadwood in forests plays in maintaining biodiversity.


Agile methods provide an organization or a team with the flexibility to adopt a selected subset of principles and practices based on their culture, their values, and the types of systems that they develop. More specifically, every organization or team implements a customized agile method, tailored to better accommodate its needs. However, the extent to which a customized method supports the organizational objectives, i.e. the `goodness' of that method, is questionable. Existing agile assessment approaches focus on comparative analyses, or are limited in scope and application. In this research, we propose a structured, systematic, and comprehensive approach to assessing the `goodness' of agile methods. We examine an agile method based on (1) its adequacy, (2) the capability of the organization to support the adopted principles and practices specified by the method, and (3) the method's effectiveness. We propose the Objectives, Principles and Practices (OPP) Framework to guide our assessment. The Framework identifies (1) objectives of the agile philosophy, (2) principles that support the objectives, (3) practices that are reflective of the principles, (4) linkages among the objectives, principles and practices, and (5) indicators for assessing the extent to which an organization supports the implementation and the effectiveness of that practice. In this paper, we discuss our solution approach, preliminary results, and future work.


Most life-history theory assumes the environment is invariant. For the first time, analytical and numerical techniques were employed to investigate the impact of environmental variability on selection pressures (elasticities = proportional sensitivities) on a range of life histories. We find that the impact of variability is influenced significantly by the amount of variability an organism experiences (more variability affects selection pressures more), the correlations between variations among the vital rates (negative correlations are more likely to relax selection on fecundities and increase it on survival rates), and the life history in question (shorter life histories are more affected). In addition, the impact of a variable environment on the elasticities of life histories is sensitive to the sampling distribution used to generate the variability, and it is particularly sensitive to extreme values, such as those caused by occasional catastrophic events. The elasticities of life histories in highly variable environments may bear little relationship to those in a constant environment. In detailed optimality or evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) modeling, variability in vital rates as small as a standard deviation being 10%-15% of the mean may appreciably alter the conclusions. Thus, it may be very important to consider the possible impact of environmental stochasticity and not to assume that it has no effect.


Thyroidin was used in 30 patients with the burned disease at the stage of septicotoxemia with the burn exhaustion of the I--II degree and the square surface of granulated wounds not more than 20% of the body surface. Small doses of thyroidin used according to the proposed scheme in combination with the intensive oxygen therapy gave an obviously positive curative effect. Normal utilization of oxygen by tissues and the improved capillary blood flow were finally observed. These measures caused reviving of regenerative processes and normalization of protein metabolism.


The article discusses the use of stacked-actuator adaptive mirrors to improve the focusing of laser radiation. The criterion of focusing efficiency is the fraction of the energy of the laser radiation passing through the pinhole located in the focal plane of the focusing lens.


We propose a modified variational autoencoder (VAE) architecture built on top of Mask R-CNN for instance-level video segmentation and tracking. The method builds a shared encoder and three parallel decoders, yielding three disjoint branches for predictions of future frames, object detection boxes, and instance segmentation masks. To effectively solve multiple learning tasks, we introduce a Gaussian Process model to enhance the statistical representation of VAE by relaxing the prior strong independent and identically distributed (iid) assumption of conventional VAEs and allowing potential correlations among extracted latent variables. The network learns embedded spatial interdependence and motion continuity in video data and creates a representation that is effective to produce high-quality segmentation masks and track multiple instances in diverse and unstructured videos. Evaluation on a variety of recently introduced datasets shows that our model outperforms previous methods and achieves the new best in class performance.