High performance multi-layer MWIR HgCdTe detector design requires detailed analysis considering the interaction between layers and the nonlinear effects. For this purpose, an in-house numerical model is utilized so that electrical and optical parameters are manipulated to eliminate the undesired performance limits. An ideal detector with perfect crystal quality is expected to have diffusion limited dark current. However, for low operating temperatures (<120K), which is usually the case for the high performance applications, SRH mechanism may dominate dark current especially for alternative substrate detectors and low crystal quality resulting in a short SRH lifetime (~200ns). Here, physical sizes, composition and doping profiles are optimized to suppress generation-recombination (GR) dark current so that cooling burden can be minimized. We numerically achieve ~30K (from ~85K to ~115K) increase on the operating temperature without degrading the system performance parameters for the detection of near room temperature object (300K) by placing a wide bandgap layer inside the bandgap.


In this book, the development of international organization at two levels is discussed - the regional and the global. The conclusion is drawn that regional organization is continuing to develop whilst global arrangements reached a plateau in the early 1980s. This pattern of development is described and explained and its implications for international society analyzed. In Part 1, the growth of regional integration in the global context is discussed, the factors which support it analyzed, and the data concerning its development presented. In Part 2, close attention is given to one example of regional integration, the European Community, in order to deduce lessons from regionalization which may be more widely relevant. In Part 3, specific patterns in the growth of global organizations are discussed and compared with those at the regional one. And in Part 4, the work of global international organizations in two important contexts is considered in order to highlight its impact upon the state compared with that at the regional level.


A large number of web databases are only accessible through proprietary form-like interfaces which require users to query the system by entering desired values for a few attributes. A key restriction enforced by such an interface is the top-k output constraint - i.e., when there are a large number of matching tuples, only a few (top-k) of them are preferentially selected and returned by the website, often according to a proprietary ranking function. Since most web database owners set k to be a small value, the top-k output constraint prevents many interesting third-party (e.g., mashup) services from being developed over real-world web databases. In this paper we consider the novel problem of "digging deeper" into such web databases. Our main contribution is the meta-algorithm GetNext that can retrieve the next ranked tuple from the hidden web database using only the restrictive interface of a web database without any prior knowledge of its ranking function. This algorithm can then be called iteratively to retrieve as many top ranked tuples as necessary. We develop principled and efficient algorithms that are based on generating and executing multiple reformulated queries and inferring the next ranked tuple from their returned results. We provide theoretical analysis of our algorithms, as well as extensive experimental results over synthetic and real-world databases that illustrate the effectiveness of our techniques.


This issue of Acupuncture in Medicine includes a relatively rare look at the technique of laser acupuncture (LA) courtesy of two original reports. Although the primary focus of the journal is on needle acupuncture, i.e. manual and electroacupuncture (EA), current editorial policy allows consideration of reports of related, non-penetrating techniques, such as LA, moxibustion and transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation (TEAS), that are of "significant clinical or academic interest" (www.aim.bmj.com/site/about/ guidelines.xhtml). The comprehensive and detailed open access systematic review by Glazov et al. certainly satisfies these criteria, presenting a thorough evaluation of the efficacy of LA and non-acupuncture type low level laser therapy (LLLT) for lower back pain, one of the most prevalent symptoms encountered in clinical practice and a common indication for acupuncture and related techniques. Their meta-analysis identified three key factors associated with therapeutic benefit, specifically higher dose laser interventions (>3J/point), shorter durations of low back pain (<30 months) and, arguably most interesting for our readers, a non-acupuncture approach to LLLT. Regarding the latter observation, the authors noted that LA trials overall have tended to use low doses of laser, which was indeed the case in their most recent trial, which failed to demonstrate significant benefit of verum LA over sham. The second laser paper of this issue is a prospective cohort study by Hsieh et al. showing positive effects of LA in gastrointestinal cancer patients with oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Four of the remaining articles in this issue follow a neuropsychiatric theme. Among them, the editor's choice article for this issue is another systematic review, by Deng and Wang, that evaluated the effectiveness of EA for treatment of the amnestic subtype of mild cognitive impairment (AMCI), which is a precursor to dementia. Although the quality of the available evidence is relatively poor, there appears to be a beneficial effect of EA on clinical outcomes when used as an alternative or adjunctive treatment to conventional therapy (nimodipine), which warrants further investigation through further, higher quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Secondly, Liu et al. present their pilot RCT of acupuncture for patients experiencing a first episode of acute ischaemic stroke and demonstrate the feasibility of their methodology, treatment protocol and primary outcome measure, namely change in the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score over a four-week period. A recent systematic review of 17 other trials highlighted a significant risk of bias and a need to explore characteristics of the treatment including duration, acupuncture point selection and neurophysiological dose. A follow-up RCT recruiting the full sample size calculated by Liu et al. would be a welcome addition to the literature and might help clarify the role of acupuncture as an adjunct to stroke rehabilitation. Thirdly, Guo et al. present a non-randomised trial of EA with or without cognitive behavioural therapy for subsyndromal depression, a precursor to clinical depression, in undergraduate students, thereby extending the existing literature on EA for stress and pre-examination anxiety in this particular population. Finally, Yeo et al. provide novel insights into potential gender differences in treatment response to acupuncture within the central nervous system using functional magnetic resonance imaging, thus expanding the existing evidence base in support of differential effects of needling in men versus women. Elsewhere in this issue, you will find original articles detailing a novel acupuncture-related technique combining needling with vibrational stimulation (called vibro-acupuncture) and the effects of EA on skeletal muscle mass and glucose transporter 4 levels in rats undergoing resistance training. These are followed by clinical observations of the effects of EA on levels of oestradiol, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in subfertile women with diminished ovarian reserve, and the effects of manual acupuncture on trigger finger.


Tabular expressions have been proposed as a notation to document mathematically precise but readable software specifications. One of the many roles of such documentation is to guide testers. This paper 1) explores the application of four testing strategies (the partition strategy, decision table-based testing, the basic meaningful impact strategy, and fault-based testing) to tabular expression-based specifications, and 2) compares the strategies on a mathematical basis through formal and precise definitions of the subsumption relationship. We also compare these strategies through experimental studies. These results will help researchers improve current methods and will enable testers to select appropriate testing strategies for tabular expression-based specifications.


Celiac disease (CD) represents a frequent autoimmune disease triggered by the ingestion of gliadin in genetically predisposed individuals. The alteration of enterocytes and brush border membrane morphology have been repetitively demonstrated, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Microtubules represent a major element of the cytoskeleton and exert multiple functions depending on their tyrosination status. The aim of our study was to investigate whether posttranslational modification of microtubules was altered in the context of CD and whether this mechanism contributed to morphological changes of CD enterocytes. We examined the expression of tubulin tyrosine ligase (TTL) and vasohibin-2 (VASH2) and the level of detyrosinated and acetylated tubulin in duodenal biopsies and Caco-2 cells by immunoblot and immunofluorescence microcopy. Electron microscopy was performed to investigate the subcellular distribution of detyrosinated tubulin and brush border membrane architecture in CD biopsies and Madin–Darby Canine Kidney type II (MDCK) cells lacking TTL. CD enterocytes and Caco-2 cells stimulated with digested gliadin or IFN-y displayed a flattened cell morphology. This disturbed cellular architecture was accompanied by an increased amount of detyrosinated and acetylated tubulin and corresponding high expression of VASH2 and low expression of TTL. The altered posttranslational modification of tubulin was reversible after the introduction of the gluten-free diet. CD enterocytes and MDCK cells deficient in TTL displayed a reduced cell height along with an increased cell width and a reduced number of apical microvilli. Our results provide a functional explanation for the observed morphological alterations of the enterocytes observed in CD and provide diagnostic potential of the tyrosination status of microtubules as an early marker of villous atrophy and CD inflammation.


Longstanding policy debates over how prostitu- tion/sex work should be thought about and responded to have been upended in the USA by a growing tendency to conflate the practice with sex trafficking. US law and social policy have converged most fully on this issue in a movement to eradicate what has come to be known as the commercial sexual exploitation of children. One outcome of this movement has been an expanded focus on prosecuting and imprisoning pimps and other legal adults who support or abet juridical minors involved in the sex trade. This paper will show that the simplistic, one-size-fits- all narrative of the child victim and the adult exploiter inherent in this policy does not reflect the realities of street- based sex work in the USA. After 2 years of ethnographic and social network research in two cities, we find that sex market-involved young people participate in a great diversity of market-facilitation relationships, many of which provide the only or the most crucial foundation for their support networks. A social policy based on a one- dimensional construction of the child victim and the adult exploiter not only endangers these crucial relationships but also disappears the real needs of young people involved in the exchange of sex for money.


We address the problem of how the survival of cooperation in a social system depends on the motion of the individuals. Specifically, we study a model in which prisoner's dilemma players are allowed to move in a two-dimensional plane. Our results show that cooperation can survive in such a system provided that both the temptation to defect and the velocity at which agents move are not too high. Moreover, we show that when these conditions are fulfilled, the only asymptotic state of the system is that in which all players are cooperators. Our results might have implications for the design of cooperative strategies in motion coordination and other applications including wireless networks.


Addressing present day art making in the southern Caribbean island of Trinidad, with specific attention to the notion of a diasporic 'Indian art', this article offers a genealogy of some relationships between ethnicity, nationhood and visual imaging. Focusing on the painter and sculptor Shastri Maharaj (b. 1953), who is descended from South Asian indentured migrants to Trinidad, it shows how artists in the Caribbean have negotiated the region's period of strident anti-colonialism to the present. Examples of Maharaj's art comprise works of figuration and landscape, including depictions of local architectural styles and Hindu ritual, as well as more ambiguous and abstract forms, also presented as gallery installations. Paying attention to these the discussion highlights the problematic relations between the exegetical tendency for 'reading' such visual materials, and the ambitions of artists seeking to transcend the limits of expectations about ethnicity and cultural difference. In place of those limits it recommends an alternative historiography able to enjoin the critical search among contemporary artists for perceptual and aesthetic agency.


SemEval-2019 Task 6 requires us to identify and categorise offensive language in social media. In this paper we will describe the process we took to tackle this challenge. Our process is heavily inspired by Sosa (2017) [1] where he proposed CNN-LSTM and LSTM-CNN models to conduct twitter sentiment analysis. We decided to follow his approach as well as further his work by testing out different variations of RNN models with CNN. Specifically, we have divided the challenge into two parts: data processing and sampling and choosing the optimal deep learning architecture. In preprocessing, we experimented with two techniques, SMOTE and Class Weights to counter the imbalance between classes. Once we are happy with the quality of our input data, we proceed to choosing the optimal deep learning architecture for this task. Given the quality and quantity of data we have been given, we found that the addition of CNN layer provides very little to no additional improvement to our model's performance and sometimes even worsen our F1-score. In the end, the deep learning architecture that gives us the highest macro F1-score is a simple BiLSTM-CNN.


The intermediate disturbance hypothesis predicts that richness will be highest in communities with moderate levels of disturbance and at intermediate time spans following disturbance. This model was proposed as a nonequilibrium explanation of species richness in tropical forests and coral reefs. A second model of succession, initial floristic composition, states that nearly all species, including late seral species, are present at the start of suc- cession. This leads to the prediction that richness should be highest immediately following disturbance. We tested these predictions using plant species composition data from two long-term field experiments in North American tallgrass prairie vegetation. In contrast to one prediction of the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, there was a significant monotonic decline in species richness with increasing disturbance frequency, with no evidence of an optimum, in both field experiments. Species composition on an annually burned site was a subset of that of infrequently burned sites. The average number of species per quadrat and the number of grass, forb, and annual species were lowest on annually burned sites compared to unburned sites and sites burned once every 4 yr. The second prediction of the intermediate disturbance hypothesis, however, was supported. Richness reached a maximum at an intermediate time interval since the last disturbance. This contradicts the prediction from the initial floristic composition model of succession. These results also suggest that the two predictions of the intermediate disturbance hypothesis are independent and unre- lated. We propose that this may be explained by uncoupling the effects of disturbance as a single, relatively discrete event from system response to disturbance. From this perspec- tive, disturbance becomes an extinction-causing event in these grasslands, whereas recovery following disturbance is a balance between immigration and extinction.


Multivariate age-period-cohort models have recently been proposed for the analysis of heterogeneous time trends. For a fully Bayesian analysis, Gaussian Markov random field (GMRF) priors are typically used. However, standard GMRF priors do not account for a potential dependence between outcomes. We present an extended approach based on correlated smoothing priors and corre-lated overdispersion parameters. Algorithmic routines are based on either Markov chain Monte Carlo or integrated nested Laplace approximations. Results are discussed for data on female mortality in Denmark and Norway and compared by means of DIC, proper scoring rules and the marginal likelihood. Abstract: Multivariate age-period-cohort models have recently been proposed for the analysis of heterogeneous time trends. For a fully Bayesian analysis, Gaussian Markov random field (GMRF) priors are typically used. However, standard GMRF priors do not account for a potential dependence between outcomes. We present an extended approach based on correlated smoothing priors and correlated overdispersion parameters. Algorithmic routines are based on either Markov chain Monte Carlo or integrated nested Laplace approximations. Results are discussed for data on female mortality in Denmark and Norway and compared by means of DIC, proper scoring rules and the marginal likelihood.


We present several generalisations of the Games-Chan algorithm. For a fixed monic irreducible polynomial ƒ we consider the sequences s that have as characteristic polynomial a power of ƒ. We propose an algorithm for computing the linear complexity of s given a full (not necessarily minimal) period of s. We give versions of the algorithm for fields of characteristic 2 and for arbitrary finite characteristic p, the latter generalising an algorithm of Kaida et al. We also propose an algorithm which computes the linear complexity given only a finite portion of s (of length greater than or equal to the linear complexity), generalising an algorithm of Meidl. All our algorithms have linear computational complexity. The algorithms for computing the linear complexity when a full period is known can be further generalised to sequences for which it is known a priori that the irreducible factors of the minimal polynomial belong to a given small set of polynomials.


The incidence and prevalence of lymphoedema and chronic oedema is increasing as a result of the ageing population and increased obesity rates. It is becoming increasingly common for long-term conditions to be managed in the community, and community nurses are highly likely to be involved in identifying and providing care for patients affected by lower-limb oedema. Oedema is frequently recognised but often not treated, and practitioners must remember that oedema is a symptom and the underlying cause needs to be established to ensure that appropriate treatment can be initiated. Many community nurses regularly see the same patients with chronic oedema for months, and even years. This article is designed to promote reflection on whether current treatment regimes are proving effective.


The article deals with the issues of protecting underwater cultural heritage in the Russian Federation. The subject-matter of the research are the factors affecting the preservation of the objects of underwater cultural heritage in Russia and the national legislation on protecting cultural heritage. The paper aims to present the system analysis of the issues of Russian Federation underwater cultural heritage. The article studies the reasons for arising the issues in this area, scrutinizes the factors affecting badly the objects of underwater cultural heritage, in particular legal and non legal factors. The author shows the lack of terminological consistency in Russian legislation for underwater cultural heritage and individual approach to register and catalogue them. Conclusions have been made that Russian Federation legal issues may cause damage or loss of an object of underwater cultural heritage as a valuable source of knowledge on historical and cultural past of the country. The article analyzes the topical national legislation on protecting underwater cultural heritage as well as normative acts 73-FZ On the objects of underwater cultural heritage (monuments of history and culture) of the Russian Federation Peoples of 2002, Russian Federation Criminal Code. A case from the practice of discovering and registration of sunk vessels and underwater artifacts in the water area of the Gulf of Finland has been shown. Hence, a conclusion has been made on the urgency to reconsider and amend Russian legislation in the area of cultural heritage. The author makes recommendations to improve normative acts to protect cultural heritage and managing underwater cultural heritage.


This thesis seeks to analyze the international humanitarian laws and human right laws governing the involvement of children in armed conflicts. As the international law prohibiting the involvement of children in armed conflict progress on paper, progress within the states falls behind, thus creating a gap between progress in law and the enforcement of this law on the ground. The international community needs to take steps to bridge this gap so the practice on the ground is adequate with the international law. This thesis will examine the efficiency of the international legal instruments and examine what factors are preventing the implementation of the international law within the different states. Three different case-studies will be conducted of three African countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and Sierra Leone in order to examine what the states, the society, local actors and the international community are doing to prevent the involvement of children in armed conflict.


SiC nanoparticles reinforced AZ61 magnesium composites were fabricated by Ultrasonic method. The distribution of nanoparticles in the matrix and the fracture morphology of the composites were observed by SEM, and the mechanical properties of the composites were tested at room temperature. Experimental shows that SiC nanoparticles were dispersed well in the matrix with the pretreatment method. Compared with the matrix, the tensile strength and hardness of the composites were improved respectively. Meanwhile, the ductility of the composites didn't be obviously decreased. The enhancement function of nano composites was predicted with the dislocation strengthening and Orowan dispersion strengthening mechanisms. The predicted results coincided well with experimental ones.


This paper addresses the problem of component selection, task assignment and task scheduling for distributed embedded computer systems. Such systems have a large number of constraints of different nature, such as cost, execution time, memory capacity and limitations on resource usage. Previous approaches have concentrated on a specific class of requirements and thus they limit number of constraints which can be handled in the design process. This results very often in non-feasible or too expensive solutions. The system presented in this paper CLASS (Constraint Logic bAsed System Synthesis) makes it possible to impose different design constraints and thus model the design more realistically. It is also efficient in finding good solutions or in some cases, optimal solutions for even nontrivial problems.


The PtRu-SiO2-TiO2/C anode electrocatalyst ( loading 10wt% PtRu ) of direct methanol fuel cell is prepared by the surface reductive deposition method, using Vulcan XC-72 carbon black coated with nanometer SiO2-TiO2 (SiO2-TiO2/C) as the isotopic carrier. The surface characteristics of nanometer SiO2-TiO2 is studied through nitrogen adsorption, which shows that it is of porous structure together with large surface area, that is benefit to enhance the activity of SiO2-TiO2 and the dispersion of PtRu nanoparticle on the carrier of SiO2-TiO2/C. X-ray diffraction( XRD ) and transmission electron microscopy( TEM ) are used to characterize the catalyst. The PtRu nanoparticle homodisperse in SiO2-TiO2/C carrier with diameter around 2.4 nm. Cyclic voltammograms and chronoamperograms are conducted to compare the electrochemical methanol oxidation activity of the PtRu-SiO2-TiO2/C catalyst with the commercial PuRu/C catalyst ( 20 wt% of PtRu ). The results show that PtRu-SiO2-TiO2/C has higher catalytic activity and anti-poisoning ability for methanol oxidation, the addition of porous SiO2-TiO2 can replace the PtRu to some extent, comparing with the commercial PuRu/C catalyst, not only the loading of PtRu has been cut down 50%, but also the electro-oxidizing activity of methanol improved. The electro-oxidizing mechanism is basically analyzed.


We analyze the $\Gamma$-convergence of sequences of free-discontinuity functionals arising in the modeling of linear elastic solids with surface discontinuities, including phenomena as fracture, damage, or material voids. We prove compactness with respect to $\Gamma$-convergence and represent the $\Gamma$-limit in an integral form defined on the space of generalized special functions of bounded deformation ($GSBD^p$). We identify the integrands in terms of asymptotic cell formulas and prove a non-interaction property between bulk and surface contributions. Eventually, we investigate sequences of corresponding boundary value problems and show convergence of minimum values and minimizers. In particular, our techniques allow to characterize relaxations of functionals on $GSBD^p$, and cover the classical case of periodic homogenization.


This study aimed at knowing the general composition of the difference between the accounting results and tax result (book-tax differences - BTD) in Brazilian public companies in order to identify the explanation for this difference, either through the management of the earnings management (EM) and/or the taxes management (TM), or even by none of them. The research, exploratory and descriptive in nature, was based on a sample composed by the Brazilian public companies, making up a total of 276 company-years. Data analysis included the period from 2000 to 2005 and used the econometric models proposed by KS (1995) and Pae (2005) which permitted to analyze the level of management of results by means of discretionary accruals. The results achieved suggest that the models applied do not provide the support necessary for the determination of outcome management and tax management, as well as to identify the relation between these two practices and BTD. Therefore, we cannot conclude that there is a manipulation of results and/or taxes on the part of the Brazilian public companies considered in the sample, and of relation between these practices.


In 1984, Congress passed and President Ronald Reagan signed the Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act, mandating that all states adopt a minimum legal drinking age of 21 or else they would forfeit some of their federal transportation money. Simple statistical research into the effects of the federal law appears to indicate that it helped to reduce motor vehicle fatalities. However, those studies failed to consider important dynamics on the state level that were occurring around the time of the adoption of the federal law. Our analysis does so, and when those trends are controlled for, we find no evidence that the federal law has saved lives.


PKC-θ is a serine/threonine specific protein kinase and its activation depends upon the concentration of diacylglycerol (DAG) and phospholipids (phosphatidylserine). PKC-θ phosphorylates a variety of proteins that are known to be involved in the diverse cellular signaling pathways. It is predominantly expressed in the T-cells and localized in the center of immunological synapse upon T-cell receptor (TCR) and CD28 signaling. Activation of PKC-θ leads to the activation of various transcription factors in the nuclei of T-cells, e.g. NF-κB, NFAT, c-Jun, c-Fos and AP-1 that further control the proliferation and differentiation of T-cells. Defective T-cell activation in turn leads to the aberrant expression of apoptosis related proteins that cause the poor T-cell survival. Researchers have found that T-cells deficient in PKC-θ exhibit reduced interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. Apart from this role on IL-2 expression, it also plays crucial roles in the proliferation, differentiation and survival of the T-cells, which make it an attractive therapeutic target for a variety of immunological and T-cell mediated diseases. Hence, new molecules capable of modulating the expression or biological activity of PKC-θ are being developed and tested for their potential as novel therapy for several T-cells mediated disease conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and organ transplantation, etc. In the present review, we tried to integrate the recent discoveries on PKC-θ including its pharmacology and therapeutic potential, along with brief update on its inhibitor molecules.


Background College attendance has become a crucial determinant of life chances in U.S. society. Besides college costs and academic preparation, college-related cultural and social capital may help explain socioeconomic differences in whether and where students attend college. While high school counselors are seen as potential agents of social capital, the standard counseling model, developed to serve middle-class students, may not translate effectively to schools serving disadvantaged students. The college coach program, introduced in 12 non-selective Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in the fall of 2004, provides an alternative model. In contrast to the standard high school counseling model, college coaches take a "community organizer" role in assisting the college enrollment process. Statistical difference-in-differences analysis suggests that coaches may have improved the kinds of colleges that students attended, particularly for less advantaged students (Stephan, 2010). Purpose This qualitative study describes how the coach program works and analyzes key aspects that may explain its positive relationship with college enrollment outcomes. Participants Interviews were conducted between the spring of 2006 and spring of 2007 with 9 current and former college coaches, 2 postsecondary specialists (to whom the coaches report), and 30 high school seniors in 2 coach schools, which, like other non-selective CPS high schools, serve students who are predominantly African American or Latino and low-income. Research Design Responses to semi-structured interviews with coaches and students were coded for recurring themes and according to interview questions. A model of how coaches create social capital emerged from iterations between coding interviews and studying previous research on the creation of social capital. Conclusions The results suggest that coaches use new advising strategies (different from typical school counseling practices) to increase students' college-related social capital and subsequently increase the number of students completing college actions, which may explain improved enrollment outcomes. This research highlights previously tacit assumptions about how counseling should work and details new advising procedures that may benefit disad-vantaged students in the college enrollment process. More generally, this research discusses specific social mechanisms through which policy or institutions may create social capital to improve educational attainment.


The present invention comprises myoblast seeded bovine pericardium and a method of making the same. The preferred embodiment, biological biomaterials which can be used for reconstruction of abdominal wall defects for regeneration o skeletal muscle both in human medicine and veterinary medicine. The present invention also provides a novel method of making/ preparation which possesses an excellent biocompatibility as well as an increased stability of the grant thereby following of seeding of myoblast on the bovine pericardium.


A child and a teenager with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM type1) need attention and special care over their lives. The school is an important social group over the childhood and adolescence, and if it is well structured and with well aware professionals concerning the disease, it will be able to interfere in a decisive way in the lives of children and teenagers with DM type1. The school certainly may contribute with those youngsters, mostly concerning the acceptance of the disease and the improvement of the self-esteem, and consequently, of the self-care. On that way, the role played by the teacher becomes essential, for it is the one who will be with the students the most part of the time while they are in school. According to the opinion of diabetic students' parents, having teachers who are well aware about the disease and a good structure to receive a student with diabetes are the main help that the school may offer. The physical education teacher must be prepared in a special way, due to physical activity, the risk of occur a hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia crisis over the class increases considerably. At this, it is necessary for teachers to be always alert in question to the particular characteristics of their diabetic students during hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia situations. In the presence of such necessity, the aim of this article is to show up to the physical education teacher the most recent bibliographic characteristics of the DMI-holder and respective implications.


The amount of fluoride found in the bone is usually correlated with the amount of fluoride found either in water or in a person's diet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the beneficial incorporation of fluoride into rat bone after prenatal fluoride administration, using microstructural analysis. Fifteen 8- week-old female were divided into five groups (one control group and four experimental groups), with three rats in each group. During the mating period, pure redistilled water (containing no fluoride) was given to the control group, and redistilled water containing 1/10/20/100 ppm sodium fluoride was given to the experimental groups. The drinking water was prepared by dissolving 2.2 mg NaF (Yakuri Pure Chemicals Ltd., Osaka, Japan) per liter of redistilled water. Rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after their delivery, and their femurs were extracted. X-ray diffraction (XRD; electromagnetic waves) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed. The change in the hydroxyapatite structure to fluoroapatite was not confirmed by XRD, and FTIR showed that the inorganic element bands (carbonate, phosphate, and amide band) seemed to be slightly higher in the 20 ppm group, suggesting that the prenatal fluoride treatment through the incorporation of fluoride ions into the hydroxyapatite crystals affected the unit cell size and the bone microstructure.


: On the ground of continuous records of air and soil temperature at standard levels, changes of soil temperature against changes of air temperature have been analyzed at thick and without snow cover. The first example concerns a six-day winter thaw, and the second one a four-day autumn cooling. A particular influence of energy advection has been noted. A delay of changes of soil temperature was found to increase with depth in relation to air temperature. A hypothesis on correlation between air temperature at a height of 5 cm and soil temperature at a depth of 5 cm has been verified.


This paper addresses the singular 1-soliton solution of the K(m;n) equation that is being considered with generalized evolution. The ansatz method will be used to extract the singular 1-soliton solution of this equation. A couple of constraint conditions will fall out in order for the singular soliton solutions to exist. Subsequently, the special cases of this equation will be studied. They are the KdV and the mKdV equations where the extended (G 0 =G)-expansion method will be employed to extract a few nonlinear wave solutions.


1. In normal and hypertensive rats prostaglandin A (PGA) in plasma and kidney increased on low sodium intake and decreased on high sodium intake. 2. Plasma and renal concentrations of PGA were higher in spontaneously hypertensive rats than in normal Wistar rats in each dietary group.


The aim of the present study is to improve heat transfer performance and to attenuate pressure drop in plate heat exchanger with the different plate shapes. In this study, the single plate model of the plate heat exchanger is made and the thermal fluid flow characteristics in the narrows channel are examined for two different shaped plates, i.e., separate herringbone and plover patterns and the results are compared with that of flat or herringbone plate. In addition, the flow of the fluid with the surface of the rugged plate in the plate heat exchanger was visualized by tuft method. It is found that if the separate herringbone plate whose pith is 2 is employed, heat transfer performance is substantially enhanced for the high Reynolds number region, while pressure drop is suppressed.


This article maps and analyses the relationship between football and black sound cultures in the UK. Employing a chronological and thematic approach, specifically, it examines the inclusion of football in post-Windrush calypsos, the appropriation of black music forms in football stadia, reggae as cultural critique of English football and British society, and the connections between transnational sounds and a diasporic footballing consciousness. Theoretically, this article draws on – and places in dialogue – Paul Gilroy's concept of the 'Black Atlantic', Josh Kun's notion of 'audiotopia' and Les Back's emphasis on 'deep listening'. This framing illuminates how music forms travel back and forth along diasporic roots and routes between Africa, the Caribbean, the United States and the United Kingdom. Critically, the article locates the relationship between football, music and race as providing the context and capacity for progressive change, and foregrounds its role as an important medium and method of cultural resistance to the marginalisations experienced by Black Atlantic diasporas and within football itself. The article concludes by looking forward, in an era of Black Lives Matter, to consider the spaces and practices of fandom and consumption that might open up as a result of listening and responding sociologically to the relationship between football and black sound cultures.


From the Publisher:
This textbook is a logical continuation of Dr. Tan's first book, Health Management Information Systems. For graduate level and upper level undergraduate courses, it explains the use of health decision support systems throughout the health care industry, citing examples from hospitals, managed care organizations and long term care facilities. This book includes learning objectives, case studies and review questions. An instructor's guide is also available.


We propose that probabilistic inference is supported by a mental toolbox that includes sampling and symmetry-based reasoning in addition to several other methods. To flesh out this claim we consider a spatial reasoning task and describe a number of different methods for solving the task. Several recent process-level accounts of probabilistic inference have focused on sampling, but we present an experiment that suggests that sampling alone does not adequately capture people's inferences about our task.


Carbapenems are group of extended-spectrum β-lactam antimicrobials frequently used for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) infections. This study aimed at detecting and characterizing carbapenem resistance (CR) genes among GNB isolated from patients treated in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Mansoura University Children's Hospital (MUCH), Egypt. It is a prospective study conducted from 2015 to 2016. A total of 158 GNB isolates were examined for CR both phenotypically and genotypically. Among 158 Gram negative isolates, there were 58 (36.7%) CR strains. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production was confirmed in all 58 (100%) isolates. Carbapenemase production was detected in 52 (89.5%) strains while metallo beta-lactamase (MBL) production was found in 33 (56.9%) strains.  Molecular characterization of CR strains revealed that 57 (98.3%) tested were positive for carbapenemase encoding genes. KPC gene was the most frequent detected gene (34/58).  VIM, IPM, OXA and NDM genes were also detected in 15, 13, 9 and 1 isolate, respectively. Only one isolate was negative for all encoding resistance genes despite positive for ESBL phenotype. Infection with CR strains has been increasing in clinical settings which limit the use of carbapenems.

 Key words: Gram-negative bacilli, carbapenem resistance, carbapenemase, metallo beta-lactamase, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), carbapenemase encoding genes, neonatal intensive care unit.


We present a simple mathematical model of a wind turbine supporting tower. Here, the wind excitation is considered to be a non-ideal power source. In such a consideration, there is interaction between the energy supply and the motion of the supporting structure. If power is not enough, the rotation of the generator may get stuck at a resonance frequency of the structure. This is a manifestation of the so-called Sommerfeld Effect. In this model, at first, only two degrees of freedom are considered, the horizontal motion of the upper tip of the tower, in the transverse direction to the wind, and the generator rotation. Next, we add another degree of freedom, the motion of a free rolling mass inside a chamber. Its impact with the walls of the chamber provides control of both the amplitude of the tower vibration and the width of the band of frequencies in which the Sommerfeld effect occur. Some numerical simulations are performed using the equations of motion of the models obtained via a Lagrangian approach.


While the advent of Covid-19 has required nurse faculty be innovative, flexible, nimble, and agile, there have been challenges. For example, faculty have had to move in-person classes online; conceptualize and offer alternative clinical experiences; and re-define how student performance is evaluated and graded. When we look back on this experience, what will faculty have learned from these experiences, and what are possible changes arising from these learnings?


Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most aggressive primary brain tumours and have no known cure. Each individual tumour comprises multiple sub-populations of genetically-distinct cells that may respond differently to targeted therapies and may contribute to disappointing clinical trial results. Image-localized biopsy techniques allow multiple biopsies to be taken during surgery and provide information that identifies regions where particular sub-populations occur within an individual GBM, thus providing insight into their regional genetic variability. These sub-populations may also interact with one another through a competitive or cooperative nature; it is important to ascertain the nature of these interactions, as they may have implications for responses to targeted therapies. We combine genetic information from biopsies with a mechanistic model of interacting GBM sub-populations to characterise the nature of interactions between two commonly occurring GBM sub-populations, those with EGFR and PDGFRA genes amplified. We study population levels found across image-localized biopsy data from a cohort of 25 patients and compare this to model outputs under competitive, cooperative and neutral interaction assumptions. We explore other factors affecting the observed simulated sub-populations, such as selection advantages and phylogenetic ordering of mutations, which may also contribute to the levels of EGFR and PDGFRA amplified populations observed in biopsy data.


UNLABELLED
The prevalence of obesity continues to rise throughout the world. Increasingly, bariatric surgery is used for those with morbid obesity as a pivotal approach to achieve weight loss. Along with substantial weight loss, malabsorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and drugs also occurs. Therefore, more than ever, a better understanding of the physiology and mechanisms by which these deficiencies occur is essential. We review the normal physiology of vitamin, mineral, and drug absorption. This is followed by a description of currently performed bariatric surgeries in the United States. A detailed review of specific nutrient and mineral deficiency states is presented, based on the most significant studies published in the last two decades. Of note, screening and supplementation recommendations have been included. Drug absorption data after these procedures is presented and discussed. Studies were identified by searching the Cochrane Registry and MEDLINE using relevant search terms, as well as through review of the reference section of included manuscripts.

CONCLUSIONS
Bariatric surgery can be effectively used to achieve sustainable weight-loss in morbidly obese patients. It simultaneously brings forth important functional consequences on nutrient deficiencies and drug absorption that clinician's must be aware of. Further prospective, randomized research on specific procedures and deficiencies is required.


Previous studies have revealed denominational subculture variations in marriage timing in the U.S. with conservative Protestants marrying at a much younger age than Catholics and the unaffiliated. However, the effects of other religious factors, such as worship service attendance and religious salience, remain overlooked. Informed by a theoretical framework that integrates the denominational subculture variation thesis and the gendered religiosity thesis, this study replicates, updates, and extends previous research by examining the effects of religiosity on the timing of first marriage among 10,403 men and 12,279 women using pooled cross-sectional data from the National Survey of Family Growth, 2006–2010. Our survival regression models indicate that: (1) consistent with previous research, Protestants in general, and conservative Protestants in particular, marry earlier than the religiously unaffiliated; (2) irrespective of denominational affiliation, increased frequency of worship service attendance decreases age at first marriage for both men and women, whereas religious salience is associated with earlier marriage only for women; (3) among Catholics, as worship service attendance increases, the waiting time to first marriage decreases; and (4) among Protestants, however, worship service attendance decreases age at first marriage for men who are affiliated with mainline and non-denominational Protestant churches, while for women the decrease in age at first marriage associated with worship service attendance is found for those who report a conservative Protestant affiliation. The complex intersections of denominational affiliation, frequency of worship service attendance, religious salience, and gender are discussed. Results suggest that religion continues to exert influences on marriage timing among recent birth cohorts of young Americans.


Abstract The response of staurolite to pressure was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) in a diamond-anvil cell, using crystals with composition: (Fe3.365Zn0.025Li0.114Co0.009 Mn0.034)[T2, M4] (Al2Mg0.307)[M3] (Al15.491Fe3+0.104Mg0.394Cr0.004Ti0.07)[M1, M2] (Si7.534 Al0.466)[T1] O48H3. Lattice parameters, measured at various pressure up to 7.264(6) GPa, were fitted using a thirdorder Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (EoS). The resulting EoS parameters are: V0 = 740.85(7) Å3, K0 = 180(2) GPa and K' = 4.7(6), a0 = 7.8723 (2) Å, K0 = 189(2) GPa, and K'a = 4.1 (6), b0 = 16.62453(1) Å, K0 = 179(2) GPa, K'b = 6.1(6) and c0 = 5.6604 (4) Å, K0 = 179(5) GPa, K'c = 2(1); whereas the angle b remained almost constant with increasing pressure. These data suggest an almost isotropic compressibility. Structural evolution was studied by comparison of structural refinements carried out with data collected at 0.0001, 2.48, 4.15, 5.43, 6.84, and 8.74 GPa. All refinements were made in the Ccmm space group. Polyhedral evolution with P is a function of occupancy: whereas the T1 tetrahedron and the M1 and M2 octahedra, occupied by Si and Al, are practically incompressible, the T2 tetrahedron, and the M4 and M3 octahedra, only partially occupied principally by Fe (the first two) and by Al (the last), show larger changes as a function of pressure. As a consequence, the two kyanite and Fe-Al hydroxide layers, which can be used to describe the staurolite structure, have different compressibilities.


The paper presents a new way of finding the internship candidates'opinion about the company they intend to work in. Candidates go to the company, and Human Resources staff outlines the company's main areas of activity. Afterwards, candidates are asked to express their views/opinions on each field of activity in a few sentences. These sentences are automatically analyzed using Artificial Intelligence (AI), namely Deep Learning (DL). In this case, the necessary analysis is the "Sentiment Analysis" which indicates how much the candidate likes or not to work in each field of activity, as a score in the range from very negative to very positive. This score is used by human resources staff to choose the right candidate for the right job matching their knowledge and attitude towards the job. Furthermore, personalized training programs are suggested to the candidate after the recruitment in order to accelerate their induction to the new work place and the impact of the training on the performance of the new employees is measured.
Therefore, we analyze several different versions of sentiment analysis algorithms based on DL, from different sources: Stanford University, Google, Microsoft and IBM, NLTK, OpenAI, Apache Open NLP, LexisNexis, Amazon. Some of these algorithms are open source and others are proprietary, but accessible using web services from the cloud and we have chosen the most appropriate.
The novelty of this paper is the method of objectively automatically finding the candidates' opinion about the company where they intend to work using the most appropriate algorithm for sentiment analysis which is based on DL.


The paper assesses how stock market volatility reacts to data breach disclosure. The paper applies Volatility Event Analysis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test to analyse how equity risk (stock volatility) of 96 firms listed on the S&P 500 index reacted to the announcement of a data breach using records from Breach Level Index (BLI ) over the period between January 2013 and December 2018. Two levels of empirical analysis were performed: cross-section level and industry level. We employ statistical tests that adjust for the effects of cross-section firm-specific mean and volatility. The analysis delivers the following results: Firstly, cross-sectional analysis shows that there is evidence of significant abnormal across the firms and significant difference between before and after cyberattacks announcements. Secondly, the industry level analysis reveals that the firms in the financial industry exhibit more abnormal volatility and returns than firms in other sectors. Additionally, there is significant evidence of the difference in pre and post cyberattacks or data breach announcements, however, this effect tends to be more pronounced after the announcement of a data breach. Implying that data breach announcements can significantly influence equity volatility. In conclusion, the paper posits, equity investors and other stakeholders should reconsider their approach to cybersecurity events when updating the risk measures of their stocks and portfolios.


The available capacity of motorway networks is degraded in presence of traffic congestion, leading to reduced throughput, increased pollution and higher accident risk. The traffic flow efficiency may be increased via suitable application of several control measures, such as ramp metering, driver information, route guidance, variable speed limits and further link control measures. The paper presents a macroscopic traffic flow model along with selected validation results, followed by an overview of some generic traffic surveillance methods and control strategies for motorway networks. Limited simulation and field results demonstrating the efficiency of the presented methods are also provided.


In classical optimal transport, the contributions of Benamou$-$Brenier and McCann regarding the time-dependent version of the problem are cornerstones of the field and form the basis for a variety of applications in other mathematical areas. Stretched Brownian motion provides an analogue for the martingale version of this problem. In this article we provide a characterization in terms of gradients of convex functions, similar to the characterization of optimizers in the classical transport problem for quadratic distance cost.


Stevia is a relatively unknown plant in Morocco. It contains low calorie sweeteners, which are 400 times sweeter than sucrose. The present study deals with the yield and quality response of cultivated stevia to the edaphoclimatic conditions in twelve different areas in Morocco, by measuring the biomass, Stevioside (STV), Rebaudioside A (RA), and Total steviol glycosides (SGtot). It was shown that stevia can grow in different types of soils even with low nutrient levels. Also stevia is suitable to be grown in areas with high electrical conductivity of soil (ECs) and water (ECw) like in Marrakech site with ECs=9.68 dS/cm, and Berkane site with ECw=2.97 and ECs=4.54. The organoleptic quality is increased with low pH as was recorded in Oulmes site where RA and SGtot were the greatest, with 9.88% and 18.94%, respectively. Stevia crop offers a great potential for introduction as a commercial crop for bio sweeteners production under Moroccan conditions.


ABSTRACT In the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, approximately 15% of the germ line micronuclear DNA sequences are eliminated during formation of the somatic macronucleus. The vast majority of the internal eliminated sequences (IESs) are repeated in the micronuclear genome, and several of them resemble transposable elements. Thus, it has been suggested that DNA elimination evolved as a means for removing invading DNAs. In the present study, bacterial neo genes introduced into the germ line micronuclei were eliminated from the somatic genome. The efficiency of elimination from two different loci increased dramatically with the copy number of the neo genes in the micronuclei. The timing of neo elimination is similar to that of endogenous IESs, and they both produce bidirectional transcripts of the eliminated element, suggesting that the deletion of neo occurred by the same mechanism as elimination of endogenous IESs. These results indicate that repetition of an element in the micronucleus enhances the efficiency of its elimination from the newly formed somatic genome of Tetrahymena thermophila. The implications of these data in relation to the function and mechanism of IES elimination are discussed.


Abstract The current systematic literature review sought to determine the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in educational settings. Student-focused school-based MI (SBMI) studies were assessed using qualitative and quantitative assessment frameworks and data were reported using PRISMA guidelines. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, although just eight were classified as 'best evidence' and included in the final synthesis. Seven of the included studies yielded positive findings and one study was neutral. Although there are methodological weaknesses in existing literature on student-focused SBMI, there is emerging evidence of its effectiveness for improving student outcomes in relation to academic achievement, behaviour and school-based motivation. Clear pointers for future research emerge from the review.


This study seeks to understand the factors that influence the perceived mental health of Afghan, Colombian and Karen (Burmese) refugees post-migration to Canada. It also examines what the differences and commonalities are among and between these groups with regards to the factors that influence their perceived mental health. Moreover, it explores whether these groups perceived that, as a result of their exposure to pre-migration trauma that they are at a high risk for developing mental health problems when they experience post-migration stressors. This study found that contextual factors, discrimination, and lack of resources and support affect refugee groups' perceived mental health post-migration to Canada. Another finding was that only the Karen (Burmese) participants (some) reported that, a result of their exposure to pre-migration trauma that post-migration stressors affect them greatly. The information found in this study could potentially be used to inform policies and programs that protect refugee health.


Summary form only given. In the current power systems, some new problems have been emerged regarding system reliability management due to system restructuring and the addition of renewable power generators. Because of intermittent and uncertain behaviors of renewable sources, and separation of generation system into different companies, the procedure of reliability evaluation becomes more complicated. The reliability techniques should be improved for applying in the new environment. This paper proposes an Equivalent Multi-state Generation Provider (EMGP) to represent generation companies with both wind and conventional generating units. A novel approach is proposed to determine the Deliverable Capacity Probability Table (DCPT) of the Equivalent Multi-state Transmission Provider (EMTP) which represents the transmission network capacity. This technique significantly reduces computation burden when both load and supply are subject to change in a power system. The proposed approaches are applied to simulate a modified IEEE Reliability Test System (RTS), and the results are compared with those from the existing techniques.


This thesis is concerned with a comprehensive understanding of particle-trapped near-field scanning optical microscopy. This technique is unique in that it relies on the collection of scattered evanescent waves from a sample with a laser-trapped particle. In comparison with the other forms of near-field scanning optical microscopy with a
tapered fibre or a metallic needle probe, particle-trapped near-field scanning optical microscopy offers several advantages such as no need of distance control, high signal
collection efficiency, and easy replacement of a particle probe. In consideration of the major problems of particle-trapped near-field scanning optical microscopy such as low signal strength and low transverse scanning speed due to
the use of a dielectric particle, a two-dimensional laser-trapped metallic particle is proposed as a near-field probe for imaging.


E‐service operations that attract and influence customers to buy products and/or services from specific sites is a complex process involving service design, marketing, and delivery, and encompass a number of essential determinants. Determinants that integrate all the three service processes form the basic framework on which a survey was conducted involving e‐service companies, and their views were ascertained on those determinants affecting e‐service operations. The aim of this paper is to provide a specific solution that isolates the critical determinants for e‐service operations. This paper demonstrated the usability of optimisation technique in isolating critical determinants based on companies' responses. It was found that optimisation technique works well and is able to isolate optimum number of key determinants that are critical to e‐service operations. Pareto analysis and statistical significance test were also used to explore the relative importance of the determinants; however, it was found that they failed to identify specific and optimum number of critical determinants. The rationale and limitations of each technique and their applicability were also critically assessed.


Objective: Patients receiving high doses of corticosteroids reported developing psychiatric disorders and rarely, Altered Mental Status (AMS) and disorientation is observed. Hence, corticosteroids administration should be discontinued in patients experiencing adverse effects. Methods: The present case report explains the rare adverse effect caused due to corticosteroid administration in a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the treatment strategies followed in a secondary care public hospital, Udhagamandalam, India. Case description: She was presented with the complaints of altered sensorium, disorientation, loss of appetite which was caused due to the administration of intravenous hydrocortisone injection. Later the patient experienced confusion, loss of appetite, headache and giddiness which has occurred as a result of drug interaction between Furosemide, Hydrocortisone and Theophylline. Conclusion: Therefore, hydrocortisone administration should be avoided in this patient to prevent the worsening of the present condition, where the patient already is experiencing the adverse effect altered mental status. Monitoring of the signs and symptoms is the key element to prevent the adverse effects. Key words: Altered Mental Status (AMS), Corticosteroid, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Elderly Patient.


From antiquity, humans have created 2-dimensional art on flat surfaces (the Euclidean plane) and on surfaces of spheres. However, it wasn't until recently that they have created art in the third "classical geometry", the hyperbolic plane. M. C. Escher was the first person to do so, doing all the needed constructions laboriously by hand. To exhibit the true hyperbolic nature of such art, the pattern must exhibit symmetry and repetition. Thus, it is natural to use a computer to avoid the tedious hand constructions performed by Escher. We show a number of hyperbolic patterns, which are created by combining mathematics, artistic considerations, and computer technology.


Three power amplifier MMICs at Ka-band frequencies are reported in this paper. The MMICs are realized using AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with a gate length of 100 nm. Two single-stage amplifiers are presented to highlight the potential of this GaN technology. A dual-stage amplifier is designed to reach high power performances. In continuous-wave (CW) operation, MMICs have provided up to 1.4 W, 2.4 W and 4.7 W of output power associated with (in this order) 41%, 33%, and 28% of PAE, respectively. The dual-stage MMIC delivered an output power higher than 4 W, associated with 27% of PAE and 9.8 dB of power gain from 29 GHz to 31 GHz.


The entry into force in May 2018 of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will see the territorial scope of EU data protection expand to include certain processing operations by third country data controllers. The prevailing view is that this will be a revolutionary achievement, both in terms of effective fundamental rights protection and establishing a level playing field for competitors on the EU market. In contrast, this article argues that the broadening is not revolutionary – as it was largely foreshadowed by the Court of Justice's judgment in Google – nor does it significantly improve the effectiveness of EU data protection law. The contribution first analyses the Court's interpretation of the Data Protection Directive, before focusing on the GDPR's lack of legal certainty, which it identifies as a core deficiency of the legislative expansion.


Spain is among the European countries with the greatest photovoltaic potential. During the first decade of the 2000s, Spain was a European leader in installed photovoltaic power and job creation in the renewable energy sector, strongly influenced by a very favorable regulatory framework and public subsidies at a time of economic growth. That situation would be completely reversed with the regulatory changes introduced in 2012 to combat the tariff deficit and the instability in the electricity supply system, problems accentuated by the economic crisis. The main objective of this study is to present an exhaustive review of the legislative changes that have affected photovoltaic energy in Spain. Using real data on electricity production and the remuneration of a typical photovoltaic plant, we show that there was a very significant fall in the economic returns that investors had come to expect, within a system that prioritized, first and foremost, the initial investment rather than the levels of electricity production. The changes to the legislative framework affecting a typical 100 kWp photovoltaic (PV) facility that entered into service before 2007 provoked a significant decrease of 8.7% in expected revenues, calculated from real data of production and income. These economic losses can be even higher, with a drop in revenue of almost 25% if the entire period of the installation's useful life is analyzed. Public support for renewable energy is important for its introduction into the electricity market, but so is regulatory stability that offers investment security and predictability for maintaining investment and development in the renewable energy sector.


The Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS), established in 2006, is a multinational network of sustained oceanic measurements that underpin understanding and forecasting of weather and climate for the Indian Ocean region and beyond. Almost one-third of humanity lives around the Indian Ocean, many in countries dependent on fisheries and rain-fed agriculture that are vulnerable to climate variability and extremes. The Indian Ocean alone has absorbed a quarter of the global oceanic heat uptake over the last two decades and the fate of this heat and its impact on future change is unknown. Climate models project accelerating sea level rise, more frequent extremes in monsoon rainfall, and decreasing oceanic productivity. In view of these new scientific challenges, a 3-yr international review of the IndOOS by more than 60 scientific experts now highlights the need for an enhanced observing network that can better meet societal challenges, and provide more reliable forecasts. Here we present core findings from this review, including the need for 1) chemical, biological, and ecosystem measurements alongside physical parameters; 2) expansion into the western tropics to improve understanding of the monsoon circulation; 3) better-resolved upper ocean processes to improve understanding of air–sea coupling and yield better subseasonal to seasonal predictions; and 4) expansion into key coastal regions and the deep ocean to better constrain the basinwide energy budget. These goals will require new agreements and partnerships with and among Indian Ocean rim countries, creating opportunities for them to enhance their monitoring and forecasting capacity as part of IndOOS-2.


The deterioration of the components of the rotator cuff is one of the most frequent causes of musculoskeletal pain and disability in the world. The conditions of the rotator cuff increase with the passage of time, since they have a direct relationship with a process of deterioration rather than with a traumatic event. In order to decrease pain and recover shoulder movement, patients are usually treated by regular sessions with a physiotherapist. However, more sessions are required than those stipulated to fully obtain recover mobility. This paper present the development of portable prototype to rehabilitate acute rotator cuff injure, designed from biomechanical analysis and ranges the kinematics and dynamics articulated in the present design determine important requirements in obtaining greater functionality of the prototype and with it, allows the identification of sensors and actuators for executing two types of specific movements: flexion / extension and external / internal rotation by means of a soft rehabilitation robot.


This communication explores the possibility that interleukin (IL)-1beta, a putative intermediary in the ovulatory process, may take part in the gonadotropin-driven midcycle diversion of ovarian carbohydrate metabolism toward glycolysis. We examined the effect of treatment with IL-1beta on glucose metabolism in aerobically cultured whole ovarian dispersates from immature rats. Treatment with IL-1beta increased cellular glucose consumption/uptake, stimulated extracellular lactate accumulation and media acidification, and decreased extracellular pyruvate accumulation in a receptor-mediated, time-, dose- and cell density-dependent manner. Endogenous IL-1beta-like bioactivity was shown to mediate the ability of gonadotropins to exert these same metabolic effects. The IL-1beta effect was also (1) apparent over a broad range of glucose concentrations, inclusive of the putative physiological window; (2) relatively specific, because tumor necrosis factor-alpha and insulin were inactive; (3) contingent upon cell-cell cooperation (4) and reliant on de novo protein synthesis. Comparison of the molar ratios of lactate accumulation to glucose consumption in IL-1beta-replete vs. IL-1beta-deplete cultures suggests that IL-beta promotes the conversion of all available glucose to lactate but that other substrates for lactate production may also exist. However, no lactate was generated by cells grown under glucose-free conditions. Taken together, our data suggest that IL-1beta may act as a metabolic hormone in the ovary. Subject to the limitations of the in vitro paradigm, our data also suggest that IL-1beta may mediate the gonadotropin-associated midcycle shift in ovarian carbohydrate metabolism. By converting the somatic ovarian cells into a glucose-consuming glycolytic machinery, IL-1beta may establish glycolysis as the main energy source of the relatively hypoxic preovulatory follicle and the resultant cumulus-oocyte complex. The consequent oxygen sparing may conserve the limited supply of oxygen needed for vital biosynthetic processes such as steroidogenesis. This adaptational response may also provide the glycolytically incompetent oocyte with the obligatory tricarboxylic cycle precursors it depends on to meet the increased energy demands imposed upon it by the resumption of meiosis.


Climatic events can have disastrous consequences on rural livelihoods, which rely mainly on agriculture and natural resources. The way households and communities respond to climatic shocks depends on their available resources. We formulated that education is a human capital asset that can increase coping abilities in difficult times because education improves access to both social and economic resources. Based on the Thai government surveys of the living conditions and life quality of 68,343 rural villages for the years 2009 and 2011, we investigated the impacts of floods and droughts in 2010 on community welfare, i.e., consumption and income in 2011 at the village level. Using difference-in-difference methods, we analyzed how differential demographic composition and education could reduce or increase economic vulnerability to natural disasters. We found that floods and droughts do not produce a negative effect either on food and nonfood consumption, investment in agriculture and education, or on income. However, this applies mainly to communities with higher educational attainment partly because these communities can better secure government financial aid for flood and drought affected areas. Education thus may have an important role in reducing economic vulnerability.


This paper summarizes the findings of causality and long-term relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), economic growth and other socio-political determinants. Although a considerable literature gives the evidence of relationship between FDI and economic growth. There is a need for a detailed examination of socio-political determinants of FDI. The paper considers economic growth, exchange rate, and level of interest rates, unemployment, and political instability as determinants of the level of FDI inflows for Nigeria over the period 1970 to 2010. Almost all variables are found to have the theoretically expected signs with two-way causality relationship. The present study also estimates an error correction model by ordinary least squares, based on cointegrating VAR (2).


I knew something was wrong when my father left an answerphone message for me. He hates using the telephone. He is a tough man, an ex-miner and ex-soldier, but his voice was strained with the emotion that he was trying to suppress as he asked me to call home. A second message had been left, more urgent, but more informative. I had just returned home after my first week as a house officer to learn that my mother had renal cancer.

My first week had been exhausting, due to the pressures of work on a busy medical firm and my own inefficiency and inexperience. The first days were spent juggling impossible levels of demand; endless requests from nurses and perpetual bleeps were draining. Despite my ideals, I felt frustration when asked to speak to patients or relatives who "got in the way" of our ward jobs—the endless blood forms to be written, cannulas to be inserted, and countless other tasks that are the lot of a house officer in …


Data from 159 Black Tiaong litters and 81 Kalinga litters born from 2011 to 2015 at the native pig conservation farm of the National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center, Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture, Tiaong, Quezon, Philippines were analyzed to establish breed standards for farrowing and weaning performance. Average parity per sow, farrowing interval, and litter size at birth were not significantly different (P>0.05) between breeds. Black Tiaong sows were significantly older at first farrowing (P<0.01), had significantly heavier pig weight at birth (P<0.05), had piglets weaned at a younger age (P<0.01), and had heavier piglets at weaning (P<0.05) with higher pre-weaning average daily gain (PreADG) (P<0.01) than Kalinga sows. While litter size at weaning was slightly higher in Black Tiaong than Kalinga, farrowing index (FI) and sow productivity index (SPI) were lower in Black Tiaong than Kalinga sows. Litter size at birth and at weaning, weaning age, pig weight at birth and at weaning, PreADG, FI, and SPI in Black Tiaong and Kalinga native breeds were all inferior than the 2012 average performance of commercial swine farms in the Philippines. The only advantage of native breeds over commercial breeds was the lower number of mummified piglets, stillbirths, and piglet mortality before weaning. Key words: Black Tiaong, Kalinga, reproductive performance, swine


Several studies have reported that the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is significantly overrepresented in patients affected by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), thus suggesting that besides the well-established link with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia, a possible role for HCV is determining the development of at least some types of B-cell NHL. Such an association, however, seems to be limited to geographic areas where the presence of HCV is more relevant or endemic. According to a multistep pathogenetic model based on a large series of clinical, immunological, histological, and molecular evidences, an HCV antigen-driven polyclonal B-cell lymphoproliferation could be the initial phase of a process leading, in a variable time, into a true clonal disease. Particular genetic and environmental backgrounds could play a role in the development of a malignant phenotype, while specific HCV genotypes do not seem to be relevant in this setting. Hepatitis C virus correlated with NHL often shows some distinctive clinicopathological features, such as older age, liver damage, presence of monoclonal gammopathy (often with no clinically relevant cryoglobulinemic and/or rheumatoid activity), increased rate of autoimmune disorders, extranodal localizations, and restricted histological subtypes. Overall, the clinical outcome of HCV-positive NHL does not seem to be different from that of NHL patients without HCV infection. However, the evidence of a significant hepatic injury may predict a worse prognosis in these subjects.


Abstract. Up-to-date 3D building models are important for many applications. Airborne very high resolution (VHR) images often acquired annually give an opportunity to create an up-to-date 3D model. Building segmentation is often the first and utmost step. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) draw lots of attention in interpreting VHR images as they can learn very effective features for very complex scenes. This paper employs Mask R-CNN to address two problems in building segmentation: detecting different scales of building and segmenting buildings to have accurately segmented edges. Mask R-CNN starts from feature pyramid network (FPN) to create different scales of semantically rich features. FPN is integrated with region proposal network (RPN) to generate objects with various scales with the corresponding optimal scale of features. The features with high and low levels of information are further used for better object classification of small objects and for mask prediction of edges. The method is tested on ISPRS benchmark dataset by comparing results with the fully convolutional networks (FCN), which merge high and low level features by a skip-layer to create a single feature for semantic segmentation. The results show that Mask R-CNN outperforms FCN with around 15% in detecting objects, especially in detecting small objects. Moreover, Mask R-CNN has much better results in edge region than FCN. The results also show that choosing the range of anchor scales in Mask R-CNN is a critical factor in segmenting different scale of objects. This paper provides an insight into how a good anchor scale for different dataset should be chosen.


This guide complements the America's Music program running from September 12-October 17, 2013, at Wartburg College and the Waverly Public Library. If your interest has been piqued by any of the genres studied, look here for further information available.


Locomotor control requires functional flexibility to support an animal's full behavioral repertoire. This flexibility is partly endowed by neuromodulators, allowing neural networks to generate a range of motor output configurations. In hatchling Xenopus tadpoles, before the onset of free-swimming behavior, the gaseous modulator nitric oxide (NO) inhibits locomotor output, shortening swim episodes and decreasing swim cycle frequency. While populations of nitrergic neurons are already present in the tadpole's brain stem at hatching, neurons positive for the NO-synthetic enzyme, NO synthase, subsequently appear in the spinal cord, suggesting additional as yet unidentified roles for NO during larval development. Here, we first describe the expression of locomotor behavior during the animal's change from an early sessile to a later free-swimming lifestyle and then compare the effects of NO throughout tadpole development. We identify a discrete switch in nitrergic modulation from net inhibition to overall excitation, coincident with the transition to free-swimming locomotion. Additionally, we show in isolated brain stem-spinal cord preparations of older larvae that NO's excitatory effects are manifested as an increase in the probability of spontaneous swim episode occurrence, as found previously for the neurotransmitter dopamine, but that these effects are mediated within the brain stem. Moreover, while the effects of NO and dopamine are similar, the two modulators act in parallel rather than NO operating serially by modulating dopaminergic signaling. Finally, NO's activation of neurons in the brain stem also leads to the release of NO in the spinal cord that subsequently contributes to NO's facilitation of swimming.


Information Visualization needs longitudinal studies to assess the usefulness, usability, and, more generally, the value of its techniques. However, most of the longitudinal studies conducted so far have involved human resources to collect and analyze evidences. Automatic logging and session replay mechanisms can help answering questions while limiting human collection and analysis of data. In this article, we describe how to set up these mechanisms in InfoVis systems with a minimal effort.


The legalisation of same-sex marriage in South Africa in November 2006 made the country the exemplar for gay and lesbian rights in Africa. The advocacy of, struggle for, and finally winning the right to marry was a euphoric victory for numerous gay and lesbian people. The various steps that had to be negotiated in order to pass the Civil Union Act are documented in To Have and to Hold : The Making of Same-Sex Marriage in South Africa (2008, hereafter To Have and to Hold ). The blurb at the back of To Have and to Hold describes the book as "invaluable for understanding [the same-sex marriage] journey and its legal, social, cultural and religious ramifications". The editors of the volume, Judge, Manion and de Waal, add that the various stakeholders that supported same-sex marriage "adequately interrogated the role and function of marriage" (Judge et al. 2008: 12). In this article, I put this claim to the test by interrogating the legal, social, cultural and religious reasons put forward in favour of same-sex marriage in To Have and to Hold . From a queer point of view, same-sex marriage is problematic because it ignores the regulatory power of the state, the fact that marriage is a public tradition, the argument that the supposed "respectability" bestowed by marriage is a farce, and the contention that legal benefits should be given to people regardless of their marital status. I use queer linguistic tools to deconstruct the claim by the editors that the text represents a "critical engagement" with same-sex marriage (Judge et al. 2008: 1). I conclude the article by showing how, rather than opening a space for the "recognition of diverse sexualities and relationship forms" (Judge et al. 2008: 12), the Civil Union Act is limited to those people who self-identify as gay or lesbian.


This paper proposes a methodology for estimating greenhouse gas emissions from road traffic. The method uses information about the cities and their growth estimates in order to model traffic by using a gravity model. These kind of mathematical models allow study the number of trips "originated in" or "destined for" a particular area and distribute them to calculate the greenhouse gases emissions from these trips. In this way the information regarding these emissions can be used in urban planning phase and preventive and compensatory measures can be included in these processes. Rev. ing. constr. [online]. 2011, vol.26, n.2, pp. 187-207. ISSN 0718-5073.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50732011000200004


Current evidence demonstrates why turning and positioning patients in bed presents a serious occupational risk of musculoskeletal disorders for caregivers. Results of the laboratory study investigating a new method of turning and positioning patients in bed are presented. The study was designed to evaluate how this new method reduced the risk of occupational musculoskeletal disorders to caregivers and may improve outcomes for patients.


Abstract Objective: The impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) extends beyond the person who was injured. Family caregivers of adults with moderate to severe TBI frequently report increased burden, stress and depression. Few studies have examined the well-being of family members in the mild TBI population despite the latter representing up to 95% of all TBIs. Methods: Five areas of well-being were examined in 99 family members (including parents, partners, siblings, other relatives, adult children, friends or neighbours) of adults (aged ≥16 years) with mild TBI. At 6- and 12-month post-injury, family members completed the Bakas Caregiver Outcomes Scale, Short Form-36 Health Survey, EQ-5D-3L, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Outcomes and change over time and associated factors were examined. Results: At 6 months, group mean scores for health-related quality of life for mental and physical components and overall health status were similar to the New Zealand (NZ) population. Mean scores for sleep, anxiety and depression were below clinically significant thresholds. From 6 to 12 months, there were significant improvements in Bakas Caregiver Outcomes Scale scores by 2.61 (95% confidence interval: 0.72–4.49), health-related quality of life (mental component) and EQ-5D-3L overall health (P = 0.01). Minimally clinically important differences were observed in overall health, anxiety, health-related quality of life and depression at 12 months. Female family members reported significant improvements in physical health over time, and more positive life changes were reported by those caring for males with TBI. Conclusions: The findings suggest diminished burden over time for family members of adults with mild TBI.


Objective. To measure the prevalence of different types of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and to identify patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) at highest risk in a multicenter European sample, with a metaanalysis of relevant studies. Methods. Consecutive patients with SSc recruited at 11 French and Italian centers underwent detailed evaluations, including Doppler echocardiography, chest computed tomography, pulmonary function tests, and right-heart catheterization (RHC), to detect the presence and causes of PH. A metaanalysis was performed, including data from 4 other studies. Results. Among 206 patients in whom it was suspected, PH was confirmed by RHC in 83 patients (7%). Precapillary PH was found in 64 patients (5%), of whom 42 had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and 22 had PH secondary to interstitial lung disease (ILD). RHC identified 17 patients (1%) with postcapillary PH secondary to left-heart disease. Patients with DLCO/alveolar volume < 70% were more likely to have precapillary PH (87.5% vs 42%; p < 0.0001). Precapillary and postcapillary PH were associated with advanced age (68 ± 14 vs 59 ± 12 yrs, p < 0.0001, and 74 ± 16 vs 61.5 ± 10 yrs, p < 0.0001, respectively). The metaanalysis of 3818 patients showed a prevalence of precapillary PH of 9% (95% CI 6%–12%) and identified advanced age, longer disease duration, and limited cutaneous disease subset as risk factors for this condition. Conclusion. The prevalence of precapillary PH in our multicenter study of SSc was 5%, and in the metaanalysis 9%. Our observations support use of RHC to confirm the presence of precapillary PH suspected by noninvasive testing. We also identified patients at high risk who should be carefully monitored.


The use of static terrestrial laser scanning for the 3D data capturing of smaller scenes as well as airborne laser scanning from helicopters and fixed wing aircraft for data collection of large areas are well established tools. However, in spite of their general acceptance and wide use both methods have their limitations for projects that include the rapid and cost effective capturing of 3D data from larger street sections. This is especially true if these sections include tunnels or if dense point coverage of the facades of the neighbouring architecture is required. To extend the applicability of laser scanning to these kinds of projects, terrestrial cinematic laser scanning based on mobile mapping systems can be used. Within the paper the components, the workflow and the performance of the vehicle based "StreetMapper" system are described, which simultaneously uses four 2D-laser scanners for 3D data collection, while georeferencing is realised by a high performance GNSS/inertial navigation system. Within our investigations the accuracy of the measured 3D point clouds is determined using reference values from an existing 3D city model. As it will be demonstrated, the achievable accuracy levels of better than 30mm in good GPS conditions make the system practical for many applications in urban mapping.


Author(s): Limkrailassiri, Kevin | Advisor(s): Lin, Liwei | Abstract: Advances in electrolytic and gas sensing technologies continue to be driven by careful selection and engineering of materials. Copper oxides--both cuprous oxide, Cu2O, and cupric oxide, CuO--are abundant, environmentally friendly, and highly versatile. An attractive feature unique to both copper oxides is the ease of synthesis through a one-step thermal oxidation of copper foil in ambient environment, yielding various oxide compositions and morphologies according to the oxidation temperature and time. There are many possible applications for the copper oxide materials, including pigments in ceramics, catalysts, sensors, solar cells, and batteries, to name a few. This work presents applications in electrochemical cells, more specifically photocatalytic water splitting and CO2 reduction, and gas sensors.The synthesis processes of copper oxides are characterized in terms of processing parameters and inspected with X-ray diffraction measurements and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Three kinds of copper oxides were investigated for photocatalytic testing: 1 micrometer-thick, and 5 micrometer-thick Cu2O films via 0.5 hr and 10 hr oxidation at 300 °C, respectively, and a 10 micrometer-thick Cu2O film with 8 micrometer tall vertically-aligned CuO nanowire array on top via a 2 hr oxidation at 500 °C. Under AM 1.5 illumination, photocurrents of 0.8, 1.3, and 1.7 mA/cm2, respectively, were recorded for these samples, exceeding the performance of previously reported as-synthesized, co-catalyst-free copper oxide photocathodes. Possible explanations for the observed performance based on increased minority carrier diffusion length and enhanced surface electric field are discussed. Future prospects of highly photoactive and stable copper oxide-based photocathodes are also explored. The effectiveness of surface passivation for the copper oxide photocathodes using pristine and hydrogenated TiO2 thin films are quantified through prolonged photoelectrochemical testing. Photocathodes protected with TiO2 films of 50 nm thickness deposited by atomic layer deposition exhibited excellent stability, but the photocurrent dropped to ~0.06 mA/cm2. The results of CO2 reduction using electrochemically reduced Cu sites from copper oxide electrodes as precursors for CO2 reduction is also demonstrated. The proportion of reaction products H2, CO, HCOOH, and CH3COOH is shown to be tunable according to the surface morphology and composition of the original oxide electrode. Therefore, these electrodes exhibit the potential for highly selective liquid fuel production, including a measured H2/CO product ratio of ~2.6 for maximized production of liquid fuels using the Fischer-Tropsch process.A simple gas sensing architecture taking advantage of the vertically-aligned growth of CuO nanowires is demonstrated. Complete devices are formed instantly following CuO nanowire synthesis by affixing a pair of electrode pads of a second substrate on top of the nanowire array to form a complete electrical circuit. This device architecture offers simple and facile integration of nanowires into a working device. A resistance change R/R0 of ~6 was observed for 8.1% H2 concentration increasing to ~26 for 25.5% H2 concentration. Recovery time is excellent at ~0.5 min or less. A description for the formation of facile microheater-integrated devices is outlined as a promising next step. A process flow to fabricate this device along with heat transfer analysis to predict the temperature distribution in the device is provided and the power consumption may be further minimized with a proposed pulsed heating strategy.


People-Nearby Applications (PNAs) are becoming popular day by day. People try to find new ways for increasing their social circle according to their interests. PNAs provide people with a best way to find new people within one's physical vicinity by applying activities and interests filters. A large number of people using PNAs complain about privacy issues and fake users. Another big concern of people is the trustworthiness of a person they are going to meet, i.e., whether the person is a good person to meet or can be harmful. In this paper, we target to address a few privacy issues by proposing a four step approach to keep permissions limited so that everyone using PNA can enjoy the experience without having to care about privacy issues and other threats.


A new boost half bridge (BHB) converter is presented. It is composed of additional switch, diode and coupled winding to boost inductor of BHB converter. Using the transferring of boost inductor current to coupled winding in a short period, the cancellation of zero voltage switching (ZVS) current, which always occurs in convention one, is prevented. Therefore, the ZVS operation is easily achieved by leakage inductor current of transformer. Furthermore, since negatively build-up leakage inductor current of boost winding helps the ZVS operation throughout full load range, the excellent ZVS operation and high efficiency is achieved.


A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Amazon Bestseller Reverse Innovation is the new business idea everyone is talking about. Why? Because it presents the blueprint for scaling growth in emerging markets, and importing low-cost and high impact innovations to mature ones. Innovation is no longer the exclusive domain of the Silicon Valley elite. Reverse Innovation will open your eyes to the fact that the dynamics of global innovation are changing--and if you want your firm to survive, you'd better pay attention. The gap between rich nations and emerging economies is closing. No longer will innovations travel the globe in only one direction, from developed to developing nations. They will also flow in reverse. CEOs of the world's most influential companies agree and have cited Reverse Innovation as their playbook for the next generation of global growth. Authors Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble of the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth explain where, when, and why reverse innovation is on the rise and why the implications are so profound. Learn how to make innovation in emerging markets happen and how such innovations can unlock even greater opportunity throughout the world. You'll follow some of the world's leading companies (including GE, Deere & Company, P&G, and PepsiCo) through stories that illustrate exactly what works and what doesn't. If you're in a Western economy, you need to accept that the future lies far from home. But the idea is not just for Western audiences. If innovation is at the heart of your company or your career, no matter where you practice business, Reverse Innovation is a phenomenon you need to understand. This book will help you do that.


Abstract With 13 religions, 8061 religious centers, 2 million of young people, Catalonia accommodates a wide range of religions. Almost 90% of people own digital devices. In this framework, we aim to study the consumption of digital media by Catalan millennials from all over the region, with only young people from the city of Barcelona being excluded for the purpose of analysis in future projects. Religious apps, games, websites, online communities and participation in forums are some of the main issues we want to explore. We also aim to establish whether or not these devices contribute to consolidate online religious communities and to achieve inter-religious dialogue. For fulfilling this goal, we surveyed more than 1800 young people aged 12–18 years. Methodology also included in-depth interviews with coordinators from youth organizations and netnography. This research is based on previous investigations into communication, digital media, sociology and religion by authors such as Campbell, Elzo, Leurs and Hemming.


Less is known about the clinical features and treatment outcome in pediatric large cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) than the lymphoblastic and small noncleaved cell subtypes of NHL. To characterize presenting features and assess possible risk factors associated with this diagnosis, we analyzed data for 91 patients treated on a succession of multiagent regimens from 1975 to 1990. Five-year event-free survival (EFS) (+/- SE) was related to disease extent (St Jude system): stage I (n = 24), 95% +/- 5%; stage II (n = 20), 84% +/- 9%; stage III (n = 38), 50% +/- 10%; and stage IV (n = 9), 22% +/- 11%. Advanced stage disease, age < or = 5 years and serum LDH > 500 U/l were associated with poorer EFS in the univariate model (p < 0.001, 0.005, and 0.002, respectively). In the multivariate model, advanced stage and age retained prognostic significance (p = 0.001 and 0.02, respectively), but LDH did not. Among limited stage cases, age < or = 5 years was the only adverse risk feature (p = 0.016); treatment era (pre- vs. post-1979) was the only significant feature in patients with advanced disease (p = 0.004). Intrathoracic primaries were associated with a better outcome than other sites among the 38 stage III patients (p = 0.005). Only one of eight patients with bone marrow disease remains failure-free. The excellent results for limited stage pediatric large cell NHL permit consideration of treatment modifications to decrease toxicity; for cases with advanced disease, especially those with bone marrow involvement, novel therapeutic approaches are clearly needed.