Background: Procrastination is a prevalent and problematic phenomenon that has mostly been studied in the domain of academic behavior. The current study highlights another domain in which procrastination may lead to harmful outcomes, introducing bedtime procrastination as an important factor related to getting insufficient sleep and consequently affecting individual well-being. Methods: A community sample (N = 177) filled out an online questionnaire assessing self-regulation, bedtime procrastination and sleep outcomes (hours of sleep, experienced insufficient sleep, daytime fatigue). Findings: As predicted, bedtime procrastination was negatively associated with self-regulation. Moreover, bedtime procrastination was related to getting insufficient sleep above and beyond demographics and self-regulation. Discussion: Introducing a novel domain in which procrastinators experience problems, bedtime procrastination appears to be a prevalent and relevant issue that is associated with getting insufficient sleep. The current study suggests that procrastination may be an important but as of yet neglected factor in the health behavior domain.


1. The patterns of muscle activity during warm-up were compared to those of flight. In the skipper Hylephila phylaeus and in the hawk moths Celerio lineata and Mimas tiliae the intervals between bursts of muscle potentials are the same as the wingbeat periods of flight at the same thoracic temperature, and the burst length is the same as in flight. In saturniids the period and burst length are both shorter during wing-vibrating than during flight. 2. During wing-vibrating the amplitude of the wing movement is small, and some of the muscles which are antagonists in flight are active simultaneously. In Hylephila phylaeus and Celerio lineata there is a phase change between some synergistic muscles, while some antagonistic pairs retain the phase relationships of flight. During wing-vibrating in Mimas tiliae and in saturniids all the motor units sampled were active at the same time. 3. In M. tiliae a variety of phase relationships intermediate between those of wing-vibrating and flight were observed, including a case of 'relative co-ordination' between motor units in the mesothorax. The results exclude the possibility that a single pace-making centre drives the motor neurons in the flight pattern. 4. A model of the central nervous interactions which generate the observed motor patterns is proposed. It is postulated that a small group of positively coupled neurons produces bursts of impulses at the wingbeat frequency and that these groups interact to generate the phase relationships seen during warm-up and flight.


STUDY OBJECTIVE
to determine whether digoxin is effective in converting atrial fibrillation of recent onset to normal sinus rhythm.

DESIGN
randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with a maximum 18-hour treatment period.

SETTING
emergency room and medical floors of a non-referral city hospital.

PATIENTS
consecutive sample of 36 patients with atrial fibrillation of 7 days' duration or less, not on digitalis glycoside or anti-arrhythmic agents, with ventricular rate between 85 to 175 beats/min, without evidence of heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, preexcitation syndrome, thyrotoxicosis, hypokalemia, renal impairment, or severe metabolic disturbances.

INTERVENTIONS
digoxin solution in capsules or identical placebo, given in doses of 0.6, 0.4, 0.2, and 0.2 mg, at 0, 4, 8, and 14 hours, respectively, or until conversion to sinus rhythm, whichever occurred first. Continuous electrocardiographic recording by Holter monitor.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
nine of eighteen patients receiving digoxin and 8 of 18 receiving placebo had a return to sinus rhythm within 18 hours of study entry (95% confidence interval for the difference in proportions, -11% to 22%). Mean time to conversion was 5.1 hours in the digoxin group and 3.3 in the placebo group (95% Cl, -3.6 to 7.0 hours).

CONCLUSIONS
spontaneous reversion to sinus rhythm is common in patients with atrial fibrillation of recent onset. Digitalization was not shown to affect the likelihood of reversion to sinus rhythm, and thus cannot be recommended for this purpose in patients with atrial fibrillation.


Cost reduction strategies are often invoked as explanations when studies of adaptation fail to find predicted costs. This might seem discouraging, offering little opportunity for further investigation. In this paper, we demonstrate that cost reduction strategies can themselves be investigated by arguments from design. Recent work on inducible morphological defences has shown that hydrodynamical disadvantages (e.g. high drag) in fishes can be compensated for by standard metabolic rate (SMR) adjustments. Here, we theoretically investigate the possibilities and limitations for swimming cost compensation through SMR adjustment. We continue by modelling how intraspecific power curve variation affects the optimal swimming velocity between food patches. Our results show that, even though SMR modifications may compensate for hydrodynamical disadvantages, low–drag fishes will nevertheless have a marked advantage under high food abundance. The relative advantage will decrease with decreasing food levels. We also show that hydrodynamical properties of fishes can be used to predict their propensity to become foraging (or swimming) specialists. Low–drag fishes can use a broad range of swimming velocities without substantial increases in swimming cost, whereas the cost of deviating from the optimal swimming velocity increases markedly in high–drag fishes. The results have important implications for the evolution of morphological diversity in fishes.


Discourse about people seeking refuge from conflict varies considerably. To understand what components of this discourse reach refugees the most, we examined refugees' perceptions of how their host communities perceive them (i.e., intergroup metaperceptions). We sampled refugees who fled Syria to Jordan, Lebanon, Germany, and the Netherlands. Focus groups with 102 Syrian refugees revealed that the most prevalent metaperception discussed by refugees was that they thought their host communities saw them as threatening (Study 1). Surveys with 1,360 Syrian refugees and 1,441 members of the host communities (Study 2) found that refugees' metaperceptions tracked the perceptions held by their host communities (i.e., they were accurate), but there was also a significant mean difference, indicating that they were positively biased. Analyses further tested the roles of evaluative concern and group salience on metaperception accuracy, as well as differences in accuracy and bias across country and perception domain.


The current discourse on EFA has a tendency of focusing on learning subject knowledge and completing primary school. Thus, dropping out of school has always been negatively regarded. This study examined the impact of primary school education on female students who dropped out of school due to pregnancy and marriage. They were unsuccessful in completing school and proceeding to secondary education, but have more than several years of learning experience. This study aimed to identify whether their learning experience has made a difference in their lives. It further sought to discuss the long-term impact of schooling beyond subject knowledge. In this initial attempt, the research focused on a particular Maasai woman who dropped out of school at Grade 7, without completing 8 years of full primary education, in Narok. She has been traced over 12 years and was regularly interviewed. Five aspects were identified which enabled her to help improve her life because of schooling: (1) expanding her social network, (2) learning offi cial languages, (3) being conscious about hygiene and health, (4) establishing more equal relations with her husband, and (5) acquiring soft skills of management. It can be said that primary schooling enhanced the capability of dealing with livelihood and bettered her quality of life in the rural community.


Six forms of glutathione transferase (GST) were resolved from the cytosolic fraction of Bufo bufo embryos at developmental stage 4 by GSH-Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by f.p.l.c. chromatofocusing in the 9-6 pH range. They have apparent isoelectric points at pH 8.37 (GST I), 8.22 (GST II), 8.10 (GST III), 7.84 (GST IV), 7.37 (GST V) and 7.12 (GST VI), and each displayed an apparent subunit molecular mass of 23 kDa by SDS/PAGE. The Bufo bufo embryo enzymes showed very similar structural, catalytic and immunological properties, as indicated by their substrate-specificities, inhibition characteristics, c.d. spectra, h.p.l.c. elution profiles and immunological reactivities, as well as by their N-terminal amino acid sequences. Although Bufo bufo embryo GSTs do not correspond to any other known GSTs, the results of our experiments indicate that amphibian GSTs could be included in the Pi family of GSTs. This conclusion is supported by the analysis of c.d. spectra, and by the fact that mammalian Pi class GSTs and amphibian GSTs showed about 80% identity in their N-terminal amino acid sequences. Furthermore, antisera prepared against Bufo bufo GST III cross-reacted in immunoblotting analysis with Pi class GSTs, and vice versa.


Common techniques for fine-tuning the performance of automatically vectorized loops in applications for Intel Xeon Phi coprocessors are discussed. These techniques include strength reduction, regularizing the vectorization pattern, data alignment and aligned data hint, and pointer disambiguation. In addition, the loop tiling technique of memory traffic tuning is shown. The optimization methods are illustrated on an example of single-threaded LU decomposition of a single precision matrix of size 128× 128. Benchmarks show that the discussed optimizations improve the application performance on the coprocessor by a factor of 2.8 compared to the unoptimized code, and by a factor of 1.7 on the multi-core host system, achieving roughly the same performance on the host and on the coprocessor. The code discussed in the paper can be freely downloaded from the Colfax Research Web site. Table of


Density-driven groundwater flow in evaporite bearing sedimentary rocks and resulting karstification frequently cause geomechanical problems, such as land subsidence and collapses. These processes are also of major concern in the Muttenz-Pratteln region, located in the Tabular Jura, southeast of Basel, where a tabular interstratal karst was detected at the top of the Triassic rock salt layer. In this area, a section of the European North-South railway connection is also affected by land subsidence. To overcome the complexity of a field experiment, this thesis scaled down the analysis of salt and gypsum karstification to two different types of newly developed laboratory experiments. In rock salt dissolution experiments, freshwater was pumped from the side or from above into rock salt cores through an axial borehole. In the other setup, solute transport experiments were conducted in a 2D flow tank containing a water-saturated porous medium. The main objectives of these experimental investigations were to understand (1) the genesis of a solution cavity created by concentration-driven buoyant flow coupled with mineral dissolution within salt and gypsum rocks (by a horizontallyoriented borehole), (2) the genesis of an interstratal salt karst at the top of a salt layer (by an almost vertically or inclined-oriented borehole) and (3) to develop a suitable tank (benchmark) to test densitydependent flow computer codes. In the rock salt dissolution experiments, halite dissolution took place only in the inflow of the rock salt cylinders. In the case of a horizontally-oriented borehole, the created solution cavities are approximately shaped like a half cone with a horizontal base facing upward. The halite dissolution took place at the horizontal ceiling and upper end of the facet so that the cavities enlarged under confined conditions by upward growth of the horizontal ceiling and also simultaneously by lateral growth at the upper end of the facet. A conceptual model was developed inspired by these results and based on theoretical, hydraulic-geochemical considerations, as well as on field observations in natural caves and/or man-made caverns. It proposes that triangular prism or conical shaped solution cavities develop in salt and gypsum rock under confined conditions with an artesian flow traveling from an underlying, practically insoluble aquifer into the soluble stratum. In the case of an almost vertical or inclined borehole, a tabular solution cavity developed at the upper end of the core cylinders. At first, these cavities generally enlarged radially outward from the borehole at the inlet side, subsequently they enlarged mainly in up dip direction. If NaCl-undersaturated water came into contact with a laterally lying insoluble material or upward lying salt, the cavity enlarged along the insoluble boundary laterally and downward or upward, respectively. The findings were scaled up and integrated into a conceptual model for interstratal salt karst development in the context of horst and graben structures as observed in the Muttenz-Pratteln region. For the latter region, this subsurface conceptual model may explain the detected land subsidence pattern, clearly influenced by the normal faults trend. A resistance measuring cell was successfully developed for the solute transport experiments. It can measure in situ and indirectly solute concentrations over a wide range (up to halite saturation) and is suitable for 1D and 2D flow tank experiments. First solute transport experiments reveled that the build up benchmark has to be developed further. Overall, the investigations reveal the necessity of small-scale dissolution experiments (in combination with hydrogeological, hydraulic and geochemical knowledge) when trying to understand the complex processes underlying natural karstification created by density-driven groundwater flow. Regarding the realized flow tank setup, this forms a good basis to finally obtain an excellent benchmark. This thesis will provide the base for new and additional discussions on subsurface salt dissolution and solute transport.


The eggs of the small spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula), developed in artificial sea water at 14 degrees C, pre-hatched after 3 to 3 1/2 months (total embryo length: 31 to 38 mm). Hatching occurred after 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 months (length of newborn: 80 to 95 mm). Egg weight first increased for 12 days and then remained constant until pre-hatching. A biometric study of the whole egg, egg case and albumen chamber showed very little variation in egg width, while egg length varied widely. As laying occurs in pairs, the secretory activity in each nidamental gland was observed to adapt to the extra volume of egg case contents in two cases where a double egg was laid with a normal one. However, the size and shape of the normal eggs of each female were generally distinctive, regardless of the contents or the external conditions. The egg case wall had three separate layers, as shown by microscopy of fresh material and experimental studies with various dyes.


Bone scan imaging with the current bone seeking radiopharmaceuticals, the technetium-99m labelled diphosphonates, has dramatically improved our ability to evaluate skeletal pathology. In this thesis, chapter 1 presents a review of the history of bone scanning, summarises present concepts as to the mechanism of uptake of bone seeking agents and briefly illustrates the role of bone scanning in clinical practice. In chapter 2 the applications of bone scan imaging and quantitative tracer techniques derived from the bone scan in the detection of metabolic bone disease are discussed. Since skeletal uptake of Tc-99m diphosphonate depends upon skeletal metabolism one might expect that the bone scan would be of considerable value in the assessment of metabolic bone disease. However in these disorders the whole skeleton is often diffusely involved by the metabolic process and simple visual inspection of the scan image may not reveal the uniformly increased uptake of tracer. Certain patterns of bone scan abnormality have, however, been reported in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteo-dystrophy; the present studies extend these observations and introduce the concept of "metabolic features" which are often recognisable in conditions with generalised increased bone turnover. As an aid to systematic recognition of these features on a given bone scan image a semi-quantitative scoring system, the metabolic index, was introduced. The metabolic index allowed differentiation between various groups of patients with metabolic disorders and a control population. In addition, in a bone scan study of patients with acromegaly, it was found that the metabolic index correlated well with disease activity as measured by serum growth hormone levels. The metabolic index was, however, found to be a relatively insensitive means of identifying disease in individual patients. Patients with increased bone turnover will have an absolute increase in skeletal uptake of tracer. As a means of quantitating this uptake the use of bone to soft-tissue ratios derived from the bone scan image by computer was critically evaluated. The technique was shown to be observer dependent and again found to be of limited value due to the large overlap of patient results with those from control subjects. In chapter 3 the use of bone scan imaging in metabolic bone disease has been compared with radiology. Despite the difficulties mentioned above the metabolic index was employed, and the bone scan found to be the more sensitive investigation in primary hyperparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy and osteomalacia. In osteoporosis, however, the bone scan was often unable to identify disease and radiology remains the investigation of choice. In a further study comparing bone scanning and radiology in Paget's disease, the bone scan was found to be clearly the more sensitive investigation. As a result of the work described in chapter 2 it became apparent that a sensitive means of quantitating absolute bone uptake of tracer could be of diagnostic value. In chapter 4 a promising new quantitative technique is described in which the 24-hour whole-body retention of Tc-99m diphosphonate (WBR) is measured using a shadow-shield whole-body monitor. At 24 hours after injection, diphosphonate has reached a stable equilibrium in bone reflecting skeletal metabolic activity, while tracer in the soft-tissues of the body has been largely excreted via the urinary tract. It was found that this technique provided a sensitive means of detecting patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy and Paget's disease and that in these conditions all the results from individual patients lay outside the control range. In further studies the WBR technique was shown to be highly reproducible and not subject to any significant technical errors.


The purpose of this study was to develop of information technology and network infrastructure construction On the past decades, educators have developed various scales to measure the learning attitudes. But few of them have constructed specifically for attitudes towards digital devices. This research is discuss the meaning and purposes of Life Technological Course crossing different fields, the strategies of implementation and the integration of information science, and the integration of information technology applying to every discipline. It is urgent to give teachers accurate teaching models of Life Technology Courses complying modern IT technology nowadays. According the discussing, we put forward and implement the tactics to support the reference that scientific and technological teacher crossing different fields and studies the way and information to incorporate teaching of life concretely finally.


Water is a vital but poorly studied component of livestock production. It is estimated that livestock industries consume 8% of the global water supply, with most of that water being used for intensive, feed-based production. This study takes a broad perspective of livestock production as a component of the human food chain, and considers the efficiency of its water use. Global models are in the early stages of development and do not distinguish between developing and developed countries, or the production systems within them. However, preliminary indications are that, when protein production is adjusted for biological value in the human diet, no plant protein is significantly more efficient at using water than protein produced from eggs, and only soybean is more water efficient than milk and goat and chicken meat. In some regions, especially developing countries, animals are not used solely for food production but also provide draught power, fibre and fertiliser for crops. In addition, animals make use of crop by-products that would otherwise go to waste. The livestock sector is the fastest-growing agricultural sector, which has led to increasing industrialisation and, in some cases, reduced environmental constraints. In emerging economies, increasing involvement in livestock is related to improving rural wealth and increasing consumption of animal protein. Water usage for livestock production should be considered an integral part of agricultural water resource management, taking into account the type of production system (e.g. grain-fed or mixed crop-livestock) and scale (intensive or extensive), the species and breeds of livestock, and the social and cultural aspects of livestock farming in various countries.


The ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) high momentum particle identification (HMPID) detector, presently under construction, consists of seven identical proximity focusing ring imaging Cherenkov (RICH) counters exploiting large area CsI photocathodes for Cherenkov light imaging. With a total area of 11 m/sup 2/, it represents the largest CsI-RICH system ever used in High Energy Physics. The detector layout, assembly and quality checks will be presented, with particular emphasis on CsI photocathodes mass production. A validation procedure has been established combining the results of the photocathode response mapping obtained in a dedicated VUV scanner with test beam data. The long-term stability has also been studied by irradiation with a Sr-90 source of a final size CsI photocathode inside a detector prototype.


Background We present a case characteristic of Laurin-Sandrow syndrome in a term male infant. The infant is the third son of Caucasian parents born following uncomplicated pregnancy. There is no family history of limb abnormalities or genetic conditions. The infant was noted to have a wide nasal bridge, bilateral erythematous linear prominences on his columella with polydactyly and syndactyly of both hands and feet. There was wrist flexion and cupped hands, each with 7 normal length digits but no opposable thumbs. The feet were of 'mirrored' appearance with a further 17 digits. Methods MRI imaging of the brain revealed overall structural brain asymmetry, with agenesis of the corpus callosum and ventricular dilatation. Metacarpals and metatarsals were present for each digit, with an additional extra-axial digit noted on the left foot. Initial suggestion of autosomal dominant Grieg Cephalopolysyndactly (GCP) was revised by the Clinical Geneticist to Laurin-Sandrow Syndrome, with genetic PCR negative for GCP. Results Laurin-Sandrow Syndrome represents an extremely rare genetic condition of polysyndactyly associated with 14 q13 gene translocation, with fewer than 30 cases described in the literature. Abstract PO-0612 Figure 1 Abstract PO-0612 Figure 2 Conclusion In cases of extreme duplication of digits with nasal anomalies, cranial imaging and early review by a geneticist may be key in revealing the underlying diagnosis.


Reconfigurable transmitarray antennas with independent dual-linear polarization phase controlling capability are essential for wireless communications applications. This work proposes a novel 1 bit transmitarray element design at Ku-band, which adopts the receiver–transmitter structure with an active receiving dipole and a passive asymmetric transmitting dipole. The 1 bit phase shift is achieved by alternating two p-i-n diodes integrated on the active dipole to reverse its current direction. To mitigate the influence of p-i-n diodes and reduce the element insertion loss, a parasitic bypass dipole is added next to each dipole. Element simulations show that a low loss of only 1.0 dB is achieved. The dual-linear polarization capability is obtained by orthogonally interlacing two sets of proposed receiver–transmitter structures. A 100-element transmitarray prototype is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured gain is 18.3 dB at 12.2 GHz, corresponding to an aperture efficiency of 22.6%. The 2-D beam-scanning capability for independent dual-linear polarization is experimentally verified and the scan angle covers ±50°. The measured maximum scan gain loss is 2.9 and 3.5 dB in the two principal planes, respectively.


We apply a participatory co-creation process to empower health researchers/practitioners with robot assistants or mediators in behavioral therapies for children with autism. This process combines (a) a user centered design of a platform to support therapists to create and share behavioral training scenarios with robots and (b) acquisition of domain specific knowledge from the therapists in order to design robot-child interaction scenarios that accomplish specific learning goals. These two aspects of the process are mutually dependant and therefore require an iterative design of a technological platform that will make gradual steps towards creating optimal affordances for therapists to create robot-mediated scenarios to the best of the technical capabilities of the robot, i.e. through co-creation. For this purpose an end-user programming environment augmented with learning by demonstration tool and textual commands is being developed. The initial tests showed that this tool can be used by the therapists to create own training scenarios with existing behavioral components. We conclude that this platform comply with the needs of the contemporary practices that focus on personalization of the training programs for every child. In addition, the proposed framework makes possible to include extensions to the platform for future developments.


The cytoskeletal protein vinculin contributes to the mechanical link of the contractile actomyosin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrin receptors. In addition, vinculin modulates the dynamics of cell adhesions and is associated with decreased cell motility on two-dimensional ECM substrates. The effect of vinculin on cell invasion through dense three-dimensional ECM gels is unknown. Here, we report how vinculin expression affects cell invasion into three-dimensional collagen matrices. Cell motility was investigated in vinculin knockout and vinculin expressing wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Vinculin knockout cells were 2-fold more motile on two-dimensional collagen-coated substrates compared with wild-type cells, but 3-fold less invasive in 2.4 mg/ml three-dimensional collagen matrices. Vinculin knockout cells were softer and remodeled their cytoskeleton more dynamically, which is consistent with their enhanced two-dimensional motility but does not explain their reduced three-dimensional invasiveness. Importantly, vinculin-expressing cells adhered more strongly to collagen and generated 3-fold higher traction forces compared with vinculin knockout cells. Moreover, vinculin-expressing cells were able to migrate into dense (5.8 mg/ml) three-dimensional collagen matrices that were impenetrable for vinculin knockout cells. These findings suggest that vinculin facilitates three-dimensional matrix invasion through up-regulation or enhanced transmission of traction forces that are needed to overcome the steric hindrance of ECMs.


Dispersal is a fundamental ecological and evolutionary process that can create demographic and genetic linkage between neighbouring and distant locations, influencing the dynamics, structure and ultimately the persistence of populations. To understand observed population dynamics and structure and to predict future change, comprehensive data are required describing the patterns of dispersal and gene flow across all relevant spatial scales. However, this is a major empirical challenge, particularly for species that disperse across considerable distances; long-distance dispersal may be underestimated and gene flow can be difficult to infer from observed population genetic structure. In this thesis I aimed to obtain rigorous and comprehensive empirical data quantifying natal dispersal patterns and population genetic structure across multiple spatial scales using the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) as a model species. I used a combination of direct field observations of shags individually ringed on the Isle of May, Scotland and indirect molecular genetic techniques to accomplish these aims.
By locating adult shags that had been ringed as chicks on the Isle of May at their breeding locations across eastern Scotland, I demonstrated divergent dispersal distributions at small versus large spatial scales. Specifically, >99% of shags dispersed within the Isle of May but only c.10% dispersed from it. Furthermore, long-distance dispersal from the Isle of May was directional but did not mirror that observed at the within-population scale. Large-scale observations of ringed shags at non-breeding locations provided an independent means to validate breeding season estimates and suggested that the probability of detecting a ringed breeding adult was high (98%).
Using both mitochondrial DNA markers and a newly developed set of microsatellite markers designed specifically for shags, I quantified population genetic structure and variation across 20 populations at a pan-European scale, covering two subspecies. I found weak population genetic structure across both molecular markers suggesting a role for occasional effective long-distance dispersal. Genetic variation across this large spatial scale also pointed to a potential role for historical gene flow and population dynamics. Furthermore, only one private mitochondrial haplotype was found among 5 subspecies, suggesting that this current taxonomic subdivision may not be mirrored by genetic isolation.
However, a suite of evolutionary forces besides gene flow can create observed population genetic structure. Therefore, I quantified population genetic structure across populations in eastern Scotland, and quantitatively linked this indirect estimate of gene flow with my direct field observations of dispersal. This allowed me to gain insights into the processes underlying observed population genetic structure and the reliability of gene flow inference from field observations. I achieved this by simulating genotypes based on observed dispersal rates and distributions and testing whether the pattern and magnitude of gene flow inferred from observed dispersal alone was sufficient to quantitatively predict observed population genetic structure. Dispersal parameters derived explicitly from field observations and the spatial organisation of populations were shown to strongly influence observed population genetic structure.
Overall, these data demonstrate the need to utilise both field observations and genetic methods to comprehensively estimate the extent and effectiveness of dispersal. Furthermore, these data provide current and accurate estimates of long-distance dispersal, which is difficult to achieve but urgently needed in order to understand and predict the long-term consequences of environmental change.


ABSTRACT In this paper we propose a model to explain tritium release from irradiated Li2ZrO3 sample made by Mitsubishi Atomic Power Industries Inc. (MAPI). The release curves were obtained by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) techniques in a series of experiments in Kyoto University Reactor (KUR) and in the JRR-4 reactor of the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI). In the model a number of mass transfer steps were taken into account. There were diffusion of tritium in the grain, adsorption and desorption of water on the surface of grains, two types of isotope exchange reactions, water formation reaction in addition of hydrogen to the purge gas. Tritium release curves for different purge gas compositions (N2, N2 + H2O) were calculated to compare with data obtained in the experiments. Apparent diffusivities of tritium in crystal grain of Li2ZrO3 were determined.


The accurate information about the fluid level in the process station is of much significance in order to maintain a desired level in the process tank by controlling the process through various controllers as the primary objective of all the industries is to maintain the level at desired set points in spite of the external disturbances. The contact type sensors which are used for sensing the level in the process tank usually gets affected by corrosion which results in reduced life span of sensor and in-turn gives a poor and in-efficient performance, and also loss of accuracy in determination of the fluid level. The use of non contact type sensor will be greatly useful in finding the fluid level in the process tank and helps in calculating the error with regard to the desired level and helps in controlling the level by means of the PI controller. The use of PI controller would result in maintaining accurate desired level by removing the offset error. Therefore the ultrasonic transceiver which in this case used as a non contact level sensor would have a good life span as compared to the contact type sensor by reducing the effects of corrosion to a minimum level.


Objective: To study the relationship between gray matter atrophy and amyloid deposition in Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Volumetric magnetic resonance (MR) and [11C]-PIB PET were acquired from 23 patients with AD and 17 healthy older persons. Standardized [11C]-PIB uptake values were coregistered to MR scans in a standard space. Decreased density of and increased [11C]-PIB uptake in the gray matter of patients with AD vs controls were assessed with both voxel-based (p < 0.05 corrected) and region-of-interest (ROI) analyses. The relationship between decreased density of and increased [11C]-PIB uptake in the gray matter was investigated with voxel-based Pearson r maps (thresholded at p < 0.05) and ROI linear regression plots. Results: Atrophy mapped to the hippocampus and increased [11C]-PIB uptake to large frontal, parietal, and posterior cingulate cortical areas. ROI analysis showed the largest effect size for atrophy in the hippocampus (2.01) and amygdala (1.27) and the highest effect size for [11C]-PIB uptake in frontal (2.66), posterior cingulate/retrosplenial (2.43), insular (2.41), and temporal (2.23) regions. In the hippocampus, [11C]-PIB uptake was significantly increased, but effect size was milder (1.72). Significant correlations between atrophy and increased [11C]-PIB uptake were found in the hippocampal (r = −0.54) and amygdalar ROIs (r = −0.40) but not in the frontal, temporal, posterior cingulate/retrosplenial, insular, and caudate ROIs (r between 0.04 and 0.25). Conclusion: The medial temporal lobe might be highly susceptible to amyloid toxicity, whereas neocortical areas might be more resilient.


Introduction: Cervical cancer is the worldwide third most common cancer and fourth most common cause of cancer related deaths in female population, accounting to approximately 453,300 cases per year and 275, 100 deaths in the year 2008.According to the latest WHO global cancer statistics, the cumulative risk (%) (Age 0-74) of cervical carcinoma is 0.9 with age adjusted ratio of 9.0 (Jemal et al., 2011). Supplementary methods using objective biomarkers are needed to achieve more accurate diagnosis.Ki-67 is a well known proliferative marker, useful for confirmation of the diagnosis in ambiguous cases and CIN grading.
Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate Ki-67 marker by immunohistochemical methods in differentiating CIN from benign cervical lesions.
Materials and Methods: The study was done at Department of Pathology, MGMCH, Jaipur it was a Hospital-based observational study consisting of 50 cases.
Statistical methods: sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and specificity was calculated.
Results: Proliferative index was 50%in neoplastic cases.
Accordingly scoring for Ki-67 stained nuclei was done with score 0 means no staining, 1 means weak positive (50%). In our study Statistical analysis of Ki-67 marker shows that sensitivity of this marker is 94.7%, specificity is 96.7%, positive predictive value 94.7%, negative predictive value 96.7% and accuracy is 96%.P value is
Conclusion: In summary many studies have shown that there is statistically significant relation between proliferative activity, distribution of Ki-67 positive cells and CINgrade. Ki-67 antigen could be a tool to identify women who are at higher risk for progression and/or recurrence of cervical squamous precancerous lesion and in differenciating between benign and malignant cervical lesions.

Keywords: Cervix, Ki-67, Benign, Malignant, Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia


The aim of this study was to see whether the scores of the Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener of 45 high-risk preterm infants (gestational age 26-37 wk) between the ages of 3 and 24 months predicted neurodevelopmental status at 7 to 10 years of age. Neurodevelopmental status of 45/122 preterm infants, grouped according to their gestational ages of 26 to 29, 30 to 32, and 33 to 37 weeks, were previously evaluated by Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener. The scores were categorized as low or high-moderate. Verbal and performance scores of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Revised (WISC-R) of those patients were assessed between 7 and 10 years. The patients with high-moderate-risk scores of Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener at all times, regardless of their gestational age, had lower performance, verbal, and total scores of WISC-R than those of who had low Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener risk scores. High-moderate risk score of Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener at 7 to 10, and 16 to 20 months, of all patients especially showed good prediction for identifying lower verbal and performance scales. For 7 to 10 months, verbal scale: positive predictive value = 92.3%, negative predictive value = 44.4%, sensitivity = 70.58%, and specificity = 80%; performance scale: positive predictive value = 100%, negative predictive value = 30%, sensitivity = 68.18%, and specificity = 100%. For 16 to 20 months, verbal scale: positive predictive value = 90%, negative predictive value = 37.5%, sensitivity = 64.3%, and specificity = 80%; performance scale: positive predictive value = 90%, negative predictive value = 12.5%, sensitivity = 56.3%, and specificity = 50%. Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener shows good prediction of later verbal and performance scores of Wechsler Intelligence Scale–Revised for Children as early as 7 to 10 months, which gives us the opportunity to start early intervention.


Abstract Background and aims Several years ago, one of us described the difference in attitude to patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in the United States of America and Europe as similar to that between Mars and Venus. Uncertainty remains with regard to the long-term prognosis for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. This prognosis may be considered in terms of survival, functional performance, including exercise capacity and neurodevelopment, as well as psychosocial effects on the patient, family, and siblings. Counselling parents where either an antenatal or postnatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome has been made requires practitioners to give information on these prognostic aspects. We wanted to see how attitudes among European surgeons have changed over the last few years. Methods We performed a review of recent European data for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and conducted a survey among surgeons in major European centres to ascertain key aspects of their attitudes to the management of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and how they counsel parents. Results and conclusions As of January, 2011, 2392 citations in the PubMed database were available for the search string "hypoplastic left heart". The majority of these were from the centres from the United States of America and Europe. The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Congenital Heart Surgery Database shows an annual increase in the number of Norwood (Stage I) operations for hypoplastic left heart syndrome from 2003 to 2009, with a corresponding reduction in mortality. European rates of antenatal detection vary widely between centres, as do the rates of termination for a prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We observed a wide variation in the estimates of surgeons for survival and quality of life for surgical palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, as well as in their estimates for actual rates of termination of pregnancy in their centres. Further, there was marked inconsistency in the information given to parents as part of the process of counselling. These issues remain to be resolved if parents are to make a fully informed decision for their child.


Administration can literally be interpreted as an activity or effort to help,serve, direct, or provide all activities to achieve goals. In general, educators in Indonesia are know as instructors, namely educational staff who are related to the administration of education with special assigment as the teaching profession. School/school principals, supervisors of education units, administrative staff, library staff, laboratory personnel, study group management technicians, and tutors, who discuss organizing education to find goals. Based on the description above, it can be concluded that the administration of educators and educational staff is the overall process of educators who discuss planing, organizing, directing, reporting, coordinating, monitoring and financing, using or using available facilities, both personal, spiritual material to obtain educational goals effectively and efficiently. The administrative processes of educators and education are planning, procurement, placement, and implementation.


This paper presents an integrative case-study examination of Chile's national strategy of research, development, and innovation (R&D+i) for disaster resilience and the progress towards developing the institutional conditions for its successful implementation. The article covers the period between 2016-2021, focusing on the work of the Chilean Commission of R&D+i for Disaster Resilience to Natural Hazards (CREDEN). Through an analysis of the official records of the initiative at all its stages and 29 semi-structured interviews with CREDEN's members and stakeholders, we aim to show a successful case of strengthening the role of science and technology in disaster risk reduction. The Chilean experience is particularly interesting because the Strategy focused on the role of R&D+i and proposed developing an industry of scientific-based technological solutions for disaster resilience. The case study also illustrates how the strategic interaction between academia, state, and industry can be a key factor for aligning knowledge production to tackle current socio-technical challenges.


Forest inventory and analysis data monitor the presence and extent of certain non-native invasive species. On forestland, non-native species are considered part of the understory vegetation and can be found near canopy openings as well as and the forest edge. The objective of this study is to incorporate the presence of select nonnative species into forest classification modeling procedures and determine the accuracy for producing non-native species spatial distribution classifications. A secondary objective is to compare classification accuracies of the different spatial resolution data (Landsat-TM and MODIS), which suggests that an increase in resolution provides an increase in overall accuracy. The classification results provide forest distribution combined with non-native species occurrence for honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) and privet (Ligustrum spp.). Subsets of the plot data are used in a decision tree modeling process (See5) applied to the satellite data (Landsat-TM, MODIS), and ancillary data to classify the land cover and model privet/honeysuckle spatial distribution. Classification results show that overall classification accuracy for the percent of pixels correctly classified (%PCC) increased from 67.5% to 72.5% (privet) and from 67.5% to 70.0% (honeysuckle) when privet and honeysuckle are coded as present in the plot. Comparisons between overall classification accuracy show a 5.0% increase for privet, and 2.5% for honeysuckle. A comparison between MODIS and Landsat-TM classifications shows a 3.7% increase in accuracy when both privet and honeysuckle are coded in several categories based on their percent of participation on the plot. Classifications from Landsat-TM and MODIS models show a higher confusion in the privet/honeysuckle categories (percent privet or honeysuckle on plot), however the Landsat-TM model performed slightly better.


BACKGROUND
Baseline characteristics from the adult cohort of a randomized controlled trial comparing sensor-augmented pump (SAP) and multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy were analyzed for significant relationships with -0.5% A1C change at 1 year of therapy without incidence of severe hypoglycemia (defined as A1C benefit).

METHODS
Baseline characteristics were compared with A1C benefit. Statistically significant predictors were analyzed further to determine appropriate cutpoints of relative A1C benefit.

RESULTS
Baseline A1C ≥9.1%, age at randomization ≥36 years, and age at diabetes diagnosis of ≥17 years were associated with a greater SAP benefit relative to MDI than other cutpoints.

CONCLUSIONS
People with type 1 diabetes who had a high A1C and who were older at diagnosis and older at randomization experienced the most benefit from SAP therapy.


'Open Data' is hot! After the announcement of Barak Obama and Tim Berners-Lee to publish internal organizational datasets on the web using strictly defined open standards (XML, RDF, SKOS, Dublin Core), organizations and (local) governments all over the world opened their datasets. Linked open data is a huge potential information source for science and citizens. Therefore students of the bachelor program worked for 10 weeks together with officials of the municipality of The Hague on apps for their data. This process was not that easy: officials had lots of objections against opening up their data and developing apps on it. In this workshop we will see what the outcome was and practice to overcome the objections.


OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not probiotics are effective in reducing symptoms of atopic dermatitis. STUDY DESIGN: Selective EBM review of three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials published after 2009, all English language. DATA SOURCES: All three studies were published in peer-reviewed journals found on PubMed and selected based on relevance to the proposed clinical question. OUTCOMES MEASURED: The main outcome measured was the percentage change in SCORAD index to determine severity of atopic dermatitis before and after trial through objective and subjective findings. Additional outcomes included DLQ index which was evaluated via 10 questions scored on a scale of 0-3, IDQOL and DFI questionnaires directed towards evaluating quality of life through 10 questions scored from 0-3, and frequency and amount of corticosteroid used. RESULTS: Each study assessed the change in SCORAD when comparing the probiotic with the placebo group in those with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Gerasimov et al. found a SCORAD decrease of 33.7% in the probiotic group in comparison to a decrease of 19.4% in the placebo group and no statistically significant decrease in corticosteroid use (p=0.130). IDQOL and DFI decreased by 33% and 35.2% in the probiotic group and only by 19% and 23.8% in the placebo group, respectively. Iemoli et al. found that SCORAD and DLQ at the end of the trial was significantly reduced in the probiotic group (p = 0.001, p = 0.024, respectively). The study done by Navarro-Lopez et al. found a SCORAD change of -83% (95% CI, -95% to -70%) in the probiotic group and a change of -24% (95% CI, -36% to -11%) in the placebo group. Topical steroid use in the probiotic arm (7.7%) was significantly less compared to the placebo arm (10.8%). CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests that probiotics are effective only as an adjunctive therapy in the reduction of clinical symptoms and topical corticosteroid use in atopic dermatitis. However, further research is needed to assess exclusive reduction in subjective symptoms.


Infection of Nicotiana benthamiana cells with cymbidium ringspot (CymRSV) and carnation Italian ringspot (CIRV) viruses results in the formation of conspicuous membranous bodies [multivesicular bodies (MVBs)], which develop from modified peroxisomes or mitochondria, respectively. The organelle targeting signal is located in the proteins of 33 kDa (CymRSV) or 36 kDa (CIRV) encoded by ORF 1, which contain an N-terminal hydrophilic portion followed by two predicted hydrophobic transmembrane segments. Biochemical analysis showed that the 33- and 36-kDa proteins are integral membrane proteins. By exchanging small portions of the ORF 1 sequence between the infectious full-length clones of the two viruses, hybrid constructs were obtained of which the in vitro synthesized RNA was inoculated to N. benthamiana plants and protoplasts. The structure of infectious clones suggested that both the N-terminal hydrophilic region and the transmembrane segments of the ORF 1-encoded proteins specify which organelle is involved in the synthesis of MVBs. Mutational analysis of the CIRV 36-kDa protein also suggested the presence of an internal mitochondrial targeting sequence similar to that found in several normal host proteins that are synthesized in the cytoplasm and transported to mitochondria. The CymRSV 33-kDa protein did not contain the obvious consensus signals thought to be characteristic of proteins targeted to peroxisomes, and an mitochondrial targeting sequence motif was not evident.


Mesocrystals are advantageous in providing a large specific surface and favorable transport properties, and have been extensively studied for energy-related applications including supercapacitors, solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, and catalysis. However, the practical applications of mesocrystals are hindered by many obstacles, such as high cost, complicated synthesis processes, and utilization of deleterious additives. Herein, we report a facile one-step and additive-free route for the controllable synthesis of NiO mesocrystals (NOMs) with a cuboctahedral morphology and layered hierarchical structures consisting of self-assembled NiO nanosheets. When employed as an electrode material for supercapacitors, the as-prepared NOMs exhibited an exceptional electrochemical performance such as an ultrahigh reversible specific capacity of ca. 1039 F g−1 at a current density of 1.0 A g−1 and excellent cycling stability (ca. 93% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles). Moreover, an all-solid-state hybrid supercapacitor based on hierarchical NOMs and three-dimensional nitrogen-doped graphene manifested a high energy density of 34.4 W h kg−1 at a power density of 150 W kg−1 in 2.0 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. These results further demonstrate the potential of NiO mesocrystals as a promising electrode material by constructing a hierarchical mesostructure, which can improve the electrochemical performance for energy storage. The outstanding electrochemical performance may be attributed to their hierarchical mesostructure that can effectively enhance the electrical conductivity and avoid the aggregation of NiO nanosheets, and the exposed {100} facets with a high electrochemical activity.


Abstract To develop a tritium monitoring system with a membrane gas separator, the extraction characteristics of a hydrogen isotope pump using CaZr0.9In0.1O3−α as proton conductor were evaluated over the temperature range from 873 K to 1073 K by electrolysis of tritiated water vapor. Although the isotope ratio between proton and tritium in the anode compartment was extremely low, tritium gas (HT) could be extracted along with hydrogen gas (H2) to the cathode compartment by the electrochemical hydrogen pump. The T/H isotope ratio in the cathode compartment was lower than that in the anode compartment because of the isotope effect in the hydrogen pump. However, when the hydrogen recovery rate increased, the ratio of hydrogen isotopes approached unity, which might be caused by variation in the T/H ratio along the axial direction. With respect to the tritium memory effect in the proton conductor, the isotope exchange reaction using wet gas was found to be an efficient method for tritium decontamination.


Chloroplast DNA sequence polymorphisms are a primary source of data in many plant phylogenetic studies. The chloroplast genome is relatively conserved in its evolution making it an ideal molecule to retain phylogenetic signals. The chloroplast genome is also largely, but not completely, free from other evolutionary processes such as gene duplication, concerted evolution, pseudogene formation and genome rearrangements. The conservation of the chloroplast genome sequence allows designing primers targeting regions conserved well beyond species boundaries, and amplification of these targets. The small size together with their high copy number in leaf cells greatly facilitates chloroplast genome sequencing. In this thesis, chloroplast phylogenomics was conducted using complete chloroplast DNA genomes obtained by a newly developed method of de novo assembly. The method was not only cost-effective but also has the potential to extract a wealth of useful information of thousands of chloroplast genomes from Whole Genome Shotgun (WGS) data. We used k-mer frequency tables to identify and extract the chloroplast reads from the WGS reads and assemble these using a highly integrated and automated custom pipeline. This pipeline includes steps aimed at optimizing assemblies and filling gaps that are left due to coverage variation in the WGS dataset. The pipeline enabled successful de novo assembly across a range of nuclear genome sizes, from Solanum lycopersicon (tomato, 0.9 Gb) to Paphiopedilum heryanum (slipper orchid, 35 Gb). The pipeline is suitable for studying structural variation in the chloroplast genome, as opposed to the common procedure of read mapping against a reference genome. To support the putative rearrangements, a flexible assembly quality comparison tool was created that combines and visualizes read mapping and alignment results in a two-dimensional plot. We have evaluated the ability of this tool using the de novo assemblies of S. lycopersicon and P. henryanum chloroplasts. The results show that not only we can immediately select the best of two options, but also determine the location of specific artefacts. In order to explore and evaluate the utility of complete chloroplast phylogenomics, tomato and Paphiopedilum spp were used to conduct phylogenetic inferences based on the complete chloroplast genome. In total 84 tomato chloroplast genomes within the section Lycopersicon were assembled and phylogenetic trees produced. The analyses revealed that next to the chloroplast regions and spacers traditionally used for phylogenetics, additional regions of protein coding and non-coding DNA may be exploited for intraspecific phylogenetic studies. In particular, more than 50% of all phylogenetically relevant information could be included by just using four genes (ycf1, ndhF, ndhA, and ndhH), of which 34% in ycf1 alone. The topology of the phylogenetic tree inferred from ycf1 was the same as that of trees based on all other protein coding genes, although with lower bootstrap values. The phylogenetic analyses based on 32 complete Paphiopedilum spp. chloroplast genomes confirmed the division of the genus into three subgenera Parvisepalum, Brachypetalum and Paphiopedilum. The division of five sections of subgenus Paphiopedilum was also recovered. The de novo assemblies revealed several structural rearrangements including gene loss and inversion. In addition, the chloroplast genome of Paphiopedilum has experienced extreme IR expansion that has included part of or the entire SSC region, resulting in larger IR regions than commonly observed among monocots. In conclusion, WGS data offer opportunities to generate partial or entire chloroplast genomes for phylogenetic studies. Species discrimination can be achieved already with partial data (subsets of genes), but evolutionarily young lineages may require more informative characters. Therefore, it is expected that many complete chloroplast genomes will be produced in the years to come. While generating these genomes, the urge for de novo assembly of chloroplast genomes rather than mapping against reference genomes is adamant in order to also uncover structural rearrangements in chloroplast genome.


This paper provides a quantitative analysis of the optimal accuracy and resolution in electrical impedance tomography (EIT) based on the Cramer–Rao lower bound. The imaging problem is characterized by the forward operator and its Jacobian. The Fisher information operator is defined for a deterministic parameter in a real Hilbert space and a stochastic measurement in a finite-dimensional complex Hilbert space with a Gaussian measure. The connection between the Fisher information and the singular value decomposition (SVD) based on the maximum likelihood (ML) criterion (the ML-based SVD) is established. It is shown that the eigenspaces of the Fisher information provide a suitable basis to quantify the trade-off between the accuracy and the resolution of the (nonlinear) inverse problem. It is also shown that the truncated ML-based pseudo-inverse is a suitable regularization strategy for a linearized problem, which exploits sufficient statistics for estimation within these subspaces. The statistical-based Cramer–Rao lower bound provides a complement to the deterministic upper bounds and the L-curve techniques that are employed with linearized inversion. To this end, electrical impedance tomography provides an interesting example where the eigenvalues of the SVD usually do not exhibit a very sharp cut-off, and a trade-off between the accuracy and the resolution may be of practical importance. A numerical study of a hypothetical EIT problem is described, including a statistical analysis of the model errors due to the linearization.


Bladder cancer has the highest recurrence rate of any cancer, and as with most solid organ malignancies,
early diagnosis, detection, and treatment are imperative for good clinical outcomes.
Cystoscopy is the cornerstone of bladder diagnostics for real-time visualization of the bladder
mucosa. However, it is an uncomfortable, invasive procedure, and is not without significant risk
and potential complications for the patient. Urine cytology is currently the only non-invasive
diagnostic tool available for the diagnosis of bladder cancer; this method is highly sensitive for
high grade tumours, but has low sensitivity for low grade tumours, which accounts for the majority
of cases. Therefore, there exists a clinical need to develop and integrate a non-invasive,
accurate technique to assist in the diagnosis of bladder cancer.
The combination of Raman micro-spectroscopy and voided urine cytology may provide an
ideal platform to replace cystoscopy for bladder cancer diagnostics. By recording Raman spectra
from cells obtained from urine cytology, it is possible to analyse the spectral differences
associated with the biomolecular continuum of disease progression, as well as being able to
classify between different pathological subgroups. Previous studies to date have shown promising
results in the application of Raman based urine cytology; however, there appears a high
degree of variability across experimental protocols, which is believed to have hindered the advancement
of this technique into the clinic.
This thesis involves the design and building of a confocal Raman micro-spectrometer to be
utilised for the analysis of urine cytology samples, with a key emphasis on the translation of
Raman based urine cytology into the clinic. In order to achieve this, a range of traditional protocols
and consumables are systematically examined in terms of their compatibility with Raman
micro-spectroscopy, as well as comparing the differences between Raman micro-spectroscopy
and another form of vibrational spectroscopy for bladder and prostate cancer diagnostics. Although
no patient urine cytology samples are used in this thesis, simulated samples are generated
using bladder and prostate cell lines along with commercially available synthetic urine.
Additional experimentation is provided in order to investigate the impact of hypoxia and exosomal
communication on cellular biochemistry.


This paper tests how stock prices respond to information that may affect a company's value in a material fashion. I evaluate stock price reactions to the five most destructive hurricanes to make landfall in the United States since 2005. The event study aims to analyze short-term stock price reactions of firms that are likely to benefit economically before and after the landfall of the hurricanes. I find the cumulative average abnormal return (CAAR) is statistically significant at a confidence level of 95%. Cumulative abnormal returns are generally realized following the first trading day during or after landfall. The average abnormal return for stocks on the day of landfall is also positive and significant.


We show that the semi-classical analysis of generic Euclidean path integrals necessarily requires complexification of the action and measure, and consideration of complex saddle solutions.We demonstrate that complex saddle points have a natural interpretation in terms of the Picard–Lefschetz theory. Motivated in part by the semi-classical expansion of QCD with adjoint matter on $\mathbb{R}^3 \times S^1$, we study quantum-mechanical systems with bosonic and fermionic (Grassmann) degrees of freedom with harmonic degenerate minima, as well as (related) purely bosonic systems with harmonic nondegenerate minima. We find exact finite action non-BPS bounce and bion solutions to the holomorphic Newton equations. We find not only real solutions, but also complex solution with non-trivial monodromy, and finally complex multi-valued and singular solutions. Complex bions are necessary for obtaining the correct nonperturbative structure of these models. In the supersymmetric limit the complex solutions govern the ground state properties, and their contribution to the semiclassical expansion is necessary to obtain consistency with the supersymmetry algebra. The multi-valuedness of the action is either related to the hidden topological angle or to the resurgent cancellation of ambiguities. We also show that in the approximate multi-instanton description the integration over the complex quasi-zero mode thimble produces the most salient features of the exact solutions. While exact complex saddles are more difficult to construct in quantum field theory, the relation to the approximate thimble construction suggests that such solutions may be underlying some remarkable features of approximate bion saddles in quantum field theories.


Ferroelectric (FE) ceramics have attracted immense attention because of their unique dielectric,piezoelectric, pyroelectric and FE properties, which make them suitable
 for various device based applications. Generally, Pb-based FE ceramics are widely used in device based applications. However, toxicity of lead has made it imperative to searching for effective lead-free FEs, among which Bi0:5Na0:5TiO3 (BNT)-based systems have drawn great attention in recent years. Power generation from renewable
and non-conventional resources is required on a large scale. However, technology development for energy storage and power distribution is equally important in the energy
sector. Compared to FE materials and linear dielectrics, antiferroelectric (AFE) materials possess higher energy storage density due to their low remnant polarization (Pr) and low coercive field (Ec) values. But, AFE materials cannot withstand a large number of charge-discharge cycles. From literature survey, the above drawbacks of FE/AFE
systems related to energy storage applications, can be minimized by modifying potential FE material with the materials having paraelectric (PE) or AFE nature at room temperature (RT). In present work, we have chosen 0:93Bi0:5Na0:5TiO3 􀀀 0:07K0:5Na0:5NbO3
 (0.93BNT-0.07KNN) and 0:884Bi0:5Na0:5TiO3 􀀀 0:036BaT iO3 􀀀 0:08Bi0:5K0:5TiO3 (0.884BNT-0.036BT-0.08BKT) ferroelectric systems and modified them with SrTiO3/ST
 (PE) and NaNbO3/NN (AFE) systems.
Following ceramics were synthesized using solid state reaction (SSR) route.

(i) 0.93BNT-0.07KNN/BNT-KNN, (ii) 0.884BNT-0.036BT-0.08BKT/BNT-BT-BKT,
(iii) ST, (iv) NN, (v)(1-x)(0.93BNT-0.07KNN)-xST (x=0.04, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16),
(vi) (1-x)(0.93BNT-0.07KNN)-xNN (x=0.04, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16),
(vii) (1-x)(0.884BNT-0.036BT-0.08BKT)-xST (x=0.04, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16),
(viii) (1-x)(0.884BNT-0.036BT-0.08BKT)-xNN (x=0.04, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16).
BNT-KNN, BNT-BT-BKT, ST and NN ceramics were successfully synthesized in single
perovskite phase by SSR route. Deconvolution of (200) XRD peak revealed MPB nature
with _53% rhombohedral and _47% tetragonal structures in BNT-KNN ceramics while_31% rhombohedral and _69% tetragonal structures were obtained in BNT-BT-BKTceramics. Relaxor behaviour was observed in BNT-KNN ceramics and diffuse phase
transition near Curie temperature (TC) was observed in BNT-BT-BKT ceramics. High electric field induced strain (S) _0.6% and _0.63% were obtained in BNT-KNN and
BNT-BT-BKT ceramics, respectively, which suggested their usefulness for actuator applications. XRD study showed cubic structure of ST ceramics and orthorhombic structure
of NN ceramics. Dielectric study of ST ceramics revealed its paraelectric nature.All compositions of (1-x)(BNT-KNN)-xST and (1-x)(BNT-KNN)-xNN ceramics were successfully synthesized in single perovskite phase by SSRroute. XRD study confirmed pseudo cubic structure of (1-x)(BNT-KNN)-xST ceramics and confirmed the presence of MPB of rhombohedral-tetragonal structures in (1-x)(BNT-KNN)-xNN ceramics.
 Low grain size, Ec _2.8kV /cm, Pr _1.6_C/cm2, saturation polarization (Ps) _20.8 _C/cm2, S% _0.09 and highest RT dielectic constant (ϵr) _2030, energy storage density (W1) _0.59 J/cm3, energy storage efficiency (_%) _64 were obtained in 0.84(BNT-KNN)-0.16ST ceramics. Highest value of maximum dielectric constant (ϵm) was obtained in 0.92(BNT-KNN)-0.08ST ceramics. Transition temperatures Td and TC
 decreased with the increase of ST content in (1-x)(BNT-KNN)-xST ceramics. Highest RT ϵr _990, W1 _0.27 J/cm3 and _% _47 were obtained in 0.84(BNT-KNN)-0.16NN ceramics. Highest value of ϵm _2120 was obtained in 0.92(BNT-KNN)-0.08NN ceramics. Transition temperatures depolarization temperature (Td) and TC decreased with the increase of NN content in (1-x)(BNT-KNN)-xNN ceramics. Low value of Ec _8.41kV /cm, Pr _1.78_C/cm2, Ps _5.54_C/cm2, S% _0.17 and highest values of W1 _0.27 J/cm3 and _% _47 were obtained in 0.84(BNT-KNN)-0.16NN ceramics. All compositions of (1-x)(BNT-BT-BKT)-xST and (1-x)(BNT-BT-BKT)-xNN ceramics were successfully synthesized in single peovskite phase by SSR route. XRD study confirmed MPB nature of all ceramics with rhombohedral-tetragonal structures. Highest value of ϵm _3648, W1 _0.57 J/cm3 and _% _46 were obtained in
 0.92(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.08ST ceramics and highest value of RT ϵr _1447 was obtained in 0.96(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.04ST ceramics. Transition temperature Td decreased with the
 increase of ST content in (1-x)(BNT-BT-BKT)-xST ceramics. Relaxor behaviour was observed in 0.92(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.08ST ceramics and in (1-x)(BNT-BT-BKT)-xNN ceramics for x _ 0:08. Highest value of ϵm _3488 and W1 _0.72 J/cm3 were obtained
in 0.92(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.08NN ceramics. Temperature zone from Td to TC decreased with the increase of NN content in (1-x)(BNT-BT-BKT)-xNN ceramics. Low values of Ec
_7.3kV /cm, Pr _2.9 _C/cm2 and Ps _22.78 _C/cm2 and highest value of _% _47 were obtained in 0.84(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.16NN ceramics. Impedance study of BNT-BT-BKT ceramics revealed PTCR beahaviour below TC. Departed semicircles of impedance Cole-Cole plots and imaginary part of impedance Z′′(f)
fitting of BNT-BT-BKT ceramics and 0.92(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.08NN ceramics, confirmed non-Debye type relaxation behavior. Cole-Cole modulus plots of BNT-BT-BKT ceramics,
 confirmed grain relaxation in low temperature region (below 300°C), grain and grain boundary relaxations in high temperature region (above 300°C). Low frequency plateau
 (DC conductivity) and frequency dispersion (DC and AC conductivity) were confirmed from conductivity spectra of BNT-BT-BKT ceramics. Activation energies of _0.79,1.2 eV were attributed to grain, grain and grain boundary relaxations, respectively. Cation vacancies at lower temperatures and cation vacancies as well as oxygen vacancies at higher temperatures accounted for the conductivity mechanism of BNT-BT-BKT ceramics. In comparison with BNT-BT-BKT ceramics, PTCR zone increased and relaxation
 phenomenon weakened in 0.92(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.08NN ceramics. Cole-Cole modulus plots of 0.92(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.08NN ceramics, confirmed grain relaxation in low temperature
 region (below 400°C), grain and grain boundary relaxations in high temperature region(above 400°C). Activation energies of _0.37, 2.1 eV were attributed to grain, grain
 and grain boundary relaxations, respectively. Variation in activation energies indicated increased number of vacancies in 0.92(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.08NN ceramics.XRD study confirmed the MPB nature with _72% rhombohedral and _28% tetragonal structures in microwave (MW) processed 0.92(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.08NNceramics. In comparison with conventionally processed ceramics, MW processed 0.92(BNT-BT-BKT)-0.08NN ceramics showed enhanced densification with fine grains,
high ϵr; Td, TC, energy storage density and low tanδ.


The problems of security, reliability and sustainability of digital transformation, cognitive computing and artificial intelligence have common causes and origin. The inevitable increase in the number of information sources leads to ambiguity and inconsistency of the analyzed information. The variety of ways to display it makes it difficult to make effective decisions by a pilot, dispatcher, and other operators. The key security problems of dynamic systems are: a) the variety of means of displaying information sources, b) the lack of universal means of analyzing the flow of digital information, c) the individuality of the functioning of information sources when exposed to stress factors. The unification of cognitive visualization of information from sources of a different nature on an interdisciplinary basis simplifies the solution of these and related problems. The visualization of the structure of various sources of information in the form of dynamic patterns and their comparative analysis in one space allows to identify relevant internal and external sources of information. In the restructuring of patterns, the dynamic and statistical features of their functioning are displayed. The integration of digital technologies makes it possible to identify sources of information, predict their vulnerability, and also solve the problem of effectively selecting information sources. A R T I C L E I N F O : RECEIVED: 23 MAY 2019 REVISED: 09 SEP 2019 ONLINE: 21 SEP 2019 K E Y W O R D S : man-machine interaction, relationship of structure and functions, signal structure, cognitive visualiza-


The objective of this study was to examine in a fundamental way the mixing processes in a stably-stratified shear flow. The results of the experimental program have yielded information on the nature of turbulence and mixing in density-stratified fluids. The results can be applied to such problems as the determination of the spreading and mixing rates of heated effluents discharged to lakes or the ocean, as well as to many geophysical problems.

An experimental investigation was made to measure the mixing in a two-layered density-stratified shear flow in a flume 40-meters long, with a cross-section of 110 cm wide by 60 cm deep. Both mean temperatures and the mean velocities of the two layers could be independently controlled, and steps were taken to ensure that the temperatures and velocities of the two layers remained nearly constant at the inlet. The relative density difference between the layers was 10^-3 or less. A laser-Doppler velocimeter, designed for this study, allowed measurements of two components of velocity simultaneously, while a sensitive thermistor was used to measure the temperature. The temperature and velocity measurements were recorded and later analyzed.

The initial mixing layer which developed at the inlet was found to be dominated by large, two-dimensional vortex structures. When the flow was sufficiently stratified, these structures would collapse in a short distance and the flow would develop a laminar shear layer at the interface. It was found that the bulk-Richardson number , where is the maximum-slope thickness of the temperature profile, attained a maximum value of between 0.25 and 0.3 when the mixing layer collapsed.

Downstream, much less turbulent mixing took place in the stratified flows than homogeneous flows. The depth-averaged turbulent diffusivities for heat and momentum were often 30 to 100 times smaller in stratified flows than in homogeneous flows. The turbulence downstream was found to be dominated by large turbulent bursts, during which the vertical turbulent transport of momentum, heat and turbulent kinetic energy are many times larger than their mean values. It was found these bursts were responsible for most of the total turbulent transport of momentum, heat and turbulent kinetic energy, even though the bursts were found only intermittently.

The flux Richardson number, Rf, in the flow was examined and found to be related to the local mean-Richardson number in many cases. When production of turbulent kinetic energy from the mean shear,
 , was the largest source of turbulent kinetic energy, it was found that Rf < 0.3, and when the flow was strongly stratified, then Rf < 0.2. If the diffusion of turbulent kinetic energy was the largest source of turbulent kinetic energy, then the flux-Richardson number often attained large values, and the quantity was found to be a more useful parameter than Rf. It was found that, in almost all cases, the rate at which the potential energy of the fluid increased due to turbulent mixing was much less than the estimated rate of viscous dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy.


The effect of the DNA-intercalating antibiotic adriamycin on the progression of Chinese hamster ovary cells into mitosis, and on the delay induced by ionizing radiation, was studied using the mitotic cell selection procedure to monitor the rate of cell division. Following the addition of adriamycin, the mitotic rate remained unaltered for a refractory period and then decreased to zero. This effect was concentration dependent with transition points between the S-G2 boundary for 0.1 mug/ml and late G2 for 250 mug/ml. Cells treated with either a 10- or 30-min pulse of 1.0 mug adriamycin per ml exhibited a refractory period identical to that observed for continuous treatment. However, after a delay of congruent to 3.5 or congruent to 5 hr, respectively, cell division resumed. The mitotic rate of cells that received 150 rads of X-ray at the oneset of an adriamycin pulse declined coincident with that of radiation only, but resumed coincident with those receiving adriamycin only. This implies that radiation-induced division delay (congruent to 3 hr) was repaired before cells recovered from adriamycin-induced division delay and that the two agents were not additive. This lack of synergism is in contrast to that observed for cell lethality.


The Romance languages all display periphrastic perfects that can be traced to Latin [habere "have" + noun + perfect participle]. A new survey of the Latin corpus reveals that this string had three distinct structures and values. I argue that the likeliest source of the perfects is a periphrasis denoting the achievement of a result or a persisting resultant state. This implies that the relationship between possessive and auxiliary habere is more complex than previously supposed. Finally, I examine the range of values that this periphrasis takes across the Romance languages. I maintain that the growth of the perfect at the expense of the preterite followed an orderly pattern, with requirements on the temporal denotation of the perfect successively relaxed.


Porcine specimens have proven to be an excellent option for experimental studies of the spine, due to the anatomically and biomechanically similarities with that of the human; however, there are differences that should be taken into account when comparing both specimens. The objective of this study is to determine the stiffness coefficient of the L3-L4 lumbar porcine segment by means of axial compression tests performed on Anterior Column Units (ACU's) and Functional Spinal Units (FSU's), in order to compare the results obtained with the information found in the literature for the human case. The results showed that the FSU's support approximately 22% more load compared to ACU's, which approximates to the 18% found for the human case. It can be concluded that characteristics such as the vertebrae morphometry has a direct impact on the mechanical properties of the ACU's and the FSU's.


The essential oil from seed coats of Thuja orientalis L. (Family cupressaceae) obtained in an yield of 1% has been studied for its antimicrobial activity against 6 bacteria and 5 fungi using filter paper disc agar diffusion technique. The oil has shown good to moderate activity of the oil against all six test bacteria. The activity of the oil against S. typhi has been found remarkable at 1:1000 dilutions. The activity against the fungal organisms at dilutions is moderate.


Study Design: A method for measuring occipitocervical angle. Objective: To develop a new method of measurement for assessing the occipitocervical angle using intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging, and to examine its reliability. Summary of Background Data: To avoid postoperative complications following occipitocervical fusion, it is vital to obtain a suitable fusion angle between the occipital bone and the upper cervical spine. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 30 cases with occipito-atlanto-axial lesions and 30 healthy volunteers. Lateral plain radiographs of the cervical spine in neutral position were used to draw the McGregor line, the line between the external occipital protuberance and the most caudal point on the midline occipital curve (Oc line), the tangential line of the inferior endplate of the C2 vertebra (C2 line), and the posterior longitudinal line of the C2 vertebra (Ax line). The angles formed by these 4 lines and the horizontal line were measured. The O-C2 angle and the Oc-Ax angle, the new indicator, were measured by 3 doctors and reliability was evaluated. Results: In the disease group, mean intraobserver variances of the McGregor, Oc, C2, Ax, O-C2, and Oc-Ax angles were 0.7, 1.3, 1.5, 1.2, 1.6, and 1.9 degrees. Mean intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.997, 0.994, 0.994, 0.997, 0.989, and 0.988, showing high intraobserver reliability for all angles. Mean interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.998, 0.996, 0.994, 0.997, 0.988, and 0.990, showing high interobserver reliability for all angles. The same reliability was obtained in the healthy group. Conclusions: The Oc-Ax angle is as reliable an indicator as the conventional O-C2 angle, and could be used as a new intraoperative indicator for occipitocervical fusion. It may be particularly useful in cases where it is difficult to identify the McGregor line and/or the inferior endplate of the C2 vertebra. Level of Evidence: Level 3—diagnostic study.


Landslide often occurs in tropical hills area, such as Indonesia. Research on landslide hazard evaluation is necessary to decrease the impact in affected and surrounding areas. Empirical-statistical methods can be used to predict landslide run out distance in an effort to avoid the danger of landslide occurrences. This study aims to determine the correlation between landslide run out distance against high, slope, and volume based on mechanisms and causes of soil or rock mass movement. Data mainly from 106 landslides in Indonesia has been analyzed to search for possible correlations and empirical correlations, there are 34 rotational slides, 54 translational slides, 8 debris flows, and 10 rock falls. Analysis begins by studying the characteristics of the data (explanatory data analysis) and then analyzed by using empirical methods such as geomorphological assessment and geometrical approaches. Then the data is processed by simple linear regression and multiple linear regression method using the R software. The results obtained from the analysis of the general empirical equation form of the correlation between height (H) and run out distance (L) is 1.066H1.093, respectively. This results indicate the higher altitude slopes, the greater distance will happen. The results of the analysis correlation between height and run out distance for the type of mass movements for rotational is L=1.346+1.788 H, translational is L=-3.88+1.578H, debris flow is L=0.682H1.29, and rock fall is L=2.223H0.897. This result shows debris flows landslide run out distance is greater than rotational, translational and rock fall. The results of the analysis correlation between height and run out distance of the trigger due to the rain is L=1.267H1.027, and by an earthquake is L=0.574H1.38. This results show run out distance caused by an earthquake is larger than caused by rain. The correlation between the run out distance and volume (V) yields empirical equation which is V=0.772L2.108. This results indicate that greater run out distance is affected by the growing volume of mass movement. The results of the analysis correlation between height and slope (θ) to run out distance is L=1.448H1.062 tan θ-0,482. This results indicate that slope has a significant impact on the value of landslide run out distance.


Management and administration of education in Nigeria by law is vested under the stable of the three tiers of government namely, federal, state and local governments on the concurrent list. Under both federal and state governments, respective ministries of education discharge administrative and professional duties while local governments oversee elementary education through the local government education authorities. Apart from the contributions of various tiers of government, the educational system has an ongoing boost arising from the efforts of entrepreneurs, teacher professional associations, governing councils of schools, advisory and consultative councils, publishers, manufacturers and community members at large. Even though the Nigerian educational system had experienced tremendous growth since independence, there has been a quantum leap in proprietorship of educational institutions in the past two decades. This paper, among other things, examines the antecedents of the Nigerian educational system with particular reference to the role of private ownership of educational institutions. Inhibiting factors against the health of human capacity efforts and suggestions for successful private initiatives in educational are also proffered. It is the thesis of this paper that since antecedentally, education has been privately initiated, government should concentrate more on providing requisite infrastructure and physical plant, while encouraging the private proprietors with less stringent registration conditions.


Coronary artery disease is the most common type of cardiovascular disease, due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque inside the arterial wall which leads to block blood supply to the heart muscle. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that Clopidogrel is able to inhibit platelet aggregation in patients with acute coronary syndromes, reduce mortality and cardiovascular events. However, the antiplatelet effectiveness of Clopidogrel significantly depends on CYP2C19 genotypes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the CYP2C19*2, *3 and allele frequencies in Vietnamese coronary artery patients by using PCR-RFLP method. Total genomic DNA were extracted from peripheral blood of 96 patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Thereafter, single nucleotide polymorphism sites in the CYP2C19 gene were identified by PCR with specific primers. The amplified products were then digested by restriction enzymes SmaI, BamHI, and MnlI, respectively. The results showed that the proportion of heterozygous individuals for CYP2C19*2 (c. 681G>A, rs4244285), CYP2C19*3 (c. 636G>A, rs4986893), and CYP2C19*17 (g. -3402C>T, rs11188072) accounted for 39.58%, 6.25%, and 2.08%, respectively. Among 96 subjects, 41.67% of patients were predicted for intermediate metabolic phenotype CYP2C19*1/*2 (37.50%) and CYP2C19*1/*3 (4.17%). Approximately 10.42% of total patients represented poor metabolizers in which 8.34% had two copies of the same allele *2/*2 and 2.08% had *2/*3 genotype. Particularly, two individuals (2.08%) detected with CYP2C19*1/*17 genotype were able to increase CYP2C19 activity (ultrarapid metabolizers). The results of this study generate a foundation for introducing individualized antiplatelet therapy in Vietnam based on genetic testing.


A technique for the quantitative investigation of the wetting dynamics and droplet deposition or removal on fibres is discussed. The method presented uses light from a laser diode, which is guided down a textile fibre. Light transmission losses are dependent on the type and extent of droplet or particle coverage of the fibre surface. Changes in light transmission can be induced by deposition of droplets of the dispersed phase of an emulsion, by the removal of particles or droplets from the fibre surface, or from changes in the refractive index of the liquid in which the fibre is immersed. These changes in light transmission intensity are monitored in real-time using a lock-in amplifier principle. Experiments on coiled PMMA optical fibers of diameters 250 gm and for straight polyester fibres of diameters 80 pm and 800 pm immersed in a range of oils and in an emulsion system of decane dispersed in 15 mM dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) are presented. For the first time, we show that the light-guiding technique can be applied to straight lengths of textile-type fibers and to smaller fiber diameters of around 50-80 mum. The results show that changes in the wetting of a fiber surface by liquids and droplets of oils can be monitored in real-time. These results are discussed in terms of droplet shape, extent of coverage and droplet kinetics.


The incidence of sudden unanticipated variations in power system states and parameters will tend to increase due to higher intermittent renewable energy penetration in distributed generation. It is needed to have proper state and parameter estimation tools that can follow-up these variations and can reflect the real-time system dynamics. In this paper, a particle filter with Nelder-Mead simplex optimization algorithm is implemented to estimate the states and a parameter of a three-node benchmark test model. The performance of Bayesian particle filter for joint estimate of the states and parameter for the benchmark non-linear power system model has been analysed and favorable results were obtained by minimizing approximated negative log-likelihood function via Nelder-Mead simplex algorithm.


A Knowledge Cube, or cube for short, is an intelligent and adaptive database instance capable of storing, analyzing, and searching data. Each cube is established based on semantic aspects, e.g., (1) Topical, (2) Contextual, (3) Spatial, or (4) Temporal. A cube specializes in handling data that is only relevant to the cube's semantics. Knowledge cubes are inspired by two prime architectures: (1) Dataspaces that provides an abstraction for data management where heterogeneous data sources can co-exist and it requires no prespecified unifying schema, and (2) Linked Data that provides best practices for publishing and interlinking structured data on the web. A knowledge cube uses Linked Data as its main building block for its data layer and encompasses some of the data integration abstractions defined by Dataspaces. In this paper, knowledge cubes are proposed as a semantically-guided data management architecture, where data management is influenced by the data semantics rather than by a predefined scheme. Knowledge cubes support the five pillars of Big Data also known as the five V's, namely Volume, Velocity, Veracity, Variety, and Value. Interesting opportunities can be leveraged when learning the semantics of the data. This paper highlights these opportunities and proposes a strawman design for knowledge cubes along with the research challenges that arise when realizing them.


Outside the HEP computing ecosystem, it is vanishingly rare to encounter user X509 certificate authentication (and proxy certificates are even more rare). The web never widely adopted the user certificate model, but increasingly sees the need for federated identity services and distributed authorization. For example, Dropbox, Google and Box instead use bearer tokens issued via the OAuth2 protocol to authorize actions on their services. Thus, the HEP ecosystem has the opportunity to reuse recent work in industry that now covers our needs. We present a token-based ecosystem for authorization tailored for use by CMS.
We base the tokens on the SciTokens profile for the standardized JSON Web Token (JWT) format. The token embeds a signed description of what capabilities the VO grants the bearer; the site-level service can verify the VO's signature without contacting a central service.
In this paper, we describe the modifications done to enable token-based authorization in various software packages used by CMS, including XRootD, CVMFS, and HTCondor. We describe the token-issuing workflows that would be used to get tokens to running jobs in order to authorize data access and file stageout, and explain the advantages for hosted web services. Finally, we outline what the transition would look like for an experiment like CMS.


A large scale study of IOR potential within Kuwait was performed. The study screened 10 IOR displacement processes in 81 reservoirs in Kuwait. The study comprised of chemical, thermal, and gas injection processes. This paper will highlight some of the findings regarding the technical issues of chemical IOR processes to pass the screening study. These 4 processes are Polymer Flooding, Alkaline / Polymer (AP) Flooding, Surfactant / Polymer (SP) Flooding, and Alkaline/ Surfactant/ Polymer (ASP) Flooding. A highlight of the full study is shown in Table 1. The most glaring result is the failure of all the chemical floods in the 81 reservoirs studied. Following an analysis of the failure of these processes, recommendations on potential future chemical IOR process applications in Kuwait will be discussed. To illustrate the future of chemical floods in Kuwait an unidentified sample reservoir is water flooded for 5 years and then subjected to a Polymer Flood. An ensemble of runs is performed to determine that there is substantial potential for chemical flooding in the near future. Furthermore, a look into the changing landscape of polymers is briefly discussed with their potential future applications in mind.


Objective To assess the effect of lateral wedge insoles compared with flat control insoles on improving symptoms and slowing structural disease progression in medial knee osteoarthritis. Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Community in Melbourne, Australia. Participants 200 people aged 50 or more with clinical and radiographic diagnosis of mild to moderately severe medial knee osteoarthritis. Interventions Full length 5 degree lateral wedged insoles or flat control insoles worn inside the shoes daily for 12 months. Main outcome measures Primary symptomatic outcome was change in overall knee pain (past week) measured on an 11 point numerical rating scale. Primary structural outcome was change in volume of medial tibial cartilage from magnetic resonance imaging scans. Secondary clinical outcomes included changes in measures of pain, function, stiffness, and health related quality of life. Secondary structural outcomes included progression of medial cartilage defects and bone marrow lesions. Results Between group differences did not differ significantly for the primary outcomes of change in overall pain (−0.3 points, 95% confidence intervals −1.0 to 0.3) and change in medial tibial cartilage volume (−0.4 mm3, 95% confidence interval −15.4 to 14.6), and confidence intervals did not include minimal clinically important differences. None of the changes in secondary outcomes showed differences between groups. Conclusion Lateral wedge insoles worn for 12 months provided no symptomatic or structural benefits compared with flat control insoles. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTR12605000503628 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00415259.


By means of the NASN cascade impactor the particle sizes of ambient aerosols can be measured by fractionating the particles according to their aerodynamic dimensions, and the fractions can be quantified gravimetrically. Data obtained with this instrument show that particulate matter suspended in urban air in the United States and Great Britain is remarkably uniform in distribution and that the particles are predominantly less than 1 µm in diameter. In Ankara, Turkey, the high proportion of particles larger than 1 µm in diameter are associated with the incomplete combustion of lignite; particulate concentrations in Ankara, however, are considerably higher than those measured elsewhere. The growth of particles in air during temperature inversions occurs in Cincinnati; the greater proportion of large particles found there during inversion periods can account for the reduction in visibility. Aerosols in the vicinity of highways are composed of particles larger than those found some distance away because of the reentrainment of debris by the traffic-induced turbulence. On the other hand, highway configuration and traffic volume have little effect on the size distribution of aerosols in samples collected away from the turbulence area of the roadway. Aerosols measured inside buildings are predominantly smaller in size and exhibit a narrower range of sizes than aerosols outside buildings.


After the unification of many tiny states into a single and unified state, the foundation of Nepalese foreign policy was coined by brave, visionary and nationalist king Prithivi Narayan Shah. On the basis of geo-reality, his foreign policy based on non-alignment and neutrality is still relevant. But the subsequent rulers could not maintain their foreign policy images. The trend of changing foreign policy tilt with every change in regime in general and leader in particular created difficulty in foreign policy making. The geo-strategic location of the country on the one hand and continuous political instability in the country on the other always created threat for its survival. The geographical proximity of two Asian powers and their security concern further added more threat upon our independence. All these conditions have played influencing role in the determination of foreign policy choices. Since, Nepal is in advantageous position to benefit from India and China, after a long transition, the newly elected government has almost single choice to act as a balance of local, regional and global interest. So the main objective of this article is to analyze the patterns and trends of Nepalese foreign policy choices. Secondary sources of data are used to achieve the objectives.Journal of Political Science, Volume XVIII, 2018, page: 25-45


BACKGROUND
Lead (Pb) remains a common contaminant in the environment in many parts of the world. Pb exposure adversely affects many human organs, including the gonads, via oxidant and inflammatory marker propagation in affected tissues. Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) is a rich source of antioxidants reported to have robust antiinflammatory properties.

AIMS
This investigation assessed whether MOE could mitigate testicular damage caused by Pb acetate treatment in rats.

METHODS
Four experimental groups were used: control animals (saline only), MOE (MOE only), PbAc (Pb acetate injection only), and MOE+PbAc. All treatments were administered for two weeks, after which animals were sacrificed, and tissues and serum were examined. To confirm the potential antioxidant effect of MOE, the total polyphenolics (TP) and flavonoids (TF) concentration were determined.

RESULTS
The obtained results revealed that the TP concentration was 17.4 mg gallic acid equivalents per g MOE dried weight and the TF concentration was 5.6 mg of quercetin equivalents per g MOE dried weight. Moreover, MOE partially restored levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone and significantly attenuated oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) compared to levels observed in the PbAconly group. MOE significantly increased the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant molecules superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione (GSH). Testicular levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were significantly decreased in MOE+PbAc compared to PbAc. MOE also significantly decreased pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3 mRNA and protein levels and increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSION
MOE extract was associated with significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activity that ameliorated testicular damage induced by Pb acetate. We propose MOE as a favorable adjuvant to existing treatments for Pb-induced toxicity.