Assessment of biodegradability of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is a critically important aspect that needs to be solved before their translation into new biomedical tools. CNT biodegradation has been shown both in vitro and in vivo, but we are limited by the number of analytical techniques that can be used to follow the entire process. Photothermal imaging (PhI) is an innovative technique that enables the quantitative detection of nanometer-sized absorptive objects. In this study, we demonstrate that PhI allows the observation of the degradation process of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) following their internalization by primary glial cells. The absence of interference from the biological matrix components, together with the possibility to combine PhI with other detection techniques (e.g. fluorescence, light or electron microscopy) validate the potential of this method to follow the fate and behavior of carbon nanostructures in a biological environment.


The number of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that contributes to blood formation and the dynamics of their clonal contribution is a matter of ongoing discussion. Here, we use cellular barcoding combined with multiplex high-throughput sequencing to provide a quantitative and sensitive analysis of clonal behavior of hundreds of young and old HSCs. The majority of transplanted clones steadily contributes to hematopoiesis in the long-term, although clonal output in granulocytes, T cells, and B cells is substantially different. Contributions of individual clones to blood are dynamically changing; most of the clones either expand or decline with time. Finally, we demonstrate that the pool of old HSCs is composed of multiple small clones, whereas the young HSC pool is dominated by fewer, but larger, clones.


The paper presents studies of Bose-Einstein Correlations (BEC) for pairs of like-sign charged particles measured in the kinematic range [Formula: see text] 100 MeV and [Formula: see text] 2.5 in proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 0.9 and 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The integrated luminosities are approximately 7 [Formula: see text]b[Formula: see text], 190 [Formula: see text]b[Formula: see text] and 12.4 nb[Formula: see text] for 0.9 TeV, 7 TeV minimum-bias and 7 TeV high-multiplicity data samples, respectively. The multiplicity dependence of the BEC parameters characterizing the correlation strength and the correlation source size are investigated for charged-particle multiplicities of up to 240. A saturation effect in the multiplicity dependence of the correlation source size parameter is observed using the high-multiplicity 7 TeV data sample. The dependence of the BEC parameters on the average transverse momentum of the particle pair is also investigated.


This study was conducted to compare ozone sensitivity among half-sib families of Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora S. et. Z). Ninety families were exposed in walk-in type chambers to charcoal-filtered air and 100ppb ozone for eight hours daily over a period of five consecutive months. We surveyed the foliar injury, relative diameter at root collar (DRC) growth, and relative dry weight after fumigation. We selected five tolerant families and five sensitive families. After one year, the selected ten families were exposed to 100ppb ozone for 90 days. Every 30 days after ozone fumigation, the DRC, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured. In the earlier stage of ozone fumigation, the tolerant group showed a relative DRC growth rate three times higher than that of the sensitive group. As well, during the entire fumigation period, the growth rate of the tolerant group was superior to that of the sensitive group. Relative SOD activity in the sensitive group was increased 30 days after fumigation, and in accordance with the fumigation period extended it was decreased. MDA content in the ozone treatment manifested at higher levels than in the control group, and the MDA content of the tolerant group manifested at higher levels than that found in the sensitive group. The tolerant group has more antioxidative activity than the sensitive group; therefore the tolerant group can restrain lipid peroxidation and other adverse effects on physiological activity. Ozone-induced growth reduction may thus be decreased in the tolerant group.


Teleostean trigeminal nerve somatosensory fibers consists of maxillar, ophthalmic, and mandibular branches. Nevertheless, it is still unclear about the central distribution of the trigeminal nerves. The projections of primary sensory trigeminal nerves were tested by the method of tract-tracing in the carp (Cyprinus carpio). Tracer was injected into trigeminal nerves' root marked terminals in the tautomeral principal sensory trigeminal nucleus, medial funicular nucleus, descending trigeminal nucleus, medial part of posterior lateral valvular nucleus and facial lobe. The study revealed that the primary trigeminal sensory projection patterns of a cyprinid teleost, the carp are similar to those of other vertebrates such as mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The results of our research also suggested that the presence of an organizational plan was common to vertebrates .


Abstract. NO, NOy (total reactive nitrogen oxides), gaseous HNO3 and particulate nitrate (p-NO3-) were measured at Neumayer Station from February 1999 to January 2000. We found a mean NOy mixing ratio of 46±29 pptv, with significantly higher values between February and the end of May (58±35 pptv). Between February and November, the (HNO3+p-NO3-)/NOy ratio was extremely low (around 0.22) and in contrast to NOy the seasonality of p-nitrate and HNO3 showed a distinct maximum in November and December, respectively. Trajectory analyses and radioisotope measurements (7Be, 10Be, 210Pb, and 222Rn) indicated that the upper troposphere or stratosphere was the main source region of the observed NOy with a negligible contribution of ground-level sources at northward continents. Frequent maxima of NOy mixing ratios up to 100 pptv are generally associated with air mass transport from the free troposphere of continental Antarctica, while air masses with the lowest NOy mixing ratios were typically advected from the marine boundary layer. Due to the highly variable (HNO3+p-NO3-)/NOy ratio and different seasonality of (HNO3+p-NO3-) and NOy, nitrate concentrations in firn caused by deposition of HNO3 and p-nitrate are most probably not directly connected with the atmospheric budget of reac-tive nitrogen oxides. Consequently, there is no straightforward way to derive the total reactive nitrogen content of the paleo-atmosphere from ice nitrate records.


The limiting efficiency for photovoltaic energy conversion based on a semiconductor p-n junction is typically determined using the method of detailed balance put forth by Shockley and Queisser. Here, we describe how this theory is altered in the presence of a photonic structure that is capable of modifying the absorption and emission of photons and optimize a device with optical loss. By incorporating specifically designed photonic structures, higher maximum efficiencies can be achieved for low bandgap materials by restricting the absorption and emission of above bandgap photons. Similarly, restriction of the emission angle leads to increased optical concentration. We consider how both of these effects are modified in the presence of a nonideal photonic structure. Further, we find that the energy of the photonic bandgap that is needed for maximum efficiency depends critically on the reflectivity of the photonic crystal.


The presented work handles the problem of the process of moulding knowledge about illness on the example of cardiologic patients. The papers cognitive frames are pointed out by the conception of transfer of knowledge. Theauthor acknowledges that the patients convictions and behaviours can be understood more thoroughly if the following aspects are analysed: doctors convictions and attitudes, their skills in transferring the medical knowledge (to the patients) and ability to recognize the capacities and limitations of patients. Considering social changes, we can espect the gradual evolution of the present models of relations between patients and medical staff to the forms closer to the recommended ones.


Industrial grinding is a costly process with regards to both time and energy, not only for the machine during the physical grinding process, but also for engineers and machine operators who spend unnecessary time manually making adjustments and modifying parameters in an attempt to optimize the machine performance and work piece accuracy. This research investigates streamlining industry processes through software automation. More specifically, this involves the use of optimization frameworks to produce an optimal series of machine parameters, followed by the utilization of thermal modelling techniques to reduce the likelihood of diminishing the quality of the final work piece. This resulted in the development of an algorithm, which can produce an optimal solution with the potential to reduce cycle time. In addition, this software tool implements a work piece specific thermal model to predict sub-surface temperatures, which can consequently compute a best-case process while maintaining machine precision and work piece integrity. The calculated profits from the use of this new tool, per grinding machine, is in excess of £50 saving per day of machining costs, and a reduction in grinding time of thirty-eight minutes (46%) per day.


This paper aims to provide a detailed analysis of the Indian mining and minerals sector. It presents information on the current status of the mining and minerals industry in India which covers mineral exploration, reserve and resource position, production levels, contribution to GDP, employment and foreign trade, challenges this industry faces and the ways to overcome these challenges. The data employed for the study is from the Indian Bureau of Mines, RBI Handbook of Statistics, National Account of Statistics and other relevant documents, DGMS reports, NGO publications, Australian Bureau of Mining, United States Geological Survey etc. The analysis shows that despite a large base of natural resources, India's production in key mineral categories has declined over the past few years. The contribution of mining sector to India's GDP has been stagnant and low, at around 2.7 per cent. This industry employs a very small percentage of India's total population (0.3%). Several challenges such as lack of investment in exploration activities, inadequate infrastructure facilities, procedural and permit delays in mining operation, land acquisition issues, shortage of skilled human capital, corruption, lack of sustainability and the country's complex mining policy engulf this industry. The study recommends that critical success factors such as supportive government policies and framework, sustainability and environmental reforms can help overcome these challenges.


Calcinosis circumscripta associated with polydioxanone suture material was diagnosed in two young dogs. In each case, the owner noticed a firm mass at the site of a previous surgical incision. Mineralization of soft tissues was visible radiographically. At excision, multiple chalky white nodular masses within the subcutis extended in a linear pattern the length of the sutured incision, but not beyond it. Polydioxanone suture was identified within the center of the nodules, which were identified histologically as calcinosis circumscripta.


Background New dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors need to be developed to be used as agents with low adverse effects for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aims to build quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models using the artificial intelligence paradigm. Rotation Forest and Deep Neural Network (DNN) are used to predict QSAR models. We compared principal component analysis (PCA) with sparse PCA (SPCA) as methods for transforming Rotation Forest. K-modes clustering with Levenshtein distance was used for the selection method of molecules, and CatBoost was used for the feature selection method. Results The amount of the DPP-4 inhibitor molecules resulting from the selection process of molecules using K-Modes clustering algorithm is 1020 with logP range value of -1.6693 to 4.99044. Several fingerprint methods such as extended connectivity fingerprint and functional class fingerprint with diameters of 4 and 6 were used to construct four fingerprint datasets, ECFP_4, ECFP_6, FCFP_4, and FCFP_6. There are 1024 features from the four fingerprint datasets that are then selected using the CatBoost method. CatBoost can represent QSAR models with good performance for machine learning and deep learning methods respectively with evaluation metrics, such as Sensitivity, Specificity, Accuracy, and Matthew's correlation coefficient, all valued above 70% with a feature importance level of 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%. Conclusion The K-modes clustering algorithm can produce a representative subset of DPP-4 inhibitor molecules. Feature selection in the fingerprint dataset using CatBoost is best used before making QSAR Classification and QSAR Regression models. QSAR Classification using Machine Learning and QSAR Classification using Deep Learning, each of which has an accuracy of above 70%. The QSAR RFC-PCA and QSAR RFR-PCA models performed better than QSAR RFC-SPCA and QSAR RFR-SPCA models because QSAR RFC-PCA and QSAR RFR-PCA models have more effective time than the QSAR RFC-SPCA and QSAR RFR-SPCA models.


Evidence shows that symptoms and difficulties related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can continue into adulthood. ADHD is often complicated by the presence of comorbid conditions including mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and antisocial disorders. We present a brief overview of ADHD in adulthood and the Swedish translation of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scales (ASRS). We describe the current use of the ASRS in screening studies and in clinical settings in Sweden.


: Data on the distribution by the age of 647 Nobel prizewinner in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, economics and literature and time dynamics of the age during 1901-2003 are presented in the paper. The mean survival and the expected life span of the prizewinners was also calculated. The mean life span of the Nobelists in natural sciences steadily increases from the first to the fourth quartile of the 20th century. The rate of the prizewinners selected at the age of 61 and more years increases from the 23% at 1901-1925 to 53.1% at 1975-2003, whereas the rate of the winners selected before the age of 40 years decreases from 19% to 2.7% during the same period. Analysis of available data on the Nobel Prizes for chemistry or physiology or medicine has shown that the majority of the Prizes was awarded to researcher discovered his main results at the age of 31-40 (41.8% and 47.4%, correspondingly). The mean interval between a discovery and a selection for Nobel Prize in chemistry increases from 12.6 years in 1901-1925 to 23.7 years in 1975-2003, whereas corresponding parameters for prizewinners in physiology or medicine increases from to 16.9 to 20.1 years. The mean life span of deceased Nobelists is 77.8 years, varying from 76.0 years in chemists to 84.8 years in economists. The mean life span after the selection is 20.3 years (from 13.6 years in writers to 24.6 in physicists). The expected life span after the selection adjusted by the age and the year of the selection of the Nobelists in physics, chemistry, economics and literature in 1959-1999 failed to reveal any increase, whereas the life expectancy of the prizewinners in physiology or medicine is increased as compared with the male population of USA.


We studied a distribution of genomes of mitochondria and chloroplast genomes (separately) in 63-dimensional space yielded by the tripet frequencies of DNA. The distributions were texted against clusterization with both linear (K-means, K-line) and non-linear (rigid maps techniques) methods. Stable and clear culsterization has been observed due to both implemented techniques. Then the correspondance of the taxa composition of the observed clusters were studied. It aws found the taxa and clades occupy the clusters in extremely non-randon manner, but follow a taxonomy. This observation brings a direct and strong evidence ov the co-evolution of two genetic systems (organelle and somatic), since the proximity of genomes in frequency space was determined through a study of organelle genomes, while the taxonomy proximity was determined in standard way (i.e. independently from those genetic entities).


: Background: Couple burnout, the main reason for low quality of marital relationship if untreated, will predispose the couples to divorce . In addition, it is one of the main problems that because of its adverse and destructive effects on marital relation can create psycho-emotional gap. This study aimed to address the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy in reducing marital burnout and optimizing the quality of marital relationship among the married women. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed with a pretest-posttest design and a purposeful, random assignment sampling. The data gathering tools was the couple Burnout Inventory of Pines (Couple Burnout Measure 1996), Johnson and Morrow (Inventory of Marital State 1988) which were completed by participants in the pretest period. The experimental group were exposed to the solution-focused brief therapy for eight sessions (one and half an hour each) with stepwise manner and a weekly sequence. However, no intervention was performed in Control group. Following the completion of the sessions, the questionnaires were again completed by the participants. Results: The MANCOVA and ANCOVA analyses of data showed a significant reduction in marital burnout and optimization for quality of marital relationship among the married women participated in the study. Conclusion: The solution-focused brief therapy can be conducted by family counselors and therapists as an effective modality in reducing the marital burnout, optimizing the quality of marital relationship for women and responding to their therapeutic needs.


Purpose: The article deals with the the development of strategic and tactical measures aimed at an effective estimate of banking institutions' capital volume by using a selective model. The result of evaluation from the capital factor is important for banking institutions, because it allows to determine more qualitatively the risk of bankruptcy. Design/Methodology/Approach: Strategies and tactics developed by evaluation using a selective model are important for a qualitative assessment of the banking institutions' capital. The strategic direction of research for the purpose of monitoring the implementation of the program by the Central Bank for the commercial banks is to offer selective model that contains the ratio of liquidity, risk, relative and absolute levels of equity, the reliability of the bank and the extent of the bank information technology equipment. Findings: A link reliability values of parameters of the banking institutions with the calculated values of the bank capital factor, namely the banks analyzed by the criterion of the probability of bankruptcy and situational correction bank financial policy is found to carry out an accurate assessment of the bank capital. Practical Implications: The results can be incorporated into the activities of banking institutions with the aim of strengthening the position of financial stability and the reliability of the bank institution. Originality/Value: The main contribution of this study is that the timely action taken as a result of the settlement of the developed selective model will reduce the number of bankruptcies which will have a positive impact on the economy in general and on the functioning of the banking institutions in particular.


Chorion and amnion membranes are used as cost effective, allogenic substitute for the connective tissue autograft for achieving predictable root coverage. The objective of the study was to investigate the potential of amnion and chorion membranes as a substitute for the free connective tissue autograft in the bilaminar technique of root coverage. An in vitro mechanical testing and evaluation of the degradation profile of these membranes were carried out. Tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break for amnion and chorion membranes were tested using universal testing machine. Suture retention and degradation tests were conducted. The tensile strength of amnion membrane is 155 kPa and that of chorion is 95 kPa. Young's Modulus of amnion membrane is 645 kPa and that of chorion is 335 kPa. Extension at break is 17.3 mm for amnion and 13.5 mm for chorion. The degradation profiles were expressed as mean accumulated weight losses of the membranes at the end of the first, second, third and fourth week. Chorion membrane has greater thickness and density when compared to amnion. Mechanical testing of these membranes points out that they are elastic in nature. Amnion is more elastic with higher tensile strength, Young's modulus and extension at break than chorion. In the suture retention test, amnion membrane can take up more load during suturing. In vitro degradation profiles of both membranes look promising. Amnion and chorion membranes are not totally degraded at the end of 4 weeks. In terms of in vitro degradation, amnion membranes appear to be more resistant than chorion membranes. Both membranes retain their physical form up to three weeks.


We demonstrate a general and robust method to confine on a plane strongly diffusing nanoparticles in water by using size tunable magnetic channels. These virtual conduits are realized with pairs of movable Bloch walls located within an epitaxially grown ferrite garnet film. We show that once inside the magnetic conduit the particles experience an effective local parabolic potential in the transverse direction, while freely diffusing along the conduit. The stiffness of the magnetic potential is determined as a function of field amplitude that varies the width of the magnetic channel. Precise control of the degree of confinement is demonstrated by tuning the applied field. The magnetic conduit is then used to realize single files of nonpassing particles and to induce periodic condensation of an ensemble of particles into parallel stripes in a completely controllable and reversible manner.


A group of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) contains the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) which makes these neurons candidates for stimulating salt intake in response to aldosterone. The purpose of this study was to determine if neurons within the NTS that possess the MR play a role in aldosterone stimulation of salt intake. Five adult WKY rats received microinjections into the NTS of a small, hairpin RNA (shRNA) for the MR (Genedetect, Inc.) and 5 rats received NTS injections of a scrambled RNA (scRNA). In each rat injections of viral constructs were made at 3 points, all 0.5mm below the surface of the brain: calamus; bilaterally at 0.5mm rostral to calamus and 0.5mm lateral to the midline. One week after the viral construct injections, aldosterone-filled osmotic mini-pumps were implanted subcutaneously and connected to tubing within the 4th ventricle to infuse aldosterone at a rate of 20ng/h. Prior to and after surgeries, rats had ad libitum access to food and two graduated drinking bottles filled with distilled water and 0.3M NaCl respectively. Fluid level within each bottle was measured at the same time every day and salt intake expressed as 100 X the ratio of 0.3M NaCl intake to total fluid intake. Previous studies indicate that the viral constructs require 2 weeks to have a discernible effect. One week after injection of the viral constructs and prior to infusion of implantation of the aldosterone mini-pump, salt intake in shRNA injected rats was 6% ± 3% and in scRNA injected rats it was 4% ± 2%. One week after beginning aldosterone infusion (two weeks after injection of viral constructs), salt intake in shRNA injected rats was 16% ± 5% and in scRNA injected rats it was 22% ± 7% (p=0.01). Three weeks after beginning aldosterone infusion, salt intake in shRNA injected rats was 5% ± 2% and in scRNA injected rats it was 14% ± 9% (p=0.01). Post-mortem immunohistochemistry revealed a significant reduction in the number of NTS neurons exhibiting immunoreactivity for the MR (shRNA 2 ± 2 cells/section; scRNA 12 ± 2 cells/section; p=.008). These results indicate hindbrain infusions of aldosterone stimulate salt intake and that at least part of the hindbrain aldosterone stimulation of salt intake are mediated by hindbrain NTS neurons that possess the MR.


The problems of capturing real-world scenes with cameras and automatically analyzing the visible motion have traditionally been in the focus of computer vision research. The photo-realistic rendition of dynamic real-world scenes, on the other hand, is a problem that has been investigated in the field of computer graphics. In this thesis, we demonstrate that the joint solution to all three of these problems enables the creation of powerful new tools that are beneficial for both research disciplines. Analysis and rendition of real-world scenes with human actors are amongst the most challenging problems. In this thesis we present new algorithmic recipes to attack them. The dissertation consists of three parts: In part I, we present novel solutions to two fundamental problems of human motion analysis. Firstly, we demonstrate a novel hybrid approach for markerfree human motion capture from multiple video streams. Thereafter, a new algorithm for automatic non-intrusive estimation of kinematic body models of arbitrary moving subjects from video is detailed. In part II of the thesis, we demonstrate that a marker-free motion capture approach makes possible the model-based reconstruction of free-viewpoint videos of human actors from only a handful of video streams. The estimated 3D videos enable the photo-realistic real-time rendition of a dynamic scene from arbitrary novel viewpoints. Texture information from video is not only applied to generate a realistic surface appearance, but also to improve the precision of the motion estimation scheme. The commitment to a generic body model also allows us to reconstruct a time-varying reflectance description of an actor's body surface which allows us to realistically render the free-viewpoint videos under arbitrary lighting conditions. A novel method to capture high-speed large scale motion using regular still cameras and the principle of multi-exposure photography is described in part III. The fundamental principles underlying the methods in this thesis are not only applicable to humans but to a much larger class of subjects. It is demonstrated that, in conjunction, our proposed algorithmic recipes serve as building blocks for the next generation of immersive 3D visual media.


Research shows that only 14% of women holding managerial posts in Iran. This rate is very low when compared with other countries. In connection with this problem, this paper aims to study the obstacles in women's progress in the organization and its impact on organizational commitment and job satisfaction of Members of Tehran Tax Organization Staff. For this purpose a comparative method correlation type has been applied. The number of the population sampled based on randomized method is equal to 120 personnel of the said organization. The questionnaire which was used for the purpose of this research is made up of two parts. The first part includes demographic questions and the second part relates to the questionnaires for job satisfaction (α=0.76.8), organizational commitment (α=0.87) and restrictions on the women's progress at the organization (α=0.8492). For the purpose of the qualitative analysis of the general data from the first part of the questionnaire a descriptive statistical method was used and In order to determine the significant relationship between the general questions of the questionnaire and the assumptions of the research the T- Test and Variance Analysis were employed. The findings of this research show that the highest correlation coefficient has related to the relationship between the managers' negative attitude and female gender and the lowest rate was for the relationship between the managers' negative attitude and women's technical skills and abilities. Besides, the results of the correlation coefficient show that the most important factor hindering the women's job promotion are the cultural, socio-cultural and social factors affecting the managers' views and attitude.


Background In CML, the presence of BCR-ABL kinase domain (KD) mutations, including low-level mutations, can predict clinical responses to 2nd line BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In addition, sequential treatment with TKIs can lead to development of compound mutations (≥2 mutations in the same BCR-ABL allele) that can be highly TKI-resistant. Ponatinib is a potent BCR-ABL TKI that, preclinically, has demonstrated activity against all BCR-ABL mutations tested and suppresses the emergence of any single mutation at clinically achievable concentrations (40 nM with ≥30 mg/d). In vitro, higher ponatinib concentrations were required to suppress emergence of certain compound mutations on a background of T315I or E255V single mutations. We evaluated the impact of single, low-level, and compound mutations at BL on responses to ponatinib and EOT mutations in CP-CML pts in the phase 2 PACE trial. Methods Pts with CP-CML (93% received ≥2 prior TKIs, 60% ≥3) resistant or intolerant to dasatinib and/or nilotinib (N=203) or with T315I confirmed at BL (N=64) were enrolled. The primary endpt was major cytogenetic response (MCyR) by 12 mos. Median follow-up at analysis (1 Apr 2013) was 20 (0.1-28) mos, with a minimum follow-up of 18 mos for pts remaining on study. Next generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing (SS) were done at a central laboratory. NGS was conducted on all BL samples (N=267) with the Ion Torrent PGM using chemistry that enabled read lengths up to 400 bp for detection of compound mutations; mutations observed at a frequency ≥1% are reported. SS was conducted on both BL and EOT samples. Results By NGS at BL, 267 mutations (amino acid substitutions in the ABL KD [M237-E507]) were detected among 163 (61%) pts; 106 (40%) mutations were low level mutations not detected by SS. 75 unique single mutations were observed: 27 were detected by SS and NGS, all 27 have been associated with resistance to TKIs other than ponatinib; 48 were low level mutations detected only by NGS, 5 have been associated with resistance to TKIs other than ponatinib. 12% of pts had only low level mutations. Overall, no mutations were detected in 39% of pts, 1 mutation in 37%, and ≥2 mutations in 24%. Compound mutations were detected in 65% of pts who had ≥2 mutations, representing 15% of pts overall (10% with 1, 5% with 2 to 4 compound mutations). 48 unique compound mutations were observed; T315I, F317L, and F359C/I/V were the most commonly observed mutations within compound mutations. Responses were seen in pts with each of the 20 unique single mutations present in >1 pt at BL by NGS, including Y253H, E255V/K, T315I, M351T, F359V. Responses were observed regardless of overall NGS BL mutation status (table). The high response rates and durability of response in pts with compound mutations suggest that, in general, the presence of compound mutations at BL did not adversely affect the activity of ponatinib. Of the 109 pts who discontinued, 84 had successful mutation assessments by SS at or near the EOT visit. 4 pts had mutations at EOT that were not detected by NGS at BL; all 4 involved compound mutations (T315I/F359V [100%/90%], T315I/M351T [100%/40%], Y253H/F359V [100%/100%; n=2]), with one or both of the involved mutations detected individually at BL or by history. Overall, 12 pts lost MCyR (none with T315I at BL); 6 of the 12 discontinued and had EOT mutations assessed, no changes from BL were observed. Conclusions Responses to ponatinib were observed regardless of BL mutation status. Interestingly, responses tended to be lower in pts without mutations, suggesting that BCR-ABL independent mechanisms may be involved. No single mutation conferring resistance to ponatinib in CP-CML has been observed to date. In general, ponatinib activity was not adversely affected by the presence of compound mutations at BL. Rarely, the development of compound mutations was observed at EOT in pts with one of the involved mutations at BL or by history. Early introduction of ponatinib may suppress the emergence of single BCR-ABL mutations, and, as a result, the development of compound mutations. NCT01207440 Disclosures: Deininger: BMS, ARIAD, NOVARTIS: Consultancy; BMS, NOVARTIS, CELGENE, GILEAD: Research Funding; ARIAD, NOVARTIS: Advisory Boards, Advisory Boards Other. Shah:Ariad, Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding. Cortes:Ariad, Pfizer, Teva: Consultancy; Ariad, BMS, Novartis, Pfizer, Teva: Research Funding. Kim:BMS, Novartis, IL-Yang: Consultancy; BMS, Novartis, Pfizer, ARIAD, IL-Yang: Research Funding; BMS, Novartis, Pfizer, IL-Yang: Honoraria; BMS, Novartis, Pfizer: Speakers Bureau; BMS, Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Nicolini:Novartis, ARIAD, Teva: Consultancy; Novartis, BMS: Research Funding; Novartis, BMS, Teva, Pfizer, ARIAD: Honoraria; Novartis, BMS, TEva: Speakers Bureau; Novartis, ARIAD, Teva, Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Talpaz:Ariad, BMS, Sanofi, INCYTE: Research Funding; Ariad, Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Ariad, Sanofi, Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Baccarani:ARIAD, Novartis, BMS: Consultancy; ARIAD, Novartis, BMS, Pfizer, Teva: Honoraria; ARIAD, Novartis, BMS, Pfizer, Teva: Speakers Bureau. Muller:Novartis, BMS, ARIAD: Consultancy; Novartis, BMS: Research Funding; Novartis, BMS, ARIAD: Honoraria. Lustgarten:ARIAD: employees of and own stock/stock options in ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc Other, Employment. Clackson:ARIAD: employees of and own stock/stock options in ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc Other, Employment. Turner:ARIAD: Employment. Haluska:ARIAD: employees of and own stock/stock options in ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc Other, Employment. Hodgson:ARIAD: Employment, Equity Ownership. Rivera:ARIAD: Employment, Equity Ownership. Goldman:ARIAD: Honoraria. Kantarjian:ARIAD, Novartis, BMS, Phizer: Research Funding. Soverini:Novartis, BMS, ARIAD: Consultancy. Hochhaus:Ariad, Novartis, BMS, MSD, Pfizer: Research Funding; Novartis, BMS, Pfizer: Honoraria. Hughes:Novartis, BMS, ARIAD: Honoraria, Research Funding. Branford:Novartis, BMS, ARIAD: Research Funding; Novartis, BMS, ARIAD: Honoraria.


Acute exacerbations of COPD are the commonest cause of acute medical admissions in the UK and w 50% are associated with bacterial infection. Alveolar macrophages (AM) normally clear inhaled bacteria but defective phagocytosis may lead to chronic colonisation and increased exacerbations. Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), used to model AM, were obtained from COPD, smoking and healthy subjects. MDM phagocytosis of fl uo-rescently-labelled polystyrene beads, Haemophilus in fl uenzae (HI) or Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) was measured by fl uorimetry. MDM derived from all subjects showed equivalent ability to phagocytose beads, however, COPD and smoker MDM showed signi fi cantly reduced phagocytosis of bacteria. Phagocytosis of HI was reduced by 28% and 48% in COPD and smoker MDM respectively, compared to healthy, while SP phagocytosis was reduced by 32% and 52% in COPD and smoker MDM respectively, compared to healthy (Abstract S52 table 1). Having identi fi ed defective bacterial phagocytosis in smoker and COPD MDM, the next step was to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Cytoskeletal rearrangement was investigated, with COPD MDM showing signi fi cantly reduced phagocytosis of bacteria in comparison to healthy after pre-incubation with nocodazole (microtubule disruptor). Microtubules are involved in membrane traf fi cking of the phagolysosome and microtubule stability is necessary for effective phagocytosis. Tubulin is acetylated to form stable microtubules and is deacetylated by HDAC6 and Sirt2. COPD MDM showed reduced levels of acetylated tubulin compared to healthy MDM. Pre-incubation with epothilone B (10 nm) a microtubule stabiliser, improved HI phagocytosis in COPD MDM by 20% (p < 0.05) and SP phagocytosis in smoker MDM by 40%. Levels of acetylated tubulin increased on exposure to bacteria alone in healthy and smoker MDM but not in COPD MDM. Pre-incubation with epothilone B was associated with signi fi cantly increased levels of acetylated tubulin in COPD cells. No signi fi cant differences were seen in the expression of HDAC6 or Sirt2 in COPD compared to healthy cells. MDM from smoking and COPD subjects show reduced phagocytosis of common respiratory bacterial pathogens. Acetylation of microtubules appears to be reduced in COPD, whereas, increasing tubulin acetylation is associated with improvements in phagocytosis, which may allow for targeted development of future therapies to treat colonisation and prevent exacerbations of COPD.


In the wake of the US 2016 Presidential Election, concerns about misinformation traversing on social media have heightened. Since then, much of the public discourse has been on developing effective strategies to combat the spread of misinformation online. While several studies have focused on the effects of a mixed/hybrid regime of information channels on political participation and campaigns, we know little about how the existence of a hybrid media system exposes people to misinformation during an election cycle. Using a nationally representative survey administered during the 2019 Indonesian election (N = 1,820), we find evidence for the prominence of traditional media as well as face-to-face discussions: political use of traditional media such as newspapers and TV as well as sharing of political information through face-to-face discussions are found to be positively associated with at least one measure of misinformation exposure. As for the social media communicative pathways, only political use of WhatsApp and Instagram are found to be positively associated with misinformation exposure; that no similar effects are observed for Facebook and Twitter attests, to some extent, to the efficacy of strategies aimed at combating misinformation implemented on such platforms. By considering social media, traditional media, and face-to-face communication in a context of a less digitalized hybrid media environment, this article provides a more comprehensive framework and novel empirical data to study misinformation exposure beyond the context of Western democracies.


The diffractive effects of a single laser rod in an unstable super-Gaussian coupled cavity are modeled for a range of cavity configurations, with an intracavity, zero-thickness aperture. After fundamental mode propagation through a maximally flat output coupler, beam quality (M2) and far-field power loss values are related. Beam quality is most sensitive to cavity magnification and aperture Fresnel number, both correlated to the aperture-equivalent Fresnel number. In contrast, variation of M2 with aperture position is sufficiently conservative to predict the intensity profile of a solid-state laser with a typical gain length, in good agreement with experimental data.


The aim of this paper is to investigate the discourses that emerge when Sweden's Art and Music School leaders talk about the inclusion of pupils with disabilities in relation to policy. A starting point is that both earlier studies and policy documents have revealed inclusion problems within Art and Music Schools. The research question is: how are Art and Music School practice, policy and inclusion of pupils with disabilities connected within and through leaders' discursive practices? The data are based on three focus group conversations with a total of 16 Art and Music School leaders from northern, central and southern Sweden. Discourse analysis as a social constructionist approach is applied since it provides a means to investigate the connection between social change and discourse. Concepts from both discursive psychology and Foucauldian-inspired discourse analysis are applied in order to investigate connections between rhetorical strategies on a micro level and discourses on an institutional level. The concept of multicentric inclusion is introduced and applied in the analysis. In addition, concepts from educational policy theories are applied in order to analyse how policies are conceptualised and enacted in the context of leaders' discursive practices. Regarding terminology, the results challenge this researcher when the concept of mixed abilities is introduced by the participants. The analysis exposes three discourses: multicentric inclusion discourse, normality discourse and specialisation discourse. There are tensions between the multicentric inclusion discourse and the normality discourse, as well as between the multicentric inclusion discourse and the specialisation discourse. The analysis leads to the following suggestions in order to achieve justice in music education practices and policies: (a) to enforce a specific national inclusion policy, (b) to challenge the normality discourse and (c) to bring together the multicentric inclusion discourse with the specialisation discourse.


Stillborn and mummified swine fetuses from swine farms experiencing reproductive problems were investigated for evidence of infection with encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus by fetal serology, virus isolation, and histopathologic examination. Fetal sera or thoracic fluids of 478 abnormal fetuses collected during January through December 1987 were tested for the presence of antibody specific to EMC virus. Of 478 samples tested, 175 (36.6%) had EMC virus serum neutralizing antibody titers of 1:64 or greater. The samples positive for EMC virus antibody were obtained from 38 swine farms located in 9 states in the United States. In addition to serologic observations, tissue samples of some abnormal fetuses were examined for the presence of virus and histopathologic lesions. The EMC virus was isolated in 1 case from the fetuses of an aborted litter. The isolate was serologically identical to a reference EMC virus. Nonsuppurative encephalitis and myocarditis were observed in the fetal samples collected from 2 different herds. Thoracic fluid of 1 stillborn pig with lesions was positive for EMC virus antibody at a titer of 1:512. We suggest that a widespread reproductive problem recently experienced in several major swine-producing areas of the United States may have been caused by EMC virus infection.


The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the implementation of problem-based learning strategies on the learning outcomes of Vocational High School (SMK) students who have different achievement motivation, so that the advantages of applying this strategy can be known in the learning process. This study was a Pre-Experimental Designs study with the design of the One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design (Sugiyono, 2015), which was conducted in class X TKR 1 (37 students) at State SMK 2 Kupang, academic year 2017/2018. Test requirements analysis was carried out by testing for normality and homogeneity. Data analysis techniques using t test analysis. To carry out the analysis in this study, it was processed with the help of a computer program SPSS for Windows version 16.0. The results of the study show that: (1) the application of problem-based learning strategies has a significant effect on groups of students with high achievement motivation; (2) the application of problem-based learning strategies has a significant influence on groups of students with low achievement motivation; (3) the application of problem-based learning strategies to groups of students with high achievement motivation and low achievement motivation had no significant differences; therefore, the application of problem-based learning strategies is able to improve superior learning outcomes in students with different achievement motivation; (4) the application of problem-based learning strategies can improve students' abilities in problem solving, teamwork and high self-esteem, as well as high learning spirit. This can be observed during the learning process. Keywords : problem-based learning strategy, learning outcomes, different achievement motivation.


Pre-trained neural abstractive summarization systems have dominated extractive strategies on news summarization performance, at least in terms of ROUGE. However, system-generated abstractive summaries often face the pitfall of factual inconsistency: generating incorrect facts with respect to the source text. To address this challenge, we propose Span-Fact, a suite of two factual correction models that leverages knowledge learned from question answering models to make corrections in system-generated summaries via span selection. Our models employ single or multi-masking strategies to either iteratively or auto-regressively replace entities in order to ensure semantic consistency w.r.t. the source text, while retaining the syntactic structure of summaries generated by abstractive summarization models. Experiments show that our models significantly boost the factual consistency of system-generated summaries without sacrificing summary quality in terms of both automatic metrics and human evaluation.


This article describes a framework for occupational therapy service provision in early intervention settings and presents pilot data aimed at examining the framework's effectiveness. The Family-Centered Framework for Early Intervention is a synthesis of concepts from the Model of Human Occupation (Kielhofner & Burke, 1980) and from the literature on play. It encompasses a systematic, holistic approach that considers the child and the family within the context of their life environments. In this framework, play is used both as an evaluative tool and as an intervention modality that addresses the volition, habituation, and performance of the child and family as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the environment. Play is also used as a primary measure of competence and change. This framework may be useful in defining occupational therapy roles for the early intervention population.


In a recent meta-analysis, only 53% of disorganized infants were predicted by parental Unresolved states of mind on the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). The goal of this study was to identify additional predictors of infant disorganization on the AAI by developing and validating an interview-wide coding system for Hostile/Helpless (H/H) parental states of mind with respect to attachment. Maternal AAIs were collected from 45 low-income mothers with high rates of childhood trauma when their children were age 7; Strange Situation assessments had been collected at 18 months of age. AAIs were independently coded using both the Main and Goldwyn coding system and newly developed codes for H/H states of mind. Results indicated that the H/H coding system displayed discriminant validity in that it did not overlap substantially with the Unresolved, Cannot Classify, or Fearfully Preoccupied by Traumatic Events categories in the Main and Goldwyn coding system. Second, H/H states of mind accounted for variance in disorganized infant behavior not associated with the Unresolved classification. Third, H/H states of mind were significantly related to maternal disrupted affective communication as coded by the Atypical Maternal Behavior Instrument for Assessment and Classification coding system, and maternal disrupted communication mediated the relations between H/H states of mind and infant disorganization.


The objective of this article is to replicate, for the first time in the French language, an original experiment of F.C. Bartlett (1920, 1932/1997) with the same narrative he used: "The War of the Ghosts". Work on proverbs describes it as a matter socially elaborate calling on a practical thought. Thereby, in addition, this article proposes to study proverbs from a psychosocial point of view by using the method of repeated reproduction. Even if the proverb and the story are similar in their characteristics, they differ in their lengths and when one uses more the implicit, the other uses more the metaphor. The third objective is the comparison between memory processes for the proverb and the story. Eighteen dyads met twice to reconstruct their memories of these materials. The results highlight the importance of the cultural dimension in reconstructing memory and confirm that the strangeness of the proverb and narrative complicates their understanding. They also reveal similarities and differences in the processes of reconstructing the narrative through the different replicas of the original experiment.


With this White Paper, which gathers contributions from more than 25 experts of 3D imaging, modellng and processing, as well as professionals concerned with the interoperability and sustainability of research data, the PARTHENOS project aims at laying the foundations of a comprehensive environment centered on the researchers' practices concerning 3D digital objects.
The topics addressed in the document are meant to help to ensure the development of standardized good practices relating to the production, the handling, the long-term conservation and the reuse of 3D objects. Therefore, even if the focus is put on technical questions (formats, processing, and annotation), the White Paper also identifies the need to clarify the legal status of 3D objects, in order to facilitate their reuse(s) in non-research contexts, in particular in Museums.


Web Services are a promising solution to an age-old need: fast and flexible information sharing among people and businesses. They represent the next phase of distributed computing, building on the shoulders of the previous distributed models. Web Services leverage the ubiquity of the Internet to link applications, systems, and resources within and among enterprises to enable exciting, new business processes and relationships with customers, partners, and suppliers around the world. They enable access to data that has previously been locked within corporate networks and accessible only by using specialized software. Along with the benefits of Web Services comes a serious risk: sensitive and private data can be exposed to people who are not supposed to see it. The security issues of Web Services in a distributed environment are a major concern of research. Web Services will never attain their tremendous potential unless we learn how to manage the associated risks. The paper therefore focuses on the general framework of security issues and the proposed solution to web services security risks.


MFIs and banks find it difficult to cover the costs of providing rural financial services – especially in Africa. In its large-scale Village Savings and Loans Associations (VS&LA) programmes in Africa, CARE is tackling these difficulties by encouraging the formation of village loan funds entirely composed of members' savings, keeping the time-bound savings and lending methodology very simple and limiting external involvement to a one-year training and follow-up period. This article describes how the methodology works in principle and practice and describes evaluation results from the CARE VS&L programme in Zimbabwe, where very high rates of inflation pose a challenge to any microfinance programmes. Finally the need for management information systems and better record keeping are identified as issues that need further development.


The combat strength, readiness, and effectiveness of the US Army is dependent, in part, upon the health of the American soldier. The conservation of his oral health is the mission of the Army Dental Corps. Confronted with steadfast mission requirements, increasing demands for dental services, and a reduction of professional staff, the Corps has responded to challenge with the implementation of an alternative to the limitations of established and traditional concepts of practice. In 1972, the Army Dental Corps introduced a new system of care delivery, based upon the expanded utilization of its auxiliary personnel and the team mode of practice. In a six year period, approximately 900 expanded duty auxiliaries, known in the Army as Dental Therapy Assistants, or DTA's were to be trained to extend professional capability to the performance of a variety of reversible dental procedures. They were to operate as members of care delivery teams, and to perform their expanded functions only upon the direction and under the supervision of the responsible team dental officer. To date, more than 500 DTA's comprize this new para-professional force, with more than 300 trained and operationally employed. Interim assessments of this endeavor have confirmed the antecedent research, which identified the impressive potential of Team Dentistry. DTA's have been trained to perform previously professional dental functions to a professional standard of quality; their proper team utilization returns a marked increase in professional capability, enabling the delivery of a greater number of dental services to more of the patient community; and their expanded role in care delivery has been well received by both the patient and the professional. Team Dentistry and the expanded duty auxiliary have added a new dimension to dental care delivery, as well as a promising route to mission accomplishment by the Army Dental Corps.


Antimicrobials are widely used, not only for treating human infections, but also for treatment of livestock and in fish farms. Human habitats in Southeastern Asian countries are located in close proximity to aquatic environments. As such, the human populations within these regions are at risk of exposure to antimicrobial resistant bacteria, and thereby disseminating antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). In this study, we collected water samples from 15 sites (5 sites in Chao Phraya River, 2 sites at the mouth of Chao Phraya River, 3 sites in Ta Chin River, and 5 sites at city canals) and 12 sites (6 sites at city canals; 2 sites at chicken farms; 2 sites at pig farms; and 2 samples from sites at pig farms, which were subsequently treated at a biogas plant) in Thailand in 2013 and 2014, respectively. In total, 117 Aeromonas spp. were isolated from the water samples, and these organisms exhibited various antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Notably, there was a significant correlation between the environmental concentration of tetracyclines and the rates of tetracycline resistance in the isolated Aeromonas spp.; however, both the concentration and rates of tetracycline resistance in samples derived from pig farms were higher than those of samples harvested from other aquatic environments. These findings suggest that the high concentrations of antimicrobials observed in these aquatic environments likely select for ARGs. Furthermore, they indicate that Aeromonas spp. comprise an effective marker for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments.


The spectrum resources, interference, and energy of battery-based devices are predominant problems and challenges in modern wireless networks. This thesis therefore addresses these issues by studying a theoretical framework for the design and analysis of distributed power control algorithms for modern cognitive radio and femtocell networks. It is shown that game theory tools are appropriate and efficient to develop scalable, balanced and energy-efficient, distributed power control schemes to be practically used in battery-based devices in wireless networks.
Practically, the problem of power control is modelled as a non-cooperative game in which each user chooses its transmit power to maximize (or minimize) its own utility (or cost). The utility is defined as the ratio of throughput to transmit power, which is used to represent the energy efficiency scheme, whereas the cost is defined as the sum of the sigmoid weighting of transmit power and the square of the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) error which is used to represent the SIR balancing scheme. Novel utility and cost functions proposed in this work are the method to derive efficient distributed power control algorithms. Also, the proposed pricing techniques in this thesis guide users to the efficient Nash equilibrium point by encouraging them to use network resources efficiently. These frameworks are more general and they are applied on cognitive and femtocell networks due to the critical and important issue of interference.
Numerical simulations are used to prove the effectiveness of these algorithms compared with other existing power control algorithms. The simulated analytical and numerical results of this thesis indicate that the proposed algorithms can achieve a significant reduction of the user's transmit power and thus a mitigation of the overall interference. Moreover, these algorithms have a relatively fast convergence rate and guarantee that all users can achieve their required QoS.


The adsorption and thermal reactivity of NO and CO over an Ir(211) surface were studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, and temperature-programed desorption. NO adsorbed on the atop site of the (111) terrace and the bridge site of the (100) step at 273K. In contrast, CO adsorbed only on the atop site at 273K, initially on the (111) terrace and then on the (100) step. Both atop NO and bridge NO decomposed to N2 through the recombination of atomic nitrogen, indicating that the Ir(211) surface provides high NO dissociation activity. When NO and CO were coadsorbed, the preadsorption of atop CO on the terrace sites selectively inhibited the adsorption of atop NO on the terrace sites, while preadsorption of atop CO on the step sites significantly inhibited the adsorption of bridge NO on the step sites. These results indicate that NO may be selectively reduced by CO in the presence of O2 when Ir(211) is used as the catalyst.


A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Addis Ababa
University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Degree of
Master of Science in Economics (Resource and Environmental Economics)


Cells of Vibrio cholerae underwent rapid autolysis when suspended in media of low osmolarity under non-growing conditions. Chaotropes like urea and guanidine. HCl which are potent protein denaturants caused complete and immediate lysis of whole cells. This unique sensitivity of V. cholerae to protein denaturants led to the development of a rapid method for the selective isolation of the outer membrane upon treatment of whole cells with urea. The composition of the outer membrane isolated from both whole cells and crude envelopes by treatment with urea was comparable with that of the outer membrane isolated by other conventional methods.


: A 67-year-old male was diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer. A computed tomography scan showed multiple intra-abdominal lymphadenopathies. Because the tumor was thought to be unresectable, we initiated chemotherapy. Twelve months later, the patient was admitted to our hospital because of hematemesis. Gastroduodenoscopy revealed oozing bleeding from the esophageal tumor. Hemostasis was not achieved with conservative treatment, and frequent blood transfusions were required. Endoscopic hemostasis was difficult to achieve because of the malignant esophageal stenosis. To treat the malignant esophageal stricture and esophageal tumor bleeding, we attempted to insert an esophageal covered self-expandable metallic stent. After the procedure, hemostasis was achieved by mechanical tamponade. Here we report a rare case of esophageal tumor bleeding that was managed with mechanical tamponade using an esophageal covered self-expandable metallic stent.


We discuss the state of the assembly of the Hubble sequence in the mix of bright galaxies at redshift 1.4 < z ⩽ 2.5 with a large sample of 1671 galaxies down to HAB ∼ 26, selected from the HST/ACS and WFC3 images of the GOODS-South field obtained as part of the GOODS and CANDELS observations. We investigate the relationship between the star formation properties and morphology using various parametric diagnostics, such as the Sérsic light profile, Gini (G), M20, concentration (C), asymmetry (A), and multiplicity (Ψ) parameters. Our sample clearly separates into massive, red, and passive galaxies versus less massive, blue, and star-forming ones, and this dichotomy correlates very well with the galaxies' morphological properties. Star-forming galaxies show a broad variety of morphological features, including clumpy structures and bulges mixed with faint low surface brightness features, generally characterized by disky-type light profiles. Passively evolving galaxies, on the other hand, very often have compact light distribution and morphology typical of today's spheroidal systems. We also find that artificially redshifted local galaxies have a similar distribution with z ∼ 2 galaxies in a G–M20 plane. Visual inspection between the rest-frame optical and UV images show that there is a generally weak morphological k-correction for galaxies at z ∼ 2, but the comparison with non-parametric measures show that galaxies in the rest-frame UV are somewhat clumpier than rest-frame optical. Similar general trends are observed in the local universe among massive galaxies, suggesting that the backbone of the Hubble sequence was already in place at z ∼ 2.


The assumption that returns of daily share index prices are normally distributed has long been disputed by the data. In this paper, the normality assumption has been tested using time series data of daily Nairobi Stock Exchange 20-Share Index (NSE 20-Share Index) for the period 19982011. It has been confirmed that the share price index returns does not follow the normal distribution. Other symmetrical distributions have been fit to the data i.e. logistic distribution and tlocation scale distribution. With the aid of a programming language; Matlab we have computed the various Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimates from this distributions and tested how well they fit to the data. It has been established that the NSE 20 Share Index returns follows a t-location scale distribution (normal inverse gamma mixture). We recommend that since we have found that the normal inverse gamma mixture best fits the NSE 20 Share Index return, other normal mixtures can be investigated how well they fit this data.


The transition in manufacturing from Al(Cu)/W to Cu multilevel on-chip line/via ULSI wiring for high-performance CMOS logic chips was initiated in late 1997 and has since become the exclusive industry-standard. The authors provide a comprehensive review of metal thin-film deposition methods and techniques as they apply to the ULSI of Cu interconnects in advanced logic technology. The authors discuss the basic features of Cu dual-damascene processing with a focus on physical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition techniques, which have enabled the continued scaling of Cu interconnects over many generations of technology. In addition, the authors discuss recent experimental and simulation data on the extendibility of Cu interconnects to future technology nodes.


The class-wise training losses often diverge as a result of the various levels of intra-class and inter-class appearance variation, and we find that the diverging class-wise training losses cause the uncalibrated prediction with its reliability. To resolve the issue, we propose a new calibration method to synchronize the class-wise training losses. We design a new training loss to alleviate the variance of class-wise training losses by using multiple class-wise scaling factors. Since our framework can compensate the training losses of overfitted classes with those of under-fitted classes, the integrated training loss is preserved, preventing the performance drop even after the model calibration. Furthermore, our method can be easily employed in the post-hoc calibration methods, allowing us to use the pre-trained model as an initial model and reduce the additional computation for model calibration. We validate the proposed framework by employing it in the various post-hoc calibration methods, which generally improves calibration performance while preserving accuracy, and discover through the investigation that our approach performs well with unbalanced datasets and untuned hyperparameters.


Previous research has claimed dynamic epistemic logic (DEL) to be a suitable formalism for representing essential aspects of a Theory of Mind (ToM) for an autonomous agent. This includes the ability of the formalism to represent the reasoning involved in false-belief tasks of arbitrary order, and hence for autonomous agents based on the formalism to become able to pass such tests. This paper provides evidence for the claims by documenting the implementation of a DEL-based reasoning system on a humanoid robot. Our implementation allows the robot to perform cognitive perspective-taking, in particular to reason about the first- and higher-order beliefs of other agents. We demonstrate how this allows the robot to pass a quite general class of false-belief tasks involving human agents. Additionally, as is briefly illustrated, it allows the robot to proactively provide human agents with relevant information in situations where a system without ToM-abilities would fail. The symbolic grounding problem of turning robotic sensor input into logical action descriptions in DEL is achieved via a perception system based on deep neural networks.


To those bearings which are used in the field of aerospace, when doing the test of bearing life of the high precision and high reliability, the small sample datas and non-failure phenomenon will occur. To be able to accurately predicting the life and reliability of bearing, the paper analyzes geometry and physics meaning of three parameters of Weibull distribution based on the three parameters Weibull distribution theory. And Builds the Weibull likelihood function. According to Newton iterative method, the left of equations set is expansed to make it transformed into linear equations set. Then iterative calculate the parameters estimate value. So obtain bearing reliability model of three parameters Weibull distribution. Failure statistics shows that the mathematical model of the paper can predict the actual life of bearing.


The Corruption Research Center Budapest was created in November 2013 in response to the growing need for independent research on corruption and quality of government in Hungary. The central aim of the Center is to systematically explore the causes, characteristics, and consequences of low quality of government, corruption, and regulatory failure using an inter-disciplinary approach. In addition, the Center also aims to help citizens to hold governments accountable through the use of robust evidence. Our unique research approach combines qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse micro-level actor behaviour and generates novel hard data on the phenomena under scrutiny.


The nano-structured functionally graded 8YSZ/NiCoCrAlY thermal barrier coatings (FG-TBCs) were prepared using a recently developed Supersonic Plasma Spraying (S-PS) system with dual powder feed ports. The alloy powders were fed into the lower temperature regions of the plasma plume through one of them to prevent it over molten and oxidation. The ceramic powders were fed into high temperature regions through another for fully melted. The thermal shock behavior of the FG-TBCs were investigated. It was found the totally 1mm thick FG-TBCs layer still maintained nano-structure form by TEM, and also exhibited a finely lamellate microstructure mixed by alloy and ceramic with gradient along the thickness direction by SEM. The FG-TBCs exhibit excellent thermal shock resistance due to it was still perfect without any spallation after thermal shock test over 200 cycles under heating by oxygenacetylene flam to 1250°C in 30s and then quenching into ambient water.


Although avian nesting success is much studied, little is known about the relative importance of the factors that contribute to annual reproductive success and population limitation, especially for long-distance migratory songbird species. We combined a field experiment limiting access to nests by mammalian predators with modeling of long-term field data of American redstarts (Parulidae: Setophaga ruticilla) to assess the effects of multiple environmental variables on breeding success and population limitation. Experimental treatment (baffles placed around tree boles beneath active nests; n = 71) increased nesting success of this single-brooded species significantly (77 vs 50% in controls; n = 343), demonstrating that scansorial mammals, primarily red squirrels Tamiasciurus hudsonicus and eastern chipmunks Tamias striatus, reduced reproductive success. Based on unbaffled nests (n = 466), daily nest survival varied annually, and was positively influenced by May temperature and negatively by sciurid nest predator abundance. Daily nest survival was also influenced positively by June rainfall, and declined with nest age but not with calendar date. Since nest failure was overwhelmingly caused by nest predation, these significant climate and nest-age effects in our models are indirect, likely influencing nest predator and/or nesting bird behaviors that in turn influenced nest predation. Redstart population density had no effect on nesting success, after accounting for other factors. Annual reproductive success accounted for 34% of the variability in annual population change in redstarts in our study area. Our findings document 1) breeding season population limitation in this species, 2) a link between tree masting and bird population dynamics via mammal population fluctuations, 3) the independent contributions of summer versus winter population processes in a migratory species, and 4) the potential complexity of climate-biotic interactions.


For some time, even if this is not expressed explicitly, 'Chinese architecture' and 'western architecture' are conceived and perceived as two homogeneous totalities, in opposition to one another. In consequence, the fast transformation of Chinese cities in the last three decades is often accounted for in terms of the influence of 'western architecture' upon 'Chinese architecture'. Indeed, the urban growth in this period has involved architectural expertise, products, technologies and designs from Europe and the USA. To some people, what is seen as 'new' is 'western', and hence, the transformation is a process of 'westernisation'. However, this is precisely what the thesis argues against. It argues that to use the category of the 'Chinese' and the 'Western' to explain the products of architecture and urbanism in last thirty years China is neither useful nor appropriate.

This thesis concerns the issue of 'conceptual translation' of architectural discourse from Europe and the USA into the context of China, as an opposition to 'linguistic translation' which concerns literal meanings of terms. Its examination focuses on the category that the concept 'western modern' indicates in Chinese architecture, and relates its operation and construction to the importation history of European and American architecture throughout the twentieth century, as well as pedagogy of architectural training, regularisation of design principles and methods, identification of architectural profession. practice of the architects' offices, organisation of design competition, and management of the city, mode of marketing and purchase in the real estate market, state politics and cultural interpretations. The analysis reveals that while waves of importation have sustained the formation of architecture as a modern practice in China from the early twentieth century up to now, they have not arrived as symmetrical reflection of what they are in the 'original' context. A difference, in comparison to European and American architecture, can be characterised by the absence of a coherent 'modernism' and the continuity of the modified 'Beaux-Arts' practice in Chinese architecture. Therefore, the assumption of 'westernisation' is wrong in its first place, as there is no such distinction that could be made between the 'Chinese' and the 'Western'.


The Annexation of Santo Domingo was an attempted treaty during the later Reconstruction Era, initiated by United States President Ulysses S. Grant in 1869, to annex "Santo Domingo" (as the Dominican Republic was then commonly known) as a United States territory, with the promise of eventual statehood. President Grant feared some European power would take the island in violation of the Monroe Doctrine. He privately thought annexation would be a safety valve for African Americans who were suffering persecution in the US, but he did not include this in his official messages. Grant speculated that the acquisition of Santo Domingo would help bring about the end of slavery in Cuba and elsewhere. Militarily he wanted a US naval port in the Dominican Republic which would also serve as protection for a projected canal across Nicaragua.


Summary Purpose - This editorial of the special issue of Measuring Business Excellence is devoted to introduce and discuss a knowledge-based perspective of innovation and performance improvement in health care (HC). Design/methodology/approach - The approaches, evidences and insights discussed in this introduction are based on the discussion of the topics of the conference ''International Forum on Knowledge Assets Dynamics'' organised in June 2012 in Matera, Italy. After a brief analysis of the importance of the HC for research and practice related to the reform of HC sector that encompassed most OECD countries in the last 15 years and the diffusion of the new public management philosophy, the article presents a rationale explaining the roots and the meanings of a knowledge-based perspective of innovation and performance improvement in HC. The model of the innovation cycle is introduced and discussed. Finally, the article provides an overview of the papers of the special issue. Findings - At the conference, leading experts discussed the importance of identifying and managing new key-value drivers in order to face emergent competitive scenarios, and research and management practices for addressing complexity, uncertainty and changes of today's business landscape. This article as well as all the contributions to the special issue provide useful implications both for research and practice. In particular they support the analysis about the resources, the assets, the processes, the factors and the contingency conditions playing a role in determining the improvement of the innovative capacity and consequently the global performance of the HC organisations. Originality/value - This article - and the contributions to the special issue - deal with different aspects which are important in the discussion about how fostering innovation and performance improvement in HC organisations exploiting knowledge-based factors. The articles also deal with the approaches, tools, methods and techniques that disentangle the mechanisms by which different knowledge-based factors, separately or interdependently, contribute to improve HC organisations' innovation dynamics and organisational performance.


Chapter 1 introduces the need for rapid solutions of hidden surface elimination (HSE)
problems in the interactive display of objects and scenes, as used in many application areas
such as flight and driving simulators and CAD systems. It reviews the existing approaches
to high-performance computer graphics and to parallel computing. It then introduces the
central tenet of this thesis: that general purpose parallel computers may be usefully applied
to the solution of HSE problems. Finally it introduces a set of metrics for describing sets of
scene data, and applies them to the test scenes used in this thesis.
Chapter 2 describes variants of several common image space hidden surface elimination
algorithms, which solve the HSE problem for scenes described as collections of polygons.
Implementations of these HSE algorithms on a traditional, serial, single microprocessor
computer are introduced and theoretical estimates of their performance are derived. The
algorithms are compared under identical conditions for various sets of test data. The results
of this comparison are then placed in context with existing historical results.
Chapter 3 examines the application of MIMD style parallelism to accelerate the solution of
HSE problems. MIMD parallel implementations of the previously considered HSE
algorithms are introduced. Their behaviour under various system configurations and for
various data sets is investigated and compared with theoretical estimates. The theoretical
estimates are found to match closely the experimental findings.
Chapter 4 summarises the conclusions of this thesis, finding that HSE algorithms can be
implemented to use an MIMD parallel computer effectively, and that of the HSE algorithms
examined the z-buffer algorithm generally proves to be a good compromise solution.


By focusing largely upon the West Riding of Yorkshire and its contemporary local press, this paper examines the role of the professional player in nineteenth century cricket. It examines how they developed careers in cricket, as the sport's popularity grew on a local, national and international basis. These broadening opportunities are related to the predominance of professionals before the 1870s, when they contributed much to the way the sport was to subsequently develop. The paper then discusses why cricket's historiography has commonly viewed early professionals only as self-interested and ill disciplined individuals. This is related to the predominance of amateur values in cricket, which meant that, although tolerated, the sport's professionals were subjugated by a set of restrictive regulations between the 1870s and the 1960s. Finally, it is suggested that by looking beyond cricket's mainstream nineteenth century source material, a more accurate assessment of the game's development can be made.


Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of pelleting and extrusion of feeds on the utilization of phytate P by broilers. The first experiment investigated the effects of pelleting the whole corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet, the corn, or SBM separately on phytate P utilization. The P-deficient basal diet contained 0.5% total P and 0.2% phytate P. Steam pelleting the whole diet, the corn, or SBM separately did not decrease the severity of the P deficiency obtained and there were no indications of increased phytate P utilization. In the second experiment, the whole corn-SBM P-deficient diet was extruded. Extrusion of the diet did not influence bone ash and P rickets, both sensitive criteria of P deficiency. Extrusion decreased Ca, P, and phytate P retention and decreased the ME value of the diet. In the third experiment, phytate P retention by chickens fed three commercial pelleted diets was compared to chicks fed the corn-SBM P-deficient diet. Phytate P retention by the chickens fed the commercial diets was much lower than retention by chickens fed the corn-SBM P-deficient diet. These studies gave no indication that pelleting or extrusion of corn-SBM diets would increase phytate P utilization by broiler chickens.


6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is known to contribute to neuronal death in Parkinson's disease. In this study, we found that the preincubation of SH-SY5Y cells for 24 h with 20 μM notoginsenoside R2 (NGR2), which is a newly isolated notoginsenoside from Panax notoginseng, showed neuroprotective effects against 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. NGR2 incubation successively resulted in the activation of P90RSK, inactivation of BAD, and inhibition of 6-OHDA-induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, thus preventing the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. NGR2 incubation also led to the activation of Nrf2 and subsequent activity enhancement of phase II detoxifying enzymes, thus suppressing 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress, and these effects could be removed by Nrf2 siRNA. We also found that the upstream activators of P90RSK and Nrf2 were the MEK1/2–ERK1/2 pathways but not the JNK, P38, or PI3K/Akt pathways. Interestingly, NGR2 incubation could also activate MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. Most importantly, NGR2-mediated P90RSK and Nrf2 activation, respective downstream target activation, and neuroprotection were reversed by the genetic silencing of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 by using siRNA and PD98059 application. These results suggested that the neuroprotection elicited by NGR2 against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity was associated with NGR2-mediated P90RSK and Nrf2 activation through MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathways.


Background and purpose: Nausea and vomiting occur in 50-90% of pregnancies. Maternalfetal attachment plays an important role in accepting maternal identity, the desired outcome of pregnancy, and the growth of child. This research was done to determine the relationship between pregnancy nausea and vomiting with maternal-fetal attachment. Materials and methods: This Cross sectional study was carried out in 432 pregnant women at 13-20 weeks gestational age attending health care centers in Ahwaz, Iran 2016. Data was collected using the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching and the Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. Data analysis was done applying independent t-test and Chi-square test in SPSS 20. Results: In this study, the mean score for maternal-fetal attachment in women with nausea and vomiting was higher (91.38±12.122) than those without nausea (89.70±11.56) which showed no significant difference between the two groups (P= 0.141). But, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the scores for attributing characteristics to fetus 19.96±4.17 (P=0.17) and mother's selfsacrifice 20.33±2.75 (P= 0.38). Conclusion: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy did not show any significant association with the overall score for maternal-fetal attachment, but the aspects of maternal-fetal attachment indicated a significant association with pregnancy nausea and vomiting. Women who had more pregnancy nausea and vomiting had lower self-sacrifice and higher rate of attributing characteristics to fetus.


Purpose: The objective of the article is to invistigate how market structure influenced the financial effectiveness of life insurance companies (Branch I). Design/Methodology/Approach: A critical review of literature is undertaken, contens of factors which influence financial effectiveness of insurance companies are analysed, and econometric methods are applied. A panel model is constructed and results of its estimation are analysed. Findings: The research assumed the existence of a relationship between the share in the insurance market and the financial efficiency of life insurance companies. ROE (Return On Equity) was adopted as the dependent variable (explained feature) measuring the financial efficiency of insurance companies. The share in the insurance market, measured by gross written premium, was considered one of the explanatory variables. The results of model's estimation indicated that all independent variables are statistically significant and the signs are in accordance with theory and hypothesis. The main variable which influence the variability of ROE is share in the market measured by gross written premium. Practical Implications: The results may be taken advantage of life insurance companies. They indicate factors of financial effectiveness life insurance companies. Origiality/Value: The paper contains the authors' original research into a representative group of life insurace companies, that can be generalised to the entite population. The study will contribute to the developmet of theories concerning factors of the financial effectiveness of insurance companies.


Novel aspects of morphology and ultrastructure were examined in two species of cyanobacteria. A complete, three-dimensional, ultrastructural reconstruction of the unicellular cyanobacterium Agmenellum quadruplicatum was carried out by means of high-voltage electron microscopy of thick sections and computer-aided reconstruction of serial thin sections. The photosynthetic thylakoid system consisted of 3-6 membrane sheets that traversed and were parallel to the long axis of the cell. These sheets were arranged as an anastomosing network of concentric shells. They coalesced and approached the cytoplasmic membrane at three peripheral loci along the entire length of the cell. The central cytoplasm of the cell was completely surrounded by thylakoids; this appeared to be a true form of compartmentalization in a prokaryotic organism. The thylakoid membranes clearly interconnected with the cytoplasmic membrane at several locations within the cell. Some of the various intracellular inclusion bodies were always peripherally located, while others were always centrally located. The detailed three-dimensional arrangement of subcellular features was remarkably consistent from one cell to another. The morphology and ultrastructure of the branching, filamentous (stigonematalean) cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus were examined with conventional light and electron microscopy. The vegetative morphology and ultrastructure of M. laminosus were similar to those of Fischerella ambigua, the only stigonematalean cyanobacterium examined in detail to date. The ultrastructural characteristics of mature heterocysts in M. laminosus were distinctly different from those of other cyanobacteria; the former lacked certain extra wall layers, lacked cyanophycin-like plugs, contained large numbers of closely packed intracytoplasmic membranes, and contained a previously unreported type of inclusion body. The heterocyst differentiation process also differed from that seen in other cyanobacteria; the earliest events involved internal changes rather than external and bundles of stacked, lamellar membranes were formed. These results showed that heterocyst differentiation and ultrastructure in different genera of cyanobacteria vary more widely than has been thought to be the case. M. laminosus was also shown to undergo aging and morphogenetic processes analogous to some of those known to occur in eukaryotic organisms.


A census of private health establishments was carried out by the Secretary of Health, in order to quantify its resources and to describe their geographical distribution. The census, conducted in 1994, was limited to private units which offered hospitalization services, and the reference period was the previous year. Results showed that there are 2 723 private hospitalization units in Mexico, and nearly a half of the units are concentrated in the Federal District, and the states of Mexico, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Baja California and Veracruz. The number of private hospitalization beds registered in the country are 33 937, these figures indicate that private medicine is the main hospital care provider in the national health system. Similar results were obtained regarding other material and human resources. It is important to stress the need for further research regarding the role of private medicine in Mexico, including aspects related to the quality of the services being provided.


In this dissertation, we give an account of some recent work relating to group algebras. In § 2, we define the lover and upper nil radicalo end the Jacobson radical for the group algebra of any group over an arbitrary field and note that for a finite group these radicals coincide. In fact the radical of the group algebra of a finite group over a field is the zero ideal if (1) the field has characteristic zero or (ii) the field has characteristic p (≠ 0) and the group contains no p-elements. In §3, we show that for any algebra with an identity element, over a field whoso cardinal number exceeds the dimension of the algebra over the field, the Jacobson and upper nil radicals coincide (1). These two radicals again coincide for any finitely generated algebra satisfying a polynomial identity (3). These results are used in conjunction with results on the upper nil radical of a group algebra in § 5. Passman (6) has proved that the upper nil radical of the group algebra of any group over a field of characteristic zero is the zero ideal and that if the field has characteristic p ≠ 0, then the group algebra is semi-simple provided that the group contains no p-elements. The main aim of the dissertation is to find condition on the group or the field under which the Jacobson radical of a group algebra is the zero ideal. In § 4, we examine the behaviour of the Jacobson radical of an algebra over a field under extension of the field and establish two theorems by Amitsur on this subject (2). Finally in § 6, using the results established in §§ 3-5, we establish that if the field over which the group algebra is formed is a non-algebraic extension of Q, the field of rational numbers, then the group algebra is semi-simple, whatever the group (4 and 6). We also prove two theorems by Passman (6) on group algebras over fields of characteristic p, in which he shows that if the field is a separably generated , non-algebraic extension of some subfield, or if it is non-denumerable, then the group algebra of any group with no p-elements is semi-simple, Connell (5) has studied the slightly different problem of finding groups which give rise to semi-simple group algebras over arbitrary fields. If the group has no p-elements when the field has non-zero characteristic p then locally finite groups, ordered groups and abelian groups, are such groups, Further, it can be shown that if two groups have semi-simple group algebras over a particular field, then the group algebra of the direct product of the groups over the same field is semi-simple, and that the group algebra of the direct product of any group with the infinite cyclic group over the field is also semi-simple, provided that if the field has non-zero characteristic p, then the group has no p-elements.


We propose a framework to explain why some societies may end up with different constitutional solutions to the problem of maintaining order in the face of self-interested behavior. Though the salient intellectual tradition since Hobbes has focused on how institutional design is used to eradicate violence, our framework illustrates that equilibrium constitutions may in fact have to deliberately allow for violence. This arises because some societies are unable to use institutions to influence income distribution. In this case, a constitutional tolerance of violence emerges as a credible way for an incumbent to meet the participation constraint of a challenger. We illustrate the results with the comparative constitutional history of the US and Colombia


This is the first study to provide both a systematic assessment of the ways by which the dispute settlement bodies of the United Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) contribute to the development of the law of the sea and an exposition of the factors that explain such contribution. The book analyses UNCLOS dispute settlement bodies' decisions and the legal reasoning in key areas of the law of the sea. It further examines the factors that impact the decision-making process of UNCLOS tribunals to explain the parameters within which UNCLOS tribunals operate and how this impacts their ability and willingness to develop the law. The book provides a unique reference point for lecturers, researchers and students of international law, particularly law of the sea, as well as practitioners and government advisors who wish to gain comprehensive insights into the functioning and the role of the UNCLOS dispute settlement system.


: In order to be an active and creative worker and to withstand ever increasing pressure of the environment every individual needs a certain level of health and a certain adaptation potential. This level of health should be maintained and promoted in every possible way. Otherwise the rise in morbidity and mortality of population, the reduction of expectation of life and deterioration of genetic fund is inevitable. Unfortunately health and physical improvement in our country is out of fashion. The maintenance and promotion of health has not become an issue of vital importance and a moral duty of each individual. The overwhelming majority of people are not aware of the level of its health. A lot of physicians does not possess methods to diagnose wellness. Medical science and applied public health while declaring the principles and the leading role of prevention give priority to the development of curative medicine. At the same time population health can be and should be controlled. The maintenance and promotion of health depends on the correlation between three levels of responsibility for health: individual, medical science and applied public health and state, its bodies, departments, institutions and organizations.


A marine bacterium associated with a soft coral Sinularia polydactyla collected from Bandengan water,
Jepara, North Java Sea, Indonesia, was successfully screened for antibacterial activity against
pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus K6.72 isolated from infected monkey of
the island of Bali and identified based on morphological, biochemical and molecular methods. Marine
bacterium was identified as Pseudomonas sp. based on its 16S rDNA and was found to amplify gene
fragments of Non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS). Cloning and subsequent sequencing, a 360 bp
long DNA fragment was obtained and the deduced amino acid sequence showed conserved signature
regions for peptide synthetases and revealed a high similarity of 61.1% to genes peptide synthetase of
Bacillus subtilis.


CONTEXT
Adjuvant imatinib administered for 12 months after surgery has improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with operable gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) compared with placebo.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of imatinib administration duration as adjuvant treatment of patients who have a high estimated risk for GIST recurrence after surgery.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS
Patients with KIT-positive GIST removed at surgery were entered between February 2004 and September 2008 to this randomized, open-label phase 3 study conducted in 24 hospitals in Finland, Germany, Norway, and Sweden. The risk of GIST recurrence was estimated using the modified National Institutes of Health Consensus Criteria.

INTERVENTION
Imatinib, 400 mg per day, orally for either 12 months or 36 months, started within 12 weeks of surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary end point was RFS; the secondary end points included overall survival and treatment safety.

RESULTS
Two hundred patients were allocated to each group. The median follow-up time after randomization was 54 months in December 2010. Diagnosis of GIST was confirmed in 382 of 397 patients (96%) in the intention-to-treat population at a central pathology review. KIT or PDGFRA mutation was detected in 333 of 366 tumors (91%) available for testing. Patients assigned for 36 months of imatinib had longer RFS compared with those assigned for 12 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; 95% CI, 0.32-0.65; P < .001; 5-year RFS, 65.6% vs 47.9%, respectively) and longer overall survival (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22-0.89; P = .02; 5-year survival, 92.0% vs 81.7%). Imatinib was generally well tolerated, but 12.6% and 25.8% of patients assigned to the 12- and 36-month groups, respectively, discontinued imatinib for a reason other than GIST recurrence.

CONCLUSION
Compared with 12 months of adjuvant imatinib, 36 months of imatinib improved RFS and overall survival of GIST patients with a high risk of GIST recurrence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00116935.


The concept of an abnormally low tender is not defined in EU public procurement law. This article takes an interdisciplinary law and economics approach to examine a dataset consisting of Swedish and Danish judgments and verdicts concerning the concept of an abnormally low tender. The purpose is to determine how the concept has developed in practice in two Scandinavian countries with similar legal traditions, and whether the national solutions are economically efficient. The data indicate that economic operators use various pricing strategies which may result in tenders being rejected as abnormally low or the awards of contracts to such tenders being contested. The pricing strategies will (over time) result in the contracting authorities paying too high a price and they are, therefore, economically inefficient. It is concluded that diverse solutions to the handling of abnormally low tenders have developed in the two countries and, notably, that the approaches differ with regard to how they treat different pricing strategies. Thus, the solutions are also different in terms of economic efficiency.


For the purposes of forest restoration, carbon (C) fixation, and economic improvement, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urophylla) has been widely planted in South China. The understory of eucalyptus plantations is often occupied by a dense community of the fern Dicranopteris dichotoma, which intercepts tree canopy leaf litter before it reaches the ground. To understand the effects of this interception of litterfall on C cycling in eucalyptus plantations, we quantified the mass of intercepted litter and the influences of litterfall interception on litter decomposition and soil respiration. The total mass of E. urophylla litterfall collected on the understory was similar to that collected by the traditional litter trap method. All of the eucalyptus litterfall is intercepted by the D. dichotoma canopy. Of the litterfall that was intercepted by D. dichotoma, 20–40% and 60–80% was intercepted by the top (50–100 cm) and bottom (0–50 cm) of the understory canopy, respectively. Intercepted litterfall decomposed faster at the bottom of understory canopy (at the base of the plants) than at the top, and decomposition was slower on the soil surface in the absence of understory than on any location in the understory canopy. Soil respiration was highest when both the understory and litter were present and was lowest when both the understory and litter were absent. These results indicate that litterfall interception changed carbon flow between aboveground and belowground through litter decomposition and soil respiration, which changed carbon cycling in eucalyptus plantations. The effects of the understory on litter decomposition and soil respiration should be considered in ecosystem carbon models.